PROOF ISSN 1322-0330

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

Hansard Home Page: http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/hansard/ E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (07) 3406 7314 Fax: (07) 3210 0182

Subject FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-SECOND PARLIAMENT Page Friday, 6 June 2008

PRIVILEGE ...... 2099 Members’ Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee, Report No. 90 ...... 2099 SPEAKER’S STATEMENT ...... 2099 Questions on Notice ...... 2099 SPEAKER’S RULING ...... 2099 Privilege, Alleged Deliberate Misleading of the House ...... 2099 TABLED PAPERS ...... 2100 DISTINGUISHED VISITOR ...... 2100 MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS ...... 2100 Tourism Industry ...... 2100 Health Hotline ...... 2101 Indigenous Communities, Health and Wellbeing Reports ...... 2101 Tabled paper: Queensland government report titled ‘Quarterly report on key indicators in Queensland’s discrete Indigenous communities, January-March 2008’...... 2101 Picasso Exhibition; Dreaming Festival, Woodford ...... 2101 Road Toll ...... 2102 Gold Coast University Hospital ...... 2102 MOTION ...... 2103 Charge of Contempt by Member for Nicklin ...... 2103 QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE ...... 2105 Tourism Industry ...... 2105 Children’s Hospital ...... 2105 Surgery for Children ...... 2106 Telecommunication Interception Powers ...... 2106 Queensland Day ...... 2107 Tabled paper: List detailing round 2 community funding recipients, Queensland’s 150th celebrations...... 2107 Traveston Crossing Dam ...... 2107 Tabled paper: Paper by Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Ltd titled ‘Traveston Crossing Dam Project, Project Update Eight’...... 2107

M F REYNOLDS N J LAURIE L J OSMOND SPEAKER CLERK OF THE PARLIAMENT CHIEF HANSARD REPORTER Table of Contents — Friday, 6 June 2008

Homeownership ...... 2108 Tabled paper: Media release, dated 2 June 2008 by BankWest titled ‘Key workers priced out of the housing market in the communities they serve in Brisbane’...... 2108 Eastern Busway ...... 2109 Brisbane City Council, Buses ...... 2109 APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENT) BILL; APPROPRIATION BILL; REVENUE AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL ...... 2110 Second Reading (Cognate Debate) ...... 2110 Tabled paper: Page 28 of the Budget Strategy and Outlook 2008-09 containing Chart 2.9, Components of Population Growth, Queensland...... 2159 Reference to Estimates Committees ...... 2187 Consideration in Detail ...... 2187 Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill ...... 2187 Clauses 1 to 4, as read, agreed to...... 2187 Clause 5, as read, agreed to...... 2189 Clauses 6 to 41, as read, agreed to...... 2189 Third Reading ...... 2189 Long Title ...... 2189 JUSTICE AND OTHER INFORMATION DISCLOSURE BILL ...... 2189 Second Reading ...... 2189 Consideration in Detail ...... 2189 Clauses 1 and 2, as read, agreed to...... 2189 Clause 3, as read, agreed to...... 2189 Clause 4, as read, agreed to...... 2190 Clause 5, as read, agreed to...... 2190 Clause 6, as read, agreed to...... 2190 Clause 7, as read, agreed to...... 2190 Clauses 8 to 12, as read, agreed to...... 2190 Clause 13, as read, agreed to...... 2191 Clauses 14 to 22, as read, agreed to...... 2191 Clause 23, as read, agreed to...... 2191 Clause 24, as read, agreed to...... 2191 Schedule, as read, agreed to...... 2191 Third Reading ...... 2191 Long Title ...... 2192 SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT ...... 2192 ADJOURNMENT ...... 2192 Buderim ...... 2192 Queensland Day, Community Awards ...... 2192 RiverCity Motorway Consortium ...... 2193 Tabled paper: Document titled ‘North South Bypass Tunnel: Request to Increase Rock Haulage Hours’, dated June 2008...... 2193 Queensland Day, Volunteer Awards ...... 2194 Member for Indooroopilly ...... 2194 Deception Bay North State School ...... 2195 Bundaberg Cancer Council ...... 2196 Mental Health ...... 2196 Uncle Paddy Djerripi Warra Jerome ...... 2197 ATTENDANCE ...... 2198 06 Jun 2008 Legislative Assembly 2099 FRIDAY, 6 JUNE 2008

Legislative Assembly The Legislative Assembly met at 9.30 am. Mr Speaker (Hon. MF Reynolds, Townsville) read prayers and took the chair. Mr Speaker acknowledged the traditional owners of the land upon which this parliament is assembled and the custodians of the sacred lands of our state.

PRIVILEGE

Members’ Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee, Report No. 90 Mr WELLINGTON (Nicklin—Ind) (9.31 am): Mr Speaker, I have read report No. 90 of the Members’ Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee, and in accordance with the recommendation of that committee I unreservedly apologise to the parliament and to you as Speaker. Mr SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Nicklin. SPEAKER’S STATEMENT

Questions on Notice Mr SPEAKER: Standing order 114 requires that every question on notice shall be lodged with the Clerk by the end of question time each day. I remind all honourable members that, as question time will conclude by 10.30 am today, pursuant to sessional order 1(g) questions on notice asked today must be lodged with the Clerk by 10.30 am. SPEAKER’S RULING

Privilege, Alleged Deliberate Misleading of the House Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members, on 3 June 2008 the member for Burdekin wrote to me suggesting that the Minister for Communities, Minister for Disability Services, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth, the Hon. Lindy Nelson-Carr MP, misled the House in her response to a question on notice asked by the member. The member asked that the minister be referred to the Members’ Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee. In her question on notice, the member sought a list of child-care centres that had been given compliance notices for breaches in the last three years. In her answer, the minister stated that ‘confidentiality provisions of the Child Care Act 2002 do not permit the publication of [such a list]’. I have considered the letter from the member, the question on notice and the minister’s answer. I have also examined relevant provisions of the act. Where it is alleged that a member has committed the contempt of deliberately misleading the House, it must be established that: firstly, the statement complained of was, in fact, misleading; secondly, the member making the statement knew at the time the statement was made that it was incorrect; and, thirdly, in making it, the member must have intended to mislead the House. In this case, the request that the minister be referred to the Members’ Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee for misleading the House is based upon the member’s belief that the provision in the act does not support the interpretation relied upon by the minister. I have not considered the provisions of the act in any great detail. I do note, though, that section 168(b) contemplates that information falling within section 167 can relate to a corporation. I do not offer this as a definitive rebuttal of the member’s assertion that the provisions of section 167 do ‘not apply to child-care centres but to confidential information about individuals’. Rather, I mention it to demonstrate that the interpretation of statutory provisions is often not straightforward and the correct meaning or scope of a provision is often not readily apparent, at least in the absence of a specific judicial determination on the point. It is therefore difficult to base a case of deliberately misleading the House upon a question of statutory interpretation. This might be possible in a clear-cut case. Here, however, there is no evidence to lead to the conclusion that the answer was misleading, let alone that there was any deliberate intention to mislead. I consider that the matter does not warrant further investigation. I will not be taking any further action in the matter. 2100 Ministerial Statements 06 Jun 2008

TABLED PAPERS

MINISTERIAL PAPERS TABLED BY THE CLERK

The following ministerial papers were tabled by the Clerk—

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations (Mr Mickel)—

• Response from the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations (Mr Mickel) to an ePetition (1028- 08) sponsored by Ms Jones from 6 petitioners requesting an afternoon direct school bus service from Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill to the Gap/Ashgrove/Bardon/Red Hill areas and a direct morning and afternoon bus service for students attending All Hallows’ School

Minister for Education and Training Minister for the Arts (Mr Welford)—

• Response from the Minister for Education and Training Minister for the Arts (Mr Welford) to a paper petition (1053-08) presented by Mr Copeland from 1962 petitioners regarding the proposed closure of Hemmant State School

Response from the Minister for Education and Training Minister for the Arts (Mr Welford) to an ePetition (1026-08) sponsored by Mr Lucas from 262 petitioners regarding the proposed closure of Hemmant State School

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland (Mr Shine)—

• Overseas travel report—Report on an overseas visit by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland (Mr Shine) to Auckland, New Zealand from 22 to 23 May 2008—Report on Ministerial Council Meeting

DISTINGUISHED VISITOR

Mr SPEAKER: It is with a great deal of pleasure, honourable members, that I welcome Mr Matt Conlan MP, member for Greatorex in the Northern Territory parliament. Mr Conlan is in the gallery now. Can I say on behalf of all members that this is a Friday budget sitting—we would not normally be here on a Friday—and it is great to have one of our parliamentary colleagues in the gallery. Honourable members: Hear, hear!

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Tourism Industry Hon. AM BLIGH (South Brisbane—ALP) (Premier) (9.36 am): Tourism is Queensland’s second largest export industry, generating more than $18 billion each year. It employs more than 104,000 Queenslanders and it supports hundreds of family businesses, particularly in regional Queensland. Bad news this week has hit this vital industry very hard. Qantas has announced a cut to its services to Japan and has replaced some of its full-service operations to South-East Asia with Jetstar flights as part of a new cost-cutting drive aimed to combat the rise in fuel costs. Late yesterday afternoon our tourism minister, Desley Boyle, held urgent talks with high-level national tourism heads to discuss the impacts of this announcement. As a result, last night our government approved an immediate urgent injection of $4 million for the state’s tourism industry. Active immediately, tourism minister Desley Boyle and Tourism Queensland will now implement a series of major domestic and international sales and marketing campaigns. Minister Boyle will meet with industry representatives over the next few days to discuss the implementation of this strategy and where it can be targeted for maximum benefit. The minister has this morning flown to Cairns to meet with local industry representatives. This decision by Qantas will hit the far north particularly hard and it will have a ripple effect right across the state and for our national tourism industry. Last night I also made contact with the Prime Minister, who has authorised the federal tourism minister to immediately work with the Queensland government to develop a federal government response. We believe our multimillion-dollar package will help minimise the impact on tourism operators and organisations. The immediate response initiatives being funded under this plan will be done in partnership with state tourism operators and regional organisations. From sales and marketing campaigns interstate and internationally, we will be working extremely hard to boost tourism numbers and convince airlines to reinstate flights. But we are acutely aware that marketing campaigns on their own are not enough, and the minister has already begun work for the longer term on a program to grow other airline access to key Queensland destinations. This is a very tough time for our tourism industry, but our government will stand side by side with this great industry as it works to recover from this blow. 06 Jun 2008 Ministerial Statements 2101

Health Hotline Hon. AM BLIGH (South Brisbane—ALP) (Premier) (9.39 am): Our government’s popular health hotline is to be expanded by offering mums and dads round the clock access to information and support about their newborns and young children. 13HEALTH is getting a $3.5 million upgrade as part of last year’s announcement of a $29 million Universal Postnatal Contact Service package. This hotline will recruit child health staff to take on the added workload by the end of 2008. The first phase will involve the existing Child Health Line transitioning to our popular 24-hour health hotline on 13HEALTH by the end of the year, which will treble its capacity from 50,000 parenting calls each and every year to 150,000 such calls. As part of the postnatal contact service, existing trials of open-plan, drop-in child health clinics will also be extended. These clinics have already proved very successful in Ipswich and Deception Bay, which both see between 20 and 30 children every day during half-day sessions. I am very pleased to announce today that we will be opening six more drop-in child clinics in Cairns, Townsville, the Sunshine Coast, Logan, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast by the end of 2008. These new clinics are good news for our regional centres. Indigenous Communities, Health and Wellbeing Reports Hon. AM BLIGH (South Brisbane—ALP) (Premier) (9.41 am): People living in our Indigenous communities are working with the government to end the violence and destruction that is besetting too many lives, especially young lives. Significant changes in alcohol management will be made from next month, and a world-first welfare reform trial will also get underway. These changes, coupled with a massive boost in drug and alcohol services, will help Indigenous communities begin to address the terrible impact of alcohol and drugs and the dysfunction and violence that they bring to some families’ lives. I made a commitment to release quarterly reports to measure our progress on these issues, and I table the first of these reports today. Tabled paper: Queensland government report titled ‘Quarterly report on key indicators in Queensland’s discrete Indigenous communities, January-March 2008’. This report will examine four key indicators for health and wellbeing in Indigenous communities. These indicators are violence against people, hospital admissions due to assault, court appearance for breaches of alcohol restrictions, and school attendance data. These figures will be reported across all discrete Indigenous communities every single quarter. The figures for 2006-07 do show that many communities continue to experience troubling levels of violence. Data on reported offences against a person shows that Indigenous communities have a rate of 86.8 per 1,000 people. This compares to a rate of 8.1 per 1,000 people for all of Queensland. The rate of hospital admissions for assault was also much higher in Indigenous communities—an overall rate of 25.5 per thousand compared to the overall Queensland rate of just 1.3 per thousand. Clearly and regularly measuring outcomes is critical to making progress. There are a plethora of reports by different levels of government being published on a regular basis about Indigenous communities, and making valid and consistent comparisons between these reports can be difficult. Our government has resolved to consolidate our reporting to provide: firstly, a quarterly report on every community in the form that I have tabled today to keep a close eye on the broad indicators that I have outlined; secondly, we will publish an annual report which consolidates these quarterly reports and includes significant additional data, such as child health data and years 3, 5, 7 and 9 educational results; and, finally, a comprehensive detailed baseline report will be compiled and published every five years. Picasso Exhibition; Dreaming Festival, Woodford Hon. AM BLIGH (South Brisbane—ALP) (Premier) (9.43 am): Today, I would like to talk about Queensland’s next cultural coup. On Monday, 9 June—that is, the public holiday Monday in our upcoming long weekend—the Picasso and His Collection exhibition will open at our Gallery of Modern Art. This exhibition is a first for Australia; in fact, it is the first exhibition of Pablo Picasso’s personal art collection to ever take place outside of Europe, and Brisbane will be the only place in Australia to host it. It will be shown exclusively at GoMA for over four months until 14 September. The exhibition is a collection of Picasso’s own works and the works of artists who have influenced his career. It is a measure of Queensland’s growing reputation as a cultural centre that the famous Musée Nationale Picasso in Paris chose Brisbane to showcase this exhibition. Since it opened in 2006, GoMA has surpassed all expectations, attracting world-class exhibitions to our state. Just months ago, the hugely successful Andy Warhol exhibition attracted more than 220,000 visitors and I expect no less from the Picasso exhibition. Picasso and His Collection presents a unique opportunity for Queenslanders to see some of the masterpieces of 20th century art in our own gallery. My government has contributed $1.5 million to promote and support this Queensland exhibition throughout Australia, and I look forward to seeing it attract visitors from across the country and the region. 2102 Ministerial Statements 06 Jun 2008

While it is a pleasure to host European exhibitions in this state, Queensland has long been host to a much older culture. The fourth Dreaming Festival at Woodford opens tonight and is a reminder of our rich Indigenous culture and history. This festival, which this government also supports, will run for four days and nights and has grown to become Australia’s pre-eminent international Indigenous festival. The Dreaming Festival provides a platform for Australian Indigenous artists, presenters and performers, both traditional and contemporary, to showcase their talents and the contribution they make to our national identity. This year’s program features ceremonies, music, theatre, comedy, galleries, workshops and speakers. Performers will come from as far away as America, Canada, Madagascar, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, South America and Papua New Guinea. I urge Queenslanders to attend both events and to enjoy the rich cultural diversity we are lucky to experience here in our state.

Road Toll Hon. JC SPENCE (Mount Gravatt—ALP) (Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport) (9.46 am): I have good news. As members are aware, the Queensland government has set an ambitious target this year of reducing the road toll by 52. The campaign is called Save a Life a Week. It is also supported by the Courier-Mail and I thank them for their cooperation. I inform the House that at midnight last night the road toll stood at 128, which is 32 fewer fatalities than at the same time last year. After the first 23 weeks in this year, we are well above our target. This achievement comes on the back of a significant drop in the toll last month, equalling the lowest monthly May figure for the past decade. In fact two of the eight police regions recorded an impressive fatality- free month. In May there were no lives lost in the Metropolitan North Region and the Southern Region, which for the Southern Region was a reduction of eight lives compared with 2007. Across Queensland there were 21 fatalities this May, compared with 41 in May last year. But we cannot become complacent. It only takes one bad week on the roads to push the toll up again. Our challenge now is for this trend to continue so that the loss of lives on the state’s roads is further reduced. This weekend is the last long weekend before Christmas. Last year over the Queen’s birthday long weekend, six people died on our roads and 182 people were injured. The focus for police this weekend will be inappropriate and drug driving, mobile phone usage, seat belt usage and supporting driver fatigue reduction strategies. There will be an additional 600 police officer hours a day on traffic duties, which is equivalent to an additional 76 police officers a day on our roads. Recent heavy rain has made road conditions dangerous and contributed to a number of serious crashes. We urge all road users to pay extra attention when using Queensland’s roads, particularly those affected by recent weather. If drivers and riders make basic changes to their behaviour, we can save a life a week.

Gold Coast University Hospital Hon. S ROBERTSON (Stretton—ALP) (Minister for Health) (9.49 am): Next week the Bligh government will take another major step towards the new $1.55 billion, 750-bed Gold Coast University Hospital. Having secured a new base for the Salvation Army, we are now moving towards the next critical milestone. On 14 June, Queensland Health will seek expressions of interest to build and operate a private hospital with a capacity for 400 beds on the Gold Coast University Hospital site. My department will seek a private partner to provide services in a colocated arrangement, and the successful bidder is expected to be known in early 2009. The 750-bed public hospital will open its doors to patients by late 2012, and it is anticipated that the private hospital will be ready around the same time. Having public and private health practitioners working side by side in close proximity will allow closer professional links to be forged. A colocated private hospital on the Gold Coast university site will ensure that the very best specialist medical staff can be attracted and retained for the benefit of the Gold Coast community. Colocation as a concept already has a proven track record in delivering high-quality services. We have seen this model deliver results elsewhere in south-east Queensland at the Prince Charles and Redland hospitals. A total of 72,000 square metres of land has been earmarked in the master plan for both the private hospital and the medical consulting suites. Other flow-on benefits will include more collaborative research and education programs, increased capacity, sharing of expertise and sharing of facilities across the health precinct. Above all, not one red cent will be paid out of the public purse. Funding for the private hospital and consulting suites including all operating costs will be met by the successful proponent. This will deliver real benefits and real savings to Queensland taxpayers. We will be looking for innovation and excellence from the market during the tender process. When completed, the new Gold Coast University Hospital will rival existing tertiary teaching hospitals around the world but, most importantly, will stay responsive to local demand. 06 Jun 2008 Motion 2103

MOTION

Charge of Contempt by Member for Nicklin Hon. RE SCHWARTEN (Rockhampton—ALP) (Leader of the House) (9.51 am), by leave, without notice: I move that— This House— (1) notes Members’ Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee report No. 90; (2) notes the member for Nicklin’s apology given earlier today; (3) finds the member for Nicklin guilty of the charge of contempt of the House by reflecting on the actions and character of the Speaker as particularised in the Members’ Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee report No. 90; and (4) suspends the member for Nicklin forthwith from the services and precincts of the House for 21 days. Mr COPELAND (Cunningham—NPA) (9.52 am): I second the motion moved by the Leader of the House. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr English): Order! Member for Nicklin, do you wish to speak to the motion? Mr WELLINGTON (Nicklin—Ind) (9.52 am): Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to speak to this motion. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the members of the Members Ethics’ and Parliamentary Privileges Committee for the opportunity to address their committee personally and put my case before them so that the matter was not simply considered on the papers. I have nothing further to add to the matters that I have put before the Members’ Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: I would now ask the member for Nicklin to leave the chamber whilst the House considers the motion. Whereupon the honourable member for Nicklin withdrew from the chamber. Ms PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) (9.53 am): I rise in support of the motion. The motion before the House is a serious one dealing with a matter of contempt of the Queensland parliament by a member of the House. The report concerns an allegation that the member for Nicklin has adversely reflected upon the chair on numerous occasions both inside and outside the House. Just as there are clear rules that govern the actions of lawyers in the court where breaches of those rules may constitute a contempt, parliament also has clear rules that are known to members and members are aware that breaches can amount to a finding of contempt. In Queensland, and in many other jurisdictions based on the Westminster system, it is a recognised principle of parliamentary privilege that the character or actions of the Speaker may not be criticised by any member except on a substantive motion. The principle is based on respect for the institution of parliament, the chair being the embodiment of the power, authority and integrity of the parliament. Reflections on the chair may undermine the authority of parliament by diminishing the respect due to the institution of parliament. The committee considered the reflections themselves and not the issue of the broadcast of proceedings. Section 37 of the Parliament of Queensland Act provides that a contempt of the Assembly means a breach or disobedience of the powers, rights or immunities or a contempt of the Assembly, or its members or committees. In addition, the standing rules and orders of the Legislative Assembly, standing order 266(23), further clarifies contempt and specifically includes commenting or reflecting on the actions of the chair as part of the list of actions that constitute contempt. The seriousness of the matter was understood by all members of the committee who endeavoured to afford natural justice to both parties. The committee initially called for written submissions and then held a private hearing to allow each member the opportunity to be heard. The significance of this issue led the committee to meet numerous times and out of session in an effort to thoroughly consider the matter. The committee found that the member for Nicklin’s statements are at the higher end of the scale for reflecting on the character and actions of the chair. The committee finds that a number of factors in this case support the committee’s unanimous recommendations for a more severe penalty. The role of the office of the Speaker is the cornerstone of parliament, and respect for the Speaker’s role is essential for the power, authority and integrity of parliament. The member for Nicklin’s written and oral submissions indicate a lack of respect for the role of the office of the Speaker and have diminished the respect due to the institution of parliament. In his oral submissions, the member for Nicklin admits to making the comments attributed to him by journalist Matt Wordsworth. The member therefore acknowledged that ‘he is aware that it is an offence for a politician to criticise the Speaker but that he doesn’t care’. 2104 Motion 06 Jun 2008

In the private hearing the committee questioned the member for Nicklin at length to ensure that he was aware that his statements may amount to a reflection on the Speaker and may constitute a contempt of parliament. Despite this, the member for Nicklin continued to make statements. The committee is satisfied that the member for Nicklin intended to reflect on the character of the Speaker. The member for Nicklin has been a member since June 1998 and has been present during several investigations and reports relating to reflections on the chair. There have been four reports in relatively recent times involving reflections on the chair and a circular was produced in 2005 regarding reflections on the chair. The member’s presence during these reports and his direct reference to one of these reports in his oral submission indicates that he is aware that it is a contempt to reflect on the chair. By the member for Nicklin’s own admission, he deliberately made these statements with the knowledge that they may amount to a contempt of parliament for reflecting on the Speaker. The member’s statements were not spur of the moment but were repeated over a period of time both inside and outside the House, receiving wide media coverage. The member for Nicklin had another clear option open to him which is contained in the standing orders of this parliament—that is, to censure the Speaker on a substantive motion in accordance with the basic principles of parliamentary privilege. The Members’ Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee unanimously finds a contempt against the member for Nicklin in relation to comments made by the member in the newspaper report and television recordings referred to the committee. The committee unanimously believes the member for Nicklin should unreservedly apologise to the House and to the Speaker, which I note that the member did this morning, and be suspended forthwith from the services and precincts of parliament for 21 days. Mr HORAN (Toowoomba South—NPA) (9.57 am): I also speak in support of the motion. The Speaker represents the power, the authority and the integrity of this parliament, and he or she is the thread that holds our parliament together. Respect for the role of the Speaker is essential to the smooth working and effectiveness of the parliament, and without respect for the office of the Speaker the very institution of parliament itself crumbles. Members of the public are called to respect authority, and many sports organisations know that they are nothing if respect for their umpire or referee crumbles. In a similar sense, members of parliament are called to respect the authority of the Speaker. If members of parliament have an issue with the Speaker, they have the option to censure the Speaker on a substantive motion. The member for Nicklin did not take this option even though he was aware that that option was open to him. The member for Nicklin was present during several investigations and reports relating to reflections on the chair including four reports in relatively recent times. This included the MEPPC report No. 71 in 2005 that went so far as to produce a circular to inform members about the seriousness of reflections on the chair. The member not only made ‘I’ statements but also attempted to deflect comments onto others by preferencing statements with ‘people have been saying to me’. The committee emphatically states that this does not offer any protection in a matter reflecting upon the chair. The committee considered this was a very delicate and difficult matter and went to great lengths to ensure that each party was afforded the opportunity to be fully heard. In doing so, the committee has had the benefit of deliberating carefully over both written and oral submissions when making its determination as to guilt and an appropriate penalty. The committee did not take this matter lightly and was unanimous in its finding against the member for Nicklin and in its recommendation to the House. This finding is in relation to comments made by the member in newspapers reports and television recordings referred to the committee. I believe the member for Nicklin should unreservedly apologise to the House, which he has done this morning, and to the Speaker and be suspended forthwith from the services and precincts of this parliament for 21 days. Mrs CUNNINGHAM (Gladstone—Ind) (10.00 am): I rise to speak to this motion for a couple of minutes. I acknowledge what the previous speakers have said and the need for respect for the chair. However, I believe it is important to also acknowledge the passion that the member the Nicklin has demonstrated over a lot of years to his own and his constituents’ points of view. In this instance, he has breached the parliamentary protocol. I think it reflects positively on him that he has not in any way denied having made those statements. In my conversations with the member for Nicklin since this report was handed down and in his conversations with others I believe he has acknowledged his responsibility. But I again put on the record that he is a man of passion who wants to represent his community. I do believe he upholds the standards and values of this parliament. I believe his unreserved apology demonstrates that. Question put—That the motion be agreed to. Motion agreed to. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr English): I now direct the Sergeant-at-Arms to ensure that the member for Nicklin leaves the precinct. 06 Jun 2008 Questions Without Notice 2105

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tourism Industry Mr SPRINGBORG (10.01 am): My first question without notice is to the honourable Premier. Premier, I refer to the tourism minister’s answer to question on notice No. 376 which details that this Labor government cut half a million dollars from tourism funding between the 2005 and 2007 financial years. Is it not true that last night’s extraordinary $4 million injection, just two days after the budget, is just making up for what the government has slashed from tourism funding in Queensland over the last three years? Ms BLIGH: The tourism budget, like the tourism industry itself, is by its nature cyclical. That is, it has a core base level of funding, which in fact has been increased in this year’s budget, and on top of its core base funding it has campaign funds that go for a period of time. When a large campaign is being run those funds are on top of the base funding. This year the base funding for Tourism Queensland increased slightly. The campaign funds that have been there for a specific campaign as part of our tourism strategy came to an end as they were scheduled to. Mr Messenger: Beautiful one day, short-changed the next. Ms BLIGH: I note the apologists for Qantas on the other side of the House. What happens in every government every year is that the government crafts a budget and then emerging needs come to light throughout the financial year. In the case of tourism, Qantas made its first announcement last week—long after the budget figures had been put to bed—and then it kicked the industry in the guts yesterday with a further announcement that will have significant ramifications for far-north Queensland. I cannot say how disappointed I am in Qantas’s decision to remove these services from Cairns. This is a significant blow to the people of Cairns and the industries that make up the tourism sector in far-north Queensland. But make no mistake, it will have a ripple effect into the Whitsundays and other parts of the Great Barrier Reef. It will have a ripple effect across the state. It will have an effect of national significance. Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef are an iconic Australian destination. Frankly, I look forward to Qantas reconsidering its decisions as soon as possible. I am very pleased that our government has been in a position to react immediately. We have put in place a $4 million immediate injection of funds. We will work with the industry to make sure that these funds have the maximum impact. We will also work with the federal government because, as I have said, this is an issue of national significance to the tourism industry. An opposition member interjected. Ms BLIGH: Again I note the apologists opposite for those who would rip the services out of regional Queensland. We will not stand idle; we will stand side by side with the tourism industry. We put in place a comprehensive tourism strategy for $48 million. That has been rolled out over the last few years. We are adding to it in this time of need with this $4 million. Children’s Hospital Mr SPRINGBORG: My question without notice is to the Minister for Health. Will the minister confirm that paediatric staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital have been told this week that the new combined children’s hospital plan provides fewer beds and floor space than those currently available for children in Queensland and across Brisbane? Mr ROBERTSON: If we look at current bed numbers across both the Mater Children’s Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital we find that there are currently around 270 beds. What we are committed to is building a new Queensland children’s hospital. We made a commitment to supply 400 beds. Ms Bligh: 270? Mr ROBERTSON: There seems to be a bit of difference between 270 and 400. Mr Springborg interjected. Mr SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, you have asked the question. Mr ROBERTSON: It is around a 130-bed increase. What we are actually seeing at this stage— and it is reflected in the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan—is the development of this world- class hospital which has at its heart an important commitment by clinicians to sit around the table and design this world-class hospital. From time to time in that process not everybody is going to get everything that they want. That is the nature of designing first-class pieces of infrastructure such as we are about to see adjacent to the Mater Hospital at South Brisbane. What we are committed to doing is ensuring that the commitment that we have made to build a first-class, world-class children’s hospital adjacent to the Mater is delivered on time. As a result of that, what we have seen is an increase in the funding that will be provided to deliver that project. That is our commitment and will continue to be so. 2106 Questions Without Notice 06 Jun 2008

Surgery for Children Mr WEIGHTMAN: My question without notice is to the Minister for Health. What is the state government doing to ensure that our sick and injured children receive surgery in the shortest possible time frame? Mr ROBERTSON: I thank the member for the question because the Bligh government recognises that our children deserve the best and safest possible care, especially when it comes to surgery. We are providing the resources and funding to ensure that that care is in fact delivered. For example, the Royal Children’s Hospital budget has increased by some 14 per cent this year. Our two paediatric hospitals have been successful in keeping urgent category 1 long-wait patients down to an absolute minimum. I am advised that as at 1 April there were no patients waiting longer than recommended for urgent surgery at the Mater Children’s. This has been the case for the past year. There were only 10 long waits at the Royal Children’s out of a total of 134 patients on the category 1 waiting list. During the March quarter, at Mater Children’s 50 per cent of all children on that waiting list received their surgery within seven days and 90 per cent of category 1 patients received their surgery within 26 days. Similarly, over at the Royal Children’s Hospital 50 per cent of children had their treatment performed within seven days and 90 per cent of category 1 patients were treated within 35 days. But we all believe that one child waiting too long is one child too many. That is why we have a number of successful measures in place—successful measures like SurgeryConnect which is acting like a safety valve for public patients waiting longer than recommended. Some 590 patients who were waiting too long have been assessed to determine whether they are suitable to be operated on. We are also building a world-class Queensland Children’s Hospital—a hospital that will provide one single streamlined specialised paediatric service in Queensland, a hospital that will pool the amazing talent and skill that we have at both the Royal Children’s and Mater Children’s to provide more efficient and effective surgery services for our children. A better managed surgery list and consolidated treatment plans combined with additional beds at the new hospital can only mean better patient outcomes. I was also interested to see the opposition’s so-called pledge yesterday, because what it showed is that, once again, the opposition leader has not done his homework. The Mater Children’s and Royal Children’s provide paediatric surgery across a range of superspecialities. They perform specialised surgery that cannot be safely or appropriately provided at any other hospital. If the opposition leader is going to send our young patients elsewhere, they will be undergoing surgery performed by non- paediatric surgeons—surgeons not trained to perform specialised surgery on kids. Furthermore, we would also see adult patients requiring emergency surgery being bumped for surgery by elective surgery child patients. It means that a 10-year-old elective surgery patient could receive their surgery before a 30-year-old requiring— Time expired.

Telecommunication Interception Powers Mr McARDLE: My question is to the minister for police and corrective services. I refer to the Attorney-General’s comments in the Townsville Bulletin last week that police could access ‘passive ingest’ recordings of potentially privileged conversations in Queensland courts. Given that there does not appear to be a role for the Public Interest Monitor to approve the interception of these digital recordings, why is the minister still frustrating CMC and Queensland Police Service calls for telecommunication interception powers? Ms SPENCE: I thank the member for the question. As I have said in this House on many occasions in the past, the Bligh government does support giving our police officers telephone interception powers. We have been frustrated for the last 10 years or so by the Howard government’s refusal to allow us to put the Public Interest Monitor in as part of the court process for police when they request these telephone intercept powers. What it does require is the federal government to change its Telecommunications Act to allow Queensland to make the PIM a part of the process. We have written the legislation for the federal government and have now sent that legislation to the Rudd government. I know that the Premier has written to the Prime Minister himself and asked the Rudd government to take up the challenge and change its act to allow Queensland to introduce telephone intercept powers. I understand that we are very close to hearing from the Rudd government on this very matter. I am very confident that now that we have a Prime Minister who is prepared to work in cooperation with state governments we are going to get the changes that we need to give police in Queensland these very important powers. 06 Jun 2008 Questions Without Notice 2107

Mr SPEAKER: Before calling the member for Stafford, I welcome back to parliament today the member for Thuringowa, the Minister for Natural Resources and Water. Some members may not be aware—some are, I am sure—that the minister and his wife, Jenny, have had their second child, Lolo. The minister has been on paternity leave. It is great to see a man on paternity leave with three females in the family. I congratulate you on the latest addition, member for Thuringowa, and wish your family all the very best. Honourable members: Hear, hear! Queensland Day Mr HINCHLIFFE: My question without notice is to the Premier. I know that many members share my interest in the state’s history and will know that today is Queensland Day. Can the Premier advise of celebrations underway as part of this notable occasion? Ms BLIGH: I thank the honourable member for the question and I thank him also for his well- known enthusiasm for being the keeper of the history of this state in our parliamentary caucus. Mr Speaker, I join with you firstly in noting my congratulations to the member for Thuringowa in welcoming his new daughter, Lolo. It is wonderful to hear that mum and baby are doing very well. I was particularly pleased also to welcome the member for Broadwater, who took the opportunity yesterday to visit the House with her new baby. I know that those who got to meet baby Brock will agree with me that he is a beautiful young Queenslander. Today is Queensland Day and it is a great day to be a Queenslander. Some 149 years ago Queen Victoria signed letters patent separating Queensland from New South Wales, and what a great day that was! Of course, this time next year we will be celebrating Queensland Day in the middle of our 150th anniversary celebrations. I was very pleased this morning to join with a number of my ministers to kick off Queensland Day celebrations in Queens Gardens with a free barbecue. There were many people lining up to take advantage and to be part of the celebrations, and I thank them for joining us for breakfast in the park. I would encourage all members who are available to come along on Sunday to a family fun day in Roma Street Parkland. I am pleased today to announce more than 140 projects that have been successful as part of the Q150 community grants program. This is the second round of our community funding program for these celebrations next year, and I table a list of the successful applications for the benefit of the House and for the benefit of members. Tabled paper: List detailing round 2 community funding recipients, Queensland’s 150th celebrations. In round 2 we have seen a whole range of projects, including celebration concerts on the Gold Coast and here in Brisbane at Taringa, a community festival at Gin Gin and a heritage fun day at Mundubbera. Cooktown has gone for its own proclamation re-enactment while the Labrador State School P&C will celebrate the history and diversity of the Gold Coast, culminating with the Labrador multicultural festival. For the car enthusiasts, there will be the Hot Rod Run at Millmerran and many other opportunities for grassroots celebrations of our 150th. Mr Lucas: Sesquicentenary. Ms BLIGH: Many members will know of the applications because they supported them, and I thank them for that. For those who have been successful, I encourage members to be part of each and every one of them. This is a real opportunity for communities at all levels across the state to be part of celebrating our sesquicentenary in 2009. Happy Queensland Day to all members and to all Queenslanders. I also take the opportunity to hope that we have a very successful night next Wednesday night. Traveston Crossing Dam Mr ELMES: My question without notice is to the Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation. I refer to the steady stream of propaganda being put out by this government about the Traveston Crossing Dam which to date has seen more than $220,000 spent to produce and deliver more than 700,000 brochures throughout Wide Bay and the Sunshine Coast, and I table a copy of project update No. 8. Tabled paper: Paper by Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Ltd titled ‘Traveston Crossing Dam Project, Project Update Eight’. Given the continued opposition to this dam by the minister’s constituents, many of whom are protesting outside Parliament House today, can the minister advise the House why the government is spending so much on spin? Mr McNAMARA: I thank the honourable member for the question. Those on the other side seem to live in this odd world where if the government explains what it is doing—if it takes the people in and sends out information—that is spin but if we make a decision that is a lack of consultation. Just yesterday in this parliament we had the opposition doing its little foot-stamping thing as it complained about the government making decisions in relation to the very important issue of housing affordability. 2108 Questions Without Notice 06 Jun 2008

Today the first question to me is about how the government can justify explaining to the people of the region about a $1.6 billion dam in terms of what is going on. I expect, as a ratepayer and as a resident of the region, to hear what the government is doing in relation to major impacts, and this is no different—no different. This will be the single biggest economic boost that this region will ever receive. Numerous builders, and road builders in particular, are very interested in this project and are waiting for more information sessions, asking if the government can get more information out. I make no apology. When spending $1.6 billion on a major infrastructure project, the suggestion that the government would not be putting out information is frankly absurd. The suggestion that we would not have project updates is simply out of sync with contemporary practice. All around the world we expect up-to-date information to be provided by governments about major projects which have significant economic and social impacts. I understand that perhaps the honourable member does not want constituents in his part of the world to be as well informed. He might prefer to do the Chicken Little thing and run around and claim that the sky is falling in on this project, but the reality is that all the way from Hervey Bay and all the way down to Noosa there will be work flowing as a result of this decision. The local building industry is looking forward very much to the subcontracting work that will flow from this very important project. Homeownership Ms STONE: My question is to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning. Can the minister advise the House how bringing forward development on greenfield sites will help young Queenslanders reach the dream of homeownership sooner? Is the Deputy Premier aware of any other approaches that may have a different result? Mr LUCAS: The Bligh government understands that the dream of homeownership is important to Queensland families. In Australia, it is an article of faith that everybody deserves the right to have a crack at owning their own home. There are many aspects of housing affordability that are not within the control of the state government. Probably the chief one of all is interest rates. The state cannot control those. But there are things that the state can do. There is nothing more important than to ensure that working families are not priced out of the market when it comes to this wonderful part of the world. We know that many people are moving to Queensland. We know that many Queenslanders—kids of locals who have been here for generations— want to live and work in the same community that they and their parents were brought up in. That is why the Premier and Treasurer announced a significant reduction in the first home owners’ stamp duty. That is why the Premier announced the fast-tracking of a number of parcels of land in south-east Queensland. I do not give two hoots whether it is government red tape or whether it is local government red tape; this is about getting rid of it. So there will be no apologies from the government if we get into that and none from local government as well. This is about getting this land to market. This is land in the urban footprint in the regional plan. I note that the member for Kawana has criticised the decision, noting that there was no infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast. Of course, he has not read the current SEQIPP, which has $18.1 billion being spent on the Sunshine Coast: $15.8 billion in road rail and public transport projects— An honourable member: Whoops! Mr LUCAS: ‘Oh, just forgot about it.’ There is also $1.5 billion for health, $347 million for energy and $511 million for education. The Property Council said, ‘Bligh answers home owners’ prayers.’ We appreciate that, but we say to the Property Council that we will be making sure developers keep their end of the bargain. Of course, when the member for Caloundra was asked about the supply of land, he said a bit different from what he said yesterday. On 16 September last year he stated— I refer to the Caloundra South precinct which is some 3,000 hectares in area and 1,700 hectares by way of development. That forms a critical part of the LGMS plan for Caloundra city in the foreseeable future. So the member for Caloundra wanted that land developed then. Yesterday we saw the terrible situation—and I will table the report—where BankWest indicated that the Sunshine Coast has the three least affordable areas in regional Queensland for housing. Tabled paper: Media release, dated 2 June 2008 by BankWest titled ‘Key workers priced out of the housing market in the communities they serve in Brisbane’. Mr Dickson interjected. Mr LUCAS: Let the record show that the member for Kawana does not want police, does not want teachers, does not want nurses, does not want ordinary workers living in his electorate. We do. We want them to live in south-east Queensland. Of course, yesterday the member for Maroochydore was caught out. Her little trick on desalination at Bribie Island caught up with her. 06 Jun 2008 Questions Without Notice 2109

Eastern Busway Mr NICHOLLS: My question is to the Premier. Yesterday the Premier attacked the Leader of the Opposition as mouthing off crazy views about private sector investment and asked how he would fund the Eastern Busway—with a toll? Today the Deputy Premier’s office is saying the missing link in the Premier’s Eastern Busway announcement yesterday—the Coorparoo to Capalaba section—could be built earlier with private sector investment, that is, according to the Premier, with a toll. Is that how the Premier’s government proposes to fund the Eastern Busway’s Coorparoo to Capalaba link? Will she rule out putting a toll on it? Is the Premier’s deputy now the one who is crazy? Mr SPEAKER: I am not too sure which part of the question the Premier will answer first, but I call the Premier. Mr Lucas: That’s a second question. Ms BLIGH: That is a leading question, I think. That question is probably the best example of why we should sit as rarely as possible on a Friday. Our government supports transit oriented developments. We believe that people should be able to live and work as close to public transport in urban areas as they possibly can. That is why we support the transit oriented development in Albion. That is why we support a new transit oriented development at South Bank. That is why we support one at Coorparoo junction on the old Myer site. We understand that there will be substantial private investment and interest in developing a new building there, or a substantial development that will have a busway as part of it. There will be a private sector contribution to that and they will get the value uplift in a commercial and residential facility. I can absolutely guarantee this House that this government will not be tolling busways. If we were, we would be the ones paying the toll. We fund the buses. It would be a bit ridiculous. We have yet to hear from the opposition which projects it would build and what projects it would not build. I listened to the budget reply yesterday from the Leader of the Opposition. There was no reference whatsoever in that to what he would build. In fact, I do not think he mentioned a single project that he would commit to. So that means every single project in the SEQIPP program is at risk. An honourable member interjected. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Premier is on her feet answering this important question. Ms BLIGH: That means that under the coalition every single road project in the SEQIPP program is at risk. Every single busway is at risk. Every one of the hospitals that we have committed to in Brisbane and in the regions is at risk. Every single water project is at risk. The members opposite sit there and laugh, but we do not hear them commit. They are risk averse, they are commitment averse, they will not lock into anything. They do not have what it takes to build this state. They do not have what it takes to build Queensland. Those opposite do not have the guts to do what is necessary. Brisbane City Council, Buses Ms BARRY: My question is to the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations. Can the minister provide the House details about future bus purchases intended by the Brisbane City Council in its upcoming budget next week? Mr MICKEL: This week there has been a lot of discussion about debt. I notice that that Lord Mayor has indicated that the Brisbane City Council has to go into debt to fund infrastructure. The state government is able to take the pressure off the Lord Mayor because, as the Premier has just indicated, we have provided over $170 million for Brisbane bus services and for investment in new busways. Since TransLink was introduced the bus fleet across south-east Queensland has gone up from 1,493 buses to 1,934 buses, which is a 30 per cent increase. So in our view the debt that is being incurred by the Brisbane City Council is sensible, but we have taken the pressure off them with respect to the funding that we provided for the buses. But when talking about debt, we also need to talk about indebtedness. I think the members of the Liberal Party in the western suburbs need to be indebted to the member for Moggill. Members will remember last session the Premier had a letter from the Leader of the Liberal Party and the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party trying to scuttle their convention. What is not known is the circumstances behind the decision to back down on that. I am told that the member for Moggill issued an email to many Liberal Party branch members urging them to get the Leader of the Liberal Party and the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party to back down on that decision so the party members could have a vote on it. I heard that such an email exists. I prayed for such an email to come into my possession. I wished for such an email to come into my possession. You always have to be careful what you wish for because guess what I have got? The email states— I only write on this occasion reluctantly because I feel duty bound to correct the misleading impression created by the letter circulated by the party leadership that somehow the party room or the members of the party endorse their action. I do not. 2110 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

What we have is internal dissension between the former Leader of the Liberal Party and the current Liberal Party leadership. It is the members in the western suburbs—the decent members of the Liberal Party represented in this House by the member for Moggill—who forced that back down and forced those questions on the merger to be asked. Otherwise the ‘Palmer Party’ would have been in existence. It is the courageous member for Moggill—and I might criticise his dress sense after the budget, but you could never criticise his courage in standing up for the rank and file members of the Liberal Party. Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members, the time for questions has expired.

APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENT) BILL

APPROPRIATION BILL

REVENUE AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading (Cognate Debate)

Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill Resumed from 5 June (see p. 2093), on motion of Mr Fraser— That the bills be now read a second time. Hon. N ROBERTS (Nudgee—ALP) (Minister for Emergency Services) (10.31 am): Premier Bligh and Treasurer Fraser’s first budget looks beyond tomorrow and out to the horizon. It is all about planning for the future, planning for and managing growth and building tomorrow’s Queensland today. It is also about tackling traffic congestion in south-east Queensland, tackling climate change and improving services. In just nine short months, Anna Bligh and Andrew Fraser have stamped their mark on Queensland’s future: a record $17 billion Capital Works Program to build roads, schools, hospitals and the new water grid, an extra $1.2 billion for health and a housing affordability package to make entry into the housing market easier for first home buyers. Queensland’s economic performance continues to outshine the other states. Unemployment is at a record 34-year low at 3¾ per cent, and the economy is anticipated to grow by 4¼ per cent with national growth expected to ease to 2¾ per cent. Queensland’s economic growth has exceeded the national growth rate for the 12th successive year. Locally in the Nudgee electorate, the budget delivers $5.2 million to build a fantastic new indoor sports facility at Earnshaw State College. This massive state government investment is the icing on the cake following the creation of the school as a P-12 college just a few short years ago. It is a long- awaited bonus for the local community and will be a spectacular addition to sport and recreational facilities in north-east Brisbane. I personally lobbied very hard for this funding and I am pleased that the project can now move forward, offering better facilities to the school students and the local community. The Nudgee electorate will benefit from the budget’s record spending on congestion-busting initiatives. Every day local residents can see firsthand the fruits of our massive investment in roads infrastructure. Local and neighbouring examples include the $1.88 billion Gateway Bridge duplication and the Northern Busway project around Lutwyche and Kedron. Soon work will commence on the Airport Link project near Toombul Shoppingtown. Thankfully, this project will also include a welcome and long-term solution at the airport roundabout on the existing Gateway Arterial. The budget contains the final payment of around $1.8 million towards completing the new Nundah Community Health Centre, which has an estimated construction cost of $14.14 million. Community health services are being delivered at the new centre from July. I recently took the opportunity to visit the centre with local Nudgee residents Graham and Joan Power. It is a spectacular building which will provide first-class facilities for local residents and staff. It is also conveniently positioned within walking distance of the nearby Nundah Railway Station. I will return to local budget initiatives shortly but first I want to outline some of the headline issues which make this budget the right budget for its time. As the Treasurer indicated in his speech, front-line service delivery is the major priority of the Bligh government. This has been aptly demonstrated within the Ambulance Service where over $12 million in savings have been redirected to the front line and used to fund the employment of additional ambulance officers. In combination with funding provided in this year’s budget, this will enable the employment of 250 additional officers during the next financial year. Last year the government also provided funding for 250 additional ambulance officers to help combat unprecedented demand. Through hard work and internal efficiencies, the QAS was able to increase that number to 255, bringing the total funded over the past two financial years to 505 additional ambulance officers. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2111

As the Minister for Emergency Services, I am pleased to acknowledge the government’s record investment of $940.8 million in Emergency Services. This is an 11 per cent increase over last year’s budget underlining the government’s determination to strengthen the safety and security of communities across the state. Other highlights for Emergency Services in the 2008-09 budget include $16.9 million for 145 new or replacement ambulance vehicles, $13.4 million for 30 new or replacement urban fire and rescue vehicles and $6.6 million for five additional emergency helicopter services staff, essential helicopter equipment and maintenance and regional disaster management staff. As part of our investment in new vehicles, the QAS has ordered three bariatric vehicles designed for the safe and efficient transport of obese patients weighing in excess of 250 kilograms. Bariatric ambulances are especially fitted with aluminium modules and electric stretchers, providing paramedics with a strain-free method of placing obese patients into vehicles. At a cost of around $200,000, the new vehicles and electric stretchers will make the treatment of obese patients safer for the patients themselves and for the attending paramedics. The budget also provides funding to purchase up to one kilometre of temporary flood barriers for deployment to affected communities across Queensland. Similar barriers were used to prevent floodwaters inundating Charleville earlier this year. The budget also provides the final instalment for the purchase of three new Augusta Westland 139 rescue helicopters. These will be based in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns. The new helicopters are faster and travel further than the helicopters they replaced and are a significant enhancement to our emergency service and rescue and aeromedical capabilities. The Department of Emergency Services has also been allocated $160.6 million to provide, among other things, two new and 21 replacement or redeveloped ambulance buildings and three new and 11 replacement or redeveloped fire stations across the state. In accordance with the Speaker’s ruling, I seek leave to incorporate the remainder of my speech in Hansard. Leave granted. Health: As the Minister for Emergency Services, I am in a unique position to understand the pressures that demand is placing on our frontline health services. With an ageing and growing population, we know more people than ever are seeking health services, and with the constant advances in treatment and technology, costs are increasing rapidly. That’s why the Bligh Government has committed record funds to tackle the issues facing our health system. More than $1 billion will be spent on capital works, while funding injections in other areas will see more hospital beds, more doctors and more nurses. Housing Affordability: One of the centrepieces of the Budget is a package of reforms to help first home buyers. Sweeping changes to our stamp duty regime mean that any Queenslander buying their first home for under $500,000 will not pay any stamp duty. Additionally, the government is bringing forward the date on which mortgage duty will be abolished. This will mean from September this year first home buyers will not pay one cent of stamp duty and not one cent of mortgage duty. This is a massive bonus for first home owners and can save them up to $9,800 on a $500,000 home. ClimateSmart Home Service: Householders will benefit from a new $60 million program to help reduce greenhouse emissions. From January next year and for a $50 fee, the new ClimateSmart Home Service will provide householders with a package which includes: 15 energy efficient lightbulbs, a wireless electricity meter to monitor daily use and a water-efficient shower rose. This is exceptional value for Queenslanders and is expected to contribute annual savings of up to $240 on electricity bills. Education: This year’s budget commits $7.03 billion in recurrent funding and $833.8 million in capital works for the education, training and the arts sectors. Key initiatives in education include a massive $125.1 million for school maintenance and $23 million to complete covered walkways of prep year facilities in south-east Queensland. More Nudgee Electorate Budget Highlights: As noted earlier the major highlight for the Nudgee Electorate is a $5.2 million allocation to build a new indoor sports facility at Earnshaw State College. This is a major win for the local community. Other local budget expenditure items of note include: • $13.6 million has been allocated towards the construction of the new government call centre at Zillmere. The new call centre will house over 400 work stations for both Smart Services Queensland and the Police Service. Smart Service Queensland provides a one-stop shop for a range of government services and information. This new facility will provide an additional employment opportunity for my constituents. • $3.95 million will be spent on concept planning for the Nudgee Road to Bruce Highway section of the Gateway Arterial. • $6.02 million will be spent on resurfacing from Kingsford Smith Drive to Lower Nudgee on the Gateway Arterial. • $537.6 million is allocated for the continuation of the Gateway Upgrade project involving a second Gateway Bridge and upgrade north of Nudgee Golf Club. The total cost of the project is in excess of $1.8 billion. • $746,000 has been allocated to upgrade existing powerlines in Zillmere to upgrade network capacity and security of electricity supply in the area. • $59,000 has been granted to the Mayne Junior Australian Football Club to help refurbish its change rooms and toilets at its Nundah headquarters. It is also important to acknowledge budget expenditure which has occurred throughout the past year. Following are some of the more significant funding allocations. 2112 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

New physical education space for St Kevin’s at Geebung: St Kevin’s Catholic School at Geebung received State Government funding of $501,105 towards the construction of a new physical education covered area at the school. The new multi-purpose covered area will provide a space for physical education, drama lessons, outdoor teaching and performing arts. This is a wonderful addition to the school and the local Geebung community. Other catholic schools in the electorate also shared in more than $55,000 in State Government grants for capital works projects. Projects include the refurbishment of the staff and junior toilet blocks at St Dympna’s at Aspley; the installation of smartboards at St Flannans at Zillmere; and information technology at St Joseph’s Nudgee College, St Pius at Banyo and St Kevin’s at Geebung. St Pius Primary School also received $59,000 to help the school remove and replace asbestos roof sheeting. I was also pleased to announce during the year that the removal of asbestos roofs at all state schools within the electorate had been completed. Community Benefit Fund Grants: Earlier this year, Nundah Golden Years Centre received a $10,000 grant to document personal histories as a part of Queensland’s 150th birthday celebrations. Many local organisations also shared in over $400,000 from the State Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Funds. These included: • St Oswald’s Church Banyo—$8,920 to replace church hall windows and frames • Aspley Little Athletics—$25,137 to resurface its long jump runways • Banyo Kindergarten—$7630 for painting and the purchase of softfall and gym mats • Geebung P&C—$18,674—to purchase musical instruments • North Star Orchid Circle—$758 to purchase a digital camera and printer • Toombul Croquet Club—$4,874 to purchase a computer, printer and vacuum cleaner • Zillmere Multi-cultural Festival—$3,910 to purchase dance costumes and props • Bhar-El-Ghazel Upper Nile and Equatorial Students Association (BUNESA) Zillmere—$13,182 to purchase office equipment, a computer and soccer equipment • Endeavour Foundation at Geebung—$26,518 to install a shed, upgrade toilets and purchase tools • Geebung State School P&C—$27,270 to install an early years playground for its prep year students • Kurbingui Youth Development Association Zillmere—$22,019 to purchase a vehicle, computer and office equipment • Northern Raiders AFL Club—$30,000 to purchase a vehicle • The Lodge Youth Support Service Northgate—$2,150 to purchase a dishwasher and water tanks • Endeavour Foundation—$25,360 to upgrade bedrooms at Karingal residences • Kingfisher Adult Learning Programs at Geebung—$30,000 to purchase resources, office and computer equipment • Marchant Park Kindergarten Association—$27,272 to upgrade its playground equipment • North Brisbane Lapidary Club Nundah—$6,624 to purchase a kiln and tools • St Kevin’s School P&F—$22,826 to install prep year playground equipment • Nundah and Districts Youth Club Banyo—$2,977 to purchase new gymnastic flooring • Virginia State School P&C—$28,690 to upgrade the school library • Endeavour Foundation Northgate—$26,080 to upgrade its reception area and install air conditioning • Boondall Kindergarten Association—$25,220 to install playground equipment and bark chip in the playground area • Breakthrough Church—$9,090 to purchase multi-media equipment • Centacare Northgate—$3,852 to purchase a laptop and data projector; and • Northgate Local Ambulance Committee—$3,136 to purchase a new tank and water pump. Other State Government funding throughout the year includes $57,000 support for the Nundah Community Legal Service; $10,000 to support the Zillmere Multi-cultural Festival and over $600,000 to support employment projects under the Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. Conclusion: This year’s State Budget is crafted to address current needs and the challenges of the future. The Nudgee electorate has received its fair share of budget resources; however, I will continue to lobby hard for improved services and investments in our local area. Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER (Ms Palaszczuk): Order! I would like to welcome to the visitors gallery this morning students and teachers from Windaroo State School in the electorate of Albert, which is represented in this House by the Hon. Margaret Keech. Mr REYNOLDS (Townsville—ALP) (10.37 am): It is with a great deal of pleasure that I vacant the Speaker’s chair to represent my constituents in the electorate of Townsville by making a contribution to the 2008-09 state budget debate. I strongly and warmly welcome the first budget of the Bligh government, which delivers big dollars to the city of Townsville in health, education, roads, emergency services and community services. As member for Townsville, I am acutely aware of the pressures on our local health system. I made regular representations to the government, lobbying for urgently needed funding for the Townsville Hospital. Naturally, I am delighted that these representations have achieved massive spending allocations for Townsville Hospital. In fact, funding for the hospital is central to the budget spending in Townsville and includes the ongoing rollout of the $84 million program to provide an additional 78 beds at the hospital. Twenty-two extra beds have been provided since September 2006 and since that time staff numbers at Townsville Hospital have increased by 453 full-time employees as 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2113 part of the Bligh government’s huge funding increase to Queensland Health. Forty of these new staff were specifically employed to cover the provision of the extra 22 beds, and there will be a further increase of about 150 staff for the 78 beds as they come online. This budget provides for the urgently needed $10 million upgrade of the emergency department, of which $7 million will be spent in 2008-09. Additionally, $2.2 million has been budgeted for spending on the new birthing centre to give expectant mothers more options of birthing methods to choose from. Other important health initiatives in the budget include $207,000 for a residential detoxification/ withdrawal program for homeless Indigenous people and $319,000 for rehabilitation, referral and detoxification services associated with the drug court trial. Funding of $262,000 is also included in the budget to spend in Townsville under the National Drug Strategy, as well as $59,000 for health research infrastructure grants. All of this health funding is critical to enable the Townsville Hospital to meet the demands of the region’s rapidly growing population. In addition to the multimillion-dollar spending at the hospital, this year’s state budget includes major education spending, road upgrades and construction, a Queensland Ambulance redevelopment project and millions of dollars for vital community sector programs such as tackling homelessness in Townsville. Among the highlights of this year’s budget for Townsville is the allocation of $9.1 million in joint Commonwealth-state funding to continue the design and construction of the port access road. Another highlight is the $37.5 million budget allocation over three years to build a specialist trade campus in Townsville. At a community level, $5.06 million will be spent on services for young people, families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Townsville electorate. There are also millions of dollars for other community initiatives encompassing Child Safety, Disability Services and Housing. I am very pleased that the Premier and Treasurer have recognised the importance of both the social and physical infrastructure of Townsville in this year’s budget. Townsville electorate budget initiatives include: for the arts, the state budget recognises the richness and diversity of Townsville’s arts and culture through a $5.2 million allocation to the Townsville City Council for the redevelopment of the Townsville arts hub flexible performing space. In the child safety area, as a former minister for child safety I understand the importance of specialised services for the state’s most vulnerable children and young people who for various reasons are unable to live with their parents for a period of time. Family support services to stop situations reaching the point when foster care may be required are equally important. This year’s budget includes $1.29 million to provide a therapeutic residential care service for young people with complex to extreme needs, linking them to EVOLVE and other intensive support services; $890,000 to the Palm Island placement centre to provide on-community residential care and a related family intervention service for children and young people in statutory care to allow them to remain in their communities when they require out-of-home care; $536,000 to Wee Care to provide approximately 105 foster- and kinship-care placements for children and young persons with moderate to high support needs in the Townsville and Aitkenvale catchment areas; and $105,000 to Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Services Ltd to provide a family intervention service offering practical support to families. I seek leave to have the remainder of my speech incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. Community Services Thankfully most people will not experience the trauma of homelessness during their lives. However we know that sometimes circumstances combine to make this a reality for some families and if this happened to any of us we would hope to be living in a society that would rescue us before we hit bottom. As a society I believe we have obligations to those less fortunate than us—whether they be the victims of domestic violence, homelessness or mental illness. This year’s budget aims to tackle some tough social issues in Townsville through: • $5.06 million on a range of services to support young people, families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. • $811,000 to provide counselling, court access, referral and support services for women and children affected by domestic violence • $701,000 to provide intensive support services to improve the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and their families • $466,000 to provide comprehensive responses to young people with complex needs in public spaces and respond to the needs of young people with complex needs who misuse or are at risk of misusing volatile substances • $373,000 additional ongoing funding to OzCare Townsville Maria House • $365,000 additional ongoing funding to OzCare Townsville Men’s Hostel • $300,000 additional ongoing funding to the Palm Island Diversionary Centre 2114 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

• $295,000 to continue a Seniors Legal and Support Service pilot for older people at risk of experiencing elder abuse and financial exploitation • $7.44 Million to enhance and refurbish the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre, Townsville • $2 Million to refurbish the departmental Retail Store at Palm Island. Disabilities The State Government’s ongoing focus on disability services continues in this year’s budget with increased spending to assist people with a disability to achieve positive long term outcomes, helping to make a real difference to their quality of life. Amongst the priority areas this year is an expanded commitment to providing support to families and individuals, and responding quickly to the needs of people who are experiencing emergency or crisis situations. New initiatives include: • $4.09M to increase the availability of Home and Community Care services to support frail aged and younger people with a disability in the community • $3.09 Million to assist adults with a disability to live and participate in their community as part of an ongoing commitment. • $1.16 Million to provide post-school options for young adults with a disability and their families • $516,000 to provide for short term and limited respite support for families, carers and people with a disability. Education and Training Every Queenslander at some stage in their life will benefit from education and training. I strongly believe that education is the essential ingredient required for someone to reach their full potential in life. An inadequate education has life-long effects. I am proud of the strong focus on the education and training needs of the Townsville community in this year’s budget, including: • $37.5 million over three years to build a specialist trade campus in Townsville • A further $2.62 million for the redevelopment of Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE after relocation of trade training • $1.8 million this year for Administration and Classroom facilities at Palm Island Senior Campus • $238,000 for replacement amenities at Bwgcolman Community School • $100,000 for a 2 space relocatable building and toilets at Palm Island Senior Campus • $90,000 for Senior Phase of Learning facilities at Palm Island Senior Campus • $34,000 this year for High Priority Maintenance at Townsville State High School. • $13,000 for maintenance at Belgian Gardens State School. • $6,000 this year for maintenance at Hermit Park State School. Industry Development The Bligh Government is committed to the industrial expansion of Townsville through industrial estates which includes a budgetary allocation of $6.04 Million for the development of Stage 6 of the Bohle Industrial Estate. Local Government As a former Mayor of Townsville during the 1980s I have a particular appreciation for the role of local government in the community. Ongoing support from the State Government for the Townsville City Council in 2008-09 includes: • $656,000 to the Townsville City Council for Leakage & Pressure Management of Reticulation System • $325,000 this year to the Townsville City Council for Flood Diversion works at Albany Road Pump Station • $230,000 to the Townsville City Council for Stage 1b development at Magnetic Island Water Recycling • $118,000 to the Townsville City Council for City Heart 24/7 Live Monitoring and Surveillance Cameras • $78,000 this year to the Townsville City Council for Flood Diversion works at Campbell Street Pump Station • $29,000 to the Townsville City Council for the Dry Tropics Water Smart Program • $20,000 to the Townsville City Council for development of the Townsville Shoreline Erosion Management Plan • $17,000 to the Townsville City Council for Stage II development of Dean Street Car Park • $8,000 to the Townsville City Council for installation of Surveillance Camera at Railway Estate Pedestrian Footbridge Main Roads Road infrastructure spending will always be a cornerstone of the budget in a booming state like ours. The continuation of critical road infrastructure building across Queensland, preserving and maintaining the state’s existing road network and investing in enhanced planning to meet the state’s future transport needs are all essential and I believe the Bligh Government has found the right mix of construction and maintenance projects to roll out in Townsville and Palm Island in 2008-09, including: • $9.1 million in joint Commonwealth-State funding to continue the design and construction of the Port Access Road • $350,000 to continue concept planning, on Stuart Drive between Bruce Highway and Tyack Street, Idalia • $200,000 this year to commence concept planning, on South Townsville Road (Abbott Street) between the Bruce Highway and Brooks Street, at a total estimated cost of $2.75 Million • $17 Million to widen the remaining two lane sections of North Ward Road between Walker Street and Gregory Street, Townsville • $11.51 Million to complete duplication of North Ward Road between Gregory Street and Heatley Parade, Townsville • $2.82 Million to complete repairing and strengthening of pavement, on Boundary Street between Charters Towers Road and North Coast Railway OLC 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2115

• $510,000 to complete duplication from two to four lanes between William Street and Ingham Road, on North Ward Road Townsville • $290,000 to widen pavement on section/s of Cape Pallarenda Road (1.94—6.00km), Rowes Bay • $210,000 to install traffic signals at Bayswater Road and Illuka Street, Currajong • $169,700 for a planning study for the Palm Island jetty and dredging strategy • $150,000 to continue concept planning, on the Dalrymple Road and Banfield Drive intersection, Townsville • $125,000 for passenger set-down facilities at Central State School, North Ward • $120,000 for a bitumen chip reseal on various roads on Palm Island • $100,000 for maintenance on section/s of Butler Bay Road, Palm Island • $100,000 for training and skills development on various roads on Palm Island • $98,000 to form and improve drainage on various roads on Palm Island • $75,000 to construct footpaths at Regina Bay, Palm Island • $65,000 to install traffic signals at Walker Street and Stokes Street, Townsville City • $60,000 for the resurfacing of asphalt, at the Bundock Street and Old Common Road intersection in Belgian Gardens, Townsville Public Works Other important capital works projects for Townsville include: • $9.41 Million for construction of a new Government office building on Palm Island • $415,000 for continued construction of Government Employee Housing on Palm Island • $950,000 for the completion of the construction of a new office building for the Environmental Protection Agency District Office Sport Whilst I am acutely aware of concerns in the Townsville community about the local V8 race to be held in 2009, if we are to have a race then we must ensure that impacts on our environment and city infrastructure are not negative. I intend to work closely with the Townsville City Council and the community to ensure the planning is done properly from the outset. Through the 2008-09 budget the State Government has announced an allocation of $27 million over five years towards the construction of track and infrastructure to support the V8 Supercar race event in Townsville. Summary I congratulate the Treasurer on his first budget. It is a very good one for the Townsville electorate, achieving an important balance between the physical and social infrastructure which is required for a growing city such as Townsville. This budget defines the direction the Bligh Government is setting for Queensland’s future. It contains important economic reforms to address emerging issues such as housing affordability, rising petrol prices and climate change. At a state-wide level, the abolition of stamp duty on first homes valued up to $500,000 will greatly assist people wanting to break into the housing market by providing savings of up to $9,500. Mortgage duty has been scrapped completely and reductions in other transfer duty charges mean less duty will be payable in Queensland than in any other state on the purchase of a home valued up to $1.5 million. Changes to the fuel subsidy scheme to ensure that Queensland motorists receive the full 8.354 cent per litre discount on petrol that the State Government pays for, recognises the growing strain on household budgets because of rising cost of living pressures. The first budget of the Bligh Government focuses on climate change and giving Queenslanders the tools they need to tackle climate change at the local level. In 2008-09 the Government has allocated $30 million for new climate change initiatives from the proceeds of the Queensland Climate Change Fund. The first major initiative of the Climate Change Fund will be the ClimateSmart Home Service which will provide Queenslanders with tools to monitor and reduce their energy use to deliver savings in household electricity costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The service will involve the installation of energy-saving devices and detailed advice on ways to further reduce their carbon footprint. The single most important element of this program is the installation of a household energy monitor which will provide householders with real time data about their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Seeing how much energy is being consumed and being able to measure the effect lifestyle changes can make to electricity consumption will encourage consumers to become more energy efficient. The end result will be cost savings for individual households and environmental benefits through greenhouse gas reductions. I strongly support this proactive and localised approach to tackling climate change through energy conservation and I look forward to helping my constituents in Townsville access this program. The 2008-09 State Budget is a quality framework for ongoing economic and social development of Queensland and I commend the Bill to the House. Hon. CA WALLACE (Thuringowa—ALP) (Minister for Natural Resources and Water and Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland) (10.43 am): Firstly, I thank the Speaker and the Premier for their kind comments this morning on the arrival of our daughter on Saturday—another little Queenslander on Queensland Day and a future Maroons supporter, and another Cowboys supporter as well. 2116 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

As the member for Thuringowa and as the Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland, I welcome the hard work done by the Treasurer and the Premier in providing the goods for the people of north Queensland. I am proud to be part of a government that looks outside the south-east corner. Importantly, in north Queensland it is making health its No. 1 priority. The north Queensland community can be assured that health services in our home will be second to none with a record allocation of funding from the Bligh government. This funding includes $10 million for the $84 million expansion of the Townsville Hospital; $7 million for the $10 million Townsville Hospital emergency department expansion; and $2.2 million for a birthing centre at the Townsville Hospital. This shows that this government takes health seriously, be it in south-east Queensland or in Townsville. The Townsville Hospital is unique in Queensland. It is the only major facility outside south-east Queensland to offer advanced services. It is the major hospital for northern Australia, and that hospital quite deservedly has funds allocated to it in this budget. I can assure the House, along with the members for Townsville and Mundingburra, that we will be fighting for increased services for the Townsville Hospital in future budgets. The Bligh government also is building tomorrow’s Queensland today with funding for state roads. In my electorate, which is growing so quickly, the Bligh government has delivered significant capital to continue to upgrade roads, including Hervey’s Range Road. Hervey’s Range Road is encountering increased traffic flows every day as the population grows and spreads further west of Townsville. So the announcement of funding for that road in the budget was very good news. Funding for roads in my electorate includes $12.35 million to complete the duplication from two to four lanes on the Hervey’s Range Road between Bohle River and the ring-road west of Thuringowa Central; and $4.68 million this year for widening of the existing road between Thuringowa Dump and Granitevale Road on Hervey’s Range Developmental Road. There is $7.16 million to complete the duplication from two to four lanes on the Hervey’s Range Road between Blackhawk Boulevard and Bohle River. These works are underway now. I know that there are some traffic hold-ups, particularly on football game nights. Dairy Farmers Stadium is near a lot of these roadworks, but the people of north Queensland are very understanding when it comes to roadworks and they appreciate the fact that at least this Bligh government puts some money into roads, unlike the former Howard government that ripped north Queenslanders off to the tune of billions of dollars for over 10 years. There is $430,000 for concept planning on the Riverway Drive Road between Gollogly Lane and Allambie Lane, Rasmussen; and $215,000 to continue improving traffic signals on the Ross River Road between Charters Towers Road and Thuringowa Drive. And thanks to this government’s good relationship with Queenslander Kevin Rudd we are ensuring a better deal for Queenslanders by providing $42.25 million in joint state-federal funding to complete construction of stages 2 and 3 of the Townsville ring-road. Actually I think that should be renamed the Thuringowa ring-road because it goes right through my electorate, but I will leave that to others. Thuringowa and north Queensland community services will be stronger thanks to this budget with $1.25 million to Churches of Christ Queensland to provide a residential care service for young people with complex and extreme needs, and $311,000 to provide a supported independent living service for young people with moderate to high needs in Townsville and Thuringowa. That is important because, as I move throughout my community of Thuringowa and indeed across north Queensland, many people have kids with high needs and they need that respite and they need that assistance. So this is very good news. There is $306,000 for foster- and kinship-care placements for children and young persons with moderate to high support needs in Thuringowa, and $142,000 to provide a community based development and support service. Schools in my electorate are also winners in this budget, with over $150,000 allocated in maintenance programs alone for Kirwan State High School, Kelso State Primary School and Weir State School. I was particularly pleased to see $31,000 allocated for the Bohlevale State School, for car and bus set-down facilities. This is a school that has undergone tremendous growth over the last couple of years. I can see my colleague the member for Hinchinbrook nodding. He will be inheriting some of that area, so I encourage him to work hard for them, just like I have, and to ensure that those services are provided because they are very good people. But it is a fast-growing community and we have to continue to provide for the needs of those people. I congratulate the Treasurer on his first budget. It was very well done. It certainly delivered well in my portfolio of natural resources and water and for north Queensland. In light of the time, I seek leave to have the rest of my speech incorporated in Hansard. I have sought permission from the Speaker to do that. Leave granted. Treasurer Andrew Fraser and the Bligh Government are securing the future of my community and all communities here in this great state. Departmental Budget The Bligh Government’s 2008/09 Budget gives the Department of Natural Resources and Water the necessary funding for both new and ongoing projects in the coming year. The Budget allows us to plan for the future and to manage growth. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2117

It also allows us to see over the horizon and anticipate and solve future problems—for example, through our water planning up to 50 years into the future. In particular I give credit to the Treasurer for an excellent first Budget that builds Queensland’s future today. NRW will have a $560.7 million budget in 2008/09. This includes $320 million for Water and Catchment Services and $240.7 million for Land and Vegetation business. We will use this funding in our work with the Federal Government on water-related issues through the National Water Initiative, the Council of Australian Governments and the Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Council. And we will continue our world-class work on water resource plans and resource operations plans. The introduction of recycled water into water supply systems, and regulation of that water supply, will be key areas of work for 2008/09 and beyond. Another important area of work for the department will be implementing the Delbessie Agreement to deliver enhanced security of tenure, assessments of land condition and the introduction of land management agreements for rural leasehold land. Of particular importance in 2008/09 will be a continued focus on enhancing the department’s service delivery. Good service delivery is a cornerstone of the department’s business and strategies are being implemented to enhance and support this focus. Some funding highlights of the Natural Resources and Water Budget are: • $41.9 million in 2008/09 to acquire properties for the Nathan and Connors River dams, which is part of a total $75.6 million program for land acquisitions for these two proposed dams. • The popular Home and Garden WaterWise program will continue in 2008/09 with additional funding of $32.1 million, bringing total funding since 2006 to $339.3 million. • Water resource planning will continue across the State. In 2008/09, the Condamine/Balonne, Gulf, Mitchell, Mary, Gold Coast, Logan and Moreton resource operations plans will be completed. Amendments to water resource plans for groundwater resources in the Pioneer and Callide valleys will also be undertaken in 2008/09. • More Wild Rivers declaration proposals will be finalised in 2008/09. Around $740 000 has been allocated to protect the Archer, Stewart, Lockhart and Wenlock river systems on Cape York Peninsula. Funding also continues in 2008/09 for the Wild River Rangers program with $2.8 million allocated. • In 2008/09, $17.2 million is being provided to deliver a complementary program for regional and natural resource management activities across Queensland. This program is being run in collaboration with the Commonwealth Government’s Caring for Our Country initiative. • $680 000 will be provided to improve the administrative capacity and land management skills of Indigenous Councils and Land Trusts. This is part of a $2.3 million program over five years. • The Cape York Peninsula Heritage Act 2007 is being implemented. The focus for 2008/09 is the tenure resolution of identified properties as part of the Queensland Government’s election commitment for ‘Protecting Queensland’s Natural Heritage—Cape York’s outstanding values’. • Additional funding of $4.2 million over two years, commencing 2007/08 (and with $3.3 million in 2008-09) will allow the department to continue its vegetation management framework. • Finally, the 2008/09 budget provides $1.3 million to develop a system that assists developers to locate suitable vegetation so they can offset the clearing of vegetation and koala habitats. Townsville and Thuringowa: Mr Speaker, As Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland and as Member for Thuringowa I also welcome what the 2008/09 Bligh Budget provides for North Queensland. I am proud to be part of a Government that is making health its number one priority. The North Queensland community can be assured that health services in our home will be second to none with a record allocation of funding from the Bligh Government. This funding includes: • $10 million for the $84 million expansion of the Townsville General Hospital; • $7 million for the $10 million Townsville Hospital Emergency Department expansion; • And $2.2 million for a birthing centre at the Townsville General Hospital. Mr Speaker, The Bligh Government also is building tomorrow’s Queensland today with funding for state roads. In my electorate the Bligh Government has delivered significant capital to continue to upgrade roads including: • $12.35 million to complete duplication from two to four lanes on the Hervey’s Range Road between Bohle River and The Ring Road, west of Thuringowa Central; • $4.68 million this year for widening of the existing road between Thuringowa Dump and Granitevale Road, on Hervey’s Range Developmental Road; • $7.16 million to complete duplication from two to four lanes on the Hervey’s Range Road between Blackhawk Boulevard and Bohle River, west of Thuringowa Central; • $430,000 for concept planning, on the Riverway Drive Road between Gollogly Lane and Allambie Lane, Rasmussen; • $215,000 to continue improving traffic signals on the Ross River Road between Charters Towers Road and Thuringowa Drive; • And course thanks to our good relationship with Queenslander Kevin Rudd we’re ensuring a better deal for Queenslanders by providing $42.25 million in joint state and federal funding to complete construction of stages 2 and 3 of the Townsville Ring Road. 2118 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

Mr Speaker, Thuringowa and North Queensland community services will be stronger thanks to this budget with: • $1.25 Million to Churches of Christ Queensland to provide a residential care service for young people with complex and extreme needs; • $311,000 to provide a supported independent living service for young people with moderate to high needs in Townsville and Thuringowa; • $306,000 for foster and kinship care placements for children/young persons with moderate to high support needs in Thuringowa; • And $142,000 to provide a community based development and support service. Mr Speaker, schools in my electorate are also winners in this budget with over $150,000 allocated in maintenance programs alone for Kirwan State High School, Kelso State School and Weir State School. Mr Speaker, I congratulate the Treasurer Andrew Fraser on his first Budget which has delivered for our natural resources and water and for North Queensland. Treasurer Andrew Fraser and the Bligh Government are securing the future of my community and all communities here in this great state. Mr CRIPPS (Hinchinbrook—NPA) (10.48 am): I rise to make a contribution to the debate on the Appropriation Bill for the financial year 2008-09 as it relates to my electorate of Hinchinbrook and the Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill being debated today as cognate bills. In respect of the provisions of the Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, the Bligh Labor government has little to crow about. These state taxes should have been abolished after Queensland signed the GST agreement with the Commonwealth government. I welcome the changes in respect of stamp duty for first home buyers, but the reality is that the government was obliged to abolish stamp duty after the signing of the GST agreement. Stamp duty relief is always welcomed, but these changes come only weeks after the state government passed new payroll tax laws affecting contractors, which the building industry advises could add $3,500 to $4,500 to the cost of a new home. The announcement that mortgage duty would be abolished from 1 July 2008 rather than 1 January 2009 is another example of a tax that was supposed to be abolished after the signing of the GST agreement. These modest tax reforms are long overdue. Queenslanders deserve the tax relief and indeed deserved it years ago. In respect of the provisions of the Appropriation Bill 2008-09, budget papers reveal that Queenslanders will soon face a situation where the state government will have borrowed more than $15,000 for each individual. The Bligh Labor government plans to go $64 billion into debt by 2011-12 to cover the cost of the day-to-day running of Queensland and pay for infrastructure that should have been built years ago. Under the leadership of Premier Bligh and Treasurer Fraser, the 2008-09 budget papers show that the state government debt is out of control, projected to blow out to $59 billion by 2010-11 before rising to $64 billion in 2011-12. Over the last decade, the previous Beattie government and now the Bligh government have enjoyed record revenues from the GST, record revenues from land taxes and stamp duty, and record revenues from the mining and resources boom. Despite this, the state government has mismanaged these revenues so badly it is now forced to borrow record amounts to run the state. Every day that this debt increases, the interest on that debt increases as well. Every day Queensland racks up more debt and more interest on that debt, we lose the capacity to employ extra doctors and nurses, train more teachers and teacher aides, and enlist more police and ambulance officers. Every day that this debt increases and the interest on that debt increases, we forfeit the opportunity to build more roads and maintain existing roads, build more hospitals and improve existing hospitals, and build more schools and maintain existing schools. The budget has delivered some positive news for the Hinchinbrook electorate. I am pleased that $2 million has been allocated in the 2008-09 state budget for a new ambulance station at Tully. This is good news for the hardworking and dedicated Queensland Ambulance Service officers in Tully. Our ambulance officers provide an extremely important service to our local community, often in difficult circumstances, and they deserve to work in the best conditions we can possibly provide to them. I also want to recognise the hard work of the local ambulance committee in Tully who have obviously provided strong support to the local Tully ambulance officers. Local ambulance committee members are volunteers who give freely of their time to support the Queensland Ambulance Service, and I thank them for that. I also welcome the budget allocation of $620,000 for the construction of a new Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service ranger base in Cardwell. I hope this will assist in the management of local national parks and state forests. I have been a vocal critic of the state government for its lack of proper maintenance of north Queensland’s national parks and state forests, especially in respect of resources to control feral animals and pest weeds. I have always felt local QPWS rangers have been underresourced and understaffed to manage such vast tracts of state controlled land. Almost two-thirds of the Hinchinbrook electorate is declared World Heritage, national park or state forest. QPWS rangers try to do their best with the meagre resources allocated to them. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2119

Not all the budget announcements have been positive for the Hinchinbrook electorate. Some are of profound concern. The budget papers indicate that the Bligh government has slashed funding for the new Ingham Hospital by $8 million. Total project funding has fallen from $44.9 million to $36.9 million. The people of the Herbert River district will feel somewhat betrayed by Premier Bligh and health minister Robertson, who only days ago stood on the construction site of the new Ingham Hospital and repeated the $45 million funding figure ahead of the Ingham community cabinet. When the state budget was brought down last year by then Treasurer Bligh, I welcomed the increase in funding for the new Ingham Hospital, which doubled from $22.1 million to $44.9 million. The increased allocation was due recognition that the new Ingham Hospital would need to service the healthcare needs of the communities in the Herbert River district for many years to come. I am disappointed that Premier Bligh and Minister Robertson would come to Ingham, look the people of the Herbert River district in the eye and then weeks later cut a significant amount of funding from a critical project as far as the delivery of our future health services is concerned. I have many questions for Premier Bligh and Minister Robertson. Why weren’t the Premier and the minister honest with us when they visited Ingham less than two weeks ago? Where did almost 18 per cent of the budget go for the new Ingham Hospital? What features of the hospital building plan have been abandoned or what services will not be offered? I said that the success or otherwise of the Ingham community cabinet would be measured by outcomes of the event. The loss of $8 million from the new Ingham Hospital budget condemns the forum as a failure. I have written to the Minister for Health demanding an explanation for the vanishing $8 million. I understand that the state government has tried to explain away this vanishing $8 million by suggesting that the contractor has come in $8 million under budget in respect of the construction of the new Ingham Hospital. I find it difficult to accept that the contractors have made $8 million worth of savings to date and that the cost of delivering the new Ingham Hospital has decreased at a time when construction costs are increasing sharply. If any savings are being made, these funds should be ploughed back into the new Ingham Hospital to provide enhanced services and facilities, rather than the Treasurer helping himself to $8 million allocated to the Hinchinbrook electorate. The Minister for Health has asserted that any savings will be redirected to other upgrades within the new Ingham Hospital project. I suppose I can only take the health minister on his word, and I can assure him I will hold him to that. However, the minister’s confidence that the new Ingham Hospital project and the Herbert River district will not be short-changed is not reflected by the reduced figure for this project in the budget papers. If it has always been the intention to plough any savings back into the new Ingham Hospital, then the budget allocation would have remained at $44.9 million in the budget papers and not fallen to $36.9 million. The cost of the controversial coastal route for the Tully to Innisfail transmission line has now blown out to more than five times the original estimated cost, after the 2008-09 state budget papers revealed that the transmission line and associated infrastructure will now total $106 million. The new 275kVA transmission line constructed along the coast through the middle of a number of communities and good agricultural land between Innisfail and Tully has a sorry history of cost blow-outs. The budget papers last year revealed the project had more than tripled from $21 million in 2002 to $68 million in June 2007. By the time I received an answer to a question on notice I asked the minister for energy in December 2007, in which I asked for an update of the total estimated cost for the project, the figure had blown out again to more than four times the original estimate, to $87 million. The Bligh Labor government has attempted some creative accounting in the budget papers this year to try to cover up the latest cost blow-out. It has separated the line allocation in the capital expenditure statement for the Tully-Innisfail transmission line from an additional line allocation for the El Arish substation, which has been built on the El Arish-Mission Beach Road. The El Arish substation is a completely new line allocation which did not appear in the 2007-08 budget papers, yet the new budget papers show that $14.3 million was spent on building the El Arish substation during the current financial year. This means the expenditure was included in last year’s estimate of $68 million for the entire project. The state Labor government is trying to pull the wool over our eyes by splitting these two allocations, but the El Arish substation is clearly part of the Powerlink project along the coastal route. The current cost estimate for the powerline along the coastal route is $87.2 million and the El Arish substation is estimated to cost $18.8 million, a total cost of $106 million—five times the original 2002 estimate of $21 million. The public was told in 2002 that the coastal route would cost $21 million and that the current inland route would be more expensive at $41 million, despite the fact that the inland easement was already in place. The state government must now admit that it was wrong for imposing the coastal route on affected landowners and the community who have every right to be outraged that their views and objections have been totally ignored. The state budget only contained funding for projects for schools in and servicing the Hinchinbrook electorate that had already been announced by the government. The capital expenditure statement for the Department of Education, Training and the Arts listed only $600,000 for the multipurpose centre at Tully State High School, carried over from the previous budget and the already 2120 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008 announced $36.7 million commitment to upgrade the Innisfail TAFE campus into an integrated education precinct. Apart from previously announced allocations in Tully and Innisfail, there were no other allocations for schools in the Hinchinbrook electorate which was disappointing. There are almost 40 schools in and servicing communities in the Hinchinbrook electorate and many are in urgent need of more support. I am pleased to see that the funding for the multipurpose centre at Tully State High School has remained in the budget. The Queensland government contribution to this project is very important. Indeed, I am aware that the Cassowary Coast Regional Council has approached various ministers to increase this contribution. I cannot identify any enhanced allocations in the state budget papers for the multipurpose centre at Tully State High School, which is disappointing given the strong cases put by the council and by the Tully State High School P&C association for extra funds. I am surprised that budget papers earlier this week indicated that $200,000 of the total $600,000 had been spent on the Tully multipurpose centre during the 2007-08 financial year despite construction of the project not having commenced. I have written to the minister for education asking him to clarify how that $200,000 has been spent. The construction of the multipurpose centre has not commenced due to a range of difficulties including some disgraceful indecision by the federal Labor government about whether to honour approved projects under the Regional Partnerships program of which the Tully MPC was one. I certainly hope that the Queensland government, and the minister for education in particular, will be mindful of the constrained financial circumstances faced by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council in proceeding with the integrated education precinct at the Innisfail TAFE campus by not expecting council to absorb any costs associated with constructing the new facility. The budget papers for the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries were a cause for concern to me as a member representing a regional electorate. I was dismayed to find that capital expenditure has fallen dramatically again under this state Labor government. For the DPIF, capital expenditure will fall by $8.7 million from $33.7 million in the 2007-08 budget to $24.9 million in the 2008-09 budget. Similarly, capital expenditure for Forestry Plantations Queensland will fall from $19 million to $16 million for the same period. The disturbing lack of investment in the DPIF continues under this state Labor government despite the rural sector contributing hundreds of millions to the state’s economy and employing tens of thousands of Queenslanders. All the major capital investments are again in DPIF facilities in south-east Queensland—this year at Nambour, at Redlands and on Bribie Island. The South Johnstone Research Station in my electorate of Hinchinbrook focuses on tropical agriculture in north Queensland and far-north Queensland, and it is long overdue for a fair go from the state Labor government. There are tremendous opportunities available for valuable research projects in relation to tropical agriculture that are not being progressed because South Johnstone is overlooked year after year. I am again dismayed that the South Johnstone Research Station has been overlooked for meaningful investment by this government. The communities in the Northern Beaches area of the new city of Townsville are growing rapidly. There are some very serious concerns about traffic congestion on the Bruce Highway and adjoining roads between the Bohle and Bluewater, particularly on Mount Low Parkway from Bushland Beach. This stretch of road is often a parking lot during peak-hour periods in the morning when everyone is trying to get to work and take children to school and in the late afternoon when everyone is trying to pick children up from school and to come home from work. The residents in my electorate living north of the Black River are heavily impacted on by this traffic congestion. An upgrade of the Bruce Highway is currently underway in that area which will improve the capacity of the road to take traffic. However, the number of cars will continue to grow as these communities continue to grow. We need strategies to decrease the number of cars on this road. The state government must start by addressing the lack of public transport servicing the communities from Rollingstone to Bushland Beach. In the first instance, there is not any public transport provided north of the Black River in my electorate of Hinchinbrook. South of the Black River, the Queensland Transport funded Hermit Park Bus Service, the recently announced and much celebrated ‘qconnect’ route 33 service, only goes out to Bushland Beach. Even then there are only two services leaving Bushland Beach before 9 am and only two services returning to Bushland Beach after 3 pm which correspond to those peak-hour periods that I mentioned earlier. It is inadequate to suit the needs of this community. Queensland Transport must address this situation by delivering permanent public transport services to communities north of the Black River and enhance existing public transport services to Bushland Beach and Mount Low to reduce the number of cars on these roads at these peak times. The lack of public transport services to the Northern Beaches is unacceptable and the state government must take action to rectify this situation. The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme is an issue that is of constant concern to me as a member representing a regional area. I have mentioned this issue in the parliament previously. Many constituents contact me about the inadequacy of the rate of the kilometric subsidy, the inadequacy of the overnight accommodation subsidy and the complicated nature of the application process. Last year the state government advised that the PTSS would increase from 10c to 15c per kilometre. This small 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2121 increase will not make a significant dent in the transport bills being faced by many people in regional areas of Queensland who are being forced to travel long distances more often to access an increasing number of healthcare services. In my electorate of Hinchinbrook, the government continues to concentrate a larger range of healthcare services in bigger provincial cities like Cairns and Townsville. This is costing patients dearly. The most harshly affected are those least able to cope such as the chronically ill and older Queenslanders such as pensioners. The meagre increase in respect of the kilometric rate of subsidy did not address the issue of the accommodation subsidy part of the PTSS which is also inadequate. On behalf of the ratepayers of the new Cassowary Coast Regional Council, I need to appeal to the state government to provide some substantial financial assistance to the new council. I raised this issue in parliament in October 2007 after the amalgamation process was rammed through the parliament and the huge error by the Local Government Reform Commission in undertaking the financial assessment of the former Johnstone shire was exposed. The state Labor government forced the former Johnstone and Cardwell shires to amalgamate. The CCRC is facing serious financial constraint but needs to undertake substantial capital works on essential services which will cost in the vicinity of $175 million. Council needs support from the state government to achieve this. Ratepayers in the CCRC cannot afford the rate increases necessary to fund works of this scale. Surely the intention of the amalgamation process was not to seriously disadvantage the residents of the former Cardwell shire and just shift the residents of the former Johnstone shire from one financially distressed council to another. The $1.35 million provided to council will not make a real difference after the costs of the forced amalgamation process have been accounted for. I welcome the allocations that have been made to my electorate of Hinchinbrook, few that they are. Unfortunately, the budget has delivered more unfavourable blows than helpful assistance to the good people and communities that I represent. Mrs STUCKEY (Currumbin—Lib) (11.06 am): I rise to join the debate on the Appropriation Bill 2008 and Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill. The Premier in 2007-08 argued in her budget that it should take into general revenue the amount by which the interest earned on investments, principally on supporting public servants’ superannuation, where the return exceeded 7.5 per cent. In 2006-07 it took some $2.7 billion into general revenue and budgeted for a $1.5 billion excess. The actual earnings in 2007-08 barely covered the necessary contribution to keep the super fully funded. These surpluses were seen as a way to service the ever-increasing burden of debt looming over this state. The Premier’s protege and new Treasurer, in a stunning exhibition of the sleight of hand needed to operate as a Labor Treasurer, has had a tremendous idea. He will transfer all funds and by nature all responsibilities to the Queensland Investment Corporation in exchange for a debt instrument that earns the general government sector 7.5 per cent per annum. The government will claim the credit if it flourishes and blame the Queensland Investment Corporation if the scheme fails. Labor’s mountain of debt, increasing by more than 100 per cent over the next five years to $64.3 billion, is destined to significantly reduce its ability to service the Queensland community. It will instead be devoting more and more funds to interest repayments on debt. If we compare the debt servicing costs in 2007-08 of $2.5 billion, it equates to seven per cent of total expenditure. By 2011-12 interest costs will have risen to $5.4 billion or 11 per cent of total expenditure. The path that Labor has set upon, financing capital works in such areas as health, education and roads through borrowing, because of a decade of poor economic management, commits our state to a future in which massive cuts in service, in staff and increases in taxation will be unavoidable. Expenditure on capital works in these areas is continuous and, as they cannot be self-funding, must be eventually funded from recurrent income. Even such deceptions as private-public funding to be used in building schools is no more than a desperate effort to get debt off the state’s balance sheet. This device in every sense is a debt that the state will service by paying rent rather than interest, which will probably have been lower given the state’s capacity to borrow cheaply. The only virtue immediately grasped upon by the Public Sector Union is that private sector maintenance of these new schools will immediately expose the high cost of maintaining state owned schools under the present arrangements. Last year in my contribution to the debate on the appropriation bills I expressed my concern at the level of debt then forecast for 2010-11 to be $51 billion. The more recent projection for that year is now $59 billion, rising to $64 billion in 2011-12. That is almost certain to be wrong and closer to $70 billion. The government is not retiring net debt so that from 2007-08 through to 2011-12 it will have paid out over $15 billion in interest, with no end in sight. Debt in itself is not unhealthy, as we have heard from many members. Many of us have loans that we are repaying. But that is very different to what this Labor government has risked here in Queensland. I have listened to government member after government member loyally praise their Treasurer for this budget without fully understanding the financial implications and the legacy he has brought upon us all. 2122 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

Imagine the projects that could be built with that amount of money. How many new hospitals, roads and schools could be built with $15 billion? How many community services to support people with disabilities, mental health, domestic violence, sexual abuse counselling, alcohol and drug education could be supplied with $15 billion? How many underground powerlines could be built for $15 billion? The negligence of the Beattie years is showing right across the state. ‘Come to Queensland’, was his catchcry—‘Come one, come all to the Smart State.’ And they came in droves to start new lives in this our great sunshine state but soon learned that all that glittered was certainly not gold. As new suburbs popped up and people flocked to Queensland this government failed miserably to invest in social capacity. It did not build the necessary infrastructure or adequate transport facilities and provided minimal community programs, particularly in the area of mental health and disability. Yesterday morning the Treasurer told guests at a QCOSS breakfast that Queensland had experienced a decade of unprecedented prosperity. Yet it was his government at the helm during this period of gross neglect that we will all be paying for dearly in years to come. Let me speak about my electorate—Currumbin on the southern Gold Coast. As I have extolled to honourable members on numerous occasions, it is an area of breathtaking beauty, glorious beaches and lush valleys. It is also an area feeling the strain of population growth and suburban density pressures like many others in south-east Queensland. Included in this budget is $700,000 for maintenance between Logan and Tugun on the Pacific Motorway, $426,000 to complete works between Burleigh Heads and Currumbin on the Gold Coast Highway, $450,000 for improvement at the Tallebudgera Connection Road and Tallebudgera Creek intersection, $430,000 for the Terminal Drive and Gold Coast Highway intersection at Balinga and $1.02 million for the Balinga interchange on the Gold Coast Highway. We could actually say that Currumbin has benefited greatly from recent budgets but we had a long wait for one of the biggest infrastructure projects and certainly the most publicised road in Queensland—the Tugun bypass, which finally opened on Tuesday, 3 June 2008. After 15-plus years and massive cost blow-outs, the people of Tugun and surrounding areas are to be congratulated for their patience, which wore very thin when Beattie decided to tear down homes in Adina Avenue in 2004 because his Labor government could not negotiate agreement to proceed from their Labor counterparts in New South Wales. I am happy to say that public dissent won the day. Despite being over a decade late, Australia’s most expensive road will make an enormous difference to traffic flow through the area for several years at least. In another signal of a government that plays catch-up with infrastructure, the omission of an interchange at Boyd Street is unforgivable. An additional $32.88 million has been allocated for the construction and maintenance of the bypass and still not a cent from New South Wales. Perhaps some of this money can be invested into better sound barriers as already my office is receiving calls from residents complaining about intolerable noise from the new bypass. Residents have tolerated trucks, noise and dirt at all hours for a long period of time. Many are still encumbered with the ongoing construction of the Tugun desalination plant. Putting up with major disruption for the sake of Queensland is very noble indeed and I commend everyone for their endurance. I thank all those who worked on this site over the past couple of years. Many contractors lived in the electorate and became a part of our community. We hope they enjoyed our hospitality. Another major project and one that appeared on the horizon just on two years ago is the Tugun desalination plant. Construction of this $1.121 billion project is currently almost 75 per cent complete, with teams recently working 24 hours a day to compensate for difficulties incurred whilst installing pipeline along Currumbin Creek Road. The desalination alliance will begin testing some of the pipes in July, in preparation for its operation in November this year when it is expected to deliver 125 megalitres of pure drinking water a day to south-east Queensland. May I take this opportunity to congratulate the desalination team on achieving two million incident-free hours—no small feat—which received due recognition at a recent family day for workers and their families. After many years of lobbying this government for funding to dredge the Currumbin bar and in 2005 to fund a study of the Currumbin estuary, it was frustrating to see that it was yet again overlooked in this year’s budget. Our dedicated volunteer marine rescue have gone public on many occasions when sand build-up and running tides have made the bar highly dangerous to cross. Boats have run aground, swimmers and water users have been placed in unsafe conditions and channels have opened up in unpredictable places. Premier Bligh goes into a spin with her new cute term ‘congestion buster’ but what a pity she does not have the same attitude to congested waterways and commit to providing a ‘bar buster’ to unclog silted waterways. While this government plays politics with people’s lives and passes the buck saying it is not a navigable waterway, some 16,000 boat users and countless more swimmers’ and surfers’ lives are placed in jeopardy. To add insult to injury, the state government has announced that the 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2123 cost of boat registrations will increase by between $15 and $360 per year. By increasing the cost of this the government has an obligation to put it back into maintaining waterways and boating recreation facilities. The Tweed sand bypass project, funded by Queensland and New South Wales governments and the Gold Coast City Council, has created much discussion and been blamed for the loss of famous surfing breaks like Kirra Point, leaving desert like beaches. Several years of lobbying for some flexibility in the sand grid has at last had some success and indiscriminate pumping will be curtailed. Homelessness and the cost of housing are key concerns in the Currumbin electorate, as in many others, and are in desperate need of more funding to assist people in need. In Currumbin, Blair Athol Crisis Accommodation Centre, run by Liz Fritz and her team, does a tremendous job assisting folk who, for one reason or another, are in need of a roof over their heads and a helping hand. Each year, Blair Athol turns away thousands of people. In the nine months from July 2007 to March 2008 they turned away 4,675 individuals which over a 12-month period would equal over 6,200, the highest number on record. Struggling with the resources they have, Blair Athol needs four more funded staff positions to cope with the growing demand. There were 795 households on the combined waiting list for public housing in the Currumbin electorate in April and 501 dwellings are currently owned by the Department of Housing. This further advances the dire need for low-cost housing options to cater for the huge influx of people coming to Queensland who are severely feeling the pinch financially. Of the nine public schools in the electorate a number require maintenance and rely heavily on their P&Cs to provide basic items. School absenteeism has been raised of late as an increasing problem by police, shopkeepers and residents. A task force was formed and asked relevant ministers for the appointment of a school based police officer or a truancy liaison officer to help address this issue. To date the request has been ignored despite the fact it is a relatively small amount of money that would go a long way to reducing the impact of student truancy. An efficient uniform computerised attendance system would also improve the situation. I am very pleased to inform the House that after persistent advocacy from Jan Derbidge and the Save Kirra Hill Committee, the Kirra Hill site was eventually handed over to the community on 20 February this year and restoration is currently underway. Once renovated, it will be used as a community facility which will service many of the invaluable local groups in our area. Thousands of residents are genuinely worried about the future of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and its relationship with the National Trust of Queensland, calling for a separation. As a result of public meetings, the group Sanctuary Friends was formed and it has met with the minister, the National Trust president and the new sanctuary CEO. This group is very disappointed with the minister’s lack of follow-up with it and failure to set up liaison groups as he said he would, and fears an imminent takeover of the sanctuary by the trust. This government for years has failed to acknowledge the significance of the sanctuary and refuses to give it any funding and now it appears to have abandoned it completely. Since learning of plans to construct 110kV powerlines from Mudgeeraba to Tugun, countless residents have run an emotive campaign called STOP to prevent high voltage powerlines going above ground through residential areas. Residents are deeply concerned about the lack of community consultation over this decision together with associated health risks and are calling for powerlines to be put underground. On Tuesday I tabled a petition containing almost 4,000 signatures and received in excess of 440 letters which I forwarded to the Premier and energy minister. After a meeting in the parliamentary precinct, it was agreed that a community reference group would be established and costings to place lines underground provided. Government representatives were asked if this was a prescribed project which can sail past community consultation, but no answer was forthcoming. The Bligh state government needs to budget for these lines to go underground. Failure to do so when it can find money for a billion dollar desalination plant almost overnight is grossly irresponsible. I also want to acknowledge and thank my electorate staff for the enormous pressure that they have endured dealing with angry people and the extra work this has created, in part due to silence from the neighbouring state member. We are fortunate to have a bunch of decent, hardworking police in Currumbin and a healthy smattering of community and volunteer groups, neighbourhood watches, surf clubs and sporting clubs, not to forget our famous RSL, that all add to the social fabric that entwines our everyday lives. I thank them all for their efforts. I turn now to my portfolio responsibilities of Child Safety and Women. A lack of any real reporting regarding the Office for Women is most disappointing. One would think that this office would receive appropriate funding to enable it to play a crucial role in the dissemination and promotion of domestic and sexual violence prevention programs and be engaged visibly in statewide initiatives. All too often domestic violence is the catalyst that leads to family separations and child abuse or neglect. I read in the Service Delivery Statements, which used to be called Ministerial Portfolio Statements, that the operating 2124 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008 budget for this department for the 2008-09 year is $592.4 million, with $586.6 million dedicated to child safety. The statement notes that this figure is more than triple the $182 million budget allocation for 2003-04 which highlights just how much this Labor government neglected the area of child protection under the stewardship of Ministers Spence and Bligh. We all know what happened in 2004 with the Crime and Misconduct Commission report into child abuse that led to the birth of this new department. Forty additional full-time staff will be budgeted for in the coming financial year, including one for policy coordination and services for women, equating to a marked 1.5 per cent increase in staffing arrangements. Of the 39 positions within Child Safety, one was for adoption services, 31 for children and young people in care, and a mere seven for children and young people at risk. This number is expected to deal with a 10 per cent increase in the number of notifications received by the Department of Child Safety. That 10 per cent increase comes in the form of 900 notifications to the department. Clearly more front-line officers are required to work with children in at-risk families. In effect, this government is underfunding a department so integral to the state’s future and condemning our children to suffering whilst indebting the entire state. Salaries and wages, after allowing for an increase of three per cent for inflation, have increased by $11 million or six per cent. This translates to over $280,000 per employee. Surely those amounts are not being paid to the 39 new staff at nearly $300,000 a pop! My guess is that instead that money makes its way to the back room and lines the pockets of the Child Safety big wigs. Supplies and services required, presumably to support the need for the 39 new staff, have increased from $82.5 million to $90.8 million for 2008-09. After allowing for an increase of four per cent for inflation, this represents a five per cent increase in expenditure on supplies and services, or alternatively $4 million to support the 39 new staff. Why is this money not spent in attracting and retaining our front-line staff, who do the real work in the department? As for grants and subsidies, allowing for three per cent inflation, the $294 million represents a reduction in real expenditure in this department of about $1 million. So whilst this government trumpets its big spending in child safety—do the sums—it neglects to mention that it has cut real funding. This is the first budget that includes prevention and early intervention in the child safety portfolio statement. Previous ministers have washed their hands of any strategy remotely related to intervention and prevention programs, saying that it does not fall within the child safety portfolio. Disconnected attitudes to a holistic approach that would assist in reducing the incidence of child abuse has no doubt contributed to the rise in reporting. The department has adopted a punitive approach, and reading the language in any of its documents the word ‘parent’ hardly exists. This must change and will require a major policy shift. The whole-of-government early intervention and prevention fund, whilst claiming to offer $70 million, only offers $2 million in this next year. As we heard from the Treasurer yesterday, agencies will need to put forward their ‘test tubes’ of ideas to this incubator to deal with avoidable costs of the future. Whilst it is all well and good to have think tanks, incubators and the like, this government turned a blind eye to the human cost of abuse, poverty and addictions for years and avoided investment in family supports that would have preserved a number of family units and avoided huge costs. Likewise, initiatives such as health passports, sex abuse counselling and exit care plans have all suffered from similar neglect. Critical issues around the retention of staff remain unaddressed and just ‘sticking bandaids on gaping wounds’, as one professional put it, is not going to work. I have no doubt that the current $15 million advertising campaign to attract 500 more foster- carers has admirable intentions, although at a cost of around $30,000 per recruitment taxpayers have a right to expect positive outcomes. Response to the hotline is heartening, and I shall be observing this campaign and am very keen to hear of its conversion ratio. I want to place on public record my genuine appreciation for the people who work in the child safety field. Theirs is indeed a challenging and vital role and they deserve proper training and encouragement via a healthy work culture to be able to deliver best outcomes for children and their families. Let us not forget the families. In summary, the resources applied to this most important area of need in our community—children, our most precious asset—have seen most of the money in increased salaries and services for the administration. These funds have been squandered on increasing office space and computers and have furnished higher salaries for administrative staff whilst funding to the area accounting for more than half of the department’s expenditure, grants and subsidies, has actually declined in real terms by more than $1 million. The 2008-09 budget for Child Safety represents the failure by this government and its minister to plan, organise and properly resource the state’s protection of children when a little commitment and firm direction could have produced so much more from the resources made available. However, looking at the overhang of debt and the rising interest costs, I feel that future funding is not likely to improve any more than the competence of the current minister. It would appear that I was proved correct in last year’s debate when I commented on the Appropriation Bill that this government was starting to show the same appetite for debt that we saw in the Cain-Kirner years. Memories of those years should be sending shivers down the spines of Queenslanders across this vast state, as clearly the appetite of the Bligh government knows no boundaries. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2125

Hon. GJ WILSON (Ferny Grove—ALP) (Minister for Mines and Energy) (11.26 am): It is a pleasure today to speak in support of the Bligh government’s first budget, and I congratulate the Premier and the Treasurer on a budget that strikes the right balance between supporting Queenslanders today and planning for the future. It is a great privilege to serve the people of Ferny Grove as I have for the last decade, and I am pleased to inform the House that the Bligh budget has not turned its back on the people of Ferny Grove. I am delighted that funds have been set aside for education and roads because, when I listen to my constituents, more often than not these two issues are uppermost in their minds. Indeed, across Queensland people are looking to our government for better schools, better roads and better health care, and the 2008-09 state budget is a testament to the listening ear of the Bligh government. That is simply because we are spending $1.6 million every hour of every day to build and rebuild our infrastructure. Mr Fraser: 1.9 now, Geoff. Mr WILSON: I take that interjection from the Treasurer. In education funding, Ferny Grove State High School will receive $300,000 on additional amenities and Ferny Hills, Patricks Road and Mount Nebo state schools will share in maintenance funding of $56,000. This is on top of the $165,000 allocated to other state schools through the Triple R program. Children are at the heart of the Ferny Grove community, and their education and wellbeing is of the utmost importance. That is why I consider this money well spent. With around 15,000 Ferny Grove constituents travelling by car, bus or bike to work every day, it is obvious that safe and well-maintained roads are a priority. The Bligh government is serious about tackling congestion, and I am delighted that the budget includes $355,000 to complete intersection improvements at the Camp Mountain Road and Samford Road intersection. Completion of this project will be welcomed by commuters who regularly travel along Samford Road to and from the Samford Valley. The budget also includes more than $100,000 to complete drainage improvements on Mount Glorious Road through the Safer Roads Sooner program and $40,000 for bikeways around the Pine Rivers district. Regular train commuters will also be pleased that funding has been set aside for planning associated with a new park-and-ride facility at Ferny Grove Railway Station. These facilities have worked well in the past and our planning commitment is a further step in the right direction. I am also pleased to advise that the budget has set aside $4.34 million to establish a backup powerline at Samford to make the electricity network for the valley more reliable and secure. In addition, the Samford district will receive $225,000 towards the stage 1A development of Samford parkland, a project which will receive a total state government contribution of $450,000. Samford Valley is a lively place and the people who call it home have diverse interests. What sets them apart, though, is their generosity. They regularly give back to their community. Therefore, I am delighted that the state government’s budget can support them in this way. Community groups will reap the benefits of well-earned funding in this budget, with over $430,000 allocated for youth development programs and disability services. The community and service groups in Ferny Grove are to be commended for their tireless commitment to the people they care for, and this funding will help them in their important role. Now more than ever the mining and quarrying industry is powering Queensland’s economic success. The mining boom is a magnet for jobs and job security. Mining royalties help build our schools and hospitals, put police on the beat and teachers in our classrooms. As the Minister for Mines and Energy, I am pleased to report that the 2008-09 state budget includes a new two-tier coal royalty rate. From 1 July, coal companies will pay seven per cent of value up to $100 per tonne and 10 per cent of value thereafter. Currently, coal companies pay a flat royalty rate of seven per cent of total value. Most mineral prices have doubled or trebled over the last five years and so have the profits made by mining companies. Royalties are charged because the minerals belong to the people of Queensland. The new royalty rate is about getting a fairer return for the people of Queensland on their minerals. The 2008-09 state budget also includes a new industry safety and health levy. In boom times it is more important than ever to have a highly skilled and well-resourced Mines Inspectorate. The levy will boost the safety and health services provided by the inspectorate. In 2008-09, the government will collect a safety and health levy from mines and quarries, explosives and industry employers and associated contractors. We will be asking for $26 million from an industry worth $26 billion to Queensland in 2006-07. The levy will allow the Mines Inspectorate to expand even further. It will be able to recruit seven new specialist mines inspectors, two investigators, five scientific research staff, an occupational hygienist, a statistician and a manager of health surveillance. The mining industry is vital to our economic growth and continued prosperity. However, economic success must not be achieved at the expense of the safety and health of the men and women who work in the industry. The bottom line is that the new levy will strengthen the safety and health of men and women who work in Queensland’s mines and quarries. Nothing is more important than that. I commend the Bligh government’s first budget to the House. It is about securing Queensland’s future. 2126 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

Hon. JC SPENCE (Mount Gravatt—ALP) (Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport) (11.31 am): It is always an honour for me to stand in this House to represent the people of the Mount Gravatt electorate. Although my three ministerial portfolios of Police, Corrective Services and Sport keep me working hard for the people of Queensland, my first priority is always to work hard for my constituents. I am pleased to talk today about the main initiatives in this budget that will benefit my electorate, because this year’s budget places Queensland in an excellent position to tackle the challenges of the future and maintain Queensland’s great quality of life. One of the most important issues for people in my electorate is access to quality health services. This year’s budget injection of an extra $1.2 billion into Queensland’s hospital and health system will deliver a record health budget of more than $8 billion. I am very pleased that this figure includes almost $22 million to expand elective surgery at the QEII Hospital at Nathan. This allocation will help continue to clear elective surgery waiting lists, particularly for non-life threatening surgeries, which can make a real difference to people’s quality of life. For example, this allocation will help improve access to orthopaedic surgeries, such as hip replacements—an area of significant demand among elderly constituents. This funding will ensure that this first-class hospital can continue to provide first-class services for the region’s growing population. This budget is about ensuring the future of our great state. In many ways this future is, of course, dependent on the delivery of quality education for Queensland’s leaders of tomorrow. I am proud to see that this budget is providing an injection of funding for our schools and educational institutions, with more than $10 million in education funding in the electorate of Mount Gravatt alone. This allocation includes almost $10 million to continue the $13 million redevelopment of the Mount Gravatt campus of the Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE. That TAFE has become an icon in the Mount Gravatt area, with thousands of students enrolling in its courses each year. Many past students, having completed their studies at the TAFE, have gone on to successful careers in Queensland, interstate and overseas. My local schools are also big winners in this year’s budget, with more than $200,000 being provided for high-priority and targeted maintenance projects. Students and teachers of schools throughout the Mount Gravatt electorate are fortunate to have active P&Cs. I am a regular visitor to my local schools and I know that the students, teachers and, importantly, the P&Cs will be very pleased to see that the Bligh government is working hard to keep their schools in the best condition possible. On a recent visit to Sunnybank State School, Principal John Greenup and Deputy Principal Jackie Welch were proud to show me the range of facilities and equipment that are available to their students, and I know they will make the most of their funding to ensure their kids get the best start in life. Sunnybank High School will also receive funding to replace the flooring in the science block. Anyone who has visited this school in the past couple of years will know that it has been transformed with a total refurbishment and now presents as a modern, friendly school that is well equipped to meet the requirements of educating students in this new millennium. The Sunnybank, Macgregor and Mount Gravatt high schools have all benefited from large injections of money from this Labor government’s school renewal program. It has given me great pride to see the transformations that have taken place when tired old buildings have had money spent on them. Mount Gravatt State School, one of the oldest schools in my electorate, also fits into this category. We have made sure that that school’s heritage classrooms are fresh and functional and can meet the demands of modern-day learning. It always pleases me to see Warrigal Road State School receive funding, as both of my sons are past students. I am proud to feel part of that school community. The staff and the P&C at Warrigal Road State School are very proactive in providing students with quality education and facilities. I am pleased that the funding in this budget will continue to keep this school in great condition. As the minister for sport, I am very pleased to see that students at Robertson State School and Runcorn State High School will also benefit from funding for sporting and outdoor facilities at their schools. This year, $800,000 has been allocated to complete the construction of a $1.5 million pool at Runcorn State High School. This facility will be a great asset for the whole community and may be the training ground for our future Olympic swimming champions. Almost $30,000 is also being provided to build a multipurpose outdoor facility at Robertson State School. This school, which has a high multicultural population, will welcome the opportunities such a facility will bring in encouraging all students to get involved in physical activity. Students at Macgregor State School, under the leadership of Principal Steve Tharenou, will also benefit from $30,000 for pedestrian and cycle facilities at the school, which will encourage more children to make the most of Queensland’s great outdoors. This funding is an example of our government’s commitment to providing all Queenslanders with the facilities they need to get active and healthy as we work hard to combat the obesity epidemic. Although we are educating and exercising our children, it is also essential we continue to adopt new measures to keep them safe. I am pleased to see that this budget provides a great boost for the safety of students at St Thomas More College in Sunnybank, with more than $100,000 for new 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2127 passenger set-down facilities outside the school. That is just one piece of funding in the large transport and main roads budget for projects in Mount Gravatt. I seek leave to have the remainder of my speech incorporated in Hansard. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Wendt): Have you provided a copy of that speech? Ms SPENCE: I have. Leave was granted. Leave granted. Transport and Main Roads—Congestion Busting: I know the people of Mount Gravatt will be pleased to see this congestion busting budget includes more than $14 Million in funding for major transport and main roads projects to benefit our area. This includes $10 Million to complete the concept planning of the Mains and Kessels Roads intersection on the Griffith arterial. This significant project will ease the burden of traffic flowing through our suburbs and cut precious time off the daily peak hour commute for locals. There is also $250,000 to continue the installation of heavy vehicle detection cameras on the Griffith arterial between Ipswich Motorway and the Gateway Motorway. These cameras send a clear message to heavy vehicles that rat-running practices will not be tolerated on our suburban roads along the Brisbane Urban Corridor. There is also over $1 Million for concept planning on the South East Freeway between the Gateway Motorway and Coronation Drive. These projects are strong examples of how the Bligh Government is taking action to accommodate growth in the South East corner, so Queenslanders can spend more time at home with their families, not sitting in traffic. And it is not just the big projects Mount Gravatt road users will benefit from. This budget is also delivering on the basics with: • $860,000 to complete the provision of traffic management devices between the Ipswich Motorway and the Gateway Motorway, on the Griffith Arterial; • $420,000 to continue replacement of Intelligent Transport Systems equipment at various locations on the South East Freeway; • More than $400,000 to complete the provision of traffic management devices at variable message sign sites on the South East Freeway and the Gateway Motorway; • Almost $300,000 to continue conducting programmed maintenance on various traffic management sites on the South East Freeway; • $250,000 to continue conducting programmed maintenance at various camera sites on the South East Freeway; • More than $230,000 under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project to complete miscellaneous works between the Ipswich Motorway and Gateway Motorway, on the Griffith Arterial; • More than $100,000 to complete the resurfacing of asphalt between Kessels Road and Pacific Motorway on Mains Road; • $3 Million for a Single Intelligent Transport Systems platform at various locations in the Brisbane area; and • $250,000 to install traffic signals at Mains Road and Sunnybank Plaza, Robertson. Another way this budget is easing traffic congestion in the Mount Gravatt area is through the funding of a new park and ride facility at Klumpp Road, Upper Mount Gravatt. I have no doubt local commuters will welcome the improved access to public transport, making it easier and quicker for them to access the busway. To ensure those people who switch to public transport have a safe, swift and comfortable ride, this government is spending $11 Million on a major overhaul of QR’s suburban fleet in Greater Brisbane. This budget also delivers $97 Million for Citytrain track upgrades and more than $30 Million for improved rail passenger services across the South East Queensland network. Many of my constituents are already enjoying the benefits of increased rail services and infrastructure in our local area, since the opening of new stations at Coopers Plains, Banoon, Sunnybank, Altandi and Kuraby earlier this year, and the additional track between Salisbury and Kuraby. Of course, many of my constituents use their cars to get around—and are suffering the burden of rising petrol prices. This Budget allocates $570 Million across Queensland to provide an 8.3 cents per litre subsidy for motorists. A new scheme will be introduced to have the full subsidy introduced at point of sale—ensuring the savings go straight to the motorists’ hip pocket. I know this will make a big difference in the lives of many of my constituents and will help ease the pressure on Queensland families. Child Safety—protecting our children: We are fortunate in my local community to have many not-for-profit organisations providing essential support and services for those children and families most in need. This year’s Child Safety Budget delivers strong funding support to those organisations devoted to helping others. There is more than $600,000 for the Kyabra Community Association, to provide residential care places for teenagers with complex needs. David O’Toole and his staff at Kyabra do an excellent job of helping members of our community in their times of need and I’m pleased this funding will allow them to continue with their important work. There is also almost $500,000 for community-based service provider Life Without Barriers, to provide non-family based placement and assessment services for young people aged 12 to 18 years. More than $400,000 is being provided to the Baptist Union Southside Education Centre, to help provide counselling services for families, children and young people referred by the Department of Child Safety. 2128 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

Communities—providing support: This budget provides a range of services to give our young people the best possible start in life. Almost $160,000 is being provided for the First Contact Aboriginal Corporation for Youth, to help young people in the Mount Gravatt area to develop independent community living skills, and participate positively in the community. These funds will go towards the continuing work of Trish Williams, ably assisted by her field officer Geoff Coakley, who provide fantastic support to young people in the area, particularly Indigenous youth. The Mount Gravatt PCYC will also receive more than $70,000 to provide supervised and supported programs to youth in our suburbs. Sergeant Jeff Nicks who runs this PCYC is a hero among the youth in my electorate—and I am very pleased this funding will enable the PCYC to continue their good work. Almost $400,000 is being provided to the Save the Children Australia group at Gareema, to provide an accommodation and support service for women and girls escaping domestic and family violence. And more than $300,000 is being provided to the St Bartholomew’s Youth Accommodation centre, to provide counselling and support for young people at risk of homelessness. The Bligh Government is committed to ensuring Queensland is a great place for everyone to live—with equal opportunities for all. My good friend, the late Councillor for Holland Park Robbie Williams, who tragically passed away last year, was a great advocate for equality and multiculturalism in Mount Gravatt. I am proud to see his legacy will remain—with this year’s budget providing more than $100,000 for kitchen construction and fit out of his final project, the Echidna Magic Café on Mount Gravatt. This contribution from our government, together with federal funding, will ensure this excellent project comes to fruition. The café will be much more than a meeting place for residents and visitors to Mount Gravatt. It will provide training and employment opportunities for Indigenous Queenslanders—giving them a great opportunity to build skills towards a career. I know Robbie would be very proud to see this funding being delivered. Seniors—assisting our elderly: It’s not just children and families in need who are receiving a boost in this year’s budget. • $2.5 Million is being delivered to increase the availability of Home and Community Care services supporting frail, aged and younger people with a disability, in the Mount Gravatt area. Organisations to benefit from this substantial funding include: • Blue Care; • Sunnybank/Salisbury Meals on Wheels; • Xavier Children’s Support Network; • Soubirous Place; and • Mount Gravatt District Community Support (for their Home Assist and In-home Respite programs) These groups provide essential services for people in need in our community. I know the past president of the Mount Gravatt Community Centre and Home Assist Program, Bernie Dawson, will be very proud to see this funding for Mount Gravatt services. Bernie is a well-known stalwart of the Mount Gravatt community and was instrumental in establishing the community centre, which she watched over for 19 years. It’s great to know this funding will allow others to continue her work, now she has retired. More than $30,000 is also being provided to local Centacare service, Active Lifestyles, to provide services for older people, including enhancing the safety and wellbeing of the elderly. With 13% of all residents in my electorate aged 65 or older, I’m pleased this budget provides strong support for the elderly. Constituents I spoke with at a recent Seniors morning tea in my electorate expressed their concerns about increasing amenities charges. I am pleased that the Bligh Government is delivery major savings for Seniors with increases in the electricity Rebate Scheme for pensioners and seniors, from $20 to $165 a year. The new Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate Scheme is also providing almost $60 a year for pensioners and concession card holders, while the Government’s Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme will continue to provide a subsidy equivalent to 20% of local government gross rates and charges. This will provide considerable relief for my local seniors, trying to keep up with the costs of living—and it gives me great pleasure to deliver this news. Disabilities—helping those in need: This budget will increase the disabilities budget by $182 Million. It is helping to ease the strain on people in my electorate living with a disability, their families and carers. More than $800,000 will go towards helping local community organisations Estia, Centacare and Xavier Childrens support network, to provide short term and limited respite support. Almost $600,000 is also being provided to local branches of Autism Queensland, Multicap, Southern Cross Care, Centacare and Kyabra Community Association, to assist adults with a disability to live and participate in our community. Kyabra and Centacare will also be pleased to receive additional funding, with more than $200,000 being delivered to provide post- school options for young adults with a disability and their families. There are many people in our community who face extreme challenges and difficulties in their everyday lives, and this budget ensures those individuals and their families have the support they need to enjoy a good quality of life. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2129

Police—ensuring community safety: As Police Minister I am very proud to say our police have done a great job of reducing crime right across Queensland. The Metropolitan South Police Region, of which Mount Gravatt is part, continues to record the lowest rates in Queensland for assaults, rapes, handling stolen goods and good order offences (2006-2007 Annual Statistical Review). This budget ensures our police working in this area can continue their excellent work. More than $2 Million is being delivered to complete the $3.5 Million refurbishment of the Upper Mount Gravatt Police Station. Once complete, this upgraded station will include new and improved office space for the region’s Tactical Crime Squad, Education and Training Officer, Crime Prevention Officer, Tactician, Domestic Violence Officer, District Duty Officers, Criminal Investigation Branch, Child Protection Investigation Unit and Intelligence. There is also almost $6 Million for a replacement police station at Holland Park. This includes funding for the refurbishment of the Old Mount Gravatt Fire Station, to be used as a temporary police station while the Holland Park station is rebuilt. As a government we continue to increase police officers all around the state, with 200 additional recruit positions funded in this year’s budget. It is essential we continue to deliver new and improved police stations and facilities, to accommodate this growth and ensure our police can do their job of protecting our communities. With a record $142 Million for police capital works in this year’s budget, I’m confident we continue to deliver on this commitment, both in the Mount Gravatt area and across Queensland. Mount Gravatt—an area of excellence: To ensure our region remains at the forefront of research and scientific development, this budget is delivering more than $2 Million for the reconfiguration of the former Mount Gravatt Research Centre, to create a biotechnology and life sciences precinct at a total cost of $5 Million. As a past student of the Griffith University, where the new Brisbane Innovation Park is located, I am proud to be associated with the ground breaking work being undertaken there. I recently visited this park with the Premier for the opening of the Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies—and I was extremely impressed with the laboratory facilities and outstanding work being done under the leadership of Director, Professor Alan McKay-Sim. My electorate is also home to Queensland’s hub of elite sporting excellence—the Queensland Academy of Sport. As Sport Minister I am very pleased we are continuing to provide $10 million in annual funding this year, to ensure the QAS continues to lead the way in helping our sporting stars to reach their goals. I know my constituents are looking forward to watching many of our local sporting heroes competing at the Beijing Olympics in August—and I’m pleased this funding ensures these athletes will continue to receive the support they need to perform at their peak. Conclusion: This Budget ensures the people of my electorate, and right across Queensland, can continue to have confidence in the Bligh Government’s management of this state. I congratulate Treasurer Andrew Fraser on delivering a budget that ensures a bright future for all Queenslanders, delivering a healthy cash surplus, while maintaining our AAA credit rating. This Budget will continue to build the Queensland of the future, while providing essential support for the people in our communities who need it most. My constituents in the Mount Gravatt electorate can certainly look forward to reaping the benefits of the 2008-09 Budget. Hon. MM KEECH (Albert—ALP) (Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Women) (11.37 am): As the member for Albert, I rise to speak in support of the Bligh government’s first budget. In doing so, I congratulate Treasurer Andrew Fraser on the success of his first budget, which has been framed in a challenging fiscal environment. The 2008-09 budget is a strong Labor budget that reflects our government’s priorities in planning for our state’s future in building tomorrow’s Queensland today. Building for infrastructure, health, roads, transport and schools are central to the Fraser budget. I thank the people of Albert who continue to offer their trust and support for me as their state representative. Despite draft electorate boundary changes, I remain dedicated to serving them and delivering the best possible services and facilities for the good residents of Albert. With Albert being the fastest growing electorate in the state, every day I am reminded that not all Queenslanders are enjoying the economic boom times. In particular, many young families have been locked out of the home market by rising interest rates. The Treasurer’s announcement that first home buyers who purchase a home under $500,000 will not pay one dollar in stamp duty and not one dollar in mortgage duty is most welcome by working families in Mount Warren Park to Upper Coomera and all suburbs in between. That means that an Albert couple who are looking to take out a mortgage or purchase their first home can save almost $10,000 on their $500,000 mortgage. I move now to the education issues in the budget. This year Albert has continued to grow at a huge rate. My priority as the local state member has been to ensure that educational facilities not only continue to keep pace with the strong increase in demand but are of world-class standards. Both as a mother of three children and as a teacher I have learnt the lesson well from my very first teacher, my mother, Val Rogers nee Kirkwood. My mother, a retired teacher and now in her seventies but still as active and as fit as ever, reminds me often that the birthright of every child is a first-class education. Mr Johnson: Hear, hear! 2130 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

Mrs KEECH: I take the interjection of the member for Gregory. The Bligh government agrees with her. We know the critical key to every child reaching their own potential is to have the best education possible. That is why I am delighted that the budget has delivered a record spend of more than $90 million for educational facilities for the people of Albert. Ms Nelson-Carr: You have a good mother. Mrs KEECH: I do have a good mother—an excellent mother. Next year Albert will gain three new state schools. From 2009 families living in the northern Gold Coast area of Ormeau will have their own state primary school and their very own state high school. Government members interjected. Mrs KEECH: I take the interjections from government members. They are absolutely right. The Treasurer announced that there would be four new schools in Queensland opening next year. I am very proud to say that, through a lot of hard work with the minister for education and also with his parliamentary secretary, Bonny Barry, the Treasurer has announced three of the four new schools will go to the electorate of Albert where they are most deserving. The new primary school to be built on Halfway Drive will ultimately cater for 730 prep to year 7 students. The new state high school to be built on Goldmine Road will cater for up to 1,500 students. Both schools will include rainwater tanks, wireless internet classrooms and state-of-the-art administration and resource facilities. Planning is also underway for the first stage of a new 29- classroom primary school at Oxenford. I am pleased to report that this school as well as the new high school at Ormeau will include special education units to cater for students with special needs. This year the Bligh government has delivered the huge amount of $90 million for Albert. I am very proud indeed of that expenditure. I would also like to welcome to the parliament this morning the students and staff from Windaroo State School. Windaroo is the school that two of my three children attended. In fact, they were inaugural students. It is an outstanding school and I am very pleased indeed to welcome the students to parliament. Mr Speaker, with your permission and with the permission of the Deputy Speaker, who has authorised the inclusion of my speech, I seek leave for the rest of my speech to be incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. This year, the Bligh Government has delivered: • $26.6 million for the new State High School at Ormeau, at a total cost of $27.9 million. • $25.51 million for the new Western Oxenford State Primary School, at a total cost of $26.15 million. • $16.88 million for the new state primary school at Ormeau, at a total cost of $19.54 million. • $12 million for the establishment of a new Gold Coast Institute of TAFE Coomera Education Precinct campus to deliver high technology training, primarily for the film and television industry. • $9.74 million for the next stage of the Coomera Springs State School, which was delivered for the beginning of the 2008 school year. I recently had the pleasure of visiting this new school and I would like to congratulate Principal Mike Ennis and all staff and students on an outstanding inaugural year. For priority maintenance to existing schools: • $150,000 has been allocated for facilities at Windaroo State School, Eagleby South State School, Woongoolba State School and the Eagleby Learning Centre. This record education Budget is an outstanding result for Albert and another example of the Bligh government’s strong investment in the future of our children. The delivery of the new state high school for Ormeau has been a real labour of love for me and a result of which I am very proud. It is therefore with great pride as a member of the Bligh Government that I can announce to parents of Ormeau and Coomera that their children will from 2009 most rewarding to receive the budget allocation. My thanks go to all the principals, teachers, administration and auxiliary staff who do such a great job in the Albert schools. Whether they be state or non-government schools, the families of Albert are indeed fortunate to have such committed and dedicated staff delivering a world class education to our youngest residents. Health A record allocation for Health care and a record capital works program to meet the demands of our growing region are most welcome. The people of Albert will benefit from the delivery of $103.73 million for the new Gold Coast University Hospital with total project funding of $1.54 billion. This new hospital will provide a major boost for health services and will complement the outstanding services already provided by Logan Hospital. I am pleased to report that Logan Hospital again performed well in the recent Public Hospitals Performance Report. Logan continues to be one of the busiest hospitals in Queensland, treating 21,687 people during the March Quarter, which was 500 patients more than during the same period last year. The Hospital’s Emergency Department remained the third busiest in Queensland, successfully treating 16,142 patients. This was a 4.1 per cent increase from the same time last year. Despite the increased demand for services, the latest report shows that no Category One patients waited longer than 30 days for their surgery and only two Category Two patients waited longer than the recommended 90 days. Congratulations to Dr Mark Mattiussi and all staff at Logan Hospital and thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the Albert community. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2131

Aged Care & Disability Services The Bligh government is continuing to bolster Aged Care & Disability Services for Albert families. As Albert has continued to grow, providing more high care beds for our seniors and more home care services for young people with a disability has been a major priority. This year’s Budget delivered $4.17 million to provide Albert families with greater access to a range of support services. This includes: • $2.26 million to increase the availability of Home and Community Care services to support frail aged and younger people with a disability. • $1 million to assist adults with a disability to live and participate in their community. • $693,000 to provide short term respite support for families and their carers. • $217,000 to provide post-school options for young adults with disability. Already this year in Albert, a joint State and Federal Government funding initiative saw more than $2.1 million delivered for Blue Care Beenleigh. Blue Care provides vital aged care and disability services and the package included $1.2 million in recurrent funding, as well as $800,000 to build a centre-based day care facility. Just last week, I officially opened a new 10 bed high care transition unit at Pimpama Nursing Centre. This new ward is providing a much needed boost to sub acute aged care services, and will make a big difference for many Albert families. The new unit is a joint Tricare and State and Federal Government initiative and demonstrates the Bligh Government’s record of developing positive partnerships to deliver more for Queenslanders. My sincere thanks to Jillian Jeffery, Donna Morley and all staff at Tricare for their dedicated service to our senior citizens. Transport The 2008-2009 Budget recognises the importance of investing in transport infrastructure which not only meets the needs of the South-East today, but also those of tomorrow. This is especially significant for the Albert electorate which straddles the South- East’s major transport corridor. I am pleased to report that the Bligh Government has delivered a massive injection of more than $306 million for road and rail infrastructure upgrades in the region. Part of this allocation includes: • $96.99 million for Citytrain track upgrades. • $7 million to complete the provision of noise barriers on the M1 motorway between the Logan Motorway and Nerang. • $5.26 million in joint State and Federal funding to upgrade the Pacific Motorway and Foxwell Road interchange at Coomera, as well as $1.5 million for additional bus services across the region. Police & Emergency Services Police and Emergency services in Albert are also big winners in this Budget. Earlier this year, Ambulance services in the region suffered a setback with the Queensland Ambulance Station at Pimpama completely destroyed by fire. I am happy to report that $1.8 million has been allocated for a replacement facility. A welcome $7.82 million has been delivered for construction of the new Coomera District Police Office. This includes $500,000 for the construction of a new residence as part of the Police Housing Program. Upon completion, the new Coomera District Office, which will include CIB and Tactical Response units, will provide an enormous boost to police capabilities for the northern Gold Coast. Community of Albert As a Cabinet Minister and the Member for Albert, I am extremely proud to be a part of the Bligh Government which has delivered a budget which is focussed on improving services and building the infrastructure our region needs. It is clear from the massive Budget allocations that, as Albert continues to welcome new residents, the Government continues to make our region a priority. Yet, building communities doesn’t happen just by delivering new schools, hospitals and roads. It also occurs through a spirit of community leadership and support. As the Minister for Child Safety, I have the pleasure of seeing firsthand the special dedication shown by our wonderful foster carers, who open their doors and their hearts to children who are no longer able to live at home. All over Queensland, we have volunteers and not-for-profit organisations selflessly working to help others. Albert is lucky to have many such individuals and groups who raise money to help make a difference in our community. This year, the Beenleigh and District Cane Festival raised in excess of $32,000, while Cane Queen winner Peta Booth alone raised more than $12,000. A big thank you and congratulations to Beenleigh Rotary and festival organiser Di Crawford for yet another wonderful event this year. As well as Peta, all entrants—Cathryn Willmott, Emma Vallance, Tiffany Gitsham and Naomi Soward—can be proud of their outstanding achievements in fundraising for our community organisations and needy families. Members of Soroptomists International of Beenleigh, in particular Christine Johnston, has worked hard to raise money for Life Diaries Kits to donate to foster children. These kits contain pencils, a diary and a disposable camera to help these children store their memories and experiences as they grow up. The support of Soroptomists is most welcomed by the hardworking Child Safety staff as well as the abused children who receive the kits. Speaking of volunteers, my special thanks to my own amazing volunteer Ruth Keenan as well as the hardworking team in my Albert electorate office: Sharon Soward, Dan Skuse, Judy Hendrkx. These fine people go beyond the call of duty every day in supporting myself and the people of Albert. To my husband Peter Keech and children James, Joshua and Helen, and my mother Val Rogers and stepfather Vic, and mother- in-law Beverley Keech—thank you for your love and support in allowing me to fulfil my dream in making a difference to the amazing people of Albert. Conclusion This year, Treasurer Andrew has delivered an outstanding first Budget. It is a Budget which tackles head-on the challenges facing Queenslanders today, while laying the foundations for the Queensland of tomorrow. Record funding has been committed for schools, health, transport, and public housing, reflecting a Budget which is fiscally responsible and true to the principles and values this Labor Government holds dear. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to all Queenslanders and of mine and Premier Anna Bligh’s pledge to the people of Albert. It is on behalf of the people of Albert that I commend the bill to the House. 2132 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

Mr REEVES (Mansfield—ALP) (11.42 am): It gives me great pleasure to rise to speak to the first Bligh Labor government budget. I want to focus on the key areas that I think that people living on the southside of Brisbane really care about in the sense that they want to see some action taken. I am proud to say that action has occurred as a result of this budget and other measures. Those five items are housing affordability, traffic congestion, education, health and the environment, in particular the impact of climate change. When it comes to housing affordability, many Queenslanders have been locked out of the dream of owning their own house. The sweeping changes that the Treasurer introduced on Tuesday to the stamp duty regime will result in Queenslanders who buy their first home for under $500,000 not paying one red cent of stamp duty. That will be of huge benefit to those people trying to achieve that great Australian dream. These reforms will mean a Queensland couple looking to take out a mortgage to purchase their first home in growth suburbs such as Rochedale in the electorate of Mansfield will save up to $9,800 on a $500,000 home. They will not pay one red cent of stamp duty on the purchase price or their mortgage. The reforms mean that for every home purchased under a million dollars, whether they are first homeowners or families upgrading to a new home, Queenslanders will pay the lowest stamp duty in the country. These reforms will have a major benefit for those trying to get into that market. The other announcement that the Premier made on 4 June, two days ago, was that the state government would fast-track planning for the 17 greenfield sites in south-east Queensland—and Rochedale is one of them. This is a fantastic result for both families struggling to afford a home in our local areas and developers hamstrung by the current urban footprint, bottlenecks and red tape. While Rochedale land has been earmarked for development for a number of years under the urban footprint by the local council, this state government fast-tracked initiative will cut through the red tape, speed up development approval and ensure that more land is available for more people faster. We have listened to the concerns of families struggling to afford their own home and we are 100 per cent committed to ensuring that people can live this Queensland dream. This fast-tracking, along with the changes to stamp duty, demonstrate this commitment. As an example of planning within Rochedale, the South East Busway is already there waiting for these people to get on board and travel into the city or wherever they want to go. We have already bought extra land for Rochedale State School. This year’s budget has allocated $1.6 million to Rochedale State School for a new administration centre and oval. We have also dedicated $1.06 million in this budget to complete concept planning on Logan Road, Miles Platting Road and Padstow Road at the Logan Road interchange, which is all about the cars coming from the new Rochedale. This will be a major benefit to Rochedale and I commend this. One of the benefits of these changes to housing affordability and stamp duty will be a lot more supply and that may result in people being better able to afford rentals. The affordability of rental properties is a big issue, let alone buying a house. Hopefully some of these changes will have an impact on that. One of the other areas is traffic congestion. I am delighted that we are providing an additional $168.4 million over the next four years for additional public transport services as part of the TransLink network. That will hopefully include 90 new buses in the Brisbane area. It is a great that we are building the infrastructure, but it is equally great that we are providing the money for services to use it. We can have the greatest infrastructure in the world but if we do not have the bus services there is trouble. I am also delighted that we are tackling traffic congestion. In my local area, for example, we are building over 200 car parking spaces at Klumpp Road so people can access the busway. The state government will also provide $40 million over four years to address the increased level of congestion. These funds will provide programs to alter traffic behaviour, promote strategies to spread peak hour demand and provide end-of-trip facilities to promote walking and cycling. In the area of education, I have already mentioned the $1.6 million allocated to Rochedale State School. We have allocated $100,000 from the department of sport to a community pool that will be at Mount Gravatt East State School. We have also increased funding for extra maintenance at a number of our schools. I am delighted also that the state government will provide additional funding to supplement the annual asset maintenance program. This funding will be used to increase service maintenance, roof painting, reticulation maintenance and to continue other minor programs. This encompasses the allocation of $100 million in maintenance over two years through the Tomorrow’s Schools initiatives. I congratulate the minister on this initiative. I look forward to a number of schools in my electorate benefiting from this extra funding for maintenance that has been allocated in this year’s budget. In the area of health, a record $8.3 billion has been allocated—a massive boost of $1.2 billion a year. This is the 11th budget speech I have made since being elected. If we compare today’s health budget with the first budget that I spoke to we see that it is light years ahead. I congratulate the Treasurer on allocating the extra money. The other area people in the electorate of Mansfield are concerned about is climate change and the environment. I commend the new ClimateSmart Home Service—$60 million over two years will be provided and that will service 260,000 homes, which is probably a sixth of the state. This program is very similar to the very successful Home WaterWise Service, which provides water efficient shower 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2133 roses and such. For $50 an electrician comes to your home, does an energy audit, puts in a smart metre that is hard wired to the power board. This wireless metre can check on real time power draw, cost and greenhouse emissions. The service will provide up to 15 efficient light bulbs and water efficient showerheads. This service is to the value of about $250. You can now register online. This service will begin operating from 1 January. I think it is a great initiative of the Bligh Labor government. I congratulate the minister for the initiative and the Premier and Treasurer for funding it in this year’s budget. Overall this budget is focused on the key areas of housing affordability, traffic congestion, education, health and tackling climate change at a local level. I congratulate the Treasurer and the Premier on this excellent first Bligh Labor government budget. I and the people of the Mansfield electorate look forward to enjoying the benefits of this budget in the upcoming year. I commend the bill to the House. Mr JOHNSON (Gregory—NPA) (11.51 am): It is with great pleasure that I rise to speak in this debate on the 2008-09 budget. I do congratulate the Treasurer. I do not agree with everything he does, but I think it is a great feat for a young man like him to hold this position. First of all, I want to pledge my support to the people of the Gregory electorate. Over the last 18½ years they have supported me. One thing I have always done is supported everybody regardless of whether they support me or not. I really believe that is what true representation of people is all about. I think that is applicable too when it comes to the disbursement of funds, regardless of where we live. In this 2008-09 budget, whilst it is a big-spending budget, the great majority of the capital income will be eroded by the debt that this government has increased to some $55 billion. When we wake up every morning and think about the $10 million in interest payments, no doubt it is a worry. I have to say that we should find out where that income is coming from before we borrow the money, because somebody has to repay it. The most concerning aspect of the budget is the lack of major capital works infrastructure by way of spending on roads, rail and airports in my electorate of Gregory. This electorate is a large, diversified, remote western electorate, covering some 377,000 square kilometres, and it provides a great deal of wealth and contributes to the ongoing fruits and quality of life this state enjoys from such things as agriculture, mining and tourism. However, one of the issues I want to canvass here today is that of the Longreach airport. I have made representations to the Deputy Premier in the past in relation to extra funding on top of the Commonwealth government’s funding for the upgrade of the airstrip and facilities at the Longreach airport so that it can take larger aircraft. It is not about servicing Longreach; this is about growing business in the whole of the central west region of Queensland so that we can see tourism grow and people encouraged to come there, and it will be advantageous for people to relocate there. When we see what is happening here in the south-east corner of Queensland, I say to this government today that we have to look long and hard at how we can encourage people to live in other areas of this state. Towns like Dalby, Roma, Charleville, Kingaroy, Biloela, Charters Towers, Emerald, Longreach, Barcaldine, Cloncurry, Richmond and those sorts of centres are good towns. They have social infrastructure and with the interface of rail, road and air we can certainly encourage people to live in those towns. I look around this House and there are many members who got their start in regional towns and districts further out. What we have to do is re-educate people to live in those places. We cannot concentrate on the south-east corner or the eastern seaboard. That is one thing we can do to take the pressure off the resources in the south-east and along the eastern coast. I am hopeful that our Deputy Premier, the Hon. Paul Lucas, the minister for infrastructure, can help us with the Longreach airport project. I have made representation to him. I am quietly confident that we will see outcomes in the not too distant future. This project will certainly advantage the whole of the region of western Queensland. There is $510,000 for the third stage of the Longreach Police Station. I applaud that upgrade. It is nearly finished. There is $5.58 million for the new police district headquarters and watch-house replacement in Charleville. There is $4.55 million allocated in this financial year. I applaud that. That is a very good project and one that is well and truly overdue. I thank the minister and the government for that. There is $5.9 million for Home and Community Care initiatives right across western Queensland and my electorate will take advantage of much of that. There is $800,000 over four years to establish additional out-of-home care placements for children in care across the region. It is unfortunate that we have to do this, but in the society we live in today those people are out there. They need our care, they need our help and they need a fair bit of love to get them through very torrid times. Many of us have never experienced coming from broken families or one-parent families. Many of these kiddies need our help and support. There are many young mothers and single mothers out there who also need a lot of support. 2134 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

There is $200,00 for short-term and time-limited respite for families of people with a disability across the region. This is an area that highlights the fragile aspects of our lives. Again, many of us thank the Lord every day that we do not have children with a disability. I believe this is an important part of this budget where we are addressing some of the social needs of people who are less fortunate than us. There is $18.2 million to provide over 814,000 hours of vocational education and training, including $300,000 to provide additional trades training places as part of the Queensland Skills Plan. This is expected to create an extra 430 training places in western Queensland by 2010. I know this takes into account the mining operations in the north-west mineral province based in Mount Isa and Cloncurry, but that also flows into the western Queensland area that I represent. I think this is a very good initiative. We do have trade skills shortages and this is an area in which we can enhance the opportunities for young people. We have seen an emphasis for too long on people doing academic courses through universities and not trades. This is an initiative that we can take advantage of. I think the resources of the agricultural and pastoral colleges we have in the state—there is one at Longreach and one at Emerald—are underutilised. At this point in time we should be looking at how we can further enhance the opportunity for young people to advantage themselves by doing courses available at those colleges. There is $800,000 statewide to enhance Indigenous agribusiness development with four initiatives in western Queensland. This is one initiative I applaud. Our Indigenous people can provide a great deal of knowledge to this industry and it is where they certainly have expertise. Over a long period of time they have been of great worth to the pastoral industry in management strategies and pastoral operations. Where they have their own stations—probably more in the electorate of Mount Isa and in my own electorate—I think this is a great opportunity to get these people up to speed with what is going on. There will be an additional $3.2 million for the western Queensland region for education and early childhood development. I heard the Minister for Child Safety, the member for Albert, say in the House here today that her mother has said that one of the most important things you can get is an education. I think we all concur with that. Many people in my electorate are disadvantaged because of the remoteness of where they live; they live in far-flung areas of the state where there are only basic primary schools. Those children certainly get their early grounding there, but after that we have to find ways and means of educating them in high schools, whether that is in Mount Isa, Longreach, Charleville or further afield in places like Townsville, Rockhampton, Brisbane and Toowoomba. At the end of the day, if they do not get that early childhood development, they will not be able to learn anything as they progress through life. I cannot emphasise enough how important this $3.2 million will be for that additional early childhood development and education for our children in the far west. There is $1.6 million to support western Queensland families, including early intervention to improve the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and their families. I heard the shadow minister for child safety, the member for Currumbin, talk today about the importance of this, and I cannot emphasise it enough after we have seen the reports on the TV during the last 24 to 48 hours. Our senior Australian policeman, Mick Keelty, has been talking about child pornography and these evil things that we have seen on our TV screens. Our children are vulnerable and subject to this awful, evil trash. It never ceases to amaze me where we are heading in the world of education. There are people in this House who have young families—I have four young granddaughters— and it sickens me to think that our young children could be subjected to this. I say to the police out there that they are doing a damn good job and I hope they bring these grubs to justice. We have since found out how much guts these grubs have got because one of them committed suicide yesterday and another one had a big go but he must not have had the courage to do it properly. If they all went and did it first up, we would not have this problem. Ms Jarratt: They haven’t been found guilty. Mr JOHNSON: They must be guilty if they commit suicide. I take the interjection from the honourable member and maybe I am too harsh, but I have no time for that. There is one good initiative in this budget and that is for first home buyers, with the abolition of the transfer duty on first homes valued up to $500,000 and the change in the duty concession thresholds. This tax relief will provide more affordable housing. I applaud the Treasurer and the government for this. This will certainly be a real assistance to first home buyers. I really think that is what we are about in this country—assisting our young people, wherever they live, to try to get into their first home and encouraging them to have their first home, whether that is a new property or whatever. I really think the government is on the right track with this and it will certainly advantage many people right across our great state. There is $4.2 million to help primary producers in western Queensland adapt to climate change and to support those who are impacted by drought in the short term. This is an ongoing issue and one that I believe we have to certainly pay more attention to, especially through QRAA and trying to get assistance for those people who are hanging on. The drought in the north-west and the far west is ongoing. The number of cattle coming out of that north-west country at the moment certainly shows that 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2135 the people up there need support and help. There is further relief by way of a lower payroll tax rate which will benefit some 6,800 small businesses in Queensland. Many of those will be in my electorate. I support this concept. There is $7.5 million for the Ward River Bridge on the Charleville-Quilpie Road. I think there is about $4.5 million for that project this year. I applaud that because it is long overdue as it is a narrow bridge. We had a serious fatality there a couple of years ago where one of my next-door neighbours from Quilpie lost his life along with that of his granddaughter. These narrow bridges have to be made history. They have to be a thing of the past, regardless of where they are. I urge the minister for transport and the minister for main roads to treat that as a priority because we have these narrow bridges right across the state. There is a series of them going into Muttaburra on the Muttaburra-Aramac Road. I am pleased to see the Minister for Main Roads and Local Government in the House today. People who understand these roads—as you would, Mr Deputy Speaker, being a western Queenslander yourself—know full well how serious and dangerous they can be. There is a series of them on the Jundah-Longreach Road. I really think a priority in road safety has to be eliminating narrow bridges and putting in double-lane bridges, especially where there is a negotiation of heavy transport on a regular basis. I think it is very important that we identify these bridges in question. There is $3.1 million provided to pave and seal three sections of the Diamantina Developmental Road between Windorah and Bedourie at a total cost of $4.4 million. Again, this is a godsend. Some members would have no idea what this means to those people in these western communities. They are great road builders; they are people who do a very good job. I am very appreciative of the money. There is also $5 million to complete maintenance on the Hospital Road section of the Gregory Highway north of Emerald. There is $6.3 million to reconstruct the Dawson Highway from Meteor Creek north to the Three Chain Road south-east of Springsure. All these initiatives will be advantageous to the rural areas there and also the mining industry which is fast progressing there. I am disappointed though—and you can relate to this, Mr Deputy Speaker—because I had hoped we might have seen some immediate enhancement funds for the upgrade of the road between Rockhampton and Gracemere, which is out of my electorate but on the Capricornia Highway. My recommendation would be to dual-lane that highway from Gracemere, or even further out, to help the traffic that does concentrate there from Stanwell. If that were dual-laned, it would create a safer environment. Mr Reeves: I drove that last week. Mr JOHNSON: So you would know all about it and where I am coming from. There is funding for the replacement and refurbishment of health facilities at Barcaldine as part of a $35.5 million program over three years for rural enhancement. Health services are a very important part of our lives, wherever we live. This year we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Flying Doctor, and what a great service that has been over those 80 years in Queensland and Australia. I hope the Minister for Health or his departmental officers hear what I am going to say, because we certainly want to retain the Flying Gynaecologist and the Flying Obstetrician based in Roma to look after women’s health in the west. There is talk about that service being replaced and moved somewhere else—whether it is Toowoomba or Rockhampton—but that is sacred to the women in our region and it is absolutely paramount that we retain that fully. It is a wonderful service that has been provided for many years. The Flying Surgeon is also coupled with these services and they do provide a mantle of safety regardless of where in western Queensland, or any part of Queensland for that matter, you reside. I am pleased that the minister for main roads is here today. I notice the TIDS funding has been cut from $93.6 million to $65.6 million this financial year. That has certainly been a boost to local authorities right across Queensland. I hope the shires will not be disadvantaged if they are not able to progress some of their initiatives. I see this funding as a major contributor to upgrading and enhancing road infrastructure and other infrastructure right across our great state. I only have a couple of minutes left but I want to put on the record some things in my portfolio responsibility of police and corrective services. I note that there is a $1.571 billion budget for police this year, and my own electorate has been the recipient of some of these infrastructure upgrades. One thing I am gravely concerned about is the fact that we are losing our good police. I have asked the minister a question on notice today to see if we can find a way clear to enhance the remuneration of senior police so that we do not lose this expertise from the Police Service. The minister said that we have a prison population in Queensland of 5,649. When we compare that with the prison population in Victoria—where it is less than 4,000—it shows that we have to look very closely at our justice system. I am very concerned about the number of Indigenous women in prison in Queensland. I think we should be looking more closely at diversionary centres in some of those communities so that we can keep those women out of prison and in a protective environment in those communities away from drunken men who want to sexually abuse them or abuse their children. 2136 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

I think this is one of the reasons many of these women are in prisons. We have to look very closely at the justice system and the penalties in question. I know Western Australia is looking at its justice system for people sentenced up to six months imprisonment being released into a situation where they can have some other types of penalties. I think that is something we need to be doing, not building prisons for people who commit petty crime. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Hoolihan): Order! Member for Gregory, I do not wish to interrupt you but I notice a school leaving. I would like to acknowledge the presence in the gallery of students and teachers from Worongary State School in the electorate of Mudgeeraba represented in this House by Ms Dianne Reilly. I do apologise, member for Gregory. Mr JOHNSON: No problem, Mr Deputy Speaker. In the final minute I have available to me, I want to mention the great American industrialist Harvey Firestone, who always said that if you want to fix a problem you fix it by throwing brains at it first, not money. When he invented the inner pneumatic tube all those years ago, that is precisely what he did: he thought it through. I think we need to think a few things through in relation to infrastructure. I notice that $2.3 billion in extra coal royalties is coming out of the central Queensland coalfields. A lot of that will be spent here in the south-east corner. I do not have a problem with that, but I do believe that we need our fair share in rural and remote Queensland where we certainly are producing the goods and producing the dollars that make those things happen for the rest of Queensland. Mr HOPPER (Darling Downs—NPA) (12.11 pm): Before I turn to the budget, I want to thank the Premier for the phone call yesterday morning informing me of that horrific tragedy in Dalby. My heart and that of every member in the House goes out to the Kruger family, who lost little Ben yesterday, a six- year-old boy. I will certainly be taking it up with the minister to ask for a safety audit as to whether that crossing needs lights. Everyone would agree with me that it is a tragedy and our condolences go out to the family. Turning to the budget, first of all, I would like to thank the Treasurer for what has been injected into the Darling Downs electorate. I also want to express my disappointment at the things that we did not get. Yesterday we made phone calls to try to find out exactly what state road funding had been given to the electorate of Darling Downs. It is very hard to get exact figures, but the roads out there on those black soil plains take a lot of money and maintenance. It is very hard on the people living out there. The Bowenville-Norwin Road and the Dalby-Kooya Road are just falling to pieces. Every time I try to find out what funding is available, I get put on the backburner and pushed aside. We need to seriously look at the state road system in those western electorates. A lot of money needs to be put into that in the very near future or we simply will not have a roads system. In the state electorate of Darling Downs, the Oakey Ambulance Station has been granted $1.45 million. We saw the police station go into Oakey last year. The council has done the main street up and it has really turned that town around. It is quite a blessing to drive through the main street of Oakey and see the difference. I have an electorate office in that town, and a new ambulance station will certainly be appreciated. We saw the Minister for Health come out to Dalby only a couple of weeks ago and open the new Dalby outpatient and emergency and maternity section of that hospital. When Gordon Nuttall was the minister, he came out and I brought a deputation down and we met with him. He put it in the budget to build that hospital, and we thank him for that. I see a bit of ongoing funding there. That hospital was desperately needed for the town. With the growth that Dalby will receive in the next few years as a result of the mining and the coal seam gas industry that is going in around the area, we will see some massive changes. I note that the Department of Housing has put some ongoing funding into the whole of the Darling Downs district, not just the Darling Downs electorate. Our social rental housing construction, detached houses, medium density and existing dwellings for our public housing really need a revamp. There has been a workshop and compound put in place at Bunya Mountains for Primary Industries and EPA at a cost of $390,000. We certainly appreciate that. The Tick Fever Centre will be relocated from Wacol to Dalby and there will be an upgrade of fences and stockyards. There will be $5 million available for that in the near future, so that will be good for the town. The Charlton Industrial Estate, just west of Toowoomba—between Toowoomba and Oakey—is provided with $17.840 million. Peter Taylor, the former mayor of Jondaryan and now new mayor of Toowoomba, has worked very closely with government on this project. We certainly have to look at the second range crossing. I heard the member for Cunningham mention it in his speech before, but that second range crossing is absolutely imperative for the city of Toowoomba. Both federal and state government need to get on to that and get something put in place. I note the funding mentioned is mainly federal for the New England Highway from John Street, Crows Nest and Millard Road. It will be constructed to the new sealed two-lane standard. A lot of people use that road. A heck of a lot of people go through there. I will be going through there tonight. The Munro Road to Pioneer Road south of Crows Nest will be widened and sealed. There is $12.575 million and another $13.622 million provided for that. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2137

There is ongoing funding for the Kogan Creek Power Station for efficiency enhancements. For the tiny town of Wyreema—I actually live in Wyreema—there has been $700,000— Mr Reeves: Is that in the new electorate or the old one? Mr HOPPER: It is going to be in both electorates. It is going to be dead smack in the middle of the new one. The sum of $700,000 has been granted for the sewerage works at Wyreema. The people of Wyreema will no doubt appreciate that. I know in my local column I have mentioned Nathan Dam. There has been $58 million allocated for land acquisition and research towards that dam project. I have put an idea forward recently. It is not a policy of the National Party; it is an idea of Ray Hopper. That idea is to pipe water from Nathan Dam to the top of the Toowoomba range. We have done a few costings on that. It would cost about $440 million to put a one-metre pipe along that distance. It is a fair distance. But the pipe can pass the coal seam gas fields as well. Those coal seam gas fields will be there for 30 to 50 years. They are drilling wells all the time. Some of the water they get is very bad, but some of the water is able to be used to feed stock. At the moment that water is evaporating, and millions and millions of megalitres of water is just going into the air. I would like to see a pipeline come through Chinchilla to Dalby to Oakey and then to the top of the Toowoomba range. It could be run downhill into Wivenhoe if there was a water shortage, but that water can then be used. Those gas companies need to be made to clean that water up. I have met with farmers out there and Minister McNamara is coming out to meet with those farmers. Once we have that in place, we would not need water from the Nathan Dam. Out of all those wells put together, you would get at least 100 megalitres a day for the city of Toowoomba. That works out to be about 35,000 megalitres a year. That is double the water that Toowoomba needs at the moment, and that is without relying on any rainfall. That would be in place for 30 to 50 years. Sir Joh built Queensland for 50 years. That is why we are doing so well now. We are living off the back of what he put in place. With the electric train system, he opened up the Bowen Basin and the Burdekin, and he had a vision for 50 years time. We have to put things in place now for 50 years time, and this is just that sort of project. Every good project started with a good idea. There is nothing wrong with putting ideas out there, getting people talking about things and saying, ‘Hey, we might have a good idea here.’ We need to seriously look at that. We can then have the bottom half of Queensland linked up so that when one area has water and another area is in drought, we can link it up. That is what is happening with this pipeline. Our shadow minister for infrastructure, the member for Maroochydore, has announced a desalination plant in our plan. That will cost a billion dollars less than the cost of the Traveston Dam up north. Very soon work on the pipeline from Wivenhoe to Cressbrook in Toowoomba is going to start. We will then be able to hook into that water. The people of Toowoomba city had a vote on whether or not they wished to drink recycled water. If we could incorporate that with our shadow minister’s policy I think it would be a very good project. This is about sustaining the south-east corner of Queensland. We have heard figures that 1,500 to 1,800 people are moving to Queensland each week. Infrastructure must be put in place. These people need water to drink and so on. It is a bit like having a property and bringing a truck load of cattle in every week; one would soon run out of food and water. That is exactly what is happening in Queensland. We have had 20 years of Labor government and nothing has been built. Those opposite have built a footbridge and a football stadium. How good is that? Can those opposite name the dams they have built? They built Paradise Dam because we implemented it. We had the plans in place when Borbidge lost government and those opposite had to continue on with it. That is the only dam you have built. The only dam you have built is Paradise Dam. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Hoolihan): Order! Would the member for Darling Downs please direct his comments through the chair. Mr HOPPER: Every other piece of infrastructure in this state was put in place by us. We have a vision and that vision becomes a project and our projects work. We have fed the people of Queensland, not starved them. Government members interjected. Mr HOPPER: They are so rude. I would like to hear myself speak. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Let me be the judge of that, member for Darling Downs. Mr HOPPER: Very well. Some 1,500 people a week are moving to Queensland. We must put in place the necessary infrastructure. There is funding for property, plant and equipment and other capital expenditure for the Australian Agricultural College Corporation of $2,800,000. There is another $500,000 for the ethanol plant at Dalby. The state budget capital statements underline the south-east spending bias of this Bligh government with the Premier’s own department accounting for capital spending of $101 million in the coming year. That is way more than the Natural Resources and Water budget of $71.3 million and more 2138 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008 than double the Primary Industries and Fisheries budget of $41.5 million. The Premier is spending nearly $91 million in her electorate tarting up the Convention Centre and South Bank. This shows how those opposite treat the bush. The Premier puts $100 million into her own electorate while the department of natural resources and the department of primary industries capital expenditure is half that. It is simply unacceptable. Those in the bush have been pushed aside once again. We do not accept that. The Queensland Farmers Federation is very disappointed that the Bligh government will withdraw its modest $16 million for drought rebates on fixed water charges and rates introduced by the Premier when she was Treasurer only two years ago. We are very disappointed about that too. While summer rains saw water allocations increase in Emerald, Mackay, Moogerah and Maroon, most of the upper and South Burnett, the Dawson Valley, the Lockyer and the Upper Condamine remain on 20 per cent or less of their water allocations. I was out at St George a couple of months ago meeting with the farmers about the part A and part B tariffs. They are paying for water that they have not got. The situation in Bundaberg is exactly the same. Farmers are paying for water that they have not got. We simply cannot accept that. The member for Bundaberg is in the chamber and is nodding in agreement. The member for Bundaberg actually took me around and we had an in-depth visit with farmers up there. He is across this issue and has been fighting for this as well. So we are back to irrigators paying the state government for water they do not receive. The federal government is providing loans to landholders so that they can pay local government rates. How ludicrous is that! We have the feds helping landowners pay government rates and yet we have the state government making them pay for water they have not got. Where is the common sense in this? It does not help that the federal government exceptional circumstances assistance expires next week—15 June. Neither Minister Mulherin nor Minister Burke have said a word about it. I was out at FarmFest yesterday afternoon meeting with some people. The biggest problem they had yesterday was that people were not spending money. There were plenty of people there but they did not have the money to spend. This is due to the price of diesel which is $1.70 or $1.80 a litre. Fertiliser has gone up $300 in the last month. Dairy farmers might get 60c a litre for their milk but the extra cost of fertiliser to one dairy farmer alone is going to be $30,000. The costs are going up and the exceptional circumstances assistance is being taken away. That exceptional circumstances assistance is their food money. They have not gone to the coast and had a party with it. Their wife goes to town and buys the groceries with that money. That is what that exceptional circumstances assistance is all about. I sometimes wonder about this nation. We have to compete against overseas producers who are subsidised. Our farmers are not subsidised. They are the wealth creators of Queensland. I am sick of seeing them being kicked in the guts. This government has failed to meet requests for a more than $100 million contribution towards the five-year Reef Rescue Plan which would have supported an even wider uptake of improved farming practices and hence improved water quality outcomes right across those reef catchments. The Rudd government announced a $200 million Reef Rescue Plan in its budget. The Queensland Farmers Federation put in a call to the state government to put up an extra $100 million to bring the plan up to the full $300 million that was needed to make sure they can get the sort of uptake factors that they need across the whole catchment. No state contribution was made. The member for Lockyer has dropped in something interesting. The Queensland government’s grants web site is still not showing the recent opening of club development and minor facilities programs. Both programs on the grants web site show in terms of closing dates that guidelines and/or dates have not been finalised for the next round. The details are correct on the Department of Sport and Recreation web site; however, many people use the grants wizard when searching for state government funding opportunities and will be disadvantaged by the government’s failure to update this site. I am really looking forward to estimates when we can actually question the minister in detail about the budget that has been put forward for his portfolio. The bush is suffering immensely as a result of high costs at the moment. I would ask the minister to have a serious look at that. Mrs KIERNAN (Mount Isa—ALP) (12.26 pm): I rise to speak in support of the Appropriation Bill 2008. I am delighted that our part of the world is equal to all parts of Queensland on the Bligh government’s agenda. Treasurer Andrew Fraser and his staff and the many other ministerial staff and departmental offices who put this budget together are to be truly congratulated. I take great pride that I represent the north-west minerals province and the seat of Mount Isa which contributes greatly to this budget, a budget that is firmly focused on the future for all Queenslanders. It is more than pleasing for me that the 2008 Bligh government state budget has delivered a multimillion-dollar package to the Mount Isa electorate. Without doubt, the allocated funding of $107 million over four years towards the driver activated points project between Stuart and Mount Isa, which will reduce transit time by up to two hours, is not only good for the mining industry to get its product to the port but will also greatly enhance and increase 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2139 our commitment to livestock transport as well. Some $10 million has been allocated in this financial year for this upgrade to commence. A further $2 million for concrete re-lay, re-rail and associated works has been allocated to the line. While I am delighted with all aspects of this budget, the highlight for me is the funding provided for health. I believe I can truly claim that this is my outright achievement as a member of the Bligh government representing the seat of Mount Isa. I thank the Premier, Treasurer and minister for recognising the need for the redevelopment of this vital health facility in the north-west and deeming it a priority. The Mount Isa Base Hospital will be redeveloped as part of the $65.2 million capital funding over four years, including $8 million in this financial year. The project will include an expanded emergency department, new outpatient facilities, and primary and community health facilities in a new building on the current hospital site. A further $23.32 million in recurrent funding over four years, including $2.63 million in 2008-09, has been committed. Having just recently had family who were patients in our emergency department at the hospital, I have to say that it is an experience to be exposed firsthand to the fantastic work that our front-line doctors and nurses do in our A&Es. We also recently spent some time in the A&E in Townsville. Given Townsville is my electorate’s regional hospital, we celebrate and welcome the extra funding that is going to Townsville and again recognise the fantastic work that they do there. I am more than aware that our health services are driven by more than just bricks and mortar. I am acutely aware that the professionals looking after our sick and injured need the best facilities and equipment, and I will continue to advocate for them on behalf of our part of the world. The Mount Isa Hospital services a district which goes from Mornington Island to the north, Julia Creek to the east and Dajarra to the south and I thank each and every health worker in my electorate for the work that they do on behalf of our residents. As I said, I am over the moon with the commencement of the work on our base hospital. I also recognise that our government remains committed to areas such as McKinlay, where the provision of health services is provided at $84,000 annually for the delivery of primary health services by the bush nurses for that region. There is $500,000 allocated to redevelop the Dajarra and Burketown clinics. Again, I have a long history with the little town of Dajarra, and this clinic services its community and surrounds with dedicated local professional people. Burketown is similar to Dajarra in that they are both remote, small communities caring for people yet are still recognised as important in the Blight government’s eyes. My far-flung community of Winton will be funded for replacement and refurbishment of its health facilities as part of the $35.5 million over three years under the rural enhancement program. I am delighted that the ambulance station for Julia Creek will be realised this financial year. This budget is a reflection of a government that is not merely focused on Queensland’s cities or the south-east corner. There is little doubt that the Mount Isa region is pivotal to Queensland’s rapidly growing economy, and the Bligh government through these major announcements has confirmed its commitment and recognised our importance to the state and, in doing so, is continuing to support our growth and prosperity. While our government is clearly focused on the future, there is little doubt as to our commitment to the ongoing rehabilitation of some of our most historic and famous mining sites from the 1880s. Croydon in the heart of the gulf country in my electorate is one such place. Croydon and Mount Morgan near Rockhampton were both major gold rush towns in the 1880s. There is $3 million in capital funding and $2.4 million in operational funding in this budget to rehabilitate the two sites. Having just recently visited Croydon, there is little doubt that this community, while it may be little, is strong and vibrant. Not only do we receive a generous and much-needed injection of funds for our rail and health but also across-the- board for service delivery in our area. The Mount Isa electorate is one of the state’s most unique and we know that the people who live in our electorate are passionate about retaining that uniqueness and ensuring that we have a sustainable future. It is truly gratifying to know that I am able to bring forward the identified needs of our communities and, in doing so, receive recognition from the Premier, Treasurer and ministers who without doubt have shown that the electorate of Mount Isa is and will remain a pivotal region in the landscape of Queensland. The additional capital funding of $2.4 million to construct a new drill core facility at Mount Isa for the safe and secure storage of drill core samples will accommodate the increasing supply of drill core samples from surrounding areas and will support the promotion of mining and exploration in the north- west minerals province. There are many other wonderful things in this budget for my electorate. I commend the bills to the House and seek leave to incorporate the remainder of my speech in Hansard. Leave granted. Mr Speaker, I am a great supporter of our Government’s commitment to building strong and sustainable rural communities and this is set to continue. The Bligh Government is very serious about building and empowering our rural and remote Queensland communities. The Blueprint for the Bush will continue to provide funding support for the 170 key initiatives. 2140 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

$4.9 million would be provided through the Blueprint’s Strengthening Rural Communities funding program, including: $3.7 million for Our Place, Our Future, to help provide rural and remote communities with resources to strengthen their capacity to shape their own future. The continued commitment to regular Ministerial Regional Community Forums and Regional Managers’ Co-ordination Networks are growing in strength and giving a real sense of empowerment to our regions. I know that the Panel for the Northern Region are a group of people who believe in their individual communities and collectively in our region. There is little doubt that our region has responded to the government’s commitment to building regions and giving all Queenslanders living in rural and remote communities access to the best services and essential infrastructure possible. Mr Speaker, as I said previously the Bligh/Fraser State Budget has delivered for the Mount Isa Electorate right across the board. I highlight many of the areas funded for the record. Arts • $113,000 for books for public libraries for Mount Isa local government area • $5,000 for the exhibition Myth to Modern: Bronzes from the Queensland Art Gallery Collection Child Safety • $592,000 to Mount Isa Residential to provide a residential care service providing four places for young people aged 12-17 years with complex needs • $470,000 to Churches of Christ Queensland to provide five placements in specialist foster care in the Mount Isa area • $391,000 to Churches of Care Queensland to provide 70 placements in foster and kinship care in the Mount Isa area • $309,000 to Centacare to provide a family intervention service to offer practical support to families • $148,000 to Centacare to provide counselling services for families, children and young people referred by the Department of Child Safety Emergency Services • $931,000 for a replacement ambulance station for the Julia Creek area Infrastructure and Planning • $2.5 million for industrial land development at Nordale Industrial Estate Local Government • $1.5 million to the Mount Isa City Council for the Queensland’s 150th Legacy Infrastructure Program • $250,000 to the Mount Isa City Council for redevelopment of Buchanan Park • $250,000 to the Winton Shire Council for Stage Two development of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History as part of Queensland’s 150th Legacy Infrastructure Program • $125,000 to the Croydon Shire Council for construction of a tourist attraction in Croydon as part of Queensland’s 150th Legacy Infrastructure Program • $113,000 to the Croydon Shire Council for the Croydon True Blue Tourist Project • $56,000 to the Winton Shire Council for the Winton Flood Mitigation Project Main Roads • $700,000 for resheeting sections of the Burke Developmental Road • $408,000 to complete resheeting sections of the Burke Developmental Road • $5.5 million to complete paving and sealing, on the Julia Creek-Burketown Road • $2.32 million to complete widening, repairing and strengthening on the Flinders Highway • $2 million for resheeting, on the Gregory Downs-Camooweal Road • $1.87 million to complete widening, repairing and strengthening on the Cloncurry-Normanton Road • $1.4 million to complete construction of a bridge and its approaches at Gilbert River, on the Normanton-Dimbulah Road • $850,000 to commence construction of a deviation on the Diamantina Developmental Road • $750,000 to construct a bridge and approaches on Savannah Way • $711,110 to upgrade/replace floodways on Kowanyama access road • $680,000 to complete paving and sealing at Doomadgee intersection upgrade, on the Julia Creek-Burketown Road • $525,750 to improve drainage on various sections of Cork Street, Winton • $525,750 to pave and seal sections of Boulia-Tobermorey Road • $504,000 to continue repairing and strengthening sections of the Kennedy Developmental Road • $467,364 to resheet sections of Old Doomadgee Road • $407,500 to upgrade floodway on Balaleah Road, Gununa • $400,871 for formation of sections on Wollogorang Road • $400,400 for formation, widening and sealing on sections of Richmond-Croydon Road • $250,000 to upgrade sections on Doomadgee West Road • $250,000 for safety improvements on sections of Richmond-Croydon Road • $249,250 to seal sections of Gregory-Lawn Hill Road • $242,400 to improve drainage on section/s of Gregory-Lawn Hill Road • $221,000 to improve drainage on sections of Riversleigh Road • $216,068 to construct a new sealed two-lane standard on Burketown Road 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2141

• $200,000 to commence reshaping and sealing, on the Cloncurry-Dajarra Road • $200,000 for widening on the Julia Creek-Burketown Road • $200,000 to replace floodway on Doomadgee East Road • $200,000 for paving and sealing sections of Doomadgee Road East • $155,086 to widen and overlay the Duchess-Mount Isa Road • $135,000 for maintenance on sections of Yelvertoft Road • $125,000 for bitumen chip reseal on Julia Creek-Taldora Road • $115,534 to seal sections of Julia Creek-Kynuna Road • $106,000 to complete upgrading a floodway at Deadman’s Gully, on the Normanton-Dimbulah Road • $105,750 to replace grids on various Carpentaria Shire roads • $100,000 to commence construction of a gravel road on the Julia Creek-Kynuna Road • $100,000 for intersection improvements at Winton-Jundah Road • $100,000 for form, gravel, and seal on Boulia-Tobermorey Road • $100,000 for concept planning on Julia Creek-Kynuna Road • $100,000 to pave sections of Balaleah Road, Gununa • $62,000 to improve drainage on sections of Lake Julius Road • $60,000 to seal section/s of Sedan Dip Road • $57,000 for cattle grids and fencing at various locations on the road to Kowanyama • $50,534 for maintenance on sections of Moondarra Drive • $49,000 to complete widening of the existing road south of Dajarra, on the Boulia-Dajarra Road • $35,000 to widen streets in Boulia • $30,000 to upgrade floodway on Riversleigh Road • $30,000 for passenger set-down facilities at Healy Heights State School, Mount Isa • $25,000 to construct footpaths at various city street locations in Mount Isa • $20,000 for intersection improvements, commercial vehicle hardstand areas and landscaping on Station Street and Ramsay Street, Cloncurry • $18,354 to improve drainage on sections of Bilbad-Balaleah Road, Gununa • $15,000 for the construction of bikeway and footpaths at various locations in Cloncurry • $7,727 to upgrade floodway on Old Doomadgee Road Water • $2.5 million to upgrade and replace sections of Lake Moondarra pipeline Communities • $1.26 million to operate the diversionary centre as an alternative to police custody for intoxicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander detainees • $829,000 and $655,000 to support young people, families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. • $491,000 to provide services, activities and therapeutic interventions for young people aged 12-18 years and their families • $487,000 to provide comprehensive responses to young people with complex needs in public spaces • $475,000 to support the provision of quality child care services • $335,000 to provide a specialist support service to families with dependent children with identified special needs or where children have been subject to abuse • $96,000 to employ a youth worker to develop, implement and coordinate culturally appropriate programs and activities for families and children to 15 years on Mornington Island • $41,000 to provide community services and support and to ensure the effective coordination and implementation of relevant programs to promote the social, health and wellbeing of individuals and families at Yallambee • $254,000 additional funding for OzCare Mount Isa Hostel. Public works • $1.5 million for the construction of a government employee quadplex at Mount Isa • $950,000 for the construction of a government employee duplex at Mornington Island • $800,000 for the construction of a government employee duplex in Doomadgee • $550,000 for the construction of a government employee house at Mount Isa • $550,000 for the construction of a government employee house in Doomadgee Disability Services • $1.78 million to increase the availability of Home and Community Care services to support frail aged and younger people with a disability in the community • $488,000 to assist adults with a disability to live and participate in their community • $229,000 to provide post-school options for young adults with a disability and their families • $98,000 to provide for short term and limited respite support for families, carers and people with a disability • $22,000 for all abilities playgrounds and provide safe and enjoyable equipment and activities for all children including those with a disability 2142 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

Sport • $597,000 to Cooper City Tennis Club and Tennis Queensland to demolish an existing clubhouse and redevelop the centre. • $73,000 to the Aboriginal & Islanders Development & Recreational Women’s Association Mount Isa and District to employ two part-time sport and recreation officers • $42,000 to the Doomadgee Aboriginal Council to continue the employment of a full-time sport and recreation officer for two years • $25,000 to the Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association to employ a full-time sport and recreation officer to conduct activities at Mornington Island • $9,000 to the Mount Isa City Council to develop a sport and recreation facility plan Tourism • $301,000 to the Outback Queensland Tourism Authority for regional tourism marketing Environment • $150,000 for the completion of the Boodjamulla boundary fencing at the Lawn Hill National Park • $70,000 for the completion of the boundary fencing at Bladensberg National Park • $50,000 to commence a two-year program to construct boundary fencing and firebreaks at Camooweal Caves National Park • $39,000 to commence planning of infrastructure works for the implementation of the Combo Waterhole Conservation Park visitor management strategy • $25,000 to commence construction over two years of the extension of a walking track in the Lark Quarry Conservation Park • $24,000 for continued planning for the redevelopment of the Lawn Hill (Boodjamulla) day use area in the Lawn Hill National Park • $20,000 for the completion of the boundary fencing at Combo Waterhole Conservation Park Education • $531,000 for air conditioning replacement and electrical upgrade at Spinifex College-Junior Campus • $378,000 for air conditioning replacement and electrical upgrade at Cloncurry State School • $289,000 for air conditioning replacement and electrical upgrade at Happy Valley State School • $128,000 for air conditioning replacement and electrical upgrade at Julia Creek State School • $34,000 for maintenance at Spinifex State College—Mount Isa-Junior Campus Justice • $400,000 to upgrade the Mount Isa Probation and Parole Office to meet QCS probation and parole standards. Ms JARRATT (Whitsunday—ALP) (12.33 pm): Given that I struggle to balance my household budget, I have nothing but admiration for the state Treasurer who deals in billions of dollars, a community with a voracious appetite for consumption and a tricky two-speed global economy. Indeed, I place on record my sincere congratulations to the Treasurer, Andrew Fraser, who has demonstrated nerves of steel in framing such a responsive yet responsible budget in such volatile economic times. This, his first budget, is a wonderful balancing act that will underpin continued growth in the state while providing support for those who are feeling the pinch of rising costs and social dislocation. This budget maintains Queensland’s position as a growth state in which economic performance is forecast to outstrip the nation for the 13th year in a row. Our jobs growth will remain strong while unemployment is estimated to fall to a 34-year low, well below the national average. As a regional member, I am only too aware that continued strong economic growth can be a double-edged sword, with housing affordability, labour shortages and rising costs coming hand in hand with the benefits of economic growth. That is why I welcome the balance that this budget has found between funding for infrastructure and funding for initiatives that enhance the liveability of communities and develop economic resilience. Sometimes budget day is a bit like Christmas Day where every child expects to receive a shiny new toy from the infrastructure budget. Invariably, people focus on the things that a budget funds rather than the underlying fiscal and social policies that will shape individual and collective opportunity. The infrastructure budget is important, and I am pleased to say that my constituents will receive great benefit from our share of the record $17 billion in this year’s budget. In the north of my electorate the Bowen community will benefit from the Treasurer’s announcement that the Abbot Point coal loading facility is set to double its capacity to 50 megatons per annum. The $250 million set aside in this budget will ensure that this expansion will be rolled out just as soon as possible. Budget funding for the northern missing rail link guarantees the future of Abbot Point as Queensland’s next industrial hot spot, and I was delighted to hear the Deputy Premier this week endorse the state development area that adjoins Abbot Point as an area that may one day rival Gladstone in importance as an industrial precinct. In Mackay, which lies to the south of the Whitsunday electorate, infrastructure funding from this year’s budget will build roads, rail networks, bridges and the Bluewater Quay project that will continue to breathe life back into the city’s heart. There is no doubt that the most eagerly awaited project in Mackay is the new hospital, which will be funded through the sale of the Mackay airport. I thank the Treasurer for 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2143 allocating funds in this year’s budget to ensure that planning for this important project is not held up and will progress further with the airport sale. There was also good funding in the budget for the Proserpine- Airlie Beach area, including funding to assist the council to undertake a streetscaping project for the main street area of Shute Harbour Road in Airlie Beach. This area is looking tired and I look forward to council’s revelations of its plans, which I hope will be developed in consultation with local business owners and operators as well as Main Roads and the community. The final issue I want to address is that of funding for tourism. My local tourism body was quick to criticise the government for what it called a lack of support in the budget. It has been a very difficult year for tourism operators in the Whitsundays, with floods followed by a devastating night in which we lost 60 boats. We have also been affected, like operators everywhere, by the rising dollar and increasing pressure on household budgets that make a holiday more unlikely to be a priority for families. The final blow came last week with the announcement that Jetstar intends to pull flights from its Sydney to Proserpine and Sydney to Hamilton Island routes. This government has not reduced its support for tourism. The budget numbers are different to last year because some of the projects funded under the Queensland Tourism Strategy have concluded and no longer require funding. I am very proud of the way this government and the minister for tourism have responded to the needs of the Whitsundays. Earlier this year we worked with Tourism Queensland to implement campaigns to assist the industry, including a recovery campaign to lure southern states back to Queensland after rain events and a specific Whitsunday campaign to entice international and domestic visitors back to the area. In relation to the ongoing issue of loss of flights to the region, I can inform members that the Premier last night announced a $4 million rescue package to provide a marketing campaign that aims to increase demand for flights into places like Cairns and the Whitsundays. There is no magic wand for this issue, but we should all roll up our sleeves and work together, making our destinations the best in the world. While this budget was not a Christmas Day budget, it is a ‘steady as she goes’ budget that will help to keep our economy on track. There are many challenges in a modern economy, but I believe that Treasurer Fraser can be proud of a sensible budget that keeps the state in surplus and maintains our track record as the engine room of the nation. I commend the bills to the House. Mr LAWLOR (Southport—ALP) (12.39 pm): Firstly, I would like to commence by making a few general comments about the budget, and particularly the contributions of some of the opposition members. Their consistent theme was to harp on about what they consider to be extensive borrowing, a lack of fiscal responsibility and so on. Of course, they ignored the fact that the borrowings are to be spent on infrastructure. On the one hand, the opposition members demand more infrastructure but no more borrowings. I contrast the fiscal responsibility of the Bligh government with the irresponsible decision by the coalition when it was last in government to sell Suncorp and blow the proceeds on recurrent expenditure. That money has now gone. What do we have to show for the sale of Suncorp? Exactly nothing. That is the sort of economic management we could expect if ever the ‘Pineapple Party’ reach the Treasury benches. It was also disappointing to hear the member for Robina go on about the fact that Gold Coast infrastructure should have been put in place sooner, that the Gold Coast has been neglected and so on. Of course, the Beattie government had to build the convention centre for the Gold Coast, the most popular tourist destination in Australia. Members should ask the Titans supporters what they think about Skilled Park stadium. Obviously, the reason the coalition now has only three seats out of nine seats on the Gold Coast is the neglect by the coalition of the Gold Coast for decades. We are now catching up with infrastructure on the Gold Coast, but 50 years of neglect by the coalition takes quite a time to overcome. Thanks to the Beattie government and now the Bligh government, we are well on our way. It is disappointing to see that we do not have the support of those coalition members who represent the Gold Coast. Economic growth in Queensland is forecast to strengthen to 4¼ per cent in 2008-09, outstripping the nation for the 13th year in a row. With Queensland’s jobs growth again outpacing that of the nation, the unemployment rate is estimated to fall to a 34-year low of 3¾ per cent in the 2008-09 year and to remain at that level during that time, taking it below the national rate for the fifth consecutive year. A general government operating surplus of $809 million is forecast for 2008-09. The state’s net worth is budgeted to grow from $123 billion as at 30 June 2008 to over $140 billion by 30 June 2012, reflecting Queensland’s position of holding the strongest balance sheet in the nation. Interest expenses in the general government sector are budgeted at just 1.5 per cent of revenue for 2008-09—hardly an excessive burden for an expanding state such as Queensland. Queensland maintains its competitive tax status with taxpayers in the other states and territories paying an average of $270 more per tax year than Queenslanders in 2008-09. This budget provides tax relief to make housing more affordable. From 1 July 2008, the home and first home transfer duty concession thresholds will be increased from $320,000 to $350,000. The first home concession threshold will be further increased from 1 September so that no transfer duty will be payable on a first home valued up to half a million dollars. Mortgage duty will be abolished in full from 1 July 2008— another saving to those who are taking out home loans. There are also land tax benefits, including 2144 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008 specific measures to benefit Queensland’s elderly, such as exempting aged-care facilities. While already having the nation’s lowest payroll tax rate, further relief will benefit 6,800 businesses in Queensland. The area of the south coast, which is the Gold Coast plus the area out towards Jimboomba, Beaudesert and Rathdowney, might be one of Queensland’s smallest regions but with a population growth rate 50 per cent higher than the state’s average, the south coast region is fast becoming one of the largest urban masses in Australia, covering an area of 4,261 square kilometres, or 0.2 per cent of the state. The region is home to 14 per cent of Queensland’s total population. More than 591 Queenslanders now call the south coast region home. That is 3.3 per cent more than the year before. The area’s subtropical climate, internationally renowned surf beaches, theme parks and marine playgrounds, major world-class sporting events and a cosmopolitan lifestyle make the region sought after for its quality, unique environment, and enviable and sustainable lifestyle. Add to that the diverse and vibrant economy of the area, which is close to the businesses and career opportunities of the state’s south-east corner, and members can see why more and more people are choosing this region in which to work, live and play. The Queensland government recognises the role that Queensland’s south coast region has played in increasing our state’s prosperity and sustaining its economic and social growth. At the heart of the budget, as it relates to the electorate of Southport, are allocations for a fire station redevelopment, health funding, a new block for a key state school, a multimillion-dollar Main Roads package, further commitment to the redevelopment of the Broadwater Parklands, and long-range commitments to child safety and community services. This budget features a record allocation for health and a record capital works program to meet the demands of our state. The first Bligh government state budget recognises the Southport electorate as one of south-east Queensland’s critical growth areas, with important funding to address key infrastructure projects. It is no secret that the Gold Coast is attracting thousands of new arrivals every year as part of Queensland’s population increase of more than 1,000 people per week. The budget recognises that the area is at the front line of the government’s commitment to address Queensland’s population growth by putting in place the best infrastructure at this juncture in Queensland’s history. There is no excuse for lagging behind and we continue to grow at a rate that has never been experienced before. The Bligh government delivers the dollars to keep pace with that growth. The funding package for Southport includes a commitment of $103.7 million for the Gold Coast University Hospital; $1.6 million earmarked for a home economics block at Southport State High School, which will ultimately cost $2.5 million; and a $3 million redevelopment of the Southport Fire Station, with $2.73 million allocated this financial year. The Gold Coast City Council will receive an additional $2 million for the redevelopment of the Southport Broadwater Parklands, a commitment to celebrate Queensland’s 150th birthday via the Legacy Infrastructure Program, which was announced last year. That would make a total contribution to that project of $18 million. In accordance with the ruling of the Speaker, I seek leave to have the remainder of my speech incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. Additional funding for the Southport electorate includes: Arts • $4,000 for the Frame by Frame photographic exhibition Child Safety • $811,000 to Lifeline Community Care Harrison House to provide a residential care service providing five places for young people aged 12-15 • $215,000 to the Abused Child Trust to provide a sexual abuse counselling service • $211,000 to The Family Interaction Program to provide a family intervention service Communities • $907,000 to provide counselling, referral, court access and support services for women and children affected by domestic violence • $514,000 to provide intensive support services designed to improve the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children • Allocations of $470,000, $327,000, $325,000, $311,000 and $286,000 to support young people, families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness • $65,000 to develop specialised programs which enhance the safety and wellbeing of women and children at risk • $43,000 to provide support services for older people to improve the safety and wellbeing of the elderly Health • $430,000 for the Sexual Assault Support and Prevention Program Disability Services • $5.76 million to increase the availability of Home and Community Care services to support frail aged and younger people with a disability • $1.84 million to assist adults with a disability to live and participate in their community 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2145

• $1.11 million to provide post-school options for young adults with a disability and their families • $458,000 to provide for short term and limited respite support for families, carers and people with a disability • $445,000 for promotion, prevention and early intervention strategies for people with moderate to severe mental illness Trade and Regional Development • $4 million to Griffith University for Stage Two of the Expansion of the Institute for Glycomics • $125,000 for the Gold Coast Innovation Centre to provide the infrastructure, expertise and contacts to assist and support up to four technology start-up companies Education • $47,000 for wheelchair access and equipment at Kumbari Avenue School • $12,000 for maintenance at Musgrave Hill State School Energy • $7.69 million to increase substation capacity by installing a third transformer in Southport Main Roads • $3 million under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project to continue planning and land acquisitions between Stapylton and Nerang for the Intra-Regional Transport Corridor • $20 million to continue duplication of the Gold Coast Highway from two to four lanes between Government Road and Robert Street, Labrador • $5.3 million under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project this year to complete concept planning between the Gold Coast Highway and Southport-Nerang Road, on the Labrador-Carrara Road • $250,000 for intersection improvements at the Arundel Drive and Gold Coast Highway intersection, Arundel • $9 million to continue widening the Smith Street Connection Road to six lanes between the Pacific Motorway and High Street • $2.59 million under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project for planning and land acquisition between Minnie Street and Queen Street on the Southport to Nerang Road • $600,000 for intersection improvements at the North Street and Marine Parade intersection, Southport • $150,000 for improvements at Benowa Road and Ferry Road intersection, Southport. Mrs LD LAVARCH (Kurwongbah—ALP) (12.47 pm): I say happy Queensland Day to all. In the creative ferment that accompanied the American War of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote the immortal words which commenced the Declaration of Independence— We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The pursuit of happiness was considered by Jefferson as an equally important aspiration for people as life and liberty, but it is a notion that is generally regarded as being a purely personal matter. Unlike the human rights of life and liberty, many of us would not see a direct responsibility for government in delivering happiness to the population. Yet, when we think about it, happiness is at the core of what good budgetary and public policy should be aimed at. In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of research into happiness and the linkage of public policy, national income, good infrastructure and services with the overall measure of happiness within the community. Economics and happiness might seem somewhat incompatible—a bit like the National Party and honesty—but serious economists are now examining how well macro-economic settings influence individual happiness. It is the juxtaposition of economics and happiness and how the 2008 state budget fares when measured in these terms that I would like to explore in my contribution to this debate. Happiness is an elusive concept, but each of us knows whether we are happy over the medium and longer term as opposed to the ebbs and flows of moods and feelings that are felt on any particular day. Psychological research has indicated that the elements of happiness include personality factors such as self-esteem, personal control and optimism; socio-demographic factors, such as age, gender, marital status and education; economic factors, such as individual and aggregate income, unemployment and inflation; and contextual and situational factors, such as particular employment and working conditions, the stress involved at the workplace, interpersonal relations with work colleagues, relatives and friends, life partners, living conditions and health. There are also institutional factors such as the extent of political decentralisation and the citizen’s ability to directly participate in the democratic process. Clearly these factors are a mix of the psychological and physiological in part, but there is a major role by external factors over which government can and does have an important influence. So if the link between economic policy and happiness can be measured, what does the measurement show? In fact, happiness has been the subject of cross-national research since the 1960s. Specific Australian research into happiness has been undertaken by Deakin University and is published in the form of the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index. The report makes some general observations as to the happiness of Australians such as that people tend to get happier as they get older; women on the whole are more satisfied with their lives than men; people who live with their 2146 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008 partner are happier, especially married people; people who volunteer generally report higher levels of happiness; and happiness generally increases proportionally with income, but only up to a household income of around $100,000 per annum and then it begins to plateau. On this last point of the linkage between wealth and happiness, the report indicated that, if it were possible to buy happiness through additional income, then this would have the most impact on those on lower incomes, particularly those in and around the level of the age pension. While this is clearly simplistic, it does indicate that money can buy you happiness but only to a particular level and then it has little effect. This is reflected at a national level as well, which reveals that the national sense of wellbeing has not increased, even though national income has increased over the last decade. In short, Australia becoming a wealthier nation does not necessarily mean we become a happier nation. Other very broad observations that can be taken from the report which would impact on where government policy should be directed are that it is important to concentrate not only on employment but also on the nature of the employment experience such as job security and the average hours spent in the workforce; health is important to a sense of wellbeing, but many people dealing with health issues still are very happy, provided that they are able to deal with their health concerns with appropriate levels of emotional and financial support and have access to good services; and a sense of community engagement is far more important in terms of a sense of happiness than pure measures of economic success. In other words, close-knit communities report happier individuals, secure communities report happier individuals; but wealthier communities do not. Just to add to the research and the flavour of happiness in my budget response, members might be interested to know that the Himalayan nation of Bhutan has endeavoured to institutionalise the goal of its budget and public policy contributing to community happiness by reporting on gross national happiness—GNH—in addition to the traditional gross national product—GNP. There are nine domains being developed in the GNH and these include living standards, health, education, ecosystem diversity and resilience, time use and balance, good governance, as well as psychological wellbeing. So putting all this together, how does the 2008 Queensland state budget fare? Should we be happy? I am happy to report to members that I am very happy with the budget. Assessing the budget against the measures of happiness, firstly we can state that the budget notes that the state economic growth will exceed the national average for the 13th consecutive year, with employment growth continuing and unemployment reaching a generational low of 3¾ per cent. I note that this is the fifth year running that Queensland has had an unemployment rate below the national rate. The state’s net worth is budgeted to grow from $123 billion to $140 billion over the next four years. This of course is the foundation for the ability of the government to make spending decisions which can target measures to improve community wellbeing. Importantly, the Treasurer has made the decision to ensure that the community as a whole gains the benefit from the remarkable improvement in the state’s terms of trade which will flow from the enormous expansion in revenue being experienced by the resources sector on the back of the development of the economies of India and China. The spending decisions that the government has made are targeted in areas of improving state infrastructure, particularly in Transport and Health. Health, once again, receives a record budget allocation of $8.35 billion, representing one-quarter of the state’s budget and a massive $1.2 billion boost overall. Of this, $1 billion will be spent on capital works. Transport and Main Roads together have a $6.9 billion capital works program proposed under this budget. Over the next four years $7.7 billion will be invested in infrastructure programs targeted at congestion busting. Congestion is the daily frustration for the commuters of Kurwongbah. Factors which can reduce the commute time will certainly improve the time/use balance and enhance the family life of Kurwongbah workers. Projects such as the duplication of the Gateway Bridge and associated roadworks, the Airport Link project, new and improved cycling facilities, the Northern Busway, improved customer services for TransLink, the major overhaul of QR’s suburban fleet and rail network improvements, improved bus services and planning for future transport corridors are much needed, welcome and eagerly anticipated. Locally, the improvements to the Petrie Railway Station including the new eastern car park have been warmly received. In this year’s budget provision is made for further improvements to Petrie Railway Station including a new footbridge and lifts to provide better access to the eastern car park. Of course, congestion can be eased through a range of measures including new roads, upgrade of existing roads, better road management systems, extended bikeways, improved public transport, local employment opportunities, better urban planning, planning around hot spots like schools and shopping centres, and having transit oriented development. I am happy to advise that road management will be improved with a $338,000 traffic signal coordination from Bald Hills to Strathpine. Lawnton and Strathpine West state schools passenger set- down areas receive funding to improve their usability and $40,000 is allocated for bikeways. In line with this government’s emphasis on planning for the future, the Kurwongbah electorate will benefit from three important planning projects in the pipeline, namely the western transport network investigation concept planning and, closer to home, the planning study for Dayboro Road between the Petrie roundabout and Youngs Crossing Road and the complete concept planning on Anzac Avenue from Petrie to the Bruce Highway. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2147

Overall, this very impressive infrastructure investment program will improve the productive capacity of the economy as well as reduce the environmental and personal costs of congestion. The cost of doing nothing or putting the project at risk by leaving it to private enterprise, as the opposition is proposing, would be $9.6 billion per year. This is the estimated direct cost of our growing congestion. Other individual and important spending initiatives are being put in place for our older Queenslanders in terms of rebates to offset increased power and water costs. The water rebate will be $40 this year, rising to $100 in 2010-11. This is in addition to the Pensioner Rate Rebate Scheme, which provides up to $180 per year. The increase in the pensioners’ and seniors’ electricity rebate will see pensioners and seniors save $165 per year on power bills. It is clear from the research that increasing the financial capacity of low-income Queenslanders such as pensioners will help in the happiness of this group. Equally, it is clear that improving accessibility to the housing market through measures such as changes to stamp duty rates and the redirection and better targeting of the First Home Owners Scheme will assist home buyers, particularly first home buyers. The first home owners stamp duty concession will be raised from $350,000 to $500,000 on 1 September this year. Coupled with the abolition of mortgage duty from 1 July, this will mean that the majority of first home buyers will pay no stamp duty whatsoever. This will save up to $9,800 for first home owners. In the last quarter a snapshot of median house prices in the Kurwongbah electorate reveals that Strathpine, Bray Park, Lawnton and Petrie prices range from $338,000 to $363,000. Eatons Hill has a higher median house price of $499,000. On these figures the majority of housing in the Kurwongbah electorate will fall within the duty-free range. At the heart of this budget is the increased funding for child safety and disability services. I know I do not need a happiness meter to assess how delighted Dave Hopkins, President of the Lions Youth Emergency Accommodation Centre—or LYEAC—and Mark Clissold, CEO of the Integrated Family and Youth Service, will be when they hear that Clyde House will receive a boost in funding, taking its recurrent funding to $608,000 per annum. Clyde House provides residential care for young people aged 12 to 17 years. Dave and his dedicated team have just expanded the service. The Lions Life Skills Centre at Lawnton has now been opened, providing a mix of residential care and life skills training to ensure that vulnerable young people can be well placed to embark upon successful independent living. The work of LYEAC is indicative of our district’s strong community spirit and commitment to volunteerism. In conclusion, I think it can fairly be said that the 2008 state budget provides well-targeted initiatives which will help improve community happiness. But I believe it would be so much better if we, as community leaders, committed ourselves to a public debate which focuses well beyond crude econometric measures, beyond levels of debt and beyond the virtue of which particular spending should get priority and take a holistic view of our economic and social wellbeing, not simply in rhetoric terms but also in hard economic and policy terms by setting benchmarks and measures about happiness and our wellbeing because it is at the core of what we do. After all, life is so short and we should aim to provide Queenslanders with the life that they would like to live, not merely the life that they can afford. Sitting suspended from 1.01 pm to 2.30 pm. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr English): Order! Before calling the honourable member for Mirani, I would like to acknowledge in the public gallery students and staff from the Nanango State High School in the electorate of Nanango, represented in the chamber by the honourable Dolly Pratt. Mr MALONE (Mirani—NPA) (2.30 pm): It is with pleasure I rise to make some comments on the appropriation bills and the 2008-09 budget and the cognate bill before the House today. From the outset I will repeat what others have said in this House. We have heard the Premier, Treasurer and government members talk a lot about building tomorrow’s Queensland today. They have based their budget and a lot of rhetoric on that statement. But, indeed, what they are doing is building yesterday’s Queensland today and hoping that somebody else will pay it off tomorrow. That is the reality. In a year’s time the Queensland government will have borrowings of $59 billion. That is a huge amount of money and particularly when, quite frankly, we are at the top of our economic cycle. With the huge inflow of funds from all of our booming commodity markets right throughout Queensland and the economy of India and China underpinning that, it really is amazing that we are in a situation of having to borrow so much money, costing almost $10 million a day. That is equivalent to funding a single school every week and a major hospital every three to four months. In the business community, about which I would like to think I have some understanding, it is important to grow your industry with borrowings but those borrowings are always predicated on the fact that you have a plan to pay them back. Over a period of time, as you wind down those borrowings and move forward into the future, you will have a plan to pay those borrowings back. That is a principle of running a business. Unfortunately, after scrutinising the budget papers, we do not see that this government has a plan to pay those borrowings back. Quite frankly, the infrastructure that is being built has little opportunity over time of paying back the funds that will be expended. 2148 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

I have sat on this side of the House and made representations to government over a long period of time for the building of extra dams, roads and many other infrastructure projects right throughout Queensland. Quite frankly, I was hurt by some of the remarks that we on this side of the House had to listen to not that many years ago when we suggested that a number of dams should be built in Queensland. We were told that members of the Queensland National Party were dinosaurs and that there were far better things to do than spend money on building dams. What a change we have seen since we went through a period of dry weather recently. We had a short and not unusual cyclic dry period and suddenly Queensland was running out of water—most importantly, the south-east corner of Queensland was running out of water. So suddenly we had to build major water infrastructure at a time when there was a very tight skills shortage and at a time when the cost of building infrastructure had gone through the roof. That is why we have a $59 billion debt and that is why it is going to be difficult to pay it back. We can all reflect on the Beazley black hole, as it was known in those days—a $96 billion federal government debt that the Howard government paid back over a period of time. Fortunately the Howard government had the opportunities to pay that debt back. It had the opportunity of introducing a new tax regime across Australia and the opportunity of selling major assets that belonged to the Australian people. We do not have that asset base in Queensland. As we move forward we are seeing more and more of our assets being sold off to prop up this government. When we complained that we needed a new hospital in Mackay, and pressure was brought to bear by the local paper, the Daily Mercury, and almost 30,000 petitions were signed, the government decided that the smart thing to do was sell off the airport to fund the hospital. In the good old days a hospital would have been built out of the petty cash that the government would have, not so much nowadays. Government members interjected. Mr MALONE: Listen to the giggles over there. That would not happen now. We have to sell assets to build basic infrastructure in our communities. A place like Mackay that pulls $2.2 billion in mining royalties to support this government— Mr Lawlor interjected. Mr MALONE: We hear the rabble down the back squeaking. When central Queensland has again been hit by increased mining royalties to prop up the south-east corner of Queensland, it is a bit of a kick in the guts to the people of central Queensland that when they need basic infrastructure like a new hospital they have to sell the airport to make it happen. Mr Fraser: Do you oppose it? Are you opposing it formally? Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Treasurer. Mr Fraser: Do you have a view, Ted? Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Treasurer, please do not interject and address the member by his correct title. Mr MALONE: It is interesting to note as we go through each project in the budget what the impact will be of higher fuel costs and higher fertiliser costs. For instance, the issues of higher fuel costs and higher fertiliser costs are going to impact upon our primary industries. I really do worry at the end of the day how the efficient primary industries we have now are actually going to supply food for our regional communities and for the rest of the world. It was only yesterday that I heard that the price of basic fertiliser DAP, which was normally priced at about $500 a tonne in Queensland, has now gone up to $2,800 a tonne. It is almost impossible for farmers to afford to use that fertiliser and grow any sort of produce at all. We see fuel prices go up to $1.90 a litre. With harvesting costs et cetera, it is going to be very difficult for farmers to remain economically viable. The cost of food production, the cost of timber and the cost of every other commodity throughout Queensland and certainly throughout Australia will be affected by the higher fuel and fertiliser costs. Let us look at what is happening in the ethanol industry. The government I guess has been lacking some sort of mandate to give some certainty to building infrastructure such as distilleries throughout Queensland. Ethanol is one way of reducing the price of fuel for the general population. There is a huge opportunity I believe for the sugar industry to key into the supply of ethanol right throughout Queensland. The amount of ethanol in fuel that is produced in Brazil—cars are running on 85 per cent ethanol—is just amazing. Yet we are still being very tardy about supporting the ethanol industry in Queensland. I have to say that, unless the sugar industry is able to see some light on the horizon within two years, that industry will be almost out the back door. Spending on the railway upgrade at Jilalan and on the ports is welcome. That fundamental infrastructure is needed to ensure that our coal industry continues to keep ramping up to enable the government to access funds from the coal levy. The population in central Queensland is dependent on the coal industry at this stage. Most of our young people become involved in the mining industry and learn a skilled trade through the mining industry. Our whole economy in central Queensland is very reliant on the coal industry. There are plans 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2149 to build up to 20 new coalmines just inland between Rockhampton and Mackay and that will have a huge impact on our road systems, the livability of our cities and the housing in our cities, yet we have seen very little effort from the government to look at setting aside land for extra houses in that region. There will be a huge requirement for dormitory type constructions throughout that region and for an upgrade of the roads and facilities to ensure that those people live in a safe environment. There are a lot of other issues to do with the dormitory type dwellings and accommodation in the region. A little town like Nebo has about 300 or 400 permanent residents but something like 2,500 or 3,000 accommodation units, and those people are not included on the ABS figures for the area. We have a single police officer stuck there trying to run Nebo and also cover places like Glenden, Coppabella and sometimes Moranbah because the ABS figures do not reflect who actually lives there. There is no opportunity for that station to become a dual manned station or for that police officer to even get support. I have said a number of times in this House that we should look at the population that is based in the towns rather than just the ABS figures. My thoughts go out to Gavin Hill, the police officer who is trying to work there. Earlier this year the resident policeman at Glenden actually resigned and moved into the mining industry, and it took six months before another police officer was able to start work there. This situation is made more and more difficult not only for the people in Glenden but also for the single officer who is trying to cover the area. Travel for the elderly people in my electorate is an issue, as most people know, and they often travel to places like Rockhampton, Mackay and St Lawrence. It is a cheaper area to live and a lot of people live in the country for that reason, but the cost of actually travelling to Mackay or Rockhampton is exorbitant nowadays with the price of fuel. A lot of those people are on a pension. I am not sure how we address the issue, but it is becoming more and more difficult for those people to attend specialist appointments and get themselves to doctors et cetera at hospitals in Mackay or Rockhampton. It is really interesting to look at the energy strategy we have in Queensland and even in Australia. A short time after Kevin Rudd signed the Kyoto protocol that was going to be the saviour of Australia, we have seen a real turnaround relating to the supply of solar cells in Queensland and Australia. There is a subsidy for putting solar cells on your roof but there is an income cap of $100,000. My belief, and I think we would all understand this, is that if we can encourage people to use solar cells to generate power they should be paid that componentry at the 44c per kilowatt hour. They should be given some incentive to actually use solar. Solar cells are a good, efficient way of producing local power. There is no need to use big powerlines to transmit power between major cities; it is done locally. It actually feeds into the componentry and into the system at a time when a lot of power is being used through the day. It really is a key initiative. It is very important that we look at the alternative energy sources we have in Queensland and encourage people to go in that direction. Queensland did have very good solar power manufacturing facilities, but we seem to be discouraging their use and I think that is heading in the wrong direction. I do not see a lot of money in the budget to support the recently amalgamated shires to do their job. They were given a small amount of money to start with and the cost of the amalgamation has gone through the roof. Everywhere I travel, mayors and councillors say that they are encountering problems and experiencing budget shortfalls they never knew existed. Quite frankly, the actual cost of bringing a number of different IT programs together has gone through the roof. The government needs to meet its obligations and look at better planning and certainly better support for the regional councils throughout Queensland. In terms of development in north Queensland, there are no plans at this stage for a baseload power station in north Queensland, and that is really the only way we will get further development there. Competitive power is a basis for all development and it is important we move forward with that. I am pleased to see some extra funding for the Connors River Dam just inland from Mackay. I encourage the government to build that dam to its biggest capacity. It is a pivotal water storage area on the Connors River that can supply water down the Connors River into the Isaac and further into the Fitzroy. With some deviation, it could put some water on the coastal plains at St Lawrence and Waverley Plains and that could actually be a second Burdekin food bowl. More importantly, the river supplies sustainable water for the 20-odd mining developments in the inner Bowen Basin that I mentioned earlier. With regard to Queensland Rail, more thought needs to be put into a second crossing of the Connors Range. Currently, an accident on the Connors Range could easily hold up the coal exports for weeks on end. With those few words, I conclude my speech. Mr ELMES (Noosa—Lib) (2.48 pm): This week is the week of the Treasurer’s first budget and of course for him it is a momentous one. This budget is what the Treasurer will be measured against in the future and, from the look of things, the Treasurer is trying to set the bar very low. It would appear that he 2150 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008 is not trying very hard at all. While Queensland families face tough economic times, massive stock market losses, skyrocketing oil prices and the increased cost of living pressures, the Queensland government will continue to enjoy rosy economic times for many years to come according to this budget. The Treasurer is wearing his rose-coloured glasses and is waltzing us down the debt spiral to every Queenslander’s detriment. The legacy of the Treasurer will be signing Queensland up to a massive debt burden without a plan to pay it off. He is reliant upon the good economic times to continue unabated. Heaven help the Treasurer and the people of Queensland if the resources boom bubble ever bursts. In fact, if we look closely at Budget Paper No. 2, the tough times for investment returns simply did not occur when the Treasurer calculated the underlying surplus. The Treasurer is simply kidding himself and he is trying to con the people of Queensland. What makes this even worse is that, in calculating the forward positioning of Queensland when accounting for investment returns, the Treasurer is ignoring reality; instead he chooses to keep his head in the sand. If the Treasurer tried to apply his economic standards to a home loan borrower in Queensland, he would be laughed out of the bank because he has not shown a plan on how to repay the capital borrowings. The Treasurer’s plan only covers meeting interest payments and he wants to leave repaying the capital to future generations. Imagine if mum and dad public went to their local public bank and said that they would pay the interest on their home loan but they had decided that their kids would pay back the capital. The bank would not give them any money. There is no way any lender would give them a brass razoo, yet the Treasurer has signed Queensland up for a massive borrowing spree without a plan to repay anything but the interest. I wonder if the Treasurer has spoken to Kevin Rudd about this, because according to Kevin Rudd we need to be thinking about that looming day when the mining boom will end, but here in this House the Treasurer reckons it will go on forever. The Treasurer should have a chat with the Prime Minister and make sure that they are both singing from the same song sheet about the lifetime of the mining boom. This budget is seriously flawed. The Premier called it an A-plus budget for ‘A-plus’ Andrew. Unfortunately for her, it is an F for fail from ‘F-minus’ Fraser. If the government reckons he wants to argue the point, maybe he should come to Noosa and take it up with my constituents, most of whom have been left high and dry by this budget. Noosa’s mums and dads, schoolkids, grandparents, our families, our fishermen and our homeowners have nothing to thank the Treasurer for under this budget. The sum total for the Noosa electorate is $1.1 million for an ambulance station in Coolum that is almost complete. Some money is going to be spent some time on a road between 2020 and 2026. There is some money for an electricity generator in Cooroy which is not quite in the Noosa electorate at the moment and an amenities block for the Coolum State High School. For those items, I thank the Treasurer on behalf of the people of the Noosa electorate. However, I would like to mention the matters that I have previously raised with the government and things that have been omitted from this budget. First is the matter of the levels of operational police in the Noosa electorate. This is a matter that is close to my heart. It is very important to the people in my electorate, and I can understand why the minister for police and corrective services continues with the line that there are enough police in Noosa. The police officers we have are doing a magnificent job, but they are being let down and they are being completely forsaken by this government. It is not good enough that people can simply walk out of a watch-house because there are not enough police assigned to guard them, yet this is what happened in my electorate recently. It is not good enough that there can be near riots of out-of-control youths who threaten the public and Noosa’s police officers, yet the police minister says that I am beating the matter up. The police minister can say what she likes, but I have residents in my electorate who are on the verge of serious illness from fear of violence and antisocial behaviour, and I have to address one of those instances this coming Tuesday. I welcome the addition of 200 officers to the Queensland Police Service, but how many of these new officers are going to fill the gaps of officers who have left out of exasperation and frustration over the way this government treats them? As the Leader of the Opposition demonstrated I think yesterday in this place, 200 new officers will not even cover the attrition of officers who have left the service. A total of 269 police officers left the Queensland Police Service in the first nine months of this financial year alone. It is not good enough—not good enough at all—and my message is that Noosa needs more police. Secondly, the Premier and Treasurer have tried to style themselves as being the builders of Queensland. Apparently they are congestion busters. I say ‘apparently’ because according to this budget there is no congestion outside Brisbane. Between Noosa and the Bruce Highway there are three roads—the Cooroy-Noosa Road, Eumundi-Noosa Road and Yandina-Coolum Road. These three roads carry all the traffic in and out of Noosa to the Bruce Highway and all of these roads are single-lane carriageways and in desperate need of an upgrade. I have been advised that the government will consider which roads should be upgraded to four lanes by the end of this calendar year. I look forward to that occurring because, as I and many other locals experienced this week, all three roads were cut due to the major rainfalls that we had. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2151

There is a second issue in relation to roads in my electorate, and that is on the Eumundi-Noosa Road at the North Maroochy River crossing. This bridge is too narrow and it should be widened to allow pedestrians and bikers to use the bridge safely. I have asked for funding under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program and have asked for other possible avenues to be investigated so that the residents and, more importantly, the children who attend Eumundi State School can cross in safety. I have written to the Department of Main Roads and the Department of Infrastructure and Planning about this matter on numerous occasions. I first contacted the minister for main roads’s office on 15 November 2006 and was advised to make a formal submission, which I did. Subsequently I wrote to the regional Main Roads office on 21 March and on 1 June 2007 asking for the bridge to be assessed, for the 60-kilometre speed signs to be shifted away from the bridge to increase safety and for funding to be put aside to improve the situation properly. Since that time, I have also written to the minister for transport on 13 June 2007, 13 February 2008 and 12 May of this year. I asked Minister Mickel for funding under the Cycle Network Program to improve the safety of cyclists who use the bridge. Unfortunately, this matter has been overlooked in the budget. It seems that, if the Premier wants to get rid of congestion and make Queensland roads safer, her attention ends at the Pine River. The third issue I have raised previously with the government is in relation to the Coolum Fire Station. The current facility has well outlasted its usefulness, and I have raised this issue previously in the House. I wrote to Minister Roberts about this issue on a number of occasions, most recently on 12 May 2008. Unfortunately, this matter has also been neglected despite a site being available and the funds being allocated for other new and refurbished fire stations across the state. I can only wonder as to why this project was not considered. The land set aside for the Coolum Fire Station is on the same site as the Coolum Ambulance Station, which is nearing completion. That in itself raises an interesting question, because to go with the completion of the Coolum Ambulance Station is an allocation of something in the region of $18,000 for murals and statues. I could understand $18,000 being spent on a building if it were built in the CBD and it was 10 or 20 storeys high, but to spend $18,000 on murals and statues on a suburban ambulance station that has cane land on three sides and suburban houses on the other side of the road seems to me to be a complete and total waste of money. A good coat of paint and some landscaping is the way to go. If one was to put another $2,000 to that $18,000, we could have another ambulance in this station with a defibrillator in the back of it and going some way to saving the life of someone in need. If anyone wants to know why Queensland hospitals are in meltdown and why Queensland Health is in some form of crisis, then they should look no further than the dental clinic in Noosa. I wrote to Minister Robertson on 12 May this year in relation to levels of staff at the Noosa dental clinic. The reason this is an issue is that people who made appointments in January 2001 are being seen now, some seven years after they made an appointment to have some work done with regard to oral health. It is probably a good thing that the Bligh government took the shadow minister for health’s advice to fluoridate our water, because otherwise the Queensland government may never, ever be in a position to provide some dental services to some of the people in the Noosa electorate. I would also like to turn now to examine the budget approaches and the rhetoric we hear in this place in relation to the environment and sustainability. If the government is to be measured by its words, then it has set the standard high. Unfortunately for the government, it is its actions, not its words, by which it will be measured. I turn firstly to the feed-in tariff under the Clean Energy Act for electricity generated by solar panels installed on houses across Queensland. This legislation was guillotined through this parliament—in fact, only three speeches were made in this parliament in the last sitting when the bill was brought before the House. Most of us who wanted to speak were refused the opportunity to debate the bill and its provisions, and now I can see why Labor did not want us to examine the bill in detail. The idea is a fraud. It is a con job on the people of Queensland. Those opposite know that they can prey on the good intentions of Queenslanders to help with the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change. Again we see that this Labor government in Queensland is all talk and no action. We know all the flowery language that those opposite engage in when they employ 367 spin doctors to pull the wool over the public’s eyes every single day. When it comes to action, when it comes to putting their money where their mouth is, the budget is silent. It is full of rhetoric and spin but empty on actually putting aside money to reward people who take up solar power. Those opposite claim to offer 44c per kilowatt hour payable for energy generated by people who go to the cost and effort of installing solar panels. But the fact is, as demonstrated by this budget, that the government does not ever expect to pay real money to people. The Minister for Mines and Energy should come clean and admit that the Clean Energy Bill was never intended to put cash in the pockets of Queenslanders who have done the right thing. My office was contacted by people whom the government had consulted with before the bill’s introduction. They told me that they were promised a gross payment for energy generated under this system rather than a net calculation. 2152 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

Now we know why the Premier misled Queenslanders. That is because neither the Premier nor the Treasurer want to pay one red cent to people to reward them for taking up solar power. These people were angry when they found out that the Premier had misled them about it. I know that they are going to be very angry when it turns out that the government has no intention of paying anything to anyone under this program. Under a Springborg-led government we will pay the gross amount to householders who go to the trouble of getting solar panels. We will look after the people who choose to make a difference. This budget is also a blow for tourism operators in my electorate. Given that the tourism industry is so vital to Queensland’s future, one would expect that this budget would recognise their efforts and look to secure their position in the future. Regrettably, it does neither. In fact this budget kicks the industry while it is down. In conclusion, can I thank the Treasurer for the meagre scraps he has seen fit to allow Noosa to have from the budget. As I said at the start of my presentation this afternoon, my report card and score on him was correct—F for fail from ‘F-minus’ Fraser. Ms NOLAN (Ipswich—ALP) (3.01 pm): I rise briefly to commend the Treasurer on an excellent, very good quality first budget and to speak briefly about the implications of this budget for Ipswich. I have been speaking in budget debates for seven years now. I want to place this budget within that ongoing narrative. When I was elected in 2001, Ipswich was only just beginning to emerge from a very difficult period in its history. Through the eighties and into the nineties Ipswich had lost its traditional industrial base and was really at risk of becoming a dormitory suburb. At that time, Ipswich had a jobs to population ratio of just 36 per cent but a workforce participation rate in the sixties. That meant that many, many people were forced to commute to Brisbane each day for work. My predecessor, David Hamill, who was the son of a railway worker from Ipswich, did an enormous amount of work in reinventing the image of Ipswich. In the first budget to which I spoke in this place we were still seeing the end of some of the really major projects which David had initiated. David’s vision was about the service industry, education and tourism. There were three big things that he did. The first was that he was instrumental in securing the University of Queensland Ipswich campus which is now successfully operating in the heart of my electorate. The second was that he put a lot of money into tourism. In the first budget about which I spoke we were finishing building the $20 million Workshops Rail Museum now operated by the Queensland Museum and we were building the Global Arts Link, which is the wonderful Ipswich art gallery now owned and run by the Ipswich City Council. The council was also instrumental in developing this new image for Ipswich. It was the first council in Australia to start its own internet service provider which has subsequently been onsold to the private sector. When I first spoke in 2001 about this change in Ipswich to focus on tourism, to focus on education and to focus on service industries I had the sense, not so much in here but from some of the more traditional elements in the community, that people were looking at me a bit half sideways—as if this was all very well but might not quite work out. Now, seven years later, we are really starting to see the results of that innovation. There is strong employment growth in Ipswich and the city I think can quite confidently say that it will regain its heart and it is no longer in danger of ending up a commuter suburb. In 2005 the state government brought down the regional plan. We were criticised because one of the key aims of the plan was to very deliberately direct population growth away from a dreadful conglomerate of urban sprawl from Noosa to Coolangatta to the west. In 2005 that was the then Beattie government showing a real vote of confidence in the capacity of Ipswich to sustainably manage growth. This budget is showing the results of that commitment. This is, in my view, the best budget that Ipswich has seen in the seven years that I have been a member and the three years before that when I played the role of Treasury adviser. I say that for a number of reasons. What this budget does is show the government delivering infrastructure in almost every government department. The future of Ipswich is about sustainable growth. There are three elements to that. We know that we face major environmental challenges. We know that we face climate change. We know that we face peak oil. We know that if we are going to manage those things what we have to do is create communities where people can live, where they can work and where they can play. Ipswich, being a traditional community that was in the first place set up on that model, is well placed to grow again in that way. So this budget does these things. It establishes services in the Ipswich CBD. There is a new Disability Services building. There is a new respite centre. We have just finished a Child Safety building. There is $110 million for a new Ipswich Police Station and courthouse. We are very deliberately placing government services in the CBD. The Premier came to Ipswich recently and announced that we would take a step further in that regard by relocating an additional 1,200 public servants to the CBD, by developing a new Ipswich transit centre and by taking full planning control with a view to completely redeveloping the CBD. The funding for those initiatives comes in this budget and I very, very strongly welcome it. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2153

The second element to making Ipswich work as a sustainable centre for the future is building transport infrastructure, and this budget delivers that. There is $320 million in federal funds for the ongoing Ipswich Motorway upgrade. Now that we have a Rudd Labor government it is finally happening. We are building a second Ipswich-Brisbane road link with the Centenary Highway extension which will be finished early next year. We are triplicating the Ipswich railway line which is what we need to do to allow for there to be more express trains. The first element is CBD services. The second element is transport infrastructure so that people can access those services. The third element is protecting the city’s environment and protecting it from urban sprawl. As members know, that is something to which I am very strongly committed and to which I commit today to doing further work on into the future. This is, as I said, a very good budget. I sincerely thank the Treasurer and the Premier for their efforts and for their strong personal commitment to the city of Ipswich and to its people. I commend this budget to the House. Mrs SCOTT (Woodridge—ALP) (3.08 pm): It is a great pleasure to speak in the debate on the Appropriation Bill 2008. While we have been bracing for a tough budget, it is times of great challenge that give the greatest opportunity to shine. I believe the Premier and Treasurer, in crafting this budget, have done just that. It has been all about getting the balance right—ensuring that the huge requirements for infrastructure and services right throughout the state are met, but that we care for the most vulnerable in our communities. A state budget needs to be a meaningful document from the cape to our southern border and out to the west of our vast state. There are many who are doing it tough at the present time—some through the prolonged drought, others due to the huge rise in the cost of living, from fuel and grocery prices, but most of all in my electorate with the massive rise in rental charges. These are often quite unjustified and simply a matter of short supply, high demand and landlords willing to raise the rent again and again with many failing to do even basic maintenance, knowing their tenant is desperate and so will not complain. Times are tough for many. However, there are many measures in this budget to help various sectors in my community. I believe our schools and education funding are of paramount importance, and I particularly want to thank the education minister and his team for a new program which did not quite make it into the budget papers but nonetheless is part of this 2008 budget. For a long time I have been seeking additional funding for my schools—not necessarily for bricks and mortar, although that would be nice. There are many students who have not had a great start in life. Some have come from refugee camps in Africa; others live in homes where parents may suffer a mental illness, where domestic violence may be a regular occurrence, or where parents simply cannot supply the basic needs of their children in spite of their best efforts. If one walks into any one of my primary schools such as Woodridge State School, they will find children from many different lands, many language groups, some with very little English, different religions. There are very few white faces. To stand before that diverse sea of bright little faces is inspiring. They are a happy, harmonious little United Nations. But many have come from very troubled places and from a culture vastly different from ours. To work in schools such as these, teachers need a special gift and additional resources, and that brings me to the Believe, Achieve, Success strategy. This innovative program aims to improve student attendance, behaviour and wellbeing, and improve learning outcomes. It will build the capacity and capability of school staff to respond to the complexity of students and will nurture leadership and culture within the student body. At the same time, teachers’ health, wellbeing and retention will be of high importance. There will also be a focus on engaging with parents and community. Additional staff members will work in a multidisciplinary team to work across school clusters. The Logan area has been identified as a high-needs area and I am looking forward to seeing this strategy on the ground in my schools. While a number of schools will receive allocations for maintenance, it has been revealed that an additional $100 million will be rolled out over the next two years for maintenance in our Queensland schools. In this budget Kingston State School will receive $99,000 for enclosed undercover walkways and there will be high priority and targeted maintenance at Kingston College, Kingston and Woodridge North state schools and Mabel Park High. Set-down areas have been funded at Groves Christian College, St Paul’s Primary, Crestmead, Marsden and Kingston state schools. Of major importance is the funding by Main Roads of a pedestrian overpass between the two Mabel Park schools at a cost of $4,500,000 or $5 million in total. I want to particularly thank our Deputy Premier for the initial decision to fund this project. Young lives are so important and often, when with their friends, young students’ minds are not on road safety. For some years I have been campaigning for a new fire station in Woodridge. I remember doing an award presentation in the old station and pledging to those gathered that I would do all I could to deliver a new station to them. I thank our present emergency services minister, the Hon. Neil Roberts, for his welcome impromptu visit some weeks ago where I, along with Barbara Stone, spent time touring the facility and listening to the issues. Thank you to the fire officers on duty that day who did not hold back pointing out the inadequacies of our station. This is a great outcome and I am grateful for the 2154 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008 funding of $500,000 in this budget for planning, with a total project cost of $3,750,000. Another important project is the previously announced police station at Marsden-Crestmead at a cost of $4,940,000 in this budget, with a total cost of $5,400,000. I seek leave to incorporate the remainder of my speech in Hansard. Leave granted. Mr Speaker: Community Renewal has done more for the Woodridge Electorate than any other program with its flexible funding for innovative programs and I am pleased to see ongoing funding for the Logan Zone of $1,095,000. The Department of Housing will also build 24 studio apartments at a cost of $3,095,000. Home Assist/Secure which allows many seniors to remain in their own homes by supplying labour for home maintenance has been allocated $584,000. Substantial funding has also been allocated to community and emergency housing as well as initiatives to assist those at risk of becoming homeless as well as the homeless. HACC funding of $3,127,000 will assist the elderly, those with mental health issues and young adults exiting the care of the state. I am looking forward to the installation of an All Abilities Playground at Logan Gardens at a cost of $177,000 (total $209,000) where youngsters with a disability will be able to play with their able-bodied siblings in a safe environment. Other funding will deliver services for youth development, youth justice, domestic violence support services, counselling, community support services and seniors. Mr Speaker: If there is one department we wish we had no need of, it is that of Child Safety. With over 7,000 children in care throughout the state it is a very sad indictment on the health of many of our families. Our foster and kinship carers are just so important and there are many heart-warming stories of youngsters being given a new start in life. Additional funding will support residential care, live-in carers, to boost the number of foster and kinship carers, court support and counselling, and supported, independent living. Local services such as NUTCHA will receive funding of $620,000 and Ganijuu Family Support $522,000. Mr Speaker: Unemployment programs have for a long time attracted a high level of funding in the Woodridge Electorate. I want to particularly thank our Employment Minister Hon John Mickel for the ongoing interest he takes in local programs such as the CJPs (Community Jobs Plan) run by ACCES Services for our former refugees from Africa and Burma and other countries, and the very effective programs run by such organisations as BoysTown and Career Keys. Skilling Queenslanders for Work has been a spectacularly successful program and has a success rate in excess of 80% in getting people of all ages into work. Funding for training and the Queensland Skills Plan shows that this government is serious about our skills shortage and is intent on training up a skilled workforce for the future. Mr Speaker: Substantial funding has been allocated to public transport with additional buses and trains, duplication of rail lines, upgrades of stations, huge expenditure on busways and improved disability access along with safety enhancements. Anyone who travels on our roads is aware of the huge expenditure on roads, bridges and tunnels to ensure that in the future, we will have a modern roads system that will complement our public transport system allowing easy travel through and around our city. Locally, there are substantial funds for major arterial roads such as the M1, Logan Motorway and Gateway as well as the widening of Wembley Road at Berrinba. Local intersections that will be improved include Kingston and Clare Roads, Kingston and Paradise, Jacaranda and Juers. Mr Speaker: The big issues of Health, Disabilities, Water, Power, Housing have all received increased funding, however, there are a number of initiatives which I must mention before concluding my speech. Additional funding, while modest, will assist pensioners with rebates on electricity, gas and water, rates reduction and 50% on car and boat registration. And for the holders of a Queensland Driver’s Licence, the full discount of 8.354 cents per litre will go straight into their pocket. For first home buyers, stamp duty will be abolished and they will also be exempt from transfer duty, providing the home is valued at less than $500,000. This should result in a saving of up to $9,500. The dream of home ownership has been slipping out of the reach of many and it is hoped that this may assist a large number. The announcement that a number of large developments will be brought on line should release additional land and a number of our developers are keen to assist with more affordable housing. Mr Speaker: The Electorate of Woodridge is a delightfully diverse community. Long-time residents are proud of the area and are the kind of neighbours many remember from the middle of the last century. Where people knew each other and looked out for each other. They volunteer in a multitude of various organisations, and enjoy the close-knit community it has remained. Those who work in the area, particularly in our remarkable services and schools have a real commitment to make a difference and to improve the lot of those who are doing it tough. Our young people from every corner of the globe are still 2nd generation Australians, so their culture is still strong and this is reflected in many of our celebrations—making for a rich, vibrant youth scene. While there are many challenges facing us, I have no doubt that the future will be bright, and that is in no small part because of the major commitment this government has made through so many exceptional programs. I am very privileged to represent the people of this area. They feed my soul and I look forward to playing a major role on into the future. Mr DEMPSEY (Bundaberg—NPA) (3.14 pm): I rise today to speak in the debate on the appropriation bills for the budget of 2008-09. I am honoured and humbled to be here today as the representative of the people of Bundaberg and to address this Appropriation Bill. Bundaberg is a vibrant city with an exceptional lifestyle, and it is disappointing that I have to report to the people of Bundaberg that yet again they have been ignored by this state government. The record of neglect continues for the hardworking families and residents of Bundaberg as we see billions of dollars pumped into south-east Queensland to pay for previous poor planning. However, I will continue to fight for a better deal for the people of Bundaberg and indeed a better deal for all Queenslanders. I have heard members of the government say that this is a true Labor budget, and I agree. It is a reckless, big borrowing, big taxing, big spending and wasteful budget that attempts to make up for 10 years of neglect. It is about paying for the past mismanagement of this government and creating debt for the future. For the last 10 years Queensland has had the benefit of a booming population, a stable national economy and unprecedented financial opportunities to secure our state’s future. However, this state government has failed and its mismanagement has led to crisis after crisis. In the next four years the state government will sink to a record $64 billion deficit which will require $10 million to be spent on interest repayments daily—$10 million a day that could be spent employing an extra 100 doctors, police, nurses and teachers. Just four days of interest repayments would fund the Bundaberg Hospital upgrade. This government will collect record billions of dollars in GST, $10 billion in state taxes and $797 million in land taxes this year. But bad management will see Bundaberg residents having to pay for south-east Queensland infrastructure. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2155

Many Bundaberg families are already struggling to make ends meet because of rising taxes, electricity and fuel prices and the overall cost of living in this tax-burdened state. Balancing the household budget has become a challenge for Bundaberg’s community. While this government has elected to put its expenses on the credit card, Bundaberg families do not have that luxury. As a result, Bundaberg’s enviable lifestyle has been threatened, with people forced to re-evaluate their family and work balance. Despite the drain on Bundaberg’s household budgets through state taxes and fees, there is little coming back to our city as infrastructure and services. For many Bundaberg families, their weekends are spent at locations like Martens Oval, Daph Geddes park, Kendall Flat or Salter Oval participating in their favourite sporting code. Unfortunately, these facilities that are an important part of the Bundaberg lifestyle are not directly funded in this budget. It is great to see the final $673,000 allocated for the replacement of amenities at Bundaberg State High School. These amenities were in very poor condition and were highlighted seven years ago. However, the poor state of other buildings in the school has also been highlighted, with Bundaberg State High School named as the fourth neediest school in the state when it comes to maintenance. This school has a very proud tradition, with excellent teachers, staff and students. Anything we can do to help ensure a safer educational environment for the Bundaberg State High School community is good. But similar safety and maintenance issues are a concern at every educational institution in Bundaberg, and I will continue to raise these concerns with the government. The P&C communities in Bundaberg are very passionate about providing the best for their community, and I challenge this government to match their enthusiasm and meet their needs with adequate funding. I welcome the $200,000 funding for additional amenities at the North Bundaberg State High School and I look forward to working with the education minister and the public works minister to achieve successful outcomes for the benefit of all schools in Bundaberg. However, schools are more than just buildings, and more money is needed to fund additional speech and occupational therapists as well as proper resources for special needs education. Considering the statewide skills shortage, it is particularly disappointing that there are no funds allocated to the expansion of courses available at the Bundaberg TAFE campus. A number of tradespeople and business owners are frustrated by the lack of training provided. One Bundaberg refrigeration mechanic has to turn young people away from apprenticeships because they must wait years before they can complete the theory requirements at TAFE. The shortage of TAFE places and courses has prevented Bundaberg people from obtaining a trade. The long waiting list for TAFE places has stopped people from becoming nurses. I note from the glossy brochures that the government has provided $35.8 million to train 50 new nurses and to update nursing skills, yet individuals in my electorate who are willing to pay to obtain nursing qualifications at Bundaberg’s TAFE cannot start their chosen vocation because there are simply not enough places on offer. It was also disappointing to hear that Bundaberg has again missed out on money for its urgent hospital upgrade. Funding of $6,733,000 this financial year is a dramatic shortfall from the $41.1 million that was promised by the state government in 2006. At that time, in a media release dated 17 August 2006, the then Premier claimed that ‘No community is more deserving of improved health services’, that ‘the people of Bundaberg deserve all the improvements in health care we can offer’ and that ‘a re- elected State government will begin work immediately to add 30 beds at the Bundaberg Hospital, expand the emergency department and upgrade current rehabilitation services by early 2008’. Construction work has begun on this unfunded upgrade and the staff—from doctors, nurses and administration officers to cleaners—and many valued volunteers are working hard to restore faith and confidence in their health system. I look forward to working with these health professionals in taking positive steps forward and I look forward to the day when a state government comes on board to build a health service that the people of Bundaberg deserve. In 2005, when the Queensland Health budget was $5.35 billion, just over 34,600 patients were waiting for surgery. Now, with an increased $8.35 billion Health budget, the waiting list has lengthened to more than 38,000 patients. That suggests that throwing more money at a problem is not the solution. We need properly managed health facilities administered by people committed to their local communities, not more Brisbane bureaucrats. Bundaberg’s patients are languishing on waiting lists. Routine dental work is becoming more complex and expensive as patients wait for more than six years for their teeth to be fixed. Pensioners have become trapped in their own homes through poor eyesight while they wait to see an eye specialist. Children have been left waiting days for their broken bones to be set while their doctors wait for X-ray reports to be returned from interstate. Every morning the ‘medical express’ tilt train rolls out of Bundaberg, delivering patients to Brisbane for specialist appointments. These Brisbane appointments have become a financial burden on many Bundaberg patients. I will continue to request that this government update the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme. 2156 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

Hospitals are places we all want to avoid. With proper health and wellbeing education, Bundaberg’s residents can ease the strain on our hospitals. Promoting an active, healthy lifestyle and properly funding programs such as Heartstart, Life Education and the Cancer Council will go a long way towards increasing people’s overall health. The provision of $2 million in funding for the mental health unit for extra beds is welcome and will help meet the community’s needs. I look forward to further funding for extra crisis accommodation and desperately needed respite care. I look forward to Bundaberg families benefiting from the increase in disability funding for the Wide Bay region. There is a desperate need for additional disability lifestyle packages, with many families facing heartache and financial stress while trying to provide for their loved ones. This situation has not been helped by the withholding of funds for the disability sector. Since 2002, this government has promised $223.9 million to disability infrastructure, but only $112.9 million has been spent. That leaves $111 million that could have been used to support people with disabilities. These people and their families are some of the most vulnerable people in our community and they should not be given false hope from misleading promises. Bundaberg’s seniors are also facing financial stress as the rising cost of living is hitting this group particularly hard. The increased electricity rebate goes some way but does not negate the massive increase in the cost of gas and power. Seniors are an integral part of the community and helping them to live as independently as possible should be the aim of any caring government. Bundaberg’s seniors would greatly benefit from increased respite funding to assist in social and community engagement. Ensuring access to respite, domestic assistance and transport services will mean that these valuable citizens can continue to interact with the community, sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience. Bundaberg is experiencing rapid growth and with this growth comes infrastructure needs. The $34.5 million allocated for the construction of the Bundaberg ring-road is very welcome and will go a long way towards relieving future transport frustrations. At a total cost of $92 million, it will provide an alternative route from the Isis Highway to industrial areas and the Bundaberg port. I again welcome these much-needed funds to the Bundaberg electorate and look forward to the completion of this project and future projects, including the Bundaberg airport, which will assist in the growth of our district. It is my belief that decentralisation is one of the keys to Queensland’s future development. All levels of government must work together and show the fiscal and political will that is needed to promote family and community lifestyles throughout this wonderful state. We must develop viable transportation; reliable electricity, gas and water supplies; and tax incentives to promote decentralisation and the benefits of living in areas such as Bundaberg to the rest of the state. But we also need to see proper planning and infrastructure put in place in regional centres such as Bundaberg to avoid repeating the mistakes made in south-east Queensland. Greenfield sites for future hospitals, schools and transport corridors need to be secured while we have the opportunity. The sugar and horticultural industries are an important part of Bundaberg’s economy and balancing urban sprawl, farm gate needs and environmental concerns can only happen if extensive planning and funds are provided to the Bundaberg region. The forecast growth of Bundaberg means that the city would benefit greatly from a share of the new budget funded police and ambulance recruits. Bundaberg has experienced an horrific 18 months of tragedy on its roads and it continues to be one of the hardest hit regional centres in terms of hooning and domestic violence offences. Restoring the highly praised domestic violence unit and providing additional traffic police for Bundaberg would go a long way towards reducing the community’s concerns.The increase in population will also require additional staff at the Bundaberg Court House. I will continue to fight for increased funding for rehabilitation and education to reduce the impact of crime on the community. Protecting Bundaberg’s youngest citizens from neglect and abuse should be boosted by a share in the $1.7 million that has been allocated for early intervention programs in the Wide Bay-Burnett region. With more than 200 child protection orders issued in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court in 12 months, these early invention programs should be a priority. Bundaberg’s firefighters attended a record number of incidents in the last financial year, with a majority of these call-outs being traffic accidents. Owing to the significant increase in workload and the continual changes to legislation, I look forward to the future announcement of additional staff and a new fire station. As the cost of living continues to rise, affordable housing in Bundaberg is becoming more difficult to find. Rental properties are in very high demand, placing strain on the public housing system. With 38,000 people currently on the housing waiting list in Queensland and numerous Bundaberg families suffering, I welcome the $14.2 million that has been allocated over three years to the Wide Bay region. I hope that a significant portion of that funding is given to help Bundaberg people in need. After 10 years of Smart State policy and five months after the signing of the Kyoto protocol limiting greenhouse gas emissions, we are now presented with a Queensland budget that relies on revenue from coal. The Premier stated that this is a budget for the future. However, future generations will have 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2157 to pay the price for this short-sighted budget. Queensland deserves to be led by a government that properly manages the state and plans for the future rather than one that reacts to crisis after crisis. Queensland deserves to live up to its Smart State name and be the Sunshine State. We need a state government that focuses on climate-proofing our community and harnessing solar power. Bundaberg families should be given the same opportunity to access solar power and rainwater rebate schemes as those in south-east Queensland. As a key cane-growing area, Bundaberg has a unique opportunity to lead the development of ethanol as an alternative fuel supply. Bundaberg deserves to be properly supported in its efforts to become a renewable energy centre. Bundaberg deserves a caring social system and world-class health services. I agree with the former Premier, Peter Beattie, that Bundaberg deserves the best health system that Queensland can offer. The Bundaberg community and our hospital staff are working towards this goal. It is time we had a state government that will properly fund the upgrades we require. Bundaberg deserves properly funded disability services and assistance packages for our most vulnerable families. It is time that the Department of Child Safety and Department of Housing had the money and infrastructure available to help families, seniors and children in need. Queensland deserves sustainable development spread across the state, not just in south-east Queensland. Bundaberg offers many opportunities for business growth and affordable housing for the state’s growing population. It is time that Bundaberg had infrastructure created to allow it to grow sustainably. Queensland deserves to be prepared for the next 20 years. After riding the ups and downs of the world sugar market, Bundaberg has grown into a city with diverse industries and economies. Cane growers have diversified into businesspeople adapting to the current climate. Bundaberg has built a growing manufacturing industry, has exporters offering unique products to the rest of the world and sustains hundreds of small businesses. Queensland must follow Bundaberg’s lead and be ready to grow after the resources boom ends. All Queenslanders deserve the right to an open and accountable government. I believe that the state budget should provide services and infrastructure for its people and a vision, not debt, for future generations. Mr LANGBROEK (Surfers Paradise—Lib) (3.30 pm): It is my pleasure to rise to speak to the appropriation bills 2008-09. I want to acknowledge some funding for the Gold Coast in my electorate and in my portfolio of Health, but of course the Treasurer would be disappointed if I did not express a number of concerns. Queensland is experiencing unprecedented prosperity. The resources boom, skyrocketing property prices and increased taxes have provided a cash cow for the Bligh government. But instead of banking the mining royalties, stamp duties and other taxes, the Premier and the government have spent all the money and borrowed big to make up for it. A decade of neglect means that billions now have to be allocated to play catch-up. I note in the budget that coal royalties are going from just over $1 billion to $3.2 billion this year. That is the way that the budget is going to actually achieve a proposed $809 million surplus. I find it staggering that a government that claims that it is looking over the horizon could not have somehow done something for one of its best contributors—the coalmining operations—and somehow been able to sort this out in a better way than it has done with a tripling of royalties. I note, too, that in terms of debt, today’s Australian has an article about Kevin Foley plunging South Australia into debt. I note that in the same period that our general government sector is going to have a $21 billion debt, the South Australian budget is going to be $1.9 billion in debt, yet here we are in the same country. I know the member for Stafford considers South Australia to be a Third World economy, but I find it amazing that we can have such a disparity between South Australia and Queensland with our budget being $21 billion in debt in 2011-12 and South Australia supposedly ‘plunged’ into debt, as the paper says today, at $1.9 billion. I want to look at the Fuel Subsidy Scheme. I note we have a Treasurer who talks about global issues. On Tuesday he said that this state is prepared to spend $20 million on bureaucrats just to stop the possibility of someone from interstate getting some use of the fuel tax rebate. On Wednesday on the front page of the Australian he urged a tax revolution. He actually believes that we should give back GST payments, which he mentioned in his maiden speech, in return for a share of income tax which could be applied at different rates across the country. I think that modern-day Queenslanders think of themselves as Australians first and then Queenslanders, not the other way round. On one hand the Treasurer wants to be Barack Obama but when we scratch the surface we find that he is really just Pauline Hanson. Most people would say that the Treasurer’s attitude of, ‘I hate Mexicans and they ain’t getting any of our money,’ and, ‘We’ll spend $20 million to stop them getting it,’ is from an era that he normally decries. His comments in Hansard on Tuesday in this place were— We do not believe that there will be savings realised out of the fuel subsidy scheme. ...

This is not an exercise where we are seeking to save money. 2158 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

He should be trying to save money. He is the Treasurer of the state. A Treasurer of any organisation at any level is supposed to be concerned with saving money. As the Treasurer, he should be concerned with the integrity, efficiency, economy and effectiveness of the budget. But the best comment in question time on Tuesday was from the genius from Logan, the member for Logan, the Hon. John Mickel who said— If a person is currently driving without a drivers licence then they will not have a drivers licence to present to get the fuel subsidy. Is that not a great initiative too? It must have been a very interesting cabinet meeting at which this fuel tax subsidy scheme was proposed. The transport minister said, ‘I think that’s a great idea because that means that people who are unlicensed won’t be able to get the fuel subsidy.’ I am sure that the other ministers must have sat around and said, ‘Actually that is a great idea, isn’t it?’ Why do we not have more police to catch disqualified drivers who do not have licences rather than hoping that they do not get the fuel tax subsidy when they go to a petrol station? I also respectfully suggest that, given there are a number of businessmen in Queensland who used to take advantage of the fact that there were different licensing and taxation regimes for cigarettes, if we are going to embark on this scheme of only owners of Queensland drivers licenses being able to collect, there will be some way of getting around this system. It may well be that a system such as when I caught a bus to Adelaide as a uni student will come about. There was a changeover of bus drivers just outside the Currumbin Sanctuary. Who is to say that truck drivers who do not want to fill up with 3,000 litres of petrol and therefore save about $240 may not just get Queensland drivers to be employed over the border and make sure they drive the trucks? Why would it not stop someone who has a Queensland licence going up to someone and saying, ‘Mate, do you want to save $240? Give me $100 and I will fill up your truck for you.’ There will be a way to get around this. I cannot believe that we are spending money to not actually save money. This year the Auditor-General handed down a report on enhancing accountability through annual reporting. As a member of the Public Accounts Committee I want to commend it to all members. It is report to parliament No. 1 for 2008. In this he addressed the Bligh government’s methodology in reporting. The Auditor-General’s comments could not be more relevant when we consider the manner in which this year’s budget has been presented. There is no consistency in the way Queensland’s financials are reported. This year’s system differs from last year’s, making it much more difficult to compare the two. The government talks about transparency and accountability yet the Auditor-General slammed the Bligh government for what he perceived to be a critical lack of accountability to parliament. Quoting from the report he said— Planning documents such as Ministerial Portfolio Statements— the ones we have just received on Tuesday— and agencies’ strategic plans do not set clear expectations of results and lack relevant and appropriate performance measures The Bligh government has completely ignored the Auditor-General’s report in this budget. Last year the MPS—the Ministerial Portfolio Statement—for health was almost 80 pages. This year it was 44. This budget is virtually meaningless to the people of Queensland or stakeholders who are trying to read it. The Auditor-General suggested that it seemed as though sometimes these things were written in such a way as to confuse people who try to read it—and I think he would confirm that. As an example, if we read the budget papers on Health we cannot find out how many people received breast cancer screening; we can only see what percentage of patients were screened for breast cancer defined by target population. Unless we know the target population—and it is in the accompanying notes, but it is in type that is so small the target audience could not read it—a percentage is meaningless. It is meaningless unless we have a base number to work with. The performance measures that the Treasurer and health minister use to gauge Health are often also meaningless. As an example, according to the Service Delivery Statements the state government will spend $367 million on primary health care—a very important measure, yet in the Service Delivery Statements there are only six measures to indicate where that money will be spent. Two of them are to do with dental treatment, two of them are for the 13HEALTH number including the percentage of calls to 13HEALTH answered within 20 seconds and the other two are to do with the percentage of women who, during their pregnancy, were smoking after 20 weeks and—the final one—the rate of potentially preventable admitted patient episodes of care. It is about six centimetres in the Service Delivery Statements accounting for $367 million in the budget. How do Queenslanders know that they are getting bang for their buck when we have 35 new measures in the Service Delivery Statement and 29 discontinued ones? Some of those discontinued ones provided very valuable insights into practical aspects of treatment including things like mental health and acute inpatient average length of stay. That used to increase because the mental health facilities were so poor that people were staying longer or there were not enough beds. So that measure was very valuable. The measure of the average length of stay for acute inpatient services has also been discontinued. As I say, there are 29 discontinued measures and instead of them we have these nebulous measures put into the SDS. It is very difficult to assess the budget. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2159

I acknowledge the shadow Treasurer’s contribution, who noted that, if our GOCs were publicly listed, analysts would be telling investors to steer well clear. He said— The increase in GOC debt translates— this is over the forward estimates— to a debt-to-asset ratio of 72%—an extraordinary 20% more than last year’s figures. A debt-to-asset ratio of 72%, that is 72c of debt for every $1 of assets, would be considered a crisis for any business or company owner. When looking at the health budget, if asked whether you would invest in Queensland Health if it were a publicly listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange, when you look at the department’s track record there is no way you would buy stocks in a business that had failed on so many performance indicators that the government felt compelled to change them. Imagine if companies said they are not going to report earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, but that is the equivalent of what this government is doing—changing the parameters every year. The total government debt of over $64 billion by 2011-12 is like a secret credit card that the breadwinner of the Queensland family—the Treasurer and this Labor government—is using to maintain the people of Queensland’s lifestyle. The people of Queensland are relying on the breadwinner to provide. This use of the credit card is masking the fact that the state is living beyond its means. We have all seen the consequences of too much debt, especially in the last nine months. Whether it is a family, a company or even a country, paying back the principal of the debt is dispiriting. The interest is often hard enough when interest rates are rising, especially when one keeps looking at the balance and it is not going down. It can break relationships. In this case the debt is going up to a total of $64 billion by 2011- 12. Coming back to the health budget, as other members including the member for Bundaberg have just acknowledged, the health budget has increased dramatically from $5.35 billion in 2005-06. In the next financial year Queensland taxpayers will spend a record $8.36 billion on health—a 36 per cent increase in public health funding over four financial years to 2008-09. But, as the member for Bundaberg said, we still have massive public hospital waiting lists for elective surgery. Some aspects of our health system are actually worse off now than they were a few years ago despite a boost in health funding. We had 34,600 in 2005 on elective surgery waiting lists; now there are more than 36,000 patients on waiting lists. We also have about the same number of public hospital beds compared to a decade ago, despite a massive spike in population. Was the government looking over the horizon then? I want to refer to the government’s own budget papers. In the Budget Strategy and Outlook 2008- 09 on page 28 there is a graph that shows components of population growth as a four quarter rolling sum. It shows when the real growth in population was happening, a bigger growth than now, and that was in the late 1980s and early 1990s. I table that for the interest of members. Clearly there was this massive population growth happening then. Why was there no looking over the horizon then? Tabled paper: Page 28 of the Budget Strategy and Outlook 2008-09 containing Chart 2.9, Components of Population Growth, Queensland. In 1996 there were more than 10,000 beds to service three million people. Yet today we are only just recovering to that figure despite having boosted our population by more than one million. In 2007 the Productivity Commission’s report on government services in Queensland had lower than national average number of beds per 1,000 head of population in regional and metropolitan areas for the third consecutive year. During the election campaign in 2006 the government promised over 1,300 beds for Queensland, but most of these are not due to come online until at least 2012. I have already mentioned the aspect of population growth. Last year at estimates, and members may remember this, the honourable the minister, Stephen Robertson, admitted that there had been poor planning in Queensland Health in the past. He insisted that that had changed. He mentioned that it was due to planning not allowing for population growth. But when we look at this budget we see that there is another massive blow-out in capital works. There is $300 million for the Gold Coast University Hospital, which I note is $300 million extra but that was supposed to be the amount that was going to be saved by having moved the site. It was going to save that much money in transport infrastructure provision; now it has had to be provided for the university hospital. There is $300 million extra for the Sunshine Coast hospital and $350 million extra for the Queensland Children’s Hospital. Right across the state there is evidence of the Labor government’s failure to plan for population growth. Those opposite say that they are building tomorrow’s Queensland today; they are building yesterday’s Queensland but very slowly and expensively. As for the future plans, the people of Queensland should judge a government on what it has done, not what it says it is going to do. A great example of that is the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program 2008 to 2026. I note that the cost of that infrastructure plan has blown out to $107 billion. What has the government completed in the first three years of this plan? Projects worth $3.3 billion. As I said, it is not what the government says it is going to; it is what has it actually done. 2160 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

A new hospital is planned for the Gold Coast. That is appreciated, but not one sod of soil has been turned on the project, which is expected to be completed in 2012 when there is an acute problem now with maternity and mental health services on the Gold Coast. Members may remember that recently a woman in labour was forced to wait in a linen closet for three hours because no beds were available. There are other problems in Mackay, Townsville and Cairns—all of which were promised either new beds or new hospitals which are years off and in the meantime it is terrible for staff morale having to work in these places. Mental health is an issue I want to refer to. Queensland Health has directed most of its mental health funding into acute hospital care at the expense of community based services. We know that mental health beds in hospitals are oversubscribed, meaning that people seeking psychiatric help are turned away from hospital because there are no beds available. I note too that the mental health plan promised to spend $18 million in the financial year just ending but only about $10 million was spent, so this next financial year the government is promising to spend $9 million. So over two years it will end up spending what it said it was going to spend last year. That is why there is always this catch up. I note that there was a question in the House yesterday to the honourable the health minister about the relocation of landowners and leaseholders affected by the development of the new university hospital at Parklands. In his answer the honourable the health minister mentioned the stakeholders, being the Church of Christ, the Salvation Army, Griffith University and a child-care centre. There was no mention made of the greyhound track, which is located within the Parklands area and administered by the Parklands Trust. I would like to ask the Treasurer if it is possible, as he has responsibility for racing, to ask the Greyhound Racing Authority to negotiate with the greyhound people at Parklands as they would like to have a temporary track placed within the trotting track as it is at Albion Park because when I asked a question on notice about what was happening with the plans to go to Logan I find there are no plans. No plans for compensation have been made known to the people of Parklands. It would give them some certainty given that the trotting track has been given another seven to 10 years at that site. So, rather than having to move their meetings to Albion Park and Ipswich, it would be a great help to local greyhound owners and trainers—and I have expressed before that I am a shareholder in a dog, so I am interested in the industry as a whole, and I think it is important that the minister consider this and direct the Greyhound Racing Authority to negotiate with the Parklands Trust. Otherwise there is a good chance that the Logan track may not end up being provided and the greyhound people on the Gold Coast and in the south-east corner would obviously be adversely affected. I want to speak about the private hospital blow-out scheme. I want to quote again from another article. I have more papers here than Kevin Rudd has in the federal parliament. I note that there was a column in the Australian the other day written by Henry Ergas, the Chairman of Concept Economics. When referring to the changes to private health insurance, he said—

Changing the arrangements for private health insurance, for example, may well make good sense. But it makes no sense at all to undermine its viability before having found a sustainable architecture for the health system, defined the role that private health insurance will play in that system and devised the means by which that role will be fulfilled. It is for this reason that the changes to the Medicare levy surcharge were far worse than a mistake; they were a blunder. But what did the minister say when the honourable Leader of the Opposition asked him what he is doing? He said, ‘We’re going to wait and see what the effect is.’ Does that sound like looking over the horizon? It does not sound like that at all to me. It sounds like he does not know what is going to happen. In the time left to me, I want to thank the Treasurer for funding for a new structure at Benowa State High School. There are three new schools announced for the coast, but I am concerned about the lack of maintenance resources for the older schools on the coast. Rapid transit on the Gold Coast seems to have fallen off the agenda. I note it is the second biggest infrastructure scheme on the Gold Coast, costing $1.67 billion, but there are no plans for construction—only $50 million for planning this year. Again, police numbers is something else other people have referred to, and we certainly need a significant number on the Gold Coast. In conclusion, I am concerned that the government is stacking debt into government businesses and the general government sector like there is no tomorrow. Just as it is for average Queenslanders, if the mortgage gets too big, it is going to cost us in the long run. I implore the Premier and Treasurer to stop the high-taxing, high-borrowing, low-service delivery. It is back to the classroom for A+ Andrew—or ‘Pitt the Younger’, as I like to call him—and this assignment is marked ‘must do better’. Mrs MILLER (Bundamba—ALP) (3.51 pm): This is the first budget delivered under the stewardship of our new Premier Anna Bligh and Treasurer Andrew Fraser, and it delivers more than our fair share of funding into the electorate of Bundamba. I will now outline the budget initiatives on a suburb by suburb basis. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2161

In Swanbank, many residents are aware that I have fought 15-round fights with a number of companies that I have considered to be environmental vandals. I have run them out and run them down. I have been instrumental in the delivery of the new Environmental Protection Agency office in Ipswich, a fully operational regional office with professional staff only 15 minutes away from Swanbank. I hope that the presence of this office will encourage businesses to be more environmentally responsible, as our government is serious about the environment, global warming and climate change. The iconic Swanbank Power Station has been granted $59.8 million for improvements. The power station is now using recycled water thanks to our government’s water recycling scheme. In relation to Ripley, I am pleased that the Ripley Valley will be fast-tracked for housing. This is another initiative to cut red tape and get on with land and housing development. Housing affordability is a major issue for many people in our electorate—not just young people or families but also pensioners. Skyrocketing rents and rising interest rates are putting pressure on people with mortgages, causing great angst in our community. My office deals daily with people who are working in good jobs and have good rental references but cannot rent a place because for every rental there are up to 10 other families wanting the same property. There are simply not enough houses at a reasonable cost in my view. So I welcome the initiative to ease the squeeze on members of our community who want to buy or rent a home. In relation to Bundamba and Blackstone, Bundamba State School has been allocated $44,500 for passenger set-down facilities, with a total state government contribution of $214,500. The Bremer Institute of TAFE has been granted $1,027,000 for the relocation of training facilities. Some $908,000 has been allocated for the planning of further infrastructure facilities for the TAFE. The western corridor recycled scheme is headquartered at Bundamba and tens of millions of dollars will be spent over the next year in drought proofing our area. Bundamba State Secondary College has been selected as a pilot site for the Indigenous education support structures scheme which aims to bridge the gap in attendance, retention and achievement for Indigenous students. A sum of $993,000 has been allocated to the Churches of Christ Bundamba Lodge, with a total state contribution of $2.98 million. A sum of $924,000 has been allocated to the Churches of Christ Foster and Kinship Care Program, with a total state contribution of $2.77 million. A total of $208,000 has been allocated to foster and kinship care, with a total state contribution of $623,000. The Labour Day Family Race Day held at the Bundamba race track is the second biggest race day on the Ipswich calendar. It is supported by main sponsors the CFMEU Mining and Energy Division, and the CFMEU Construction, QCU, ETU, AMIEU, LHMU and RTBU and is the family alternative to the Ipswich Cup where under 18s are not allowed entry. It is great to see the thousands of young families enjoying a free day out and playing on the rides whilst celebrating our Labour Day traditions. There has been no decision to date on the Blackstone State School Tomorrow’s Schools project. In view of the time, I seek leave to incorporate the rest of my speech in Hansard. It has been approved by the Speaker. Leave granted. Ebbw Vale/Dinmore • $3.82 million has been allocated to complete a planning study for construction of a new two-lane sealed connection road between the Warrego Highway and Cunningham Highway, between Ebbw Vale and Dinmore, at a total cost of $8.17 million. • Funding has been allocated for a new park n ride facility at Dinmore Rail Station from the Translink Station Upgrade Program. • The Ipswich Motorway upgrade will start at Dinmore and is a key infrastructure initiative for our community. By upgrading the 8km section between Dinmore and Goodna to a minimum of 3 lanes each way, the local community will benefit from improved traffic flow and less congestion. New and upgraded service roads will separate local traffic from regional traffic, reduce merging and lane changing along the new motorway, make longer on and off ramps, and the ramps will be more evenly spaced. There will be improved access to public transport, pedestrian and cycle ways. Detailed planning for this upgrade has begun, and contractors are presently being selected to carry out the design and construction works. It is expected that construction will begin early next year, and finish in late 2012. • $424,000 has been allocated for concept planning between Dinmore and Mutdapilly at a total estimated cost of $873,000. • $196,890 has been set aside for repairing and strengthening of a section of road between Dinmore Street and Richard Street on River Road Dinmore. • $4.46 million has been allocated to complete concept planning for the Western Brisbane Transport Network Investigation, between Dinmore and Narangba, at a total estimated cost of $19 million. • $400,000 has been set aside for concept planning for the Dinmore to Muirlea section, on the Warrego Highway, at a total estimated cost of $750,000. Riverview • The Government continues to fund Riverview Neighbourhood House. It is understood that the operations will move to the Community Centre that was built many years ago by the Queensland government and given to the Ipswich City Council. The government will maintain its generous funding of the training programs delivered through this community organisation. • $525,000 has been allocated for maintenance of Moggill Ferry Road. 2162 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

• Riverview State School, fully funded by the Queensland government, recently held its 30th birthday party and later this year, a Country Fair is planned. The installation of air conditioning in the middle and upper school classrooms has been achieved. The school has been very successful in its behaviour program with lunchtime detentions down to two students on average per week. Celebrating student achievements is a key component of this program. • I recently toured the new facilities at St Peter Claver College. The school receives State Government funding for its new facilities as well as recurrent costs. I have also launched its new bus funded by our government that assists homeless people in our community. Redbank • The Redbank Ambulance Station will receive its share of increased funding for ambulance vehicles and new personnel. I also envisage a mentoring role for the new Springfield Local Ambulance Committee by the members of the Redbank LAC. • The Redbank RSL has been instrumental in the design of a new Memorial Park in the suburb. I have been a strong supporter of this project. It is understood that the park is to be officially opened later this year. • $14.83 Million has been allocated to build coal wagons • $526,000 has been allocated to young people who are at risk of homelessness like the shelter that operates at Redbank • Over the next year, it is anticipated that the Coal Miners Mural will be expanded along the Ipswich Motorway as we remember that the coal industry in Queensland was born in Redbank. These murals are sponsored by the CFMEU (Mining and Energy Division) • SIMTARS, the Safety in Mining Testing and Research Station, has been allocated $3.6 million to construct a new building, and also upgrade its training facilities. • The Police Beat office, The Transport office, and the Skilling Solutions Office, all located at Redbank Plaza, continue to be fully funded by our government and service our local community. Collingwood Park • Collingwood Park State School has been allocated an extra $10,000 for High Priority Maintenance Work. • The Budget has also allocated $10 million towards the mine subsidence package of assistance to residents who have suffered damage to their homes. This ex gratia allocation can be used to pay for any works to stabilise a property or make it safe, repair mine subsidence related damage where it is cost-effective to do so, and purchase any property that is beyond economic repair or had to be demolished. The Department of Mines and Energy and the Department of Communities continue their support of the Collingwood Park community. I will continue to host Community Information Sessions. The new DME “One Stop Shop” will soon be operational in the suburb to serve the needs of the community. • The Westfalen Community Garden, initially funded through a $250,000 grant by Queensland Health is going form strength to strength. The garden is open to members of the community to grow their own fruit and vegetables. The community garden also supplies the Woogaroo Meals on Wheels with seasonal vegetables. This garden is a credit to our community, and gives real meaning to the words, “from little things, big things grow”. Redbank Plains/Bellbird Park • $48,000 has been allocated for targeted maintenance at Redbank Plains State High School • $8,000 has been granted for high priority maintenance at Redbank Plains State High School • $10,000 has been allocated for targeted maintenance at Kruger State School. Kruger School is growing rapidly with its current enrolment of 938 students. The Kruger Team motto is to be safe, best effort and be respectful. The school is working hard preparing for its J-Rock performance. • $74,000 has been granted for the construction of a bikeway/footpath at Redbank Plains State High School • A new bus has been purchased for the Redbank Plains State High School. I was instrumental in gaining this bus for the school as it is a partnership of Education Queensland, a land development company Investa, and the P&C. This bus will be used to transport students to various educational events, including Bremer TAFE. • Redbank Plains State High School should be congratulated for its success in the Education Queensland Showcase Awards. I recall launching this pilot program several years ago, and watching its success has been very inspirational. The pregnancy and parenting program assists young parents in coping with their new roles in life and also keeps them at school. • The Redbank Plains Kindergarten is also a great educational centre. Last week-end I officially opened their new sandpit and playground, which was funded by the Gaming Community Benefit Fund. $30,000 was allocated to this project and it is money well spent. I would also like to congratulate the young kindy artists. Their self portraits were fantastic. Goodna/Gailes • $30,000 has been allocated for high priority maintenance at Goodna State School. • $100 million has been granted for the Ipswich Motorway / Logan Motorway interchange. Construction of 8 of the project’s 10 bridges is underway, including an 8 lane bridge at Woogaroo Creek and the new Old Logan Road bridge across the motorway. • The community should note that there will be a number of important traffic changes later this year, and to take note of traffic signage and advertisements in the papers. • The project includes the construction of new cycle lanes, a footpath on the southern side of the motorway, two new cross motorway connections, and major visual and landscaping improvements. The sound barriers will be painted with murals. • $1.55 million has been allocated to provide a therapeutic residential care service in Goodna, with a total State government commitment of $4.66 million. • $266,000 has been granted to provide a pilot service under the Prevention and Future Directions initiative. • $63,000 has been allocated for early intervention and support programs with a total State government commitment of $189,000. • $102,000 has been granted to assist young people with disabilities with their post school options. • $29,000 has been allocated to assist adults with a disability to live and participate in the community. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2163

• $34,000 has been granted for a skate park at Leslie Park at Goodna. The community and the local Police need to be consulted in relation to the siting of all skate parks throughout the electorate given the problems associated with the skate park at Collingwood Park. Skate parks should be sited away from residences where possible. • I would like to congratulate the Goodna Special School for once again winning an Education Queensland Showcase Award. It won the award for Excellence in the Senior Phase of Learning. This is an exceptional school in our community. • On behalf of many schools in our community I would like to thank the Goodna RSL Services Club for providing the money to fund the various breakfast programs in our schools. Whilst some may not believe that children are sent to school without breakfast, I can assure our community that without the tens of thousands of dollars from this club, many hundreds of our children, every day, would go hungry. So, I ask that the community support the Goodna RSL Jacaranda Festival which will be held in October this year. Camira/Springfield/Springfield Lakes/Brookwater/Augustine Heights • $64,000 has been allocated to upgrade the Hall at Woodcrest State College. • $44,000 has been granted for high priority maintenance at Woodcrest State College. • $400,000 has been allocated this year for a brand new Ambulance Station costing $2.4 million. I hounded the Minister for Emergency Services in relation to this new Ambulance Station, and I am so grateful to him that he listened and delivered. • $4.92 million has been granted to the Queensland Police Service for construction of a new Police Station in the Springfield Lakes area. This new station will be an asset for these new suburbs. It will be a 24-hour police station and will include general duties, traffic, Criminal Investigation Bureau, and a Child Protection Investigation Unit. Police officers will be supported by administrative staff. • $49.73 million has been allocated for the extension of Centenary Highway from Springfield to Yamanto. Last week I toured this mammoth construction project. The total cost of this project is $366 million and is an important piece of infrastructure that is being built ahead of demand for the entire western corridor. The project is on time and on budget. Some sections of the road have already been completed, the bitumen down, and the line markings down. Roundabouts have been built, trees have been planted, and the grass is down. When completed this road will link Springfield, the Ripley Valley, the Swanbank Industrial area and Yamanto. It may also be an alternative to the Ipswich Motorway. • The new pedestrian bridge costing approximately $4million has commenced along the Centenary Highway. The colour scheme selected by the community was aquamarine and rusty red. Components of the span will start to be delivered this month. The art works are currently being planned by Woodcrest State College and Springfield Lakes State School. If all goes to plan, the new pedestrian bridge linking the suburbs will be open by late October 2008. • Woodcrest State College has an excellent reputation in the arts, in dance and science. The science students competed in the Titration competition at the University of Queensland with great results. The school is also part of the cluster numeracy project designed to improve numeracy outcomes for students. • Springfield Lakes State School is the newest school in the electorate. For such a new school, the parents have shown their confidence in state school education by the huge enrolment numbers. In just over 18 months, the enrolment is about 700 students and rising. The school has a multicultural focus with students representing over 40 cultural groups. • Like Woodcrest State College, the Springfield Lakes State School is widely used by community groups and church groups. • I wish to assure the community that I am lobbying hard for a new state high school at Springfield Lakes. The Minister for Education is well aware of the views of the community, and I support them. We need a new state high school as soon as possible. • We also need new primary schools given the fact that many families are deliberately choosing state schooling, possibly because of their exceptionally good facilities, and that the technology is state of the art. Some of these new schools have no blackboards, they have electronic white boards. There is no chalk, but there are keyboards. It is the way of the future, and I want our electorate to be a part of this future direction. • Our Labor government has also provided millions of dollars for the new Springfield Parklands to be built between the University of Southern Queensland campus and the Orion Shopping Centre. This will be twenty percent larger in size than the Albert Street Parklands. In conclusion, this Budget delivers much needed funding for our electorate. It also has provisions for extra coal levies on the mining companies. I worked in the coal mining industry, as did my father and grandfathers, and these new coal royalties are way overdue, in my view. I strongly support the coal mining industry. However, it is the people’s coal, it is the community’s coal, not corporate coal, and we deserve our share of the mineral wealth to be redistributed throughout our community. The Queensland coal industry was born in Ipswich and our community welcomes some of this extra money being spent locally rather than the companies making windfall profits which are then distributed to shareholders around the world. I hope that these coal levies are reviewed annually, bearing in mind the worldwide demand for our coal, which I believe is the best coking coal in the world. If the increase in coal levies means more schools, better facilities in our schools, more doctors and nurses, better and safer roads, and more efficient public transport then I am all for it. As your State Member of Parliament I will continue to work hard, to get our fair share of funding, to work together with our community organisations, our churches and our schools ensuring our community develops in spirit, in its sustainability, in its environmental practices, and in its care and commitment for each other. Mr HINCHLIFFE (Stafford—ALP) (3.55 pm): It is with great pleasure that I rise to support the appropriation bills and the Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill before the House. I want to commence by congratulating the Treasurer on the delivery of his first budget. Our state is very well served by a forward-thinking and intelligent financial steward. Considering the challenges manifest within the global economy, this first budget for the Bligh government is an outstanding achievement for all Queenslanders and, indeed, for my electorate of Stafford. While the needs of the people of Brisbane’s northside are served well and extensively by the contents of this budget—and I will detail some local funding shortly—I wish to concentrate on the importance of housing initiatives which will address the overwhelmingly fundamental need of my constituents. 2164 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

There can be no successful and productive families without affordable housing. That is why I particularly welcome the $125 million extra for social housing in the budget, including over $7 million in my electorate of Stafford for the completion of 11 apartments and a house and to begin construction of another 30 apartments. Equally, the measures contained within the budget to abolish stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing homes up to $350,000 from July 2008 and up to $500,000 from September and bringing forward the abolition of mortgage duty will make a significant contribution to housing affordability. Most significantly, the stamp duty exemption for first home buyers will have a tremendous effect on the housing product put to market and the prices set. It is very important to understand that setting that ceiling will ensure that the prices set by those marketing houses in this state are in response to that key figure. Members should not underestimate the significance of this measure in establishing a benchmark for affordable stock within the housing market. While the influences on the housing market are multilayered and multifaceted, this budget has flicked another switch which will work with the Bligh government’s Housing Affordability Strategy. But housing affordability is so much more than getting that roof over your head or that foot in the door of homeownership. It is also about the financial sustainability of that housing. That is why the rising costs of utilities and fuel cannot be ignored. This budget has not ignored the Queenslanders who live with limited and fixed incomes. That is why I know pensioners and others on fixed incomes in my electorate will welcome the $20 increase in the electricity rebate, the $57 annual reticulated natural gas rebate and the new south-east Queensland pensioner water subsidy scheme with an initial rebate of $40. Also, the one-off home energy emergency assistance scheme for low-income households suffering financial crisis is a very welcome initiative. The $570 million commitment to support a Fuel Subsidy Scheme which will ensure Queenslanders get their savings at the bowser is also very welcome. I was dismayed to hear earlier in the debate the member for Moggill’s paraphrasing of a quote from Seinfeld. Considering the voodoo economics analysis he has offered on debt financing of infrastructure, perhaps he was taking some advice from George Costanza. Out of respect for the practices of this place, I will also paraphrase. George Costanza gave the advice, ‘Jerry, just remember, it’s not a mistruth if you believe it.’ I do wish to return to the detail of local funding within the electorate of Stafford, but conscious of the limited time on this budget week Friday, I seek leave to incorporate the remainder of my contribution in Hansard. Leave granted. Statewide budget commitments important to my local community include: • 12 new trains and 90 new buses over the next year • $168.4 million over four years for TransLink service improvements • 270 new teachers and teacher aides • 200 new police officers • 250 new ambulance officers • 145 new ambulance vehicles • $20 million Climate Smart Home Service to provide Queenslanders with the tools in their own home to reduce energy use and reduce greenhouse emissions Over and above those local budget measures I have already mentioned, there is a strong commitment to the Stafford electorate which needs to be acknowledged. The Prince Charles Hospital • $12.48 million for The Prince Charles Hospital redevelopment • $9.06 million for the Prince Charles emergency department • $120,000 for Queensland Health’s Community Self Care Funding Program The ongoing development of the Prince Charles as a general hospital serving the northside community is being supported strongly by the Bligh Government. Emergency Services • A further $40.08 million for the Queensland Emergency Operations Centre, a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the future challenges of emergency and disaster management This centre will provide the foundation for future growth of 000 services in Australia’s fastest growing state and region. Child Safety • $354,000 to Lifeline Community Care to provide counselling services for families, children and young people referred by the Department of Child Safety • $130,000 to Lifeline Community Care to provide specialist foster care placements to sustain the placement of a sibling group Protecting and assisting children, and their families, is fundamental to the work of the Department of Child Safety and it is important for that work to be supported by community services. Energy • $1.28 million to build a new powerline to improve network capacity and reliability in Stafford 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2165

Communities and Housing • $907,000 to provide a pilot service under the Prevention and Early Intervention Future Directions • Allocations totalling more than $1.4 million to support young people, families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness • $278,000 to provide support services for victims of crime • $181,000 to provide health services to young pregnant women and young parents who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless • $337,000 for the Burnie Brae Seniors Centre’s Home Assist Secure program • $57,000 for local women’s refuges (Chisholm and Kalparrin) Disability Services • $3.21 million to increase the availability of Home and Community Care Services to support frail aged and younger people with a disability • $791,000 to provide for short term and limited respite support for families, carers and people with a disability • $214,000 to provide post-school options for young adults with a disability and their families • $178,000 to assist adults with a disability to live and participate in their community Schools • $107,000 for targeted extra maintenance at Somerset Hills State School • $77,000 for targeted extra maintenance at Wavell State High School, including $53,000 for high priority improvements • $27,000 for a covered play area upgrade at Wavell Heights State School Public Transport • A total State Government contribution of $11 million this year for works at Albion Station including construction of a land bridge and ticket office • $204.52 million for the Northern Busway to connect the Inner Northern Busway at Royal Children’s Hospital at Herston to Bracken Ridge via Windsor, Lutwyche and Kedron Main Roads • $2.98 million to complete the resurfacing of Gympie Road between Hamilton Road and Graham Road • $1.06 million under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project for concept planning between Stafford Road and Roghan Road, on Gympie Road • $2.12 million under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project for concept planning between Gympie Road and South Pine Road at Stafford • $188,000 to complete reprofiling an existing pavement and adding a safety seal at Trouts Road, on Stafford Road, Everton Park • $3.05 million for a Single Intelligent Transport Systems platform at various locations in the Brisbane area. Ms GRACE (Brisbane Central—ALP) (3.59 pm): I rise to support the Appropriation Bill 2008. I find it a great privilege to deliver my first budget speech, together with Treasurer Andrew Fraser’s and the Bligh government’s first budget. I take this opportunity to commend both the Premier and the Treasurer for delivering a budget for all of Queensland which delivers benefits for people living in regional and urban centres. This budget places this great state in a solid operating position which, together with a strong balance sheet growth, is an essential element to producing a strong economic and fiscal outlook for our future. There are many highlights in this budget which work together to deliver much-needed benefits to those most in need, concentrate on building the infrastructure for the future, and boost much-needed assistance to the sick, the elderly and the next generation. In other words, this is a well-balanced Labor budget which I am proud to be part of and which will continue to allow Queensland to outpace the national rate of economic growth for the 13th consecutive year in 2008-09. On all national economic indicators Queensland is the leading state, with economic growth of 4.25 per cent compared to national growth of 2.75 per cent; employment growth of 2.5 per cent—double the national rate of 1.25 per cent; an unemployment rate of 3.75 per cent, being a 34-year low and below the national rate of 4.5 per cent for the fifth consecutive year; and expected business investment growth of 9.25 per cent in an environment where Queensland maintains its tax competitiveness, with Queenslanders paying an average of $274 less in state tax than taxpayers in other states and territories. There is no doubt that Queensland is a fast-growing state and is facing all the pressures that come with this extraordinary growth, whether you are in the regions or in the inner city of Brisbane, which makes up most of my electorate. To ease this pressure and build for the future, this budget embarks on record infrastructure and health expenditure, the envy of every other state in Australia. But it does this by undertaking responsible borrowings, ensuring the Queensland budget has no net debt, thus maintaining our AAA credit rating. Most in business and commerce and all homeowners know that responsible borrowings and debt levels create wealth. Just ask any homeowner in my electorate who has borrowed responsibly and seen their wealth grow in line with the boom in housing prices which we have witnessed over recent years. As my parents often say, ‘You have to make the debt to get ahead and create wealth,’ and that is exactly what this budget is doing. It is a shame that those opposite just do not get it. 2166 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

It is especially pleasing to refer to a number of the key measures in this budget that I know will greatly benefit the residents of Brisbane Central. For many young Queenslanders homeownership is certainly fast becoming beyond their reach, but particularly so in my electorate of Brisbane Central. Changes included in this budget to assist first home buyers, I believe, will go a long way for those purchasing a property under $500,000. On learning of these changes in the budget, I looked at the weekend’s real estate pages of the paper and found many units, apartments and dwellings in my electorate well under $500,000 where potential first home buyers would benefit by not paying one cent of stamp and mortgage duty. This makes entering the housing market a more attractive and easier proposition, and I am positive many inner-city Brisbane residents will welcome this initiative. In addition, this budget provides around $7.8 million for the Queensland Housing Affordability Strategy, a whole-of-government approach to planning, development, land supply and infrastructure- charging issues. The area of Bowen Hills in my electorate has already been declared an urban development area, and I welcome the $9.5 million for the Urban Land Development Authority—a body that will develop a scheme for this site which will feature a range of residential, retail and commercial development including affordable housing. This is great planning for the inner city of Brisbane, and I look forward to a great outcome. A $17 million land tax relief package is also provided which includes lower land tax rates for approximately 15,000 resident individuals and 17,500 companies—a much welcome relief for inner-city residents who have been caught in the boom in land values in recent times in my electorate. I welcome the $6.3 billion Education and Training budget allocation which includes much-needed additional funds of $100 million over two years for maintenance of state schools. I recently wrote to the Treasurer to ensure that funds would be committed for additional classroom accommodation and maintenance at Wilston State School, and I am very pleased at the $3.88 million for classrooms and a $9,000 injection for maintenance included in the budget. I also look forward to other schools in my electorate benefiting from additional maintenance funds. I also recently wrote to the Treasurer requesting adequate funding in the budget to complete the Fortitude Valley Police Station. With the $7.63 million allocated for 2008-09, at a total cost of $13.2 million, this project can now be delivered on time, providing much-needed additional space for our hardworking Police Service. These funds will enable the new Fortitude Valley Police Station to open its doors in early 2009, with refurbishment of the heritage listed station to be completed later in the year. This station will have a great boost on the police presence in a very busy inner-city suburb and allow a better delivery of essential police service. In addition, it is pleasing to note over $240 million allocated for the new Supreme and District courts and refurbishment of the Brisbane Children’s Court, all located in my electorate. South-east Queensland is in particular experiencing both booming economic and population growth, putting increased pressure on our roads, public transport and capital works. This budget provides for a record $17 billion infrastructure spend in 2008-09 which includes spending in my electorate of $80.41 million for the Airport Link project, which will reduce traffic and solve the airport roundabout bottleneck; $14.09 million for the upgrade of Brunswick Street Station at a total cost of $32.8 million; $204.5 million for construction of the Northern Busway between the Royal Children’s Hospital and Kedron; and $31.46 million for the construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge from Tank Street to Kurilpa Point. Allocated funds of $1.91 million for preparation of a Smart City Master Plan for Brisbane City which will identify a holistic vision and structure for the city centre, aimed at enhancing connectivity throughout the Brisbane city centre, is also very much welcome. The 2008-09 budget also includes an investigation into a rapid transit system between Newstead and West End. I know that the residents of Brisbane Central are keen to learn of the outcome of these investigations and would welcome such a system. Queensland’s older residents and pensioners have received a helping hand with a number of initiatives that will save money for many of the elderly living in the Brisbane Central electorate. These include land tax abolished on aged-care facilities; a $20 increase in electricity rebate up to $165 per annum; an SEQ Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme; and a Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate Scheme. The above demonstrates that the Bligh government is determined to provide some relief where it matters most—in the hip pockets of seniors and pensioners. Queenslanders with a disability were big winners in this state budget, with an allocation of more than $1 billion which will be directed towards service delivery including early intervention and prevention. I can already think of one particular family in my electorate that will hopefully benefit from this additional funding, which is aimed at reducing the stress and anxiety often experienced by families and carers, and I welcome the nearly $1 million to provide postschool options for young adults with a disability. I fully endorse focusing support around early and timely intervention and ensuring the right 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2167 services are provided to the right people. I believe an extra $25 million over four years committed to supporting people with a disability and their families who are in need of urgent assistance will be a great benefit to those who need this help. Homelessness is also a major issue, particularly in my electorate, and it is also most pleasing to have a total amount of nearly $18 million allocated to support young people, families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness as well as projects that provide additional affordable housing. In conclusion, I am particularly impressed with a record $8.35 billion being pumped into Queensland’s public health system that continues widespread reform and expanded services. I know that the people of Brisbane Central will welcome any assistance to our great Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and will gladly accept any increase in the numbers of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals which will go a long way to easing the burden on emergency departments and surgical wards. This budget is good for Queensland. I commend the Treasurer on his first-class first budget. The Bligh government’s first budget is a fair and balanced budget that still keeps Queensland the leading state, keeps Queensland in the black with a net operating surplus of $809 million in 2008-09, and delivers the building of Queensland for a better future. I commend the bills to the House. Hon. DM WELLS (Murrumba—ALP) (4.09 pm): The winds of change which have swept across Queensland in the 21st century blow at gale force in my electorate of Murrumba. The whirlwind of massive population growth has hit the region I represent making it a concentrated specimen of the issues that Queensland is facing. A few years ago North Lakes was a pine plantation. Now North Lakes and Mango Hill are a dynamic community of 9,000 on their way to a population of 30,000. Back then Deception Bay was an isolated suburb with a very high proportion of housing department clients. Now it is part of a continuous urban sprawl with a large proportion of battling first home owners. This budget delivers a great deal for people like those I represent. North Lakes will need the new $20 million school that is to be built in the region. Deception Bay needs the nearly $1.3 million upgrade it will get for internal roads as well as the millions being spent on the Bruce Highway. The entire region will benefit from the new $2.39 million fire station at Kippa Ring. While my constituents are big winners from this budget, what is happening in my electorate is merely a magnification of changes happening across Queensland. The needs my constituents will face in the future are symptomatic of needs that will have to be addressed by future governments, and in future budgets. I can see what these needs will be because the writing on the wall is uniquely legible in my electorate. I would like to refer to some of these needs, and indicate what will need to be done in the future. First home buyers will benefit enormously in this budget. Many of them will enjoy this benefit in my electorate. Other initiatives taken by the federal government will also assist those who struggle to find a home. Yet there will still be those who lose that battle. The housing department cannot possibly provide a housing department home immediately for everyone who cannot afford to rent in the private market, let alone buy. In the past such people, if they could not get emergency accommodation, could always stay in a caravan park. In the last few years those opportunities have been whittled away, with many caravan parks rezoned for up-market redevelopment. One person’s business opportunity becomes the family disaster of many. This process does not have to continue. Government could, and in the future should, acquire the power to prevent it. Legislation requiring the approval of the minister for housing before commencement of a redevelopment that eliminated significant low-cost housing would be sufficient to prevent this source of unpredictable shortage of accommodation. The population of my electorate is on the younger side of average. The North Lakes health precinct this government is establishing to service the region is appreciated and appropriate. In decades to come my constituents’ needs for medical care will be exacerbated, and so will the remedies that will be available. People are now surviving illnesses that would have killed them just a few years ago. As medicine advances exponentially, so the cost of providing health care will grow exponentially. We need to recognise this, plan for this and make the community aware of this. There will be calls to retreat from this. Some people will say the government should not be expected to foot the bill for accelerating medical costs, making it a private problem. Some will blame the victim and say that people who contract illnesses that could have been influenced by lifestyle should be denied treatment. This will be a fierce debate of a future decade, but a compassionate government will only have to refer to first principles to know which side it is on. Democratic governments exist to secure life and liberty. Whatever the cost, it is never too high, because meeting that cost is the very reason democratic governments exist. 2168 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

Very many of my constituents are commuters. The many transport upgrades going on in my electorate will benefit them greatly. However the day will come, in a future decade, when it will not be financially or practically possible to drive to the city each day in a petrol driven car. When that day comes, some places in the world will do better than others. One regionalised state that might absorb that future shock better than other places is the German state of Bavaria. In that state a very high proportion of settled communities are connected by railway. This has happened essentially because the planning protocols of that state effectively require that before land can be opened up for development there has to be a railway connection. So the capital, Munich, is surrounded by green belts beyond which are outlying villages. The people in those villages live within walking distance of a station, and a fast train to Munich. So many city office workers live outside the capital, but still within an hour’s commute to town. They will still be only an hour’s commute to town in decades to come when peak oil and $1.40 a litre are just happy memories. When that day comes, many people living far from railway lines will be wishing the lifestyle development they bought into was at Landsborough or Eumundi, rather than a mere, but unavailable, 35-minute drive from central Brisbane. It behoves us in the future to learn from the example of Bavaria. The south-east Queensland plan was a great step forward. The logical next step, having identified an area of urban footprint, is to legislatively direct development to those parts of the urban footprint that are already, or are soon to be, serviced by a railway. These are measures a far-sighted government will be thinking about in future years. This budget responsibly addresses the needs of today. Tomorrow presents a greater challenge. Mr NICHOLLS (Clayfield—Lib) (4.15 pm): I am pleased to have the opportunity today to contribute to the debate on the appropriation bills and the Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill. Unfortunately, once again I will be leaving this place this evening to report back to my electorate that the people of Clayfield have been overlooked in yet another Labor budget. Mr Lee interjected. Mr NICHOLLS: I am happy to report back to the member for Indooroopilly’s electorate that they have not been looked after as well. Despite having seen release after release sent out by this government praising its own worth and what it deems to be a budget that looks beyond tomorrow and out to the horizon, it is clear that the people of Clayfield will wake up tomorrow with the same problems they endure today from this government. The same budget dross is served up as something new. I heard the member for Brisbane Central say this is a well balanced budget. She said it is great and has the taxing power in it and that new tax revenue will come in. There will be four point something billion dollars in extra revenue that they will rip out of the pockets of coal miners and the guy who wants to put his tinnie on the water and go and catch fish because he cannot afford anything else because this government is charging him more for his electricity and gas bills. It is taxing them up. It is balanced at the other end with the high spend. Ms Jones interjected. Mr NICHOLLS: Every year the member for Ashgrove falls for the same trick. She said it last year and she has said it again this year. Last year it was cars. She had a prejudice against people who drive BMWs. She said that people in my electorate do not drive ordinary cars. Now she reckons that no-one in my electorate lives in a house worth less than a million dollars. There she goes again. She comes in here with all her prejudices on display every time I get up. She falls for it every time. The politics of envy. Ms Jones interjected. Mr NICHOLLS: There she goes again. The politics of envy. Of the small number of projects earmarked for the Clayfield electorate in this year’s capital statement, some are just repeats of projects that were in there last year. For example, the library upgrade for the Nundah State School has been budgeted for the last three years now. The parents, kids and teachers of that school are still waiting for something to be built. All that has happened is that the delay has caused the cost to blow out. What a surprise! The cost of the upgrade has increased by $360,000, an increase of 45 per cent over the amount last year. This follows an underspend last year. Some $630,000 was earmarked for expenditure. The question to this government is: how much longer is this project going to take to complete? The development of Aviation High appears again. This was the great election promise that was made over two years ago. The difference for the project is that last year it was budgeted to cost $5.39 million and $1.78 million was to have been spent. In fact, only $124,000 has been spent so far— an underspend of over 1½ million dollars—and the project cost has been cut by a quarter of a million dollars. What is not being done that was promised to be done? We will be watching this program very closely to ensure that it is delivered on time this year as promised. In Myrtletown there is an allocation for a bulk supply substation. The electricity needs down there are enormous because of the advanced water treatment plant and the demands of industry moving into that part of the world. It was in the budget last year to boost network capacity and it is back again this year. Last year the cost of the substation was put in at 19½ million dollars. Twelve months later and that cost has jumped to $42 million, an increase of 22½ million dollars. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2169

Page 65 of the Capital Statement shows that my old friend the long awaited Nundah Community Health Centre—of some considerable fame in the northern suburbs, mainly because it has not been built for such a long period of time—is also among those projects that have received a budget cut. Six years after the centre was first promised and two months after the most recent promised opening date— and it is still not open yet by the way—the government has cut the budget for the centre by $1.1 million and underspent on last year’s allocation by $2.7 million. The people of north Brisbane are entitled to ask: what is not being delivered as a result of these cuts? Lest it all be doom and gloom, there is of course the Albion station land bridge with a budget of $11 million as part of the $280 million Albion mill development project by FKP. The mill at Albion will see the development of a housing and commercial community built around a transport hub. I am pleased to see the developers, FKP, having the vision to build and to develop a TOD—something which, if left to this government, would still be on the drawing board. As the price of fuel continues to rise and congestion on our roads becomes a daily problem, it is important that we look at how we can structure future developments around dedicated transport hubs. The idea of the TOD was one put forward in 2003 by the late Trevor Reddacliff and me. It was the vision of the BCC that has led to this project coming to fruition now. In fact, it was my predecessor, the former state member, who tried to derail that process for political gain back in 2005-06 and who slowed the project down, aided and abetted by her mates in the Labor council. So when the Premier comes in here crowing about TODs, we know it is only because of the vision of people in the BCC and the elected representatives who went to the people and who were prepared to have the debate about the need for TODs that we see developments like the Albion Mill, Bowen Hills, Buranda and Milton happening—only because people had the courage to stand up and have that debate and take it out to the community, and the member for Stafford knows what I am talking about. This government was brought kicking and screaming to the table on these issues. They are the five highlights of this year’s budget for the people of Clayfield. One of them is commercial developer led, one of them has been underspent, two of them have suffered budget cuts, one of them has suffered a cost blow-out and all of them are behind schedule and have suffered delays. There are three other big-ticket items that have an impact on my electorate, which pass through my electorate in one way or the other. There is the East-West Arterial and Gateway flyover listed on page 95 of the Capital Statement, the Airport Link on page 81 and the Northern Busway to Kedron. In his budget speech the Treasurer noted— ... strong population and economic growth, particularly in South East Queensland, is putting increasing pressure on our roads and public transport. It’s adding to costs within the economy, and costing commuting families precious time. If ever there was a glimpse of the blindingly obvious, that was it. What a visionary statement! Where has the Treasurer been for the last five years that he has not realised that we have had traffic congestion coming on? What rock has he been hiding under not to know that we have traffic congestion problems in south-east Queensland? Mr Fraser: Come on, Tim. You’re a bit better than this. Mr NICHOLLS: I appreciate the encouragement. The Treasurer has come late and slow to the issue of traffic congestion. In my electorate of Clayfield, a fair degree of the brunt of congestion is borne. It is shouldering its fair share of the load. As a thoroughfare for traffic travelling between the city, the Gateway and the Brisbane airport, commuting around the suburbs of Clayfield can be a hectic and time- consuming problem. There is the congestion that backs up— Mr Fraser: We’re really starting to see the effect of the Nats takeover on the Libs now. They’re reducing the quality of the debate day by day. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Hoolihan): Treasurer! Mr Hinchliffe: You’ll almost be in Darling Downs territory soon. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: I ask the member for Stafford to please refrain from interjections. Mr NICHOLLS: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I was going to let that one through. There is the congestion that backs up daily, both inbound and outbound along Kingsford Smith Drive and Sandgate Road. We all know it takes just one accident on the Gateway, Inner City Bypass or any of the surrounding roads to make traffic grind to a halt. To make matters even worse, the $1.4 million so-called smart traffic lights installed by this government at the roundabout turned on in August last year have seen outbound traffic congestion in both the mornings and afternoons increase, with 500 fewer cars moving through that roundabout every quarter hour during peak times. This is despite a government promise that for those 52,000 vehicles that use the intersection each day travel times would improve by 15 per cent. Over the past months we have seen serious congestion for commuters travelling along Airport Drive or taking the back route along Lomandra Drive. I note the minister for main roads paying attention, because I was just going to say that we are still waiting for traffic lights at the Sugarmill Road- Kingsford Smith Drive intersection, despite those being recommended last year when the report was handed down on 23 December. 2170 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

Mr Pitt: Talk to your mates in the BCC. Mr NICHOLLS: On the corner of Kingsford— Mr Pitt: It’s their road. Mr NICHOLLS: It was your promise, Minister. When residents contact me about the congestion which plagues my electorate on a daily basis, the only answer available to them is to wait for the future to arrive, because that is the only solution this government has been able to give. There have been no answers for the traffic congestion that plagues our streets today because this government has failed to plan and prepare for the issues of congestion that we are experiencing. Instead, we are told to wait for the completion of the Gateway upgrade in 2011; the NSBT in 2010; Airport Link, which is now expected to be completed in 2012; and now the recently announced East-West Arterial and Gateway flyover. I might point out that I have been calling for the construction of a flyover at that roundabout for many years, and I am pleased that the government has finally adopted my proposal and will build a real solution to one of Brisbane’s worst intersections. I commend it for having the courage to do so, but I condemn it for taking so long to realise that it needed to do so. The delay to this obvious problem is inexcusable, and this government bears full responsibility for the problem. But there is no short-term or immediate relief for residents on the north side and commuters caught in the congestion that has resulted from a reactionary government that cannot plan and cannot plan for public transport needs to relieve traffic congestion for the future. There is not even the option of reliable public transport for the people of Clayfield. While we have a train line, we do not have the trains. The buses do not travel far enough or often enough. And whenever this government attempts to update the train timetables, they are riddled with mistakes and simply divert desperately needed services from one area to another. These problems are not restricted to the Clayfield electorate. The people of Queensland can look at this government’s supposed solutions to public transport and traffic congestion and see that, under a Labor government, the only people who can catch a train with ease are Labor Party apparatchiks and political advisers. Let us look at the Gold Coast for an example of how the government is short-changing commuters. For those people living on the Gold Coast, the much-heralded Gold Coast rapid transit system has had both its funding and its scope cut back in this year’s budget. What is the amount of the cutback for the Gold Coast rapid transit system? $817 million! Instead of the Helensvale-Parkwood- Broadbeach route, worth over $900 million according to last year’s budget, this government will fund a shorter, cheaper Parkwood to Broadbeach transit system worth only $84 million. Gone is any solution to those public transport problems the rapid transit system was originally heralded as the solution for. Rather than tackle the problems with innovation and enthusiasm, this government drops the project like a hot potato to leave Gold Coasters in the lurch. The minister cannot even decide if he wants the system to use buses or trains, and he has had a long time to make that decision! Then there is the 4.1 kilometre extension of the rail line from Robina to Varsity Lakes. Under this year’s budget that will be cut by $48 million—down from $348 million without any explanation of the reasons. All this follows an underspend last year of $6 million. It is clear that when this government finds something too hard to do its solution has been to walk away from the problem, and nothing is changing with this budget. This can be seen on page 141 of the Capital Statement about the Eastern Busway. Those residents in the Redlands who have been waiting for the distant promise of an Eastern Busway to Capalaba will note that it is not included in this year’s budget—just entirely dropped out. While the Buranda to Coorparoo, the Eleanor Schonell Bridge to the PA Hospital and the PA Hospital to Buranda sections have all been included, the final stage of the busway, which was in last year’s budget, has been left out. According to the Capital Statement for this year’s budget, not only has the busway allocation been slashed by $874 million; it will now only go from Buranda to Coorparoo. Anyone who was hoping to travel to the Redlands via a dedicated bus corridor can be assured that that dream will not be realised any time soon. Yet despite this obvious cut, the Premier has come out and given the green light for the next stage of the Eastern Busway. In a media release, she has even gone on to say that— ... TransLink will contact all affected property owners between Buranda and Capalaba today and in the coming days to advise them of the impacts. Yet she fails to mention that, according to the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan for 2008-26, the final stages of the busway are marked as being under construction until the end of the plan’s time frame, that is, until 2026—up from the old time frame of 2015. Although property owners near the Capalaba end of the corridor may be contacted about the busway, they can expect that that will be the only contact they will have with this government for some time. Despite what this government might say—or in this case not say—the budget and the infrastructure plan both show that the final stage of the Eastern Busway is but a thought in the distant future. In fact, it is so far over the horizon it is in another time zone. That is not the only work to be cut back in the portfolio. Further budget cuts can also be noted in the Citytrain METRIP upgrades, the metropolitan freight capacity enhancements program and the minimum maintenance track program. It would seem that Treasury and the Treasurer have gone through the budget and they have done the old trick of shaving one per cent or two per cent off all the 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2171 programs wherever they can to save a few dollars on the way through. All of those little programs have been cut back by amounts that will have a serious impact on their operations. It would seem that the money has had to be cut to pay for those projects that have already blown out from previous budget estimates. The Capital Statement shows that this has occurred in the Landsborough-Nambour line on the Sunshine Coast, where the estimated cost has blown out by $40 million as a result of a variety of issues including, I think, some land costs going up. Strangely enough, the opposite has occurred on the first stage of the line between Beerburrum and Landsborough, where the project has been cut by $3.5 million following a prior underspend of $6 million. That project has not yet started, despite a ministerial statement dated the 14 August 2006 by the former transport minister—and his record of getting things done on time is not brilliant—stating that he expected work on the corridor to start in early 2009 and be completed by mid-2012. Another massive cost increase in the budget can be seen in the Capital Statement on page 143 for the new Queensland drivers licence. This is another smartcard from this government. The project’s total estimated cost has increased by another $37 million since last year and it is still in stage 1—the implementation stage. The project has increased from $20 million in 2006-07 to $47 million in 2007-08, and this year it is estimated to cost $84 million—a 320 per cent increase in just two years. At the current rate of increase we can conservatively expect next year’s budget to estimate the cost at over $100 million. Under the mismanagement of this government, I am afraid we will soon see the smart licence, like the go card, turn into an expensive, problematic fiasco that causes Queenslanders more trouble than the current licence. One has to ask: what about the much-vaunted PPP model that the former transport minister was so keen on? It has now been shown to be just so much fluff from the former Premier and the former transport minister. The promise of the smart licence is brought to us by the same team that promises to bring us technology to help motorists save 8.35c a litre on fuel by Easter next year—an idea that is also already proving problematic on its own. If the history of this government’s capacity to deal with technology is any guide, it is difficult to see that system starting on time if Queenslanders have to wait for their new drivers licences to be completed first. As the Leader of the Opposition mentioned in his budget reply, we on this side of the House support a simple fuel tax rebate scheme that will help keep downward pressure on inflation, fuel and groceries, not a scheme like that cooked up on the hop last weekend by the Treasurer to put a bar code on the back of everyone’s licence, to add $20 million worth of administration costs and to add costs to all the interstate truck drivers—everyone who brings the food and groceries into Queensland. The Treasurer joins the good old team in Canberra in putting upward pressure on working families. By doing all of those sorts of things, the Treasurer is keeping the pressure driving upwards on those people who are struggling already. So we will see how this scheme works because if the smartcard, the go card and the smart licence are any indication, the Treasurer is in for some strife. It will be interesting to see if he has it operational by Easter next year. Mr Fraser: Have you got a policy? Mr NICHOLLS: A simple, straightforward plan to ensure that it goes transparently through to the consumer. That is our plan. But I tell members what our plan is not. Our plan is not to go down the technology option of sending bar codes out to people, sending them off to get a licence and whacking another $20 million on to the bottom line of the state government’s budget so that they can go out and do something that they should have been doing correctly in the first place. That is the Treasurer’s plan— ‘Crikey, we have a problem. We’ve been holding off on it for six months because we don’t know what the solution is. It is going to be another nine months before we deliver it.’ The Treasurer has crossed his fingers, because he is not sure whether the solution is going to work. He has not worked it out. It is policy on the fly. Believe you me, that is not what we will be doing. There are many increased allocations in the Transport portfolio in relation to a number of other issues. I think that some of them will be worthwhile. The Citytrain disability infrastructure program is something we would support and we would like to see more work done to bring things into compliance. But in doing so I raise the issue— Time expired. Mr DICKSON (Kawana—Lib) (4.35 pm): I rise to speak to the appropriation bills. The 2008-09 budget delivered very little for the people of Kawana. There have been no new commitments for infrastructure. There is a $3.2 million budget for the performing arts centre for Chancellor State College. That commitment was made originally in 2007-08 and the work is about to commence next month. So that is not new funding. There are no new additional fire stations for the north coast region. What about the increase in the needs of a high-growth area such as Sippy Downs? It is a fast-growing area. There are a couple of fire stations on the coast in that region, but they are not manned 24 hours a day. The least we can ask is to 2172 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008 get those fire stations manned 24 hours a day. There should be another fire station built at Sippy Downs where the police station is going to be built. So if the emergency services minister can note that, I think it would be a good idea for next year. Although I applaud the work of the government in recent years in improving road networks in my electorate, including the new Dixon Road-Claymore Road interchange with the Sunshine Motorway, it is disappointing that there are no new commitments for roads in this upcoming year. I have to congratulate the Main Roads minister. I think, to date, he has done a pretty good job. He has touched on a couple of issues in my area recently. I think Warren Pitt is doing a pretty good job. Most significantly, no mention is made in the budget of the progress towards CAMCOS, which is the road corridor that is supposed to be built on the Sunshine Coast, and also the transport corridor that is supposed to go right beside CAMCOS. We need these now. We do not need them in another 16 years or another 10 years. We need them now, because we have such a growing population. This issue touches on what the Premier put forward yesterday in relation to these new greenfield developments. How are we going to be able to look after 100,000 new people on the Sunshine Coast if we cannot look after the population we have now? I ask the government to really think about where they are approving these developments. If it does not undertake environmental impact studies on these areas, it is going to be building these new developments on flood plains. These developments will affect a lot of people. I think the compensation that will be paid in future budgets will be huge. So I ask the government to think about the decisions it is making. Transport infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast is an issue that this government really needs to look at very hard. If it does not, we are not going to have the infrastructure in place that will look after not only the existing population but also the future population that the government wishes to deliver to the Sunshine Coast. We also have to look at the increased cost of fuel. It is hitting the hip pocket of all commuters. It will be years before we have an alternative to driving cars. This government is putting $30 million into household climate change initiatives, but it is not doing anything to reduce emissions by providing real public transport options. That issue is just so big. I ask the government to think about it. If the government gives people public transport, they are going to get out of their cars. It will make life a lot easier for us all. It is a way of moving forward. It is a whole-of- government issue; it is not just one side. Everybody has to play the game. Although I welcome the $3 million that has been budgeted to complete the relocation of the Kawana water police, this is yet another reannouncement. It was made last year. Hopefully, that relocation will happen this year. I ask the police minister to do that. I am pretty sure she will deliver on this commitment because it is really important. Lots of people who live on the Sunshine Coast have boats. The area has a great dive site. People from all over the world are coming to the area to dive around the ex HMAS Brisbane. We need a better water police service in the area that is based on the water. At the moment the water police are based at Kawana Waters, which is a land based police station. This is another good initiative. It was budgeted for last year. It has been budgeted for again this year. I ask the minister to deliver it. It would be a good thing for the whole of the Sunshine Coast. I turn now to the police station at Sippy Downs. It has been budgeted for the last four years. We do have a commitment from the police minister and also the Premier. They both said on the news recently that they are going to start it in July this year. I look forward to that as well. I also look forward to them coming up and turning that first sod next month sometime. An amount of $29 million has been committed to the new Kawana hospital in 2008-09. What is that amount going to deliver? I know the government has bought the land. It has spent about $28 million buying a piece of land. It has turned into almost $1.2 billion worth of expenditure. Each year another couple of hundred million dollars is added to the price. The government needs to move forward on this type of facility on the Sunshine Coast because our public health system is not catering for the number of people we have now. We have the Caloundra Hospital and the Nambour Hospital. They are being upgraded to a certain point, but there is not enough money being spent on the Sunshine Coast for the population that we have now, let alone the increased population that the government is trying to give us. If the government puts those 100,000 people up there, they are going to get sick, they are going to need to go to hospital, they are going to need the police force and public transport. It just does not stop. I believe that all these necessary services need to be put in place before this government gives the approval to these developments. The $54 million that has been budgeted for the additional hospital beds across the coast will not go far enough. It is not going to cater for our existing population and that leads me back to the Kawana hospital again. If the government builds it on that site, so be it. However, if it does not, it needs to build it somewhere and soon. If the government puts those 100,000 people up there, they are going to get sick. The government’s friends are going to come up and visit us during the holidays because our area is a tourist destination. Our population doubles every tourist season. People are going to get sick. They are going to want community facilities. They do not come up there and just go to the beach. If it is raining 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2173 they use the library and they use the local shops. They might have to call upon the police, the hospitals or ambulances. We need the whole lot. I know I am harping on the topic, but it is a real issue. Unlike the Gold Coast, it would be a good thing if we could just get it right the first time. This is a great opportunity. These sites are called greenfield sites, which means that the government has an opportunity to get the funding right the first time, and the infrastructure plan has not quite got it. It needs to be looked at again and again. The government is bringing forward these development approvals that were going to be assessed a couple of years away and then they were going to go through the normal process. This government is now talking about bringing these approvals forward within 12 months. Anybody who has had anything to do with development—and the Treasurer has—would be well and truly aware of the implications of bringing forward any development, particularly master planned communities. These master planned communities need a full investigation, traffic studies, an understanding of the environmental impacts on these areas and also the social infrastructure, which brings me back to the budget: delivering the hospitals and the transport facilities that need to be put in place. I will just touch on a little issue that honourable members may think is a little bit funny. I find it very hard to believe that this government identified the water strategy as part of its commitment to regional development in the north coast region. This strategy brings no benefit to the Sunshine Coast. It is cynical of the government to claim that the water grid and the pipeline are a development for the Sunshine Coast when water is pumped only one way. The pipeline to the Sunshine Coast is being built. It is going to extract water from Baroon Pocket Dam for the benefit of Brisbane. We do not mind doing it, but it would be nice if the government could build a pump station so it could send water back the other way. Water does not run uphill. The gravity heights are 100 foot on one end and zero on the other. Brisbane is zero and we are the 100. So it is not going to run uphill. Anybody who thinks that the government is going to send water back to the Sunshine Coast has been deluded. We know that it is not going to do that. It has admitted to it in its planning framework. The government says it is giving us $200 million to take our water, but I do not think it is of much benefit to the Sunshine Coast. Under regional development initiatives are listed the government buildings in Maroochydore and a state equestrian centre at Caboolture. I am not sure my constituents will regard those as significant regional developments. What do the people of Kawana need and deserve in this state budget? A lot more than they are receiving. This week the government announced that it will fix housing affordability by fast-tracking new developments that will bring thousands of people to our region. Nowhere in this state budget is there a cent for new expenditure to pay for the infrastructure that is needed to support these developments. There is no new road infrastructure, no new public transport and a bandaid treatment for our health service. If this state cannot afford to build infrastructure and provide the services, then it should not be encouraging development in our area. I heard the Deputy Premier talk about affordable housing. Some facts and figures have been calculated on the Sunshine Coast in the past few weeks. I have spoken to the head planning representative in the new Sunshine Coast Regional Council. He has told me about the Palmview development. It just will not stack up because it needs five road access points and because it needs money to be spent by this government. It needs to be able to deliver the road infrastructure before it brings Palmview on. We are talking about 15,000 properties. So if it does not deliver the road network, what it has just spent in Sippy Downs is going to be a drop from an eye dropper into a bottle of milk. It is not enough money. It is not even within a bull’s roar of the money that needs to be spent. I think the infrastructure for the Dixon Road-Claymore Road interchange and the duplication of the Sunshine Coast Motorway was roughly $37 million. That can be multiplied by 10 or 20 if the government wants to approve this development. It should get the budget warmed up and start putting a few dollars away because it is going to have to spend buckets of it in our area. I will not get off its back and I will not leave it alone if it continues to push down this path. It is the wrong way to go and the Treasurer knows it because he is in charge of planning for the state government. The government has talked about providing affordable housing on the Sunshine Coast. The numbers stack up to between $300,000 and $350,000 for the housing blocks taking into account building the infrastructure that the government needs to build. If that is affordable housing I think government members are living on the wrong planet. I do not think affordable housing is going to be easy to deliver on the Sunshine Coast. It is not this government’s fault. It is not any particular government’s fault; it is a world crisis that we are all facing. I know it is trying to do the right thing, but it needs to think about what it is delivering to all of the areas throughout south-east Queensland. On the Sunshine Coast we are not ready for Maroochydore development or the Palmview development. We are not ready for the development on the Sunshine Coast at all. If it is done in a practical, sensible manner it will save this government a small fortune. The government is going to have to pay for the baby it makes and the baby it is making is the land it is delivering on the Sunshine Coast. It is unprecedented growth that we cannot accept. Mayor Bob Abbot received 70 per cent of the vote. He went out there and told the people of the Sunshine Coast, ‘I will deliver sustainable development.’ 2174 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

The guy is a gem of a man. He is looking to do the right thing. Give him some credibility. The government should look after the people of the Sunshine Coast and deliver what it has promised to deliver in the past. This is ad hoc development and it makes the government look like it is at the beck and call of the development industry. It makes it look like it is in its pocket. Do the right thing. It needs to prove that it can do the right thing. I heard the Speaker talking to Peter Wellington this morning and saying how proud he is of him. Government members should be proud of themselves and do the right thing by the people of the Sunshine Coast. Do not let that development happen. As far as affordable housing is concerned, this is definitely not the right way to go about it because the government will have to spend billions—not millions—of dollars on the Sunshine Coast. Wake up and smell the coffee, because it is coming. Mr LEE (Indooroopilly—ALP) (4.47 pm): Climate change poses the single greatest challenge of our generation in economic, political and social terms. No other issue will so define human history in the early years of the 21st century as how we as a species choose to tackle the reality of human caused climate change. There is no doubt that human actions have caused changes to our planet’s climate, and these changes are real. Despite what the climate sceptics in the National and Liberal parties will try to tell us, human actions are changing the climate of our planet. Humans are doing this by continuing to add huge volumes of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into our atmosphere, mainly from the use of fossil fuels such as oil and coal for energy. This pollution stays in the atmosphere for decades and is causing our planet to heat. We can work to reduce the human impact on our planet’s climate only by dramatically changing the way we use energy and by changing the way we produce energy. Individuals, families, communities, businesses and government all have an important role to play in becoming much more energy efficient. We need to stop wasting energy. We need to focus on climate friendly, renewable energy such as solar, wind and wave power. This budget delivers funding for a new and important initiative to help our community tackle climate change. The ClimateSmart Home Service will commence from 1 January 2009 and will help Queensland households to become more energy efficient. This sensible service will operate in a similar manner to the successful Home WaterWise Service. For a service fee of $50 a qualified tradesperson will visit people’s homes to conduct an energy audit, provide energy efficiency advice, install energy-saving tools such as a household energy monitor and a water efficient shower head and also supply 15 compact fluorescent light globes. In the coming months more information will be available by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency’s web site at www.epa.qld.gov.au or by phoning 1800199794. As soon as the information becomes available I will also include it on my web site at www.ronanlee.mp.com. My constituents are the best educated and smartest in this state. I am determined to work with my community to also make my electorate the most energy efficient in Queensland. I want to thank the Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation for this important initiative, and I want to thank the minister and his department, too, for funding St Andrew’s Anglican parish at Indooroopilly with $15,000 for the development of a conservation plan for the parish hall and $15,000 for the good folk at Union College at the University of Queensland to develop a conservation management plan. I am delighted as well with Q150 funds for my electorate to help our state celebrate its sesquicentenary next year. There are state government funds for the Brisbane Chamber Choir to showcase Queensland composers and poets past and present, funds for the CHI.L.D Association to mark the 30th birthday of the Glenleighden School in Fig Tree Pocket, funds for the Graceville Croquet Club to write a club history and a history of the Graceville area, and money for the UQ School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies to undertake the ‘sounds of Queensland’ where soundscapes of Queensland will be compiled. Tackling change will require us to dramatically alter the way we as a society use transport resources. We will need to drive private vehicles less, walk more, cycle more and use public transport more. That is why there is good news for my electorate with the major upgrade to the Indooroopilly Railway Station progressing well. The refurbished platforms 1 and 2 have recently been reopened to commuters and I am delighted with the results of the upgrade so far. The construction team of QR, TransLink, Abigroup and our partners—our commuters—have done a great job with this upgrade that is progressing to the next stage on target. This is a complex project, with Indooroopilly being one of the busiest stations outside of the CBD and located on the busy Ipswich line. Work is now underway on platforms 3 and 4 and the new concourse level adjacent to the Westminster Road bridge. Importantly, the Indooroopilly station redevelopment is an environmentally friendly design. This is the first station on the metropolitan network to use solar panels which will feed electricity back into the power grid. The station will also use a rainwater tank to provide water for the on- site toilets. The Indooroopilly station upgrade will also improve access and safety for passengers. The new concourse will have lifts and stairs to each platform as well as to Railway Avenue and there will be a dramatically improved subway. A passenger set-down area is also planned for Railway Avenue. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2175

I want to put on record my thanks to all involved with this project, especially Peter Anderson, project manager with QR; Giano Terzic, community engagement manager with QR; Craig Hempstead, community engagement coordinator with QR; Debbie Hartsorn, customer engagement coordinator with QR; and Ken Jack from the S2K Alliance, who is a project manager. I am grateful, too, to the residents of nearby streets and those local business operators who have been so patient during this major railway redevelopment. I am positive that everyone will be delighted with the outcome—a revamped Indooroopilly Railway Station that is the greenest in the network. But I will never stop working for my local community. My next project is making sure Indooroopilly Railway Station’s commuters have access to a reasonable commuter car park. This is not a view shared by everyone involved in western Brisbane political life. Federal Liberal MP Michael Johnson in fact campaigned during the recent federal election against my suggestion to provide a commuter car park for Indooroopilly Railway Station. I disagree with the Liberals and Nationals on this point. Indooroopilly and Fig Tree Pocket commuters need to be able to safely and securely park close to the railway station without clogging local streets. I will continue to advocate for commuter parking at Indooroopilly, and I hope that eventually the Liberals will understand what is important to commuters in my community. I note, too, as construction is almost complete on this greener railway station that just 18 months ago the then Liberal leader was advocating further delays for more community consultation about the station upgrade. He wanted to stop the upgrade works to have another chat with the community. Indooroopilly’s residents were sick of consultation. They wanted action, and I delivered. The state government delivered. Upgrade works proceeded and the outcome is excellent. Given the inability of the Liberals and Nationals to negotiate their way to anything but a shotgun wedding of a ‘Pineapple Party’, you can only imagine what a disaster Liberal-led consultation would have been. They probably would have had an argument over what colour paint should be applied to the railway station—blue or green. They might settle on yellow. Population and economic growth is placing constant pressure on our transport networks. Brisbane’s transport future will be closely tied to public and active transport. This budget contains funds for busways, new rail and more trains. There are funds for 12 new three-car train sets, with 58 train sets on order for future years. This is a great start. Petrol prices, though, will continue to rise. That is a fact. I am convinced that oil production has in fact peaked. The era of cheap energy is over. In two years time motorists will look back at our current petrol prices and wonder if we will ever see fuel as cheap as that again. The answer is that we will not. This means that as time goes by more and more people will want to travel by means of public and active transport. We need to dramatically ramp up our spend on public and active transport. We need more trains to serve the Ipswich line in Brisbane’s west. We need more funds for bicycle infrastructure. The Premier’s announcement of two new end-of-trip cycle centres in central Brisbane is also a really great start. I have already strongly advocated for funds for strategic pedestrian and bicycle crossings of the Brisbane River in Brisbane’s west, and I have proposed a rail spur off the Ipswich line near Darra to Bellbowrie to provide the opportunity for that part of western Brisbane to commute without further congesting the already log-jammed Moggill Road and the Western Freeway. A Bellbowrie Railway Station park and ride would not only benefit Bellbowrie residents but also have a positive effect on Moggill Road as Kenmore residents could travel against the currently prevailing traffic flows to use the park and ride, further reducing pressure on Moggill Road and the Western Freeway—and, importantly, saving residents money and fuel during their commute. I believe that the problem of massive traffic congestion on Moggill Road and the Western Freeway cannot be solved by building more roads. The answer rests with better, cheaper and more regular public transport services and active transport options like safe bikepaths and corridors. That is why for many years I have campaigned against road construction suggestions like the proposed Kenmore bypass through southern Kenmore and Fig Tree Pocket. I believe that this road, supported by the Liberal MP for Moggill, is a total waste of taxpayers’ money. The Kenmore bypass makes no transport sense. It will simply cost a huge sum of money, continue to encourage commuting by private motor vehicles and then funnel traffic onto the already congested Western Freeway. With limited government funds for transport spending, I cannot support blindly building a new road when this money could be spent ramping up public transport infrastructure. I am working closely with the Save our Kenmore group to stop this pointless road project. The way to fight traffic congestion is to reduce the need for residents to drive by upgrading public and active transport options, not by building more roads. Fighting congestion by building more roads is like fighting obesity by buying more food. The Western Freeway is not only increasingly congested but also increasingly noisy. The existing noise barriers are simply no longer up to scratch. They need a major upgrade urgently, and I strongly suggest that the Department of Main Roads needs to ensure that some of its budgeted noise mitigation funds are provided to solve this problem. It is simply not acceptable that the only significant repair work for 2176 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008 these barriers is done on a piecemeal basis. Put simply, the barriers are no longer up to scratch and residents deserve better, especially when the department is suggesting that even more vehicles should be funnelled onto this freeway. I am concerned, too, about drainage issues associated with the Western Freeway within my electorate. During rain, a number of the drains appear to regularly be overwhelmed by the volume of water that is being channelled because of the design of the drainage system associated with the freeway. This, too, needs to be urgently addressed. Residents should not have to find their gardens and homes flooded because the freeway drainage is not working properly. There is good news in the budget, too, for Ironside State School, with funds to create a safe drop- off and pick-up area on Ironside Street. I have worked closely with the school community, the P&C and the principal, Trish Neate, and her team to achieve this positive outcome. I am always impressed by the students, staff and parents at Ironside. Last week’s international breakfast was a wonderful showcase of the multicultural nature of this school, as well as the commitment of the parents and teachers. It was delightful too to see the Indooroopilly State High School’s Korean fan dancers attend the breakfast. There is great news in the budget too for the Figtree Pocket State School, with funds for extra maintenance and a new bikeway leading to the school—a great way of increasing the number of students who travel to school by bicycle or foot. I am always delighted when the government takes action to ease the financial burden on my constituents, and that is why I am delighted there are funds in the budget to ease the financial squeeze on my older residents with an increase in the Electricity Rebate Scheme by $20 to $165 a year to eligible concession card holders. This will ease some of the financial burden on my older constituents. The new south-east Queensland pensioner water scheme provides subsidies of $40 in 2008-09 which increase to $100 by 2010-11. The Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate Scheme will offer rebates to eligible pensioners on the cost of gas, which is a genuine plus for my older constituents. We will rise to the climate change challenge only by taking bold and immediate action. Tinkering around the edges of government policy simply will not cut the mustard. While I acknowledge that the vast majority of my residents and constituents benefit from the state government’s petrol price subsidy in terms of cheaper fuel—and I have benefited financially too—and of course the flow-on effects of this in terms of the transport of goods, I have cause to question whether this community benefit is simply a short-term phenomenon, as we have an obvious trade-off between spending funds subsidising private motor vehicle use today versus extra funds for public transport infrastructure. As I was on the bus this morning on my way to parliament, it crossed my mind that many of my constituents, me included, would be prepared to forgo the petrol price subsidy to see more money spent on public and active transport. I will never claim this subsidy. Personally, I am not prepared for the government to subsidise my use of a resource that is both running out and a massive polluter of our planet. Once the new arrangements are in place to allow the subsidy to be paid once a valid Queensland drivers licence is presented, I encourage anyone concerned about the future of our planet to simply not claim the subsidy. I would ask the Treasurer to consider allowing citizens like me to opt to have our subsidy diverted to funding extra public and active transport infrastructure. In much the same way I make an extra contribution on my utility bill to purchase green power, I would like to be able to forgo this pollution subsidy but see my money allocated for transport solutions. I am sure that this could be technically possible. For instance, I could opt for a ‘greener’ drivers licence so that the subsidy that I could have accessed as a motorist could be directed to public and active transport projects. It would also be a genuine incentive for me to drive less. The future for us will involve a genuine shift in our thinking about how we do business as a government and as a community. We need to be greener, not just talk greener. We actually need to factor the climate change costs of pollution into our thinking when we make decisions. I am delighted that coal companies will pay more money to the government. They ought to pay more. What they are now paying is but a fraction of the cost to the planet of the pollution that they create. In the future, I am certain that the climate change cost of pollution will need to be factored into every economic decision. Since the industrial revolution, it simply has not been the case. In developed nations like Australia there have been requirements for polluters to factor in environmental costs associated with their activities, and our community has often shared the financial cost associated with this, with prices being higher than if there were no environmental controls. This is a good thing. But in the future, polluters will need to factor in the actual climate change impacts of their activities and this will have a significant impact upon the way we do business as a society. Climate change is the single greatest challenge of our generation, and future generations of Australians will judge us by how well we rose to this challenge. I am convinced that this is a challenge that we will meet. We live in a wealthy modern society with a strong economy. Now is the time to make the necessary changes to make sure we can prosper as a society in a future where climate change impacts are daily realities. I want to see a society where polluters pay, where those who contribute negatively to climate change pay. I want to see a society where we fund the best public and active transport network in the world, where we value the natural environment. I am looking forward to the declaration of the next group of Queensland’s wild rivers. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2177

In the future we need to be greener, more energy efficient, more climate conscious. We will be using public transport more and driving private motor vehicles less. It is a challenge and I am convinced it is a challenge we will be successful in meeting. Mr FINN (Yeerongpilly—ALP) (5.05 pm): William Osler once said— Take the sum of human achievement in action, in science, in art, in literature—subtract the work of the men above forty, and while we should miss great treasurers, even priceless treasures, we would practically be where we are today ... The effective, moving, vitalizing work of the world is done between the ages of twenty-five and forty. That is not surprising coming from a man who became a professor at the age of 25 and who was born in the mid-1800s. For many reasons, and I am sure many members would agree with me, I think William Osler’s views are a little outdated, but today I congratulate the Treasurer on bringing down his first budget—that is an achievement indeed. In commending the Appropriation Bill to the House, I acknowledge the commitments in the budget to tackle the big issues facing Queensland today. Through this appropriation, the government outlines funding commitments to target housing affordability, to build congestion-busting infrastructure, to inject high-priority maintenance funds into state schools, to give relief to pensioners in a national economic environment of rising living costs, and to manage the pressures of growth through a $17 billion infrastructure investment over the next year. In my brief contribution today, I will detail some of the commitments in this budget that directly benefit residents in my electorate of Yeerongpilly. Firstly, however, I must address aspects of the budget reply speech delivered by the Leader of the Opposition. Yesterday morning I came into the House looking forward to the opposition leader’s speech in this debate. Here was our chance to contrast the first Bligh-Fraser budget with the first Springborg- Flegg budget reply and to hear their plan for an alternative government. After all the talk about their merged National-Liberal Party, after all the slick billboards, cheap web sites and advertising spin, here was a one-hour opportunity to spell out the vision and plan of an alternative government. Alas, there was no comprehensive plan. What we got was an 8,600-word litany of blame and complain, a narrative of negativity. The so-called plan for health was limited to the development of a protocol. I am sure the protocol was suggested with good intent, but up against the government’s detailing of an $8.3 billion Health budget was not enough to be an alternative health plan. The attention to roads was a commitment to work towards a state and Commonwealth funding model for the Bruce Highway. Good work, I am sure, but as an alternative to the budget’s $3.2 billion road infrastructure spend, I do not think so. It took 6,900 words before we got to listing five policy directions a National-Liberal government would focus on and, in amongst that broad spin masked as vision that followed, there were only three detailed commitments. First, there was a commitment to a desalination plant at Bribie Island, but there were no costings, no outline of consultation with the local council and no detail of the contribution this ‘non climate dependent water supply source’ would provide to a drought buffer. At the 7,490-word mark, the opposition leader first used the words ‘my government’ and that is where the second commitment came—the introduction of a gross feed-in tariff. I, like all members I suspect, have received the emails from industry representatives and well-meaning environmental activists arguing for a gross tariff, and there is merit in considering the arguments. However, before adopting this position the opposition leader needs to articulate how he will address the fundamental problem that a gross tariff allows consumers to pay 14c per kilowatt for their power whilst they are paid 44c for each kilowatt they contribute to the national grid. It is not sustainable that households and businesses can operate on coal-generated power for a cheap price while being paid a premium price for that generation. Modelling undertaken in the preparation of the government’s net tariff scheme indicated that households will contribute to the grid 25 per cent of the electricity they generate and that a gross tariff scheme which rewards generation regardless of consumption would cost four times as much. Through failing to cost the gross tariff scheme, the opposition leader accordingly failed to outline the impact of his policy on electricity prices for all Queenslanders, and he ignored a key aspect of the net tariff scheme— that households are provided with incentive to go solar and take responsibility for generating their consumption demands before being paid for excess generation. The third and final plank of the Springborg-led National-Liberal alternative government is a $120 million commitment over three years to regional authorities to develop alternative energy schemes that will contribute to the national grid in 2015. We waded through 7,850 words to get to a new announcement only to be told that if the National-Liberal government were elected today it would deliver on it in seven years time. So here we have a self-described alternative government that outlines what it calls a plan but it mentions no new roads, no new hospitals, no new schools, no new sporting facilities, no new dams and no new buses, trains or cycleways. On top of this, it complains about debt but does not outline which of the infrastructure commitments of this government it would not proceed with. Perhaps there is some consistency in all of this. The approach to governing this state by both the shadow Treasurer and the opposition leader may well suggest something in the words of William Osler. 2178 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

Many members in this debate have outlined the commitments contained in the 2008 state budget, and I join with them in commending particularly the measures that tackle the issues of housing affordability and building essential congestion-busting infrastructure. Residents in my electorate of Yeerongpilly will benefit from a range of budget measures that address the demands of growth pressures across south-east Queensland. I turn now to some of the highlights of the budget with specific application in my electorate. At this point, I seek leave to have the remainder of my speech incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. There are some exciting new developments in the Yeerongpilly electorate with a number of new initiatives in the areas of education, transport, health and community services. The budget provides much needed funding to ease the pressure on local residents and families. Local Schools Education has been a high priority area for the Bligh Government in this year’s budget and many local schools will benefit from a $100 million injection of funds to essential school maintenance. Local school maintenance funding injections for high priority and targeted projects this year include: • $56 000 for Targeted Maintenance at Yeronga State High School. • $61 000 for High Priority Maintenance at Yeronga State High School • $15 000 for Targeted Maintenance at Coopers Plains State School. • $13 000 for Targeted Maintenance at Rocklea State School. • $11 000 for Targeted Maintenance at Junction Park State School. • $9 000 for High Priority Maintenance at Moorooka State School. • $9 000 for High Priority Maintenance at Rocklea State School. • $6 000 for High Priority Maintenance at Coopers Plains State School. Roads and Transport Continuing to fund development and maintenance of road and transport infrastructure is crucial to managing growth in South East Queensland and contributing to tackling congestion in our suburbs. The State Budget funds a number of initiatives aimed at increasing the quality and accessibility of public transport and roads. These include: • Funding for the provision of a pedestrian connection between Yeerongpilly rail station and the west side of Fairfield Road, related to the Tennyson Riverside Development and State Tennis Centre from the $12 Million Citytrain Station Upgrade Program. • $1.7 Million this year for asphalt resurfacing on the South-East Freeway, between Lewisham Road and Gaza Road. • $1.47 Million this year to complete improving traffic signals at various locations, on the Mount Lindesay Arterial, at a total estimated cost of $1.5 Million. Funded from Queensland government’s Safer Roads Sooner Program. • $1.06 Million this year to commence concept planning on the South East Freeway between the Gateway Motorway and Coronation Drive. • $1.06 Million this year to commence a planning study between Rocklea and Dinmore, on the Ipswich Motorway, at a total cost of $4.64 Million. • $860,000 allocated by Main Roads from federal funding under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program to complete the provision of traffic management devices between the Ipswich Motorway and the Gateway Motorway, on the Griffith Arterial, at a total estimated cost of $5 Million. • $848,000 under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project to commence concept planning on the Logan Road and Kessels Road intersection, at a total estimated cost of $2.2 Million. • $848,000 under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project to commence concept planning on the Granard Road and Beaudesert Road intersection, at a total estimated cost of $2.2 Million. • $500,264 to construct to seal standard Balham Road extension to Beatty Road, Archerfield, with a total state government contribution of $4.211 Million. • $420,000 to continue replacement of Intelligent Transport Systems equipment at various locations on the South East Freeway, at total estimated cost of $4 Million. • $404,000 to complete the provision of traffic management devices at variable message sign sites on the South East Freeway and the Gateway Motorway, at a total estimated cost of $2.23 Million. • $297,000 to continue conducting programmed maintenance on various traffic management sites, on the South East Freeway, at a total estimated cost of $3.46 Million. • $250,000 to continue installation of heavy vehicle detection cameras between Ipswich Motorway and Gateway Motorway, on the Griffith Arterial, at a total estimated cost of $2.51 Million. • $250,000 to continue conducting programmed maintenance at various camera sites on the South East Freeway, at a total estimated cost of $4.03 Million. • $234,000 under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project in joint state and federal funding to complete miscellaneous works between the Ipswich Motorway and Gateway Motorway, on the Griffith Arterial at a total estimated cost of $1.61 Million. • $6.87 Million to complete the design and tender costs for a rail welding facility at Yeerongpilly at a total cost of $12.55 Million. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2179

Community Community projects are some of the most important initiatives in our local area. The state budget has committed funding to continue the fantastic work of many community organisations in our local area • $6.14 million to increase the availability of Home and Community Care services to support frail aged and younger people with a disability in the community. • $1.09 million to assist adults with a disability to live and participate in their community as part of an ongoing commitment. • $723 000 for promotion, prevention and early intervention strategies for people with moderate to severe mental illness living in the community, their families and carers. • $327 000 to provide for short term and limited respite support for families, carers and people with a disability. • $157 000 to provide post-school options for young adults with a disability and their families as part of an on-going commitment. Electricity Infrastructure • $5.42 million to replace underground cables nearing the end of their life with new larger cables in Annerley with a total project cost of $19.82 million. • $1.75 million to replace a transformer to boost network capacity in Moorooka with a total project cost of $2.44 million. There are many aspects of this budget that address the big issues facing the state of Queensland, as well as specific measures to address need in my local community. I am pleased to support the Appropriation Bill and commend the budget to the house and the people of Queensland. Ms JONES (Ashgrove—ALP) (5.11 pm): I am proud to support the Appropriation Bill 2008 and this year’s state budget, which is the first for the Treasurer and the first for the Bligh government. I would like to acknowledge up-front the Treasurer’s hard work. I know that he has made many tough decisions to bring down what is a fiscally responsible budget which maintains Queensland’s AAA credit rating, but he has also delivered a fair budget. It provides relief for those who are doing it tough, in particular first home buyers, by abolishing stamp duty and providing increased electricity, gas and water subsidies for pensioners, and record funding to help families supporting people with disabilities. The state budget also ensures Queenslanders continue to pay less state taxes than the national average and significantly less than residents in New South Wales and Victoria. We keep this low-tax promise despite this financial year being the first in which Queensland will receive less than its per capita share of GST revenue. In short, Queensland is now a donor state. In my view, the hallmark of this budget is the investment we are making to build our state’s future. More than $17 billion is allocated for key infrastructure projects to grow our economy into the future, secure our water supply, build new schools and hospitals and deliver a record investment in roads and public transport. This includes a number of projects that will significantly benefit my local community. I strongly believe that one of the best ways to tackle climate change is to invest in public transport. Locally, the Alderley Railway Station is in line to share in the $12 million Citytrain station upgrade program allocated in this state budget. Around $1.2 million worth of work is expected to be undertaken at the station to make it more commuter friendly and accessible for people with disabilities. A further $168.4 million over four years will be invested into the TransLink network to improve public transport services. Ninety new buses and 12 new trains will be added to Brisbane’s transport network this year. I am in a unique position in my electorate as I have only two state roads. Nearly all the roads in my community are local roads and their maintenance is the responsibility of the Brisbane City Council. However, the condition of the two state roads in my electorate—Wardell Street and Samford Road—has deteriorated in recent years. I have made representations to the main roads minister to secure funds to resurface these roads. I am delighted to report that funding is allocated in this year’s budget to start the resurfacing of asphalt between Wardell Street and Osborne Road, on Samford Road, with the total upgrade works expected to cost more than $1.2 million. As the Treasurer has said this week, this budget is a building budget. A further $615,000 is allocated towards the construction of the $1 million upgrade of The Gap Police Station which is on track to start in August. This upgrade represents a significant investment in police services in The Gap and delivers on one of my election commitments. It will provide a better working environment for police staff and improved services for local residents. Many Gap residents will remember that it was the Goss Labor government which first opened The Gap Police Station in 1992 only to see it closed by the newly elected National-Liberal coalition government in 1996. It was a decision of the Beattie government to reopen the station, and I am proud that this Bligh government is now upgrading The Gap Police Station. Included in the upgrade is a new reception counter, new electronic and general interview rooms, a duty officers area, a new meeting room, an officer room, an officer-in-charge office, locker room showers, and an additional CCTV for the site. I would like to thank the police minister for making these funds available for the upgrade of The Gap Police Station. I have also sought from her and the QPS an assurance that police response times will not be affected during the construction and upgrade works. The refurbished station is expected to open in the first six months of next year and will service residents of Ashgrove, Bardon, The Gap and portions of Brisbane Forest Park and Mount Nebo. 2180 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

This budget also delivers capital dollars to start construction on the new ambulance station to service Ashgrove and The Gap. In recent years we have seen increasing demand for ambulance services, particularly in the western suburbs. I can advise the House that, while it has been difficult to locate an appropriate site in Ashgrove or The Gap, the Minister for Emergency Services has told me that he is hopeful this will soon be resolved with a possible site earmarked. In total, the new ambulance station will be worth more than $2 million, with $600,000 allocated in this state budget to start construction as soon as we have secured the land. I assure local residents that I will continue to work closely with the QAS and the local community to deliver this new station. One of the most important, enjoyable parts of my job is working with my local schools and our students who will be the decision makers of the future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated principals, teachers, support staff and parents, particularly those who serve on our P&Cs and P&Fs, for making our local schools some of the highest achieving schools in Queensland. Education is a priority for me and a priority for the Bligh government. A record $8 billion, almost a quarter of the state budget, is allocated for education and training. This funding will enable a further 321 full-time equivalent staff, 270 of whom will be teachers and teacher aides, to be employed. This budget also invests $150 million as part of the $850 million, five-year State Schools of Tomorrow initiative to deliver new and renewed facilities that support modern teaching methods to some older schools, transforming them into exceptional centres of learning. Locally, $92,000 is in the state budget towards the construction costs of a new multipurpose building at Ashgrove State School. A further $100,000 will be shared by The Gap State School, Hilder Road State School and Payne Road State School for high-priority maintenance, above the annual allocation. Oakleigh State School will benefit from $37,000 for the construction of new bikeways and footpaths to encourage students to use active transport to get to school safely. I know the Treasurer will agree with me that, because of the quality of the schools that we have in our community as well as the desirability of our local area, the cost of housing in our suburbs has increased significantly in recent years. For many of the young couples and families I speak to who want to buy a home in the suburb they grew up in or who want to be close to their parents and have their children close to their grandparents, houses in our area are simply out of reach. This budget delivers significant savings for first home buyers, with the complete abolition of stamp duty for properties under $500,000. This was an election commitment, and I commend the Treasurer for delivering this benefit earlier than promised. The government will also bring forward and abolish in full mortgage duty on day one of the start of the new financial year. We will extend the principal place of residence concession available to all home buyers to provide further savings of up to $750. These reforms will mean that a couple buying their first home which is under $500,000 will save around $9,800 on their purchase. Further, this budget also provides savings to benefit growing families wanting to upgrade to a new home. In all, Queenslanders buying a home under $1 million will pay the lowest stamp duty in the country. While we are building the infrastructure we need for the future, there are also new measures in the state budget to protect our environment. I know climate change is one of the most pressing concerns for many of my constituents and they expect government to show leadership on this issue. I am very proud that this state budget includes a new $60 million home based service to help households reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions. From the beginning of next year the new ClimateSmart Home Service will be up and running and for just $50 a tradesperson will visit a person’s home to provide advice and energy-saving tools, including a smart energy monitor, compact fluorescent light globes and water-efficient shower heads. The great thing about this program is that the smart energy monitor provides householders with real- time data about their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency is also set to benefit with a 24 per cent increase in funding to a record $411 million. This is great news locally as it will help maintain and protect Brisbane Forest Park which makes our part of the world such a great place to live. These new initiatives are part of the whole-of-government ClimateSmart 2050 strategy announced as part of the state budget last year. It is designed to provide real measures to tackle climate change now and to protect our environment for future generations. We will also continue to invest in research and development into renewable energy sources to meet our renewable and low emissions energy target of 10 per cent by 2020. As I said at the beginning of my speech, this is a fair budget. It recognises that some people in our community are doing it tough at the moment. That is why this budget implements our commitment to introduce a pensioner water subsidy scheme for pensioners in the south-east corner. At a cost of $50 million over four years, it will provide a rebate of $40 a year, rising to $100 a year in 2010-11. This scheme is in addition to the Pensioner Rate Rebate Scheme which applies across the state and provides up to $180 off local government charges. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2181

In addition, to help pensioners and seniors meet the rising energy costs, this budget introduces a new $2.96 million Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate Scheme. Around 50,000 pensioners and concession card holders will benefit from this rebate which will be indexed to the CPI. I know that seniors in my electorate will greatly welcome this initiative. There is also $10.6 million in the budget to increase the pensioner and seniors electricity rebates by $20 to $165. They will also welcome a record budget of $8.35 billion to continue to drive the reforms of the Health Action Plan to improve public health services in our hospitals such as more hospital beds and record numbers of doctors and nurses. The 2008 budget delivers the infrastructure and social investment we need for a growing state. I commend the bills to the House. Ms MALE (Glass House—ALP) (5.23 pm): It gives me great pleasure to rise this afternoon to support the first budget of the new Bligh Labor government and to congratulate the Treasurer and the team of ministers who have been able to provide key projects with a huge boost in my electorate. Treasurer Andrew Fraser handed down his first budget which featured a record allocation for health and a record Capital Works Program to meet the demands of our growing state. I am pleased that the various projects that I, in conjunction with my local councils, have lobbied for have received the go- ahead in this budget. Firstly, I am delighted to see that the budget has allocated $3 million to the Moreton Bay Regional Council towards the development of library facilities at Caboolture. This is a project which has long been held dear for me. Being able to provide top-class facilities for local residents is vital, especially in regional areas. Libraries are so much more than just books and this money will be wisely used. The Sunshine Coast Regional Council will receive $237,000 towards the development of the Glass House Mountains Information and Interpretive Centre with a total state government contribution of $475,000. Can I also thank Councillor Anna Grosskreutz for working with me on this and other projects, so that together we are able to deliver significant facilities to the growing Glasshouse region. These are important projects for a growing area and the government has delivered on its commitment to grow the Queensland of today for tomorrow. As the Treasurer has said, this is a project that looks beyond tomorrow and out to the horizon. This is reflected in ongoing funding for projects that will deliver key lifestyle improvements to local residents. Funding for education facilities, road and rail projects, and vital community services are all welcome. We have a strong economy, underpinned by sensible fiscal decisions. We are catering for a growing population which needs services and employment. The Bligh Labor government continues the Labor tradition of providing responsible government which means that the Queensland economy continues to outpace the national rate of economic growth. Funding from the state budget addresses a number of important portfolio areas and includes the following information that I would like to seek leave to incorporate in Hansard. Leave granted. Key priorities of the 2008-09 Budget are congestion management, housing affordability, delivering on the Health Action Plan and strengthened community services. This includes: • Tax savings of up to $9,500 for first home buyers • Full abolition of mortgage duty from 1 July 2008 • Record 17% increase in health spending • Increased rebates and tax breaks for older Queenslanders • 200 new police officers • 250 new ambulance officers and 145 new vehicles • 270 new teachers • $20 million for ClimateSmart Home Services Environment There was considerable funding allocated for environmental projects, including: • $205,000 for the completion of construction of the Ngungun summit track (between Fullertons Road and Barrs Road) in Glass House Mountains National Park • $64,000 to plan, design and construct infrastructure for implementation of the Dularcha Management Strategy in Mooloolah Forest Reserve • $800,000 for the Conondale Great Walk as part of the More Great Walks in Queensland Program Child Safety • $579,000 to Anglicare Tufnell Residential and Community Care to provide a family intervention service to offer practical support to families as part of the Strengthening Families Program 2182 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

• $555,000 to Anglicare Tufnell Residential and Community Care to provide foster and kinship care to approximately 108 children • $212,000 for the Specialist Child and Family Program to provide counselling services for families, children and young people Education • $97,000 for a student support centre at Conondale State School • $63,000 for computer and guidance facilities at Caboolture State School • $46,000 for education maintenance in the Glasshouse electorate Communities • $686,000 to provide counselling, court access and support services for women and children affected by domestic violence • $82,000 to provide specialist support services to families with specific identified complex care needs of children including abuse and neglect • $1.22 million to the Caboolture East Early Years Centre for early years programs • $384,000 for the first part of the $1.5 million Maleny Neighbourhood Centre • $17,000 to the Caboolture Central Multi Tenant Service Centre for multi tenant service programs Disability Services • $1.78M to increase the availability of Home and Community Care services to support frail aged and younger people with a disability in the community • $135,000 to provide post-school options for young adults with a disability and their families • $13,000 to assist adults with a disability to live and participate in their community • $6,000 to assist adults with a disability to live and participate in their community Transport • Funding for an upgrade to Landsborough rail station’s eastern car park and bus station from the $12 million Citytrain station upgrade program • $80 million for the duplication of the rail track between Caboolture and Beerburrum • $2.7 million for planning for the duplication of the rail link between Beerburrum and Landsborough • $58.3 million to continue planning works for the North Coast rail line between Landsborough and Nambour • $23.1 million for the $67.6 million Beerwah Rail Crossing Project—and the building of this infrastructure is certainly moving at a rapid pace. Main Roads • $10.6 million under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project to continue duplication of Steve Irwin Way from two to four lanes between Mooloolah Connection Road and the Bruce Highway • $2.98 million to continue widening, repairing and strengthening between Fritz’s Gully and Jager Drive, west of Conondale, on the Maleny—Kenilworth Road • $2 million to continue the replacement of bridges at Six Mile Creek and King John Creek, on Beerburrum Road • $1.69 million to complete widening, repairing and strengthening between Red Road and Moffats Road, on Glasshouse Mountains Road • $1.5 million to continue intersection improvements at Reesville Road and Maleny—Kenilworth Road intersection • $1.49 million to complete sealing shoulders between R Williams Road and J Lindsay Road, north-west of Caboolture, on the D’Aguilar Highway • $1.46 million to complete sealing shoulders at Peachester Road and Taroona Court intersection, Peachester • $876,000 to complete duplication from two to four lanes between the Hasking Street and James Street intersection and McKean Street, on Beerburrum Road • $475,000 to complete improvement of a ramp at the southern intersection of Bruce Highway and Steve Irwin Way • $400,000 to complete improvements at the Smiths Road and Kings Street intersection, Caboolture • $329,000 to complete concept planning on Steve Irwin Way between Bruce Highway and Landsborough • $203,962 to replace bridge on Aherns Road, west of Harper Creek • $200,000 to commence a planning study between Conondale and Cambroon Creek, on the Maleny—Kenilworth Road • $95,000 to council for joint project which installed pedestrian signals at Glass House Mountains State School • $80,000 for the widening, repairing and strengthening of sections on Glenview Road • $65,000 for passenger set-down facilities at Maleny State School • $45,000 for passenger set-down facilities at Beerburrum State School • $12,500 for a bus shelter at Landsborough State School • $3.4 million to complete widening, repairing and strengthening between Lewington Road and D’Aguilar Highway on the Mt Mee Road • $722,544 to construct a new two-lane sealed standard on sections of Pumicestone Road, Caboolture 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2183

This lists many of the highlights, but obviously there is not room to show every bit of funding the state government provides to the residents of Glasshouse. Also, there are still many challenges ahead for the local area. Some of these include dealing with the many large infrastructure projects that are either in the process of being planned or are actually being built as we speak. These include rail upgrades, road duplications and the northern pipeline interconnector which is scheduled to be completed later this year. Members may have seen recent reports about the township of Mooloolah. Mooloolah is on the north coast rail line and is part of the Landsborough to Nambour corridor study. There are two issues that residents have been talking to me about. Firstly, the issue of the four-track corridor and subsequent 60-metre width of the corridor and the options for removal of the existing open level crossing. I have met with the minister for transport to discuss the concerns of local residents. At this stage, the corridor requirements shown for the four-track scenario allow for the provision of an access road for maintenance and emergency services on either side of the corridor. I have been assured that flexibility exists to relax this requirement in urban areas where this access can be gained through the use of the local road network thus reducing the required corridor width. Options for such an approach in Mooloolah will be explored with the local community through the environmental impact statement consultation processes over the coming months. I will ensure that the community has opportunities to talk with the study team and have an opportunity to put in submissions to the EIS process. I have also spoken to the local councillor and federal member about these issues and would like to assure them and the community that the state government takes their concerns seriously. I turn to the removal of the open level crossing at Mooloolah. Many residents have long expressed their desire for the removal of the crossing so that the town’s congestion can be removed and so there is a safe crossing opportunity for all of the town’s residents and vehicles. As part of the planning it is going to be important that we retain the character of Mooloolah, and I am sure many residents will be including that in their submissions. I have raised this issue with the minister and have received an assurance that Queensland Transport and the project study team will work closely with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council over the coming months to identify options for addressing specific township issues such as the provision of grade separated road/rail crossings on the preferred route for the Landsborough to Nambour rail project. It is expected that these options will be brought back to the local community for comment some time around August this year before a preferred outcome for each township is determined. There have also been some inaccurate statements in local papers about people having only one month to have input into the review of the South East Queensland Regional Plan. The first stage of the review was for people to put forward their views about the key issues under consideration. This first stage was open for one month and is now closed. However, in December this year a draft of the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 will be released and available for community feedback. People will have at least three months to put in a submission. The regional plan will then be finalised and released mid-2009. I assure members of the House and my residents that the state government will continue to work closely with regional councils to make sure that proper planning processes are followed as part of the review so that we can continue to protect our landscape whilst ensuring sustainable development is allowed to occur where appropriate. The projects I have spoken about above all rely on forward planning by the government and the provision of funding through this and future budgets. I am proud to be a member of the Bligh Labor team that believes we need to look at the future challenges of a growing population and do proper planning for the demands of the future. I thank the Treasurer Andrew Fraser, his senior policy advisor Michael Dart and all of the Treasury team for their assistance in providing a budget that recognises the needs of Glasshouse. This is a budget for all Queenslanders and I commend the bill to the House. Hon. AP FRASER (Mount Coot-tha—ALP) (Treasurer) (5.28 pm), in reply: I acknowledge the contributions of all members in the House. I also acknowledge the work of all of the staff of the Treasury department and my own staff in putting together this year’s budget. It has been a task of some proportion, and I want to thank them all on the record this evening for their tireless work and for their many hours beyond normal hours to get us to this point in the process. I also want to acknowledge all of the contributions and many of the kind words from government members about this budget. I want to particularly acknowledge the contribution from the member for Ipswich and the introduction from the member for Yeerongpilly and also pay regard to the member for Kurwongbah’s contribution to the debate. I also want to contrast that greatly with the contributions and the standard of those contributions from those members opposite. I certainly believe that there were some contributions from members opposite which were entirely unbecoming given their normal standard of contribution in these matters. I think it is worthy to address some of the issues that they raised in this the second reading debate of the 2008-09 state budget. It appears to me that there were a number of whistles sent from the other side—inclinations or perhaps intimations—of policy positions not yet formed or deeply held or truly held and in fact probably not held. If one listened to the debate over the last two days—the last 48 hours—in this chamber, they 2184 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008 would get the impression that members opposite are opposed to the notion that first home owners should not get the $7,000 first home owners grant when their first home is above $1 million. They would also get the impression that they oppose the increase in coal royalties. They would also get the impression that they believe that somehow somewhere there is an appropriate level of debt but they are not yet willing to define it. The reality is that I suspect that when push comes to shove the opposition will not be opposing the measures in the budget in relation to the coal royalties and the first home owners grant, but its members are taking pains to be able to point out to people who want them to take that position that they in fact have that position even though I suspect ultimately that they will not. On that point, I need to make a remark or two about the royalty issues given that it was touched upon by a couple of members— none more disingenuously in my view than the former Leader of the Opposition, the member for Callide, who sought to liken the issue of the increase in the coal royalty to dividends or other withdrawals from government owned corporations. In the first instance, I acknowledge that he was not a member of the last conservative government, but it really took the cake when it came to ripping money out of government owned corporations. What did it do with it? It propped up the bottom line. I in fact have a higher regard for the member for Callide than the contribution that he made in relation to seeking to conflate and equate the notion that the coal royalty put in place in this budget is somehow akin to those actions. On the issue of the increase in coal royalties and reforms to other royalties as detailed in the budget papers, I would say this: in 1974 there was an original principle of 10 per cent royalties put in place. That was discounted at that time to five per cent to stimulate investment in the industry. With regard to changes made because of national competition policy, which were ultimately to the benefit of the mining industry, that rate was increased to seven per cent but changes to the way in which it was calculated were made to the industry’s benefit. At this point in time I do not think that there is an argument to put forward that the coal industry in our state requires a discount to its royalty regime. In fact, it is the opposite. There has never been a greater call upon the government’s balance sheet. There has never been a greater call upon communities around the state to assist and support the mining boom that is occurring. We believe that, in the way that coal and our mineral wealth have been revalued on the market, Queenslanders and the revenue sources that support the budget need to be commensurate with the contribution that they will make to support the resource industry. I say again that this budget contains significant measures in support of the industry such as $150 million in the Bowen Basin on highways, and I acknowledge the support for those measures by members of the opposition and also Independent members. I also point to the $107 million to increase the freight efficiency of the Mount Isa rail line which will be greatly to the benefit of the north-west minerals province, the redevelopment of the Mount Isa Hospital and a new hospital in Mackay—key areas that are supporting the resource industry, and we are putting the money into those communities. Some comments were also made about the mining safety levy in the context that this was somehow a revenue-raising exercise. It is not. It in fact is a cost-recovery exercise, but it is not even that. It does not go all of the way to achieving full cost recovery. For those who seek to oppose or draw criticism upon that levy, I make this point: for a long time the petroleum and gas industries have paid in full for those services and we believe that it is appropriate in that context that the mining industry also pays appropriately for those services which are provided to it, just as the petroleum and gas industries have. I am sure the Minister for Mines and Energy will have more to say about that in a bill before the House. Members of the opposition also raised issues about a notion that somehow there was not in fact an increase to the Police budget and to the number of police. The 200 extra police is a net increase of 200 police. It is an extra 200 funded positions of police that will mean that the total number of police will go up. The attempts of those opposite to draw some idea or some notion that there are in fact fewer police are in fact utter bunkum. There was also a contribution made by the most accurate member of the Queensland parliament—my good friend the member for Warrego, who sought also to indicate that the roads budget was something over than what it is. Rather, it is a budget that has gone up by 12 per cent. It has in fact gone up by 300 per cent over the last four years, and that is a matter that needs to be corrected for the benefit of the public record. Members opposite placed great store on suggesting that this was a budget that missed the mark on many points, but I thought it worthwhile to not take our word for it but perhaps some of the views of people who have been watching the decisions over the last week and reflecting upon those decisions that we have taken in this budget. The Australian Industry Group—and I welcome its honest contribution to the debate—described it as an important contribution to helping businesses deal with higher prices, increased borrowing costs and rising labour costs. It said further that the reform to land tax and payroll tax will help to ensure that the state maintains its competitive edge as a place to do business. It said that there is still work to do, but given the tight fiscal position this is a solid budget which appropriately responds to the immediate concerns of industry while forging ahead with long-term value-creating initiatives in infrastructure and skills. I acknowledge the contribution to the public debate from the Australian Industry Group. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2185

The REIQ joined in a chorus of support for our housing affordability measures, saying in a media release that the state government should be applauded for seeking to arrest declining housing affordability in the budget. It also welcomed the reduction in the amount of tax in terms of the land tax threshold and further funding for social housing and the Urban Land Development Authority part of our comprehensive commitment to addressing housing affordability. Even the AMAQ found it within itself— and I acknowledge its statements in this regard—to point out that this budget does in fact provide a huge boost to health and hospitals in this state of $1.2 billion. Ross Cartmill from the AMAQ was quoted as saying that it had welcomed yesterday’s Health budget, saying that the state had demonstrated its commitment to the health of Queenslanders. I want to acknowledge its contribution to this debate and those of many other groups, including that of QCOSS at yesterday’s function here at Parliament House. From business groups right through to health groups and across to QCOSS, we find people who are able to point to what they believe is a good budget for the state of Queensland. It is a budget that we believe is good for the state of Queensland. You would not of course know it listening to the members of the opposition through the debate, and I want to make particular mention of some of the arguments advanced by them. I have already touched on what the member for Callide said in what I thought was a contribution not worthy of his normal standard of contributions in these debates. But he did not even come close—he did not even get into the same orbit—as the member for Robina, who could not even give his speech with a straight face. He knew what he was saying was utterly disingenuous, that it was populist and verging on downright dishonesty, if not misleading. He sought to pretend that somehow the issue of what is occurring on global financial markets is particular to Queensland. The reality of course is that anyone with half a brain knows that when they look at what super funds have returned to members right around Australia and indeed around the world all of those funds have taken a hit from global financial markets. This is not a particular issue to the state of Queensland, and it is only because of our unique position in having that quantum of funds invested on the market for the long-term future of meeting those liabilities that we take the effect of that return. I think that the member for Robina did himself no credit in making the contribution that he made. I would also point out to the member for Robina that he reflects poorly on the very professional people who run the QIC, Chairman Trevor Rowe and CEO Doug McTaggart. I think it is particularly typical of the member for Robina to seek to trash people who have well-deserved reputations in what was one of the cheapest stunts over the past two days. I also usually listen intently to the contributions of the members for Surfers Paradise and Clayfield. I thought they, too, did themselves no credit in some of their contributions, particularly when the member for Surfers Paradise called upon me to seek to make savings out of the Fuel Subsidy Scheme while earlier this week this mob were encouraging us to pay it to people in New South Wales and Victoria. How 24 hours in politics can be a very long time. The member for Surfers Paradise implored me as the Treasurer to save money from it while at the same time putting forward a policy proposition that we should pay it to people from another state. In that regard also the member for Clayfield pointed to what he has described as a simple plan— and it is a simple plan because it has nothing in it. The opposition’s proposal for how it would administer the Fuel Subsidy Scheme is as simple as it gets. We wait with bated breath for something other than a vibe, a theme, a notion, or a twinkling of an eye. We look forward to the momentous day in this state when we see a coherent policy put forward by the opposition for how it might administer any scheme, any subsidy or any policy and, on this occasion in particular, the Queensland Fuel Subsidy Scheme. Of course, the reality is that the Fuel Subsidy Scheme is a scheme that we believe is important at is gives an important benefit to the people of Queensland. It is a scheme that we seek to ensure is provided directly to the people of Queensland through the method that we are proposing. But it is on the matter of debt that most of the debate over the week has centred. To put this into perspective, as I have said repeatedly—and I will say it again for the benefit of this debate—our interest expense on the budget, that is the interest that is paid by the Queensland taxpayer, is just one and a half per cent of revenue. Every business, every family I know would love to have an interest expense of one and a half per cent. But as I indicated earlier in the week, and now that the budget debate is formally being held, let us make it simple. Let us get out the big butcher’s paper and the crayons and knock off all the zeros and try to communicate this to members opposite in a way in which they might appreciate the contorted, false and irresponsible and irrational position in which they found themselves by week’s end. If we take away all the zeros, this is the sum. It is exactly analogous to a person with an income, in the last year of the forward estimates, of $40,300 in round terms paying $1,300 a year in interest. That is $25 a week. Anybody with an income of $40,300, who has, in the view of members opposite, an interest expense of $25 a week is somehow overcommitted. 2186 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008

I challenge the members opposite—and they did not do it over the past two days—to put up their hands if they saved up in cash, in full, to purchase the most vital piece of social infrastructure in the family budget, their home. As the opposition found itself towelled by contributions from respected figures in the business community, Commerce Queensland and the Property Council, identifying the reams of research—which I again recommend to members—pointing out the prudence of engaging in responsible borrowing, it invented a distinction between different types of borrowing. The opposition is now advancing the case that social infrastructure should never be borrowed for, despite the fact that the benefit of social infrastructure is shared by generations into the future. From my vantage point on this issue I think it is a completely strange proposition, out of the many tired old ideas that come from the opposition, to suggest that today’s generation should pay in full for infrastructure that will be enjoyed by generations to come. I, in fact, think the notion of equity spreads a bit further than that. It is not just a time and place argument; in fact, it stretches across generations. We believe it is economically appropriate, as do most people who have a modicum of credibility in this debate. The reality, of course, is that in the distinction that was sought to be made by the opposition, as it retreated from the notion that some debt could be good but some debt could be bad, it did not name a figure, but just a vibe. The opposition also put forward a position that, in reality, projects such as the Northern Busway and the Houghton Highway upgrade to Redcliffe—projects which do not achieve greater return—should not be funded appropriately with borrowings; that these projects which do not have a source of revenue should not have funding to support them. No-one truly believes this except those members opposite. They do themselves no credit. In the boardrooms of this state they will not be able to find succour for the argument that they seek to put forward. In my view, this week they have done themselves no credit in seeking to rebuild a modicum of economic credibility. It is my view out of this week that what we see here is, in fact, the beginning of the takeover of ideas of the Liberal Party by the National Party. The old-style jingoistic populism politics and economics that long described public discourse in this state has come to the fore again to push the Liberals to one side. We can see them squirm when they hear their leader talk about economic policy because they do not believe a word of it. It is about time some of the decent Liberals in this place stood up to the National Party and stood up for their own constituency. There used to be a time in this state when members of the Liberal Party would not stand up and trash business groups for their views, pretending that they had a mortgage on those views. There used to be a time when the debate was somewhat different. We look forward to that time returning. The reality is that the $17 billion infrastructure program will be financed by a level of debt, but the gearing is nowhere near the level members of the opposition were talking about. When it comes to the particular issue raised by members opposite about levels of gearing in the GOCs, we need to emphasise that when you look at what is occurring across the forward estimates, the sales of goods and services that those businesses undertake in the GOC sector increase over time—that is the key measure—as do their assets and by a larger extent than their borrowings. Those are the fundamentals of a sound, forward business plan. That demonstrates the appropriateness of the level of borrowing that is occurring. It is not a new thing. It is not a revelation this year; it is just a theme that a desperate opposition without credibility on a policy front has sought to hang on to as it seeks to climb out of the electoral abyss in which it finds itself. I want to close by thanking in particular the members of the cabinet who have grappled with me over some very trying decisions and in trying times. By anyone’s measure it is a very trying period on the global economic stage with effects on our own economy in Queensland and on our own books. I want to thank in particular the members of the Cabinet Budget Review Committee—our Premier, Anna Bligh; the Deputy Premier, Paul Lucas; and the Leader of the House, Robert Schwarten—for their work, assistance and support as we sought to grapple with the many issues that confronted us over that 12- month period. I also thank my colleagues the members of the government for their support in giving me what can only be described as the unique privilege to deliver this, the 2008-09 state budget. I believe it is a state budget that has at its core our beliefs as a party, our core beliefs as a government. It looks to the future. It looks with courage and commitment to the decisions we have to make. I am reminded—and I was reminded during the week—to return to a budget speech of yesteryear that I referenced when introducing the 2008-09 state budget into the parliament. I can find no more fitting words than to return to that same speech to close off my contribution as I recommend the 2008-09 state budget to the House. To borrow again from that speech I quote—

We believed in the wisdom of proceeding cautiously with loan expenditure but also realised the serious effect on our industries and progress which would result from too drastic a slackening of developmental works. Railways are required more urgently than ever to bring into use for closer settlement agriculture and grazing lands which are now being made available. The unwisdom of allowing the land and railway policy to mark time was too obvious to be ignored. 06 Jun 2008 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2187

This also applies to the necessity of providing for harbour improvement and local government activity as well as of assisting and establishing enterprises for the purposes of increasing production. It would be short-sighted and unstatesmanlike to adopt any policy which would have the effect of hampering progress or curtailing production. I could not have said it better myself. I commend the bills to the House. Question put—That the bills be now read a second time. Motion agreed to. Bills read a second time. Reference to Estimates Committees Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Hoolihan): Order! In accordance with the order of the House of 1 May 2008, the appropriation bills are referred to the estimates committees. Consideration in Detail

Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill Clauses 1 to 4, as read, agreed to. Clause 5— Dr FLEGG (5.50 pm): This bill is predominantly concerned with matters that have been canvassed widely in the budget debate. This is the legislation to put them into effect. I would like to make a few remarks. This legislation completes the abolition of mortgage duty, which is a commitment that has been standing there on the books for some time. Obviously, we are pleased to see the back of mortgage duty. It was never a terribly efficient tax. The main impact of the bill relates to stamp duty matters. There is a raft of matters that relate to first home buyers. These are measures that we support. I think the Treasurer has got these right. I think the raising of the threshold in two stages, one on 1 July and one on 1 September, ultimately arriving at a duty-free threshold of $500,000 for a first home buyer, is an appropriate move. We are happy to see that. First home buyers are really doing it tough. People who are already in the housing market in this state have probably done relatively well in recent years. To a certain extent that has been at the expense of first home buyers. We will now be able to see first home buyers acquire a modest home—in Brisbane and certainly on the coast that is probably what people are buying in that price bracket—without the mortgage duty and without the stamp duty. There are some measures in relation to stamp duty that I do not like so much and I would like to record that. We have an increase in the level of stamp duty at the top rate from 4.5 per cent to 5.25 per cent. That is a pretty steep increase. It is an increase of between 15 and 20 per cent. The rate below that increases from four per cent to 4.5 per cent. We heard some comments from the Treasurer that these would apply to expensive properties. The reality is that this rate of stamp duty applies to all properties except the family home. Looking in a cursory manner at the budget, whilst it is tempting to think of somebody buying an expensive home who has been in the market for a while and so forth, this in fact applies to people who are buying blocks of flats that are rented as budget accommodation. It applies to sites that are being developed into accommodation. It is a tax on property and it will flow through to more than just the buyers of luxury homes. It will be an additional cost and, perhaps even more importantly, it will be an additional disincentive to the providers of rental accommodation and the developers of accommodation, particularly unit accommodation. Most of the sites for this sort of property are going to be in the price range that attracts heavier duty. We do have a serious problem—and I note the member for Bundamba raised it—that we do not have adequate rental or housing stock. If we look in the budget papers we see that housing commencements hit the wall. Instead of the predicted significant increase in investment in housing and dwellings, there was a significant decline in investments in dwellings. It does not make sense to me to be whacking up the tax on just that very sector when it is obvious from the budget and the Treasury forecast in the budget that this sector is really struggling. It is difficult to get people out there developing units and homes and providing rental accommodation in Queensland. This is one of the issues that we face in this state. We have a critical shortage of it. We want people to go out and build units and refurbish buildings. The decline in that market is quite marked and this measure will only add to that decline. We are not applying this increased tax to a market that is buoyant. We have to divorce ourselves a little bit from the prices of property which, if anything, are coming back slightly at the moment and look at the actual construction and acquisition of sites for construction of rental accommodation and housing units, blocks of units and budget accommodation. That market is really struggling. There is no sense in hitting it over the head 2188 Appropriation Bills; Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 06 Jun 2008 with a sledgehammer when it is already declining quite significantly. With this measure, I would say to the Treasurer: you will add to the decline in the rental stock and the housing stock in Queensland. Where that stock does come through, somehow or other that increased tax on it is going to flow through to the price that people pay at the end of the day when they rent or when they buy. This morning I was pulled up by a businessman on the significance of this applying to some of the big developments. There might be a site where the land value is not that high but it has a large industrial complex, for example, which was the case that came up this morning. This is going to be a pretty hefty impost. Of course, stamp duty applies to the whole purchase price, not the unimproved capital value, on a lot of these sites. Potentially we have a significant disincentive for people. The other measures contained here are, in my view, relatively minor changes. There are some changes to land tax. In terms of the revenue raised from land tax, the changes are really quite minor so I do not propose to comment any further on them. There are also some minor adjustments to payroll tax. Likewise, the cost of those adjustments in terms of what is raised by payroll tax is again fairly minor. Mr FRASER: Briefly, we believe that the observation the shadow Treasurer made in the opening parts of his remarks—that the assistance measures should be aimed at assisting people enter into the property market in the first instance—provides the policy justification for the course of action that we have undertaken. I would remind him that on any measure in any event our transfer of duty regime remains very competitive as against other states. Historically it has been well below other states. The issues that he raised in relation to housing commencements and dwelling investment are obviously a reflection of what has occurred more broadly and that is that we cannot go through a period of time in which we see the Reserve Bank increase monetary policy and hike interest rates, as it has, without seeing that flowing through in particular to activity in the housing market. That is a simple, almost self- evident truth of the way in which that market operates. We believe that the assistance provided to people to enter into the market provides the policy justification. Secondly, we have also made policy decisions about bringing forward mortgage duty, which also applies not just to homes but across businesses, and also to provide the cuts that we have to land tax which ensure that, along with our decisions about the funding of social housing, we get the supply side policy settings right. We believe that, with the package of measures taken together, we have those policy settings correct. Dr FLEGG: I have two points to make in relation to that. I think the guts of what the Treasurer has just said is that without hiking the stamp duty rate he cannot afford to assist first home buyers. I do not have much doubt that that is exactly what the Treasurer just said. It ought to be made clear that our budget is in such a tight state that to provide assistance to first home buyers can only be done by increasing taxes on property elsewhere, taxes which will inevitably affect renters of property. The other comment that the Treasurer made is I think a very important comment to pull up a Treasurer for making. The Treasurer made the observation that the Reserve Bank raising interest rates has stalled the housing market, and the figures are very dramatic in the budget that the Treasurer has brought down in relation to the housing market. In a housing market that is slowing or stalling that dramatically, increasing the tax on duty in the same market will only have the same effect of raising interest rates. It is another impost on people who operate in that market and provide property. Its effect will be a disincentive to building homes and rental accommodation exactly in the same way as raising interest rates is a disincentive to provide property. Mr FRASER: Here is a revelation: after a week of commendation from business groups, from people who operate in the property industry, from the Property Council, from the UDIA, from respected commentators, that our measures to assist people enter the housing market not only are justified on equity grounds but will also provide assistance for a housing market that is doing it tough, the former Leader of the Liberal Party, the now shadow Treasurer, puts forward the case that what we are doing by making sure that Queenslanders trying to buy their first home all the way up to $500,000 do not pay one red cent of stamp duty and do not may one red cent of mortgage duty is somehow in fact the opposite policy. It is a unique position and it is uniquely held by the shadow Treasurer. I make the point for those members who are here at the conclusion of this debate that if they want to do it colour by numbers here is the colour by numbers. This is a table of duty rates for homes from $50,000 through to $5 million. The green part is where Queensland is cheaper than other states. In the bottom right-hand corner you will find that if you are buying a $2 million home or a $5 million home in Tasmania it costs more than in Queensland. Mr Lawlor: Who’d buy a home in Tasmania? Mr FRASER: I take the interjection from the member for Southport. I am not sure that that is a valid reason for us to revisit the margin at the top of the scale. In fact, I think it provides ample evidence that all the way in terms of the purchase of homes you can see, as is demonstrated, that Queensland 06 Jun 2008 Justice and Other Information Disclosure Bill 2189 has a hugely competitive transfer duty regime. We believe that the measures that we have undertaken in this budget on the supply side—revenue measures and tax measures—are the single biggest boost to assisting people get into the housing market. They have their basis in equity. They have their basis in foresight for the future. We acknowledge and thank respected commentators in the industry for their support of the measure, and the government continues to believe that it is appropriate. Clause 5, as read, agreed to. Clauses 6 to 41, as read, agreed to. Third Reading Hon. AP FRASER (Mount Coot-tha—ALP) (Treasurer) (6.03 pm): I move— That the bill be now read a third time. Question put—That the bill be now read a third time. Motion agreed to. Bill read a third time. Long Title Hon. AP FRASER (Mount Coot-tha—ALP) (Treasurer) (6.04 pm): I move— That the long title of the bill be agreed to. Question put—That the long title of the bill be agreed to. Motion agreed to.

JUSTICE AND OTHER INFORMATION DISCLOSURE BILL

Second Reading Resumed from 4 June (see p. 1927), on motion of Mr Shine— That the bill be now read a second time. Question put—That the bill be now read a second time. Motion agreed to. Bill read a second time. Consideration in Detail Clauses 1 and 2, as read, agreed to. Clause 3— Mr McARDLE (6.05 pm): Clause 3 deals with the purpose of the act. I note that, pursuant to clause 13, the chief executive of the sending and receiving agency is involved. But I would like the Attorney to explain who actually collates the material. Who actually gathers the material together? What level of officer are they and what protection is in place in relation to information concerning people other than those dealt with in the files? Mr SHINE: At the outset, in my concluding remarks on the second reading on Wednesday night I made a statement which I want to correct so far as it is needed. I stated that two IJIS projects will be completed by the end of the financial year and another three will be completed by December 2008. In fact I am advised that two projects will be completed by December 2008 and another three by the end of next financial year. So it is a little further on from what I had mentioned. What the honourable gentleman is asking is in relation to the filtering of information and who makes the decision as to what information will be discarded. Such decisions are part of the design of each IJIS initiative and are made well before the projects go live and information is shared. The design of each project is the detailed work of officers in IJIS in conjunction with officers from the five relevant agencies. The final design is agreed by those who formally sign off on the design of the project, and this sign-off is done by both chief executives and senior officials. So, in essence, the answer as to what level of officers are involved is that the signing off of the ultimate responsibility is done by both chief executives and senior officials. Clause 3, as read, agreed to. 2190 Justice and Other Information Disclosure Bill 06 Jun 2008

Clause 4— Mr McARDLE (6.08 pm): Clause 4 deals with what is justice information. Subclause (2) refers to it being inclusive of the information sought in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of subclause (2). It mentions in paragraph (a) ‘the details of a court appearance’. Could that incorporate such items as medical reports, social work reports and other documentation that is tabled by way of a hearing or by way of a matter? Can the Attorney give some guidance as to what other details may well be included in the documentation that can be sent to the receiving agency? Mr SHINE: I am advised that the details of a court appearance of the person in a justice proceeding would not include transcripts of evidence or evidence, which would include exhibits. Mr McARDLE: Am I to take it from that that it would be name, date of birth, sentence, crime and details that are really specific to the individual and the matter before the court and it would not incorporate any ancillary documentation or other matters? Mr SHINE: That is my understanding of the normal matters that would appear on a charge sheet. Clause 4, as read, agreed to. Clause 5— Mr McARDLE (6.10 pm): This clause deals with ‘what is a justice purpose’. Subclause (b) states— to enable the receiving agency to attend, or arrange the attendance of the person— and then it says— or someone else ... I just want to understand what that refers to or the type of situation where ‘someone else’ would fall into this particular subclause and information would be forwarded to the receiving agency. Mr SHINE: I am advised that would include witnesses and legal representatives as well. Clause 5, as read, agreed to. Clause 6, as read, agreed to. Clause 7— Mr McARDLE (6.12 pm): This clause deals with ‘what is child protection information’. Attorney, I know this bill only deals with state jurisdictional based matters, but has any attempt been made to have a protocol exist in some manner between the federal jurisdiction in relation to the Family Court or the Federal Magistrates Court and information there which may not necessarily fall to the state bodies to hold? Secondly, in relation to domestic violence allegations, on many occasions applications contain allegations involving children being abused or neglected in some manner. Is it also possible that that information will become available and be forwarded to a receiving agency as well as appear on the application file by the applicant? If I may beg your indulgence for one second, Attorney, through the chair, one of the clauses enables research to be undertaken, and that is of course a good step. But one of the agencies that I do not think is covered in relation to research is the CMC. The CMC provides a wonderful service in regard to research across a range of matters. Is consideration being given to incorporating the CMC so that it can be a receiving agency for the purposes of research? Mr SHINE: With respect to the first matter, I am advised that, no, it is not proposed under this regime that any other jurisdiction outside Queensland—for example, the Commonwealth—would be included in the sharing of information. In respect of the second matter, I am advised that no information relative to children would be made available. The CMC is not part of IJIS at present. If the CMC decided to recommend charges, then that would be a criminal matter and would come into play as part of the police involvement in IJIS. Mr McArdle interjected. Mr SHINE: No, at the moment they are not part of IJIS so they could not, but if it did progress to a criminal prosecution via the police they could have access to it. Clause 7, as read, agreed to. Clauses 8 to 12, as read, agreed to. 06 Jun 2008 Justice and Other Information Disclosure Bill 2191

Clause 13— Mr McARDLE (6.15 pm): This clause deals with the form of arrangements for giving and receiving information. Subclause (3) states— The arrangement must state all limitations on the purposes for which the information may be used. I assume that means that, if I am a sending agency, I can stipulate to the receiving agency that this information will be used for certain purposes and I could perhaps exclude research or other such activities. Is that the intention—that there be a total control on how it can be used by the sending agency? Mr SHINE: In essence, that is my understanding. If an agency wishes to attach conditions to information, it can do so. The member’s understanding of it as mentioned in his question is my understanding as well. Clause 13, as read, agreed to. Clauses 14 to 22, as read, agreed to. Clause 23— Mr McARDLE (6.16 pm): This clause refers to the appointment of the Judge Administrator. Clause 23(2) states that that person is ‘senior to all other judges of the court apart from the Chief Judge’. We also know that clause 24 says that the appointment is for a term of five years. If I recall correctly, a judge can be appointed from the rank of the profession for that period of time. I again raise the question of a hierarchical structure of the judiciary and the appointment of what could be temporary judges or at least a judge other than the Chief Justice being senior to other judges within the hierarchical structure. There is a concern there, as the Attorney would know from other court determinations, that that can in fact be an impingement or be seen to be an impingement on the independence of the judiciary. I would like the Attorney’s comments again in relation to that matter. Mr SHINE: I think I addressed that matter in my speech in reply the other day. The honourable member on that occasion referred to the Scrutiny of Legislation Committee’s Alert Digest, where it stated— This bill can not be seen as a direct or intentional attack upon the independence of the judiciary. However, in conferring strong powers on the Chief Judge of the District Court and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, it concentrates powers concerning the administration of the courts creating what has been referred to as a “hierarchal” rather than a “collegiate” model ... The 1997 act was in fact a coalition government act which centralised power in the Chief Justice or the Chief Judge. Those comments were referred to by the committee in relation to the present bill and I was invited to comment upon them. As stated in my response to the committee and in my speech in reply on Wednesday, I do not accept that the amendments interfere with the independence of the judiciary. Further, although the Supreme Court of Queensland Act 1991 does not specifically provide for the reappointment of the Senior Judge Administrator, as has been provided for in the case of the Judge Administrator in this bill, I do not consider that judicial independence is affected by making seniority subject to reappointment. Mr McARDLE: Through you, Madam Chair, is there a particular reason why the Judge Administrator in the District Court is not a permanent position as opposed to in the Supreme Court where it is? Is there a reason why there is a difference between the two, with the five-year term here and the full term in the Supreme Court? Mr SHINE: The Senior Judge Administrator in the Supreme Court is likewise limited in terms of tenure. I think it is five years. Clause 23, as read, agreed to. Clause 24, as read, agreed to. Schedule, as read, agreed to.

Third Reading Hon. KG SHINE (Toowoomba North—ALP) (Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland) (6.19 pm): I move— That the bill be now read a third time. Question put—That the bill be now read a third time. Motion agreed to. Bill read a third time. 2192 Adjournment 06 Jun 2008

Long Title Hon. KG SHINE (Toowoomba North—ALP) (Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland) (6.20 pm): I move— That the long title of the bill be agreed to. Question put—That the long title of the bill be agreed to. Motion agreed to.

SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT Hon. KG SHINE (Toowoomba North—ALP) (Acting Leader of the House) (6.20 pm): I move— That the House, at its rising, do adjourn until 9.30 am on Tuesday, 26 August 2008. Question put—That the motion be agreed to. Motion agreed to.

ADJOURNMENT Hon. KG SHINE (Toowoomba North—ALP) (Acting Leader of the House) (6.21 pm): I move— That the House do now adjourn. Buderim Mr DICKSON (Kawana—Lib) (6.21 pm): Recently the Buderim community, which forms part of my electorate, had an issue relating to directional signage on the Bruce Highway. The Department of Main Roads had removed the name ‘Buderim’ as part of its review of highway signage. Buderim people are very passionate about their community and take a great deal of pride in being part of a township that has a long and proud history. Buderim also attracts many tourists who come for its village atmosphere and longstanding association with the ginger industry. When the name ‘Buderim’ disappeared from the exit sign on the Bruce Highway, there was considerable dismay in the community. Visitors were missing the turn-off and there was understandable concern about the potential impact on tourism. My office and the Department of Main Roads received a number of letters and phone calls of complaint. Buderim also has a very active community organisation, the Buderim War Memorial Community Association, or BWMCA. They joined forces with the Buderim Chamber of Commerce to petition the government to reverse the signage decision. Within the first few weeks, the two organisations had collected over 4½ thousand signatures from residents and supporters asking for the name of Buderim to be restored. This week the minister for main roads agreed to this request. I would like to thank Warren Pitt for taking a personal interest in this issue and providing a positive response to the petition. This might appear to be a small issue to those outside the Sunshine Coast, but it was one about which the people of Buderim, of whom I am one, rightly felt very passionate. I would also like to acknowledge the work of the BWMCA and the Buderim Chamber of Commerce. Anyone who has been involved in organising a petition knows what a time-consuming task it is. Well done to the people of Buderim for taking a stand. Another petition that has just begun on the Sunshine Coast calls on this government to reconsider its ill-considered decision to fast-track greenfield development. Our community welcomes new residents, but we must have the infrastructure and services that will support them. This is another petition that I shall be honoured to bring to this House on behalf of the people of the Sunshine Coast. I look forward to an outcome very similar to the one achieved in relation to Main Roads. Queensland Day, Community Awards Ms PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) (6.24 pm): Today is Queensland Day. I am pleased to inform the House that tomorrow the Inala electorate will celebrate Queensland Week by hosting a community barbecue and announcing our 2008 Queensland Day award recipients. The Inala Lions Club will host this event at the Inala Civic Centre from 11 until one. I would like to put on record my thanks to President John Mathison and all of the Lions Club members—Rangi Ross, Val Ross and John Gibson, just to name a few—who will all be helping out on the day. The South West Progress Association called for nominees for the community awards. I am pleased to say that seven deserving recipients will receive these awards tomorrow. The first is Ann Bailey. I have worked with Ann Bailey on numerous committees, and I just want to say to Ann that I have 06 Jun 2008 Adjournment 2193 never seen a more dedicated, hardworking local person in our community. She currently holds an executive position in over half a dozen community organisations including the Hub Neighbourhood Centre, the Durack Ambulance Committee and the South West Legal Service. Ann simply gets on with the job. She attends nearly every Inala community event and is always in the background making sandwiches, helping those in need or looking after someone who is experiencing difficulties. The next recipients are Connie and Ray Dailey. Everyone in Inala can fondly remember when our own Mr and Mrs Claus used to visit children over the Christmas period and give gifts to those children less fortunate than others. Sadly, Ray Dailey passed away last year after a long illness. Ray, we will all miss you but tomorrow we will honour you. Nida Cuzzolaro is our next award recipient. Nida has over the years worked tirelessly for the Filipino community in our region. She is involved in the Filipino language school that operates at Glenala. Keith Brown has been a tennis journalist for around 50 years. He has always encouraged young people to take up sport, and many people would not have played Catholic tennis if it were not for the persistence of Keith Brown. Jim Horsfall Snr is one of those rare people you meet who is involved in every community organisation. At only 80 years of age, Jim is at every community event in Inala. Jim lives with his wife, Myrtle, in Durack, and I can think of no-one better to receive this Queensland Day award. Finally, Anthony Martin-Espada has been involved with the Spanish community and has volunteered at many events over the years. Anthony is always willing to lend a hand. Congratulations, Anthony. This year I have decided to award five extra awards that recognise community service. The first goes to Uncle Kevin Bond, who is a mentor for young Indigenous children in our region. Last Friday night he, along with the other Inala elders, hosted a welcome reception for Stylin’Up. Young children from Hope Vale, Cherbourg, Logan and surrounding areas had come to Inala for this weekend celebration. Unfortunately, due to the weather, the event, which usually attracts over 20,000 people, was cancelled. The other recipients are: Jill Hollis, who runs the Inala Day Respite Centre; Ethel Murray, from the Salvation Army, who established the Alani Association for seniors in our community who are over 50— well done, Ethel; and, finally, Shannon Cullen and Natalie Blacklock. Shannon was last year’s youth representative for lnala and Natalie is this year’s representative. Congratulations to all the winners. I thank the member for Clayfield for his indulgence. RiverCity Motorway Consortium Mr NICHOLLS (Clayfield—Lib) (6.27 pm): I join in congratulating the Queensland Day award recipients. Well done. I want to bring to the attention of the House an application that is being made by the proponents and the builders of the North-South Bypass Tunnel, RiverCity Motorway Consortium. They are making an application to the Coordinator-General for a change of conditions to enable them to haul spoil along Kingsford-Smith Drive 24 hours a day, seven days a week—up from their current permitted times of 24 hours a day, six days a week. We all know that the North-South Bypass Tunnel is a great tunnel that will relieve congestion in the City of Brisbane. It is currently underway, it is running well and ahead of time. I do want to acknowledge the great work that the consortium is doing in making that project a reality for the people of Brisbane. It will have an enormous impact on the liveability of the City of Brisbane. However, traffic on Kingsford Smith Drive is already running at very high levels—in excess of 65,000 vehicles a day, of which better than 15 per cent are heavy vehicles. That includes up to 660 truck movements a day from the North-South Bypass Tunnel carrying spoil from the exit at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital down over Montpelier Road, down onto Breakfast Creek Road, along Kingsford Smith Drive, up Nudgee Road, through Lamington Avenue and out through Australia Trade Coast. That works out to be something like a truck every 40 seconds that is going along Kingsford Smith Drive, joining all the other traffic that is going out to the Australia Trade Coast and out to the airport. The proponent wants to extend the time to include Sundays, from 6.30 on Sunday mornings to 6.30 on Monday, which is currently the only day of respite afforded to the residents who live along Kingsford Smith Drive. I am concerned at the process of notification followed by the RiverCity Motorway Consortium. They were supposed to have put a brochure—and I table a copy of the brochure—into everyone’s letterbox last Monday. Tabled paper: Document titled ‘North South Bypass Tunnel: Request to Increase Rock Haulage Hours’, dated June 2008. Unfortunately, constituents have contacted me saying that they only received it yesterday afternoon and this morning. That was for a public meeting that was held last night at four o’clock. 2194 Adjournment 06 Jun 2008

I point out to the consortium that their process of public notification has not worked. I also point out the problems that I believe there were with the meeting. The location was not easy accessible. The time—from four o’clock to seven o’clock—was not suitable for many people. I am concerned that proper process and proper notification has not occurred. No real reason has been given for the need for the extra day’s worth of travel other than convenience for the consortium itself. I do not believe that is a good reason to interrupt the one day of slight respite that residents along Kingsford Smith Drive enjoy. It is slightly less noisy on Sundays which is traditionally the day of rest. For these and other reasons, I will find it difficult to support the application. I will be making my views known to the Coordinator-General in terms of his assessment of the application for change. I call on the RiverCity Motorway Consortium to reconsider its application.

Queensland Day, Volunteer Awards Mrs REILLY (Mudgeeraba—ALP) (6.30 pm): Today, on Queensland Day, I am pleased to tell the House about some very special Queenslanders whom I acknowledged last Sunday with Queensland Day Awards. They are the volunteers who make our community such a great place to live. This year was the third year I have held volunteer awards in conjunction with Queensland Day, and each year I never fail to be impressed by the capacity of individuals to give to others, and the wide range of areas in which people volunteer. On Sunday, I presented awards to 20 individuals and three groups at a ceremony held in the William Duncan State School Community Hall, an excellent venue and one which I must thank Anne and the state school P&C for providing. Almost 130 people attended the ceremony and afternoon tea. Family, friends and nominators were there to support the award recipients. There were people from sporting clubs, scouts and girl guides, people who help out in tuckshop and uniform shops in our schools, Neighbourhood Watch coordinators, volunteers in prisons and in animal welfare and community workers. There is Peter Laughlin, a member of the 14th Light Horse Brigade of Mudgeeraba, who has always helped out everywhere. He helps at the Mudgeeraba Pony Club, the Mudgeeraba Show Society, the Mudgeeraba Auxiliary Fire Brigade, Gold Coast Polocrosse, the Albert Historical Battery and the Mudgeeraba Community Rodeo. One of the groups nominated was the Mudgeeraba Police Community Consultative Committee and its members: Robert Hitchon, Earle Hinschen, Eunice Simpson, John Rastall, Brian Jacobsen, George Tetley, Richard Lennon, John Down, Ian Bolton, Brian Parsons and Gerard Landy. They were nominated for their unfailing commitment to community safety and law and order, and their recent efforts in undertaking a graffiti audit of Mudgeeraba and surrounding suburbs. Another group nominated was the Motor Neurone Disease Association Gold Coast Support Group comprising Rae Green, Sue Brailey and Denise Darken. They are three wonderful women who give up their time to support patients of motor neurone disease and their families. They meet once a month and recently held a donor drive for research and are always fundraising and raising awareness of this terrible terminal illness. Yet another group nominated was the Mudgeeraba Special School P&C: president, Wendy Chandler; vice presidents, Bonita Mortimer and Rhonda Hourn; secretary, Nikki Murray; Treasurer, Aletia Gray; uniforms and fundraising organisers, Chris Salmon and Beth Dixon. I want to thank Dino Crestani, Alyson McCall, Kathy Hallum, Colleen Hope, Bill Hinze, Jim and Muriel Yaun, Michele Critchley, Sister Elizabeth Keane, Terry Day, Gay Robson, Steve Davey, Wendy Coleman, Weslana Smolka, Matthew Anstey, Peter Cardona, Linda Schultz, Sharon Cleary and June Collins for their generous and outstanding contribution to our community. I also want to thank Leticia Vargas from Volunteering Gold Coast for her commitment and dedication to volunteering. I want to thank my brother Jim and my staff, Olga Thompson and Kathy Cardona, for their help in setting up and running such a successful Queensland Day event. We have about 100,000 people on the Gold Coast who volunteer in some capacity, that is, a fifth of the region’s population. No wonder Queensland—especially the Gold Coast—is such a wonderful place to live.

Member for Indooroopilly Dr FLEGG (Moggill—Lib) (6.33 pm): The member for Indooroopilly recently attended a protest meeting in my electorate and further reiterated his support for the protest group here today. Let us have a look at what he is protesting against. It is not about this government, his own government, not making a decision, not building a road but asking for community consultation and a study of one option for fixing Moggill Road. The member for Indooroopilly was at the protest meeting and affirmed his support for them today. 06 Jun 2008 Adjournment 2195

I actually support what the government is doing and that is asking people what they want and also having a look at what we can do to fix the problem. The protest group which he has aligned himself with here in parliament is the same one that ran an article in the Sunday Mail that said ‘Roads cause cancer in children’. They say by cutting Moggill Road from six kilometres down to three kilometres, cutting out 14 sets of lights, reducing 50 per cent of the emissions through Kenmore and taking the road away from two huge primary schools causes cancer in children. What is more, on the front page of the local paper the group the member for Indooroopilly is supporting now wants this government, his government, to pay for counselling for emotional distress caused to people living in the area due to the scare campaign his group generated by saying that their kids were going to get cancer. Furthermore, the alternative posed by the group he is supporting—it is only a study he is objecting to, anyway—is to build a bridge across from Moggill to Centenary so the people from Centenary can have all of the traffic off Moggill Road and all of the traffic that comes through Centenary to the Bellbowrie area to try to bypass the Ipswich Motorway. The member for Indooroopilly says that he supports public transport. The study that is being conducted in regard to the Kenmore bypass is about dedicated public transport. We do not have the road capacity. The government is looking at providing public transport and the member for Indooroopilly is opposing it. It is absolutely ridiculous. The member for Indooroopilly says that he has been fighting to get a commuter car park in Indooroopilly. In fact, he has done nothing in his own electorate. The public transport in Indooroopilly is a disgrace. He does have a commuter car park in Indooroopilly and it is called the Western Freeway. He has done absolutely nothing about that. The study he is opposed to is also looking at an upgrade to the Western Freeway. He then said that residents in my area, and presumably everywhere else, should be forced to sit in hopelessly gridlocked traffic so that they will get on bikes instead of into cars. There are serious problems out there on the roads. Not everybody can ride. It is pretty hard to take kids to school on the back of a bike. It is pretty hard to go to work, pick the kids up from school and get the groceries on a bike. Some people have to use cars. There is a serious problem and the member for Indooroopilly is making an absolute fool of himself.

Deception Bay North State School Hon. DM WELLS (Murrumba—ALP) (6.36 pm): Deception Bay North State School is leading the way in attacking reading related vision problems. There are two preconditions to being able to read. One is the ability to focus the eyes. The other is aiming the eyes correctly so that they converge on the object. It seems that teaching eye convergence through quite simple exercises can have a dramatic impact on one’s ability to aim. Optometrist Kate Johnson estimates that 25 to 30 per cent of students cannot adequately aim their eyes, and as a result their education suffers. Yet convergence problems are entirely remediable, without the need for glasses. The aim of the Deception Bay North program is to teach students how to coordinate their eyes, thus making it easier to read, and so get an education. This year all Deception Bay North State School prep students will have their vision tested. If convergence problems are detected, the optometrist will work with teachers and families to ensure that exercises are undertaken to rectify them. With support at home and school, Ms Johnson believes that problems could be resolved in less than a year. Principal Del Latemore hopes that early detection of this problem could mean improved educational outcomes. Students having difficulties reading may act out because they cannot perform adequately at school. The flow-on effects of early detection could be life changing. In the past, teachers at Deception Bay North State School who suspected their students had a vision problem referred them on an individual basis for testing to determine if convergence is a problem. Now the school is testing all students early to eliminate problems at the outset. Other schools have undertaken the assessment phase of this program. One high school tested 248 year 8 students. Around seven per cent required glasses. However, an additional 36 per cent of students had poor eye teaming abilities. These are year 8 students who have been in our education system for a number of years, trying to learn, in the face of a very remediable condition. The program at Deception Bay North State School is different because there is ongoing support for the students with convergence problems. The school works with parents to ensure that the student does eye exercises regularly. In year 7, three 10-minute sessions per week are allocated to eye exercise. These exercises involve focusing on an object such as a pencil at approximately 10 centimetres away and staying focused on that object for a period of time before refocusing on something a little further away and then refocusing on the closer object. These students see the optometrist every term for assessment. With the support of families, teachers and the optometrist, a barrier to effective learning is quickly eliminated. 2196 Adjournment 06 Jun 2008

In 2005, 63 preschool students were tested. Of these, three were referred for glasses, 26 suffered convergence insufficiency and a further 10 suffered from borderline convergence insufficiency. Only 21 preschoolers of 63 had the ability to aim their eyes correctly to read. With early identification and family and teacher support, children suffering this difficulty have a chance of reading easily and therefore getting the education they deserve. One student from Deception Bay North State School said that reading used to be weird but now says that reading is good. That sums it up.

Bundaberg Cancer Council

Mr DEMPSEY (Bundaberg—NPA) (6.39 pm): The Bundaberg branch of the Cancer Council Queensland continues to do great things for the community, and Monday, 26 May 2008 will go down as a red-letter day in its history with the opening of an office in Bundaberg for the first time. It is the fulfilment of a long-time goal of hardworking branch chairperson, Deneise Dalziel, and importantly it will make its vital services more readily available to the community. I publicly thank Deneise and the rest of the branch committee for being driving forces in this significant milestone. Vice-chairperson Angela Ellis, secretary Pam Davis and treasurer Leonie Postle are also to be congratulated, while special mention must be made of the late Richard Cooke, who did a magnificent job as treasurer for 14 years before he tragically lost his battle with cancer last September. Bundaberg has had a volunteer branch for over 40 years and it was wonderful to have two past chairpersons also present for the opening ceremony—May Tibbey, who served with distinction for 15 years, and Diane Moller, who also did a fine job in the role for seven years from 1996 after three years as secretary. Cancer Council Queensland Executive Manager, Kym McDougall, was also on hand on this very special day. The office has been generously supplied for use by Bundaberg’s Mater Hospital, and I applaud it for this gesture and thank clinical services manager Adele Wilkinson for her great support. It will only be a temporary base, because the Cancer Council Queensland hopes to secure permanent premises in 2009. The office will be initially staffed by Dallas Shang, who was appointed to the position of Cancer Council community liaison officer for marketing and fundraising for the Bundaberg and Wide Bay areas earlier this year and his energy, expertise and enthusiasm are also helping take the branch to even higher levels. Last year the branch raised around $200,000 through events such as Relay For Life, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and Daffodil Day. But that figure is set to significantly increase in 2008, with Bundaberg’s Relay for Life alone growing from $98,000 raised in 2007 to over $121,000 raised for this year’s event. My thanks also to the Relay For Life Committee headed by chairperson Lorraine Tyson, secretary Nyorie Parish and treasurer Peta McIntyre. Such is the quality of these people that Lorraine Tyson and another of her committee members, Nina Higgins, were the recipients of the 2008 Bundaberg City Council Australia Day Citizen and Senior Citizen Awards. The opening of the office was two days after Cancer Council Queensland Nurse of the Year entrant Caroline Kay had raised many thousands of dollars through a fundraising dinner that was attended by world championship winning Australian netball coach Norma Plummer. The Cancer Council Queensland is not funded by the government, so that is why people like Deneise Dalziel and all Cancer Council Queensland branches throughout this state deserve our full support. When established, Bundaberg’s permanent office will enable the Cancer Council to provide support services direct to patients and their families as well as further extend cancer prevention and awareness programs in the community, and I also await that day.

Mental Health

Mr LANGBROEK (Surfers Paradise—Lib) (6.42 pm): This evening I rise to speak about an issue that I have raised in this House before, and that is Queensland’s mental health crisis. I want to deal with two issues. The first issue is mental health funding and the second issue is measuring outcomes. If the mental health system is going to be accountable, it needs to demonstrate in a clear way that the main measures of mental illness are improving, because otherwise we are seeing tragic outcomes in the community due to systemic problems and often treatment options, doctors are telling us, are determined by budget, not clinical need.

There have been submissions from the Queensland Alliance and also Dr Philip Morris—a consultant psychiatrist, the Gold Coast AMA President and a former director of mental health at the Gold Coast Hospital from 1997 to 2002. The priority in mental health funding is to increase community based services. The overwhelming majority of resources are allocated to hospital care. This is highly ineffective and unsustainable. The solution is that obviously resources are required in the community to prevent people from reaching crisis and further resources are required for accommodation. We need to decrease reliance on expensive acute services, reduce crises in the community and unclog hospital beds. This is nominated by many mental health workers as a real problem. 06 Jun 2008 Adjournment 2197

Australia spends less on mental health than most other OECD nations and Queensland spends less per capita on mental health than any other Australian state. An increase in mental health spending in 2007-08 brought Queensland’s per capita funding up to 80 per cent of the national average. Also in 2007-08 the money allocated to community mental health services had risen from two per cent of the mental health budget to nearly six per cent, but most of these funds have yet to be allocated. Funding that was announced in the October 2005 mini-budget for sector industry development has yet to be allocated—that is, nearly three years ago. The Queensland Alliance believes that there is a critical need for a long-term strategic plan which encompasses public, private and community sectors to achieve a better mental health system. The second aspect that I want to speak about is measuring outcomes. There is a very good reason we need to measure outcomes, just as we do in the public hospital performance report. I refer to answer to question on notice No. 741 that I received this week about the number of people who have died as mental health service patients throughout Queensland. From January 2007 to April 2008 there were 43 deaths of consumers of mental health services: 24 were of people who were receiving treatment from community mental health services; eight deaths were of inpatients; seven deaths were of inpatients who had absconded prior to death, which is of great concern and should be to all of us in the community; and four deaths were of inpatients who were on approved leave from the inpatient services at the time of death. Of the 43 deaths outlined, 34 were suspected suicides, three were deaths following incidents of seclusion and/or restraint, one death was of natural causes and five deaths were of uncertain cause. We need to keep publishing these figures and to see the outcomes, as I said, of public hospital performance reports so that we can see that the expenditure is working; otherwise, we will keep pouring money into these black holes. That is why Dr Morris thinks that we should consider publishing the number of mentally ill people who are shot or injured by police, because that is a reflection of their care. Uncle Paddy Djerripi Warra Jerome Mrs SCOTT (Woodridge—ALP) (6.46 pm): Uncle Paddy Djerripi Warra Jerome’s life was honoured at St Paul’s Church, Woodridge on 17 May for who he was and who he had become: a great man, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and mighty warrior for his people and I feel privileged to have called him ‘special friend’ over a period of almost 25 years. He had a deep understanding of his people and often spoke to me about the burden he had for young men losing their self-esteem and connection to their culture and fulfilling what they felt were public perceptions of who they were: drunken Aboriginals. He helped many to regain their respect and culture and wrote many scholarly papers on the topic. He had the foresight to be the first Aboriginal person to join the Australian Labor Party and was a life member. Being the strong individual that he was, he did not always agree with his party, sometimes challenging policy and always advocating for his people. But at times his life was tortured. I am indebted to Peter Mulcahy, Uncle Paddy’s much-loved nephew, for much of the details of his life. Indeed, Peter’s words at the funeral were so powerful I will quote many of them. Peter, a fine young man and wonderful artist, is one of many who is a product of sitting at the feet of this great teacher and mentor. Peter said— What made Uncle a great man was his ability to touch us/help us and guide us. He believed in his people and acted on that belief. His life covered the full gamut of our cultural experience Traditional/Removal/Institutional & Revival. He would tell me of his first years, years of love and contentment. It was as if you were cocooned, warm in the embrace of that loving family structure. The time he spent with his grandfather, old Uncle Jerry Jerome, stayed with him the whole of his life. Uncle told me that his words, that old language was like poetry. Every word would fill your mind. The death of his grandfather signalled the end of all that was good in Uncle’s world. At the death of his Grandfather, the Great Jerry Jerome, breaker of a thousand horses for the Boer War and the first Australian Aboriginal Gold Medal Boxer, all special treatment for the family came to an abrupt end. First, the family was removed as a group, and then in a very short time, they came for the children. They were brutal days and Uncle Paddy’s life spiralled into a life of sadness and pain. The system did everything at its disposal to destroy any remnants of the beautifully nurtured and loved boy taken from his family. He finally escaped the long arm of ‘Aboriginal protection’ by joining the Australian Armed Forces and left for Korea. It was here he learnt about brain washing and how to crush a peoples’ belief in themselves and thus learned so much about what had happened to his own people. As a soldier, he did everything asked of him, but in his own words, ‘I wasn’t a great soldier, I was a bloody robot.’ On returning home, he was presented with an honorary white certificate. In Uncle’s words, ‘I could have shot the fella dead where he stood, if I still had my rifle.’ The implications of accepting such a ‘gift’ was that his own family could be arrested. The last and almost inevitable stage for Uncle was the collapse into alcoholism and abuse. As he put it ‘I was now playing out the role set down for me.’ Each day became a cycle of pain so excruciating that it needed to be drowned out by all he could drink. He was suddenly run down by a car while drunk and saved by a priest who started the mending process within him. The priest told him, ‘Djerripa the boy inside you, the boy so loved and nurtured by those old people is at odds with everything they have tried to turn you into. You must go home and find those old people and reconnect.’ And so began the revival of this great man. When he returned he found almost all the old ones gone. But there was one of the old mob who knew what was needed, one that could help him return to his people. His name was Uncle Eddie Gilbert. Along with Pastor Brady, it not only enabled him to find his way back, but he became what those men shared with him. I am sure many young Aboriginal men would concur with Peter’s closing words— Through these two great men we all received one more chance, the gift of an unbroken line back to the old people, in the form of our Elder Uncle Paddy Djerripi Warra Jerome. 2198 Attendance 06 Jun 2008

Since that time Uncle Paddy devoted himself to helping his people through prison ministry, in shelters, in the streets and in parks. So many of our people, and in particular our young people, are now proudly living their culture and deeply committed to keeping the flame alive. To Mindy, his wife, his children and grandchildren: you shared him with all of us. May you rest with the old people, Uncle Paddy. You have made this world a better place. But most of all you have inspired your people and given many of us a greater understanding of your beautiful, ancient culture. Question put—That the House do now adjourn. Motion agreed to. The House adjourned at 6.51 pm.

ATTENDANCE Attwood, Barry, Bligh, Choi, Copeland, Cripps, Cunningham, Darling, Dempsey, Dickson, Elmes, English, Fenlon, Finn, Flegg, Foley, Fraser, Gibson, Grace, Gray, Hayward, Hinchliffe, Hobbs, Hoolihan, Hopper, Horan, Jarratt, Johnson, Jones, Keech, Kiernan, Langbroek, Lavarch, Lawlor, Lee Long, Lee, Lingard, Lucas, McArdle, McNamara, Male, Malone, Menkens, Messenger, Mickel, Miller, Moorhead, Mulherin, Nelson-Carr, Nicholls, Nolan, Palaszczuk, Pitt, Purcell, Reeves, Reilly, Reynolds, Rickuss, Roberts, Robertson, Schwarten, Scott, Seeney, Shine, Simpson, Smith, Spence, Springborg, Stevens, Stone, Struthers, Stuckey, Sullivan, van Litsenburg, Wallace, Weightman, Welford, Wellington, Wells, Wendt, Wettenhall, Wilson

GOVERNMENT PRINTER, QUEENSLAND—2008