18 Nov 1998 Legislative Assembly 3247

WEDNESDAY, 18 NOVEMBER 1998 designed to help our young people. We have already—that is, the Government—contributed $25,000 to the management of schoolies celebrations on the Gold Coast. The money Mr SPEAKER (Hon. R. K. Hollis, Redcliffe) will be spent mainly on safe entertainment, read prayers and took the chair at 9.30 a.m. ambulance care and security. The Gold Coast City Council will match our contribution, and the Surfers Paradise Central Management MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Association will come up with another $5,000. Schoolies Week As well as traditional Schoolies Week Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— events, the program on the Gold Coast ALP) (Premier) (9.31 a.m.), by leave: At the features "chill-out" zones in Surfers Paradise end of this week, more than 23,000 young for the month of schoolies and on Friday and Queenslanders will take part in a rite of Saturday nights throughout the year. As well, passage—Schoolies Week. This celebration the Department of Families, Youth and marks the end of the years of high school and Community Care has provided the Gold Coast heralds the beginning of a new phase of a Police Citizens Youth Club with a non-recurrent young person's life. It is an exciting and grant to buy a bus to use during schoolies challenging time as young people take on celebrations and to promote activities. Money university, other study or work. It can also be a has also been provided for the North time for some sadness as friends farewell each Stradbroke Island Schoolies Week. other, the teachers who have invested so That is some of what my Government is much in them and the schools where they doing to help make Schoolies Week fun and spent so many years. So school leavers have safe. As the Premier of this State, I want to every reason to mark this important occasion. send a personal message to all the young And the Queensland Government wants to people who will be graduating from high school help ensure these celebrations are safe and this week: have fun, but party safely. And as a happy for everyone involved. father of three, I urge all parents to take five My Government is happy to support and minutes to talk to their children and encourage fund a number of initiatives designed to keep them to be part of organised activities and to schoolies entertained, and safe, as they use alcohol wisely. celebrate. The Sunshine and the Gold Coasts are the favourite destinations for many school leavers, and so that is where we have targeted MINISTERIAL STATEMENT our resources. On Friday, the Health Minister, Multicultural Service Awards Wendy Edmond, will help launch the Sunshine Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— Coast Schoolies Week Festival. Queensland ALP) (Premier) (9.35 a.m.), by leave: This Health has produced a video for the launch, week, I was privileged, along with my and that will be screened Statewide. Parliamentary Secretary, Gordon Nuttall, and a The festival began in 1993 as a number of members of this Parliament to listen community effort to deal with concerns about to the stories of 10 award-winning the celebrations and to redefine Schoolies Queenslanders. They had several things in Week as a positive celebration. It is organised common. They had all worked long hours for and managed by the Sunshine Coast the benefit of others. They had worked Community Drug Awareness Network, which is voluntarily—for no benefit of their own, other partly funded by the Department of Families, than the satisfaction of doing a worthwhile job. Youth and Community Care. What we see They had all made consistent and outstanding now is a week-long celebration featuring safe, contributions to bringing people together. They alcohol-free, quality entertainment for have one more thing in common, Mr Speaker, schoolies. This year, students will be able to as you know because you were present. They choose from events such as dance parties and are all winners of the 1998 Queensland movie nights. And apart from partying safely, Multicultural Service Awards. they are also expected to spend more than Hundreds of people applauded their $1.5m during the celebrations. stories. But as with most good news stories, Of course, the Gold Coast is another their stories went untold on the front page and popular place for schoolies to party. On Friday, the 6 o'clock news. Only SBS was there to the Emergency Services Minister, Merri Rose, report the rewarding of these people who had will be on the Gold Coast talking about the contributed so much to the way in which we dangers of drugs and announcing initiatives enjoy our unity and our diversity. Unity— 3248 Ministerial Statement 18 Nov 1998 because with about 120 different ethnic MINISTERIAL STATEMENT backgrounds, 57 major languages and 43 Goods and Services Tax religions, we are all proud to be Queenslanders. I emphasise that as the Hon. D. J. HAMILL (Ipswich—ALP) Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Diversity— (Treasurer) (9.39 a.m.), by leave: In the debate because we are all able to celebrate our over the introduction of a GST and the share different cultures and backgrounds. In other of that revenue which is to find its way to places, diversity like that has sometimes led to Queensland, truth is being sacrificed at the tension and even to out-and-out conflict, but altar of political expediency. Yesterday we saw not in Queensland and not in Australia, the Leader of the Opposition parroting the because we are very lucky here. lines of the Federal Treasurer, Mr Peter Costello, by claiming that Queensland had Despite what recent political events in signed off on all but a small portion of the Queensland may suggest to onlookers, the Federal Government's GST package. Let me great majority of us in this State welcome the place it on the record once again: Queensland differences, the diversity and the colour that all did not sign anything at the Premiers these different backgrounds bring to our Conference last Friday. Not only did we make it society. In recent times, we have all had to clear in the communique that our participation face ugly challenges to the idea of in the Special Premiers Conference did not multiculturalism. I have stated very clearly my imply in-principle endorsement of the GST; we Government's commitment to multiculturalism. made it absolutely clear at page 3 of the We have had to work harder than ever before communique that we did not agree with the to foster knowledge, understanding and transitional arrangements through which the acceptance. Federal Government intends to strip These 10 volunteers and all the others Queensland of the $465m to which whose names were put forward for the awards Queensland is entitled under the funding have helped to build better community formula proposed by the Federal Government. relations and a more cohesive society in our Mr Costello and his Canberra spin State—a society of tolerance and doctors, aided and abetted by their understanding. I pay tribute to those winners Queensland coalition colleagues, continue to today. They were Margaret Blackman, Barbara misrepresent what was an unequivocal Damska, John David, Peter Chung-Tung position by a Queensland Government which Huang, George Kotzas, Jeanne Mok, Shifa will not remain mute while Queensland Mustapha, Margaret Raymond, Lawrence taxpayers see their tax burden increased by Rosenblum and Vilaseri Tuicolo. I also the imposition of a GST in this State. The congratulate the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood coalition's spin doctors have also been at work Centre for winning the inaugural award for in peddling an argument which claims that organisations. Queensland's forfeiting $465m is a small price At the presentations which I made, I also to pay for long-term increased revenue flowing announced that there will be a new schools to Queensland as a result of the GST. In fact, category in next year's awards. This category the Leader of the Opposition has likened the will be for a primary and a secondary school situation to a football game and said that the which have substantially improved multicultural Queensland Government is focusing merely aspects of their policies, curricula and activities. on the half-time score. It is clear that the Not only that, but I can also announce the Leader of the Opposition knows little about Premier's slogan competition for primary football or he would realise that no team would students. This great initiative grew out of the accept his proposition that goals scored in the Trade and Tourism Summit my Government first half should be ignored in determining what held in July. The competition will invite primary the final score should be, because that is students to come up with a slogan to exactly what he is claiming in respect of this encourage fellow Queenslanders to give a big unfair distribution of GST revenue as proposed welcome to overseas visitors to the State. We by the Howard Government. need to ensure that the warmth and unity For the information of all honourable which these award winners have contributed to members, a full exposition of the facts is is communicated to our guests—wherever they necessary. Fact 1: the Federal Government may come from. I table for the information of grossly underestimated the negative impact of members a copy of a brochure which sets out its GST proposals on State and Territory the competition for primary schools and the Budgets. While the Federal Government details. I urge members to urge their schools proposed compensation of some $1.26 billion to participate in this competition. during the three-year transition period for the 18 Nov 1998 Ministerial Statement 3249 implementation of its tax package, State and coalition colleagues, who have rushed to claim Territory Governments have determined that a a $1.8 billion windfall for Queensland after figure closer to $3.8 billion in compensation 2003. The enthusiasm demonstrated by the payments would be necessary to deliver Mr Leader of the Opposition to support his Howard's guarantee that States and Territories Federal colleagues' attempt to short-change would not be worse off. Queensland can be seen in his lack of Fact 2: the Federal Government also understanding of the very figures which he conceded that it got its figures horribly wrong in brandishes to support his claims. As I have relation to gaming revenue where it intends to already stated, the Federal Government has impose its 10% GST. Federal Treasurer proposed that stamp duty on business Costello conceded that a figure of around conveyances of real property be retained by $400m in extra funds would need to be found the States during the transition period. by the Federal Government to fill this gap in However, after that time the Federal State revenues. Fact 3: the Commonwealth Government wants to see that State revenue has proposed that the removal of State stamp source abolished. For the information of the duties on business conveyances of real Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition property should be delayed and not occur and the Leader of the Liberal Party in this during the transition period. This measure is place, I point out that the abolition of this area designed to assist the Commonwealth in of stamp duty in Year 4 turns the much- bridging the gap between the losses to trumpeted $420m windfall to Queensland into revenue which would be sustained by States a $32m benefit to Queensland. This and Territories and the wholly inadequate demonstrates clearly the total dishonesty of compensation payments which would now the Federal Government's position. To claim total some $1.6 billion. that Queensland should forfeit $465m—which would employ around 9,300 additional Fact 4: it should also be noted that as a teachers, nurses and police—in return for what result of the States retaining their stamp duty is in reality a paltry $32m benefit in 2003-04 revenues on business conveyances of real demonstrates what an obscenity this whole property, the $1.6 billion in Commonwealth proposal is for Queensland. compensation payments should be sufficient not only to provide the guarantees to higher I will be writing to all Queensland taxing State and Territory Governments which members of Parliament, both State and face revenue shortfalls over the three-year Federal, as well as the Greens, the Democrats, transitional period but also—and I stress Senator Colston and indeed anyone who will this—provide the full measure of funds to listen in order to obtain justice for which lower taxing States like Tasmania and Queenslanders in this matter and I would hope Queensland are entitled in the transition that all members of this House would give us period. And if anyone needs reminding what their support. that means for Queensland, it means $465m. Mr SPEAKER: Order! Before calling the While the coalition seems to see this $465m Minister, I would like to remind members that as a windfall, let there be no doubt that the the main meeting is here. All those people $465m is nothing other than Queensland's fair who want to have small meetings can do so in and just entitlement for this increase in rooms outside the Chamber. I call the Minister taxation over the levels currently applied in this for Employment, Industrial Relations and State during this period as a result of the Training. imposition of the coalition's GST. I find it almost beyond belief that the coalition is claiming that Queenslanders should not MINISTERIAL STATEMENT receive any benefit of their paying this Breaking the Unemployment Cycle; additional tax burden during this period. To Advertising Campaign add insult to injury, the Commonwealth is Hon. P. J. BRADDY (Kedron—ALP) effectively stripping Queensland of its fair (Minister for Employment, Training and share to help the Commonwealth make up the Industrial Relations) (9.46 a.m.), by leave: The $1.6 billion shortfall which was of its own Beattie Labor Government is committed to making. creating jobs in Queensland. As part of that Fact 5: we have heard a lot from Prime commitment, we will create 24,500 jobs at a Minister Howard claiming that it is okay for cost of $283m over the next four years Queensland to forfeit its $465m entitlement through the Breaking the Unemployment Cycle because in Year 4 Queensland would receive package of initiatives. Honourable members a windfall of $420m. Furthermore, this may be aware of an advertising campaign argument seems to appeal to his State currently running throughout the State and 3250 Ministerial Statement 18 Nov 1998 supported by prominent Queenslanders, profession itself and members of the public. including Wally Lewis, Vicki Wilson and Noel That concern by members of the public has Pearson. become increasingly obvious since I Launched on 21 October by Premier foreshadowed the release of the discussion Beattie, the campaign incorporates television paper last week. Already, numerous people and newspaper advertisements. The first paid have contacted my office keen to have their television campaign ended on 8 November; say. however, due to its success and its relevance, The discussion paper on the review of the the Premier's Department has offered to legal profession is aimed at developing commit a further $130,000 to run the reforms to increase the protections available to advertisements in January/February 1999. In consumers of legal services. However, it also addition, both metropolitan and regional aims to develop a simplified legislative and television stations have indicated that they will regulatory framework for the industry, a reform support a community service campaign early in much sought after by legal practitioners. 1999. Among the issues to be canvassed in the discussion paper are— I am pleased to report that the campaign has generated considerable interest and common admission to the legal support, with almost 1,000 calls to the 1800 profession of barristers and solicitors as number and 500 hits on the web site during legal practitioners; the campaign. Significantly, about 85% of calls responsibility for regulation of the to the 1800 number have originated from profession; employers in all parts of the State. 1,325 the mechanisms for dealing with employers' kits and 597 job seekers' kits have complaints against practitioners; been distributed by mail and Internet. mechanisms for dealing with disputes, In addition, the campaign has succeeded including disputes over costs; in focusing community attention on the need for all sections of the community to look at a review of the legal profession's current monopoly on conveyancing services; ways of working with the Government to find jobs for Queenslanders. The campaign has the profession's business structures, for also supported a series of 29 regional forums example, incorporation of legal practices, which are being held around the State. These multidisciplinary practices such as lawyers forums provide an opportunity for local and accountants operating together, communities to work with the Government on national practice and professional their specific unemployment problems. standards and limitation of liability; and The Beattie Labor Government is serious professional indemnity insurance about creating jobs. However we cannot do arrangements. this in a vacuum. What is required is the input, This review will fulfil Labor's election ideas and enthusiasm of local community promises to review the legal profession's members. I believe that this campaign and its complaint handling and discipline process, joint supporting forums provide the means to do admission and the monopoly on just that. conveyancing. The discussion paper will be widely circulated to generate responses not only from the profession itself but also its MINISTERIAL STATEMENT clients, who have expressed a desire to have these issues dealt with for some time. Legal Profession Review Members of the public will be encouraged to Hon. M. J. FOLEY (Yeronga—ALP) have a say and extensive consultation will be (Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and held with lawyers and community groups. Minister for The Arts) (9.49 a.m.), by leave: This review is aimed to address a wide The Beattie Labor Government is moving to range of issues affecting the legal profession take the serious issue of reform of the in a way which is open, fair and, most Queensland legal profession out of the too- importantly, will achieve results. This hard basket, where it was left by the members Government, unlike the previous coalition opposite. In the coming months, I shall be regime, is determined to tackle the issues releasing a discussion paper for a review of a concerning Queenslanders rather than take an wide range of issues relating to the legal ad hoc, piecemeal approach which, in the end, profession which are of deep interest to the satisfies no-one. 18 Nov 1998 Ministerial Statement 3251

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT a prevention-focused agenda. That is why I AIDS Awareness Week support the work of a plethora of community organisations, research and academic Hon. W. M. EDMOND (Mount Coot-tha— institutes and Queensland Health in ALP) (Minister for Health) (9.51 a.m.), by leave: responding to HIV/AIDS. Tuesday, 24 November 1998, marks the beginning of AIDS Awareness Week, The fight against HIV/AIDS should not get culminating in World AIDS Day a week later on bogged down in moralising or value 1 December. This year, the campaign centres judgments. It should focus on the reality of life, around young people and the theme is Force regardless of how unpalatable it may be for for Change. Across the world, there are 30 some sections of the community. HIV/AIDS million people living with HIV or AIDS. Of does not discriminate and neither should we. these, at least one third are young people The fact is there are people in the community between 10 and 24 years of age. It is who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, estimated that 7,000 young people world wide queer. They have sex. They can expose acquire the virus every day. This equates to themselves to HIV and AIDS. There are 2.7 million new infections a year, or five per people in the community who are recreational minute. or regular injecting drug users. They use Young people, as a Force for Change, syringes. They can expose themselves to HIV have been chosen for this year's campaign for and AIDS. There are young people who a number of reasons. These include: a constitute a section of both these groups. significant proportion of cases of HIV infection They can expose themselves to HIV/AIDS. are acquired between the ages of 10 and 24 By working with these groups and others, years; for young people, the adolescent years we have been able to effectively develop are a time of experimentation and emerging responses which enable us to access them sexual identity; many people commence effectively to provide information, education sexual activity during these years; young and support. Extensive, ongoing safe sex people may be vulnerable to unsafe sexual campaigns have proven invaluable in practices, as well as pressure from peers and modifying the sexual practices of successive youth culture; young people at this age may generations. This is demonstrated by recent be receptive to health promotion which aims to national studies which show there is a shift to minimise potential harm; and young people safer sexual practices over the past five to can help reduce the stigmatisation of people eight years and young people are using living with HIV and AIDS. condoms and having sex with fewer partners; Around Queensland, my department is only a minority never use condoms and working with the community sector to run a continue to engage in high-risk practices; and series of education and awareness strategies student knowledge about HIV-related matters to coincide with World AIDS Day. These is high. strategies build upon a range of ongoing This research provides evidence that programs which my department has been sexual health strategies based on HIV/AIDS supporting for many years. Queensland has education are making progress. But these been and remains an active partner in the strategies need to be expanded beyond HIV national strategy to prevent HIV/AIDS. prevention to encompass other aspects of The Australian approach to HIV/AIDS sexual health, including relationships, prevention and control is an internationally negotiation and protective skills. Strategies recognised success. The key to this success is need to be strengthened to provide young the willingness to develop innovative people with the skills and confidence to ensure approaches and work closely with the most protective behaviours. Young people need to affected communities. Those communities are hear these messages around them—from their the ones best placed to lead the charge and peers, from their parents, from the media, from to support and lead their members in healthy the community and in the schools. These lifestyle choices which minimise harm. This health protective measures need to be process is proactive and most clearly reflects supported by practical strategies, including the preferred approach of this Government. access to youth friendly health services, advice about safe sexual and drug-injecting The prevention of ill health, be it physical, behaviours, and access to condoms and social, mental, emotional and spiritual, is a syringes. major focus for Queensland Health under my stewardship. The benefits, actual and financial, It is the timely, reality-based, practical which accrue from such a focus cannot be responses which have made the difference in understated. That is why I am keen to pursue the fight against HIV/AIDS in Queensland. 3252 Ministerial Statement 18 Nov 1998

Activities, including awareness raising undertake. The new agreement addresses campaigns and needle exchange programs that problem. We will now develop regional undertaken by a variety of community groups agreements which, in turn, will detail a program such as the Queensland AIDS Council, of HITT scheme projects for local group Queensland Positive People, Queensland apprentice schemes. This will enable those Intravenous AIDS Association, Sunshine Coast groups to take on young people secure in the Intravenous AIDS Association, Gold Coast knowledge that they have sufficient work to AIDS Association and Injectors Newsline and train them for the duration of their Self Health for Queensland Workers in the Sex apprenticeships. Industry. Prior to the 1998 State Budget, the HITT There have been great improvements in scheme provided funds to train about 200 our understanding of HIV and with this apprentices each year. The new agreement, improved understanding, exciting together with additional funds provided for the developments in health maintenance and HITT scheme in this year's Budget, form the treatment regimes. Indeed, just last week we foundation on which we will build 600 new have been given more reason for optimism on careers in the building industry over the next HIV/AIDS treatment with the release of results four years. It is expected that the extra funds of a study of a new vaccine. will also enable group training schemes to The reality is, however, that while we are undertake around 300 projects each fighting the good fight against HIV/AIDS, it is year—almost double the previous level. This not over yet. That is why we must continue to scheme demonstrates the commitment of this be vigilant. That is why we must continue to Government to create jobs by maximising the work collaboratively with the communities most use of the tax dollar. affected. That is why we must continue to The new agreement with Group Training support innovative responses and Australia represents another initiative under developments. That is why we are focusing on the Government's policy, Breaking the young people for this year's campaign. I Unemployment Cycle. Many people told us it encourage all members of this House to show could not be done. their support for AIDS Awareness Week and While this announcement hardly rated World AIDS Day by purchasing and wearing any media attention, it is good news for the the AIDS Red Ribbon. 600 young Queenslanders who now look forward to a future in the building industry. At the last election we promised to do this and we MINISTERIAL STATEMENT have delivered on that promise. Housing Industry Trade Training Scheme Hon. R. E. SCHWARTEN (Rockhampton— MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ALP) (Minister for Public Works and Minister for Housing) (9.57 a.m.), by leave: Yesterday, I State Purchasing Policy was pleased to join with the Premier and the Hon. R. E. SCHWARTEN (Rockhampton— Minister for Employment, Training and ALP) (Minister for Public Works and Minister for Industrial Relations to sign an agreement that Housing) (10 a.m.), by leave: For some time I will provide apprenticeships for an extra 600 have been concerned about certain aspects of young Queenslanders over the next four the State Purchasing Policy. Since becoming years. The agreement was co-signed by the the Minister responsible for the policy, many State President of Group Training Australia, businesspeople have told me that it can be Peter Broadhurst. The agreement does what improved. In particular, local firms are many people told me was impossible. It will concerned, as I am, about the impact that help set out a clear program of public housing Government purchasing decisions have on capital works to be undertaken by regional jobs. The current policy does not explicitly group apprenticeship schemes under the apply employment criteria. Others say that Housing Industry Trade Training Scheme. It will they are concerned about local firms missing provide a sound basis on which such schemes out to interstate or overseas operators. While can plan ahead and engage more that is a perennial complaint, I am still keen to apprentices. It provides certainty for group hear suggestions on how we can address that training schemes. issue. For too long, such groups were I want to find out from suppliers whether hamstrung because they did not know from the State Purchasing Policy is smoothing the one year to the next just how many public way for business, or getting in the way. housing projects they could be expected to Therefore, today I am announcing a process 18 Nov 1998 Ministerial Statement 3253 that will identify areas of policy that need to be me with a status report on submissions and overhauled. I want business operators to let possible changes to the policy by the end of me know of any particular problems that they December. have with the policy and how they think those I look forward to hearing the views of problems can be overcome. suppliers and business operators, and The current State Purchasing Policy has members of the Opposition. I am determined been operating, with amendments, since to ensure that the State Purchasing Policy 1991. It outlines the objectives and guidelines helps rather than hinders business in this State for the purchasing of a wide range of goods and has, as one of its objectives, the creation and services by the Queensland Government. of jobs in Queensland. If reasonable changes The policy is overseen by an advisory body, are needed, then they will be made and they the State Purchasing Council. The 18-member will be made quickly. council comprises representatives of both the public and private sectors. Council members themselves recognise that there are areas of MINISTERIAL STATEMENT the State Purchasing Policy that need Island Industries Board, Annual Report improvement and they will be involved in this Hon. J. C. SPENCE (Mount Gravatt— process. ALP) (Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait The existing policy is contained in four Islander Policy and Minister for Women's rather hefty volumes. If it fell off a table, it Policy and Minister for Fair Trading) would break a person's leg. It took me 60 (10.03 a.m.), by leave: I wish to inform the hours to read the policy. House of an extension of time that I have Mr Johnson: In large print, is it? given to the Island Industries Board, which was Mr SCHWARTEN: I bet that no-one established under the Community Services opposite has read it. They would not be able (Torres Strait) Act, to furnish its annual report to, because there are no pictures in it. To my for the year ending 31 January 1998. Under mind, it could not be described as user- the requirements of the Financial friendly. Administration and Audit Act, the Island Industries Board is required to furnish its The 14,000 State Government officers annual report within four months of the close with the power to purchase goods and services of the financial year. The Island Industries are expected to have a working knowledge of Board has sought an extension of time. This the policy. It follows that suppliers themselves extension has been sought on the sole basis must be—— that the annual external audit was not Mr Johnson interjected. scheduled to be completed until the last week of October 1998. The audit was undertaken Mr SCHWARTEN: Obviously the member and will be signed off this week. has never read the policy or taken any notice of it. He is not interested in creating jobs in The external audit process completed by places such as Longreach. Considering the the Auditor-General confirms the consistency, region that the member represents, it is veracity and accuracy of the information reasonable to suggest that if he listened he contained within the Island Industries Board's might even agree that the policy needs to be annual report. As such, I have approved the overhauled. Island Industries Board's request for an It follows that suppliers themselves need extension of time for the lodgment of the to be familiar with the policy if they are to board's 1997-98 annual report until 30 successfully meet Government purchasing November 1998. This approval was granted requirements. In its present form, that is a lot under section 46J of the Financial to ask of anyone. I will certainly consider any Administration and Audit Act 1997. suggestions from business or others about how to streamline the policy. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT I am not beginning any long or expensive Prime Note CD-ROMs review of the policy. I have set specific guidelines for progress. For the next month, Hon. H. PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) written submissions will be accepted through (Minister for Primary Industries) (10.04 a.m.), my office. They will be referred to a small by leave: In the spirit of the rapidly secretariat that I have established within the approaching festive season, I inform the Department of Public Works, which will be House that all honourable members here under the direct control of the director-general. today will be receiving a gift, and this is it. I have asked my director-general to provide A Government member: What is it? 3254 Personal Explanation 18 Nov 1998

Mr PALASZCZUK: I will explain. During Mr BEANLAND (Indooroopilly—LP) the parliamentary expo that was held at the (10.08 a.m.): The Opposition does not oppose Annexe in October, on many occasions the motion to progress the six Bills through the electorate officers from around the State Parliament, notwithstanding the fact that 13 remarked that the DPI Prime Notes on CD- days have not expired since they were ROM would be of use in their offices. They introduced into the Parliament. We are happy contain more than 2,500 information files with to cooperate to allow these items to progress. full text and graphics. The Prime Notes CD- Generally, the Bills are fairly straightforward. ROMS provide on-the-spot information to However, I make the point that when the constituents, rather than electorate officers Bills were introduced the Premier, the having to refer them on to the department. honourable member for Brisbane Central, In response to keen interest in previous made a great deal of fuss about the fact that versions of Prime Notes, the DPI has updated they were going to lie on the table of the the information and a new version, version 6.1, House for 13 days before they were is available today, specially gift wrapped for all progressed through the Chamber. It is worth members of this Chamber. Not only is a copy noting that on this occasion six Bills are of this information product being involved. I certainly agree that the relevant presented—— Minister is not at fault in relation to some of Ms Spence: They are pretty excited. They them. However, one or two others could have are very excited. been progressed somewhat sooner than they have been and the Government would not Mr PALASZCZUK: They are all excited have found itself in this situation. The because it is under the $100 limit. Opposition will not oppose the motion. We will Mr Veivers interjected. cooperate with the Government to get the Bills Mr PALASZCZUK: I have certainly excited through. the member for Southport. Not only is a copy Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH (Chatsworth— of this information product being presented to ALP) (Minister for Communication and members of this House; a copy is also being Information and Minister for Local provided to all DPI offices, all country lending Government, Planning, Regional and Rural service libraries, Queensland schools via the Communities) (10.09 a.m.), in reply: I thank Education Queensland network, and all QGAP the Opposition for its support. However, I agencies in Queensland. I am certain that in would point out that only one of these Bills is the spirit of Christmas honourable members as a result of a court decision handed down at will pass this information package on to their the end of last week, which certainly was out of electorate staff. our control. In relation to the other Bills, I understand that Ministers have briefed shadow Ministers at least longer than 13 days ago. BILLS: REMAINING STAGES Motion agreed to. Abridgment of Time Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH (Chatsworth— ALP) (Leader of the House) (10.07 a.m.), by PERSONAL EXPLANATION leave, without notice: I move— Comments by Member for Nicklin "That so much of the Standing and Mrs GAMIN (Burleigh—NPA) Sessional Orders be suspended to enable (10.09 a.m.): I rise to make a personal the following Bills to pass through all their explanation. Yesterday, the member for Nicklin remaining stages at this week's sittings— made an adverse reference to me in his Trading (Allowable Hours) exceedingly brief contribution to the debate on Amendment Bill; the Health and Other Legislation Amendment Supreme Court of Queensland Act Bill. The member for Nicklin suggested that a and Another Act Amendment Bill; decision taken by the 1996-97 coalition Government's Health Bills Committee, which I University of the Sunshine Coast Bill; chaired, is at odds with the position taken by Dairy Industry Amendment Bill; the shadow Minister for Health, Miss Simpson. Primary Industries Legislation That is simply not true and he should not have Amendment Bill; and pretended otherwise. The member for Nicklin evinced a lack of understanding of legislative Valuation of Land and Other committees utilised by the coalition both in Legislation Amendment Bill." Government and in Opposition. His statement Mr HAMILL: I second the motion. to the House yesterday afternoon was totally 18 Nov 1998 Legal, Constitutional and Administrative Review Committee 3255 and thoroughly confused, and I resent his rights and enforcing them and how we might gross misrepresentation of my position and go about enhancing our rights. that of the coalition Health Bills Committee. Our report stems from the Electoral and When I spoke in the debate on the Health Administrative Review Commission's inquiry and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, I into individuals' rights and freedoms. In its referred to proposals regarding the Chief 1993 report on this issue, EARC Health Officer and I told the House that a recommended that Queensland should adopt similar option had been put to the former a Bill of Rights. For the reasons set out in this Minister, Mike Horan, and rejected by the report, we have recommended that coalition Health Bills Committee. I am at a loss Queensland not adopt a Bill of Rights whether to understand how the member for Nicklin as proposed by EARC or in any other form. could twist that simple fact into the extremely However, while we have recommended confused and misleading statement that he against Queensland adopting a Bill of Rights, made to the House yesterday. He is foolish to this does not mean that we think rights allow Labor members to fill his head with such protection in Queensland is perfect. rubbish. Perhaps he just cannot follow the What our report focuses on is the need to Hansard. I would recommend that if the educate and inform people about their rights member for Nicklin cannot understand any and to clarify the rather complex ways in which matters coming forward in future debates he citizens' rights are currently protected in should at the very least check his facts before Queensland. We hope that our handbook will speaking. be an important resource for use by and within Mr SPEAKER: Order! This is moving places such as schools, communities, beyond a personal explanation. It is more like workplaces and Government and non- a statement. Government organisations throughout the State for many years to come. We have made Mrs GAMIN: I suggest that the member a number of recommendations to see that this for Nicklin does not again misrepresent my happens. In our report we also discuss the position in relation to business before this importance of enhancing a rights culture or Parliament. consciousness in policy, in law and among decision makers at all levels of government in Queensland. In other words, we have looked LEGAL, CONSTITUTIONAL AND at the issue of rights from a people-up basis. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE I inform members that we will be holding a Report public launch of our handbook on the evening Mr FENLON (Greenslopes—ALP) of 9 December 1998, being the eve of Human (10.11 a.m.): I lay upon the table of the House Rights Day, in the Legislative Assembly a report of the Legal, Constitutional and Chamber at Parliament House. We are Administrative Review Committee in relation to pleased that Mr Tony Fitzgerald, AC, is its inquiry into the preservation and available to be the keynote speaker for that enhancement of individuals' rights and event. freedoms in Queensland. As part of our report, I also table two final submissions to this we have produced a unique and landmark inquiry, which the committee has authorised document about Queensland citizens' rights in for publication. On behalf of the current and the form of a handbook titled Queenslanders' former committee, which initiated this inquiry, I Basic Rights. I table both a short version of this take this opportunity to thank all persons and handbook, which has been printed in multiple organisations who dedicated their time to meet copies, and also a more detailed version of the committee or to make submissions to this this handbook, which will be available on the important inquiry. Public submissions continue Internet. to provide us with invaluable guidance and Opposition members interjected. insight into issues as they affect individual citizens and communities. Mr SPEAKER: Order! When reports are On behalf of the committee, I also take being presented, the House will come to order. the opportunity to thank those who assisted us Mr FENLON: The preparation of this in preparing our report and handbooks, handbook means that for the first time namely, the committee's research staff and Queensland citizens will have a concise, easy- Associate Professor Bryan Horrigan of the to-read handbook which explains what our Queensland Institute of Technology Faculty of basic rights are, where our rights come from, Law. I thank also my fellow committee how we might find more information about our members for their hard work and enthusiasm 3256 Queensland Building Services Authority Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998 during this inquiry. I commend the report to the First Reading House. Mr BLACK (Whitsunday—ONP) (10:17 a.m.): I present the Bill, and I move— PRIVILEGE "That the Bill be now read a first Comments by Member for Burleigh time." Mr WELLINGTON (Nicklin—IND) Motion agreed to. (10.15 a.m.): I rise on a matter of privilege in Interruption. relation to comments made by me that were raised by the member for Burleigh. PRIVILEGE Mr SPEAKER: Order! Is this a matter of privilege suddenly arising? Comments by Member for Nicklin Mr WELLINGTON: Mr Speaker, yesterday Miss SIMPSON (Maroochydore—NPA) I took instructions—— (10.18 a.m.): I rise on a matter of privilege suddenly arising. Mr DAVIDSON: I rise to a point of order. The member is out of order. The time for Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member raising matters of privilege has passed. Is the cannot rise on a matter of privilege; we are in member rising on a matter of privilege or a the middle of a Bill. matter suddenly arising? Mr BORBIDGE: I rise to a point of order. Mr WELLINGTON: Suddenly arising. Mr Speaker, you gave the member for Nicklin the call outside normal business in respect of a Mr SPEAKER: Order! Suddenly arising; I matter of privilege suddenly arising. We seek accepted that. There is no point of order. the same courtesy to be extended to Mr WELLINGTON: Yesterday I took members on this side of the House who have advice from the Clerk in relation to quoting just been misrepresented by the member for from Hansard comments made by members of Nicklin. this House. That was in relation to comments Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the made by the member for Burleigh and the Opposition will resume his seat. I call the Clerk. member for Maroochydore. The advice that I received was that I was not allowed to quote Miss SIMPSON: Mr Speaker— the pages in Hansard. Notwithstanding that, I Mr SPEAKER: Order! No, I am calling the quoted word for word comments made by the Clerk. member for Maroochydore and the member Miss SIMPSON:—you did exactly the—— for Burleigh. It seems to me that they do not Mr SPEAKER: Order! like what they said and what is reported in Hansard—word for word. Miss SIMPSON: Do you have two rules? I am asking for the same privilege that you gave to the member for Nicklin. NOTICE OF MOTION Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member will Minister for Education resume her seat. I call the Clerk. Mr QUINN (Merrimac—LP) (Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party) (10.17 a.m.): I give notice that I shall move— QUEENSLAND BUILDING SERVICES AUTHORITY AMENDMENT BILL "That this House expresses its First Reading growing concern at the way in which the Minister for Education is handling his Resumed. portfolio responsibilities." Bill read a first time. Mr BLACK (Whitsunday—ONP) QUEENSLAND BUILDING SERVICES (10.19 a.m.): I move— AUTHORITY AMENDMENT BILL "That the Bill the printed." Mr BLACK (Whitsunday—ONP) Honourable members interjected. (10.17 a.m.), by leave, without notice: I Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for move— Whitsunday is a fair distance from me. It is "That leave be granted to bring in a very difficult to hear what he is saying while this Bill for an Act to amend the Queensland hubbub is continuing. I am going to warn Building Services Authority Act 1991." members from now on. We are going to listen Motion agreed to. to the member for Whitsunday outline the 18 Nov 1998 Queensland Building Services Authority Amendment Bill 3257 contents of this Bill and then the member for building industry continues to be the Maroochydore may rise on a matter of subcontractor. The subcontractor has no privilege. influence over the operation of the builder's Mr Borbidge interjected. business and yet is completely dependent on the builder's business skills and integrity in Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the order to get paid. In addition, the Opposition! subcontractor has little effective recourse Honourable members interjected. against a builder in the case of non-payment. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I have warned Court action is generally expensive in terms of members. I am not going to tolerate this money and lost time and, in many cases, is behaviour much longer. If anybody wants an simply ineffective. early Christmas break, they can take it from Powerful builders' lobby groups have now. I wish to hear the contents of this Bill. fiercely resisted change in the past. These The member for Whitsunday is entitled to be groups do not want to see the existing status heard and he is entitled to decent behaviour quo changed because the bulk of the financial on the part of other honourable members as burden caused by builder failure is primarily well. I call the member for Whitsunday. carried by subcontractors and suppliers, Mr BLACK: I move— leaving their members relatively immune from their financial obligations. I applaud the recent "That the Bill be printed." actions of the Queensland Building Services Motion agreed to. Authority in shutting down numerous non- paying builders and recovering monies owed. This is a good start, but more still needs to be Second Reading done. With this in mind, One Nation has Mr BLACK (Whitsunday—ONP) developed this Bill to amend the Queensland (10.20 a.m.): I move— Building Services Authority Act 1991 to further "That the Bill be now read a second strengthen the ability of the QBSA to take time." action against builders who do not pay subcontractors. Security of payment in the building industry has always been a wretched and This Bill amends section 3, Objects of Act, complex problem, with no apparent or simple in order to read— solutions. Since 1974, with the introduction of "... to achieve a reasonable balance the Subcontractors' Charges Act, successive between the interests of building Governments have attempted to solve this contractors and subcontractors and intractable problem, unfortunately with only consumers." limited success. As a result, the QBSA will be formally In 1991, the green paper on security of empowered and, indeed, obligated to payment for subcontractors was produced intercede on behalf of subcontractors to followed by the Scurr report, which was never maintain a reasonable balance between the tabled in Parliament for some reason, followed interests of subcontractors and builders. An by the implementation steering committee, amendment has also been added to section which was intended to implement the findings 36 specifically allowing the QBSA to impose a of the Scurr report. I have seen the report of licence condition where a licensee has failed to the implementation steering committee on pay, without reasonable excuse, an amount Security of Payment in the Building and claimed under the Subcontractors' Charges Construction Industry and, while I commend its Act or an amount payable under another court effort, I do not think these recommendations order. It is a reasonable excuse under this will fix the core problem—that of builders amendment if a licensee can demonstrate that avoiding their liabilities. he has not received payment for the work to In spite of the large amount of time and which the charge or order relates. money expended over the last 25 years or so, The balance must be restored. an unacceptably high number of business Subcontractors have unfairly carried the failures still occurs, with devastating burden and the pain in the case of defaulting consequences for subcontractors and builders for far too long. These amendments suppliers, and their families. A major problem are simple, and they should be inexpensive to area continues to be in relation to domestic implement. There should pose very minimal housing construction not covered by the cost to the industry and no cost to the builder Subcontractors' Charges Act. The biggest loser and, therefore, no cost should be passed onto by far in the case of business failure in the subcontractors or home buyers. These 3258 Private Members' Statements 18 Nov 1998 amendments will formalise and strengthen the South Australian Treasury which he claimed role and recent activities of the QBSA in support his position that Queensland will be relation to security of payment for worse off under the Federal Government's tax subcontractors in the building industry. package. Let us have a look at the document While this Bill cannot be expected to fix all under the heading "Final Budget Impact". It of the problems, it nevertheless represents a says that in 2000-01, Queensland will get $0; significant step in restoring the balance 2001-02, $0; 2002-03, $0. In 2003-04, New between the interests of builders and South Wales gets an extra $10.7m, Victoria subcontractors. I commend the Bill to the gets an extra $197.9m and Queensland gets House and urge all members to carefully an extra $420.9m. In 2004-05, New South consider the positive benefits these Wales gets $316.6m, Victoria gets $435m and amendments should deliver to subcontractors Queensland gets $614.3m. In 2005-06, New and their families, and the building industry in South Wales gets an extra $650.4m, Victoria general. gets $691.3m, and what does Queensland get? To what extent are we disadvantaged in Debate, on motion of Ms Spence, Year 3? $828.1m more! That is a $1.8 billion adjourned. dollar windfall to the State of Queensland, based on the documents tabled by the PRIVILEGE Premier yesterday prepared by the South Australian Treasury. Comments by Member for Nicklin And the media is catching up. The Miss SIMPSON (Maroochydore—NPA) headline in the Australian today is "Beattie (10.25 a.m.): I rise on a matter of privilege caught on tall tax tale". It states— suddenly arising. This concerns the misrepresentations of the member for Nicklin. "The figures tabled by Mr Beattie The member for Burleigh clearly supported were obtained from the South Australian what I was saying. I read the Hansard. At no Government and show in 2003 and 2006 time was the member for Burleigh Queensland would receive more than contradicting the policy committee's decision $1.8 billion in revenue—$500 million more that we did not support the gutting of the role than the second-highest earner, Victoria." of the Chief Health Officer. The member for The Premier has been caught out indulging in Nicklin has clearly got his riding instructions massive political dishonesty. from the Labor Party. If he reads the Hansard Time expired. in context, he will find that at no time did the member for Burleigh contradict me; in fact, she backed up what I said. The member for Pine Rivers Boys Brigade Company Wellington went on in his own words to claim Mrs LAVARCH (Kurwongbah—ALP) that the member for Burleigh was in (10.28 a.m.): Last Sunday I had the honour of contradiction. presenting three outstanding young men with The member for Nicklin has not been their Boys Brigade Queen's Award certificates. independent. He has misrepresented the Michael Briant, Rhys Holmes and Jason Poole viewpoints of the coalition. He has deliberately are all members of the Pine Rivers Boys twisted the words contained in Hansard. He is Brigade Company and are very deserving not an Independent member; he is just a recipients of this award. They are a credit to Labor lackey. I am so disappointed that, once their community, their families and, most again, when it comes to debate in this place, importantly, to themselves. Their he has twisted the words of the Opposition. He achievements are worthy of the recognition of has misled this House about our position and this Parliament. has deliberately misquoted the member for Michael, Rhys and Jason are all 17, are Burleigh and me. That is not acceptable. It is all completing Grade 12 and have been not independent. members of the Pine Rivers Boys Brigade for 10 years. To juggle work, community service, PRIVATE MEMBERS' STATEMENTS sporting and music activities is a big ask for most adults, but these young men make it Goods and Services Tax sound as though it is all in a day's work. I find Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers their stories and achievements an inspiration Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) to all of us and wish them well for the future. (10.26 a.m.): Yesterday in this place the With our future leaders having these qualities, Premier tabled certain documents prepared I know that we are in good hands. I also take not by the Queensland Treasury but by the this opportunity to commend the leaders of the 18 Nov 1998 Questions Without Notice 3259

Pine Rivers Boys and Girls Brigade for their refer to public statements that were made commitment to the young people of Pine about this matter. I have here a newspaper Rivers. article which quotes Mr Hegarty responding to Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time for private statements made by Labor Party members' statements has expired. representatives about this issue. The article states— "Mr Hegarty said that the Labor Party QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE was offering nothing more than what was Kimberley College on offer at the moment by the coalition." Mr QUINN (10.30 a.m.): I refer the Minister for Education to his attempts to have Goods and Services Tax Kimberley College approved for 1999, in flagrant breach of due process, and I ask: is Mr SULLIVAN: I draw the attention of the the Minister aware that former Labor Minister Premier to the request made by the Office of Pat Comben commissioned an independent the Leader of the Opposition under freedom of report in 1993 which found that the type of information for all material held by the Treasury educational strategies offered by Kimberley Department relating to the Federal Park Primary School would not be in the best Government's tax reform package. I remind interests of secondary schools, as proposed the Premier of the fuss and false allegations for Kimberley College? made by the Opposition Leader in relation to these documents, and I ask: has the Mr WELLS: I am grateful to the Opposition Leader bothered to view any of the honourable member for Merrimac for giving thousands of documents that have been me the opportunity to speak again to the made available at considerable public House on this very interesting subject and also expense; has the Opposition Leader sought a to be bipartisan. As the honourable member review of the FOI officer's decision; has the knows, every time I get the opportunity to be Opposition Leader taken advantage of the bipartisan, I am. I have here a letter from the offer by the FOI officer to discuss the ruling; then Minister to the honourable member for did the Opposition Leader accept the invitation Redlands. of the Premier yesterday to inspect the Mr Beattie: Is that Mr Quinn? withheld documents to see for himself that Mr WELLS: Yes, the then Minister was there is no truth in his dishonest campaign the member for Merrimac, who just asked the alleging the possibility of future tax increases; question. The letter responds to a and has the Opposition Leader made any representation from the member for Redlands, attempt to join the Premier in fighting for the asking that extra consideration be given with $465m which will be stolen from Queensland respect to an application by Kimberley College. in the redistribution of any GST? The letter, dated 29 October 1997, states— Mr BEATTIE: I thank the honourable "A reduced time frame was member for the question. The answer is no, introduced this year for schools intending no, no, no and no. Just in case the Opposition to start operating in 1999. The Kimberley missed it, the answer is no, no, no, no and no. College application is being considered for I will deal with one of the issues raised in the a possible 1999 opening." question. Just a few minutes ago the Leader of the Opposition made reference to a The letter goes on—— document that I tabled in the Parliament "I have directed my departmental yesterday to explain what the GST proposal officers to expedite Kimberley College's means for Queensland. When he waved the application." document around, the Leader of the Opposition made no reference to the words I am keen to inform the House fully on this written on the document in the top, right-hand point. The letter goes on to state— corner. For everyone to see is written "non-real "To enable the earliest possible property conveyance". Do honourable consideration to be given to their members know what that means? It means application, please be assured of my that the figures calculated in this document are continuing personal interest." based on the retention by the States of the With respect to the honourable member's conveyance duty on business real property intuitively implausible proposition that I, when I conveyance. was not even the shadow Minister, did some Do honourable members know what shonky pre-election deal in order to establish a happened during the negotiations? We tried to new school in a National Party electorate, I explain this to the Leader of the Opposition, 3260 Questions Without Notice 18 Nov 1998 but obviously we need to spend more money Dr WATSON: Despite the Premier's on education. The Commonwealth, outside attempt to hide the fact that the issues just the transition period, is not allowing the States talked about are still being discussed by to keep the conveyance duty on business real Treasury officials, I refer my question to the property conveyance. As the Treasurer said, Minister for Education. I refer to the attempts when that duty is taken out the fourth year of the Minister for Education to have Kimberley figure of $420m becomes $32m. I tried to College approved for 1999, after it was explain this to the Australian yesterday. I have rejected by the assessment committee set up tried to explain it to the Leader of the by the former Minister, and to the Minister's Opposition. Now those opposite understand flagrant breach of due process. I ask: will the why we need to spend more money on Minister make a practice of approving new education. We need better educated schools with just two months' lead time, as Opposition Leaders and better educated would appear to be his intention with journalists who can understand the facts. Kimberley-Clark—— The fact is that the Opposition short- Government members: Kimberley-Clark? changed this State of $465m. The Leader of the Opposition comes into the Chamber this Dr WATSON:—as would appear to be his morning and says, "These are South intention with Kimberley College, when the Australian Treasury figures." I told the usual lead time for new schools is more like Parliament that yesterday. That was a great two years? Is the Minister aware that, because secret! Treasuries take their turns in of the short lead time, Kimberley College calculations. The Treasury of South Australia, intends to accommodate some 75 students in which is administered by a Liberal two or three rooms in a disused real estate Government, did the calculations. It was office in the middle of a paddock at Mount confirmed by the other Treasurers and referred Cotton? to by Peter Costello. The Opposition Leader Mr WELLS: With respect to the should not come in here and tell half-truths. He honourable member's request for me to advise should read what the document says. If him as to whether I approved Kimberley- anyone got caught out it was the Opposition Clark—in his case, not only do I approve it, I Leader, but he is not prepared to tell the truth. heartily recommend it! What this is all about is Do honourable members know what was a group of parents whose children have been said to me and to David Hamill in Canberra? taught at a primary school which offers multi- We were told, "When Rob Borbidge and Joan age classrooms. That group of parents finds Sheldon came down here, they just did not that this form of education is very satisfactory understand Federal financial relations." The and very effective for their children. They Opposition Leader has confirmed that today. wanted to continue this kind of educational He cannot even add up. And the member for innovation in a high school when their children Moggill is supposed to be an economist! He went through the State school system. They cannot even add up. The people of Mulgrave tried under the previous Government to get will have their chance to send a clear message such a teaching methodology established in a to the Leader of the Opposition. high school. They thought that they had Time expired. achieved that outcome, but at the last minute, as a result of some decision made either high in the former Minister's department or by the Kimberley College former Minister, that process was stopped and Dr WATSON: Mr Speaker—— they were unable to do that. So they sought to Mr Borbidge: Tall tales. Another day, set up a private school which offered multi-age another story. classrooms for a variety of different subjects, Mr SPEAKER: Order! Was the Leader of and they made an application. the Opposition asking a question? Their application was stymied by virtue of Mr Borbidge: I was responding to an certain technical matters relating to the transfer interjection from the Premier. of the responsibility for planning approval from Mr SPEAKER: Your deputy wishes to ask the Commonwealth to the State. a question. Consequently, they were given the opportunity to have an additional hearing and to make a Mr Borbidge: I was responding to an different application. The application that they interjection. wanted to make is different and on different Mr SPEAKER: Order! Would you offer grounds from the previous application. That is him the proper courtesy? I call the member for what this is all about; it is the education of that Moggill. particular group of children. It is an application 18 Nov 1998 Questions Without Notice 3261 based on educational grounds. This Cairns is one of those areas of the State application has been considered by a Planning that rely very heavily on tourism. It is one of and Assessment Committee. A the areas of this State that is going to cop a hit recommendation has been made. I have not from the imposition of a GST. But it is a double made a decision, but I will. whammy, because not only do the people of Mr Quinn interjected. Cairns have to fork out the GST; they do not get any compensation—not a dollar of Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the member compensation. The $465m that we are for Merrimac. arguing about with Canberra means around Mr WELLS: This is not the first time that $16m on a per capita basis for Cairns. In other an application has been referred to the words, taking that share, it represents about Planning and Assessment Committee for 300 teachers, policemen and nurses in Cairns; reassessment. For example, I have been or, as we illustrated yesterday, around 70 informed that an application for the Faith schools, like the Bentley Park State School, Lutheran College at Plainlands was referred to which was opened on the weekend, are being the Planning and Assessment Committee for lost to Queensland. reassessment and was subsequently While the Leader of the Opposition approved at a special one-off meeting of the continues to run Peter Costello's lines, the fact committee on 31 March 1998 for a 1999 of the matter is this: Queenslanders are being commencement. What is happening is purely called upon to pay more tax. That is what the routine. GST means. But the Leader of the Opposition says that it is okay to pay more tax because Goods and Services Tax good old big-hearted Rob Borbidge is happy to let the money go elsewhere around the Ms BOYLE: I draw the Treasurer's country. "We will send the money south and attention to the support shown by the west", says Rob Borbidge. "We don't need it in Queensland Opposition for the Howard Queensland." I will tell the Leader of the Government's GST package and the loss of Opposition something: there are plenty of $465m in revenue to the State, and I ask: people out there—my constituents and maybe what will this loss of revenue mean to a even his—who believe that improvements to regional district such as Cairns? services would be welcome in Queensland. I Mr HAMILL: This is an important question believe that Queenslanders want to see a fair because, while we have an argument here return for their tax dollar. about $465m, which the coalition seems to Time expired. think is fair to give away to other parts of the country, it is a fact that that is money which would be used by the Queensland Kimberley College Government to provide services across the Mr BORBIDGE: I refer the Minister for length and breadth of Queensland. As I said Education to his attempts to have Kimberley yesterday, that $465m, which means so little College approved for 1999 in breach of due to the coalition, actually means around 9,300 and established process, and I ask: did the additional teachers, police and nurses. It is money that would be used across the length Minister write to the Chairman of the and breadth of Queensland. Planning—— There are areas in the State that are Mr Fouras interjected. going to pay significantly more tax because of Mr BORBIDGE: Sleazy deals to win the imposition of a GST, and Cairns is one of Government are relevant to us, even if they those areas. One of the major industries in the are not relevant to the member. That is why he Cairns area, of course, is the tourism and is over there. A sleazy deal with the Democrats hospitality industry. Every analysis that has is the reason that the member for Brisbane been done in relation to the impact of a GST Central sits in the Premier's seat in this place. shows some benefit for the States with a big Honourable members interjected. manufacturing base, like Victoria. It is little wonder that Jeff Kennett is so keen to support Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the the Federal coalition in the introduction of this Opposition will ask the question without tax. Therefore, it is little wonder that the conducting a debate across the Chamber. tourism industry across Australia, and Mr BORBIDGE: I can understand the particularly in Queensland, is so opposed to sensitivity of the member for Springwood, who the imposition of a GST. was the beneficiary—— 3262 Questions Without Notice 18 Nov 1998

Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the think, a Catholic system school. The former Opposition will ask his question. Minister did it with respect to Faith Lutheran Mr BORBIDGE: I refer the Minister to his College, and I am making the opportunity attempts to have Kimberley College approved available for these two other schools. for 1999 in breach of due and established Time expired. process, and I ask: did the Minister write to the Chairman of the Planning and Assessment Committee on 19 August 1998 directing him to Kimberley College arrange a meeting of the committee at the Mr BORBIDGE: I refer the Minister for earliest opportunity to reassess the Kimberley Education to his attempts to have Kimberley Park application? And given the fact that this College approved for 1999 in breach of due same application had already been considered and established process. and rejected on two previous occasions, why Government members interjected. did the Minister seek to direct the approval of the new school despite earlier findings that it Mr BORBIDGE: It is a fact. The Premier is did not satisfy the established criteria? no longer denying the deal. He said before, "Prove it". Mr WELLS: Last night, at about 2.30, as I stood watching the non-meteor shower, I Mr BEATTIE: I rise to a point of order. thought to myself: another fizzer! Rob That is untrue. It is a continuation of the Borbidge in the morning, dud comets at night, dishonesty and I seek it to be withdrawn. and Rob Borbidge in the morning again! Yes, Mr BORBIDGE: The Premier said, "Prove certainly, I wrote to the Chairman of the it". Planning and Assessment Committee and Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the asked him to reconvene the meeting, much as Opposition! the former Minister invited the Chairman of the Planning and Assessment Committee to do Mr BEATTIE: The only thing I have ever with respect to Plainlands College. I asked that said is, "Prove your point; put your material on the matter be given expeditious consideration the table", and the Leader of the Opposition never has. I find his remarks offensive and ask in the interests of the education of the children that they be withdrawn. whose parents would like them to experience multi-age education in their high school years. Mr BORBIDGE: We know who was at the I asked further that the Planning and meeting. Assessment Committee consider certain Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the criteria, and those criteria included educational Opposition will withdraw and then he will ask criteria—not simply capital criteria—such as: the question, otherwise I will sit him down that an innovative approach to education, like without his asking the question. multi-age teaching, should be given weight as Mr BORBIDGE: I will withdraw what the a factor in the consideration of the committee. Premier said to me across the Chamber. I ask: It is all about the education of these can the Minister confirm that the committee children. I have a newspaper article here which chairman was so displeased with the Minister's states that the Deputy Opposition Leader met intervention that he made it clear that he with Kimberley College steering committee would be taking holidays when the Minister members to discuss the party's backing for a directed the committee to meet to reassess secondary trial of multi-age teaching. He said the application? Can he also confirm that the that he thought that multi-age teaching might first committee meeting planned for be a good idea. Mr Hegarty said that this was September had to be aborted because no-one only a pre-election stunt. He said that the else wanted to participate? Can he also Labor Party was offering nothing more than confirm that the second committee meeting what was on offer at the moment. held in October also failed to deliver the The coalition's commitment to multi-age recommendation that he had so actively teaching did not extend to letting the Planning sought? Is it not a fact that even the third and Assessment Committee know about it. committee meeting just last week could still That is why we reconvened the committee, so only bring itself to offer very reluctant approval that they could continue that. But when we for the college on a heavily qualified basis, reconvened that Planning and Assessment despite his very clear lobbying and desire for Committee, it was not only for that school; such an approval? there were two schools involved, and Mr WELLS: This is probably becoming a recommendations with respect to two schools little tedious, but with respect to the Leader of are before me. One is this school and one is, I the Opposition's repeated allegations of 18 Nov 1998 Questions Without Notice 3263 attempts to avoid due process, I point out that Mr Hamill: Retained by the States. the statutory situation is that this is a matter that the Minister can decide just by signing his Mr BEATTIE: That is right. It needs to be name. However, the previous Minister set up a understood that that amount would be process of advisement, an advisory retained by the States. However, the difficulty committee, in order that that advisory is that the Commonwealth is taking that committee could consider matters that money from the States. That is why those perhaps the Minister did not have time to look figures, after the transitional period—and I tried at in order that it could be looked at from a to explain this to the Leader of the Opposition number of different points of view. It is an and the Courier-Mail and the Australian advisory committee only. If a Minister were yesterday—will be reduced significantly by the committed to a certain result and if, as the removal of the conveyance duty on business Leader of the Opposition was saying, I were real property conveyance. That will bring that hell-bent on getting a certain result whatever fourth year figure down to $32m. the consequences, I would have simply signed In essence, the alleged benefit is a myth. my name on a piece of paper. As a matter of Let us hear the full story. The Commonwealth fact, that is not what occurred. I used the grossly underestimated the amount the States process that had been set up by my would need to cover losses incurred by them in predecessor. the early years of the GST, that is, the Mr Bredhauer: The process that Bob transitional period. In all, the States estimate Quinn put in place. that some $4 billion compensation will be Mr WELLS: It is a process that the needed in the period of transition. One of the member for Merrimac put in place. I am using Commonwealth's bandaid solutions to that $4 that process. I have reconvened the billion revenue gap—the $4 billion credibility committee. I have asked the committee to gap—relates to stamp duty on conveyancing consider educational aspects as well as merely for business properties. The Commonwealth capital and facilities aspects. proposes that the removal of State stamp duties on business conveyances should be As to the other aspect of the former delayed and that the States retain that source Premier's question about the chairman going of revenue during the transitional period, that on holidays—yes, I understand that the is, the first three years. So, for the fourth year chairman was on holidays. I doubt that and the fifth year and the sixth year— anything I did or said sent him on holidays. forever—we lose the money. The Honourable Leader of the Opposition is becoming boring. He was never witty, he was In the transitional period, that amount is never terribly clever, he is now becoming designed to help make up some of the State's boring. If I could do or say something that revenue shortfall. Messrs Howard and Costello would send him on holidays I would do that, are trying to garner support for their GST by too. misrepresenting the benefits to Queensland. The bottom line is this: we lose $465m in the first three years. After that, we lose the Goods and Services Tax conveyance on business transfers. We get Mrs NITA CUNNINGHAM: I draw the slugged twice. Premier's attention to newspaper claims and After this transitional period, stamp duty Opposition claims that after the year 2003 on business property conveyance is to be Queensland might receive some financial abolished; is to be abolished; is to be benefit from a goods and services tax. I ask abolished. I cannot make that any clearer to him to clarify again: at what cost to the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader Queensland does that alleged benefit come? of the Liberal Party. Mr Howard and Mr Will the Premier explain the importance of Costello wanted more time to go off and work stamp duty on business property transactions out exactly how much money that would be in in achieving that alleged benefit? the transitional period. That is why we are Mr BEATTIE: I point out to the House meeting again in April to discuss it. The GST is again that in the document I tabled in the a loser. I hope that the Leader of the House yesterday, in the right-hand corner, is a Opposition, the Courier-Mail and the Australian clear handwritten reference that says "non-real will correct their position tomorrow so we can property conveyance". That means that the get some facts and some truth about the conveyance duty on business real property position. conveyance is included in those figures after the transitional period. Time expired. 3264 Questions Without Notice 18 Nov 1998

Fish Kills concerns about the implication of the Federal Mr ROWELL: I refer the Minister for Government's tax package. Environment and Heritage and Minister for Opposition members interjected. Natural Resources to his media claims that Mr HAMILL: I take the interjections by the recent fish kills could be attributed to the sugar sundry members of the Opposition front industry. I also refer him to the forum bench—the allegation that the Local convened by him on Monday and attended by Government Association is operating as some a host of north Queensland's most eminent sort of Labor Party stooge. I am sure that the scientists at his invitation. At the forum, no Local Government Association would love to scientific evidence was presented to explain hear that. I am also sure that the executive of the cause of the fish kills. I ask: why is he so the Local Government Association might have intent on castigating the sugar industry for fish a view different from that of the National Party kills when he has no conclusive evidence to in this place. back those claims? The fact of the matter is that local Mr WELFORD: I thank the honourable government in Queensland is genuinely very member for the question. I am very happy to concerned about the Federal Government's say that at no time have I attempted or tax package. It is genuinely concerned about intended to castigate anyone about the fish the—— kills that have occurred, but I made it very clear Mr Hobbs: They don't trust Labor that, unlike Opposition members who would Governments, that's the reason. much rather sweep this problem under the carpet, our Government will not stand idly by Mr HAMILL: I take the interjection of the while the waterways of Queensland are so member for Warrego. The fact of the matter is clearly threatened and the fishing industry is so that the Local Government Association in clearly at risk. Queensland and the Australian Local Government Association are gravely Last week, my department did indeed concerned about the Federal Government's convene a forum in Ingham and that forum did decision not to provide direct grants for local address a number of issues. Regrettably, government. certain attendees at the forum were not willing to make a constructive contribution to the Local government has seen what Jeff discussion. Notwithstanding that, my Kennett and his minions have done to local department will continue to work cooperatively government in Victoria. That is what a with all stakeholders who are concerned about conservative Government does to local and affected by these incidents—incidents government, and that message has not been about which every Queenslander is rightly lost upon local government. A number of concerned. aspects of this issue need to be canvassed. Local government in Queensland—indeed, the It would be a gross breach of my duty as Australian Local Government Association— the Minister for Environment not to take this would like to see local government funding tied issue seriously. That is why I instructed my to a specific percentage of GST revenue. department to hold the Ingham forum and Again, that message seems to be lost on possibly another forum in Mackay. In due coalition Governments, both federally and course the outcomes of those forums will interstate. come back for further discussion at a summit which I am convening with all interested The Local Government Association in stakeholders in the new year. Queensland is very concerned about how the GST will be applied to local government services. In fact, I have received a document Goods and Services Tax from the Queensland Local Government Association which looks at the application of Mr FOURAS: I draw the Treasurer's the GST on two local government case attention to comments by the Queensland studies, the Logan City Council and the Local Government Association expressing Burdekin Shire Council, which I am sure would concern at the Federal Government's be of interest to the member for Burdekin. This proposed removal of direct grants to local study shows that, in the case of the Logan City government, and I ask: what are the Council, it cannot determine whether or not implications for Queensland local government almost one third of its charges will be subject as a result of the introduction of a GST? to a GST. That is 176 charges. In the case of Mr HAMILL: It is not just the Queensland the Burdekin Shire Council, currently 201 Government that has been expressing grave charges are levied by that council, the status 18 Nov 1998 Questions Without Notice 3265 of which in relation to the GST is uncertain. Mr Johnson: You've been on that bit of That is half of the charges levied by the road. Burdekin Shire Council. It is little wonder that Mr BREDHAUER: I am glad the member local government is so concerned. interjected. I did not know he was there, The other point that we raised at the because he is blending into the seat. Premiers Conference was this: we argued Mr Johnson: It's not 30,000, it's 34,000. again that local government should be able to access a tax equivalent regime for their major Mr BREDHAUER: Is that not the suit that business enterprises. We argued that case won the member the worst dressed politician with the Prime Minister, and again it was award last year? conservative State Governments such as An honourable member interjected. Victoria that said, "No, no, no, we do not want Mr BREDHAUER: The member said that any consideration for local government." It is she said did not know the member was there little wonder that local government is so until he unbuttoned his coat. concerned. Mr Hamill: He is undefeated. Time expired. Mr BREDHAUER: I think that the member is still undefeated, although the member for Burdekin is in the contest. Ayr-Dalbeg Road Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Minister will Mr KNUTH: My question is directed to the answer the question. Minister for Transport and Main Roads. On 28 Mr BREDHAUER: I will ask my—— October 1998, the Burdekin Shire Council wrote to the Minister's office regarding the Mr Johnson: You're lucky I'm not thin ponding of waters at culvert chain 624 in the skinned. Ayr-Dalbeg Road in the vicinity of the Old Clare Mr Hamill: Not with a hide like yours. Road intersection. It has been brought to my Mr KNUTH: I rise to a point of order. I attention that this drainage problem has been would dearly love my question to be answered. ongoing for some considerable time. Although I am aware that the Department of Main Mr SPEAKER: Order! Could we now have Roads Townsville office is undertaking a the answer to the question, Minister? hydrological study of the properties Mr BREDHAUER: I will ask my contributing to the problem, I believe that department office in Townsville to provide me urgent consideration should be given so that with the outcome of the hydrological survey farmers do not suffer any further hardship. that has been undertaken in respect of that With the unseasonal storm rain that the particular section of road. Obviously, I am Burdekin has been experiencing lately, small concerned about the ponding problems and crop, horticultural growers and canegrowers the impacts that it might have on local are experiencing considerable delays in industry. I will get back to the member with an transporting produce to markets or sugar mills indication of the timing of any works that might due to road closures. I ask: could the Minister occur on that road at the earliest possible inform the House of his intentions to rectify this opportunity—hopefully, some time before the drainage problem and a time frame for end of the week. completion? Mr BREDHAUER: Within the 30,000 Job Creation kilometres of roads—— Mr REEVES: I refer the Premier to his Mr Borbidge: Just give the date. obsession—even on his birthday—with jobs, Mr BREDHAUER: The member gets to jobs, jobs for Queenslanders, and I ask: what ask the question; I get to answer. The Leader sort of industries is he seeking to foster in this of the Opposition gets to listen and he can State? interject if he likes. Mr BEATTIE: I am encouraged by that question. As members know, we have talked Mr Borbidge: I was being helpful. about olive growing out at Inglewood. Mr BREDHAUER: I thank the Leader of Recently, on the tablelands, we opened a the Opposition for the help. Of the 30,000 sugar mill. Today is a very important day in the kilometres of road network around Queensland history of Castlemaine Fourex. Last month, the and of the 350 letters a week I receive, I company celebrated its 120th birthday. It has actually recall that particular representation been brewing on the same spot at Milton since from the—— 1878. It produces 250 million litres of beer 3266 Questions Without Notice 18 Nov 1998 yearly. It employs 430 people and, as Minister for Women's Policy and Minister for members can see, some people drink more of Fair Trading—I referred it to another Minister it than they should! It is a major player in the last week—to a media report that, following brewing industry, which supports a further agreement between the Commonwealth and 32,000 jobs in areas such as liquor retailing the States in Adelaide on 30 October 1998, and barley growing. Each year, it spends the Commonwealth proposes to introduce new $81m on raw materials produced and legislation to replace the X-rated pornographic manufactured locally. The company calculates classification with a non-violent erotica that 98% of every stubby is manufactured in classification. This unanimous agreement has Queensland. been reached as a result of the change of Government in Queensland, as the previous Today is a significant day because today Queensland Government refused to agree to sees the five billionth stubby rattle off the Castlemaine Perkins packaging line since it any change in the pornographic classification system. I ask: can the Minister advise the was introduced in 1982. Let me tell members House why the Queensland Government has that, as the Honourable Leader of the changed its position on this matter? Will the Opposition would know, sometimes the job of Minister give an assurance that the new being Premier is really tough. However, as the classification of pornography will not result in representative of all members and the people the wholesale distribution of pornographic of Queensland, I am going to receive the five videos through retail outlets in this State? billionth stubby from Castlemaine. Since it is my birthday, let me tell members that I intend Ms SPENCE: I am pleased to inform the to drink some of it as well. House that on 30 October in Adelaide I I think it is important that everyone here attended a ministerial meeting of all the appreciates that today is a very significant day. censorship Ministers in Australia. I lent In fact, if one looks at the record of Queensland's support to the Howard Castlemaine, one sees that it produces almost Government's plan to introduce a new system one million—— of video classification called non-violent erotica to replace the X rating system that currently An honourable member interjected. exists. As the honourable member alluded, Mr BEATTIE: Of course I will shout. The this move had the support of all the States of member has been shouting all morning and I Australia and I was pleased to give am happy to shout in return. The company Queensland's in-principle support also. packages almost one million stubbies a day. It has put together some very interesting The change will mean that over time the calculations. If all the cartons of stubbies X rating will disappear and will be replaced by produced since 1982 were stacked end to the non-violent erotica rating. It is expected end, they would stretch 86,458 kilometres, that that 20% of the video material that is currently is, around the world two and a half times. That available with an X rating will be eliminated is a significant achievement. I congratulate under the new NVE category. That will remove Fourex on its significant contribution to the some violent videos and those that show more extreme fetishes that are currently rated X. I State's economy and to job creation. am informed that the new category, which I While we are talking about other matters, think is important, will restrict the depiction of for the information of the House, I table the activity between consenting adults. It will not communique that was released from the permit any depictions of non-adult persons, Premiers' meeting last week. It points out that including those aged 16 or 17 years of age, the working group will examine issues relating adult persons who look as though they are to the timing of the repeal of stamp duties on under 18, or persons 18 years of age or over business conveyances of real property on the being portrayed as minors. basis that such repeal ensures that no State or territory is worse off in any year during the I believe that the new category proposed transitional period. That confirms exactly what by the Howard Government will be supported the Treasurer and I have said to the House by most Australians. Most people want to see today. It does not extend beyond the such extreme violence and sexual behaviour transitional period, which means that the eliminated from videos. The change will not figures that we have referred to include those mean much to Queensland, because currently and need to be adjusted because the one cannot buy or rent X-rated videos in Commonwealth is taking more funds. Queensland, and when the classification changes to NVE, still one will not be allowed to buy or rent those videos. Those videos will be Video Classification available only through mail order, as currently, Mr FELDMAN: I refer the Minister for but they will have an NVE rating rather than an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy and X rating. 18 Nov 1998 Questions Without Notice 3267

I cannot comment on why the previous our success to date and the fact that we have Government chose not to support the Howard taken a bipartisan approach on this, Government's desire to eliminate videos Queensland companies and the State should depicting extreme behaviour. I suggest that be able to maximise business opportunities to the honourable member asks the previous the tune of approximately $70m by the time of Government about that. the Sydney Olympics.

Sydney 2000 Olympics Sugar Industry Infrastructure Package Dr CLARK: Can the Minister for State Mr HOBBS: I refer the Minister for Development and Minister for Trade outline Environment and Heritage and Minister for what progress Queensland companies are Natural Resources to the Sugar Industry making in winning contracts for the Sydney Infrastructure Package in north Queensland, 2000 Olympics? which entails substantial improvements to Mr ELDER: Members will recall that when drainage to benefit sugar regions, local Sydney won the Olympics, John Fahey was authority infrastructure and environmental jumping up and down, saying that New South flows. I note that this scheme is not Wales had won the gold. In effect, it had, progressed under the Minister's administration. because the spin-offs for Sydney and New Is the Minister so opposed to it and does he South Wales businesses will be significant. dislike canefarmers so much that he will However, if New South Wales has won the sacrifice water quality and environmental flows gold, Queensland is likely to win the silver. into the Greater Barrier Reef lagoon rather than complete the Sugar Industry In 1994, the previous Labor Government Infrastructure Package, which will benefit established the Olympic Task Force, which was canefarmers? designed to see how Queensland businesses could pitch for Olympic business. To take a Mr WELFORD: The premise upon which bipartisan approach, to the credit of the the member's question is based is mistaken. previous Government, in its short time in office The reality is that the Sugar Industry it continued that initiative. Infrastructure Package, which has been going for a number of years, has been actively As at October, $50.6m worth of business progressed under my ministerial direction and has come to Queensland from the Olympics. progress has been made in the past couple of We had set a target of $50m worth of months. However, there have been some business to be acquired by the end of 1999, difficulties with one or two of the initiatives in so we have achieved that one year ahead of relation to planning to ensure that the best schedule. In fact, we have gone further to possible environmental outcomes are ensure that we maximise our return from the achieved. next round of contracts. We have appointed a person to be the ears and eyes of Queensland The member will recall that part of the in Sydney. That person will work out which basis for the Sugar Industry Infrastructure contract arrangements can come from the Package was to improve drainage in goods and services opportunities that will flow canefarms in a way that was ecologically from the next round of contracts. Most of the sustainable. The design of some of those big ticket items involved with construction and drainage systems is fairly technical and design have gone and now we must maximise complex. It is important that in areas on the the opportunities involved in the provision of coastal zone that are adjacent to wetlands or goods and services. We will do that by close to marine environments that need establishing strategic alliances with smaller protection, special care is taken in the design companies to try to maximise the return for of the drainage systems that SIIP is designed large, medium and smaller enterprises in to implement. Queensland, thus developing opportunities as However, this Government has absolutely a partnership. We have done that in a number no intention of withdrawing its support for the of cases. Recently, the Rocklea-based program, which is progressing effectively. All of laminated timber maker Tasbeam and the the dozen or so initiatives that were launched Maryborough-based company Hyne & Sons under the program are progressing actively. have won contracts in Sydney. Indeed, recently I gave my support to the A group within my department will work resolution of certain environmental issues with our person in Sydney to see if we cannot affecting north Queensland. It is being ramp up the process. My view is that, given progressed actively. 3268 Questions Without Notice 18 Nov 1998

Aged Care Funding of the Commonwealth accreditation standards Mr MULHERIN: I ask the Health Minister: by 2001. It does not reduce the level of what action is this Government taking to make accreditation that we need to address. sure that Queensland nursing home providers I am aware of the concerns of and residents get a fair deal from the Federal Queensland nursing care providers, be they Government? public, private or not for profit. But they are struggling to deliver an appropriate level of Mrs EDMOND: I thank the member for care with an inappropriate level of funding. Mackay for his question, and I note his They are using other sources of income to continuing and fairly persistent interest in aged cross-subsidise nursing home care to meet care reform and aged care itself, particularly in their obligations to provide good quality care. Mackay. Answering the member's question gives me the opportunity to draw attention to The State Government also has an another area where for many years the interest in the Productivity Commission inquiry, Commonwealth Government has been ripping because we are a major provider of nursing off Queensland. I urge all members opposite home beds in this State. Through Queensland to get behind the Queensland Government Health, the State Government provides 15% of and Queensland Health's push for a fairer residential aged care places—1,729 beds in deal. I refer to the Queensland Government's 20 facilities across the State. This impacts hard submission to the Productivity Commission on us, too. inquiry into funding methodologies for nursing Time expired. home subsidies. This Government is arguing for two changes: firstly, a uniform national rate of Fishing in National Parks funding across all States; and, secondly, a Mr CONNOR: I refer the Minister for higher level of subsidy for Queensland Environment to his statement in Parliament on providers. That applies not only to State- 1 May 1997, when he said— owned nursing homes but all nursing home providers, including all of the private sector and "Perhaps we should be ... at least non-profit organisations. At present, mature enough to say that, if nowhere Queensland faces an iniquitous situation else, perhaps national parks ought to be whereby the Commonwealth's level of subsidy the one place where all species, including varies from State to State. It will be no surprise fish, are protected. I believe that to members opposite to hear who gets the ultimately that may be the position to biggest subsidy and who is most opposed to which the Queensland community Queensland's getting a fair deal. comes." Mr Purcell: Victoria. Does the Minister stand by those comments? If so, when does he believe that "all species, Mrs EDMOND: Of course it is Victoria. In including fish", will be protected in national the past all moves for Queensland to get a parks? better deal have been stymied by Victoria's opposition. In the lead-up to the Federal Mr WELFORD: Yes, I do stand by those election, instead of allowing it to continue to do comments, but that does not mean that the what it was doing and looking at ways of Government is immediately going to ban moving to a fairer system, the Commonwealth fishing in national parks. In fact, we have Government flicked it to the Productivity absolutely no intention of doing so. As in the Commission. What did the Productivity past, we have agreed, with Sunfish, the Commission do? It came out publicly and said organisation representing recreational fishers, that Queensland was getting a raw deal. It to continue to allow fishing in designated admitted that Queensland was getting a raw national parks. Not all national parks in the deal and, in the short term, that should be coastal area or inland are allowed to be fished addressed by the Commonwealth now. They never have been and there are Government. certain areas of particular sensitivity where they never will be. But a number of national parks Under the present arrangement, the are open for fishing, and that situation remains Commonwealth Government is short-changing unchanged at present. In close cooperation Queensland to the tune of at least $44m per with recreational fishers, we will continue to year—it could be up to about $60m per monitor the situation and make sure that year—simply because we receive a lower level whatever occurs in our national parks is of subsidy. However, we still have to meet all sustainable in the long term. 18 Nov 1998 Questions Without Notice 3269

Youth Housing Initiatives In relation to the original point, no, I do Mr ROBERTS: I refer the Minister for not intend to change my stance on making Public Works and Housing to recent comments public housing available to people under the in the media about the Government's policy on age of 18 years. I do not think that will solve allowing people under the age of 18 years to the problem. That decision does not mean have access to public housing, and I ask: can that we will be turning our backs on young people at all. In fact, quite the contrary: we are he outline his stand on that issue, and does very committed to providing housing the Government have any special initiatives in alternatives to young people in a supportive mind for youth housing? way. Mr SCHWARTEN: I thank the honourable member for the question. The honourable member is well known for his interest in Cardiac Services, Princess Alexandra community and public housing. I take this Hospital opportunity to reaffirm the comments that I Miss SIMPSON: I refer the Minister for made at Yeppoon the other day, that is, I do Health to her department's order on 11 not believe that changing our policy to enable November 1998 to PA Hospital cardiologists to under 18-year-olds to have as-of-right access stop performing heart procedures on south to public housing would do anything to alter side cardiac patients at the Prince Charles youth homelessness in this State. Hospital, and I ask: why has she made this decision, given that it means that those I think most honourable members would patients will be forced to wait longer for their agree with me that youth homelessness is of heart procedures because the PA Hospital great concern to all of us and something must cardiac unit is funded to operate only two days be done about it. It would be very easy for me a week? to acquiesce and say, "Under 18-year-olds can come into public housing. That will solve the Mrs EDMOND: The PA Hospital cardiac problem and my conscience will be clear." unit is an interesting case. It is one of those However, that is not way I operate. That is not cases that I well remember debating in this the way in which this Government thinks or House with the previous Minister. There were operates, either. photos in the newspaper and the big story was that it would be opening with a director in the The fact of the matter is that public middle of 1997. But what happened? The housing is about housing on a long-term basis. former Minister turned up his nose at every Crisis accommodation and youth housing have Australian-trained specialist. He was not going to be tailored more to the needs of young to have any of them; he had to get somebody people who, because of one crisis or another, from overseas. But of course that did not find themselves homeless. The fact of the happen; they heard about the previous matter is that that is not the long-term position Minister and said, "There's no way I'm going to for a lot of young people in any case, and work under him." crisis accommodation is what they need most. There has been a problem. However, I My preference would be to extend the am happy to tell members that we have now boarding house program to cater for that recruited a director of cardiac services at the problem. It offers a unique opportunity to PA Hospital who will be starting in January. Not provide supportive housing for young people. only have the funds not been cut; the funds That is where we are coming from. I invite all have been going to other hospitals to pick up honourable members to agree with me when I the services that could not be provided at the say that having young people in public PA Hospital in the interim. There has been a housing in an unsupported situation would not 21% increase in cardiac funding for the PA do anything whatsoever to help them or Hospital. progress the issue of homelessness at all. The member for Maroochydore continues I believe that boarding houses—especially to highlight the problems caused by the given the high standard that we commenced previous Minister and his failures. Is this a under our Government; and to the previous leadership bid? We used to see the former Government's credit, it continued our program Minister for Health trying to undermine the in that regard—offer us that opportunity. former Premier, and now we have the member Recently, I announced the extension of that for Maroochydore trying to undermine the program into youth housing. I am delighted to Deputy Leader of the Opposition. This is say that within the next couple of weeks we will clearly another leadership bid on the part of be announcing $4.5m worth of projects to the member. Perhaps being the spokesperson cater for youth housing. for Health goes to their head. Perhaps they 3270 Statutory Instruments Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998 cannot help it; it just goes to their head and for certain periods. In essence, subordinate gives them ambition. I guarantee the Premier legislation for which a replacement is being that I will not be undermining him in the same drafted or which is not proposed to be way, nor will I be undermining the Deputy replaced may be exempted for a non- Premier. I am quite happy being the Minister renewable period of up to 12 months. for Health and I am prepared to keep fighting Subordinate legislation which is for better services while members opposite complementary or uniform with the legislation whinge. of another State or Territory or with the Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time for Commonwealth may be exempted for questions has expired. renewable periods of up to five years. The first regulation made under these provisions which provided for such exemptions STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS AMENDMENT was the Statutory Instruments Amendment BILL Regulation (No. 1) of 1998, which was made in Second Reading May this year. The purpose of provision for exemptions is, of course, to prevent the Resumed from 6 August (see p. 1726). needless remaking of subordinate legislation Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers where it is already under review, is being Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) redrafted or forms part of a scheme of (11.30 a.m.): In speaking to the Statutory legislation with another jurisdiction. I thank the Instruments Amendment Bill 1998, I say that Opposition for its support. the Opposition will not unduly delay the Motion agreed to. business of the House out of fairness to other matters that need to be considered. This is legislation that is straightforward and warrants Committee support. I would just say to the House that standard sunset clauses on subordinate Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— legislation are a sensible element of modern ALP) (Premier) in charge of the Bill. public administration. The Opposition supports Clause 1— the Bill, as we will always support good measures. Mr BORBIDGE (11.34 a.m.): I just want to take this opportunity to make the point that Despite the somewhat dodgy analysis by this Bill does seem to have some remarkable the Premier on this front in his second-reading similarities to a Bill that was put together by the speech, reformist legislation is neither solely previous Government earlier this year. No nor, by any stretch, wholly the preserve of the doubt there are some minor modifications that Labor Party. The coalition's proposal for a two- the new Government has made. year moratorium on sunset clauses was designed to provide scope for real reform of Mr Bredhauer interjected. legislation in line with the modernisation of the Mr BORBIDGE: The Government has Criminal Code and the Penalties and changed an apostrophe, I think. Sentences Act, passed through this House during the term of office of the previous Mr Bredhauer: This is part of our secret coalition Government. legislative agenda! However, this Bill is better than nothing; it Mr BORBIDGE: If they were all as good does the job. All Governments take action, as this, we would have no problem. usually on a continuing basis, to reduce Mr BEATTIE: I acknowledge the administrative costs. This Bill sets out to contribution made by the Leader of the simplify the legislative process—of itself a most Opposition and use this as an opportunity to worthy aim—and will thereby help contain highlight that we have no secret legislative costs. The Opposition wishes this legislation agenda. In fact, we will deliver on the speedy passage. commitments on which we went to the people Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— in the 1998 election. What you see with us is ALP) (Premier) (11.31 a.m.), in reply: I thank what you get. There is no secret legislative the Leader of the Opposition and the agenda. We are open, transparent and Opposition for their support for the Bill. As I honest—just wonderful, wonderful people. mentioned in my second-reading speech, the Clause 1, as read, agreed to. existing Statutory Instruments Act 1992 allows Clauses 2 to 8, as read, agreed to. for subordinate legislation, which would otherwise expire, to be exempted from expiry Bill reported, without amendment. 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3271

Third Reading in the inner city and Valley areas of New Farm, Bill, on motion of Mr Beattie, by leave, Teneriffe and surrounding suburbs—we read a third time. certainly have to address those needs. Again, that comes back to the light rail concept— Briztram or whatever one calls it. This is an TRANSPORT LEGISLATION AMENDMENT issue with which we cannot play politics. It is an BILL (No. 2) issue that we have to get on with. Second Reading The Gold Coast Highway is another issue Resumed from 17 November (see about which I believe the proof of the pudding p. 3229). has been in the eating. No doubt the Minister agrees. I notice that the Minister has had a Mr JOHNSON (Gregory—NPA) sign erected to the effect that there are some (11.36 a.m.), continuing: Last evening in the 1,300 or 1,400 people currently employed on House during the first part of my address, I that project. was speaking in relation to the City/Valley bypass, bearing in mind that the Minister said Mr Bredhauer: 1,480. yesterday in his ministerial statement that the Mr JOHNSON: I thank the Minister. I State Government would not be contributing make the point—the Minister is well aware of by way of funding to the City/Valley bypass. All this—that the projects in question have had a I have seen so far is the de facto Minister, Mr flow-on effect on unemployment right down Soorley—the Lord Mayor of Brisbane—telling into northern New South Wales and as far the State Government how the money should north as Bundaberg and Hervey Bay as a be spent to solve the problems that he has result of people producing and supplying created. I say to the Minister that we need to goods. adopt bipartisan support for this. I believe that we are in a unique situation at present in Mr Bredhauer: We estimate about 4,000 Brisbane—and for the whole of Queensland jobs. for that matter. Mr JOHNSON: That figure is considerably I will touch again on the Integrated higher than I thought it was. I thought it was Regional Transport Plan. I think that that is around 3,500 jobs. That is fantastic news. probably one of the most wonderful Before I left the role of Minister responsible for documents that has ever been put into the Departments of Transport and Main circulation by any Government. I know that the Roads, I asked my engineers to put in place former Labor Government was responsible for what they see is the grand plan for addressing the conception of that document and I was the the transportation needs of the greater one who launched it. I know that it is a living, Brisbane/south-east corner of Queensland as working document that is going to enable local we progress into the 21st century. The Minister government in the south-east of this State to will be able to talk to these people, and I hope plan its transport and infrastructure needs and he carries on with the plan. Some of the best community needs well into the 21st century. engineers in the Commonwealth are working in the Queensland Departments of Transport and We have seen something happen for too Main Roads. I believe that, before the Gold long in this State, and it has happened in Coast project is completed, we should be Sydney. As a young boy going to school in looking to see where else we can use this Sydney, I remember seeing a block of units expertise and knowledge—I refer to the built in the north shore area of Sydney. Within contractors and road builders as well—to carry 12 months the whole lot was bulldozed to on with the work that should be done. allow a road to go through. That was a considerable loss to that community as well as Mr Littleproud: There's a little bit of road to the people who had invested in those units. west of Dalby. We certainly do not need to see a repeat of Mr JOHNSON: Yes, the Uralla bypass is that in this State. another project—$13m, I think. We are talking The City/Valley bypass is certainly an area about not only the south-east corner but the that is applicable to the IRTP and I believe that whole of Queensland. Even development in we have to be responsible in how we approach the Minister's own area around Cairns needs it. I believe that even the Premier himself is to be addressed. We could talk about areas concerned about the bottleneck there, which right throughout the State. I note that the can and should be addressed, because it is in member for Chermside is in the Chamber. The the very heart of his electorate. Considering Nundah bottleneck also has to be addressed. the growth in the city—especially considering We could take shots at each other across the the number of people currently wanting to live Chamber about what has and has not 3272 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998 happened in the past, but we must make advantage of the public transport system so these plans a reality. This city is growing. This that we can get private vehicles off the road. State is growing. The population of this State We need to utilise our busways and the other will double early in the 21st century, and we aspects of our public transport system— have to make sure we have planning and Queensland Rail, the ferry service or whatever. engineering initiatives in place so that we can During a speech on other transport deal with that increase properly, precisely and legislation I warned the Minister about allowing responsibly. the Lord Mayor to proceed. I advised him to Mr Sullivan: Can I ask you a question? check on his plans relating to different issues. I Mr JOHNSON: Yes. had a very good working relationship with Maureen Hayes, the transport spokesperson Mr Sullivan: The IRTP outlines a plan, here in Brisbane. No doubt the Minister has, but isn't the difficulty that when you start to as well. We have to take a bipartisan approach implement it it will impinge on people and they to this to make absolutely certain that it works. do not want that in their backyards? Mr Bredhauer: Soorley said you weren't a Mr JOHNSON: That is exactly what the bad poor beggar, either. IRTP is all about. It is a living, working document. The Minister will add to that. The Mr JOHNSON: Is that right? I do not want idea of the IRTP is to enable people to plan. the Minister to hide behind what Lord Mayor Local authorities, State Governments and Jim is saying, thus pretending that this major Federal Governments can all plan together decision on the future of transport in south- responsibly to ensure that projects will not east Queensland has nothing to do with him. It impinge on the backyards of the people the certainly does, but at the same time it has a member for Chermside refers to. If a young great deal to do with the Minister. We certainly couple buy a home, they will know that they do not want a repeat of the koala tunnel. I can be in that home for the rest of their lives. note that the former Transport Minister is in the They can rear their family there and do not Chamber. What a grand opportunity this is for need to be worried about someone coming me to take the mickey out of him. along in 10 or 15 years' time, bulldozing that Mr Hamill: You are still hurting community and putting a road through for their because—— own financial gain. The IRTP is about making Mr JOHNSON: I am not hurting at all. The absolutely certain that these communities can member could not make a decision. He is now grow and that people can live and work the Treasurer of the State! What did he spend together. on that road when he was Transport Minister? Mr Sullivan: Some of the IRTP plans It was something like $77m. That amount of show that roads need to be built where there money was wasted down there, buying land. are currently homes. It will impinge on existing The figure was probably closer to $120m or homes. $130m. Mr JOHNSON: The northern inner busway Mr Littleproud: What about that tunnel is a real problem. I am certainly not going to for the koalas? play politics with that issue. We have to look at Mr JOHNSON: That is what I am talking that issue together responsibly. It is a real about. Those opposite cannot handle the truth concern for the Brisbane City Council. It is a sometimes. I see the member for Sunnybank concern for the Department of Transport and laughing. the Department of Main Roads. I think we have to work through the issues together to Mr Robertson: You are not going to start make absolutely certain that we see these on me, are you? busways put in place for the benefit of people Mr JOHNSON: No. in the future. Mr Robertson: You always come off worst I come back to the issue of public when you do that. transport. There is nothing nearer and dearer Mr JOHNSON: I have been in a lot of to my heart. We have to start educating our hard brawls in my time and I reckon the community about public transport. We need to member for Sunnybank would be a educate our schoolchildren about public lightweight. transport. We need to encourage them to use it after they have left school. My son, who is Mr Hamill: By the look of you, you lost currently attending the Queensland University most of them. of Technology, uses public transport all the Mr JOHNSON: I will talk about that later. time. We have to teach our kids to take There is considerable work to be done on the 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3273 busways here in Brisbane and in the south- for those who are examining the feasibility of east. I mention the South East Transit Project. new railway corridors. The immediate I believe that $540m program will be the start application of these provisions will relate to the of many changes to public transport in this part further assessment of the Surat Dawson of Queensland, especially interfacing with the project, which is better known to members of Logan area and the CBD of Brisbane. Bus this House and the wider community as stations are currently under construction at SUDAW, and which was again an initiative of Garden City and Springwood—once again, an the coalition Government working in initiative of the coalition Government. conjunction with private enterprise. That is a This investment in busway infrastructure job creator and a wealth generator of will need to be supported by bus priority magnificent proportions for this State. It is measures. The required amendments to the great that it has been included in this piece of Transport Infrastructure Act and the Transport legislation, because that will allow the project Planning and Coordination Act to enable the to get under way. It will also allow the planners department to facilitate and manage these of the project to take advantage of the matters have been excluded from this necessary transport arteries and corridors to legislation. I call upon the Minister, now that he facilitate the carriage of coal from the mines in has almost finished re-announcing the question to the ports—whether they be at initiatives of the Borbidge coalition Gladstone or Bundaberg. Government, to advise this House of his I notice that the Minister was generous intention regarding the management of the enough to acknowledge in his second-reading busways issues. I, in common with others, speech that this project has the potential to would like to know whether it is still the generate thousands of jobs throughout the intention that the chief executive will be the State. This is an absolutely magnificent management authority for these busways, project, one that I believe is probably second which are being constructed with taxpayer only to the Bowen Basin coalfields and one funding. Have there been others suggesting that is going to generate enormous wealth in that they can spend State money better? conjunction with the north-west mineral Part 2 of this Bill before the House relates province around Mount Isa/Cloncurry. to the Transport (Gladstone East End to Members of this House and people outside Harbour Corridor) Act 1996. This Act was this House do not realise the enormity of the introduced by the coalition Government to untapped wealth of this State. We are in the provide for a rail corridor to allow QCL to very fortunate situation of once again being expand its Gladstone facilities. This expansion able to work with private enterprise—and for permitted the closure of the Darra plant and Government to work with private enterprise—to also helped in stopping coral dredging in make this a reality. It is a fantastic initiative, Moreton Bay. Again, this is about allowing the and it is one that I believe will have terrific great industrial city of Gladstone to get its benefits to this State as a whole—not only to planning right. The Premier's unemployment this State but to the economy of this State and target over the next five years is 5%. nation. When the project commences, the Gladstone is certainly a part of Queensland Minister might like to ensure that a sign is that can assist in reaching that unemployment erected to record the job creation by the target. coalition—like the one on the Pacific Motorway. I am not having a shot at the Currently there is a group of Minister; it is about recognising what we did in schoolchildren in the gallery. This is the Government. As Minister, I certainly generation for whom we as members of recognised some of the things that the Parliament are responsible. When we talk member did when formerly in Government. I about unemployment, it is our responsibility to believe that this project could create probably make certain, whether it be Gladstone, 2,000 or 3,000 jobs—maybe more. None of us Brisbane, Cairns, out in the west of the State know that at this time. or wherever, that we put infrastructure in place that will take up that slack in unemployment. People said that the Pacific Motorway could not be built. The proof of the pudding is The amendments that members are in the eating. I applaud the contractors and currently considering are retrospective, as they the people who have worked on that project to clarify the actual property descriptions for land date. While the coalition put it in place, I am acquisitions that have already taken place. pleased that this Government is supporting Part 4 of this Bill amends the Transport that project and this program, because it will Infrastructure Act 1994 for a number of be a major benefactor to the south-east part of reasons. The first allows for access to property this State as we progress into the 21st century. 3274 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998

I hope and trust that the current Minister and Mr JOHNSON: I am sorry, Madam Deputy this Government are looking at other ways and Speaker, but the Treasurer does provoke me means of utilising existing corridors in the somewhat. Every time I see him, I have to south-east of the State to address future take the micky out of him. I cannot help it! transportation needs as our population Mr Palaszczuk: To be a Rhodes scholar, increases and we progress into the 21st you have to play sport. century. So I urge all those travellers who pass by the job signs on the Pacific Motorway to Mr JOHNSON: The member has baffled remember who created those jobs. I ask them me with science on that one. I understand that to remember that, under Labor, there would to be a Rhodes scholar one has to play sport. I have been toll gates and they would be paying am not sure what sport the Treasurer played a toll for the privilege of driving from the Gold when he was the Minister for Transport in this Coast to Brisbane. State. It certainly was not roads. And as to road funding under the former Minister—I Mr Hamill: Not so. would have written a longer speech. I have Mr JOHNSON: The south-east another 26 minutes left, and I do not want to motorway—the Minister was going to make take up any more time on that. that a toll road. The Treasurer is now shaking Mr Hamill: You haven't written a speech his head. at all. You're just living off interjections. Mr Hamill: It was always to be a free Mr JOHNSON: No, I am not. road. Mr Hamill: Yes, you are. Mr JOHNSON: A free road? Yes, when Mr JOHNSON: No, I am not. one put two bob into the slot to get onto it! Mr Hamill: There you go again! Mr Hamill: No. Mr JOHNSON: Madam Deputy Speaker, Mr JOHNSON: Yes, it was. It was the would you protect me? south-east toll road. Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The Mr Hamill: You misunderstood the whole member should continue with his speech and thing. ignore any interjections that he does not want Mr JOHNSON: The Minister has changed to take. the rules again. He is pretty good at changing Mr JOHNSON: Would you ask him to the rules halfway through a game. Every time leave the Chamber? someone goes to kick a goal, he likes to The Bill before us also amends the squeeze the goalposts. We used to leave Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 so that them as they were. arrangements exist to facilitate the provisions Mr Lucas: I think you've head butted a of miscellaneous transport infrastructure, like few too many goalposts. conveyors or, in particular, pipelines. These provisions are quite reasonable, particularly Mr JOHNSON: Not me! I played the given the inordinate interest that the Labor game fairly and squarely. But my mate the Government has been taking in the Chevron Treasurer, the member for Ipswich—I am not pipeline. This legislation also amends the too sure whether he played. Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Mr Hamill: What? Act 1994 to close the loophole that has been Mr JOHNSON: Did he ever play any permitting some charter bus operators to sport? operate as taxis, particularly in the Minister's own region around Cairns. While I support the Mr Hamill: Yes. amendments, I suggest that the Minister and Mr JOHNSON: What did the Treasurer the department keep a close eye on other play? public transport operations in Cairns to ensure that operations accord with the intention of the Mr Hamill: I won't give you a long list legislation. now. I'll write you a letter. The amendments proposed to the Mr JOHNSON: Righto! Madam Deputy Integrated Planning Act 1997 are Speaker, I know that you are going to chip me consequential and ensure that minor works in a minute for getting away from the associated with rail feasibility studies are legislation. exempted from the Act. Part 7 provides for a Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER (Dr Clark): decision by the Deputy Premier and Minister Order! The member should return to the for State Development and Minister for Trade debate on this Bill. to exclude a decision regarding the 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3275 miscellaneous infrastructure to cross another toll to the lowest level the State has ever transport corridor from the Judicial Review Act. witnessed. I salute drivers, pedestrians and I notice the Minister's assurance that such everybody else who uses the State's roads, exemptions will only affect Government or byways and footpaths for being so responsible Government-owned corporation land. That this year. I hope, pray and trust that 1999 will does not mean, however, that such a decision have similar results. I take this opportunity to may not impact upon others in the vicinity of wish everybody in the Departments of the crossing. Transport and Main Roads and the I note that the Minister has relied on Queensland Police Service well for 1999. I similar provisions in the Transport (Gladstone thank them for their work in 1998 and the East End to Harbour Corridor) Act 1996 as support that they gave me as Minister. I wish justification for these provisions. That was one each and every one of them a very pleasant particular arrangement, whereas what is being Christmas and new year. proposed now is a generic arrangement. I will Mr LUCAS (Lytton—ALP) (12 p.m.): I rise simply note that the then shadow Minister for to support the Bill before the House that was Transport, who now is the Deputy Premier and introduced by my colleague the Minister for Minister for State Development and Minister Transport and Main Roads. I will address a few for Trade, is being given this power. During the issues in relation to the Bill. The first issue is debate about the Transport (Gladstone East the provision of the power to remove vehicles End to Harbour Corridor) Act, he sought and animals that are causing an obstruction assurances that there would be no on the State's roads. Until now, that power has disadvantage to locals by the establishment of been able to be exercised only by officers of the corridor. I now ask no less of him and ask the Queensland Police Service. Considerable for similar assurances about those potentially resources are wasted and time is frequently more numerous and significant decisions. used on removal tasks that could be used by I again indicate the Opposition's support those police officers in lowering the road for this legislation, and I look forward to the toll—as the member for Gregory Minister commenting upon the matters of indicated—and in doing other more important reservation that I have raised. things that they are specifically trained to do. As an aside, that brings me to the general As we approach the Christmas period issue of the delineation problems in policing here in Queensland, I wish to reflect on the laws in this State. My electorate is an road toll of this State. I know that all members electorate situated on Moreton Bay, where would share my delight at the success of Campaign 300, which I initiated as Minister. I transport regulations are enforced generally by know that the current Minister very ably the Water Police. Environmental legislation is supports that campaign. Campaign 300 has enforced by Department of Environment worked extremely well. Many people are not officers. The Brisbane City Council enforces aware that we have brought down the road toll collection of shellfish laws. The Department of in this State. In 1995, I think the figure was Primary Industries enforces fisheries laws. That 456. really is quite silly. The more we can do to standardise enforcement the better. At least, if Mr Sullivan: Almost 500. we need to have separate enforcement Mr JOHNSON: The figure was 456. We officers, other enforcement officers should be have it down to a bit over 200 at the moment, given ancillary powers. That is very important. and I am hoping that it will come in well under I support strongly the Minister's initiative in 300 for this year. I hope that next year we will seeking to extend the removal powers to local have a similar campaign that will help the government. That is the body that usually has people of Queensland say that we have a local knowledge that would make them aware target. It is a sad thing when we talk about a of the fact that there is a cause for removing a target for road deaths. Although we have that vehicle or an animal that is obstructing a road. carnage on our roads, Campaign 300 has It might be thought that such obstructions are probably saved 400 people from being merely an eyesore, but they are very much a severely injured on our roads this year. I salute safety issue. In many cases, people could be the officers of Queensland Transport, injured. For example, kids could walk out from particularly those in Paul Blake's section, the behind derelict vehicles. A vehicle might have Land Transport and Safety Division, and also been on a road for a lengthy period and Inspector Michael Hannigan from the everyone may have assumed that it is sitting Queensland Police Service for the great work there for a reason when, in fact, it is sitting that those two units in those respected there for no reason. A kid could walk out from departments have done in bringing the road behind that vehicle and be killed. It is very 3276 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998 important to give those powers to local allowed to ride on footpaths. However, a governments. I am sure that they will exercise problem arises when cyclists reach shopping them responsibly. I understand that guidelines centre areas. My electorate has a higher will be provided to them covering those issues, proportion than average of older people. A real such as notifying the local police of the problem is created in Wynnum shopping removal of the obstruction. centres when irresponsible people choose to One of the major sources of complaint ride their bikes in the shopping area where that I receive in relation to urban issues is the they have to dodge around old people. I have parking of long vehicles in urban streets. It is a seen people struck by bicycles. That is a real constant source of irritation to people who concern to me. More action needs to be taken have a nice amenity outside their house. They in that regard. I would argue that that is like to look out and see the lawn and across primarily the domain of local governments, the road. They do not like having a very long because they can determine in what areas vehicle parked outside their house or across cyclists should ride and in what areas they the road creating an eyesore, making a should not. That issue is becoming a major nuisance and blocking up what is a small problem. If a little kid runs into an old lady and street. Some time ago the State Government then rides off, to whom will that old lady look to amended the legislation to allow local pay her medical bills if, because she has frail governments to exercise a power in that bones, her hip has been broken? It is quite a regard. I can understand why it did that, common problem and one that needs because it is local governments that have local addressing. I go to the Gold Coast for my knowledge and which exercise parking Christmas holidays. I enjoy riding up to the regulations. The problem is that local Tugun newsagency to get the morning paper. governments have not really addressed that That area has a very clear system: cyclists can issue. It is important that local governments ride along the footpath until they reach the have that power because what is perhaps shopping centre where there are signs stating acceptable in the shadow Minister's electorate, that cyclists must dismount at that point. for example, may not be acceptable in mine. Cyclists hop off their bikes there or ride on the There may be some parts of Queensland road from that point. That is the sort of where one could park a long vehicle in a measure that is needed everywhere to residential street and no-one would care, but in encourage the safe use of bicycles. Pedestrian my electorate people do care. I am very use of paths must be paramount and such a disappointed that local governments have not measure encourages respect for the rights of progressed further with their efforts to address pedestrians. the issue of long vehicles being parked in The Bill contains a number of residential streets. If that issue is not amendments to the Transport Infrastructure addressed by local governments soon, the Act. One such amendment allows State Government may have to revisit it in the investigations for new rail corridors to be interests of the people of Queensland. carried out. That power will give new and Mr Littleproud: The irregular working existing railway managers access to land to hours of long-distance drivers cause the investigate the feasibility of improving the rail problem. network. A few days ago, when I was reading an article from the library about the Wilbur Mr LUCAS: That is right. As the member Smith plan—the plan that gave us that points out, it is a problem. What might be monstrosity of a freeway outside this place and acceptable in the member's electorate is not routed all traffic from the north side and the acceptable in mine. Further, it is a south side through the city instead of around responsibility of the transport operators. They the city—I was shocked to read what was said should be supplying their workers with proper about rail. It was suggested that the Cleveland yards in which to park their vehicles. It is not line ought to have been closed. How would the poor truckies' fault. We have to resolve people in my electorate or in the electorate of that problem. the members for Redlands, Cleveland and I turn now to the use of bicycles on Capalaba have been affected if we had footpaths. Some time ago, legislation was adopted that sort of warped logic? No doubt, amended to allow bicycles to be used on the corridor would have been sold. footpaths. I have no difficulty with that at all. I am the parent of three young cyclists and a Mr Mickel interjected. child sits on the back seat of my bike when we Mr LUCAS: The member for Logan go for a ride. I can understand that, for very makes a very good point. I will refer to that important safety reasons, everyone should be shortly. 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3277

It is very important that we make Mr LUCAS: It is a great privilege and an decisions now about transport corridors. honour to represent my electorate because People tend to get upset when suddenly a the people of my electorate are that little bit decision is made to give them a transport different. My electorate is more like a small corridor, when in the past they have held the provincial city. view that it is unlikely that there would be one Mr Bredhauer: You are a very special there. If we make such plans early so we can part of Brisbane. say, "This is the transport corridor; this is what you can expect in the future", then people who Mr LUCAS: We are. The member for acquire land in the area cannot say that they Sunnybank is an old boy of Wynnum Central have been misled. That is very important, State School and a very proud product of that because this is a fast-growing State. The school. I might add that Mr Speaker's good south-east corner of Queensland will become wife, Diane, is a former Lota resident. So there more and more populous as time goes by. It is is a lot of esteemed company in my local area. very important to take steps now to have a However, there is a problem with having only public transport system that can adequately one disabled taxi. Wynnum Hospital is not service our future needs. particularly well suited to access by public transport. So I ask the Minister to look into that The member for Logan mentioned areas matter. near his electorate. I do not think the Finally, I want to speak briefly about an Beaudesert line is being used any more. I issue that is very, very important to the think that, when the meatworks closed, it was economic development of south-east mothballed. It is very important to protect that Queensland and, indeed, the rest of the State, corridor because the population in that area is growing as more and more development and that is the port of Brisbane. In the time occurs. I confidently predict that one day that that I have worked with the Minister on his line will be used as part of the urban rail legislation committee, I have not been network. anything but impressed by his level of commitment to transport issues, and, indeed, Mr Paff: Hear, hear! his policy commitment. The Minister really Mr LUCAS: The member for Ipswich does have a very firm grasp of the policy West's electorate is also an area that is issues of his portfolio. I have also been very developing very quickly. We need to consider impressed, as the shadow Minister indicated the preservation of those rail corridors, so I previously, by the very high calibre of people certainly support that provision in the Bill. who work for the Minister in his department. That certainly gives me great confidence that Mr Mickel: The Logan council isn't that aspect of the infrastructure of this State is helping much. in very good hands. Mr LUCAS: I cannot comment on the I was very pleased to be able to talk to Logan council. I will have to ask the member the Main Roads Department official about for Logan to mention that in his contribution. some local transport issues, such as Lytton Certainly, it is a joint effort between State and Road and the port road. Under the latest local governments, and the Federal Roads Implementation Plan, a number of Government if we could get this Federal works are being undertaken on Lytton Road Government to put any money into it, which I which will upgrade its safety substantially. doubt very much. However, that is not the end of it; we need I want to comment briefly on an excellent more. If we are going to have a world-class port, we need a port road and we need that as project by the Queensland Council of Social soon as possible. It never ceased to amaze Services. It is undertaking a study of the me that the Federal Liberal/National transport options in Wynnum, which has an older than usual population. Only very recently, Government was prepared to spend millions I wrote to the Transport Minister about the fact and millions of dollars of taxpayers' money and that my local area has only one disabled taxi. then take millions and millions of dollars from Wynnum Cabs is actually licensed separately stevedores and intervene politically to try to to the rest of Brisbane. I am very pleased that sort out, in its view, the waterside workers' that is the case, because we consider dispute and attempt to smash the Maritime ourselves to be a little bit different from the rest Union of Australia. The Federal Government of Brisbane. was very interested in that sort of port/waterfront reform but it could not give two Mr Bredhauer: So do most hoots about real port/waterfront reform, which Queenslanders. is increasing access to the port by having a 3278 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998 proper road accessing the port from the ensure that the Police Service will be notified Gateway Arterial road. of any vehicles that are removed by local The Federal Government is not interested authorities so that the police do not end up in the real issues; it is interested only in chasing stolen vehicle reports for vehicles that ideological purges and drives. It is about time were removed under these provisions. In the Federal Government realised that it had relation to these matters, I have been given to some responsibility for putting in the money for understand that protocols will be put in place the port road so that we can get our cargo regarding the liaison between the Police shipped in and out of the south-east corner of Service and the local authority. I seek the the State efficiently and expeditiously. In Minister's clarification on those arrangements common with any other method of multimodal that will be put in place. transport, the port is as slow as its largest Other amendments facilitate the entry bottleneck, and at the moment the port road is onto properties by appropriate persons who a bottleneck and it needs to be fixed. Instead are carrying out investigations concerning the of having Peter Reith going on ideological potential for future rail corridors. Although I crazes and benders, it is about time the support these amendments, I find it surprising Federal Government put its money where its that these provisions are limited to rail corridors mouth is and actually did something that might because in this very Bill we are considering increase the economic wealth of this State. special powers being given to the Deputy In conclusion, I commend the Minister on Premier and Minister for State Development this legislation. I look forward to his very long and Minister for Trade concerning and distinguished tenure in this portfolio. So miscellaneous transport infrastructure. I far, from what I have seen, I have certainly suggest to the Minister that it may now be time been very impressed. I think that we will to consider it appropriate to be less restrictive continue to see that good work. in confining these powers only to rail corridors and expanding the definition so that it is more Mr BAUMANN (Albert—NPA) generic—something like transport corridors, not (12.13 p.m.): As the shadow Minister for just rail projects. Although I understand that Transport and Main Roads has indicated, the specific powers are given under the Opposition proposes to support this Bill, which miscellaneous transport infrastructure amends a number of pieces of transport legislation, these do not appear to adequately legislation. I would like to get some assurances address the question of access to properties from the Minister on some of the proposed for the assessment of these corridors. amendments. For example, the Opposition supports the delegation of powers to local I think that it would be appropriate for a authorities regarding the abandonment of consistent process regarding notices of vehicles, which was mentioned by the previous intention that could, if necessary, address the speaker, and vehicles left in dangerous question of appeals across the whole positions. This particular problem has been a infrastructure development legislative difficulty for local authorities since time framework. In relation to this Bill, that was immemorial. Previously, to handle the problem identified by the Scrutiny of Legislation appropriately has required a great deal of time Committee. The shadow Minister advises me and effort on the part of police officers, whose that there is transport legislation due to expire time could have been better spent protecting in the new year and that this is an issue that our community by apprehending law-breakers. the Minister may care to consider at that time. I note that the delegation of power I note that the new section 79G deals with relating to this problem follows consultation matters of compensation and/or rectification with the QLGA and that it has supported regarding loss or damage arising from entry assuming this role. One of the reasons that onto the land. I also note that if these the police had problems with the existing compensation arrangements cannot be arrangements was the difficulty of identifying agreed, the Bill makes provision for the matter who was the legal owner of some of these to be decided by a court with the jurisdiction to abandoned vehicles. I think it is only fair to allot the amount of compensation paid. That assume that the staff of the local authorities seems to be a redundant provision because I will have even more difficulty with the think that entitlement would be available to the identification process as, presumably, they will land-holder regardless. Perhaps the Minister not have access to the same information as could clarify that point for me. does the Police Service. While I am on the Another matter about which I am topic of cooperation with the Police Service, I concerned relates to the qualification of "within hope that arrangements will be put in place to a reasonable time" in the Bill. That phrase 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3279 attaches itself to these arrangements and necessary to deliver the intermodal and creates another grey area that will need some integrated services that are demanded by more definite interpretation. I seek the today's commuters. Commuters are forcing the Minister's assurance that this qualification does department to recognise that things need to not diminish a person's usual entitlements in be amended. If legislation prevents the the types of cases about which we have successful integration and intermodalling of spoken. some of the services that should be available The amendments to the Transport to commuters—and supposedly we do such Operations (Passenger Transport) Act deal things in the best interests of the travelling with the definitions concerning charter public—commuters can present suggested operation by buses and the separate and amendments to the Minister. As the Minister important role played by taxis as part of a gets a real grasp of the abundant public public transport system. I trust that these transport problems that exist, perhaps he will amendments will be effective in overcoming make some recommendations of his own. This the problems that have arisen in Cairns in area will benefit from the Minister's further particular. The Minister would be well aware of attention. those problems. As the Minister knows also, Like the shadow Minister, I bring to the minibuses have been advertising and attention of the House the great work that is operating as taxis without being bound by any being done on the Gold Coast Highway by of the community obligations that are imposed Bob Higgins, the major projects manager, and upon taxi licensees by Queensland Transport his team. They and the contractors that they and, for that matter, nor have they been work with deserve all the credit and recognition subject to the licence fees associated with the that we can give them. They are managing to purchase of those taxi licences. In this construct a massive piece of infrastructure instance, the operator was warned from the despite the traffic that continues to use that outset that this type of operation was not in road, and they are doing it with a minimum of accordance with the intent of the legislation fuss. My electorate probably contains the and that the Government had every intention major portion of that construction and I am of ensuring protection of the taxi industry. very well aware of the problems as they arise. I While we agree that these amendments am very appreciative of the fact that Bob are appropriate, I fear that they will only Higgins and his team deal with those problems address the symptoms and that they indicate very professionally. that there is an underlying problem in Cairns Mr SULLIVAN (Chermside—ALP) and, for that matter, any other major tourist (12.32 p.m.): I rise in support of amendments area of the State where there is a strong to the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994, and demand for various forms of public transport. particularly those amendments which are of Part of the problem could be that only one taxi strategic significance to Queensland and which company operates in that area. Perhaps there will attract major development projects across should be an examination of ways of the State. Before I refer to the amendments encouraging competition in the areas where that are proposed to Chapter 8 of the Act, I only one company dominates a particular turn to an issue that was raised by the shadow area. Minister. I find myself agreeing with almost Mr Bredhauer: Are you advocating everything that he said. competition in the taxi industry? The shadow Minister gave an example Mr BAUMANN: No, but I am very hopeful from Sydney of flats that were bulldozed a that the Minister will manage his portfolio in a short time after being built because the land far better fashion than some of his was needed for a transport corridor. There predecessors. needs to be planning. If we set aside planning routes, people can find out whether anything is Mr Robertson interjected. planned for the land and, therefore, can Mr BAUMANN: I mentioned Government decide whether to purchase on a short-term predecessors. Perhaps the member needs to basis or not to purchase at all. pay a little attention to his hearing. Another thing that the shadow Minister I am not convinced that the contract said that I agree with is that we cannot play system that was introduced by the Goss Labor politics with the IRTP and that it is too big a Government is conducive to fostering problem. I ask him to speak to one of his competition or cooperation in the public colleagues—and he knows to whom I am transport market. In particular, I refer to the referring—who is playing local partisan politics cooperation between operators that is with the IRTP and with corridors that have 3280 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998 been set aside. If we are to get a solution to important for the north side of Brisbane. I hope help solve a problem for one million that the consultation process on the IRTP will Queenslanders in the south-east corner, we receive bipartisan support. Difficulties will be have to take some hard decisions. involved in the project, but if we do not face The previous Minister said that he told his those difficulties now, all we will be doing is engineers that we have to put the big picture transferring a bigger difficulty to our children. in place, find out what is needed, do the Chapter 8 of the Act contains provisions planning and then get on with the project, and relevant to the Miscellaneous Transport I agree with that approach. I am pleased that Infrastructure Corridors process. The MTIC the current Minister and his department are process is a strategy that ensures that getting on with the job. I am also pleased at infrastructure corridors are facilitated across the attitude of the current Minister towards Queensland so as to allow for the most public consultation. That approach worked efficient transportation of commodities such as under previous Labor Ministers and it worked gas, mineral slurries, fly ash, water, electricity under the former Minister, Mr Johnson, with and telecommunications. Importantly, this projects such as the Nundah bottleneck. process has been devised by the Government Indeed, after consultation with the community, to balance, as far as possible, the interests of the final solution to the Nundah bottleneck has all stakeholders affected by the provision of been accepted by the vast majority of people. infrastructure corridors, including the As the shadow Minister said, we do not pastoralists, shire councils, Aboriginal people want to see the situation where a young and the users of the MTIC. The strategic couple purchases a house only to find that it importance of the MTIC process as a tool for will be needed for a corridor. The current State development has been displayed on two practice within the departments is difficult. of Queensland's largest and most significant Take the case of someone who writes to the projects, the gas pipeline to Mount Isa and department and says, "I intend to purchase Century Zinc. The development of those two number 37 White Street. Is that property going projects was vital to the realisation of billions of to be affected?" and the answer comes back, dollars of investments in the "No." That answer means that the property will Carpentaria/Mount Isa minerals province. not be affected, but a six-lane transport The legislative provisions that are relevant corridor could be planned to incorporate the to MTICs are contained in Chapter 8 of the property next door. In such cases, people feel Transport Infrastructure Act 1994. In their betrayed because they do not get the full present form, those provisions do not information. adequately deal with some of the critical issues Just last week, I learned of a person who that affect the MTIC process. The definition of has bought a unit at Nundah. Before he "miscellaneous transport infrastructure" under bought the unit, he asked whether it was going the current TIA was drafted so that it would to be affected by the Nundah bottleneck incorporate all forms of transportation project. The answer was: no. However, of the infrastructure except roads, rail and port seven units in his block, six are going to be transport infrastructure. demolished and his is the only one that will In this way, the true strategic nature of the remain. To have been told that his unit will not corridors could be recognised and the State be affected is absolutely wrong, because he could, if it so desired, create so-called will be massively affected. infrastructure highways. In following a strategic The departments have followed that approach to development in areas where it is practice for some decades and it needs to perceived that there will be a demand for change. If people were able to access the future corridors, such as in Gladstone, the maps, they could see where the property that Government would therefore be able to ensure they are interested in is in relation to any that the impact of acquisition and proposed changes. However, at the moment development on land-holders, the community when prospective purchasers or their solicitors and the environment is minimised by ensuring write to the department, they are not provided that water, electricity, gas and slurry pipelines with the maps. Perhaps the department could are housed, where possible, in the one corridor provide photocopies of maps to people who as opposed to having many different project- write in with these queries, because under the specific corridors. current system members of the public feel that However, at present proponents are they are being betrayed. unwilling to utilise the MTIC concept on the The shadow Minister also referred to the basis that the definition is so broad that it may northern busways project, which is very be too broad to encompass the specific 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3281 requirements for their project. Consequently, Until that network is in place with respect financiers of major projects are not comfortable to the busways in Brisbane and until there is a with the process, and the Government is comfortable, viable option to cars, we will see forced to make regulations or project-specific the growing use of private motor vehicles and legislation—we saw this, for example, in growing gridlock. At the moment, the option is relation to the Century Zinc Project Act 1997— either sitting in one's airconditioned car, which gives a proponent and its financiers listening to the radio station of one's choice, sufficient comfort to go ahead with the project. and taking 45 minutes to get to work, or The proposed amendments that we are standing or sitting in a crowded bus and taking referring to in this Bill remove this problem by 45 minutes to get to work. When the option encompassing a subparagraph which narrows becomes spending either 20 minutes in a bus the definition to refer specifically to all potential or 50 minutes in a car, public transport will be a transport infrastructure demands for the real option and people will start to use it. present day, while maintaining the broadness of the original definition to allow for future I commend the Minister for his ongoing purposes. In addition, the amendments commitment to public transport and for his address issues of uncertainty for proponents in commitment to transport infrastructure in relation to the granting of a licence to house Queensland. I support the Bill. miscellaneous transport infrastructure. Hon. B. G. LITTLEPROUD (Western In creating certainty where developers Downs—NPA) (12.33 p.m.): I am pleased to had previously had concerns, these support the passage of the Transport amendments will provide comfort to Legislation Amendment Bill through the proponents in relation to MTIC facilitation and House. It has already been acknowledged by give statutory effect to the corridor licence. the shadow Minister, the member for Gregory, Therefore, it can be seen that the that we intend to fully support this Bill. I noticed amendments are essential to the future some young people in the public gallery development of infrastructure in Queensland. earlier. They could be forgiven for thinking that Importantly, the amendment makes the MTIC Parliament is a place of everlasting opposition. process an attractive, workable development However, that is not the case. In this instance tool that benefits not just developers but all the legislation is already working, but this Bill stakeholders who may be affected by will make it work better. infrastructure development, and removes the necessity for corridor duplication by allowing for In particular, I wish to speak about two the creation of infrastructure highways. All of pieces of legislation that will be amended by this will help Queensland develop and help this Bill. In the overall scheme of things, this create jobs, jobs, jobs, which is the focus of legislation addresses the role of the State the Beattie Labor Government. Government to open up the resources of the I agree with previous speakers who have State and to provide infrastructure. Having sat emphasised the need for the development of around the Cabinet table under two different public transport corridors. Until we have in Governments, I have gained a pretty good place a full network, or close to a full network, understanding of how complex forward people will not use public transport because planning can be. I am sure that, over many they feel that it cannot serve their needs. With years, Governments of all political persuasions the quadruplication of the rail network, which have tried to foresee the future. However, in will allow for the express train services as well spite of that, invariably the Government of the as for the all-stop services, we will see an day comes up with something that requires improvement in the rail network. It is a massive amendment or a new issue that needs to be investment. I congratulate past and present addressed at that time. Ministers from both sides of the House on their work. I thank the Treasurer for the commitment The Gladstone rail link was progressed that he has given to that project. Hundreds of some time ago under the Goss Government. millions of dollars have been invested, and still That was because the limestone resource in need to be invested, before that Moreton Bay was being exhausted and QCL quadruplication is completed. Once it has had to find a new source of lime. been completed, we will see dramatic changes Environmental problems also had to be to the frequency of services, particularly from addressed. We had to be mindful also that a outlying areas. For example, the tilt rain now number of jobs were tied up in the industry in provides a viable transport option, cost wise Brisbane. We had to make sure also that and time wise, for people to travel from places plenty of cement and concrete was available such as Rockhampton to Brisbane. for the building industry in Queensland. The 3282 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998 issue was complex and planning was Bundaberg. It was frustrated that its undertaken by both the Department of investigations were being impeded. I Transport and the Department of Environment. understand that at present it is prepared to spend about $10m on the environmental We have now reached the stage at which impact assessment. It needs access to the the previous planning needs to be refined. I various routes proposed in order to undertake am pleased to see that a decision was made that assessment and to assess any to proceed with a rail link to take those huge engineering problems. This piece of legislation quantities of lime to the port of Gladstone; that will facilitate this project and benefit future it was better to use a rail link than existing projects also. I fully support that initiative. roads. Unfortunately, major planning always results in some people being disadvantaged. I wish to speak about one other issue in However, the departmental officers do a pretty relation to forward planning, namely, the good job of negotiating with those people who, cultural record Act. Both the Minister for from time to time, are disadvantaged because Transport and the Minister for Mines and of progress. Getting the new Gladstone Energy—who is in the Chamber—would be cement works up and running involved a aware of the looming problems in this area. In lengthy process. These refinements will make the mid eighties, with the very best of it work even better, and I support them. intentions, the then Government brought in the cultural record Act, because it wanted to The other amendment to the Transport make sure that we preserved the culture of the Infrastructure Act relates to the SUDAW various people who have lived in Australia. project. Since I have been the member for However, that Act was put in place prior to Western Downs and, before that, the member Mabo and Wik. As the then Minister for for Condamine, I have been pushing for the Environment, I became aware of the mineral resources of the Darling Downs to be shortcomings in the Act and, through the opened up. I observed the great benefits that Premier's Department and the native title flowed to central Queensland when the Bowen section, we were in the process of upgrading Basin was opened up. I was pleased when the the cultural record Act. I appeal to the Minister former Borbidge Government called for for Transport to encourage his Cabinet expressions of interest to open up the Surat colleagues to go ahead with that. At present Basin. About 1 billion tonnes of proven coal all sorts of anomalies exist, and it is being reserves lie within the Chinchilla Shire alone. misused—putting it kindly—by some people to We desperately need to diversify, instead the disadvantage of the overall populace of of relying solely on agriculture, and create jobs the State. We desperately need to work out in new industries. I am pleased to see that the some practices whereby we can still uphold the Beattie Government is committed to providing general principle of retaining our cultural jobs, jobs, jobs. Previously in this Chamber I heritage but at the same time make sure that have said that there are not many options in people proposing major projects are not overly my area but that one of them is the concerned. development of coalmining. In recent months, I can recall going to a function down town following my visit to Kyoto, I felt a sense of one day with which lots of business people trepidation in that I feared some of our coal were involved. One person of American reserves may lie unutilised. However, given the extraction—a nation that is all go and does not pace of technological developments, I am sure have a lot of finesse in terms of safeguards— that we will be able to use our coal in a was talking to me. He asked, "Would you have different way—for example, gasification of coal guessed that I have just spent an enormous in power stations before it is burnt or even amount of money going through a cultural gasification underground. Those sorts of record search on a corridor that already innovations give me a bit more confidence. exists?" A power corridor was going into We have an enormous resource out there that Gladstone and he was building a gas pipeline, we need to develop. It is important that we do but he had to pay for a search as well. He the right things with respect to forward thought that that was over the top. I had to planning. admit that it certainly was. Where I have been able to do so, I have The Minister for Mines and Energy would always helped SUDAW. For example, I have know that up in the north-west of assisted it to find potential export markets for Queensland—I think it was in relation to the its coal. I think it is heartened by the new access of electricity to the Gunpowder site— technology coming on stream. I know that it is once again the cultural record Act was causing looking at a number of options, including two all sorts of frustrations. I was trying to facilitate or three different routes to Gladstone or that as best I could in my portfolio. We, in fact, 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3283 devised a new process of notification that was service for those people in Crestmead. The helping, but there is still a way to go. I urge the problem is, however, that some of the money Government to back any efforts that come he allocated is going towards working with the forward from the Premier's Department, the Logan City Council to try to provide better road Department of Environment and Heritage or designs. Where Julie Street runs into the Department of Natural Resources to retain Bumstead Road, the council has put in a traffic the principle of this Act but make it workable so island which makes it almost impossible for the that all of Queensland can benefit from the bus service—the passenger transport service vast resources that we have. It is part and down there—to turn around. The quicker that parcel of our major forward planning for the issue can be resolved, the better off those future of Queensland. I commend the Bill to students who attend St Francis College in the House. Crestmead and also the people of Crestmead Mr MICKEL (Logan—ALP) (12.41 p.m.): who wish to access the doctor's surgery at the Firstly, I want to congratulate the member for Julie Street shops will be. I know that the Gregory. Last year he extended a courtesy to Minister and his officers are doing what they the people of Logan when the former member can, but again I put in a plug for that. was ill. I went and saw the member for Gregory It would also be remiss of me if I did not about a number of road projects in the Browns point out my hope that we can eventually get Plains area on behalf of those people, and he the Park Ridge transit contract finalised. very willingly agreed to take up those matters. People in my electorate, particularly in Boronia Today, on behalf of the people of Logan, I Heights—and I know my colleague the want to thank the member publicly for that and member for Archerfield shares these concerns acknowledge the very real concern that he because she just raised them with me—have showed at that difficult time. Everyone, of raised concerns about passenger transport in course, will be pleased to know that the former the Forestdale area. In some of those areas, member for Logan is full of beans and is the passenger transport service ceases at 2.30 running a very successful consultancy in the afternoon, which means that people business as well. coming home from work can get to Grand To show complete bipartisanship on this, I Plaza okay, but that is still many kilometres also want to congratulate the Minister. We had away from some suburbs. In actual fact, that a very successful Cabinet meeting down in simply negates people's access to passenger Springwood. The Minister was outstanding in transport. the way that he received the delegations that I am also hot to trot on it because we are day that I brought to him on behalf of people trying to get traineeships and work release for who were concerned about public transport. I kids at the high schools down there, at Park do thank him and his officers for that. Ridge State High School in particular. The only I also commend him for the funds that he way that we can get these programs to work is has given to help out the Clarks Bus Service in if we have reliable passenger transport. It really Logan City. Clarks put up some $600,000 for is the key to social justice in my electorate the new, advanced technology—kneel-down because so many of those students have to buses. This is great technology and will provide rely on cars and, if their parents cannot drive the students, they are absolutely stuck. The a great service to many, many people quicker that we can resolve that transport throughout Logan City. In this place we have issue, the better. to get behind people who are willing to have a go, and Reg and Yvonne Clark have certainly While the member for Gregory is in the proven that. The department has gotten Chamber, I would like to talk about an issue behind them by providing about $150,000 that I hope transcends any political towards the cost of that new technology. considerations. The Logan area needs a concerted push from both the member I also want to acknowledge the opposite and the Minister for more bus contribution of the member for Springwood in infrastructure. That is as simple as providing relation to the dedicated busways that he has bus shelters. One of the hardest things that I been able to gain down there. That is certainly find in my electorate is people knowing when helping the provision of passenger transport in the bus runs. I know that sounds very simple, the Logan area. but the fact of the matter is that, without a I also want to raise with the Minister an place to display bus timetables, people do not ongoing problem in my electorate in relation to know when the buses are going to run. My the provision of passenger transport in Julie office is more than happy to help the Street. I know that he and his officers have Department of Transport with that. I know my done everything they possibly can to get a bus council colleague down there, Councillor 3284 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998

Cherie Dalley, does a great job, but the assistance to the school. The school has problem is that there is a lack of public places asked me to raise one thing with the Minister, to display bus timetables. Little things such as and I have certainly already raised it with the seating and bus shelters are great ways in engineers. That school wants me to ensure which we can extend the knowledge of bus that the landscaping that goes along the timetables. I commend that measure both to Mount Lindesay Highway past the school not the member for Gregory and the Minister. only acts as a beautification for that area—and I notice that earlier on the member for the school community has been very positive; Gregory paid tribute to the Main Roads it understands why the road has to be Department engineers—and I know that the there—but also acts as a sound barrier. Minister shares that view—and I want to thank At the same time, as the next phase of them as well for the wonderful job that they do construction is moved into, some of the down in the Browns Plains area in helping out residences near the school will be affected certainly me and the member for Archerfield when the people working on the highway use with our numerous representations to them. I the service road. This will be a very important want to name those engineers for the great issue. Up to a dozen houses will be affected. job that they do and in recognition of the fact One of the residents has come to see me that they are willing to serve the community. I about the increased noise that will be particularly want to acknowledge the work generated. I will be looking for some way in done by Bob Drew, Paul McCormack and, of which those people can be compensated for course, Ian Bertram. At a moment's notice the noise they will undoubtedly cop. This issue they are willing to meet with me even though may end up on the lap of the Minister. The that major roadworks at the Browns Plains local residents understand the need for the interchange is being carried out. People, small road; however, they bought their houses many businesspeople in particular, are always years ago but are the ones affected by the affected by the local changes that occur and I progress. am out to make sure that those small The consultation phase is continuing. I businesses can operate around what is a very know that under this Minister the consultation important project. However, because of the phase on future development through the project's nature, it tends to interfere with those Park Ridge area has been excellent. However, small business operators. Those engineers there is an ongoing concern on the part of have been very, very willing to listen, as has people in Mexicanus Drive. I know that Bob the private contractor. In particular, I pay Drew will be meeting with the local people tribute to Mark Leader for that. again tomorrow night. Unfortunately my Currently, roadworks are being carried out parliamentary commitments mean that I will that will go into the Grand Plaza area. I will be not be able to attend that meeting, but I ask meeting again this week or early next week—if the Minister and his officers to keep an eye on it cannot be arranged this week—with small the concerns of the people in that area. businesspeople down there to make sure that The only other point I make relates to the those turning arrows, turning lanes and access Logan Motorway, which will be further lanes do not disrupt the business area too upgraded. I know that the member for Gregory much. The member for Archerfield and I constantly speak with officers about making started the project and the Minister is now sure that the traffic lights down through there letting the contracts for it. That is a very do not unduly delay people. We have to worthwhile project. I see it not only as a job always make sure that there is access to the creation project, which it undoubtedly will be for highway, but in those off-peak times it can be those contractors—— very frustrating for people, particularly on Mr Johnson: Good forward planning. Johnson Road and the Browns Plains Mr MICKEL: I take the point. I want both interchange, if the light changes are not the Minister and the member for Gregory to synchronised. I know that that is one of the understand something which is important for major concerns in the Forestdale area. the Logan area. That road network provides a I mentioned the member for Gregory in first-class east-west interconnector. It means my opening. One of the things that he helped that people can access the Marsden Park me and the people of Logan with last year was industrial estate. We have already seen a the St Bernadines school. The new roadway great positive announcement from the will run right alongside that school. Because of Government about that. The Logan City the Main Roads Department's continuity with Council is developing the Berrinba industrial the new Minister, it has seen fit to put up a estate in the electorate of my colleague the fence along that roadway. That will be of member for Sunnybank. Both those industrial 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3285 estates will be dependent upon that road debate which displays the often rare signs of network. That is why it is essential that we give bipartisanship. I particularly note the very every consideration to the project and see favourable comments made by all speakers in what we can do to speed up those contracts relation to the performance of the former and make sure that that duplication for the Minister, the honourable member for Gregory. Logan Motorway goes ahead. I think those comments are absolutely fair That would then give us a north-south because, like the honourable member for access through the southern bypass and an Logan, who has just spoken, and others east-west connection all the way from Warwick, previous speakers, I was the beneficiary of a through Toowoomba and then down on to the great amount of assistance from the Gold Coast. That is so essential when we are honourable member when he was Minister. I trying to attract businesses to Logan City. The think it is fair to say that the most contentious transport infrastructure is one of the reasons issues in my electorate are related to transport. for the location of a large industrial company at The Minister was very sympathetic to the Logan recently. needs and concerns of my constituents. I certainly appreciated his help. He helped me I also mention the upgrade going on probably more than anybody else. I think it is between Ipswich Road and the Springfield appropriate that those comments are made. development. That gives the people of Logan a third access back on to Ipswich Road. I know We are debating an amendment Bill that the member for Gregory had a fair bit to originated by the previous Government. That do with that road work as well. I see that as reflects the good work done by the former very important. Minister. It is a pleasure to be able to offer this Bill my own personal support. This debate also I raise one other issue on behalf of the provides me with the opportunity to raise people of Logan. The people of Logan will cop several issues with the current Minister. I am paying the tolls on the southern bypass and sure that he is hoping I will stop raising these the Logan Motorway. We do not have the issues with him, but of course I cannot luxury afforded to the people on the Sunshine because they are of very genuine concern to Coast, who were able to get the toll removed my constituents. Today I wish to refer to the from the Sunshine Motorway. However, there Nundah bottleneck, the City/Valley bypass and is a real social inequity when some of the the Leckie Road connection. poorest people around the place have to pay a toll while some of the folks on the Sunshine From the outset I declare myself to be the Coast who are a bit better heeled are able to person the honourable member for Chermside get away without paying that toll. referred to but did not name when he said that there was somebody playing politics in relation This is not about one area being better off to transport issues in his electorate on the than another. However, there is a suspicion north side of Brisbane. Bearing in mind that I that, as more traffic lights are put on am in the profession of politics, I suppose my Beaudesert Road because of the activities could therefore be broadly described development along it, the trip into town for as political, but they are not meant to be people who live out there becomes much political in the sense of opposing the slower. Inevitably, if people want to get into Government purely for cynical political reasons. town at peak hour with any sort of speed they I oppose some of the attitudes expressed by are forced to use the tollway. The people in my the Government in relation to those issues, electorate would ask me to raise that issue because I believe that my constituents require with the Government to see what can be done that I do so. I reject the notion that I am being about Beaudesert Road, to see whether in the political for the sake of being political, but longer term some overpasses could be built so obviously I will use my political skills and my that people of that area can use the "free political position to look after and advance the ways" as well as the tollways. interests of my constituents. I congratulate the Minister on the I note that the honourable member for excellent work he is doing. I particularly praise Chermside agreed with much of what the those officers in my area, who are very former Minister did and with much of what the cooperative. I support the Bill. I know that former Minister said in his contribution to this members on both sides of the House support debate. I give credit to the honourable the Logan Motorway concept and the need to member for Chermside for that. Later I will ask get on and build that Browns Plains Johnson him, if he would like to interject, whether he Road interchange. agreed with the decision of the former Minister Mr SANTORO (Clayfield—LP) to sell off what is referred to euphemistically as (12.55 p.m.): It is a pleasure to participate in a the Leckie Road connection, a decision which 3286 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998 has now been reversed by the new Minister. I Nundah bypass. I am taking this opportunity to would like the honourable member for remind the member for Chermside that it was Chermside to place on record his attitude to the lamentable administration of the Transport that decision. portfolio that cost Labor government to start Mr Sullivan: Do you want to take my with, and that any suggestion that Labor would interjection now? have progressed the Nundah bypass was a hollow election promise that failed, along with Mr SANTORO: I will take it in my own Labor, that year or shortly after the following time. year. No such budget allocation was made, Mr Sullivan: I have spoken already. and the honourable member for Chermside knows it. He now tries to make up some story Mr SANTORO: I will give him an that the funds would have been allocated opportunity later on to make that interjection if because one could trust the Goss Labor he wishes. Okay, I will ask him now: does he Government. What obviously has upset the support it or not? Did he support the decision member is that it took the coalition of the previous Minister? Yes or no? Government to address the Nundah Mr Sullivan: I support the decision of the bottleneck. We really need to look at the facts. Minister to set aside the corridor for the IRTP The Roads Implementation Program and to make a decision on public transport. It published by Labor in September 1995 did not was not a decision to sell off the Leckie Road forecast any commencement of this project corridor. It was four houses, and the member until the 1997-98 financial year. It was the knows it. It was just a stunt two months before honourable member for Gregory, Vaughan the election. The Minister always wanted to Johnson, the then coalition Transport Minister keep the corridor, and the member knows it. who, after some meetings with myself and Mr SANTORO: I absolutely deny that on local interest groups, made an allocation of behalf of the honourable member for Gregory $300,000 in 1996-97 to get the project under who, for the record, is shaking his head again. way and to permit detailed planning and The decision of the honourable member for consultation. This was one year earlier than Gregory is on the record. It was a formal Labor had been prepared to allocate funding. decision. It was backed up by the Furthermore, the publication of the Roads commencement of the sale of the Leckie Implementation Program in August 1997 Road properties. Again, the neighbours, Labor forecast completion of the project in the 1999- Party branch members, fellow churchgoers 2000 financial year. We now see the latest and fellow community members of the Roads Implementation Program, which has member for Chermside will be distributed with been published with the authority of the new the record of that contribution and that Minister—the member for Chermside's mate interjection. The member will remain as undoubtedly—and which gives us the first uncomfortable as he currently feels in that objective test of what Labor's intentions are. community because of that attitude. And did Labor bring the project forward, as the I refer to a statement made by the honourable member for Chermside predicted? member for Chermside during the In fact, the program shows that the completion Adjournment debate on 18 September 1998 of the project has now blown out to the year concerning the Nundah bypass. In his 2002, with the allocation for this financial year statement the honourable member had the reduced by $1m and next year's funding temerity to suggest that in some way the reduced by $7m. This is the Labor Party's coalition Government had delayed the plan—— construction of the Nundah bypass. The Mr BREDHAUER: I rise to a point of order. member's statement is based upon the The honourable member is misleading the premise that Jim Elder had allocated money House. The project has not blown out. In fact, for the job just prior to the Labor Party getting this project was started by the Labor the boot in early 1996 and that the coalition Government, and it will be finished by this then somehow had stopped the funding. Labor Government. The honourable member Sitting suspended from 1 p.m. to is wrong. 2.30 p.m. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Mickel): Mr SANTORO: Before the House rose for Order! There is no point of order. lunch, I was seeking to rebut some of the Mr SANTORO: I am quoting directly from statements that were made by the member for the document which I outlined before. I have Chermside during an Adjournment debate on had some assistance with this research. That 18 September 1998 about the funding of the is what it shows. If the Honourable the Minister 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3287 does not like it, he can guarantee that the wrong. I find it offensive and ask that it be coalition's timetable will be honoured. I totally withdrawn. reject that it was started by a Labor Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Government. The consultation process has been ongoing for about 35 years. In fact, it Mr SANTORO: If the Minister finds that was greatly assisted by me, as the local offensive, I will withdraw it in deference to you, member. Mr Deputy Speaker. But I would bet that if I Mr ELDER: I rise to a point of order. The put in an FOI request, which I think I will now member is misleading the House. This actual do—and the Minister might want to rush the project turned up in an addendum to the documents through Cabinet—I would see the Roads Implementation Program. It had a Minister again next year about this specific funding program. It was a Labor initiative. The point. member is a pathological purveyor of untruths. So what is the situation? When is that Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There is consultant going to be appointed? Can the no point of order. Minister give an assurance to the House that it is imminent? There is no assurance Mr SANTORO: It is obvious that the tactic forthcoming, so I assume that the Minister is of the Labor Party opposite, including the two not being particularly serious—just as he is not Ministers, is to frustrate me. It does not really serious about answering his correspondence matter because, in the community that I and giving any meaningful response to any represent, I circulate all of these representations that I make on behalf of my speeches—each and every one of constituents. Actually, I will correct myself. I them—including the utterances of honourable wrote to the Minister recently—and maybe he members opposite, and they lose all the time. has read the letter—and thanked him for So I do not mind their coming in here and taking an attitude which is totally different from interjecting, because people will continue to his previous attitude in relation to one of my support what I do in my electorate because local schools. I thanked the Minister for that, they know that I am fighting for their interests. but it is about time that he got his house in All that honourable members opposite are order and his act together and started doing is playing cheap politics. answering his correspondence on time and Talking about the Nundah bottleneck— assisting local members of Parliament when several concerned members of the local they make representations to him on behalf of community recently visited me in relation to their constituents. Perhaps the Premier and what they perceived to be a lack of progress in other members around him who want the planning and design stage of the Nundah standards to be lifted—particularly bottleneck project. I was informed that a representative standards—should take note. consultant needs to be appointed to Maybe I will write to the Premier and start undertake the detailed design documentation circulating my original correspondence to the but that such an appointment had not yet Minister about his total lack of replies and been made. I was further informed that such professional courtesies—with one exception, an appointment was to occur in the May/June as I said, when I went on the record directly to period and that the decision needs to be the Minister and thanked him. made by the Minister. I was also informed that I turn now to the Leckie Road connection. much of the groundwork for this appointment The honourable member for Chermside has had been completed by the time the accused me of playing politics. The previous Government changed and that the matter is Government and the previous Minister did now very much in the hands of the Minister for make the decision to sell off the Leckie Road resolution. People take an interest in this, and connection. The reason why we did not put all only a few minutes ago someone rang me and the properties on sale all at once is very said that the interviews were either being obvious, that is, that the market would have conducted last Monday or they had been been flooded and it would have totally and scheduled for Monday and that the Minister utterly depressed local residential prices. The would then make the decision. But again, it is sale of the Leckie Road transportation corridor deplorable that while members opposite claim needed to be undertaken in an orderly and that they want to get on with it, they delay the gradual fashion. The previous Minister made appointment of a consultant, which is essential that decision, and we were honouring it. to speeding up the process. However, as I admitted at a public meeting Mr BREDHAUER: I rise to a point of order. attended by the honourable member for The assertion that I have delayed the Chermside the other night, it took a while to appointment of that person is incorrect. It is work through that particular situation. It took a 3288 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998 while to get the bureaucrats to agree with the his perspective the transportation corridor; yet, political push that was occurring. It took a while on the other hand, when we do proceed to sell for me to convince the Minister of the it, he carps, whinges and invents some fuzzy- desirability of that, but we did in the end wuzzy reasons as to why the Beattie minority honour that particular promise. Labor Government should not be selling it. No The other night the honourable member wonder members of my constituency—the for Chermside came to a public meeting. He member for Chermside's fellow churchgoers, did not commit himself to selling off the Leckie his fellow Labor Party branch members, his Road connection. I am not saying that he is friends and his neighbours—do not like him against it—even though I believe that, from because of that politically cynical attitude. In the perspective of any reasonable person common with the speeches I have made listening to what he said today and at that previously, this speech will be distributed with meeting, he does not appear to favour the the Minister's reply, and my constituents can sale of the Leckie Road connection. If he be the judges. wants to say that he favours it, I will accept his Mr SULLIVAN: I rise to a point of order. interjection now. The member is misleading the House. He knows that he has misrepresented what I said. Mr SULLIVAN: If the member is wishing I was condemning his hypocrisy for promising for a response, I point out that what I said at something that he did not do. He was the meeting is what I said in my speech, that hypocritical in wanting the Goss Labor is, what the previous Minister said to do, that Government to do something that he in is, to plan through the IRTP process. When Government did not do as a Minister. It was that process is complete, we will know what the his hypocrisy that was the issue of that motion. options are. The member for Clayfield wants me to commit to something before we know Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Mickel): what the options are for the north side of Order! There is no point of order. Brisbane. I will not do that. Mr SANTORO: Let the record show his Mr SANTORO: I again note for the record comments. There was no point of order. It his total lack of assurance and support for my suits me perfectly to have the honourable constituents who want that connection to be member for Chermside continuing to go on the sold. The previous Minister did make that record as he does. I do not mind his eating decision to sell all of that property. To show into my time in a way that abuses the how cynical the honourable member for Standing Orders of this Parliament, because Chermside is, I refer him to a motion that he we will circulate his comments. He will be the moved in this place on 16 May 1996. The big loser. motion stated— Several questions were asked at the public meeting that need to be answered. "That this Parliament Perhaps the Minister can answer these (a) condemns the member for Clayfield questions that were asked by my constituents. and the Minister for Transport for Have the properties on the Leckie Road their failure to carry out Coalition transport connection, which were listed for sale promises given to northside residents by the previous Government, been formally concerning transport corridors near transferred to the Department of Public Works Junction Road and the construction and Housing? If not, when will that occur? of the cut and cover solution to the Does the Minister intend transferring to other Nundah bottleneck; and State Government departments or State Government instrumentalities any other (b) further condemns their inability to properties that are owned by the State convince 16 fellow Cabinet Ministers Government along the Leckie Road transport that the residents of Brisbane's inner northern suburbs should receive the connection? What is the maintenance same treatment as the residents who schedule that the Departments of Main Roads live near Mrs Sheldon's motorway and Transport intend implementing for the and not just be given empty properties they own along the Leckie Road promises." transport connection? They are questions that my constituents would like answered. If the So, Mr Deputy Speaker, you can understand Minister would like to deal with them as why people in my electorate do not take the questions on notice, I am happy for him to do honourable member for Chermside seriously. so. If not, if he cares to answer them, I am On the one hand he wanted the Parliament to sure that they would appreciate receiving condemn us for not selling fast enough from some advice. 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3289

I turn now to the City/Valley bypass. We majority of safe and efficient practices of those hear constantly from the Minister that no State involved in the trucking industry. To me the Government money will be made available for industry has always given the impression of that project. However, it is said in debates of being a male bastion. To my pleasant surprise, the Brisbane City Council that that particular the industry is far from being such a bastion. project cannot go ahead without the State Of the six awards given on Saturday Government giving certain approvals and night, three of them were presented to access to State Government property to the women. To me that highlights the progressive Brisbane City Council, which admittedly has nature of the industry. Ray Taylor, President of the lead role in relation to this matter. The the QRTA, and his board and members should concern of all the citizens of Brisbane should be extremely proud of their achievements. The be that, if the State Government does not professional driver award was awarded to two support it financially—albeit that it has to gentlemen. For that award, the assessment support it in other ways for it to go ahead; the panel nominates the nominees on the State Government cannot run away from its following criteria. The driver must have responsibility—two things need to happen: a continuously and actively engaged as a toll will need to be applied and people will be professional driver for a minimum of 10 years, paying to use that road, particularly if the driven in excess of one million kilometres, not private sector becomes involved, or Brisbane been involved through their own fault in any City Council rates will need to increase. I road accidents during the past 10 years, not support totally the efforts of the Liberal city committed any serious violation of the Traffic councillors who also oppose the underhanded Acts or administrative regulations of the and totally unjustified manner in which this country, and must through their attitude and project, the City/Valley bypass, has been willingness to perform to the highest standards advanced, particularly without consultation with be an ambassador for the industry. As an my constituents, particularly those who live added motivation, winners of those awards will from Cooksley Street to the Gateway TAFE automatically receive nomination for the Road college. They are my pleas to the Minister. All Transport Forum's national driver of the year that we want the Minister to do is talk to award. The two winners of that award were people, to consult. Reginald Laurie of Taylors Removals of Time expired. Toowoomba and Tony Brown of TL Brown Mr REEVES (Mansfield—ALP) Transport. (2.45 p.m.): I have much pleasure rising to Other awards presented on the evening speak to the Transport Legislation included trainee of the year awards, which Amendment Bill. Before addressing aspects of were granted to transport industry trainees who the Bill, I inform the House that last Saturday were deemed to have achieved outstanding evening I had the pleasure of attending on results and exhibited leadership and behalf of the Minister for Transport and Main management qualities along with initiative, Roads the Queensland Road Transport decisiveness and ability to assist the group. Association annual dinner and awards night. Traineeships are aimed primarily at training The QRTA is the pre-eminent transport and encouraging young people to be involved industry body in Queensland. Its record reflects and to make a career in the transport and that it is willing to work with all stakeholders, distribution industry. Each of the trainees is including Government, in achieving better assessed and marked throughout the year in business but, more importantly, safer every aspect of their training with external input business. I have had discussions with their coming from workplace and industry trainees. executive director, Peter Garske, on the major This year, 102 trainees were inducted into road trouble area in my electorate, the Mount transport training and 153 into warehousing Gravatt-Capalaba Road. I must say that I was through the industry's own provider, QRTA pleasantly surprised about the QRTA's Transport Training Services. Traineeships willingness to examine options and come up provide valuable industry skills and knowledge with some long-term strategies. It understands and enable the industry to assess skilled that it needs to consider the community's employees. Traineeships are developing into needs. one of the major resource bases for The awards night highlighted the recruitment into the transport industry. Trainee achievements of the industry and some of its of the year for warehousing was Brigita participants. We often hear of the negative Kaurinovic. She is employed by IAMA aspects of the road transport industry through Queensland Pty Ltd, which operates out of reports of accidents and unsafe practices. Acacia Ridge. The other winner was Matthew However, we do not see promoted the vast Griffiths who is employed by Bribie Island 3290 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998

Express. He is almost fully occupied as an on This year's winner was Judy Kirchner forwarder for First Express Couriers. Bundaberg of Richers Transport of Bundaberg. Another award was the Industry Safety— Judy has been in the transport industry since Queensland Transport Award, which was 1989, when she was first employed as presented by Ray Rawlings from the manager for Simpson's Transport in department. It is awarded annually to a fleet or Bundaberg. Her successful management of individual who demonstrates leadership in this business continued for six years when the safety in the transport industry. The award company was purchased by Richers Transport carries with it as a prize from Queensland of Maryborough. Judy then became the Transport a set of newly developed Bundaberg branch manager of Richers personalised numberplates incorporating the Transport. The management of Richers company's name along with the wording recognised quickly Judy's ability. She leads by "Industry Safety Award". This award is given to example, working long hours and dispenses a an individual or fleet operator with a record of firm but fair approach, which gains the utmost significant contribution to road safety. The respect from all staff members. award recognises a demonstration of That awards ceremony showed to me the leadership in influencing fellow drivers, progressive nature of the QRTA especially, as I employees and/or operators to improve and said, with three of the six major awards being maintain standards of safety; specific initiatives collected by women. Although some people being undertaken to improve and maintain within the industry are less than perfect, they road transport safety; an attitude which tend not to be part of the QRTA, which goes to accepts that safety, in particular road safety, is great lengths to ensure that its members reach a priority and cannot be compromised in the standards that the Government, the interests of improved operational efficiency; community and the industry expect. encouragement of road safety by the introduction of accredited training and an The road transport industry is the heart industry accreditation program; the raising of and soul of Australia. It will always be part of awareness of the need to improve driver the fabric of society. It is great to see health, driver training, vehicle maintenance organisations ensuring that safety concerns and management; an exemplary record in are paramount. I look forward to continuing to relation to compliance with road law work with and support the QRTA, especially in demonstrated by the elapse of a lengthy relation to my pet issue, the Mount Gravatt- period since any without fault accident; and a Capalaba Road. demonstrated respect for the community and The Bill contains a number of other road users. amendments to the Transport Operations The winner of that award was BHP (Passenger Transport) Act 1994, which are Transport. It was accepted by Leigh Bell Lee, designed to support the integrity of the taxi who is one of the operations managers of BHP service. These amendments are designed to Transport and who, obviously, just happens to protect taxi operators from competition from be a woman. BHP Transport relies almost unlicensed operators. This protection is totally on subcontractors for its operations. So necessary to ensure the ongoing provision of that is a pretty good news story about industry efficient taxi services in Queensland. safety and subcontractors. In 1996, a major survey was conducted The final award was the Management by the consultancy firm AGB McNair to Excellence Award, which had been structured measure customer satisfaction with as a monetary grant to enable the winner to Queensland taxi services. This survey was enhance their management performance by preceded by a similar survey in 1994. I encouraging participation in skills extension understand that that is to be followed up by activities, such as further education, training or another survey this year. The 1996 survey study tours. The choice of prize is left up to the found that 64% of all Queensland residents individual winner. However, in that regard they use taxis annually and that 45% of are assisted by sponsorship from Volvo Truck Queenslanders used taxis regularly—and I am and Bus of $2,000. The intent of this award is one of those 45%. Seventy-nine per cent of to motivate and assist current industry the surveyed taxi users rated the ease of managers to aspire to world best standards catching taxis as good. Queensland taxi and the pursuit of best practice. The winner of services were rated highly across a band of that award in 1997, Graham Buchner, used his performance criteria. According to the 1996 prize to assist in the upgrade of his depot survey, most taxi users were satisfied with the computer. industry in this State. 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3291

Queensland residents benefit from an I would like to take a lead from the Deputy efficient and reliable taxi service. The provision Speaker and make the House aware—and the of a high-standard taxi service also reflects well Minister knows this—that one of the biggest upon the State to its valued business and concerns in my electorate is the Mount recreational visitors. Recently, it was reported Gravatt-Capalaba Road/Kessels Road. in the national media that a Sydney Ms Spence: Hear, hear! taxidriver—and I am sure that we all have had an experience with Sydney taxidrivers— Mr REEVES: I am sure that the member refused to take a visiting overseas Olympic for Mount Gravatt will agree with me. official into the Sydney city heart and instead Ms Spence: The biggest issue on the advised the official to catch a train. That south side. incident was very embarrassing to the Sydney Olympics organisers and to the Government Mr REEVES: It is the biggest issue on the and the people of New South Wales. It is very south side. In the lead-up to the Federal important that the Queensland Government election, coalition politicians, especially Federal acts to prevent similar incidents. This coalition politicians, tried to exploit this issue Government must ensure that our State's and, for want of a better word, pass the buck high-quality taxi services are maintained and to get the declassification of the Mount improved upon. The recommended Gravatt-Capalaba Road. All that the amendments will ensure that the ongoing declassification will achieve will be that we will delivery of good taxi services will protect the have to spend the money on maintaining the integrity of our regulated taxi service scheme. Mount Gravatt-Capalaba Road/Kessels Road To avoid possible degradation of the high corridor. We need to be a bit more strategic quality of the State's taxi services, it is and work with the transport operators and the imperative to close down quickly a loophole in other users of the road and provide some the governing Act. This loophole has been incentives to get the trucks off Kessels Road exploited by some charter bus operators and and Mount Gravatt-Capalaba Road and has allowed them to operate in a way encourage them to use the southern bypass, substantially like taxis without having to fulfil because that is what it was built for. the usual requirements imposed upon taxi Unfortunately, those opposite, or friends of service operators under the Act. These charter those opposite, just want to turn the issue into bus operators have been providing services in a political football and not look for some long- direct competition with taxi operators but, term strategies. I have been pleasantly unlike taxi operators, they can choose to work surprised by the cooperation of many officers at only the profitable times or on only the of the Departments of Transport and Main profitable routes. Closing this loophole will Roads who are looking at various options. ensure that the regulated taxi scheme is not Hopefully in the new year we will be able to undermined. present some to the Minister so that we can have some real long-term strategies to solve The intent of the current legislation is to the major problem. As the Minister for maintain and promote efficient taxi services by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy providing market entry restrictions through the said, Mount Gravatt-Capalaba Road and imposition of taxi service licence requirements. Kessels Road is the major problem on the In return for restricted competition, taxi south side. I commend this Bill to the House. operators are required to meet certain obligations with respect to the provision of taxi Mr LAMING (Mooloolah—LP) (2.58 p.m.): services. For example, they must provide a Just over six years ago, in my very first speech service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As a in this Chamber, I spoke of a vision that I consequence, licensed taxi operators do not shared with some other Sunshine Coast have the luxury of choosing to service only the residents of having a rail connection from the profitable hours or trips. In contrast, those coast to Brisbane. That was to have a number charter bus operators who have been of advantages: it would put the coast within providing taxi-like services, particularly in commuter range of Brisbane; it would facilitate Cairns, have been able to pick and choose visitors coming to the coast, particularly on what fares they will service. Those particular weekends and on holidays; it would provide an amendments that affect the definition of a taxi alternative public transport system within the service are designed to support the intent of coast itself, and it would slow the growth of the current legislation with regard to restricted traffic on our main roads. The previous market entry. An effect of the amendments is coalition Government progressed this from that operators of charter buses will not be able vision to planning and it is important that the to provide taxi-like services unless they hold current Government continues this process appropriate taxi service licences. from planning to reality. The corridor options 3292 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998 have been narrowed down but, as I staggered intersection is causing considerable understand it, not finalised. traffic congestion that is not confined to peak One of the issues that I believe must be traffic periods. I ask the Minister to request his addressed seriously is the economic feasibility officers to report on a suitable solution to this of the various forms of public transport that problem. Personally, I believe that a might use such a corridor. It is important to roundabout constructed over the motorway is assess whether the best option is heavy rail, the best answer. light rail or dedicated busway. Each has Similarly, one of the tightest sections of advantages and shortcomings. It is not my traffic on the Sunshine Coast is the Nicklin intention to go into detail on those, but I Way between Currimundi and the Mooloolah believe that it is important to do the study prior River, particularly the section north of Point to corridors being finalised. Heavy rail, Cartwright Drive. The proposed Kawana arterial although having some advantages, requires road will provide an alternative north-south rather straight corridors, making it difficult to route between Caloundra and Mooloolaba, as avoid areas of social or environmental well as a western link via the Sunshine significance. I would like to see minimum Motorway to the Bruce Highway. I understand impact on existing homes, the Mooloolah River that the northern section of this work is and the Horton Park Golf Club. I acknowledge scheduled for mid 2001. As the vehicle load in the point of view that Governments must plan the section of the Nicklin Way between Port for the long term, but that could be taken into Cartwright Drive and the Mooloolah River is account during the feasibility study. reaching saturation point, this timetable should not be allowed to slip out. I understand that As I said earlier, one of the advantages of work on the southern section of the Kawana a rail service to the Sunshine Coast is the arterial is scheduled for the period beyond the creation of an alternative route for the ever- Year 2003. As there are mechanisms in place increasing traffic on the Bruce Highway. The that would be triggered by traffic counts of section between the Gateway Arterial and more than 40,000 vehicles a day on the Nicklin Caboolture is certainly showing signs of Way, I ask the Minister to bring forward congestion. The Minister might be able to contingent funding so that if these criteria are advise the House on the approaches that reached earlier than currently scheduled, have been made to the Federal Government discussions can be held with Kawana Estates regarding funds to commence the six-laning of to establish whether earlier works can be this section. undertaken. It is not necessary for me to revisit the I take this opportunity to again ask the debate about the toll on the Sunshine Minister for his consideration of noise reduction Motorway. The member for Logan referred to measures on the short section of the Nicklin his area, and I spoke with the honourable Way between Churinga Street and the member during the lunch break. The Sunshine Mooloolah River, which has reached the Coast has a slightly different situation. We did decibel level that requires amelioration of not have an alternative route to that road to noise. It is a very short section of road. Again I get from places like Kawana to Mooloolaba. ask the Minister to consider that. I would The road is excellent and has become very appreciate the Minister's comments on the popular as a freeway. In fact, it is now points that I have raised today. becoming necessary to four-lane the central Mr ROBERTS (Nudgee—ALP) section to cater for the traffic. I note from a (3.03 p.m.): I will raise a couple of local issues recent Roads Implementation Program that before making some specific comments about funding for that work is scheduled for the years the Bill. My first point relates to a Queensland 2000 to 2003. Considering the growth that we Rail proposal to upgrade the railway track are experiencing, I believe that between now between Northgate and Zillmere and further and then—and it is two years away—the north. I refer particularly to the part that directly motorway will be under extreme pressure. I impacts upon my electorate. The project to would be interested to know if forward install the additional track will cost $115m. estimates for traffic counts have been done Some welcome additional infrastructure will be and whether they indicate that such works can built at railway stations and crossings in my wait until then. electorate as a part of that project. However, I In conjunction with this work, it is have some concerns that I want to draw to the becoming vital that the problem of the attention of the Minister, and in due course I intersection of the Buderim/Mooloolaba road will be forwarding to him formal with the motorway be addressed. This complex correspondence on these matters. 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3293

The key issue that I want to put on the access to and amenity of that station for agenda is that of an overpass at the Geebung residents. That issue has been of concern to Railway Station. That issue has been talked that community for some time. about in the community for at least the past 30 Sandgate Road is currently being or 40 years. However, I believe that an upgraded with the addition of an additional opportunity now presents itself to look more inbound lane that will significantly improve closely at this issue. The Geebung level traffic flow from Boondall through to Virginia. crossing on Newman Road experiences The Department of Main Roads has installed significant levels of traffic difficulties. In the traffic signals at Pritchard Road. I welcome that past 12 months the Brisbane City Council move and commend Main Roads on its efforts provided quite a significant upgrade to the in that regard. The intersection of Pritchard local shopping centre and installed traffic Road and Sandgate Road was probably the signals at the level crossing, predominantly to address safety concerns. However, the fact most dangerous intersection in my electorate. remains that traffic delays at that particular The proposal was to install the lights before crossing still occur and, to some degree, have Christmas. They are well ahead of schedule increased significantly since the installation of and the lights are now operating. My the traffic signals. With the addition of a third constituents and I are eternally grateful to road there is a significant potential to increase Main Roads for that, because I believe that those lights will save lives and, as I said, they dramatically delays for motorists crossing the have been installed ahead of schedule. level crossing, particularly during peak hour. On Friday, 13 November I received a Another issue that raises its head from briefing from Mr Bob Stuart of Queensland time to time is the intersection of Sandgate Transport. I asked him whether Queensland Road and Zillmere Road. A number of my Rail should be addressing the provision of an constituents who live along Zillmere Road overpass at that crossing. I am advised that suffer flooding problems. They believe that the the cost would be in the vicinity of $10m. culvert bridge that currently exists on Sandgate Although that is a significant amount of Road contributes to that problem. The money, this is a $115m project. In light of the Brisbane City Council has undertaken fact that a solution now will be a long-term extensive studies in that regard. I have raised solution and will probably cost less, I formally that matter with Main Roads on previous place that issue on the agenda. Through a occasions and have been advised that at this formal letter that I will give to the Minister, I ask stage financing does not permit the for further discussions on that matter. construction of a new bridge. However, at some stage a new bridge will need to be built I place on the record a couple of matters to replace the existing culvert bridge on the that arise as a result of the upgrade, because outbound lanes of Sandgate Road. I my constituents have raised concerns about encourage Main Roads to give that matter a them. There is a proposal to install more higher priority. disabled access to stations along this particular route. The Virginia station could not be Another issue of importance to my considered a high-usage station, but constituents in the Boondall area is the speed Queensland Rail is proposing to install lifts and limit outside the Boondall State School. I have a new footbridge there. While I welcome raised this matter on several occasions, both improvements in access to stations in my with the previous Minister, the member for electorate, I question the priority that has been Gregory, and the current Minister and the given to Virginia station as opposed to department. The response that I have Geebung station, which is a short way down received on a number of occasions is that it is the road and which has a much higher not suitable to install a school zone sign on a patronage level. The proposal for Geebung is busy arterial road outside the Boondall State to remove the existing footbridge and install a School. The school community and I have not grade-level crossing. The proposal that I have accepted that proposition, and we will continue put back to Queensland Rail, through Mr to raise it. Stuart, is that the priority be changed and the I note that during the construction work on lifts be installed at Geebung rather than Sandgate Road the speed limit has been Virginia. Geebung has significantly higher reduced from 70 km/h to 60 km/h for the patronage levels. That matter deserves further safety of the workers. I support that. I believe discussion. that when workers are working on busy main I welcome QR's decision to install lifts at roads it is appropriate to reduce the speed limit Zillmere Railway Station. The resolution of that to improve their safety while undertaking their issue is long overdue. The lifts will improve the daily work. However, the question I put to Main 3294 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998

Roads—and I have written to it again within drafted so that it would encompass all forms of the past week or so—is that if it is good transport infrastructure except road, rail and enough to drop the speed limit for the workers, port infrastructure. which I support, it is also good enough to drop In this way, the true strategic nature of the the speed limit to at least 60 km/h for the corridors could be recognised and the State schoolchildren who cross Sandgate Road could, if it so desired, create infrastructure adjacent to the Boondall State School. highways. In following a strategic approach to Noise barriers are being installed by development in areas where it is perceived Queensland Rail as a result of the project that that there will be a demand for future I referred to earlier, and I welcome that. That corridors—for example, Gladstone—the initiative will be well received by my Government would therefore be able to ensure constituents in the vicinity of the station at that the impact of acquisition and Northgate. However, I have put another issue development on land-holders, the community on the agenda in terms of noise barriers. I and the environment is minimised by ensuring have constituents in the vicinity of the Bindha that water, electricity, gas, slurry pipelines and Railway Station, near the Northgate cannery, so on are housed, where possible, in the one who are exposed to significant levels of noise corridor as opposed to having many different from shunting operations. Through an officer project-specific corridors. of Queensland Rail, I have requested that that However, at present proponents are matter be considered. If they are going to unwilling to utilise the MTIC concept on the spend a lot of money installing noise barriers basis that the definition is so broad that it may at Northgate, I would ask them to find an extra be too broad to encompass their specific few thousand dollars for my constituents at requirement. Consequently, financiers are not Bindha, because that would not go astray. I comfortable with the process, and the hope that they are giving that matter serious Government is forced, in some instances, to consideration. make a regulation or project-specific I turn to one of the specific aspects of the legislation—for example, in relation to the Bill, and that is the proposed amendments to Century Zinc Project Act 1997—to give the Chapter 8, which contains provisions relevant proponent and its financiers sufficient comfort. to the miscellaneous transport infrastructure The proposed amendment removes this corridors process, or the MTIC process. That problem by incorporating a subparagraph process is a strategy that ensures that which narrows the definition to refer specifically infrastructure corridors are facilitated across to all potential transport infrastructure Queensland so as to allow for the most demands for the present day, while efficient transportation of commodities, such maintaining the broad nature of the original as gas, mineral slurries, fly ash, water, definition to allow for future purposes. In electricity and telecommunications. addition, the amendments address issues of Importantly, the facilitation process has been uncertainty for proponents in relation to the devised by the Government to balance, as far granting of a licence to house miscellaneous as possible, the interests of all stakeholders transport infrastructure. affected by the provision of infrastructure In creating certainty where developers corridors, including pastoralists, shire councils, had previously had concerns, these Aboriginal people and the users of the MTIC. amendments will provide comfort to The strategic importance of the MTIC proponents in relation to MTIC facilitation and process as a tool for State development has give statutory effect to the corridor licence. been displayed on two of Queensland's largest Therefore, it can be seen that the and most significant projects—gas to Mount amendments are essential to the future Isa and the Century Zinc project. The development of infrastructure in Queensland. development of that project was vital to the Importantly, the amendments make the MTIC realisation of billions of dollars of investment in process an attractive and workable the Carpentaria/Mount Isa minerals province. development tool that benefits not just As I have mentioned, the legislative developers but all stakeholders who may be provisions that are relevant to MTICs are affected by infrastructure development, and contained in Chapter 8 of the Transport removes the necessity for corridor duplication Infrastructure Act. In their present form, these by allowing for the creation of infrastructure provisions do not adequately deal with some highways. critical issues that affect the MTIC process. Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM (Gladstone—IND) The definition of "miscellaneous transport (3.15 p.m.): I wish to raise a couple of points in infrastructure" under the current Act was relation to the Transport Legislation 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3295

Amendment Bill (No. 2). In doing so, I do not due consultation with the landowners. There intend to be critical of the Bill but wish to was a significant increase in operating hours highlight points that affect my electorate. The for the rail loop in particular. The landowners previous speaker commented on the wisdom were advised of this once all of the negotiation of having multi-use corridors for infrastructure. with the company and the Government had That is certainly a sound approach to take. been finalised. I think I was advised a couple That has been recognised in our area with of days before the landowners, who were respect to heavy industry. In excess of 6,000 advised 48 hours before the increase actually hectares of land has been put aside at occurred. So there was certainly an incomplete Aldoga, with the port facility being some consultation process. A number of landowners kilometres away. A dedicated corridor has are quite significantly disadvantaged by the been set aside under the State development increased use of that loop. Ore is being loaded legislation. We call it the wheelbarrow Act. That using a vertical shoot, and one can imagine land has been set aside formally for a multi- the noise associated with that. Some noise use corridor for all of the infrastructure that will attenuation barriers have been constructed, be required to service that industry land. but they are insufficient. I point out to the In particular, I wish to discuss the Minister that a number of landowners have Gladstone East End to Harbour Corridor, not been badly affected by that. because there is a problem with it per se, but I also wish to raise the issue of corridors, because the elements in this Bill merely clarify and I do so on behalf of local government. more precisely the land affected by that The proposal is to allow for ministerial corridor. When the corridor was first declared in decisions for crossings, that is, it is proposed 1996, I asked the then Minister for Economic that the corridors intersect existing road or rail. Development and Trade and Minister Assisting Again, I do not think any local authority— the Premier about the landowners surrounding certainly not in my region—would query the the corridor from the East End to the QCL wisdom of having dedicated corridors. The mine. I asked what plans were in place to experience of local government, however, is protect remaining residents from dust, noise that Government departments take all care and other impacts of the rail line, given that at and no responsibility. At times, local authorities least one resident is only 300 metres from this have had to put water lines in under railway industrial line. Quite appropriately, the Minister lines or they have had to negotiate with QR to replied to me in December 1996 to say that an get road access across a railway line. environmental management plan was in place Queensland Rail has required that the local that was going to cover the construction and government indemnify the State Government operation of the project, including rail branch for the proposed infrastructure. lines. I ask: will the State Government give a However, that railway line has had similar indemnity to the council when it is significant impacts on some of those proposing to put infrastructure across perhaps landowners. The proposal grew exponentially— a local government corridor? Equal rights for perhaps not unexpectedly for the proponent equal groups. That is a question I would like QCL and perhaps not unexpectedly for the clarified. I know that, on a number of Government. However, that has had occasions, the council with which I was detrimental effects on the landowners. One old involved came out of negotiations with QR lady, Mrs McInally, lives close to the loading needing a few bandaids and felt fairly facility. She is significantly affected by noise. brutalised because QR had said, "Yes, you Another couple, Lyn and Bryan Paget, who can do it, but you carry current and future have a horse-spelling establishment not too far risks." I wonder whether the State Government from the loading area—it is a loop—have seen is proposing to do the same thing. their business deteriorate markedly because There is only one other matter that I wish the noise has affected their ability to provide a to raise. I am not sure—and this is a fault on safe and reliable place for the spelling of my part—how broad the application is going to horses. A lot of owners will not put brood be. The Minister is exempting judicial review on mares there, because the mares will hold up those corridors. I note that one aspect of the the foal and at times lose the foal rather than Explanatory Notes talks about the land that will have the foal in circumstances that they find be affected by the Transport (Gladstone East upsetting. And the noise is definitely upsetting. End to Harbour Corridor) Act, but that is a The EMP that was prepared covered different issue because that deals with most of the issues that Mr Slack, as the Government-owned land, but the corridors previous Minister, referred to. However, provided for in this Bill will at times affect changes to that document occurred without privately owned land. I wonder what recourse 3296 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998 will be open to landowners if they are that turn-off, but there have been a couple of aggrieved by any future Government fatalities—one this year and one a year or so proposals. ago. Mr Bredhauer interjected. Mr Johnson: Since the changes? Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM: The power that Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM: No, it was just the Minister is giving for corridors to be before the changes. I raise it because there placed—— has not been enough time to actually estimate how effective those changes are. However, the Mr Bredhauer: The rail corridor? concern of the community remains irrespective Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM: No, the service of those changes. They believe that there infrastructure corridors. If in the future those ought to be an actual grade separation as far corridors are going to affect private as the turn-off is concerned. landowners, what recourse will be open to I have one other chestnut to raise with the those landowners to appeal against the Minister. If I did not do so, I would be lynched. proposal and the siting of the corridor? I extend an invitation to the Minister to come Mr Bredhauer: They already have the and travel Monto Road. We have never right to object and have the right to effectively been able to get a Minister to do compensation if they are affected. That's that because it takes a little bit of time. It is an already existing now and we're not affecting arterial for industry and residents who live out that through this legislation. in the Boyne Valley. It is an important road for Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM: Good. Thank you them. It is their only link to Gladstone, very much. shopping and other services. Other than that, the other issues I want to Mr Schwarten: The first thing they should raise are just points of concern, but they are do is take those signs off. not negative in the sense of planning. I raise Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM: I am not even again the issue of concern in our community going to comment on that. with route D, which is an infrastructure corridor Mr Schwarten interjected. proposed by the Government. I know that people in my electorate have met with a Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM: No, they should number of the Ministers on this issue. It still not. lingers as a point of controversy in my Mr Schwarten: It's not fit for two-wheel electorate. vehicles. The other issue I raise is the Boyne Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM: No, they should Island/Tannum Sands turn-off. I raise it with not. They should leave that sign on. two points of view. The Main Roads Mr Schwarten interjected. Department has done some work in the recent past to extend the exit lane and, therefore, Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM: The member improve visibility. It has also reduced the opposite is the wrong Minister. I am inviting the Minister for Transport to come for a ride. The speed limit of the intersection from 100 km/h member opposite can come as well. The to 80 km/h. A lot of people have come into my invitation is extended to him to come and have office about this issue. There was a fatality a look at that road because there has been a there not too long ago. generic concern ever since I have been in local A Government member: A very council—and before that—to improve that dangerous spot. road. I extend the invitation to Mr Schwarten. Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM: Yes. It was in the He is welcome to come along as well. Mr context of that fatality that family and friends of Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to residents of Boyne Island/Tannum Sands comment on the Bill. came and said to me that they wanted a Mr NUTTALL (Sandgate—ALP) flyover. At the time I said to them, "Why don't (3.26 p.m.): I want to comment on two issues: you give the extended turn-out lane and the in particular the road toll and, secondly, the reduced speed limits time to see how effective use of speed cameras and where I believe they are." I know that the reduction in the there is a major problem. Firstly, in relation to speed limit at the Calliope crossroads the road toll, I say that my reading of the latest increased safety reasonably well. I raise that statistics shows that as at last count there had point with the Minister. There has perhaps not been some 235 deaths on our roads in been quite enough time to see how effective Queensland. While each and every one of those new turn-outs and the reduced speed those is a tragedy, it is a vast improvement. I limits are going to be in improving safety at think it is the lowest road toll that we have had 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3297 in six or seven years. Police officers, people and managed on a deterrence-based within the Transport Department—— approach. There is the white van, but do Mr Johnson: Thirty-five years. honourable members know where the sign stating that a speed camera is in use is Mr NUTTALL: In 35 years. I thank the placed? It is not put before the van; it is put former Minister for that. after the van. So people driving along see the There are occasions when people need to sign "speed camera in use" after they have be complimented on some outstanding work. gone through the camera. That is simply an People within the Departments of Transport entrapment. That has nothing to do with and Main Roads, police officers and drivers deterring drivers from speeding. within Queensland themselves are certainly Mr Nelson: You shouldn't be speeding more aware. It is one of those outstanding anyway. efforts that we have achieved as a society. Even though there is increased traffic and Mr NUTTALL: I acknowledge that people should not be speeding, but the whole increased population, we have managed to philosophy behind speed cameras is to deter reduce the road toll. It has taken a lot of hard work and I want to compliment those people drivers from speeding. This is not deterring as well as the former Minister and the current drivers from speeding. The Police Service is Minister, of course, on the work that they have just complying so that it can say, "We are done in relation to our road tolls. We are letting drivers know that speed cameras are in coming into the Christmas season which again use." In New Zealand, when drivers enter a is a very dangerous time. I think that has been speed camera area they see signs which state one of the most outstanding efforts in terms of "This is a speed camera area". I think that our society in recent years. should be done in Queensland. The former Minister also advised the House that the I also want to raise the issue of speed cameras would be operated by a single police cameras. I believe—and I have mentioned this officer in a van which would be visible to all in the House before—that the Police motorists. I drove past a speed camera the Department in particular is in breach of other night. I was not speeding, but it was legislation in terms of their use. I have raised dark. Give us a break! this in the House before. It has not been The then shadow Minister, the picked up by the media and I hope that on this honourable member for Capalaba, introduced occasion it will be. When the previous Minister some amendments which were supported by introduced the legislation governing speed the honourable member for Gladstone. cameras into the House back in November of Amendments to the Bill were passed to the 1996—and the former Minister is in the effect that all revenue raised would be used in Chamber today—he said during his second- three areas: road safety education and reading speech— awareness programs; road accident injury "The introduction of speed cameras rehabilitation programs; and road funding to will be accompanied by strict operational improve the safety of the section of State- policies and controls to ensure they are controlled roads where accidents most used to help reduce speed-related frequently happen. crashes." Mr Johnson: Is the honourable member He advised the House that operational controls for Sandgate aware that the amount of would include cameras being limited to use on revenue that we expected to receive from roads which have undergone speed limit speed cameras and other speeding offences reviews. There is no way in the world that full was considerably reduced by speed cameras? speed reviews have been undertaken on The Minister may correct me, but I think it is Sandgate Road in my electorate, yet those about $11m. cameras are constantly there and they are Mr NUTTALL: I am aware of that, but the constantly used simply to entrap drivers. They money still is not going—— are not being used to reduce speed; they are being used to entrap drivers and to raise Mr Johnson: I know what you are saying. revenue. This problem is not restricted to On the point about cameras being visible, that Sandgate Road. I believe that a number of is right. I said that. Again, we have had that members in this Chamber would verify my problem and they should not be concealed. claim that speed cameras are not being used Mr NUTTALL: I am not being critical of in the way they should be. you. The former Minister also said that police Mr Johnson: I am just saying that I did enforcement operations would be highly visible say that. 3298 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998

Mr NUTTALL: Yes. I am trying to draw it Mr Johnson: Why would you tell the to the attention of the media, because they will public where they were? not pick it up, but the police are not playing the Mr NUTTALL: I am not saying—— game. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I remind Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: (Mr Reeves): the member for Sandgate to speak through Order! I remind the member for Sandgate to the Chair. I also remind the member for address his remarks through the Chair. Sandgate of the Bill to be debated. Mr NUTTALL: The annual report of the Mr NUTTALL: Mr Deputy Speaker, Main Roads Department of 1997-98 states— everyone else got a fair bit of leniency, and I "We enhanced the safety of the road seek the same amount. The RACQ has called network by: for all the sites of speed cameras to be revealed. The whole idea is to deter people returning an estimated $30 million in from speeding. If drivers are warned by a sign safety benefits to the Queensland that says "This is a speed camera area" and community by upgrading 65 'black they go through and get fined, that is well and spots' costing approximately good. $7 million during the year." Mr Pearce: They do it in New South That is to be applauded and the Department Wales. of Main Roads is to be commended. I hope Mr NUTTALL: The honourable member that money has come from fines as a result of for Fitzroy is right. If it is good enough for New the use of speed cameras. The report goes on South Wales, why can we not do it here for our to state— motorists? "... implementing the $10 million per year Mr Johnson: Look at our good record. As Safer Roads initiative, partly funded by Inspector Wessling said, if you are going to tell camera-detected offences." everybody where they are, you will not get any Mr Johnson: There certainly has been revenue. increased education on road safety. Mr NUTTALL: I do not accept that, Mr NUTTALL: I am aware of that, but the because I believe that the more motorists are point I am making is that when we had this warned, the more they will slow down. We are debate in this House the honourable member down to 235 road deaths. I have said that is a for Gladstone and a number of other great reduction, but I think we can do better honourable members raised the point that and I think we should be doing better. I would these cameras should be used in areas where be interested to see where the money is there have been known fatalities, and they are going. The former Minister said that not as not. They should be used in areas where there much revenue was raised as was anticipated. are roadworks going on and where drivers are A press release of the then Minister stated that not slowing down when they are supposed to in about three months about $1.5m was be and endangering the lives of the raised. workers—— Mr Johnson: You work that out over 12 months. It's not going to be $30m, is it? Mr Pearce: School areas. Mr NUTTALL: No, it is not, but it is still a Mr NUTTALL: And in school areas where significant amount of money. people's lives are endangered. That is not being done. Cameras are being put on roads Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I remind and are just entrapping people. That has to be the member about relevance. addressed by the police. It is not good enough Mr NUTTALL: I think the lives of for us as parliamentarians to be passing laws Queenslanders are very relevant. I think the which the law enforcers of this State ignore. police need to address the issue and we need That is effectively what they are doing. In May to ensure that the money that is collected is 1997, Police Inspector Greg Wessling of the earmarked for those areas set out in section traffic camera office declined to reveal 44T of the Transport Legislation Amendment locations for the speed camera traps. He Act 1996. The Act states that the money said— raised must be used in the three areas I "We have a preliminary list of 400 mentioned. I do not believe that all that money potential sites throughout the State." is being used in accordance with this legislation. I believe that matter should be He went on to say that the police were not addressed as a matter of course and as a going to tell anyone. matter of necessity. I also call on the Police 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3299

Department to clearly indicate the presence of could carry any number of people—one, and speed cameras—not after the van but before then however many more. But there have the van—to warn motorists that they are in a been continuing problems. I am sure that speed camera area. I think that will go further everybody would recognise that, and we had to deterring people from speeding. to do something to fix it. So that is what I The concern of the community and the believe this legislation does very successfully, RACQ in general when we brought that and it does it in a way that I understand has legislation forward was that speed cameras the support of the tourism industry, because would be used to raise revenue. That is exactly that is also a very important consideration. what is happening. The speed limits have not During my contribution to this debate, I been reviewed by either the State Transport intend to refer to correspondence that I have Department or the Brisbane City Council as had with various parties on this issue because promised. They need to be reviewed. I believe that it tells the story very well. Not Dr CLARK (Barron River—ALP) long after I was elected on 15 July, I received (3.39 p.m.): It would probably take me well my first letter from people who were over an hour if I talked to this House about the owner/operators of three taxis with the Cairns range of transport issues that I grapple with in taxi service, Black & White Taxis. They were my electorate. However, I have only 20 the Gardiners of Smithfield Heights in my minutes, and I will try to use even less time electorate, and they were obviously very than that because I know that members want concerned about this situation. In their letter to to move business along. Today I will restrict my me they stated— comments to Part 5 of the Bill, that is, the "The manager of Sunshine"— proposed amendments to the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act. Andrew Plimmer— The whole of the taxi industry, especially "has openly admitted during media Black & White Taxis, which operate in Cairns, interviews that as his vehicles look like a are keenly awaiting the changes in this Bill cab, and act like a cab, people think they because they effectively will prevent the de are a cab and therefore use them as a facto deregulation of the industry being cab." attempted by certain charter bus companies So it was well known that this was going on. offering a quick response service They continue— indistinguishable from that provided by licensed taxis. In Cairns, the conflict between "Sunshine C&BS are now accepting the Sunshine Central Booking Service—which immediate bookings and not advance is one of the names they use—and Black & bookings as required by law. They are White Taxis has been particularly personal and also regularly accepting hirings from particularly intense. It is one with which I have designated Taxi Ranks and parking been involved, and I want to put a few things illegally in the Cairns CBD to create their on the record today. own ranks." It is clear that Sunshine set out quite I was very much aware of that. I had heard this deliberately to promote themselves as from other people. But there is one interesting providing a taxi service. They began doing that aspect of which I was unaware. I do not know officially in Cairns around May/June of this whether anyone else in Cairns has seen them, year. It was always their intention to compete but apparently Sunshine have employed bikini- directly with Black & White, because there are clad young women—— no restrictions either in legislation or Mr Pearce: Wow! regulations on the number of passengers that a charter bus company can carry in Cairns. Dr CLARK: Yes, to walk along the Esplanade with mobile phones—— As other members have said, the problem of competition between taxis and charter Mrs Rose interjected. buses is not a new issue. It was attempted to Dr CLARK: They are taking a leaf out of be addressed in previous changes to the Gold Coast's book. I think they saw it as a regulations whereby, in towns of less than good thing. This was apparently on the 10,000 people, it was actually specified that Esplanade. They were walking along with charter bus companies had to carry more than mobile phones, asking people whether they six people. But I believe that in larger cities required transport, and then phoning their and tourist areas, it was considered overly vehicles to come and provide it. So they have restrictive and difficult to enforce, and it was certainly been innovative. And in the Yellow left as it was, so that charter bus companies Pages there was a clear reference to the fact 3300 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998 that it was a taxi company. The Gardiners say Obviously, that did not really impress me— also— given what I knew about how they were "As long term residents who have operating. They went on to complain bitterly invested a large amount of money in the about Queensland Transport officers who I Cairns taxi industry we are concerned that considered were just doing their job. It is this company have been allowed to important to let people know the kind of openly compete with us without having to language that they used in their letter, so that people know the kind of company they are meet any of the minimum requirements. dealing with. The letter says— Black & White Taxis have undertaken Quality Assurance and then entered into "I would not have believed that a Taxi Service Contract with the State government officers could be so deceitful Government which guarantees a and uneducated when requested to give minimum standard of service to the public simple advice on a topic that they should of Cairns. As shareholders of Black & be so familiar with, in this case, The White we are bound by this Service 'Public Passenger Transport Act.' I Contract." continually ask myself, What is on their Agenda? Is it to administer the existing I believe that that sets out the issue very well Public Passenger regulations or is it to for my constituents and Black & White Taxis. harass us, ignore those that are breaking I made my representations to the every rule in the book and re writing the Minister, both verbally and in writing, urging rules to suit themselves? In an attempt to him to bring forward the amendments to the so blatantly protect the existing Taxi legislation. I believe that they had been service, that in my opinion is providing a planned under the last Government. It was less than adequate service anyway." certainly in the media in Cairns prior to the The letter continues— change of Government. I know that the "I thought we lived in a democratic previous Government was aware of that society, promoting free enterprise allowing problem and was starting to do something those with the will, to get out there and do about it. I wrote to the Minister saying, "Let's well. Generating wealth and stability within progress this. Obviously it is urgent." I said— the community. To date we have proven "Bringing this bill"— that this is not the case. that is, the Bill that members are debating It is mine and many others opinion here today— that Monopoly's breed contempt and complacency." "into Parliament at the earliest possible sitting would send a positive message to Clearly, they were out there providing a service industry that the Labor Government will that they felt should be able to continue. They act quickly to close loopholes that felt that what they were doing was just basic damage fair trading, and have an competition that should be allowed to continue improper impact on the operations of taxi regardless of the laws of the State. businesses that meet all licensing I wrote back to the company. Basically I requirements." decided to take them on. I say what I think, and I let people know where I stand, so I I am obviously very pleased that the Minister made it very clear in my letters back to Andrew has acted. It has taken longer than some Plimmer when I said— people would have liked it to take, but these are complex matters that take time to draft "It is my understanding that your properly. Those were the representations I operation does not conform with the spirit made to the Minister. of the legislation and that you are taking advantage of the situation in a way that is The day afterwards, I got a letter from detrimental to the only authorised taxi Sunshine addressed "Dear Sir", so members company in Cairns. I trust that the can imagine that that did not exactly start off situation can be resolved in such a way as our relationship on a very good footing. In their distinguishes between your service and letter to me, Sunshine said— that of taxis and that in future you provide "We are a legitimate Limousine and a service not currently provided by taxis." Charter Bus operation and operate very I thought that was fair enough. I let him know strictly within the guidelines that are so where I stand. very clear in the Public Passenger Mr Pearce: I bet you don't get a regulations." Christmas card off him. 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3301

Dr CLARK: I do not expect a Christmas Incidentally, I do not want to let Black & card. I sent him a copy of the letter that I sent White get away scot-free, because it has not to the Minister. He then sent that straight to always been perfect. I do not think any taxi the Cairns Post, and World War III erupted. I company would ever say that 100% of its was then the villain in the piece. I got a letter drivers are always perfect; they are not. back. It started "Dear Lesley" this time, so at However, owner-operators pay for their taxi least they knew what sex I was. The letter licences. I asked Andrew whether he was really said— asking me to say to people who have invested "Dear Lesley their life savings or superannuation in a taxi licence—which costs in excess of $300,000— It is always amusing when someone that their investment is worthless and means stands up in a foreign area"— nothing. I told him that that was the I am not quite sure which, but anyway— consequence of what he was trying to do. I told him that if he was really interested in "and makes a totally uneducated deregulating the taxi industry—which is what statement, in an obvious attempt to stifle he was on about—he should go out and get ones business and blatantly support the some political support from elsewhere. I do not other, prior to consulting with both parties. think that any members on the other side of I am no politician, however I do House are trying to promote deregulation of believe it is wrong of you to be making the taxi industry, because they know—as we these irrational and uneducated know—what that would mean. statements prior to having more Mr Pearce: I wonder how he'd be if the substantial evidence." shoe was on the other foot. Some people might have thought that I should Dr CLARK: One can be quite sure that he put that letter in the bin. would be screaming the loudest. I know the Mr Bredhauer: It sounds like they're off sort of letters that I would be getting from all your Christmas card list. the family businesses and taxi owners. I know what they would say to me if I were to try to Dr CLARK: That is right. However, I am a promote that in the community. fair-minded person, so I phoned them up and said, "Come and talk to me. Come to the I told him that what he was asking me to office and let's have a meeting. Let's sit do was untenable, that there were rules and down"—— that he had to stick to the rules. That is what is happening. Unfortunately, Black & White had Mr Schwarten interjected. to take its own legal action. It took out an Dr CLARK: Exactly. I thought that if he injunction to prevent that company having had more to tell me, fair enough, let him come signage on its vehicles that promoted it as a in, and he did. He brought along a third cab providing a taxi service. I am glad to say person. I am not sure whether that person that Black & White won that case. It is recorded the interview, but there was a third disappointing that it had to spend a lot of person there. money to do that. The company had a week Mr Schwarten: Did you give them a cup to remove the signs and replace them with a of tea? sign advertising a generic booking service. The judge knew, as did everybody else in Cairns, Dr CLARK: I might have offered them a what was happening: the company was cup of tea, because I am charitable. pretending to be a taxi company when it was I used that as an opportunity to make it not. clear to him that this was not an attempt to The conclusion of the issue is the destroy anyone's business. I know that there amendment that we are debating today. The are people who are now working for that aim of the amendment is twofold. The first company who will be affected adversely when aspect is the removal of charter buses from that legislation comes in. I said to him that it the list of public passenger services excluded was irresponsible of him to continue to expand from being a taxi by definition. That would his company and put people on when he knew define charter buses that ply for hire or that that he was not going to be able to continue can be hailed on a street as providing a taxi doing what he was doing. I made it very clear service. Sunshine can provide a taxi service. that the company had been providing good The point is that, if a company does that, it will customer service. There is no doubt that they be liable for prosecution if it does not possess are very polite and treat the customers very a taxi service licence. We do not mind it being well. I acknowledged all of that. a charter bus company and providing a taxi 3302 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998 service if it is licensed. It has to have a taxi the Brisbane light rail project. As he rightly licence. pointed out, it is an important project that is The second aim of the proposed part of the Integrated Regional Transport Plan. amendments is to better clarify what We identified a number of failings in the former constitutes a taxi service. The existing Government's Briztram proposal—which I do definition refers to the fact that it includes a not intend to reiterate at this time—that led to "demand responsive service", but it does not our cancelling of that project. In its place, we say what that is. The amendments now spell are proceeding with planning for the Brisbane that out. The Bill amends the definition of "taxi light rail project. I reassure the member for service" to distinguish what "demand Gregory that it is an important element of our responsive service" means. It means that any plans for the future of public transport in south- person who holds themselves out to the public east Queensland. The critical issue is, as he as being able to respond immediately or within has identified, the $65m that was promised by a period of time appropriate to a taxi or within the Federal Government under the Heritage a similar period of time, or holds themselves Fund. To date we have not been successful in out as a service being able to provide taxis, or securing a recommitment of those funds. The generates a public expectation that the service Premier has written to Prime Minister John Howard on two occasions. We have had being provided is a taxi will be providing a discussions at an officer level. Officers from demand responsive service and, therefore, will come within the definition of "taxi service". I both the Prime Minister's Department and the repeat: Sunshine can provide a taxi service, Department of Transport recognise that we still but it will require a taxi service licence to have a commitment to a light rail project for operate or it will be in breach of the Act. In the south-east Queensland similar to that to which definition of "demand responsive service", the they made a commitment for funds. We are word "taxi" has its ordinary meaning. That will receiving supportive noises at an officer level, allow a court to judge whether the operators but until such time as we receive a sign-off are holding themselves out as being a from the Prime Minister we cannot be certain. demand responsive service on the basis of a That $65m is critical, but I can assure the court's ordinary conception of what a taxi does; member Gregory that we are leaving no stone that is, an operator's actions will be judged on unturned in our endeavours to pursue that whether the court is of the opinion that it is $65m. I use this opportunity to entreat the providing what would ordinarily be thought of Prime Minister to give positive consideration to as a taxi service. the letter that he was handed last Thursday at the COAG meeting by the Queensland We now have amendments that will Premier, which asked him for a firm protect the existing taxi service. Charter buses commitment to that $65m. can provide that service if they get themselves I note the member's comments in respect a licence. We are returning a level playing field of the inner-city bypass. I thank him for his to the industry. I commend the amendments offer of bipartisan support on the City/Valley to the House. bypass. I suggest to him that he might talk to Hon. S. D. BREDHAUER (Cook—ALP) some of his colleagues on his side of the (Minister for Transport and Minister for Main House, notably the member sitting beside him, Roads) (3.54 p.m.), in reply: I thank all the member for Clayfield, because if the members who contributed to the debate. I will coalition is genuine in its attempts to offer take some time to respond to some of the bipartisan support on the issue of the inner-city specific issues that were raised. The bypass, there is nothing to be gained from Opposition has indicated its support for the Bill people such as the member Clayfield taking before the House and that is appreciated. The cheap political pot shots at me, Jim Soorley or generally constructive contributions that were anybody else. If he wants to play the games made by most members on both sides of the that Councillor June O'Connell would like him House were also appreciated. It has been a to play so that Liberal councillors can beat this fairly wide-ranging debate and not confined up as an issue which, heaven knows, the always to the specifics of the Bill. That is the Liberal Party at the city council administration nature of second-reading debates. I am not has sadly lacked and is looking for— going to try to cover all the issues that Ms Spence interjected. members have raised, but I will discuss most of them if I possibly can in the time available to Mr BREDHAUER: It is a desperate me. attempt; that is right. If he wants to do that, then so be it. However, I do not think he can I will begin with the contribution of the have it both ways and offer bipartisan support member for Gregory. He began by discussing on that important issue. The member identified 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3303 that that bypass is part of the IRTP. It is also confined to south-east Queensland but is part of the Brisbane City Council's transport happening throughout other parts of plan. I believe that it is an important element in Queensland. We are proceeding with terms of relieving congestion in the inner-city integrated regional transport planning in far- area, which, in part, will serve to improve air north Queensland in relation to the far-north quality in the inner-city area and, in part, serve Queensland 2010 process. to improve the potential efficiency of our public I want to draw the member's attention to transport modes, including our busways and an article that appeared today in the Cairns the Brisbane light rail service. It is an important Post. It suggested that we were going to close issue, but it is a Brisbane City Council project. off Anderson Road and that that would cause In our discussions with the Lord Mayor and the problems for the residents of White Rock and Transport spokesperson for the Brisbane City Bayview Heights. The matter is also Council, Maureen Hayes, we have made it editorialised in the Cairns Post. I want to quite clear that it is a council project. Having canvass briefly a couple of issues. One of finalised the impact assessment statement, those is that we are looking at upgrading the they are moving ahead with the rest of it. southern access into Cairns, that is, the I take on board the member's positive existing Bruce Highway access. We are looking and constructive comments in the House at six-laning the area between Sheehy Road today in relation to the bypass issue, and I and Portsmith Road. There are no immediate look forward to taking a bipartisan approach to plans to cut off access for residents at it. However, although I believe a bipartisan Anderson Street or anywhere else. That is approach is the constructive way to go, I something that may be contemplated suggest that the member talks to other significantly in the future—in 10 years or 15 coalition members, because they cannot have years' time—but under all circumstances we it both ways. would guarantee access by some other I would also like to talk about the issue means, for example, service roads or that the member raised in relation to Sunshine something like that, for residents who were C & Bs. I will talk about Sunshine C & Bs a little looking to get from one area to another. later on in terms of the contribution of the It is important to appreciate that, in the member for Barron River. However, the process of doing this planning, we are trying to member mentioned public transport operators go out there and consult openly and honestly. in Cairns other than taxis. He would be aware Although I understand that some people have that a review of the limousine service has been concerns, people need to be clear that under way. We had a bit of a hiccup with it currently what we are trying to do is lay the because the Limousine Association of groundwork for the six-laning of that section Queensland had an almost complete change, between Sheehy Road and Portsmith Road or a complete change, of its executive. So and nothing more. We are not talking about there was an interruption in the closing off people's access in the short term. I communications between us and them. We think that the article in the Cairns Post says have determined that we have to press ahead that it might be a long way off, perhaps when and now those links have been reopened. So we have another corridor. the limousine service review is again under The other issue is the southern Cairns way. integrated land use and transport study, which The operator and driver accreditation was initiated by me as the Minister. A processes are also under review. That was consultant has been employed to run that started by the previous Minister. The process. I might say that in another article in delineations, or definitions, between taxis, today's Cairns Post the National Party charter bus operators, courtesy coaches and candidate for Mulgrave, Naomi Wilson, talks regular bus operators are difficult issues and about the southern Cairns integrated land use there are always grey areas at the borders. In and transport study. People need to my view, the amendments that we have made appreciate that, once again, this is a long-term in relation to Sunshine C & Bs was necessary view. Essentially, we are looking for ways to because it was operating as a taxi operator provide another corridor into Cairns from about when, in effect, it did not have to comply with Gordonvale. That may not be needed for either the service requirements or the licence another 20 years but, in terms of sensible requirements, which is why we moved in the transport planning, we have to get on with the way we did. process now. The member also talked about IRTPs. As I have to say that it was the Labor he would know, the IRTP process is not Government that actually initiated this process 3304 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998 of the southern corridor study. I was the one cycles can be on the footpath but that they who announced that the corridor was starting should have due regard of the safety of other on 16 October. On 12 and 16 November we footpath users, notably pedestrians. However, held key stakeholder meetings. Other councils have the capacity to sign areas where meetings are planned for 19, 24 and 25 cycling is not permitted on the footpath. November. We have opened an office in an Judging by the comments made by the arcade in Cairns so that people can get member for Lytton, if cycles on footpaths is a access. We have provided consultation problem in other areas, I would encourage material, including newsletters, posters, a free- other local governments to react in a way call number and ads in the paper. Over 100 similar to the actions of the Gold Coast City stakeholders have received letters and we Council. In that regard, the other issue that have had mobile displays that have appeared has emerged more recently is toy vehicles, as at Edmonton, Stockland, Gordonvale and they are called, including skateboards. That is Cairns central. So it is the Labor Government a matter that is under consideration for that is getting on with the job of long-term possible regulation in a similar way. planning for the transport needs, particularly The member also mentioned wheelchair the southern access needs, of far-north accessible taxis in Wynnum. I alert the Queensland and Cairns. member to the fact that Wynnum is part of the I also want to say that it is the Labor Brisbane taxi service area. Currently in Government that will see this study to a Brisbane there are 68 wheelchair accessible conclusion and make a decision, just as it will taxis. They are all operated by Yellow Cabs. in respect of the Kuranda Range corridor That is an arrangement that will soon end. study, of which the member for Barron River is Yellow Cabs will not have a monopoly on aware and with which she is closely involved. accessible taxis in the near future but, at the We will see this process through to a same time, will introduce a further 30 conclusion. We are looking at the long-term wheelchair accessible taxis. I suggest to the interests of Cairns residents and people who member for Lytton that if his constituents are rely on that southern corridor for access to having trouble accessing taxis, at this stage Cairns. The member made a number of other they should contact Yellow Cabs and notify comments in relation to Campaign 300 and a them of their concerns. few other things, which I will not go into at this The next contribution came from the point. member for Albert. Existing section 183 of the The member for Lytton raised a number Transport Infrastructure Act is sufficient to deal of issues. I appreciated his contribution. with access for investigations for the purpose Obviously, he talked about matters relating to of miscellaneous transport infrastructure, the Bill, but he also raised a couple of other because it allows for the temporary use and issues. Essentially, the issue of truck parking in occupation of land for miscellaneous transport residential streets is a matter for which local infrastructure works. The term "works" is government has the responsibility. Local sufficient to cover access for investigations. government has the capacity to regulate truck The member was concerned about limiting it to parking in residential streets and has had that rail, but it is not limited to rail. It is a specific under the Traffic Act, effectively since 1965. In power that rail was precluded from and it has 1994, changes were made to the legislation to now been included. The member also talked clarify council powers to control such parking about compensation that is payable by an because of a conflict involving parking by time. investigator. The Bill provides a number of The Traffic Act enables councils to make local safeguards to protect the interests of owners laws about such matters. I have to say to the and occupiers of land that is affected by entry. honourable member and all other members of This includes that compensation is payable for the House that it is not an easy issue. In some loss or damage arising from the entry, respects, councils have a lot of trouble in trying consistent with sections of the Transport to make local laws to deal with that issue and Infrastructure Act. The member also had a to enforce them. In relation to that matter, problem with the definition of "within local government has to contend with a range reasonable time". Ultimately, that term gives a of issues, some of which the member for little flexibility but, if necessary, a court would Lytton identified. determine whether it had occurred within a The member also mentioned the issue of reasonable time. cycles on footpaths. As he pointed out, on the I commend the member for Chermside for Gold Coast the council has erected signs in the constructive approach that he takes to places that indicate where cyclists should not resolving and working through transport issues, be on the footpath. Basically, the law says that not only those in his own electorate but those 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3305 in the area of Brisbane in which he lives. It is The member for Logan talked about Julie all too easy for some to cast aspersions at Street and raised a couple of issues on the people, and to carp, criticise, call meetings and demands by residents of the Marsden area misrepresent comments that others have that the Julie Street precinct, in particular, be made. On the other hand, one can follow the provided with improved cross-regional services example of the member for Chermside, who between patronage contractors in the Logan takes a constructive approach and tries to contract area and the Park Ridge contract understand the issues that are likely to affect area, and the improvement of service levels. his constituents. The Minister for Employment, The member for Logan would be interested to Training and Industrial Relations knows of the know that the Logan service contract is good work that the honourable member does, undergoing its mid-term review. Under this because those issues also impact on the review, the various means by which Julie Minister's electorate. The member for Street may be serviced will be discussed with Chermside has taken the opportunity to Clarks bus service to ascertain the most understand the issues. The member for efficient manner of providing such services. Clayfield might be interested to know that the Julie Street may be serviced by rerouting an member for Chermside takes a wider and existing service or by providing an alternative longer-term view than some in the Parliament. route. As I am sure the Deputy Speaker is The member for Chermside has looked at the interested to know, we are looking at that issue Integrated Regional Transport Plan and how it that affects the member for Logan. might assist in resolving south-east We have had a couple of problems with Queensland's current and emerging traffic the Logan City Council, and the member congestion problems and associated mentioned the building of a roundabout. We problems. He does not go around taking pot also had a problem when the council installed shots. speed bumps for traffic-calming purposes, Mr Santoro: Like building a motorway. which meant that the low-floor wheelchair Mr BREDHAUER: The member for accessible buses could not negotiate the Clayfield has deliberately misrepresented the street. We will now have to pay to remove the circumstances. He continues to imply that my speed bumps that were installed as a traffic- decision to agree to transfer some properties calming measure. I ask councils such as the to the Minister for Public Works and Housing in Logan council to consult with Queensland some way means that this Government has an Transport and Main Roads before they make agenda to build the east-west motorway. That such decisions. In this situation, we have is not true. The member's suggestions to that wasted money on installing speed bumps and effect are deliberately misleading and are it has cost us yet more money to remove them scaremongering amongst his constituents and so that low-floor wheelchair accessible buses others. can access the street. The Park Ridge Transit Mr SANTORO: I rise to a point of order contract was another issue that was raised by under Standing Order 119. I find those the member for Logan. I know that he is comments offensive because they do not aware—and I am sure that he will be happy to reflect what I have said at public meetings. I know—that we are progressing and are very ask that the Minister withdraw. close to finalising our negotiations for a service contract with Park Ridge Transit. I expect that Mr BREDHAUER: I withdraw. The to be brought to fruition in the not-too-distant member for Chermside raised an important future. point about Main Roads advice that is given to people inquiring about properties. His point is The member for Clayfield raised the issue quite correct. We have identified that of the Nundah bypass. In fact, the member for weakness in the system. Main Roads is Clayfield misled the House: that project has currently trying to work on improving that not been delayed. Under the current Road system so that people are told about not only Implementation Program, the Nundah bypass whether the property that they are inquiring is funded. Construction work will commence by about is likely to be affected by future transport the end of 1999 and it will be completed, as plans; they will get a wider perspective on the scheduled, by the end of the year 2000. In plans for an area that might affect their 1998-99, $4m has been allocated; for 1999- decision to purchase or the value of the 2000, $20m has been allocated; and for 2000- property that they are looking at. The 01, $10.573m has been allocated. The member's comments in that regard are quite assertions by the member for Clayfield that the correct and I thank him for bringing that matter project has been delayed are wrong, as are to the attention of the House, because it is most of the assertions that are made by the important. member for Clayfield. 3306 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998

The member for Mansfield talked about previous Government the traffic flow on that the Mount Gravatt-Capalaba Road. Indeed, a section of road was between 60,000 and number of members are concerned about 80,000 vehicles a day. That was at the same issues relating to that road. They have made time the Prime Minister announced that $34m representations to me and I have asked the would be spent on a road in northern New Department of Transport and the Department South Wales that carries 92 vehicles a day. I of Main Roads, in particular, to work closely am not entirely sure what the Federal with those members, including the member for Government's logic was. Mansfield. We are trying to find solutions to The member for Nudgee raised a number some of the traffic issues that affect the Mount of significant issues in respect of his electorate. Gravatt-Capalaba Road. I will be happy to speak to him about those The member for Mooloolah talked about issues, in particular the rail infrastructure modes for public transport on the Sunshine issues. Coast. He said that we should make a decision on whether it will be rail, light rail or busways The member for Gladstone also raised a before we finalise the corridor. In fact, it is not number of issues. Proposed section 182N of sensible to finalise the mode before one gets the Bill before the Parliament gives a statutory the corridor. A more sensible approach is to right to a responsible entity, which includes reserve a corridor that has the capability of local government, to recover any costs, servicing a variety of modes, because it may damages, liabilities or loss it suffers due to the not come down to a single mode. It may end existence, construction and so on of up being a multimodal corridor, depending on miscellaneous transport infrastructure. population growth, where the nodes are and Essentially, the issue that she raised in that so on. One does not actually make a decision respect has been looked at in the Bill. In on the basis of a particular mode; one respect of the member's concerns about preserves a corridor that will enable one to judicial review—I urge her to go back and have meet the widest possible range. The member a look at the comments that I made in the would know of one very good example where second-reading speech about that. Private we have been quite territorial in protecting our property holders are not affected by the corridor, because we think it is important to changes that we have made in respect of the protect safety issues in respect of future public exemption from judicial review of the final transport. granting of approval by the Minister for State Development. I noted with interest the member's comments about the time frame for the The member for Gladstone also upgrading of the Sunshine Motorway, which mentioned the Monto Road and asked me to he said was in the out years of the RIP and come and visit. I can honestly say to the should be brought forward. If it had not been member for Gladstone that I will not have a for decisions like the elimination of the tolls on chance to get to Gladstone between now and the Sunshine Motorway, which cost the Main Christmas. My diary is basically booked up. Roads budget $450m, we might be in a better However, some time in the new year, if she position to look at issues such as that. I am would like to drop me a line, I would be happy not going to go into the motorway issue all to go up to Gladstone. I need to visit the port over again, but considerable constraints have authority. There are a couple of issues in been placed on us by those sorts of issues. relation to roads to the port authority in Gladstone that I would like to have some The member also mentioned six-laning opportunity to investigate personally. If I can the Gateway Arterial to Caboolture. He should make the time, I would also be happy to have be aware that prior to the Federal election his a look at Monto Road for her. If the member own Liberal Prime Minister announced the could drop me a line early in the new year, I provision of $25m to upgrade the road to six will try to find time in my diary to do that. lanes between Pine Rivers and Caboolture. Unfortunately, we have not seen any The member for Sandgate raised the commitment of that money, other than the issue of speed cameras. Yes, there was election promise. The $25m that was promised considerable debate at the time that speed over three years, from memory—it may have cameras were introduced about the been five—is one fifth of the cost of the operational guidelines for speed cameras. project. The project will cost $125m and the There is an expectation by this Government, grand election announcement was that we as I am sure there was by the former Ministers, were going to get $25m over three years. We that those operational guidelines would be are not popping the champagne corks yet in adhered to by the police. I suggest that the respect of that project. Even under the 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3307 issues he has raised should be brought to the Committee attention of the Minister for Police. If there are Hon. S. D. BREDHAUER (Cook—ALP) genuine concerns about operational matters, I (Minister for Transport and Minister for Main am sure that the Minister for Police will attend Roads) in charge of the Bill. to those. The member mentioned the revenue Clauses 1 to 26, as read, agreed to. raised. Section 44T(1), to which he referred, states that "all money in excess of the Clause 27— administrative costs of collection must be used Mr JOHNSON (4.25 p.m.): In speaking to for the following purposes". The point that was clause 27, I recognise the contribution this being made by way of interjection by the afternoon by the member for Barron River in member for Gregory is that the revenues have relation to taxi services, charter bus operations not realised the potential that we expected. and courtesy vehicles from hotels. As the Substantially, that is for a good reason: people member for Barron River said, there is not a have slowed down. That has been a big factor level playing field. That has been the situation in helping us to reduce the road toll. So the for some time. I can cite an example in my revenue is not there in excess of the electorate. A lot of heartache has been administrative costs of collection and experienced by Emerald taxis and limousine expanding the scheme. We are buying more services in that centre, similar to the heartache speed cameras and so on. That is why we experienced in Cairns. have not been able to put the money into In his reply, the Minister referred to the those other three issues identified in the Act. $50,000 loss of value of the taxi licences in the The member for Sandgate also spoke Cairns region. That issue is of great concern to about road reviews. There has been a me. When I was the Minister, we were working comprehensive road review of the Brisbane on the matter. I am pleased to see that the Minister is addressing it through this clause. City Council area. I suggest that Sandgate Clause 27 states— Road has probably been part of that. However, I could stand corrected. The member "(c) conducted in a way that may mentioned other issues in relation to having reasonably be expected to give speed cameras on roadworks sites and so on. prospective customers or the public For example, the Pacific Motorway is a place the impression that the service is, or where we are using speed detection devices to operates in a way similar to, a service try to encourage people to slow down. providing taxis." The Minister touched on this point, as did the Finally, the member for Barron River member for Barron River and the member for spoke about the Sunshine C & Bs. That has Albert. Taxi licences cost a considerable been a hot issue for me, as it has been for the amount of money. Those licences represent member for Barron River, as local members. A an investment to these operators. They have couple of weeks ago when we were outlaid huge sums of money. By comparison, progressing these amendments, someone in the limousine industry outlays a very small the department told me that the value of a taxi amount of money. The charter of the taxi licence in Cairns had fallen by $50,000 since operators is being violated. I ask the Minister the Sunshine C & Bs came into operation. to elaborate on whether the taxis will be That is the type of loss of investment that we protected by this clause. Will the limousine are seeking to prevent. A lot of those people industry be brought to heel? The Minister are just small businesspeople trying to make a mentioned the limousine industry in his reply. buck. They have gone to a lot of expense to That industry is a different class of public buy their taxi licence and to comply with the transport. This legislation is about keeping the regulations. I think it is reasonable that charter taxi industry regulated but at the same time bus operators operate as charter bus protecting the taxi industry from invasion by operators and that taxi services operate as taxi the limousine industry. services. Mr BREDHAUER: I thank the honourable I thank all honourable members. I thank member for his question and comments. I did my departmental officers from both not go into this issue as I thought I might departments for their support in relation to this initially when I was preparing my summing-up. Bill. I thank also members of my staff, who The member ought to have a yarn to his have put a lot of work into this Bill. I commend parliamentary colleague the member for Albert it to the House. at some stage about this issue, because in his address to the Parliament this afternoon the Motion agreed to. member for Albert suggested that what we 3308 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 18 Nov 1998 might need not just in our taxi service areas have people such as limousine operators but also in some of our bus service areas is undercutting taxi services. more competition. I have received dozens of letters recently As the member for Gregory would well from residents of one of the bayside islands know, by providing taxi service and bus service who want the bus service, which is running contracts, effectively we have tried to down to the wharf to connect with the ferry, to guarantee some capacity to provide a service, be able to go door to door to pick people up provide levels of service and have an ability to and take them down to the ferry. If they are monitor those levels of service. Taxis, for operating a door-to-door service and are example, are expected to respond to calls effectively operating like a taxi, they are no within a certain time frame. They are expected longer a bus service, so different rules should to operate at all times of the day and night. apply. In those areas where we do have taxi They cannot pick the eyes out of the good service contracts, we need to make sure that parts of the market and operate on we protect the integrity of those taxi service Wednesday night when people are heading contracts, protect the service standards for the home from late night shopping and Friday public and protect the investment of the taxi night when everybody is catching a cab home owners and operators. That is an important because they have had a few drinks after work issue for us. If people want to operate a or something like that. limousine business, they can, but they should So there are service standards which are operate as a limousine business. Likewise, it is expected of them. In return for that, they get the same situation with the charter bus an effective monopoly within the contract area. operations. We do that with buses as well. Notwithstanding Mr BAUMANN: I refer to the Minister's the fact that we do that with buses in bus statement. I most certainly do not support service contract areas, we still have to monopolistic situations. I do, however, subsidise a lot of those bus companies recognise the fact that the taxi industry does because they are not making a profit. I not need to be deregulated. I mentioned that suggest that the member for Albert needs to one taxi company is operating in Cairns. be cautious about his suggestions that we Perhaps the travelling public may be better should introduce that type of competition. served if there were two. That is the insinuation I have an inkling—and I would be happy I made there. to be corrected if I am wrong—that Emerald is Another point that also concerns me a one of those cases which actually proves little is the fact that the demand responsive some of the difficulties that we get with these services as defined to describe taxis will issues. I think it was in Emerald that one of the perhaps also impact on some of those taxi operators had actually gone and bought contracted areas and licensed areas for bus limousines. So people are effectively operating operators. Some of those operators who offer both taxi and limousine services within the demand responsive style services would not same area. It may not have been Emerald; I be too pleased if their operations were going could stand to be corrected on that. We do to be impacted upon—not that I condone believe in a regulated taxi industry. We think it anybody racing out there and trying to steal is important that the investment that taxi the taxi business as such. However, the operators have made be protected. Minister and his departmental people know We also think it is important that the that taxis are allowed to compete for bus service standards which the community services over certain routes at certain times of expects from taxis can be guaranteed through the day in the instance where the bus service that degree of regulation which we have in or the licensed operator is not able to provide place. The issues that I mentioned in my reply or is not willing to provide those sorts of to the second-reading debate—the review of services. the limousine industry, the review of the It is a fairly complex issue and many of operations of courtesy buses and the review of the Minister's departmental people have been operator accreditation and driver accreditation wrestling with the problem for a long time. A which is currently under way and nearing correct solution has not been found. Perhaps conclusion—are mechanisms that we are he can clarify for me what impact this using and, in fact, the member opposite was restriction on demand responsive style services using when he was the Minister, to try to to favour the taxi industry would have on the define the roles of the different transport bus industry which offers those same services. operators and to make sure that we do not Will there be any or will there be none? Could 18 Nov 1998 Transport Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 3309 the Minister answer the question for me, well. That is the important difference between please? them and a taxi. I was also handed a note to Mr BREDHAUER: To be honest with the say that taxis can provide scheduled services member, I am not sure about the point of taxi by agreement with contract scheduled bus services competing with contract bus services. operators. A taxi can provide a scheduled If people want to take a bus, they go to the service, providing there is an agreement. But bus stop and they catch the bus to wherever the demand responsive bus services actually they want to go. If they want a taxi, they ring have to be prebooked as well. So they are not up the taxi and the taxi comes to the door and responding to a phone call to come to a picks them up. One pays a significantly higher particular point; a person has to book them for charge in most cases for a door-to-door service the afternoon, for tomorrow or something like which is operated by a taxi rather than a stop- that. This will not actually impact on that. to-stop service as it generally is in respect of Mr JOHNSON: I just draw the Minister's buses, with the possible exception of hail and attention again to lines 12 and 13 on page 40 ride type services which have been trialled of the Bill, which state— here in Brisbane. I actually do not quite take "... 'taxi', other than in the definition the point that the member is making in respect 'demand responsive service', means a of taxis competing with buses. motor vehicle for which a taxi service The idea is that, in relation to charter bus licence is in force." operators, the requirement will be a minimum I go back to the issue of limousines. I go back of six. Essentially, it will mean that if people are to a lot of places, and Emerald in particular in chartering a bus, they will have to book in my electorate. I know the unfortunate situation advance. So one cannot ring up and say, "I that has arisen there and I ask the Minister to want a charter bus to 33 George Street, pay particular attention to that. I know that Earlville," which is where I live in Cairns. It has Mick McShea has worked very hard to try to to be a chartered bus; it cannot be a demand rectify that anomaly. Again, we are talking responsive type service. Whether that about the investment of people who have competes with bus companies or not, bus outlaid huge sums of money for those licences companies operate charter services. in comparison to the lesser amount for a Companies which have bus service contracts limousine licence. operate bus charter services as well. If they I draw the issue of courtesy coaches to want to do that, they are able to operate the attention of the Minister. He is no doubt charter bus services. As I say, the idea is to fully aware and very understanding of the clearly delineate between a demand anomalies that exist in Cairns, which is one of responsive taxi service, a charter bus those outstanding areas. Some of those service—which is separate again from a courtesy coaches are certainly violating the contract bus service—and a limousine service, agreement. I know that the departmental etc. officers are working very hard to try to rectify Mr BAUMANN: I would like a little bit more those anomalies. of the Minister's time. Can he delineate then I return to what the member for Albert has what demand responsive bus services are just said. The people who have the hire going to be? He is attaching something to the coaches, the taxis and the limousines have taxi industry as a demand responsive service made investments. If they work within their and, of course, I think that has been contract regimes there is not a problem. I ask recognised for many years. However, there are the Minister to pay particular attention to the a lot of demand responsive bus services in cowboy element that does not want to operation as well. He may not be aware of it, cooperate and that causes an erosion of the but I am sure his departmental people are. I viability of the services in question. I trust that think I can refer him to the Mackay district these anomalies can be rectified by this piece where, over the contracted areas, taxis provide of legislation. after-hours services when it is not viable for the bus industry. If we are going to have a clear Mr BREDHAUER: We are conscious of the difficulties of defining the operations of the delineation of what constitutes a demand various modes that the member has outlined responsive style taxi service, then we will need and that the member for Albert and I have the same for a demand responsive style bus spoken about. We are currently working on service operated by a contracted or licensed them. These amendments were introduced operator in any given area. because of a particular problem that needed Mr BREDHAUER: The demand to be addressed in Cairns. I gave a responsive buses services are prebooked as commitment to Cairns taxi operators at the 3310 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998

Edmonton Community Cabinet meeting. The were in 1990—a 13% increase. It is wrong of Labor Party held its first ever Community Government members to imply that the Cabinet meeting in Edmonton. I sat through Opposition is not serious about supporting 16 or 17 deputations, including one from Black traineeships and apprenticeships within the and White Taxis. I want everyone who came to building and construction industry in see me at the Edmonton Community Cabinet Queensland. In his second-reading speech the meeting to know that today I am delivering on Minister stated— one of the commitments I gave at that "This will also avoid the necessity to meeting to the taxi operators of Cairns. I import skilled labour from overseas". shared their concern. My understanding is that we actually export The separate reviews of the limousine labour and expertise from the construction industry, courtesy coach operations and all of industry. During the period I was Minister for those sorts of things are well advanced and Economic Development and Trade it was my are due to be concluded. I expect that we pleasure to visit exhibitions overseas, would see the appropriate amendments to particularly in Japan, and to visit companies in legislation where necessary and/or regulations those areas—Queensland construction and brought into effect early in the new year. building companies that were exporting Those processes are well advanced, especially overseas. Those companies were doing that in respect of the limousine industry. A problem for two reasons. Firstly, obviously they wanted resulted from a change in the executive of the to make a profit. Secondly, they wanted to Limousine Association of Queensland in that level out the cyclical nature of the building and there was no communication from the industry construction industry. In other words, they representative organisation for a number of wanted to protect themselves against the weeks. We think we have resolved that issue downturns. They are to be commended for now. We are addressing these issues. The that. processes are well advanced and I would expect that we would have something I would expect that the Government concrete early in the new year. would support these companies all the way for doing this. Certainly it is the aim of the Clause 27, as read, agreed to. Opposition, and no doubt it is the aim of the Clauses 28 to 31, as read, agreed to. Government, to even out the hills and the Bill reported, without amendment. hollows that occur within the construction industry. That would allow for more secure job opportunities for those people who do gain Third Reading traineeships and apprenticeships within the Bill, on motion of Mr Bredhauer, by leave, industry. We need to make every effort to read a third time. ensure that that happens. One of the ways we can ensure that it happens is through the export of our expertise in that area. We can BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY compete very successfully against other (PORTABLE LONG SERVICE LEAVE) countries because we are recognised as AMENDMENT BILL having the necessary skills base. Second Reading I bring to the attention of the Minister the Resumed from 22 October (see p. 2757). Bill introduced by One Nation this morning in relation to the problems subcontractors can Mr SLACK (Burnett—NPA) (4.44 p.m.), have. It was raised with me only recently that continuing: In the few minutes I have left to we need to pay more attention to training me I will reiterate some of the points I made young people in business skills, because the previously and raise another issue that has current trainees and apprentices in the been raised with me since I last spoke. I construction industry will be the business reiterate that the Opposition recognises the leaders within the construction industry in the very important role that the construction future. Quite often, these are the people who industry has played and will continue to play in become the subcontractors who run into the economies of Queensland and Australia. problems. One of the ways in which we can Certainly, we support apprenticeships and avert those problems is to ensure that these traineeships attached to the construction people are trained in the skills of doing industry. business within the industry. Many of the I reiterate that by the third quarter of 1997 problems subcontractors get into result from a there were more apprentices and trainees in lack of business skills and a lack of due the building tradespersons category than there diligence in checking out the bone fides of 18 Nov 1998 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 3311 employers to ensure that, at the end of the the current level of skills in the industry. After day, they have to capacity to pay them for the drop-outs and recommencements, only 796 subcontracting work they perform. apprentices remained. When Queensland is Time expired. moving forward, when our economy is expanding and when we are about maximising Mr REYNOLDS (Townsville—ALP) regional economic development opportunities, (4.48 p.m.): It is with pleasure that I rise this that is plainly not good enough. It is not good afternoon to speak in favour of the Building enough to not have in sync with that and Construction Industry (Portable Long construction and building expansion the Service Leave) Amendment Bill. This Bill fulfils necessary number of trained people. one of the major commitments made by the Beattie Labor Government before its election I believe that it is a scandal that, in certain on 13 June—a commitment to the building major construction jobs, we have actually had and construction industry. We indicated that to employ people from overseas in the very we would be introducing a package of basic trades that we have taken for granted for initiatives which would revitalise the industry decades in this nation. We have had to employ people from overseas to come here and stimulate the creation of new jobs. and do that basic building trades work that we When we look at the needs of the once took for granted. If that is the case, it building and construction industry, and in really means that we have an expanding particular the need to correlate the demand for industry that is out of sync with the type of vocational education and training within this training and trained people we provide. This industry, we recognise that it provides so much Bill recognises that fact. And in recognising to the economy of Queensland that we cannot that fact, it provides a mechanism to ensure afford to suffer skills shortages. We cannot that we build up the number of trained people afford to have a lack of apprenticeships or who are required in the building and traineeships. We cannot afford to have a lack construction industry in Queensland today. I of skilled tradespeople involved in this industry believe that this is an extremely positive step in because that just means that fewer jobs will be the right direction. It is going to ensure that a created. strong skills base is developed to take this I am very pleased to be able to support industry into the new millennium. this Bill. It means that there is a recognition of The Beattie Labor Government is fair the skills crisis that is inherent in the building dinkum in terms of its jobs pledge, and that and construction industry in not only jobs pledge is very much contingent upon the Queensland but, indeed, across Australia. We success of the building and construction know that the industry is marked by critical industry. It is dependent on projects like Korea skills shortages and poor skills development. Zinc, with a half a billion dollar project going This Bill very much recognises the need to ahead in Townsville. But to have that half a have in place a mechanism which allows for billion dollar project going ahead, we need further education and training to ensure that trained people to ensure the success of that jobs are continuing to be created in the particular project. That is what this Bill will do. I building and construction industry and that we am very impressed by the mechanism that is recognise that industry as a major contributor being provided within this Bill. That mechanism to the Queensland economy. The building and will ensure that the building and construction construction industry contributes $11.9 billion industry has the necessary training provided in to the State's economy, and it employs that way. 123,000 people. In the part of the State that I As I have indicated, the health of the represent, that is, the electorate of Townsville, building and construction industry has a great we have seen an amazing growth rate in the bearing on the State's overall economy. In important building and construction work that is saying that, I allude to some figures that were taking place in and around my electorate at mentioned in an article in today's Townsville the present time. I will elaborate on that in a Bulletin. The headline of the article is "City moment. reaps benefits of boom. Building approvals For some period we have witnessed a skyrocket", and the article states— skills shortage—an attrition of skills—and that "Townsville is in the middle of a has not been matched in any way, shape or housing boom, with the number of form by the intake of new, trained workers. building approvals for flats and units When introducing this Bill, the Minister gave almost trebling over the past 12 months. some statistics that are worth while repeating And not to be outdone, single in this House tonight. In 1996-97, around housing applications have also risen by 2,000 apprentices were required to maintain an impressive 50 per cent. 3312 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998

Townsville City Council statistics show throughout this process. I believe that the 319 applications for flats and home units industry will be a winner, the people of were made last year, compared with 131 Queensland will be winners and, of course, for the previous 12 months." those people who will be trained and able to According to a council spokesperson— competently work in the building and construction industry will be real winners, as "A lot of these flats and units, I think well. I support the Bill. people will find, are being built by investors." Mr SPRINGBORG (Warwick—NPA) (4.57 p.m.): In this debate on the Building and The spokesperson went on to say— Construction Industry (Portable Long Service "It's a real bonus for the city." Leave) Amendment Bill, we have been asked by the Government—and especially by the According to the article, the mayor of the city, Minister for Employment, Training and Tony Mooney— Industrial Relations—to accept some rather "... attributed the boom to an 'exciting heroic financial assumptions. But in opposing period' in Townsville's economic growth." this Bill, I want to draw to the attention of the He indicated— House several matters relating to the Government's creative accounting in the area, "The total value of building and specifically the assertion by the Housing applications made to council for flats and Industry Association—a body that can add home units in the past year was more up—that the new long service leave threshold than $46 million." will add $200 to the cost of an average new According to the spokesperson— home. We are talking about the $80,000 to "That's three times the collective $120,000 home price bracket. We are still value of $14.5 million to the end of talking about a lower income group that will be October in 1997." affected. I would certainly be interested in the Minister's comments on that for the record. Many of those projects are within the electorates of Townsville and Mundingburra. There is another issue on which I would That indicates the very strong growth that is like the Minister's comments. The statement occurring in the Townsville region. However, it made at the Construction 2001 Conference underlines the fact that, for this sort of growth has been quoted in this place a number of to be sustained, we need trained people times. That statement certainly seemed to involved in that work. The Bill before members imply that the Minister is intending to set up a tonight amends the Act to allow the separate levy as a training levy. This Bill, in introduction of the Building and Construction effect, still accumulates that same amount of Industry Training Fund. Also inherent in the Bill money, but it appears that the Minister has is the provision that employers who train will be shifted ground from setting up a separate levy rewarded—as opposed to those who do not to withdrawing that levy from the Portable train. Long Service Leave Fund. I would be interested in the rationale behind that change. This Bill is, of course, not the first of its The only reason given by the Minister's office type in Australia. We have seen similar was to avoid administration charges. The legislation successfully introduced in South establishment of this training fund will create a Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. separate training bureaucracy. Why can this Training levies have been established to money not be administered and distributed create training funds that have successfully through departmental agencies? supported training in each State's building and construction industry. This Bill is a very positive The Government asks us to accept the move for the building and construction theoretical proposition that the authority will industry. We know that the funds will be made seek to review and improve its legislative available through moneys that are surplus to frameworks by aligning the spirit and content requirements in the building and construction of the Building and Construction Industry industry's portable long service leave scheme. (Portable Long Service Leave) Act of 1991 to enable the provision of a wider range of We know that an amount of something like benefits and services to clients of the building $5.4m will be made available for training. and construction industry. That sounds like a This Bill is very much part of the not-too-well-coded call for the cash cow to Government's policy of Breaking the come in for the milking. Instead of improving Unemployment Cycle. It is about the provision and broadening its range of services, the of jobs, and it is about real training. I know that authority now must raise funds for a vastly extensive consultation has occurred different purpose. There can be no doubt that 18 Nov 1998 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 3313 those fundraisings are designed to bolster the Over the past five years, significant Government's equally heroic claim, the progress has been made towards the authority personal claim of the Premier, that Labor's becoming a "best in class" organisation as policies will result in its achieving a 5% demonstrated by: exceptional growth in unemployment rate. Everyone on this side of employee membership; all liabilities being fully the House would welcome unreservedly the funded; continued financial viability of the production by the Government of such a rate. scheme; 70% reduction in the rate of the Our argument is not with the concept or the portable long service leave levy; streamlined objective; it is with the trick and crude electoral client services; a new planning framework that bribe that this Government has perpetrated on will take the authority into the next millennium; the young people of Queensland by flying a substantial staff and client input into the flag that Labor knows its policies cannot operation of the scheme; sustained low support. Piling up three-year training jobs administrative costs; substantially improved without putting in the hard yards required to investment performance; third-party quality fire a genuine private sector revival so that certification of the authority's processes to trainees have the real opportunity of a genuine AS/NZS ISO 9002:1994; and, in 1996, an job at the end of it in the driving seat of the AusIndustry Small Business Achievement in economy, the private sector, is a shonky deal. Business Excellence Award. None of these It is a typical Labor trick and will be exposed as achievements has been attained overnight. such by a combination of time and failed They have taken five years of hard work by performance. directors of the board and the authority' s staff We should remind ourselves that the role through continuous reviews and of the Building and Construction Industry implementation of incremental improvements. (Portable Long Service Leave) Board includes: Over the two and a half years of the coalition responsibility for the authority's commercial Government, those principles and practices policy and management—to which the were fostered, encouraged, assisted and Government now wishes to add the role of maintained. On 12 November 1996, the providing funds to stimulate training; ensuring authority was awarded a 1996 AusIndustry as far as possible that the authority achieves, Small Business Achievement in Business and acts in accordance with, its corporate Excellence Award by the Australian Quality goals and carries out its corporate objectives Awards Foundation. The award was presented outlined in its corporate plan; providing advice to the general manager by the then Premier, and recommendations to the Minister on my colleague the honourable member for issues affecting the provision of long service Surfers Paradise. The award formally leave in the industry and the operation of the recognised—and, may I say, deservedly so— Building and Construction Industry (Portable the authority's effort and achievements in Long Service Leave) Act 1991; and ensuring continuous improvement and business that the authority performs its functions in an excellence. appropriate, effective and efficient way. I ask There has been continuous growth in the House: why put all that at risk? membership. Sadly, it may be that Labor's When the authority's first corporate plan smash-and-grab-raid financial policies may put was completed five years ago, the laudable that at risk. Employee membership and intention was that the organisation would employer registration are integral to the progress over time towards being "best in success of the scheme and the number of class", that it would be an outstanding claims able to be paid to recipients in the performer among both public sector and building and construction industry. The private organisations. From both the board's scheme has shown a significant increase in and the authority's perspective, it was membership of both employees and recognised that there needed to be a clear employers; 7,649 employers were registered in long-term direction for the portable long service the authority's databases. leave scheme to ensure that the maximum Under the coalition, the scheme's number of employees in the building and legislation was amended in June 1997 to construction industry in Queensland obtained implement a 25% reduction in the long service a benefit and the scheme became and leave levy rate from 0.2% to 0.15% to take remained financially viable. The corporate plan effect from 1 July 1997. The levy rate has now at that time indicated that the authority would decreased by 70% since the scheme's use the principles of total quality management inception in 1992, providing savings of as a framework within which to develop approximately $25m a year to clients of the continuous improvement, efficient business building and construction industry. That $25m practices and high-quality client services. saving would enable the creation of far more 3314 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998 long-term jobs in the industry than will be employees in the longer-term future are well created by the training levy, which—as the covered. The average cost of servicing member for Gladstone so aptly observed—has employee members had decreased from no cap. There is every likelihood that that levy, $149.62 in 1992-93 to $40.37 in 1997-98. starting at $5.4m a year, will soon expand to That decrease resulted from the staff's efforts eat up that $25m. to increase employee membership as well as Under the coalition's legislation, which this improved documentation of processes and intrusive and manipulative Labor amending Bill real savings in budgeted expenditure. seeks to hobble, the fund was an open and It is in the area of servicing employee accountable entity for all involved. We members that the greatest risk is posed by the regarded that openness and accountability as future effect of this amending legislation's absolutely fundamental to the operation of a conversion of the fund into a money supply for scheme designed to benefit private sector the Government's political aims. In short, this employees. A client may appeal to an legislation is bad policy and should be rejected industrial magistrate in relation to a decision or on that ground alone. determination made by a staff member, It is, in fact, very difficult to see how the including the outcome of the general authority's gazetted corporate goals to manager's reconsideration. Following the safeguard the financial viability of the scheme appeal hearing, the industrial magistrate may and to optimise the rate of return on the fund set the decision or determination aside. consistent with the authority's risk profile can Another course of action available to safely coexist with Labor's record in these aggrieved clients is for them to write to the areas. We must not let the outstanding Minister for Training and Industrial Relations managerial and financial achievements be put outlining their specific concerns. These are at risk. In that context, it is worth running formally reviewed by the general manager and through the financial picture as illustrated in the outcome of the review is conveyed through the 1997-98 annual report. As at 30 June the Minister to the client. Again, there has 1998, all liabilities were fully funded, resulting been a steady decline in client letters to the in the authority recording a surplus of Minister for Training and Industrial Relations. $119.2m. The average rate of return on The latest annual report, provided to the investments of 11.11% exceeded the Parliament this week, indicates clearly that the authority's benchmarks. There was an scheme is serving employees exceptionally estimated 97% compliance rate with the well. When the scheme commenced in 1992, payment of its levy; the authority was $0.68m it was estimated that the number of under budget in recurrent expenditure, with a employees who would seek membership total revenue of $29.15m for the year. would plateau at 40,000. But in 1997-98, It is these exceptionally good financial employee membership grew by 16% to a total results achieved by the board and its of 70,225 active members. Of those, over dedicated and hardworking staff that has 55,316 employees have service credits attracted the attention of Minister Braddy, who recorded in the authority's statutory register. wishes to siphon off a significant amount of The majority of new members currently with no these funds collected specifically to fund service are expected to have service credits workers' leave entitlements and use them for a recorded at the completion of processing of completely different purpose. Although it is the the 1997-98 certificates of service. The better- intention of the present Government to regard than-expected growth in employee the surplus in funds as a windfall to be membership over the year can be credited to distributed elsewhere, it needs to realise that the authority's client contact staff who have the rate of return on the authority's capital is continually promoted the benefits to eligible subject to variation, particularly in times of employees, particularly industry apprentices. economic uncertainty such as those which In 1997-98 payments made directly to affect us now. I think that it is probably fair to employees have amounted to $445,993. say that all members of this Parliament, most Although the number of employee claims at members of the business community and this stage are few, indications are that the level many members of the general community are of understanding of the benefits of being a very concerned about the negative and unsure member is rising among employees. economic times that we are entering into at Employee claims will increase substantially this stage and particularly the unknown from the year 2002 when the first claims for a implication of the length of the Asian economic full 15 years' service are able to be made. It is crisis. It should heed the warning that would be to be hoped that Labor's mathematicians have given by any reputable financial adviser and got their sums right and the claims of not base its decisions principally on the current 18 Nov 1998 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 3315 excellent rate of returns that were, as this the Act and the introduction of a training levy report and the previous one indicates, are necessary to ensure the necessary achieved during the coalition's time in quantum of skilled tradespeople to take us into Government. the next millennium. We certainly need the Mr WELLINGTON (Nicklin—IND) numbers to make this necessary quantum (5.11 p.m.): I rise to speak in support of the leap so that the people of Queensland are Building and Construction Industry (Portable placed in a position where they can enjoy the Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill. On 3 genuine fruits of a bounteous 21st century. August 1998, I took the time to attend a As usual, the only argument is how to construction industry forum when the building achieve this and also, as usual, sadly the tired industry task force visited the Sunshine Coast old comrades of the Labor Party have got it to explain the Government's proposed wrong. One does not stimulate the private package of initiatives providing direct training sector by filching private funds; one does it by benefits to the industry. Present at that keeping regulation to the absolute minimum meeting were a number of builders, plumbers and by creating the optimum environment for and other interested industry representatives. productive private investment. With those facts I was also pleased to receive a briefing in in mind, I would like to briefly remind the relation to the Opposition's concerns about this House of the less than impressive record of Bill from the shadow Minister for Employment, the previous Labor Government when last in Training and Industrial Relations, the member power and then provide some comparisons for Clayfield. For the record, I point out that this with the coalition's record when recently in briefing occurred prior to the reported direction Government. by the Leader of the Opposition that shadow I suppose the Minister needs to be Ministers were not to meet with me and congratulated on the rare glimpse of sincerity discuss with me their concerns about proposed that he displayed in his second-reading pieces of legislation. I appreciated the briefing speech when he identified that the period that I received from the member for Clayfield between 1993 and 1996 was a tragic and I thank him for taking the time to draw to performance in vocational education and my attention the Opposition's concerns about training, particularly for the building and sections of this legislation. As a result of that construction industry. It would not have briefing, I raised various issues with the escaped the notice of honourable members, Minister's office and, after receiving further and I hope sincerely those opposite, that the briefings from the Minister's office and demerits of the period referred to by the representatives from the Construction Training Minister were the demerits accumulated by a Centre and other interested parties, I formed Labor Government. the view to support the Bill because of its Just before the coalition left office a little potential to play a pivotal role in the creation of over four months ago, the National Centre for more jobs in the building industry. Vocational Education Research released Some members in this House claim that I statistics of which the honourable Minister do not speak long enough in various matters could only dream. Those statistics showed that of debate. I have a different view. I challenge Queensland employed and trained 23.9% of my detractors to go through Hansard, the the nation's apprentices and trainees—an official record of the spoken word in this excellent achievement for a State with 19% of Chamber, and see how much waffle and the nation's population. In comparison, padding could be removed from speeches and Victoria, with one third of the nation's how many speakers line up one after the other population, generates only 25% of the nation's to speak about matters that have no direct or apprentices and trainees. The Minister wants critical connection to the matters before the us to believe that the coalition Government House, or simply repeat the views and achieved all this without policies and programs comments of speakers already on the record of substance. in the debate. I commend the Bill to the I take this opportunity to remind the House. Minister of some of the other achievements of Mrs SHELDON (Caloundra—LP) the department that he now heads when it (5.13 p.m.): This amendment Bill, sponsored was under the leadership of my colleague the by the Minister for Employment, Training and honourable member for Clayfield. The coalition Industrial Relations, seeks to modify the Government reviewed capital infrastructure to Building and Construction Industry (Portable align investment decisions for faculties and Long Service Leave) Act 1996. I note infrastructure that required VET services. I note particularly his belief that an amendment of the Minister's previous criticism of the 3316 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998 coalition's competitive tendering processes There are many more examples of the and their impact on TAFE. Therefore, I was energy and innovation of the previous Minister astounded to read his recent media release in and the coalition Government, but I think that which he bragged about the release of $10m the point has been made. When one puts of competitive tender, indicating registered those achievements in the context of their training organisations, including TAFE, were coinciding with the unprecedented growth in eligible to apply. We reviewed development vocational education and training, the processes for the annual VET plan to make Minister's comments are also put into context. the State training profile easier to understand At best, they reflect the Minister's depth of and a more effective strategic planning tool. understanding of his portfolio when he was We also reviewed our social justice policy and shadow Minister; at worst, they are cynically the Queensland adult education language, deceptive. literacy and numeracy policy. We developed It is worth going back to some of the the VET quality management policy and the detail of what the Minister had to say in his VET disability and access and equity policy. second-reading speech. One key element of We separated the purchaser/provider functions his strategy is to match Queensland to the of the department in line with the issues raised practice of other States in terms of a training in the Wiltshire report of 1996 and the State levy. The Minister notes that South Australia, Commission of Audit of 1996. We amended Western Australia and Tasmania have all the State Purchasing Policy, developed the established training funds, but he does not employer assistance program, and introduced canvass for us the patent failure of some the Australian recognition framework, which is expensive aspects of the Western Australian a comprehensive approach to the national experience. This is disingenuous. It is all very recognition of VET. In addition, the coalition well to promote a scheme as beneficial if, in conducted the highly successful International fact, the evidence points clearly towards Year of Training conference, small business benefit. It is little short of political skulduggery and rural training conferences, an access and to propagandise the basis of something that equity forum and many regional forums aimed clearly has problems elsewhere, more at expanding vocational education and training especially when the advent of the scheme throughout the State. here is tied to the commencement of frenetic It is beyond doubt that the training system activity by the Government to realise the must adapt to the needs of industry. It simply Premier's high-five unemployment target. does not work the other way around. It bears Neither is there anything wrong with a training repeating that the needs of industry exist, and fund as such. However, what is at risk in the genuinely exist, throughout the length and scheme proposed by the Minister is the fund breadth of Queensland. They are needs that from which building workers finance their long are not necessarily closely apparent to a service leave. As another speaker pointed out Government that is guided by the apparatchiks to the House earlier in this debate, there is now back in residence in George Street in the never any sense in robbing Peter to pay Paul. brave new world of old, tired Labor. As the Minister rightly averred in his The coalition Government introduced second-reading speech, every Queenslander vocational subjects into the school curriculum. will support the creation of additional jobs and That provides young people with the real training opportunities, but the jobs have to opportunity to attain real, practical skills whilst be genuine, long-term, sustainable, career- still attending school. This is of great building jobs and the training has to be real, importance—overriding importance—in too. It has to be training that actually fits the regional Queensland and in country employer's requirements and matches the Queensland. What is more, this policy was availability of jobs in the future. No-one developed in a true partnership, not the disputes that this is an unpleasant dilemma. shotgun marriage sort of partnership we so Everyone would cheer genuine progress often see from Labor between Government towards solving it, but certainly fiddling the and industry and, in particular, small business. books of the Building Workers' Portable Long It offered real training for real jobs, without Service Leave Fund is not the way to go about raiding anyone's piggy bank. That is an achieving this end. important element that needs to be underlined Hon. P. J. BRADDY (Kedron—ALP) in this debate on the amendments to the long (Minister for Employment, Training and service leave scheme. The real issue in Industrial Relations) (5.24 p.m.), in reply: This training is not finding new ways to tax people, Bill proposes a number of significant changes but finding a way around the skills shortage to the Building and Construction Industry problem that is facing this industry. (Portable Long Service Leave) Act 1991. 18 Nov 1998 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 3317

Those changes are significant because of their The member for Clayfield has alleged that importance to job creation and employment the provisions of this amendment Bill will break opportunities in the building and construction a pre-election promise by establishing a industry in Queensland. Integral to the training fund rather than imposing a training establishment of those job creation initiatives is levy upon the industry. The commitment given the support from industry representatives—the to the building and construction industry in same industry representatives who have 1997 by the Honourable Peter Beattie, as expressed serious concerns at the opposition Leader of the Opposition, was to introduce a to this Bill being expressed by members on the modest, tightly targeted training levy other side of the House. equivalent to 0.05% of construction costs It is appropriate to address some of the within the first six months of Labor coming to key issues that have been raised in the debate Government. Labor clearly made a on this Bill, particularly those issues raised by commitment to instituting a method of members of the Opposition and the member collecting funds for the establishment of an for Gladstone. In light of the fact that in industry training fund to be administered commenting on industry support the member through the industry. The only change that has for Caloundra has just exhibited her lack of occurred is that, instead of Government knowledge of where this Bill comes from, I imposing an additional levy on industry—that repeat that this proposal was well thought out is, imposing more fees and red tape on and well researched before we came to industry and business—we are using surplus Government, although that was not initially industry funds that are available through the done by the Labor Party—and certainly not the Portable Long Service Leave Authority to Labor Party that exists in the imagination of create the same industry training fund. I the member for Caloundra. Over the years, the emphasise that they are surplus industry member has come into this House with a funds. patronising manner and has spoken What are the reasons for establishing the patronising words. She believes that only the training fund in this way, instead of raising an coalition has the ability to govern and that all additional levy on the industry? I am advised that comes from Labor is soured by inability. by the Portable Long Service Leave Authority, Her patronising behaviour, manner of speech based on all its experience in revenue and words show that she has learned little collection, that it would cost in excess of $2m from the rebuff that she received from the per year to administer a new collection community at the recent election. scheme. Compared to the estimated $5.4m I hope that the member listens to what I per year that is proposed for training, this cost say now: this is not a Labor scheme; this is an would not be justifiable. About 37% of the industry scheme that has been substantially training fund would be eaten up by supported by the construction training industry administration costs. On the other hand, the and the Queensland Master Builders proposal before us eliminates the Association. Much effort was put into preparing administration cost. It reduces red tape for the the scheme. Obviously, the member for industry by providing a single point of contact Caloundra comes into this place without that and administrative simplicity. It builds on the knowledge. Certainly her speech tonight was authority's record of low costs and a high level made without the knowledge of what has been of compliance. exposed in this House in recent days about The member for Clayfield also queried the failure of the training industry, which she whether the building industry is experiencing a was boasting about in her speech. What has skills shortage and, consequently, whether been exposed—and the member for there is really a need for training in the building Caloundra has obviously missed this—is that and construction industry. The question should most traineeships were going to people in be: how many apprentices does the building existing jobs, unlike traineeships in every other and construction industry really need? The State. current and future training and skills needs of Ms Bligh: It was a rort. the building and construction industry can be sourced from the nationally accepted standard Mr BRADDY: Many of them, in fact, were for what replacement is needed to keep the rorts. However, the member for Caloundra has skills pool in the building and construction missed that, as she missed so much when she industry topped up. This figure has not been was a Minister and Treasurer in this State. plucked out of the air; this is what the national Patronising words and a patronising manner industry itself says it needs. The national will never make up for hard work and building and construction industry says that it understanding of what must really occur. needs an intake of 5%. 3318 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998

As at 30 June this year, the number of can act as a collection agent without affecting trades persons in the industry was around its core business. 38,160. According to the nationally accepted The hypocrisy of what the honourable benchmark, how many apprentices does the member for Clayfield said is shown by the fact industry need? Five per cent of that figure is that he, when he was the Minister, was the over 1,900 apprentices. Back in 1995, when one who gave it the job of collecting the the Goss Labor Government was in office, workplace health and safety levy. I applaud his there were 2,158 commencements. In this last decision. But how can the Opposition now year, over the same period, there were only attack us for giving it another job which it has 1,789 commencements. That is in spite of the proven itself more than capable of doing? boasting of the members of the Opposition. In Using the authority for all of these collections other words, they were down 17.1% from 1995 establishes a one-stop shop for the collection and still more than 100 short of the of all levies and charges within the building replacement target. and construction industry, reduces red tape What we need to remember at all times is and should be a genuinely bipartisan that we need apprenticeships and traineeships objective. The authority and the Portable Long in industries where there are skill shortages Service Leave Board will not concern and needs. If we factor in apprentices who themselves with training matters, just as they drop out and look at the last four years—the do not concern themselves now with workplace full four years of apprentices in training—we health and safety matters, although they were see that the shortfall averages more than 500 given a job to do by the previous Minister in per year. that regard. There is no risk to their identity. The second issue inherent in the question The member for Clayfield placed some of the member for Clayfield is whether it is emphasis on the coalition Government's improper to use long service leave fund record on training in the building and surpluses for a training fund. There must be a construction industry. We have to ask the balance between remaining true to the question: why did the coalition Government intended purposes of the portable long service feel that it was necessary to target training in funds in an inflexible way and, on the other this industry? The answer, in the coalition's hand, being able to respond flexibly to Strategy to Encourage Training in the Building changed circumstances. and Construction Industry, is quite simple. They believed, for similar reasons to the ones I ask honourable members to consider that I presented to this House, that there was the following: the transfer of moneys to the a "skills drain" in the industry. The member for training fund leaves intact the viability of the Clayfield has also lamented the lack of a Portable Long Service Leave Authority and its bipartisan approach to this issue. I suggest ability to pay long service leave. The money there was a bipartisan approach to this issue will not be used for any external purposes but until the debate commenced on this will be returned to the building and amendment Bill. Until then, both sides of this construction industry. The changes are being House agreed that there was a special need made with the consent of the vast majority of for training in the building and construction the building and construction industry. The industries. Why the member for Clayfield has changes are approved by the proper so recently chosen to resile from that belief I representative of the building and construction do not know. industry for portable long service leave matters—the Board of the Portable Long The third question raised by members of Service Leave Authority—which exists precisely the Opposition was: do the amendments in so that over time decisions can be made the Bill change the objects of the Building and about the use of the long service leave funds. Construction Industry (Portable Long Service The allocation of money for the training fund is Leave) Act in a way that perverts their original separate, transparent and accountable. It will intent? Inherent in this question is the notion never be blurred with portable long service that we are perverting the role of the authority leave funds. in making it a collection agency for purposes other than portable long service leave. This Government has not sought to create this fund in an underhanded way. We The primary function of the authority and have come here proposing changes through its board will continue to be the provision of legislation—changes suggested to us by the portable long service leave benefits. In its industry and changes which are subject to the collection of the workplace health and safety scrutiny of the Parliament, the industry and the fee, the authority has already proven that it public. I believe the process is more than 18 Nov 1998 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 3319 proper. It is the proper role of this Parliament and a training fund. The training fund is to decide whether this use of the funds is equivalent to just one two-thousandth of justified. building and construction industry activity. In Then there is the question of whether we respect of a $100,000 house, only $50 could could do without the training fund altogether be said to equate to the training fund transfer. and temporarily abolish the long service leave This is what the member for Warwick asked levy, which some members of this House have me about earlier. He might be interested in alluded to. Let us get one thing straight: this. I repeat: in respect of a $100,000 house, temporarily abolishing the portable long service this training fund is equivalent to only $50. leave levy is not an option. The Board of the A thought for justice should also drive us. Portable Long Service Leave Authority does At the moment those who train apprentices not support it, because actuarial advice shows bear an unequal share of the cost of the that a levy would eventually have to be industry. They are keeping its skills afloat at a reintroduced. The scheme could not live off its cost to themselves. An across-the-board cut to surpluses forever. When the levy returned, it the industry charges would simply reward would be at a higher rate. This would amount those who are already taking an unfair share to irresponsibly mortgaging the future to pay of the benefits provided by others. On the for the present. In addition, it would raise other hand, a training fund provides an practical problems. The efficient administrative incentive for freeloaders to get involved in arrangements that now exist would have training. Regard for the industry's own desires, atrophied, and the costs and likely mistakes consideration of the low cost of this initiative would be a burden to the authority. and simple fairness tips the balance in favour Importantly, the vast majority of the industry of introducing the fund rather than simply does not support abolishing the levy in the taking a cut in industry charges. short or long term, and for similar reasons to Members of the Opposition have also those I have cited. raised issues of probity and accountability New South Wales has had this involved in the administration of the training experience. It suspended its levy for a period fund. At the outset of this debate, members of of four years and found it difficult to the Opposition made implications about reintroduce. The reintroduction of the levy in Construction Training Queensland and New South Wales subsequently generated a representatives of the building and substantial amount of criticism from the New construction industry. I simply respond by South Wales building and construction saying that they do no member of this House industry. Queensland is better off not going any credit and, consequently, I will not spend down that track. It was also suggested that we time rebutting them because I do not want to could reduce the portable long service leave repeat them. levy by an amount equivalent to the cost of What I will address is the more the training fund. This is quite simply the responsible question of the way that the question of the value of the training fund. If it training fund is to be administered and the role is worth while, it is worth paying for. The of Construction Training Queensland. It is time question is: what is the best way to fund it? to correct some misrepresentations. The Bill I believe that the training fund is worth provides for money to be transferred to an while. Rather than rehashing the direct entity for the purposes of the training fund. arguments one more time, let me make these That entity will be prescribed in the amended indirect arguments. The building and Building and Construction Industry (Portable construction industry is virtually unanimous in Long Service Leave) Regulation. It will be a wanting a training fund, and is even prepared trust fund. The trust fund will have these to pay for it through the impost of a levy if that properties— were necessary. That is a point that the it will be established by a trust deed which member for Clayfield, the member for establishes the obligations of the parties Caloundra and others overlook time and time and procedures such as independent again; the industry almost unanimously wants audit; this fund and, if it had to, it would pay a levy to it will be spent according to a training plan get it. drawn up by the industry and approved by In the case of most building and the Minister; construction projects, the total charge under it will be overseen by four independent this proposal will not increase. The industry as trustees who will have no conflict of a whole will save $2.3m while gaining interest in the area of training in the additional workplace health and safety services building and construction industry. The 3320 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998

nominees will be nominated by the board apprenticeship scheme 10 houses in the of management of Construction Training 1998-99 year and is very confident of providing Queensland, the representative body of at least six houses for the 1999-2000 and the industry in the relevant field of 2000-01 financial years. That was in response training. The trustees will be approved by to a question relating to allocation of training the Minister; and apprentices in the Gladstone area. The the trust will then receive the grant from member also asked why I had shifted ground the Portable Long Service Leave Fund from setting up a separate levy to withdrawing with the trustees responsible for that levy from the long service leave fund. I administrating the training fund according have answered that in detail in my speech, but to the approved training plan. I repeat just this much: the decision to create a training fund based on a grant from the Finally, I have heard the suggestion of the Portable Long Service Leave Fund was taken member for Clayfield to amend the Act so that to minimise both the cost of collecting the the trust will be audited by the Auditor-General. originally proposed training levy and the red It seems to me that, if we are to maintain tape faced by industry in complying with the industry direction of the training fund, we various levies and fees. cannot be forever interfering in what is not The member also questioned me as to ultimately a Government body. The Act, which the purpose of this long service leave fund not is about portable long service leave, should being in accordance with its original purpose. not unnecessarily get into the details of the The use of the Portable Long Service Leave administration of the training fund; rather, it Fund to support training is a way to return should facilitate it. I do, however, concede that some of the accrued excess of the fund— there is a point to the proposal of the member industry money—back to industry without the for Clayfield. I am happy to state that I have administrative burden of setting up a separate made sure that the deed establishing the levy. Both employer and employee training fund will insist on two things: firstly, the representatives want this fund. It is actuarially Minister for Employment, Training and balanced and it is appropriate to do it in this Industrial Relations may request the Auditor- way. General to audit the fund and the trustees will agree to the audit; and, secondly, the trust The member for Gladstone asked: what deed itself cannot be changed without the will be the impact of reducing the portable long consent of the Minister. When the trustees of service leave levy threshold on housing from the fund sign off on that deed, that is what $120,000 to $80,000? The current $120,000 they will be agreeing to. There will be a threshold on housing was introduced by the capacity for the Auditor-General to have an previous Minister after representations from audit at the request of the Minister, and the the Housing Industry Association. This dual fund is being set up in such a way that no-one threshold attracted criticism from industry can avoid that being done if the Minister so because of its inequity. The proposed new wishes. I now table a document containing the threshold of $80,000 was chosen specifically relevant clauses from the draft trust deed. to exclude low cost housing from attracting the levy. The added effect of having one threshold I believe that the concerns of the member is to exclude from the levy many smaller for Clayfield, which are legitimate in this matter, projects which were previously captured by the are more than adequately addressed and in a $42,000 threshold on other than housing manner more appropriate to this deed and this projects. The new threshold will result in a process than burdening the legislation with combined charge of $200 on a $100,000 unnecessary details. As I said before, the house, with an estimated $50 for training fund administration of the training fund must be purposes. But no levy will be imposed on independent and transparent, and we believe houses with a cost below $80,000. The that we have surrounded the fund's operations establishment of a common threshold rate will with appropriate and proper safeguards. I also overcome administrative errors. believe that these safeguards provide every reasonable surety that the interests of the Another question asked by the member industry and the public will be protected. for Gladstone was: is there an upper limit on the rate of contribution to the training fund? The member for Gladstone also raised a The answer is that the upper limit on the series of questions in relation to this contribution to the training fund is set by this amendment Bill, and I am pleased to provide amended legislation. Only the Parliament can those responses on the public record. I am amend the rate. Another question was: will all advised that the Department of Housing has the building and construction training currently committed to providing the Gladstone group offered at Yeronga Institute of TAFE be 18 Nov 1998 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 3321 transferred to the group training scheme employer will commit the fund to maintaining administrated by Construction Training the full program of payments, provided the Queensland? I reply to the member for employer maintains the apprentice's training Gladstone by saying that the group training progress. The overall level of funding for the scheme referred to is BIGA Training Inc. I am training fund will vary from year to year but not advised that this private company is not sufficiently to put at risk the existing pool of administered by Construction Training apprentices being supported by the fund. Queensland. The building and construction Flexibility within the fund priorities contained in training currently offered through Yeronga the annual plan to be approved by the Minister Institute of TAFE will continue to be offered will ensure adequate capacity to meet all through Yeronga Institute of TAFE. In addition, future commitments. I advise that negotiations are currently The member for Gladstone also asked proceeding between the Construction Industry whether the Portable Long Service Leave Skills Centre Pty Ltd and Yeronga Institute of Fund would remain self-funding in perpetuity if TAFE about whether the construction faculty at it were left alone and ruled off today. If the Yeronga or parts of it should relocate to the amendments proposed were not passed, the Salisbury centre. Ultimately, this will be a fund would sustain itself in perpetuity if the decision for the Yeronga institute, its director current levy were maintained—that is, 0.1%. and its community council. The current projected long-term funding rate is Another question asked was: is there a 0.12%. If, however, the levy rate were reduced mechanism whereby the training fund will be to zero, the fund would remain self-funding for required to allocate training dollars equitably a period of 13 years under the current across the State? There are at least two legislation. After that time the levy would need mechanisms which ensure the equitable reviewing up to the long-term rate of 0.12% allocation of funds across the State. The first is per cent. my responsibility to approve the annual I take this opportunity to respond to operational plan of the fund. This is in addition concerns raised during the debate that the to the regional committee structure already moneys from the fund will not be given to the operated by Construction Training Queensland Construction Industry Skills Centre or be spent in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, central on capital works for the Construction Training Queensland, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Centre at Salisbury. The Building and Coast and Toowoomba. These regional Construction Industry Training Fund will be committees typically include representatives of created from moneys transferred from the the Queensland Master Builders Association, Building and Construction Industry Portable the Housing Industry Association, the Building Long Service Leave Authority. The moneys will Services Authority, group schemes, TAFE go to a trust fund, oversighted by independent institutes, unions, the department, secondary trustees. The trustees will appoint a fund education and Q-Build. manager under a management agreement. In Secondly, the regional offices of the the first instance the fund manager will be constituent groups of Construction Training Construction Training Queensland, the industry Queensland will have input into the annual training advisory body, consistent with the operational plan through their representatives Government's commitment to industry. on the council of Construction Training The building and construction industry has Queensland. It is important to note that a made an investment over the last seven or substantial allocation of the training fund will eight years. It has contributed faithfully to the go towards funding additional employer Portable Long Service Leave Fund. That fund incentives to employ apprentices and trainees was a contract between the industry and directly. As such, a substantial amount of the Government long overdue and set up at last funding will be available to an employer where by the Goss Labor Government. The industry they enter into a training agreement with an has kept its end of the bargain—a high level of apprentice or trainee. compliance and a significant financial Another question that was asked was: commitment. Government has kept its how will the training fund guarantee continuity commitment. The management of the of funding for each apprentice over the life of Portable Long Service Leave Fund has been their apprenticeship? Each employer who sound and has resulted in a healthy return on qualifies for subsidy under the training fund will the financial commitment made by the receive the subsidy as a series of payments industry. The time has come for the building timed to reward success of their apprentice in and construction industry to reap some of the achieving training milestones. Each of the benefits of the investment it has made over agreements between the fund and an the years. The Building and Construction 3322 Minister for Education 18 Nov 1998

Industry Training Fund is a dividend on the division, the first member of the Beattie investment. It is a bonus paid to the industry Government to be caught misleading the as a reward for its hard work, its contribution House, the first member of the Beattie and its commitment. Government obliged to apologise for doing so Question—That the Bill be read a second and the first member of the Beattie time—put; and the House divided— Government to be referred to the Members' Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges AYES, 40—Attwood, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, Braddy, Committee. Is it any wonder that our schools, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, E. A. Cunningham, J. I. Cunningham, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, this House and the wider community are Hamill, Hayward, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, beginning to ask whether he is up to the task McGrady, Mickel, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, of running Queensland's largest department? Palaszczuk, Pearce, Reeves, Reynolds, Roberts, It is no secret that many Government Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, members privately share the same concern. Welford, Wellington, Wells, Wilson. Tellers: Sullivan, On top of his other transgressions and Purcell misadventures, the Minister has shown NOES, 37—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Cooper, flagrant disregard for established procedures Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Gamin, Grice, and due process in the approval of new non- Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, Government schools in Queensland. This Laming, Lester, Lingard, Littleproud, Malone, Mitchell, Nelson, Paff, Prenzler, Quinn, Rowell, morning the Minister claimed that he was only Santoro, Seeney, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, doing what I did as Minister in asking the Springborg, Turner, Watson. Tellers: Baumann, Planning Assessment Committee to give its Hegarty prompt consideration to the application by Pairs: D'Arcy, Pratt; Mulherin, Stephan Kimberley College. Nothing could be further from the truth. Resolved in the affirmative. I have never asked the committee to Debate, on motion of Mr Braddy, consider an application out of round. I have adjourned. never asked the committee to reassess an application which had been right through the SITTING HOURS agreed process. I have never asked the committee to reassess an application which Sessional Order had been twice rejected. I have never asked Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH (Chatsworth— the committee to reassess an application ALP) (Leader of the House) (5.58 p.m.), by which had been the subject of a formal appeal leave, without notice: I move— process. I never asked the committee to "That notwithstanding anything approve an application just two months ahead contained in the Standing and Sessional of a school opening. Orders, for this day's sitting, the House I have never received a letter from a can continue to meet past 7.30 p. m. highly reputable organisation, such as the Private Members' motions will be Association of Independent Schools in debated between 6 and 7 p.m. Queensland, accusing me of ripping up the rule book. For the benefit of members The House can then break for dinner opposite, I will read the letter sent to the and resume its sitting at 8.30 p.m. Minister, condemning his outrageous Government Business will take intervention in due process. The letter of the precedence for the remainder of the day's AISQ dated 6 October states— sitting, except for a 30-minute "Dear Dean, I write at the request of adjournment debate." the Association's Executive Committee to Motion agreed to. express strong disappointment and disapproval of any intervention in the due process of the New Schools Planning MINISTER FOR EDUCATION Assessment Committee. Mr QUINN (Merrimac—LP) (Deputy This particularly relates to out-of- Leader of the Liberal Party) (6 p.m.): I move— round request by proponents of Kimberley "That this House expresses its College for a review of their Application, growing concern at the way in which the and your calling the Planning Assessment Minister for Education is handling his Committee together to consider this. portfolio responsibilities." Understandably schools on which The Minister for Education was the first Kimberley would impact are angry that a member of the Beattie Government to miss a different set of parameters seems to exist 18 Nov 1998 Minister for Education 3323

for Kimberley than for others. Deadline highly regarded individuals, such as the dates for the submission of Applications, principals of John Paul College and Sheldon Appeals, etc. should be universal for all College. Again, their words—not mine—are a proponents. damning indictment of the Minister's disregard After all, Kimberley College was for due process. This is what the principal of unsuccessful in both its Application and Sheldon College had to say in her letter of 6 Appeal! October— Minister, this Association is not "Why is it ... that Kimberley College is impressed at suggestions of intervention being permitted to break with normal in the due process at any time, but is policy of the Office of Non-State particularly disenchanted when such Schooling and submit an application for action could very directly impact on approval to open in 1999, eight months member schools." after the closing date, particularly given that schools have already been notified of These are not the rantings of a lunatic fringe applications approved for opening in 1999 group. The AISQ is one of the most highly and 2000 and those which have not? regarded organisations in education in Queensland, and it is certainly not given to Kimberley College was not amongst making false or frivolous allegations. those listed." The case for Kimberley College was That, of course, is the million-dollar question, considered and rejected in the 1997 round of but we have yet to receive a satisfactory applications. Unlike a number of other schools answer from the Minister. which were also rejected in the 1997 round, The principal of John Paul College is Kimberley College failed to submit a new or equally concerned. This is what he had to say revised application for consideration in the in his letter of 2 October— 1998 round. This year's round was all but finalised by the end of August, but the "It is with some surprise and concern committee did not even meet to reassess that I have received correspondence Kimberley College's application for another regarding an Application for Planning couple of months. In fact, according to the Approval to establish a New Non-State information supplied to my office, the School, Kimberley College, in 1999. committee chairman went on holidays rather Earlier this year, I received than rubber-stamp this shonky approval notification of those applications approved process. I understand that the committee was to set up new non-state schools in 1999 to have met in September but did not, and 2000. because no-one else wanted to participate in Kimberley College was not one of the shonky approval process, either. And even these schools. when the Minister did manage to corral the committee members on 30 October, they Furthermore, the Application Form could not bring themselves to recommend completed by Kimberley College applies approval for Kimberley College, so they had to only to new schools intending to open in go back again just last week. 2000 or to significantly change from 1999. If nothing else, one must admire the Kimberley College is clearly applying Minister's determination. Most Ministers would as a new school for 1999, not 2000, in have taken the hint and advised Kimberley clear contradiction of the provisions of the College to apply again next year in accordance application. with the established procedures and due A second concern is that the process—but not this Minister. As I understand application in question was not submitted it, he finally succeeded in extracting a very until September 29th 1998, seven reluctant and heavily qualified months after the deadline for submission. recommendation for approval from the It is indeed difficult to understand committee meeting of 11 November. why this has been allowed to happen. I am advised that the committee's appointed chairman returned to Brisbane from The question then is: why has this holidays before the October and November single application been accepted and meetings but still chose to absent himself from processed, such a long period after the both of those meetings. In my view, his closing date and outside the published continuing refusal to be a party to this shonky due process? process is a screaming indictment of the On what grounds was due process Minister's actions. So are the letters of other overlooked?" 3324 Minister for Education 18 Nov 1998

Again, I remind the House that the writers identified clearly in the letter. I made the point of these letters are highly regarded apolitical that this process is being applied to all schools. community leaders who are not given to Kimberley College was tardy in some respects. making extravagant claims or baseless It had not provided some of the information allegations. Their concerns cannot be swept that the department was requesting, and I was aside with a dismissive flick of the ministerial simply trying to reinforce to both the college wrist. The Minister owes them a proper proponents and the member for Redlands explanation, and he owes it to them tonight. that, if they got their information in on time, the His actions have set off alarm bells throughout application could be processed much more the entire non-Government school community. quickly. What we have now is a Clayton's process Time expired. based on ministerial whim, whereby approvals are traded for political favours. A deal has Mr BEANLAND (Indooroopilly—LP) been done, and the Minister has to deliver. (6.08 p.m.): I second the motion. My support for this motion reflects the growing concern in The Minister's outrageous disregard for our schools and the wider community due process has seriously undermined public generally. In particular, I would like to deal with confidence in the whole system. And his the Minister's recent attempt to impose attempt this morning to suggest that he is compulsory enrolment caps on all State simply doing what I did as Minister proves schools throughout Queensland, starting with once again that he is a master of the the Indooroopilly State School in my misleading statement. He selectively quoted electorate. from a letter I had written to the member for Redlands to give the impression—that is, the The dire consequences of this ill- Minister was giving the impression—that I was conceived plan were well documented in a trying to push the Kimberley College memorandum written just two weeks ago to application through the assessment the staff and parents of the Indooroopilly State committee. This is not true. A full reading of School. I am sure that members opposite the letter shows that I was suggesting that the would like to know what the Minister had in college proponents should provide the mind for their schools, as well. Allow me to necessary documents to departmental officers enlighten them by quoting from this telltale as soon as possible so that the committee memorandum, which was tabled in the could consider the application under the Parliament last week. It states— normal due process conditions. That was "Government Treasury, driven by a again emphasised in the letter which I wrote. policy of equity provision of facilities for all I shall read the full context of the last public schools in Queensland, has paragraph of that letter so that members get directed Education Queensland to put in an idea of what I was trying to convey. I place a strategy to fill all empty said—and this is the part that was quoted by classrooms in schools as a pre-requisite to the Minister this morning— determining major capital works funding. "I have directed my departmental Education Queensland hopes to officers to expedite Kimberley College's have a policy approved in the next month application to enable the earliest possible or two. In time, it will be applied to all consideration to be given to their schools." application. Accordingly"— I emphasise "all schools". The memorandum and this is the rest that the Minister did not continues— read— "Strategic planners have mapped the "I would ask you to assist their addresses of our 704 students and application by requesting they meet all placed them in natural catchment areas. departmental requirements for further Currently we have 27 teaching information as quickly as possible to spaces ... occupied by 27 classroom ensure no unnecessary delays occur." teachers. Throughout that letter I outlined the process. I also made the point that Kimberley College's Over time, I'll be expected to reduce application for planning approval would be the 27 spaces to 23. This would reduce considered through a process agreed to by our total enrolment to around 600. Key peak Queensland non-State school resources, including staff, would also representative bodies. This process is the reduce. same as that which will be followed by all Under this policy, parents will have applications for new non-State schools. That is restricted public school choices." 18 Nov 1998 Minister for Education 3325

There is quite a bit more, and none of it makes programs, such as music and sport; a school's happy reading for students, parents or staff. uniform policy; its approach to discipline; and Ever since I raised this matter in the House last its location. If choice is reduced in the State week, the Minister has been back-pedalling at system, the movement of students to non- a furious rate of knots. However, the fact State schools will be accelerated. This policy is remains that he was caught red-handed, he clearly intended to wring enough dollars out of was caught out badly. Either the Minister knew our classrooms to pay for Labor's unfunded what was happening and approved it or he did election promises in education, but it will not have a clue. Neither conclusion inspires actually cost State schools millions of dollars in confidence in this Minister. lost Federal grants that follow students to the In any case, I am pleased to say that private sector. In the past, enrolment since we raised this matter in the House last management plans have been used only to week, the diabolical plans for Indooroopilly ease enrolment pressure in overcrowded State School have been thwarted, at least for schools where additional facilities could not be the moment. The problem is that we have no provided on the site. Each situation was way of knowing whether the Minister intends to considered on its individual merits and a range proceed with that outrageous program of issues was considered. The Government's elsewhere or at a later date. Has he ripped it plan to cap student enrolments as a matter of up or has he just slipped it into his bottom policy across Queensland—— drawer for a couple weeks until the Mulgrave Time expired. by-election is out of the way? The Government Mr SULLIVAN (Chermside—ALP) would not want to be arguing the case for that (6.13 p.m.): The present Minister for diabolical policy in the Cairns media in the Education, the Honourable Dean Wells, should Mulgrave electorate at the moment—that is for enjoy the full confidence of this House. It is sure. What will happen if the Government wins disappointing to see that, in the past few the seat of Mulgrave and has a parliamentary weeks, every concern or argument raised by majority in its own right? What protection will Opposition members in relation to the our schools have then? education sphere have related to problems This policy would force our most that they did not address and could not solve successful and popular schools to slash their while they were in Government. They have current enrolments by rejecting new students discussed the capping of school numbers, from outside their immediate area. Compulsory which they knew were a problem and refused enrolment caps would force those schools to to address. They have criticised decisions that shed students, teachers, support staff and have been made in relation to school-based other resources. The impact would be management, the applications for new profound. This policy would also lead to a big schools, maintenance needs and literacy and increase in school closures. Although it might numeracy inequalities. Yet, when in help to boost enrolments in some schools that Government, the member for Merrimac, Mr are struggling to attract students, it would also Quinn, did not attend to those problems. He tend to empty inner-city schools in commercial refused to face up to the realities. He ran away and industrial areas that do not provide a like the former Minister for Health did from the natural student catchment. One cannot fill issues that were too hard. He put them in the classrooms in some schools without emptying too-hard basket. Now he says that Labor classrooms somewhere else. Make no should attend to these matters. That is the sort mistake, Mr Speaker: schools will close. That is of hypocrisy that we have come to expect from where the Government is hoping to cut costs. the member for Toowoomba South. I am sad It will initially target smaller schools in and to see that it is coming from the member for around Brisbane then zero in on regional Merrimac. schools with inadequate or falling enrolments. A clear example of why this House should That policy will prevent parents from choosing have confidence in the current Minister is the best State school for their children's evident in the decisive action taken by him to individual needs and drive even more students eliminate a major betrayal perpetrated on the to the private sector. That is something this Queensland State school system by the Government ought to be concerned about. previous Minister, Mr Quinn. The previous One of the strengths of public education Minister's betrayal was most clearly manifest in in Queensland is the subtle variation and his system of Leading Schools, in which he specialist programs offered by over 1,300 introduced an inequitable and elitist system of State schools. The core curriculum is standard, resource redistribution that favoured the select but there is a wide range of other factors that few over the rest. The Leading Schools system influence parents' choice including non-core divided the school education community in 3326 Minister for Education 18 Nov 1998

Queensland into the haves and the have-nots. example, the department allocated $1.6m to It set school against school in a competitive Leading Schools for minor works in a period rather than a collaborative environment, and when no money was given to other schools. then gave the select few a massive advantage Most Phase 1 Leading Schools received over the others. Is it any wonder that the first $2,000 for personal professional development major decision made by the present Minister of senior administrators. Phase 1 Leading for Education was to disband that elitist, unfair School principals received $1,000 for personal and un-Queensland system established by his professional development and a 5% pay predecessor? That decision has the support of increase on joining the program. the vast majority of Queensland parents. The many school communities that were In disbanding the Leading Schools not allowed to participate in that discriminatory program, the present Minister for Education carve-up of scarce resources were effectively took two major steps. In Semester 2 this year, made second-class citizens in the Queensland he provided additional funding for schools and school system. The members opposite, shared those additional funds among all band particularly the members from the regional and 8-11 schools, not just the small number of remote areas, recognise that many of the Leading Schools. He then ordered that work schools in their areas are smaller schools that begin immediately to determine how funding were not eligible for one cent of that money. may be distributed more fairly among all The majority of schools in those regional and Queensland schools. He involved teachers, remote areas were not eligible for one cent. Of parents and the Department of Education in course, the Gold Coast has a high population. that decision. The current Minister for The member for Merrimac made sure that the Education has, from the very beginning, been large schools in his area were allocated funds working for the majority of Queensland State as Phase 1 Leading Schools. The current schools, not the few so blatantly favoured by Minister's approach is much more equitable. the previous Minister. With regard to the Kimberley College How did the previous Minister favour the application, the current Minister has processed select few? We need to go no further than the application using the committee and the considering the very special privileges enjoyed principles established by the former Minister. by schools in Phase 1 of the Leading Schools Time expired. program. In the short time that Leading Schools was in place, those Phase 1 schools Mr NELSON (Tablelands—ONP) moved far ahead of other schools, as the (6.19 p.m.): I move the following following list of privileges will show. Phase 1 amendment— Leading Schools received a one-off incentive "Delete all words after 'That' and to join the program of $30,000 plus $11 per insert the following— student. Phase 1 Leading Schools received an 'this House expresses its concerns that increased school grant consisting of $30,000 local members cannot approach school per annum plus $11 per student to a management directly over matters of maximum of $50,000. That double whammy concern and calls on the Minister to allow alone has put the select few schools well that free flow of information.'." ahead of all other schools to the extent that it is perhaps doubtful that the other schools will I ask members on the Government side ever catch up. Phase 1 Leading Schools had of the House to cast their minds back to when local area computer networks installed at a they were not in Government. I am sure that, total cost of $10m, averaging $96,000 per at one time or another, one or two of them school. However, the model used to equip may have had some difficulty in those Phase 1 Leading Schools was so communicating with members of their expensive that it will never be able to be community because of the perceived fact that introduced in all schools throughout they were not speaking to a Government Queensland. Phase 1 Leading Schools were member. the only schools eligible to apply for over I know for a fact that in my community on $824,000 in funding allocated for the purpose the tablelands, which is a remote and regional of establishing the lighthouse IT schools. community—and the difficulty in accessing the Phase 1 Leading Schools received preference tablelands because of the Gillies Highway and when connecting schools to the department's the Kuranda Range makes it even more electronic network. Phase 1 Leading Schools remote—when I speak to local members in the received preference when allocating facilities community, including school principals, they funds and were always at the top of the queue are always a little bit reluctant to speak when it came to getting things fixed. For because of this so-called protocol within the 18 Nov 1998 Minister for Education 3327

Public Service, which I believe goes something in the community. Therefore, they must be along the lines that one must never go against represented in relation to the departments. the Government of the day. Sometimes, There must never be a feeling in the principals, P & Cs or whomever they may be— community that people cannot go to their local in some cases, police officers—do not want to member on issues, regardless of whether they go against the Government; they just have a are principals, school teachers, police officers, problem that needs to be addressed. members of the local council, or whomever. No Mr Reeves: P & Cs can help. matter what position people hold, they must never feel that they cannot go to their local Mr NELSON: I am not saying that P & Cs member and have a chat about an issue that cannot help; I am saying that there is a they believe is of great concern, especially perception among them that, in this case, if within their area of control. they talk to a One Nation member, that might have some impact on their school or what they One recent example relates to Malanda receive for the school. I am serious. There is High School. I was gravely concerned that it that perception. was going to miss out—— Mr Reeves: It doesn't apply only to One Mr Reeves: Peter Beattie went to Nation. Atherton High's speech night. Mr NELSON: That is what I am saying. I Mr NELSON: Of course he did. I do not know that the members for Mansfield and see the relevance. If the member made a Townsville are first-time members of this good interjection, I would accept it. I am talking House. However, I am sure that if they spoke about Malanda High School. Malanda and to other members who have been—— Atherton are a fair distance apart. The member should have a look at a map. I assure Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member will him that Malanda and Atherton are not address the Chair. neighbouring areas. Mr NELSON: I am sure that if those The point is that this issue arose in members spoke to other Government relation to Malanda High School. I would like to members of the House who have been in see the situation that at no time is anyone Opposition, they would realise that, no matter restricted from going to their local member or who is in Government, there is this difficulty even that there is a perceived restriction. That and departments are sometimes very reluctant is why I have moved this amendment tonight to act. That is my concern and I assure and I hope that it gets the support of the everyone in this House that it does happen. House. Mr Reynolds interjected. Mr FELDMAN (Caboolture—ONP) (Leader Mr NELSON: No, maybe I should have of the One Nation Party) (6.23 p.m.): I rise in emphasised the point more that the principals the House to second the amendment to the can use the P & C to address these issues. motion moved by the honourable member for Mr Dalgleish: What about the hospitals? Tablelands. I have experienced the same problems in Caboolture. This issue was Mr NELSON: That is a good point. highlighted by a question that the member for Mr Feldman: P & Cs don't want to lose Maryborough directed to the Minister for their principals. Education, and it is the ability for a person in Mr NELSON: Yes, P & Cs do not like to control of a school—the management of the lose their principals. I am not saying that there school—to approach a local member over an is this big vendetta campaign out there and area of concern. Surely that is their right. We that the Government will go around sacking have given principals some autonomy in their principals if they do this, that and the other. own schools so we should allow that autonomy However, there certainly is something within to stretch to the fact that they can approach the department that makes people think that if their local member without fear or trepidation they go to their local members and speak out, and outline to that member their concerns they will be chastised, as they have been in about their school. the past. I am not saying that that happens On 15 September in this House, I spoke only under a Labor Government; I know that about the Wamuran State School. I will again happens under all Governments. I am saying highlight the problems at Wamuran. That that this should be stopped, especially as the school has only one permanent building. The increase in the number of Independent rest are demountable buildings which have members in the House and the advent of One been placed there over a period. This school is Nation in the Queensland Parliament indicate so small that it has only enough room for a that there is a broader spread of political ideals 200-metre running track for its sports day. 3328 Minister for Education 18 Nov 1998

Land has been allocated for the Wamuran spoken about by their local member in the State School on Campbells Pocket Road right appropriate place, which is this House, without next to a beautiful sportsground that has been any fear or trepidation of this coming back prepared by the council for the community for upon the school or on the people who have cricket and other sports. This is a far, far better spoken with their local member to have the site for that school than its present location. matter rectified. By doing this, we may perhaps The P & C approached me in relation to come up with a better alternative—better why the school could not move to that schools and a better education system for our location, with the land already being allocated. children. That is what it is all about: getting a They had approached the Minister's office and better location for schools and better were told that the school was not going to be education so our children can grow in the relocated as had been promised in the past. proper manner in these schools and become The P & C approached me about the issue, better members of the community. and I actually gave a speech in this place in Time expired. relation to it. The school needs to be moved down to where the land is allocated. With only Dr CLARK (Barron River—ALP) one permanent building, the message has (6.28 p.m.): I think that members would agree come back from the Minister's office that they that in the hothouse atmosphere of this place are looking at upgrading the school and we sometimes lose sight of the big picture and spending $1.2m on the site. It is an atrocious what really matters to the community. When it site. It is right on the D'Aguilar Highway. It is comes to education, the judgment of how well not conducive to good education and it is not the Minister is handling his portfolio is made at conducive to good learning because it is noisy, the school level. I want to tell members of this it is close to the highway and it has a lack of House that, in the schools in my electorate facilities. If that money was spent on the new and in the other schools in far-north location, the department would come up with a Queensland, the Minister's performance is better facility. They would still be able to utilise judged very, very well. I can assure the House those demountables by moving them down to of the Minister's commitment to far-north that site and make a better school for the Queensland. Since the election, he has been students. The school would be out of the way there three times. The Minister's commitment of the traffic on the D'Aguilar Highway, which to schools in far-north Queensland is on the represents a danger, and it would be in a record. That is what we have to remember: better location. what is happening at the schools, the facilities that are being constructed and the money that The message that I received from the is being spent in schools to improve learning P & C was that if I spoke about this matter outcomes. That is what this debate should be again, then perhaps the allocation of funding about. That is what I am concerned about and that is there to upgrade the school in its that is what the community is concerned present location may not be available. I find about. that to be an atrocious position. It has been alluded to the P & C that it may not get The airconditioning issue is really funding. That is almost tantamount to important to far-north Queensland schools. I blackmailing the P & C by saying that it will not will be the first to admit that the previous get funding if I speak again about moving the Government brought in the Cooler Schools school to a far, far better location on program, but the point is that P & Cs could not Campbells Pocket Road. That is just an afford it. The subsidy that was available was atrocious situation. If a P & C committee is insufficient and not enough schools could threatened with losing their principal or not benefit from that program. Now the P & Cs can receiving an allocation of funding just because afford to aircondition their schools because of of the mere fact that they talked to their local the increase in the subsidy. Previously P & Cs member, I find that to be totally atrocious. If had to provide 33% of the funding required for this school does lose the funding that is airconditioning and now they have to provide allocated and consideration is not given in the only 20%. We doubled the subsidy that was future to the relocation of the school, I will be available to those schools. That is just one looking at the matter very, very seriously and clear example of the commitment of this perhaps going further with what I can do. Government. This amendment to the motion is about In terms of information technology, we are allowing school principals to be able to go to continuing to prepare our students so that they their local member with their concerns, allowing can manage in the information technology age the school not to be threatened, and for the and we are assisting teachers with the P & C to be able to have these matters professional development that they need. 18 Nov 1998 Minister for Education 3329

Funding of $26m for information technology Mr HORAN (Toowoomba South—NPA) has been provided to State schools. We are (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (6.33 p.m.): continuing with the programs that will make a I join in the debate on the growing concern difference to the future of our children. about the way that the Education Minister is In far-north Queensland recently, two handling his portfolio. If anyone in this House schools were opened: Kuranda State High has been able to trip over landmines, it has School was opened on 15 October and last been the Education Minister. He was the first weekend the Bentley Park State School was Minister in the Goss Government to be opened by the Premier. Again, it is important referred to the Members' Ethics and to acknowledge that whilst those schools were Parliamentary Privileges Committee and he built by the previous Government, the planning was the first Minister to have to apologise to for them was done in the Goss years. the Parliament. He has made one mistake after another. His biggest mistake and worst Mr Littleproud interjected. blunder was ripping the heart and soul out of Dr CLARK: And it failed. As the member, I the Leading Schools program. was able to identify finally the land that we Leading Schools was a great program needed and it was actually purchased under and the schools in my area certainly liked it. It the Labor Government. Indeed, in the school gave the community an incentive to get in the Mulgrave electorate, Warren Pitt behind local schools and become a part of identified the land where the school has been them. It enabled the schools to use the built. That site had to be large enough for a intelligence, the ability and the talents of preschool, a primary school and a high school. people from the local communities, who could Naomi Wilson certainly worked hard, but let us become involved in the schools and see them remember who initiated the process. If elected, rise to greatness. That program was a great Warren Pitt will work towards completing his innovation in education, but one of the first vision of having a high school built on the acts of vandalism of this Minister was to rip out same site. Let us remember who did that in the heart and soul of that program. the first place. This week in the Parliament we have All the schools in my electorate and the heard about Kimberley College and a move electorates of Cairns and Mulgrave are away from due diligence and proper process. benefiting from the $28m that has been Previously the process allowed applications, provided to target literacy and numeracy, reviews and independent committee decisions including funding to employ more teacher to be made in the proper way. Suddenly, aides, flexibility grants, more primary deputy some seven or eight months later, the whole principals, more grounds care and more thing has been opened up again for special administrative support. Having worked as a attention. Why? Before the election, the guidance officer, I know the importance of member for Cook, who was the Opposition additional teacher aide time to support Education spokesperson at the time, and the teachers in classrooms with children with member for Capalaba held a little meeting with special needs. That is needed and we are the principal designate for Kimberley College, providing it. We are putting the money where it who eventually became the Democrat needs to go, and we are doing that in candidate in the election. What did we see? response to consultations that we have had Previously the Democrats had a split card but, with schools and the community. We know lo and behold, in the seat of Springwood they where that money needs to go and we are had a single card. At the previous election the putting it there. All of the schools in my Democrat preferences had predominantly electorate will be benefiting from that. gone to the Liberal Party candidate, but at the The tertiary education sector is not usually last election they suddenly swung the other considered the responsibility of the State way. There is certainly something very fishy Government. However, this Government is and smelly about the Kimberley College deal. supporting far-north Queensland's James Once again the poor Education Minister was Cook University with a $7.5m interest-free loan the messenger for the Labor Party, and he so that the university is able to get on with the was sent to stitch up the deal. job of constructing a new library. Eventually Nobody could demonstrate better what is that library will be funded by the Federal happening under Labor in Education than the Government, but not until the year 2000. previous speaker, who spoke about far-north Unless we had provided that money and the Queensland. Let us look at far-north additional $2m for the total cost of the library, it Queensland. In two and a quarter years the would not be built. coalition Government poured some $18m into Time expired. the seat of Mulgrave with the aid of Naomi 3330 Minister for Education 18 Nov 1998

Wilson and the Education Minister at the time. 'This House notes that some members The previous three Labor Budgets provided report that they have experienced only $6m. The coalition Government provided difficulties in approaching school three times that amount of money, and we management directly, and notes the provided it in a far shorter space of time. assurance of the Minister that such a free Naomi Wilson fast-tracked the two-unit flow of information is essential and preschool at Bentley Park. She made it supported by the Government.' " happen. Naomi Wilson acquired the money for It is a matter of some concern that construction. honourable members on the other side of the The member for Barron River can talk House have said that they have experienced about planning and the things that happened some difficulty in approaching their school under Labor, but Naomi Wilson, the politician, management directly. I invite those got the money for Mulgrave. She got the honourable members to go to their local money for the first-class, airconditioned primary schools to speak to the local principals, the school at Bentley Park—a school that benefits teachers, the P & Cs and the school councils. from the latest technology. The parents then Please do so freely. Honourable members in felt that it would be important for their children this House bear the mandate of the people to follow on to preschool, primary school and who elected them. As such, they are entitled secondary school and, again, Naomi Wilson to make such inquiries as they wish to make. It will deliver that. The message for the people of is important that honourable members be Mulgrave is that if they want decent education apprised of what is going on in the schools in facilities, they can rely on Naomi Wilson. The their local areas. They have a responsibility for people of Mulgrave have always trusted her. those local areas and schools. I urge them to She has a great reputation. She is a real doer act consonant with those responsibilities. and a real achiever. Having said that, I should also mention Let us look at some of the other things that teachers and principals are public sector that Naomi Wilson has achieved for education: employees. As such, there are provisions of a music block and multipurpose covered area the public sector code of conduct that are and amenities block at Hambledon State relevant to them, and that prescribes certain School, an airconditioned modular building ways of dealing appropriately with and administration space at the Miriwinni State administrative problems. The question is: what School, an amenities block and oval upgrade is the first thing that teachers or principals do at White Rock State School, two modular when they have an administrative problem? buildings in a two-storey general learning block The first thing they do if there is a broken tap with special education facilities at Yarrabah in the school is not go to their local member. State School and Building Better Schools The first thing they do is ring up and see initiatives that provided about $1.2m worth of whether it can be fixed. However, if having improvements. Naomi Wilson is a fighter. She gone through that process they have some got the money for those projects. If one wants difficulty it is perfectly appropriate for teachers someone to rely on in the trenches, one can or principals to contact their local member, choose no better than Naomi Wilson. preferably with their P & C president—it is a So far in this election campaign, we have community issue—raise the matter there and seen flyers for the Labor Party that claim all subsequently have the matter raised with the sorts of initiatives that exist solely because of Minister. It is a question not of whether but of Naomi Wilson and the coalition Government. A how one goes about doing that if one good example is the Bentley Park State happens to be a public sector employee. In School, which was apparently opened a week respect of members of Parliament, it is ago. The kids started school there in January important that our liberties and capacity to this year, so it has been open for a long time. seek information should not be trammelled in That school was built because of the coalition any way with respect to something as Government and, again, Naomi Wilson. So far important as a school. I invite honourable we have seen nothing but a bumbling and members to exercise the mandate that they stumbling effort—— have been given by the people who elected them. Time expired. With respect to the propositions put Hon. D. M. WELLS (Murrumba—ALP) forward by honourable members on the other (Minister for Education) (6.39 p.m.): I move the side of the House, I wish to mention a few of following amendment— the things that form part of this Government's "Delete all words in Mr Nelson's record in its first few months of office. When I amendment and insert the following— became the Minister, the first thing I did was 18 Nov 1998 Minister for Education 3331 end the confrontation between the and raising issues in the Parliament from time Government and the teaching profession. I to time. thanked the teaching profession for what it As the Minister has pointed out, it is not was doing for education in our State. I just our job but our responsibility to the kids consulted with it as to the best way to achieve and their parents in our electorate to get out good teaching outcomes. As a result, we now and talk to them. There should be no have schools concentrating on educational impediment to members of Parliament visiting outcomes rather than on defending their schools. However, there are processes themselves against assaults that may be that principals should through when issues launched against them by the Government. arise. There are also protocols in respect of all We have a record budget for Education of public servants and public criticism of $3.46 billion. This represents the Beattie Government policy and those sorts of things Government's commitment to education. This which we would expect to be adhered to. record budget has enabled us to deliver an The real reason we are here tonight—and additional $5m per year for literacy and the member for Toowoomba South and the numeracy. It has enabled us to deliver an member for Indooroopilly have given it extra $5m for behaviour management per away—is that members opposite are looking year. Over four years there will be an additional for the opportunity to grandstand in Mulgrave. $42m for Cooler Schools, an additional $35m Of all the issues that they could pick to for Education for All, and an additional $35m campaign on in Mulgrave I cannot believe they for inclusive education. There will also be an have picked education. That is because our increase in the funds available for capital works candidate, Warren Pitt, has been a teacher in and maintenance. far-north Queensland, mainly in Mulgrave, for A great deal has been achieved in a very about 30 years. His reputation across the short time and it has been done in length and breadth of far-north Queensland for consultation with P & Cs—with the mums and looking out for the interests of kids in schools dads—with the teachers and school and for working with parents is second to communities. Recently, we completed a none. Never mind litanies about public works and the Building Better Schools Program, discussion with people in every single which was our program, for which the member educational district, and that resulted in the for Toowoomba South was trying to claim document that all members have. An extra credit; none of that stuff can diminish the $28m is being ploughed into schools for a contribution that Warren Pitt has made to variety of initiatives, including—and especially—literacy. This is a document which education in far-north Queensland over represents benefits to every school in every decades of commitment—not in just the three electorate. This is the best educational funding years that Naomi Wilson spent as the local outcome that has ever been achieved in this member. State. We have education spending above the I can remember back 20 years ago, when national average and we have school I first started teaching in Gordonvale. I taught communities able to focus without distraction alongside Warren Pitt, who was teaching Year and constant confrontation on educational 7 at that time. As a young teacher, I was outcomes. transferred to the Gordonvale State Primary School to teach physical education. I Time expired. remember that Warren Pitt was organising Hon. S. D. BREDHAUER (Cook—ALP) cricket carnivals for 22 teams from all over (Minister for Transport and Minister for Main Queensland. He was involved in cricket, Rugby Roads) (6.44 p.m.): I second the amendment League and in all manner of other sports. He moved by the Minister for Education and I do gave freely and willingly of his time. He worked so with a great deal of pleasure. In a couple of hard as a teacher. He was a competent and weeks' time, I will have been a member of this well respected teacher. He worked hard after Parliament for nine years. In nine years I have school hours to support the kids and to work never had a problem visiting a school in my with the parents, and he got things done. electorate. I have 75 schools in my electorate. If members opposite are going to try to At no stage have I, as the local member, had campaign on education issues in Mulgrave, we any difficulty visiting any of those schools, have news for them, and it is all bad: our talking to the principals, the teachers and the candidate has the best track record in relation P & Cs, finding out what the issues are, raising to education, and we will proudly stand up and the issues with the Minister at the time, be it a champion that record and his candidacy in coalition Government or a Labor Government, Mulgrave, because we know that when he 3332 Minister for Education 18 Nov 1998 comes back in here as the member for This sorry saga started on 4 September Mulgrave after 5 December education is one 1998 when the Education Minister, along with of the things that he will care about most. the member for Nicklin, Mr Wellington, visited The former Minister now has the hide to Maleny and took all of the glory regarding the talk about growing concern about the way in $700,000 announcement. This occasion was a which the Education portfolio is being handled. fairly friendly affair; there was a lot of Who could ever forget that 6,000 school backslapping and self-congratulations between cleaners were going to be tossed onto the the two and then they issued a joint press release. As one local said, the two could not scrap heap by the member for Merrimac? Who be separated. The Sunshine Coast Daily on 5 could forget the petition that 100,000 September 1998 said— Queenslanders signed and which took wheelbarrows to bring in here? "Backdoor" "The funding pledges started in Bob was the Minister, yet he would not even earnest yesterday with Education Minister go through the front gate of a school. He used Dean Wells promising almost $700,000 to to drive around the back and go through the rid Maleny State High School of problems back entrance so that he could avoid the created by a concrete plant on adjacent school cleaners, whom he decided that he was land. The plant will be removed by June going to throw onto the scrap heap. And he is with the site to be used to expand the concerned about the direction of education! school." That is a rather interesting article in the What about enterprise bargaining? The Sunshine Coast Daily of 5 September 1998. teachers had to go on strike twice and it took 18 months for them to negotiate a conclusion However, here in this Parliament during to enterprise bargaining. What about Leading question time on 18 September 1998 the ALP Schools? The former Government directed Minister had his mate on the Sunshine Coast, school principals to ignore democratic ballots in the supposedly Independent member for their schools and to sign up their schools to Nicklin, ask a disgraceful dorothy dixer in Leading Schools, even though the staff relation to the compensation paid to Sellars disagreed with it. What about the Holdings for the acquisition. In that question commercialisation of schools? Undergarments the member for Nicklin and, by association, his were going to be advertised on billboards conspirator, the Minister, attempted to intimate outside schools. This Minister thought it was that the coalition Government had been involved in some underhanded or improper okay to have women in lingerie adorning deal in arriving at a compensation agreement billboards out the front of our schools. He over the land in question. If this issue was not thought that that was a great idea. What such an important one to the Maleny school about the Laidley State School and that community, one would have seen the humour debacle over which the former Minister of this inexcusable mistake made in the presided? What about the Pimpama State question. The member for Nicklin stated— School? The former Minister used to drive past it twice a day on his way to and from work, and "... with the agreement being reached on he would not even turn 100 yards off the side 29 June 1998, the very day that the of the road to talk to the parents about their coalition lost Government?" concerns about the Pacific Motorway. The As it was the decision of Mr Wellington that former Minister is a joke. changed the Government here in Queensland, I would have thought that not only would he Time expired. have remembered the date on which the Miss SIMPSON (Maroochydore—NPA) coalition Government resigned from office but (6.49 p.m.): It is with great pleasure that I rise also the author of the question would have, tonight to support the coalition's motion moved too. Just for the honourable member's by the shadow Minister, because the information, I point out that it was during a administration of Education Queensland by press conference on 25 June 1998 that he the member for Murrumba has been nothing announced that he would be supporting the short of atrocious. I suspect that some would ALP to form a minority Labor Party say that I am being kind to the Minister. One Government in Queensland, which saw Mr has only to look at his handling of the offer of Beattie and Mr Elder sworn in on 26 June compensation to Sellars Holdings for the 1998 and hence form a Government. acquisition of the concrete batching plant During his response to the dorothy dixer, adjacent to the Maleny State High School to the Minister said that he only became aware of see the inept manner in which the Minister the land acquisition on 6 August 1998 when manages his portfolio. he signed an Executive Council minute 18 Nov 1998 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 3333 requesting approval to expend the necessary Turner, Welford, Wellington, Wells, Wilson. Tellers: funds. This was a month before the Minister Sullivan, Purcell and Mr Wellington made the public NOES, 28—Beanland, Borbidge, Cooper, Davidson, announcement and a full six weeks before the Elliott, Gamin, Grice, Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, infamous dorothy dixer, yet the Minister went Knuth, Laming, Lester, Littleproud, Malone, Mitchell, on to say in his response that he became Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Sheldon, Simpson, aware that the school community has Slack, Springborg, Watson. Tellers: Baumann, supposedly not been consulted about the Hegarty acquisition. Pairs: D'Arcy, Pratt; Mulherin, Stephan; Hollis, Lingard This brings a troubling question to mind: what financial and administrative standards Resolved in the affirmative. has the Minister implemented in his Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves): department which would have a Minister Order! Any further divisions will be of two signing approval for the expenditure of minutes' duration. $700,000 of taxpayers' money without Question—That Mr Nelson's amendment, knowing all the details for the expenditure and as amended, be agreed to—put; and the any associated issues? However, this is House divided— probably just another example of the management or, should I say, AYES, 47—Attwood, Beattie, Black, Bligh, Boyle, mismanagement that follows the Minister from Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, E. A. Cunningham, J. I. Cunningham, Dalgleish, Elder, portfolio to portfolio. Feldman, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Hamill, Hayward, In closing, I say that the Minister has Kingston, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, McGrady, shown total incompetence in the management Mickel, Musgrove, Nelson, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, Paff, of his department and, in addressing this Palaszczuk, Pearce, Prenzler, Reynolds, Roberts, debacle, the Minister will probably use a fall- Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, back statement as quoted in the Sunshine Turner, Welford, Wellington, Wells, Wilson. Tellers: Sullivan, Purcell Coast Daily on Saturday, 5 September 1998, as follows— NOES, 28—Beanland, Borbidge, Cooper, Davidson, Elliott, Gamin, Grice, Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, "I just made a blunder at one point ... Knuth, Laming, Lester, Littleproud, Malone, Mitchell, as I often do in Parliament." Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Sheldon, Simpson, Mr Wells: At least I'm honest about it. Slack, Springborg, Watson. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty Miss SIMPSON: How many other Pairs: D'Arcy, Pratt; Mulherin, Stephan; Hollis, blunders has the Minister made? We have Lingard already heard a number of others tonight. We have heard about the improper influence Resolved in the affirmative. being exerted in regard to the matter of the Motion, as amended, agreed to. Kimberley College. Sitting suspended from 7.07 p.m. to Mr WELLS: I rise to a point of order. That 8.30 p.m. remark is offensive and I ask that it be withdrawn. BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Miss SIMPSON: I will withdraw whatever (PORTABLE LONG SERVICE LEAVE) remark the Minister finds offensive. There has AMENDMENT BILL also been a slowdown in the local area network—a slashing of $20m down to $13m Resumed from p. 3322. under this Government. So we have a situation in which—— Committee Time expired. Hon. P. J. BRADDY (Kedron—ALP) Question—That Mr Wells' amendment to (Minister for Employment, Training and Mr Nelson's amendment be agreed to—put; Industrial Relations) in charge of the Bill. and the House divided— Clause 1, as read, agreed to. AYES, 47—Attwood, Beattie, Black, Bligh, Boyle, Clause 2— Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, E. A. Cunningham, J. I. Cunningham, Dalgleish, Elder, Mr BRADDY (8.32 p.m.): I move the Feldman, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Hamill, Hayward, following amendment— Kingston, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, McGrady, "1. Clause 2— Mickel, Musgrove, Nelson, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, Paff, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Prenzler, Reynolds, Roberts, At page 4, line 6— Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, omit, insert— 3334 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998

'2.(1) Sections 3, 4, 7 (except for inserted The Minister spoke about bipartisan section 9(1)(a)) and 8 commence on the support. It is important that I place on record date of assent. that I also hope—I hoped this when I was '(2) The remaining provisions of this Act, Minister—the issue of training can be including the Schedule, commence on 1 approached in a bipartisan fashion. I do not January 1999.'." remember the Minister consulting me about Labor's proposal to introduce a levy. He just Amendment agreed to. announced it. More importantly, I suppose, I Clause 2, as amended, agreed to. was not consulted by the Minister after the election in relation to the establishment of a Clause 3— training fund such as this. At the very least I Mr SANTORO (8.32 p.m.): This clause is would have expected the Minister to honour as close as we get to an objects clause in this an election promise, but he did not. That I Bill. As the current title states, we are should be approaching this issue in a amending an Act to provide for an equitable bipartisan fashion tonight, even if the principle and efficient system of portability of long is able to be applied, I do not think is a realistic service leave in the building and construction expectation or assessment on the part of the industry. After the word "industry" is proposed Minister. I reject outright his suggestion that I to be inserted "and to allocate funds for should be bipartisan, because he certainly has training in the building and construction not displayed those tendencies. industry". This fundamentally changes the I believe that the honouring of an election objects of this Bill as clearly indicated within the promise is a big issue in this debate. We can title. have our differences about what we take to an I take this opportunity to make some election—we get or do not get mandates; further comments about the debate and some of us win and some of us lose—but the particularly about what the Minister said over fact is that the now Government went to the half an hour in his speech in reply to the election with the promise of a levy. Rather than debate. The first point I wish to contest is the implement a levy solution to the perceived lack concept of industry support and the Minister's of skills within the building and construction suggestion that monolithic industry support for industry, the Minister has substituted a raid on the amendments being considered here a hollow log. That cannot be denied. The tonight exists. Government did process a levy. It is raiding perhaps the last major hollow log left in place I attended the annual Housing Industry after the defeat of the Goss Labor Association awards dinner on Friday night, Government in February 1996. which was attended by in excess of 700 other The Minister tries to mount an argument people. Obviously the majority of them were that, by just raiding the hollow log rather than small builders. Many dozens of people from all establishing a levy set-up, administration costs over the State—people who do a great are being avoided. The Minister cannot say in amount of commercial, industrial and one breath that the levy will remain in residential building right across the length and perpetuity, that the collection mechanism will breadth of Queensland—made it perfectly remain in place forever if it is up to him and clear that they did not want this Bill to pass Governments such as his, and have the through the Parliament. administrative system ticking over and I know that the Minister has been talking operating, and then say in the next breath that to a lot of people at the bigger end of the to levy an extra charge to be used for training market and a lot of other people involved in purposes via the portable long service leave building and construction. I believe that the system, as he promised, in fact sets up a new vast majority of them are very reasonable and administrative structure which will lead to an genuine people who have the training agenda extra cost imposition on the industry. I totally at heart, particularly as it applies to their reject as absolutely nonsensical the Minister's industry. In most cases their sincerity cannot suggestion that extra administrative costs be doubted. However, I think it is misleading to would be the result of the Government suggest, as the Minister portrays it, that the honouring its election promise by establishing industry is unified and monolithic in its support a levy rather than raiding a hollow log. for this amendment and for the establishment The Minister seeks to reassure the of a fund. On behalf of the Opposition, I again Parliament that raiding the hollow log and state my support for the position of those who initially extracting as much as $5.4m a year will do not want this fund established in this not undermine the actuarial soundness of the manner. fund. The Minister makes great play of the fact 18 Nov 1998 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 3335 that he thinks that, actuarially, the fund is not I would have liked to have seen the at risk. In questions on notice I have asked the Minister do one of two things: honour his Minister to table the actuarial advice. Even election commitments, or have sufficient though I have asked the Minister through courage to go to Cabinet—as I did when I was formal correspondence to provide me, the Minister—and actually get a budget allocation Opposition and any other interested party with to seek to improve the lot of training within the actuarial advice that he has received, he does building and construction industry. I also not table that actuarial advice. received the submissions. I also went to the forums. I also met with the people from the I hoped the Minister would have done Construction Training Centre and from all over what I did when I was Minister. When there the building and construction industry. They was controversy about the actuarial soundness convinced me that the industry was worth or otherwise of our reforms to the workers supporting. As a result of that, we made an compensation system, we made the actuaries annual budget allocation, which was initially available. We flew them up from Sydney. about $2.6m. We were prepared to put our People such as the Minister, other interested money where our mouths were in terms of members of Parliament, other people within funding the training needs of the building and the industry, the lawyers, the accountants and construction industry via consolidated revenue. anybody else who was very much part of the If the Minister was to be true to his election compo culture were able to look freely at the promises, that is the way he should have books . They were able to talk to the actuaries. gone. I expected that sort of openness, but the Government did not afford that to us, I also totally reject the suggestion that I particularly Minister Wendy Edmond. We agreed with the Minister that what he is trying afforded that courtesy to the now Government to fix is what I was trying to fix. During the but it is not affording it to us. Estimates committee process when I was referring to training and traineeships, I was The Minister may correct me if I am simply talking about eliminating the rorts. We wrong, but I believe that two actuarial analyses began to do that in Government as soon as have been done, including one that I think those rorts became evident. We started may have been commissioned by the prosecuting. We started taking people through managers of the board after the interest rate the courts. That is what I was agreeing to regime changed significantly since the during the Estimates committee debate—that introduction of this Bill. What I have been told the rorts had to be stopped. In fact, when I by some people who have some knowledge was Minister we were beginning to do that. about this matter is that they became very Because this particular part of the Bill amends concerned about the effect of the decrease in the Bill in such a fundamental way, the interest rates, including the long-term trend Opposition will be dividing the Committee on that was being established in terms of the this clause. interest rate regime. I was told that they Mr BRADDY: I accept the assessment of expressed some concern and that, as a result the member for Clayfield. What I said in my of that, some further actuarial analysis was reply substantially addressed most of those done. points. However, I will make a couple of If the Minister is really fair dinkum about comments. Firstly, it is quite extraordinary that convincing the Opposition—and if he does not this attack is being made supposedly on want to pay that courtesy to the Opposition, he behalf of the industry, because we have not should pay it to this Parliament and, through introduced a levy. If ever there was a this Parliament, the people of suggestion that we would be having bipartisan Queensland—why does he not table that discussions, it certainly does not apply here. actuarial advice? We have been asking for it Before the election, we stated openly that we for three or four months. Unfortunately, were going to do this and that we were going because of the Minister's attitude, it is not to do it through the portable long service leave forthcoming. Perhaps the Minister would legislation and the Portable Long Service provide the Committee with some assurance Leave Authority. So it is a nonsense for that the long-term trend in interest rates and Opposition members to say that that was not the effect of that long-term trend has been said. We certainly claim a mandate for this. It factored into the income-earning potential of was very much part of our employment that fund. The Minister can say that it is process. actuarially sound, but he does very little other We are not imposing an extra cost on the than give us his word to prove to this place industry. We have tidied up a bit of a mess that what he is proposing is actuarially sound. that the previous Government had left in 3336 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998 relation to different rates for different houses. Clause 4 enables me to make a couple of We say that we can do this because of good, remarks in response to what the Minister has sound actuarial advice without imposing an just said. The Minister puts it very quaintly extra cost on the industry. However, the when he says, "Through this Bill we are Opposition, which likes to portray itself as honouring the gist of our promises." That is a representing industry organisations, is lovely word: gist. A promise is a promise. I opposing this Bill. That is the nonsense. The believe that promises should be observed, gist of what we said in Opposition is what we particularly if they are able to be delivered. have done in Government. We said that we Obviously, because of the way in which the would introduce a training fund and that we numbers are falling in this place, the Minister is would improve the portable long service leave able to deliver on his promise, and he should provisions for workers. We have been able to be supporting it. do that because the fund is very healthy and it In terms of employer organisations and is actuarially sound. the suggestion that I am supposed to be If the honourable member for Clayfield championing the causes of employer believes that a hollow log has been organisations and that I therefore should be established, I ask him this question: why, championing this amendment, which is being during his term of office, did his Government supported by some employer organisations— reduce the levy rate from 0.2% to 0.1%? It was that does not make sense, and I will tell a 20% decrease of the original levy rate. That members why. The employer organisations is a rhetorical question. I am not really seeking that made submissions to us in coalition and in an answer from the member. The answer is Government to the effect that we increase that it took a conservative approach to the resources to be allocated and directed towards scheme and relied upon the advice of the advancing training within the building and Building and Construction Industry (Portable construction industry did support the budgetary Long Service Leave) Board. My Government is moves effected by appropriations from the now correcting the hollow log by providing a Consolidated Fund. They did support those reduction in the long service leave levy from initiatives of the coalition Government. So 0.1% to 0.075%, increasing the threshold on industry is not wedded to any particular projects from $42,000 to $80,000, including solution. 20,000 subcontractors who supply their labour What industry wants—and I acknowledge and forepersons, scaling down entitlements that it is the bulk of the industry, but not and transferring approximately $5m per monolithically the industry; it is the majority of annum from the fund for training in the the industry, and I correct myself there very building and construction industry. deliberately—is the Government to put some The reason why there was a second money into training, as any industry sector actuarial report was that we were seeking—as would. Industry monolithically and as a whole we are tonight—to amend the legislation is not wedded to a training levy. However, further to introduce the five-year provision to people in the industry are prepared to accept make it more applicable to other people. So that the Government priorities, as expressed with all propriety we had to make sure that that through appropriations via consolidated would not upset the advice that we had revenue mechanisms, are affected. I believe received from the first actuarial report. That is that is the point that the Minister missed. I get what has occurred. The rest of the statements on very well with the Master Builders and submissions made by the member for Association and people at the Construction Clayfield are on the record a couple of times Queensland centre at Salisbury. I get on very well with them. We have exchanged during my speeches in this debate. correspondence, to which I will refer later Clause 3, as read, agreed to. during this debate, which will prove that the exchanges between us have been, will remain Clause 4— and, in the future, will continue to be of a very Mr SANTORO (8.46 p.m.): In fact, it was cordial and constructive nature. But I say to clause 4 on which I was intending to divide the the Minister: please do not come in here and Committee. I will try not to take up another 10 suggest to me that I should be supporting minutes of the Committee's time. blindly all industry organisations even when the points of view of different industry Mr Fouras interjected. organisations are mutually contradictory. Mr SANTORO: If the honourable member I turn to the Minister's statement in for Ashgrove makes a few interjections, I might relation to the actuarial advice. I again stress be tempted. that, in this place, we have only the Minister's 18 Nov 1998 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 3337 word on that issue. He has not been prepared servants. They advised me very forcefully. I am to be open and table that actuarial advice, not referring just to my director-general, whom which I believe is fundamentally important to people in this place and outside of it are this debate. One of the major reasons that we seeking to discredit; we were relying heavily on are opposing this Bill is that we believe that the the advice of people who had been running objects of the original legislation are being the training systems of this State for many changed in a manner that may affect the years. I acted in good faith on the advice that actuarial soundness of the fund. As a result of they gave me, because I, my director-general what he is doing through this Bill, in his and others believed it to be good advice. second-reading speech the Minister could only Suddenly that advice was turned on its head. I guarantee—presumably based on actuarial have not heard this Minister or any member advice from the Portable Long Service Leave opposite give any credit to me or the previous Board and its managers—that he would not Government for anything that was done well in have to increase the levy for a period of either the training sector. Many senior officers in the 11 or 13 years. I will not labour that point Minister's department spilt a lot of tears and because I covered it extensively in my blood to advance the training agenda because contribution to the second-reading debate. they believed in it. They are now shaking their How can the Minister repeat in this Chamber heads at the extremely doctrinaire, hard- that the actuary says that this change will not nosed, hardline attitude that the Minister has have a detrimental impact on the fund? He towards the previous Government's approach states that it is not the object of this Bill or any to training. I will keep asking the Minister other initiative to increase the cost on the questions about why he is keeping the training building industry; yet in his second-reading agenda heading in basically the same speech he stated that he could not give that direction as it was under the previous coalition guarantee nor provide the actuarial advice to Government. The Minister will have to admit Parliament. With respect to the Minister, I do that that is the case. If he does not admit it, I not understand how that makes sense. When will conduct and circulate to the industry an people read the Minister's contributions to this analysis that shows precisely that he will not debate, particularly his second-reading change the fundamental direction of training in speech, and the remarks that I am making, Queensland from that under the previous they also will be shaking their heads and coalition Government. It does not matter how asking: why is this so? often the Minister comes into this Chamber The Minister stated that he would keep and proves that rorts occurred under the the levy in perpetuity. He said that the actuarial coalition Government. advice was that the levy would have to be Mr Braddy: What has this got to do with retained at a certain level. I do not recall that the Bill? This has nothing to do with the Bill at that was the advice that I received when I was all. Minister. We had declared quite openly that Mr SANTORO: I will explain to the Minister we were going to eliminate the levy. I am not precisely what it has to do with the Bill. I refer sure that the New South Wales experience is him to his comments in his reply to the all that bad. The Minister said that some parts second-reading debate. He said that the of the industry do not like the situation in New current system was a degenerate system that South Wales, but he did not say that the fund was rorted. I am referring to his half-hour reply. was going broke and that the levy would have During that speech, he took a cheap shot at to be reinstituted in that State. If he has advice me and misrepresented the views that I that that is the case, he should be saying so. expressed in the Estimates committee When I was the Minister responsible for the hearing. Those views were part of a bipartisan Portable Long Service Leave Board, the effort to stamp out the rorts. I will be returning advice that I received was that, if the funds this time next year—— were left intact and if the levy tapered off in accordance with the program of tapering off Mr Braddy: We are all trembling. that was being advised to me, the fund would Mr SANTORO: The Minister does not be self-sustaining. The Minister is receiving have to tremble, but he will have to answer advice different from that. questions about why rorts have continued One of the most disappointing aspects of under his administration. They will continue politics is that, when Ministers and because there are people in the community Governments change, public servants tend to who will work the system and find the give different advice, perhaps advice that suits loopholes. Hopefully, the Minister will then do the Minister of the day. As the new Minister for what I used to do. The Minister should go Training, I sought the advice of senior public through the advice that, as the Minister, I 3338 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998 received every week, which detailed case after Obviously, the board gives the information to case after case of prosecutions against people the Government of the day when changes are who rorted the system. Hopefully the Minister being made or being contemplated, as it did to will pursue those people with the same vigour the former Government. I will not ring up the as that with which I pursued them when I was board members and say, "Do not show them Minister. I will access that information. I bet the to the member for Clayfield." I do not care Minister will feel just as embarrassed as I felt whether they show them to him or not. They about people rorting the system, because, as are the board's reports and the member for long as there is a system, people will find Clayfield should stop making a big fuss about loopholes. I hope that the Minister will be as the fact that I am not producing them. They diligent as I was. For the reasons that I stated are not my reports and it would be highly previously in the debate and during this improper for me to be producing them in this contribution, the Opposition will be opposing Chamber. and dividing on clause 4. Question—That clause 4, as read, stand Mr FOURAS: I would like the Committee part of the Bill—put; and the Committee to note my appreciation of the fact that the divided— member for Clayfield kept his word. He said that he would not speak for his allocated 10 AYES, 38—Attwood, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, E. A. Cunningham, J. I. minutes; he actually spoke for nine and half Cunningham, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Hamill, minutes. I would like that to be noted. Hayward, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, McGrady, Mr BRADDY: I will reply specifically in Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, relation to the actuarial reports. Those reports Reeves, Reynolds, Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, are not Government actuarial reports. They are Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wellington, Wells, actuarial reports obtained by the Portable Wilson. Tellers: Purcell, Roberts Long Service Leave Board. They are the NOES, 35—Beanland, Black, Cooper, Dalgleish, board's reports. If the former Minister wants Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Gamin, Grice, Healy, them, he is perfectly entitled to go to the board Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, Laming, and to ask to see them. It is matter for the Lester, Littleproud, Malone, Mitchell, Nelson, Paff, board. Such reports were prepared when the Prenzler, Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, Springborg, Turner, Watson. member for Clayfield was the Minister. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty Specifically, one was prepared in November 1997 when the member for Clayfield was Pairs: D'Arcy, Pratt; Mulherin, Stephan; Hollis, examining the whole matter. Those reports Lingard; Sullivan, Borbidge were not released publicly. Resolved in the affirmative. Mr Santoro: Did you ask for them? There Clause 5— was no need to publicly release them. There was no amendment Bill before the Chamber. Mr BRADDY (9.06 p.m.): I move the following amendment— Mr BRADDY: I listened to the member substantially in silence. "2. Clause 5— The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr At page 5, after line 8— Mickel): Order! The member for Clayfield! insert— Mr BRADDY: The point I am making is this: they are not my reports; they are not '(d) an entity established under an Act of Treasury reports; they are not Government the Commonwealth or another State and declared under a regulation to reports; they are the reports of the board. The be a non-Queensland government member for Clayfield is perfectly entitled to ask entity.'." the board whether he can see them. I repeat: if the member for Clayfield wants to see them, Amendment agreed to. he can ask the board. I certainly will not Clause 5, as amended, agreed to. produce the board's reports in this Parliament or anywhere else. The practice is that the Clauses 6 and 7, as read, agreed to. board does not release them. It did not Clause 8— release them under the former Government and it does not release them under this Mr BRADDY (9.08 p.m.): I understand Government. The member for Clayfield can go that the Opposition also has an amendment in to the board and ask to see the reports in relation to this particular clause. The private. I do not know what the board will say. I Government's amendment is to an earlier part have no influence whatsoever. I will attempt to of the clause. I move the following exercise no influence in relation to the reports. amendment— 18 Nov 1998 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 3339

"2A. Clause 8— "There will be a capacity for the At page 7, after line 4— Attorney-General to have an audit at the request of the Minister, and the fund is insert— being set up in such a way that no-one '(2A) However, for working out the amount can avoid that being done if the Minister for the financial year ending 30 June so wishes." 1999, the cost of work used to calculate I am saying to honourable members that the levy for the period 1 July 1998 to the we should not necessarily be subject to the commencement of this section is to be whim or the wishes of the Minister of the day. disregarded.'." In fact, if we need further material, or further Amendment agreed to. convincing, we should be looking at what Mr SANTORO: I move the following Construction Training Queensland has advised amendment— me in terms of a letter of 16 November 1998. "At page 7, after line 9— As I indicated previously in this place, I insert— am corresponding regularly with various groups within the building and construction industry of '(5) The auditor-general must audit the Queensland. At a function the other night I entity in relation to the building and suggested to Mr Greg Shannon, the general construction industry training fund. manager of Construction Training Queensland, (6) The entity must give the auditor- that I was proposing an amendment to the general reasonable help to enable the effect that I am moving at the moment. I sent auditor-general to conduct the audit.'." him some documentation which was the basis This amendment should really be of my concerns. He wrote back and said that acceptable to all members in this place he had no problem with the fund being because, even though the moneys come from audited by the Queensland Auditor-General. a specific industry, we are dealing with public It is important that the Independent moneys that are appropriated from an industry members in particular appreciate that the as a result of the impact and the effect of an Minister agrees that I have legitimate Act of Parliament, the Portable Long Service concerns. I repeat that the people who will Leave Act that we are considering and, indirectly but very influentially administer the indeed, amending this evening. It would not fund say that they have no problem with the be possible for those public moneys to be fund being audited by the Queensland appropriated if it were not for this public place. Auditor-General. However, to be totally fair to I believe that, as we are amending an Act of Mr Shannon's representations, he went on to Parliament, it gives us the opportunity to also say— have the Parliament exercise one of its fundamental responsibilities, and that is to "... audits costs are likely to be institute politically independent financial considerably higher than the costs say for safeguards. our own auditors (HLB Mann Judd, Chartered Accountants) who in the event I do not believe that this should be left to may be subcontracted by the Auditor the discretion of the Minister, as the Minister General to carry out the task anyway." said in his reply. For the benefit of honourable members who were not in this place listening I do not believe that Mr Shannon's to the Minister's reply, I will quote directly from qualifications are influential. We are talking his speech. He stated— about $5.4m worth of funds annually, and that is only a minimum amount. I believe that, "I do, however, concede that there is particularly in the context of information that I a point to the proposal of the member for obtained under FOI, we have good reason to Clayfield." place the Auditor-General in charge of the He then went on to say— audit on a regular basis. "I believe that the concerns of the Of course, I am referring to a member for Clayfield, which are legitimate memorandum that was sent to the director- in this matter, are more than adequately general from the project leaders of the addressed and in a manner more Minister's building and construction industry appropriate to this deed and this task force. In that fairly insightful process." memorandum, which was dated 14 July 1998, In regard to that process, the Minister then a very senior and I dare say competent officer went on to say further— said this— 3340 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998

"In discussions with various parties it Information that was provided to the is not clear what DETIR's objectives are in coalition by training and industry stakeholders progressing its role in the development of and Construction Training Centre projects the CTC. This lack of clarity manifests in a indicates that the Coopers and Lybrand report, number of issues. and the project leader's memorandum arising The ownership and operating from it, have stimulated significant efforts to interests in CISC Pty Ltd are unclear. This address the issues raised. I make the point has been reflected in the difficulties being very clear: since these issues were raised by experienced by the Board in resolving the departmental officers, people such as Mr essentially simple issues and the Shannon and others who are involved in breakdown in communications between advising the Minister on these matters have Board members. There would appear to made very significant efforts to resolve this be an 'us and them' relationship problem. I pay credit to them for the fact that a developing. Unless the relationship process of clarification and rationalisation is between the partners is clarified there occurring. However, the fact remains that the seems little chance of success for CTC. people who will ultimately be responsible for administering the fund have no objections to CISC Pty Ltd has requested an the fund being audited by the Queensland additional injection of capital to finalise the Auditor-General, although they raise some development of Stage 1 of the CTC to issues in relation to the cost of the audit. If allow it to open and begin trading. These something is going to be audited, it should be additional funds amount to $4M and, done properly, even if it will cost marginally when committed, will raise the more. Government's investment in the CTC to $14.9M (including the $6.5M loan). The Minister has said that my concerns Without additional industry investment, are legitimate and that they should at least be this will raise the Government's equity to heard. He reckons that he has answered those an estimated 90 percent. The security of concerns through the discretion that he is this further investment is of key concern." building into the deed. I do not believe that that discretion is good enough. If we are Sadly, from what this senior officer has appropriating $5.4m of public funds—and they indicated to his director-general about the lack are public funds, even though they may come of clarity in the department's objectives and from a specific industry sector—the Auditor- the lack of clarity in CISC's ownership and General should look at the fund at least in the operating interests, it is blindingly obvious that initial stages. The Auditor-General does not caution should be applied in relation to the necessarily have to be dependent on what at expenditure of public funds on this particular times can be—and I am sure that the Minister project. will not deny this—politically motivated The recommendations of that officer were discretionary powers. quite clear, and presumably the director- Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM: I have a great general would have made the Minister aware deal of sympathy for the need for an audit by of those recommendations. He stated— the Auditor-General of the Construction "1. Note the above advice and subject to Industry Training Fund. I thank the Minister for the comments of the CISC Pty Ltd Board, his notes on the proposed amendment and I support the implementation of the thank him for the information that he passed recommendations of the draft Coopers on. On that basis, I have a couple of and Lybrand Report; questions. 2. consider securing any future The document that the Minister tabled investment in CISC Pty Ltd by appropriate during his reply shows the clause that he is means; and intending to include, which gives him an optional power to request an Auditor-General's 3. make the provision of any future funds audit of the fund and it says that the trustees conditional upon the satisfactory shall agree to such an audit. In the notes, the resolution of the issues contained in the Minister also said that the trust deed to ensure Coopers and Lybrand Report." financial probity would require an annual I make it clear that, because of our need to independent audit of the fund. However, the guarantee full accountability for the uncapped copy of that clause is not on the document funding that the Minister is requesting us to that the Minister tabled earlier. Given the fact approve, all members in this place should that the shadow Minister has indicated that the heed the cautions contained in these very proponents to administering this fund have no sensible and practical recommendations. major difficulties with an Auditor-General's 18 Nov 1998 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 3341 audit of the fund other than cost, what major In terms of where we go from here, I think problems are there in having an Auditor- that is appropriate. Everyone associated with General oversee that money? it, including Construction Training Queensland, Mr BRADDY: Firstly, the proponents that which will be managing the funds that come the member for Clayfield quoted will not be through but which is not the administration administering the funds; they will be doing the authority that is required to be audited and so training. The fund has nothing whatever to do forth, agrees that it is fine for the Auditor- with Construction Training Queensland. It does General to come into it. No-one, except at this not run the fund. The fund is run by the stage the member for Clayfield, believes that Portable Long Service Leave Authority Board, that should be a mandatory annual process. I which is a totally different organisation. The thought about it seriously. He did not quote training that will be conducted with that money me really in context. Certainly, I said in my and with the help of Construction Training speech that I could understand what he was Queensland is entirely different. They are two getting at. It is to that extent that I have done separate organisations. Secondly, the funds what I have done in terms of the deed. But I are not public funds; they are industry funds. It also said in that speech that I did not think it is quite wrong for the member for Clayfield to should be a mandatory annual requirement. I refer to them as public funds. They are still believe in that. I believe that the provisions industry funds, paid for by the industry. in the trust deed together with the legislation The member for Clayfield referred to a which the Minister of the day can rely on are recommendation—and the question from the adequate. At the end of the day, they are not member for Gladstone relates to this—which public funds. Authorities of this type elsewhere says in broad terms that a person who is not are not required, unless they are statutory going to administer the fund has no objection authorities, to be audited by the Auditor- to an audit by the Auditor-General. That could General. And in Queensland nor would similar apply whether the Auditor-General does an organisations be required to be audited by the audit every year or every three years, or Auditor-General. So at the end of the day it is whenever the Minister may order, if my a good balance between a non-statutory proposal is accepted. Members should bear in authority having the right to retain competent mind that he would not have an objection to auditors and at the same time the that because it is not his fund and he does not Government and the people saying, "However, have to administer it. That is just as open to at any time we have the right to step in and the interpretation that if the Auditor-General ask the Auditor-General to do the audit." does the audit from time to time, that is okay Mr SANTORO: I am very pleased that the by a person who is working in the training area honourable member for Gladstone has drawn but does not have to administer the fund. The the Minister out, because it gives me the reality is that they are not public funds; they opportunity again to illustrate to the House are industry funds. how confusing this web of organisations In Queensland, as a matter of law the involved in the provision of training within the Auditor-General is required to be the auditing building and construction industry can be. It authority for public funds of statutory also helps me to prove the point that the authorities and Government departments. Minister is not on top of this issue. In doing so, These days that is often put out to tender to I urge the honourable member for Gladstone private auditors as well. It is conceded by the to listen carefully as I again quote from a letter member for Clayfield that it would be more provided to me by Mr Shannon. It will show to expensive to do that through the Auditor- the member for Gladstone, and indeed to all General as a statutory obligation each year. I honourable members in this place, just how believe the best course is to bear in mind that misleading—I believe inadvertently—the the authority and everyone associated with it is Minister was in the statements that he made. very open. They know that under the Financial Administration and Audit Act of this State the As I mentioned before, I had at least one Minister can order non-public-sector entities to discussion a week or so ago with Mr Shannon. be audited by the Auditor-General. That is I mentioned some documents to him that I what we are doing here. However, I am had obtained under FOI and in respect of making it stronger than that, because in that which concerns were raised within my mind case that can be done only if the non-public- about the potential role for the Auditor- sector entity agrees to be audited. So I am General. This quote is in the context of a tying it in here. They have to agree in advance discussion that I had with him and subsequent to do that. We could do that every year if we documents that I sent to him. He said to me— wished. Any Government in future could do "You also mentioned on Wednesday that every year if it wished. night that there were concerns about 3342 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998

CTQ's capacity and its appropriateness to I wish to correct the Minister's statement administer the proposed Building and that I conceded that the Auditor-General Construction Industry Training Fund audits would be more expensive. The record (Qld)." will show that I did not say that. All I was doing We are talking about that fund, not the fund was quoting Mr Shannon in context and that is controlled, as the Minister said during saying that he believed that it could be a more his most recent contribution, by the Portable costly exercise. That is all that I am saying. Long Service Leave Board. The Portable Long What I am also reiterating for the sake of the Service Leave Board has absolutely nothing to record—— do with the control of this fund. That is what he Mr Lucas: You should replace Warwick said. Mr Shannon's letter continued— Parer in the Senate. "While I am unaware where these Mr SANTORO: If the honourable member concerns emanated from, or their basis, it for Lytton wants to make a useful contribution, is now a fact that a separate trust is to be he should put his name on the list and speak established with four trustees, to this Bill. independent of anything else, to be What I am saying is that it should not be appointed (with Ministerial concurrence) to at the political discretion of the Minister. These monitor implementation of the fund are public funds. They are appropriated via an training plan by the fund manager. At the Act of Parliament. Whether they come from outset, industry appears content for individuals or an industry sector, they are funds CTQ"— that are being appropriated through the that is, Construction Training Queensland— actions of public officials such as us through Acts of Parliament such as those that we are "to be the fund manager and I"— considering now. that is, Mr Shannon, the general manager of Mrs CUNNINGHAM: I seek a clarification that fund— from the Minister in respect of the points raised "will create a 'division' within CTQ to fulfil by the member for Clayfield. However, if this fund is to be administered by a private entity this role." and therefore more appropriately audited by a If indeed the Minister is on top of the subject private auditing company, I also want to know matter this evening—and in view of what I what will be the reporting stream for that have quoted from Mr Shannon—I do not know management entity so that the Minister or, how he can say that CTQ has nothing to do more importantly, this Parliament may be with it. It is fundamentally involved. I go on the made aware that those funds are being used record as saying that there is such an in an appropriate manner? intermixing of people within all of those Mr BRADDY: In terms of where we are construction training operations out there at going with this, some confusion has certainly Salisbury that in my speech in the second- arisen between CTQ and CTC—Construction reading debate I also made a couple of Training Queensland and the Construction mistakes in trying to put together the various Training Centre at Salisbury—and the member components. Those people have written to for Clayfield made reference to that. Certainly, me. I have told Mr Robert Gow and Mr he is right; Construction Training Queensland Shannon, "Look, it is a pretty intricate web of is intimately involved in the administration of building and training entities at Salisbury. It is the fund, and I did make some reference to pretty confusing. If I caused you any concern I that before. If my earlier remarks were wrong in apologise for misunderstanding the way that that regard, I withdraw them and apologise. you all fit in." But in my previous remarks, I did make I was the Minister for two and a half years. reference to the fact that Construction Training The Minister proved by what he said Queensland is involved. However, I will say before—and he will realise this when he reads categorically that it will certainly cost more for the record and what I just read from Mr this particular fund to be audited by the Shannon's letter—that it can be confusing. I Auditor-General than by a private entity. That wish to complete my remarks in relation to the is a well-known fact in relation to the auditing people at Salisbury. I do apologise, because costs. It would be very conservative to say that they were concerned about a couple of it might be; it certainly would be. Construction mistakes that I made. However, Mr Shannon Training Queensland will administer the fund. and the CTQ, by his own admission, have a lot In terms of the other matter raised by the to do with the way in which that fund will be member for Gladstone, the reporting stream is operated. That is his own admission. this: the auditor's report goes to CTQ; in turn, 18 Nov 1998 Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Amendment Bill 3343 that goes to the trustees and then it goes to "3. Clause 9— the Minister as part of the annual report. In At page 7, line 17, '1 October addition to that, each year the Minister must 1998'— approve the fund training plan and make sure that it is properly framed and administered. So omit, insert— the Minister of the day must clearly make '1 January 1999'." reference to the audit the year before to make Amendment agreed to. sure that the fund training plan that comes through for the following year is framed and Clause 9, as amended, agreed to. administered properly. So the Minister has Insertion of new clause— direct access each year to the audit and then Mr BRADDY (9.39 p.m.): I move the direct access each year to the fund training following amendment— plan. "4. Clause 9— I repeat: I believe that it is taking it too far—beyond what would apply to other people At page 7, after line 17— who may be in an even remotely similar insert— situation—to make it mandatory for the 'Amendment of s 41 (Cancellation of Auditor-General to audit it each year. If any registration) Minister of the day wishes to do so, he or she can do so each year. To make it absolutely '9A. Section 41— mandatory is above and beyond the call of insert— proper process in relation to the administration '(3A) Despite subsections (1), (2) and (3), of what is more properly an industry fund. The subsection (3B) applies if payment for funds are not put in there by the public at all; long service leave is made to a person they are put in there by the industry. The fact because the person makes an application that legislation is required to enable them to under section 56 for an entitlement to do that is taken account of by the process that long service leave under section 57(1B). we are talking about. I repeat: in these circumstances I oppose the amendment. I '(3B) The Authority must immediately— believe we have honoured the best ethos of (a) cancel the registration of the person the proposal and the concern by what we are as a registered worker; and doing, and I think that is sufficient in the (b) notify the person of the cancellation; circumstances. and Question—That Mr Santoro's (c) remove the person's name from the amendment be agreed to—put; and the register of workers.'.'." Committee divided— Amendment agreed to. AYES, 35—Beanland, Black, Cooper, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Gamin, Grice, Healy, New clause 9A, as read, agreed to. Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, Laming, Clause 10, as read, agreed to. Lester, Littleproud, Malone, Mitchell, Nelson, Paff, Prenzler, Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Sheldon, Clause 11— Simpson, Slack, Springborg, Turner, Watson. Mr BRADDY (9.40 p.m.): I move the Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty following amendment— NOES, 38—Attwood, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, Braddy, "5. Clause 11— Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, E. A. Cunningham, J. I. Cunningham, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Hamill, At page 8, after line 18— Hayward, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, McGrady, insert— Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Reeves, Reynolds, Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, '(7) Subsection (6) does not apply if the Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wellington, Wells, payment is made under section 57(1B).'." Wilson. Tellers: Purcell, Roberts Amendment agreed to. Pairs: D'Arcy, Pratt; Mulherin, Stephan; Hollis, Clause 11, as amended, agreed to. Lingard; Sullivan, Borbidge Clause 12— Resolved in the negative. Mr BRADDY (9.40 p.m.): I move the Clause 8, as amended, agreed to. following amendment— Clause 9— "6. Clause 12— Mr BRADDY (9.39 p.m.): I move the At page 8, line 22, '10 years service following amendment— credited'— 3344 Trading (Allowable Hours) Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998

omit, insert— Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, Laming, 'service credits'." Lester, Littleproud, Malone, Mitchell, Nelson, Paff, Prenzler, Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Sheldon, Amendment agreed to. Simpson, Slack, Springborg, Turner, Watson. Clause 12, as amended, agreed to. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty Pairs: D'Arcy, Pratt; Mulherin, Stephan; Hollis, Clause 13— Lingard; Sullivan, Borbidge Mr BRADDY (9.41 p.m.): I move the Resolved in the affirmative. following amendment— "7. Clause 13— TRADING (ALLOWABLE HOURS) At page 9, after line 5— AMENDMENT BILL insert— Second Reading '(2) Section 57— Resumed from 10 November (see insert— p. 2844). '(1A) Subsection (1B) applies if— Mr SANTORO (Clayfield—LP) (9.49 p.m.): (a) a registered worker has accrued at On behalf of the Opposition, I am pleased least 5 years but less than 10 years tonight to be able to offer the Minister and his service; and Government bipartisan support for the contents of this amendment Bill. This (b) the worker has been credited with amendment Bill, as the Minister indicated in retrospective service credits under his second-reading speech, amends the section 54; and Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990 in relation (c) the worker— to shops covered by the order titled "Trading (i) intends to permanently stop work in hours—non-exempt shops trading by the building and construction retail—State" to permit all shops to trade on industry; or Monday, 28 December 1998, and prescribe the closure of shops except in certain (ii) dies. designated tourist areas on Saturday, 26 '(1B) The entitlement to long service leave December 1998. is a period that bears to 8.67 weeks the These changes result from a decision proportion that the worker's service credits made by me as a Minister of the former bear to 10 years service.'.'." Government to declare Monday, 28 December Amendment agreed to. 1998, a public holiday substitution for Boxing Clause 13, as amended, agreed to. Day, which falls on Saturday, 26 December 1998. The original decision was made by me Clauses 14 to 19, as read, agreed to. and without any opposition from all of the Schedule, as read, agreed to. interested parties on the expectation that Bill reported, with amendments. retailers would not open on Saturday, the day after Christmas. The expectation was that this would allow employees within retailing outlets Third Reading to enjoy a long Christmas 1998 weekend. As Hon. P. J. BRADDY (Kedron—ALP) Boxing Day is normally a public holiday, it was (Minister for Employment, Training and decided to gazette a public holiday on the Industrial Relations) (9.42 p.m.), by leave: I Monday after Christmas, thus giving move— Queensland retail workers a decent Christmas long weekend. "That the Bill be now read a third time." Honourable members would appreciate that normally Boxing Day does not fall on a Question put; and the House divided— Saturday. In fact, it falls on a Saturday only AYES, 38—Attwood, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, Braddy, once between 1993 and 2008. However, what Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, E. A. Cunningham, J. I. was originally missed by everyone concerned Cunningham, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Hamill, was the requirement within most of the lease Hayward, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, McGrady, agreements between shopping centre owners Mickel, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Reynolds, Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, and retailers that shopping centres open on a Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wellington, Wells, normal working day. Wilson. Tellers: Purcell, Roberts Because Boxing Day 1998 was not NOES, 35—Beanland, Black, Cooper, Dalgleish, gazetted as a public holiday for the above- Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Gamin, Grice, Healy, stated reasons, the requirement for shopping 18 Nov 1998 Trading (Allowable Hours) Amendment Bill 3345 centres to open on Boxing Day, and as a management has impressed me since I was consequence all other retail outlets within a elected in June. Their practices, particularly in shopping centre, kicked in. It was an the area of disabilities, are second to none in unintended consequence which was not Australia. Their program called Shop Mobility, picked up by anyone, including the whereby they provide free of charge departmental officers making the wheelchairs, including motorised ones, for recommendations to me as the Minister or the patrons to use should be commended. I know unions or employer organisations, who were how important this service is to people, and it notified of the decision almost one year ago. is appreciated by those who normally would However, as soon as the issue came to light it not be able to go shopping—something which became obvious to all that it could be quickly many of us take for granted. The shopping resolved in an efficient and apolitical manner. centre recently received an award in its support Because of the desirability of the amendments of Disability Access Week. The shopping that we are considering tonight, I was pleased centre was full of activities and information for to immediately offer the Minister bipartisan people with disabilities, including a range of support for such amendments. community group displays. I particularly commend the role that the Garden City management—the AMP Retailers Association of Queensland played in group—contacted me upon my election to this helping to bring about this resolution. I place to discuss the possibility of gaining a particularly mention its executive director, Mr Police Beat shopfront for the centre. Unlike my Pat McKendry. My intention as the then predecessor, I could easily understand the Minister in the then coalition Government was major community benefit of having a Police to always look after workers within retail outlets. Beat shopfront where the people are. With This is still the Opposition's predisposition and over 200,000 people using the centre each for this reason I am again pleased to advise week, I was happy to inform the management the Government of our support for the of the success of my lobbying of the Police amendment. Minister. The present indications are that the Mr REEVES (Mansfield—ALP) Police Beat shopfront at Garden City will be (9.52 p.m.): As a member of an electorate open for business when the new cinema which is dominated by the retail industry, I complex opens on 17 December. believe it is appropriate for me to talk on this Recently, discussions have also taken Bill. The Minister should be applauded for place with the AMP management to take up achieving a successful outcome for the people initiatives with public space and young people. who work in the retail industry. I had numerous While these discussions are in early days, the concerns expressed to me by people within mere fact that a group such as AMP the industry that they had to work on Boxing management is willing to discuss assisting Day. It is not that those people do not like young people in recreation is most work, but I do not think that anyone would encouraging. It was AMP management who begrudge them having Boxing Day and also first alerted me to the major concerns of Christmas Day off. If this problem was not its retailers regarding this public holiday. I hold addressed, many people, particularly those the performance and operators of Garden City travelling back to their home towns, would management in the highest regard. I look have been forced to be separated from their forward to continuing to work with retail families during this special time. management groups such as AMP because of To most of us, Christmas is about going their refreshing approach. home and catching up with family and friends. I take this opportunity to wish all those There is no doubt that, most especially, those who work in or own retail shops in my who work in the industry will be all shopped out electorate a very merry Christmas and a by Christmas Eve closing time, so no-one prosperous new year. I say to them: enjoy your would have the energy, let alone the money, extra days off courtesy of this, the to keep spending on Boxing Day. It is Employment Minister's amendment. important to note that all key stakeholders and Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM (Gladstone—IND) the Opposition have agreed with this very (9.55 p.m.): There is only one issue that I want important amendment of the Act. No-one will to raise with the Minister, and it is not a be disadvantaged. problem with the proposal per se. However, a While on the subject of the retail industry, group contacted my office only today I take this opportunity to compliment one of expressing some concern about the issues the largest retail outlets in my electorate, affecting their particular trade, and they have namely, Garden City. Garden City's AMP asked that I raise their concerns with the 3346 Trading (Allowable Hours) Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998

Minister. Initially, they expressed some Shop assistants work longer hours than disappointment that they were not included in most people in other occupations, as a discussions regarding the proposal. The letter general course, during the year for the from the Queensland Master Hairdressers convenience of their employers and the Industrial Union of Employers stated— general public. They are rarely rewarded for "We have members operating shops the dedication and time spent away from their in shopping centres and the proposed families. Governments talk about the family changes, sought by the Retailers unit and promote strong families for the Association of Queensland, are likely to welfare of our children, yet retail workers are cause them severe financial hardship. prevented from spending precious time with their families on public holidays. It is just not The situation is exacerbated by the fair. The rest of the community can have this difficulty we have in obtaining quality time with their families, but not retail factual information on the proposed employees. changes. I have had a number of calls about this As we understand it, if all shops are issue over the course of the last few months made to close on Saturday, 26th from people in a similar situation. It was with December our members will lose a day's trading but still have to pay each of their great relief that I heard about this Bill from the employees for the Saturday. Members Honourable the Minister, Paul Braddy. To with salons in shopping centres will face close non-exempt retail shops on Boxing Day, the additional impost of having to pay 26 December, will allow retail workers in Mount their staff at a rate of double time and a Ommaney the three-day Christmas break to enjoy time with their families. During the public half if, in addition to closing on Saturday, holiday on 28 December, retail workers in my they are forced by the terms of their electorate will have a choice about working leases to trade on the gazetted Public and, if they so choose, will be rewarded with Holiday (i.e. Monday, 28th December). penalty rates applying for that day. On the As staff will have the option of other hand, the shoppers in the Mount working or not working on the official Ommaney electorate will be able to access gazetted holiday, it is likely that some of their chemist and buy a loaf of bread or a our members will not have sufficient staff newspaper from those shops which are on the Monday to open their salons and exempted from trading hours provisions. they could thus find themselves falling foul of the provisions of their leases." I am delighted that our hardworking retail employees have been given a well-earned day Then they asked this question— off and a freedom of choice about working on "Minister, is it possible, in your a public holiday. I support the Bill. submission to the House on 17th Mr MICKEL (Logan—ALP) (10 p.m.): I November, for you to include a provision commend the Minister for being able to for individual salon owners to make the negotiate this important change on behalf of decision to trade or not to trade on the the retail industry. However, as the Bill talks 28th December without fear of being in about Christmas trading, there is a group of breach of the terms of their shop leases? people whom I want to support who feel that, We feel this protection is vitally important. in some instances, they may not be able to Any assistance you can give us in last even until Christmas. I am talking this matter will be greatly appreciated." particularly about some of the people in the I pass on their concerns for the Minister's motor vehicle repair industry. consideration. Members of that industry believe that the Mrs ATTWOOD (Mount Ommaney—ALP) major insurers are misusing their market power (9.57 p.m.): I speak in support of the Trading to unfairly reduce their costs at the expense of (Allowable Hours) Amendment Bill. A number motorists and repairers. They believe that of months ago, I had my first inquiry from a existing members of recommended repairer constituent in my electorate about the public schemes have been misled in relation to the holiday for Boxing Day 1998. She was the need to update business equipment and manager of a small shop in the Mount facilities. As they are paying award wages, Ommaney Shopping Centre and was they believe that their employment concerned about having to work on Saturday opportunities in the industry have been the 26th and again on Monday the 28th while diminished. They also feel that, with the her family were celebrating the festive season. increasing use of contract workers in some 18 Nov 1998 Trading (Allowable Hours) Amendment Bill 3347 repair shops, there are no incentives or I will share with the House a comment by opportunities to train apprentices. one of the traders in the shopping centre. She My friends in the industry believe also that said, "This has restored my faith in politicians." motorists have lost their freedom to choose The traders felt that they had actually been the repairer they want. Repairers believe that listened to and that somebody really they have lost goodwill in their business with understood the significance of this issue to no compensation. They believe that repair their family life. This year, traders in the Smithfield Shopping Centre have had a very standards are dropping from the current difficult year. Those people who know Cairns position of world's best practice. With reduced will appreciate that there is an oversupply of profits, there is a real fear that the good retail space in Cairns. Business has not been operators, those with outstanding names in good. The traders have also had the problem the industry, are starting to leave because their of council rates increasing. It has been a very margins have been reduced. They say that it is stressful year for those small businesspeople now unattractive for new operators to enter the and their families. For them, the last straw was industry because of the closed-shop principles the thought that they would have to spend the that they believe the insurance companies are whole Christmas period working instead of leading them to. They believe that those spending time with their families. For them, this practices can only increase the duration of issue has been a victory of the voice of small time spent on repairs and delay the return of vehicles to their owners. There is also a belief businesspeople. Government decisions have in the industry that non-genuine parts are taken their concerns into account. being used to drive down costs. That use of To show the depth of feeling of some of non-genuine parts has a potential to devalue those traders, I point out that they were vehicles and cause some serious problems for prepared to cop the $50 an hour fines that all of the parties concerned. they would have to suffer for breaking the conditions of their lease by not opening their Time tonight does not permit me to go shops. That was the strength of feeling of into this issue fully. I flag to the Parliament that those people in the Smithfield Shopping I fully intend to pursue this issue. Over the Centre. I commend the Minister for this break in parliamentary sittings, I will be response. I hope to provide more support to discussing this issue further with motor vehicle traders in the Smithfield Shopping Centre. I repair shops. I believe that the better ones am hoping to relocate my office into that should be preserved. We should be giving centre. I know that Lend Lease has been quite them every encouragement to continue in tough on those tenants. That company plays a business. They are a viable small business in very hard game in terms of the rents that it country towns and certainly in parts of my strikes. If I am on the spot, I can be more electorate. Once I have had those discussions effective in terms of making representations to with them, I may refer the whole industry to the ensure that those small businesses in the Minister for Fair Trading for her to examine. Smithfield Shopping Centre get the very best Dr CLARK (Barron River—ALP) deal that they possibly can. I look forward to (10.02 p.m.): I will contribute very briefly to this working cooperatively with those businesses debate to thank the Minister for his and the centre management. I acknowledge responsiveness to this issue. There is no doubt Steve Trembath and his staff. They do a very that he has recognised the importance of this good job of working with the traders in the issue and been prepared to convene meetings shopping centre to provide the best customer with all stakeholders to have it resolved service that they can. I congratulate and thank satisfactorily. As soon as I had received the Minister. representations from shop owners in the Hon. P. J. BRADDY (Kedron—ALP) Smithfield Shopping Centre—the only regional (Minister for Employment, Training and shopping centre in my electorate—I discussed Industrial Relations) (10.06 p.m.), in reply: I those concerns with the Minister. He indicated thank those honourable members who have to me that he would look very seriously at this contributed to the debate. This legislation was issue. In fact, I thought the circumstances may initiated by a deputation made to me by the have been such that it was too difficult to Retailers Association of Queensland, the Shop change at this late stage, that arrangements Distributive and Allied Employees Association, would be set in concrete and that, even with and the Queensland Retail Traders and my best representations, it would be Shopkeepers Association. I thank them for impossible to change them. It was very bringing the matter to my attention. The first rewarding for me to see how quickly the person who mentioned it to me and drew my Minister responded. attention to it was the member for Barron 3348 Supreme Court of Queensland Act and Another Act Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998

River. As a result of her representations, I had Third Reading some knowledge of the problem immediately. Bill, on motion of Mr Braddy, read a third We then arranged to meet with the time. organisations I have just detailed. I thank the member for Barron River and the organisations who were the first people to come to me with SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND ACT the problem. AND ANOTHER ACT AMENDMENT BILL I also thank the member for Clayfield, not Second Reading only for his support tonight but for his forthright Resumed from 10 November (see support immediately upon contact being made p. 2845). and discussions occurring between my office Mr SPRINGBORG (Warwick—NPA) and him. He recognised the problem (10.12 p.m.): The Opposition will be supporting immediately, saw there was a solution and the Supreme Court of Queensland Act and offered to be part of the solution and to ensure Another Act Amendment Bill 1998. However, I that that solution was brought about as quickly would like to outline a couple of issues, but I as possible. I appreciate his alacrity in the will not be speaking for very long. I have put a matter and his support. couple of issues to the Attorney-General for In relation to the matters raised by the clarification and assurance. member for Gladstone, I recognise that there This Bill corrects a transitional issue that is a problem. The member for Fitzroy had also was overlooked when the Cremation Act was brought that matter to my attention. The amended in 1996. After the Cremation Act particular association that was mentioned, the 1913 was repealed, the necessary QMHA, had also written to me. I am in the amendment then became part of the Coroners process of replying to that letter. I can point Act 1958. The problem was that we out that the issue of tenants being forced to overlooked a transitional issue. Basically, that trade can be addressed under the Retail Shop amendment brought in a new set of conditions Leases Act. Tenants can vote democratically for the issuing of a permission and certificate to change the core hours, that is, the hours to cremate as of 1 December 1998. However, that landlords can require tenants to open. we overlooked the situation of what happened Any change requires a 75% vote. It should be to people who die prior to 1 December 1998 pointed out to tenants that that process is and are to be cremated after 1 December open to them. 1998. When one introduces legislation such as It would probably be reasonable for many this, one does very well to please 98% of the members of this House to consider that that people. I think that is what we have done here. would be somewhat of a minor issue and I point out that the major hairdressing something that we could potentially overlook. organisation is the Hairdressing Federation of However, there was some concern from within Queensland and not the QMHA. To date we the funeral industry and there was also some have not heard from that organisation. That concern, as the Attorney-General is very much does not in any way put down what the other aware, that there may be potentially some associations are saying. issues of a legal nature that might have to be Through this legislation, we have provided considered. a three-day holiday for the vast majority of This amendment allows those people who people. We have given workers the die prior to 1 December 1998 to be cremated opportunity to decide whether or not they wish as if the legislation had not been amended in to work on the Monday, even at the good 1996. Basically, that overcomes that penalty rates. Between the various transitional problem and allays the concern organisations, the Government and the that exists within the funeral industry. There will Opposition, we have come up with the best probably not be a lot of people who will die a possible solution. I thank all members for their couple of days before 1 December 1998 and support. actually be cremated after 1 December 1998. Nevertheless, it is an issue that the Parliament Motion agreed to. has a responsibility to address to allay that concern that exists within the funeral industry and to remove any potential illegalities. When Committee the original legislation was amended and Clauses 1 to 3, as read, agreed to. subsequently repealed, this matter was of a transitional nature and was very easy to Bill reported, without amendment. overlook. 18 Nov 1998 Supreme Court of Queensland Act and Another Act Amendment Bill 3349

With regard to the new court rules and the To give honourable members some idea new forms, on 29 September 1998 the Chief of the task, at the moment we have about 700 Justice wrote to the Attorney-General and court rules or forms. When these new rules asked for the Attorney-General and the come into being, we should have about 90 in Parliament to grant an extension for the the civil area. I understand in the criminal area existing rules. In discussions with the Attorney- the number of rules and forms will fall from General, we have agreed that that time should around about 491 to about 390. So I think this be extended to 30 June 1999. I understand amendment is very, very important. that over the past couple of months the rules At the end of the day, our legal and committee has been working very hard to try to judicial system will be a lot easier to bring this matter to fruition. The rules understand, it will be a lot easier for our committee has almost formalised the new practitioners and it will be a lot easier for the Criminal Practice Rules. However, we have a people who come before our courts. For a long problem with the civil rules. The Chief Justice time our courts have been criticised and, for a has indicated that the rules committee needs long time, the Government has been criticised time until around about March next year for making things a little bit too complicated before it will have concluded its work in that and not moving with the expectations of the particular area. The Chief Justice has also indicated that there should then be a period of community. This amendment is a proactive measure by the Government to consolidate time for education—maybe extending the time the process and to make the system a lot for another couple of months—so that people simpler. When one realises that the number of have an opportunity to see the new rules and civil rules or forms has collapsed from 700 to to be able to embrace them before they come about 90, one realises that that is a significant into force. So through this legislation we have reform. I pay tribute to the former Attorney- allowed that period for the existing criminal and General for his work and also acknowledge civil rules to be extended to 30 June next year. very much the work of the current Attorney- However, I would like to raise a couple of General in continuing with that work, because issues with the Attorney-General. I would like this is a very, very important area. an assurance from him that he acted as soon as he possibly could when he got the letter In conclusion, the Opposition has no from the Chief Justice on 29 September. I hesitation in supporting this amendment Bill spoke to the Attorney-General probably about before the Parliament. It is important in relation two weeks to three weeks ago—maybe slightly to cremations and making sure that a longer—about this matter, because it was an transitional problem that was overlooked is important issue. addressed and in giving the rules committee the necessary time to make sure that the new I refer also to the issue of resourcing. I criminal practice rules and the new civil court note that the Chief Justice indicates that the rules are in a proper form to be able to be department has been very helpful with regard presented around about 30 June next year. I to resources for the committee as it is commend the Bill to the House. considering the new rules and bringing their formulation to a conclusion. However, I would Mr SANTORO (Clayfield—LP) like an assurance from the Attorney-General (10.20 p.m.): This Bill, which makes machinery as well that all the necessary resources that amendments to two statutes, is non- could possibly be made available have been controversial and, as the honourable shadow and are being made available so that the rules Minister has just stated, it very much deserves committee is able to complete its work. support. In particular, the amendment to the Supreme Court of Queensland Act, which This is a very, very important reform. I extends the expiry date for all civil and criminal would like to pay tribute to the former Attorney- rules of court from 31 December 1998 to 30 General, the honourable Denver Beanland, June 1999, is an essential measure that must the member for Indooroopilly, for his work and be passed this session. foresight in this area. There is no doubt that for a long period we have had too many court As the Minister made clear in his speech, rules and too many forms. When one the Civil Justice Reform Act 1998 established a considers the close nature of a lot of the rules committee that had to settle, amongst issues that are dealt with by the various other things, uniform court rules. The existing courts—the Magistrates, District and Supreme rules were to expire by the end of this year and Courts—it was very, very important that we try it was then envisaged that the new rules would to standardise as much as possible the rules be in place. Unfortunately, because of the of court with regard to criminal matters and magnitude of the task, that has not proved also to civil matters. possible. To avoid the totally unacceptable 3350 Supreme Court of Queensland Act and Another Act Amendment Bill 18 Nov 1998 situation of having no rules of court after 1 The Chief Justice was only 36 years of January 1999, it is necessary to extend the age when he was first appointed to the expiry date by six months. Supreme Court in 1985. Only Justice Prior to coming to Government, the McCawley was a younger appointment, and coalition promised that uniform court rules for he was younger by only two months. At his Queensland's courts should be put in place. swearing in, Cedric Hampson, QC, said of the The introduction of simplified, modernised and Chief Justice's relative youth, "This defect, if it consistent rules between our courts is not only be one, will be remedied by time." a desirable goal in itself, but in a practical Government members interjected. sense it facilitates access to justice by the Mr SANTORO: I am sure that all citizens of Queensland. The coalition was also honourable members, including those injecting keen to ensure that the rules would be driven inanely and, perhaps, in the case of one forward by the judiciary. It should never be insanely, could not help but concur with that forgotten that we are talking about rules of sentiment. court, not simply some piece of subordinate At the age of 49, he was appointed Chief legislation conceived by the Executive and Justice—the fourth youngest in Queensland's overseen by the bureaucracy. history and the youngest appointment in more The previous Attorney-General, the than 70 years. Over the past 13 years, His honourable member for Indooroopilly, Honour has had extensive experience in a prepared and circulated draft uniform rules. range of areas, including as a judge of the Those rules constituted the most significant Mental Health Tribunal, President of the reform. I stress, particularly for the benefit of Queensland Industrial Court and Chairman of the honourable for Rockhampton North—— the Law Reform Commission. Of particular interest to the future of the court, in the early Mr Schwarten: No. It used to be Rocky 1990s he was chairman of the Attorney- North. Move on! General's consultative committee on Mr SANTORO: For the benefit of the computerised legal information retrieval under member for Rockhampton, I stress that this is the administration of the previous Labor the most significant reform of court civil Government. All of this experience and his procedures since Queensland obtained self- relative youth is a tremendous asset at a time government in 1859. Enormous credit must go when our courts, like the rest of the to all concerned with the development of those community, are going through enormous rules, particularly the honourable member for changes. Indooroopilly. I am sure that no person would Just a few months ago, the Australian downplay the significance of that achievement. Institute of Judicial Administration published a However, in conformity with coalition paper by Professor Parker titled Courts and the policy, the stewardship of the rules pass from Public. That report highlight some disturbing the executive to the rules committee, which is trends in public opinion about the court system chaired by the Chief Justice and contains in general and the judiciary in particular. Now is representatives of the three courts. At the time not the time to debate that report or the court that the Civil Justice Reform Bill was system in general, except to say that it is introduced, it was envisaged that the task of absolutely essential that the leading member finalising the rules would be over by the end of of the judiciary in Queensland has the respect of his peers, the Parliament, the legal this year, but that was not to be. All the people profession and, most importantly, the who appreciate the great step forward that a community. Queensland is fortunate that the total and progressive reform of our court rules current Chief Justice has that respect. will mean for justice in Queensland will support whatever reasonable requests are made by The Chief Justice has already made some the judiciary to facilitate this extremely judicious comments about certain minor worthwhile law reform exercise. criminal matters getting into the Supreme Court and how the law can be reformed so As I mentioned, the rules committee is that justice can be better dispensed and the chaired by the Chief Justice or his nominee. I time of the Supreme Court better spent. He will make a few comments about the role of and his fellow justices are further refining and the present Chief Justice, who, even in the pushing forward case management and short time that he has held the position, is exploiting, to the greatest extent, modern making practical and appreciated steps technology. The Supreme Court now has its towards reforming the courts and maintaining own web page on the Internet. I understand the community's respect in the rule of law. that the Chief Justice and other members of 18 Nov 1998 Supreme Court of Queensland Act and Another Act Amendment Bill 3351 the judiciary are pushing the concept of end of the year and I look forward to that. In electronic lodgment of documents—a matter the first part of next year, the uniform civil court that has been trialled by the Court of Appeal, rules should be finalised. Those rules relate to as most honourable members would the three levels of the courts—the Supreme, appreciate. All in all, at a time when the court District and Magistrates Courts. needs to move forward constructively but If Queensland pulls this off, we will be the rapidly with wider societal changes while, at the first State in Australia to do so. This is a same time, retaining the respect and authority worthwhile project. When we talk about that it has always had, it is pleasing that cheaper and easier access to justice for the Queensland's premier judicial officer is the public, the rules certainly have a significant role current Chief Justice. to play. We can all be proud of achieving a I place that on the public record because uniform set of, hopefully, much simpler rules. people in this House and elsewhere are all too Of course, approximately 700 forms go with ready to criticise. They are quick to highlight those rules, although they are not in printed the foibles and fumbles of those in authority. form. One has to refer to the rules themselves They are quick to tear down reputations, to sort out what they are. This reform will allow sometimes without an appreciation of the the 90 or so forms to be produced in printed damage that that can do to the wider form, and they will also be put on computer. institutional and social fabric. This is one Solicitors and others using them will simply occasion when, as a member of this House, I download them, insert the names and so on, can place on the public record my appreciation and work from there. It will be a much simpler of the way that our judiciary is performing procedure than the current one. Only a under the leadership of Paul de Jersey, whom minority of forms are currently produced and I got to know when he was President of the one has to work largely from scratch. This will Industrial Court and I was the relevant Minister. enable a proper procedure to be put in place. I was impressed by him and continue to be so. As a member of Parliament who realises the The only matter I would raise is a matter absolutely central role that our courts play in that I raised this morning, namely, it is my maintaining the fabric of our society, it is understanding that the Attorney-General sometimes good to put politics to one side and received a letter from the Chief Justice around highlight some of the good things that the end of September. There was time when prominent members of our community do. I the House sat in October to bring in this small place on public record my appreciation of the Bill—it is a very small Bill containing a one-line work that the Chief Justice and his colleagues amendment and another one or two-line are doing. In doing so, I am sure that I am amendment to the Cremations Act—so that simply echoing the views held by all members we would not have had to cut into the 13-day of this House. period. However, that is not a big issue, because we are proposing such a simple Mr BEANLAND (Indooroopilly—LP) amendment. I raise it only because the (10.26 p.m.): I am pleased that the current Premier, the member for Brisbane Central, Government is continuing with the reform of made such a commotion about the great both the criminal practice rules and the uniform achievement of setting new standards. This is civil procedure rules. I have always believed one time when perhaps we could have upheld that that reform is long overdue. Of course, the those standards and not brought in this changes to the rules will have most legislation in this way. significance for those who choose to use the courts and those who are forced to use the I appreciate the current Government courts, in terms of both the legal system and continuing with these rules. I think it is very the judiciary. important. I can assure the Attorney-General that this will be required to be continually Continual work needs to be done to driven and will require continual support by his finalise the rules, which is something that has office and his departmental officers to ensure been talked about for two decades or more. that it is a worthwhile exercise and something The courts, and particularly Chief Justice de that once again will see Queensland leading Jersey, have given a commitment to this reform. Some time ago the rules committee the nation. was set up as a working committee. It was led Hon. M. J. FOLEY (Yeronga—ALP) by Mr Justice Williams, who has worked (Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and assiduously on the rules. I look forward to the Minister for The Arts) (10.30 p.m.), in reply: I matter coming to fruition. I understand that the thank the honourable members who have Chief Justice has indicated that the criminal contributed to this debate. As honourable practice rules ought to be completed by the members have indicated, this Bill continues 3352 University of the Sunshine Coast Bill 18 Nov 1998 the operation of the Supreme Court Rules. In there are some legal difficulties in introducing this respect, I acknowledge the contribution of the Criminal Practice Rules ahead of the Civil the member for Indooroopilly in his former role Practice Rules. It is likely that they will both as Attorney-General in seeking to pursue come into operation in the middle of the uniform court rules. This Government adopts a coming year. constructive approach and, where positive Mr Beanland interjected. action has been taken by the previous Government, this Government will seek to be Mr FOLEY: Yes, that is quite so. The positive and constructive in continuing that Criminal Practice Rules are in a state in which work. they could be proceeded with at the end of this year. However, that gives rise to some It is a worthwhile goal to try to achieve other legal difficulties, and it is likely to be more uniformity in the court rules amongst the prudent if they are both brought into operation Supreme, District and Magistrates Courts. This as from 1 July 1999, as is contemplated by the task is not without its difficulties. In particular, extension given in this legislation. I concerns have been expressed about whether acknowledge the contribution of my having such uniform rules will unnecessarily departmental officers in preparing this material formalise proceedings in the Magistrates and I thank them for that. I commend the Bill Court. But with representatives of all levels of to the House. the courts system on the rules committee, one hopes that that can be overcome. Motion agreed to. Although I have had occasion more than once to criticise the conduct of the previous Committee Government and the actions of the former Clauses 1 to 5, as read, agreed to. Attorney-General, I acknowledge the contribution of the former Attorney-General in Bill reported, without amendment. this respect. That is evidenced by the approach that we adopted in Opposition Third Reading whereby we did not oppose these particular aspects of the legislation, and we have Bill, on motion of Mr Foley, read a third continued that practice in Government. time. I turn to the matters raised by the honourable member for Warwick. I can assure UNIVERSITY OF THE SUNSHINE COAST the honourable member that the Government BILL acted promptly following receipt of the Second Reading information. I might point out that in fact the letter from the Chief Justice was prompted by Resumed from 10 November (see a letter from me in which I inquired ahead of p. 2850). time lest there be some problem which would Mr QUINN (Merrimac—LP) (Deputy descend upon us at the last minute. It was as Leader of the Liberal Party) (10.37 p.m.): The a result of my inquiry that that letter came back coalition has great pleasure in supporting the and I then instructed the department to take passage of the University of the Sunshine the necessary steps to have material prepared Coast Bill 1998. As the responsible Minister and go through the Cabinet process to bring it some years ago, I well remember the process forward to Parliament. that we put in place to move the college, as it was then named, to full university status. I will As to resourcing, I can also assure the not go through the events of that time. Suffice honourable member that the department is it to say that there were a number of quite being helpful to the rules committee. In fact, a forthright and candid conversations between senior officer of the department attends all me and various members of Parliament who rules committee meetings. As to the represent the community on the north coast, contribution of the member for Clayfield, I join various community leaders and members of with the honourable member in acknowledging the university. At their request, and because I the fine contribution of Chief Justice de Jersey felt it was an appropriate time, I put in place to our system of law and, indeed, Chief Justice the expert panel that carried out the review of de Jersey's significant contribution in a wide the university and decided that it had all of the range of areas. characteristics of a university. Subject to The Bill before the Parliament is a Federal Government funding guarantees, it straightforward matter. It fixes up a problem recommended that it be moved to full with the Supreme Court Rules. As to the university status. I am pleased to say that, observation of the member for Indooroopilly, after some negotiations with the 18 Nov 1998 University of the Sunshine Coast Bill 3353

Commonwealth, that has occurred. The campuses—a lot of campuses that really were Commonwealth has agreed to the funding not, as it were, viable in their own right. That guarantees, and the Bill we see before us now was a process that really needed to proceed. It is the end product of those processes that was a process that was necessary. were put in place. I am very pleased to see that the major As I said, the coalition is pleased to see parties to the process of establishing the Sunshine Coast University come of age universities now, that is the State Government, and achieve university status in its own right. I the Commonwealth Government and the am quite sure that it will continue to provide university in question itself—in this case, the high-quality education for students on the Queensland University of Technology, a very Sunshine Coast and those from other parts of fine university and my former employer—are Queensland and Australia in the foreseeable taking part in a very sensible and rational future. It has had an exciting period of growth, solution in allowing the creation of a new moving from an initial enrolment of some 500 campus. That campus is being allowed in such students to, as I understand it, over 2,000 a way that the community will benefit a great now. As it is in a growth area of Queensland, deal from it. its future is assured. I hope that that particular university does The move to full university status was I well in the future. I wish it well. In the style of think in part driven by the recognition that it the Monty Python song that was created for needed the title "university" in its own right in the fictitious university of Woolloomooloo, order to compete more equitably and fairly in which was the drinkers' song which sent up what is becoming more of an export-oriented various philosophers with drinking habits—— business these days, and because of the Mr Wells interjected. need to attract foreign overseas students on a Mr FENLON: Immanuel Kant certainly full fee paying basis, as well as local students. figured very significantly in that song as well as The title "university college" was somewhat of David Hume, who could outconsume a handicap. I know that all of the community Schopenhauer and Hegel. The Honourable on the Sunshine Coast fully supports the move Minister would recall that. Maybe the Sunshine to remove the title of "college" and give it full Coast University could look at a similar song university status. With those few words, the upon which to build its university, based on coalition supports the Bill and wishes the such activities as surfing, which is very University of the Sunshine Coast all the best prominent in its local community. I commend for the future. the Bill to the House. Mr FENLON (Greenslopes—ALP) Miss SIMPSON (Maroochydore—NPA) (10.40 p.m.): Henry Carey said that a true (10.44 p.m.): It is with great pleasure that I rise university these days is a collection of books. to support this Bill as it marks another historic Indeed it is, but it is a lot more than that. milestone for the Sunshine Coast University. Indeed, the Bill before us today exemplifies Little more than four years ago, my colleagues that a university is more than that a true and I debated the original Bill which university today is a community; it should have established this institution as the first new a community of interest. This particular Bill will public university in Australia in about 20 years. ensure that the Sunshine Coast has its own It is pleasing tonight, as it was at that time, to university and one to be proud of in the future. see the bipartisan support for this institution, In saying that, I support this Bill before the which has opened up tremendous House. opportunities to the people of the Sunshine Through the eighties I served for about Coast. One has only to look at the strong seven years on the Griffith University council as enrolment from local people, particularly a Governor in Council nominee, and I enjoyed mature-age students, to see that there is a that time a great deal. That time saw quite a tremendous thirst for education on the lot of changes in the universities throughout Sunshine Coast and a great appreciation that Queensland and throughout Australia. We saw higher learning also expands the opportunities an almost evangelical zealotry in terms of available in the workplace. universities setting out to build their In the past few years that the university empires—not Griffith University, of course. has been operating officially as a university Throughout Australia various universities college under the enabling legislation, great acquired smaller campuses around them and foundations have been laid and, as we have there was a lot of rationalisation. It was a heard, the university has grown to over 2,000 period of rationalisation that was very students. We all know and understand that appropriate because there were a lot of small one does not simply open the doors of an 3354 University of the Sunshine Coast Bill 18 Nov 1998 institution one day and have a record of However, we were fortunate that, upon our standing and proven academic performance representations to Minister Quinn a few years the next. Like the students who study for their later, that review period was brought forward. I degrees, university status has to be earned, want to reiterate for the record that the and it takes hard work. There is no doubt that Sunshine Coast University's success in passing the Sunshine Coast University has done that. this independent academic review many years It was quite an outstanding result that the earlier than originally planned should not be Sunshine Coast University satisfied a rigorous underestimated. It is an outstanding and independent academic review of its achievement for an institution which is still so achievements many years earlier than young. envisaged in the original legislation, and it did Ultimately, the real test of a university is so passing with flying colours. the quality of the education with which it I want to thank the former Education equips its students for the world. It is really Minister, Bob Quinn, for his positive response wonderful that, at a time when the university is to the request of his colleagues on the about to see its first full crop of graduates Sunshine Coast to bring forward this review. hitting the world, the university itself is also The successful review has paved the way for preparing to graduate through this legislation. the Bill before the House, which seeks to cut Congratulations Sunshine Coast University, the legal ties of QUT and bring about truly you have put in the hard work and established independent university status. Most the academic teaching and research programs importantly, the outcome of this academic that distinguish you not only as a degree review was also a critical factor in securing provider, but as a university. I also wish every Federal Government agreement to recognise success to that graduating class and to all that this university should stand in its own right. those who come through in the future. I know that they will leave their mark. We wish them While in theory the State may be able to every success and I know that they will take legislate what it likes in universities, the reality with them their time of learning at the is that funding comes from the Federal Sunshine Coast wide into the world. Government, and that major influence could not be ignored when drafting the original Mr ROBERTSON (Sunnybank—ALP) legislation, nor could it be ignored in the (10.48 p.m.): I rise in support of the University legislation we see before the House tonight. I of the Sunshine Coast Bill and, in doing so, I am pleased that the Federal Government has would like to take this opportunity to raise agreed to this move for legal independence some serious concerns that I have about the from QUT and that the Federal Government future of research and development funding has assured the State that this fledging from the Federal Government to our Sunshine Coast University's funding would not universities. In particular, I want to take this be jeopardised as a result. Given the changing opportunity to raise my grave concerns about times we live in with regard to the higher the failure of the Federal Government to make education sector, this is extremely important. an appropriate contribution to research and development in Queensland. I am prompted It was never enough just to change the to do so by the observation of the Minister in name without a review of the institution's his second-reading speech on this Bill that, legislated affiliation with QUT. I referred to both since the election of the Federal coalition these issues—the need for a name change Government, direct funding to universities has and an earlier review—in my speech in this been cut by 6%, and in real terms, because of House in 1994. For the record, I will again the impact of wage and salary increases, by quote from that speech where I said— some 11%. "However, I am concerned that this A recent report by the Western Australian enabling legislation imposes an Technology and Industry Advisory Council has unacceptably rigid and lengthy teething highlighted the inadequate funding of R & D time of 10 years on the new Sunshine projects in Queensland. The report published Coast University. Under this Act, the in May this year titled Research and Sunshine Coast University is locked into a Development—the Role of the State 10-year, no-review period of the affiliation Government in Attracting External Funding arrangements with the Queensland highlights problems in R & D funding which are University of Technology. QUT is a fine common to both Western Australia and institution, but this decade of no review is Queensland. stifling in view of the rapid population Before launching into specific criticisms growth." about the national distribution of research and 18 Nov 1998 University of the Sunshine Coast Bill 3355 development funding from the Federal Queensland has scarce representation on the Government, I should highlight the fact that various Federal Government R & D funding there is a great deal to be proud of in terms of organisations. the Queensland Government's performance in According to the Western Australian funding R & D. Expenditure on research and report, Queensland is poorly represented on development in Queensland amounted to the major R & D funding bodies responsible for approximately $1.029 billion in 1995-96, assessing funding proposals for R & D. placing us third behind New South Wales and Currently there is one Queensland Victoria, representing 14% of total R & D representative on the eight-member Australian expenditure in Australia. However, given that Research Council committee. That person is Queensland has 18% of the national currently the chair of the ARC. However, there population, it is clear that we should be doing are no Queensland representatives on the a lot better. nine-member Research Grants Council In the same year, 1995-96, the committee. Queensland Government contributed The RGC has four discipline panels. Of approximately $170m to university-based R & the 12-member Engineering, Earth and D, the second-highest State Government Applied Sciences ARC Discipline Panel, two contribution, eclipsed only by New South are from Queensland. Of the 10-member Wales. On a per capita basis the State's Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics Discipline contribution was $52 per person, beaten only Panel, none is from Queensland. Of the 15- by the South Australian Government, with $56 member Humanities and Social Sciences per person. Meanwhile, the two largest State Discipline Panel, two are from Queensland. Of Governments, New South Wales and Victoria, the 11-member Biological Sciences Discipline contributed only $40 per head and $29 per Panel, one is from Queensland. head respectively. Similarly, Queensland's higher education institutions contributed their For the University/Industry Research share of R & D funding of approximately Collaboration Committee, which advises on $314m, or $95 per person, which is around the collaborative grants and Australian national average. postgraduate awards, there are no Queensland representatives on the 12- Unfortunately, R & D funding for member panel. On the 13-member Research Queensland from the Federal Government Training and Careers Committee there are only does not match the commitment shown by two Queensland members. On the 12-member both the State Government and the higher Committee for International and National education sector in this State. In 1995-96, the Cooperation there are two members from Federal Government contributed Queensland. In total, of the 102 members of approximately $103m to R & D projects in the committees that decide the allocation of Queensland. On a per capita basis this funding from the Federal Government to the represented $31 per person, which was the States, Queensland interests are represented second-lowest per capita contribution by the by only 10 members of six of the nine Federal Government in any mainland State, committees. with Western Australia being the State treated worst by the Federal Government. Victoria It is clear from the above extract of the received $64 per person, New South Wales Western Australian report that we are received $41 per person, South Australia punching well below our fighting weight with received $112 per person and Tasmania one hand tied behind our back. Interestingly, received $114 per person. the Western Australian report argues that increased representation on these research There are some valid reasons for the grants committees will create a greater discrepancy between the States in funding awareness of the way in which ARC funding from the Federal Government. For example, formulae operate and will increase active South Australia's per capita funding of $112 is participation in and contribution to the due largely to that State's high level of development of ARC policies and funding defence-related R & D. Nevertheless, it is formulae. The report suggests that through impossible to escape the conclusion that greater representation and awareness the Queensland is once again being treated performance of Western Australia in attracting appallingly by Canberra. I cannot but wonder more Federal Government R & D funding will whether there is a correlation between the improve. The same observation can be made Federal Government's poor performance in in relation to the need to increase allocating appropriate funding to R & D Queensland's representation on R & D funding initiatives in Queensland and the fact that bodies. 3356 University of the Sunshine Coast Bill 18 Nov 1998

The numerically poor representation of "The reported changes to university Queensland on Australia's major Federal research funding proposed by Kemp Government R & D funding organisations would set the clock back 30 years." makes one wonder what Queensland's He went on to observe that Kemp's proposed Federal representatives have been doing to scrapping of the ARC would make Australia allow this to occur. Where have the Federal unique among OECD countries in not having a coalition members from Queensland been, major Government funding agency for allowing this to happen? Where is their university research. The fact that Kemp advocacy to ensure that Queensland's refuses to make this report public raises interests are protected and that we receive serious concerns that the Federal Government appropriate representation on these crucial may be embarking on a program to wind back funding bodies? It is time we started getting funding for university-based R & D at the very some support from the Federal Government to time when R & D is critical to employment achieve our jobs growth target. It could start by creation in new sustainable industries, not just giving us a hand in increasing its funding for in Queensland but throughout the country. By Queensland R & D initiatives by our fine bringing this matter to the Minister's attention, I universities. hope the Government can make strong Receiving our fair share of Federal representations to the Federal Government to Government R & D funding is important to ensure that, under whatever system Kemp is achieving jobs growth. It is not just about proposing, Queensland gets its fair share of funding academics in white coats to sit in R & D funding for universities. I commend the laboratories, postulating the outcome of some Bill to the House. obscure and irrelevant question. R & D funding Mrs SHELDON (Caloundra—LP) is critical if new, innovative and sustainable (10.57 p.m.): When the Minister for Education industries are to be created here in introduced the University of the Sunshine Queensland. It means that our technology Coast Bill into the House last week, I urged parks will be able to attract new tenants and him to debate it this week so that new achieve critical mass and jobs growth. It graduates from the institution would leave with provides greater opportunities for a university degree. I thank him for making downstreaming the benefits of new product sure that occurred. development so that our manufacturing sector benefits, not to mention our export The Sunshine Coast University is a very performance. important asset to the Sunshine Coast. It is a focal point for our young people. Now our The reason I raise these issues is that the young people can be educated on the Federal Education Minister, David Kemp, is Sunshine Coast and hopefully go into currently holding on to a proposal that could employment there. Previously, students had to fundamentally transform the way university come to Brisbane or go elsewhere, leave their research is funded in Australia. The only families, find accommodation and so on. It problem is that he refuses to make his was a fracture of the whole social fabric of the proposals public so that the major community. stakeholders, our universities, can discuss the Others have said what an excellent implications of any changes to Federal institution the Sunshine Coast University is, Government R & D funding. Last week the and indeed it is. In a very short period of time it Australian newspaper reported that among the has achieved a level of academic excellence proposals being considered by Kemp is a that a lot of other institutions have taken a recommendation that all Australian Research long time to achieve. The coalition in Council programs be replaced with block Government worked very hard to have grants to universities and other higher "college" dropped from the name of the education institutions. In the absence of institution. It was very keen for this to occur, information on how these changes could and one can see why. The title "university" impact on R & D at Queensland universities, I gives the institution a lot more credibility in the encourage the Minister to investigate the eyes of the public, which really makes one concerns being expressed by university vice- wonder why such an institution should be chancellors throughout Australia. called a college. The change will mean that I make the Minister aware of concerns graduates have university degrees. Also, the expressed in today's Australian by the past university has been working very hard to attract Chair of the Australian Research Council. overseas students. Success with this means Professor Max Brennan, in a letter to the money in the coffers. In this day and age, that editor, said— aspect has to be looked at seriously. 18 Nov 1998 University of the Sunshine Coast Bill 3357

I have a very good relationship with the this year, because this is the last sitting week university, with Paul Thomas and, indeed, with of the Parliament for this year. The new the board. They approached me when the graduates will have a university degree, and coalition first came to Government to see if the the university can sell its very excellent services name could be changed. It was not quite as to others as a degree. It is a great thing for the simple as it would seem. One of the Sunshine Coast, and I believe that it shows fundamental things we first had to resolve was that there are some very able people there the university's line of funding. Because of the and some very able students. I believe that way the original legislation had been the results have shown that. It is another structured, the Sunshine Coast University feather in the cap of what is a growing and came under the auspices of the QUT and the progressive area. Federal funding came to the institution via that I congratulate the university and all source. If an institution such as this is to be made a stand-alone university it has to have involved with it. It has a very dedicated team of its own stand-alone source of funding, so it teachers and academic staff. The student was important that that be established. One of population is growing. I think that it has already the things needed not only to do that but also been said that it is now 2,000 or more. The to make the university able to stand on its own university is an important focal part of the was proof that it was able to achieve this coast. We also hope that having this sort of institution there will spearhead more academically as well. development, particularly in IT industries— A review was planned for 10 years from its clean industries—in which our young people instigation. We realised that this time frame, to can be employed. I certainly support this Bill. say the least, was too long. There had been an intention to do it within five years. It was Hon. K. W. HAYWARD (Kallangur—ALP) important that this be brought forward further (11.03 p.m.): It is a pleasure to speak to this so that the university could prove to the world Bill tonight. The Sunshine Coast University that it had the ability to stand on its own as a College was established and affiliated with the university. So the coalition brought that review Queensland University of Technology in 1994. forward. It was quite exhaustive. It was very As a number of members who live in the area independent. At the end of the day, the know, it was established in a place called university came out with flying colours. That is Sippy Downs, which could best be described to its credit. It can now say, "We had this as very marginal agricultural land. Since that independent review by our peers, and we are time that university college has gone from able to hold our heads high in the academic strength to strength. world and show that we are indeed worthy of The purpose of this Bill is to repeal the becoming an institution in our own right." Sunshine Coast University College Act 1994 I also spoke personally with David Kemp and provide for the establishment and and told him of the importance to the operation of the proposed University of the Sunshine Coast of the name change. I also Sunshine Coast. The university college was asked that he agree to Federal funding for the established on the Sunshine Coast as a result university. He did agree to that, and I thank of what I believe—and there will always be him for that, because that was an important arguments about this—was a pretty strong point in our being able to go ahead. It was competitive process. There was a proposal at essential that the funding stream come from the time—and there still is—to establish a the Federal Government—not the university at Caboolture. A plan was State—because, with a name change and a presented, a site was identified, local change in the status, it was possible that such community support was gathered, and the an institution would have to be funded through University of Queensland was identified as the the State. That is not a State responsibility. I governing university. As I said, there was believe that all members should thank David strong support from the local council, local Kemp for agreeing to that direct line of members of Parliament and other people funding. He looked at the academic record within the community. However, as history and the review. He acknowledged how shows, that application was unsuccessful. interested the Sunshine Coast members—all While I believe that support still remains five of us—were in getting that through. I know for a university in the Caboolture area in the that he was also in contact with the then future, the way in which the local Caboolture Minister, Bob Quinn, who similarly was trying to community has supported the Sunshine Coast obtain this change. University College is fantastic. I look forward, I believe that this is a very happy as the Sunshine Coast University develops, to outcome. I am delighted that we are doing it some courses being conducted in the 3358 University of the Sunshine Coast Bill 18 Nov 1998 township of Caboolture or in the Shire of because of the different types of courses that Caboolture. I suggest to the powers that be at it was conducting. Some members would know the Sunshine Coast University that those about these sorts of topics. The university is courses could perhaps be conducted at the conducting a course for a study of society TAFE college. We have existing educational degree in a topic called grunge. I do not know facilities, but sometimes they are just sitting whether anyone else in this Chamber would do idle when they could be used for other well in that particular subject. Professor Ross educational purposes. So I see great scope for Fitzgerald, when talking to me one day, made the TAFE college in Caboolture, for example, a comment about the course in grunge. He to be used for courses that are being said that the best way to achieve a great pass conducted from the Sunshine Coast University. in grunge would be to fail grunge. I simply do Another important aspect of the Sunshine not know what that course is about. However, Coast University College has been the in its own way, the Sunshine Coast University opportunity that it has presented for many College is identifying issues within our society people to undertake tertiary studies. Many and working with students in developing what people who probably would not have the those issues are about. opportunity—and some who would never have As to buildings, progress has been made dreamed of it—are undertaking studies for all on the campus over a period. I had the honour sorts of reasons. I was talking to the member of representing Peter Beattie when he was the for Caboolture tonight about the number of Opposition Leader at the opening of the sports people I meet who reside within the club on that university campus. Today I spoke Caboolture Shire and who are undertaking with Mr Laming, who was the member of some form of mature-age study. It is amazing Parliament who had the honour and the duty the numbers of them who are attending the of opening that facility. In common with many Sunshine Coast University College. of the other speakers tonight, I was impressed From a personal point of view, my wife, by the turnout of the Sunshine Coast residents Janet, left school after grade 10 to undertake who were present on that day. I am not a hairdressing apprenticeship. She had not referring to the MPs, the mayors and the usual been to school for over 25 years, but she gaggle of people who turn up to such events; I gained mature-age entry to a university course am referring to ordinary people who live on the based upon her work experience. She is in her Sunshine Coast and have a commitment to second year as a part-time student, and I think that university. That demonstrates to me that that she has an excellent average grade. That the university is more than just about studying is how I personally know a fair bit about that and achieving a degree or some other university. It is funny to sit at home and have recognition. By establishing the sports club on people ring up asking to speak to somebody the university grounds, the university is able to because they want to discuss a university pursue other activities that are not directly subject or why they have not done an related to the various sporting and other assignment or what happened in the exam. student clubs that originated on that campus. So one gets to know a fair bit about what is It is a great pleasure for me to be here happening up there. tonight to say these few words in support of My wife is not the only one in that this Bill. I wish the University of the Sunshine situation. A former Mayor of Caboolture is now Coast great results from its student body and a student at the Sunshine Coast University all the people associated with that university. I College. When I was at a farmhouse near am sure that it will become one of the great, Gympie one day, a former merchant seaman successful universities in Australia. We will see who had been on an invalid pension came in. that in the future. Someone said to him, "Why don't you think Mr LAMING (Mooloolah—LP) about doing some study?" So he started (11.12 p.m.): This is an important day, not just studying, and a whole new career is now for the University of the Sunshine Coast but opening up for that fellow who, 10 or 20 years also for the Sunshine Coast as a region and ago, would not have dreamed of such a thing. for tertiary education in Queensland. I spoke at And if the university was not where it is, there some length during the passing of the would be no hope of his ever doing that. I Sunshine Coast University College Bill in 1994. believe that it has been great for the Sunshine I do not intend to traverse all the same Coast community and the entire area in ground. However, I would like to revisit a few of general. the relevant points that I made at that time. Last year, the Sunshine Coast University In 1994 I mentioned the arrival on the College achieved some sort of national status coast of Professor Paul Thomas and his 18 Nov 1998 University of the Sunshine Coast Bill 3359 personal secretary, Judy Jakeman, who got tag that seemed to irk so many in the things moving on the ground. They were to be university community and also in the wider joined by many others who contributed to the community. All the Sunshine Coast members campus that we have today. I am pleased to made representations to the previous Minister, report that Paul and Judy are still on the job. I the member for Merrimac, to have the acknowledge the presence of Professor Paul "college" tag developed. The then Minister Thomas in the public gallery. It is a measure of insisted on a review process by a panel of the man that he was here for the passing of distinguished interstate academics. I was the previous Bill. I think he had to make two pleased that the university council agreed to trips to Brisbane at that time, because the Bill follow that process. No-one was more was deferred. I am glad we are on time on this delighted than I—with the exception perhaps occasion. of Professor Thomas—that the review panel In 1994 I mentioned the possibility that found no academic grounds for the institution most students would have had to pay a toll to not being accorded the status of a university. get to the university. That is no longer the That was a better outcome than simply a case. I am sure that that is appreciated by the decision to drop the "college" tag. I am students, many of whom would have found pleased that this university will be known as the expense quite onerous. Back then I the "University of the Sunshine Coast" rather signalled that I would be pursuing an than the "Sunshine Coast University". I say international-standard synthetic athletics track. that because the university staff and students It is now under construction. I acknowledge the have been most determined to become support that I received from many people in involved in every facet of Sunshine Coast life, the community and the former Minister for be it academic, economic, social, Sport, the member for Southport. I also environmental or sporting. It is indeed a acknowledge the financial assistance of the university of the Sunshine Coast. Maroochy Shire Council. I am hoping for a little I would like to acknowledge the role of extra help from the other two councils on the QUT and the Office of Higher Education. I Sunshine Coast. At that time, I acknowledged thank the former Minister, the member for the desire for the University of the Third Age to Merrimac and the Honourable Pat Comben, find a home. I suggested then that perhaps for their efforts. Pat Comben introduced the that could be at the university. That, too, has original legislation. I also commend the current happened. Minister for concluding the process in time for It was suggested in 1994 that the the new year and my coalition colleagues for university would have 2,000 effective full-time allowing the Bill to be brought on early. I must students by the year 2001. I believed it would also heartily congratulate the Chancellor, Mr happen sooner. It has happened by this Ian Kennedy, the university council, the staff year—three years earlier than anticipated. So and the students on what has obviously been confident was I of a higher growth than that a remarkable achievement. I have great which was forecast that I moved an pleasure also in joining with my other amendment at the Committee stage of the Bill colleagues in commending the Bill to the to change the review period of the university's House. status from not less than 10 years to not less than five years. Unfortunately, the amendment Mr NUTTALL (Sandgate—ALP) was not accepted at the time. The Minister of (11.16 p.m.): It is imperative that from a the day, the Honourable Pat Comben, said Government perspective—and not just from an that it was beyond his comprehension to think Opposition perspective—the residents of the that the university college could stand totally Sunshine Coast realise that the initial by itself over the next 10 years. History has legislation was introduced by a Labor shown that even my estimate was a little Government. That is an important point to be conservative. The university continued to made in the debate. For far too long, develop. I recall with much satisfaction the honourable members of the conservative official opening by Her Excellency the parties on the Sunshine Coast have seen fit to Governor, Mrs Leneen Forde, the opening of take credit for everything that has ever the award-winning library building by Sir happened on the Sunshine Coast. It is Zelman Cowen, and especially, in less grand important that residents of the Sunshine Coast circumstances, the opening of the sports realise that the Goss Labor Government and clubhouse by me, standing in for the then this Labor Government were the main Minister for Sport, the member for Southport. instigators of the university on the Sunshine Coast. In the interests of brevity, I will return to the Bill before the House. It was the "college" Mr Horan interjected. 3360 University of the Sunshine Coast Bill 18 Nov 1998

Mr NUTTALL: I hear what the member for member for Mooloolah talked about the Toowoomba South says, but the realities are— synthetic athletics track—that I hope sincerely Mr Horan: You just happened to be that they encourage the local schools and there. sporting groups to use that facility. One of the great problems that we have experienced in Mr NUTTALL: No, I do not accept that, general is that many of our facilities are locked because the reality is that we were the ones up and not used by the broader community. I who pushed it through. That comment is sincerely hope that the university acts as a typical of members opposite. good corporate citizen and ensures that it Earlier tonight, the honourable member involves the local community in a number of its for Mooloolah berated the fact that we wanted activities. I would like to see the university hold a railway line to the Sunshine Coast. The such things as open days so that the local railway line to the Sunshine Coast has been residents are aware of what the university has an ongoing issue for many years. Up to 1989 it to offer for the region of the Sunshine Coast. I was not deemed a priority; however, between congratulate the Minister on bringing this Bill 1989 and 1995 it was a priority. From 1996, forward and I commend the Bill to the House. when the coalition won Government, to when it Hon. B. G. LITTLEPROUD (Western lost Government in 1998, it was no longer a Downs—NPA) (11.22 p.m.): I want to make a priority. The member cannot have it both ways. contribution to this debate because this Bill If members opposite want to take credit for all takes my mind back to the 1980s when the the facilities that have been provided on the Honourable John Dawkins was the Federal Sunshine Coast, they must also take the rap Education Minister and I was the State for facilities that have not been provided. They Minister for Education. John Dawkins came need to accept the blame as well as take the forward with a proposition to get rid of what he credit. It is important that Sunshine Coast called the binary system, which involved residents realise that Labor Governments have having universities and colleges of advanced been the main driving force behind this education. It was at about that time that I university. became the Minister for Education, and it As the previous speaker said, over a posed all sorts of problems for education in couple of years there has been a marked Queensland. increase in the number of students—from At that particular time, the University of some 500 to 2,000. That is a remarkable Queensland was long established and the achievement. I believe that a lot of the credit Griffith University had also established itself as for that has to be given to the administration of a very worthy university. Also at the same time the university, and I commend the people the Parliament passed legislation to convert involved. the centre next door to become the The university has an annual budget of Queensland University of Technology. I some $14m. In my view, that is a great boon remember that, at that time, we asked all the to the economy of the Sunshine Coast. The directors of the various institutes and the vice- capital infrastructure of the university was chancellors to form a committee to work out some $40m, of which the State Government what form of tertiary education was in the best contributed $14m. Again, that was a great interests of Queensland. At that time, a deal boon to the Sunshine Coast. One of the spin- was struck whereby the University of offs of that funding has been the Chancellor Queensland would extend its interests Park Estate, which is built adjacent to the westwards. Out of that we have the Gatton university. That estate is a well-known and well- College campus and a campus is coming on established residential area. In my view, the stream at Ipswich. The Griffith University was quality of the housing in that estate and the asked to extend its influence to the south, and quality of the facilities for the residents of that it picked up the Gold Coast College of estate are something to commend to all Advanced Education as a campus. QUT was developers. Obviously, it also provides for the given the opportunity to extend its influence to students residences located very, very close to the north of Brisbane and to take in the the university. Sunshine Coast area. The idea was to As I have said, the Bill repeals the establish new campuses rather than establish Sunshine Coast University College Act 1994. It new universities. changes the name of the university to the It is worth noting that at the same time a University of the Sunshine Coast. I believe that group of people in Queensland wanted to the Sunshine Coast is the better for having the establish what they called a Christian university. However, I say to those who run the university. The big question posed to my university—and I note that the honourable department and me was: what constitutes a 18 Nov 1998 University of the Sunshine Coast Bill 3361 university? I can remember that the people Now I am going to be a little bit nasty. At who wanted to put forward the Christian the time that I was the Minister for Education, university gave me an indication of what they the shadow spokesman was the Honourable believed would constitute the prerequisites of Paul Braddy. At that time, he was the member their institution. That was anathema to those for Rockhampton. The Capricornia Institute of people who were on the Senate of the Advanced Education, based in Rockhampton, Queensland University, which included the wanted to become a university. Of course, the Catholic archbishop and the Anglican member was pushing very much the parish archbishop. pump and wanted the Rockhampton campus to become a university straightaway. In taking At that time I had in my employ Dr Peter due regard to the advice coming to me from Botsman, who has since deceased. However, people such as Peter Botsman, I said that the he was a very eminent academic. We put college should hasten slowly and go through a forward what we thought were the guidelines process of tutelage from a university such as that we should follow when creating a new QUT. At the same time, John Dawkins said university. It is interesting to note that, not long that the Rockhampton area should never have after that, the same John Dawkins about a university. That is history and, of course, we whom I spoke previously embraced guidelines now have the University of Central on what should constitute a university which Queensland. That university followed the were not unlike the guidelines that Dr Peter Botsman brought to me. model that was proposed to me by Peter Botsman, that is, that it could not become a If we create a university without having university overnight. It was nonsense to say standards, we devalue the currency of what is that the college should never become a a university. As Queensland grows and the university. We proposed that the college could demand for higher education increases, become a university if it was under the people get a warm feeling about getting their tutelage of the University of Queensland. Over own university. However, we have to have a number of years, the University of regard to what constitutes a university. From Queensland undertook a monitoring role to my experience, I believe that we should think make sure that the college's teaching very hard about whether we should create new standards were correct and that its universities or whether we should create new commitment to research was right. In fact, campuses of existing universities. I hope that finally, we ended up with legislation when Paul the Minister is listening to this because, when Braddy was the Minister for Education that we talk about the University of the Sunshine made the college a university. It had Coast, my mind goes back to the committee established itself as a university in its own right chaired by Sir Clem Renouf, a former with a certain amount of credibility. President of Rotary International, which I do not want to put a dampener on the selected the university site at Sippy Downs as enthusiasm of those people involved with the the site for the extension of QUT. Since then, University of the Sunshine Coast, but I want to things have moved on. However, I am sound a word of warning that the word speaking from my experience as the "university" is not something that is taken Education Minister 10 years ago and my cheaply and that the standard of a university is concerns about devaluing the currency of what not something that flows automatically; it is is a university. earned. The history of universities in In the papers today judgments are made Queensland over the past 10 years has been to rate the various universities across turbulent. There has been enormous growth in Queensland and the rest of Australia. I believe tertiary education. We were given a good that we are moving away hastily from the guide by the late Peter Botsman. Although wisdom given to me by the late Dr Peter members have made all sorts of glowing Botsman to make sure that we look after the statements about how good the university on quality of universities. Although I can the Sunshine Coast will be, I believe that we understand the aspirations of the Sunshine should make sure that we do not devalue the Coast university, I think that it should think very currency of the universities of Queensland carefully about whether it wants to be a and, in this particular case, an institution that campus of a university that has a high may be established on the Sunshine Coast. It standing or whether it wants to establish itself may be in our best interests for the university on its own, because a university is not only a to keep some sort of tutelage under QUT. I teaching institution but also it is an institution hope that the Minister takes that on board. of research, and it takes a lot of money to In my experience of what happened 10 undertake research. years ago, I believe that John Dawkins created 3362 University of the Sunshine Coast Bill 18 Nov 1998 all sorts of pain across Australia. However, The very thoughtful contribution that we some gains came from that process because just heard from the honourable member for we had to really concentrate on defining what Western Downs needs particular mention. I constitutes a university. The Christian university take on board his proposition that we must made us face the music and put out some ensure that universities have a certain quality guidelines to judge what an institution should and a certain critical mass. This university will be. John Dawkins saw the merit of what we have that quality and that critical mass. had proposed in Queensland and I suggest Without those two things, a student's university that the Minister also takes into account the experience will be an impoverished one. There wisdom of the late Peter Botsman. was great wisdom in the words of the Mr WELLINGTON (Nicklin—IND) honourable member when he said that we (11.30 p.m.): I rise to speak in support of the have to be very careful about the multiplication University of the Sunshine Coast Bill 1998. In of universities and university campuses. doing so, I recognise the presence in the However, this institution was set up as a Chamber of Professor Paul Thomas, the Vice- college of a university and not as a campus of Chancellor of the Sunshine Coast University. a university, merely for titular reasons and reasons of convenience. It was always Over recent weeks, quite a few of my destined to be a university in its own right. Its constituents have approached me with population base will generate a very fine concerns over possible delays in the passing university. The energy that has been of this Bill. Accordingly, I took those concerns established by its first momentum will carry it up with the Minister for Education and the through to greater and greater academic Leader of the House. I am pleased to see that successes. the Bill is back on the agenda for final determination before the House closes for the The passage of this Bill tonight will mean Christmas recess. I realise that the Bill has that graduands will be able to graduate earlier jumped the queue to enable it to be debated than was going to be possible and they will get and finalised tonight, and I thank the Leader their degrees as graduates of a university, of the House, the member for Chatsworth, for rather than as graduates of a university his assistance in enabling that to happen. I college. That will be significant in the lives of commend the Bill to the House. those people. The university will be able to seek overseas students without having to put Hon. D. M. WELLS (Murrumba—ALP) the additional tag of "college" on its name. (Minister for Education) (11.31 a.m.), in reply: I The benefits for the university will be great. thank honourable members for their very Once more, I thank all honourable members thorough coverage of the issues involved in who have contributed to the debate. I the legislation. I particularly thank the commend the Bill to the House. honourable members for Greenslopes, Sunnybank, Kallangur and Sandgate for their Motion agreed to. contributions. They have often spoken to me about tertiary education matters and on all Committee issues I have found their advice to be extremely valuable. Hon. D. M. WELLS (Murrumba—ALP) (Minister for Education) in charge of the Bill. I thank the member for Nicklin, whose Clauses 1 to 84, as read, agreed to. representations to me on behalf of this university have been singularly effective in Clause 85— further inspiring me to achieve the earliest Mr WELLS (11.36 p.m.): I move the possible resolution of this matter. I thank the following amendment— member for Merrimac for his contribution and for the groundwork which he laid for the carriage of this Bill. It was a pleasure to "1. Clause 85— introduce this Bill last week and to debate it At page 37, lines 4 to 6— tonight. Indeed, it was a great pleasure to omit, insert— debate the Bill tonight not only because of the benefits that it confers on the Sunshine Coast '(c) the person, not being the president but also because it gave me the enormous of the union, who held office under pleasure of hearing the honourable member section 8(1)(f)1 of the repealed Act is for Merrimac saying something pleasant. I also taken to be the member of the thank the members for Maroochydore, council under section 15(2)(c); and'. Caloundra and Mooloolah for their 1 Section 8(1)(f) of the repealed Act contributions. provided as follows— 18 Nov 1998 Adjournment 3363

'(f) 2 members, each of whom is an authority for such a building, and the Cook enrolled student of the Shire had not issued any permits or received university, elected or appointed any application in relation to it. in the manner prescribed by the The lessees rang the National Native Title statutes;'. Tribunal to ascertain their rights. It was Under the university's statutes made suggested that they should just come to an under the repealed Act, the 2 members of agreement, in spite of the legitimacy of the the council who were enrolled students of claimants yet to be established or what any the university consisted of the president of alleged native title on the lease may comprise. the union who was appointed to the The NNTT finally admitted that the claimants council and another student elected to were not entitled to take such action without the council. This section provides a their permission. The lessees rang the Cape transitional arrangement for the student York Land Council solicitor without success. elected to the council. See sections They then rang the land council and were 13(2)(e) and 73B which provide for the informed that Bulkanu—a development president of the student association to be offshoot of the council—was organising the a member of the council." building and that the Wuthuthi were going to This amendment gives legislative effect to build an out-station and take their people back a matter that was previously covered in the to their land. university statutes. On 8 October the building was unloaded Amendment agreed to. on the property and the truck went south for another load. The lessee then rang the land Clause 85, as amended, agreed to. council solicitor and was advised that he was Clauses 86 to 90, as read, agreed to. led to believe that DNR had given permission. DNR again denied giving any authority. The Schedules 1 and 2, as read, agreed to. lessee requested the solicitor to instruct the Bill reported, with an amendment. Bulkanu to remove the building from the lease. On 9 October the lessees again attempted to talk to the land council solicitor but were again Third Reading unsuccessful. They then contacted the original Bill, on motion of Mr Wells, read a third claimant, who made it quite clear that white time. man's law was not his law and that he was putting the building on "his" land and bringing his people back there and did not need ADJOURNMENT permission from them or anyone else. Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH (Chatsworth— All through this ordeal the lessees had ALP) (Leader of the House) (11.38 p.m.): I tried to contact the Premier's Department, the move— Minister and the local member, but to no avail. "That the House do now adjourn." No response was forthcoming from any of those people. On 12 October the truck again arrived with another load. The lessees told the Native Title driver not to unload and to take all the material Mr MITCHELL (Charters Towers—NPA) back to where it came from. They attempted (11.38 p.m.): I wish to bring to the attention of again to talk to the land council and the members a very disturbing situation that has solicitor, but once again they were not occurred in the Cook Shire in north available. They rang the Bulkanu, who were Queensland. On 7 October, the leaseholder of not very cooperative, and were told again that a property received a phone call from her son they should come to some agreement with the who told her that a native title claimant had claimant. arrived at their property with a truck loaded with They eventually rang the Bamaga police, a part prefabricated building to be erected on out of concern for their family's safety, after the lease. He claimed to be a traditional owner learning of the presence of a certain person at of the land and said that he was going to bring Injinoo. The police understood their concerns his people back there. The claimant said that because of previous public statements by this the Department of Natural Resources had person regarding Cape York pastoralists given him permission to put up the building on meeting Aboriginal agendas or facing possible the lease. A phone call to the DNR by the burning out. One wonders whether this is the lessee found that this was untrue. Also, ATSIC way to promote coexistence on the cape. On and Family Services denied any funding or 14 October all of the material had been 3364 Adjournment 18 Nov 1998 removed and the claimants had left the Bray Park State High School and Albany Creek property. That was not the end of it. State High School have all joined forces and The lessee went to Cairns to meet with linked with businesses and industries in the DNR in relation to the renewal of her lease. Pine Rivers Shire to form the Pine Rivers She was confronted by an Aboriginal woman, Industry/School Links Scheme. This committee verbally attacked and then punched in the has been operating for about a year and head with a clenched fist. The lessee is of brings together businesses, industry and slight build and in her late sixties. The attacker schools to work together for school students. then told her to show respect for Aboriginal The industries and businesses have been people because it was their land. The family a little slower than anticipated to embrace the has held the leases since 1960-61, and the scheme and join the committee, but the claimant group had became known to them in potential is great and the committee is active that area only since 1986. in engaging local employers. The opportunities As I said earlier, this has been a very are enormous both for school students and disturbing ordeal. I certainly hope that there will employers. Regrettably, my parliamentary not be a repeat of these actions in schedule has not allowed me to attend as Queensland and that, if that is the case, it will many meetings as I would have hoped this be reported to the relevant authorities. It year, but I maintain a keen interest. concerns me that there may be other agendas These schools, working together as a behind this course of action. It also says very cluster, have also achieved great success in little for the Native Title Act as it now stands. It being funded to conduct the Jobs Pathway seems that claimants and others are of the Program. This program is federally funded and opinion that leaseholders have no rights to is a service offered to school leavers to assist their land. I wonder how long we can sustain them in making the transition from school to the ever-increasing problems and delays work. The combination of this program and the because of native title. We have Jason Yanner Pine Rivers Industry/School Links Scheme can and his thugs still causing havoc in relation to only operate to benefit the young people of the commencement of Century Zinc, one of Pine Rivers. It also offers the opportunity for the largest mining projects in the world. business and industry to have a well-trained Further, 1,000 mining leases are on hold and work force and a future work force job ready. many road projects are being delayed across the State. At this rate, I wonder whether any It has long been recognised that there Government will ever achieve a commonsense needs to be an integration of vocational education into the secondary curriculum. solution to this problem. Initiatives resulting in good programs flowed from the 1994 Federal Government Working Pine Rivers Industry/School Links Scheme Nation report. Working Nation was premised Mrs LAVARCH (Kurwongbah—ALP) on Australia's future depending upon the ideas, skills and knowledge of our work force. It (11.43 p.m.): This morning the Minister for was identified that there was a need to link our Employment, Training and Industrial Relations, education and training programs more closely the Honourable Paul Braddy, confirmed the with the current needs of the labour market Beattie Labor Government's commitment to jobs by announcing the extension of the and with future employment opportunities. For Breaking the Unemployment Cycle campaign. young Australians and young Queenslanders, In reporting on the current campaign's we know that education and training do make success—and I found it very heartening to a difference. Young people who do not finish learning that 85% of the calls to the 1800 their schooling face longer periods and much number have originated from employers—the higher rates of unemployment. Minister made the very valid point that the It has long been identified that young Government alone cannot create the jobs people who leave school early are much more necessary to reach the 5% unemployment likely to have come from lower socioeconomic target. The input, ideas and enthusiasm of backgrounds, have a disability, be an local community members is also required. Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander or be Tonight I want to bring to the attention of homeless. By acting now we can stop a cycle the House some of the great work being done of disadvantage continuing and building; in in the Pine Rivers area concerning vocational other words, increase life's chances for those education for high school students and who have missed out for far too long. assistance for school leavers, and attempts to One of the problems is that if school is break the unemployment cycle. Dakabin State seen to be a waste of time or meaningless to High School, Pine Rivers State High School, those who do not want to go on to higher 18 Nov 1998 Adjournment 3365 studies, there is no incentive to remain at did not prevent many members of those same school. However, I must note that the Howard families from volunteering to fight against Government's Common Youth Allowance is Germany. The fact was that, although they trying to force young people to stay at school were from German stock and retained some of by giving them no other alternative, with no the traditions and culture of their German other measures being put in place. This will ancestry, they had been assimilated and were see many other young people being forced to first and foremost Australians. I do not believe stay on to Year 12 when they do not want to. that this sort of assimilation is possible under It is recognised that this has the potential to the program of multiculturalism because it cause enormous problems for our education encourages the maintenance of cultural system. Encouragement, not enforcement, to attitudes that are alien to our society. stay at school should be the only focus. Of That brings me to the item on page 16 of course, this means that there needs to be a last Tuesday's Courier-Mail. It was headlined range of choices for Year 11 and 12 students, "Cold comfort for Christmas" and read— not just an academic-oriented curriculum. "An English provincial city has Over a number of years, schools have shocked church leaders by renaming embraced this approach and have provided Christmas to give the festive season more flexible school/industry vocational programs. I multicultural appeal. There will still be commend the schools in my area for the range carols and fairy lights, but council officials of choices that they offer their students. All the in the City of Birmingham have renamed high schools in Pine Rivers are to be the 42 days of festivities around commended for working together and for Christmas and New Year 'Winterval'." promoting and encouraging meaningful vocational education. I commend also Leah Yes, not "Christmas" but "Winterval". The story Richards of Dakabin State High School, who in the Courier-Mail continues— has been the driving force behind the success "Birmingham has a large Sikh, of the Pines Rivers Industry/School Links Muslim and Hindu population, and Scheme and attaining the Jobs Pathway celebrates the festivals of Diwali and Eid." Program for the schools in our area. I I wonder how these people would feel if their congratulate Leah on her hard work and festivals were renamed "Diwalival" or "Eidval". I commitment. can tell honourable members now that they would not cop it. Multiculturalism Every culture has celebrations and beliefs Dr PRENZLER (Lockyer—ONP) which are sacrosanct. Religion is one of them (11.48 p.m.): I wish to draw the attention of the and it deserves respect, whatever that religion House to a news item that appeared in the may be. Multiculturalism seems to encourage Courier-Mail last week on Tuesday, 10 intolerance. In England the cooking of November. However, before doing so, I wish to breakfast bacon was banned at a cafe put on the record my appreciation and that of because the smell was offensive to Muslim One Nation of the role that people of various neighbours. Christmas carols and even cultures have played in the development of Christmas concerts have reportedly been Australia. One Nation has never denied banned at some schools and kindergartens that—no, never. We are proud of our heritage. because they clash with other cultures. Even What does concern us, though, is the policy of the nursery rhyme This Little Piggy Went to multiculturalism, because this encourages the Market was banned because of its reference continuation of separate national identities to pork. within the framework of what should be one At this stage, I apologise to any Muslims nation. A nation divided in this way is a nation in the community if they feel that I am unfairly with a dangerously split personality. United we targeting them for criticism. I have no desire to are strong; divided we are weak and ready for do that. I believe freedom of religion is one of a fall. the greatest features of our democratic society I can hear the usual jeering remarks and that we can all learn something from other about One Nation being racist. However, racial people's cultures and other religions. But the taunts are no stranger to me. I am a third liberty and tolerance that our democracy generation descendant of a German recognises should be a two-way street. pioneering family and I know how some of the Closer to home, I was disturbed to hear German pioneers of the Fassifern suffered another example of problems created by cruelly from hostility, suspicion and even multiculturalism. It involved a kindergarten in internment during the two world wars, yet this an area close to Brisbane which decided to 3366 Adjournment 18 Nov 1998 have a multicultural day celebration. All the The task of creating jobs must be broken children with ethnic backgrounds were down into smaller, more manageable areas. encouraged to wear the national dress of their That is why forums have been and will be parents' countries. But when the children of conducted in each region. The community has Australian parents inquired what dress they the best ideas about what should happen at should wear, they were told that there was no the local level. The Department of national Australian dress so they should just Employment and Industrial Relations is attend the concert and watch. What has focused on jobs and on putting the happened to slouch hats and Driza-Bones? I community's ideas into policy. I believe that, if am no racist but I have no doubt that, every small business is given the opportunity following this speech, the media will react by to employ one person, the unemployment rate labelling it discriminatory, and One Nation will will be reduced rapidly. We as a Government once again be accused of affecting must put in place mechanisms which allow this international trade and tourism. What our to happen. critics conveniently ignore is that it is their As a former manager of the Employer reaction and their eagerness to throw racist Services Unit in DEETYA, I saw many small mud that attracts all of the overseas headlines. businesses fall asunder because they had no However, if my speech has offended support or encouragement to stick it out past people from other countries who have settled the bad patch. This Government will make it in Australia, I am sorry for that, but I do not easier for small business to prosper, to grow apologise for what I have said. My intent is to and to create jobs. This is the key to job not hurt other Australians, but simply to warn growth in our community. The Mount of the ramifications of espousing a policy that Ommaney electorate has a powerful and puts glorification of another culture and committed chamber of commerce. This national identify ahead of assimilation into our organisation is about networking and culture and our national identity. Instead of supporting each other in business. If there is a multiculturalism, we should be encouraging way that they can help their colleagues, they Australianism, a process which takes people of will find it. The Government will consider any different races, different cultures and different way possible to assist small business. The pay- religions and binds them together. off will be more jobs for Queenslanders. Time expired. Impact of Natural Disasters on Grain Growers Job Creation Mr ELLIOTT (Cunningham—NPA) Mrs ATTWOOD (Mount Ommaney—ALP) (11.55 p.m.): I take this opportunity to speak in (11.53 p.m.): Last month I had the honour of support of grain growers from central chairing a jobs policy council forum at Ipswich Queensland right through down to the on behalf of the Minister for Employment and Queensland border who have suffered yet Industrial Relations, the Honourable Paul another massive body blow in the form of Braddy. The breakfast meeting was attended another natural disaster brought about by by local community groups, training excessive wet conditions affecting wheat, organisations and businesses from the local barley and legume crops. Yellow spot in area. Groups were provided with information particular has caused problems for those about the immediate local area, including all wheat plants that were not already drowned in outlying areas such as Laidley within the a lot of that country out west of Dalby where Ipswich region. there are now melon holes. Much of that country was just purely and simply drowned. Each table of attendees was provided The wheat did not grow at all because of the with a question about "in essence" what could be done at a community level to create jobs in water in the melon holes and on much of the the local area. Many suggestions were put flood plain as well. As I said, yellow spot forward and included such things as caused these wheat plants to lose their ability minimising bureaucracy to small business and to photosynthesise and, thus, the grain has allowing a fairer system of tendering for not filled properly, causing a downgrading from Government jobs in the local area. All of the high return classifications to feed and, in some ideas put forward by the people at the forum cases, classified as unacceptable for sale at were recorded and will be put to the jobs policy all. council tomorrow. Each person will receive a Much the same fate due to disease has timely response regarding the outcome of the caused barley to be unsaleable and, of forum. course, chickpeas and other legumes simply 18 Nov 1998 Adjournment 3367 died due to waterlogging and disease. One work together to ensure that these people are asks: what does all that have to do with us? supported with exceptional circumstances Unfortunately, the follow-on of this particular relief. I predict here and now that if that situation will be that the entire region right support is not forthcoming we will not believe through central Queensland, the western the number of people who go broke. In the downs and the downs to a lesser past decade these people have been faced degree—certainly the southern and western with very difficult circumstances due to drought downs—is probably going to see a reduction in and various other problems. returns, I would say, in excess of 70% on what Time expired. would have been expected. In spite of it looking like being a very good year with good yields and people getting reasonable returns Integration Through Recreation per acre, due to not only those factors that I have just outlined to honourable members but Ms NELSON-CARR (Mundingburra—ALP) also the disastrous price for grain and (12 a.m.): Today I bring to the attention of the legumes, we are seeing an unprecedented House Townsville's Integration Through downturn in returns to the whole area. As we Recreation. Into Rec, as it is known, is a all know, that has a flow-on effect into all of the community-based benevolent recreation rural support towns and back to the regional organisation which encourages individuals with centres such as Toowoomba, Rockhampton a disability to become involved in community and all of the other bigger centres and, of life through recreation and leisure. Into Rec is course, that flows on here into Brisbane as all about integration and inclusion, which is a well. new area of very sound philosophy. This philosophy is about developing meaningful We are one of the most decentralised relationships and finding a role for people with States in the Commonwealth—probably the a disability. most decentralised—and, as such, we are still very dependent on the incomes from those Historically, disability has not been valued areas. Tonight I am here to call for support. I in our society and people with a disability have support the Opposition spokesman for Primary always been on the receiving end of services. Industries, the Honourable Russell Cooper, All people need to interact and contribute to and I also support the Minister for Primary live meaningful lives, and this usually involves Industries, the Honourable Henry Palaszczuk. I significant two-way relationships. It is only more have already spoken to him about this matter. recently that people with a disability have I know that he understands it and has had a become more involved in community life, with good briefing in respect of it. He is very much carers providing much of the stimulus and aware of just what a disaster this all is. Not only entertainment. does it flow through to all of those farmers and Into Rec takes this concept further, using shopkeepers and into the towns but also it is recreation as the medium for making friends. having a devastating effect upon contractors Opportunities are provided to meet people and and such people. I made a speech here some socialise in integrated settings within the wider months ago in respect of those contractors community, and integration naturally occurs who were affected by the floods. Seven flood when a person is included as a participating peaks came through the border rivers. Many of community member. In other words, Into Rec those contractors who did laser levelling and helps to provide the best service for each worked on cotton farms did not turn a wheel individual and then, as a valued member of for nearly seven months. Many of those same the neighbourhood team or club, these people people also get involved in grain harvesting, have access to and take part in social carting and so on. activities. The whole rural community is taking a hit. The Rising Sun branch of the ALP, of I do not think I have seen much worse. Often which I am a member, is an example of a when there is a drought the next crop is a community organisation which values all good one because the country has been participants. Into Rec liaised with our branch rested and it produces better crops. In this and assisted a person with a disability in his instance the country has been waterlogged desire to become a valued branch member. and I do not believe a better crop will Because of its success, support by Into Rec necessarily eventuate. staff is no longer required and this particular I call on my Federal counterparts for member gets all necessary support from other support. I support both the Minister and the branch members. This is what inclusive living is shadow Minister in relation to this matter. This all about. It is about welcoming people in, is a subject well beyond politics. We all have to accepting their differences and finding valued 3368 Adjournment 18 Nov 1998 roles for them. This encourages When the process seemed to stall a bit, out of interdependence by recognising the the Nundah Community Centre came a group contribution and gifts others bring. Into Rec called NOTION—Nundah's Options To Improve encourages the creation of inclusive Our Neighbourhood. That group is still in communities—communities that welcome existence, and earlier this week I had the diversity and are flexible and creative enough pleasure of attending a meeting. The group to cater for such diversity. has continually provided community input and People with a disability learn from their the expertise of the local residents and involvement in community life. It gives them a businesspeople. Because of their experience sense of belonging. Support provisions are over the years, the local people initially came shared, providing a balanced lifestyle for all up with the cut and cover option, which family members. If we were to imagine our immediately received broad acceptance from lives without community, we would have to the community. Over the past number of years imagine a life without the opportunity to make the group has also contributed to the Main friends and form relationships with people of Roads Department and Department of varied cultures, abilities, interests and age Transport consultative processes to improve groups. the design for the whole project. Recreation is a great medium for making Some of the aspects to which the friends, and Into Rec must be commended for members of the group applied their local its inclusive and integrated philosophy which knowledge include access to the library and provides people with a disability the Boyd Park, access to adjacent streets and opportunity to live a full, collective community access using adjacent streets. With knowledge life. I will continue to support Into Rec in its of the movements of school students and endeavours. families in attending the various schools on the top of the hill, of how the shopping processes worked and of where people wanted to move Nundah Bottleneck through the neighbourhood, the group was Mr SULLIVAN (Chermside—ALP) (12.03 able to tell the planners exactly what was a.m.): I rise to pay tribute to a number of needed. The result, which will be seen in a few residents from the Nundah/Wavell Heights years' time, will to a large degree be the fruit of area who have contributed over a number of community input. I encourage the current and years to the solution to the 40-year old future Ministers for Transport to include the problem that is the Nundah bottleneck. local community in major projects such as this, Because of the involvement of a number of because the community will be better off and residents and businesspeople in the area, the the Government will have a better solution to solution arrived at is much better than any long-term problems. proposals previously considered. Motion agreed to. Initially, the local area consultative group The House adjourned at 12.06 a.m. formed the basis of the community input. (Thursday).