Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 11 OCTOBER 1960

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

544 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer) replied- " An inspection of the bridge was carried out ten days prior to the Honourable Member giving notice of his question, when the only defect found was some loose decking. Action was taken to divert a bridge gang from other work to carry out necessary repairs and these have now been completed."

ELECTRICITY METER IN TUCK SHOP, MITCHELTON STATE HIGH SCHOOL Mr. LLOYD (Kedron) asked the Minister for Education and Migration- "(!) Is it a fact that the Parents Com­ mittee of the Mitchelton State High School has been advised that it must install a separate electricity meter in the school tuck shop and pay for all electricity used?" "(2) If so, does this pinch-penny attitude reflect Government policy of discouraging the great voluntary work for students car­ ried out by such Committees?" "(3) Is he prepared to review the Gov­ ernment's decision in this matter?" Hon. J. C. A. PIZZEY (Isis) replied- "(!) The Mitchelton State High School Parents and Citizens' Association has been advised that a sub-switchboard is to be installed in the lunchroom, which is being TUESDAY, 11 OCTOBER, 1960 provided under subsidy, and that provision must be made for the metering of power and light in the lunchroom on separate Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, tariffs. The Association has not been Murrumba) took the chair at 11 a.m. advised that it 'must pay for all electricity AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORT used'." "(2 and 3) The ever-increasing use of LOANS SINKING FUNDS electric power in State School buildings Mr. SPEAKER announced the receipt from makes it necessary to keep an accurate the Auditor-General of his report on the check on consumption. Principals, Head operations of the various sinking funds of Teachers and School Committees have been the State for the year 1959-1960. instructed that additional electrical equip­ Ordered to be printed. ment is not to be installed in school lunch­ rooms without Departmental approval and that any irregularities in the consumption QUESTIONS of electric power are to be reported to the RAILWAY BRIDGE, DIGGER STREET, BURANDA Department. The sub-metering of lunch­ rooms will facilitate such a check and will Mr. BROMLEY (Norman) asked the aiso enable advantage to be taken of lower Minister for Transport- tariffs in high schools, where lunchrooms "Because of the shaky condition of the are in daily use as compared with weekly railway bridge in Digger Street, Buranda, use in primary schools. It might be the fact that it is used extensively by necessary on account of the increasing vehicles of all sizes, that children use this costs of electricity in school tuck­ bridge on their way to and from school, shops to call upon school committees to that the noise created by vehicles is keep­ bear part of the cost of light and power. ing people awake at night, together with the fact that to my knowledge and to the The proceeds from tuck-shops, in the main, knowledge of residents in that area the add to the revenue of the school most bridge has not had any maintenanc~ for of which attracts governmental subsidy. It many years, will he give consideration to is somewhat anomalous that the Depart­ repairs being carried out immediately? If ment should subsidise revenue to which it not, why not?" has already contributed." Questions [11 OCTOBER] Ministerial Statement 545

PAINTING OF SCHOOL FURNITURE basis of their State electoral boundaries as provided for in the Local Government Act Mr. BROMLEY (Norman) asked the for the 1961 Council Elections and, if so, Minister for Education and Migration- what are the names of the cities and what "(!) When the internal painting of a actuated the division?" School is to be done, will this include the painting of furnishings such as presses, Hon. L. H. S. ROBERTS (Whitsunday) tables, chairs, desks and forms?" replied- "(2) If not, will he give con$ideration to this painting where necessary, as new paint "! have no information of the matter on walls and ceilings often emphasises the raised by the Honourable Member." shabbiness of furniture?" "(3) If he agrees, will he consider the PAPERS use of a high-gloss paint on infant's cup­ boards because of the easily washable The following papers were laid on the surfaces?" table, and ordered to be printed:- Hon. J. C. A. PIZZEY (lsis) replied- Report of the Agricultural Bank for the year 1959-1960. "(1) Approval for internal painting of classrooms, offices, &c. in school buildings Report of the Chief Inspector of Explosives does not provide for painting of furniture, for the year 1959-1960. which is usually stained and varnished." Report of the Queensland Health Educa­ "(2) Any application made by a Head Teacher for painting of classroom or office tion Council for the year 1959-1960. furniture will be submitted to the Depart­ The following papers were laid on the ment of Public Works for consideration." table:- "(3) See answer to (2) above." Order in Council under the State Develop­ ment and Public Works Organisation ERECTION OF STEPS, BURANDA STATE ScHOOL Acts, 1938 to 1958. Mr. BROMLEY (Norman) asked the Minister for Education and Migration- Report of the Queensland Trustees Limited for the year 1959-1960. "Regarding my representations to him on behalf of the Buranda State School Regulations under the Registration of Firms Parents and Citizens Association for the Regulations of 1953. erection of steps for easy and safe access to the school oval and his written replies Regulations under the Liquor Acts, 1912 thereto, will he again refer the matter to to 1959. the Department of Public Works for the Orders in Council under the Maintenance work to be undertaken without cost to the Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Acts, Association?' 1921 to 1959. Hon. J. C. A. PIZZEY (Isis) _replied- Orders in Council under the Supreme "It is the responsibility of the Depart­ Court Act of 1921. ment of Public Works to ensure that school grounds are placed in a usable condition Orders .in Council under the Landlord and and the funds made available to that Tenant Acts, 1948 to 1957. Department for ground improvements are Regulation under the Hospitals Acts, 1936 intended to meet that responsibility. This Department, by way of subsidy granted to 1955. under the School Ground Improvement By-laws under the Dental Acts, 1902 to Subsidy Scheme, does assist School Com­ 1959. mittees to provide and improve recreational facilities in School Grounds. The oval at the By-laws under the Pharmacy Acts, 1917 Buranda Schools which was provided with­ to 1959. out any cost to the parents, is probably the Order in Council under the River Improve­ best available to the children of any metro­ ment Trust Acts, 1940 to 1959. politan Primary School and it is considered therefore, that the provision of access steps should be regarded by the Committee as a MINISTERIAL STATEMENT project attracting subsidy under the above­ DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY; MINISTER FOR mentioned scheme." DEVELOPMENT, MINES, MAIN ROADS AND STATE ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES AND ELECTRICITY. PROVINCIAL CITY WARDS Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) asked the Premier) (11.24 a.m.), by leave: As hon. mem­ Minister for Public Works and Local bers are aware, the Hon. E. Evans, M.L.A., Government- Minister for Development, Mines, Main "Will any of the four major provincial Roads and Electricity, has proceeded overseas cities be divided into two wards on the on Government business. 1960-T 546 Inspection of Machinery, &c., Bill [ASSEMBLY] Supply

His Excellency the Governor has therefore, EVIDENCE AND DISCOVERY ACTS by virtue of the provisions of Section 8 AND OTHER ACTS AMENDMENT of the Officials in Parliament Acts, 1896 to BILL 1959, authorised and empowered the Hon. INITIATION 0. 0. Madsen, Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, to perform and exercise all or any Hon. A. W. MUNRO (Toowong-Minister of the duties, powers and authorities imposed for Justice): I move- or conferred upon the Hon. the Minister for "That the House will, at its next sitting, Development, Mines, Main Roads and Elec­ tricity by any act, rule, practice, or ordinance, resolve itself into a Committee of the on and from 9 October, 1960, and until the Whole to consider of the desirableness of return to Queensland of the Hon. E. Evans. introducing a Bill to amend the Evidence and Discovery Acts, 1867 to 1959, and I lay upon the Table of the House a copy various other Acts, each in certain of the Government Gazette Extraordinary of particulars." 7 October, 1960, containing this notification. Motion agreed to. Whereupon the hon. gentleman laid the "Government Gazette Extraordinary" on the table. COMPANIES ACTS AMENDMENT BILL INITIATION METROPOLITAN FIRE BRIGADES BOARD (LANDS) BILL Hon. A. W. MUNRO (Toowong-Minister for Justice): I move- INITIATION "That the House will, at its next sitting, Hon. A. R. FLETCHER (Cunningham­ resolve itself into a Committee of the Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation): I Whole to consider of the desirableness move- of introducing a Bill to amend the "That the House will, at its next sitting, Companies Acts, 1931 to 1955, in certain resolve itself into a Committee of the particulars, and for other purposes." Whole to consider of the desirableness of Motion agreed to. introducing a Bill relating to certain lands now held by The Metropolition Fire Brigades Board upon trust for fire brigade LAND TAX ACTS AMENDMENT BILL purposes." INITIATION Motion agreed to. Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth­ INSPECTION OF SCAFFOLDING ACTS Treasurer and Minister for Housing): I AMENDMENT BILL move- "That the House will, at its next sitting, INITIATION resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider of the desirableness of Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ introducing a Bill to amend the Land Tax Premier), for Hon. K. J. MORRIS (Mt. Acts, 1915 to 1959, in certain particulars." Coot-tha-Minister for Labour and l'ndustry): I move- Motion agreed to. "That the House will, at its next sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of the SUPPLY Whole to consider of the desirableness of introducing a Bill to amend the Inspection COMMITTEE-FINANCIAL STATEMENT­ of Scaffolding Acts, 1915 to 1959, in RESUMPTION OF DEBATE certain particulars." Motion agreed to. (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Taylor, Clayfield, in the chair.) Debate resumed from 29 September (see INSPECTION OF MACHINERY ACTS p. 544) on Mr. Hiley's motion- AMENDMENT BILL "That there be granted to Her Majesty, INITIATION for the service of the year 1960-1961, a sum not exceeding £1,365 to defray the Hon. G. F. R. NICKUN (Landsborough­ salary of Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency Premier), for Hon. K. J. MORRIS (Mt. the Governor." Coot-tha-Minister for Labour and Industry): I move- The CHAIRMAN: Before calling upon the "That the House will, at its next sitting, Leader of the Opposition to make his rewlve itself into a Committee of the address I desire to make a statement. Whole to consider of the desirableness of On 23 August last the hon. member for introducing a Bill to amend the Inspection Bundaberg commented on certain action of Machinery Acts, 1951 to 1958, in taken by me in November, 1957, when an certain particulars." hon. member turned on a small radio receiver Motion agreed to. in the Chamber during the debate on the Supply (11 OCTOBER] Supply 547

Railway Estimates. In the course of his responsibility in giving reasonable explana­ remarks the hon. member for Bundaberg tions of the financial policy he is committing said- the Government to follow. For instance, in "If the Chairman or Speaker could not an earlier Budget statement he said it was act on the day on which the incident part of a deliberate policy of the Govern­ occurred, neither the Speaker nor the ment to use up surplus funds standing to Chairman had any right to base his the credit of certain trust accounts because, decision or any ruling on what appeared by so doing, the State would be in a better in the Press the day after." position to argue to Commonwealth authori­ ties that we were virtually bankrupt and As the hon. member's views may have required assistance. I have never been caused doubt in the minds of other hon. ashamed to admit that I was not afraid to members as to the correctness of my action wear the mantle of the mendicant to Com­ on that occasion, I asked the Hon. the monwealth authorities but the Treasurer has Speaker if the incident could be referred to stated it was a deliberate policy and he has the Clerk of the House of Commons for carried it out. We have seen the effect on an opmwn. With the Speaker's approval, the Governments' position. Financially, the extracts from the 1957 "Hansard" and the effect has been cushioned, to some extent, recent remarks of the hon. member for over the years by the utilisation of these Bundaberg were duly forwarded. In the reply funds, and by the disposal of surplus received the following opinion was given-- material in some of the suspense accounts "It seems to me that the Chairman's that make considerable amounts of money action was entirely proper." available for Government purposes. But he has now reached the end of the barrel Government Members: Hear, hear! in that regard. He then sets out to make a case for a revised formula for applica­ The CHAIRMAN: As my action in 1957 tion to Queensland. may have established a precedent, I make this statement for the information of all The Budget that the Treasurer introduced hon. members, and to have it recorded in last week is an apologetic Budget, one that "Hansard." for the first time in many years shows a slowing down of the tempo of development Mr. WALSH: I rise to a point of order, of the State. He indicates in the Budget if I might discuss it on a point of order that the railway Department will not be able rather than as a question of privilege. Am to carry out its mechanisation programme I to understand that action will be taken as he would like to see it; he points out by either Mr. Speaker or yourself on any that the tempo of public works expenditure statement that might appear in the Press or will have to be curtailed and that the impact complaint that might be made by anybody on the Budget of the margins decisions has sitting in the public gallery or in any other prevented certain expansion taking place. part of the precincts of Parliament House? He points out that the expenditure on I take it that the Press are regarded as certain State assets that are not revenue­ strangers in the gallery. recovering is diminishing and the heavy impact on State finances of the services the The CHAffiMAN: When such a case Queensland Government are making. He arises a ruling will be given. has drawn attention to the very high public Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ debt of this State, now in the vicinity of Leader of the Opposition) (11.31 a.m.): The £320,000,000. point has been reached in the deliberations For his frankness in directing attention to of this Parliament at which we have to these things I suppose the Committee should examine what is unquestionably the most be grateful, but he has established records important matter this Parliament has the in other directions, too. When the Labour opportunity of discussing-the Budget Government left office the statement of introduced a little more than a week ago accounts for 1956-1957 revealed that there by the Treasurer. was a surplus of £15,230, which I under­ The Budget, as usual, contains a tremen­ stand was £77 above the estimate given by dous amount of statistical information setting the then Treasurer. I point out that over out the funds available to the State. It also the years, whatever the result of the year's provides the Treasurer with the opportunity operations, Labour Treasurers were able to of submitting to the Chamber his views on forecast fairly accurately the final nature of the general financial pattern in Queensland the State's accounts. However, when the and in the Commonwealth as a whole. present Treasurer took over, he set in motion Indeed, very frequently the presenting of a series of policies that have resulted in three the Budget poses some questions of very successive deficits. In 1957-1958, when he great importance that are not circumscribed may have been excused, perhaps, on the because of the geographical boundaries of ground that he was committed to some of the State or of the Commonwealth. the financial policies of his predecessors, there was a deficit of £1,514,308. The I view this Budget as a budget of frank­ following year, when we should have ness. In saying that I am mindful of the expected him to be responsible for his own fact that the Treasurer has not shirked his financial policies, there was a deficit of 548 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

£1,190,856. In 1959-1960, when he fore­ He continued- cast a surplus, there was a deficit of "No decent case was presented on £164,675. For this year, of course, a deficit behalf of Queensland for many years. of almost £250,000 is envisaged. So that "They have demonstrated not only to the Treasurer has the distinction of having hon. members opposite who themselves three deficits to his credit and one com­ failed in the matter, but have demon­ ing up. strated also to the people of Queensland In order to justify that position, the as a whole that by presenting a good case Treasurer has attempted to divide the Queensland has received the second highest Opposition from time to time when we have allocation of any State in Australia." directed attention to certain aspects of our That was the statement of the Deputy economy, notably, in previous years, the Premier, but subsequent events proved that failure to deal completely with the problem other leading members of the Government of unemployment. He said we could not repudiated his optimism, and indeed the have our cake and eat it, too; that we could people who repudiated it have been none not on the one hand criticise him for deficit other than the Premier and the Treasurer. results while we were on the other hand On many occasions they have said publicly advocating the expenditure of more money. they did not consider Queensland was I point out on behalf of my party-and getting proper and fair treatment from the I think it is a view with which the Treasurer Commonwealth authorities. Indeed, more recently when an attack was delivered in concurs-that there should be a general this Chamber by a prominent private mem­ endeavour in times of prosperity to have a balanced budget and that, when times are ber of the Government over the failure of the Commonwealth authorities to help in bad, we have to do as the Treasurer said the matter of the development of roads in on one occasion he was prepared to do, the Channel Country, we found a senior that is, spend until it hurts. I think that Minister of the Government rebuking the is a fair policy to adopt, but, if we are going Commonwealth Government for their failure to continue in deficit, the funding of these to help Queensland. deficits has to be undertaken, and no-one is more alive to that than the Treasurer. It We had the spectacle of the Premier rebuk­ leads in the following year or succeeding ing a Liberal Senator, Senator Wood, for years to the application of extra money for his expose of the neglect by the Common­ the retirement of those deficits. If the wealth authorities of the financial require­ Government overspend as a Government, ments of this State. Even after that incident ultimately their over-spending will catch up occurred in the House, when one might have with them in the s'lme way as overspending expected some statement in the heat of the catches up with an individual. moment, we find on studied reflection that the The Treasurer based his financial plan Minister attacked another hon. member, Mr. largely on the hope that if he could demon­ Murray, the member for Herbert, who left the strate that the State could not live within Country Party and joined the Liberals. This its income and if we dissipated or used feeling became so bad that the Country Party surplus trust funds, we could make and Liberal Party tried to plug the gap by demands, as the other States have done, saying there should be a liaison to establish for an augmented reimbursement from the bettter relationship between the Federal and Commonwealth. I will be very happy if State members of the coalition. Then the he gets extra money from the unsympathetic Treasurer himself was obliged to come into Federal Government, but experience has it. He was reported in "The Courier-Mail" shown that those hopes do not materialise. of 6 October as follows:- Despite the fine words of Government mem­ 'The State and Commonwealth Govern­ bers from time to time, say, when elections ments were 'getting together' as never are pending or when they want to heal some before, to work out Queensland's future breach that seems to be developing, extra development schemes, the State Treasurer assistance is not given. We have heard (Mr. Hiley) said yesterday." those persons making all sorts of optimistic Out of an expenditure last year of £50,000,000 forecasts about what their friends in by the Commonwealth authorities, less than Canberra will do for us. I have here an £750,000 was allocated to Queensland. How­ extract from a statement by the Deputy ever, the chief finance man for the Govern­ Premier on 4 March, 1958, in which he ment says co-operation was never better. said- Then we find that at the Cabinet meeting in " Although we have been the Govern­ North Queensland there was a great "splash" ment for only six months, the hon. the about a £6,000,000 development scheme for Premier and the Treasurer, owing to their roads in North Queensland. The way that capacity and ability to present a case was presented in the Press and the way it was infinitely better than the hon. member for announced, we were led to believe that in South Brisbane and his Treasurer were addition to the £600,000 to be spent in the able to do, were able to convince not only Channel Country, £6,000,000 was to be spent the Federal authorities but the other in the North. It is only one of those paper State authorities that Queensland had been proposals. It is a scheme to be submitted badly served in years gone by." to the Commonwealth authorities. We had Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 549

the spectacle of Commander Jackson being in his objections previously by saying that brought out to this country to implement the there was less justification for a broad canvas spending of £100,000,000 in Queensland, as bei'ng taken on this debate because the advocated by the then Federal Minister for Government had intimated last year their Development, Hon. R. G. Casey, over intention months before the Parliament a few years. He flew over Mt. Morgan and assembled as to which Estimates would be other parts of the country and talked about discussed. He said that therefore there was the magnificicent potential and all sorts of no need for hon. members to take up time places where the money should be spent in the debate on the Financial Statement in developing the country. He talked also on matters that could be discussed when the about the hungry people in Asia with covetous particular Estimates came forward. He also eyes on this country and said that said that the practice would be followed in £100,000,000 should be spent here. This man later years. I have heard no pronouncement from England was brought out at an enoruous by the Government this year as to which salary and he talked about this development Estimates will be debated. with £100,000,000 that came to nothing. Mr. Hiley: I can tell you now. Despite all the pleas, we find that last year the Commonwealth Government allocated Mr. DUGGAN: I am not talking about £750,000 for capital works programmes in what I can be told now. Queensland compared with the total of £51,000.000 for the rest of Australia. That Mr. Hiley: I thought you wanted to know. is a measure of the co-operation that exists. Mr. DUGGAN: Yes, I do. Then we find that so-called plugging of the Mr. Hiley: Every one that was not on gap. The Government treated a former mem­ ber of the Cabinet very shabbily. He tendered last year will be on this year. his resignation and wanted to be a free man Mr. DUGGAN: We were promised last in this Parliament so that he could have his year that we would get in future, as we say. We find that again party politics domi­ were given last year, some months' notifi­ nated and that the Premier had a private cation of which Estimates would be audience with him to try to talk him out of discussed. Now, upon my challenging the any attack he might make on the Govern­ Treasurer for his failure to carry out that ment. It is little wonder that he wants to promise-not he personally, as no doubt attack the Government. He pointed out that the Premier would make the announce­ the Government are spending less on irriga­ ment-we have the belated intimation that tion this year than the Labour Government the Estimates that were not discussed last spent despite the overall increased allocation year will be discussed this year. If we of funds. Less money is now being spent on attempt to anticipate these matters, or to irrigation and other developmental projects. forecast them, we are charged with being This member of the Country Party made the clairvoyant or with using our imagination statement that in rural matters the Labour as to what may or may not be introduced. Government treated the country areas better than the present coalition Country-Liberal Mr. Hiley: You do not need to be Government. It is little wonder the Govern­ clairvoyant. That has been the practice now ment want to silence these people, yet they for some years-alternating so that hon. speak about democracy and the freedom of members may have an opportunity to discuss the individual. They want to choke freedom every department at least every second year. of expression when it assumes the serious proportions of attacks against the Govern­ Mr. DUGGAN: If that is so, without ment. They used a very persuasive talker, checking it is extraordinary that the matters the Treasurer, to try to heal the breach by that seem to be most vital at present­ saying that the measure of co-operation was Railway Estimates and the Labour and never better. However, there is a pitfall in Industry Estimates-will not be discussed. having persuasive talkers like the Treasurer I do not know whether that is coincidental trying to pour oil on troubled waters. We or whether it fits into this rhythm that had the spectacle just recently of the Prime has been mentioned or whether it simply Minister trying to do that, and he did far fits into the Government's book. more serious damage. I will have something Mr. Hiley: Would you prefer to return further to say about that later. The Treasurer. to your practice whereby some Estimates as he has done on previous occasions, will were never discussed? try to gloss over the attacks that will be made on Government policy generally by perhaos Mr. DUGGAN: I do not mind that saying that the Budget itself has not been because hon. members opposite just talk the attacked but there has been some generalised thing out anyway when it suits them. criticism of the Government. Mr. Dewar: In those days we had two It is well known that the Standing Orders Estimates and we did not know what they provide that the fullest possible freedom would be. shall be given to hon. members in this debate. We can discuss international affairs or Mr. DUGGAN: The hon. member's col­ national affairs or any subject we choose. leagues were the people doing all the The Treasurer tried to get some relevance gabbling on those occasions. As a matter 550 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

of fact, the only criticism I can offer of on every occasion they do not publish that policy is that a perusal of "Hansard" the things that the Government have will disclose that unfortunately a good deal not done and give bold headlines to of time was taken up by the members of proposals that are nebulous in character. the then Opposition with twaddle about painting lavatories, putting doors on railway Mr. Pizzey interjected. carriages, and so on. It was little wonder Mr. DUGGAN: I do not approve of that they were in Opposition. inaccurate statements. If the hon. gentleman If the Treasurer wants to adopt this will restrain himself, I was about to pay him attitude I do not mind. The hon. member a compliment, and it is not often I do that. for Brisbane, a prominent personality, has I should like to say, in case the Minister's often been quoted by me. He makes no interjection has been recorded in "Hansard," bones about the way he wants to fight that we on this side of the Chamber believe politically-boots and all. With him you that no useful purpose is served if criticisms know where you stand and I admire him are inaccurate and the allegations are for that. The Government pose as great unfounded. If they are put forward in good d.omocrats facilitating the machinery of faith, it is all right, but I do not approve Parliament and safeguarding the rights of of allegations being made when they are the people, but they play the game very known to be inaccurate. I believe it is right savagely to suit their own political ends. to criticise the Government when the Deputy Premier and others run around making 'We intend to attack the Government these extravagant claims about what is going generally on the ground that all their opti­ to happen and those things do not materialise. mistic expectations have not been realised. When the Estimates for the Education Depart­ Firstly, there has been a grave betrayal of ment were under consideration on a previous the statement that, with their confreres in occasion, I told the Minister that, of all the Canberra, they would put value back in departments of the Crown, I did not wish the pound. The second claim was that to make any party political capital out of the this tempo of development would proceed Education Department. I think the Educa­ apace. We read only in yesterday's paper, tion Department should receive the full confirmed in this morning's "Courier-Mail," co-operation of all members of this Assembly of a possibility of £6,000,000 being and that we ought to do all we possible can spent on Mount Morgan. About two to provide the greatest volume of funds years ago I was told to hold my peace on for educational requirements. We are living that because otherwise we might prejudice in an age when we should have an educated negotiations that, if people kept quiet, would adult population, and we should be preparing come to fruition. Not wishing to be a our children, who will take our place in knocker on the realisation of some great the community, to play their part. scheme of that kind, I obeyed the request and refrained from criticism. Now we find Mr. Hughes: By the New South Wales that that grandiose scheme has fallen flat. method of instructing teachers? I do not mind if the reason was beyond the control of the Government and if they Mr. DUGGAN: That is an interjection that could say they had fought hard. Those I intend to ignore, because it is diverting me are the ordinary hazards of Government, from the important thing that I want to say. I suppose, and I do not mind if the I think the Education vote should not be Treasurer, confronted with a situation where, the plaything of party politics. The Minister with a big railway deficit facing him, has is a hard and sincere worker. As I said in to increase rail fares and freights. That is the House the other day, if we address a only being realistic about his obligations. question to the hon. gentleman seeking infor­ I do not mind if he says manfully, "Those mation, invariably he is courteous enough are the things we have to face up to." to realise that and he couches his reply in Always when an election is pending we dignifiecl language. I pay him that compli­ have promises that these problems will be ment. He is working very hard in his depart­ cured. Unfortunately, with a Press that is ment. He has done a great deal of good, and very helpful to them, they get a tremendous we do not seriously criticise what he has measure of support. done. However, I want to disabuse the public mind of the fact that this Government For instance, I am going to say something have done spectacular things and that previous about education. When the Budget was intro­ Labour Administration neglected education. duced no mention was made, of course, of there being £500,000 less for irrigation, but Let us see what is happening now. The there were big headlines in "The Courier­ figure for education in the Estimates for this Mail" and "Telegraph" about the expenditure year is £17,500,000. No doubt the TrPasurer of £4,500,000 on school works and education. will contrast that with the £11,000,000 pro­ I guarantee that if a Labour Government vided for education by a previous Labour had been in office there would have been Government, as the Minister for Education headlines about the £500,000 less for irriga­ has done on previous occasions. But every tion and never a word about the £4,500,000 Government in the Commonwealth has been additional for education. The Press have confronted with the problems of increasing cushioned considerably the pressure of school populations and the need to vote criticism against this Government, because increased facilities. Although the population Supply [11 OCTOBER) Supply 551

of New South Wales is not three times as a day-one in the morning and one in the great as the population of Queensland, the afternoon because of the inadequate class­ Parliament of New South Wales voted room accommodation in the schools. The £50,000,000 for education in their current problem is not peculiar to any one country. Estimates. Victoria, which has not three The Labour Party has nothing to be ashamed times the population of Queensland, also of in the field of education. voted over £50,000,000 for education this year. In the course of this debate we have the opportunity to make a very broad canvas. Mr. Pizzey: They count their loan money in The Treasurer very properly has drawn theirs. attention to some of the financial problems Mr. DUGGAN: It does not matter. They confronting Australia. In my opinion No. 1 are spending over £50,000,000. problem is inflation. Our cost structure has become so difficult that future years will be Mr. Pizzey: We are spending £25,000,000. even more difficult for Australia unless greater courage and business acumen is Mr. DUGGAN: It is all very well for the Treasurer or the Minister for Education to exercised at top level in the creation of say that, speaking in money terms, the a better and sounder policy. Whilst it is expenditure here is very much greater; but, only right that we should attack the Govern­ irrespective of what Government were in ment-and we will do so when we think it power, any Government worth their salt is justified-at the same time I give the would have been required to make provision assurance that we will be happy to help for approximately £17,000,000 for education the Treasurer, whoever he may be. Our this year. co-operation will be forthcoming in any plan that can achieve desirable results. If we are I am glad that the Government are pro­ to have a spirit of co-operation one of the viding £17,000,000 for education but they first prerequisites is the understanding that are no more entitled to make political capital we are all anxious to improve the economy out of it than we would be to attack the of the country and the economic wellbeing Department of Education merely to gain of its citizens. We may proceed along political capital. The welfare of the children different paths but we should both have the and the beneficial results that accrue to the same goal. Our party worries more about community from having suitable syllabi and those who are most in need of help than curricula to provide adequate training both those at the top who are best able to stand academically and technically are what some of the results of private competition. count. That is where the great difference lies: the Mr. Hiley: If you are in any doubt about method of utilisation of the resources avail­ it let me assure you that both the Minister able to the Government. We think those for Education and I consider that we have on the lower wage scale are entitled to a done better, but we still do not think it is higher percentage of the national income­ good enough. We must do better still. the primary producer and the small wage­ earner-rather than those behind the Liberal Mr. DUGGAN: I have said that. I do administration of the State. But how can not think we can spend too much on educa­ we have the desirable atmosphere of goodwill tion. I am trying to dissociate myself from and co-operation when one of the main any party political propaganda. I am leading reasons why the Treasurer is having financial up to a subject that has some relevancy to difficulty in meeting the cost of the increased what I am saying now. margins application? How can there be contentment when a High Court In 1954-1955 the Labour Government's Judge gets an increase in salary of vote for education was £8,700,000. In our last £2,000 a year and an increase from £4,000 year of office the figure was £11,300,000, to £5,000 in retiring pension, yet the wage­ representing an increase over the three-year earner cannot get a miserable increase of period of 29.8 per cent. Since the present 16s. or 25s. a week from the authorities? Government have assumed office admittedly Admittedly Sir Owen Dixon is probably in money terms the figures have gone up one of the greatest jurists we have from £12,300,000 in 1957-1958 to £15,100,000 ever had. No doubt he could earn in 1959-1960, but this represents only an much more in private practice, but increase of 22.7 per cent. On a percentage that is not the point. The point is basis we had better figures in our last three that no measure of co-operation from outside years of office. So why all this cheap clap­ can be expected if judges and public servants trap about what this Government are doing are given these tremendous increases while for education? The problem is common to people on the lower-wage scale, who have every Government. I have the figures for to face up to the exigencies of the era in every State. The pattern is familiar every­ which we live, are refused these paltry where; it is not confined to Australia. Many increases. countries have the same problem of pro­ viding sufficient funds for educational That brings me to the next point, which is expansion. I read in the "Time" magazine the method currently used to win elections. that in some parts of America they are Elections should be fought on the overall obliged to have two periods of instruction advantages or defects of the Government's 552 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply policy, and I feel that, generally speaking, a personal freedom and liberty than bear the Government should command a majority of chains of regimentation, discipline and terror the votes of the electors. This Government which characterise authoritarian regimes, do not command that vote. Even making whether they be of the Left or the Right. allowance for the juggling that went on, about which I have spoken on previous Mr. Hilton: Do you abhor the state of occasions, the Opposition vote at the last affairs in Red China? election, in terms of percentages, increased Mr. DUGGAN: Yes. I object very much to a greater extent than did that of the to the emotional atmosphere in Australia Government. Yet the number of seats held which prevents us from getting a clear and by the Government in this Chamber is dis­ impartial picture of these things. If we can proportionate to the vote received. get a clear, objective picture of these things, In this State, and in the Federal sphere, we can condition our thinking to the most elections are fought and won not on Govern­ appropriate steps to be taken, but that is ment policy but on the parties' ability to difficult when we have people talking of arouse the people emotionally and introduce threats to the nation. Now that the Leader into the campaign matters foreign to the of the Queensland Labour Party has raised freedom of a democracy. I refer to Com­ the matter, I shall deal with one aspect, not munism, and I feel it is my duty as Leader for reasons of bitterness but merely for the of the Opposition to make some observations purpose of showing how these statements can on this subject. militate against a proper examination of a We are living in an age in which the march position. If we were presented with a factual of Communism has reached alarming pro­ and impartial picture we could analyse the portions. It has permeated to a greater results, but I challenge anyone to analyse or lesser degree into every country in the the position, having regard to the flood of world. It has made spectacular gains in literature with which we are presented, some countries. Red China in particular whether it comes from the Communists or poses a special problem to the democratic anti-Communists. It is very difficult to know countries. If we are going to resist this how much is truth and how much is lies or challenge we must uphold parliamentary falsehoods. It is very difficult for the institutions. I said recently at a trade-union ordinary person to make up his mind congress that I did not think democracy was objectively. the most efficient form of government. I I think a very great disservice has been make no apology for that. The main weak­ done by constant smearing tactics. I have ness of democracy is perhaps the slowness here an American publication. I do not think with which it works but, as I said years ago, anyone could say that American views are and I say it again today, despite the not more anti-Communist than those held in imperfections of democracy it is by far the any other large power in the world. Indeed, safest form of government and I want to a large section of the population is almost retain it. hysterically anti-Communist. These people When I say it is not the most efficient felt constrained recently to put out through form of government I mean that on financial their public relations authority a reaffirmation or international questions it cannot move as of some of the great democratic statements decisively or as effectively as authoritarian of people such as Herbert Hoover, and governments can. If we are going to prepare Truman and even the statements of such for a heavy defence programme, we have to authorities as Cicero, Magna Carta and Pitt, condition the people to the acceptance of and other great leaders of the past who spoke higher taxation by a campaign demonstrating of the need to preserve liberty. Famous the dangers of the times in which we live, American journalist, Drew Middleton dealt whereas the authoritarian regimes, once tne with McCarthyism and traced it back to the facts have been analysed, can move with period of the Tudors and the Stuarts. But lightning-like speed. The democracies can­ now we have the Deputy Premier of this not do that but I believe, with all the State smearing others. I do not mind if he sincerity at my command, that the democratic attacks the Comms., or if he hates the form of Government is by far the safest Comms., but I think it is wrong that there and hon. members on this side are as anxious should be a hysterical approach to these as any other section of the community to matters, which inflames public opinion against preserve it in its freest possible form. decent, law-abiding people in the community I deplore the present vogue of smearing who are not Communists. I regret that in reputable members of the community. the highly charged emotional atmosphere that I acknowledge the Communist effort in develops on these things the State seeks to material things. They have achieved great abrogate to itself powers that are the very antithesis of democracy. We find such an things. In this space age they probably lead the world in scientific development. example in the Crimes Act. Unquestionably, in Red China they have done Outside this Parliament and the State there much for the material wellbeing of the are men with no fixed political views, but people, but they have done it at the cost of who are democratic in their thinking. They personal liberty. I firmly believe that it is are very much concerned about some aspects better that people enjoy a full measure of of the proposed amendment of the Crimes Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 553

Act. I cannot speak for my colleagues in A Government Member: Was this during the Commonwealth Parliament, but for my­ the last election? self and my colleagues of the Opposition I can say that if we formed the Commonwealth Mr. DUGGAN: Yes, in the last election. Government and we could see that there was need to clothe the Commonwealth with This document is dated 5 May, 1960, and it power to deal with persons guilty of sub­ emanated from the Strand Building, versive activities we would see that the Com­ 130 Queen Street. It was distributed by monwealth -Government was so cloaked with the Queensland Labour Party, and it con­ power. But we must be careful that in this tains the instructions to their branches. It process of dealing with such persons we do says- not enmesh ordinary citizens through the "The Australian Labour Party policy operations of an Act provision that transfers is to ignore the Queensland Labour Party the onus of proof from the Crown to the and to ignore the issues which led to individual. The onus of proof is on the the formation of the Queensland Labour Crown. That is a cardinal principle of Party. British justice and something on which a "Our answer must be to make them democratic structure must rest. Yet we find only too well aware of our existence. This in a section of the Crimes Act that that attack must be pressed home on all fronts principle is changed, and the onus of proof and wherever possible. The A.L.P. by is placed on the individual. ignoring these issues hopes to have them glossed over. William Pitt in 1760 had this to say on the subject- "The only way to have these charges answered and their evil effects remedied 'The poorest man may in his cottage bid is to attack by letters in all the Country defiance to all the force of the Crown. It Press. either saying what A.L.P. policy is may be frail; its roof may shake, the wind on these matters, or asking them to state may blow through it, the storms may enter what it is. The A.L.P. Leader, Mr. the rain may enter,-but the King of Duggan, must be forced, either by England cannot enter; all his forces dare heckling or through other means to deal not cross the threshold." with these questions in ALL his Those sentiments were expressed a long time meetings." ago. The word "all" is in capital letters. At the Mr. Ramsden: That was a long time before end we find the words "But not by our can­ Soviet Russia. didates," which have been deleted. They realised that some of their candidates were Mr. DUGGAN: Problems existed even in doing it, and it was crossed off their circu­ those days. The Wars of the Roses went on larised instructions. I exempt the hon. for many years, and they had other divisions member for Carnarvon from it. It is in the community. unworthy of the dispassionate attitude and democratic principles that should be adopted A great disservice has been done by to give the Leader of the Opposition the smearing. I have already said that in referr­ opportunity to make his election speech and ing to the statement of the hon. member for state his case. It was organised heckling. Carnarvon I was doing so not in a spirit of bitterness. I pay him a compliment in that A Government Member interjected. I do not think he was a party to it, and, if he was confronted with a similar situation he Mr. DUGGAN: If the hon. member would not release a document of this kind. wants to know how regimented these things were, when their own meeting, that is, I do not want to go back to the split in the the Q.L.P. meeting, took place they had Labour Party. I think we should let the past white cards. If a person did not bury its dead. But in the last election cam­ have a white card he could not get halfway paign, on the occasion of my policy speech­ down the hall. There was no possibility of and it is the democratic right of the Leader getting near the microphone to make objec­ of a party to make his policy speech-! was tions known. confronted with a very concerted, organised measure of disruption, and some of those Whether it is the Queensland Labour people were the representatives of known Party, the Australian Labour Party, or any candidates of that particular party. other party, in this country with 10,000,000 people, compared with 600,000,000 people I have never made any general reflection under the Communist regime in China, and on the police. I did not give their names, with another 90,000,000 in Indonesia, and nor have names ever been mentioned by my 450,000,000 in India and so on, we must colleagues from the public platform, but it face these problems realistically and get the was obvious who two of these men were. people together and not divide them by One was the political opponent of the smearing people as Communists when they Treasurer. They were very vociferous, and are not Communists. To do such things to instead of being asked to leave they were men in the A.L.P. and other places is to do brought into the front seats nearer the micro­ a very great disservice. It is easy enough phone. to make political capital of these things. 554 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Last year the former hon. member for Enfield Cables, South Brisbane asked the Premier to use Forestal Land Timber and Railways, his influence to prevent any trade with Red Johnson and Phillips, China. The Premier said that when the Lancashire Dynamo and Crypto and hon. member for South Brisbane was Premier associated companies, he did not make any protest about £2,000,000 Lobnitz and Co., worth of goods being sent from Queensland to Red China; that was his reply. Thomas Robinson and Sons, Rose Brothers, Included in a number of statements that J. Sagar and Co., I have here is a very strong plea by Mr. J. Stone and Co. (Holdings), McEwen, the Acting Prime Minister, for Mullard Overseas, the development of trade with Red China. Ruston and Hornsby, No-one could accuse him of being a fellow­ traveller. Again, the statement has been U.D. Engineering Company. made by Mr. Doug. Forbes, a well-known They said they were able to develop trade financier and company director in this State worth about £402,000,000. -I do not agree with his politics, but I have a very high regard for his personal Mr. Tooth: What is all this relevant to? integrity and his contributions to commerce Mr. DUGGAN: My point is that it is -when addressing the Millaquin Sugar Com­ all right for hon. members opposite, with pany meeting the other day that we should their Sir Anthony Edens, their Rod Colqu­ consider the development of our trade with houns, and their Doug. Forbeses or their Red China. Then we have the Common­ Mr. McEwens, to meet these people and do weal!h Government promoting a visit by the these things, but if any Labour man is trade ship "Delos." It spent two days in even seen looking at a newspaper in the Shanghai. Mr. Ivan Morris, of Morris Library, or if he walks within 15 yards of a Woollen Mills, who, I understand, is a very Communist official in the Trades Hall, he is keen Liberal supporter, was there, and Mr. accused of being engaged in some subversive Rod Colquhoun, the Queensland manager activity. of Broken Hill Pty. Co. Ltd., who is not known for his communistic activities. There Government Members interjected. were many others, and they spent at least 10 days touring the South Pacific. Mr. DUGGAN: There has been no greater If you want to go further than that, I offender in this Chamber than the Deputy have here a photostat about Sir Anthony Premier. Eden-who was not known to be a Commu­ Mr. Richter: Don't you think it is because nist, of course-inviting Khrushchev and of the company you keep? Bulganin to Britain. The photostat is taken from Keesing's Contemporary Archives, 28 Mr. DUGGAN: What's that? I have April, to 5 May, 1956, and it deals with all never had lunch with Bulganin or Khrushchev, the pomp and ceremony tendered them. and that is more than some hon. members They lunched with the Queen, and they opposite, or their counterparts, could say. were taken to Calder Hall to look at the As a matter of fact, when some Russians atomic power station. visited Queensland and a conference was held, the Deputy Premier and some of his On the other hand we read in the "Aus­ ministerial colleagues gobbled down the tralian Worker" where the British Labour Vodka at Lennon's Broadbeach Hotel. They Party spokesman on defence and interna­ thought it was wonderful. You could not tional affairs, George Brown, met Khrushchev get near them, as a matter of fact. I will and Bulganin and engaged in very bitter and not name one particular gentleman because very heated debate. It broke up in confusion. he cannot defend himself. I know one very When Khrushchev and Bulganin left England important person in Queensland who asked they were reported as saying that if they the British High Commissioner, "I wonder were to stay in Great Britain they would what sort of a fellow he is. I'd like to embrace the Conservative Party because they meet him." I am sure I would offend some­ felt they would get along much better with one in the gallery if I were to tell hon. the Conservatives than with the Labour members what Lord Carrington said about Party. him. You would need a scythe or an axe Again in Keesing's Contemporary Archives to cut out the Liberals who wanted to go we find where the British Board of Trade along and meet that man. I deplore this asked Britain's leading businessmen to visit tendency to charge the atmosphere with Russia. And who went? The companies emotion. represented included- Mr. Knox interjected. Austin Motor Export Corporation, Levland Motors, Mr. DUGGAN: The hon. member is one William Asquith, of those smart young Liberal orators who Blaw Knox, want to challenge everyone on everything. The Brush Group, I will take him on any time, anywhere, to Crompton Parkinson, debate any of these subjects. Davy and United Engineering, Mr. Kno:x:: Give us the answer. Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 555

Mr. DUGGAN: These so-called bright Government should do. When I was Minis­ young orators get themselves. into troubl~, ter for Transport, there was no more vocifer­ and he is one who will get mto trouble 1f ous critic of the Railway Department than he thinks he can talk his way out of these the present Minister for Transport. On matters when decent people outside are every possible occasion attack upon attack becoming concerned about this constant cry was mounted against the Labour administra­ of "Wolf!". When the real danger comes, tion and myself because of what was hap­ the Government will not get united and con­ pening in the Railway Department. The pre­ certed action by the Australian people because sent Treasurer made some interesting speeches they are sick to death of t_h~ way these on the Estimates dealing with transport, and things are used for party-poht1cal manoeu­ in 1956 he had this to say at page 214 of vring from time to time. "Hansard"- "The most significant feature of the Menzies was returned to power in 1949 on Budget is the attempt to obtain £5,800,000 his promise to put value back in the pound, in new revenue from the Railway but today, eight or nine years later, the Department . . . pound is worth only 6s. or 7s. At eve;-y election he brings forward the Commumst "I suggest that most of the increases in bogy. He is preparing the groun<;~ with the railway charges will come as a further whip to the cost structure of this community. Crimes Bill at present. Becau~e S1r G~rfield Barwick and he are away, the mtroduct10n of That illustrates the point I want to make the Bill will be deferred till the that any tax which is bound up with production costs, which becomes reflected in New Year, and then he will be the price structure of the community, creating another atmosphere to ~ght operates as a whip to secondary inflation, the 1961 election on Commumsm. cost inflation, and is something a wise This great saviour goes over there and med­ Government should seek to avoid . . . dles in international matters. He says he is going to make a name for himself, and he "My second comment is that we cannot makes a great outburst and secures ?nly possibly collect £5,800,000 extra in rail­ five votes out of 50 in the United Nat10ns way revenue. General Assembly. He has alienated the "My third comment is that there is no support of people who a~e friendly to answer to wage increases." Australia, and I refer spec1fically to Mr. Despite the statement by a man who is Nehru, the leader of 450,000,000 people. admittedly well experienced in the compi­ When the Prime Minister went through the lation and collection of figures that we door of the United Nations building, he rub­ could not collect £5,800,000 extra, the bed shoulders with the Premier of Ghana report of the Commissioner for Railways for and said, "It is good to see you again." They the year ended June, 1957, showed that there are old friends-this dates back to 1957- was an increase of £5,306,098 over the but the Premier of Ghana did not vote for earnings in 1955-1956. I looked back Mr. Menzies' resolution. Every commentator through "Hansard," and when I embarked, whose reports I have read in the last fort­ with the complete approval of my former night, and particularly in the last four or ministerial colleagues, on this modernisation five days, admits that one of th~ greatest programme, the present Treasurer did not blunders and tragedies has been this meddle­ criticise what was being done. He deplored some Matty's going overseas and worsening the fact that more was not being done in relations with people who are potentially the modernisation of the railways. When I friendly. He failed on Suez, he failed in the left the Railway Department, I think we had United Nations, and he is wrecking the approximately 50 diesel locomotives, but Australian economy. Instead of putting the full economic impact of their use was not value back in the pound, he is creating this reflected until the early stages of the Liberals' emotional atmosphere for an election. administration. I think this Government I should be very happy to have more to have ordered only 10 new diesel locomotives, say on this subject, but I realise that the so the modernisation has not proceeded. Treasurer will probably say, as he did on a Speaking in the 1956 Railway Estimates prev10us occasion, "The leader of the A.L.P. debate, the Treasurer said- protesteth too much." If one does not make "I am wholeheartedly in agreement with statements of this kind, one is branded a the department's policy of complete dieseli­ fellow traveller or criticised for not attack­ sation of the State's railway services." ing the Communists. I have attacked the On getting tracks laid more quickly, he Communist philosophy, and I say it is repug­ said- nant to the Australian people. If one does "There is an English Morris track-layer, not protest, one is said to believe in these and maybe the Oliver would be suitable things: if one protests, as I am protesting for the purpose." now. hon. members opposite say, "You pro­ "I should like the Minister to tell us test too much." why in Queensland no use is made of So that I will not be charged with neglect­ L.C.L. containers." ing entirely some of these financial implica­ "It is my conviction that Roma Street tions. I shall deal now with what I believe the is not large enough. Mobile 556 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

cranes, fork lifts, and conveyor loaders with the increase of population and develop­ are needed. . . . To get proper hand­ ment of the State, but the increase in the ling the department may have to consider Railway Department permanent staff is only completely new yards elsewhere." one. "I should like the Minister to consider There was some disagreement in Cabinet the development in marshalling yards in whether increased railway charges should America of the hump system." precede the appointment of a business "The Minister might also consider some administrator. Quite recently newspaper head­ of the recent developments in France lines referred to the chaos at Roma Street pneumatic tyre bogies in the handling of goods. I realise there the pot type of concrete sleeper." are many physical and financial difficulties. I pay the Treasurer the compliment that he And so on. His speech was filled with all is generally fair in his examination. My these suggestions for spending millions and attack is not directed at him personally but millions of pounds, yet when they had the at his colleagues who never lost an oppor­ opportunity what did they do? There have tunity to flay me when I was Minister for been reduced votes for modernisation. I am Transport. The increase in losses is greater sure that the Minister for Transport has in Queensland than in New South Wales, been glad to have his financial adviser at where the Labour Government this year Cabinet meetings to extricate him from his expect to be in a much better position. difficult position. But despite all that has Despite the impact of margins the New been said about what the Government would South Wales Government showed a surplus do in the last financial year there was the last year and are budgeting for a surplus greatest increase in railway losses in memory, this year. Victoria also is budgeting for notwithstanding statements to the contrary. a surplus. Yet in this Liberal State of The difference between revenue and work­ Queensland we are faced with a deficit! ing expenses reached the staggering figure of £2,632,543. This is at a time when the The Treasurer invited consideration of Treasurer said, according to his previous ways and means so that we could make Financial Statement, that we were living in some contribution. I have deliberately a period of unprecedented prosperity. He chosen a fairly broad pattern this morning, referred to improved mineral and agricul­ rather than make a detailed criticism of tural production, and painted a very glowing particular aspects of Government policy. That picture of the great economic development will be done by members of the Australian taking place in Queensland. When I was Labour Party as the debate proceeds. I Minister for Transport and closed one branch am very much concerned-and I am certain line there was a howl of protest from the the Treasurer is, too-at the developments then Opposition about this very unfortunate in relation to the promotion of trade. In and sad action taken by a Labour adminis­ his speech in June to the Sydney Country tration to cut off rail access to Brisbane for Party conference, the Minister for Trade, the rural community. Now this Govern­ Mr. McEwen, said- ment have closed five branch lines, five "The Export Development Council-a more may be closed, and 50 other lines are very authoritative body-has advised the being examined. What did the Press have Government that Australia's annual export to say about it? Only small obscure articles earnings, which are now running at about about concern expressed at meetings of the £900,000,000, must be expanded by an Q.D.O. Had the Labour Government done additional £250,000,000 over the next five it, imagine what headlines there would have years." been! When we closed one branch line the But, in its statistics of international trade Press gave it great headlines. In their 19 57 the International Monetary Fund shows that policy speech the Government said that they between 1953 and 1959, when on its would run the railways like any other busi­ reckoning world exports rose in value from ness, yet the Treasurer has said in his Finan­ 7 5 billion dollars to 102 billion dollars, or cial Statement that the Government will have by 36 per cent., Australia's exports remained to consider very, very seriously further virtually stationary. According to Mr. increasing the charges for unremunerative McEwen we did not even keep pace with the services. He also says that probably on expansion in the value of world trade in a the balance of things it would be better if period when world trade as a whole showed the railways did not carry any passengers a vigorous expansion. These figures give at all. Imagine what would happen in the the percentage increases in exports between metropolitan area! I think one of my col­ 1953 and 1959- leagues intends to speak about the electrifi­ Per cent. cation proposal, so I shall not deal with that World total 36 because it is a subject in itself. There is 11 a great deal of uneasiness in the Railway U.S.A. Department. The tables in the Treasurer's United Kingdom 30 Statement show increases in the numerical Japan 170 strength of most departments-! think there Canada 24 is a reduction in the Department of Health West Germany 120 and Home Affairs-which reflect the pro­ France 47 gressive development that one would expect Australia 1 Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 557

With a threat of inflation the Menzies in agreement with that. I do not think Government suggest that we should increase Australia can shelter behind inefficient our export earnings over the next five years methods in secondary industry any more by £250,000,000, when, for the period to than it can in primary industry. We have which I have referred there has been an heard various statements about stabilised increase of 1 per cent. prices and inefficient farming methods, and This Government, largely reliant as it is we read recently of the vast food stocks on rural production and mineral wealth for being held by the United States, brought developing this State, will have to make about by its policy of stabilising prices, but some contribution. A stock-taking will be only a country such as that is able to sus­ necessary to show how these needs may be tain such a programme. We do not find met. that the Government say to motor-car manufacturers, "We will guarantee the sale The present Federal Government have of so many Hoidens, Falcons or Hillman failed to arrest inflation, but having satis­ motor vehicles." Those manufacturers have fied the tall poppies they now embark upon to find a market. But in some of our rural a deliberate policy of trying to freeze wages industries we find a tendency, whether it is at lower levels and in order to do that they economic or not, to the view that we have want a pool of unemployment. They have to sustain a certain volume of production. relaxed import licensing regulations, thereby releasing a flood of goods on to the We find a decline in the volume of eggs Australian market that are in no way essen­ available to the English market, and in the tial to our economy. Only yesterday the volume of meat marketed in Great Britain. Press told us of American glassware that All these matters show disquieting signs of was coming in; American cigarettes are com­ a shrinkage that could endanger the economy ing in tremendous quantities; timber is of the country. In wool production we are being imported in very large quantities. All not making the same relative increase as sorts of goods are flooding the Australian other wool-producing countries, and accord­ market, with the result that over the last ing to the "Financial Review" there has three months we have had an adverse trade been a tremendous increase in the estimated balance of £83,000,000. I am certain the world production for 1959-1960. The esti­ Treasurer does not view the position with mate is 5,593 million pounds of greasy wool, any degree of equanimity. an increase of 4.6 per cent. over 1958-1959. Russia showed the largest increase with 9.3 Mr. Hiley: I have not the faintest doubt per cent., the United States being next with that the mid-summer night madness will 7.8 per cent., and Australia showing an soon draw to a close. increase of 6.2 per cent. World production Mr. DUGGAN: I am glad to hear that; is expected to increase further this year, but we are thinking on parallel lines. Whatever Australia expects to be down 5 per cent. on else might be said this is a predominantly last year. In addition, as the Treasurer primary-producing State. I hope secondary knows, values are down. industries will become more important in We have also the threat of synthetic fibres, the future, but I have very little hope that and the adverse trade balance, from their the trade gap will be closed by the present viewpoint, of Japan with Australia. That Federal authorities. country has taken steps to conserve its The Treasurer will no doubt have more funds for expenditure in Australia and, with accurate figures on the Mt. Isa scheme than very great technological advances in that I have. I had a report on it some yeras country, it is quite possible that the develop­ ago but I do not remember the details now. ment of synthetic fibres will be accelerated. I think the increase in production meant an The wool people say they have no fears about increased export earning of £30,000,000 a synthetic fibres. We know the advantages year. Queensland has obtained a loan for of wool, which is a natural fibre, but I do the scheme from the Commonwealth at 5t not share the complacency of those people per cent. interest repayable over 30 years, who do not fear the tremendous increase in but the other States got 80 per cent. of their production of synthetic materials. They money for nothing, with repayment periods make inroads into the price of wool, on which ranging from 45 to 50 years. Australia's economy is so dependent. I think we must see that a greater measure of Labour members and others from timber national revenue is directed towards improved areas will be interested in that industry. The railheads, assistance in the form of roads and increased imports are alarming. For the improved watering facilities, and intensifica­ seven months ended 31 July last imports of tion of research by the C.S.I.R.O., the Wool undressed timber, including logs for milling Bureau and other bodies. here, were valued at £12,345,000-almost a 100 per cent. increase in the last seven months The Treasurer referred to meat production. on the value of £6.8,000,000 for the cor­ Apparently the volume of meat for the ham­ responding period in 1959. Those statistics burger trade is less than it was previously. show a 100-per cent. increase in timber I think the departmental statistics for the imports. All along the line we have this dairying industry reveal a drop in cattle num­ problem of trying to curtail wage costs, to bers. The hamburger trade fortunately pro­ which the Treasurer referred, and of trying vided a good avenue for disposing of old allegedly to make industry efficient. I am bulls and culled cows, but the present cattle 558 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

numbers are considerably less than they were admitted to the European market seem to previously. With the build-up of herds in have been reduced because of the preferen­ America, we cannot expect the same volume tial treatment given to members of the com­ of exports of hamburger meat. I do not mon market. I urge the Treasurer to face want to be regarded as a J onah. The views up to this challenge, and I feel sure he will. I have expressed are contained in the depart­ I urge him to accept the advice of the ment's publications. Federal Minister for Trade to increase our Mr. Hiley: Even if the demand persisted production to a rate comparable with the at the same level we have not got the same growth countries. Unless we can increase reserves in culled cattle and dehydrated production it does not matter how much we meat to suit the hamburger trade. are spending on schools or hospitals, because ultimately we will not be able to retain or Mr. DUGGAN: That is so, and with the sustain the amenities we have. The Labour drought we are now faced with the problem Party is as conscious as anybody of the of replenishing our herds in the years that need to come to grips with this problem. lie ahead. In times of inflation the wage-earners and I personally think the financial and econo­ those on fixed incomes who have some sav­ mic problems transcend in importance these ings are the people who feel the effects other emotional matters, and I should like to most. A keen businessman very often knows hear the Treasurer's views. If time permit­ the proper time to vacate an investment and ted, I should like to see compiled a clear get into something else. I crave the indul­ and impartial assessment of the problems, gence of the Committee to allow me to so that we could then tackle them in the repeat what I said previously. When Sir interests of Australia. I am concerned at Arthur Fadden resigned he became a director the fact that far too much party-political of Hookers, and he was responsible for an capital is made out of these things, and that advertisement that appeared in "The Courier­ we are losing the race to stabilise costs and Mail" which said, "Invest your money with maintain our economic standards, of which Hookers and let inflation look after your we are very proud. There must be a con­ investment." He instanced a building that certed effort and we must apply pressure at had been bought by Hookers, and gave the Government level to preserve them. purchase price, and he said that the same Because of the drought the future for building changed hands in 1958 for about grain in the State presents a problem of three or four times the figure he quoted, and some magnitude. It was originally es,ti­ he suggested that was another reason why mated that this year's grain crop would be people should invest with Hookers. I do in the vicinity of 16,000,000 or 17,000,000 not pick out Hookers just because it was bushels. Now, the most optimistic forecast Hookers; many other firms are in exactly made by Mr. Garsden, the manager of the the same position. When Sir Arthur Fadden State Wheat Board, is that we will be very was a member of the Government he wa10 lucky to get 6,000,000 bushels, and with the fighting against these inflationary trends, but continued deterioration in the weather it when he entered private enterprise he was may well go below that figure. the first to point to inflation as a means to influence the flow of capital. The barley crop this year will be down. The bulk of the crop is exported to Japan. Whatever justification the Treasurer may They are not so dependent on barley now think there is for it, I ask him to think because of the drought conditions, and the over his three deficits in a row. I ask him intensification of rice production in Japan, as an intelligent man, who is conscious of so we have the prospect of a decline in the these problems, and who applies his mind availability of markets for our grain. We to them, "To what extent can we have some have to be realistic in our approach to this measure of stability in the country, with these problem. The economic picture for exports inflationary trends, and how may we preserve in this State is not as bright as it should be. our entry into the world markets, instead of permitting ourselves in national matters That brings me to a point I made the of trade and foreign affairs to be dominated other day as to whether we are to be the by eloquent statesmen who make pretty plaything of international politics because of speeches and win the argument but lose the the common market proposals. The Aus­ decision?" That seems to me to be what is tralian case has not been presented strongly happening at the present time. Apart from enough. Great Britain will do what she the problems of local development that we thinks best in her own interests-and I do have on our minds, we have long-term not blame her-and the other countries will problems affecting the growth of the country. do the same. If there is any advantage to be gained by these six or seven nations, On the financial side, as the Treasurer they will take it. It seems to me that Great knows, the Deputy Premier is one who has Britain has missed the bus a little, and I talked most about the need for the influx of urge that the Australian case be more foreign capital. There are differences of decidedly ventilated than it has been. There opinion as to whether that is as desirable as has been a tremendous acceleration of trade at first sight it appears to be. We have a between the common market countries, which tremendous inflow of investment, but the ser­ must ultimately keep out countries like vicing of that in the form of expatriation of Australia. Our prospects of having grain dividends is assuming great dimensions and Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 559 our net inflow is not as spectacular as a "The position is thus really more serious cursory examination of the picture would than Lombard suggested. lead us to believe. Indeed, it is far from "The plain fact seems to be that private encouraging. foreign capital is very expensive for Aus­ Our financial picture overseas is reflected tralia. in this extract from the "Australian Finan­ "Most particularly does this apply to cial Review" of 11 August, 1960- American capital." "Loan Failure in London. We have to take cognisance of these matters "Underwriters of the £14 million London because there is a constant urge, of course, cash and conversion issue of Australian to have these people come here. I think 6 per cent. stock 1977-1980 were left with that, generally, the recruitment of capital 52 per cent. when applications closed last is desirable, with certain controls. Of course, week." controls are anathema to foreign investors. I do not think it is reasonable that we should Despite that very high rate, it is obvious have firms like General Motors, with no that the investing public over there realised Australian shareholding at all, enabled to there was little prospect of success and they bring in something to the order of 3,000,000 held on, with the result that the stock can doliars of foreign capital, to plough profits now be purchased-or it could be purchased back over the years and build up funds when this extract was taken-at a return on employed amounting to £60,000,000 or redemption yield of about 6.4 per cent. £70,000,000-all the result of ploughing back In the same paper-the "Australian Finan­ profits in Australian money-and then to cial Review" of 11 August, 1960,-this start paying 100-per cent. dividends. The appears: effect of that, added to the effect of the operations of other foreign companies here, "When Lombard, the commentator for can be very, very serious to us if we have, the London 'Financial Times,' said last as the Federal Minister for Trade realises, week that 'it is by no means clear as yet a diminution in our earnings from primary that intensive foreign investment has been industry. of great net benefit' to Australia, he was voicing doubts which we in this country Mr. Hiley: On what you have to say about should consider much more seriously than inflation, have you pondered what would we have been doing. have been the inflation in Australia if, during a period of sustained migration, there had "He cites, in particular, the fact that the foreign exchange position has been saddled been no migration of capital? with heavy annual burdens of a continuing Mr. DUGGAN: I think you have to put kind exceeding the original foreign invest­ some price on development, and inflation is ment-and correctly cites the case of part of that price. I think one must face General Motors as an example." up to this fairly because it is a calculated That is the type of case that should be quoted risk. It is a risk we must take in a period more. They bring some foreign money into when development is required and a severe the country, plough the profits back over drought threatens. When a country has a the years and then start paying dividends population of only 10,000,000, it either has of 100 per cem. and the like, which have to to be very strong technologically or have be paid in foreign exchange. The extract very firm friends. I do not think Australia continues- is sufficiently strong technologically, and I "He makes a number of other relevant do not think we have strong friends. Great points, among them that 'Australia's eco­ Britain traditionally would want to assist nomic growth does not appear to have us. but she has her own problems at home. been materially faster since her popularity Turning to the United States, I do not think as a foreign investment outlet rose sharply she is worried about Australia other than in the mid-1950's,' and that 'outgoings on for investments. If war should come-and the servicing of foreign capital are now that is a possibility that we must face up running at double the rate they were in to--the United States would be interested in the early 1950's-the additional burden Australia. I think, from the point of view of representing about half the average annual a suitable base to mount a counter-offensive. inflow of foreign capital for the past three That is why I am very sorry that Mr. Menzies years.' has made a complete hash of developing our "In fact, if we compare the years 1951-52 friendships overseas. and 1952-53 with 1958-59 and 1959-60 we The only redeeming feature seems to be find that the net annual debit on account the metal market, and even there the influ­ of investment income in the balance of ence of America and her tariff barriers is payments has risen from £59 million a felt. The volume of investments in other year to £108 million. countries is another factor. Comalco's previ­ "Over the same period, the apparent net ous senior partner is interested in tremendous annual 'direct' inflow of private foreign bauxite deposits in Greece, and in the capital (excluding the balancing item) has widest possible international field there risen from about £60 million a year to seems to be a desire to accelerate the about £120 million a year. development of bauxite deposits in 560 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Ghana because of the fear of Russian pene­ Mr. Hiley: You want the various percent- tration there. All that is having some ages for various classes of work? effect on the development of our own deposits. Mr. Whitlam, the Deputy Leader Mr. DUGGAN: Yes. of the Opposition in the Federal House of Mr. Hiley: I think I supplied that. Representatives, referred to this matter of national development recently, and now Mr. DUGGAN: I have no recollection of that the Snowy Mountains scheme is receiving it, but if it has been made avail­ almost complete, if we had the advan­ able I ask the Treasurer to excuse me for tage of a planning authority we might be again asking for it. able to deal more effectively with this I have deliberately chosen a broad pattern problem. If we had a coal-field at Callide today. I hope the Treasurer will not accuse or Blair Athol and £35,000,000 to £40,000,000 me of going on a Cook's tour, but in a was expended, we could generate power and general way all the subjects I have mentioned make it economical to develop our bauxite are appropriate in this debate; they are deposits. Electricity could be reticulated to matters of real concern to all Queenslanders. farms, and so on, and there could be a link I hope that as detailed criticism comes from with the regional electricity boards. Poverty­ hon. members on this side the Treasurer stricken countries seem to be making good will be made well aware that not only do progress, while we, rich in resources, do we share the general anxiety about the finan­ not seem to be developing our resources cial future of the country but also we are quickly enough. very cognisant of the short-comings of the I appreciate the Treasurer's frankness in present Government in matters of detail dealing with these problems, but I believe, in their administration. without being unduly objective or adopting undue party bias, that there is a lack of Mr. HODGES (Gympie) (2.15 p.m.): desire on the part of the Federal Govern­ Before I touch on the Budget, I read with ment to help Queensland over its mounting interest this morning some of the points difficulties. The difficulties mentioned in the raised by Mr. Speaker in relation to the Budget are very real, but they are matters appointments and amenities of Parliament over which the Treasurer has a measure House. I endorse to the hilt everything Mr. of control. However, they are mere reper­ Speaker said about the lack of amenities, cussions of wider policies made elsewhere. space and accommodation in this building. It is deplorable that the seat of Government We must arouse in Queenslanders the of this State should lack in every way the feeling that we should all fight for Queens­ essential appointments necessary for uphold­ land. I would be the first to expose any ing the dignity and prestige of a House of irregularity in a Government department that Parliament. It is disgraceful that many was not in the best interests of the people. thousands of pounds worth of valuable The Government will find a very real desire records, books and manuscripts, many on our part to assist, both here and in other relating to the early history of Queensland, public places, in putting forward plans for the should be stored in the old horse stables in development of Queensland and in arousing the grounds of the House. public interest in them. As times goes on, the commitments to which the Treasurer has The Librarian and his staff have done a referred will become greater; as he said, the wonderful job trying to preserve these valu­ cost of the public debt services is a very able documents, but it is not becoming for real problem. Subsidies to local authorities the Parliament of Queensland that the over­ will probably have to be cut. The Treasurer flow from the Library should be stored in said that the Government were maintaining such primitive conditions that do not lend the interest rate for the present financial year themselves in any way towards the adequate but they would have difficulty in maintaining preservation of valuable records. the volume and nature of the subsidies to The office accommodation provided for local authorities in the succeeding year. As hon. members on both sides of the Chamber the Government have a mandate for a further is also deplorable. I think one could go two years it is obvious that the Treasurer further than Mr. Speaker did when he said will have to deal with this matter in his next there were one or two to each office. I Budget. I should like to know what he is think two is probably the smallest number in likely to do because the curtailment of funds any office; the number goes as high as eight to local authorities would have repercussions or ten. It is not possible for any hon. mem­ and reactions on trade and commerce gener­ ber to interview his constituents in private ally. It would reduce spending and create under such conditions. I think the time is local unemployment. long past for extensions to Parliament House I should like to ask the Treasurer whether to provide adequate and necessary accom­ he could embody details of present subsidies modation for members to carry out their in some ,Jrinted form. I think he agreed work in a manner befitting their position. to do that when I made a similar request The entrance vestibule from Alice Street, previously, but I have no recollection of although quite serviceable, is not in keeping having received a copy. If it is available with what one would expect of the front I should be very grateful to have it to check door of the Parliament House of Queens­ on the movement in recent times. land. This is the first House in Queensland Supply (11 OCTOBER] Supply 561 and it should be a showcase for the State, diverting capital to major construction pro­ not to provide any extravagant benefit for jects with earlier productive potential than members but because it is the House of the large-scale public projects on which the the Parliament of Queensland. I am quite greatest proportion of capital has been sure that no member of this Parliament is expended in the past. The contribution of seeking to live in pomp or splendour while those latter projects to production is neces­ certain sections of the community are sarily delayed, and the more inefficient the labouring for existence. However, I feel manner in which they are executed the that this House of Parliament should be longer will their contribution to production something of which visitors and the public be delayed. can be proud. In my opinion the latter type of develop­ There are many other features of the ment is more inflationary in nature than the Parliamentary buildings that need immediate former, because additional income is not attention. For example, I could speak at balanced by corresponding increases in pro­ length about the Lodge and other appoint­ duction of the goods and services on which ments. it is spent. No doubt the Treasurer and Mr. Mann: We could all tell a few stories Cabinet Ministers will castigate me for this about the Lodge. view and say to me, "Very well. Withdraw the amount spent in the construction of Mr. HODGES: The stories the hon. mem­ schools, hospitals and housing throughout the ber could tell would be beyond my compre­ State so that we can provide funds to carry hension. I could not hope to understand out developmental work for the purpose of them. I was referring to the amenities and providing additional income for the State." accommodation that should be provided in I agree that up to a point we could struggle the Lodge. This Government and previous along with fewer of the luxuries. However, Governments have passed laws covering the the State is in the same position as any accommodation -that must be provided by business or any organisation and has to find employers for employees, and I do not under­ the necessary income before it can expand stand why the State itself should be exempt into the necessary semi-luxuries that are from those laws. required for the stabilisation, promotion and I could speak of other aspects, but the advancement of the State. Speaker is "on the ball". He realises his ~· Coburn: ~here are you going to get responsibilities, and I am quite sure that by tramed personnel If you do not train them in his determined effort, with the assistance of the schools now? hon. members we will in the near future Mr. HODGES: I understand that. They be able to show the public and visitors a do not have to be discontinued completely. House of which we are justly proud. We will have to accept them in a minor Much money has been spent in recent degree so that we may add to the income months to make the building presentable, but of the State, and as time progresses we will never in my life have I seen anything so dis­ be able to provide them in even greater graceful as the laying of the carpet in this proportions. · It Chamber. cost a great deal of money, but It is all very well for me to raise subjects if hon. members look closely at it I think like this, but I sympathise with the Treasurer they will conclude that the firm responsible because he has to get results with a very for laying it should be brought to order, and restricted income. made to come back and lay the carpet in a manner in which a carpet should be laid in Mr. Cobum: He said he gave very serious any home in the State. It is a bad advertise­ consideration to them, with balanced ment for the firm, and it is certainly dis­ spending. graceful to think that a carpet of such value Mr. HODGES: I agree. There are ways should be laid in such a disgraceful manner. and means of getting increased revenue, and Mr. Thackeray: What is wrong with it? no doubt the Treasurer has looked into them. For instance, there is the legislation of S.P. Mr. HODGES: If the hon. member looks betting and the licensing of cafes and such closely at it he will see the faults. things. The Treasurer could adopt the method I have departed from the subject I meant of further taxation, either direct or indirect, to discuss. I have mixed feelings about the adopted by Treasurers not only in this State, Budget. I congratulate the Treasurer on but in other States and the Commonwealth. giving a straightforward and honest account However, the State does not want any further of the financial position of the State. All taxation, either direct or indirect, because aspects have been disclosed fully. They have taxation retards development. We must have not been disguised in any way. money to carry out the large developmental programme that is necessary for the State to I extend my sympathy to the Treasurer. fulfil the role that is expected by the Com­ He is fully aware of the many avenues for monwealth Government and the people of development that have to be delayed because the southern States. The Commonwealth of the limited finance available to him and Government should realise the part we are the Government. But even with restricted playing and give far greater monetary revenue we should try to evolve a policy of assistance and consideration than they have 562 Supply [ASSEMBLY} Supply

in the past. The development of Queensland With immigration and the natural increase is essential for the protection and survival in population, the area of land available for of Australia. I say "Australia" because each of us is being steadily reduced year by Queensland, as the most highly populated year. Each year there is a progressively northern State, is expected to be the bastion greater demand on the natural resources of against infiltration by our Eastern neighbours. soil and water, and the way we conserve them We all know how the Eastern nations are and develop them will decide the population fuming at the moment, and we do not know that Queensland will be able to carry in the when they will decide to infiltrate our shores, future. The conservation of Queensland's and our country. In addition to the very water supply for stock and for irrigation is a forceful approaches to the Commonwealth task of immediate priority. Today we are Government made by the Treasurer and in the throes of a prolonged dry spell and the Government, we should seek from vested primary production is already at a stand­ interests in the southern States a percentage still. This has happened in years gone by, of their invisible exports to help us develop and the cost to Queensland has been the State. It is only a matter of time before tremendous. Had the amount spent in each the invisible exports of southern vested drought year in the past been allocated for interests will far exceed our visible exports. water conservation and irrigation, a dry spell Those interests are achieving their wealth such as the one that we are experiencing now in the South only through the protection would not upset the economy of the State to they are gaining from Queensland. So it is such a great extent. up to them, in association with the Corn· monwealth Government, to divert some of To illustrate my point, hon. members may their earnings to the development of Queens­ recall that there was a dry spell in 1957. land. We in turn give them added protection In the Gympie district, which is a primary­ so they can still sit by in their smug com­ producing area, deliveries to the milk and placency and expand still further on the butter factories declined by 25 per cent.; but credits we earn from primary industry. supplies from irrigated farms showed no significant decline during that period. It Even though Australia is a very young must be obvious, therefore, to our adminis­ country lacking in secondary industries, I trators. both State and Commonwealth, that still think too much development in the irrigation and water conservation should South could react against Queensland, receive top priority in any budget. It seems especially when the southern States develop very strange to me that Governments will secondary industries sufficiently to use them not make available more money for that pur­ to subsidise their primary industries and thus pose, but are prepared to spend far greater soften the blow of taxation from the States. amounts to assist producers to save their stock When that point is reached, the southern during each dry spell. If the dry spell is States will make further demands for a very prolonged, after the producer has com­ departure from uniform taxation, which is mitted himself for several hundred pounds something Queensland could never afford. The for the purchase of fodder, he might even­ Commonwealth Government, and in particu­ tually lose his stock and have to walk off lar the Federal members of Parliament his farm because he cannot meet his commit­ representing Queensland electorates, should ments. The amount of money that govern­ come to the fore to help Queensland meet the ments are prepared to advance to producers threat. No doubt it will take us some time during dry spells should be appropriated to to reach the position that New South Wales, the Vote for conservation and irrigation so Victoria and South Australia have reached, that primary producers will be able to over­ but they have got there only at our expense. come difficulties such as this without facing Now is the time for Queensland to approach bankruptcy, as most of them do after each the Commonwealth Government for its due long dry spell. consideration. In the minds of the Commonwealth Water conservation and irrigation are Government the Brisbane line definitely absolutely essential if we are to level out the exists. They do not seem to be able to jump violent fluctuations caused by drought, or over the border of New South Wales. The even by normal dry spells. These fluctua­ Brisbane line has them blocked completely tions not only upset the economy of the State when they are considering an extension of but also seriously upset the efficiency of services and assistance. individual farm production. In view of ·the evidence that must be available to State No doubt everyone is fully aware that the authorities and the knowledge that dry spells land is the natural heritage of the people and droughts cost the State many millions of and that on its continued development and pounds, I must express my disappointment at increasing production much of Queensland's the small allocation to the irrigation Vote in progress depends. Increased productivity this budget. I know of nothing more from the soil is not just a matter of food and essential than water to sustain progress in clothing; it means expanded industries, jobs, primary or secondary industries. It is abso­ homes, motor cars, and all the modern lute rot, humbug and wishful thinking to appliances-in fact, all the requirements of imagine that decentralisation in the country the people. Ultimately it means the survival is possible when even semi-drought con­ of the State ar.d of the Commonwealth. ditions can cut off supplies essential to Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 563 primary or secondary producers. There is along these lines. The paucity of our efforts no need for me to stress the point, which is reflected in the fact that the Snowy I am sure is well known to every other hon. Mountains Authority had to call upon the member, that, with the exception of the air United States of America for much of the that he breathes, water is the most vital design of Tumut Ponds and some of the requirement for the existence of man. When other major works associated with the Snowy one considers the fact that it takes 1,100 Mountains project. If the Commonwealth tons of water to produce a ton of wheat, Government will not accept their responsi­ 65,000 gallons of water to produce a ton of bility, or have to be shown their responsibility, steel, and 10,000 gallons of water, or even as a State Government we should show the more, to produce a ton of paper, one can see way and thus ensure that future generations that, with our population and standard of will not come into the same category as past living increasing, the demand for water in and present generations, that is, if I might Australia assumes frightening proportions. use the term, "planet plunderers". Australians have every reason to be There should be a more comprehensive alarmed at the lack of water conservation programme of conservation in education in our not only in Queensland but throughout th~ schools. The department of Education should Commonwealth. If something is not done assume leadership in the implementing of immediately to enable Australia to become such a programme, to instruct our youth a future food bowl for the world as a on natural resources in their right classifica­ primary-producing nation we will b~ faced tion-which are the exhaustibles, such as with the position confronting many other oils and minerals, and which are the renew­ countries today, of trying to import food able factors, such as soil. The youth of this for the people but being unable to get it. country could be presented with a very con­ The State is not entirely to blame for the venient picture of the effect of all human present pos1t10n. It is a national matter of activities and institutions which have their great seriousness. But even though it is a bases in and are dependent upon, our Commonwealth or national matter the State natural ~esources above all else. If this should accept some responsibility. Both the education did nothing more than destroy the State and the Commonwealth Governments ideology of Australia's inexhaustibility it can do more than has been done in the would be worth while. past. If we face the position realistically Such a programme must be started as we must acknowledge that Australia is not early as possible; it must be started in the doing anything spectacular in any way at all; kindergartens of the State and taken through she is certainly not doing enough. to the level at which public opinion can be aroused to such an extent that the Govern­ The approach in the past has been far ment will be forced to accept the responsi­ too parochial. I suggest that the Federal bilitY that is theirs-that is, to see that this Government set up a Commonwealth Bureau generation passes on our natural resources in of Water Resources comprised of practical such condition that the economic welfare of men with practical ideas, practical thinkers the next generation is assured. It will only who could approach the problem on a com­ be through education that an informed public prehensive national basis without regard for opinion will be aroused. An opinion that State boundaries. Much of this national would be strong enough to halt the destruc­ developmental work such as water conserva­ tion is visible not only in Queen~land, but tion, and roads in certain instances, could throughout Australia. and should be financed from the Common­ wealth defence vote. Such major schemes The Treasurer said the other day that we would result in increased productivity and are receiving co-operation from the Com­ population, which in turn would bring about monwealth Government. No doube we are receiving a little co-operation from that increased industry. In my opinion this would Government, but what I and most other serve more effectively as a defence measure Queenslanders-particularly members on the against any threat to our security than the front benches of the Government side of spending of many millions of pounds on the Chamber-want to see is some more conventional methods of defence that tangible evidence of appreciation of our con­ become obsolete in a very short space of tribution to the economy of this country. time. As such contributions come from the credits Some of the vast defence vote should be earned by primary industries of the State, used to subsidise hydraulic research stations those industries should receive far greater and to train young engineers in the various recognition and assistance. What better way aspects of hydraulics and water engineering would there be of showing appreciation than generally. In view of the immensity of the by providing the necessary essentials to ensure defence vote I think that the Commonwealth continuity of production in our primary Government should allocate at least £100,000 industries? No member of this Chamber annually for post-graduate scholarships valued will forget the lean years of 1920 to 1940, at from £2,000 to £2,500 a year. In that during which our herds and flocks were way we could encourage young engineers to seriously depleted. Much of the western study for the higher degrees of hydraulics land suffered from wind erosion, and the and water engineering. Neither the State primary producers of the State struggled to nor the Commonwealth have done very much maintain an existence. 564 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. Baxter: And many people were the expenditure of money on productive unemployed. works, or on non-productive works such as public buildings. Mr. HODGES: It has been reliably esti­ mated that a return to such conditions-no Mr. Baxter: Don't tell me insurance is not doubt that could take place-at the present­ productive. Don't give me that. day level of prices would mean a reduction in primary income to Queensland exceeding Mr. HODGES: I mean non- productive £60,000,000. What has been done by the having regard to the revenue of the State. Commonwealth Government to assist this The Government must have the temerity, the State in the conservation of water for political ability and stamina to divert money primary production purposes? Queensland to work such as the conservation of our possesses more than half the surface water natural resources so as to raise funds for supplies of the Commonwealth, so it has public buildings, works and amenities for ample scope for the development of irriga­ the people of the State. tion and water conservation. We must Mr. Hanlon: You realise that an increased develop and become more conservation con­ Education Vote could mean a drain on the scious not only in this State but in the Irrigation Vote, and so on? Commonwealth as a whole. It is essential that we engage in development of that Mr. HODGES: As I qualified it, yes. nature. With world population increasing Mr. Hanlon: So you have done something almost alarmingly, we must recognise our we did not do. It is simply a transfer responsibility to supply some of the require­ from one section to another. ments of other countries. We must be in a position to meet the demand when it arises Mr. HODGES: I am saying that it should and so take advantage of the opportunities. be a national matter, not a State matter. It is too late to act only when the demand Mr. Hanlon: We agree with you. exists. More progressive nations will have taken steps to increase output and markets Mr. HODGES: The State has more than will be lost to the State and the Common­ enough to handle with its restricted wealth. While speaking of water conserva­ resources. As the Commonwealth Govern­ tion, let us consider the position in the ment will reap the profits that will accrue other States. At one stage Queensland was from the conservation of water, soil and very prominent in the production of wheat, forests, it should accept the responsibility wool, sugar and beef, but Victoria and even of providing the necessary capital to under­ arid South Australia are now making very take those projects. significant contributions. Victoria has out­ stripped Queensland by 50 per cent. in the Mr. BROMLEY (Norman) (2.57 p.m.): production of wool and 70 per cent. of our The previous speaker, the hon. member for beef, six times in mutton and lamb produc­ Gympie, spent a lot of time criticising the tion and three times in butter. That state Government's actions. As we know that of affairs has been brought about by water criticism was well merited. We have seen conservation and irrigation. that when a Country Party member rises to speak most of the Liberal Party members Mr. Baxter: Those figures are wrong. walk out. That has happened repeatedly and it happened again with the hon. mem­ Mr. HODGES: They are correct, and I ber for Gympie, whose criticism of the can substantiate them. Government was very interesting. He spoke I am sure that if we embarked even now at length on what the Government should on a comprehensive plan for water conserva­ do, what they have not done, and what tion and irrigation we would be able to catch the Federal Government should do. Of and even pass the States that are leading course, we all know they are incapable of us at present. Australia is facing a very doing it. serious position because of lack of planned During the Budget debate last year it water conservation. At the next Premier's was claimed by many Government members conference we should press the Common­ -and this cannot be denied-that this wealth Government to accept full responsi­ year's Financial Statement would prove the bility for a comprehensive plan for conser­ merits of the Government's anti-worker vation, control, storage, diversion and appli­ policy. The words "anti-worker" are mine, cation of all the water of the Common­ not theirs. Irrespective of that, it is an anti­ wealth. Water is essential to life. I have worker government. given examples from my own district of what can be achieved through water conser­ Mr. Pizzey: Do you think you treated vation in a prolonged dry spell such as we your employees as well as we have treated are experiencing at the moment. Instead of ours? having one or two projects similar to the Mr. BROMLEY: That Budget was an Moogerah and Borumba dams, three or employers' budget, and it is the same this four could be under way at the same time. I said earlier that much ill-feeling could arise year. because some hon. members were not able to Mr. Hiley: Every Crown servant will tell obtain certain public works for their elec­ you that you people were the worst torates, but there are only two alternatives- employers in the State. Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 565

Mr. BROMLEY: We listened to the Mr. BROMLEY: I apologise to you, Mr. Treasurer's dulcet tones; he endeavoured to Taylor. I assure you, in all sincerity, out imitate a proud knight in shining armour of due deference to you, that any statement and ~elivered the Financial Statement very I made was not aimed at you. grandiloquently. I repeat that he delivered a Budget that was entirely an employers' The Minister for Labour and Industry Budget-an anti-worker Budget. I and my mentioned Messrs. F. Nolan, T. Chard and colleagues on this side would be prouder H. Gurnett. The Minister well knows, as to present a Budget, when we are in the do all members of the Liberal and Country position-as we will be in three years' time­ Parties, that we of the Australian Labour to present a Budget that will provide Party sign a pledge that we are not members or supporters of any other political party, benefits for all secti~ns of the community, not only for sectiOnal interests. Not including communists and fascists. I know only do the members of the community the three men very well. Two of them are richly deserve these benefits but we of the loyal members of a branch of the Australian Australian Labour Party regard them as Labour Party in my electorate; they worked their heritage, their birthright. They include very hard to have me returned as the member social justice, economic security, full employ­ for the district. Do not forget that a ment, a continued rise in the standard of Communist Party candidate opposed me at living-not a continued rise in the cost of the last election. These men worked very living as we have under this Government­ hard for the defeat of the Communist free and complete education, progressive candidate and other candidates and for mv reduction of the hours of labour, the right return as member for Norman. Friends of to enjoy in all phases the results of scientific the two gentlemen referred to by the Minister and technological advances, and, last but for Labour and Industry wrote to the Press not least, freedom of speech. and said this- Mr. Aikens: You should have been here "These two gentlemen, Messrs. H. when your Government were in power and Gurnett and T. Chard, referred to in I tried to exercise freedom of speech. Parliament by Mr. Morris, are foundation members of the Bennett's Road Branch of Mr. BROMLEY: You could always get a the Australian Labour Party." fair go, anyway. Their friends rose to their defence. But The CHAIRMAN: Order! when the Minister for Labour and Industry was referred to recently in this Parliament Mr. BROMLEY: We in Queensland have as "a little mongrel"-! am quoting "Hansard" not e':'en a public forum. We are the only when I say that-no member of the Govern­ State m the Commonwealth without a public ment party rose to his defence, nor did any of forum, where anybody has the right to go his friends deny it. and express his feelings in free speech with­ out a police permit. I think it is high time The CHAIRMAN: Order! The hon. mem­ one was provided. ber cannot refer to that incident. The incident occurred and the remark was with­ Speaking of permits reminds me that under drawn. I ask the hon. member not to refer the present Minister for Labour and Industry to it again. we are fast becoming a police State-a State of secret police. I join with hon. members Mr. BROMLEY: I know personally that particularly the hon. member for Kedron, i~ these gentlemen are very good and decent their condemnation of the Minister for his citizens, and the attempt of the Minister for statements read from a police dossier about Labour and Industry to blacken the suspected communists. The Minister's out­ character of people by taking advantage of bursts were typical of a McCarthy-ite and Parliamentary privilege shows that he has comparable with the workings of a depraved a small mind as well as a small stature. mind. The Treasurer said in his Financial State­ Mr. Windsor: He is not here. Don't ment that the number of unemployed con­ mention that. tinued as before, but it is a proven fact­ and this is borne out by figures-that our The CHAIRMAN: Order! I should like percentage of unemployed is higher than to draw the attention of the hon. member that in any other State. People are leaving for Norman to the fact that recently the State to seek employment elsewhere. emphasis has been placed on Standing Order Only recently, as we know, over 200 men No. 114, which says that interjections are not were dismissed from the railways and others allowed except with the permission of the are in the process of being dismissed. The hon. member who is speaking, and that they Treasurer said that more would be dis­ must be in the form of questions. missed as further railway lines were closed. The hon. member is not obliged to listen It has also been announced by the Govern­ to interjections. Finally, I remind him that ment that 700 teachers are to be dismissed. he must always address the Chair, not hon. Mr. Pizzey: Not re-employed. members on my right or left. When he says "You" he means the Chair. I am sure Mr. BROMLEY: They are going to be he did not mean that when he used the dismissed. I shall have more to say about word a few moments ago. that later. 566 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

The Treasurer went on to say that cattle­ The Treasurer summarised the position by slaughtering was well below the level of saying that to combat the loss in the rail­ the previous year because of the rate of ways there is no alternative but to increase previous killings. That is quite true, and it railway fares and freights. Of course, w~ is well known that the dollar-hungry know that has been already done. So do graziers, in their haste to ignore the the people who use the railways! The Australian market and the future of the Treasurer pointed out that they must con­ Queensland cattle industry, pandered to the tine the operations of the Railway Depart­ Yankee dollar and sold every beast they ment to the paying or near-paying lines. could, including-and this is most With the present maladministration the important-many of their breeders. So Queensland railways are fast degenerating much for their national outlook! We all to only the main line or, should I say, the know that they slaughtered many of their Chalk-line between Roma Street and breeders. Brunswick Street. I suggest the people will Further proof of the strong leanings of not take that "line" down! this Government towards the sectional On behalf of pensioners I acknowledge interests that they represent is to be found with gratitude the concession of half fare in the huge rebates in railway freights for 50 miles. I particularly thank the allowed to graziers. The Treasurer knows, Minister for the concession granted from although he did not say so in these words, the main Brisbane stations to Landsborough, that the excessively bad management of the which is over 50 miles. I can assure the Minister for Transport is clearly shown when hon. gentleman and the Government that the cash collections by the Railway Depart­ the concession is very much appreciated. ment are £2,637,217 less than working expenses. There was a deterioration of I am sure that the oil companies, motor £1,582,543 in comparison with the expected companies, rubber companies, and all others deficit of £1,054,674. interested in road transport, are attempting to dictate to the Government about the Deviating for a moment, we find that the closing of all railway lines. There is a excess in estimated revenue for the State great deal of truth in that statement, just in taxation, which covers stamp duty and as there is in the remarks of the Treasurer succession and probate duties, was when he said, "There is little expansion and £1,187,312. In the next breath the indeed contraction in some of the services Treasurer naively talks about the unknown of the State." But I cannot agree with him factors that were the main reasons for the when he says that the Budget is dominated excess expenditure in the Consolidated by the impact of the margins. Previously Revenue Fund. I suggest that they were he has said that the cost of living, prices, unknown because of the incompetence of etc., would level out when price-control was the Government. Of course, nobody could abolished. That that has not happened is foresee the tragic Medway Creek disaster. the dominating factor. Not one quarter has I suppose that is one of the unknown factors passed without the upward spiralling of the the Treasurer speaks of. cost of living making it harder for people, The Government are running the State particularly those on fixed incomes, to make on a hit-and-miss method. Surely they must ends meet. Meat is now being priced off realise that with the continued lifting of the tables of many wage-earners. No longer price-control the cost of living must con­ does the butcher greet his customers, if any, tinue to rise and people will get less value with the old saying, "Pleased to meet you for their pound. Not only has the debt of with meat to please you." the public risen but the Public Debt of the It is incumbent upon this Government to State has risen tremendously. The whole reintroduce complete grading of meat and economic structure has been affected to such once again restore price control over this an extent that public loans are becoming very necessary adjunct to the family meal. increasingly difficult to fill. The position The sooner the Government reintroduce price has been aggravated by hire-purchase com­ control to all commodities the better for panies and others offering such high rates John Citizen. I know that, in their hearts, of interest and virtually usurping the function hon. members of the Government realise that of the banks. The solution could lie in the what I am saying is true in relation to the fulfilment of Labour policy in the estab­ cost of living but, of course, it is against lishment of our own Queensland Savings their natures to admit it is or that they are Bank. wrong. I do not intend to go into further details about loans at this stage, other than to say The sum of £25,500 is being allocated this that the obvious proof of the Government's year to the department of the Commissioner unpopularity with their Federal colleagues is of Prices. In view of the large number the poor response to the Government's plea of items that have been decontrolled, such for a greater hand-out when they received an expenditure would be laughable but for only £235,352 extra compared with New its tragic effect on the public purse. Very South Wales' £11.1 million. What a miser­ few items are price-controlled today and the able hand-out from their Federal colleagues! public are suffering because of it. It is typical of the Federal Tory Govern­ Another cause of the high cost of living­ ment's attitude to Queensland. which I do not expect the Government to Supply [11 OCTOBER} Supply 567

admit-is monopoly control of industry and road toll, juvenile delinquency, broken commerce and the fixing of prices for com­ homes, and so on. At present in England modities at the maximum that wages can and Australia compulsory blood alcohol or bear. Wages are lagging behind prices and urine alcohol tests are not demanded of have no effect whatever on the price struc­ drivers or pedestrians involved in accidents. ture. In fact, it is time this Government and I agree with the Australian Road Safety the Commonwealth Government remembered Council that such tests should be made. the passing of the Australian Industries Compulsory tests would be of great benefit Preservation Act in 1906 and took proceed­ m combating the tremendous accident rate. ings against monopolies under it. It may be At present 8 per cent. of road fatalities are interesting to hon. members to hear some of caused through intoxication. We often read the provisions of that Act. I do not wish a newspaper headline such as, "Driver had to unnecessarily take up the time of the been drinking," or words to that effect. The Chamber, but I feel it is of sufficient interest Medical Journal of Australia in a recent to warrant my quoting several of its clauses. editorial pointed out that a relatively low concentration of alcohol in the tissues causes The Act was designed to repress mono­ deterioration in driving performance and polies and restrain unfair competition, increases appreciably the likelihood of an especially in the commercial trades. Other accident. Education and legislation may be provisions were designed to prevent the needed to prove to the public that drinking dumping of goods in Australia. The anti­ and driving do not mix, but I doubt whether monopoly provisions of the Act are designed this Government have the gumption to tackle to prevent- the problem. "(a) Entering into a contract or engaging Mr. Pizzey: You had 40 years in which in any combination with intent to restrain to do something, but what did you do? trade or commerce to the detriment of the public. Mr. BROMLEY: The problem calls for (b) Entering into a contract or engaging bold action, but something must be done. in any combination with intent to destroy To answer the interjector, I point out that or injure by means of unfair competition the alcohol problem has grown tremendously any Australian industry the preservation of in the last few years under a Liberal-Country which is advantageous to the Common­ Party Government. (Government laughter.) wealth, having due regard to the interests Hon. members opposite may laugh, but that of producers, workers and consumers. is the truth. They laugh at anything that (c) Monopolising or attempting to affects the welfare of the people. They laugh monopolise or combining or conspiring to at my statement that tragedies such as broken monopolise any part of trade or commerce homes and delinquency are caused by the with intent to control to the detriment of consumption of alcohol. Hon members oppo­ site are adopting a typical attitude; indeed, the public the supply or price of any they are still laughing. service, merchandise or commodity." It is becoming increasingly obvious that Aus­ Mr. HHey: We are laughing that such tralia today is more and more under the words should come from a party that has control of these monopolies and that the always been closely allied with the liquor country, if it is not already, will soon be industry. owned by a few families or organisations. Mr. BROMLEY: The Government are not The Budget promises little or no relief interested in the protection of the public or of the shocking housing shortage either by in legislating for their benefit, and judging the building of rental homes or homes for them by their legislation, I am not surprised. sale. Less money is being made available Not very long ago they interfered in the for mental hygiene, State schools and health administration of the Art Gallery and Queens­ services, and not enough money is provided land lost the extremely useful services of a for technical education, which is so necessary very competent Director, Mr. Robert Haines. in these days of scientific and technical advances. Fewer instructors will be employed Mr. Pizzey: Tell us how we interfered. at the Teachers' College. Further attacks are being made on what was once known as Mr. BROMLEY: They are always asking "free hospitalisation." In fact, the Budget for information. They say, "Tell us this and as presented is a shocking indictment of a tell us that," but when we advance con­ "standstill" Government who are doing structive ideas we find that they are too little to develop the State. After all, we must ignorant to take any notice of them. We judge the Government on their Budget. had a further example of maladministration in relation to the Conservatorium of Music. I now turn to other matters that are not The Government, by their bungling inter­ given the consideration they deserve. They ference, caused the resignation of the very may have been considered, but no action capable Director, Dr. Lovelock. On the whatever has been taken in respect of them. subject of knowledge, it is obvious that the These subiects are raised from time to time Government are not interested in learning in the Chamber and outside it. One problem anything. Perhaps it is opportune now to I have in mind is the rise in the consumption refer to the lack of educational facilities, of alcohol and the relation it bears to the the shortage of teachers and the overcrowding 568 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply in school classes. For good education pri­ the United Nations, the aboriginals would mary school classes should be limited to 35. receive a better deal. This applies to all Two-thirds of them exceed 35, and some go members of the human race. Article 1 of as high as 70. the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says- Mr. Pizzey: Do you know what the average " All human beings are born free and at the Buranda school is? It is 38. equal in dignity and rights. They are Mr. BROMLEY: I know that, and I thank endowed with reason and conscience and the Minister for reiterating it. However, I should act towards one another in a spirit am not concerned only with my electorate. of brotherhood." [ am concerned with the whole of Queens­ Article 2 says- land. The Australian Labour Party are con­ "Everyone is entitled to all the rights cerned with the good of the public through­ and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, out the State, not only one electorate. I without distinction of any kind, such as know what a good school the Buranda school race, colour, sex, language, religion, poli­ is, but I am concerned with the classes in tical or other opinion, national or social other areas in Queensland. Is it fair to the origin, property, birth or other status. pupils or the teachers that classes are over­ Furthermore, no distinction shall be made crowded? It cannot be said that it is fair on the basis of the political, jurisdictional to the pupils or the teachers. The teachers or international status of the country or are not receiving adequate training before territory to which a person belongs, whether being sent out from the training centres. it be independent, trust, non-self-governing Many people have come to see me, and many or under any other limitation of have written to me, asking me to mention sovereignty." this matter. They say they are not receiving adequate training at the Teachers' College. Article 3 reads- With the advancement of technological sci­ "Everyone has the right to life, liberty, ence complete education from the kinder­ and security of person." garten to the secondary school stages must Likewise Article 22 says- be extended and the secondary schools must "Everyone, as a member of society, has also be extended. Everyone agrees that we the right to social security and is entitled must spend more time, trouble and money to realisation, through national effort and on education. This Government have done international co-operation and in accord­ the right thing in setting up a committee of ance with the organisation and resources inquiry to seek advice from a wider source of each State, of the economic, social and of information than the Education Depart­ cultural rights indispensable for his dignity ment. and the free development of his Government Members: Hear, hear! personality." Mr. BROMLEY: The Australian Labour Article 25 states- Party are delving intensively into this prob­ "(1) Everyone has the right to a standard lem. Let us hope the Government are big of living adequate for the health and well­ enough to accept the advice of the com­ being of himself and of his family, includ­ mittee that they have set up. ing food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services and the There is an urgent necessity for a com­ right to security in the event of unemploy­ plete canteen service for students and appren­ ment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old tices attending the Central Technical College age or other lack of livelihood in circum­ In the past representations have been made stances beyond his control. frequently on this matter, and with the increase in the intake of students and appren­ "(2) Motherhood and childhood are tices the need is mounting. The enrolment entitled to special care and assistance." is now 13,000 students, and there are 450 and so on. teachers. The courses will continue to expand Are our aboriginals receiVmg these con­ rapidly, and the new manufacturing pro­ siderations? Let me take them one by one. cesses and new materials will create a greater Certainly all human beings are born free, demand for men with the latest technical but, because the discrimination against the training. To keep pace with industry, the coloured people is widespread, there are still development of training facilities must be many who inflate their self-esteem by looking kept to the forefront in regard to this demand. down on them. There are not enough During the last 12 months there has been organisations sufficiently interested in trying much ado about racial and colour preju­ to combat this. Racial and colour discrimina­ dices, not only with our own race, the tion by word or action should become aboriginals, but with coloured races through­ morally impermissible and, if necessary, out the world. It concerns many people, legally punishable. We believe all people are especially the Australian Labour Party, and I entitled to all rights and freedoms without intend to speak briefly on this subject as it par­ distinction because of race or colour. But all ticularly affects our aboriginals. If all people, our aboriginals have not full rights. For especially members of the Government parties, instance, they have not the right to vote, were to study keenly the preamble to the to stand for election, to choose freely an Universal Declaration of Human Rights of occupation, to choose freely a place of Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 569 residence, to equal Social Service and Repat­ I think I should outline some of the riation benefits, or to organise societies. history of this dispute because it will be of Therefore it is high time a target date was great interest to hon. members. In answer to set for full citizenship. Integration has much a question by the Deputy Leader of the to recommend it for there are many aspects Opposition, Mr. Lloyd, the Treasurer said of tribal life that could be superior to that the Government had no employees, but modern civilisation. The aboriginals, with he also said that men had been employed on proper assistance for assimilation, could most a casual and a permanent basis and that he likely advance eventually to full citizenship was aware that Commissioner Horan had and still retain many aspects of native culture said that an employer should be free to employ which, through investigation, have proved labour on either a casual or a permanent of benefit in relation to some phases of their basis and that the employee -should have general health standard. equal rights in this respect. The story of the The present Act relating to aboriginals dispute is this, briefly: On 29 Februazy, should be repealed and a policy of re­ 1960, Commissioner Horan brought down a establishment commenced. Power to correct new Federal award for the Ship Painters and most of the worst anomalies is vested in Dockers' Union. The employers appealed the Queensland Government. against it to the Full Court, and on 27 May, 1960, the Court, comprising Judge The new programme should consider the Wright, Judge Gallagher and Commissioner following basic questions and aims:- Apsey, handed down its decision. The Court (1) The granting of full citizenship cut one week off the annual leave provision, status and the elimination of any racial chopped out completely any retrospective discrimination. payment of ls. Od. an hour, decreased the (2) The provision of finance, technical lost time factor by 10 per cent., and of 17 and educational assistance to raise living margins they decreased nine, increased two, standards to that of white citizens. and left six as they were. The majority of the reading of the rest of the body of the (3) The development of self-reliance award was left as the Commissioner had and self-advancement by the coloured brought it down. The award provides for people. either weekly hiring (permanent with a (4) The preservation and promotion of guarantee of six months' work) or casual valuable aspects of native culture for the hiring. On this question, Commissioner benefit of the coloured people and Horan stated- ultimately for all. "This award provides as the superseded To implement this policy financial expendi­ one did, for both permanent and casual ture will be necessary and I think the Com­ employment, and it leaves the employers monwealth Government should be asked and employees free to determine which to assume a large share of the responsibility. form of contract they enter into with each The Commonwealth Constitution should be other, again as the superseded award did. amended where necessary. This Commission, in my opinion, cannot direct an employer to employ a particular Recently, together with other members person, nor can it direct an individual to of the Australian Labour Party and ministers work for a particular employer." of religion, I had the privilege of attending the opening ceremony of an aboriginal He went on to say- co-operative store on Cabbage Tree Island "In the event of any employer desiring in the Richmond River of New South Wales to employ labour on a casual or per­ and I think that venture will be a great manent basis, he should be free to do so success. It will certainly help in the assimila­ just as an employee should be free to elect tion and integration of aboriginals in the whether he will accept permanent or casual area. Similar organisations could and should employment. To direct otherwise, even be set up here with Government assistance. if the power to do so exists, would in my opinion, be an unwarranted interference Recently, questions have been asked in the with the freedom of the individual." Parliament about the raw deal ship painters and dockers have received at the hands of In the statement that I have just read, he this Government and other employers and reiterates the provisions of the superseded about the refusal of the Government to award that have been in operation for the employ dockers in accordance with the past 20 years, and the custom and practice award. The Treasurer also stated recently that has been in existence in Brisbane has that they had no employees at present. As not changed one iota. The men have been a matter of fact, there are Government offering for work. There was no dispute employees at the Cairncross dock. One man there as far as they were concerned other at the Port Office has been employed by than with the terms of the award. They are the Government for approximately 14 years not only offering their labour, but their at casual rates, and two men have labour is being accepted. When the been employed at South Brisbane for decision of the FuJI Court was handed down, approximately two months at casual rates. the Metal Trades Employers' Association in The man at the Port Office has been employed Brisbane and the Department of Harbours for approximately 20 years in aJI. and Marine informed a large number of 570 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply members of the union that they would be Department of Harbours and Marine, is engaged only on the fiat permanent weekly receiving from the Government £21 15s. a award rate. Members of the union were week. The S.S. "Moorah" was refused prepared to accept similar conditions to those slipping at Peter's slip and had to be taken agreed upon between the Metal Trades in ballast to Townsville at a loss of approxi­ Employers and the union in the South, includ­ mately £600 to this small company. That ing over-award rates, or to otherwise remain applied also to other ships because of the casuals. In the past the casuals or per­ Government's stubbornness in refusing to manent casuals had been paid a base rate of open the docks for the repair of its ships. £16 15s. a week. In the new award casuals As to the S.S. "South Esk", owned by the are paid a base rate of £18 13s. 2d. a week, Australian National Line, the A.U.S.N. while permanents will decrease to a base could not do this ship in Brisbane though permanent rate of £15 lls., which is a they said, as other firms did, that they would decrease of £1 4s. a week on the base rate pay casual rates to the ship painters and they were receiving previously. The present dockers for approximately two months' base permanent rate over 52 weeks of overhaul. Because of the Government's £808 12s. includes two weeks' annual leave, refusal to dock the ship it had to go to one week's sick leave and nine statutory Sydney for overhaul. Sixty members were holidays. The members of the Ship Painters and Dockers' Union have stated that they involved here. Macdonald Hamilton have were not prepared to accept permanent four Brisbane River tugs. Mr. Plumb, the employment under the low-grade conditions superintendent of the tugs, wanted these offered by the employer. It would mean a vessels slipped at Peter's slip immediately as difference of £92 a year to these men if they they were losing their pace because of were forced to accept the award that the barnacles, etc., and their crews had to work Government want them to work under. twice as hard with less result. Macdonald Painters and dockers who were still employed Hamilton were willing to pay casual rates to as casuals at Peters' slip were then deducted ship painters and dockers but Peter's slip for morning and afternoon smokos, washing will only pick up under the rates at which time, and the "Peggy" was deducted half they want to pick up. A similar situation an hour for getting the morning cribs. The exists with James Patrick & Co. This firm Department of Harbours and Marine said desired to dock its vessel at Cairncross dock that they were cutting out the I! hours a and pay ship painters and dockers at the day travelling time to Cairncross dry dock casual rate, but they were denied (which has been in operation since the dock admission to the dock because it was alleged was built during the war) and cutting out that ship painters and dockers were on strike. fares and washing times over 5 minutes. According to this Government the ship These washing times were the subject of a painters and dockers were on strike. The Queensland Government Cabinet decision on Darra Cement coral barge, "Morib," under 5 August, 1947, and again confirmed by Captain Day, is at present employing ship State Cabinet on 23 October, 1947. painters and dockers inboard at the casual rate. The owners are anxious to get this barge The members of the Ship Painters and into Cairncross, but they have been denied Dockers' Union received notices from the the use of the dock. They, and others, are Commonwealth Social Service Department prepared to pay casual rates. Private notifying them that their claims for employers are prepared to pay the full rates unemployment benefit had been rejected on to which the dockers are entitled but, because the following grounds: "That you have of the Government's refusal to meet the refused suitable employment." There have men, they are not employed nor are the been 394 members picked up by Brisbane ships being serviced to keep them in good employers and paid at the casual rate since 25 May, 1960. This proves that they are condition. More important still, some of making their labour available yet the the ships owned by the Queensland Govern­ members of the union are still not receiving ment are not getting any attention. Conse­ unemployment benefits. Most of these jobs quently they are plying in a dangerous condi­ were of short duration, but the Department tion and all because of the Government's of Harbours and Marine has engaged 62 stubbornness. Ship painters and dockers are members up to 16 August, 1960, and two of making their labour available. Outside them have been employed-and still are-at employers are prepared to pay the full South Brisbane dock for the last fortnight at rates set out in the award, but the Govern­ casual rates. The Minister in charge of the ment will not meet the men. department, the Treasurer, refuses to meet a deputation from the union, claiming that In view of all the circumstances some he will not meet them while they are on action should be taken to reach an agree­ strike. The men are not on strike. As is ment on this matter. illustrated 62 men have been picked up by the department during the time stated, and Dr. DELAMOTHE (Bowen) (3.47 p.m.): two of them are still employed by them. First of all I should like to refer to "Hansard" of 28 September last, page 514, The man employed at the Port Office, who where the hon. member for Port Curtis made has been employed for 14 years by the the categorical statement that the present Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 571

Treasurer could not be bettered. I thor­ then clipped off very quickly his reference oughly agree with his statement. even though to it. I think he side-tracked himself by it comes from a political opponent. bewailing some action or other by the Q.L.P. I have been very regular in my attendance during the last election campaign. I rather in this Chamber. I had hoped to hear some gathered that he was most disappointed that solution of the problems that it is said he had not been issued with the white ticket plague this very happy State, but I have that he spoke about. been greatly disappointed with hon. members Let me dispose of what I have to say about opposite. At no stage since the opening of Communism in a few sentences. As the the Session have they done anything but Leader of the Opposition raised the matter, engage in carping criticism. They have not I think I should refer briefly to it. Knowing offered any concrete solution of any problem. the objectives of the Communist Party, it seems strange that A.L.P. members should Today I came along all agog, knowing that not be taking action to put constantly before the Leader of the Opposition was the first the people who support them the dangers of speaker. I am sure we all looked forward Communist infiltration. I am not going to what promised to be a very important to speak of people who are accused by speech from him, but all went to lunch sadly name of being Communists, but I do think disappointed because, not once did he touch that instead of fervently defending Commu­ on the Budget. At no stage did the Leader nists, A.L.P. members should in a general of the Opposition touch in any way on any and particular way be publicising to their subject in the Budget, and after all this is a supporters the dangers of the cult. debate on the Budget. He brought along a sheaf of cuttings from newspapers, and Mr. Sherrington: We have never defended ranged over the world from Hong Kong to Communism. We have defended ourselves India and the United Nations to France, against an allegation that we were Com­ but at no stage did his statements have any munists-a scurrilous attack. bearing on the Budget items. Dr. DELAMOTHE: Hon. members should He spent a very long time in the role of spend their time preaching and speaking to Jeremiah, bewailing something I could not their supporters of the dangers. gather. I thought as he was speaking that the area behind Mr. Speaker's chair offered The hon. member for Norman referred a very good wailing wall, and that that was to several matters on which I wish to correct his place rather than the rostrum. He him. He mentioned the slaughtering of bewailed the fact that expenditure on irriga­ female cattle. Obviously he does not know tion had been reduced by £500,000, and in that almost as many female cattle as male the next breath heaped very great praise cattle are killed every year. He has not on the Minister for Education for budgeting heard of spaying cows. Every grazier spays to spend £25,000,000 this year, at the same most of his females, and the American time admitting in a sorrowful voice that the market saved him that trouble. labour Government in their last year had The hon. member for Norman made a plea spent only £11,000,000 and two years before for the introduction of blood-alcohol tests. that only £8,000,000. That is not as easy as it sounds because He spoke about the distribution of income it is not completely reliable. As a person and referred in sorrowful tones to the differ­ who has examined many an alcoholic, I ence between the tall poppies and those on state that experiments have shown that blood the lower-wage scale. I should like to give from different parts of the body-the heart, some figures for the last financial year. The the peripheral vessels and the neck vessels­ income of public companies in Australia will give varying percentages of alcohol. before taxation increased by £43,000,000 to Until a thoroughly reliable test can be £672,000,000 last financial year. By contrast found, the introduction of the blood test the wages bill in Australia increased by would cause evil to many innocent people. £272,000,000 to £3,311,000,000, and the net Mr. lVIann: That is very sound. return to farmers, who after all are just as important as any other section of the Dr. DELAMOTHE: Does the hon. mem­ community, showed an increase in income ber agree with it? before taxation of only £3,000,000 to £453,000,000. When he speaks of tall poppies Mr. Aikens: Not only that, but one man and those on the lower-wage scale, he should can carry more alcohol than another and keep things in their correct proportion. still be reasonably sober. Mr. Aikens: What is the difference between Dr. DELAMOTHE: The hon. member your income and that of a basic-wage earner? would be an expert. Dr. DELAMOTHE: A basic-wage earner The hon. member for Norman referred today is much better off than I am. I to the horrible spectre of unemployment receive only what I get here. stalking the land. I have some figures here to set his mind at rest. If he looked at The Leader of the Opposition started to Saturday's "Courier-Mail" he would have seen tell us something about Communism and that the Department of Public Works adver­ made a somewhat emotional appeal. He tised for 40 carpenters and 12 bricklayers 572 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

in Brisbane, and for 12 carpenters in That has many side effects, of course. It Toowoomba. In response to that advertise­ means a very short meatworks season and ment, it is interesting to note that on Saturday some areas are faced with early and exten· six carpenters and one labourer answered sive seasonal unemployment. the advertisement, and that on Monday eight Mr. Tucker: A moment ago you said there carpenters, three bricklayers, nine labourers, was none. one painter and one storeman answered it. In reply to an advertisement for 64 trades­ Dr. DELAMOTHE: Seasonal unemploy­ men, 29 men applied. ment has nothing to do with the hard core Mr. Newton: They wanted to send them of unemployment. If hon. members in all to the bush. other towns had done what I did in my town four months ago, they would have planned Dr. DELAMOTHE: No, to Brisbane and for the absorption of the seasonally unem­ Toowoomba. Toowoomba could not be ployed and those towns would now be in the described as "the bush." same happy position as Bowen, where every man has now been absorbed in employment. Mr. Pizzey: We will take any qualified building worker who applies. Mr. Walsh: Tell us how you did it. Mr. Hanlon: I have been trying to get Dr. DELAMOTHE: I will tell hon. mem­ the Minister for Public Works and Local be!'s later. Continuous employment was Government for three months-- provided for them, and they are very happy. Mr. Pizzey: Are they prepared to travel? Nobody in Bowen is going around wringing his hands and talking about seasonal The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. unemployment. Gaven): Order! Mr. Aikens: Are not most of the Bowen meatworkers tomato farmers, and don't they Dr. DELAMOTHE: In the last financial go from the meatworks back to their tomato year average earnings increased by 7 per farms? cent., employment by 2! per cent. and retail prices by 6.1 per cent. Dr. DELAMOTHE: No, the tomato sea­ The only criticism the hon. member for son and the meatworks season are Norman could level at education was that contemporaneous. some classes were larger than others. I do The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! not think it is necessary to answer that because the Leader of the Opposition heaped Dr. DELAMOTHE: Not only does the praises on the Minister for Education and drastic reduction in cattle-killing have an Migration for his large provision this year effect on employment; it also has a very for education. big effect on railway finances. The trans­ porting of 100,000 fewer cattie on the Mt. Mr. Inch: Do you mean to say that over­ Isa-Townsville-Bowen line means a very big crowding is not worth talking about? reduction in railway revenue. Some hon. Dr. DELAMOTHE: Of course it is, but members may not know that, because the that is a very small criticism in comparison northern meatworks finished early, there are with what the Labour Government did. still many cattle available in the Northern Territory and on the Barkly Tableland. The Leader of the Opposition spoke, too, Mr. Aikens: Are they fats? about the difficulty of filling public loans. If he had looked at the paper a few days ago Dr. DELAMOTHE: Yes. The drought he would have read that the latest loan extends as far as Julia Creek. The hon. for £30,000,000, which closed the other day, member for Burke will bear me out in this. was over-subscribed by £2,500,000. That, Julia Creek to Cloncurry is not bad. From I think, is a sufficient answer. there out to the border is bad again. Then I turn now to the ravages of the drought on the Barkly Tableland and into the in the North. At the moment what used to Northern Territory is quite good, so that a be the good earth is just a vast brownness­ place like Banca Banca, out on the Alice from here to Julia Creek. It is not something Springs to Darwin road, only last week sent that came about yesterday or last week. We 1,000 head of fats to Adelaide. Normally, are now in the fourth year of deficient rain­ with the meatworks at Townsville and Bowen fall. To show hon. members just what it still working, they would have come in there. means I shall quote figures of the killings Another 750 were sent from Eva Downs, up at the three northern meatworks for this near Anthony's Lagoon. The distance is year and last year. They are- very much greater, of course, than it would be to take them to Mount Isa and then by 1959 1960 rail to the coast. All those things Killings Killings combine to have an effect on the economy Swift's Alligator Creek of Queensland, particularly North Queens­ Meatworks 93,000 44,000 land. The marketing of cattle in Adelaide Ross River Meatworks 96,000 55,000 has been made possible by the great develop­ Bowen Meatworks .. 49,000 32,000 ment in road-train transport. For example, Supply [11 OCTOBER) Supply 573

those 750 cattle from Eva Downs were trans­ their present severe financial morass because ported in one lift by several road trains people have failed to heed that slogan. The direct to Alice Springs, a distance of about state of the Railways is probably the most 470 miles, and thence to Adelaide, a further frequent topic of conversation amongst hon. 900-odd miles. members. Apart from the action taken by the Treasurer and the Minister for Transport Mr. Walsh: Would not the substantial I think more can be done. That is where increase in the price they get in Adelaide be hon. members opposite can come in. Through a factor, too? the closeness of their association with people Dr. DELAMOTHE: Yes. The difference who work in the Railway Department I think in the price at Adelaide more than pays for they might help to bring about an increase the cost of transport. It costs about £12 1Os. in the efficient working of the department a head to transport them by road. which would do a great deal to reduce the deficit. Mr. Aikens: Do they rail them from Alice Springs? An Opposition Member: Everybody from overseas says that our workmen are com­ Dr. DELAMOTHE: Yes. parable with anybody. Mr. Walsh: What is your opinion of taper­ Dr. DELAMOTHE: Let the hon. member ing rail freights? get around the railway yards and talk to Dr. DELAMOTHE: The hon. member the running staff. They will tell him! Let introduced them. him talk to the guards, the firemen and the drivers. Mr. Walsh: Tell us your opinion. The Government have made a start on Dr. DELAMOTHE: Let the hon. member closing down lines which experience has tell us his opinion now. He introduced shown are no longer wanted by the people them. for whom they were built. When a line returns only 12 per cent. of the working Mr. Walsh: It was long before my time. expenses after many years of operation it Mr. Aikens: You know, of course, that the must surely be obvious that the people along Commonwealth Government heavily subsi­ the line prefer to use some other form of dises the railway from Alice Springs to Ade­ transport. Long before a line reaches that laide? stage it should be closed and the people allowed to use the transport of their choice. Dr. DELAMOTHE: The hon. member apparently does not know that the Common­ Mr. Walsh: What about when there are wealth Railways are amongst the few rail­ no alternative road systems? ways in the world that make a profit. Dr. DELAMOTHE: If there is no alter­ Mr. Aikens: They have no capital cost. native road system, obviously the people do They finance all their capital works through not use road transport. the Commonwealth Bank. Mr. Walsh: You ask the Country Party Dr. DELAMOTHE: We have to consider member for Burnett about the closing of the the Budget against the background of the branch line to Mt. Perry. economic conditions existing today. We have Dr. DELAMOTHE: He is very happy high and rising employment, and we have about it. rising investment, which naturally goes with that. As a matter of fact, investments I am surprised that hon. members oppo­ increased last year from £365,000,000 to site are not doing something about road £440,000,000, private building increased by transport and its effect on railway finances. 19 per cent., vehicle registrations by 26 per One would have thought that before now cent., durable goods by 13 per cent., houses they would have insisted on a Federal award, by 11 per cent., and so on. Against that and that they would have enforced it as ener­ picture, we have falling exports because of getically as they have enforced some others. drought, falling wool prices, rising imports, I offer that suggestion to them in the hope and the restriction of credits. That is the that they will take action, seeing they are background against which this Budget has so closely associated with the people who to be prepared. In addition to the effects drive these vehicles. of counter-inflation, we have the problem Mr. Mann: Do you support the Premier's posed by the great increase in margins and idea of the three roads from the Gulf its effect on the State's finances. I think country? the Treasurer had a particularly difficult job to arrive somewhere near a book balance. Dr. DELAMOTHE: I shall answer that It seems that he will be unfortunate from question a little later on. the very beginning, because the drought that The Government are fully seized with the is already in existence is likely to become need for the rapid extension of school facili­ worse. ties; they are building nine new high schools Dealing with the Railways, as hon. mem­ and 11 new primary schools this year. One bers know, there is a slogan, "You own the of the new high schools will be in my area. railways. Use them." The Railways are in We must express our gratitude for this manna 574 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply that falls from heaven. Throughout the State igneous intrusion that completely upset all the Government are coping with the rapidly our ideas, the later boring programme has increasing secondary-school population very shown that the seemingly calamitous picture effectively. is not nearly as bad as it first looked. In The same remarks apply to our system fact, as of now, 100,000,000 tons of usable of free hospitalisation, to which the hon. coking coal have been disclosed. member for Norman made some slanting Mr. Walsh: Is it not the Government's reference. He may disabuse his mind com­ intention to sell all that to Japan? pletely of any fear that hon. members on this side of the Chamber will have anything Dr. DELAMOTHE: No, we will not sell to do with the abolition of free hospitalisa­ one ton of it. I remember the Treasurer tion. saying to me long before I thought of being here that it should be over the dead bodies Mr. 'Walsh: The Government are silently of the Bowen people that a ton of Bowen sabotaging the free hospitalisation scheme. coal went anywhere else, because the whole Dr. DELAMOTHE: It is just as free now of the industrialisation of North Queensland as it ever was. depends on the coking coal deposits there. I ask the Treasurer through you, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Walsh: Have you looked at what is if he remembers making that statement. being charged for paying patients? Mr. Hiley: Yes. Dr. DELA:\'IOTHE: There is not a penny being charged for public patients and there Dr. DELAMOTHE: We agree with the never will be. statement.

IV1r .. \Valsh: ~v1any beds are being trans­ With the discovery of a huge deposit of ferred from public wards to intermediate iron ore in the Constance Range area, which, wards. to an extent, has still to be proved, some form of iron utilisation or iron production Dr. DELMOTHE: I repeat there is not a in North Queensland comes closer to reality. penny being charged for public patients and Hon. members 'Nil! know that the Coal there never will be. Utilisation Research Advisory Committee set up by the Federal Government was rece~tly Dr. Noble: There are more public beds in Queensland and visited the Collinsv1lle now than there were in 1957. field. The members of that committee are Dr. DELAMOTHE: I should like to touch working very hard on new uses for coal. briefly on one matter in the Budget relative Many people are interested in the problem. to the Department of Agriculture and Stock. The committee said, "The list of research It has to do with the splendid research projects put forward by Queensland was a centre that has been built at Millaroo on very large one." Out of this work I hope the Burdekin by the Department of Agricul­ some good will come. ture and Stock. There they will carry out, An interjector referred to roads out of and have already started, research into the Gulf country to the north-western rail­ tropical pastures and the development of way line and to Cairns. I think all of us new tropical breeds. agree with the general principle. There may be room for variation as to the actual route, Hon. members will be interested to know but as those roads are designed to pivot on that artificial insemination of beef cattle Burketown and Normanton they can be will be carried out at this centre. Artificial swung 100 miles or 200 miles either way. insemination is used extensively amongst The idea is a good one, because it will bring dairy cattle but it will be used on beef cattle out of the Gulf country many cattle that for the first time as a result of the American would become scrubbers, and will lead to discovery of a hormone extract. Beef cows a great increase in expenditure on improving can be brought in and injected and it can the breeds. The scheme could be improved be prognosticated to within one hour when in one direction, that is, by including in it they will be ready for artificial insemination. a road from the railhead at Collinsville to I will give the details to any hon. members Muttaburra, to tap the large area of cattle who desire them as it is not a subject suitable country in that part of the State. to go into "Hansard". Finally, I should like to touch briefly on Mr. WINDSOR (Ithaca) (4.23 p.m.): I the subject of coal and iron. It is well congratulate the Treasurer on retaining his known that some day there will be a steel­ very important portfolio. It is a big job works at Bowen. Hon. members know of for a big man. the money that is being spent at Collinsville A few months ago I heard the former in order to utilise seams, other than the hon. member for South Brisbane say that present coking seam, for steaming coal. he led the Labour Party to victory on many They will all be familiar with the work that occasions. The hon. member for Port is being done to outline the real deposits of Curtis interjected and Mr. Gair said, "I have coking coal there. In that connection it may in my office a letter written by you, telling be interesting to note that, whereas the first me I was a better leader than Moses who few drill-holes put down struck an area of led the children of Israel out of the land of Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 575

Egypt." Whether the Treasurer is or is it into a roadway. Otherwise it would be not as good a leader as Moses, I assure him a great loss to people who have been that we appreciate the job he has done. deprived temporarily of their means of com­ We are indeed fortunate and we are con­ munication with the capital city and the fident that he will steer the State financially other towns to which their produce goes. to a sound and safe anchorage, just as he If we could have such a roadway that could has provided such a harbour for the little be built much more cheaply than it would ships of Queensland. Fishermen who have cost to survey and carve out a new roadway invested their money in vessels and who to cater for these people, we would be keep­ are earning their livelihood by providing fish ing faith with them and encouraging them for the people, and others who have used to remain in the district as the backbone of their meagre savings to purchase small boats, the country, and keep going as they have will be forever grateful to the Treasurer for done over the years. the secure anchorages that have been pro­ vided at the coastal resorts of Queensland. Mr. Newton: Back to the horse-and-sulky days? The Treasurer must feel some concern about the limited funds available to him, Mr. WINDSOR: In the country the horse having regard to the rapidly-developing and sulky can still be of great value. Of State, but he can do only as much as the course a horse cannot travel as fast and funds will permit, although there is a great as far as motor traffic, but these suggestions deal still to be done. could be put into operation more cheaply In private business, if income diminishes than a new railway line and we would be through factors over which no control can keeping faith with the people in the areas. be exercised, something has to be done about it. We have to increase the volume We have all read in the paper recently of of business and the efficiency of our the proposed expenditure of £6,000,000 on organisation and plant, and sales have to be roads in the cattle country so that beef may increased. I am certain that sacking men be transported to the railheads and ports for is not the answer. In five years of depres­ export. That will be good for the industry sion, and the years since then, it has been and will help to stabilise the North. The my experience when things were in a very greater distances we can transport beef bad state, that if I employed an extra man or without knocking it about the better; but we two I got increased production, and that was often overlook small economies that we often our salvation. could carry out, such as those I have mentioned. However, the Treasurer of this wonderful State cannot get capital and revenue just This is the first opportunity I have had when it is wanted. The problem is to to voice my disgust at the display put on increase efficiency in every department, even in the Chamber a few weeks ago when the by putting in machines to help with calcula­ Leader of the Opposition and other hon. tions, and by bringing plant and machinery members jumped up and championed the up to date. cause of the illegal strikers at Commonwealth Engineering Qld. Pty. Ltd. I have never before In the Government Printing Office there seen such an example of running with the is an enormous amount of printing to be hare and hunting with the hounds. I done, and I know that its efficiency has suggest to hon. members opposite that they been greatly improved. Hon. members owe a greater responsibility and allegiance realise that the "Hansard" writers have to to the Parliament than they do to the record every word that is spoken in this cause of those illegal strikers. I want to Chamber, and the efficiency with which that give a concrete example of what is happen­ job is done and presented to us a day or ing in the industries of Australia, and this two later calls for up-to-date plant and is ;vbsolutely true. A few months ago machinery, and skilled men to operate it. Mort's Dock had to shut down. They had We are all indebted to the staff of the contracts to build ships and they had 700 Government Printing Office for the efficiency men employed but, through the tactics of with which they handle our speeches. We the union with stoppages and rolling strikes, know that the Government Printing Office the delivery of the ships was delayed for so has been modernised and it is very satisfying long that the contractors were penalised to see its work and the way it is done. The some thousands of pounds. When some of photographic equipment is second to none the astute union leaders found they had in the Commonwealth. gone far enough (in fact they had gone I suggest that the rails on some of the too far) they came running to the Industrial railway lines that have had to be closed Court-the very instrument they were out to for economic reasons could be moved or destroy-seeking justice. Remember, they sold and that the tracks that are left could had destroyed the employment of 700 men, be readily made into roadways. The and 700 men working at a reasonable rate gradients would be right, and the bridges, throughout the year can produce goods or culverts and everything else forming the ships to the value of £2,250,000. That has track could carry a large volume of traffic. been permanently lost to the people of Even if the track was not wide enough, it Australia. What ringing of joybells went on would be very easy and economical to turn between Peking and Moscow over that! 576 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Let me read an extract from a newspaper Some little time ago in a Brisbane court, about what an ex-Communist had to say- when passing sentence on two men on a "The Australian Communist Party was charge of having dealt indecently with a still a powerful force and should not be 16-year-old girl, the judge said he believed underestimated, a former top Communist that "the offence would not have taken warns in a book soon to be published place if the two men had not been inflamed here. by liquor", and that if the men had been sober he would have treated them very "He said that Australian Communists differently. are regarded highly in Moscow. I certainly do not know why people who "The warning comes from former commit crimes while under the influence of general secretary of the New Zealand liquor should be treated differently from Communist Party, Mr. Sid Scott, in a others. The drinker takes liquor of his own book, 'Rebel in a Wrong Cause'. free will, in most cases he knows what effect "Mr. Scott renounced Communism after it will have, and if he commits a crime while the bloody 1956 Hungarian revolt. He under its influence surely he should pay believes he was a 'good Communist'­ the full penalty. Week after week we have but that he was not ruthless enough for appalling proof of the diabolical connection the party. between drink and many cases in the courts. "The Australian Communist Party, he This is not a theory that needs corrobora­ wrote, has always been zealous and shown tion. Drink is ever present in the courts­ 'extreme Stalinist orthodoxy'. it gloats over the distress and discomfiture "It would be a mistake to underestimate of witnesses in coroner's courts; leers at the the effectiveness of the Australian Com­ accused in murder and sex cases; attends munist Party. Its leaders are by no means maintenance proceedings as a right; and brilliant, but their work in the trade rears its ugly head in the divorce courts. unions and in industry has always been We all know that is true. effective." Mr. Davies: Do you advocate closing all When the employees at Mort's Dock the hotels? destroyed the instrument that was g1vmg them justice and then found that they had Mr. WINDSOR: I am not answering any killed their own industry, they went running questions. I am giving hon. members an to the very instrument they had destroyed instance of what is happening. The most to seek justice. It was too late; they had ghastly thing I have ever seen in my life done their job. was the sight of hundreds of soldiers being These two strikes in Queensland, at English shot to pieces in Ypres, France. Today in Electric Co. Pty. Ltd and Common­ Australia we have 300,000 alcoholics who wealth Engineering Pty. Ltd., have cost are worse than dead because it takes so industry and the people of the State £500,000. many more people to look after them and That would employ 500 men at £1,000 a keep them out of harm's way. year. Hon. members opposite are talkin~ Mr. Houston: What is the answer? about the need to put value back in the pound, but the unions are destroying the Mr. WINDSOR: I do not know what to economy of the State. I am very perturbed do. that these conditions should exist. The Mr. Houston: You are the Government. pound is losing its value because of these rolling strikes and because a minority is Mr. WINDSOR: Everyone should take it holding the country to ransom. up. No-one seems to be strong enough Another great cause of loss to the people on his own to tackle this problem. of Queensland is alchol and drinking, and Mr. Houston: What do you suggest? I hope that all hon. members will take careful note of what I have to say on this Mr. WINDSOR: I am suggesting what a subject. Alcohol is a pickpocket that takes big robber it is. If we could stop it the £40,000,000 out of the pockets of the people Treasurer would have enough money to of Queensland each year. It is money down carry on with all the good work he is the drain. attempting to do for this wonderful State Mr. Davies interjected. of Queensland. Mr. WINDSOR: The hon. member said Mr. ADAIR (Cook) (4.42 p.m.): It is the it was nothing to laugh about, and he usual custom of the Treasurer to give the Committee a good outline of the budget, but castigated us. I never did laugh. it contains nothing new, particularly for the The CHAIRMAN: Order! The hon. mem­ far North of Queensland. Apparently the ber is addressing the Chair. Government are going to develop a little further the old projects and developmental Mr. WINDSOR: I certainly think the stage schemes like the Tully Falls, Barron Falls has been reached when the excuse offered and Tinaroo Falls irrigation schemes. The in criminal and other courts, " I was drunk", Mareeba area, the most prosperous tobacco or "I had been drinking", should no longer area of the State, produced over £3,000,000 be treated with seriousness. worth of tobacco last year. If it were fully Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 577

irrigated it could produce twice or three The roads to be constructed will run from times that amount but unfortunately the Burketown to Camooweal, from Normanton Government do not intend to spend very to J ulia Creek, from Croydon to N eila and much this year on the extension of the irriga­ from Georgetown to Mount Surprise. tion channels. It is a great pity that this They cover a vast area in which rich tobacco area is not being developed many cattle are bred. Those cattle could to its fullest extent by the extension of the easily be transported over good roads irrigation channels. However, I appeal to in good condition to the saleyards at Cairns the Minister to extend the channels into the and Mareeba, the meatworks at Townsville Mareeba and Dimbulah areas. The Tully and the fattening areas on the coast. Falls hydro-electric scheme is nearing com­ pletion and little employment will be avail­ I have no faith in the promises of the able on this project. The men recently Federal Government. In every election employed there could with advantage be campaign Senators and Federal members transferred to the extension of the channels visit the North, going even as far as Thursday further into the Mareeba and Dimbulah Island. They tell the people what they will areas. do to develop the North if they are returned to office. This process has been going on The Mary River area beyond Molloy is for years. I do not think they have any another important tobacco centre. Already intention of assisting the Queensland the farmers are beginning to harvest Government to develop the northern their crop, which is a very early one. The portion of the State. We did not receive tobacco there is very forward; they are one penny from the Federal Government picking at present. towards the cost of the Tinaroo Falls, Tully The extension of power lines from the Falls and Barron Falls schemes, and I do Barron Falls and Tully Falls hydro-electric not think we are likely to receive a penny schemes into rural areas is progressing very from the Federal Government towards the slowly. It is very important that electricity cost of new roads, although I hope I am supplies be made available to allow tobacco­ wrong in that statement. farmers to pump water from the irrigation I have referred to the great benefit derived channels on to their farms. Development of the Cairns scheme is progressing very from the building of the Mulligan Highway. slowly indeed and it is up to the Govern­ Road trains carry cattle from as_ far north ment to see that the work is pushed forward as Laura. The people of Cooktown never at a faster rate. thought that in such a short space of time they would be able to get their cattle out of As I mentioned, the Mary River area is the district by road. a rich tobacco-growing area but, up to the Mr. Ewan: They are doing a good job. present, only a small part of it has been opened up. Irrigation is obtained from the Mr. ADAIR: An excellent job. I hope the Mary River itself and large tracts of country Government e:xtend the road to Coen and in the vicinity could be opened up. It is even further. That road would allow road rich land but very little has been done with transport of the greater percentage of cattle it. That area could be developed immensely. from the Peninsula. I ask the Minister to do what he can to push its development ahead. It is an isolated I regret that the "Wewak", which has done area but, if developed, would prove one a marvellous job, will no longer be carrying of the main tobacco-producing areas in the cattle from the Peninsula to Cairns. I was Mareeba district. the first member of Parliament to be approached by Mr. Rex Johnstone and At the recent Cabinet meeting in Towns­ Mr. Cummings of the Marine Contracting ville the Government produced a scheme for and Towing Company with the request that the construction of roads into the Gulf and the Labour Government subsidise sea trans­ the Channel country. It is a scheme for port of cattle. In the first year. the amount which the Government will have to obtain was £10,000 and the Government guaranteed financial assistance from the Federal Govern­ the company for £9,000 to put diesel ment; it will cost £6,000,000. These roads engines in the barge "Wewak." I was are very important for the development of present when the first load of cattle was that country. brought from Princess Charlotte Bay. The graziers were amazed at the way in which the I know what the construction of the Mulli­ cattle were embarked, and they were moved gan Highway has done for the Cape York to the wharf in Cairns in 36 hours, arriving peninsula. Cattle are at present being trans­ at the meatworks in prime condition. ported by cattle train from that area down Up to the time the "Wewak" sank recently it as far as Laura. If these roads are con­ had carried 40,000 head from the remote structed to the Gulf and the Channel country parts of the Peninsula. The company built it will give a tremendous boost to those loading yards at various points, and the barge areas. I sincerely hope that the Government was ideal for that type of work, being able is successful in getting financial assistance to moor in about 6 ft. of water. from the Commonwealth Government to enable them to go ahead with their construc­ Mr. Ewan: How many would they trans­ tion. port in one trip? 1960-v 578 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. ADAIR: Recently, up to 380 a load. cattle-fattening country I have ever seen. I do not know exactly how many beasts to the Mr. Hiley: That is with the second deck. acre it will carry. I have heard that it will Mr. ADAIR: Yes. They were taking 380 fatten two, but certainly it will fatten one a load. beast to the acre. It is recognised as being the best cattle-fattening area for its size any­ It used to take 10 to 12 weeks to drove where in Queensland. the cattle 500 to 600 miles from that area, and they would lose up to 1 cwt. Droving The butter factory there now has only two can be done only at certain times of the year. suppliers. The trouble is that the cattle­ After July the water along the route is not fattening people are coming in and buying plentiful and the feed is out, and they cannot the dairy farmers out. It will not be long drove them. before the butter factory at Daintree will close down and the area will go over to cattle­ Mr. Ewan: Their feet would not stand up, fattening. either. The construction of the road will open up Mr. ADAIR: No. I have seen cattle in the a rich area of flat country around Bloom­ saleyards at Mareeba limping around the field. The first sugar mill in the North was yards. built at Bloomfield and the large areas of low-lying land close to the coast would lend It takes 10 to 12 weeks to drove from themselves well to the planting of guinea that area. The "Wewak" brought these grass and the like for cattle-fattening-areas cattle down, and it did a wonderful job. at Bailey Creek, Tribulation and further Rexie Johnston told me over the week-end north to Cooktown, where graziers already that they have an opportunity to buy a barge are felling timber and preparing the land larger than the "Wewak". If they get the for cattle-fattening, with good results. insurance of £40,000 on the "Wewak" they will buy it, and it will be more suitable for I saw an area of 100 acres of giant guinea grass planted. A grazier named Norm. the job. I should like to see them buy it, Watkins had 100 beasts on it and I was and if they need help in its purchase I there when he sold them. He was paid £40 believe the Government should assist. to £45 a head for steers and £30 to £35 a Mr. Windsor: How long does it take them head for spayed cows. Immediately he sold to go by boat? them he put another herd on the same land. He told me they would fatten on the same Mr. ADAIR: It takes 36 hours, and the area of grass. Just outside Cooktown other cattle are brought down in prime condition. graziers are going in for cattle-fattening and The Clauson Company, who are carting I am sure it will be a real success. cattle from remote areas in the Gulf country, It is important to the people of Cooktown intend to start carting from Cape York that the missing link be constructed. It is Peninsula. However, they will not be able only 24 miles from the Daintree River to to do the same job as the "Wewak" has Bloomfield. I have driven a Holden car done. They cannot get into the same shallow from Cooktown down to Bloomfield. The water. The only suitable means of transport road was good. With the construction of the is a barge similar to the "Wewak". Not link it would be the finest tourist drive in only did this barge cart the cattle from the the State. Over the McDowall Range is remote areas of the Peninsula, but it carted the China Camp area and, within three miles, bloodstock into the area by the hundreds the Roaring Meg Falls, an ideal falls for that could not get there by droving. It also the Government to harness for the genera­ carted all the requirements for the graziers tion of hydro-electricity. It has a drop in the area, such as bulldozers and graders about the same as the Barron Falls and a for the building of aerodromes. The graziers larger flow of water at present because it is a now have an air-mail service once a week, lOO-inch-rainfall area.. The area is the and the planes land on the aerodromes they richest timber belt anywhere in Queensland, have built there. They now have three with both softwoods and hardwoods. At the means of transport: road, air and sea. present time a company is syphoning from the top of the falls water for the hydraulic It is nearly impossible for the Government treatment of alluvial tin. The man to build an all-weather road right up into in charge of the company also did con­ the Peninsula. There are the Palmer, trol the Gilmore mine outside Irvine­ Mcivor, Annand and Laura Rivers, which, bank and they did all right there. when in flood, make it nearly impossible for I am sure he will do well there and that an all-weather road to be built. It will be development will proceed. necessary to have sea transport for these I regret that the Forestry Department has cattle as road transport will not be able to not spent one penny on the construction of carry all the cattle out of the area. roads into this area. Roads costing thous­ Another important matter that I have ands of pounds have been build by the raised before, and that I will keep on raising department in other areas and very little until I am successful, is the construction of timber has been carted over them, yet in this :he missing link from the Daintree River to area, where the best stands of millable tim­ Bloomfield. It would open up a large area ber in the State are available, no roads have of cattle-fattening country-the richest been built. The Department would be well Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 579

advised to construct roads, because it wherever he liked. He said that no restric­ would assist in developing the area and would tion was placed upon them, that they were also be of benefit to the Cooktown area. allowed to go their own way. That is not I listened to the speech of the hon. mem­ so. At any time a Torres Strait Islander ber for Ithaca and his reference to alco­ may be ordered back to the island. The holic liquor. In my electorate-! have men­ aboriginal can be exempted. I have got tioned this previously-excessive drinking exemptions for dozens of aboriginals. As of methylated spirits takes place at Thursday long as an aboriginal has not had a con­ Island. Last year over 1,500 gallons of viction it is no trouble for me to get him methylated spirits were used on the island an exemption. But that is not so with the and I believe that the greater part of it wa~ Torres Strait Islander, even though he is drunk. The police have informed me that far superior to the aboriginal. The Torres 90 per cent. of the people arrested for drink­ Strait Islander is far superior physically to ing offences have been drinking methylated the aboriginal. Most Torres Strait Islanders spirits. In New Guinea the drinking of are educated to a certain standard. They methylated spirits has been stopped to a live at the missions in much the same way great extent. Anybody, whether white or as white men. A snap inspection of their coloured, wanting to buy methylated spirits homes would reveal that both inside and has to get a permit from the police, and out their homes are as clean as white men's something similar could easily be done at homes anywhere in the State. They take Thursday Island. Methylated spirits could a pride in their homes. The restriction on be sold by one reliable firm on the island, these islanders should be lifted; they should and people could get a permit from the police have the same rights as aboriginals; they to purchase the amount they required. At should be eligible for exemption. Many present a person can go into a store and buy Torres Strait Islanders want to get down the as much methylated spirits as he likes. One coast to go cane-cutting, but they have no can go into the store and see the fellows opportunity to do so beecause they have to buying it. Some of them drink it neat and get permission from the Department of others mix cordial with it and drink it that Native Affairs before they can leave the w~y. In. my_ opinion the best way to stop island. Many of them come down to Cairns this practice IS not only to put a restriction on trochus luggers and then get work in the on the purchase of methylated spirits but · area. Many of them are working on trawl­ also to allow the natives to drink alcohol. ing boats for only £23 a month. Most of them have wives and families to keep, and I came down from Cairns on the the cost of living is high on Thursday Island. "Sunlander" on Sunday, and there were about It is easy to understand why they want 30 Torres Strait islanders on the train. I saw exemption to get down the coast and earn them go into the bars on the railway stations. more money. I know that the department's The man in charge of the bar does not know argument will be that while they are under whether they are entitled to drink. At its protection they are protected and that Thursday Island only St. Paul's boys and once they leave its protection they are open Hammond Island boys are allowed to drink to the risk of not getting work. But I still but when they go trochus fishing and corn~ maintain that they should be given the down ~s far . as Mackay, they go into the opportunity to go where they want to. All hotels m Cmrns, Mackay and Proserpine. around the North one will see these islanders Whether they are St. Paul's boys, Hammond working on railway construction. The Island boys, Bardu boys, or whoever foremen employing them say that they are they are, they can all get a drink, but at excellent workers. Two of them are gangers Thursday Island they are not entitled to drink. in the Cairns area. Mr. Hughes: The obligation is on the I have seen these men working and I know publican. they are good workers. Some of them are Mr. ADAIR: Yes, to police the hotel and doing a good job cane-cutting around Cairns see that they behave themselves. I believe and Innisfail. It is entirely at the discretion of the department whether they are released that t~ey would behave themselves if they were given the opportunity to drink. In any and allowed to go down the coast. Many of the hotels on Thursday Island one can of them would go if given the opportunity. see St. Paul's boys and Hammond Island The Minister also said that Jarnu Nona boys drinking. There is no difference between the king of the Islanders, does not want t~ a St. Paul's boy and a Bardu boy or between be free. He naturally would not. He is a St. Paul's or Bardu boy and a Murray the wealthiest Islander up there. He is on Island boy. I have been told that they are Badu. What advantage would it be to him of different blood. to be free? He already has everything that Recently I asked the Minister for Health a free man has. He has the nicest home and Home Affairs if he would give con­ on Badu: he has all the drink he wants. sideration to amending the Torres Strait Anyone who goes to his home can get as Islanders Act with a view to granting much drink as he can consume-any kind exemption to islanders with the necessary of liquor. But the Badu boys cannot get qualifications. The Minister replied that at any. the present time anybody who wanted to Mr. Hanlon: He does not refllly speak for leave the island could go to Cairns or the Islanders? 580 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. ADAIR: No, he is speaking only for Ministers and Senators visit the North and himself. He does not want the boys to be tell the miners that the Federal Govern­ free either because, if they were free, he ment are going to do something for them. would not have them on his pearling boats. They have been doing that for years, but He has his own boats and he is doing well nothing has been done. Recently they out of them. Incidentally, he is not too visited the Tablelands electorate and popular with the boys. If you try to talk inspected mines and dredges. The best to an Islander he will object because, by assistance they could give miners would be your talking to one he can be penalised. to cut out income tax. Mining is a peculiar industry. A farmer, for instance, can put Mr. Davies: Something like Morris's fertiliser on the soil and grow a crop, but secret police. a miner who is working in copper, bismuth, Mr. ADAIR: I would have liked the molybdenite or tin knows that every ton Minister in charge to be here today to hear he takes out of his mine is a ton less in the of some of these things. I know he would mine. At certain depths mining is expensive. not agree with me but what I am saying is The best assistance the Federal Government the truth. I ask that the Torres Strait could give miners would be to free them of Islands Act, which is an unfair Act, be income tax. Gold production is free of tax, amended and that the Islanders be given the but it has not the use of other metals. No right of exemption if they can qualify for man works harder than a miner. When it. Many of these men fought in the last prospecting he has to live under hard con­ war; they are returned service men. If they ditions in the ranges. He has to carry his were good enough to fight for us surely it is gear by pack-saddle or on his back. I know good enough for us to give them the right two brothers who are working a mine at to freedom. I ask the Minister to investigate Watsonville. I do not know the amount of the possibility of doing this. ore they would produce if they worked during the whole year. At the moment they I have more aboriginals in my electorate produce only £3,000 worth of tin a man than there are in any other electorate. There and then stop working. They will admit would be probably over 40,000 aboriginals frankly that that is their practice because on the mission stations and reserves in my they do not see any use in producing more electorate. On race days at Coen they come and giving it to the Federal Government in in groups of 200 to 300 and they can in tax. The dirt in their lungs will gradually buy all the clothes they require-elastic­ eat them away. I have seen many miners, sided boots, snakeproof trousers, shirts with some of them young men, with this disease. a bullock's head on them and 20-gallon Some miners contract miner's phthisis and hats-but at the police station they are have a slow death. They regard their limited to £20. These men might have mines as banks, and they do not intend to £1,000 or more in the bank but they cannot root out all the tin in them for the benefit draw more than £20, from which amount of the Federal Government. I know other a deduction is made for the aerial miners at Irvinebank who are working a lode ambulance. That is rightly deducted because that has produced for years. Probably it can the aboriginals in that area would use that keep going indefinitely. So far it has been service more than anybody else as there are mined for 22 years, and they have worked it more of them there. If a stock-rider breaks only 10 to 12 weeks a year. They get out his leg, he is taken to Cairns by aerial £3 000 worth a man, and then stop. Unless ambulance. It is an excellent service. If th~ Government make the mining industry a patient can be treated at the A.I.M. free of tax to encourage production, pro­ hospital at Coen he is treated there but duction is not likely to be increased. The patients with broken limbs are always taken price for tin in Australia is about £200 a to the coast. ton less than the overseas price. Tin is At Christmas the aboriginals get another mined in Malaya and the Philippines and handout of £15 to £20. Is it any wonder goes straight to America and comes back that they have no incentive to work? Would to this country. Tin is produced at any person have any incentive if he knew he Mt. Garnet, but they have not paid could not get all the money he earned? a decent dividend yet although they I ask the Minister to consider the matter get up to 10 tons of tin a week. The price with a view to allowing larger withdrawals of tin is not high enough to pay a reasonable from accounts than at present. dividend. I know the requirements of the miners; I mined there for years; I have had I would have no trouble in getting graziers to get my living from the mountains. It is to show me the bank accounts of aboriginal not like cane-cutting where, if a man does employees. In fact, aboriginals have offered not work hard enough, he does not make a to show me their account to prove what living. In mining you have to find the they have in the bank. They are allowed to mineral and then dig it out. draw out only a certain amount, and I have pointed out to the Minister on eventually their money is paid into Con­ several occasions, and I have pointed it out solidated Revenue. Aboriginals should be to the Ministers in the previous Govern­ gtven the right to spend more of their money. ment, that the only assistance that will help, Mining is a very important industry in apart from freedom from income tax. is to North Queensland. We find that Federal put diamond drills into the area. If the Supply (11 OCTOBER] Supply 581

miners can only get down to them all the Mr. SULLIVAN: That would be the 64- old mines will produce again as well as dollar question and the hon. member knows they have ever done. Most of them are now the answer as well as I. full of water and the timbers are rotting out. They will have to be pumped dry and Apparently hon. members opposite am re-timbered, and the cost is too great. If fairly happy with the Budget, judging from two or three diamond drills could be rented the debate led by the Leader of the Oppo­ out or leased to the miners as in the South, sition. His argument did not convey much in the coal-mining industry, they would look to me. In the committees of various orga­ after them and they would be able to drill nisations you find that most people know and find what is underground. If they hit their subject and you often hear some very a tin lode or a copper lode they could sink good debates, but that could not be said of a mine and develop it. I urge the Minister this occasion. I am not making a personal to look into this. The 90-Mile Mine is in attack on the Leader of the Opposition. He this area. It is a rich producer of copper. is a man for whom I have a high regard, and I have known him for a number of Mr. Davies: Where is that? years. But his attack did not impress me, coming as it did from the Leader of the Mr. ADAIR: It is out past Cunjevoy on Opposition in a young State crying out for the Mt. Garnet road, on the way to development. Hughenden. The mine was discovered some I said in my maiden speech that I looked years ago and worked by my father. It forward to having hon. members opposite has proved to be a rich copper mine. The build themselves into a strong, constructive gold in the copper pays for the cartage of Opposition. the ore from the mine to Einasleigh, and from Einasleigh to Mt. Morgan. The copper Mr. Davies: Did you mean that? is being mined and sent to Japan for smelting. It is a sorry state of affairs to think that Mr. SULLIVAN: My word, because I minerals mined in this State have to be sent believe we must have a strong Opposition. to Japan for smelting. Even in playing a game of football one does not like to win by 60 to nil all the time. Mr. Davies: How long has this been going Mr. Davies: What you mean is strong oppo­ on? s;tion? Mr. ADAIR: It has been going on for Mr. SULLIVAN: There is no doubt that six months. Even the tin has to be sent in three years' time we will have another away to be smelted. Over 50 years ago overwhelming win; but, as in cricket or foot­ John Moffat smelted all the tin mined in ball or any other field, if you have strong the Irvinebank district. It is a sorry state opposition you give of your best. I know of affairs that we have not developed the it is still early in the piece and there is time State sufficiently to smelt the tin produced for hon. members opposite to mould them­ here. selves into that strong opposition. Mr. Davies: The copper is sent to Japan? Some of the newer hon. members oppo­ site could learn a great deal if they would Mr. ADAIR: Yes, we send the copper to only sit and listen. Some of the older ones Japan and the tin to New South Wales to be who continually interject might well give smelted. their younger colleagues a chance to listen to some of those on the Government side I ask the Ministers concerned to investi­ who are experienced in matters that really gate and consider seriously all the matters concern the State. In that way they will I have raised. all learn and gradually build themselves into a strong Opposition. Mr. SULUVAN (Condamine) (5.31 p.m.); As I am a new member of the Assembly In leading the attack on the Financial speaking to the Financial Statement for the Statement, the Leader of the Opposition first time, I am sure that even hon. members referred to the fact that rural areas have opposite will not expect me to be really criti­ claimed that they were better off under Labour cal, either forcefully or constructively, of administration. the Treasurer's Budget. He certainly Opposition Members: Hear, hear! impressed me with his outline of the finan­ cial affairs of the State. Although in some Mr. SULLIVAN: After I explain a few respects some of us might have hoped for things, we will not hear "Hear, hear!" from more-particularly those of us who represent the opposite side of the Chamber. In my primary-producing areas-we realise that if own electorate. I always gave the A.L.P. man there is a shortage of money, some services who opposed me credit for being reasonably must suffer. It is then up to the members of intelligent. When I read in the Press that the Cabinet, in their wisdom, to determine he was going to oppose me, I realised that whi~h services should get the greatest pro­ he was not quite as intelligent as I thought portiOn of the money that is available. he was. He made the statement that the farmers, particularly those in the Condamine Mr. Walsh: Why should there be a shortage electorate, which is a wheat-growing area of finance these days? intensively farmed, were very dissatisfied with 582 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply the Government. This man is a farmer, old system, if there was a rodeo on for two and I think his statement was thrown back or three days, the boss said, "Righto, boys, in his teeth by the voting that took place we will go to town and have the week-end at two particular polling booths, one at the off." place where he lived, and the other in a Mr. Beardmore: And they got paid for it, neighbouring district. At the place where too. he lived 42 votes were cast and I got 42, and in the neighbouring district 56 votes Mr. SULLIVAN: Of course they got paid were cast and I got 56. Apparently the for it. With the coming of the 40-hour farmers there were satisfied with the Govern­ week, those things are all gone. If you ment. have a yarn to the fellows employed out in Mr. Walsh: How many votes did you get the western grazing areas and ask them in the plebiscite against Jim Sparkes? whether they are better off under the 40-hour week than previously, when relations were Mr. SULLIVAN: That is another question. better between employer and employee, you We will not bring that one in here, but I will find that none of them are abiding by will say that I finished up in a good position. the rules of the 40-hour week. Men like I have heard since becoming a member of those who are occupying the Government this Assembly that we are a minority Govern­ benches realise the relationship that exists. ment. We have heard the Country-Liberal Party Government referred to as a middle-of-the­ Mr. Davies: Forty-three per cent. road Government. I think that is a very apt term because, as I said in my maiden speech, Mr. S~LLIVAN: That would be right, I since I have been elected my politics ar5 suppose, If the hon. member for Maryborough right in the middle of the road. By that says it. But to my way of thinking-and I mean that if there is a fellow over there there are 78 members of this Assembly and who needs representation and somebody else each of us is entitled to his own way of over here who needs representation, I give thinking, particularly hon. members on the them equal representation irrespective of their Government benches, because we are allowed political views. to think for ourselves-even though we are ~ minority Government, when one goes out Mr. Davies interjected. mto the country areas and bears in mind Mr. SULLIVAN: When the hon. member that 82 per cent. of the State's income comes has the opportunity to listen to a bit of from primary production in the rural areas common sense he should avail himself of it. and that it is earned by 13 per cent. of the What I say is borne out in fact by what people, I think we are entitled to have a little bit more to say. has taken place since my election as member for Condamine. At one polling booth the Mr. Duggan: You think representation tables were reversed on me. Out of a vote should be determined on the basis of your of 72 I got only four votes. I knew that wealth? they wanted a new school in that area and I considered that their want was greater than Mr. SULLIVAN: Not exactly that; but any other project in the area. on what we are able to produce. r would say that men who have sufficient of the stuff you Mr. Houston: Wouldn't Ned Sparkes get find in tennis racquets to go out and invest it? their money-invest money that they borrow Mr. SULLIVAN: Under the new cut-up the would be more to the point-to earn that area was represented by a Labour man. income would perhaps be entitled to just a little bit more say than the fellow who has Mr. Ewan: They needed the school all no stake in the land. right. Mr. Duggan: There are more graziers in Mr. SULLIVAN: They were working under Hamilton than there are in South-west primitive conditions, and probably had done Queensland. so for the last 30 years. It was a sawmilling area and the children were taught school Mr. SULLIVAN: Well, as one who employs under very primitive conditions. The elec­ labour-! was one of the fellows who bor­ tions were ·held on 28 May; I understand rowed a lot of money to go on to the land that in about a month's time the new school when I came back from the war-I have will be opened there. I make that point always found that the men I employ have only to show that I, like other members of my interests very much at heart, possibly the Government, realise that we have respon­ because they are treated well. And they sibilities to all sections of the community. treat me well in turn. Reference has been made by the Leader Mr. Davies: How many holidays do you of the Opposition to the support given to give them a year? the Government in headlines by certain news­ papers when various projects are sponsored. Mr. SULLIVAN: That is an interesting That might be so, but the same Press has point. How many holidays do we give them? not given such favourable headlines to mem­ Go out into the western areas where they bers of primary-producing organisations when are working 40 hours a week. Under the price rises in various food commodities Supply (11 OCTOBER] Supply 583

occurred that affected the multitudes in the the fellow who is unfortunate enough not to cities. For that reason I cannot see how have any wheat but it does help the man who the Leader of the Opposition can say that has been able to grow some. Whether it the Press is one-eyed. Any time there is an should be ls. or 2s. a bushel is not for me increase in the price of butter the Press will to determine. That is a matter for considera­ run headlines for two or three days, or a tion by Cabinet, but I feel that an announce­ week. When the rise becomes effective the ment should be made at a very early stage if producer benefits only to the extent of less such is going to be the case. than 25 per cent. of it. The last time tram fares were increased there were no headlines Mr. Walsh: Tell us what the justification about it, but I should think it would have would be. cost the average family more each week than Mr. SULLIVAN: I make this statement the rise in the price of butter. Therefore I about an announcement being made now cannot agree with the Leader of the Oppo­ because, irrespective of whether the wheat sition when he says that the Press are giving crop is 6,000,000 or 8,000,000 or 10,000,000 more support to this Government than they bushels, it is a possibility that although gave the previous Government. we might harvest that amount it may not Mr. Davies: Your contention is that "The necessarily be the amount that will go to the Courier-Mail" and the "Telegraph" support board. the Labour Party as much as your party? I know that when I say something about Mr. SULLIVAN: I should think so. So increased rail freights hon. members will much for my reply to the debate led by the jump on my neck. Whether or not they Leader of the Opposition! jump on my back or on my neck, I ask them to let me make my point. Reference has been made by several hon. members to the drought conditions prevailing Mr. Walsh: Tell us the justification for at present. The Treasurer referred to it in paying a premium. presenting his Budget and I think all hon. members are appreciative of the conditions Mr. SULLIVAN: With the increased rail that exist and sympathetic towards the freight of 4d. a bushel the wheat-farmer's primary-producing section of the State. income will decrease, but when the Govern­ ment and the board determine the price for Mr. Walsh: Actually, there has not been this season-which normally takes place in any drought relief by the Government, has December-they will take into account the there? rise in freight and possibly the farmer will not be as badly hit as he imagines at the Mr. SULLIVAN: I will build up to that. present time he will be. The point I Do not try to bustle me; I like to go along emphasise is that the Downs farmers think steadily. With the drought situation as it is their costs have risen by 20 per cent., taking today we are faced this year with a greatly into account increased freight charges, but reduced wheat harvest. Wheat-growers if they were given an assurance that the throughout the different areas are presently freight increase would be taken into account very perturbed about their ultimate income. in the determined price for the 1960 crop, all The Leader of the Opposition said this the grain grown in Queensland would go to morning that the ultimate crop looked like the board and not over the border. being 6,000,000 bushels but the latest infor­ mation I got yesterday from the deputy Mr. Houston: Should it all go to the manager of the Wheat Board was that they board? estimated a crop of between 8,000,000 and 10,000,000 bushels. It might finish up at Mr. SULLIVAN: That is a matter to be 6,000,000 if conditions deteriorate in the decided by the individual farmers. It is legal to trade over the border, but wheat­ last couple of weeks. farmers generally are loyal men, and only Mr. Duggan: The figures I used were a very small percentage market their product figures he gave me at that particular time. over the border. If they knew that they would get an extra 4d. a bushel in the Mr. SULLIVAN: That could be so. There 1960 price, we would not be facing the was an inch of rain over the Warra­ danger of wheat going over the border. Chinchilla-Brigalow area, but if the season continues to deteriorate the crop might end Mr. Hanlon: Your solution is to pass the up at 6,000,000 bushels. If that is so, we rail freight increase onto the public? will be faced with the necessity of importing Mr. SULUVAN: Definitely. That is the wheat. On the last occasion we had to only fair thing to do. import wheat-and very inferior wheat it was, I might say, because Queensland is Mr. Hanlon: Why not pass it on to renowned for the high protein quality of its Consolidated Revenue? wheat-it cost us 4s. a bushel to bring it from South Australia. I think the Government Mr. SULLIVAN: Where would th!­ could well consider paying a premium to country finish? those growers who are fortunate enough to If the farmers' costs are going up, is it have wheat. Admittedly, that does not help not fair that consumers should pay more 584 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply for the product? That will be taken into During the last election campaign the account for the basic-wage earner when the Labour Party said that if returned to power quarterly adjustment of the wage is con­ they would introduce a 35-hour week. That sidered. was reiterated the other day by their Federal leader, Mr. Calwell. Nobody in this Mr. Walsh: I can appreciate the point Assembly with honest thoughts for Queens­ you are making, but can you tell me whether land in his mind can believe that a 35-hour it would be constitutionally sound for the week is practicable when the State is crying Government to pay what would be tanta­ out for development, and when it is in need mount to a bounty on production? of world markets. A 35-hour week would Mr. SULLIVAN: I will leave that question price us out of world markets. We have to the Treasurer. 10,000,000 people in Australia and we have the potential to produce. We have the Mr. Hiley: Either last year or the year brigalow belt in Queensland. Some weeks before we did pay a small premium price, ago I took two northerners out to my and it did stop the drift of high-protein electorate. They had heard of the brigalow wheat over the border. belt and its potential, but they had seen it growing only brigalow trees. They were Mr. Walsh: I agree with that, but, if some­ amazed at what could be done with the body challenges the position, what then? brigalow country that I showed them. Mr. Houston: What was the carry-over Twenty years ago it was nothing but a wall last year? of brigalow scrub and prickly pear. Today, it is some of the best country in the world Mr. SULLIV AN: It was 2,000,000 bushels. and is producing wheat of the highest protein The board at the present time thinks we will value in the Commonwealth. There are have sufficient wheat to last until the next crops growing on that country that have harvest, but if there is no further rain there had one inch of rain since planting time, and could be a deterioration in the crop and we another inch the other day. Most of the may have to import wheat. crops were too far advanced to get any What is the reason for increased rail advantage from the last rain, but it is esti­ freights? The Treasurer as custodian of mated that they will yield 14 bags to the the finances of the State is endeavouring to acre. It does not amaze me, it appals m~:: make the railways pay, and I commend that any sane person could suggest that him for doing so. I maintain that every Queensland is ready for a 35-hour week. iervice should pay its way. If the Railway Department continues to lose money other I maintain that the magnificent brigalow services will suffer, whether they be main belt has up to the present hardly been roads, schools, or something else. tapped. It is all very well for any Govern­ ment, or organisation, or person to say that Hon. members opposite may tear into me we must develop this great inheritance but as much as they like over the next matter there are many pitfalls, as those who have I raise. A railwayman who was retired three participated in its development up to date years ago, after working for the depart­ will recall. ment throughout his working life, told me that he has watched closely what is going Possibly the greatest pitfall concerns the finance available to the man willing to go on in the service. He spoke to me about out and have a go. No matter which bank the standards set and the amount of work finances him. when a settler borrows money each man is supposed to do in a day. He to develop a property the system is that he told me that the number of employees of pays his interest and the bank wants him the department could be cut by a third, and to reduce the principal. If loans could be that the remaining employees, if they worked, made available by the Central Bank or the would be able to do all the work done at Agricultural Bank to approved settlers in the present time. That is the reason for such a way that the redemption was not increased rail freights. called for within a certain period-three Mr. Bennett: Who told you that? years or five years or whatever time the bank may determine, sufficiently long so that the Mr. SULLIVAN: I am not mentioning his property can be brought into production-- name, but I know the gentleman and he is just as honest as I am. The primary pro­ Mr. Lloyd: Do you think railway freights ducer knows that these things are going could be eased for those settlers, too? on and with the increase of 20 per cent. Mr. SULLIVAN: We probably would not in rail freights he feels he is being asked to subsidise the railway employee who is have railways out in the brigalow country. not doing a fair day's work. I am not I suggest that redemption be deferred at being sectional when I say that. If I had least until such time as the property is a man working for me and he was not doing brought into production. Remember that a fair day's work, I would sack him. I the settler is not drawing a weekly wage that have not had to do that yet; I employ increases every time the price of a com­ good men and they give me a good day's modity goes up. He is there to develop the work. If any man is not doing a day's land, and in the main it is Crown land so work he should expect to be sacked. he is a Crown tenant. He is doing a job Supply (11 OCTOBER] Supply 585

for the State, or for the Commonwealth, as Mr. SULLIVAN: We are not only worry­ the case may be. If he can bring the ing about drought years. I went to the bank property into production without being on behalf of one man, a man with a family of called on to make repayments in the mean­ eight who was game enough to take on one time. he has the opportunity to develop the of these properties. The lads are out there land. However, if he embarks on a plan of working hard and not getting any wages, but development knowing that within 12 months they are doing a job to develop the country. or so he has to find £1,000 or more, he will If they are given a chance of bringing that be cautious with development in order to place into production before they are asked meet his commitments. to repay the loan, the land will become an Mr. Ewan: The first few years he is work­ asset to the State as Crown land. ing to service his loan. I referred in my maiden speech to legis­ lation being introduced to allow land to be Mr. SULUVAN: That is so. cut up within the family. I do not wish to Mr. Davies: What would you consider a go back over that suggestion, but apparently fair interest rate for a settler like that? the Minister for Public Lands and Irri­ gation thought it was a sensible suggestion, Mr. SULUVAN: The lower the better. and I hope that in years to come we will see something done along those lines. Mr. Thackeray: That is your outlook. I maintain that the brigalow country has Mr. SULLIVAN: I do not know whether great potential for the production of beef. An hon. members opposite have had any area in the Tully district is to be brought practical experience but they are listening into production for beef-raising. During the to somebody now-if they are willing to sit last two or three years it has been proved back and listen-who has gone there and that the beef industry has a great future. The done the job. I went into it when I was world is crying out for beef, and Queensland, five years old. Because I am big and fat which can produce beef, has a golden oppor­ and wear a well-cut suit today does not tunity to cash in on that demand. I do not mean that I have never done a day's hard wish to be critical of our present Governor, work in my life. So if hon. members Sir Henry Abel Smith, or to say anything opposite would only sit and listen they would derogatory of him, but I believe that he was learn something. a little bit off the beam when he made a Mr. Thackeray: Not from you. statement some weeks ago criticising the graz­ ing industry and saying that we did not have Mr. Lloyd: We agree that the new settler a satisfactory type of chiller beef in should be given every incentive; we are Queensland. One of the new hon. members with you on that. opposite-! think it was the hon. member for Townsville North-demanded in his maiden Mr. SULLIVAN: Now that hon. members speech, apparently on that information, that opposite have said all they want to say, I a Royal Commission should be held into the will continue with my speech. grazing industry. I would say that anybody Our aim should be to get the country who asserts we have not a satisfactory type developed as quickly as possible. I have of chiller beef in Queensland knows nothing men in my own area prepared to go out about cattle. · Let me tell you, Mr. Dewar, and develop the land. Any hon. member on exactly what chiller beef is. Some hon. this side of the Chamber knows that, and members would know, but many would not. I am sure that many hon. members opposite Mr. Thackeray: Give us a definition. do, too; I do not believe all of them do not know. Men raising families have borrowed Mr. SULLIVAN: If the hon. member money and have been prepared to go out makes too much noise he will end up out­ there and improve Crown land. They have side. He is coming to my electorate this to be given the opportunity of bringing it week, and I shall be glad to welcome him. into production. In some cases they will go Even though there is a drought and talk of onto the land and strike a bad season, a a Royal Commission into the grazing season such as we are now experiencing. industry, I attended a cattle sale at Fellows put 12 months' work into preparing Jandowae the other day at which 472 cattle their land for a crop, and to all intents and were sold at an average price of £52 Ss. a purposes they get a good strike when they head. That was not because of the plant it and everything looks rosy. Ther drought; it was because of the quality of the drought comes and their income h the cattle. You can throw poor cattle out halved; sometimes it is taken away onto the best of country and they will not altogether. fatten. One can see it in human beings, Mr. Graham: How many years is it since too. If they are not the right type, they we had a drought? will not fatten. Queensland has an ideal chiller type of beast but there are many Opposition Members interjected. reasons why England is not getting our chiller beef. Possibly one of the reasons The TEMPORARY CHAffiMAN (Mr. is that the freight on chiller beef is much Dewar): Order! higher than that on frozen beef. 586 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Opposition Members interjected. be developed. Because the Government of the day would not come in on the scheme Mr. SULLIVAN: If hon. members opposite the land was not developed. Look at what keep quiet I am sure they will learn some­ has taken place in Victoria with their wool. thing. They have shown an increase in production Mr. Thackeray interjected. of 80 per cent. since the war years. Victoria, which would fit into the Gregory electorate, Mr. SULLIVAN: If the hon. member does is producing today one and a-half times as not want to listen let him be quiet. Some much wool as Queensland. That is of his colleagues are prepared to learn. unbelievable! Chiller beef has to be hung so that the Since 1957-1958 Victoria has produced beef air can get through it, whereas frozen beef equivalent to 67 per cent. of Queensland's is merely thrown into the holds of freezer production. That same small State produces ships. For that reason the freight on chiller six times as much mutton and lamb as beef is about 12s. 6d. a 100 lb. more than Queensland does, and two and three quarter that on frozen beef. That is one reason times as much butter. why England is not getting the chiller beef. Mr. Lloyd: That would appear to call for Two other factors are that the home market a Royal Commission into production in is so strong and we have found the American Queensland. market so very good over the last couple of years. Mr. SULLIVAN: I would not say that at As to the suggestion for the appointment all. It is the result of 40 years under a of a Royal Commission to inquire into the Labour Government. Give us another five or six terms to continue what we have killing of breeding cattle, I should like any­ started and what has already taken place in body to give me a concrete example of what was suggested. I know that in my Victoria will be repeated here. area they rear a good heifer calf for every I am pleased to see that the Minister for female beast slaughtered. I myself do the Justice is in the Chamber. Reverting to same and I guarantee that most graziers primary production, whether it be wheat or do. There was some talk about spaying anything else, I want to reiterate what the cattle and somebody wanted to know what hon. member for Gympie said about irri­ it meant. Because of the American market gation. I feel that we, as a Government, the grazier has not had to fatten his old must face up to the fact that irrigation is cows. For the information of hon. mem­ one of the things most needed to develop bers opposite, to fatten an old cow the this State. grazier must spay her. With the American Hon. members may drive through the market so good it saves graziers 12 months' country, as I drive backwards and forwards fattening and the worry of spaying. He can to Toowooml;>a each. week, and see what has sell his old cows for hamburger beef on been done with irrigation as I see it at the American market for more than he the Queensland Agricultural College and received for his fat spayed cows. That proves High School at Gatton. The increased pro­ that the grazier is not as inefficient as many duction that has taken place there over the people would like to lead us to believe. In past three years is something of which we, defence of the graziers-and I represent many as a Government or as individuals, must take of them-! must uphold what they request notice. It is something from which we can of me. I consider that in Queensland we learn a valuable lesson. have some of the finest chiller type of cattle Mr. Davies: Who developed it? anywhere in the world. Mr. SULLIVAN: As a member of this Mr. Ewan: Perfectly true. Government I will always fight for more Mr. SULLIVAN: So let us move on. Let money for irrigation. I think I said in my us have a look at what has taken place over maiden speech that the Condamine electorate the years. I read some very interesting lends itself to irrigation because of its geographical situation and because of the figures in "Queensland Country Life" two excellent catchment areas. It is a very rich or three weeks ago, comparing post-war dairying and fat-lamb raising district, arid development in South Australia, Victoria and production could be boosted if we could get Queensland. Immediately after the war the farmers irrigation-minded. In times of when the War Service Development Scheme drought such as we are now experiencing, came into operation Queensland would not farmers could use fodder that they had grown come in as an agent State, but South Aus­ and stored in better times. They could grow tralia and Victoria did. May be they had it at a price that they would find easy to bear a very good reason, but let me quote a few when times were good and would not be figures that show what happened because faced with the problem of buying it at a Queensland stood out. To begin with, Vic­ very high market price when times were bad. toria has established and developed 2,994 farms with a total of 1.157,000 acres; South In regard to costs as applying to the far­ Australia. 984 farms with a total of 622,000 mer-and this is why I said I was pleased acres; Queensland 470 farms with a total to see the Minister for Justice here-- of 219,470 acres. Yet Queensland is the Mr. Davies: Tell us something about State with millions of acres crying out to spare parts. Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 587

Mr. SULLIVAN: That is exactly what I Mr. Houston: Have you taken this up am going to speak about. The hon. member with the Minister for Justice? for Maryborough must have been reading my notes while I was at dinner. He and I Mr. SULLIVAN: This is a very important have something in common because the price subject and I hope it will be thoroughly of spare parts to the farmer is scandalous. investigated. We have reached the peak in If the hon. member were to suggest a Royal prices for our commodities, and prices may Commission into the price of spare parts I perhaps fall a little. If the costs of the might be with him, because I am going to primary producer are allowed to increase give a few instances of how primary pro­ continuously, the position will be very unsatis­ ducers are being exploited in the sale of factory. If we reach the stage of having a spare parts. poor farming community it will be a sorry day for the other people in the State, irre­ During the investigation into the dairying spective of their political views. Hon. mem­ industry, it was my pleasure to take the bers must agree that in a State such as chairman of the Commission and two of Queensland we must have a prosperous farm­ its members over a large area of my elec­ ing community. That is not so at the pre­ torate to interview farmers. On one Sunday sent time, but we are working to that end. afternoon we were sitting having lunch by the road when one very keen dairyman I do not think, merely because I belong brought a part out of his car. It resembled to the Country Party, that members of the very much the rubber conical-shaped thing Country Party are the only ones who deserve with which the hoofs of a trotter are cov­ consideration. In the country we have small ered. Hon. members opposite who go to towns and people giving service-grocers, the trots would know it. In fact, it was the butchers and garage men. Some of them­ dust cover of the clutch of a crawler not many-vote Labour, but they all play a tractor. Everybody had a guess as to what part in the community just as important as its price would be. The chairman of the that of the primary producer. Many people:: committee, who for 17 years was Federal depend on the primary producer for their Commissioner of Prices and should know livelihood. I have invested money in a pro­ something of the subject, was of the opinion perty, and that applies to every farmer near that it was worth 11s. 9d., but the farmer my property. I support my family and at was able to produce a docket to show that the same time I support another family the it cost £8 1s. 3d. man having four or five children. The 'man who is courageous enough to invest his Mr. Davies: Exploitation. money in land and make a living for him­ self and his own family is worthy of Mr. SULLIVAN: I agree. consideration. In a general discussion the chairman told I think I have said enough. I always us of an investigation in Victoria into a take the view that when I run out of some­ certain make of auto-header which sells for thing to say I should sit down. I sum up £4,500 and the cost of every part of the by warning hon. members not to be misled header. The parts would cost £41,272, and or hoodwinked into believing that any sec­ the person purchasing them would have to tion of the primary-producing community is pay for the cost of assembly. The farmer inefficient. If they do hold that view, they is being exploited in the cost of spare parts. will never get my vote. The distributors are not giving the farmers the service they should be given. I can Queensland is not like the more favoured States in the South with their better climatic speak with experience on this matter. Three conditions. Dairying in Queensland is very months ago the crankshaft of a tractor that difficult because of the climatic conditions, I bought less than three years ago for £2,500 but in good seasons certain areas of Queens­ broke and had to be replaced. I found that ~and are very fitted for dairying. However, there was no replacement part in Australia It has been proved that in the summer months and the tractor was out of commission for cows will not graze in the Queensland heat three months. between 10 o'clock in the morning and 4 Mr. Lloyd: You were lucky to be able o'clock in the afternoon. They lie in the to afford it. shade of trees. I do not have to prove that. I have known it all my life. In the older Mr. SULLIVAN: I have a good bank that southern States, which are better developed, stands behind me. they have more money and more irrigation schemes than Queensland. Our approaches Mr. Bennett: You are embarrassing the to the Commonwealth Government in the Liberal Party. future must be to develop Queensland so that our costs of production may be reduced. Mr. SULLIVAN: I am not worried about Millions of people in the world today are embarrasing the Liberal or Country Party; crying out to be fed, but they cannot afford as a responsible member of the Government to pay our costs of production. If we can 1 express the view that we should inquire bring down our costs to a level that they can into such matters and do something about afford, we will never over-produce in pri­ them. mary industries. 588 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. Lloyd: I think you will appreciate Mr. Ewan: No, there are too many bush­ that the export price of grain is most impor­ fires now. tant to the grain-growing industry and the imposition of heavier railway freight on grain Mr. SHERRINGTON: If the hon. member can price the industry out of production. will only be patient-! have not been pro­ vocative-! will give him plenty of meat Mr. SULLIVAN: There is no doubt about later if he wants to come in. that. Whether it is grain, meat, or anything else, that is very important. We must pro­ I feel sure that, even with the help of the duce at a price that these people can pay. devastating drought we are now experienc­ That is very important, but the hon. mem­ ing, there is not the remotest possibility of ber is not going to get me into a corner. the Treasurer's Budget setting the State on The only reason for freights going up, as I fire, let alone the whole world. I want to said a while ago-hon. members opposite be quite fair in this matter and to state can howl me down on this-is that the rail­ clearly that I have no political axe to grind waymen are not working as they should. with the Treasurer. During my short time in Parliament I have learned to appreciate Mr. DAVIES: I rise to a point of order. his courtesy, and his answers to questions The hon. member has accused the employees are in the main unfettered by political bias. of the Railway Department of being loafers. That is in marked contrast with the Minister The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! for Transport, who, every time he is asked The hon. member said no such thing. a question, trots out an answer loaded with political capital. Mr. SULUVAN: That is the reason for the increased freights, and nothing else. I felt some sympathy for the Treasurer; l gained the impression when he was speak­ We know that when increases in freights ing that his heart was not in it. His attitude in the railway have taken place, irrespective could well be likened to that of a person of what Government were in power, it has with a sense of guilt. This could well have always followed that road transport operators been occasioned by the uninspiring nature of have had to charge a fee comparable with the Budget compared with the somewhat the railway freight. I know that road-trans­ lavishly embellished statements contained in port hauliers have been told to increase their the Government's policy speech so recently prices to keep in line with the railway given. It is well to refresh the minds of freights. hon. members on some of those phrases. Mr. Houston: Who told you that? During his opening policy speech the Deputy Premier had this to say- Mr. SULLIVAN: I know that as a fact. "On our assuming office in August, 1957, The road hauliers do not necessarily want as I say 18 months later we found that to do it. They have been making a good our predecessors had approved dismissals living, but they have to keep in line with of several hundreds of railway employees the railways. It is simply adding to the pro­ and that for the forthcoming slack season duction costs of the primary producers. of the Christmas/New Year months, I will sum up in these few words: let us 1957-1958, not one alleviating plan was all do the best we can, irrespective of our even in the planning stages." political views. Whether we be members of Parliament, whether we be in commercial He also said- life, primary producers, or workers in the "We propose to continue the quadrupli­ railways, let us remember that Australia is cation of suburban railways, an absolute a young country with a great potential, with necessity for the handling of both goods only 10,000,000 people. We have the poten­ and stock trains from the country and the tial to develop and to produce. It boils first essential towards suburban electrifica­ down to one thing: we have all to work just tion." a little harder. What a bitter pill it must have been for the Mr. SHERRINGTON (Salisbury) (7.44 Treasurer to have to swallow when he heard p.m.): I have always felt that one thing that the Minister for Transport admit that the would leave a lasting impression on a new number of workers engaged on the quadrupli­ member of Parliament would be witnessing cation project had decreased from 621 in the presentation of the Financial Statement. June, 1959, to 357 in June, 1960! How Because of that, it was with considerable bitter it must have been to have to admit interest that I prepared myself for this event. to the ruthless curtailment of branch lines I have now passed through that part of my and the loss of employment occasioned by Parliamentary experience, and I must confess these acts. The Premier in his portion of to a feeling of being somewhat let down. the policy speech said- My impression was that the Treasurer in his "I think that we have brought a fresh presentation of the Budget might well have approach to the Government of Queens­ set it to music or, failing that, it could have land and its problems of development and, been heralded by an appropriate theme song. under the stimulus, incentive and drive From its uninspiring and unimaginative we have imparted, the State's progress in nature. one might well have suggested, "I all its phases, has been accelerated to top don't want to set the world on fire." gear." Supply (11 OCTOBER] Supply 589

I suggest that if it ever accelerated to top who believe in this State's capacity and gear, this Government over the last three with God's help, we will go forward years have forgotten to let out the clutch. together and lead Queensland to the full realisation of her high destiny." 'Mr. Ewan: You had the brake on when you were in office. That was what he had to say. But if this Budget without expression, this Budget with· Mr. SHERRINGTON: I will come to the out hope, this Budget without imagination or hon. member later on. fire, is to be the yardstick for measuring the amount of impetus required to achieve In the light of the Premier's statement, these lofty ideals of the Deputy Premier, it must have been somewhat distasteful all I can say is, "God help Queensland!" for the Treasurer to have to admit that the State, in paying higher salaries, would Mr. Ewan: You will have to learn your inevitably find itself employing fewer people. lesson. Where is the fruition of hopes expressed Mr. SHERRINGTON: I cannot learn it in 1957 that if a Tory Government were from the prickly-pear grazier from Roma. Is elected in Queensland their counterparts m it any wonder that the hon. member for Canberra would open the purse strings in Gregory was so outspoken on the neglect of warm-hearted fashion to a Government of this State by the Commonwealth Govern­ the same political colour in Queensland? ment? I think that the Premier and the Mr. Ewan: So they will, too. Treasurer had this amply illustrated to them when they had to seek money in every Mr. SHERRINGTON: They are a long corner of the globe to enable them to carry time doing it. The hon. member for Gregory out such important work as the reconstruc­ was very outspoken in his criticism. tion of the Mt. Isa railway line. This sorry spectacle of the Premier and the Treasurer Mr. Ewan: You told me to be patient a desperately seeking money was dismissed minute ago. I am telling you to be patient by the Treasurer in his speeh in this now. statement- Mr. SHERRINGTON: We have waited "During the year, agreement was reached three years. I think enough evidence has with the Commonwealth Government been given by members on the Government whereby that Government underwrote the benches particularly country members, of provisions of £20 million over a five-year their disgust with the cavalier treatment that period which, when added to what the the Menzies-McEwen faction has given to State was prepared to find from its own requests for aid from this State. This was loan resources, ensured the carrying out well illustrated by the Treasurer in his com­ of this £29-30 million project." ment on the fact that Queensland had I wonder what the Treasurer's true feelings received only the infinitestimal sum of were when he wrote that passage. I also £232,352 from the special loan, compared with wonder what are his feelings when he realises £11.1 million received by New South Wales. the crying need for such things as roads, He had this to say- electrical development and, perhaps most "Reference has been made many times important of all, water conservation. Even previously to the unsatisfactory features Country Party members agree that water of the Commonwealth procedure in raising conservation is important. I wonder what these loans; the component of Common­ are his feelings when he is reminded that monwealth revenues, the full rates of Messrs. Menzies and McEwen have turned interest, and the soaring debts of the States deaf ears to their pleas for help in these as compared with the rapidly diminishing directions. It should be practicable for the net debt of the Commonwealth. It is Treasurer to convince these moguls in Can­ not proposed to weary the Committee with berra, who see only so far as Adelaide and a repetition of these things. They are Sydney, that water conservation means a raised persistently at Loan Council Meet­ whole lot more than the creation of a ings but the criticism by the States has £2,000,000 artificial lake to be gazed upon availed little in changing the Common­ by officialdom and the public servants in the wealth approach." Federal capital. If the Treasurer is completely honest-and Mr. Ewan: How much did your city council I have no reason to doubt that he is-I lake over the road cost? think he will frankly agree with the opinion expressed by one hon. member on the com­ Mr. SHERRINGTON: Is the hon. member pletion of his presentation of the Financial trying to suggest that water conservation is Statement-"There is a no-hoper Budget if not important? ever I heard one!" It certainly gives little Mr. Ewan: Tell us how much the city stimulus to the hopes that were expressed council lake in the Botanic Gardens cost. by the Deputy Premier when, at the con­ clusion of his policy speech in May this Opposition Members: Your crowd! year, he said- The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! "Queensland no longer lies dormant, but is a giant awakening and flexing his Mr. SHERRINGTON: Whilst realising that muscles, with the full co-operation of all we must do our duty by our country by 590 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply giVing heed to its beautification, I maintain Mr. SHERRINGTON: I wholeheartedly that the Treasurer would be doing the inhabi­ agree that the people of Queensland have tants of the drought-stricken pastoral areas had it under this Government. a great service if he were able to convince Mr. Davies: Fifty-seven per cent. of them the Federal authorities that water conserva­ have had it. tion in those areas is of far more importance than the creation of a plaything for the Mr. SHERRINGTON: To be perfectly inhabitants of the Federal capital. frank and straightforward in our approach to the problem, the proposed take-over could To say the least, I am disturbed at the only be to the detriment of the already over­ attitude of the Treasurer expressed in his burdened pay packet of the wage-earner. I opinion of the workers of the State. We would go so far as to say that it would also have heard him imply that ship painters and be to the detriment of industry as a whole. dockers are lazy and indolent. Only half I should like to quote the words of the an hour or so ago we heard the hon. mem­ present Treasurer during the debate in 1952 ber for Condamine say that railway employees on the Southern Electric Authority of Queens­ were not doing their job. That sort of thing is not new because over the years the land Bill, in the second-reading stage, when he present Government and the people they had this to say: represent have been making similar attacks " ... but when it comes to taking over on the workers of this State. Let me the electricity undertaking of councils that assure the Treasurer and the hon. member may be involved, the only measure written for Condamine that happily that opinion is into the Bill is the provision that new not shared by most employers in Queens­ authorities can take over the loan under­ land. During the recent Commonwealth takings of the Council. It seems to me Engineering Limited dispute I had occasion again that where there is a local equity in to discuss many of the aspects of the dispute the electricity undertakings that relate to a with the company's manager, Mr. Harrison. narrow group of people, it is then conferred In the course of our conversation he told on the wider group of beneficiaries. The me that he was a former member of the Brisbane City Council has built up a fine Thailand Legislature. He said that on arrival electricity undertaking, it has built up a in Australia he had heard many references considerable equity, entirely at the expense to the laziness of the Australian worker, of the ratepayers of the city of Brisbane. but he had been prepared to keep an open Had the ratepayers of the city of Brisbane mind on the matter and to let subsequent authority not to channel back earnings or events prove whether this opinion was true profits of the undertaking to repay indebted­ or false. It must be remembered that he ness or give benefits that fall within the was speaking during a period of strike against compass of the Greater Brisbane undertak­ his company. He said that he was now ing, the loans would not. have had the very adamant in his defence of Australians; sinking fund instalments pa1d off the debts he said that the worker in Australia, par­ incurred. Therefore, whatever equity exists ticularly in Queensland, is not as described in the Brisbane City Council undertaking in the opinion expressed by the Treasurer has been built up by the ratepayers in the and the hon. member for Condamine. He Brisbane City Council areas." expressed the opinion that if you gave the Queensland worker a job and asked for his Mr. Ewan: Who wrote that? co-operation, he compared more than favour­ Mr. SHERRINGTON: Those are the words ably with any other worker with whom he of the present Treasurer. had been associated. I give him full credit for his attitude in striving for better employer­ He continued- employee relations. This attitude could well "When you come to consider the pos­ bE; copied by hon. members opposite when sibilities of this Bill you find that the approaching the problem of getting over an undertaking that was provided by a narrow industrial dispute. background can be put into the hands of a wider authority, that wider authority will As our Leader said this morning, this be merely called on to take over the debate affords the opportunity for broad dis­ balance of the indebtedness. I wonder cussion so I should now like to deal with a whether that is full justice to the people matter that I feel will have far-reaching who have provided that equity." effects on the electricity supply policy in this Those also are the words of the present State. The proposed take-over of the Treasurer. That is true of the situation now electricity undertaking of the Brisbane City being threatened to a flourishing asset that Council is causing concern and alarm among belongs to the people of Brisbane. the ratepayers of this city. The alarm is being caused by the secrecy and the furtive In dealing with such a matter it is well approach, which can only lead one to believe to retrace some of the history of the develop­ that a situation is being developed somewhat ment and growth of the Electricity Depart­ resembling the sleight-of-hand tricks practised ment of the Brisbane City Council. I think by amateur magicians-now you have it; its history should be brought to the notice now you have not. of hon. members of this Chamber because it is of great interest. It is appropriate at Mr. Low: We have had it all right. this stage to mention that the generation and Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 591

distribution system of the Brisbane City What has this meant to the residents of Council supplies energy to a third of the Brisbane? Having only an obligation to population of the State, a further third being provide service to the public and not being served by regional boards and the remaining encumbered with an obligation to share­ third by the Southern Electric Authority. holders, the undertaking has been able to supply electric energy to consumers at the The history of the Brisbane City Council lowest possible price. Indeed, so successful undertaking is very interesting. In 1919 and efficient have been the operations of persons in the Bulimba area decided they the department that it has been able to would move to obtain electricity supplies. A provide not only cheaper electricity but also public meeting was called and a Mr. J. H. has been able to pay amounts of up to Hindman attended as an observer on behalf £300,000 annually into consolidated revenue of what was then the City Electric Light of the Brisbane City Council. These sums Company. Mr. Hindman, however, was an have provided for such things as the rents astute and capable person with great vision. of council buildings, the subsidising of rates It was not long before he was addressing and the payment of aldermen's salaries. the gathering on the benefits that would accrue from the establishment of a publicly­ It is well to recall that the energy service owned utility. He knew that it would mean provided -by the department cannot be not only cheaper electricity but also better bettered in Australia. It has a 24-hour service. emergency service and I have no hesitation in saying that interruption periods caused by It is not difficult to imagine the fate that breakdowns have been cut to the bare befell Mr. Hindman when his employers m1mmum. It is generating yearly learned of his actions, but to his everlasting 580,202,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. The credit this did not daunt him or dampen Brisbane tramways are supplied with his ardour. He immediately approached the 34,110,600 kilowatt-hours of electricity. It is then Premier, Mr. Theodore, for Govern­ interesting to note that in the city council ment approval of an additional franchise area the proportion of energy consumed is and, by the use of loan moneys, set up the 60 per cent. for domestic users and 30 per Bulimba Electricity Supply Board. Having cent. for commercial and industrial users. thus established the nucleus for greater effort, Because the supply of electricity to the Tram­ he approached the shire councils of Balmoral, way Department has been merely an inter­ Coorparoo, Toombul, Kedron, and Sand­ charge between departments, the Electricity gate and asked them to become members Department has been supplying energy to the of the board. It is interesting to note that council at bus-bar rates. In other words, not one of those he approached was a it has been supplying the tramways Labour council. In spite of the avowed at only a fraction above production costs. It policy of anti-Labour Governments or needs little imagination to realise that this parties in regard to publicly-owned utilities, has helped to keep tramway fares as low as he was able to convince them of the advan­ is economically possible. Any increased cost tages of such an undertaking. From the to the tramways for energy can result only in amalgamation of these shires was created an increase in tramway fares. Perhaps the the Metropolitan Electricity Supply Board, most important feature is that this undertak­ which was then purchasing energy in bulk ing has never been subject to special grants from the City Electric Light Company for by any Government. It has always functioned distribution to the consumers. Such suburbs so that it can repay both principal and as Hamilton, Windsor and Stephens were the interest for any loans it may have acquired. next to follow. On 1 October, 1925, the Greater Brisbane City Council was established How will the proposed take-over of this and through failure to come to a satisfactory system affect the people of Brisbane? Any arrangement with the City Electric Light negotiations entered into will relate only to Company for the bulk supply of electricity the generation of electricity. The Southern there was a need for the establishment of a Electric Authority will not be interested in power-house, to be owned and controlled by taking over and maintaining the power lines the Brisbane City Council. It was com­ carrying the energy to the various parts of menced in 1928. Mr. Hindman was appointed the city. Justice will not be done in any take­ manager of the undertaking from its incep­ over of the power-houses because the deprecia­ tion in 1925, and he held that position until ted value of a station is not its true value. his retirement in 1952, at which date the Its true value is in its productivity of gen­ assets of the Brisbane City Council electricity eration and the profits that are made by this undertaking had increased to approximately productivity. £26,000,000. What will be the situation if this generation In recent years the construction of the becomes the property of the Southern Elec­ Tennyson power-house has put a seal of tric Authority? It cannot be denied that service on an undertaking that, through the there is need for the construction of an foresight and acumen of one man, sprang additional power-house in Brisbane. The from a humble beginning. The completion power-house that was built in 1928 is fast of the Tennyson power-house will be accom­ becoming obsolete. In a few years' time plished in 1964. an additional power-house will have to be 592 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

constructed in the city. There is no indi­ from the people to perpetrate this act of cation that any greater sum of loan money political vandalism, nor have the members will be available to the Southern Electric of this Parliament the right to indulge in Authority than is now available to the city political banditry. It would be interesting council. In other words, for future develop­ to know the reactions of the ratepayers of ment the Southern Electric Authority will Brisbane to the coming municipal elections have recourse only to the same pro­ being decided on the question of this take­ portion of loan money as is now available over. In all fairness and justice to the to the Brisbane City Council. ratepayers, the opportunity should be afforded them to express their feelings It is true, however, that the Southern on the matter. I am more than confident Electric Authority has recourse to variable that their answer would be an emphatic no. interest stock, issued at a guaranteed interest It leads one to conclude that the Groom-led rate 2 per cent. higher than that payable on Tory council is anxious to conclude this Commonwealth loans. Because the authority, monstrous breach of public trust before it as a monopoly, will not care about the suffers the inevitable defeat it now faces possible result of borrowing at an increased because of public indignation at the political interest cost, knowing full well that its larceny it is being a party to. shareholders can be protected by increased tariffs, it will not hesitate to use this A Government Member: What is your name inflationary form of finance. That can mean -Clem Jones? only one thing-the additional interest costs will not be absorbed in the authority's Mr. SHERRINGTON: I notice that hon. profits; it will mean increased tariffs for the members opposite have been very silent. supply of energy. Perhaps this is a little over their heads. I think the time has come for the setting I am mindful of the fact that, because up of a central publicly-owned authority to the Brisbane City Council undertaking has control the generation and distribution of been able to provide electricity at a lower all electricity in Queensland. We have the cost and still make a substantial profit, it example in England of a publicly-owned has deterred the Southern Electric Authority undertaking generating and distributing energy from increasing tariffs. My information is to the whole of that country and doing it that the Southern Electric Authority has so efficiently and economically that successive refrained twice from increasing its tariff Tory Governments have never seen fit to because the Brisbane City Council would not interfere with its structure. agree to increase its tariff. The Southern Electric Authority have been loathe to Mr. Walsh: You would not oppose the increase their tariff because of the wide dis­ activities of the regional boards, would you? crepancy it would show in relation to City Mr. SHERRINGTON: If the hon. mem­ Council tariffs. ber was following my speech, he would know With any such take-over, apart from the that that is what I am more or less advo­ ethics involved and apart from the injustice cating. occasioned by the destruction of the people's Mr. Walsh: That is not a central authority. asset, the final result of a system operated merely for the profit of shareholders can Mr. SHERRINGTON: The Tennessee Val­ only mean an increase in tram fares and ley Authority in the United States of America rates and a general lowering of the spending is publicly owned and is being operated in power of the pay packets of the wage­ a country that to a large extent has pri­ earners. Any increased cost of electrical vately owned electricity undertakings. It has energy supplied to industry will lead been competing so successfully with private to increases in the price of manufac­ enterprise that private enterprise is very wor­ tured goods. I say quite adamantly that ried about the final result. I think we could the people of the State, and for that matter well afford to follow the examples of England the people of Australia, are fast becoming and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The discontented with the trend to take away Southern Electric Authority's franchise assets that have been established by the expires in 1968, with provision for its people and that rightfully belong to the acquisifion as a fully Government-owned people. undertaking. If there is any need at present for a take-over of the city council under­ In the case of the take-over of the taking, it should be as the nucleus of a Redcliffe Town Council supply, the Southern publicly-owned undettaking that would then Electric Authority was forced to purchase absorb the present Southern Electric Authority the undertaking; but that will not be so at the expiration of its franchise. That with any proposed take-over of the Brisbane would give the people a publicly-owned City Council undertaking. Such a take-over utility in conformity with the present stan­ will be only on the basis of acquisition by dard of service provided by the Brisbane the Southern Electric Authority of the City Council. council's electricity undertaking and the transfer of the balance of its indebtedness. I should like to sound a final note of warn­ To use the vernacular, it will be handed to ing here. Let Government members not the Southern Electric Authority on a plate. delude themselves into thinking that public The Brisbane City Council has no mandate subscriptions to loans will increase when Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 593

money is required for such things as water devoid entirely of any semblance of honesty, supply and sewerage following the excision decency or a sense of fair play. This of the electrical undertaking from the Bris­ method of villifying a person by suspecting bane City Council. With the taking over him of something is foreign to the ideals and removal of the gilt-edged security for of the Australian way of life. It bears the investment in the electrical undertaking, the mark of character assassination by inference, public will not be interested in providing a concept that no true Australian would want money for such non-productive activities as to be associated with. The actions of the sewerage. Money has been forthcoming up Minister for Labour and Industry do him no till now only because of the soundness and credit, nor will they do credit to other mem­ solidity of investments in electrical under­ bers of his party. But despicable though takings. his actions may have been, worse was to follow. I wish to refer now to an incident in this Chamber that I think is a travesty of demo­ Government Members interjected. cratic justice and must cause grave concern to persons who cling rigidly to one of the Mr. SHERRINGTON: I can see that the greatest freedoms, the freedom of thought puppets even talk! and expression. It is obvious that certain The CHAIRMAN: Order! I remind the members of this Chamber are indulging in hon. member that he must not refer to any a particular brand of McCarthyism of their members of the Chamber as puppets. own. It is particularly noticeable among Government members belonging to the Mr. HANLON: I rise to a point of Liberal Party. order. Only a week or so ago the Deputy These political puppets who are dangled Premier made a collective reference to hon. on the ends of strings held by the Minister members as gutter snipes. for Labour and Industry are engaging in a The CHAIRMAN: Order! The matter has particularly scurrilous campaign of character been dealt with, and I have ruled that the assassination by inference directed against hon. member for Salisbury shall not refer members of the Australian Labour Party and to hon. members as puppets. its supporters. If these attacks were directed in a general way towards the Australian Mr. SHERRINGTON: In deference to Labour Party it would cause no concern to y~u, Mr. Taylor, let me say that if I did me, nor would I bother even to answer their mistake them for puppets, I apologise. malicious and untrue statements. But when this campaign reaches the stage where The CHAIRMAN: Order! character assassination by implication is Mr. SHERRINGTON: In reply to an inter­ being indulged in under Parliamentary privi­ jection by the hon. member for Baroona who lege against persons who have no right of has done nothing but credit to the name ~f the redress, then I consider that the situation calls Australian Labour Party and has contributed for notice to be drawn to their entirely un-Australian attitude. Not for one moment much to the debates in this Chamber the would I be naive enough to attempt to Minister implied that his name could w~ll be whitewash any self-confessed Communist among his list of suspected Communists. mentioned in the speeches of hon. members, The action of such a responsible person as but when we have a man who is the a Minister in implying that this member of Secretary of the Electrical Trades Union (I the Australian Labour Party subscribed am referring to Mr. A. H. Dawson) having to the ideals of a foreign doctrine the implication thrown at him because of must be construed as a serious attack on his visit to Red China he must have the morals of all hon. members on this side Communistic tendencies, the privileges of of the Chamber. It bears a marked resem­ this Parliament are being grossly misused blance to a similar incident that occurred in and it is time they were drastically over­ the Federal House during the Communist hauled. Party Dissolution Bill debate when Prime Minister Menzies implied that if that Bill Mr. Ramsden interjected. became law the hon. member for East Sydney would be lucky if he were not declared. Mr. SHERRINGTON: Possibly that would come from one who is being dangled on the It is well to remember the words of the end of a string by the Minister for Labour late Ben Chifiey on that occasion. I do not and Industry. Is it any wonder that public think any person could accuse him of being opinion of this Parliament is very low when politically biased. I would say that hon. public persons are slandered here without members on both sides of the House admired their having any right of redress? I refer him for his integrity; so, it is well, as I say, particularly to an incident that occurred in to recall his words: the Chamber during the Addres-in-Reply "No-one has the right to damn a man debate and to the actions of the Minister for publicly or privately by casting aspersions Labour and Industry on that occasion. His upon him in this House. One could well reference to Communists and his refusal to understand such actions if they were to divulge the source of his information or to stem from some new or irresponsible mem­ table the paper from which he was reading ber but when they come from a senior was none other than the act of a person Minister in the Cabinet of this House it 594 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

would seem to open up limitless possibili­ The CHAIRMAN: Order! The reading ties of persons being penalised, and indeed of speeches is a matter that has received crucified, under the protection of Parlia­ consideration on previous occasions. Hon. mentary privilege." It must give great members are allowed to quote from copious satisfaction to the Honourable the Minister notes, and there are occasions when the to know that he can publicly besmirch the reading of a speech is permitted. If hon. names of persons, knowing full well they members trace the history of Parliament they have no redress and knowing also that he will find such an occasion 20 years ago. I need not divulge the source from where ask the hon. member for Salisbury to proceed his inferences have sprung. As one who with his speech. has always held a sense of fair play to be Mr. SHERRINGTON: Thank you, Mr. the greatest asset a person can have, I Taylor. I have witnessed the reading of feel that the actions of the Honourable the speeches by Government members on many Minister are deserving of the severest cen­ occasions since I have been in this Chamber. sure. I can well understand how gleefully the McCarthyists in the Government wel­ The Minister for Labour and Industry, comed the proposal for an alteration to by quoting a long list of statistics, sought the Crimes Act. I am quite sure that the to prove, first, that a number of industries undemocratic features that that Bill con­ had been created in the State and, second, tains, particularly in regard to the onus that there was very little, if any, unemploy­ of proof, would have a great appeal to ment. His summing-up was at complete variance with the practical views of many their perverted sense of democratic justice. hon. members, even Government members, These members who speak so hypocriti­ on the subject of unemployment. He cannot cally in this House of the freedom of escape the fact that there have been democracy, of our great institution of threatened dismissals of hundreds of rail­ British justice, cheerfully support and waymen, nor can he dispute the fact that willingly subscribe to the ideals of an Act seasonal unemployment has been aggravated which is entirely barbaric in its contents. in the beef industry by a shortage of cattle, How must they enjoy the prospect of a nor the fact that employment in the sugar situation whereby, under the laws of the industry has been affected by a shorter land, they will be able to destroy any season. He cannot deny that a number of person who raises voice in opposition to railwaymen arrived at the gates of Parlia­ their system of dictatorship. ment House in an effort to draw attention to their dismissal by the department. McCarthyism was not countenanced in But having listened to the oratorical the United States, nor will it be counten­ genius of the Minister for Labour and anced here in Australia. I would suggest Industry, I have no doubt that given the that this coterie who indulge in this type time he could have proved that they were of psychology could well re-examine their not unemployed railwaymen but were really outlook before they become objects of wealthy investors seeking to create industries distaste among men who do honestly and in the State; or if he could not have con­ truly support the ideals of British justice." vinced hon. members that they were wealthy I should like · to refer briefly to other investors, I feel sure that he could have subjects raised during the Address-in-Reply convinced us that they were wealthy Japanese debate, one of the most important being tourists he had been able to attract to the unemployment. One of the disturbing State as a result of his last tour of the features of the debate was the number of Orient. references to unemployment statistics. As one who during the depression years Government members gain nothing by suffered the degradation of long periods of attempting to paint a picture of a prosperous unemployment and who witnessed humilia­ State under their management at a time tion and deterioration of man's self-respect when there is growing unemployment. among those who had to take their place in Australian Labour Party members have often dole queues, I would be hypocritical if I was been accused without foundation of using not alarmed by any growth of unemployment. threats of unemployment to discredit hon. We are suffering from a complacency that members opposite, but we would be insen­ was inherent during the post-war years when sible to the present situation if we did not there was an abundance of money and employment was plentiful. take a realistic view of what is happening at the moment. We have seen the rising of generations­ ! think that is illustrated by members of the Mr. Ewan: Who wrote this for you? Young Liberal Party-that cannot accept the dictum as it pertained in the latter part Mr. SHERRINGTON: I am not a member of the 1920's and the early 1930's. These of the Country Party; I write my own generations cannot be convinced of the speeches. tragedy of wholesale unemployment. It would seem that the post-war years have Dr. DELAMOTHE: I rise to a point of served as somewhat of an opiate to the hon. order. I draw you attention, Mr. Taylor, to members opposite. Their complacent air, the fact that the hon. member is reading when the subject of unemployment is raised, his speech. would lead one to believe that they are Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 595 thoroughly convinced they have been the Mr. RAMSDEN (Merthyr) (8.45 p.m.): saviours of this State. But such is not the Unlike the previous speaker, I do not want case. The Minister for Transport has to be provocative; rather shall I follow my admitted that men are being dismissed from usual custom and try to be constructive. the quadruplication scheme. We have been warned by other hon. members of what Mr. Walsh: Let us have your policy on amounts almost to a crisis in the beef the new States. industry. The Minister for Public Works and Local Government has warned Government Mr. RAMSDEN: I wish the hon. member employees under his jurisdiction that their for Bundaberg would let me make my own whole livelihood depends on the amount of speech in my own way and in my own time. effort they are prepared to make. I am sure 1 shall not disappoint him. After listening to the tale of woe that has been The Brisbane "Telegraph" of 7 Sep­ poured out from the Opposition benches, I tember expressed an opinion on the losses think it is high time that the Treasurer was incurred by the Railway Department. That congratulated on the presentation of his fourth article, after referring to the closure of Budget. It was a salutary reminder that branch lines and the curtailment of off-peak the task of looking after finances of a State services continued- as wide and large as Queensland is no easy "But the most unwelcome news is that one. the livelihood of hundreds of workers and their families is to be affected by Mr. Walsh: I don't think he is very happy extensive retrenchmel}t of the quadrupli­ about it, you know. cation project. Here is a problem calling Mr. RAMSDEN: I suppose none of us are for a human approach with no less than very happy when we have not got the world the sense of urgency. Public/ opinion will to give away. Nevertheless, with all due not condone the official neglect of the little respect to the hon. member for Bundaberg, domestic tragedies that always accompany I believe the Treasurer to be one of the loss of jobs." most capable men ever to occupy the Treasury Those words are not a figment of the benches. He has indicated the j.!reat care imagination, nor are they political propa­ with which he has scrutinised the allocation ganda from this side of the Chamber. They of every penny of the State's £110,000,000 are a true summing-up of the present Budget for 1960-1961. unhappy position. If hon. members opposite choose to ignore these warnings, if they are Mr. Walsh: But the Government are broke; content to place the telescope to their blind they are completely broke. eyes, then they are living in a fool's para­ Mr. RAMSDEN: I would not say that. dise. Let the older members of this Parlia­ They may be pinched but they are not broke. ment truthfully refute the statement that A study of the Budget speech shows how there are signs existing at the present time for the Estimates were so very carefully scanned a repetition of the tragedy of the depression bv the Treasurer to find every possible w:,v years of 1928 to 1932. I app,eal in all of obtaining revenue for the State without sincerity to all hon. members opposite to incurring hardship for the taxpayer, yet having commence planning and to institute moves to due regard to the many responsibilities that avoid a repetition of those unhappy years. must be fulfilled. During the debate on the Appropriation Bill the hon. member for Wavell spoke of the Mr. Walsh: What about the people they sorry spectacle of youths of 17 and 18 years are sacking? of age being convicted of drunkenness. He spoke of the need to educate young people Mr. RAMSDEN: I know it is delighting on the evils of over-indulgence in alcohol. the hon. member for me to keep coming in While he emphasised the tragedy of chronic but I remind him that it has taken the alcoholism by early introduction to drinking, Government just four years to get around he failed to point out that the greatest con­ to the very position that the Leader of the tributing factor to juvenile drunkenness is to Opposition, then Minister for Transoort in be found in unscrupulous persons who are his own Government, had reached when we supplying liquor to children. had to withdraw sacking notices on some 600 railwaymen. At least we have kept (Time expired). going for another four years. THE CHAIRMAN: Order! Before I call Mr. DUGGAN: I rise to a ooint of order. on the hon. member for Merthyr, I draw the The hon. member is guilty of mis-statement. attention of all hon. members to Standing It is untrue, whether premeditated or not, to Order No. 120. Many hon. members may say that I was a member of the Government not know that this order provides that an that issued dismissal notices on 600 railway­ hon. member may not comment upon men. Such is not the case and I ask the hon. expressions used by any other hon. member member to withdraw the statement. in a previous debate of the same session. That is why I told the hon. member for The CHAIRMAN: Order! I ask the hon. Baroona that what he referred to was of the member to accept the denial of the Leader past. of the Opposition. 596 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. RAMSDEN: I am delighted to do so. This financial year, 1960-1961, the alloca­ In my eagerness to convince the Assembly tion is £17.9 million, an increase of £6.6 of my argument I had forgotten that the million. To get back our perspective of Leader of the Opposition had left the Govern­ Professor Messel's observation, in 1956-1957 ment benches at that stage. I accept his the State provided for 6,609 State school exp !anation. teachers, whereas this year there is provision On the expenditure side, the Treasurer has for 8,653 teachers. adopted a policy that all who are interested Mr. Walsh: In 1960 your Government are in the future of the State will agree with. sacking 700 teachers. i' should like to take a quick look at that policy. A few weeks ago it was my privilege Mr. RAMSDEN: We have still increased to hear a debate-cum-discussion between Pro­ the number of teachers by 2,000 since we fessor Harry Messel and newspaper columnist took over from a Labour administration. In Eric Baume. During the question-time period 1956-1957, provision was made for 1,414 someone, obviously seeking to make some technical education teachers to give practical cheap political propaganda, asked Professor instruction in State schools. This year the Messel what his reactions were to the Treasurer has provided for an increase of announcement that the Minister for Educa­ 204, bringing the total to 1,618. tion had made, I think the day before, relative to the proposed dismissal of married women Let us now look at the subject of tertiary teachers next year. Professor Messel made education. In 1956-1957 provision for the the statement-a platitude, really-in which University was under £900,000. This year he said, "The Minister must ask himself not it is £1.7 million. In the field of actual 'Can we afford to keep these teachers on?' buildings, in 1956-1957 the provision for but 'Can we afford not to keep these teachers State schools, technical colleges, high and on?' " I say that statement is a platitude post-primary school buildings was £1.7 because it does not take into account that million; this year it is £3.5 million. we can employ only the number that we have sufficient money to employ. If hon. Mr. Walsh: You are still sacking 700 members opposite agree with the professor, teachers. then I will ask them the question that I asked Professor Messel privately after the meeting Mr. RAMSDEN: Mr. Taylor, just give me was over. It was this: "Is it not a fact that strength. I could go on to show the vivid if £X will employ Y teachers, the only way contrast that now exists between the unspec­ we can employ 2Y teachers is to use £2X? tacular, even niggardly, attitude of our pre­ In other words, increased taxation?" decessors in office towards the education of Professor Messel argued that we could find our children and the Country-Liberal Govern­ all the money we wanted during the war and ment's outstanding appreciation of the import­ we must find it again now. ance of education. But what I have said will suffice to answer those hon. members Mr. Walsh: Why not? opposite who seek to belittle what this Mr. RAMSDEN: "Why not?" interjects the Government have done for the young people hon. member for Bundaberg. I am pleased of Queensland. he came in, because I think that is a most irresponsible statement, particularly coming Opposition Members interjected. from a man who has been Treasurer of the Mr. RAMSDEN: I ask hon. members State. I say this not because I disagree with opposite to desist from their parrot-1i~e Professor Messel but because in fact I want interjections until the debate on the Esti­ to join him in preaching the crusade to mates of the Department of Education, when awaken the people of Australia to their great I shall have much more to say. I do not and urgent need for education and more want to take up my time on that subject education. tonight. Mr. Davies: The Prime Minister laughed If the critics say that more should be at these statements. done I will be honest and be the first to Mr. RAMSDEN: He would not laugh if agree with them. But I also say that the he saw the parties sitting opposite. It is no only way that more can be done in the good saying that the Government must pro­ field of education is to increase our income vide more and more money for education by means of higher State taxes or, on the unless we are prepared to play our part to other hand, by diminishing our services, the full. which means spending less on hospitals, main roads, bridges, railways, etc. They cannot For a moment, let us go back to the have it both ways. In other words, we Treasurer and his Budget. Hon. members would have to cut back on other vital ser­ will notice that there is a larger increase in vices of the State. the Education Vote than in any other Vote. I think a brief reminder of the extent of I pointed out to Professor Messel that the this increase is timely. In the financial year fallacy of the argument that if money could 1956-1957, the last full year of office of our be found in war-time it could be found now in predecessors, the amount allocated to the peace if Governments were sincere, lay in Department of Education was £11.3 million. the fact that in time of war when the Supply (11 OCTOBER] Supply 597

Japanese hordes were hammering at the gat~s towards g!Vmg added impetus to the ~duca­ of Milne Bay and Port Moresby the people tion programme of the State, Without of Australia and the people of Queensland, detracting from other essential and desirable realising that their existence was at stake, works and services. were prepared to throw in eve;y penny t_hat they owned to preserve their prospenty, Mr. Walsh: They won't give them enough their lives, and even the money they were money to pay the 700 women teachers who lending the Government of the day. Today have been dismissed. the people of Australia and Queensland do Mr. RAMSDEN: Despite the frivolity of not realise that the threat to the future and hon. members opposite who persist in so their all is just as terrible but more subtle treating this very vital matter of survival, _if than it was in the dark and terrifying days we are to survive in a free world we must wm of 1942-1943. The battle in 1942-1943 was the battle of the intellect. We can do that with armaments, bombs, men and ships-a only by applying the whole resources of the materialistic battle visible for even the Commonwealth and marshalling them to blindest of the blind to see. But today the provide teachers, schools, universities and battle is a spiritual battle, a battle of ideas equipment on a . scale comparable. to the and ideologies, not visible to the eye, visible production of mrcraft, . tanks, ships and only to keenly-perceptive minds. Wjth munitions during the vital years 1939 to Professor Messel I agree that we in this day 1945. The years in which we live are and era of the cold war-no wonder hon. members opposite are interjecting so much dangerous years. because they are fighting that war for our Mr. Walsh: So you agree with Professor enemies-we are fighting for intellectual Messel after all. survival. If we Jose this battle of the intel­ lect, civilisation as we know it will perish Mr. RAMSDEN: I said in the beginning and we will have entered on an era blacker that I agreed with Professor Messel. Of and darker even than any of the dark ages course I do; I am not a fool. Anyone who of mediaeval times. This intellectual battle, holds the survival of Australia in his mind this gigantic struggle between the minds of and in his heart must agree with Professor the Communist bloc and the minds of the M esse!. free world, demands sacrifices from us for more and more education. Mr. Bennett: Who brought him to Queens­ land first? I was shocked when Professor Messel told me that although he had raised over Mr. Walsh: This Government sacked £1,500,000 for his school in New South 700 women teachers so you must be against Wales he had received not one penny from your own Government. either the Federal or State Governments. Every penny he has got came from the The CHAffiMAN: Order! United Kingdom or the United States of Mr. RAMSDEN: Despite Opposition America. I have said these things, not in howls of derision, the years in which we a spirit of carping criticism, but only in the live are dangerous and challenging years, spirit of a crusader calling on the people of and unless we face the danger and the the State to awaken from their lethargy and challenge we shall have lost all we have to condition themselves to the constant won through two world wars. demands that will be made upon their time and their pockets if this State is to develop I will now direct the attention of hon. its educational services even further. The members to other items of expenditure. If Government to which I am proud to belong it is of interest to note the increase in the have raised the standard of the Education Education Vote, it is of similar importance Ministry from the bottom of the ladder of to notice an increase in the Vote for the precedent to almost the top. Department of Health and Home Affairs. In 1956-1957 the amount expended, without Mr. Thackeray: That is untrue and you subtracting the various hospital receipts, was know it. Less is spent on education in this £15.2 million. This year the corresponding State than in any other State of the figure is £21.2 million, an increase of Commonwealth. £6,000,000. This is, of course, without interfering with the free public-bed system Mr. RAMSDEN: When this Government of the Queensland hospitals and in spite of took office the Minister for Education held the insinuations of hon. members opposite. probably the lowest ministerial rank in the As a matter of fact, only this morning I Government. This Government lifted him heard it said, either by way of a question or to a high position in Cabinet ranking, and an interjection, or in a speech, that we were education has a higher precedence today than breaking down the free-bed system in it has ever had before. Queensland. A great deal of credit must be given to the Minister for Health and I believe that every citizen must play his Home Affairs, who has brought a very part. I should like the Premier and the businesslike attitude to bear on hospital Treasurer to go to the next Loan Council finances in this State. He has done that by meeting and suggest a Commonwealth developing and increasing the private and education loan to be devoted entirely intermediate sections, without taking away 598 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

one public bed. By taking advantage of £26,000,000; marginal increases in the wage money received from people enjoying structure £4,000,000, and policy decisions medical benefits, the free-bed system has cost a net increase of £15,000,000. been maintained and indeed has been While this increase is relatively small it is expanded. significant it has made possible develop­ An A.L.P. Member: Don't kid yourself. mental moves that our predecessors failed to carry out. The most significant of those is Mr. RAMSDEN: An interjector has said, the Mt. Isa rail project. It will have been "Don't kid yourself." I should like to noted that £4.8 million has been provided enlighten the Chamber and the hon. member for this project, which every Queenslander who made it by referring to some figures wants to see carried out as quickly and as taken out for me to-day by the Department efficiently as possible to enable the North of Health and Home Affairs. I expected and the North-west to reach out towards a that somebody would raise the old bogy. new peak in industrial development and pro On 30 June, 1957, prior to taking over duction. Another developmental aspect that from the Labour administration there were is not quite so spectacular, but equally solid, 8.164 free public beds in Queensland. At is Main Roads expenditure, which has 30 June this year, three years after the been increased from £11.6 million in 1956- Government assumed office, there were 9,149, 1957 to £16 million this year, and the pro­ an increase of 985. vision for road works in local authority areas, which has risen from £1.3 million in 1956- On 30 June, 1957, there were 738 private 1957 to £2.2 million this year. and intermediate beds, compared with 989 at 30 June this year, an increase of 251. It is to this aspect of development that I wish to devote my remaining remarks. It Mr. Roberts: A very sympathetic Govern­ may be recalled that in the Address-in-Reply ment. debate I earnestly commended to the Govern­ Mr. RAMSDEN: Of course. Those figures ment that there should be a Ministry of give the lie direct to Labour's constant cry State Development with a Minister for State that we are doing away with the free­ Development who would have no duties other hospital system. than to receive suggestions for the develop­ ment of an area or zone, industrially or Mr. Bromley: There is no argument about otherwise, from a zone development council. it. Such a Minister should have no duties other Mr. RAMSDEN: The last interjection than receiving such recommendations, and proves my point about the need for greater co-ordinating the activities of all interested education. departments, where necessary, to carry out the developmental project and then make In the figures I have given for expenditure recommendations to Cabinet for the imple­ and bed strength of hospitals we have a mentation of an overall plan for such clear answer to the insidious propaganda development. As I suggested then, the task constantly being put out by hon. members of co-ordination would include the easing of opposite. Even as late as 28 September the the way for people who came forward with a hon. member for Norman, who is personally proposal to establish a new industry or the a very good man, asked a question of the expansion of an already established industry, Minister for Health and Home Affairs which through the various departments that might brought a forthright reply that it is the Government's policy to continue to provide be concerned. It need hardly be stressed free hospital services for public patients and that almost every department is in some way at the same time obtain the maximum pos­ concerned with State development. Lands, sible assistance from the Commonwealth forestry, irrigation, agriculture ~nd stock, Government for the maintenance of hospitals labour and industry through its secondary through medical benefits or any other pro­ industry division, the Tourist Bureau, mines, posal designed to serve that end. main roads and electricity, are all obvious examples. I developed fully my plan for a It is not my intention to deal with the Ministry of State Development. I again figures item by item. Suffice it to say that make the plea commending all that I said the expenditure has increased since 1956- then concerning it to those who may not 1957 by £55,000,000 from the Consolidated have heard it on that occasion. I commend Revenue Fund, Trust and Special Funds, and what I said and I remind those interested Loan Funds. It has increased from in the question of State development that £164,000,000 to £219,000,000. This repre­ what I said can be found on pages 353 to sents a net increase, after allowing for changes 356 of the current "Hansard." I do not wish in the basic wage, the influence of margins, to repeat what I said then although it is so and the increase in population, even if it is important it would bear repetition. relatively small, of £15,000,000. In other words the increase of £55,000,000 from 1956- I wish to add to what I said on that 1957 to 1960-1961 is made up in this way: occasion. If the time is not ripe for a the increase in population, taking expendi­ separate Ministry of State Development then ture at the same rate per capita, would at least we must set up a Department of account for £10,000,000; changes in the State Development. That department, as well basic-wage structure accounted for as being a channelling authority for new and Supply [11 OCTOBER] Supply 599 expanding industries to approach, should is specifically set aside for northern develop­ also be a planning and research dep_artment; ment, at the same time I pay tribute to my a department able to examine each project Government for having taken the initial step submitted, on its economic, scientific, engi­ in what I believe will ultimately become neering or agricultural aspects. Then, having one of the most important branches and examined it, it should be able to assess its departments of this Government's activities. value to the development of the State. I I simply must keep urging that we develop am well aware that at every stage the State's this aspect of government as rapidly as our finances are limited and that after such economics will allow. services as education and health have been met and provided for, there is only a limited Let me not be misunderstood. I am not sum available for developmental projects. I suggesting a large staff on the one hand, am conscious that this will remain so whether nor, on the other, do I think it is necessary or not some small additions are made by to employ a new staff. I do not believe State taxes, State railways or the Common­ that the Estimates, as set out, and the alloca­ wealth. For this reason I believe it is most tion of departments as set out, reveal the important that these resources be used with true amount of work that is going on and the greatest possible discrimination. that rightly could be grouped together under a separate Ministry for State Development. To me it is a matter of great concern I believe we would get better emphasis on that the detailed Estimates make provision State development if the Government would directly for the developmental aspect of the consider re-allocation of certain departments Ministry of Development, Mines, Main and sections to dovetail into one another Roads and Electricity so as to provide only under the Ministry of State Development. for a Director of Northern Development. I I am certain, without going into fuller details ask myself: where is the Director for now, that the transfer of the necessary plan­ Western Development, or for the South-west, ning and research staff should be possible or for Central Queensland? Provision is without affecting the efficiency of the made only for a development staff of three, departments from which such staff was trans­ comprising the director, an engineer and a ferred. Again and again, with all the clerk-typist, with a total estimated expendi­ emphasis at my command, I say to the ture of only £8,638 for this year. Premier, and I say to the Government: let It is, of course, true that there is a Chief us so rearrange our developmental depart­ Office, Department of Development, Mines, ments that, following the next election, we Main Roads and Electricity, but that, I could set up the Ministry for State Develop­ think the Government will readily agree, is ment as an accomplished fact. We in Queens­ in fact the Chief Office of the Department land have, for far too long, winced and of Mines rather than of the Department of flinched whenever we have heard the words Development and I believe its staff is trained "potential for development" used. for Mines Department activities rather than I was delighted to read in this morning's for the broader and deeper aspects of State "Courier-Mail" that the Federal Government development. had set up a Government committee con­ I want to make it perfectly clear that I sisting of some 20 members of Parliament am not detracting one iota from what my and Senators to study the problems of the Government are doing in the field of State development of Australia north of the 26th development, for whatever is being done now parallel, which includes all Queensland north and whatever shortcomings they may have and west of Gympie. I believe that a greater in this regard, the truth is that the present understanding of the unique position of Government are doing infinitely more than Queensland in the economy of the Common­ Labour ever did. wealth and her position in the defence strat­ egy of the Commonwealth could be brought If it is suggested that the estimated expen­ about if the Queensland Government would diture of £8,638 is of no account, let it appoint a State development committee con­ be remembered that when we assumed office sisting of Government members to co-operate from Labour in 1957 there was no Director with the Federal committee on matters relat­ for Northern Development. In 1957-1958 ing to and affecting State development. I there was, and the estimate for that year believe most sincerely that if the Govern­ was £1,691. The figure jumped to £5,274 ment accept the suggestions I have made in 1958-1959 and it has jumped further to tonight and previously for State develop­ £8,638 for 1960-1961. ment, we will forge ahead in a new era of enthusiasm, understanding and knowledge Mr. Walsh: Do you think the Brisbane that will hasten the day when we will no City Council electricity undertaking should longer shudder when we hear the words be transferred to the Southern Electric "Queensland's potential," because I believe Authority? that by then the potential will have been Mr. RAJVISDEN: I think perhaps elec­ turned into reality. tricity should be provided for an electric There is one more plea that I make. I chair for the hon. member for Bundaberg. was delighted to hear the hon. member for Whilst I say it is a matter of great con­ Gympie draw attention to the gross over­ cern to me to know that only a staff of three crowding of Parliament House. I agree 600 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Questions with him that the conditions under which we Mr. RAMSDEN: As I hear the hon. mem­ members work would not be tolerated by the ber for Ashgrove saying, they had their executives of any business house in Queens­ prayers answered. land, yet here we are, trying to run the Each day we open the proceedings in Par­ State's biggest business under conditions that liament with a prayer and I do commend prevailed in the horse-and-buggy days. the idea of an annual Parliamentary Sunday. Mr. Burrows: Do you think we should I shall have many other comments to reduce the number of members? make on the Estimates of the various depart­ ments as they are presented. Mr. RAMSDEN: That would be the happiest thought I could think of if we Progress reported. could reduce the number from the other side The House adjourned at 9.29 p.m. of the House. Opposition Members interjected. Mr. RAMSDEN: What I am trying to say through this barrage of needless inter­ jection is that during the 30 years Labour was in power absolutely nothing was done to put this House on a businesslike basis. We, as a Government, have inherited their neglect and we now have conditions of employment that, as I say, no business man would tolerate in his company's affairs. I believe that in spite of rising costs, in spite of all the difficulties, the Government will have to build a new wing to Parliament House sooner or later to meet the needs of our expanding work and numbers. I urge the Government to consider building a new wing on the eastern end of the George Street facade, which architecturally would balance with the Alice Street wing. There is one final thought I wish to leave with you, Mr. Taylor. Mr. Walsh: What are you going to do about the smog in New Farm? Mr. RAMSDEN: I remind the hon. mem­ ber, if I may reply to his interjection, that as a result of my maiden speech a committee was set up to investigate the incidence of smog. For the last 12 months it has been making a survey, and I am sure that when the results are known and legislation is finally introduced, the hon. member will be quite happy with what I have done about smog. If I may try to salvage this speech from the realms of noise and take it into the realms of meditation, I should like to suggest a departure that might bring some sense of dignity to this Parliament in spite of itself. I remind the Committee that each year the law year opens with special religious services. Indeed, the Supreme Court will not open until the liturgical services connected with the opening of the law year take place. I commend to the Speaker of the House and the Government that consideration be given to approaching the heads of the various denominational units in the State to see whether it would be possible to have a Par­ liamentary Sunday held each year in con­ junction with the official opening of Parliament. Mr. Bennett: They opened the council meeting with a prayer and then suspended me.