Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 26 AUGUST 1969

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Address in Reply [26 AUGUST) Questions 171

TUESDAY, 26 AUGUST, 1969

Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m. QUESTIONS

ALLOCATION OF SCIENCE BLOCKS, STATE HIGH SCHOOLS Mr. Davis, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- With reference to the allocation of science blocks at State high schools from finance from the Commonwealth Government- ( 1) What is the number and location of science blocks in each of the financial years since the implementation of the scheme? (2) What is the value of the buildings and equipment provided in each case? (3) What schools will be provided with science blocks by the end of the present triennium? ( 4) What is the estimated cost of build­ ings and equipment in (3)? (5) What is the value of equipment supplied to schools not mentioned in ( 1)? Answers:- ( 1) "I table a list of the number and location of Commonwealth Science Blocks undertaken in each financial year since the implementation of the scheme." (2) "The value of buildings and equip­ ment is shown on the list referred to in (1) above." (3) "I table a list of the schools included in the present triennium. It should be noted that work has commenced on six of these blocks." (4) "$3,164,100 is the total allocation from the Commonwealth for the present triennium from July 1968 to June 1971." (5) "$237,491." Papers.-Whereupon Mr. Fletcher laid upon the Table of the House the papers referred to. 172 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

ESTABLISHMENT OF BUREAU OF WITHDRAWALS FROM TRUST ACCOUNTS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF GERIATRIC PATIENTS, TOWNSVILLE Mr. Davis for Mr. Wright, pursuant to GENERAL HOSPITAL notice, asked The Premier,- Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The In view of the suggestion of the Vernon Minister for Health,- Committee of Economic Enquiry that the ( 1) Further to my Question of October selection of a limited number of centres for 18, 1968, what was the collective amount accelerated growth would increase the withdrawn from the trust accounts of effectiveness of decentralisation- people who occupied beds in the geriatric (!) Have such centres been selected in ward at the Townsville General Hospital Queensland? at any time during the period November 1, 1968 to August 15, 1969? (2) If so, what are the names of these selected centres? (2) What was the collective amount withdrawn for the period January 1, 1968 ( 3) If not, does he intend to select such to November 1, 1968? centres and, if so, when? ( 3) What number of people was ( 4) What is the progress of the plan to involved in each period? establish a Bureau of Regional Develop­ ment? Answers:- ( 5) Will the already established Regional ( 1) "$4,974.03." Promotion Bureau be incorporated in the (2) "$5,658.64." proposed Bureau and, if so, will they be fully financed by State funds? (3) "In respect of the period Novem­ ber 1, 1968 to August 15, 1969, twelve Answers:- persons were involved and for the period January 1, 1968 to November 1, 1968, (1) "No. I would point out however that the Queensland system of subsidies fourteen." for capital works, not found in other States. is an incentive to providing the AusTRALIAN EQUITY IN UTAH necessary conditions to help decentralisa­ CoNSTRUCTION eo. tion." Mr. Tu~ker, pursuant to notice, asked The (2) "See Answer to (l) ." Minister for Mines,- (3) "No." Is he aware that before the 1969 General (4) "Staff has been authorised to com­ Election Utah Construction, the company mence the study of regional development controlling the Goonyella coal enterprise, in the State and to develop regional plans. announced that it would make a local This staff will work in the Co-ordinator­ share issue? If so, what are the details of General's Department and initially under this issue and what percentage of shares "The State Development and Public Works will be available to Australians and at Organisation Acts, 1938 to 1964." what face value? ( 5) ''The ex1stmg Regional Develop­ Answer:- ment or Research and Promotion Bureaux will not be incorporated into the State " I am aware of this announcement. I organisation." am informed it is still the company's objective to bring Australian equity partici­ pation into its Queensland coal activities." OIL-DRILLING OPERATIONS, REPULSE BAY AREA

Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The RAIL TRANSPORT OF CATTLE, FORSAYTH Treasurer,- AND MUNGANA LINES ls he aware that during an election Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, meeting in Cairns on April 28, 1969, he was reported as saying that, as far as he asked The Minister for Transport,- was concerned, there would be no drilling How many cattle were trucked in 1967, for oil close to the Great Barrier Reef? 1968 and 1969 to date, from Forsayth, If so, how does he reconcile this with Einasleigh, Mt. Surprise, Mungana and the Government's decision since the Almaden? elec';on to permit J apex to drill near the Refl off Mackay? Answer:- Answer:- "Financial Years ended 30th June "1 suggest to t~1e Honourable Member that he read the Cairns Post newspaper as it is printed-not as he desires to inter­ 1967 1 1968 1969 pret it. In reference to drilling near M:1ckay the Honourable Member knows that a commitment was made by the ~;;~~-~~~~- ~:m ~~-~1:gg~ -1j:m Mount Surprise . . 11,388 4,476 7,704 (Jovernment five years ago and that the Mungana . . 10,861 14,693 10,988 Government does not repudiate agree­ A1maden . . . . I 672 1,004 620" ments." Questions (26 AuowrrJ Questions 173

ReMOVAL oF TAiLINGS, Il

( 4-) How n1UCl1 has suc.cessful ten~· to Department for the

./ltLS'YJJers:--··

rnisderneanours---~

(4) "$2.000

Hausss F<"'' AnoP:IGlNES RiVER_ ;\ND ED\¥"AJ0) H1VEft Mr. Wailhl·Sn::,ti:!Jt, to notice, n.sked The Ministe,_- for LarHJB,-w·"· With at (a) River-- on August 20 ( ) have bt..en resident staff January indicated medical (2 How many new houses :ve. the staff of for not provide>d wtth nev/ ::wmes since the 1964 cydone? (3) Hcnv since have bcxon and remain to be with asked to th-e evidence of serious rnisdcmeanours. is Answers:-- assumed that the Honourable Member's ( 1) '' (a) Seven and three others under enquiries are dire,·ted circumstances construction. (b) Seven and three others of these I am under construction." advised that Sup~rintendent of Townsvil!e reported to the (2 and 3) "A survey has indicated that Townsville Board that he had there is a need for more homes on both asked the two resident medical officers to Mitchell River and Edward River and as I resign and reiated to the Board the reasons have already made known, specifications he had dune so. The chairman of the are in the course of preparation to provide Hospitals Board. who is a senior a further fifteen homes for Mit;;:hell River stipendiary magistr:1te, has advised that and ten homes for Edward River. When the Board regarded both incidents as being these are completed the position will again of a domestic nature and falling primarily be reviewed, but as I have indicated to the within the province of the Medical Super­ Honourable Member, the needs of Mitchell intendent. There was no need to c:all a River and Edward River must be con­ special Board meeting to deal with the sidered in the light of existent circum­ problem, nor any need for any judicial stances and equally pressing needs at many enquiry. The resident medical officers An.Jwer·--

tations aga1nst fact that

Answer."-- have not vears but I am concerned that th~ the Honourable Member accused the tion and can onlv on behalf of an some\ information · candidate-accusations shown of my particular responsi­ publicly to be false, of course, to tlw bility for the Torres Strait Area, and his embarrassment of the l,eader, Let me responsibility as a dtlzen of the Common­ say that the Director is esteemed, not wealth and a Member of this House, I only by the Government which respects feel I must invite him to furnish me with him as an impartial and loyal officer, but det&ils so that the allegations can be fully had the Honourable JVIember been aware investigated and appropriate action taken of the feelings of his electorate, particularly through the relevant awhorities." amongst Islanders and Aborigines, he would realise that during nearly thirty lViJN!STERlAL V!STT TO CAPE YORK years close association, the Director h:~; earned the respect of Aborigines and PENINSULA Al'ID TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS Islanders becau:><:: of his imparti<:lity and Mr. P, Wood for Mr.. It WMd, pursuant the fact that on every occasion he has to notice, asked the Mimster for Lands,--- been requested to advise on party political matters he has deliberately insisted that ( 1) Further to his An-;wer to my party politics are matters for personal choice Question of August 21, if he and the and judgment. The Honourable Member Director, Department of Aboriginal and will no doubt recall that at Aurukun when Island Affairs, were carrying out their the Honourable Membrr and a Country responsibillties, what was the reason for Pmty candidate joined me on a public plat­ the presence of the Countrv Party ;;andi- form to address the Aurukun people, on my date for Cook? - invitation to join the the Director As I have been ad·;ised ckclined. his to be rorres Strait Is1nndcrs intpar!ia·l that he believed that and not by Country Pr,ny he has dcp2.nmenta1 upprovai ~nd HoEourablc does this action would be wel! advised to impartiality of rea·J ~ppreciation of (he Questions [26 AUGUST] Questions 175

and Aborigines whose electorate he repre­ in conference with representatives of the sents if he wishes to gain their votes in Royal Flying Doctor Service to the report future, because apparently he imagines of a recent communications survey which that they are so naive and ignorant that affirms that the proposals under considera­ they cannot make up their own minds in tion will not in any way interfere with political matters. In my experience I have the provision of the School of the Air found both Islanders and Aborigines to facilities. When this report has been fully be people who are quite capable of deter­ considered, a determination concerning the mining the merits and demerits of a situa­ Charters Towers School of the Air will tion, and I feel that the Honourable Mem­ be made." ber's Question is insulting to the Islander and Aboriginal groups within his electorate. Let me say further that the Government has the highest respect for the impartiality AUTHORITIES TO PROSPECT, KYNUNA of the Public Service, and absolutely OPAL FIELD refutes any suggestion of party political Mr. Lonergan, pursuant to notice, asked bias on the part of the Director or the vast The Minister for Mines,- majority of public servants. I am reluctant to mention this but the Honourable In the interests of the small prospector, Member's attitude compels that I remind will he refuse to grant any further him of a recent occasion when the Director authorities to prospect for gems in Queens­ personaliy went to considerable trouble to land and the Kynuna opal field in ensure information was conveyed to the particular? Honourable Member to avoid a situation which could have and would have been Answer:- embarassing publicly to the Honourable Member. Surely this is some slight indica­ "I desire to assure the Honourable tion of impartiality. As the Honourable Member that I am at all times conscious Member is young to this House, may I of the needs of the small gem prospector suggest that as a former public servant he and rockhound. Although large size titles should be amongst the first to defend the have been held or sought on gem fields, traditions of the Service rather than hope to I have arranged for suitable areas to be embark upon a political career originating set aside for small operators. This was in a smear campaign based on false done at Agate Creek where only claims premises, because the electors of Queens­ can be held over an area of some 39 land, including the Islanders and Aborigines, square miles. The same action was taken are quite perceptive in their judgment and in respect of gem bearing areas in the will speedily terminate a career, no matter Anakie, Willows, Glenalva localities, where how promising, if the advocate is only areas aggregating some 158 square miles interested in politically scoring off persons have been similarly set aside. In respect unable to defend themselves in this of Kynuna, similar action has already House." been initiated and the company holding the Authority to Prospect has been informed that before an area can be taken SCHOOL OF THE AIR, CHARTERS TOWERS to lease, prospectors will have sole use of some 10 square miles. The Government Mr. Lonergan, pursuant to notice, asked wishes to attract tourists, prospectors and The Minister for Education,- amateur gem hunters to the gem fields and therefore I am always prepared to ( 1) Is he aware that there is a distinct possibility of the Royal Flying Doctor consider any concrete proposal from Base being moved from Charters Towers? persons or organisations for the reservation of suitable areas for gem fossicking and (2) Should this eventuate, will he give small-scale mining. I feel that in these an assurance that the School of the Air, circumstances further action at this stage which functions satisfactorily from this is not necessary." base, will continue to operate from Charters Towers? TENNIS COURTS, BUNDABERG HIGH Answers:- SCHOOL; NEW HIGH SCHOOL, NORTH ( 1) "I am aware that the Queensland BUNDABERG Section of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Mr. Jensen, pursuant to notice, asked The has decided in principle that the Charters Minister for Education,- Towers Base should be transferred to Cairns. The final decision to do this ( 1) Has consideration been given by has not yet been taken." his Department to the replacement of the Parents and Citizens' Association's tennis (2) "Schools of the Air are dependent courts at the Bundaberg High School, which technically upon the broadcasting and were demolished to make space available transmitting facilities of Royal Flying for the building of the new Commonwealth Doctor Service Bases, and cannot function science block? If not, when will some independently of such Bases. Officers of move be made to provide new tennis courts my Department are giving their attention for the students? 176 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

(2) When will consideration be given two separate schemes to one for assistance to the building of a new high school for for the compehensive Bundaberg Region North Bundaberg to relieve the present Project. There can be no doubt that conditions of overcrowded temporary class­ Mr. Fairbairn is aware that Queensland is rooms and substandard army huts at the now seeking financial assistance for the Bundaberg High School? comprehensive Bundaberg Scheme in lieu of the original Kolan and Burnett-Isis Answers:- Schemes." ( 1) "Yes. Action is now being taken to acquire additional land on which to build the new tennis courts." FABRICATED STEEL FOR GOVERNMENT (2) "The unsatisfactory features of the BUILDINGS, NORTH QUEENSLAND accommodation at the Bundaberg High Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked School are recognised and will be removed The Minister for Works,- as funds become available. The erection of a new high school at North Bundaberg ( 1) Are steel fabricated trusses or has been considered. It is felt that, at bearers used in the construction of schools present, no secondary students in the and other State buildings purchased in Bundaberg area are inconvenienced by Brisbane by the State Stores Board or other lack of secondary school facilities. It instrumentality and railed to the North? was found, during the planning of the (2) If so, why cannot these fabricated current works programme, that all avail­ bearers be made in North Queensland and able funds were required for projects with why are North Queensland steel fabricators a more urgent priority. The erection of a not given an opportunity to quote or new high school at North Bundaberg, how­ tender for them? ever, will be kept under constant review." Answers:- ( 1) "Yes." APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS, COMMON­ WEALTH WATER RESOURCES PROGRAMME (2) "North Queensland steel fabricators Mr. Davies, pursuant to notice, asked The are given opportunity by invitation of Premier,- quotations in the press to submit their quotations for supply of my Department's In view of the statement on August 12, 1969, by Mr. Fairbairn, Minister for stock holding requirements of steel fabri­ National Development in the Common­ cated portal frames." wealth Parliament, that four applications for grants for projects under the Com­ monwealth Water Resources programme WIDENING oF FoRGAN S!\1!TH BRJDGE, were received from Queensland, namely, MACKAY Emerald-Nogoa River scheme $25.2 Mr. Davies for Mr. Casey, pursuant to million, Kolan River scheme $24.8 million, Burnett-Isis scheme $30.0 million, Bowen­ notice, asked The Minister for Mines,- Broken River scheme $25.6 million, and Further to his recent announcement of that reports were received only on the the proposed alterations to the Forgan first two projects- Smith Bridge- (1) Was the Minister for National ( 1) Will the work be carried out by the Development correct in his statement? Main Roads Department or will the Mackay (2) Why did the Minister refer to the City Council be the constructing authority Kolan-Burnett-Isis scheme as two different as for previous work on the bridge? schemes? (2) Will the Mackay City Council and the Pioneer Shire Council be responsible Answers:- for any of the cost of the proposal? (1) "Yes, as at the time when 'the so­ called short list of projects selected for (3) How long will the proposed widen­ closer examination was compiled' which ing remain effective? was about May 1968. Two separate ( 4) Has his Department investigated schemes to serve the Bundaberg Region alternative sites for additional crossings of were then envisaged, namely, the Kolan the Pioneer River between Mackay and and Burnett-Isis Schemes whilst the North Mackay? detailed investigations for the Burnett­ Isis Scheme were still in progress." ( 5) If not, will the proposed regional (2) "The comprehensive report on 'Water survey of roads in the Mackay district Conservation, Underground Water Supplies cover investigations into the possibilities of and Irrigation-Bundaberg Region' super­ additional crossings of the Pioneer River seded the original Kolan Scheme. When within the urban area? it was transmitted to the Commonwealth, Queensland's request for assistance was Answers:- changed from a request for assistance for (!) "No decision has as yet been made." Questions [26 AUGUST] Questions 177

(2) "As the Main Roads Department (2) Is any departmental check made is taking over a footpath for traffic pur­ periodically to ascertain whether the poses, it is proposed that the cost of the packaging regulations are being complied new footpath will be free of charge to with? the Mackay City Council and the Pioneer Shire Council." ( 3) What is the name of the appropriate department which handles such enquiries? (3 to 5) "The Answers to these Questions will depend on the findings of the trans­ ( 4) What is the number of personnel portation survey which will shortly be in this department? started. One of the specific matters to be investigated is the need for and the Answers:- location of any additional crossings of the ( 1) "None. The appointed day for the Pioneer River and the priorities for operation of 'standardisation provisions' is construction. I can assure the Honourable January 1, 1970, for packing and May 1, Member that, whatever the findings of the 1970, for selling; for 'marking provisions' transportation survey, the widening of May 1, 1970; for 'prohibited expressions' Forgan Bridge as is now proposed is November 1, 1969." necessary to cope with the tremendous development which is taking place in North (2) "Yes and packers in Queensland Mackay and the traffic to the Harbour, have been visited and are being continually and will provide a very great improvement advised of requirements of the legislation." in traffic conditions especially at the Mackay end of the bridge." (3) "The Sub-Department of Weights and Measures of the Department of Labour and Tourism." LOCAL AUTHORITY BOUNDARIES ( 4) "The strength of the office of the Mr. Davies for Mr. Casey, pursuant to Chief Inspector of Machinery, Scaffolding notice, asked The Minister for Local and Weights and Measures, and Occupa­ Government,- tional Safety within my Department is 191. This includes the Chief Inspector (!) Is he aware that-(a) disputes have of Weights and Measures, 24 Inspectors arisen between many cities in Queens­ of Weights and Measures and four land and their surrounding shires on the Cadet Inspectors of Weights and Measures; question of boundaries, (b) development of these, ten Inspectors are in Country projects such as Blackwater and Goon­ districts." yella have created boundary problems between many shires, (c) as at the last Commonwealth census, 70 of the State's 112 shires have had decreases in popula­ SALE OF UNROADWORTHY VEI-HCLES tion, (d) many local authority areas in Mr. Sherrington, pursuant to notice, asked Queensland have changed considerably The Minister for Labour and Tourism,- since their creation in aspects such as types of industry, means of transport and ( 1) Over the last four years, how many dependency for commerce and (e) many vehicles offered for sale by Government Queensland local authorities are experi­ departments have been in an unroad­ encing difficulties in forward planning worthy condition? because of boundary restrictions? (2) Over the same period, have many (2) If so, will he give consideration vehicles offered for sale in used-car yards to the setting-up in Queensland of an been found to be unroadworthy? independent boundaries tribunal to investi­ (3) What conditions do the Govern­ gate the anomalies of local authority ment impose on used-car dealers, where boundaries? cars are found to be defective, before allowing such cars to be sold? Answer:- Answers:- ( 1 and 2) "The matters raised by the Honourable Member are presently under (!) "This information is not available consideration." to my Department." (2) "Repair Orders were issued against 4,131 motor vehicles of which 899 were ENFORCEMENT OF PACKAGING unroadworthy. Approximately 500 of these REGULATIONS were de-registered. Spot checks by motor­ Mr. Sherrington, pursuant to notice, asked vehicle inspectors of these yards are a The Minister for Labour and Tourism,- continuing function." ( 1) What is the number of complaints (3) "Defective vehicles have to be and/or orosecutions made in relation to repaired to the satisfaction of the Depart­ false packaging since the implementation ment and are re-inspected before being of legislation controlling same? sold." 178 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

ALLOCATION OF COMMONWEALTH ( 3) "When the present Superannuation GRANT FOR SCHOOL LIBRARIES Scheme was introduced in 1959, the Public Service Superannuation Board arranged for Mr. Sbcrrington, pursuant to notice, asked the printing of an Explanatory Memo­ The Minister for Education,- randum booklet outlining the Scheme and ( 1) Has the format for the distribution Departments were requested to furnish of the Commonwealth library grants a copy of this booklet to each officer to schools been finalised? If so, what and to each new appointee who was amounts are available to (a) secondary eligible to contribute to the Public Service and (b) primary schools? Superannuation Fund. The booklet (2) In what manner is the finance to included information to the effect that be distributed in these school libraries, on incapacity benefit is payable to a con­ (i) buiidings, (ii) fittings and (iii) books, tributor to the Public Service Superannua­ etc.? tion Fund who is on sick leave of absence without salary. Departments were also Answers:- requested to make available a form of application for incapacity allowance to each (1) "Yes. (a) $977,100 per annum for the triennium January 1, 1969 to December officer granted sick leave without pay 31, 1971, for Government secondary who is a contributor to the Public Service schools; $337,800 per annum for the tri­ Superannuation Fund. Similar action was ennium January 1, 1969 to December 31, taken in 1965 when salaried officers of 1971, for non-Government Secondary the Railway Department, Hospitals Boards, schools. (b) The State!! Grants (Secondary and certain other groups of officers were Schools Libraries) Act 1968 stipulates that required to contribute to the Fund. The the grants will apply only to those schools attention of Departments is periodically at which some or all of the students who drawn to the above requests, the last attend are taught at a secondary level such reminder being forwarded to all of education. Consequently, primary Departments on June 13, 1969." schools will not receive any assistance from this grant." (2) "In 1969, allocations of the grant to state secondary schools are as follows:­ RETENTION OF MARRIED WOMEN $658,900 for buildings; $60,000 for furni­ IN PUBLIC SERVICE ture; and $258,200 for books stocks in all State high schools and secondary Mr. Marginson, pursuant to notice, asked departments." T,he Premier,- (!) Is the new regulation covering the continued employment of married women INCAPACITY BENEFITS, PUBLIC SERVICE in the State Public Service being flouted? SUPERANNUATION SCHEME (2) How many women who have mar­ Mr. Marginson, pursuant to notice, asked ried have made application to remain The Premier,- in the State Public Service since the regula­ ( 1 ) How many State public servants tion became effective and how many have were granted sick leave without pay last been accepted? year? (2) Of these, how many were not paid incapacity benefits from their superannua­ Answers:- tion cover? ( 1) "Applications by female officers of the Public Service who intend to marry ( 3) Has any circular been distributed amongst public servants explaining to and desire to be continued in permanent them their entitlement to financial assist­ employment after marriage have been ance from superannuation once their paid determined in accordance with the approp­ sick leave has expired? If so, when and riate Public Service Regulations." if not, will this matter be given urgent attention? (2) "The numbers of female officers who applied to be continued after Answers:- marriage and who were so continued are ( 1) "This information is not readily as under- available and to obtain it would involve considerable clerical time, the expenditure No. who No. on which is not considered justified." applied continued (2) "Incapacity benefits arising from the Public Service (excluding granting of sick leave without pay are Teaching Service) .. 82 80 paid to all officers who claim and are Teaching Service .. I 151 147" entitled to such benefits." Questions [26 AUGUST] Questions 179

T'rmPOSf~D SU.KWOOD DRAINAGE GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ::::.cHEl'viE Hanson, pursuant to notice, asked F. pursuant to notice, asked The Treasurer,- Minister for Local C1overnment,- What was the expenditure from (a) As the farmers Spanos Road and Consolidated Revenue, (b) Loan Fund and Stevenson's Road areas m (c) aH State Government sources in (i) Electorate L:nder extreme Brisbane metropolitan area and the rest of the State, for each of years water ~he majority of planted and rnust ro the ""~~.M<"' 1956-57, 1959-60, 1963-64, 1966-67, Silkwood drainage scheme 1967-68 and 1968-69? withdrawn. when •.>vill the be Answer:- commenced? "Expenditure is not dissected on the desired geographical basis and the expense of attempting such a dissection would not Scheme for the be justified." and Stevenson's landholders DISPOSAL OF UNCLAIMED GOODS of the 44 objected to Hauson, pursuant to notice, asked The chis scheme of the Minister for Justice,- targe number the Irrigation Is there any statute in this State Comn1issirJn further action on will allow for the removal or this scheme. although into disposal of unclaimed goods from a pro­ individual Ear!v perty purchased by a person who is unable of 10 land­ to find the owner of the goods? of their objec­ (2) Does "The Disposal of Uncollected tions, but two further landholders lodged Goods Act of 1967" apply in these matters objections. The current situation is that or does section 39 of the Justices Act there are 12 objectors out of 44 (27 1886-1968 or section 67 of "The Police per landholders involved in the Acts, !937 to 1964" apply? scnen:.e. these circumstances con- (3) Does section 101 (1) of "The '>ideraticn is being given by the Irrigation Public Curator Acts, 915 to 1957," give (cmmission the desirability of recom­ the Public Curator power to take action to the Governor in Council that under these circumstances and does it com­ be proceeded with, possibly pletely cover a person who may be incon­ subject to minor modification. If this is proceeded with, administrative venienced when he purchases a property requirements for election of the Boarrl, and finds that there is a boat under con­ raising of funds, preparation of detailed stwction on the premises? designs and calling of tenders for con­ ( 4) Has he received any request for a struction works would delay commence­ provision in the statute law to prevent ment of construction for a minimum of people being inconvenienced in this regard? three and up to five months." Answers:-. (1 and 2) "Yes, section 101 of The Public Curator Acts generally and par­ AUTONOMY FOR INSTITUTE OF ticularly where there is an owner and it TECHNOLOGY is not -known who he is." Mr. F. 1'. Moore, pursuant to notice, asked (3) "No." The Minis' ;r for Education,- (4) "See Answer to Question (1). Simi­ ' ( l) Is it propose? to grant autonomy to lar matters are raised from time to time L1e QHeenslanJ Institute of Technoloo-v? If but they have been fewer since "The Dis­ .so, when wiil autonomy be grantedf posal of Uncollected Goods Act of 1967" has been passed." (2) What will be the position of staff members in regard to superannuation and ToowooMBA-HELIDON Co-oRDINATED other Public Service benefits after Bus SERVICE autonomy? Mr. Bousen, pursuant to notice, asked The Answer:- Minister or Transport,- (1) Were tenders called for the Too­ ( 1 and 2) "A measure of autonomv is woomba-Helidon Co-ordinated Bus Service planned, but enabling legislation is required for this financial year? If not, why not? before it can be granted. H i;; anticipated that autonomy will be granted during the (2) If tenders were called, how many triennium which begins in 1970. The were received, who was the successful po,ition of stalf members with respect to tenderer and what was the tender price? :,uperannuation and other Public Service conditions is receiving con-sideration, An.. nver:-- <:rn unable, however, at this time, to make (1 and 2) "No. The present five-year definite statement on the matter." contract termmates on June 30, 1971." 180 Questions [ASSEMBLY} Questions

FINES, BREATHALYSER TESTS Honourable Members should also be Mr. Bousen, pursuant to notice, asked The made conversant with the fact that Minister or Justice,- because of my Government's awareness of the imbalance in the amount of fees paid What amount has been collected in fines to private medical practitioners a Cabinet· from Queenslanders since August 1, 1968, appointed committee has examined the for offences involving the breathalyser position and a final repon is now in han

(2) "Qualifications vary according to ALLEGED CHARGING OF RAILWAY DEPART­ the levei of librarian position held. A MENT FOR PRIVATE PRINTING degree plus the Registration Certificate of Mr. Davies for Mr. Thackeray, pursuant the Library Association of Australia or to notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- its eqttivalent is required to reach the top level of Librarian-Scale A in the Insti­ (1) Was the printing cost of a number tutes. For Librarians-Scale B the Regis­ of invitation cards for a private function tration Certificate of the Australian Library at a Brisbane hotel charged to the Railway Association is required. For Library Department? Assistant matriculation is required. Of the (2) Did the person concerned make a 19 employed in institute libraries one holds refund to the Department after the error a university degree plus registration certi­ was discovered by a Government auditor? ficate; two hold registration certificates; If so, what was the amount and who was four hold university degrees and have the person concerned? partially completed registration certificate (3) When was the original account requirements; twelve are studying university charged to the Department? subjects or registration certificate subjects." ( 4) When was the error discovered? ( 3) "The Registration Certificate of the (5) When was repayment made? Library Association of Australia or its equivalent is the basic qualification for a librarian." Answer:- ( 1 to 5) "The circumstances are not ( 4) "Librarian Assistants must pass in known to me." two of the first three papers of the Regis­ tratiorr Certificate before being confirmed in their appointment. Librarians-Scale A USE OF COMPOUND 1080 IN ERADICATION who are graduates must pass in the first OF DINGOES three papers of the certificate before their Mr. O'Donnell, pursuant to notice, asked appointments are confirmed." The Minister for Lands,- (5) "See ( 4) above." ( 1) Have there been many protests against the use of the poison 1080, used ( 6) "The Registration Certificate of the in the eradication of dingoes? Austnlian Library Association requires (2) If so, (a) how many protests have passes in nine subjects. These subjects been received, (b) how many complaints, may be undertaken by private study. as distinct from protests, have been Tutorial classes in certain library subjects received, (c) what have been the bases of are conducted at the Central Technical the complaints and (d) what is the Depart­ College. Those students who are not mental attitude on the use of this poison? graduates and are seeking promotion to Libr:tri::m Scale A may undertake Uni­ Answers:- versity studies as evening or external ( 1) "No. Those received have been students." far outweighed by the large number of (7) "Yes." messages praising the scheme and the increasing number of applications by land­ (8) "Yes." holders throughout the State to partici­ pate." (9) "Consideration is being given to the creation of courses for librarians at the (2) "(a) Ten protests have been Institute of Technology, Brisbane. Once received. (b) Six of these have been such courses are established they will complaints from landholders, one each undoubtedly be accepted towards qualifica­ from the following Shire Areas:-Bungil, tion requirements." Taroom, Banana, Jericho, Emerald and Lands borough. (c) Complaints have been based on claims that domestic dogs have ESTABUSHMENT OF PINEAPPLE CANNERY, been poisoned on properties adjoining others where Compound 1080 baits were CENTRAL QUEENSLAND laid. In addition, it has been claimed Mr. Davies for Mr. Thackeray, pursuant that birdlife has been adversely affected. to notice, asked The Premier,- The latter claim has been refuted conchl­ In view of the unsatisfactory answer sively by the hundreds of reports to the given to the honourable member for contrary furnished by participating land­ Callide about the economics of a pineapple holders and is not supported by interstate cannery for Central Queensland, will he and overseas investigations. (d) Based on have the feasibility report tabled in Parlia­ the great number of favourable reports by ment so that all interested parties can individual landholders, Shire Councils and study it? pastoral organisations and the sharp reduc­ tion in dingo bonus payments in eleven adjoining Shires baited last year, the Answer:- Co-ordinating Board representative of all "No. This is a domestic departmental rural Local Authorities and all the major document and such documents are not rural producer organisations, strongly sup· normally tabled in Parliament." ports the scheme. The undertaking is one 182 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

of co-operation between the Co-ordinating ( 5) What was the yearly catch along Board and individual landholders and is the Queensland coast by Australian master aimed at assisting the latter to comply fishermen during each of the last five with the provisions of "The Stock Routes years? and Rural Lands Protection Acts, 1944 to 1967," requiring the laying of poisoned (6) What was the known yearly catch baits on all dingo infested lands during by Japanese fishing interests along the the months of May, June and July of each Queensland coast during each of the last year." five years?

SUBSIDIES ON EQUIPMENT FOR Answers:- INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (1, 3, 4 and 5) "I would refer the Mr. Davies for Mr. Wright, pursuant to Hon. Member to the Annual Reports of notice, asked The Minister for Education,- the Department of Harbours and Marine (!) What subsidy is received by and the Fish Board." (a) independent primary schools and (2) "Nil." (b) independent secondary schools on (i) duplicators, (ii) typewriters, (iii) tele­ (6) "No information available." vision sets, (iv) overhead projectors, (v) library books, (vi) pianos, (vii) lawn mowers, (viii) microscopes, (ix) movie SEGREGATION OF INMATES, BRISBANE projectors, (x) slide projectors, (xi) play­ PRISON ground equipment and (xii) sporting Mr. Davies for Mr. Wright, pursuant to equipment? notice, asked The Minister for Justice,- (2) Are independent schools permitted ( 1) What is the present practice with to purchase school needs from the State regard to the segregation of (a) first Stores? offenders and (b) young offenders from (3) Are independent schools permitted recidivists at the Boggo Road Prison? to purchase tho new primary mathematics text books in bulk from the Education ( 2) If no such practice exists, have Department and, if so, is a discount given? plans to meet this need been formulated and, if so, what are they? Answers:- ( 3) Is it a present practice to segregate ( 1) "Subsidy is available to independent known homosexuals from young prisoners? schools on the purchase of (a) 16 m.m. If so, how is such segregation achieved? movie projectors; (b) 35 m.m. film strip projectors; (c) Radiograms; (d) Tele­ Answers:- vision receivers; on the same basis as for State schools." ( 1) "Due to the obsolescence of Bris­ bane Prison from a physical and structural (2) "Yes." sense it is not practicable to provide (3) "Primary Mathematics text books proper segregation of first offenders and are not available for purchase from the young offenders from recidivists. However, Department." so far as is practicable first offenders are segregated from older recidivists. Many of our recidivists are young offenders as NET LICENCES AND PRODUCTION, there are very few old men, apart from FISHING INDUSTRY vagrants, in prison. Some of our worst Mr. Davies for Mr. Wright, pursuant to offenders are young men and these add notice, asked The Minister for Primary to the difficulty. However, the broad Industries,- principle applied, so far as is practicable, is to keep first offenders separate from ( 1) How many licences were issued in repeated offenders, or under close super­ Queensland to (a) master fishermen and vision in selective association, where this (b) employee fishermen during each of the is not practicable. Many people in prison last five years? for the first time are not actual first (2) How many such licences are at offenders. The number of actual first present held by aliens? offenders received into prison does not (3) How many exclusive licences have form a very high percentage of the total been issued during each of the last five receptions." years? (2) "The practice of segregation cannot ( 4) How many persons not holders of be implemented in full, but in the rebuild­ either a master fisherman's licence or an ing plans for Brisbane Prison improved employee fisherman's licence have been areas of segregation will be provided to fined during each of the last five years for give a practicable effect to classification (a) having possession of a net, (b) using and segregation. Prisons built by this or assisting in using a net for taking fish Government have been modernly designed for sale and (c) using or assisting in using to provide full opportunity for segregation a net for taking fish other than for sale? of various classes of offenders." Questions [26 AUGUST] Questions 183

( 3) "It has never been the practice in per annum during 1967 and 1968. This Queensland to segregate known homo­ allowance assisted in the payment of sexuals. However, known homosexuals boarding fees during the three years. He are placed in such areas of work or of completed the certificate course at the exercise where they are under complete end of 1968, and was therefore not eligible supervis~on, and the practice of homo­ for the payment of student allowance in sexuality in prisons over the years has been 1969. Boarding fees have been charged restricted almost to the extent of non­ but he was permitted to attend the college existence, and when it does occur the without payment of tuition fees." offenders are prosecuted in open Court. Most of the cases of homosexuality which (2) "Yes." have occurred in prison have occurred (3) "No. As I have indicated in reply amongst young prisoners, some of whom ( 1) above he failed the first year of his have not had any previous history of course in 1966." homosexuality." ( 4 to 6) "The one-year matriculation course now being undertaken by this PAYMENT OF FEES FOR STUDENT AT student is available in Brisbane where a QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE day-time class is conducted at the Evening Mr. Lloyd, pursuant to notice, asked The Class Centre at Kelvin Grove. The student Minister for Education,- could therefore reside at home while under­ ( 1) With regard to the case of Malcolm taking the course. Should it be desired Richard Rowe, a senior student attending that he not continue at the Agricultural the Queensland Agricultural College at College, I am prepared to permit him to Lawes, is it a fact that his mother, a enrol at Kelvin Grove without payment widow pensioner, will be or has been of tuition fees." charged for college fees during this year (7) "This is not a fair interpretation of and that his student allowance has been the Department's attitude in such cases. withdrawn because he has completed his The position is that this student was not third-year post-Junior course? entitled on completion of one post Junior (2) Is this student still in attendance at course, to a further extension of the the college? payment of student allowance at the (3) Has Malcolm Richard Rowe suc­ Agricultural College. His desire to change cessfully completed all post-Junior courses his course after early difficulties was which he has undertaken? sympathetically treated. As I have said earlier, if he does not wish to continue ( 4) Should the financial position of his at the Agricultural College, he may attend widowed mother make it impossible for day-time classes at Kelvin Grove without her to meet the expense of maintaining payment of tuition fees." her son at the college, will this affect the son's prospects of matriculating for a university degree in subjects affecting SPECIALIST SERVICES, HERVEY BAY primary industries? HOSPITAL (5) What action can this young lad Mr. Blake, pursuant to notice, asked The now take to further his studies? Minister for Health,- ( 6) What action can the mother now In view of the Government's stated policy take to (a) have a student allowance of extension of medical services to the granted for her son's senior year by the homes of aged people and considering the Government or (b) persuade the large number of aged persons, including Government to relieve her of payment of those on social service pensions, residing college fees? in the Hervey Bay area, will he arrange for the extension of periodical specialist (7) Is higher education in this field to services to the Hervey Bay hospital to be the prerogative of those who are able avoid the hardship of aged persons travel­ to afford the cost as against this case ling to Maryborough hospital for these where the student allowance has been services? used to complete a certificate course and where the young man can now be Answer:- prevented from completing his matricula­ "Whi!st it is policy to appoint part-time tion because of a lack of Government specialists to country hospitals so that as sympathy? many people as possible may avail them­ selves of their services, they are best Answers:- appointed where special facilities such as ( 1) "This student failed in the old pathology and X-ray departments are avail­ diploma course at the end of 1966. As able. In cases of definite financial hardship a special concession he was permitted to and where the local superintendent has enrol in the certificate course in 1967 with recommended the need for specialist full privileges. Student allowance at away­ services, the Department provides free from-home rate, amounting to $164 was transport to the nearest base hospital where paid during 1966 and at the rate of $208 these services are available." 184 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

REPOSSESSION OF MOTOR VEHICLES full changes of clothing each week. Mr. F. P. Moore for Mrs. Jordan, pursuant Prisoners employed in the kitchen, bakery to notice, asked The Minister for Justice,- and dairy are issued with clean shirts daily and prisoners who may soil their With reference to repossession of motor shirts on a particular job are issued with vehicles- a fresh shirt as, and when required, but ( 1) Is it legal for those firms carrying not less frequently than twice weekly. All out repossessions to take a vehicle from prisoners are inspected daily by senior the street without notice when the owner officers and this is one point for observa­ has temporarily parked it in a shopping tion. Underclothing is not a general issue area? but prisoners on request to, and approval (2) Where and how can repossessions by, the medical officer may wear under­ be carried out? clothing. Each prisoner is issued with two clean sheets per week, clean pyjamas (3) What redress has the owner of the and a clean pillow-case." vehicle concerned in relation to private possessions which are in the vehicle taken by the people carrying out repossession? INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked Answers:- The Minister for Labour and Tourism,- (1 and 2) "The right of the owner to ( 1) Hew many industrial accidents repossess is governed by the hire purchase causing injuries were recorded in each of agreement. Before the goods can be the years 1966-67, 1967-68 and 1968 to repossessed notice of repossession must the latest available date? first be given as required by section 13 of "The Hire Purchase Agreement Act of (2) Hew many of these caused (a) 1959," in most circumstances." death and (b) permanent disabilities in each of these years? ( 3) "Either retake the goods or sue the person who has possession of them ( 3) What were the major c uses of for the recovery of them or damages." these accidents? ( 4) What was the time lost in calendar days during each year because of these ISSUE OF CLOTHING, BRISBANE AND accidents? WACOL PRISONS (5) How many of the injured in each l\fr. F. P. Moore for Mrs. Jordan, pursuant of the periods were Government to notice, asked the Minister for Justice,- employees? With regard to Boggo Road and Wacol ( 6) In how many Acts are safety laws Prisons, what is the weekly issue to pris­ and regulations contained? oners of (a) shirts, (b) underclothing, and (c) sheets? (7) (a) How many prosecutions were instituted under these Acts, (b) how many Answer:- were successful and (c) who were the ( a to c) 'There are no weekly issues, employers concerned? as such, of clothing at Brisbane Prison. When a prisoner enters the prison, he is Answers:- issued with a complete set of clothing, (1) "1966-67, 42,758; 1967-68, 42,967; including pyjamas, flannel undershirt if he July-September 1968, 8,401." wishes, and sax, but not underpants. (2) "(a) Death-1966-67, 80; 1967-68, Approximately half of the prisoners arrive 78: July-September 1968, 19; and (b) Per­ in not wearing sax, and quite a number manent disability-1966-67, 902; 1967-68, without footwear. This issue of clothing, 929: July-September 1968, 215." generally, is exchanged for clean clothing ( 3) "Handling objects without mJchin­ at least weekly. Cooks, bakers, medical ery, 33 per cent.; falls, 20 per cent.; orderlies and a number of others have struck by moving objects, 14 per cent.; a change of clean clothes daily. hand tools, 9 per cent.; striking against Prisoners are inspected daily and if a objects, 8 per cent.; using machinery, prisoner's clothes are dirty he is directed 5 per cent." to and receives a change of clothes immediately. If he requests a change of ( 4) "1966-67, 801,052 calendar days; clothes this is also acknowledged and 1967-68, 786,142 calendar day~; July-Sep­ approved. Prisoners may wear under­ tember 1968, 153,214 calendar days." clothing on approval of the medical officers. ( 5) "The statistics for ind!lEtrial acci­ This has been the practice for years. dents do not separate Government Sheets are not issued at Brisbane Prison, employees. The amount of computer time but clean pyjamas and pillow-cases are. required to obtain this information would Blankets are laundered frequently. In not be justified. (Infcrma:ic~• available previous years under an A.L.P. Govern­ to the Inter-departmental Standing Com­ ment prisoners were not issued with mittee on Occupational Safety would indi­ pyjamas or pillow-cases. At Waco] Prison cate that in both 1966-67 ;md 1967-68, where prisoners work longer days and the lost time injuries were approximately work harder they are issued with two 5,300.)" Questions [2b AUGUST] Questions 185

(6) "Safety laws and regulations are (3) If no money has been spent for included in the Factories and Shops Act rehabilitation purposes, what are the 1960-1968, "The Inspection of Machinery reasons? Acts, 1951 to 1966," and "The Inspection of Scaffolding Acts, 1915 to 1966," which Answers:- come within my purview. It is known ( 1) "Clerks of the Court are not that there are Acts administered by other required to maintain details of the amounts Departments which contain safety require­ collected as penalties for each of the ments." various types of offences or breaches of (7) "(a) 66; (b) 50; and (c) Ferro duty. The information requested by the Construction Pty. Ltd., Beavis and Bartels Honourable Member could be obtained Pty. Ltd., Frank Masinello, Kevin Bagnall, only by means of a lengthy examination of Warren Taber, Robert William Simpson, the records of each Court and the expense Pete:- \Vieseler, Motel Chain Pty. Ltd., involved could not be justified." Neville Keith Collins, Donnell Joseph (2 and 3) "The cost of treatment and Dooian, Angelo Maorandi, Lincoln Con­ rehabilitation of patients addicted to drugs tractors Pty. Ltd., Melwire (Qld) Pty. is included in the overall costs of main­ Ltd., Todd & Co. Pty. Ltd., Terazzo Tile Co. Pty. Ltd., George William Hatchett, taining institutions where facilities and Edward John Smith, A. H. Hodge & Son services for this purpose are provided. Such Ltd., Reginald Talbot Richards, J. Wilkin­ institutions are the Wacol Rehabilitation son & Sons Pty. Ltd., Ulf Selke. The Clinic, the Wolston Park Hospital, the other prosecutions included actions against Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital at Chermside, an employee for a breach of the Safety Lowson House, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Ruies and against owners of motor and the Psychiatric Clinic in Mary Street. vehicles under ''The Ins.!)ection of Machin­ Separate costs of such treatment services ery Acts"." are not kept by the Department of Health nor by the Hospitals Boards involved."

S \FETY STANDARDS, MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT BELTS QUALIFICATIONS OF PUBLIC SERVICE Mr. B;mmley, pursuant to notice, asked JOURNALISTS The Minister for Transport,- Mr. Davis, pursuant to notice, asked The ( 1) Has he studied the South Australian The Premier,- legislation with regard to safety standards ( 1) How many journalists and photo­ of motor vehicle seat belts? graphers are employed by the State Public (2) Is he aware that the Royal Auto­ Service? mobile Club of Queensland considers that (2) Are they required to be members this legislation is most satisfactory and of the Australian Journalists' Association? couid be used as a model for all States? If not, what check is made by the Gov­ (3) As many seat belts on sale and ernment on their bona fides before also installed in certain vehicles do not employment? meet with the requirements of the Answers:- Standards Association, will he immediately introduce legislation based on the South ( 1) "There are 43 officers doing work Australian Act and thereby assist in reduc­ of a journalistic and photographic nature ing the tragic road toll? in the State Public Service." (2) "No. These positions are generally Answers:- advertised with prescribed qualifications and (1) "Yes." applicants are required to submit evidence (2) "No." of their experience and suitability to a competent interviewing panel." (3) "The Queensland Traffic Regulations already provide that seat belts shall comply with the Australian standard for seat REST PERIODS, TOURIST COACH belt assemblies as issued by the Standards DRIVERS Association of Australia." Mr. Davis, pursuant to notice, asked The The Minister for Transport,- FINES AND REHABILITATION, ( 1) During the past twelve months have DRUG-USERS any drivers of Redline Coaches had their Mr. Bmmley, pursuant to notice, asked log-books checked to ensure they are The Premier,- receiving required rest periods? ( 1) How much has been collected by (2) What prosecutions, if any, have the Government in fines from drug-users been taken by the Department in this and offenders in each of the years 1967-68 regard? and 1968-69? (3) Is there a regular check on bus (2) Has any of this amount been spent companies performing charter, long­ on treating and rehabilitating drug-users? distance, and safari tours to ensure that If so, how much and how has it been the drivers are receiving required rest spent? periods? 186 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

( 4) What prosecutions, if any, have been ( 4) What extra storage capacity does taken by the Department in this regard? the Board plan to build? (5) When routes and time-tables are (5) When will this storage be available? submitted to the Transport Department for (6) In view of a trend indicating approval, what action is taken by the increased acreages, why has more not Department to ensure the safety of the travelling public and that time-tables can been done to provide storage? be adhered to and speed limits observed? Answers:- Answers:- (!) " (a and b) In view of the severe drought conditions, it is not possible to ( 1) "It is the duty of the driver of a give a firm estimate of this year's wheat vehicle to correctly complete the particulars and barley harvest. If favourable rains in his authorised log book. Part of the are received within the next few weeks, duties of officers of the Department of the harvest could reach 32 million bushels Transport on patrol throughout the Svate of wheat and 8 million bushels of barley. is to check log books of drivers of both However, it now appears unlikely that trucks and passenger coaches and submit these figures will be realised." reports of any breaches detected to the Commissioner. If a breach is not dis­ (2) "The total capacity of permanent closed a report is not submitted." storage that can be provided by the State Wheat Board is 34 · 6 million bushels. In (2) "In appropriate cases prosecution addition provision has been made for 3 · 5 action is taken against the offending million bushels on temporary open sites-. driver. A considerable amount of depart­ In total a crop of 38 · 1 million bushels mental time would be involved to search could be stored in bulk and bags from this through the records for the past twelve year's harvest." months to identify any driver prosecuted as an employee driver of Redline ( 3) "Stocks of grains currently in Coaches." storage at State Wheat Board depots are 12·9 million bushels of wheat and 1·05 (3) "See Answer to (1)." million bushels of barley." ( 4) "See Answer to (2) ." ( 4 and 5) "The State Wheat Board (5) "Routes and timetables submitted plans to erect in addition 3 million bushels to the Commissioner for Transport are of pre-roofed temporary storage in the carefully examined and amended where immedi,ate future. This will be for use necessary before approval is given." during the coming harvest and will increase total storage capacity to 41 million bushels. Plans are not yet finalised for additional LAND BALLOTS, GOONYELLA AND permanent storage to be constructed in the HAY POINT AREAS current financial year." Mr. Davis, pursuant to notice, asked The (6) "The State Wheat Board has pro­ Minister for Lands,- vided as much storage as possible within Regarding land areas or parts of areas the financial resources available and as concerned in the Goonyella and Hay Point will be seen from the Answers to Questions projects- 1 2 3 4 and 5, storage will be adequate ( 1) How many land ballots have been f~r the' 1969 harvest including carryover." held in the past five years, when was each held and what area was involved? CHILDREN AND YOUTH THEATRES (2) How many applicants were there Mr. Dean, pursuant to notice, asked The and who was the successful applicant Minister for Education,- in each particular case? ( 1) Has any action been taken by the Answers:- Director of Cultural Activities, Mr. Creedy, to foster a children and youth theatre? ( 1) "None." If not, why not? (2) "See Answer to (1) ." (2) Has the Director taken a survey ?f the potential for a youth theatre m GRAIN STORAGE FACILITIES, STATE Brisbane? If not, why not? WHEAT BOARD ( 3) Has the Director been made aware Mr. Dean, pursuant to notice, asked The of the Brisbane Children and Youth Minister for Primary Industries,- Theatre already in existence in Brisbane? If so, has he shown any tangible interest ( 1) What is the estimated harvest in in it other than attending any of its pro­ Queensland this year of (a) wheat and (b) barley? ductions merely as a member of the general public? (2) What is the total capacity of per­ ( 4) Will he impress upon Mr. Creedy manent storage that can be provided by the State Wheat Board? the urgent necessity of fostering and encouraging the development of children (3) What are the stocks of all grains and youth theatres throughout the pro­ currently stored by the Board? vincial cities and towns in Queensland? Questions (26 AUGUST] Questions 187

Answers:- ( 4) "The training of drivers in fire ( 1) "Yes. A survey of the State's prevention is the responsibility of employers, cultural resources and needs is at present and from information available oil com­ being completed and special attention is panies do train their drivers in the use of being paid to children and youth theatre. fire extinguishers and other fire prevention The basic idea is that these activities shall procedures." be co-ordinated and integrated with adult (5) "It would appear that the Honour­ theatre." able Member takes no interest in the business of the House. Otherwise he would (2) "The interests of the youth are being be aware that these Regulations were safeguarded in the setting up of the tabled by me on August 19, 1969." Queensland Theatre Company. It is not intended at this early stage that there shall be a separate youth theatre." POLICY FOR FISHING INDUSTRY, GULF OF CARPENTARIA ( 3) "The Director is aware of children Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked and youth theatre activities already in The Minister for Primary Industries,- existence in association with the little What was the outcome of the meeting theatre movement and the activities of the of Commonwealth and State officers held Arts Council of Queensland, together with in Brisbane on May 15 last concerning the college players. He has shown a the policy to be adopted in respect of tangible interest by attending rehearsals fisheries in the Gulf of Carpentaria? and discussing artistic and administration problems with officials." Answer:- "This meeting recommended the adoption ( 4) "In the terms of his appointment his of a system of licensing of fish processing attention was drawn especially to cultural facilities in Queensland and put forward activities of the youth of Queensland and, proposals as to the legal machinery as general policy, he is proceeding deliber­ necessary as respects both the State and ately towards encouraging such activities." the Commonwealth. This recommendation has been accepted by Cabinet and the Commonwealth is being advised TRANSPORT OF FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES accordingly." Mr. Dean, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Labour and Tourism,- CONTROL OF CROWN OF THORNS With reference to his statement in The STARFISH Courier-Mail of August 15, concerning the Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked implementation of new regulations covering The Minister for Primary Industries,- the transport of flammable liquids,- In view of his statement in the House on ( 1) On what date will the regulations August 19 last concerning control of the come into operation? Crown of Thorns starfish, that the primary suggestion for discussion is a programme of (2) What are the particular movement individual slaughter of the starfish in situ, times for tankers using the Victoria and on the reef, by divers, until such time as Story Bridges? more effective means can be devised, will ( 3) Are there any special regulations he give early consideration to declaring a covering the transport of compressed gases, bounty as an incentive for destruction of flammable solids and corrosive substances? the starfish in the interim? If so, what are the details and, if not, will any be made? If not, why not? Answer:- "Future action as respects the Crown ( 4) Have all drivers of such tankers of Thorns starfish will be decided follow­ been thoroughly trained in fire prevention ing receipt of the report of the conference and fire-fighting methods and, if not, why with the Commonwealth which has been not? arranged for Tuesday, August 26, 1969." ( 5) Will he table a copy of the new regulations covering the transport of OIL EXPLORATION, GREAT BARRIER flammable liquids? REEF WATERS Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked Answers:- The Minister for Mines,- ( 1) "The Regulations are now in ( 1) Further to my Question on operation." August 20, will he give specific details of all off -shore oil leases, permits, or authori­ (2) "This is not within the ambit of ties involving the Great Barrier Reef and these Regulations." neighbouring waters off the Queensland (3) "No. Regulations to cover the coast north of Gladstone? substances mentioned are to be drafted (2) Who holds these leases, permits or in a similar form to those now covering authorities and when was each granted or flammable liquids." renewed? 188 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

Answer:- Secondary school classes are held on "No leases or licenses for production Wednesday and Thursday each week and of petroleum off-shore have been issued. are of two hours duration." The information requested by the (2) "The qualifications of those engaged Honourable Member is voluminous. It is as teachers and tutors are as follows:­ set out in a statement which I now table Primary Teachers-Mr. L. McCasker, Class for his information." 1, Division 1, Head Teacher of a Class 1 Paper-Whereupon Mr. Camm laid upon School; Mr. Ian Emmerson, Class 2, the Table of the House the paper Division 1, Certificate of Remedial referred to. Education and Diagnostic Testing. Secondary Teachers (Voluntary Group)­ Mother Shanahan, M.A.; Mrs. Budtz-Olsen, B.A., U.E.D.; Mrs. Ffrench, B.A.; Dr. APPLICATIONS BY PRISONERS FOR Howard, Ph.D.; Sister Donelan, Teacher PAROLE Training Cert., Vict., 2nd Year Arts U/ Mr. Baldwin, pursuant to notice, asked grad.; Sister Edmunds, Teacher Training The Minister for Justice,- Cert., Vict., 3rd Year Arts U/grad. ( 1 ) Will he table the questionnaire Tutors-Mr. B. Hurley, B.E.; Mr. L. which is used when a prisoner makes appli­ Brown, B.E.; Mr. D. Stephensen, Senior cation for parole? (Hons. Maths.); Mr. Ian Taylor, Senior (Hons. Maths.); Mr. R. Livingstone, (2) What is the professional status of Senior (Hons. Maths.); Mr. G. Kratzmann, each member of the Parole Board? Senior (Hons. English). All prisoners ( 3) What is the professional status of attending school, either primary or secon­ each member of the Classification Board? dary, are assessed by Messrs. McCasker and Emmerson, the teachers recommended Answers:- by the Department of Education and employed as part-time teachers in the (1) 'The form of application is a form (Form J) prescribed in the Schedule to prisons." "The Offenders Probation and Parole (3) "It is anticipated to replace. the Regulations of 1959" which is readily voluntary teachers of secondary subje~ts, accessible." with teachers supplied by the EducatiOn Department but paid by the Prison (2) "The Honourable Member is Department. It is expected that this will referred to the Report of the Parole occur at the beginning of the 1970 school Board for the year 1968-69 which was year. No classes properly organised by ordered on August 19 last by this the Education Department were ever Assembly to be printed." thought of under the A. LP. Govern­ (3) "The new Classification Committee ment." being formed comprises the Deputy Comptroller-General of Prisons, as chair­ man, the Chief Parole Officer, the Visiting RATE AND RENT REBATES AS Medical Officer to the prison, and either DROUGHT RELIEF MEASURES a psychiatrist or a psychologist. The latter Mr. Aiken, pursuant to notice, asked The may be alternated at discretion or avail­ The Premier,- ability." Is he fully aware that the escalation of the drought in the west of Queensland h~s reached terrifying proportions? If so, Will EDUCATION FACILITIES, BRISBANE he give urgent and earnest consideratior: to PRISON a rebate on rates and rents to graziers Mr. Baldwin, pursuant to notice, asked making an application, as some measure The Minister for Justice,- of drought relief? With regard to (a) primary and (b) secondary school education facilities Answer:- available to prisoners at Boggo Road- "No one is more aware than I am ( I) On how many days per week is of the tragic extent of the current drought. instruction available and for what duration? In 1968 the State Government introduced a scheme for rebates of a proportion of (2) What are the academic qualifications Local Government rates and fm waiving of the tutors? of Crown rentals. This scheme was (3) Is it intended to replace the present financed entirely by the State Govern­ voluntary tutors of secondary subjects with ment and was introduced at a time when tutors paid by the Education Department? the Commonwealth Government met the whole cost of other drought relief Answers:- measures such as freight rebates, carry-on loans, grants for relief of unemployment ( 1) "Primary school classes are held on created by drought. In seeking drought Tuesdays and Fridays each week and are assistance for the current financial year, of two hours duration. These are carried the State Government submitted a written out by the Education Department teachers. case to the Commonwealth Government Questions [26 AuousT] Form of Questions 189

on the various drought measures to which (3) What are the charges to those it desired to give consideration. Remission having irrigation permits? of rentals and assistance towards Local (Originally asked on August 20, 1969) Authority rates were again listed as desir­ able relief measures. These submissions Answers:- were fully discussed between Common­ (!) "(a) Borumba Dam, as at August wealth and State officers on June 27. 19, 1969, was storing some 16,3?0 acre The Prime Minister advised on July 29, feet or 47 · 5 per cent. of its capacJty. (b) 1969, that the Commonwealth would con­ In the 12 months ended June 30, 1969, tinue to assist the State in 1969-70 in a total of 19,500 acre feet of water was financing those relief measures in which released from Borumba Dam and 5,410 the Commonwealth Government had pre­ acre feet of water was pumped by licensed viously joined. However, it refused to include the cost of remission of rentals irrigators in the streams supplemented or granting assistance towards the pay­ from the Dam." ment of Local Authority rates. The Com­ (2) "(a) Along the 62 miles of river monwealth agreed to share with the State from Gympie to the upper limit of tidal equally the cost of approved drought relief effect near Tiaro, there are 41 primary measures up to $4 million and agreed producers irrigating from the Mary River. to meet all costs beyond that figure. I Along the 48 miles of the Mary River would, however, emphasise that this offer and Yabba Creek between Gympie and referred only to schemes approved by the Dam, there are a further 77 primary the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth producers irrigating from the stream. has been generous in its contribution (b) (i) Four applications for irrigation towards those measures in which it has from the Mary River downstream of agreed to participate for these are estim­ Gympie; and 13 applications lf_Pstre~m ated to cost some $9 · 8 million in 1969-70. of Gym pie to Borumba Dam. (11) Nme However, the State also has a heavy applications received for irrigation from burden to bear in 1969-70. It has to Tinana Creek above tidal limit and exclud­ meet $2 million of the cost of the measures ing tributaries. (c) (i) Between Gympie approved by the Commonwealth. It also and upstream limit of tidal effect some has a liability in respect of measures 550 acres are irrigated from the Mary carried over from 1968-69 and estimated River. (ii) The area irrigated from Tinana to cost some $1· 25 million. Moreover, Creek above tidal limit, excluding tribu­ the State Budget must carry the losses taries is some 620 acres." of State revenue occasioned by the drought and those losses will be heavy, particularly (3) "The charge is $2.50 per acre foot in so far as railway freights are con­ for irrigation water pumped from the cerned. In view of the heavy drought supplemented sections of Yabba Creek and cost that the State Budget for 1969-70 the Mary River below Borumba Dam. will have to bear, I regret that it is There is no charge for irrigation from not possible for the State to grant and Tinana Creek." carry the cost of financing any general PAPERS assistance by way of remission of rentals or towards payment of Local Authority The following papers were laid on the rates. As I have already said, the Com­ table, and ordered to be printed:- monwealth Government has refused to Reports:- finance such schemes." Commissioner of Land Tax, for the year 1968-69. President of th, Industrial Court of Queensland, f, · the year 1968-69. WATER STORAGE, BORUMBA DAM; The following papers were laid on the IRRIGATION, MARY RIVER AND TINANA CREEK table:- Proclamation under the Acquisition of J\1r. Davies, pursuant to notice, asked The Land Act of 1967 and the State Minister for Local Government,- Development and Public Works Organisation Acts, 1938 to 1964. ( 1) What percentage of water is still held in the Borumba Dam on Yabba Orders in Council under- Creek and what quantity has been used The City of Brisbane Acts, 1924 to during the last twelve months? 1967. Water Act 1926-1968. (2) (a) How many primary producers between Gympie and the mouth of the FORM OF QUESTIONS Mary River irrigate from the Mary River, (b) how many applications for irrigation Mr. MILLER (Ithaca) having given notice permits have been received from (i) this of a question- area and (ii) Tinana Creek area during Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Quite a deal of the last twelve months and (c) how many the hon. member's question would appear to acres in (i) this area and (ii) Tinana have been answered in a ministerial statement Creek area are irrigated? earlier in this session. 190 Death of Mr. A. Coburn [ASSEMBLY] Death of Mr. A. Coburn

Mr. MARGINSON (Ipswich East) having The late Arthur Coburn was born in the given notice of a question- then thriving gold-mining town of Ravens­ wood. After completing his primary educa­ Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I inform the hon. tion, he joined the teaching service in that member for Ipswich East that in asking a town as a pupil teacher in 1911. The greater question he cannot seek any comment. part of his 38-year teaching career was Mr. JENSEN (Bundaberg) having given spent in the Lower Burdekin district, where notice of a question- he made his mark as a stalwart of his profession and an ardent advocate on many Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The question is not public bodies for the advancement of that in order. district and, indeed, of North Queensland generally. He was one of the pioneers of Mr. DA VIS (Brisbane) having given the Queensland State School athletic move­ notice of a question- ment and for many years, until his election to Parliament, had been President of the Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The last part of Lower Burdekin Branch of the Queensland the question appears to be outside the Teachers' Union. responsibility of the Minister to whom it is directed. In public activities he campaigned strongly for improved communications between the Mr. F. P. MOORE (Mourilyan) having northern region and the South. He was given notice of a question- a vigorous advocate for the construction of the high-level bridge across the Burdekin Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The question is River between Home Hill and Ayr, which not in order. It seeks a preview of Govern­ virtually ended the isolation of North Queens­ ment policy. land in years of abnormal flood. He was a champion of tropical agriculture and, of Mr. R. JONES (Cairns) having given notice of a question- course, a stout friend of the sugar industry. Until relinquishing his parliamentary duties Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The question is before this year's election he constantly sup­ out of order. ported arguments for additional water con­ servation in the North to promote diversified crop production. Indeed, I think I can say that DEATH OF MR. A. COBURN in recent years water conservation was the late Arthur Coburn's chief objective, and on MOTION OF CONDOLENCE several occasions he asked me, as Premier, to meet groups of people with Mr. Val. Bird Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah to discuss that issue in the Burdekin area. -\remier) (12.54 p.m.), by leave, without notrce: I move- Although the late Mr. Coburn had no party affiliations, he was respected in this "1. That this House desires to place on Chamber as a forceful but courteous debater record its appreciation of the services and a man of deep sincerity in all his rendered to this State by the late Arthur parliamentary activities. I do not think that Coburn, Esquire, a former member of the any hon. member would question t~at sta!e­ Parliament of Queensland. ment. During all the years of hrs parlia­ "2. That Mr. Speaker be requested to mentary service, I, as did many other hon. convey to the widow and relatives of the members, came to hold him in high regard. deceased gentleman the above resolution, I always admired him for his high Christian together with an expression of the principles and the consistency that he dis­ sympathy and sorrow of the members of played in upholding his ideals. He never the Parliament of Queensland in the loss failed to state his views and let people know they have sustained:~ where he stood on a particular issue. Honourable members on both sides of the My regard for Mr. Coburn was such that House were shocked on the last sitting day I felt constrained to go to Ayr with my wife when you, Mr. Speaker, announced the less than a month ago to join with hundreds sudden death of Mr. Arthur Coburn, who of citizens of his home district in a dinner of had been a very familiar and highly respected appreciation for his services as a member personality in this Chamber for approxi­ mately 20 years. of this Assembly and for what he had con­ tributed to northern progress and develop­ The late gentleman was elected to the ment. On that occasion the late Mr. Coburn 32nd Parliament at the general election in was in excellent spirits and drew on his fund 1950 as the independent representative of the of knowledge to tell of some of his experi­ new electorate of Burdekin, and he remained ences in Parliament. He spoke that night for as its representative until his retirement after about 20 minutes or so to the audience, which the final rising of the 38th Parliament in included Mr. Val Bird, to their great pleasure. December, 1968. He therefore served the State of Queensland continuously in seven I and the other members of this House Parliaments, and he arrived with a back­ who knew Mr. Coburn hold his memory in ground of community service to justify his high regard for the contribution he made place in this Legislative Chamber. to the advancement of his electorate and of Death of Mr. A. Coburn [26 AuGUST] Death of Mr. A. Coburn 191 the State generally. My sympathy, and I am I went down to Ayr and found he was sure the sympathy of all hon. members, even a much finer fellow than I had been goes out to Mrs. Coburn at this very sad time. told. In that election, which I suppose was typical of those that were waged at that Mr. HOUSTON (Bulimba-Leader of the time-I am not going to excuse myself for Opposition) (1 p.m.): On behalf of the any part I played in that part of it­ Opposition, I desire to second the motion Arthur Coburn's campaign came as a clean moved by the Premier. I agree with his and fresh breeze. He was a gentleman statement that Arthur Coburn was well throughout, and he ran a very good race. respected by every member of this House. As a matter of fact, had it not been for Most of us who have been here any length the soldier vote, which of course was regi­ of time got to know him reasonably well mented at that time-soldiers had to vote and the better we knew him the more we either for the Leader of the Opposition or appreciated his qualities as a man. the Premier-Arthur Coburn would have run second. He would not be known as well as some members of this House for his speeches He again contested the Mundingburra because I do not think he spoke as often seat against me in 1947 in a three-cornered as some others do. However, I can say with contest between the A.L.P ., Arthur Coburn and myself, and again his campaign was truth that when he did speak he commanded just as the man himself was-clean, open the attention of the great majority of mem­ and honest-and, if I may use the vernacular, bers of this House, because when he spoke he nearly toppled me. it was of matters in which he was person­ ally interested and of which he had an In 1950, after the redistribution of seats, Arthur Coburn shifted into the Burdekin extensive knowledge. Therefore, all hon. electorate and I shifted further back up members, and particularly those from North into Townsville, into the Mundingburra elec­ Queensland, were interested in what he had torate, which had been reduced in area. He to say. Also, as the Premier has said, came into Parliament in 1950 and from the when he spoke, he did not do so with any day he entered this Assembly we shared the animosity towards others but according to same office. We had several offices, of the situation that existed at the time. He course, as after each election members are spoke about what he believed to be right shifted around from one place to another. although, by the same token, when the In the six years that I was the member occasion demanded that he should hit hard for Mundingburra, which embraced the in debate, he was quite capable of doing so. whole of the Ayr district, I came to know I think one of the great regrets about Mr. Arthur Coburn quite well because, as the Coburn's passing and the loss to his wife Premier has said, he was an indefatigable is the fact that, like many other men and worker. I do not know the number of local organisations which he led and belonged to women who devote long periods of their in the Ayr district. There was a develop­ lives to public service, he had so short a mental organisation known as the A.A.P.S. period of retirement in which to enjoy the A.I.D.A.-I think those initials are the fruits of his labours and the companion­ correct ones-and the last two initials stood ship of his wife, and to do the many things for "Development Association". Believe which I am sure everyone in public life me, he kept everyone on his toes. I wished he had time to do. understand that he was also chairman of the old hospitals board. Everywhere that With those remarks, on behalf of the one went in Ayr one realised the feeling Opposition I join with the Premier in the of confidence in and respect for Arthur feelings he expressed for Mr. Coburn's Coburn. And so it was that he entered widow and in appreciation of his contri­ bution to this State. Parliament. As I have said, Arthur Coburn and I Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) (1.2 occupied the same office. I am not gc:ing .to p.m.): If I were to speak for several days, be facetious, but one man recently paid him which of course I am quite capable of doing, the greatest tribute when he said, "Arthur I would not be able to pay to the late Arthur Coburn occupied the same office in Parlia­ Coburn all the compliments and encomiums ment House -as Tom Aikens for 19 years he deserved. I first heard of him, although and remained uncorrupted." He was a tre­ I had never met him, in the 1944 election mendous fellow in every respect. I have campaign. If my memory serves me rightly, never known a man who was so dedicated in those days there were only 62 seats in the and intense. I really think that it was the Queensland Parliament and many elec­ intensity of his dedication that finally torates covered very large areas. I was brought about the heart condition that standing for the Mundingburra seat, which resulted in his death so shortly after his extended along the coast from the middle of retirement. Townsville right down to the Burdekin It was an infinite pleasure to know him. River. I heard that Arthur Coburn would He was a very devout Christian in his own be one of my opponents-ultimately there particular denomination, as is his good wife, were five in the field-and everybody told but he was by no means a wowser. He was me what a really fine fellow he was. a man possessed of quite a lot of worldly 192 Death of Mr. A. Coburn [ASSEMBLY] Supply knowledge, and he had an infinite sense of Arthur Coburn's speech was brushed off with humour. I can remember one occasion when two inches in a single column, whereas a the present Minister for Education was shockingly vulgar, uncouth and uncultivated Speaker of this Assembly and he had to incident in the Chamber was headlined and stand and rebuke the hon. member for Bur­ covered four or five columns extending over dekin, as he then was-and it is the only half a page. Of course, that was the fault time that Arthur Coburn was ever rebuked of the Press-it was typical of the standard in this Chamber-because he ,could not con­ of the Press, TV and radio-not of Arthur trol his laughter at some remark that I Coburn. happened to pass to him. The then Speaker I miss Arthur Coburn very much indeed. I said to him, "The hon. member for Burdekin used frequently to slip down to Ayr with one has the most risible sense of humour in the of my grandsons who was not blessed with House." 100 per cent. health. It was an event Not only was Arthur Coburn intense with in his life to think that he was going regard to his own work but he also offered down to see his old mate, Mr. Coburn. to do the next man's. In the room that we My grandson died in April and one of occupied together he frequently came to me his last remarks to me was, "When are and said, "Is there anything I can do, Tom? we going down to see Mr. Coburn again?" Is there any way I can help?", and, owing He did not go down to see Mr. Coburn; to my somewhat indolent nature, I frequently he went to the crematorium on 18 April. accepted his offer of help. On many occa­ It was my very sad duty to assist in sions I was not too loath to pass over to carrying Arthur Coburn's coffin into the him some of my more or less stereotyped crematorium on Friday last so at least work, and he was always eager, anxious and they are together in the crematorium or happy to do it for me. Such was the friend­ wherever they go to from there. ship between us that when he was absent I join with the Premier and the Leader from the House I opened his correspondence, of the Opposition in expressing deep regret personal or official. It really did not matter at Mr. Coburn's passing, and offer my because there was nothing in Arthur Coburn's sincerest condolences to Mrs. Coburn. I correspondence, personal or official, that he sincerely regret that he did not live as was not prepared to let anyone see. And of long as he really expected to live to enjoy course when I was away he opened my per­ all the fruits of retirement that he so sonal and official correspondence. Once or richly earned. twice he might have got a shock and he might have raised his eyebrows, but he never com­ Motion (Mr. Bjelke-Petersen) agreed to, mented and never criticised. Such was the hon. members standing in silence. integrity and honesty of the man that it is [Sitting suspended from 1.12 to 2.15 p.m.] almost impossible to describe him by mere words. As the Leader of the Opposition so truth­ SUPPLY fully said, Arthur Coburn retired from this VOTE OF CRED!T-$217,000,000 House hoping to live a long time in retire­ ment to enjoy the fruits of the work that he MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR did so well and for so long. He had a par­ Mr. SPEAKER read a message from His ticularly happy and satisfying home life. I Excellency the Administrator of the Govern­ have never known two people who were so ment recommending that the following pro­ attached to each other as Mr. and Mrs. vision be made on account of the services Coburn. Consequently she will feel his for the year ending 30 June, 1970- passing very deeply indeed. "From the Consolidated Revenue Fund On several occasions Arthur Coburn spent of Queensland (exclusive of the moneys a considerable amount of time and went to standing to the credit of the Loan Fund a good deal of trouble to look up facts and figures for speeches that I was going to make. Account), the sum of $88,000,000; He rarely made speeches in this House, but "From the Trust and Special Funds, when he did, as the Leader of the Opposition the sum of $99,000,000; and said, everybody listened to him with respect. "From the moneys standing to the credit I can remember one speech that took him not of the Loan Fund Account, the sum of less than six months to prepare. He travelled $30,000,000." everywhere throughout the State wherever there were sub-normal children or sub­ COMMITTEE normal children's organisations or hostels and went through all the documents that he (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Hooper, could obtain from the Library and elsewhere, Greenslopes, in the chair) and he made what I think was one of the Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer­ most striking speeches delivered in this Chamber. Whenever he made a speech he Treasurer) (2.16 p.m.): I move- made it from very copious notes. His speech "That there be granted to Her Majesty, on that occasion was such a tremendously fine on account, for the service of the year one that the then Premier, Vince Gair, stood 1969-70, a further sum not exceeding up and complimented him on it. Such is the $217,000,000 towards defraying the decadence that we have seen in the Press in expenses of the various departments and recent years that on the following morning services of the State." Supply [26 AUGUST] Supply 193

The Bill before the Committee is the first housing programme for the States, since m?re of two Appropriation Bills which will be new raisings had to be used for redemptiOn introduced in this session of Parliament. The rather than for new capital works. sums sought in the Bill cover the necessary Since the Commonwealth Government provision of Supply until the second Appro­ benefited by abolition of the rebate, both priation Bill is introduced into this Chamber. as regards tax revenue and re<;Iemption ~f This will occur, of course, after the Budget securities that Government decided that It has been presented, debated and approved would c~mpensate the States for the addi­ by this Parliament. tional interest costs incurred as a result The Appropriation Act passed by the of the increase of .15 per cent. in interest House in November of last year provided rates. Supply for 1969-70 of $131,000,000-­ It is now history that the long-term $59,000,000 for Consolidated Revenue Fund, bond rate increased in July 1969, from $58,000,000 for the Trust and Special Funds, 5.4 per cent. to 6.0 per cent. The main and $14,000,000 for the Loan Fund. reason for the increase was the Common­ wealth Government's need to stimulate sub­ The purpose of the present Bill is to scriptions to Commonwealth loans. This provide the further sum of $217,000,000 of need was aggravated by four main sets of which $88,000,000 is required for Consoli­ circumstances. The first was a background dated Revenue Fund, $99,000,000 for the of the increasing borrowing programme for Trust and Special Funds, and $30,000,000 State works and housing. The next was the for Loan Fund. Hence the total Supply very high total of existing securities maturing available for 1969-70, pending the passing in July. of the Budget, will be $348,000,000- $147,000,000 for Consolidated Revenue Fund, Again there was a need to repatriate $157,000,000 for the Trust and Special Funds certain loans maturing on overseas markets and $44,000,000 for the Loan Fund. At the where re-borrowing was considered unprac­ corresponding time last year, the amount tical because of very high interest rates in available was $315,000,000. The increase of such c.ountries. The last factor was t?e $33,000,000 covers normal escalation in generally uncertain prospects of substant!al administrative expenditures, expanded services overseas borrowing in the current financial and increased outlays in our capital works year at reasonable rates and conditions. In programme. addition to these factors there would also have been the fact that a rise in interest Most hon. members will know that it is rates generally is one of the me.ans <;f con­ usual, in presenting an Appropriation Bill, trolling the economy to prevent mflatwn. for the Treasurer to comment upon any The States have a vital interest in the significant economic events that have recently level of interest on Commonwealth stock, occurred. In continuing this practice I draw since practically all Commonwealth borrow­ the attention of hon. members to the in<> is on behalf of the States. Apart from importance to the State of the increase in sp~cial borrowings such as loans for air­ interest rates in the recent Commonwealth craft the Commonwealth does not normally loan and the consequential flow-on into the borr~w for its own capital purposes. When debenture field. bond rates rise, the States incur. higher c.osts The l.ong-term bond rate was steady at not only on the new borrowmgs for the 5.1- per cent. from April 1965, up to year but also on loans converted during November 1968. In November 1968 the the year. Commonwealth Government took the Mr. Houston: Did the Commonwealth opportunity to remove the income tax rebate of !()c in the dollar that had applied for discuss this with the States? many years to interest earned on Common­ Mr. CHALK: Yes. The situation was dis­ wealth securities. Obviously, the removal cussed at a meeting of the Loan Council. of this rebate made Commonwealth loans less attractive to lenders than previously, The cost of interest on the public debt and the interest rate was accordingly of this State has been increasing by over increased by .15 per cent. to 5.40 per cent. $4,000,000 per annum, but 'Yith intere~t per annum. at its present high level, the mcrease this year will be much higher than normal. The main reason for removing this rebate Thus, this increase in interest rates has was L1.at a process known as "rebate wash­ been a sad blow to the State's finances. ing" had developed. This involved the purchase of securities nearing maturity In further reply to the Leader of the purely tor the purpose of obtaining the Opposition, when we had the discussions benefit of the 1Oc in the dollar income tax with the Commonwealth we knew that cer­ rebate. This practice not only deprived the tain increases were to occur. It is correct Commonwealth Government of substantial to say that, at that stage, no definite figure amounts in taxation, but also resulted in was available to us but we had our own a marked increase in the percentage of ideas about what it might be. maturing securities being redeemed rather The increase in the long-term bond rate than being converted. This, in turn, placed was quickly followed by increases in deben­ an additional burden on the Commonwealth ture borrowing rates. These rose by fairly in financing the governmental works and c.omparable amounts, giving public debenture 7 194 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply loan rates of 6.0 per cent. for seven years, in accordance with the Commonwealth's 6.2 per cent. for 10 years and 6.25 per cent. policy of dampening down any excess for 15 years. Private debenture loan rates demand in the economy. increased to a maximum of 6.40 per cent. for It was obvious at the meeting of the a term of 15 years or longer. Premiers' Conference and Loan Council I believe that the States cannot object to towards the end of June that the Common­ increases in interest rates that are necessary wealth Government was very concerned about to raise the bulk of the loan programmes. the developing pressure on resources. Average Hence I have no real criticism of the wages had risen by about 6t per cent. over decision to increase interest rates as the previous 12 months, and the trend of I feel that the increases were unfor­ registered unemployment in relation to the tunately unavoidable. However, I do numbers of unfilled vacancies registered with see some real points of criticism which the Commonwealth Employment Service the States can, and do, raise. It is common indicated that the economy was heading knowledge, of course, that the States have to towards a state of over-full employment. take all the borrowed money, whilst the Although retail prices themselves have not Commonwealth carries out its capital works risen excessively, there are signs that their from surplus revenue. To put it another way, rate of increase could speed up. It is the States are required to pay interest on generally considered that a rate of price funds required for their capital works and increase much greater than 3 per cent. per must also repay the sums raised. On the annum cannot be tolerated, particularly in other hand, the Commonwealth pays no a country like Australia, which is heavily interest on the moneys used by it for capital dependent upon selling its produce on over­ works and actually makes no repayments. seas markets at prices that unfortunately Surely there should be some equitable scheme are not related to the Australian cost of for the sharing of the cheaper money production. It is easy to price ourselves out between the two arms of government. More­ of overseas markets, thus causing balance­ over, it is not reasonable that the States of-payments problems. I believe that all should have to bear the cost of increases hon. members will agree that our depend­ made for economic-policy purposes as part ence on trade makes us sensitive to economic of the economic management of the nation. trends overseas as well as at home. Under such conditions the Commonwealth I want to say that I have no doubt that should bear the increased cost but at this a policy designed to prevent inflation is stage, however, there is no agreement to do the correct policy for Australia at present so. The position is not, of course, limited to in the light of the pressures that are develop­ the State. These movements in interest rates ing on employment and other resources. flow into the field of local government and Later I shall have something to say on must affect the cost of basic, essential whether this situation applies uniformly services. throughout Australia, but I have no hesita­ Having put the State's point of view I tion in saying that inflation cannot be allowed should now like to discuss the general to develop unchecked in this country. question of interest rates a little further. The Honourable members may have noticed increase of .6 per cent. in the long-term recent references in financial papers to the bond rate may appear to some observers to high level of interest rates overseas. A recent be an unduly large increase. However, when British Government raising had a 9 per interest rates have to rise, personally I believe cent. coupon rate. The British bank rate it is better to make a substantial and lasting is 8 per cent. and the American prime domestic adjustment rather than a small adjustment bank lending rate is St per cent. Recent which would have to be followed by further borrowing in Eurodollars overseas is reported increases. A small adjustment which to be at rates up to 11 or 12 per cent. investors think is not the final adjustment merely encourages them to hold off to secure While we do not have to follow what even higher rates. It has been proved that appear to be extravagant trends in interest this only accentuates the problem since rates overseas, it must be remembered that subscriptions may be lower than before we cannot insulate ourselves entirely from the first increase. their effects. There are at least two areas in which these overseas rates will affect Apart from the effect upon governmental Australia. One is in the provision of short­ finances, the movement in the bond rate term export financing. Obviously, if the usually has considerable significance for the finance for, say, wool purchased on the economy. The long-term bond rate has been Australian market can be arranged in Aust­ a key rate, and movements are quickly fol­ ralia, it will be cheaper than from overseas. lowed by movements in bank deposit and It appears already that demands for this type lending rates, and other interest rates of finance are rising and it would be unfor­ generally. On this occasion, the bank over­ tunate if this affected our capacity to provide draft rate has been adjusted upward by one­ finance in other desirable directions. quarter per cent. to give a maximum rate of 7t per cent. The Reserve Bank, at the same Another way in which Australia can be time as it approved this increase, called for affected by high overseas interest rates is another one per cent. of deposits to be put in a slowing down in the rate of overseas into the statutory reserve. These moves are investment in this country; in other words, Supply [26 AUGUST] Supply 195

the higher external rate makes it more Mr. Hanlon: You say that this is one profitable to keep money at home than to step. What is the next one-a "horror" export it to Australia for developmental pur­ budget in February? poses. Honourable members will recall the balance-of-payments problems that Australia Mr. CHALK: I do not think so. That experienced some years ago. In recent years, is Labour Party propaganda during the however, the adverse balance on current present political campaign. account has been offset by a substantial inflow of capital, which has allowed our overseas I said earlier that I would return to the reserves to remain at a healthy level. The question of whether economic pressures are net apparent capital inflow, as reported by being exerted equally in all States. On the the Commonwealth Statistician for 1967-68, information available to me, I would say was $1,203 million and for 1968-69 it is pro­ that they are not. visionally estimated at $1,149 million. One indication of rising pressure on employment is the relationship between the Should the rate of capital inflow be sub­ number of unfilled vacancies and the num­ stantially reduced, it could be, I say very ber of registered unemployed. Figures for sincerely, a very serious matter for this the individual States at the end of June show country, and even for this State. Yet that that Queensland had more than five regist­ is a risk we run when overseas interest rates ered unemployed for each unfilled vacancy, are so much higher than ours. There comes which was about twice the level of the next a point when the increased earnings avail­ highest State and more than three times the able overseas must offset the stability and Australian ratio. In New South Wales, other factors that investors find so attractive Victoria and Western Australia the number in Australia, particularly in the short term. of registered unemployed was only margin­ It is difficult to understand the reasons for ally higher than the number of unfilled such high rates overseas. To some extent vacancies, but in Queensland the labour they reflect inflationary trends at a stage situation was much easier. where costs, like interest, can quickly be These figures and other related statistics compensated for by rising prices. If this were presented by the Premier and myse.lf is so, then I say that this Committee must at the last meeting of the Loan Council, support whatever action is necessary to but they did not prevent Queensland from prevent such trends developing in Australia. suffering the same restrictions upon loan The higher external rates may also reflect programmes as other States suffered. In the fact that much of world development view of the trend towards over-full employ­ today is capital intensive and capital is ment the Commonwealth took the view becoming a much-sought-after commodity, that there should be only a moderate increase with rising costs of interest showing the in "overnmental programmes. I accept this effects of such excess demands. Another decision as the correct policy for Australia factor is that fixed-term lending is not very as a whole, to avoid any undue additional attractive in an inflationary climate, and the calls upon the nation's resources. Never­ move to higher interest rates is an offset to theless, I feel that in Queensland's ca~e, some of the effects of a decrease in money where the labour situation was much easier values. However, whatever the position, the and the drought situation was a further off­ situation is one for some concern, and any settin<> factor a higher increase could have dampening down of capital inflow into been ~bsorbed without difficulty. These views Australia can have serious national effects. were strongly put to the Commonwea~th I think it is fair to say that the recent but did not succeed in achieving any special rise in interest rates in Australia is not a consideration for the State. reflection of galloping inflation, but is one This attitude of treating all States on a step in a policy to counter inflation. It is uniform basis, irrespective of di~ering ~ircum­ not suggested that an increase in interest stances, is a feature of dealings with the rates will, by itself, be a sufficient and Commonwealth Government. The same effective counter to inflation, but in Aus­ situation existed when the credit squeeze tralia a flexible-interest-rate policy is only was introduced in 1960 and this State was one of the measures adopted for con­ forced to take what might be described as trolling the economy, along with other a dose of the same medicine as other States monetary and fiscal policies. Under these although our symptoms were quite different. conditions, I believe that an increase in interest rates can play its part. While I appreciate that the Commo~­ wealth must consider the effect on Australia I feel that most thinking people will as a whole, I nevertheless think that I recognise that the Commonwealth Govern­ would be shirking in my responsibility if ment has been very successful over a long I did not attempt to get a better deal and period in keeping the economy at a high to get greater flexibility in the Common­ level of activity without undue pressure on wealth's relations with the States, thus allow­ prices. If a moderate increase in interest ing account to be taken of differing cirCUfi!-­ rates now will assist it to continue doing stances in individual States. I have this this, then we should not object provided the in mind especially when the central Gov­ burden of interest is eventually charged to ernment is engaged in an exercise of daml"?n­ the correct sector of the public purse. ing down the economy. We do not WISh 196 Supply lASSEMBLY] Supply

to see a situation in Queensland in which Mr. HOUSTON (Bulimba-Leader of the a dampening down would take effect to the Opposition) (2.47 p.m.): I am sure that all disadvantage of the State. hon. members listened with great interest to It is unfortunate that Commonwealth­ the Treasurer's remarks, and I feel that State relations have developed on these lines, they will give his statements and thoughts where the Commonwealth takes only the due consideration. over-all view and each State takes only I think we are all aware that the situa­ its narrow State view. I am sure that real tion in this country is reaching the stage progress could be made if agreement could when all thinking men will have to put their be reached to apply selective measures accord­ heads together to see exactly where we are ~ng to tht; particular circumstances applying going. The Treasurer mentioned many m the vanous States. factors which I do not wish to go over I have made these observations to the again but I think it is true to say that Committee in an endeavour to express some although one might listen with interest to cons~ructive views on matters to which, quite such a speech as his, it requires analysing candidly, there are no simple answers. and digesting to really get the true impact of Nobody wants to see rising interest rates; the message he is trying to convey. but, equally, nobody wants to see inflationary I believe that, owing to circumstances that trends develop unchecked. have now developed in the Australian Hon. members will be interested to know political scene, where there is arrogance that that, during my recent visit overseas I had we have never witnessed in this country very important discussions with bank~rs and before-this becomes particularly evident financiers in both the United States of when one refers to statements made by ~meric.a ~nd Canada. From these discus­ Commonwealth Ministers during and after sions It . IS clear that our problems are conferences with State Ministers and at the also . therr problems. The United Srtates Premiers' Conference, and later when the for mstance, is drawing billions of dollar~ Commonwealth Treasurer brought down the ~rom the ec~mo~y in the hope of prevent­ Federal Budget-it has become very clear Ing . further mflatwn and a continued rising that the Commonwealth now looks upon the of mterest rates. When we find in such States as being of no great importance, a prosperous area as the United States of except politically around election-time. Ar:rerica a security such as General Motors when this State Government's attitude and bemg called upon to pay St per cent. for actions must be designed to help the normal overdraft, housing loans in the course Commonwealth Government retain power. of normal home building being quoted at Mr. Aikens: They regard us as a glorified 12 per cent., and hire-purchase credit at local authority. 1.5 per cent. to 18 per cent., I think it is time we take heed in this country and do Mr. HOUSTON: That is very true. I what w~ can to prevent such circumstances think we can go even further than that. developmg here. I do not think they even regard us at all The Canadian situation is very similar to any great extent, except when an election to ours on a Federal-Province relationship. is imminent. We saw this very clearly in !he cen~ral Gov~rnment commands the scene 1961, when the Commonwealth Govern­ m taxation and rs . the collecting authority­ ment's attitude to Queensland was very although. the Provmces still have individual similar to what it has been over the last corporatron and wage-taxing rights-and few months. Of course, when the jolt came therefore, over-all taxation varies fro~ through the ballot-box the Commonwealth Province to Province. Government rendered some assistance to this State. However, I am firmly convinced that On analysing the Prime Minister's from the experience of Canada, Australia speeches and statements and his answers to can borrow knowledge to advantage, and I questions at various conferences of look forward to advancing some of the Commonwealth and State Ministers, it ~anadian approaches when the next meet­ has become obvious that the Common­ mgs are held between the Commonwealth wealth lays down what is good for and States dealing with Commonwealth­ States financial relationships. the States and then uses its financial powers to make the States its servants. Unfortun­ On the whole, I believe that economic ately, the State Premiers have not been matters in Australia are under reasonable prepared to stand united against the control but such, nevertheless, does not Commonwealth's dictatorial attitude. w~rrant that ~ should close my eyes to those It is true that Sir Henry Bolte and Mr. thmgs to whrch I consider Queensland has Askin, up to a point, put up some sort of I reason to object. raise them for the pur­ fight for their States. It is also true that pose not only of having them recorded in "Hansard" but also of making known my Mr. Reece, the then Premier of Tasmania, views on this very important matter of fought for his State, but I am sure we all financial relationships between the Common­ agree that Tasmania's problem, in the size wealth and the States. of that State and its finances, is different from those of the mainland States. From I commend the motion to the reading the documents that were made avail­ Committee. able it is evident that the Commonwealth Supply [26 AUGUST] Supply 197 is relying on its old attitude to the mainland that it is all right to give increased intereM Premiers of "Divided, they will fall". rates to those who invest their money but Apparently by various ways and means, and it is not all right for the men and women particularly by offering special assistance who have only their labour to sell to bargain here and there, the Commonwealth is able to for increased income for it. keep the State Premiers divided. One of the first things that the States have to do to Over recent years the Commonwealth, obtain some semblance of justice in financial Government has denied the States millions matters from the Commonwealth is to have of dollars to which they are justly entitled. their Premiers work together as a united Every time the workers of Australia receive team against the Commonwealth. an increase in their income, whether it is due to the higher cost of living or is granted Mr. Porter: You have your party's policies. by the courts because of the productivity of Mr. HOUSTON: I am afraid that the hon. the State or the nation, the Commonwealth member for Toowong is as badly informed Government enjoys an increased return on the Labour Party's attitude as he is on through its various fields of taxation. The many other matters. He has not the faintest higher the price of the article purchased, knowledge of A.L.P. policy. In faot, he the grea,ter the amount of sales tax it obtains; does not even know what his own Liberal the higher the wage obtained by ~e Party's policy is. employee, the more he or she pays m Let us restrict our thoughts to Common­ taxation. To document this point I will give wealth-States relations. When uniform a couple of simple examples. I think the taxation was introduced-in fact when Treasurer said in his introductory comments Federation was accomplished-it w~s never that the increase in wages represented about intended that the central Government would 7 or 8 per cent. for the 12 months. I do turn the States into virtual local authorities. not dispute that. However, the way things are going today, unless there is a drastic change, within a Mr. Chalk: It was about 6t per cent. decade we will find that the State Govern­ ments have been reduced to the status of Mr. HOUSTON: I accept that. ~te local authorities. a few years have passed since the taxation rate in Australia has been changed. As the Treasurer said, the Commonwealth carries out most of its works programme Firstly I refer to a man who, 12 months with funds obtained from revenue, whereas or more' ago, received $40 a week. ~o-one the States have to use loan moneys. Surely could suggest that he was overpaid or we cannot allow this situation to continue that he received an income that 'Yould year after year. Statistics show very clearly permit him to live other than a very s1mple that every year the Commonwealth debt is life. Certainly he would not have anytl:u~g decreasing whereas the debts of the States left to save for the future. On the. baSis are increasing. Where will this finish? that he has a wife and two young .children Unless some drastic changes take place the at school, and realising that deductions for States will be going to the Commonwealth income-tax purposes :vvould n3;turally vary with their hands out, pleading for money from family to fam1ly, I . thmk we can that they are rightly entitled to in order to assume that there are certam fixed deduc­ carry on their normal activities. tions that can be used. I should like to mention the matter of For instance, we can allo:VV $312 for employment. I completely oppose the the wife $308 for the first child and $156 Federal Treasurer's attitude that one of the for the 'second child. Naturally he wc:uld ways of overcoming inflation is to create an have to contribute to some form of medical unemployment pool. This attHude of the benefits schemes, and for this I. allow $70. Then he would have to pay umon fees of, Liberals to have an unemployment pool to say $20. He would have to pay insurance, overcome the ills of inflation is certainly and perhaps superannuation which would be well known, and the Australian Labour Party about $300. He would have to pay rates, is completely opposed to it. We believe that which in many cases would ~xceed $100. every person who desires to work should I have allowed $200 for educatwn expenses, have the opportunity to do so. Surely there and taking into account the medical benefits is something wrong with a nation and the refu'nds, he could still have to pay $50 thinking of its leaders if they believe that the only way, or even one of the ways, of in medical expenses. overcoming inflation is to have a certain Takino- all those figures into account 1 amount of unemployment. How this nation's think it' reasonable, without in any way leaders can reason that way, I do not know. exaugerating the position, to suggest that the I have never been able to find statements allo;_,ances he could claim for income-tax made by those people that give us facts and purposes would total about $1,400. Taking figures to support their argument. However, the deductions into account, on $40 a week I do believe that perhaps if there is unem­ his income would be $2,080, giving a tax­ ployment men and women will not bargain able income of $680, which, according to for higher wages and better conditions. the scale for the last few years, gives the Perhaps the leaders of the nation believe Commonwealth $22.61 in income tax. 198 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

If this man's income over a period of point of time how good a ca3e it was because years, through Court determinations or the I do not know the exact submissions that generosity of the employer, increased by were made. But all State Premiers would $5 a week, his income would rise, but it have endeavoured to get the best they could, is not likely, on that small increase, that and it is obvious that they were not very his deductions would vary to any great successful. However, they must have con­ extent. However, his taxable income would sidered that the money was available. increase to $940 a year, giving him a tax payment of $48.19, which, even with that I believe that the whole system must be small increase, would give the Common­ changed. It is also my honest belief that wealth twice the return it received on his while the Commonwealth and State Govern­ previous income of $40 a week. If his ments are of the same political colour, income was increased by $10 a week to matters will get worse and not better. It is $50, his taxable income would increase to obvious that the Liberal Party in the State $1,200, with a tax payment of $80.46. In field, particularly in this State, is now only other words, because his total annual income a party in name with no background, back­ has increased by $520 a year-in most cases bone, or determination. All it is interested this would be due purely and simply to in is holding some political seats. increased living costs or legitimate wage Of course, the Commonwealth Govern­ increases by way of court determination­ ment is intent on making money available the Commonwealth Government receives an in certain fields just before a Federal election. increase in revenue of approximately $58 a If the Senate and House of Representatives year. elections were held in conjunction, the big In the case of a man whose salary spending period would be once every three increases from $50 to $60 a week, his years. Now, with an election every 12 tax payment jumps by $80, from $80.46 months, money is coming out more regularly, to approximately $162. The Commonwealth but this benefit is offset by its being directed gains the advantage of $80, through no to fields in which the Commonwealth believes effort on its part, simply because the taxa­ there is some political gain. This situation tion system has not been altered. The same can be changed only when, first of all, there inflation that has caused us to allocate is a change in the Federal Government, and, more money to the Crown this year than secondly, when the State Governments start in previous years is certainly giving the to stand up for their rights. This is not wage-earner a higher gross income and in happening at the present time. fact the Commonwealth is receiving more by way of taxation payments. Of course, I believe that the States must get tough the higher the base income of the employee with the Commonwealth Government and -I have instanced a $10 a week increase now is the time to get tough. At present, the in wages or salary-the more the Common­ Commonwealth Government is looking for wealth gets. votes. I believe that State leaders should stand up to the Commonwealth Government I now take the case of a man whose and tell the Prime Minister and the Federal taxable income is $3,000 a year, which, Treasurer exactly where the States stand in allowing for the same general deductions, the matter. One State, unfortunately, is yields a tax of $462.78. If his weekly prepared to sell another State out when it salary was increased by $10, his annual is offered a small plum. Over all, each State salary would become $3,520. His income is losing out. The Commonwealth Govern­ tax would then become $615. In other ment is becoming more powerful every day words, if the man received an extra $10 because it controls the purse-strings, and a week, the Commonwealth Government this is not in the interests of national would receive an extra $153 a year from development. the employee, or approximately $3 a week. The wages and salaries of public servants Surely issues should not depend on the are, in the main, paid out of Consolidated whim of the political party in power in Revenue, so that every time public servants Canberra. This State and nation have to receive an increase, the Commonwealth Gov­ develop according to their needs. State ernment virtually gets a rebate on the money Governments know best what is required in available to the State from Commonwealth their own States. Certainly the Common­ sources. wealth Government should co-ordinate, but it should at all times fall into line with the This would not be of any importance if desires of the States, provided they are not the Commonwealth Government gave the contrary to national planning. If they are, States a fair share of the increased revenue the Commonwealth Government should not it receives from the various fields. However stall and make all kinds of excuses. If what as I said at the outset, it does not. It give~ the States request is against national the States the minimum amount necessary planning, the Commonwealth Government according to the various formulas, and th~ should, there and then, give the full reasons States are forced to accept it. to the people of this State and let them know The Treasurer made it clear that a well­ the true position. documented case was presented to the I am sure that the recent slugging match Commonwealth Government at the recent between the Treasurer and the Postmaster­ Premiers' Conference. I do not argue at this General-both Liberals-was regretted by Supply [26 AUGUST] Supply 199

the people of Queensland because it was not I have a feeling that the Federal Govern­ getting them anywhere at all. The State ment will finally see the wisdom of sup­ Government must convince the Common­ porting the construction of such a power­ wealth Government of its needs. The States house, if not for the State's benefit certainly must get together and keep together. I am, for its own political benefit. of course, referring to the controversy over Mr. Porter: It will be because of the the power-house for this State. I know that persuasive efforts of the State Government. over the years, many people have advocated a major power-house for Queensland. In Mr. HOUSTON: If that is the case, the my earliest speeches in Parliament, being State Government would have had it approved closely associated with the electrical industry before the State election. Do not let us I advocated the building of power-houses kid ourselves on that. There were many near coal-fields and the building of large rumours going around then. The point power-houses somewhere in the State. Any I make is that when this power-house is person associated with the electrical industry built I want its benefit to be felt throughout knows that to have cheap power, we must the State; I do not want it to be only for have large power-houses. the overseas industries that the Government is trying to attract here. We want all Over the years my pleas were not heeded, Queenslanders who are in this State now and at long last the State decided to advocate to get the benefit of it. a large power-house in Central Queensland. During my Address-in-Reply speech It is to be regretted that at this point of began to mention something that is of time it is not well under construction. The great importance to the State, but I was records will show that in other States the not able to complete what I wished to Labour Party, in Opposition and in Govern­ say. I refer to pollution of our creeks ment, supported the concept of a major and streams. I urge the Government to power-house in Queensland. bring down during this session a Bill to I remind the Government that it is a very prevent people, once and for all, from simple matter to generate electricity at one polluting streams and rivers. Such a step point and transfer it, if needed, from one is absolutely necessary. If anyone really power-house to another, or to the point wants to find out about the pollution problem, of need. All that is needed for this is I suggest that he telephone me any evening a common frequency, and all power-houses at all and I shall be pleased to give him in this State generate electricity at the same a trial run of five minutes so that he frequency. Power generated in any part of can appreciate what the people of Murarrie the State can therefore be transferred by have to suffer and live with. land line or underground connection to any I know it could be said that it is the other part of the State, and, as electricity responsibility of the local authority. travels at the rate of 189,000 miles a second, Unfortunately, the local authority prose­ it is easy to see that no delay is caused cuted in one instance and a fine of $80 was by the switching of power from one point imposed by the court. I am not criticising to another. All that is needed is for the the court-! did not hear the evidence-but operators of the system to agree that a I think it is obvious that one prosecution a load has to be transferred from one power­ year that costs it only $80 is a cheap way house to another. Those who were associ­ for a company to get out of the damage ated with the electrical industry in Brisbane that it is doing. There are 500 or 600 homes during the war years know that at certain in the area, and their value today would be times of the day it was common procedure virtually nothing. Who would want to buy to transfer the load from the Brisbane City them under the existing conditions? Council power-house to the power-house of Not only is there pollution of Bulimba the Southern Electric Authority. Creek; there is also a build-up of pollution I believe that every Queenslander supports in the Brisbane River. On investigation, the construction of a massive power-house one finds that there is an increase of 3 in this State. In addition to assisting in inches a year in the level of mud in the the future development of Central Queens­ Bulimba Reach of the river. Years ago, land, the power generated there could be before the big dams were built, the river used in any other part of the State. There would clean itself out when heavy rainfall is no reason why power generated at Collins­ occurred. But because man has decided to ville could not be used in Brisbane, or store water-the Opposition has no fight why power generated at Swanbank could with that decision-the river does not clean not be used in any other part of the State. itself out and the mud is building up. The That is the main reason why we say that, stage is now being reached at which people except in very special circumstances, there living in properties on the Bulimba Reach is no justification for differing power charges cannot use their jetties. All they have in in various parts of the State. After all front of their properties at low tide is mud, one of the basic needs of the State i~ which in some cases is 12 or 18 inches deep. a power supply where it is required. If I know that dredging is no longer the people and industries are to be encouraged responsibility of the Treasurer, but I take to move to other areas, all efforts must be this opportunity to say that people interested made to provide power for them. in sailing are very grateful for the assistance 200 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply that he gave when they made requests for Assembly, and he knows that I have not dredging. The dredging that was needed in departed on any occasion from any pro­ that instance was not peculiar to that reach position that I then advanced. of the river, and the river generally has to We should nevertheless look at this question be dredged so that it can be used to the of State rights and the sovereignty of the advantage of the people of this State. I States. If the Leader of the Opposition am glad to see that the Minister for Local now projects himself as being a defender of Government and Marine Activities is in the State rights, he will find himself in an area Chamber. I know that he will take note of of some confusion even within his own party, what I am saying. because the significant fact is that continu­ The problem that we face today is this: ing Labour policies have constantly spelt out a trend towards centralism. He will when we interfere with nature's normal find that the present Leader of the Opposi­ actions we must be prepared to spend money tion in South Australia, in a significant to compensate for that interference. television programme, entered criticism of (Time expired.) the State structure to such a degree that it could be interpreted in no other way Mr. W. D. HEWITT (Chatsworth) (3.12 than to say that he believes that the States p.m.): Among the many subjects to which should disappear. In all fairness, I refer the Leader of the Opposition made passing to another Leader of the Opposition in reference was one on which he dwelt for a Victoria who recently was reported to have while-the structure of tax rates applicable said that there should be ways of finding to wage earners in this country. I interpret a return of powers to the State. Let us, his comments to mean that he believes that in all charity, say that the situation that there are reasons why there should be an prevails in the Labour Party today on urgent overhaul of these rates. Let me say to the question of Federalism is at least one the hon. gentleman at this stage that we find of confusion. ourselves on common ground. I believe that The hon. gentleman also made some refer­ few things are needed more urgently than a ence to the question of unemployment and review of tax rates, particularly those he made the allegation that Liberals are applicable to the middle-income earners, still wedded to the outmoded concept that and I hope that the Commonwealth's indi­ we enjoy better economic stability when cations that it is moving upon this will be there is a continuing pool of unemployment matched by action and that a tax structure in the community. While he said this !n more in keeping with the higher rates of broad terms he did not tell me who said income that people now enjoy will soon be it. I can recall no policy consideration in evolved. conferences that I have ever attended where However, on a few other matters with this has ever been spelt out; I know of none which the hon. gentleman dealt I am bound to of my colleagues who contribute to such say that we find ourselves poles apart. He pro­ a proposition and, for m~s~lf, I say that jected some thoughts about the States, their I repudiate such a proposition totally an;:! structure. their rights, and their sovereignty, utterly. But against that, where there. IS and I say to the hon. gentleman, if he presents no evidence of a Liberal speaker havmg himself as a "State's righter", "Please join said this. I refer the hon. gentleman to the club." On the question of Federalism the previous Federal Member for. Parke:s, and how it will work better, we will be Leslie Haylen, who, on one occasiOn, said happy to meet him on a non-partisan basis, that for all practical purposes a 5 per cent. because it is one of the great problems of unemployment pool could be considered as the seventies in this country, to make sure full employment. that, in fact, the Federalism that has been While we talk about the question of propounded for so many years will work unemployment, I recall to his mind the to the better advantage of the people and fact that the late Dr. Evatt said on one for the sake of better government. occasion that the right to choose his own vocation will be one of the rights that the Mr. Houston: If you are fair dinkum on Australian will have to forego. If we want this, let us start on a non-party basis and to start talkina about employment, I think have a look at the operation of our own the record of my party is significantly Parliament in this House. superior and, before we. depart from this Mr. Murray: That would be well worth subject, it should be. satd. that th~ re:cord while. of this Government m thts State IS high!Y creditable. We inherited a situation m Mr. W. D. HEWITT: I take it that the 1957 when the economy of this State was hon. gentleman is now offering some critic­ almost entirely wedded to primary produc­ ism of the working of this Parliament? tion and the employment scale year by year was identified by great fluctuations-;-ri,ses l\Ir. Houston: Yes. and falls-but because of the contmmng Mr. W. D. HEWITT: Again I do not policy of this' Government to industrialise run for cover. If the hon. gentleman cares to this State we saw 12 months ago for the read the first speech that I ever made in first time the happy situation when the income this Chamber, he will see that I made enjoyed from secondary industry exceeded significant criticisms of the workings of this that from primary industry. The effect Supply [26 AUGUST] Supply 201 of this has been that the peaks and hollows conjecture about what we could have done in the unemployment graph have been ironed with that cash. Australia could have been out and unemployment in this State now one of the richest and most highly developed is a pretty static 1.8 per cent. This is countries in the world if losses had not been certainly not good enough for my book, incurred year after year after year but at least it is ironed out to a greater from drought. It is amazing that degree than it has ever been before, so I am after all of these years Governments very happy to talk about employment per­ of all political complexions have failed formances and the creditable record of this to propound continuing policies to meet the Government in this field. effect of drought. It seems to be a con­ Now, the Treasurer, in dealing with the tinuing situation: in the lush years we forget introduction of the Appropriation Bill, made it, our senses are dulled and our memories continuing references to Commonwealth­ become dimmed; and it is only when another State relationships. M any of the things drought is upon us that suddenly we are that he said will be easier to comprehend seized with its urgency. As surely as the when we read them, but it is nevertheless sun rises tomorrow, when this present true that is was a useful speech to hear. drought is over there will be another and . The Minister knows without my reminding another and another. Surely some means h1m that next year the Premiers and the exist in our financial consideration of Commonwealth will propound a new financial cushioning the effect of drought. agreement. Significantly, for the first time There are others who on occasions are since Federation all of the men who sit lulled into some sense of false security. round the conference table will be men of Even the Vernon report, which was compiled the same political complexion. They belong in the lush years of the early 1960's, made the to a party that believes in the Federal observation that many are confident that system, and therefore they will be presented drought will never again be severely felt­ with an opportunity, seldom before realised, although, in fairness to the authors of that of getting on with the job of making document I want to say that they did not Federation work. I do hope that each and agree with that contention. every one of them accepts this challenge. To evolve a policy on drought it is If the Treasurer wants to hear one necessary, first of all, to dispel some popular criticism from a humble back-bencher, I misconceptions. For some strange reasons make reference to the continuing practice of that I have never been able to understand, the Commonwealth of making matching grants. we group drought with natural disasters I take some exception to it. Under the present such as bush-fires, cyclones, tidal erosion, agreement, each State enjoys disbursements and other things that happen from time to year by year, but in recent years the Com­ time. I suggest that the problem is not monwealth has made additional funds avail­ similar to those created by natural disasters able for specific projects on the understanding and that it should be treated in an entirely that the States match the expenditure. The different category. The other blights that effect of this is that not only are the States I have referred to are not predictable or dependent on the Commonwealth for their long-term or widespread as drought is in its disbursements in the first place but also they accepted terms. They are not expensive in allow the Commonwealth to dictate to them the same comparable terms as drought. the scale of priorities. I believe that I certainly do not disregard for a moment priorities of different order may emerge from the great personal loss and expenses experi­ different States. I would like to see more enced when flood, cyclone or bushfire plagues funds made available from the Common­ an area, but, against all of these, some wealth to the States on an unconditional precaution can be taken. Effective counter basis. I hope that if the Treasurer con­ measures can be implemented and relief can tributes to this point of view we may see be provided quickly. Because these scourges something worth while happen when the next hit suddenly and tragically they contain agreement is propounded. a high emotive content. But drought is Once again, the Treasurer's Appropriation the exact antithesis of all of these. Drought Bill is introduced with the background of is predictable; it is widespread; it is expen­ drought. No other thing has plagued this sive; and, by virtue of its vast extent, it Government more since it came to office than is not easy to implement counter measures. drought. Its record is all the more credit­ In trying to propound drought policies, I able when it is realised that it has been able believe it is important to isolate the problem to do so many things in spite of this con­ and identify it as the greatest single challenge stant scourge that forever troubles it. With­ to this State today. It is true that the out doubt, drought has the greatest single city man, in his supreme innocence, fails impact upon the economy of this State, and to comprehend the magnitude of the problem its cumulative effect year by year reaches or its real impact. Indeed, all too frequently almost crippling proportions. There are one hears the city man blame the country probably few countries with short histories man for improvidence and over-stocking. like ours that have suffered so severely from However, there has been a far departure the impact of drought. One can only con­ from the Dad-and-Dave concept. I shall jecture about the lost cash over the many make some reference to that subject in years as a result of this scourge and a moment. 202 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I confess to the Committee that at the drou.gh~ encompassing our entire nation, no recent Liberal Party convention held at Too­ contmumg financial structure has been woomba, one delegate observed that the four written into our Budgets and no substantial greatest tragedies hitting the country man measures to combat it have been devised. I were the blow-fly, the dingo, the bushfire make that comment not unmindful of the and city politicians, and he ventured to sug­ millions of dollars spent in drought relief, gest that the city politician rated highest the generous concessions given on freights, priority. I disregard that rather cynical the remissions that are made from time to comment and I hope that as long as I am time, the extensive research, and the more in this Assembly I can be considered a recently implemented drought bonds. Nor friend of the country man and a supporter do I overlook the various useful methods of his endeavours. for provision of water resources. I think some dissent must be registered I suggest, with great respect, that nothing against those who make the allegations of less than a continuing provision is good improvidence. I think we would readily enough. We should pay for drought in the concede that there are those who over­ lush years, not in the drought years. By stock and over-spend, and do not plan virtue of its recurring nature, drought, while accordingly, but they are in the infinite often talked about, seems to attract action minority. I accept that there is a respon­ only when it is with us. sible and sensible approach from the great majority of country men. I believe that we should be able to estab­ lish the amount paid in direct aid over, say, The primary industries in this country the past 20 years. That, of course, would today are confronted with peculiar problems disregard the indirect costs and the losses which people in secondary industries do of revenue. I believe that when the good not experience. On the one hand, they seasons ultimately return we could at least are oppressed by the rising cost structure determine an average annual cost of and, on the other hand, their selling prices drought. This should be set aside in a con­ are governed by situations that they can tinuing trust so that a fund is readily avail­ do little to control. They have the situa­ able when this State finds itself on hard tion also where their industries are much times. The effect of this would be that funds more capital-intensive then they were 15 would be available forthwith for loans, or 20 years ago. The best evidence of their fodder purchase, agistment, freights, and the capacity to husband their resources and host of other avenues in which primary ride out droughts can be gained by a refer­ producers are in need of help. With such an ence to a book by Don Campbell simply annual specified provision, we would cushion called "Drought," wherein the author tries the effect of drought on our State's 10 relate the cattle deaths in drought-time economy. I do not think that that point to the total cattle population. While his is insignificant. figures are not as recent as I should like, nevertheless they are significant. He points The problem of drought needs to be frag­ out that in the 1926 drought 24.7 per cent. mented. I have already made some reference of the cattle population died. In the 19 51 to water shortage which, surely, is the great­ drought the percentage dropped to 12, and est single problem facing the agriculturist. I am told that this is a continuing process. In addition to water shortage, the grazier is There is ample evidence that the husbandry faced wit:h the other problems of feed competence of the grazier is improving year shortage, quick transport and finance. I by year. The greatest single, though not believe that water shortage is a specific exclusive, answer to the drought problem problem. It is receiving its share of atten­ is undoubtedly the storing of water. In a tion. There is little I can add to what is continent where the average rainfall is 16.5 presently under consideration. I do hope, inches we are left with only 10 per cent. however, that before too long deed will act of storable water, contrasted with 50 per word in some of the matters being looked at. cent. in Canada and 30 per cent. in the The point most laboured by the 1966 United States. In our own State of Queens­ Drought Mitigation Committee relative to land, even taking into account the eight feed was the question of on-property pro­ water-conservation schemes implemented since duction and on-property storage of fodder. 1957, the three presently under discussion, It is unfortunate that the terrifying cost of and the seven projected storage schemes, we its provision is probably a deterring factor, will still irrigate only 6,000,000 acres of the stopping Governments from looking at this States 420,000,000 acres. That gives some indi­ matter closely. The report estimated that to cation of the immensity of the water problem. provide feed for a drought nucleus of 200 It is obvious that only massive capital days in fodder storage would cost some­ participation will minimise this problem that thing like $28,000,000, made up as follows:- besets our primary industries. The $ $250,000,000 Burdekin catchment scheme Sheep industry .. 12,500,000 will, of course, play a useful part in this. Beef-cattle industry 10,500,000 I presume to suggest to the Treasurer that there must be continuing budgetary pro­ Dairy industry 5,000,000 vision not confined merely to the drought Those figures were propounded in 1966, so years. It is, to me, almost unbelievable there would have been an escalation since that, after 100 years of recorded history of then. Supply [26 AuGUST] Supply 203

In ways of direct participation I doubt rates are less than the figures of 8 per cent., whether the Government can do much 9 per cent. and up to 11 per cent. men­ about this. However, it can look into the tioned by the Treasurer as overseas rates, question of continuing long-term, low­ it is nevertheless a matter of concern to interest loans. I believe that the fund I have those interested in development. referred to, after storing some "fat" away, As is often the case when Appropriation could possibly be sufficiently buoyant to Bills are being debated, it is not so much at least help with this problem. Surely what the Treasurer states as what he does it would be common sense to offer continu­ not state that is perhaps of greatest interest. ous special rail freight rates for fabricated When Sir Thomas Hiley was Treasurer, parts for fodder storage. If we can help he adopted the tack during debates on when a drought is with us, we can help to Appropriation Bills of more or less steering mitigate its effects in the better years. the Committee into a discussion of matters It is certain to me that there must be that he thought might be appropriate for continuing budgetary provlS!on agai~st the Committee to debate. I was surprised, drought; there must be massiVe particularly in view of the strong remarks Commonwealth participation in the pro­ of the Treasurer on his return from overseas vision of water resources; there must be about the financing of the proposed Central ambitious educational programmes, particu­ Queensland powerhouse, that he did not larly on fodder storage; and there must be at least make some reference to this sub­ expanded advisory services. There is no ject today. Unfortunately, as the Leader of other one thing that has a greater impact the Opposition pointed out, the public of upon the economy of this State or retards Queensland-and the Commonwealth, for our progress more than drought. There is that matter-are becoming rather "browned no other one thing that is more predictable; off" at the way in which this subject is there is no other one thing that should be developing more into a dogfight between the grappled with in an effective fashion as Commonwealth and the State over who is at urgently as possible. fault in any delay that might have occurred than into an attempt to decide the financing Mr. HANLON (Baroona) (3.35 p.m.): As of it. I was pleased to see the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition observed, any­ the Treasurer taking a stronger stand with one who has any real interest in the develop­ the Commonwealth on this matter than they ment of the nation, particularly the have taken in the past, but this will be of development of Queensland, must share the value only if it leads to some constructive concern voiced by the Treasurer at the rapid follow-up that will resolve all the matters escalation in interest rates, particularly the in dispute between the two Governments bond rate. I do not think that anyone and enable the job to proceed. would deny that real development at the When he stepped off the plane on his public level can be achieved only with return from overseas, the Treasurer referred comparatively cheap money; no develop­ to a specific industry, although he did not ment of any great order can be achieved name it, which he said was interested in a with dear money. Although I do not pro­ potential investment of $60,000,000 in this pose to hark back in history, I might men­ State, and he said that the end of this tion that it was this point of view that led month, which is now only five days away, Mr. Chifley, as Prime Minister and as was the deadline set by the company for Federal Treasurer, to be so dogmatic in his an assurance on power that would be avail­ views and some of the actions that he took, able through the proposed powerhouse. The prior to the return of the Menzies Govern­ end of the month is approaching, and so ment in 1949, to try to steer Australia into far all that we seem to have heard between a situation in which the country would the time of the Treasurer's return from have the benefit of cheap money for overseas and now is argument and counter­ development. argument between Commonwealth spokes­ Nevertheless, as the Treasurer observed, men, whether they be the Postmaster­ once we get into this stream of high interest General, to whom the Leader of the Opposi­ rates, we are more or less carried along tion referred, or, further down the line, the with it whether we like it or not. It is true, hon. member for Moreton, who appears to as the Treasurer pointed out, that we have be the latest put up as the Commonwealth probably been somewhat spoilt, and con­ Government's spokesman in this State to tinue to be spoilt, by the interest rates answer the Queensland Government and their applicable in this country compared with Liberal and Country Party colleagues here, those operating overseas. The long-term on the delays that have occurred in this matter. bond rate has in~reased from 5.25 per cent. in November 1968 to 6 per cent., and local Mr. Bromley: And he was pretty dodgy, authorities such as the Brisbane City too. Council are at present obliged to offer 6.25 Mr. HANLON: I watched the hon. member per cent. and, from all accounts, are not for Moreton on "Meet the Press". When getting a great deal of response at that I began watching the programme, there was figure in current loans. We also see the someone on the screen talking about theatre bank rate increasing to 7.75 per cent. or ballet. I did not think it was the hon. Whilst we might be fortunate that these member for Moreton, and the monitor said 204 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

that a mistake had been made and that The insinuations that are coming through the following week's "Meet the Press" pro­ to this State on the grapevine-! do not gramme had been put on. If that pro­ wish to be associated with them for the gramme had continued, one probably would narrow advantage of scoring off the Govern­ have learnt as much from the gentleman ment-reflect on not only the State Govern­ concerned with the theatre as one learnt ment but also the public servants of this from the hon. member for Moreton as to State. They suggest that the officers have why the Commonwealth Government has not been capable of presenting a complete taken so long to reach a decision on this case. I disagree entirely with those insinu­ matter. ations. As the Leader of the Opposition I do not know what remarks the Treasurer said in the Address-in-Reply debate, the made at the Liberal Party Convention at Opposition regards officers of the Public Toowoomba at the week-end, but I think Service in Queensland as being equal in that he should have taken the opportunity efficiency to those in the employ of the today, in this Chamber, to deal with an Commonwealth Government or any other issue that he has described as being of State Government. Members on this side vital importance to this State in so many of the Chamber do not think that they are directions. As the Leader of the Opposition incapable of presenting a case to the pointed out, the matter is of importance Commonwealth. not only to the localised area of the site of However, stories have been circulated that the powerhouse and to industries that might the Commonwealth received the case and be established in the vicinity and use the that it was not being handled on a Govern­ power generated; it is of importance also ment-to-Government basis. The claim has in the supply of power to other parts of been made that when cases have been the State. With due respect to the Treasurer's presented by other States, the Commonwealth remarks relative to the escalating rate of has quickly been able to disclose to those interest on long-term bonds, I think that States the matters with which it disagrees. he had an obligation to take the Com­ or, if the Commonwealth requires some mittee more into his confidence on this further information, it is quickly available matter. to it. It is suggested that those matters have I remind the Treasurer that stories about been handled on a Government-to-Govern­ the State's responsibility are filtering down ment basis and that the Commonwealth can the grapevine, and those stories would seem quickly get an answer and then proceed to to emanate, at least at some levels, from the next point. The claim is that that has Commonwealth sources. I refer particu­ not been so in the case of the powerhouse larly to the stories that are circulating that proposal, that for the Commonwealth it has the case has been badly presented and badly been like dealing with a football team. with handled by the Queensland Government. the ball being passed backwards and for­ It may be easy for the Opposition, with the wards across the field; that matters have been State election behind it, to be a bit noble referred to the Department of Industrial in this context, but the Leader of the Development, to the State Electricity Com­ Opposition has made it clear that the mission, to the Treasurer, and then to the Opposition has no argument with the Premier. Frankly, I do not believe this. Government in its desire to see the power­ I believe that the Treasurer, the officials of house become a reality. Hon. members on the Government, the Government itself and this side of the Chamber are not concerned the public servants backing them up in this so much about the delays that have matter would not have a case prepared in occurred in the past as they are about this haphazard fashion, and that it was assisting, if possible, to find a solution to co-ordinated and presented in such a way that the problem. the Commonwealth Government could One story that has filtered through-no quickly get responses to it. doubt the Treasurer has heard it-is that I invite the Treasurer to take this Parlia­ the case presented has been a fragmented ment into his confidence and tell us the one, that it has not been presented and real story of what has happened so far handled as a total case. It is said that as the power-house project is concerned; the Commonwealth Government expects to to tell us what the present situation is in consider a case in which, if clarification is regard to this $60,000,000 industry that he needed on some particular point, it can said had set a deadline at the end of speak to someone who can quickly pro­ August. I think in Gladstone, not so long vide it with an answer. On the "Meet the ago, he mentioned some $600,000,000 as Press" programme, the hon. member for being the potential investment related to Moreton said that there was a big Jag this powerhouse when it comes to fruition. between September and March when the Commonwealth asked for further infor­ I think the Parliament is entitled to know mation. these things, not only for its information because of the importance of the matter Mr. Chalk: That is not true. but also in fairness to the Treasurer's own Mr. HANLON: I am pleased to hear the officers, who are being down-graded and Treasurer say that it is not true. But why sold down the line by indirect references did he not tell the Committee that it was to them by Commonwealth sources as to not true when he opened this debate today, their preparation of the case. If he does instead of embarking on an academic dis­ not want to defend himself or his own cussion that, although important, is not of Government, or if he thinks he is at fault importance to this project? in some way and is not prepared to defend Supply (26 AUGUST] Supp,y 205 the Premier or his own statements in the Only the doubtful claims are referred to matter-as I say, I am not going along it, and it would seem that the statistics at with that criticism-at least he should do least suggest that there should be some review it for the sake of the officers and State of the operations of the General Medical public servants who were associated with Board to ascertain just why there is such the presentation of the case. a high rate of rejection by it. Mr. Hughes: Whether the case will stand A number of people, including prominent up or not, you must admit that Queens­ unionists and advocates who appear for land is entitled to it. claimants before the General Medical Board, have expressed concern about difficulties that Mr. HANLON: I do not think there is an) disagreement on that point. That they have experienced when appearing before is the sort of fortuitous statement the hon. it. Probably I will not have time to go into member for Kurilpa always makes. It sounds all the details of these matters, but I will very good but it means very little. Every­ provide them to the Treasurer later so that he body is agreed on that point. What we can examine them. I feel that he will recog­ want today is not an assurance that all nise that a number of the difficulties that Queenslandcrs agree that we should get a we suggested might arise do seem to be power-house, but for the State Government, arising in matters that are taken to the instead of merely shaking its fist and making General Medical Board. We have no objec­ side remarks at the Commonwealth Gov­ tion to the concept of medical issues being ernment, to tell the people of Queensland, divorced from the duties of an industrial who will be voting in an election on October 25, the facts. The Treasurer said on a magistrate and referred to a panel of doctors '·Meet the Press" programme that he realised for examination; but when it was proposed this, so he should be telling the people to set up these boards we expressed some what is going on so that they can exert reservations about cases that mixed facts their own pressure on the Commonwealth with law coming before these boards in that Government if it has fallen down on the they would be distinct from the matter of job of helping Queensland. medical facts involved in the cases and I want to refer now to more mundane referable to the board. Of course, under the matters and to deal with something that Act a claimant has no right of appeal against has been presented to me as of some concern the decision of the board once his case is to people within the jurisdiction of the referred to it by the General Manager of Treasurer. It refers to the operations of the S.G.I.O. the General Medical Board within the State The particular case to which my attention Government Insurance Offi.ce. As you know, was directed was that of an employee who Mr. Ramsden, in 1966 the Workers' Com­ worked for the Central Queensland Cement pensation Act was amended to provide that Co. at Rockhampton. He sought compensa­ the general manager, at his discretion, could tion for a period that he was off work refer cases to various specially boards that because of sinusitis that he alleged had were set up and also to a General Medical developed as a result of his inhaling dust Board which would handle matters that did in one of the limestone tunnels that he, as a not fall within the ambit of one or other miller's assistant, had to clean out at the of the specialty boards. plant. The union to which the employee At the end of the last session-as a belonged and the advocate who appeared matter of fact it was on the last day, 11 before the board for him at the union's December-! sought to get some statistics request prepared an extensive case and from the Treasurer in this matter by asking obtained medical evidence and factual him for the number of cases that have evidence from witnesses of the influence of been handled by the various boards and the dust on the claimant. In addition, they number of rejections, because I had had obtained evidence of a very haphazard some complaints about the General Medical preparation of the brief by the claims clerk Board in particular. The figures he gave in the S.G.I.O. They drew the attention me were: in relation to the Cardiac Board, of the board to errors that appeared in the which had been in existence since 1961, brief that was presented to the board. I am 2,116 cases were dealt with-all cases are not saying that those errors were made referred to them-and there were 5 64 rejec­ deliberately. The employee's union and his tions. In the case of the Skin Diseases and advocate went to a considerable amount Dermatology Board 243 cases were sub­ of trouble to adduce medical evidence and mitted and 83 rejected. For the General factual evidence, but they were rebuked and Medical Board there were 343 cases and dismissed by the board with the statement, 216 rejections. "It is the opinion of the board that the It is this to which I want to direct the claimant has been suffering from recurring attention of the Treasurer. Even if we respiratory tract disease for many years. agree that many cases are accepted by the There is no evidence"-and this is the point General Manager and are not referred to to which I draw attention-"that he has the General Medical Board-that only the worked in dusty conditions, as the claimant doubtful claims are referred to it-exactly states. The board recommends the rejection the same thing applies to the Skin Board. of the claim." 206 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

That claimant has no right of appeal. If It has also been put to me that the the board had said that it rejected the General Manager of the State Government evidence and gave reasons for the rejection Insurance Office-and I use that term in as a magistrate would, there could be n~ relation to the position and not to the argument with that procedure; but this sort individual-has developed the trend of often of bald statement that there was no evidence by-passing some boards that appear to have presented in the case suggests to me that a more favourable acceptance of claims the board, being a medical board had not record than the General Medical Board. There has been a fairly high rate of referral the opportunity of examining n'tatters of of claims to the General Medical Board fact, as the industrial magistrate had. I by the State Government Insurance Office, therefore wonder whether the Treasurer bearing in mind that this is a matter which, might give consideration, as we suggested under the Act, is within the discretion of in 1966, not to a right of appeal on medical the Insurance Office and that the claimant grounds, because I think that, as we agreed has no say in whether it is referred to in 1966, if a matter is referred to a specialist the board or to an industrial magistrate. medical panel it is rather ridiculous to appeal It has been suggested to me that there to another medical panel, but to providing has been a tendency to by-pass the Ortho­ some avenue of pre-consideration of matters paedic Board. Some of the figures I quoted of fact and law by the magistrate before relating to that board indicate a fairly high the matter is referred to the medical board, rate of acceptance of cases referred to it. or alternatively to some limited right of Of the 47 cases seen to 6 December, 1968, appeal in the claimant only on these aspects only five were rejected. It may be true, if his claim is rejected by the General as the Treasurer pointed out, that Medical Board. many cases had actually been accepted previously, and that the Orthopaedic Board Another matter that causes me concern was concerned only with the P.P.D. assess­ is that, as we stated when it was intended ment. Nevertheless, as that board has a to set up these medical boards, they would rejection rate of only five out of 47, any succeed-and we acknowledged that the tendency to by-pass it could reflect some Cardiac Board has succeeded very well­ feeling of the management of the Insurance only if the personnel who constituted the Office that with referrals to that board boards were completely judicial and unbiased there is a greater chance of a high rate in their approach to compensation. I do of acceptance than is the case with claims not want to level a personal attack at the put before the General Medical Board. The chairman of the General Medical Board, but claimant, instead of being referred to that it is regretted that he had been called board, is sent along to a nominated specialist previously by the S.G.I.O. to express certain of the Insurance Office. If there is a rejec­ strong opinions against the concept of tion the claimant can appeal to the industrial aggravation of an injury being a matter for magistrate but he has to appeal against which compensation should be paid. In other the rejection. He has no choice in whether words, if the man had some respiratory his case should be referred to that board. troubles in previous years and went to work It has been suggested to me that the board in a place where his complaint was has been virtually by-passed in a doubtful aggraVlated by the dust inhaled it should not case because of its favourable reception of be recognised as compensable because of the claims compared with the figures I quoted existing deficiency which made him more relating to the General Medical Board. prone to this trouble than someone who did not have such a medical history. The actual I know that my time has almost expired injury within the meaning of the Act aris­ but I wanted to place this case concerning the Central Queensland Cement Company ing through the aggravation of his condition employee before the Treasurer. I will send by his work is thus disregarded. him the details of it. I request him to As I say, in the case of the General examine the operations of these boards under Medical Board, it has been put to me that the Act. O~her than the Cardiac Board, the medical practitioner who is chairman they have been functioning since the end of the board holds a certain opinion. I do of 1966. I ask the Treasurer to review not object to his holding it, nor am I their operations and perhaps consider an suggesting that he is not entitled to hold amendment to allow some limited right of that opinion which he has expressed rather appeal, not on medical issues but on issues strongly in the past when called as a witness of fact and law, either as a right of appeal before an industrial magistrate. He apparently or as a preliminary consideration, if the does not recognise the validity of aggravation claimant so desires, before the matter is as a compensable element for a claimant. referred to a board. His attitude has created the suspicion that the board in looking at these claims has Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) (4 p.m.): a closed mind relative to aggravation whereas I am particularly pleased that the Minister other boards and the industrial magistrate for Works and Housing, who is in charge could accept such cases or recognise them of the Police Department, and the Minister as arguable, whether there was agreement for Justice, who has control of art unions, with the argument presented by the claimant are in the Chamber. I hope that they do or not. not leave before I am finished, although J Supply [26 AuGUST] Supply 207

feel sure that the odour I shall create might to representations I made to them, that they make them feel that they should go outside claimed only that the filly was insured for for a breath of fresh air. $2,000, not that it was valued at $2,000. I want to deal with an art union conducted I have here photostat copies of the official recently by an allegedly reputable organisa­ documents. They are available to anyone tion. Had it been conducted by anybody who cares to look at them. else the Fraud Squad would have descended Naturally, on 2 January this year Mr. Hunt like a wolf on the fold, and those responsible wrote to Mr. MeVie, thanking him for his for conducting the art union would have letter. Among other things, he said- been brought to book. This art union was either a deliberate, calculated fraud or it "I find however that I have no facilities was conducted by people who are so naive, here in Townsville to look after the horse gullible and credulous that they should never and float. In view of the circumstances be permitted to conduct another one. would it be possible for your association to let me have the cash value for the The art union to which I refer was con­ horse and float or if this is not possible ducted by the Queensland Police-Citizens to sell same for me as this seems the only Youth Welfare Association. It was drawn course open to me in the present circum­ in December last year. I have here a ticket stances." in it. It shows that the first prize was The Queensland Police-Citizens Youth a big motor-car valued at $5,275 and that Welfare Association wrote a letter to Mr. the third prize was a motor-car valued at Hunt in reply on 7 January, again signed $2,168. The second prize was Aladdin's by Mr. McVie. They acknowledged receipt Record, a 3-year-old brown filly, unraced, of his letter and went on to say, in the by My Aladdin, ex Court Record, fully second paragraph- insured, and a Trailco horse float, type No. 9030S, fully registered, of a total value­ "Unfortunately we cannot assist you in the letters and the figures are large-of this regard other than to suggest that $2,600. Later on I shall show that the you contact by letter Mr. Bill Kenny of float was valued at $600 and the filly at Australian Estates Co. Ltd., 100 Creek $2,000. Street, Brisbane, who will advise you of the requirements in offering your filly for sale. This prize was won by Mr. W. J. Hunt, "The float has been purchased and is at a railway guard, who lives at Garbutt in present in the hands of the manufacturers Townsville. On 30 December, the secretary awaiting delivery instructions." of the Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association wrote to Mr. Hunt Here now is something that the Minister for saying- Justice could well listen to- " My Association regrets any experienced "! have pleasure in confirming tele­ difficulty as a result of your win and grammic advice of the 23rd instant to the although it appreciates the problems effect that ticket No. 222614 in the name associated with the prize, it is compelled of W. J. Hunt, won the second prize in by Justice Department regulation to meet the Mammoth Art Union conducted by the prizes as advertised." the Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Wel­ fare Association. If they are compelled to meet the prizes as advertised, and that compulsion is placed "The prize is--Aiaddin's Record-3-year­ on them by the Justice Department, surely old filly and Trailco Float, valued totally the Justice Department is under some obli­ at $2,600. gation to see that the prize as advertised is "At the present time the filly is at Cots­ worth the monetary value advertised. wold Hills Stud, Toowoomba, where it Apparently the Justice Department never can remain, free of agistment charges, lifted a finger to prove that particular point. until arrangements can be negotiated by you for its delivery. The filly is described Then, of course, there is the next letter, as-Brown filly by My Aladdin ex Court of 11 January, in which Mr. Hunt says- Record, foaled lOth August, 1965, referred "I am in receipt of your letter of the to in the 1967 Yearlings catalogue as No. 7th instant for which I thank you. With 130, and its value is estimated at $2,000. regard to the sale of the horse and float, The filly is fully insured. I have been in contact with Australian "Would you kindly advise as soon as Estates of Brisbane and the matter is now practicable your intentions in so far as in their hands. taking delivery of your prize is concerned. "I told them to get in touch with you "Yours faithfully, for any further details which they may "R. J. McVie, require. "Thanking you, "General Secretary." "Yours faithfully, I stress the word "value". It is mentioned "W. J. Hunt." on the ticket, in the letter and everywhere I mention that it was the association which else that the filly was valued at $2,000. I ran the art union that put Hunt in touch mention that because the attitude of certain with Australian Estates, because now, as a top-ranking police officers today is one of miserable, contemptible subterfuge, they are miserable, contemptible subterfuge and suggesting that Australian Estates "touched" deception. They are now saying, in response Hunt in the money that they sent him as 208 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

a result of trying to sell the filly and the The letter continues- float, yet he only went to them at the 'The filly was inspected again last suggestion of the association. Sunday, but unfortunately to no avail. As Mr. Hunt then received a letter from Mr. Waugh is most anxious to have the Australian Estates, dated 7 February. It filly removed from his property, could read- you please let us know what you intend " Dear Mr. Hunt, to do with her?" "We enclose a copy of a letter received This is the certificate given by Mr. Pascoe, from Mr. P. S. Ryan, of Laidley. This who, incidentally, was the man employed is the only definite offer to inspect we by the Queensland Police-Citizens Youth have yet received." Welfare Association to examine the filly in The letter, of course, contained an offer to the first place and to certify, according to inspect, and the maximum price that Mr. the association, that it actually was worth Ryan would pay was $300. The letter goes on- $2,000. "A Mr. K. Mulligan of Wynnum has invite hon. members to listen to this-­ submitted an offer of $240 for the single "lst May, 1969. horse float." "Attention Mr. David Chester Bear in mind that the value, which I suggest should have been checked by the Justice "Dear Sir, Department, was given as $600. And so "Please find enclosed certificate for the game goes on. 'My Aladdin' filly examined on the Then Mr. Hunt, who is a very reputable 9th April, 1969, at Mr. C. Waugh's citizen of Townsville, was "tipped off" that 'Rushlands' property, Hodgsonvale. there was something very smelly about the 'This filly is definitely a wind-sucker. whole business, so he wrote to Australian I previously examined this filly at Cotswold Estates and had them get a reputable Hills Stud, Toowoomba, late in 1968, for veterinary surgeon examine the horse. I do insurance purposes only, not for soundness. not want to embarrass the Treasurer or the hon. members from Toowoomba. However, "At the time of examination, the filly this horse was examined by Mr. W. R. Mills, was held by the studgroom, and at no Bachelor of Veterinary Science in Too­ time showed any indication of wind-sucking. woomba. Incidentally, Mr. Hunt had to pay Wind-sucking is not a condition which $8 for this examination, which he did not affects insurance examination-only sound­ mind doing. Mr. Mills said of the horse- ness examination. "This filly is in good health and con­ "Yours sincerely, dition. Abnormal wear of the leading "R. R. Pascoe (M.V. Se.)" edges of the incisor teeth and displacement of the off upper lateral temporary incisor So here is a man who admits in his certificate tooth indicates a chronic wind-sucker. that the filly was held when he examined it. This is confirmed by Stud-master C. He did not even satisfy himself that she Waugh. This filly is quiet and handled could walk; he did not examine her mouth, to lead. A muscular depression on the as he should have done. If he had examined off side neck is of no practical the filly's mouth, he would have found the significance." wear on the incisor teeth, typical of the Hunt therefore paid $8 to Mr. Mills to find wind-sucker, that Mr. Mills found on his out that the horse was absolutely valueless. later examination. He said in the certificate that he did not examine the horse for Let us go on. Australian Estates then soundness; he did not examine it to see got in touch with the veterinary surgeon how much it was actually worth. He who had examined the horse for the Queens­ examined it only for insurance purposes, land Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Associa­ and I suggest to the Minister for Justice and tion, or whatever they call themselves. This is where the racket was worked. This is to the Minister in charge of police that he a letter from Australian Estates to Mr. Hunt, was instructed to examine it only for dated 6 May- insurance purposes. "With reference to your letter of the There may be some people who will say­ 28th instant, we enclose Mr. Pascoe's I shall interpolate a couple of documents Veterinary Certificate relating to your My at this stage-that no insurance company Aladdin filly, together with the account and would insure a horse for $2,000 if it was his explanation of the first soundness not worth $2,000. What bunk and flap­ examination. doodle that is! That was an argument put "Mr. Pascoe asked us to point out to to me by top-ranking police officers. you that he examined the filly for the Police Club for insurance purposes only, On 17 April, 1969, after Hunt had proved and therefore he did not mention her wind that the filly was absolutely worthless, after infirmity. He also made it known that he had proved by the certificates of two he was most upset calling another vet veterinary surgeons that she was a wind­ in to examine the mare." sucker, unsaleable, and not worth a bumper, As a matter of fact, it was not a mare, it he received this letter from the Queensland was a filly. But that does not matter. No Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association, wonder he was upset. with the appropriate form, asking hin1 to Supply [26 AUGUST] Supply 209 renew the insurance on the filly for $2,000 Now let us have a look at the real value after it had been proved to be a crock. I of this My Aladdin filly. We all know, of have the documents in front of me. course, that sires go to stud and mares Let me go further. On 21 April, Hunt are taken to them, and when the progeny wrote again-I remind the Committee that are sold everybody in the racing game this is the filly that he was told he could knows the sire and the dam. To give hon. leave on the property until it suited his con­ members some idea of the real worth of the venience to move her-and said- best of My Aladdin stock, I have here a "l would like to advise you that I find cutting from "The Toowoomba Chronicle" of it impossible to sell either the horse or Saturday, 12th July, 1969, dealing with the the float. I have been trying unsuccess­ sale of My Aladdin progeny. None of these were wind-suckers or crocks. They were all fully all this time. It has been in Australian Estates hands and they even put it in in best possible racing condition, and these are the prices they brought in open McTaggarts hands and they were unable to sell. I have been told by the Stud competition- Master when I was talking to him by "Lady Aladdin (My Aladdin-Incal) phone last Wednesday morning that I have foaled 1962, $200, Mactaggarts. to have the horse off Rushlands Stud Farm "Aladdin's Nymph (My Aladdin- this week." Scotch Nymph) foaled 1965, $50, C. and They. did not wait for him to give his C. Z. Thorogood, Minden. permtss1on for the filly to be taken off "Aladdin's Joy (My Aladdin-Phoney Rushlands Stud Farm, although he had War) foaled 1965, $250, Brideson and been assured that he could leave her there Sons, Oakey. until he disposed of her. They shifted her "Aladdin's Pearl (My Aladdin-Incal) off Rushlands in a float for which Hunt foaled 1965, $250, C. and C. Z. Thoro­ had to pay. Hunt wrote to them and told good, Minden." them what he thought of them. He told them that he thought he had been diddled-I There we have the My Aladdin stock, in the would have used stronger language-and they very best racing condition, bringing only ":rote !o. him again on 2 June, 1969, through $250 at a sale where there would be men his solicitors, Messrs. Wilson Ryan & Grose. who know all about racing stock and race­ The letter is from Trout, Bernays & Tingle, horses, yet the association had the nerve to and all hon. members know Sir Leon Trout advertise that the horse in question was a pillar of the Liberal Party. It reads- · valued at $2,000 and the float at $600. "Dear Sirs, I do not want to embarrass anyone in this "Re: Queensland Police-Citizens Youth matter but, as a competent carpenter, the Association and W. J. Hunt hon. member for Belmont will know that the Your Ref. JC/MT float would have been made of pine laths "Your letter herein of the 29th April and very thin hardboard stuck together last addressed to the General Secretary with brads. This $600 float was finally sold Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfar~ for $200, the filly was finally sold for $100 Association, has been handed to us with through a reputable firm and all that poor instructions to reply to the same." old Mr. Hunt got out of it from this allegedly reputable organisation was about Th~Y: ran for the funk-hole; they went to a $200. He had total phone calls to Brisbane, solicitor. The letter continues- Toowoomba and Oakey costing $40.22; "Our client associatiOn instructs us veterinary fees for Mills and Pascoe, $16; that the prize mentioned in your letter Australian Estates, Brisbane, commission, was in no manner whatsoever mis­ $15; transfer fees of horse to Cotswold represented." Hills Stud from Rushlands Stud, Hodgsonvale, Holy smoke! It wasn't misrepresented? $8, and I remind hon. members that that They advertised it and congratulated him on was done without his knowledge or con­ winning a prize worth $2,600, and the best sent, because he had been assured that he he could get for it through reputable firms could leave the horse at Rushlands for as like Australian Estates and Mactaggarts was long as he liked. His total expenses so $300 for the lot yet they have the nerve to far total $79.22 and he was to receive $300 say it was not misrepresented. from Australian Estates. He would be The letter goes on lucky if he cleared $200 as the result of this stunt. " ... _and in point of fact the filly was not a wmdsucker at any time prior to ics I could say much more about this matter. transfer to Rushlands Stud. In my young days when I was a member "An opinion given by one expert in this of the A.L.P. we raffled a chesnut racehorse regard is that possibly boredom or a in Cloncurry. An old bagman won it-a change of agistment may have attributed fellow who used to go round with the hand shears to shear the stragglers that were to the wind sucking development. left over after the shearing. When he won "Our client Association regrets that it is it he was very elated. He said, "It will do unable to help Mr. Hunt in the matter." me to ride from shed to shed." When he So there are Messrs. Trout, Bernays & went out to the common to get it he found Tingle wiping him off. an old bay horse that was dead and he had 210 Supply [ASSEMBLY) Supply to pay someone £1 to drag it away and burn is the children's friend, and in most cases it. But at least we had sufficient decency the policeman is the citizens' friend. But to pass around the hat and to get the poor how in the face of this incident can we tell old bagman a few pounds to mollify him. the people that all policemen are men of honesty, probity and good repute? Both the Minister in charge of police and the Minister in charge of art unions I have some other documents here that are present, and I think I have the right are available for either or both Ministers to demand on behalf of all decent, clean­ concerned to peruse. They are available living, honourable and honest citizens of for the Leader of the Opposition or any Queensland that, in view of this fraudulent other hon. member, or anyone in the Press action taken, wittingly or unwittingly, by the gallery, or anyone else, for that matter, Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare to peruse. I would say that I have disclosed Association, Hunt be paid the full advertised and exposed one of the most putrid frauds value of the second prize. He would have that has been perpetrated on anybody in been better off if he had won third prize, Queensland, and it was perpetrated by an because he would have won a Cortina car organisation that should have been the last worth $2,000. He would have been better to do so. The only thing that I can off even if he had won the fourth prize say in that organisation's defence-and this or the fifth prize. In fact, when one is only problematical-is that perhaps it did considers all the trouble and worry that not know that it was perpetrating a fraud faced him he would have been better off and that its members were gullible, credulous, if he had not won anything at all. naive, and walked into this with their eyes closed. We would expect this sort of practice Something should be done to recompense from "con" men, go-getters and no-hopers­ Mr. Hunt for the prize that he won and and the police would have been on them to rehabilitate the image of the police in like a ton of bricks-but in this case all Queensland. At present most people think that I can get from top-ranking police officers that the police "stink" or are "on the is evasive and smart-Alec talk that I would nose", and that opinion is held of police­ expect to hear only from crooks and "con" men who do not deserve it because most men. members of the Police Force are decent I demand on behalf of all decent citizens fellows; but they are "on the nose" now that Mr. Hunt be paid the full value of because of the exposure of this fraud, and his prize and that until he is the Queens­ both the Minister in charge of police and land Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Associa­ the Minister for Justice are duty bound to tion be not permitted to conduct any further do something about it. art unions. At the same time I suggest to the Minister for Justice that no live Mr. DA VIES (Maryborough) (4.24 p.m.): animal at all be offered as a prize in any We grow sick and tired of statements by art union unless the tickets contain a con­ members of the Government on the various dition that the winner can get money equiv­ financial matters and problems that we dis­ alent to its advertised value. I have seen cuss here in debates. The Treasurer men­ too many rackets worked, and I wonder tioned one or two matters and said, "I must why they are still allowed to be worked. place these thoughts on record." But what The chap at the Cotswold Hills stud, is he going to do about them? He made which gave this filly that was allegedly no attempt to find any solution to our prob· worth $2,000, immediately would claim lems. How much better it would have been a taxation deduction of $2,000 and send for the people of this State if we had seen along the art union ticket to support his an indignant Treasurer fighting for the rights of Queensland? But, we know we cannot claim. Of course, he would have had expect that, even though Queensland is the the $2,000 allowed as a taxation deduction. Cinderella State. Today, more than ever, The man who made the trailer would claim a election campaigns are very expensive. The $600 deduction for the trailer, and that cost of TV programmes, wireless and news­ claim would be allowed on the basis of paper advertising and circulars is tremendous. the ticket. I notice that the "ginger group" We know that immense sums were spent in are laughing and guffawing their heads off. the last State election campaign, particularly I have no doubt that they concur with in the Maryborough, Isis and Bundaberg this sort of practice and that this is the electorates. That expenditure was far beyond type of smart-Alec fraud that those in the the purse of the local Queensland Govern­ Lfberal Party practise if they get the chance. ment parties. We know that over the years I would say ~hat the exposure of this fraud they have depended on finance from the in a Brisbane Sunday newspaper has evoked South. That is why the Treasurer and the a good deal of comment and created a good Premier are not prepared to stand up to deal of dissension in the community. Mr. Gorton and the Commonwealth Govern­ These are the days in which we are ment. We are led to believe, according to asked to build up a friendly image of the the Press, that there is more fight in police among the citizens, and the citizens Mr. Askin and Mr. Bolte than there is in are asked to trust the police. We are the Treasurer and they express more indig­ supposed to go out to the schools and nation about the actions of the Common­ tell the children that the policemen are wealth than he does. We do not find our their friends. In most cases the policeman Treasurer joining Mr. Askin in demanding Supply [26 AUGUST] Supply 211 a conference with Mr. Gorton in an effort The Federal election campaign commences to come to some understanding on State­ shortly. The Treasurer and the Premier will Commonwealth relationships and so safe­ go out onto the hustings in this State, 110t guard the interests of the State. making the statements they make in this Chamber, but making false and untrue state­ On the subject of finance we have the ments, as they did in the last election cam­ statement of the member for Townsville paign, on water-scheme money being avail­ South which we are prepared to believe, that able, drought relief, which has been such a the prefabricated steelworks in Townsville was failure, and decentralisation. closed because southern interests were granted concessional rail rates to Townsville. We I shall now place on record some figures believe that they will be granted for the concerning a matter raised by the Leader of Goonyella project as well. We are quite pre­ the Opposition. The public debt of the pared to believe the statement that $7,313.26 Commonwealth and of the States, as at was placed in the Liberal Party chest for the 30 June, 1966, is evidenced by the issue recent State election campaign. No doubt of securities and the White Paper "Govern­ this course has been followed throughout the ment Securities on Issue". Any figures more recent than these would further emphasise industrial development in Queensland. In the the problem mentioned by the Leader of the Address-in-Reply debate I intend to develop Opposition. The Commonwealth debt more fully my case on the Government's amounted to $3,144,519,000 whereas the failure to decentralise industry. The Govern­ States' debt, at $7,494,623,000, was more ment's efforts are not even meeting with the than double the Commonwealth's debt. The success that has been evidenced by recent hap­ total debt of local, semi-governmental and penings in New South Wales. other public authorities, including debt owing to Governments, is published by the Common­ It is hard to realise that no statement eman­ wealth Statistician in a bulletin entitled "State, ated from the meeting in Toowoomba, an Territory and Local Government Authorities' important provincial city of this State, of the Finance and Government Securities." As at Prime Minister, Mr. Gorton, the Premier and 30 June, 1964, the latest date for which full the Deputy Premier. I am not sure if the information is available, the total debt was Premier was admitted to the Liberal Party $4,973,512,000. conference or whether he was present on any occasion, but in any event Mr. Gorton and The percentage increase, using the figure the Treasurer conferred in Toowoomba with­ at the end of the previous financial year as out making any pronouncement about very the basis, was- important matters that are causing electors Per cent. in general so much concern, such as the power-house scheme, the water-conservation Commonwealth 0.3 projects, and further and greater drought States 5.7 relief for the State. Local semi-governmental and other It was political effrontery for these people public authorities 8.4 to meet in such a fashion, without making This is a matter that could be discussed by some statement to the people of Queensland. some of the Country Party representatives We can well imagine their sitting around the in this Parliament in the interests of their coffee or tea table and Mr. Gorton saying local authorities. But we never hear this to our Treasurer, and the Premier, if he was subject raised in a way that might prompt there, "Well, a Federal election is looming; the Commonwealth Government to deal evidently there is great indignation on the Queensland coastline about what is going to with it. happen to the wonderful reef. I did not In 1953, the Commonwealth Government's say anything during the State election cam­ share of the national debt amounted to paign, but personally I am against these $3,892,000,000; by 1963 it had fallen to developments; I believe the reef should be $3,121,000,000, a decline of 19 per cent. in preserved. A Federal election is coming up 10 years; or almost 2 per cent. a year. In and the electorates of Herbert, Capricornia 1953, the States' share of the national debt and Dawson must be considered; I will have amounted to $3,288,000,000; by 1963 it had to make a statement. I will make it rather jumped to $6,314,000,000, an increase of quietly, something after the fashion in which about 92 per cent. in 10 years. It almost you make your protests against the treatment doubled in 10 years. The position of local, handed out to the State in financial matters." semi-governmental and other public Mr. Gorton made his statement against authorities is even worse. In 1953, their drilling on the Barrier Reef, but where share of the national debt was $286,000,000; was he during the last State election when by 1963 it had jumped to $690,000,000, an this matter was of great concern in the North increase of 140 per cent. in 10 years, and South of Queensland? If the Prime representing 14 per cent. a year. Minister has such' a vital interest in our reef There are one or two matters I should like waters whv did he fail then to express his to mention relative to the Federal electorate opinions on the policy of the Queensland of Wide Bay. Government, and to try to influence the Queensland Government in this matter? Mr. Chalk: Where is that? 212 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

MT. DAVIES: I hope the Treasurer finds Mr. McEwen, who followed him, is now out where it is and comes to that electorate, making the same type of comment about because the more frequently he visits it, the the Kolan-Bundaberg-Isis scheme. He said greater will be the victory of Brendan to the Country Party member for Burnett, Hansen, the Federal member for Wide Bay, "Come down to Canberra and I will fight particularly in the area that is represented for you down there." They are going down by the hon. member for Condamine, on about 15 September, just before the stretching over Porter's Gap to the Bunya Federal election, to state the case. Range and as far as Kumbia. The Country Party candidate for Wide Bay was severely Attempts were made to defeat the mem­ trou need in the recent State election for bers for Bundaberg and Isis by spreading Bundaberg. As a matter of fact, he gained false propaganda about the water scheme by fewer votes than the previous Country Party means of radio, television and the Press. In candidate. spite of all those efforts, the hon. member As I said, I have one or two thoughts for Isis increased his majority from 15 per I should like to express relative to the water cent. in the by-election to about 16 or 17 schemes that are of interest in the Wide per cent. Bay area, in which the hon. member for The case for the water scheme has been Burnett has taken interest, without any prepared by respected citizens, experienced results. cane-growers, and the chairman of the The point that I want to make is that Bundaberg and District Irrigation Com­ during the State election campaign Ministers, mittee, backed up by Mr. Haigh, a man together with Country Party representatives for whom we all have a tremendous respect. and the Liberal Party representative in Recently Mr. Haigh went to Childers and Maryborough, endeavoured to convince the addressed a meeting of over 300 indignant people of those electorates that $47,000,000 farmers. His Minister was unable to give had been made available by the Common­ him any definite statement about when wealth Government. The advertisements money would be made available for this read, "$47,000,000 for Bundaberg. How scheme. These people were told that even much for Maryborough?" "The Maryborough if the money was available it would take Chronicle" stated- two years for plans and specifications to be "The $47 million scheme announced prepared and another 12 years to have the last week to eliminate drought hazards scheme working, making a total period of and augment water supplies in the Bunda­ 14 years. One farmer stood up and looked berg-Childers-Gin Gin areas is a dramatic round the hall and said, "How many of you example of a new spirit in the approach will be here to benefit from this scheme?" to problems that go back to the beginnings This is the scheme that the Country Party of settlement." candidate during the last State election told the people of Isis would give them That appeared in "The Maryborough water in two years. That is typical of the Chronicle" just before the State election in statements that were made throughout those an endeavour to win votes for the Govern­ areas. ment. The first grant of Commonwealth money We also find that Mr. McEwen, who is to Queensland went, I might mention, to the retiring in twelve months, rushes in before Emerald scheme. I do not propose to discuss each election and, with tongue in cheek, the merits of that scheme or its priority over makes promises that are never kept. He said those required in the Wide Bay area. How­ at about the time of the election that he ever, we have it on good authority that this would "wring" this money out of the scheme was never discussed by the Bureau Commonwealth. He said that last May, so of Agricultural Economics, which will con­ he has been "wringing" for more than three sider the Isis scheme, and that it was a months and the $47,000,000 is still far away. political decision. It was a political decision, The Government is going to ask the people and the first grant to Queensland of Com­ to support the Country Party candidate for monwealth money went into the Emerald Bundaberg against an experienced man, Mr. scheme. The Minister for National Develop­ Brendan Hansen, who has won the con­ ment, Mr. Fairbairn, said that the Kolan fidence of the people of the farming areas scheme was not considered because the of Gayndah, Mundubbera and Biggenden. State had given preference to the Emerald Because of his grasp of the problems of scheme. Anyone who knows this part of the man on the land, the way in which he the Wide Bay area, which so greatly concerns fights for water conservation and the con­ the Maryborough farming area and the fidence that the people have in him, his Bundaberg farming area, realises how sad figures improve at each election. His ability the situation there is at present. I shall is known among the 14,000 electors in the leave it to the hon. member for Bundaberg Barambah electorate, and also in the and the hon. member for Isis to dwell on Kumbia area in Condamine. that subject, possibly in the Address-in-Reply debate. In 1949 we had another instance of this type of thing when Artie Fadden said at The Kolan scheme was investigated in 1964 Boona:h, "The Burdekin scheme will not be and a committee was formed comnosed of pigeon-holed. We will proceed with it." representatives of the local authorities, local Supply (26 AUGUST} Supply 213 branches of the Queensland Cane Growers' is the kind of information that is given Council, and the six sugar mills in the area. out at election time. Unless one confronts The cane-growers alone put $20,000 into people with the truth, a false statement the research work for the preparation of the wins votes for the people disseminating it, case to place before the Commonwealth because the electors cannot imagine that the Government. Now the hon. member for representative of any political party would Burnett, Mr. Wharton, and the Country place incorrect and misleading information Party candidate for Wide Bay are going before them. to see Mr. McEwen and other Country Party Ministers, members and Senators to Mr. Brornley: Do you think that Mr. support the Bundaberg and District Irrigation Wharton is a fibber? Committee. Just imagine what the result Mr. DAVIES: The reply from Mr. of tb:1t meeting will be! I remind the Anthony is that the "B.A.E."-that is the Committee that it will take place before Bureau of Agricultural Economics-"cannot the Federal election and that we shall hear undertake an examination of the report until the usual election catchcries. requested by the Prime Minister, and the Mr. Haigh, the Commissioner of Irrigation Prime Minister has made no such request." and Water Supply, said that a ballot of the Then, as I have said, we had a statement farmers in the area has to be taken before from Mr. Anthony on 23 August in which the scheme can proceed. One wonders why he said that the bureau had in fact studied the ballot has to wait till the money is available. If money is made available and in considerable detail the report tendered the farmers vote against the scheme in the to the Commonwealth by the Queensland ballot, the scheme will not proceed and the Government. He said, "Suggestions that negotiations will have been a waste of time. the report had not been studied were com­ pletely incorrect." This is one of the biggest schemes that the State has considered, because 1,460 These are the people who are fighting farmers are concerned in it. In the Ord against the Labour Party in this area of scheme, costing $45,000,000 only 350 farms the State. The Minister said- are involved. In the Bowen-Broken River "I told Mr. Wharton that no decision scheme there are 200 to 250 farms, and in had been taken as yet as to whether the the Emerald scheme, which had priority over scheme should be examined in detail by the Kolan scheme, only 130 farms are the bureau." involved. In this instance there will have to be a ballot of 1,460 farmers, and I ask the Take note of that statement. That comes Government why that ballot cannot be from Mr. Anthony, yet during the last taken. The tremendous majority that it election campaign we had to fight in these would reveal might assist the Government, three electorates to get statements that the if further influence is needed. However, it $47,000,000 was there. It was dishonesty. is very doubtful whether the Government He said- wants assistance. "I assured Mr. Wharton that should The Minister for Local Government and such an examination be considered Marine Activities confirmed the statement by necessary, it would be undertaken as Mr. Haigh to which I referred earlier when quickly as possible." he said, in a statement reported in the "Bundaberg News-Mail" on 21 July, that Notice the "ifs" and the "buts"! He said- the proposals would have to be put to "So the situation is that the Queensland individual landholders to ascertain whether Government's report has been, and is they desired to proceed with the scheme, being, very closely studied, but there has and that it would not be proceeded with if been no decision as to whether the B.A.E. the ballot was not in favour of it. should be asked to make its own inde­ As I said earlier, people are going to pendent investigation of the scheme." Canberra to place the case before Mr. How far have we advanced? The cane­ McEwen. What influence has Mr. McEwen growers in this area, in Wide Bay and with Mr. Gorton now? He has announced that he is resigning and retiring in 12 months, between Bundaberg and Maryborough, are and it has been proved on previous occasions putting $20,000 into the investigation of that his promises are not worth anything. this scheme. They have not sat down and waited for the Government to do every­ The hon. member for Burnett is going to thing. They themselves have been active Canberra as the Country Party represen­ and we can be very proud of what they tative, and already he has misled the Bunda­ have achieved. But this Government has berg and District Irrigation Committee with not played its part, nor has the Common­ an incorrect statement and has had to be wealth Government. reproved by Mr. Anthony, the Federal Minister for Primary Industry, who said- The Treasurer is not prepared to discuss "A report that the Bureau of Agricul­ the power-house scheme. There has been tural Economics had 'not even begun to no mention today of that. The Minister study' a report on the Bundaberg region for Local Government and Marine Activities, irrigation scheme was not correct ..." the Hon. Nev. Hewitt, said that the power­ Mr. Chenery, the secretary of the Bunda­ house is so important to Central Queens­ berg and District Irrigation Committee, said land that we will go it alone. He said- that Mr. Wharton had stated that he was in ''The objective of the $200,000,000 weekly contact with Mr. Anthony. That Gladstone powerhouse project is the 214 Supply [ASSEMBLY} Supply

supply of cheap power for the establish­ associated with it have found no evidence ment of $600,000,000 worth of new that the "Crown of Thorns" starfish is any industries in Central Queensland." more prevalent than it was years ago. The Bundaberg and district irrigation (Time expired.) scheme is not going to cost $200,000,000. I am not saying that the power-house should Mr. LICKISS (Mt. Coot-tha) (4.51 p.m.): not be built, but if the Government can On the occasion of the introduction of the find the money to go ahead or start that first Appropriation Bill during the term scheme, why does it not start on this water of this Parliament the Treasurer has rightly scheme? We have responsible men like made some very frank comments on the Mr. Ben Anderson and Mr. G. Chenery, State's economy and some of the problems Secretary of the Bundaberg and District that will possibly face this State in the Irrigation Committee stating- ensuing months. "The Bundaberg District Water Con­ It is passing strange that a Treasurer who servation and Irrigation Project on the accepts this responsibility--.and surely this other hand is estimated to cost is a matter that is of great interest to $47,000,000 and is designed to stabilise the public and to this place-comes under the economy of the district sugar industry attack from members of the Opposition and safeguard an existing investment of because he has not commented on certain some $250,000,000 in that and other facets of other irrelevant matters that they district industries, private and public build­ would like to hear about. Later I shall deal ings and community services." with a number of the critical remarks made This district is going to lose $17,000,000 as by the Leader of the Opposition, but at this the result of this drought; Isis district is stage it is appropriate to remark that following going to lose $5,000,000 to $6,000,000; the the Federal Budget our Treasurer advised manager of the sugar mill in Maryborough Parliament and the people of Queensland estimates a loss of $2,000,000. This is about some of its effects on the State's a terrific drought and the situation is very economy. serious. We have reports from many of We all know that interest rates were the banks that these farmers are finding increased to dampen down what one might themselves right up against it. The Minister describe as a mild inflationary trend in for Local Government and Marine Activities the economy. This policy has shown its benefit is confused; all the Ministers are confused. in stabilising the nation's economy over the One Minister is attacking the Premier and years. Under it, it is possible to dampen other Ministers are contradicting each other. down, and so avoid, the troughs and peaks The Minister claimed we would go it alone. that were part and parcel of bygone days Then, speaking later, he is reported as and upon which the Opposition used to saying- capitalise so often and for so long. The "The State Government could proceed Treasurer has drawn attention to the impact with planning the Burnett Scheme only of the increased interest rates on our State's if financial assistance was given by the economy. I think it is true to say that Commonwealth Government." when the interest rates are increased the net result is a positive flow of revenue to We do not know just where we are going the Commonwealth, but, if I might describe in this business. it as such, a negative flow in terms of I have a report here from the "Bundaberg revenue from the State. This prevails down News-Mail". I will quote only one thought the line to local-government and semi­ from it. It says- government financial activities. We cannot "It would not seem beyond the capacity gloss over these things; they are of great of the State Government to do this if moment to the State and to a Treasurer, Cabinet Ministers were really as enthusias­ who has to try to balance the Budget, as tic about the project as they claim." it were, in terms of his own State's economy. The people in these areas have shown a It has been rightly pointed out that when complete lack of confidence in them. Isis corrective action is taken at the Common­ and Bundaberg were two of the star seats wealth level, such action must be taken they hoped to win at the last State election, on a broad pattern. Again it has been and the Government's defeat there was so correctly pointed out that all States are staggering that they have not recovered from not similarly situated at any given time it sufficiently-- in terms of their financial status. For Mr. Jensen: And they will wake up to instance, with the southern States, indus­ Wharton next election, too. trial activity plays a greater role in their economy than does primary industry. I Mr. DAVIES: That is a certainty. The do not wish to go back in history, but information we have received from reliable members of the Opposition have nothing citizens, including members of the Bunda­ to be proud of in relation to our own berg Skin Divers' Club, will be dealt with State's situation and the balance between later by the hon. member for Bundaberg. I primary industry and secondary industry. It will have to forgo the remarks I intended to is on record that when they were in Gov­ make on the Barrier Reef. It should be ernment they did everything in their power placed on record immediately that the Bunda­ to discourage the establishment of secondary berg Skin Divers' Club and those people industry in 'this State. In fact, when Labour Supply [26 AuGUST] Supply 215 had taxing powers it had a reputation for Mr. LICKISS: If the Leader of the imposing the highest incidence of company Opposition has a later edition outlining tax of all States in the Commonwealth. Labour's policy than I have, or if he denies While I do not wish to retrace history, I his own Federal platform- say to the Leader of the Opposition that far Mr. Houston: It is out of date. from being critical of this Government's Mr. LICKISS: There is one easy way out activity he must admit that at least we have of this. I would vouch for the honesty of reached the stage in our history where very the hon. member and I feel that he is an severe droughts such as we have suffered do honourable gentleman, but will he let me not have the same adverse impact on the know where his policy has changed in State's general economy as in the days of relation to the implementation of the plat­ Labour. We can blame part of our troubles form of the Australian Labour Party? The on Labour's Clarrie Fallon and all those hon. member spoke about the State being who knew of the approaching war between the agency of the Commonwealth. Where the craft unions and the A.W.U., and so on. has the Australian Labour Party policy That is why Queensland has suffered over changed in relation to Method iv 3 (a) (i), the years. Fortunately, this Government has on page 10 of this document that I have here, been able to encourage secondary industries, which reads- which have not done a bad job. We face a situation which is not quite as serious as it "To clothe ·the Commonwealth Parlia­ would have been had Labour been on the ment with unlimited powers and with the Government benches. duty and authority to create States pos­ sessing delegated Constitutional powers." Mr. Houston: How do you know? Where has the A.L.P. changed its platform Mr. LICKISS: The A.L.P. would have fol­ policy on that matter? Opposition members lowed its old policies. The A.L.P. is still are harking back to the good old days of Mr. Calwell, who advocated 57 States for having its battles between the right-wing and Australia, all puppet administration centres left-wing unions which have had injurious of the central Government. All that the effects on the State's economy. Leader of the Opposition is endeavouring Opposition Members interjected. to do-and he is making a very poor attempt -is to hop onto a popular band wagon Mr. LICKISS: The A.L.P. in Queensland at the moment, because certain responsible let ali the other States get a flying start and members of the community, in both the Queensland had to start from a very bad Federal and State governmental spheres, are last. We are now overtaking the Jag, looking into State-Commonwealth relations. although this goes against the Opposition's Let me point out that the Labour platform grain. is set up to virtually destroy the Federal The general situation is that when a system. dampening down of the economy 'takes place As the Constitution stands, the powers at the Commonwealth level it has to apply of the Commonwealth Government are limited, and therefore any negotiations evenly to the economies of all States. I between State and Commonwealth are mentioned previously that the States are not regulated by a document which stands in in identical situations. For the greater part law. The Commonwealth is limited in of the occupancy of the Treasury benches many respects. For the sake of argument, by the present Government, Queensland has we can implement an Act of Parliament, been plagued by rather severe droughts. Of because of our sovereign powers, in terms course, the Queensland economy does not of the acquisition of land on such terms have to be damped down because we have as we deem to be desirable. But the Common­ inbuilt restraints at the moment. In faot, at wealth Government cannot do that. It is this point in time, we actually need an bound by the Constitution to acquire land injection of capital. The general effects of on just terms. Therefore, the Common­ the increased interest rates will have a severe wealth does not have a "free go." There impact unless corrective aotion is taken to has been some misinterpretation of Common­ help some of our primary producers who are wealth-State arrangements. These are matters already in debt because of the drought. The which can and will be sorted out under the Treasurer has outlined the difficulties here in existing Commonwealth Constitution. very frank terms. I do not think that it does the Leader of the Opposition any good in terms of his own In criticising the system, the Leader of the party to try to hop onto this popular band Opposition said that the States are becoming wagon and accuse the States of becoming merely the agency of the Commonwealth. In agencies of the Commonwealth when in answering an interjection by my colleague fact this is set out among the aims and from Toowong, who asked what Labour's objects of the Australian Labour Party. policy would be, he said that we were living Mr. Houston: You cannot even read. in the past, and that we would not know what Labour's policy is. I should like to Mr. LICKISS: I said that the Leader of know just what Labour's policy is in relation the Opposition can deny the truth of this, to Commonwealth-State relationships. but he knows that he cannot. All he can do is blush and hope that the general Mr. Houston: You have been told on public will not wake up when the A.L.P. many occasions since November last year. draws its red herrings across the trail. 216 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

It has been said that it is desirable to has at any time uttered words that would have a balanced economy. But economists allow such an impression to be gathered. have already shown, and I think history has It is true, however, that in some areas of proved, that the economy is not necessarily the Commonwealth at present there is a healthy when it is balanced at a static situation that might be described as over­ level. In modern-day budgeting, slight employment, and, because of that, demands inflationary tendencies are acceptable pro­ are being made in certain directions which vided safeguards are inbuilt into the economy. are not in the best interests of Australia I do not think that Opposition members as a whole. I therefore feel that the want to see the economy of this nation approach to the circumstances as I see run riot. I believe they should co-operate them is something that should be left to with the Treasurer by expressing views on the thinking people of this State, and when this State's needs in terms of developmental the Commonwealth and the States meet I capital, bearing in mind that in this modern shall play my part in endeavouring to ensure day and age development takes place by that the State viewpoint from Queensland capital intensive rather than by labour inten­ is well heard. sive. They would show a far more respon­ sible attitude if they dealt with this less It is true, of course, that discussions at on a political basis and more on an the Commonwealth and State level are not appropriate basis which would accord with just family affairs. The Commonwealth the interests of this State. has one point of view. Unfortunately from I compliment the Treasurer for taking the State's point of view, because of our this opportunity to highlight some of the different approaches and different circum­ problems that he sees ahead in matters which stances, it is extremely difficult to get what will affect his budget programme. The might be called a unity case among the State's economy, bearing in mind the adver­ States for presentation to the Commonwealth. sities we have suffered, is in a very healthy Most of us, I suppose, have played cards condition. I look forward to the presentation in our time, and I might say, in the language of the Budget and hope that, on that of the card-player, that it is a question of occasion, Opposition members will display playing one off against the other. This a far more responsible attitude. is one of the difficulties. Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer­ I agree with my colleague from the Treasurer) (5.5 p.m.), in reply: As is usually Government side (I know there was an the case during debates on Appropriation interjection on this matter from the Opposi­ Bills, hon. members have taken the oppor­ tion), who said that the next meeting of tunity to raise quite a number of matters the States and the Commonwealth will be for discussion. It is not my intention rather unique in that all the Governments this afternoon to try to reply to those will represent one political line of thought. things that are not directly associated with That is not going to be easy, and I do not the economy or finances of the State. How­ think that the financial deliberations will be ever, I do appreciate the fact that some made any easier because we all think along members have made direct references to the one political line. Unfortunately, my my remarks concerning the need for a new experience, both at the Loan Council table financial relationship between the Common­ and at the Premiers' Conference table, has wealth and the States, and particularly do been that each State goes in to bat for itself, I appreciate the basis on which Opposition and that is one of the difficulties. Irrespec­ members have accepted my suggestion that tive of the political outlook of the Premiers it is necessary in times of inflation to have and Treasurers sitting round the particular regard not to the whole of Australia but table, I believe that each man is sincere rather to an examination of the problems in his efforts for his own State. I had of the various States. I assure the Com­ a tremendously high regard for Mr. Eric mittee that I was quite sincere in saying Reece, the Labour Premier of Tasmania, that, and I will use every available oppor­ tunity to endeavour to advance this think­ who never revealed at the table what his ing in the proper places when it comes politics were. He was prepared to fight to hammering out, as it were, at Common­ in the interests of his little island, and I wealth and State level a new approach believe that every Premier and every Treasurer to the financial relationship between the must do that when he goes to Canberra to two arms of government. deliberate on the vitally important problem The Leader of the Opposition, quite natur­ of finance for the States. ally, saw an opportunity to try to drive Mr. Houston: Don't you agree that the a little wedge between the Commonwealth State representatives will eventually have to and the State. I expected him to do that get together, irrespective of their State at this time of the year. However, I may affiliations, and tell the Commonwealth what say that the attitude of the Commonwealth they want? Government has at all times been to endeavour to prevent the inflationary trends Mr. CHALK: That is exactly what I am to which I referred. I do not accept endeavouring to say to the Leader of the the assertion of the Leader of the Opposition Opposition. However, my experience over that the Federal Treasurer believes that the years has been that that is impossible. there should be a pool of unemployed. The sooner the States realise that they must I do not believe that the Federal Treasurer get together, the better. It is expected that Supply [26 AUGUST] Supply 217 on this occasion all States will have the It is true, as the hon. member for Chats­ one line of political thinking. Because of worth said, that the middle-income bracket that, it may be possible for us to get together. is something that must be looked at. But as I hope that it will, because in the next Treasurer, I know the difficulty of trying to few years the various States of Australia grant a concession somewhere, at the same will face serious financial problems. One time facing rising costs in the administra­ can go to Western Australia and see the tion of all departments. When one frames a changes that are taking place; one can travel Budget, whether it be Commonwealth or through Queensland and see the need for State, it is easy enough to bend a little to additional finance. I do not believe that those who are asking for something but it there is an hon. member in this Chamber is extremely difficult to replenish the this afternoon who does not want to see Treasury coffers from some other source. more and more expenditure in Queensland, The policy on drought is something which because such expenditure creates more I think all Governments must look at. If employment and greater stability in the we could find some means of establishing future. However, the point on which the a fund to meet the exigencies of drought States differ is the basis on which the money and at the same time find sufficient money comes. The point I make is that I hope to meet every-day needs, it would be ideaL that, when we get together to hammer out Unfortunately, however, nothing has been a new financial arrangement between the put away for what might be described as "a Commonwealth and the States, it will be rainy day" but what is, in fact, a time of possible for the representatives to think of drought. what will be for the betterment of the community as a whole rather than of what Mr. Newton: You took over in a drought will be for the betterment of one State. period. The hon. member for Chatsworth has Mr. CHAI,K: We have had our problems. taken a good deal of interest in the activities The hon. member for Baroona challenged of the Treasury Department since he came me because I did not say something about into this Chamber. the major power-house proposal. I think Mr. Houston: Watch him! hon. members know where I stand on this matter. Together with the Premier and my Mr. CHALK: I will not watch him; I other colleagues, supported by our own will help him. Some day I may not be members, I am thoroughly and wholly Treasurer, and I believe that, both on the behind the proposal. I watched the tele­ Opposition side and on the Government side vision programme in which the Federal of the Chamber, there should be members member for Moreton featured and I felt that who take an interest in particular departments. perhaps he was not entirely accurate in his lt does not say that a member who takes remark that nothing had happened between such an interest will be the successor of the September and March. The Premier has Minister in office, but it means that if a made it clear through statements in this Minister goes out of office, either by death Chamber that our case was submitted in or for some other reason, there is someone September and that it was March before who has made a study of the department there was any real basis of getting together. and who can at least advise the person We had approached the Commonwealth on who is chosen or elected to carry out those several occasions, and I went south myself responsibilities. As I said, the hon. member during that period with the idea of seeing for Chatsworth has taken an interest in the certain persons in authority in the hope that activities of the Treasury Department. we could get this thing off the ground more !VIr. Hanson: He is a nice chap. I don't quickly. think he would ever give you a bait. There was no lack or Jag so far as our officers were concerned. All our dealings M:r. CHALK: I know that he is a nice were on the basis that four top executive chap. As far as giving me a bait is officials met in my office, or in the office concerned, many people would like to give of the Minister for Mines or the Minister me a bait; but it would come from the for Industrial Development, and each appli­ other side of the Chamber, not from over cation from the Commonwealth was here. handled at that leveL It was not until we I agree with hon. members that there is got to the basis where the Snowy Mountains a need for an overhaul of the interest rate. Authority came into the matter that we I think the hon. member for Baroona were able to get this thing off the ground. touched upon this subject in his remarks, Only yesterday the Premier and I had a indicating that the interest rate not only conference and made a submission to plays a very vital part in the financial set-up Cabinet and we now have submitted to the of a State, but is also important to its Prime Minister a concrete proposal on how borrowing capacity. While we do not want this proposal can, or should, be financed. to get into a period such as has happened We are asking the Commonwealth Govern­ in the United States and Canada, I think ment to help us, and I am quite hopeful that we need to be warned of the circumstances it will indicate to us that the proposal we that can arise. There has to be a look at have put forward is acceptable. If this is the basis of this and at the basis of taxation. the case, we will get this major requirement 218 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply off the ground fairly rapidly. It is in the the possession of the hon. member for interests of this State, and, what is more Baroona because I do not want to see an important, it is in the interests of the injustice done to any worker or to any Commonwealth of Australia. person who, through some misfortune or circumstance beyond his control, becomes Mr. Davies: When do you expect an an invalid. announcement to be made? The hon. member for Townsville South Mr. CHALK: Fairly promptly. The point raised the issue of a filly that was won by of the matter is that it is in the interests a Mr. Hunt. As far as I can gather, it of the Commonwealth as well as of the was raffled by the Queensland Police­ State, and the case that we have now put Citizens Youth Welfare Association. I have forward is one that I am certain the Prime spoken to the Minister for Justice and the Minister and his ministerial colleagues will Minister in charge of police, and they have handle carefully. informed me that if the hon. member will put in their possession the papers that he Mr. Houston: You will do better in your has they are prepared to have a look at argument than you did on the Barrier Reef. this matter. Mr. CHALK: I am not coming into the The hon. member described the filly as argument with the Prime Minister on the a "wind-sucker". I have been in the racing Barrier Reef. He made a statement while game one way or another over a number he was in Toowoomba. It was not made of years, and I know that some "wind­ to the convention of the Liberal Party but suckers" can gallop. I know, too, !!hat privately, and it was reported by a news­ in North Queensland the hon. member for paper reporter. I said that I regretted Townsville South is described as a "wind­ that the remark had been made at a time blower", and he is not a bad "galloper" when the Liberal Party was holding its himself. However, this particular matter convention. Approximately 350 delegates has been given an amount of publicity and were gathered at the convention-they were therefore I think that we should look at its drawn from all parts of the State-and I circumstances. It may be that there is believed that they would discuss this matter in nothing wrong with the basis on which the a calm way and that I would get an indication art union was conducted. I am sure that from the convention of the thinking of the those who conducted it would have done so ordinary person. in absolute good faith. I do not think that we should condemn those who can be termed Mr. Davies: You are not going to deny the as the promoters of the art union, or even the Prime Minister the right to make the donors or those people who were associated statement? with it, unless there exists absolute proof Mr. CHALK: Of course not. I would that the art union was conducted not on not deny even the hon. member for Mary­ the basis of good faith. I have sufficient borough the right to make a statement­ confidence in those associated with it to and his statement would not be worth much believe that this was the case, consequently if he made one. What I said was that I it is a matter of trying to decide what is was sorry that the statement had been made a fair basis for settlement. at that time. I believe that the Prime Mr. Hanlon: If the horse had turned out _Minister's statement was ultimately helpful a winner of the Melbourne Cup, the m that people really sat down and seriously Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare considered the matter, and when I had out­ Association would have got nothing out of it. lined to the convention the full facts and circumstances it reached a decision that was Mr. CHALK: That is another way of unaminous with the exception of only one looking at it. There is an argument about vote. the value of the filly. If somebody enters The hon. member for Baroona mentioned a sale ring and pays a certain price for the S.G.I.O. General Medical Board. I an animal, there is no guarantee that it will have known Dr. Aaron, who is the Chairman turn out to be a champion. It may turn of the General Medical Board, for a long out to be a complete dud. When a filly time, and I believe that he and other is raffled in this way a gamble has to be members of the board are conscientious taken. men and carry out their duties as pro­ The hon. member for Maryborough seems fessional men would and should. The case to have discovered the Great Barrier Reef that has been mentioned by the hon. member 200 years after Captain Cook did. That is for Baroona seems to contain some facts the only conclusion I could draw from his th_at are in his possession only, so if he remarks, because he did not put forward Will place the papers in my possession I anything constructive. We listened to a am prepared to have a look at them. It tirade concerning the Wide Bay area, with is true that a claimant has no right of comments on what was said during the last appeal from a decision of the board, but election campaign and what was not said. at present I am not convinced that the I do not know why the hon. member got to Act should be amended to provide for a his feet other than to formulate a iittle right of appeal. But, as I said, I am propaganda for the coming Federal election prepared to have a look at the papers in campaign. Appropriation Bill No. 1 [27 AUGUST] Questions 219

The hon. member for Mt. Coot-tha, in his usual way, assisted us with his con­ tribution to this debate. I appreciate the interest that he takes. Sometimes I do not see eye to eye with him in our dis­ cussions, but we want members in this Chamber to take an interest in these affairs because I believe that the 'times ahead of us will bring about many changes. Only those members who are prepared to come here and work hard, and take an interest in what is going on, will be able to play their part successfully. I thank the hen. member for his contribution to the debate. The Appropriation Bill always affords an opportunity for a little discussion about various matters without very much attention being paid to the actual financial matters contained therein. This motion relates to the expenditure of a substantial sum of money. It represents the allocation by the State of a large sum of money for various purposes, consequently I have much pleasure in commending it to the Committee. Motion (Mr. Chalk) agreed to. Resolution reported, received, and agreed to. WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE VoTE OF CREDIT, $217,000,000. (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Hooper, Greenslopes, in the chair) Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer­ Treasurer): I move- "(a) That, towards making good the Supply granted to Her Majesty, on account, for the service of the year 1969-70, a further sum not exceeding $88,000,000 be granted out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Queensland exclusive of the moneys standing to the credit of the Loan Fund Account. (b) That, towards making good the Supply granted to Her Majesty, on account, for the service of the year 1969-70, a further sum not exceeding $99,000,000 be granted from the Trust and Special Funds. (c) That, towards making good the Supply granted to Her Majesty, on account, for the service of the year 1969-70, a further sum not exceeding $30,000,000 be granted from the moneys standing to the credit of the Loan Fund Account." Motion agreed to. Resolutions reported, received, and agreed to. APPROPRIATION BILL No.

ALL STAGES A Bill founded on the Resolutions was introduced and passed through all its stages without amendment or debate. The House adjourned at 5.36 p.m.