Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 4 AUGUST 1977

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

26 Privilege [4 AUGUST 1977] Personal Explanation

PAPERS The following paper was laid on the table, and ordered to be printed:- Report of the Under Secretary for Mines for the year 1976. The following papers were laid on the table:- Orders in Council under- Racing and Betting Act 1954-1977. Workers' Compensation Act 1916-1974. The State Eleotricity Commission Acts, 1937 to 1965. The Northern Electric Authority of Queensland Acts, 1963 to 1964. The Regional Electric Authorities Ac:s, 1945 to 1964. The Southern Electric Authority of Queensland Acts, 1952 to 1964. Electricity Act 1976. City of Brisbane Act 1924-1976. Cl::an Air Act 1963-1976. Regulations under- Racing and Betting Act 1954-1977. Workers' Compensation Act 1916-1974. Electricity Act 1976 (Electricity Regula- tions). Local Government Act 1936-1977. Valuation of Land Act 1944-1977.

PETITIONS THURSDAY, 4 AUGUST 1977 CARINDALE EsTATE PARKLAND Mr. BYRNE (Belmont) presented a petition from 20 electors of Queensland pray­ Mr: SPEAKER (Hon. J. E. H. Houghton, ing that the Parliament of Queensland will Redchffe) read prayers and took the chair take all necess•ary steps to preserve as a at 11 a.m. park for poster~ty an area of hi~:>torical PRIVILEGE significance in Belmont, namely, that part of the Carindale Estate (stage 3) being devel­ COMMENT ON CABINET MINISTER BY oped by Finance Corporation of Australia MEMBER FOR SALISBURY Ltd. Mr. SPEAKER: Honourable members I Petition read and received. have given consideration to the matter rai~ed on a question of privilege by the Leader of the Opposition yesterday. It is my opinion QUEENSLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA that the remarks allegedly made by the hononrable member for Salisbury are Mr. DEAN (Sandgate) presented a petition strictly a matter between her and the from 14 electors of Queensland praying unnamed Minister, who is at liberty to take tha:t .the Parliament of Queensland will any action he may care to outsi0e this support the existence in perpetuity of the House. I do not feel that the matter raised Queensland Symphony Orchestra for the by the Leader of the Opposition is one for musical and cultural benefit of the citizens referral to the Privileges Committee. of Queensland. Honourable Members interjected. Petition read and received. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I warn a].] honourable members that I will not tolerate PERSONAL EXPLANATION persistent interjections. I issued a similar warning yesterday. If honourable members 1\ir. JONES (Cairns) (11.13 a.m.), by continue to interject today, I will have no leave: A reference made in this House yes­ hesitation in dealing with them under Stand­ terday by the member for Townsville South ing Order 123A. wrongly associated me, as the member for Personal Explanation (4 AUGUST 1977} Time Limit of Speeches 27

Cairns, with alleged public statements on I held that justice was not only being done the Cedar Bay raid. I have never made any but was being seen as being done. I have such statements. made strong statements as a citizen, a mem­ ber of Parliament, a parent and grandparent, We in this House know of the excesses on the drug issue. I have also spoken on it of the member for Townsville South and are as an active member of the Cairns District apt to treat them wi,th the dispatch that is Drug Action Committee, which was set up necessary and relegate them in the usual in 1975 to combat drugs, pushers, pedlars and form. parasites. But I have never made any state­ Honourable Members interjected. ment on the Cedar Bay raid. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I advise all hon­ Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable ourable members that I will not tolerate member for Cairns will have the opportunity persistent interjections while a member is during the Address-in-Reply debate to deal on his fee1t. I ask the House to observe with any matter that he wishes to bring silence while Ministers or members make before the House. I should say that this their statements. morning he has had more than the privilege of the House exlended to him in relation to Mr. JONES: We hear them from the this matter. irresponsible member for Townsvil!e South SITTING DAYS and we always take those statements with a grain of salt. However, the public might SEcSIONAL ORDER not be as famiHar with his antics and his slings of the stagnant bucket. I feel that Hon. T. G. NEWBERY (Mirani-Leader the matter should be clarified at this point. of the House): I move- "That during this session, unless other­ For the Premier of Queensland to deign wise ordered, the House will meet for the to accep,t them and in a blatant misuse of dispatch of business at 11 o'clock a.m. on question-time endeavour to enterta;n this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in each House with such a di3Jtribe as we heard week, and that on Tuesdays and Thurs­ yesterday is of sadder consequence and shows days, and after 1 o'clock p.m. on Wednes­ a regrettable lack of desire to uphold the days, Government business shall take pre­ prestige, integrity and good conduct of cedence of all other business." this House. To align himself by innuendo with the statements of the member for Towns­ Motion agreed to. \'ille South, which he, as a Christian gentle­ man, must know are false, ill-founded, MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST untrue and of doubtful intent, is despicable. SESSIONAL ORDER I challenge the Premier and any of his Ministers-for that matter, any member of Hon. T. G. NEWBERY (Mirani-Leader the House-under privilege or otherwise, any of the House): I move- member of the public-- "That during this session, unless other­ ''ise ordered, and notwithstanding the pro­ visions of Standing Order No. 17, on each Mr. KNOX: I rise to a point of order. sitting Wednesday a period shall be allotted until 1 o'clock p.m. for discussion of mat­ Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I rule that the ters of public interest on which any mem­ honourable member for Cairns is going ber mav address the House for ten min­ beyond the privilege of Parliament in his utes. If the discussion is still proceeding statement. His submissions so far are not in at 1 o'clock p.m., it shall be terminated accordance with the privilege of Parliament. by Mr. Speaker." Mr. Aikens interjected. :\lotion agreed to. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable member for Townsville South will resume TIME LIMIT OF SPEECHES his seat. SESSIONAL ORDER Mr. JONES: This has been a matter of Hon. T. G. NEWBElRY (Mirani-Leader public comment and the Premier has concur­ of the House): I move- red with what has been said by the honour­ "That during this session, unless other­ able member for Townsville South. It is wise ordered, the following amendments untrue and I feel that an apology is neces­ to the times allowed for certain speeches sary. I also feel that this explanation is shall apply- necessary. There was a staged innuendo made Cl) Under Stand;ng Order No. 37A yesterday. (Disallowance of Proclamations, Orders In deference to the issue, I made no in Council, Regulations or Rules): comment on the matter. The raid did not Mover of the motion, fifteen take place in my electorate. Cedar Bay is in minutes; seconder of the motion and the electorate of Cook and neither the mem­ any other member, ten minutes; ber for that area nor I made any comment Minister in reply, twenty minutes. on the raid. The matter was sub judice and Total time allowed, two hours. 28 Overtime Paid in Govt. Depts. [4 AuGUsT 1977] Advertising, etc., Referendum

(2) Under Standing Order No. 109 USE OF OFFICIAL AEROPLANE (Time Limit of Speeches): (a) Paragraph 4-In Committee on ORDER FOR RETURN a Bill, Motion or Estimate-substitute Mr. MULLER (Fassifern): I move- 'ten minutes' for 'fifteen minutes'. (b) Paragraph 8-In Committee on "That there be laid upon the table of the introduction of a Bill-substitute the House a return in relation to the 'twenty minutes' for 'twenty-five operation of the official aeroplane during minutes'. the year 1 July 1976 to 30 June 1977, showing in detail (a) total flying time, All other provisiOns of Standing (b) total number of flights, (c) total number Orders Nos. 37A and 109 shall continue of passengers and (d) names of Ministers to apply." by whom the aeroplane was used." Motion agreed to. Motion agreed to. DAYS ALLOTTED TO ADDRESS IN REPLY

SESSIONAL ORDER FEES PAID BY CROWN TO BARRISTERS Hon. T. G. NEWBERY (Mirani-Leader AND SOLICITORS of the House): I move- "That the House may, on the Tuesdays ORDER FOR RETURN and Thursdays allotted to the debate on Mr. LOWES (Brisbane): I move- the Address in Reply, continue to sit until 10 o'clock p.m. Each of the periods "That there be laid upon the table of between 11 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. the House a return showing all payments and between 4 o'clock p.m. and 10 o'clock made by the Government to barristers and p.m. shall be accounted an allotted day. solicitors during the 1976-77 financial All provisions of Standing Order No. 17 year, stating the names of the recipients shall, mutatis mutandis, continue to apply." and the amounts received separately." Motion agreed to. Motion agreed to. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS APPROPRIATION BILL (No. 1) FEES PAID BY CROWN TO PUBLIC Hon. T. G. NEWBERY (Mirani-Leader RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING of the House): I move- AGENCIES "That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would otherwise prevent ORDER FOR RETURN the constitution of Committees of Supply Mr. JONES (Cairns): I move- and Ways and Means, the receiving of resolutions on the same day as they shall "That there by laid upon the table of have passed in those Committees, and the the House a return showing all payments passing of an Appropriation Bill through made by the Government to public rela­ all its stages in one day." tions agencies or consultants and adver­ Motion agreed to. tising agencies or consultants during the 1976-77 financial year, stating the names MINISTERIAL EXPENSES of the recipients and the amounts received separately." ORDER FOR RETURN Mr. GYGAR (Stafford): I move- Motion agreed to. "That there be laid upon the table of the House a return, in the usual form, of expenses of Ministers for the period 1 ADVERTISING EXPENDITURE, July 1976 to 30 June 1977, inclusive, REFERENDUM ON CHANGES TO showing each separately and in detail." COMMONWEALTH CONSTITUTION Motion agreed to. ORDER FOR RETURN OVERTIME PAID IN GOVERNMENT Mr. GUNN (Somerset): I move- DEPARTMENTS "That there be laid on the table of the ORDER FOR RETURN House a return providing cetails of Mr. CASEY (Mackay): I move- advertising expenditure incurred by the "That there be laid upon the table of Queensland Government in connection the House a return showing the amount of with the referenda conducted by the overtime paid in each Government depart­ Commonwealth Government in May ment (all funds) in 1976-77." 1977." Motion agreed to. Motion agreed to. Questions Upon Notice [4 AUGUST 1977] Questions Upon Notice 29

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES question and ask precisely what he wants to know, I will certainly do my best to ORDER FOR RETURN answer it for him. Mr. PREST (Port Curtis): I move- "That there be laid upon the table of the House a return, in the usual form, 2. QUEENSLAND UNEMPLOYMENT showing the number of Government FIGURES employees as at 30 June 1977 (all departments) paid from Consolidated Mr. Burns, pursuant to notice, asked the Revenue, Trust Funds and the Loan Fund Minister for Industrial Development, Labour respectively." Relations and Consumer Affairs- Motion agreed to. ( 1) Does the Commonwealth Depart­ ment of Employment and Industrial Relations provide the State Government with figures relating to unemployment in QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE Queensland? 1. TRANSFER OF MONEYS TO TRUST AND ( 2) If so, in e::tch C.E.S. district in SPECIAL FUNDS Queensland and considering the whole Mr. Burns, pursuant to notice, asked the State, in June 1977, (a) what was the Deputy Premier and Treasurer- total unemployed, (b) what was the total number of young people under 21 ( 1 ) Were any moneys from the Con­ unemployed, (c) what percentage of the soiidated Revenue Fund or the Loan Fund total unemployed did young people repre­ transferred to any Trust and Special Funds sent, (d) of the young people unemployed during June 1977 and, if so, which indi­ what was the male/female break up, (e) vidual Trust and Special Funds received how many of the unemployed were school­ moneys from Consolidated Revenue and leavers and (f) what percentage of the what was the amount involved in each total unemployed did these school-leavers case? represent? (2) Which individual Trust and Special (3) What were the figures in June Funds received moneys from the Loan 1976? Fund and what was the amount involved in each case? Answer:- Answer:- ( 1 to 3) The Commonwealth Depart­ ( 1 and 2) Funds from both Consoli­ ment of Employment and Industrial dated Revenue and the Loan Fund were Relations publishes the Monthly Review transferred to various Trust and Special of the Employment Situation and con­ Funds in June 1977, just as such transfers tained in this official Commonwealth took place in every month of last financial publication is most of the information year and every month of every preceding which the honourable member now seeks financial year since the beginning of time. to have incorporated in "Hansard". A great number of Trust and Special Funds are financed from these sources and With respect to that information which it is normal practice to make the neces­ the honourable member seeks and which sary transfers on a monthly basis or is not included in the official Common­ progressively on some other basis during wealth publication, I will ask the Acting the year to meet the needs of the Trust Director of the Department of Employ­ and Special Funds concerned. ment and Industrial Relations in Brisbane To list out this normal bookkeeping to supply this information to the honour­ exercise for a month of last financial year able member from his official records. is a quite voluminous task and I suggest it would be meaningless to the honourable member and this House. 3. PRE-SCHOOL FOR 00NOONBA Honourable Members interjected. Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked the Mr. KNOX: It would obviously be Minister for Education and Cultural meaningless. If the honourable member had Activities- understood, he would not have asked the question. As Oonoonba is entitled to a pre-school, when will this proposal be approved and construction be commenced? Answer (contd.) :- I do not wish to deploy my staff on this at this time when they are fully Answer:- engaged on the preparation of data for the The establishment of pre-school facilities forthcoming Budget. However, if the at Oonoonba is provisionally planned to honourable member could reframe his begin during 1979. 30 Questions Upon Notice (4 AUGUST 1977] Questions Upon Notice

4. IDENTITY OF AccUSED ZAPHIR (3) As drink companies refund shop­ keepers for all bottles they collect irres­ Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked the pective of the number, and as it appears Premier- that certain shopkeepers are trying to pro­ Is the man named Zaphir who is the fiteer out of children, will he investigate this vortex of proposed industrial action by matter and, if necessary, present legislative the Storemen and Packers' Union the same means to ensure fairness in this case? person who, in 1968, was fined $500 by the Customs Department after a public Answer:- hearing for distributing pornographic (1 to 3) I have no personal knowledge films and, if so, will arrangements be of the practice referred to by the honour­ mace to fully publicise the matter so able member but if it does occur in cir­ that the people of Queensland, who will be cumstances where children are forced to subjected to considerable inconvenience and take sweets rather than money it is a distress by the proposed strike, will be reprehensible one. This is a matter which made aware of the type of man on whose appears to be in the area of consumer behalf they will grievously suffer? affairs rather than in any other area of the law. It is suggested that the question Answer:- be directed to my colleague the Hon. F. A. I am sure the honourable member can Campbell, Minister for Industrial Develop­ appreciate that it would be inappropriate ment, Labour Relations and Consumer for me to answer any questions in relation Affairs. to a matter presently before the courts. 7. HOUSING COMMISSION EASY-PURCHASE 5. FRAUD AT KING GEORGE SQUARE CAR PLAN PARK Mr. Byrne, pursuant to notice, asked the Mr. Byrne, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Works and Housing- Minister for Local Government and Main How successful has the easy-purchase Roads- plan for Housing Commission houses been ( I) Is he aware of an article in the and what are the numbers of houses "Nation Review" of 28 July entitled involved and inquiries received? "Labor machine moves to cover up city sca11dal"? Answer:- (2) Will he ascertain if fraud has been The Government's decision to allow perpetrated within the Brisbane City Coun­ sales to tenants on $25,000 loans with cil centring on the King George Square deposits as low as $200 has had a good car park, with allegations of rigging time response. The terms are generous and the clocks and pocketing counter proceeds? interest rates of 5t per cent and n per cent most attractive. They show this Gov­ (3) In view of the Watergate-style ernment's genuine concern for people and cover-up being apparently perpetrated by their natural wish to own a home. The the council, will he do all within his figures below show that hundreds of power to ascertain the facts? families will sleep tonight secure in the knowledge that they will own the roof Answers:- over their head. This scheme gives an (1) Yes. opportunity they would not otherwise have had. (2 and 3) I am advised that the matter has been investigated by the Auditor­ Another scheme is where the State General. The Brisbane City Council handed injected $20,000,000 into mortgage it over to the police, as a result of which finance to assist over 1,100 families to proceedings have been instituted against a acquire homes. These initiatives show that number of persons in the District Court. this Government acts positively and with The matter is currently awaiting the deter­ great humanity, as I am sure the honour­ m;nation of the court. able member recognises. The scheme was introduced in August 1976 and figures for comparable periods 6. DEPOSIT/REFUND ON SOFT-DRINK before and after then are- BOTTLES Mr. Byrne, pursuant to notice, asked the Inquiries Sales Minister for Justice and Attorney-General- (1) Is he aware that the deposit/refund 6 months to August 1976 473 160 on a large soft drink bottle is now 20c? . (2) Is he aware that some shopkeepers 6 months to February w11l not refund the 20c to children, insist­ 1977 911 500 ing that they will refund it only in kind by way of sweets even if the total refund 4 months to June 1977 368 184 is 80c or more? Questions Upon Notice [4 AUGUST 1977] Questions Upon Notice 31

8. BEEF PRICE STABILISATION SCHEME reconstruction of 10 Mile Creek bridge and reconstruction of a 6.1 km section between Mr. Katter, pursuant to notice, asked the Oakey Creek and 7 Mile Creek. A further Premier- scheme, the approaches to 10 Mile Creek (t1) What were the results of the Agri­ bridge, has been released. cultural Council meeting held at Alice ( 3) Should the councils support the Springs? honourable member's invitation, I would (2) Have a number of other States certainly see if such a meeting could be not agreed to a minimum price stabilisation arranged. scheme for beef? ( 4) Further works are planned between Reed River and Cardington. (3) Was agreement reached at the Premiers' meeting on the beef industry for some eastern Australia stabilisation of 10. TEACHERS RECRUITED FROM OVERSEAS beef prices? l\1r. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked the ( 4) Will he urgently consider a State Minister for Education and Cultural meat marketing authority and police a Activities- schedule of minimum prices? ( 1) How many teachers were recruited from overseas for Queensland schools in Answer:- each year since 1972? (1 to 4) In view of the absence from (2) How many of these teachers are Brisbane of my colleague the Honourable presently employed? the Minister for Primary Industries, who has been attending the Australian Agri­ Answers:- cultural Council meeting in Alice Springs, ( 1) The total number of teachers I would ask the honourable member to recruited from overseas on a contract basis place his question on notice for next Wed­ was 1,854. The numbers recruited in each nesday, 10 August. of the years from 1972 were- 1972 Nil 1973 18 9. CHARTERS TOWERS-MINGELA SECTION 1974 959 OF FLINDERS HIGHWAY 1975 777 1976 100 Mr. Katter, pursuant to notice, asked the 1977 Nil Minister for Local Government and Main Roads- (2) The number of these teachers at present teaching in Queensland schools is ( 1) Is he aware that on the western 769. half of the Flinders Highway between Charters Towers and Mingela there occurs one serious accident per month off the 11. RECREATION AREA OF BULIMBA STATE narrow one-lane bridges and that there SCHOOL STUDENTS have been three deaths on the bridges in the last five years? Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Education and Cultural (2) When will rebuilding work com­ Activities- mence on this section of highway as, Concerning the Bulimba State Primary despite repeated statements, no reconstruc­ School and my many representations and tion work has commenced? questions concerning the development of a recreation area in Lytton Road and (3) Will he visit Charters Towers within Taylor Street, Bulimba, for the use of the the next month to discuss this very serious children attending this school, (a) what situation with the city and Dalrymple Shire is the latest position and (b) for how Council? much longer must the children travel over ( 4) What are the details of work to busy intersections and through busy shop­ be done on this highway this financial ping areas to attend an area suitable for year? athletic and ball games?

Answers:- Answer:- The position regarding the acquisition ( 1) Though aware of the problems gen­ erally, I was not aware of the detailed of additional land for Bulimba State School has not changed since I wrote statistics quoted by the honourable member. to the honourable member on the matter (2) Following completion of the bitu­ in May 1975. men surface through to Cloncurry, a The Department of Works which investi­ greater emphasis can now be placed on gated the site has submitted an adverse reconstruction between Townsville and report and the possibility of developing Charters Towers. Works on which a start that site was subsequently shelved. Other is imminent-it may be today-include suitable land is apparently not available. 32 Questions Upon Notice [4 AUGUST 1977] Questions Upon Notice

12. MAYORAL ELECTIONS AND LOCAL decision by the council politically moti­ AUTHORITY NUMBERS vated with the object of maximising the Australian Labor Party vote in this area? Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Local Government and ( 3) If this is so, will he take strong Main Roads- action to secure an early reversal of this decision and thereby allow redevelopment ( 1) Concerning his advocacy for the of this important area of Brisbane to pro­ election of the Lord Mayor of Brisbane ceed, in accordance with the community's by the people instead of by the council desire? aldermen, will he explain what prompted his change of attitude from that expre~sed on 31 August 1972 in this House, when Answer:- his opening remarks on the City of Bris­ (! to 3) I am advised that application bane Act Amendment Bill were, "I rise was made to the Brisbane City Council by to support the Bill so capably introduced the State Government Insurance Office by the new Minister for Local Govern­ {Queensland) under the City of Brisbane ment (Hon. H. A. McKechnie). I con­ Town Planning Act 1964-1976 for a gratulate him on such a forward move rezoning of certain land in Stanley Street, so early in his administration of a depart­ South Brisbane, by the inclusion of such ment in which all Queenslanders are land in the residential B zone, for the interested"? purpose of enabling the erection on the (2) Will he also explain whether it is subject land of an 11-storey apartment his intent to reduce the number of local building. authorities in Queensland by about half, I am further advised that the application as he advocated in that same speech? was rejected by the council on 2 August 1977. Answers:- Under the Act the town clerk has to ( 1) I notice that the honourable mem­ notify the applicant of the council's deci­ ber for Bulimba has not quoted other sion within seven days and the applicant relevant remarks that I made in the same has a right of appeal to the Local Govern­ speech, and I particularly refer him to ment Court against the decision. my remark, "that for the last 10 to 15 Since a right of appeal is involved, I feel years the city of Brisbane has not been governed democratically". I did not then that it would not be proper for me to favour and I still do not favour a dictator­ comment further in the matter. ship in the Brisbane City Council. My recent reference to the manner of 14. MORE POLICE AND NEW STATION FOR election of the Lord Mayor of the city of BLACKWATER Brisbane was made in the context of debate upon the merits of a change to Mr. Lester, pursuant to notice, asked the preferential voting at local authority Minister for Police- elections. In view of his findings on his recent visit In Brisbane we already have preferential to Blackwater, will he arrange for more voting, but the Lord Mayor is not directly police and another car and for a new elected. Outside Brisbane we have directly police station to be built? elected mayors and chairmen, but first­ past-the-post voting. I am at present look­ Answer:- ing at the possibility of a more uniform approach to the matter. As a result of the honourable member's continued representations on this matter, (2) It is not my intention to reduce the and his invitation to the Commissioner of number of local authorities in Queensland Police and me to personally inspect the by half. police facilities at Blackwater, approval has now been given for an increase of two in the established strength at that station. One 13. S.G.I.O. PROPOSAL FOR HIGH-RISE member will be transferred there in the APARTMENT BUILDING, STANLEY near future. The closing date for appli­ STREET cations for the other advertised position is 15 August next and an appointment will Mr. Doumany, pursuant to notice, asked be made as quickly as possible after that the Minister for Local Government and Main date. Roads- A survey of transport resources is being ( 1 ) Will he investigate the rejection by carried out and it is proposed to reallocate the Brisbane City Council of the S.G.I.O. vehicles to best advantage. The claims of proposal for an 11-storey apartment build­ Blackwater for another vehicle will be con­ ing in Stanley Street, South Brisbane? sidered when the survey is completed. The (2) In view of the obvious desirability matter will also be considered in the light of this development, which would comple­ of funds available under the 1977-78 ment the new Cultural Centre, is this estimates. Questions Upon Notice [4 AUGUST 1977] Questions Upon Notice 33

The erection of a new police station is 17. KEMP PLACE TUNNEL listed on the forward planning building programme of the Police Department with Mr. Lane, pursuant to notice, asked the high priority and the project will be under­ Minister for Local Government and Main taken as soon as funds are available. Roads- (1) With reference to the proposal which I thank the honourable member for his I have raised with him to carry out works interest in police matters generally, and on the Kemp Place tunnel to allow for his untiring efforts towards the improve­ two-way traffic, is he aware of the. relief ment of services in his electorate are no which such a scheme would provide to doubt appreciated by his constituents. motorists wishing to leave New Farm, who would avoid the traffic congeSition in Fortitude Valley, particularly at the Ann Street corner? 15. IMPROVBl,AENT OF GREGORY HIGHWAY (2) What stage has been reached by Mr. Lester, pursuant to notice, asked the his technical officers in the e~amination of Minister for Local Government and Main this proposal? Roads- In view of the increasing importance of Answers:- the Gregory Highway, particularly that ( I) I am aware of the relief which some section between Clermont and the Belyando effective bypass of Fortitude Valley would River, will funds be urgently allocated to provide to New Farm motorists proceeding proceed with oome urgent work? to and from the city. (2) Several proposals have been drawn Answer:- up and discussed between officers <;Jf the Main Roads Department and the Bn~bane As the honourable member is aware, I City Council. The views of the fire bngade have given substantial support to works in have also been sought. Complications his area within the limited funds available. have arisen which require further investiga­ I will have the matter examined by the tion. Nevertheless I am hopeful of district engineer, but unless there is a sig­ receiving a report on the matter in the nificant increase in funds for roads from near future. When I receive it I shall the Commonwealth, an extension of the convey its contents to the honourable current programme is not possible. member. Perhaps it would be a good idea if the honourable member were to have a word in the ear of his Federal member. In fact it 18. AFLATOXTN IN PEANUTS would be a good idea if all State members were to remind their Federal members of Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked the the position in relation to the allocation Minister for Primary Industries- of funds to road-works in Queensland. The ( 1) When did his department. b~come Federal Government should either give us aware of the presence of aflatoxm. m the more funds or get to hell out of it altogether Kingaroy peanut crop and wha

Answers:- (5) Who is the (a) design and (b) (1 to 3) Aflatoxin is the end-product supervis[ng authority for the conditions of arising from the development of a fungus the lease? which can result from adverse weather (6) In respect of the requirements of the conditions principally at time of harvest. lease, have the findings and recommenda­ Weather conditions in the South Burnett tions of the body which is conducting a district prior to and at harvest of the model study of the Pioneer River been recent crops were unusual and conducive complied with? to fungus growth to a greater extent than (7) What further lawful approvals have in previous years. This was not the case to be obtained before (a) development can with the Atherton Tableland crop, where commence and (b) the shopping complex good quality peanuts were harvested. can be completed? My department has been aware for some ( 8) Will the successful tenderer have to time of the problems associated with enter into ,any bonds regarding the com­ aflatoxin in peanuts and in other crops pletion of the development and, if so, with and has given advice to the Peanut Market­ whom? ing Board on methods of sampling and of analysis to detect levels of the toxin Answers:- present in peanuts. It has also provided advice to farmers on the best methods of ( 1) When this project was first sug­ harvesting and handling peanuts to reduce gested, the initiative did not come from the risk associated with fungus growt'h. the local authority, successful tenderer or the Land Administration Commission. The Department of Primary Industries However, that proposal lapsed, and subse­ has always emphasised the need for growers quently the local authority resubmitted the to follow practices which will produce a high-quality peanut. There has been a project for further consideration. continual search for more suitable methods (2) Site requirements for this project of handling the crop when adverse weather were specified by the Land Administration conditions prevail. Commission having regard to the require­ ments of the local authority, Department An officer of the Department of Primary of Harbours and Marine, Main Roads Industries, together with Peanut Marketing Board representatives, leaves on Friday, Commission, the Pioneer River Improve­ 6 August 1977 to examine the latest ment Trust and the Queensland Fisheries techniques in use in the U.S.A. Service. (3) No. In view of the fact that the (4) Because of the assistance given by my department and the increased activity views of all interested departments and by the board in processing, sampling and authorities had been obtained it was not testing of peanuts, the honourable member considered necessary to require further c;:n be assured that nuts sold will comply study of the project. With the tolerances recently determined ( 4) The special lease enabling the carry­ by the Department of Health. ing out of the project will issue pursuant to section 80 of the Harbours Act and section 205 of the Land Act and the requirements of those Acts will be com­ 19. COMMERCIAL SHOPPING CENTRE plied with. DEVELOPMENT, VICTORIA STREET, MACKAY (5) Compliance with the conditions of Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked the lease will be supervised by the Land Minister for Lands, Forestry, National Parks Administration Commission. and Wildlife Service- (6) The line, the limits and the levels 'Yith reference to the yroposal to develop of reclamation within the Pioneer River a site for a commercial shopping centre are required to he to the s:1tisfaction of at the western end of Victoria Street, Mackay- the Pioneer River Improvement Trust and Mackay City Council. cfhe work of ( 1) Did the initiwtive come from the reclamation as it affects the Pioneer River local authority concerned, the successful must be in accordance with the require­ tenderer or the Land Administration Com­ ments of those authorities. In fixing its mission? requirements, the Pioneer River Improve­ ment Trust will no doubt be guided by (2) Were the site requirements set out results of the hydraulic model study and by the local authority, the Land Adminis­ I am informed that the preliminary report tration Commission or any other authority? on this study was made available to the (3) Did the local authority request an developer late last year. environmental impact study of the area (7) The tender submitted by the of the development under section 32A of developer appears to conform to the the Local Government Act? requirements of the tender document. ( 4) Has section 80 of the Harbours Act Negotiations between the Land Administra­ been complied with? tion Commission and the deveiopcr are Questions Upon Notice [4 AuousT 1977] Questions Upon Notice 35

conti;:uing with a view to the reaching extension to the mooring area within the of agreement on suitable terms and con­ harbom. In \iew of the honourable mem­ ditions for the special lease over the ber's representations the work has not developmental area. commenced pending a review of the plan­ ( 8) Yes. The agreement required to be ning of the harbour. executed between Mackay City Council I would remind the honourable member and the developer requires the lodgment that the development Df a boat harbour at of a performance security with Mackay Manly commenced in 1958 and that a plan City Council. of the harbour including this reclamation has been on public display for many years at the Manly swimming-baths. With the 20. CENTRE NEAR WYNNUM FOR MOTOR exception of a slipway construction no VEHICLE REGISTRATION RENEWAL objection to the general plan was previously forthcoming. The honourable member will !t1!:r. Lmmmd, pursuant to notice, asked be aware that there is a serious shortage of the Minister for Local Government and Main moorings available for small craft in the Roads- Brisbane region. This is evidenced by the ( 1) Is he aware that considerable incon­ fact that there are some 250 applicants venience is being experienced by residents lis,ted with the Port of Brisbane Authority in outlying suburbs such as vVynnum, who awaiting moorings at Manly Harbour. Some are being called on to make their registra­ $1,088,000 has already been spent on the tion r~newal payments at Boundary Street, harbour, which at the present time provides City? for 301 moorings. If this expensive infra­ structure is to be fully utilised a total of (2) In accordance with the Government's 919 moorings can be provided at an addi­ policy of decentralisation, will he give tional wst of about $1,000,000. However serious and favourable consideration to the it will not be economically possible or establishment of a regional office, incor­ practical to extend the present mooring porating all facilities, at a centre near area unless further reclamation of land for Wynnum? car-parking and other amenities for the boating public takes place adjacent to the Answer:- harbour. (1 and 2) I commend the honourable member for bringing forward this matter As I have mentioned, future planning of relative to his electomte. One of the best the harbour is at present under review and things done by this Government in the past I would imite the co-operation of honour­ three years was the es.tablishment of the able members in this review in the best regional registration centres. I am sure interests of all concerned. that all honourable members will agree with that. A number of other regional centres with priority have to be attended to but I will certainly give consideration 22. ADMINISTRATION OF SPEECH to the Wynnum area in the very near THERAPY SECTION future. Mr, Lamond, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Edtlcation and Cultural Activities- ::. L RECLAI.nTlON WORK, MANLY BOAT ( 1) Is there any proposal or intention HARBOUR to transfer the administration, together ~.Ir. Vzmun:~d, pursuant to notice, asked the with the staff, of the speech therapy section \!inister for Tourism and Marine Services~ in the Deoartment of Education to the Department of Health? ( 1) Is he aware of my submissions and the many objections by the people of the (2) If such a proposal is anticipated, will Wynnum electorate opposing the proposed he advise me of the advantage of such a rccbmation from the western side of the move? Manly Boat Harbour? (2) In view of the strenuous objections Answer:- to this proposal, what action is being taken by his department? (1 and 2) While there have been general discussions on the placement of speech An\wer:·- therapists in employment in different Government departments, no decision has (1 and 2) I am aware of submissions by been made to transfer therapists in the the honDurable member for Wynnum in Department of Education to the Depart­ support of objections lodged with my ment of Health. The inter-departmental department by certain residents in the committee for social v. .:;!fare could eventu­ vicinity of Manly Boat Harbour to recla­ ally make recommendations in this area. mation on the western side of the harbour I personally favour therapists working in programmed for commencement during the schools remaining as direct employees of 1976-77 nnancial year as part ocf a proposed my department 36 Questions Upon Notice [4 AuGUST 1977] Questions Upon Notice

23. PROTECTION OF SCHOOLCHILDREN 24. IsSUE OF TRAFFIC OFFENCE NOTICE FROM MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS No. 1316990-4 Mr. Akers, pursuant to notice, asked the Mr. Akers, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Education and Cultural Minister for Police- Activities- Will he commend the police officer who ( 1) With reference to accidents involving issued traffic offence notice number children being struck by motor vehicles on 1316990-4 on the morning of 3 August !for busy roads outside the Boondall, Zillmere his dedication to duty in a situation where North and Norris Road Schools in the Pine many would have hesitated or withdrawn? Rivers electorate in recent weeks, wherein one child was killed and two seriously Answer:- injured, will he have investigations made into the safety of schoolchildren in those It is not my usual policy to commend situations? police officers for doing their duty in issuing traffic offence notices. However, (2) In so doing will he have discussions if the honourable member feels that the with the Minis,ters for Transport, Local particular incident referred to by him Government and Main Roads, and Police merits special consideration, I will be and the Lord Mayor to find ways of safe­ happy to have it examined if he will supply guarding our schoolchildren? me with relevant details.

Answers:- 25. RESIT!NG OF "No RIGHT TURN" SIGN (1) The question of traffic congestion in ON MARGARET STREET RAMP the vicinity of schools and the dangers that Mr. Akers, pursuant to notice, asked the this congestion may bring to pupils have Minister for Local Government and Main been matters of concern to my department Roads- for a long time. Will he have the "No Right Turn" sign The provision of pedestrian crossings, on the Margaret Street off-ramp from the traffic lights and traffic control devices in south-bound lane of the South-ea>t Free­ general is clearly the responsibility of the way resited, making it more obvious and road authority, whether that authority be thereby reducing the number of motorish the Main Roads Department or the local being booked for ignoring it? council. Answer:- There is no doubt that schools do gener­ ate a considerable volume of traffic owing I have arranged for Main Roads Depart­ ment engineers to examine the location of to the operations of school bus services the '"No Right Turn" sign on the Margaret and the setting down and picking up of Street off-ramp and, if found necessary. children by parents in private cars. One to relocate the sign so that it is more would therefore expect that the road prominent. authority would pay particular attention to traffic control in these areas. My depart­ ment endeavours to alleviate this problem 26. NEW SCHOOL FOR YORKEY'S KNOB where possible by agreeing to the excision of suitable areas of land from school Mr. Tenni, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Education and Cultural reserves to enable roads to be widened to Activities- permit the installation by local authorities of bus bays out of the traffic flow. Con­ Will the proposed new school for York­ sideration is also being given in the design ey's Knob be constructed in time for th..: commencement of the 1978 school year'1 and layout of new schools to the provision of adequate parking areas within school grounds for school staff vehicles, visitors' Answer:- cars and service vehicles. These actions y orkey's Knob State School has been are part of an ongoing study into v.ays listed in the draft capital works programme and means of increasing the safety of for replacement in the 1977-78 financial children in the general vicinity of schools. year. Indeed, as recently as 14 July the regional However, at the present time the acquisi­ directors of the three Brisbane metro­ tion of the new school site is still under politan regions conferred on this matter negotiation between the Land Administra­ with traffic engineers of the Main Roads tion Commission and the owner, and there is no guarantee that the replacement school Department. will be ready for the commencement of the (2) I will certainly participate in any 1978 school year. discussions arranged on this matter A suitable demountable building will be between the various Ministers concerned provided to remedy the situation should and the Lord Mayor. the building not be completed in time. Questions Upon Notice [4 AUGUST 1977] Questions Upon Notice 37

27. ANDREW 0LLE'S ROLE IN THE CEDAR (2) What is his current salacy? BAY AFFAIR (3) Did Mr. Dennis miss out on the Mr. Temn, pursuant to notice, asked the job of Chaivman of the new Q.E.G.B. Minister for Police- because he had argued that the seven dis­ Will Andrew Olle now have his Logie tribution boards wouJd not be autonomous, withdrawn, as the people of Australia are ,that their decisions wodd have to be now aware of his fabricated sensationalism approved by the Government and rthat the on the Cedar Bay case? boards, despite the representation of Jocal ,government and consumer members, would not have contra~ of budgets, borrowing. Answer:- prices and the placing of moderate-sized I have no knowledge of the bases used contracts that they should hme? in determining the recipients of Logie awards or whether suitable guide-lines are Answers:- set to check the accuracy and balance of ( 1) Mr. Dennis is a special consultant programmes nominUJted for such awards. to the Queensland E!ectricity .O.enerati_ng However, it is not a matter which comes Board. He is responsible for hmson With under my jurisdiction. It is purely a matter major overseas contractors specifically in for consideration by the organisation which respect of Gladstone ~ower Sta~ion !illd issues Logie awards and, in the light of other major power stat10ns, the m_vestiga­ recent events which have cleared police of tion of developments in the generatiOn a!ld allegations made against them, it is now transmission of electricity and other duties a matter of conscience to tha;t organisation as assigned. as to whether such an award was warranted. (2) $39,218 per annum. (3) No.

28. OIL-FROM-COAL CONVERSION PLANT 30. HIDES AND OFFAL Mr. Ahern for Mr. Ha:rtwig, pursuant to Mr. Marginson, pursuant to notice, asked notice, asked the Minister for Primary the Minister for Mines and Energy- Industries- Cl) With refaence to his Press state­ ( 1) Do the returns from hide a.fJd offal ments concerning an oil-from-coal plant pay for the slaughtering costs of a beast, to sttpply 20 per cent of the nation's oa as in the past? needs, has the Commonwerulth Liberal­ National Country Party Government (2) What is the ave:mge value of hides offered any financial support for an oil­ from clean country and what is the average from-coal conversion plant in Queensland? market price of good quaiity hides from ticky country? (2) Has any locality been decided for (3) What is the average vrulue at .the the pmposed plant and, if so, what is the Brisbane Abattoir of (a) tongue, brm_ns, plant's potential capacity? sweetbread, heart, liver, kidneys, ~npe (3) When would such a plant com­ and oxtail, (b) horns, ears, head p1e~e, mence O

Of the items in (b) and (c), most are which was vacant until recently. They are rendered down, some going for glue prices now being accommodated temporarily in at $58 per tonne. No value can be deter­ inspectors' quarters. mined for parts of the carcass which are (2) It vvas decided that the fire-damaged rendered down. quarters be rebuilt and a check was made Of the glands, the beef pancreas is sold regarding building requirement. However, for $1.05 per kg. Gall is sold for $2.56 further analysis of the number of staff per kg. Beef intestines for casings are requiring accommodation indicated that sold for 15.5c per strand. Edible beef this 26-bed building would be far in excess tallow is sold for $375 per tonne and of requirements. Investigations are, there­ inedible beef tallow for $321 per tonne. fore, proceeding as a matter of urgency into adjustment of railway accommodation in Mt. Isa to provide facilities more suit­ able to the needs of the situation. 31. PRE-SCHOOL FOR YEPPOON Mr. Ahern for Mr. Hartwig, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Education and 34. WooDCHIP INDUSTRY Cultural Activities- Dr. Loekwood, pursuant to notice, asked As Y eppoon has a population o.f the Minister for Lands, Forestry, National acpproximately 6,000 people and over 700 Parks and Wildlife Service- children at primary school and as a pre­ ( 1) How many approvals has the school centre is an absolute necessity for Forestry Department granted, and to whom, this town, what action is being taken to for the manufacture of woodchips in (a) have a ,pre-school centre built? existing sawmills, from ,offcuts of logs from State forests, (b) State forests, from Answcr:- discarded branches of logs destined for Construction of a two-unit pre-school sawmills, logs found 'to be unsuited for centre at Yeppoon is provisionally planned sawmilling after felling and standing trees to commence during the current financial unsuited for sawmilling and (c) State year. forests, by clear-felling a whole area? ( 2) Has the Forestry Department powers to regulate and control the above­ 32. NEW RAILWAY STATION FOR mentioned woodchipping procedures in BILOELA privately owned forests? Mr. Ahern for Mr. Hartwig, pursuant to (3) Has the Queensland Forestry Dep­ notice, asked the Minister for Transport- artment carried out original research into the regeneration of forests after the same What plans are in hand for the building woodchipping procedures and, if so, what of an urgently needed new railway station was discovered in that research and has at Bi,Joela? it been made public? Answer:- Answers:- The Railway Department has no plans The only firm manufacturing wood­ for the construction of a new railway station chips in Queensland at present is Hard- at Biloela. However, the provision of new boards Australia Limited at their railway stations is constantly under review Bumlamba plant. This is part of the and Biloela is being considered along with process of manufacturing hardboard. a number of other railway facilities as Approval has been given in principle by finance becomes available. this Government to Sawmillers Woodchips (Queensland) Limited, a consortium of sawmi!lers, to manufacture woodchips from sawmill residues for export. It is under­ 33. RAILWAY SINGLE-MEN'S stood this firm has not yet negotiated a ACCOMMODATION, MT. JSA market for the woodchips. Mr. Bertoni, pursuant to notice, asked the The nnswers to the specific questions Minister for Transport- are- (1) In view of his inspection earlier (1) (il) Hardboards Australia Limited this year of the fire-damaged single-men's derives a small part of its raw material railway quarters in Mt. Isa, what accom­ from offcuts of sawlogs from State forests. modation has been arranged for the railway s~wmillers Woodchips (Queensland) employees involved? Limited, under the terms of the approval (2) When will the rebuilding programme in principle, will have to obtain all its be completed? raw material from offcuts of sawlogs. These may originate from Crown-owned Answers:- or private lands. (l) The employees who were displaced (1) (b) I·brdboards Australia Limited by the fire in the single-men's quarters in obtains some of its raw material from Mt. Isa were accommodated in a residence st~mding trees on State forests which arc Questions Upon Notice [4 AUGUST 1977] Questions Upon Notice 39

unsuitable for sawmilling. It does not (2) What was the name and address obtain supplies from other sources men­ .of the successful tenderer and what was tioned in the question. Sawmillers Wood­ the tender price? chips (Queensland) Limited will be (3) In view of the Government's oft­ excluded from this source of supply under repeated plea for people to "Buy Queens­ the existing approval in principle. land made", why was a Queensland con­ (1) (c) Nil. struction firm not chosen? (2) The Department of Forestry has no power to control woodchipping procedures Answer:- on privately owned forests. It is pointed (1 to 3) The redevelopment of the Mater out that there is ample sawmill waste Public Hospital has not yet reached a stage available to meet the quantities proposed where construction can commence. When for export by Sawmillers Woodchips this stage is reached tenders for construc­ (Queensland) Limited. There is thus a tion will be called in the usual way. disincentive for the sawmillers concerned 'to manufacture woodchips other than from their own genuine sawmill waste. 37. POLICE HEADQUARTERS BUILD!NG, (3) The provision of material for the MAKERSTON STREET manufacture of woodchips has not, and Mr. K. J. Hooper, pursuant to notice, will not, under the approval in principle, asked the Minister for Police- involve clear-felling of State forests. The site will continue to carry a good stocking ( 1) What was the purchase price of of trees and natural regeneration is assured. the police headquarters in Makersto!l Normal management methods evolved over Street, City, and from whom was 1t the last 40 years will be adopted. The purchased? regeneration of native forests after clear­ ( 2) Did this building, at the time of felling has not been a subject of research purchase, conform to police requirements? by my Department of Forestry. (3) If not, how much money has. bt;en spent since purchase to bring the bmldmg 35. QUEENSLAND PERMANENT BUILDING up to required police standards? SOCIETY ( 4) How many extra police officers has l\1r. K. J. Hooper, pursuant to notice, asked it been necessary to station permanently in the Minister for Works and Housing- the new headquarters to overcome the ( 1) Has the Queensland Permanent inadequacies of the building? Building Society issued a financial state­ ment and balance sheet for the year ended Answer:- 30 June 1977 and, if not, what are the ( 1 to 4) The transaction to acquire reasons? Forbes House, Makerston Street, City, (2) Has the $2,600,000 allegedly lost from Millaquin Sugar Co. Limit~d for in the society's computer been located by police purposes is still to be finalised. the firm of public accountants retained at great expense? 38. SEPTIC SYSTEM FOR CARBROOK (3) If not, will he give consideration to SCHOOL having the matter investigated by the Police Fraud Squad? Mr. Ahern for Mr. Gibbs, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Works and Answers:- Housing- (1) No. I am given to understand that When will a septic system be installed the accounts will be available to members at the Cm·brook School? on or about 15 August 1977 and that the anm,al general meeting will be held Answer:- towards the end of this month. ConfirmaUon of the existence of a suit­ (2 and 3) Accountants of the society able water supply has recently been received and a consulting firm are continuing their from the Irrigation and Water Supply examinations and I understand disclosure Commission. Action is in train for prepara­ of the results to date of these activities tion of the necessary site, drainage and will be contained in the above accounts building plans for a septic system. Indica­ and directors' report to be made available tion of a date for the installation cannot be to members in about a fortnight's time. stated at this stage.

36. EXTENSIONS TO MATER HOSPITAL 39. CABOOLTURE RAILWAY STATION J'lvrr. K. J. Hooper, pursuant to notice, asked the M"inister for Health- Mr. Frawley, pursuant to notice, asked ( 1) Were the tenders for the new exten­ the Minister for Transport- sions to the Mater Hospital called through Does his department plan to erect a new the Works Department? railway station at Caboolture? 40 Questions Upon Notice [4 AUGUST 1977] Questions Upon Notice

Annver:- The Railway Department has no plans (1 to 10) I am aware that there have for the provision of a new railway station been in recent times reports of accidents at Caboolture. and fires involving vehicles carrying flam­ How;:ver, the provision of new railway mable, explosive or other dangerous stations is constantly under review and products. Caboolture is being considered along with ! am also aware that there have been a number of other railway faciiities as fimmce becomes available. suggestions from a number of sources that the routes travelled by vehicles carrying flammable and other dangerous products should be restricted. 40. HAZARDS OF ROAD TANKERS The imposition of such restrictions would Mr. Marginson for !VIr. Y ewdale, pursuant be to notice, asked the Minister for Local difficult since premises using large Government. and Main Roads- quantities of petroleum products, for example, service stations, are often located ( 1) Is it true that recently in the Bris­ on sites that are not adjacent to major bane area, four bulk-liquid tankers were involved in accidents or fires and that roads. 12 other semi-trailers, some carrying dan­ Whilst local authorities have certain gerous commodities, were also involved powers under the Local Government Act in collisions? 1936-1977 to restrict the use of specified (2) Is he aware that insurance com­ roads by extraordinary traffic and to tem­ panies want road tankers carrying porarily divert traffic from certain roads, explosives and flammable loads stopped I am doubtful whether these powers would from travelling through inner-city suburbs? be exercisable in the circumstances men­ tioned by the honourable member. (3) Is he aware of comments made on 18 January by the Insurance Council of I am informed that, as a matter of trans­ Australia's regional director that there was port policy, there is some control by the a risk of tragedy if these trucks con­ Transport Department on long-distance tinued to use minor streets in heavily transport of petroleum products by road. populated areas? There are also regulations made under ( 4) What restrictions are placed on the the Construction Safety Act which deal drivers of high-risk vehicles in travel­ ling through heavily populated areas? with the construction standards of tankers used for the transport of flammable liquids, (5) Will he consider bringing in regu­ so as to avoid spillages. lations to ensure that tanker drivers use major roads or freeways only, except when The question of the introduction of legis­ they have to enter built-up areas to reach lation in the matter is one involving a ;;upply or service outlets? number of departments and is being con­ ( 6) Are operators of trucks or tankers sidered in collaboration with the depart­ carrying flammable liquids being hamp­ ments concerned. ered in the issue of vehicle licences because they have been unable to get insurance cover before the licences can be issued? 41. HOUSING COMMISSION ACTIVITIES, (7) Is he aware that in the United ROCKHAMPTON NoRTH States, following several bad accidents with l\fr. Ma:rginson for Mr. Yewdale, pursuant a high loss of life, hazardous loads are to notice, asked the Minister for Works and restricted to main roads and to off-peak Housing- times? ( 1) What land does the Housing Com­ (8) Has he received any submissions mission hold in Rockhampton North? from the Brisbane Fire Chief expressing concern for a number of years about the (2) Where is the land situated? problem of flammable, explosive liquids? (3) What proportion of the land is for (9) Is he aware that, in November last home construction and pensioner units? year, toxic fumes leaked from an over­ ( 4) Is all available land completely ser­ turned tanker which was carrying aqua­ viced and, if not, what are the reasons? ammonia after it capsized on the Burleigh Heads to Mudgeeraba Road, causing two ( 5) What funds are available for home nearby homes to be evacuated for at least unit construction in Rockhampton North? two days? ( 6) What contracts are presently uncom­ (10) When will he introduce legislation pleted and when are further tenders to to p:·otect people from these dangers? be called for such work? Questions Upon Notice [4 AuousT 1977] Address in Reply 41

Answers:- 44. TRUCKING YARDS AT LYNBROOK SIDING (1) 64 developed sites; 18 sites being Mr. Decral, pursuant to notice, asked the developed. Minister for Transport- (2) Wiltshire, Summer, Saunders, Roselt, What decision has been made regarding Goldston, Cahiil, Macarthur, Hammond new trucking yards at Lymlbrook Siding and Blanchfield Streets; Richardson and on the Etheridge line? Webber Roads and Stenlake Avenue. Answer:- (3) 3 adjacent sites in Saunders Street The position in regard to the trucking are for possible pensioner units. yards at Lyndbrook is being investigated (4) 6 sites unsewered. This 6 adioins at present. J 8 u:1der development, and service wiil be Inquiries made several months ago available when 18 are developed. showed that little use was made of the (5) 1977-78 funds are not yet known. existing private yards and any expenditure (6) Three uncompleted contracts have 10 by the Railway Department in maintaining houses under construction. Further tend­ or providing such facilities could not be ers will follow to the extent that funds justified. allow. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! All questions remammg unanswered will appear on tomorrow's Business Paper. 42. REPORT ON APPRENTICES!!lP INQUIRY A,t 12 noon, Mr. Marginson for Mr. Yewdale, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Industrial In accordance with the provzswns of Development, Labour Relations and Con­ Standing Order No. 17, the House proceeded sumer Affairs- with Government business. When will the report of the Apprentice­ ship Inquiry conducted by Commissioner ADDRESS IN REPLY Anderson be made available to Parlia­ ment and the public? RESUMPTION OF DEBATE-FIRST ALLOTTED DAY Answer:- Debate resumed from 3 August (seep. 26) on Mr. Turner's motion for the adoption of In accordance with a decision of Cabinet the Address in Reply. I propose to make a statement to this House during this session as to the Gov­ Mr. BURNS (Lytton-Leader of the ernment's intentions in respect of the Opposition) (12.1 p.m.): Once again I pledge report of the Commission of Inquiry into the loyalty of the Opposition to Her Majesty, Apprenticeship and at the same time Queen of Australia, and on this occasion request that the report be ordered to be welcome her new viceregal representative printed. Such report will then be made (Sir James Ramsay) to our State of Queens­ public. land. Today I intend to concentrate on the question of Government responsibility in the 43. BAN ON LIVE SHEEP EXPORTS creation of employment. Mr. Elliott, pursuant to notice, asked the At this stage I move the following amend­ Premier- ment:- In view of Mr. Sinclair's assurance at "Add to the Address the following the opening of the Agricultural Coun­ words:- cil that the Commonwealth Government 'However, it is the opinion of the would continue to support unrestricted Legislature that your advisers have lost export of live sheep for slaughter, will the confidence of this House and the he give the House an indication of his citizens of Queensland because of their attitude to the present ban in Queensland, failure to grasp the human problem of New South Wales and Tasmania on live growing hard-core unemployment in the sheep exports? nation's richest State whose boundless mineral and rural wealth has provided Answer:- the Governme111t with the opportunity to marshal Queens,Jrand resources and I would like to make it quite clear that economic strength so as to ensure job my Government will not tolerate any security, business prosperity, rural dictation by unions as to whether or not growth and increased living standards sheep or cattle will be exported from for Queensland families.' " Queensland. Since this debate 12 months ago, the unem­ I have given exporters an assurance that ployment crisis has deepened in Queensland if they have animals to export, my Gov­ without visible concern or corrective initia­ ernment will make sure they will be tives from either the Federal or Strute Liberal­ loaded on ships. National Party Governments. Unemployment 42 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply

in June was the highest since World War II, For .the pas.t few months a special Labor 30 per cent above the figure the Premier Party committee has met regularly to study found •totally unacceptable two years ago in the unemployment problems and job the days of the Wh1tlam Government. Almost inadequacies of Queensland. Today, as a 49,000 Queenslanders, 2,821 of them school­ result of ·those deliberations, I present a leavers, are looking for jobs. Imagine the 20-point plan designed to stimulate employ­ frustration, the disillusionment, of a young ment in both public and private sectors Queenslander who, seven months after the through State Government initiative. end of the school year, still waits to start his or her working career. Our under 21- Point No. !-Voluntary retirement for State year-olds form only 12 per cent of .the work­ public servants on full superannuation force but account for 40 per cent of the benefits at 62 years of age. unemployment. For 33 consecutive months I start with this recommendation and dis­ the ratio between job seekers and job oppor­ miss it briefly as details were released pub­ tunities in Queensland has been the worst licly on Monday. This scheme, which could in Australia. In simple terms, for over 21- produce 1,000 job openings within Govern­ years we have had more people competing ment departments, is modemtely costed and for fewer jobs than any other Australian recognises a growing trend towards early S.tate. retirement already evident within the Public Service. There is not a city, not a •town, not a district throughout Queensland untouched by Point No. 2-Contro!led release of State the agony of unemployment. It is a tragic Government funds for essential high­ situation, a situation that deteriorates season­ labour-intensive projects and private con­ ally month by month amid forecasts that traots. jobless figures will top 7 per cent early next year. I do not propose here non-productive, short-term activities based on temporary As this Parliament meets the Fraser unemployment relief. Rather I refer to the Liberal-National Country Par.ty Government example of the Forgan Smith Labor Govern­ considers a report of its Industries Assistance ment during 1times of similar economic Commission which, if adopted, will shut down recession in the 1930s after the Liberal and our teY.Jtile, clothing and footwear industries. National Parties of •that day had got us Under this report, another 130,000 Aus­ into immeasurable problems. That Labor tralians, many of •them women, are con­ Government utilised the employment surplus demned to the unemployment stockpile while of those days to start long-term projects of their jobs are deported overseas to cheap­ lasting benefit to the State, such as the labour countries. As I said last year, I Story Bridge, Somerset Dam, Mackay Har­ believe the Industries Assistance Commission bour and the first stage of the Queensland has become so economically abstract that University. These works created employment it no longer serves any beneficial purpose for skilled workers, labourers, clerical staff and should be disbanded. and apprentices, many of whom learned their trade in this manner. Emphasis in Government planning must, I submit, shift from unemployment relief to A State Government using the Co-ordinator­ generation of employment. In Queensland General's Department 1to promote similar we must examine why a rich State with works in 1977 would recover ,the money relatively low population and record mineral spent in future years. There are essential inves,tment is unable in 1977 to produce projects such as the Gateway Bridge, com­ anywhere near sufficient jobs to absorb i.ts munity health centres, sewerage works, the own work-force. Burdekin scheme, conservation and reforesta­ tion (to name but a few) that could be The late Ben Chifley (then Prime Minister advanced with •the foresight of Forgan Smith of Australia) said on 13 May 1947- in the thir,ties. "The only real test of prosperity in a The late President Roosevelt employed country is the employment of everybody excess labour to plant trees in soil-erosion who wants to be employed and earning areas, rewarding the United States in later money." years with sufficient timber for builcling and That same principle of economic assistance paper production. In America, at the mom­ applies today. ent, President Carter is releasing $30 billion over two years to provide wor-thwhile jobs We cannot pretend prosperity while over for that country's 8 per cent unemployed. 5 per cent of Queenslanders who want to work cannot find jobs, while students, after The Queensland Government enjoys Budget completing their education, begin their work­ advantages from increased mineral royalties ing careers at the .tail-end of 1the dole queues. following devaluation, the Commonwealth The State Government must acknowledge windfall from population adjustment and un­ its responsibility towards the production of expected savings through reduced wages employment rather than shelter behind demands. These total many millions of criticism of Canberra and manufactured dollars. Surely, in present economic circum­ industrial confrontation. stances, a sizeable portion of this unforeseen Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply 43 financial wealth could be directed into high­ I wonder why the Queensland Government employment works and contracts that will cannot receive from the Liberal-National repay themselves through their future con­ Country Party Government in Canberra-its tributions. There is no reason, except lack of colleagues-co-openrtion and assistance. vis;on, courage or enthusiasm, why the pion­ There must be some reason why it is not eering spirit of the Forgan Smiths and Roose­ receiving such co-operation. It is time that velts cannot be modernised in Queensland this State Government looked behind the tollay. scenes for the reason.

Po:nt ]\' J. 3-Queensland pressure on the Point No. 4-Es.~ablish an Employm:nt Plan­ Federal Government for special gran1s to ning Commission (the E.P.C.) directly supplement State spending on employ­ responsible to the Premier. ment-producin::; developmental projects. Labor allots high priority to the formation The State Government must whh all the of an expert commission to urgently investi­ vigour e1nd persuasion it can command, gate the underlying problems of metropo:itan, through every official channel availabk, force provincial and country unemployment and the Canberra to relax financial policies that ar~ reasons for it. sapping the recuper

No Government should proceed with in­ I believe Queenslanders are searching for flexible policies lh:1t depend on the harshness a sign that people with exp~rience and in­ and hardship of unemployment as their by­ fluence in the employment field can combine product. for the common benefit of the community. That is the objective of such a commission. Tile Liberal-National Parties tcJday are I am flexible on its composition but envisage fascinated by digits, deficits and decimals to it would include a representative fwm each the ex:lusion of people. They spend more of the following:-North Queenslamlcrs, time fiddling unemployment figures than bus.iness organisations, trade union move­ creating jobs. ment, rural indus:rics, countrv local authori­ ties, the Brisbane City Counc.ll, and women's l believe the Federal Government must organisations. This is a first step towards unit­ realise that the Australian economy is a ing Governn1en:s, n1anag-.::n1ent a,nd unions jn cascalty of unemployment and that in~tead the de..:ision-making framework of •the State of collecting $27 a week in tax from a single ins:ead of practis1ng senseless division and worker on a $140 wage it contributed $47 defeatist confroncacion. throu£h benefits to his upKeep. That is a loss of $74. If he had been previously The E.P.C. must not become a bureau­ en1ployc,d in a !arze establishn1ent the Sta~e cratic giant; it should have a relatively moder­ Go1·ernm~nt sacr!fices another $7 a week in ate research staff of no more than 20 and be lost pay-roll tax. Productive capacity is lost granted a broad charter to liaise with Gov­ and the community generally is deprived of ernment departments. Initially the task mus.t spenJing dem~1nd. centre on the prest~nt unemployment crisis but in the long-term the objective would be Queensland has a plausible case for in­ !o stabilise employment without accompany­ creased Federal assistance towards speciftc mg manpower shOJ~tages. Let me s'ress that job-produ.:tive worl:s. Om hllllsing grant is the E.P.C. would be a manpower advisory 50 per cent below that of smaller-popula-ted board. ft would have no powers of employ­ South /\ustralia. 1nf1ation in two years has n1ent directive, no powers to rdocate labour, stripred 531,000.000 in real terms from our no bl!reutH.:ra~i<:: control. I foresee a commis­ Lcnn Council share and the Main Roads sion rnurshalling the State's expertise; a com­ rv1inister concedes diss2.tisfaction \vith o:Jr n1ission ernpo\\ ered to encourage n::'tV B1anu­ r~turn for road development. Ev~n the facturi.ng ir:dL:stries and to recomm,-~nd con­ suburban rail electrification programme. structive avenues of job produc:ion. guaranteed by the vVhitlam Labor Govern­ ment on tvio-thirds Federal subsidy, drags Point No. 5-Increa~e the numerical trength years behind since the economic entry of of the Police Force by at least 350-as Mr. Bjelke-Petersen's Prime Ministerial recently recommended by the Police cho:~e. Malcolm Fraser. Commissioner.

What I say is this: If the Slate Government This is self-explanatory and requires little initiates labour-creative works of continuing elabomtion. But it is job production, the benefit to Queensland and the nation there is creation of work opportunities. \Ve have an impeccable, inescapable case for comple­ police centres seriously undermanned, mentary Fedeml assistance. Other St:tte suburban stations compelled to obsc:rve what Governments appear far more capable of could be term~d "ofiice hours" because of monetary persuasion in Canberra than the S·taff restrictions, yet many police staff are Queensland one. overworked. 44 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply

. The objective must be a force of adequate industry. Labor believes (and the unemploy­ s1ze to ensure personal safety and protection ment figures confirm it) that Queensland's of property on a 24-hour basis-protection ~rowth in the m!ning area is straggling behind I might add, in not only the heart of ou; 1ts natural earnmg and productive ability. cities but also in our less accessible outposts. Point No. 8-Encouragement of new manu- Point No. 6-Involve local authorities facturing industries to process Queens­ throughout Queensland in the co-ordina­ land assets in Queensland. tion of new projects on an area basis. . Intersta.te and overseas trade figures show, Here, again, I will be brief. Local authori­ m many mstances, that we are a distribution ties in every corner of the State possess bureau for the refined products of our own projects of earning capaci-ty-I stress "earn­ primary as~ets. In more simplified terms, we ing capacity"-that are gathering dust are exportmg employment for our domestic because of lack of funds. These include consumption. water supplies, sewerage projects, libraries community halls and even medical centres' Statistics disclose that in 197 5-7 6 we had to mention just a few. ' a trade deficit in the manufacturing field­ These are projects that not only generate inter~tate and overseas-approaching $1 000 million. ' i~1mediate job demands but, after comple­ tiOn, more than repay their initial capital Almost every election year we are outlays. They are the type of works that reminded of that elusive a!umina smelter at deserve far grea,ter sympathetic financial con­ Gladstone; but the majority of our bauxite is sideration from both State and Federal still processed in Tasmania. Governments. Queensland is the home of Australia's Point No. 7-Reform the economic manage­ sugar industry; but there is no major con­ ment of Queensland. fectionery plant in the State. This State has enormous mineral and rural wealth but, at the same time is suffer­ Again, in Bowen, I am told that an esti­ ing the worst unemployment in ~ore than mated 20 per cent of the tomato crop is 30 years. Something is dramatically wrong lost because there is no local tomato sauce when the only compensation for a significant or tomato paste factory. It is time, also, percentage of the population from our natural that the Government conducted a fair dinkum assets is the dole. "buy Queensland made" campaign, not one that is conveniently intensified throngh extra I refer now to an article in "The Courier­ television and radio advertising on the eve Mail" newspaper of 11 July this year on of an election campaign. the Canadian Province of Alberta, which is compared to Queensland. Populations are A moment ago someone was talking about similar and both stretch over large areas Norwich Park and the 1,500 jobs there. The blessed with mineral denosits and fertile other day the Premier of New South Wales farmland. Alberta enjoys the lowrst income announced a new Ford plant, which will taxes in Canada and has no sales tax. A create 3,700 jobs in one go. Manufacturing share of its vast ro)o al ty earnings from industry can provide a lot of work for minerals is set aside in what is known as the Queens!andcrs. The Government does little Alberta Heritage Fund for Future Genera­ or nothing to induce those companies here. tions. I do not suggest we must emulate Secondary industries not only provide jobs. Alberta, but it indicates how States of com­ In many cases they are naturally aligned parable size, population and asset-backing to our primary production and must be can benefit from sound economic planning invited and assisted to establish here. Why and sound government. is there not a meatworks in the North-west, a bagasse-pulp industry in the North and I turn now for a moment to mineral wool-pressing in the West? Why are there policy. The mining industry must be assured not these things? The Government has been that the State Government will allow Aus­ in power for 20 years. The Liberal and tralian companies the right of tender for National Parties-the Country Party as it major mineral developments. Secret, back­ used to be called-have been in power for door deals that hand control of our natural 20 years and they have dumped the rural assets to foreign companies, without the industries. These days they are after the courtesy of tender for their Australian black-coal men. They have forgotten about counterparts, must cease. the farmers and the people who live in the West and the North. We must also ensure that the uncertainty aroused by the Liberal-National Parties Point No. 9-Removal of rail freight dis­ decisio~ on Fraser Island does not deny criminations against goods processed Austrahans finance for development of their own assets. Agreement must be reached by outside Brisbane. the Liberal-National Parties, both State and I feel that even many Government mem­ Federal, on a common environmental s·tudy bers, particularly those from provincial and procedure,, because it is their problem; they country electorates, will concede that our are creatmg the problem in the mining freight system is crawling with anomalies. Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply 45

Such inequalities must inevitably retard We should be examining local regional pre­ genuine decentralisation and act as a deterrent ferences, just as today we hear about pre­ to job-creative industries in non-metropolitan ference being given to tenders from areas. businesses within the State against those Frequently it is cheaper to rail goods, from interstate and overseas. We might sometimes from interstate, from Brisbane to have to start looking at allowing a preference point "A" than to transport a local product to be given in a percentage of contracts to people in the local area. I think it is a back from point "A" to the capital. We good idea. all know about that. We have had examples shown to us time and time again. If the Government will not do it, Labor will under­ Point No. 11-An immediate survey of take a thorough review of the rail freight education needs in newly developed areas structure, eliminating anomalies that mitigate of Brisbane, provincial cities and against non-metropolitan areas and restrict country centres, with a view to building decentralisation. We will have a look at or improving schools, pre-school facilities wme of the secret contracts that are now and boarding-school accommodation. operating within the Railway Department. I heard the Minister for Housing say yester­ Mr. Lester: That will lead to closing down day, "Everything is changing in the con­ some of the railway lines. struction of schools from day to day. We just have to take the money out of one Mr. BURNS: The last railway line that school and put it towards another." What was sold in this State was flogged by the sort of system is that? How does he know Government up in Innisfail. The Govern­ where the work-force is going to be and ment will live to rue the day in the Innisfail where jobs are going to be? The Minister area. It was given away for nothing after says, "I have to steal a bit of money out thousands of dollars had been spent doing of a Labor electorate and hand it to the it up. That happened during the period next-door National Party electorate for one the honourable member has been in the reason or another." That "it is changing House and he said nothing about it. all the time" is his justification. There is no planning. There is no idea of planning Point No. 10-Letting of small Housing Com­ whatsoever. mission contracts to local builders in country areas. Dr. IJockwood: He has never done that. There are numerous complaints in country Mr. BURNS: Is the honourable member areas of Commission contracts being awarded for Toowoomba North back in the House to large metropolitan construction firms while again? It's the first time I have seen him small local builders are unable to find work. round for a while. In many parts of The size of such contracts is usually beyond Queensland population has streaked ahead the capacity of the local builder to compete of educational amenities. Dozens of schools by tender. In these instances both the are either overcrowded or substandard. bulk of the work-force and building materials Through an accelerated building programme are frequently imported into the centre the State Government can both generate new concerned. jobs and establish facilities of continuing I believe the Housing Commission must benefit to the entire community. Labor play its part in decentralised employment. will also consult with church and other lt should be directed to give consideration organisations, often with slender means, on within sizeable country projects to letting assistance towards improvement of boarding smaller contracts of, say, one, two or three schools, particularly those catering for homes to local builders. This would ensure country students in country and provincial that the local work-force, unable to match city areas. the demands of the overall project, still benefits from local development through job Point No. 12-Pay-roll tax exemption for creation. the first year to firms for each new additional employee. Mr. Jones: Maintenance and painting, too. Since September 1971, when this tax was Mr. BURNS: Yes. In Brisbane at present passed from the Commonwealth to the three or four contractors are getting all the States, the rate in Queensland has doubled work and they are bludging on a lot of from 2.5 to 5 per cent. Revenue collections little subcontractors by the prices they are in the past four years alone have risen by paying them. They are doing the same 210 per cent. thing to painters on the jobs here in this city as was being done to transport operators I realise that in last year's Budget the trying to get into Darwin, where contracts Treasurer announced the progressive eleva­ were being let for $80 and $90 a tonne and tion of the exemption limit in regard to this being contracted out at $30 and $40 a tonne. tax. Unfortunately this does little more than recognise the effects of inflation and in most Another point that should be made about small businesses will only help to sustain the local work-force is that preference should existing employment levels rather than inspire be given 'to local builders and contractors. new job opportunities. 46 Address in Reply [4 Auausr 1977] Address in Reply

Labor's proposal to exempt each new, I issued a statement on the road issue a additional employee for a year is far more fortnight ago so I will not pursue it here at imaginative, far more expansive. It will, I length today. believe, be an incentive-particularly in the Everyone who lived along the coastal rail region of small business-for firms to enlarge strip will remember the role that our rail­ their work-force without fear of immediate way system played during World War Il in pay-roll tax repercussions. the conveyance of troops and defence equip­ ment. Point No. 13-Increased preference in State Government contracts to Queensland We have major roads, including the Brucc industries. Highway from Brisbane to Cairns, that are flood bound at well-identified points follow­ In the metal industry, 1,000 jobs in Bris­ ing little more than a drizzle of rain. There bane alone have vanished during the six are towns of strategic importance that are months to the end of June. Recently, as 40 often isolated for up to four months during workers were being dismissed from one firm the wet season. The recurring loss to industry in Brisbane, I am told a Government con­ and the community must be astronomical. The tract for 1,000 rail wagon wheels was sublet potential defence risk is frightening. Imagine across the border to a company in Newcastle, if someone decides to attack us during the N.S.W. While the metal industry struggles in rainy season! We could not get our tanks up recession, Quilpie cattle sales were cancelled the road. I am informed that to transport because the Government could not provide some of our larger tanks to the North in sufficient rail wagons. It is essential that con­ the event of defence emergency it would be tracts such as this-contracts that create necessary to remove posts along the side of their own repayment capacity-should be our roads and we would have major diffi­ brought forward with clear preference to culties with railway tunnels. Queensland companies. Northern centres lose millions of dollars Point No. 14-State Government assistance annually because motoring tourists fear they to local authorities for the physical con­ could be stranded by rain along the way. trol of rural pests such as noogoora burr In the 1960s the Federal Government gave and parthenium weed. financial priority to the beef roads scheme. I believe that similar priority should be Pests such as the two I mentioned rob our awarded now to projects that are self-earning, pastoral industry of millions of doliars each job creative and increase the defence pre­ year. The loss continues to rise. paredness of the nation. They should be add~d to the Defence Vcte so that some Not so very long ago I was in Cunnamulla money can be spent in that area. where this matter was being discussed. A large proportion of the Aboriginal population While on the subject of defence I refer in that town were out of work and on the to the unprotected isolation of the Gulf, dole. Those people could have been occupied, where fleets of Taiwanese trawlers can roam as I pointed out before, for $140, out of through our prawning grounds with alarm­ which we would have received $27 in tax ing immunity. The only inhibition is a few and, instead of paying $47 in dole some­ naval patrol boats stationed on the other thing more than half of the mon~y out­ side of the Cape in faraway Cairns. Fifteen layed would be returned to us immed;ately. new patrol boats should be built in Aus­ Those people could be used in that area tralia, preferably in Queensland. I under­ alone. A major company forwarded a sub­ stand they are likely to be built in Germany. mission to the Premier on this issue. I believe when Vietnamese refugees, some suffering from tuberculosis, can land unchal­ Noogoora burr alone, according to an expert report, cost wool-growers an estimated lenged on our shores, defence authorities $2,250,000 last year. I am told that it is so should acknowledge the vulnerability of the thick in some parts of the State that it is Gulf as a point of entry for invasion, drugs impossible to ride a horse through it. or disease and construct a defence base at either Weipa or Karumba. It has been needed There are local authorities throughout for years and the Government has run away Queensland with ready-made unskilled work­ from providing it. forces available that would eagerly undertake clearance campaigns against these pests if Point No. 16-Complete review of the finance permitted. Here again, we have training of apprentices. projects that not only are job-generatina but While more than 80 per cent of Queens­ carry with them long-term advantaoe; for land's unemployment falls in the unskilled the community as a whole. It seems"' to me category, there are corresponding shortages that they would be easy to finance. in scme areas of skilled tradesmen. It is a Government responsibility to ensure that Point No. 15-The Federal Government this S ate has ample trained employees to should be pressured to reco<>nise the meet future developmental demands and, in importance of our roads and railways for doing so, reduce the level of unskilled per­ defence, tourism and export purposes. sons out of work. A Labor Government Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply 47 wiil initiate a searching review of the pre­ Likewise, rigid credit restraints enforced sent system in conjunction with employers, by the Federal Government through Reserve trade unions and education authorities. In Bank call-ups can only have a negative particular, we will look at the block-release effect on employment growth. There are training system that takes apprentices from small businesses tottering on the fringe of their place of work for weeks at a time collapse, unable to secure credit necessary and influences many businessmen against for their survival. their engagement. Point No. 19-State trade offices in Tokyo The State Government itself is guilty of and other Asian centres. winding down its apprenticeship intake. I have here statistics from the Industrial As far back as the 1969 election cam­ Development Minister that show this year's paign the State Government endorsed the estimated intake at 247 compared with 443 need for a trade office in Tokyo. Eight in 1975. In the Works Department the num­ years later, as our primary production bers in the two-year period have been cut markets wane in Europe and shudder uncer­ back from 252 to 47. At a time of record tainly in Japan and the United States, that junior unemployment when over 19,000 commitment has still not been honoured. Queenslanders under 21 are looking for jobs, the Government plans to enlist 42 fewe,r new Year after year the Government has neg­ apprentices than those completing their lected its responsibilities to Queensland training. exporters. To maintain employment and produce new jobs-indeed, in too many The Employment Planning Commission instances to retrieve lost ones-it is essential would be asked to consider- that we establish an expert marketing (a) a pool apprenticeship system with mechanism. We must have highly qualified young workers indentured to the industry; ofllcers on the spot in Asia to discover (b) training schemes m educational and exploit available trade outlets. establishments; I digress for a moment to emphasise the (c) pre-apprenticeship courses; competitiveness of international trade. Several (d) special provision for country years ago, at the Democratic Party con­ trainees; ference in America I was seated beside a delegate who was an executive of a major (e) the encouragement, with the agree­ grain ftrm. Although it took four days at ment of trade unions, of adult appren­ that time to receive a letter from Queens­ ticeships. land, he was able to tell me it had rained a day or two earlier in Emerald. Later Point No. 17-During seasonal downturns that same delente informed me that his work should be undertaken in national comp:my maintained a world-wide monitor­ parks on walking tracks and camping ing service to learn where to buy grain facilities used for both educational and cheaply as a result of gluts and sell pro­ tourist purposes. fitably because of shortages. That is the lt is worth recalling that many of our type of export challenge we must accept walking paths enjoyed by thousands in and meet. national parks such as Binna Burra are, in fact, a legacy of Government initiative Labor v. ill establish the trade office in during the depression of the 1930s. A Tokyo that the Government promised but similar programme in the current recession failed to deliver. We will also open offices would retain displaced work components in in other Asian centres-for a start, Hong areas concerned, reduce the drift to the Kong and Singapore. cities and establish facilities for the reason­ ably priced recreational benefit of the com­ Point No. 20-Investigate means of assist­ munity. Families would have amenities for ance to small businesses and rural holidays that may otherwise be outside their industries. financial reach. To a degree this aspect has been covered Point No. 18-Easing of excessive interest by some of my previous suggestions. But I rates and credit restrictions. believe it must be stressed that 42 per cent of employed Queenslanders are dependent on Perhaps this may appear unrelated to the small business and that townships scattered direct question of unemployment but the two 'throughout the State rely on rural prosperity are, in practice, indivisibly associated. When for their existence. Governments must rec­ purchasing power or home construction ognise that, when small business and prim­ diminishes through the upward fluctuation ary industries flounder, the entire commun­ of interest charges, there must be an accom­ ity suffers the side-effects. panying loss of jobs. In Queensland last year, interest rates, which the Liberal­ Only recently, for instance, in the North National Parties in 1975 promised to reduce, local tobacco quotas were cut-threa1tening rose three times, compelling a couple with the livelihood of many districts-while a $25,000 home loan to repay an extra imported leaf, a lot of it from America, $7 a week in interest. streams into the country. 48 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply

Labor will consuLt on a regular basis when the Liberal-National Parties found it with small business and rural industries to fashionable to blame the Federal Labor determine ways in which we can help each Government. other. Jobs loSit through temporary reces­ The figures upon which the article was sion, particularly in country areas, are often based reveal, in fact, a far slower mte of never retrieved. job recovery than normal between January I put forward the 20 points I have outlined and June-11.9 per cent compared with 29.9 as a series of suggestions to the Govern­ per cent in the same period 12 months ago. ment in the present employment crisis. Many This always happens between January and people with an intimate knowledge of June. Anyone looking at the figures for the employment 'trends and a desire for a pros­ past three years will see that. More and perous Queensland have contributed long more Queenslanders are staying unemployed hours of study and thought towards their for longer and longer periods. The truth is preparation. that as Australia experiences its worst unem­ ployment in over 30 years the Queensland I return once more to the late Ben fif,'Ure month af.ter month remains above the Chifley and quote from a campaign speech national average. of 5 October, 1949. Mr. Chiflley said- There are students in our schools who "Before the war-and for as many would prefer to be in jobs; others in occupa­ years back as we care to go-it was the tions not of their choice; women at home usual thing to have 8 or 10 per cent of who would rather be at work if only jobs unemployment in Australia. were available; and metal workers dismissed from positions they had held, in some "Tbat means want and degradation for instances, for 20 years. Small business is the unemployed and their families. For depressed; the beef industry on its knees; those in work it meant ceaseless fear of and sugar growers are struggling against othe losing a job. For business people it meant aggression of Japanese refiners to retain a slack demand, low return and unsaleable contract not due to expire until 1980. It is stocks. For the farmer it meant low a time when politicians, management and prices, unpayable debts and foreclosure industrial leaders should be able to co­ on his property. For the community as operate and consult instead of being forced a whole, it meant wasted wealth, a falling into rival camps by manufactured political birth rate, frustration and bitterness." confrontation. How closely those words of Ben Chifley's Only a few weeks ago on radio I heard 28 years ago resemble the situation con­ the Premier describing as "stable" unemploy­ fronting us today. We have our highes't ment levels that are 30 per cent higher than unemployment since that speech in 1949, an they were two years ago. I can only imag­ unemployment level that, according to pre­ ine with this type of illogical reasoning he dictions, may pass the 7 per cent mark. And will find them favourable if they rise a already in our schools there is a backlog of further 30 per cent and soar beyond the 7 frustrated students from last year soon to per cent point in January. Perhaps he is be supplemented by a fresh batch of young an adherent of :the theory that it is a com­ job hopefuls. fort to have 6 to 8 per cent of the work­ force out of jobs to keep the fear of the I believe people of community influence sack in the minds of the remainder. That must strive together for a satisfactory solu­ was another point Chifley made in his 1949 tion, and this 20-point plan is presented in speech-that there are a lot of people in that spirit of co-operation. the communi.ty who believe-- It is no comfort for the unemployed for Mr. Lowes: People didn't accept the the Liberal-National Parties which promised Chifley speech in 1949. emoloyment recovery 19 months ago, to now look backwards and blame Gough Whitlam. Mr. BURNS: The fact is that he was pointing to the philosophy of the honour­ I note that in his Speech of Tuesday to able member's party and the honourable this Parliament the Governor said- member is espousing that philosophy today. "There is reason for confidence that the I have never heard of his doing one thing employment position in Queensland will about unemployment. I have not heard him improve in the months ahead particularly say one word in this Parliament on behalf in comparison with the rest of Australia." of the unemployed. hope this prophesy proves correct but can't Mr. Lowes: I have employed people and avoid suspecting that it is window-dressing I have paid them award wages. by the Government to conceal its failures in the shadow of an election. Mr. BURNS: The Premier's lack of inter­ est in the employment situation and his Yesterday's "Courier-Mail" newspaper, relentless pursuit of industrial disruption under a very misleading banner headline instead of industrial calm make me realise hinting at job recovery, reported in a few that he is not interested in the workers. paragraphs that unemployment is worse than There are thousands of Queenslanders out last year and far worse than the year before of work today. Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply 49

There are thousands of Queenslanders jobs would amount to $39,000 a week or today-more than at any time since the war­ about $2,000,000 a year. Overali, with the who would welcome the opportunity of a fair creation of 1,000 jobs, the retur!l to the day's work for a fair day's pay, but they Federal Government would be worth don't get that opportunity. In 1975 before $4,400,000. the federal election the National-Liberal Par­ ties promised to reduce unemployment. They The Leader of the Opposition referred to have not only failed to honour that under­ the manufacturing industries and their plight taking but, in the process, have thrown in Queensland. In 1975-76 Queensland im­ thousands more onto the job scrap-heap, and ported from interstate $1,310 million worth now they seem content to leave them there. of goods. Our interstate exports totalled $430,000,000. In interstate trade, therefore, I thank the House for its tolerance, and Queensland had a deficit of $880,000,000. hope sincerely that some of the suggestions Such a situation is a drastic one particularly submitted on behalf of the Opposition will for the manufacturing industries. Our total help retrieve a situation that, under Liberal­ overseas trade deficit stood at $110,600,000. National Party Governments in both Canberra Our total overseas and interstate exports stood and Queensland, has rocketed wildly out of at $813,100,000. Onr total overseas and inter­ control in the past 19 months. state imports amounted to $1,803 · 7 million. Our total overseas and interstate trade clefioit Mr. YEWDALE (Rockhampton North) stood at $990,600,000. (12.36 p.m.): I have pleasure in seconding the For quite some time unemployment has motion moved by the Leader of the Opposi­ been a topic of discussion in the Common­ tion. I believe that the scheme placed before wealth and in Queensland. In fact, yester­ the House this morning by my leader merits day's "Courier-Mail", on its front page, a great deal of consideration because a Jot carried the headline "11.9 drop in of work was put into arriving at .those con­ Queensland jobless". However, the article clusions. Over the past 12 to 18 months the the following statement is made- Government has done very little about unem­ ployment. Certainly the scheme proposed by "The figures show that the State's the Opposition should be given serious con­ unemployment in June was 29.6 per cent sideration. higher than in June, 1975, and 25.9 per cent higher than in June, 1976." One of the proposals put forward in the I suggest that the headline was presen~ed last few days relates to the voluntary retire­ in that form deliberately by "The Couner­ ment plan for public servants. The proposed Mail", and that the figure of 11.9 per cent scheme, which is worthy of further mention is only a factitious one. In fact the unemploy­ ·by me now, would create 1,000 jobs and cost ment position in Queensland is not improving the Government about $3,400,000. At the but is auite static. I suggest that over the present time there are about 50,000 public next few months, with the end of the school servants in the superannuation scheme. Under year, the situation will become worse. the proposed scheme some 1,500 public ser­ vants between the ages of 60 and 65 years Prior to the election of the Fraser Federal would be able to retire early. It is obvious Government the matters of unemployment that people in all avenues of employment are and inflation were ones on which the Queens­ looking for early retirement. The trend land Government went to the people. It towards early retirement from .the Public suggested that these problems were pre­ Service is indicated by the fact that in 1975- eminent in the minds of the Liberal and 76 early retirements rose from 104 to 144, National Country Parties, and in fact Mr. and it is estimated that the number will reach Fraser's policy speech was riddled with that 180 in 1977-78. The Opposition scheme is for sort of attitude. The justification put for­ optional retirement, and it is a pertinent point ward for the Fraser grab for power, supported that early retirement would not be compul­ and engineered by the Premier, Mr. Bjelke­ sory. With 49,000 men, women and young Petersen, was that it was the only means persons out of work in Qneensland, this by which unemployment and inflation could would be a good way to open the door for be reduced. History shows, however, that many young people to enter the Public Ser­ the Federal Government has done little to vice. I trust that after the election when we relieve unemployment in the Commonwealth. become the Government we will be able to Similarly, the Premier and his State Gov­ implement the scheme. ernment have done very little to relieve the problem. When one looks further into the problem of unemployment one finds that 70 per cent Vlithin the last couple of weeks the Premier of nnemployed persons in Queensland are decided to have three of his Ministers look receiv,ing unemployment bene,fits. With the into the problem of unemployment in creation of 1,000 jobs, 700 persons could be Queensland and come forward with some taken off the dole. That would mean that the sort of analysis and suggestions to overcome Federal Government would save $45,500 a it. Those Ministers are the Minister for week in unemployment benefits, which repre­ Industrial Development, Labour Relations and sents $2,400,000 annually. Taxation benefits Consumer Affairs (Mr. Campbell), the Mini­ to -the Federal Government from those 1,000 ster for Community and Welfare Services and 50 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply

Minister for Sport (Mr. Herbert), and the structure did not move as anticipated he Minister for Education and Cultural Activi­ gained a prize or a present of $5,000,000. ties (Mr. Bird). The emphasis is to be Apparently devaluation also gave the Gov­ placed on unemployment among our youth. ernment a windfall through the mining The Government has taken a long while industry. But none of this money was put to to get around to taking such action. I use to create jobs in the community. commend this action, but I have grave doubts about the reasons for it. I sugges.t that the During the last recess I moved through Government has ulterior motives in calling some country areas, particularly in the Wide for this analysis at a time a few months Bay district. I spoke to local authority prior to a State election. I suggest this is people, regional directors and others in the only a cosmetic operation carried out by the area who told me that they would dearly Government at a time when unemployment love to get finance to carry out vital local will become a public issue during the election government work. They spoke of the R.E.D. campaign. Unemployment, particularly scheme, and one local authority chairman among young people, is a matter for grave said very frankly and openly, "I don't care concern not only to the individuals affected what title is given to money for the local but also to their families and the community authority; they can call it red, blue, brindle at large. or black. I would like some money to finish off some of the works that have stopped The effects of unemployment are extremely because of lack of money provided under widespread. First of all, there is the simple the R.E.D. scheme." monetary cost of providing unemployment Mr. PoweU: Which local authority chair­ benefits. It is necessary to appoint supporting man was tha:t? staff to provide these benefits. Unemploy­ ment costs money in the sense that it has to be administered. People are appointed Mr. YEWDALE: I correct that. He was to administer it, but all they are doing is the mayor of Bundaberg. He made that perpetuating the problem. Something should statement publicly-in front of two other be done to take unemployed persons off people with me, and about three or four of the dole and provide them with work. his aldermen. :Mr. Poweli: I will verify that. Further indirect costs are incurred in the return to school of young persons who JHr. YEWDALE: The honourable member experience difficulty in finding employment. may go ahead and verify it. It is a fact of M:any school-leavers who are unable to life that he said he would welcome money obtain employment are forced to return to for works that remain unfinished within his school. All they are doing is draining the city boundaries. That is the position in most resources of the Education Department. other areas. Young people who go back to school simply I S"Joke recently to the shire clerk of because their parents do not wish to see l1mketown about money that was supposedly them walking the streets or because they forthcoming for the damage done by the find it difficult to prove that they have cyclone. He said that the red-tape_ delays in been looking for work and that it is not supplying the money were causmg grave available are faced with a dead-end situation. concern, that in Burketown the Housing Com­ I believe that the young people in the mission had placed stumps in the ground for community who are walking .the streets con­ the erection of houses and that they were tribute to the increased crime rate. When still there but nothing further had been clone they do this, delinquency develops because although people were crying out for they are frustrated and demoralised. The accommodation. position cannot improve when children who left school six, 12 or 18 months ago cannot Mr. Newbery: How long ago was that? find work. Mr. YEWDALE: That was only a few As I said earlier, it seems that the Govern­ weeks ago. The shire clerk was concerned ment has been hiding its head under a bushel because it is a fact of life that men will not for a long time while the Opposition has stay in the shire to work when there is no been suggesting many proposals to develop accommodation for them in Burketown. labour-intensive work in the community Because the Government has not seen fit to which would give a fairly quick return to provide accommodation it is very diffic~lt the Government. We have referred to the to get the right type of people to stay m lack of sewerage in Ipswich and Townsville, Burketown. The cyclone relief money has the need for road-works in the North and not been forthcoming. the Mt. Isa area, and to the irrigation schemes at Bundaberg and Mackay that are When I was in Mt. Isa I made a comment being funded with only nominal amounts of to the media which, initially, the shire clerk money and have been delayed for years and denied. Later, the phones were buzzing, and years through lack of funds. Last year the they got onto the Treasurer (Mr. Knox). The Treasurer boasted proudly that he was able only answer the Treasurer had for :the shire to balance his books. He had budgeted [or clerk was that the shire had been approach­ a deficit of $5,000,000 but because the wage ing the wrong department-that it had got Address in Reply (4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply 51 its wires crossed. That was a complete of federalism, funds have becc1 withdrawn), cover-up. I feel sure that the department was is being allowed to wither. If those to blame for the money not being provided. policies continue, there will be no improve­ ment in employment. The tern1 "dole bludgers" has becon1e a catchcry in these days of unemployment. It is not much good "The Courier-Mail" But almost daily people come to us in our producing false headlines about an 11.9 per electorates complaining about the functioning cent drop in unemployment in Queensland of the Social Security Department and its when that is not factual. To my mind that requirements for qualifying for the dole. In is being used to favour the present Govern­ Rockhampton, an organisation called ment. That newspaper would be better advised S.L.U.M.P.-standing for School-leavers to propose schemes such as those that have Unemployment Mobilisation Plan-was been put forward by the Opposition to try established. It is now in its second year. to alleviate unemployment. If the Govern­ It has done a marvellous job in getting young ment does not do that, it will be ans\';erable people together to explain to them how they to the electorate. should approach employers for jobs, how to present themselves and keep themselves in a Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah proper, tidy fashion, but no jobs are avail­ -Premier) (12.53 p.m.): Naturally, I rise to able and these kids pound the pavement oppose the suggestion of the Leader of the throughoc;t the city, day in and day out, only Opposition. to get the same answer. V1'e were told by the Premier and by the Prime Minister that Mr. Lee: It's laughable. if the coalition parties regained the Treasury benches everything would be right because l".ir. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I agree that it they would restore incentive to the private is a laughable amendment. It is quite obvious sector. To my mind, that incentive has not that the Leader of the Opposition £ot his been provided. All the talk about what is idea from the "Telegraph", v. hich ~says- going to happen in the employment of " A campaign should centre around calling people relies predominantly on activity on Mr. Bjelke-Petersen to stop blaming within the private sector. However, if the Canberra, display unemployment as a private sector is not prepa.red to provide State responsibility and evolve a positive employment-if it docs not have confidence Labor master-plan for recovery". in this or the Federal Government-we wili not see any improvement. Apart from the fact that the Leader of the Opposition has taken this as a clue for his I turn now to the matter of apprenticeships. address today, it is interesting to note that It seems to me that the Government is that article sets out very clearly that Labor depleting the number of apprenticeships being has no hope and that the people have no con­ offered. The relevant figures, which were fidence in the Labor Party. Thev have no confidence whatsoever, as is demonstrated referred to by the Leader of the Opposition very clearly in this article. a few minutes ago, show that the intake has dropped alarmingly. They are the Govern­ However, let us get to the crux of the ment's own figures-and I expect the num­ matter. Where did this whole problem of ber to drop even further. In the !\lain Roads unemp!oymen: start? Who created it and Department mainteaance shop in Rockhamp­ perpetuated it? I remember very well that, ton, which has quite a substantial labour when Mr. Whitlam assumed the office of force of tradesmen, not one motor mechanic Prime Minister, the inflation rate was 4 p~r cent and th~re was practically no unemploy­ apprentice has been taken on in the last ment. He d1d a tour around the world in a seven years. That is in spite of the fact that jet and, when he came back, it was 6 per cent. several tradesmen are continually on main­ He called us all to,;ether in Canberra, as he tenance and repairs. On the one hand the did when it was 4 per cent, and we sat all dav Government tells us it is time to do some­ talking about unemployment and rising infla­ thing about unemployment, but on the other tion. Then he did another trio around the hand kids available and willing at all times wor1d and, when he came back, it was 8 to take up apprenticeships are being denied per cent. He called us all down to Canberra the opportunity. The Government is not again and he said, "What are v. e going to taking on the number of apprentices that it do about this unemployment and rising infla­ should. tion?" He said, "You in the States do it." Mr. Crean, who I think is a very likeable man, said, "It's your problem in the States. You In recent times the Nlinister for Works and fix it up." I said, "You said you could run Housing has seen fit to deplete his depart­ the States because you controlled the econ­ mental work-force-and for his own obvious omy. How can. we do it in the wings when reasons.. If tradesmen are not working, you are throwmg money around like this?" apprentices cannot be employed, because there must be a proportion of tradesmen to The Prime Minister then flew around the apprentices. So the public sector in Queens­ worid again in a jet, looking at the mins land, like the p:.Jblic sector federally (where, in Greece and Peru. He returned to because of the Fraser Government's policy Australia and inflation was running at 10 52 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977} Address in Reply per cent and the unemployment figure had of the House. I do not mind ordinary inter­ risen astronomically. He again called us jections but honourable members will not together in Canberra. Again we sat for cross-lire as they have been doing, or I will a whoie day. He said, "I can't do anything deal with them. about it. You will have to give me special powers. You will have to transfer all Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: Utah suspended State powers to the Commonwealth. Then the calling of all contracts which would I might be able to do it." have provided employment for 500 people. We know that the people of Australia That was announced publicly. The hon­ tossed out the Labor Party in Canberra ourable member knows that and has never lock, stock and barrel. The Labor Party said one word about it. in Queensland suffered the same fate. Many of its members were tossed out, and only How can we provide employment when a handful remain. This happened because the Labor Party has adopted policies to the Queensland people knew very well that create higher taxes? The honourable mem­ the A.L.P. members in Queensland had the ber was in Perth and did not say one word same ideas and the same policies as those against that proposal. The Labor Party that had wrecked the Australian economy stands behind sales tax and capital gains and created unemployment. tax. Of course the A.L.P. won't gain office, It was members of the A.L.P. in both but if ever it did, how could it provide Queensland and Canberra, when Labor was employment when it has policies like that? in office in Canberra, who encouraged the The A.L.P. is committed to those taxes unions to go all out for higher and higher and not one word has been said about them. wages. Mr. Cameron said to the unions, Did A.L.P. members ever say anything about "Get all you can get. Go for your life." Fraser Island when they set up a committee And my word they did! The more that that came up with a recommendation that wages went up, the more people were put out destroyed the jobs of 400 or 500 people of work. As industry was confronted with directly employed and hundreds of other higher costs, all it could do was what it people indirectly employed? Of course they is doing today-put more people out of didn't. They are the people who supported work. So today it is almost impossible, it and set up the committee that made the under the conditions of strikes and what-not, recommendation. to provide employment. Do you, Mr. Speaker, ever hear Opposition Mr. BURNS: I rise to a point of order. members, including the Leader of the Opposi­ l did not set up any committee on Fraser tion and his deputy, saying one word on Island. I was the first member of this behalf of the men put out of work at Nor­ Parliament to go to Fraser Island when the wich Park and the other places? men were sacked. Government members were sitting here, together with the hon­ Mr. :Hnnston: They haven't been employed, ourable member for Maryborough, when I so how cou!d they be put out of work? was in the town that night. Mr. lbms: How many have been sacked? Mr. SPEAKER: Order! There is no point Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: The honourable of order. member is trying to draw a red herring across the trail. Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: Everybody Mr. BURNS: I rise to a point of order. knows Labor's record in this regard. Labor i challenge the Premier to state how many members turned a complete somersault the people were sacked at Norwich Park. other day because an election was coming up. They were trying to hoodwink some Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: The simple fact people. is that Utah announced publicly that it would cancel its operations. Labor members have gone along with all of the militant unions that are run by their Mr. :Houston interjected. Commo friends. They have backed those people and have never criticised or con­ Mr. SPEAKER: Order! demned them.

Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: Not once has [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] any Opposition member said anything about the Seamen's Union and how it created this problem. Opposition members have encour­ Hon. W. E. KNOX (Nunda:h-Deputy aged the seamen. They have supported them Premier and Treasurer) (2.15 p.m.): The and urged them to go ahead. present debate deals with an amendment moved by the Leader of the Opposition Honourable Members interjected. which expresses a lack of confidence in the Government. The Premier has replied and Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I have warned I intend to support his remarks il:o ensure all honourable members that I will not toler­ that the people of Queensland know and ate persistent interjections from either side understand who is responsible for any lack Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply 53

of confidence that there may be in the com­ Mr. KNOX: The conference also carried munity over the way in which the State is by a majority of one vote a motion to allow moving. the establishment of an Omega base in this country. One vote! I wonder if that was I want to say that ·the majority of the the vote of the Leader of the Opposition? people of Queensland have great confidence in the Government of this State, as was Mr. Burns: They carried it. revealed by the Labor Party's own survey. They wanted to find out whether they could Mr. KNOX: It was not the vote of the win back seats that .they lost at the last Leader of the Opposition because he voted St:ate election. They spent an enormous against it. sum of money to discover that not only could they not win the election but they Mr. BURNS: Again I rise to a point of would not win back the seats lo&t on the last order. That is another untruth. If the occasion. That, of course, is an indication Deputy Premier cannot talk about unem­ that the people of this State have great ployment and the other problems of Queens­ confidence in the Government and approve land, he should aJt least stick to the truth. of the way in which the State is being gov­ I voted in favour of the Omega base. erned. That survey showed that even Labor voters thought that there was very little Mr. KNOX: It is now a matter of record wrong with the way in which the Govern­ that the Leader of the Opposition voted for ment is managing the affairs of the State. the motion. Apparently I was misinformed. Tha't is what .the Labor Party discovered We Sltill have to see the records of the from their studies and I assure you, Mr. Labor Party conference in Perth which will Speaker, and you may assure His Excellency, no doubt show whether the Leader of tbe that his advisers enjoy not only the con­ Opposition is right or wrong in what he fidence of the House but also the confidence says. of the people. There is one issue that the Leader of the Mr. Ahem: They'll have to bring back Opposition claimed in his speech that he Jack, I think. championed, that being the continuation of mining on Fraser Island. We all know, and Mr. KNOX: I think there have been the records are available in the Parliamentary .1ttempts to bring back Jack, but, with the Library to be consulted, that the Leader of honourable member for Mackay looming the Opposition was the spokesman on behalf large on the scene, there is little oppor­ of tbe A.L.P. who appeared before an inquiry tunity to bring Jack back. He is being to recommend that mining on Fraser Island cease forthwith regardless of what restrict­ ~tjueezed out of his seat almost every day. There is more concerning tbe honourable ions were imposed. member for Mackay which will be told later in the debate. l'¥1r. BURNS: Mr. Speaker, I rise to a point of order. So far as unemployment, which is the gravamen of the argument presented by the Mr. KNOX: The Leader of the Opposition Leader of the Opposition, is concerned, at cannot deny tbat; the records can be pro­ the conference of the Labor Party in Perth, duced. which the Leader of the Opposition attended, that party established as policy, led in this Mr. BURNS: Mr. Speaker, I rise to a point matter by Mr. Hurford, the Opposition of order. I did not appear before any inquiry ~nokesma'1 on these matters in the Federal to ask that mining cease forthwith. I went House, that a high level of unemployment before the warden's inquiry prior to any would continue in this country regardle'!is of mining being started. It was the Liberal­ the Government in office. National Party that closed the mining on Fraser Island. Mr. BURNS: I rise to a point of order. I do not like ,to bear misquotations. What Mr. KNOX: The Leader of the Opposition the Treasurer said is not true. That was is playing with words. I did not say it was a rejected by the conference. I think the Royal Commission, I said it was an inquiry. Treasurer ought to stick to the truth. It was a warden's inquiry and the Leader Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I ask the Treas­ of the Opposition appeared before it. The urer to accept the explanation of the Leader transcript shows that the Leader of the Oppo­ uf the Opposition. sition pleaded with the warden to stop the mining on Fraser Island. Mr. KNOX: I accept the explanation of the Leader of the Opposition, who, I pre­ Mr. BURNS: I rise to a point of order. sume, was present at the debate and voted I did not appear and plead that the mining one way or the other on this subject. What be stopped. There was then no mining on is amazing is that the Labor Party con­ Fraser Island. ference would consider such a matter at all. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! There is no valid Mr. Burns: It rejected it. point of order. 54 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply

lVir. KNOX: We are being treated to a lot skins. This is the sort of party tha: the La\)cr of opinions from the Leader of the Opposi­ Parly has now become. The Luder of the tion. Perhaps he would care to give us his Opposition is a nonentity, a non-thing in th._ opinion about the export of uranium. I community, because t'te peorle no longer understand he is opposed-- regard the Labor Party as the party of reform and social progress. That, of course, Opposition Members interjected. has been revealed in all the studies conducted by the Labor Party. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I have said before :Hr. Bums: 11 per cent Bill! that honourable members on my left will cease their persis{ent interjections. If they Mr. KNOX: I do not care if my rating do not, I shall have to deal with them. Thev goes down to zero. The Leader of our will have their opportunity to speak, as wiil Government is Joh Bjelke-Petersen. He everybody else. I ask for the co-operation is the leader of our Government and he of all members, or I shall have to deal with has the faith and unanimous support of them. every single member of the Liberal Party. The Government which the Premier leads, !Vir. Margim;on: What about unemploy­ the Government which I support, and the ment? Government of which I am the Deputy Leader is going to win the next election Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourabl~ hancsomely. The interests of the people member for Wolston knows the rules of the of this State, even the interests of the people game, and he will be the first one to leave who do not vote for us, will be benefited the Chamber if he does not behave himself. by the decision that the electorate makes about the continuance in office of this Gov­ 1\!r. KNOX: No doubt the Leader of the ernment. That will be the decision made Opposition will tell us vvhere he stands with by the people of this State, and the Leader regard to the export of uranium from this of the Opposition wiil be fighting for his State. I understand he is opposed to it. survival in his own party. He is expendable, Perhaps he will be able to quote some record jnst as his predecessor and his predecessor's which shows I am wrong on that issue, too. predecessor were expendable to the people Apparently not, because as we all suspect, who manipulate the party from behind the he and the party which he leads are dedicated scenes. That is the way it operates for to disruption. The A.L.P. is not genuin~ly him. The people of this State don't want interested in the welfare of the people. It used to see a Government that is answerable to be a party that was concerned about the to people outside Parliament. The people of welfare of people, but it is no longer inter­ this Slate want a Government that is prepared ested in this subject. It is more interested to accept responsibility for governing and a in trying to make political points and in Gov.:;rnment that is prepared to answer for obeying the rules and dictates of people out­ itself in this House or any other forum that side Parliament. When the Leader of the is provided. That is what we are prepared Opposition put up his list of candidates the to do. other day to try to improve the image of the Queensland is one of the States where the Labor Party in this State, they were com­ people of Australia wish to come and live pletely rejected. So this is the situation in permanently. For the last 16 years people which he now finds himself, a prisoner of the have been drifting to Queensland to Jive. Left Wing of his party, unable to move and Why is that? Because of the sort of gov­ unable to make decisions in his own right. ernment provided, the sort of philosophy that comes from the Government that runs 1\fr. Burns: Your story has touched my this State. We are the lowest-taxed people heart. in Australia; we have the lowest level of unemployment in the country. In New Mr. KNOX: I am sure it has. I do not South Wales the collea!Cues of honcerc.ble kno·:' what the Leader of the Opposition members opposite are just about 'Nrecking intends to do about his problems but one the place with their policies. About one­ thing is ab~olutely c~rtain: at the next State quarter of the expert hcome of this nation election it will be shown that the people of is earned in QHeensland. Quee;1s1and'~ Queensland have Jn confidence whatsoever cont:-ibution to

The market for uranium ·will not then remain Let it be remembered that up to the time as it is now. Australia"s putting itself out of of his retirement Sir Robert Menzies made tt1is market is one of the great nonsenses of two very notable efforts to return real this age. sovereign powers to the States by giving them back their taxing powers. But they would All the people who talk about the dangers not take them. His attempt to halt the uf the proouction and export of uranium are progression of power from the periphery to people who are whistling against the wind. the centre was not entirely because he Of course there are dangers in the produc­ wanted it to be so. But certainly after his tion and use of uranium, but there are attempt there has been a marked tendency dangers in the use and production of every­ for whoever controls Canberra to want to thing that changes the course of human pro­ put the power into Canberra, and what was, gress. The arguments adduced against as I say, a trickle up to 1972 became a uranium were undoubtedly those used when torrent or a tidal wave over the ensuing someone discovered the wheel or when some­ three years. body discovered the bow and arrow which outstripped the spear. No doubt they were In Mr. Whitlam's time Big Brother advanced when gunpowder was discovered Canberra was to reign supreme. Fortunately and when looms were invented. Indeed, one for us all his Government overreached itself might fairly say that the Labor Party, the and the people became so appalled, so Left Wing and ail those who a,re against the frightened and so outraged 'that they rejected produotion of uranium are the Luddites of the A.LP. centralists totally; they tossed them the 20th Century. out neck and crop. They were annihilate.d The A.L.P., so riddled and white-anted at the 1975 election to an extent that thetr by Communists and the extreme Left Wing, defeat was infinitely more humiliating than makes great play with the Left-wing unions any other party has suffered in any other of wanting Australia out of the production election in the whole of our national history. of uranium. It does not want ,the produc­ The people of Australia just do not believe tion of any nuclear power at all in this that all wisdom resides in Canberra, country. But, of course, it says nothing at although the people in Canberra seem to all at any time about ,the enormous surge believe that this is so and that therefore, forward in the use of nuclear power, uranium with all wisdom residing in Canberra, all reactors and fast breeder reactors in countries real power should also reside in Canberra. •mch as Russia and satellite countries under Well, the people of Australia do not accept Russian controL The theory is that we should that, and most certainly the people of :et out of this field and allow Russia and its Queensland do not. allies to have absolute supremacy in iL Believe me, Mr. Speaker, to those of us Not for me! l am totally for the concept not only here but throughout Australia who that uranium should be produced and thought that with the advent of the Fraser exported and that there should be a move­ Government in 1975 a new day would dawn ment into the production of nuclear power for federalism in Australia, it was a matter in this country. of very deep distress to discover that in fact in many important areas this is not I have used the Address-in-Reply debate happening. An alarming tendency has been on each occasion in the last 11-odd years to developing over recent times, culminating !n speak about the problems of operating a the recent referendums, for our people m federal system because in all the years in Canberra to be touched with the Whitlam which l have been in politics, markedly in mania, believing that anything Canberra does the years in v.;hich I have been on the parlia­ must be better and therefore that they should mentary side, I have seen a tremendous and be permitted to do it; that any opinions and most distressing erosion of the fede.ral sys­ policies that Canberra produce must be pro­ tem. I have witnessed a growing imbalance duced by cleverer people than one can between the Parliament in Canberra and the find in any of the States and therefore Parliaments in the various States. I have they should supersede and take precedence seen developing a quite intolerable use of over any of the programmes and policies what I call the exotic constitutional powers initiated by the States. of the Commonwealth. I refer to such matters as the use of tied grants, the use of We have had a whole series of incidents treaty-making powers and so on to trans­ where matters which properly should belong form the federal sytsem into a unitary sys­ to the States have been taken over by tem. I do not deny that this happened before arbitrary, unilateral action by a Federal Gov­ Labor assumed office and it is happening ernment Take, for instance, the Torres :\fter Labor has left office. Strait border dispute. Now, what was this? No more than a crude attempt by the Mr. Casey: It was started by John Gorton. Federal Government to give away part of Queensland. And why? In my view, the M.r. PORTER: I readily accept that and total reason for this was to try to help am on record as speaking about it at the Mr. Somare make certain he would win time. Vlhat I want to point out is that what his election. In 'the event it probably would \·.as a trickle up to 1972 has become a flood. not have meant anything, but in fact there 58 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply was no consultation with Queensland on all. The Federal Government evoked a this; there was no attempt to discover the reaction which to this day has not abated extent of Queensland's feeling and there very much at all. was no real consideration of the issues or the people in the area who are to be handed There are other factors, too. Take the over to the people of New Guinea like Grants Commission role. We had an so many counters in a game of draughts­ announcement made about two months ago. none at all! It was completely arbitrary, Again this was a totally unilateral move, completely unilateral and unutterably stupid forcing on the smaller States a tax-sharing because this will never come about. The de:termination which, in view of the Grants Torres Strait border will not be shifted. Commission's role in adjudicating on dis­ abilities, must favour the bigger States and We had another instance with a body disfavour the smaller States. But the Fed­ which was set up in order to assist with eral Government went ahead with its pro­ the problems that inevitably grow when we posi,tion, despite the fact thatt the four try to return to some aspects of a federal Premiers of the smaller States, including two system with sovereign taxing powers for the Labor Premiers, were violently opposed to States. There was set up by agreement it at the Premiers' Conference preceding the between the State Governments and the last one. So the Grants Commission's role Federal Government in early 1976 a council is again to be that of a body which is for intergovernmental relationships. When designed to ensure that in a so-called federal it was first set up it was going to be a system the Federal Government will be body of 27 people and the States would supreme. have 12 members. In other words, they would have 44~- per cent of .the total Then, of course, we had the case of the membership. recent referendums, which were all aimed at large-scale changes in the powers of and That was very reasonable; that looked the relationships between the Commonwealth like a body which might help. What hap­ and State Governments. The holding of pened? A conference of Ministers was such referendums was never discussed by held two or three months later and the the Federal Government with the States­ Federal boys a:t this conference suddenly certainly it was never discussed by Mr. Fraser plonked down a new scheme for restructur­ with his collegue Premiers. The result was ing this body. Under this scheme the that the Fraser Government went ahead with States' share of membershin went down to i'ts referendum proposals and sowed the seeds 31.5 per cent, less than on~-third of a body for deep and lasting interparty dissensions. that was supposed to assist the smooth work­ And they did exist. It also m:1rched on to ing in a federal scheme of the par,tner States what in my view-and I said it in this House with the Federal Government. -was an inevitable defeat. Mr. Fraser won three minor questions, one of .them dealing But that was not the end of it. Only with the filling of a casual Senate vacancy about a month after that the Prime Minister being couched in such gobbledegook that if suddenly announced that it was to be re­ ever a case got to the High Court I believe structured asain. This time the States' share the bench would laugh itself down to the went down to 26 per cent. So six States nearest club or bar and forget all about it. were to be represented by 26 per cent of But the major question to which an affirm­ the members, but the members to be ative vote would have made the Senate 2 appointed by the Federal Government, in vassal of the House of Representatives was terms of its own direct representation and the defeated. citizens' representatives that it would appoint, went up to 48 per cent. That sort In this Parliament, as the State campaign of nonsense of pretending that the federal director for the "No" campaign, let me ack­ system is going to be made to work, and nowleclze the tremendous work done by mv at the very moment of talking about it colleagues, pmiicularly the Premier and the providing machinery to make sure that it Deputy Premier, and by our Federal coll­ won't work, because there will be arbitrary eagues who stood manfully by the States. control from Canberra, is not only mis­ especially Senator Kathy Martin, who turned chievous but stupid. It achieves nothing. out to be an enormous fighter in a proper cause. But fer ,the role we played here, I All of us will remember the Fraser Island believe there would have been a prospect of situafon. Whatever one believes about the its being carried. So let us congratulate our­ requirements of conservation, no-one in his selves that we turned a tide. right senses can accept that the Federal Gov­ ernment has the right to use, again without I mentioned these referendum results any consultation with the States, an entirely because I am enormously perturbed about different power in the Commonwealth Con­ the way in which that referendum was stitution-its power to grant or withhold held. Of course it followed a pattern export licences-to achieve a conservation for conducting referendums, which seem to end. Conservation is totally wi•thin the have gro•.,n apace over the last decade or State's province. This was Federal domin­ so. That pattern is to present on the ballot­ ation at its rudest and crudest. Again what paper some slick writer's potted version of appals me is the unutterable stupidity of it what the constitutional change is. In real Address it! Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply 59

: ,;o::t what :::ppears on the ballot-paper is change that will achieve the result that it ~ll be~:;t an extraordinarily incomplete repre­ was suggested it would achieve in the words :icntation of \,hat the proposed constitutional on the ballot-paper. c:•an~.e is. Tn the cas::: of the last referen­ th;m, \Yitb. four questions, it was a com­ The question on the territorians' voting :,lete misstate:nent. Indeed, if any private rights carefully did not mention what in :~Jmpany had put out a prospectus so deliber­ fact is a very significant aspect of the Bill, ately misleading as the questions on the namely, that the number of voters in the h !lot-paper in this referendum it would have territories will be taken into account in been prosecuted. Our Federal Government, determining the number of voters which will .md any Federal Government, should have appear in each State of the Commonwealth 'che decency, the courage and the honesty and the quota into which those numbers of to ensure that if it seeks a vote on referen­ voters in each State will be divided into seats. dum issues the voter is told what the con­ Anyone who knows anything at all about stitutional changes propose. electoral redistribution-! flatter myself that I know a little-will recognise that that factor The simultaneous election proposal, for is a very potent one in determining how :example, was a patent fraud. Within 48 seats are likely to fall out. hours of its being decided I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. \Vhitiam on a T.V. programme The retiring age for High Court judges was blithely demandin& of the Prime Minister touted widely. It was said, "Look, 70 years is that he forthwith hold a simultaneous a good retiring age for anybody. Why ~lcciioa. Only 48 hours before, he was in shouldn't judges be retired at 70 like every­ the zenith of declaring that we cannot do body else in the community?" There is not this unless we change the Constitution, that one word in the constitutional amendment common sense, economy and everything else about a 70-year retiring age. After berng dictate that in order to get the two polls misled by the propaganda, all that the people for the Reps and the Senate together the have done is to give a Federal Government Constitution has to be changed. But as I of the day the power to determine at any 'ay, within 48 hours all that nonsense and time a retiring age for judges-any age. A misleading r;ropa;anda had been put aside. future centralist, Left-wing political party could, if it wished, decide that the retiring age for High Court judges should be 55. It ?v1r. VVhi1:.an1 Vv'as saying, in fact, "Look, could toss the lot out in one fell swoop and );lr. Frascr, you have lost this. Now, have put in Ls own nominees in order to get a ~w election for the Reps and the Senate High Court judgment that would suit some on the same day." The Prime Minister, who particularly fell purpose it had in mind. ;·,,r his part had initiated the referendum Indeed, I believe that Mr. Whitlam would and s:;id that he simply must have this have dearly loved to have had that power in ch

am the House about the tobacco looking after those on t.'J.e iand, but they are industry. honourable members for in real trouble if they have to rely on the Cairns and Mackay know nothing about it Labor Party. so they should listen instead of yapping like puppy dogs. This Government does not At the moment this Government is con­ impose State taxes on tobacco farmers· we structing a $6,000,000 research station for look after them. ' the Department of Primary Industries in Mareeba. A contract has been let and stage ·we do, however, have to do somethina 1, which is worth nearly $2,500,000, is now in the Fed~ral sphere to reduce the amount under constmction. I:t will ca,ter not only of imported leaf now used. I appreciate the for the tobacco industry but for all primary necessity to look forward to another stabili­ industries throughout the Far North. This sation scheme. That is most important. also proves how untmthful the Leader of Something must be done ·to help the tobacco the Opposition was in saying that ~he Liberal farmers in my electorate and in the electorate and Nwtional Parties do not look after the of the honourable member for Cook. He, man on the land. What a lot of rot! too, is worried about them. As a matter of fact, we spoke about them today for quite a Mr. Frawley: They couldn't lie straight long time. in bed.

We know that at their conference in Perth Mr. TENNI: They could not lie straiaht the A.L.P. virtually pledged themselves to in bed if they tried. " the destruction of the tobacco industry. There is certainly no hope for growers in the Let me also point out that on the primary policies of the A.L.P. At that conference industry side in Mareeba a firm called the A.L.P. said that they would place a total Smorgens have bought what was once known ban on all forms of advertising of cigarettes as the Mareeba bacon factory. From the and tobacco if elected to government in time they decided to take it over I have Canberra. Such a ban would affect many helped them to the stage where today where more than those concerned directly in the ~hey are employing nearly 200 people tobacco industry. It is bad enough that such mstead of the 3 6 that were previously advertising has been lost to television and employed and are killing not 50 head per radio stations. A complete ban on advertising day but 395 to 400 head per day, which is would hit every sporting organisation in this a good thing for the people I represent. They country. are employing a fantastic number of people, paying them very high wages and giving Tobacco manufacturers give a great deal them very good conditions. of money to sporting bodies. At the Mareeba rodeo three weeks ago a large sum of On. the mining side in my electorate we money-I am not sure of the figure but I find tm and wolfram. From the beginning I think it was $5,000-was given to increase helped R.B. Mining at Mt. Carbine to the prize-money available. Football, cricket develop their mine. The population of Mt. and tennis clubs have obtained money from Carbine has increased from 30 people to tobacco man.ufacturers. By imposing a com­ about 300 and the company intends to invest plete ban on the advertising of tobacco about $12,000,000 in the mine and a mill products the Labor Party would hit both the to process the wolfram. J,t will be a com­ young and the old. Money would be taken puterised mill and will cost $5 000,000. When out of the p:.Jckcts of the youth of the nation it is completed early next ye~r the Premier by such a ban. A.L.P. members are asking will perform the official opening. I am very people in their electorates to support them. proud of the way that this company has The people .ire not so stupid that they do gone ahead. It employs a lot of people in not know that their sons and daughters my electorate and because of this I worked vvould be hil through their sporting activities like hell to ge't the road to Mt. Carbine by a decision of the A.L.P. bituminised. The road was in a shocking condition but about nine months ago the l must also point out that the A.L.P. remaining seven miles of road were sealed Government closed dovvn the C.S.I.R.O. and it is now bitumen all the way. I must establishment in Mareeba which was at that admit .that RB. Mining actually supplied the stage trying to develop a tobacco that had ~cr~enmgs and gravel to do the job. That no effect at all on health. But the A.L.P. Js how good they were and how much they :Government dosed it down! That was think of this Government. another kick in the backside for the tobacco This Government has seen fit to purchase farmers whom the honourable member for Cook and I represent. So the A.L.P. should the C.S.I.R.O. buildings in Mareeba to which not come up to Mareeba spreading lies and [ referred earlier. The Education Depart­ untru;hs about ~hat they are going to do ment now intends to use them for rural for tne tobacco mdustry. They have done training and many other projects such as nothing but kick it all the way. These are technical training and apprenticeship train­ the sort of people who claim they represent ing. This also shows what this Government the man on the land. Today the Leader and the Minister for Education are doing of the OpvJsition tried to say we were not for people in country areas. Yet we have Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply 63

the Leader of the Opposition making all Mr. Frawley: They couldn't call you the sorts of silly statements about the way 'this barren member for Barron River as they did Government treats people in country areas. your predecessor. I now want to discuss the schools in my electorate. I appreciate the fact that extra Mr. TENNI: No way in the world. I school accommodation is required in many am not barren for a start. I have been electorates and there are some, as in my working like hell since I have been in electorate, which are required urgently. But politics. we all know there is only so much money What about police stations throughout the to go around and that 'the mo~t important area? Mareeba has a problem because it jobs have to be done first. In my electorate is now the centre of a district. The police a State school at Y orkey's Knob is required station there needs another floor. We will urgently. The beaches north of Cairns now get it; it will come, but it can't come over­ have a permanent population of 7,000 people night because finance has to be considered. plus a floating population of caravaners and We had a deplorable state of affairs at the other tourists of 2,500 people. They need Mossman Police Station. I don't know a pre-school and a primary school and we what happened to representation in the past. will get them. We are looking at land at I don't mean only in the last three, six the present time. Holloway Beach, with a or eight years. It was shocking. But that present population of 2,500 persons, will building has all been extended and done up. develop with the construction of the new It is a beautiful little station now. bridge across the Barron River, and that area will urgently need a school. Mr. Frawley: He was too busy with real estate. We now have approval for a free-standing library at the Mareeba Primary School, plus Mr. 'fENNI: It could be that. Approval an office block for the teachers and four has been given for an extension to the extra open-area teaching spaces. The Kuranda Police Station. Two homes have Mareeba High School has had many new been purchased in Mareeba for police accom­ buildings provided over the last 2t years. modation. We urgently require more men It is an excellent school. for the Mossman Police Station. We need In the near future with the development a detective and another constable. We need of the coastal part of my electorate at a four-whe·el drive vehicle there so that Port Douglas, consideration will have to be we can handle the problems with drugs in given to the provision of a school in that that area. The Labor Party fellows wouldn't area. In its day the Labor Party got rid worry about that because they go along of the old one which used to be there. I with drugs, pornography and all that type congratulate the Ministers concerned, namely of thing. But we know that we have to the Honourable Val Bird, Minister for control these things, and we know what we Education and Cultural Activities, and the need to control them. The Minister for Honourable Norm Lee, Minister for Works Police is looking forward to an increased and Housing. Vote this year so that I for one can have extra men provided at the Mossman Police We now have a new school out at Mt. Station. Molloy. vVhen I entered Parliament I was told that I would never get a new school lVIr. Prest: You must have a bad area up for Mt. Molloy. But it is finished, and there. it is operating. It is a beautiful little school. Mr. TENN:'f: It was let go for so long because of the bad representation in the Mossman Primary School has just had past. Which electorate does the honourable a free-standing library provided. The Moss­ member represent? I hardly ever hear him man High School will shortly be having an in the House. official opening of its home economics block, worth nearly $750,000. That is just about l.Vilr. Frawlcy: Port Curtis. completed. Large alterations, extensions, libraries and Mr. TENNI: That's right. The previous what have you have been completed at member for that area was a real live wire, schools at Myola, Rocky Point, Daintree, but I have never heard the present hon­ Bushy Creek and Freshwater. onrable member before. It is very nice of him to come out like that. This work has been carried out because I have been pushing for it. The teachers Let me talk about roads and bridges in and the p. and c. associations have worked my area. A new bridge over the Barron in with me, and we have got what the River is just about completed. New people want. A new pre-school has just approaches on the north and south side been constructed at North Cairns. It is are just about finished. We have a darn one of the most modern pre-schools in the good engineer up there with the Main Roads area. \Nork has been carried out at Kuranda Department. I went out with Dick Wharton, and Machan's Beach. the district engineer for the Main Roads 64 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply

Department, and the Northern District Com­ a dentist in a country hospital. This Govern­ missioner, Doug Morton, and we chose a ment gave approval for the Mossman Hos­ site for a new bridge over the Barron River pitals Board to buy a house for the dentist further north which will be known as there. He is happy, we are happy and .the Kamerunga Bridge. That will be another people of Mossman are happy. There is new bridge in conjunction with the bridge nothing worse than having an aching tooth over A vondale Creek, which will give the and no dentist to attend to it. Thanks to this people from Mossman, the Tableland and the Government, we now have a dentist in northern beaches an all-weather road. It Mossman. When the Labor Party was in will be a Q50 road, that is, one-in-50- power 20 years ago it did nothing like that. years flooding. That is something that the previous Labor representative for the elector­ When Labor was in power I frequently ate tried to get but was unsuccessful. He drove over the roads between Townsville and could not get his story across. At least Cairns and I used to get bogged in black sand I got mine across. It is good to have the on the southern side of Cardwell. Anyone who co-operation of the Minister, the district has lived in the North for a long time would engineer and the northern and district recall that. There was very little bitumen commissioner. between Brisbane and Cairns but now bitumen The Rex Range roa,d is another one that stretches all the way. Certainly some sections has been a disgrace. It is now under recon­ of the road need widening or replacing, but struction. The narrow cuttings between at least mollQrists do not get bogged on .that Kuranda and Mareeba have been widened so road as they used to when the socialist, com­ that two vehicles can now pass there. munist-infiltrated Labor Party controlled this Previously, trucks approaching one another State. oould not pass in those cuttings. I could talk about many things in North Admittedly I want to see more work done Queensland. However the very strong mem­ on the road between Kuranda and Mareeba. ber for Townsville West wishes to participate I would like to see bitumen laid on the road. in this debate, so I shall not occupy the whole And I know that this will come because I will of the time allotted to me. He and I, keep putting pressure on the Minister in my ,together with Eric Deeral, Vicky Kippin and endeavour to represent the people of the Roy Armstrong, represent North Queensland. Barron River electorate in the way they should We are the Nort:h Queensland party. There's be represented, not in the way they have been no need to talk about a new party in North represented in the past. They will get what Queensland. We already represent that area they want. They will get whatever they put very strongly. forward to me and whatever I think is reasonable and warranted. I am pleased to have had the opportunity A little out-of-the-way and pretty place of participating in this debate and of getting which the Premier has told me he would like across to the member for Mackay some facts to visit is the Daintree area. It has had an about the tobacco industry. He knew old dirt road since the year one. But now absolutely nothing about it until I mentioned a new bitumen road is being constmcted at a it. He was sucking on a piece of sugar cane cost of $750,000. Construction will be spread or bamboo or something. I look forward over the next couple of years. I have made to having a similar oppor,tunity of speaking sure that the Douglas Shire Council will be to the Address in Reply in 12 months' time. the construc'ing body so that the wages will be kept within that area. This is what should be done. Mr. M. D. HOOPER (fownsville West) (3.45 p.m.): In supporting the mover and I have spoken to the Minister and the seconder of the motion for the adoption engineer concerning a problem associated with of the Address in Reply, I firstly assure the road betv·een Mareeba and the drive-in Her Majesty of the continuing loyalty and theatre on the Atherton road. I hope that support she will receive from the people of this road will receive an allocation in the next Townsville West whom I represent. At Budget. Jt is old and has sagged and warped. this stage I wish to congratulate Her Majesty Something must be done about it and there is on the appointment of our new Governor no way in the world that I will let up until and his Lady (Sir James and Lady Ramsay). something is done. About three weeks ago it was our pleasure to have them in Townsville for the opening Let me dc::tl with the hospitals in my area. of the Townsville Show. In their two days A total of $5,000,000 is about to be spent on there they met hundreds of local people. a new hospital at Mareeba. This expenditure Sir James rubbed shoulders with men from has been approved. This shows what this all walks of life at the showground while Government thinks of the country. As well, Lady Ramsay endeared herself to hundreds a lot of work has been done at Mossman. of ladies whom she met at a morning tea and civic function. They were very well Some metropolitan members, pm,ticularly received in our area and we look forward those on the Labor side, would not realise to having them back in Townsville again the problems associated with trying to keep in the not distant future. Address in Reply [4 AuousT 1977] Address in Reply 65

Now that the Federal Government has and above the present rate of lending if the achieved some measure of success in reducing private sector is to survive and a housing inflation in Australia, the most urgent pro­ crisis in our city is to be averted. blem facing all governments is to reduce the high level of unemployment in our I believe that the State Government could country. The time has passed for talking do more to help young families purchase about the causes of the high unemployment their first homes. While I am not one level. Positive and constructive steps should who openly knocks the S.G.I.O. for investing now be taken to get Australians back to in real estate, I believe that more of its work. In fact, they are long overdue. funds should be channelled into co-operative One of the greatest generators of employ­ building societies at a lending rate of not ment is the building industry, which is more than 10 per cent. This would still give sadly depressed in Queensland and the rest an investment return higher than normally of Australia. If jobs can be found for netted on real estate investments to satisfy carpenters and bricklayers, jobs will naturally shareholders. It would provide a much­ follow for people in other industries such needed stimulus for the building industry as labourers, plumbers, electricians and the while at the same time reducing the level thousands of men in factories who will of unemployment in Queensland. manufacture the hardware and electrical equipment required for homes. I am very impressed by the initiative shown by some city and shire councils in New The most severely hit section of the build­ South Wales. Under section 496 (a) of the ing industry is the home-building industry­ Local Government Act in that State, local the cottage-building contractors. With rising authorities are empowered to borrow money costs and high interest rates, thousands of from banks and insurance companies purely young families seem to have given up hope for the purpose of advancing loans to of ever being able to pay off their own citizens residing in the council areas. The homes. In Townsville, it is fair to say money is borrowed at the current rate of that the average worker's home, including 10.8 per cent and re-lent at the same rate land, would cost $30,000. With the necessary to home builders. The scheme works on deposit of $5,000 for a building society, much the same basis as that of the co­ a young family has to pay about $300 a operative building societies. If, for example, month to meet instalment and interest pay­ a council borrows $200,000 from 'a bank and ments. In recent months our State Housing makes loans of $25,000 to each of eight Minister released $7,000,000 at the reduced people, when that group finishes a new one rate of interest of 7t per cent for the pur­ starts. Provided an applicant owns his chase of new homes, with a maximum loan own block of land the councils are prepared of $18,000. In cases where applicants have to make 100 per cent advances to home aad to arrange a second mortgage 'to bridge buyers. I know one country area in New thf' gap between $18,000 and the cost price South Wales with a population of about of $30,000, the total monthly repayments 3,500 people in which no fewer than 350 are still about $300 a month. houses have been financed by the local authority. It is a scheme very worthy of Mr. Jones: That money has dried up now. consideration and one which should be looked at by rthe Local Government Association in Queensland to help create employment in Mr. M. D. HOOPER: Lt has temporarily, the home-building industry throughout the but more is to be made available. State. The present level of home-building in the city of Townsville and the shire of In the last 20 years Queensland has Thuringowa, which I will refer to as the become widely known as the most decen­ Greater Townsville Area, provides about 40 tralised State in Australia, having more cities per cent of the acceptable level of employ­ with a population above 50,000 than any ment in the cottage-building industry. The other State, more coastal ports and more established growth rate of the Townsville rail lines. Although the State Government area is 3.5 per cent a year. Based on a has given some assistance in promoting population of approximately 96,000 in the decentralisation, most of the risk capital and Greater Townsville Area, we will have to initiative have been provided by pDivate enter­ provide housing in the coming year for prise, mainly because of the geographical an extra 3,360 people. It is estimated that location of our remote northern areas. Much 960 homes or units of accommodation will to the surprise of people in southern States, be required to cope with the additional more and more people are deciding to growth. Of this number of new units migrate to North Queensland, having found required, it is expected that the private sector it a pleasant place to live, and the Queens­ will be called upon to provide about 860 land Government must face up to reality houses or units, but the present rate of and spend more money in the northern parts building is not higher than 300 units a year. of this State to provide the infrastructures Quite obviously the home-building industry necessary to make the living standards equal in the Townsville area needs an injection of to those already available in the south­ at least $10,000,000 in the next year over eastern part of Queensland. 3 66 Address in Reply [4 AuGUST 1977] Address in Reply

The latest figures released by the Co­ All of those industries require that people ordinator General's Department show that live and work in the areas of production, the Australian population increased by 1.2 and those people-just like the industries per cent in the five-year period from 1971 themselves-need an assured and plentiful to 1976. On the other hand, the population water supply. Fortunately the coastal area of Queensland increased by 2.2 per cent. of Queensland north of Mackay, including More significantly, though, the increase in the Cape York Peninsula, although com­ population for that part of Australia north of prising only 6 per cent of the Australian land the 22nd parallel was 3 per cent. Townsville mass, receives about 30 per cent of the total experienced the greatest increase of all major Australian rainfall. Unfortunately, however, country centres, whilst the Cairns and Too" most of it runs out to sea every wet season. woomba districts grew at least as quickly as the forced growth areas of Albury-Wodonga Having lived in North Queensland all my and Bathurst-Orange, which are being stimu­ life, I can recall how over the years every lated by extensive public investment. Census political party has treated the issue of build­ figures also reveal that- ing a Burdekin dam as a political football. (a) Much more of the work-force in Mr. Jones interjected. northern Australia is engaged in agricul­ ture, mining and construction, and a higher proportion lives in rural areas; Mr. M. D. HOOPER: I remind the hon­ ourable member for Cairns that the A.L.P. (b) The population of the North is did it too, as he himself should know. slightly younger than the Australian Whilst' in Opposition, the parties have average; demanded tha:t it be built; but when they are in Government the excuse is that the (c) Education levels are below the money cannot be found for such a project. Australian average; and Strangely enough, it is always too dear when (d) Males outnumber females. persons are in Government. Another strange fact is that there is always plenty of money available to build dams in the southern part The .Pr:oblems of. isolation are compounded of Queensland. by ~1m1ted educatwn and job opportunities, particularly for unskilled women distance Since 1973, Commonwealth and State Gov­ from medical and dental facilitie~ lack of ernments have jointly funded an investigation ent~rtainment and limited opportu~Hies for social and group activity. Let us look at a into the resources and potential of the Burde­ few statistics. About 54 per cent of the kin River Basin. At a cost of almost Australian land mass-approximately $1 000,000 the investigation committee has 4 000 000 sq km in area-lies north of the lo~ked at 17 possible dam sites and has 26th parallel. That area accounts for looked at ground-water surveys, soils, land approximately 25 per cent of Australia's capacity, prospects for existing and new indus­ annual export income, but its population is tries, power-generation po~sibilities and pro­ only about 800,000 people, and I include jections of water reqUirements for the the Northern Territory and the northern part Townsville urban region. of Western Australian in that figure. That represents approximately 6 per cent only of The Burdekin Delta produced 557 400 Australia's total population-yet it accounts tonnes of raw sugar or about 17 per cent of for 25. per cent of our annual export income. the Australian production in 1976. On estab­ That IS a remarkable contribution from a lished growth rates it could be expected that small number of people. They are making by the year 2000 annual production will be a great contribution to the Australian between 1 000 000 and 1 400 000 tonnes per economy. annum. With approximately 7 6 per cent of the production being expor1'ed at projected What a challenge those figures present prices of between $200 and $250 a tonne, the to this Government to develop further the export earnings from sugar alone could be northern part of Queensland, to exploit the between $150,000,000 and $200,000,000 a growth of our natural resources to further year from the Burdekin River Basin. The decentralise our population and industries land is available but the surface-water stor­ and to provide better amenities and living age is not. Including the demands of industry standards for the people who are prepared and people living in Townsville, it is estimated to live and work in the northern and north­ that the sugar and rice industries now absorb western parts of our State. 90 per cent of the annual water storage of the entire region. At the present time approximately 40 per. cent of Queensland's export income is In 10 to 15 years' time, all expansion in de~1ved from minerals and mineral products. Townsville and the Burdekin region will W1th. such vast natural resources, including have to cease unless major water storages are uranmm, we have hardly scmtched the sur­ now planned and constructed. Clearly this face. Our great primary industries-and I must happen immediately and a firm com­ refer particularly to sugar and beef--can be mitment must be given by the Federal and expanded to feed a hungry world, provided State Governments as to the funding and we can be competitive on the world markets. timing for construction to take place. Address in Reply [4 AuousT 1977] Address in Reply 67

The building of the major dam at the As far back as July 1971, the Australian Burdekin Falls site is of course expensive. National Travel Association published an It would impound more water than Sydney appraisal of the North Queensland tourist Harbour and would be greatly in excess of industry. It projected that, with proper Gov­ what will be required for projected agricul­ ernment support, it could become the most tural and secondary industries and the urban important industry in that region by 1985. population in the area in the year 2000. Some recommendations of a minor nature have been carried out, but the most import­ One of the great features of the scheme ant of all of the recommendations--con­ is that the storage would make water avail­ struction of an international airport at Towns­ able for a 1 000 MW hydroelectric power­ ville-has been ignored by both Federal and station, which would be approximately the State Governments. size of the existing power-station at Glad­ stone. It would cost less than another large thermal power-station, which will be required Also in 1971 the Australian Tourist Com­ in the 1980s. mission engaged overseas experts (Messrs. Pannell, Kerr, Forster and Co.) to prepare The Premier has announced that the State a report on the promotion of overseas visitors Government will set up a committee to investi­ to the Great Barrier Reef. That report also gate the economic feasibility of proceeding recommended the construction of an inter­ with the early construction of the Burdekin national airport at Townsville. These respect­ Dam. Let us hope that the committee will ive reports pointed out that Australia not adopt the purely academic approach of receives less than 1 per cent of the millions an accountant and say that the dam has to of tourists who travel the world each year. be paid for in 10 years. It is something that Is that surprising? In my opinion it is not must be started without any further Govern­ when one considers the factors that motivate ment delay. The commitment to build the people to travel overseas to strange countries. Burdekin Dam would herald the greatest burst Many of us have been to Singapore and of expansion ever seen in North Queensland Hong Hong and enjoyed the duty-free shop­ and would be for the benefit of the State as ping in those cities and also their exotic a whole. Eastern cooking. In other respects those places have nothing better to show than we For many years I have actively supported have in Queensland. the growth of the North Queensland tourist industry, particularly in my own city of Not many of us would fly to America to Townsville. It concerns me that both Federal see San Francisco and New York. Why and State Governments give only token sup­ then should we expect Americans to come port and lip-service to its promotion and to Australia to see Sydney and Melbourne? development. Like most businessmen in Aus­ On the other hand, any visitor to America tralia today, tourist operators are exper­ would hope to see Disneyland, and likewise iencing a downturn in business. The Federal Americans would like to see the Great Bar­ Government has set up an eight-man all­ rier Reef, tropical islands, historic towns party committee to investigate industry prob­ such as Charters Towers and Ravenswood, lems and how they can be overcome. ·the Aboriginal paintings in caves on Cape York and Ayers Rock in Central Australia. The terms of reference require the com­ They would want 1to see such attractions mittee to examine the potential of tourism because there is nothing like them in and its significance in the Australian econ­ America. Unfortunately the added time and omy and whether it has special features in cost involved in seeing the natural beauty c_omparison with other industries, with par­ of No11them Australia is a deterrent and we ticular reference to its effect on employment, do nothing to make H easier for visitors balance-of-payments aspects, community to go to North Queensland. knowledge of Australia and Australian heri­ tage, community health and welfare, regional For some years now I have attended the development and decentralisation. annual conference of the Pacific Area Travel Association. In 1975 the conference was . After some 130 submissions from organisa­ held in Sydney, with one of the workshop tions t~roughout Australia, I recently dis­ pre-conference sessions being held in Towns­ cussed mdustry problems with the chairman ville, as arranged by the Australian Tourist (Mr. Duke Bonnett) and his deputy (Mr. Frank Commission. Travel agents from all over Stewart). The continuing complaints from the Pacific islands area, East Asia and travel agents and tourists are that air travel and hotel and motel costs are the main America were thrilled with what they saw in reasons for the downturn in internal tourism. North Queensland and wanted to know how soon we could have an international airport. From time to time we hear Government Last year at Honolulu and this year again statements that the Queensland tourist indus­ at Hong Kong the same travel agents, Thai try is the most buoyant in Australia. It International Airlines and Singapore Aidines employs one-tenth of the work-force. It is could not believe that we had been so slow our third most important income earner in in bringing our airpo11t in North Queensland the State. to international standard. 68 Address in Reply [4 AuousT 1977] Address in Reply

Prior to the 1972 Federal election Gough the future defence of Northern Australia. Whitlam made some extravagant promises The only expense to be met by . the civil to Townsville. In the first place, we were opemtors should be for new termmals and to be given an extra battalion at the Lav­ not construction of runways and instrument­ arack Army Barracks. In the second place, landing equipment, where most of the out­ we were to be given grants of millions of lays are. dollars as one of his chosen three growth centres in Australia. In the third place, All previous investigations by R.A.A.F. we were to get an international airport. One experts have indicated that a new runway year later we lost an Army battalion instead must be built at the Townsville airpont. It of gaining one. Our priority as a growth would be on a bearing approximately between centre had been forgotten-in fact, Towns­ the Townsville abattoir and Cape Cleveland. vil!e was not in the first 12 cities for con­ This bearing would be approximately in line sideration-and Whitlam side-stepped the with the normal prevailing winds, thus giving international airport issue. In fairness to his greater safety to aircraft than the dir~tion Transport Minister Jones and Tourist Min­ of the existing runway does and also divert­ ister Stewart, I believe they still thought that ing the noise nuisance of aircraft movements this development should take place. away from the residential areas of Garbutt, Currajong, Vincent and Heatley. The new However, Whitlam brilliantly decided to runway would have clear low-level instruct the Bureau of Transport Economics approaches for about 12 miles rut each end to evaluate this development and those for greater safety to military and civil air­ academics did a marvellous job of putting the craft. It would make way for the declara­ hatchet through the proposal. Mind you, tion of Townsville as an international air­ their report was not published until Sep­ port and, most importantly, it would remove tember 1976, but they successfully con­ a lot of noise nuisance to residents of vinced the present Federal Government that Townsville, paPticularly those in the western it was too costly and unnecessary and would suburbs, who have to put up with aircraft not attract any great number of overseas movements 24 hours a day because there is tourists. Last of all, they reported 'that it no curfew on aircraft movements at Towns­ would probably be 1985 before an effective ville. instrument-landing system could be designed and installed. How do landing systems Finally, I would like to make some brief operate at the major airports of Sydney and reference to the public concern recently Melbourne? They do not have to wait until expressed by thousands of Townsville resid­ 1985 and ,their weather conditions are worse ents about the current provisions of their than ours for most months of the year. town plan. Until the early 1960s there was The main opposition to the inter­ no Townsville City Council Town Plan, national airpo·rt seems to come from Qantas and subject to moderate council restrictions and the internal airlines Ansett and T.A.A. a citizen could build flats or establish a Qantas do not want another landing place in business or industry almost anywhere he Australia; all they want are Melbourne and wished. About 12 years ago the first town Sydney. They allowed British Airways to plan was gazetted, and after the first few take the initiative with the introduction of stormy years which it took for people to a Boeing 747 Jumbo jet service between become accustomed to being told where cer­ Brisbane and London. When Qantas saw that tain developments could take place, the city the service was quite successful, they fol­ developed in a more orderly fashion and our lowed suit with a Jumbo service between Brisbane and London. citizens knew where they could purchase land to build a private dwelling, a semi­ detached dwelling, a block of flats, ware­ How is it that Thai International, Singa­ house development or for future industrial pore Airlines, Cathay P·acific and major expansion. This enabled businessmen to plan American operators want to use a Nmth future expansion. Queensland airport whilst Qantas do not? The Bureau of Transport Economics have Town planning is not recognised as an assessed that the cost of improvements to exact science, and very few town planners the existing runway, new terminals, lighting, think alike. I believe a town plan should control towers, etc., would be approximately be a simple set of maps and statement of $9,000,000, and that to build a new runway facts which the ordinary citizens should be on a different compass bearing, with all the able to interpret and some documentation same extras, would be approximately which spells out fairly clearly and con­ $20,000,000. They therefore say thrut the cisely what an individual or a company can expense is not warranted because the extra do completely as of right in a particular volume of tourist traffic could not support zonincr not as we now see it with almost total the outlay. restri;tions on what can be done as of right and with severe limitations on what can be The Bureau of Transport Economics con­ done even with council consent. In some cases veniently make no mention of the fact thaJt it even totally prohibits the council itself this is a R.A.A.F. base and that most of the from considering any flexibility in its expense should be a defence commitment for decision-making. Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply 69

Under the Local Government Act the town church schools have been treated. At first plan has to be revised and updated from glance one could not be blamed for think­ time to time. The current provision started ing that the A.L.P. council had declared war a couple of years ago when I was mayor on the Roman Catholic population of Towns­ but the completed review is the total respon­ ville. However, the council is not entirely sibility of the A.L.P. council and only went partisan in this respect and has been equally on public display on 12 March 1977 for harsh on the Church of England St. Anne's a period of 90 days. During this period School and the Townsville Grammar School. many businessmen and industry leaders com­ Because the Catholic Church has so many plained bitterly to me about how they would schools in Townsville and plays an important be disadvantaged under the new town plan. part in the education system the injustices For example, several thousand acres of land meted out are glaringly apparent. south of the Ross River had previously been zoned for future industrial development In the town planning schedule church and are now shown as non-urban. Members schools and colleges are defined as "educa­ can imagine the concern of large companies tional establishments" and this type of which had bought land for industrial expan­ development is expanded to read- sion, which would have created job opport­ "Any land, building or other structure or unities in Townsville, and the concern of any part thereof, used or intended to be the Townsville Harbour Board, which had used as a school, college, university, adult bought nearly 1,000 acres to be developed education centre, or other educational centre for port users only to be told that their which in the opinion of the council should land as of right could be used only for be treated as an educational establishment. agriculture, forestry or a plant nursery. "The term includes ancillary uses such as I was told by some local businessmen offices, libraries, book shops, tuck shops, of how they had bought five to 10 acres canteens, student union facilities, residential of land in the suburbs to warehouse their colleges and the like, and also the dwelling bulk supplies, and in recent years had estab­ of a caretaker, headmaster or other persons lished retail outlets in conjunction with them associated with the principal use of the only to be told that a retail outlet was land, provided that any such uses are now a non-conforming use and that they under the administration or direction of the would not be allowed to expand it in the appropriate educational authority on the future. I was told that 84 per cent of site." the hotels in Townsville would be prohibited from rebuilding on their existing sites if In general, the various church schools and the hotels were burned down or destroyed colleges such as Ignatius Park College, The in a cyclone because their land was not Holy Family Primary School and Church, St. large enough. The council, in its foolishness, Patrick's College on The Strand, St. John had even prohibited itself from any flexibility Fisher College and St. Anne's School, and in this respect. Townsville Grammar School are indicated on the maps as being in a special purposes zone. However, the only uses "as of right" in a To these numerous people and organi­ special purposes zone--.it is "as of right" sations my advice was to seek legal advice that I a:n speaking about-are as follows:- and lodge strong objections. However, when a large group of concerned citizens living "The use of any land, building or other in Mysterton Estate and Mundingburra pro­ structure or any part thereof for- tested to me that they did not want their (1) Cemeteries, Crematoria. land to be rezoned residential D, which means that up to seven home units can be (2) Local government purposes. erected on a 40-perch site, I decided that (3) State Government purposes. the council had not taken enough trouble to try to get the message across to the (4) Australian Government purposes. people about what they proposed to do in the revised town plan. It is not enough (5) The activities of any statutory to have a plan on display at the town hall authority. for 90 days. The greater proportion of the (6) Any other public purpose not population cannot get to the town hall dur­ specifically included in any other defini­ ing working hours and they were not aware of tion in this town planning scheme." how they were affected. They were not aware, for example, that the majority of Obviously church schools and colleges are not corner stores operated in the older suburbs, a local, St~te or Australian Government now zoned commercial, were to be rezoned development, nor are they a statutory author­ residential. This made them a non-conform­ ity. They are clearly an educational estab­ ing use and meant that they could not be lishment, and as such are not permitted "as redeveloped in the event of destruction by d ri:;ht" in J. special purpoc.es zone. In other fire or act of God. words, they are now a "non-conforming use". In fact the only zone where an "educational But by far the most ridiculous and almost establishment" is permitted "as of right" is in incredible changes in the revised town plan a commercial zone. How ridiculous that is! are the manner in which the churches and Similarly the Mater Hospital in Pimlico, the 70 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address i:1 Reply

Sacred Heart Cathedral in Stanley Street and Brisbane to see their Queen because _of the St. Teresa's Parish Church of Garbutt are all auachment they feel for her and their }oyalty in the residential D zones, and as such are to her despite the fact that republican moves non-conforming uses, with approval for any have been started yet again in Australia. The further building renovations or extensions celebration of the Queen's Jubilee Year in being subject to council consent. Fortunately Britain has produced a great deal of interest State Government schools do not have to in European countries that no longer have a comply with the town plan, and they can monarch and also in the United States of tell the council to go to blazes. America. Indeed, a great many Australians have taken the opportunity to travel to Quite clearly the town plan should be Britain to take part in the celebrations as the amended to read that in a special purposes British honoured their Queen upon the com­ zone the following establishments should be pletion of the first 25 years of her reign. allowed to develop "as of right"- (1) Educational establishments. The new Governor, Sir James Ramsay, has already paid a visit to Toowoomba, (2) Hospital or nursing institutions. where he was warmly received by the local (3) Churches or places of assembly. authority and a great many citizens. During his short visit he took the opportunity to In support of the town plan, since the review review the Toowoomba branch of the period was extended for 30 days at my public Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare insistence, the mayor (Percy Tucker) has Association and open the new club. He stated in the Press that the town plan was has been invited back to Toowoomba to take "the very best that can be done with a city part in the Carnival of Flowers, and on with the growth rate of Townsville." Alder­ that week-end he will visit the Baillie man Ted Lindsay said that the council had Henderson Hospital, where he will open the worked hard to make what they considered first art show to be conducted by the was the best long-,term plan for the city. sporting auxiliary at that hospital. He added- The Toowoomba electorate and district "The town plan was convened by the have been well served by health facilities. rrevious administration and this (A.LP.'s) There have been great improvements at i!l dmlnistration had the task of correcting the Baillie Henderson Hospital. The Rock­ the plan where inequities exist.'' ville Villas for the intellectually handicapped are completed and will soon be occupied. He also said- "A town plan should take notice of the The electorate has a few educational pro­ need for small businesses to enjoy stability blems but they are rapidly being ironed of zoning and the need for small businesses out. The Newtown State School can look to be allowed to develop without undue forward to having a pre-school established restrictive town planning laws.'' there. It is the only major State school in the electorate still to get a pre-school. They are the words of the A.L.P. aldermen, The Education Department missed out on and they are proud of their town plan. I acquiring a property on the corner of Polo have pointed out some of its deficiencies. The Street that would have been ideally suited fact remains that after the initial 90-day to the establishment of a pre-school. How­ review period approximately 250 single objec­ ever, it has bought another property in the tions had been lodged. After the 30-day vicinity of Polo Street, and I believe that extension period I demanded so that people we will soon be seeing something happening c.ould .be more fully informed of the implica­ there. twns m the plan more than 1,000 objections had been lodged. Quite clearly the ALP. The Wilsonton State School is about to be must give the town plan a thorough re­ given a library. Its establishment is long examination before it goes to the Minister overdue. I thank the Education Department for Local Govemment. for accepting and acting upon this month's figures, which confirm the belief that next Those are some of the problems that are year's enrolment at the school will be over being experienced in my electorate and in the 600. The department's action will allow the r,ity of Townsville at the present time and library to be planned and budgeted for a about which I will be fighting in my future year earlier than would be possible under years in Parliament. the normal procedure. The day the Treasurer paid a visit to Dr. LOCKWOOD (Toowoomba North) the school there were 12 Grade 1 boys, one (4.14 p.m.): First I pledge my loyalty and of them being my son, squatting on the that of the constituents of the Toowoomba floor in an area no bigger than the top of North electorate to His Excellency the Gov­ a kitchen table. It took me a few minutes emor and, ,through him, to Her Majesty the to realise that there were some children Queen. In this the Queen's Jubilee Year we in that area, which represents the library. have been fortunate to have a visit by Her It is very small indeed. The teachers and Majesty to Brisbane. On that occasion a staff have struggled for a long time with great many Toowoomba people travelled to that little library as the school has grown Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply 71

from a three-room school into a very big his solicitors took out writs for defamation one. The foundations for the new library against them as soon as they opened their have been tested and I hope that it will be mouths. Many good men in the Tweed area, commenced in the very near future. including a dozen or so clergymen, tackled the Tweed Shire Council and Mr. D. J. Toowoomba still is confronted with the Bishopp concerning his despicable funeral problem of development occurring away to business, complete lack of business ethics, the south. This has prevented the construc­ and complete disregard for human feelings, as tion of a fourth high school, at Wilsonton, displayed in the day-to-day running of his where land has already been secured. The business at Tweed Heads. I have a letter from children of that area are out on the roads the Reverend Ron Dyson of Tweed Heads on cold mornings as early as 7.30, walking commending me for my efforts to bring the through frost to catch buses to take them 4 matter to public notice. or 6 km to their school. One young chap has to ride his bike about 10 km to school, This same Douglas John Bishopp has which is particularly unpleasant in very established four businesses in Toowoomba, all cold weather. associated with the funeral industry, and is seeking to expand in a ring around Brisbane. The problem is bound up in history and People in Toowoomba, Gatton, Laidley, Cab­ geography. The Mt. Lofty High School oolture and Petrie should take particular note was the first one built in the district. The of this man and how he operates on the second, the Harristown School, was built fringe of the law, but beyond the endurance to relieve the load placed on the Mt. Lofty of ethical and decent men. Local authorities, High School. The third school, in south­ in particular, must watch him lest he repeat east Toowoomba, was built to take some of his Tweed Heads activities in their areas. I the load from the first two. However, the believe that, following a visit to Bundaberg, he first two schools were full in 1976, with was prevented from engaging in an activity the result that some pupils, particularly there. His aim is to promote the high cost those who wished to repeat Grade 10, could of dying. He hopes to become a monopoly. not secure enrolment. Although the new school at Wilsonton is scheduled for com­ In Toowoomba he secured a large tract of pletion in 1982, rthe Education Department is land and established an operating company, committed to further use of those schools which he heads. It is called the Toowoomba built of solid timber and masonry and the District Memorial Park, and it sold funeral new school will not be erected unless there plots as a high-pressure business venture on is a slight increase in population in the the immediate-need and future-need, or pre­ north-western corner of Toowoomba. I need, plan. This gave Toowoomba District compliment those students of the institute Memorial Park a rapid return on its money who are conducting a survey of parents in because many of the plots sold would not the Wilsonton/Rockville region. I have been be required for some time. Salesmen were pleased to help them with that survey and paid a commission, but not before they I pointed out to them that if ground had been extracted from purchasers the names of available in Bridge Street in ,the vicinity of three or four more prospective clients. This Gladstone Street the school would have been was in effect a pyramid type of selling plan erected long ago. It could have attracted which has since been outlawed. more than the 100 students required to The present owners of Toowoomba District establish a first-year high school. Memorial Park are Mr. Douglas John Bishopp, I shall now refer to the Toowoomba activ­ the same scoundrel I mentioned in my Capri­ ities and businesses of one Douglas John corn-Tweed Heads funeral speech, Mr. Julian Bishopp, to whom I referred on 10 March Barry, a solicitor in the firm of Pattison & 1976 in a speech about the Capricorn Insur­ Barry, solicitors in Brisbane, and Mrs. Sheryl ance Company. I then dealt with a swindle Joy Bishopp-Mrs. Bishopp the third-who in relation to Bishopp's activities as a ceme­ on 5 July 1974 took the place of Mrs. Joan tery owner and funeral director of Tweed Phyllis Bishopp, deceased, of Surfers Para­ Heads. dise, as one of the shareholders in Toowoomba District Memorial Park. These three are the Mr. Akers: It is dead. only real beneficiaries from Mr. Bishopp's activities in the funeral business. Dr. LOCKWOOD: Yes, it is dead, and A company called the Toowoomba Garden there are some very nasty things about this. of Remembrance Trust-it is a company, not I advise the honourable member to listen. a tmst-was established. Bishopp cunningly The point is that if Douglas John Bishopp stacked this company with public figures­ heads in his direction, he would be well businessmen and charitable and religious advised to keep him out of the shire. identities in Toowoomba-and gave them the almost impossible task of running the ceme­ My original speech was made in the public tery on Bishopp's terms. The first half of any interest under parliamentary privilege because money from the saile oil' plots went to a great many people who gave me informa­ Bishopp, and the remaining 50 per cent was tion had tried to confront Mr. Douglas John not sufficient to pay for the development of Bishopp with his misdemeanours in Tweed the cemetery and run the business affairs of Heads but had been unable to do so because the trust. 72 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply

Several prominent persons originally associ­ advertising costs that rightly belonged to the ated with the project resigned. In 1972 the Toowoomba District Memorial Park majority of the trustees resigned, including and its sales of funeral plots. It had to pay one extremely prominent town identity. I have for petrol that was used and motor-vehicle the names of all these people but, to save running expenses, when of course the C·rema­ them embarrassment, I do not intend to torium has very little need to run a car. name them. All of its business comes to it. Once again, the men appointed to the South Queensland I emphasise that I have all the names. Any­ Crematorium Association found they had one, including members of the Press, who accepted an unenviable task. Their problem doubts that can come and see me. They was how to maintain a business proposition include members of the clergy and other out of an agreement stacked in favour of people in Toowoomba. I have a big file about Douglas Bishopp. four inches thick. I believe tbat those men resigned to protect their own good names. In September 1975 Douglas John Bishopp They saw the futility of continuing to attend began approaching Toowoomba undertakers n;eetings when the real power and the finan­ seeking to purchase an existing funeral cml control of the business resided in the director's business. At the very time that he hands of Mr. Douglas Bishopp through the had the chairman issue a letter to one of the Toowoomba District Memorial Park part of Toowoomba funeral directors denying that the company. In effect, six of Toowoomba's the Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance b~~ business b_rains met to discuss only such Trust intended to enter the funeral business, t~IVIa as m

The Toowoomba City Council has joined These men have long realised that per­ in the battle by ensuring that the Drayton sons in a state of shock and grief at a Lawn Cemetery remains open as an alter­ time of bereavement can be confused. They native choice. The council has also prevented confuse people deliberately, to their own the incorporation of Toowoomba Funeral advantage. The businessman friend I have Services in the Toowoomba Garden of mentioned was not confused. He remembers Remembrance Trust. It has done this by clearly. He was swindled and he will say opposing any business house operating from he was swindled in what must be the lowest the consecrated ground of the cemetery and, type of confidence trick operating in Australia. as a Christian ethic, has invoked it, and He lacked what customers lack and must by using the zoning provisions of the Too­ have if they wish to get any satisfaction. woomba Town Plan it has objected to Too­ They must have a written and signed agree­ woomba Funeral Services operating from ment covering every service agreed to. Any­ that ground. The Toowoomba City Council, one dealing with any of these four groups for its part, does not want to see cemeteries of companies must obtain a written agree­ become places for money-changers or places ment. Without it, even the best solicitor of business. cannot obtain satisfaction for his client at common law. The Toowoomba City Council charges a very reasonable $65.50 to open a grave when I believe thrut the State Government must a plot of ground has been bought by a bring down measures to ensure proper and person and set aside for a family funeral. adequate control of all cemeteries, be they Recently in Toowoomba a businessman in under trusts or private cemeteries. Control my electorate was charged the tremendous must also be imposed on funeral benefit sum of $530 to open a plot for one of his funds to see that they are properly admin­ relatives even though the land had already istered and that every cenrt is accounted for. been purchased. The plot had been acquired Funeral benefits insurance must also be so that his mother, I think it was, could rigidly controlled and so must trusts. Every be located near his father. This is the ~rust set up must be a registered trust and sort of rampant overcharging that this organi­ the people who put their money into trusts sation has gone on with whenever it thought must know that their spending is strictly con­ it could get away with it. troJ.Jed. They must have the same strong and strict control as thalt exercised over building societies, with a certain amount of I have mentioned that persons should be money in use and a certain amount in careful when dealing with Douglas Bishopp reserve. and his associates, because when he was in the funeral business in the Tweed he was The Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance a person never to be trusted. The same still Trust is not a registered trust as far as I can applies in Toowoomba. discover. It is not a trust similar to solidtors' trusts that are audited twice a A businessman who was used to making all year. J,t is not a trust such as the trust sorts of business agreements was completely ·that is required for charitable bodies. From disgusted when he received an account from what I can discover, there is simply the Mr. Bishopp's associates for a plot of land name of a company and the only trust that purchased in the Toowoomba Cemetery. The the people have in it is trusting to luck. word of the people whom he dealt with was not good enough. They could not be trusted Funeml benefits insurances were sold by at all. When the account came through, Douglas Bishopp, as I have mentioned, to the verbal agreement was not in any way persons who were already known to be honoured. As is typical in the Tweed, the dying. After making one or two payments account was for a great deal more, added these people died and in this way Capricorn as extras. This businessman is quite a was swindled out of what should have been respected man in Toowoomba. He is quite a normal life expectancy and recovery of an honest, upright churchman. He has no normal premiums on the insurance type of reason to tell lies. He was sickened and business. Mr. Bishopp is still involved in this disgusted by the way the business was con­ sort of business and I only hope that the ducted at the time of his bereavement. companies that have underwritten him this time are aware of his record and will watch The daughter of a former Labor member and scrutinise very carefuJ.Jy the deals and of this Parliament has come to me terrified proposals that he puts before them. that Mr. Bishopp will take some form of vengeance on her for the changes she had I think all trusts should be registered and, made in her funeral arrangements. This is like solicitors' accounrts, they should be sub­ typical of the way Bishopp operates. He mitted to six-monthly audit. A report always leaves people in fear of being sued. should then issue so that all who are plot This lady who came to me is yet another holders can receive advice. Similarly, they person who is terrified of what might happen mus1 know that the moneys held in trust are to her because she has dared to change her invested and not used to promote private funeral arrangements. business ventures that win profit only a few. 74 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply

Inurnment si•tes have been established by The local Trades and Labor Council has some churches to enable relatives to reduce been very interested in this aspect and it the cost o:f cremation and their remains can also sees it as a very good opportunity to be inurned in an inurnment wall for as little reduce some of the shock students suffer as $10. Mr. Bishopp in some of his plots when they leave school and find that they has been charging as much as $500 for the are not adequately prepared for the only storing of ashes. I am concerned that one jobs that may be available to them. I day the Toowoomba Garden of Remem­ believe that the Minister for Industrial Dev­ brance Trust will be so impoverished by the elopment has done a good job in liaising greed of Douglas John Bishopp and his with the Queensland Trades and Labor family, and Julian Barry, thwt the trustees Council and that the Trades and Labor will be forced to hand over 1ts administra­ Council has co-operated fully. tion to the Toowoomba City Council. I certainly hope that the trustees have been There needs to be an acceptance by work­ able to salvage something from the almost men of a student coming in and working impossible state of affairs given to them. alongside them without pay. It is not a They are all good men but they are battling threat to their jobs. On completion of the almost impossible odds. two-week tour in the work situation, whether I should now like to turn my attention to it be a factory, an office, a laboratory or something of a more cheerful nature and a hospital, the student returns to school. He one of the more positive things that are hap­ is not guaranteed employment at that site. pening in Toowoomba. I refer to the estab­ A new student then takes his place. lishment of a trial in what is known as the Work Education Programme. This has been There has to be some protection against going on through the Centenary Heights State injury and compensation if students are High School. It is a plan under which injured. The schools in Toowoomba took students can learn something of the nature out their own students' insurance policies of occupations available and discover how similar to ordinary workers' compensation well suited they are to various types of policies. This insured the students against jobs. I and others believe that" this plan injuries sustained while travelling to and will go a long way towards establishing in from work or at work. There had to be the minds of young people a firm idea of a guarantee, of course, that the student what employment is all about. We believe would not displace a regular employee and he that this will be one of the great develop­ was not to be regarded as slave labour. ments in this country and that it will remove Students, employers and unions have readily much of the discontent engendered in young recognised this. people by unemployment. This scheme has been working quite well Mr. Lamont: Did you know that the in Toowoomba and 16 or more employers education hierarchy in their so-called wisdom have taken students in to the work situation. are trying to withdraw that very useful All .that is required to set it up in a town scheme from the schools? the size of Toowoomba is the co-operation of two or three teachers and the students. Dr. LOCKWOOD: I do not agree The teachers prepare the material to explain with that. I know that there has been work education to students, parents, opposition to some plans and that some employees, school staff and the community people are not in favour of schemes under in general. Having done this, they then which students go out willy-nilly and are survey the business community to find out paid. The p1an to which I am referring is the possible work stations into which students completely different from that sort of with no previous knowledge or expertise can scheme. Lt is modelled, I believe, on a fit. scheme that functions quite well in Canada. I have heard that there is opposition to it, The work programme required of the but I do not believe this and I appeal to school staff can be carried on in the school the Minister for Education, the Minister for and it requires only one or two periods a Indu~>trial Development, Labour Relations week for a term to make the students and Consumer Affairs, and the Treasurer familiar with what the programme will to each do his part in ensuring that this P·lan involve. This has been done both before comes to fruition. and after school, and so has not really It involves training for the benefit of the interfered with studies. Students, teachers student. '"Dhe training is part of his educa­ and even employers are encouraged to re· tion and is therefore best handled in the evaluate safety practices for students. schools. There must be suitable work stations in the community for the student Student counselling is carried out as well so that he can proceed from school with as .student evaluation. Students are asked some confidence and certainty about what to evaluate the work, the employer is asked he is going to meet outside. On the other to evaluate the student and then the student hand, there have to be employers who are is asked to evaluate himself. This way the willing to set up the training situation for students become not only interested in the the stutly, by a Jack of over­ am sure that at the next election when seas markets and, secondly, by tariff pro­ people have an opportunity to express their tection, which is brought about by successive views by their votes, they will try Federal Governments in such a way as to very hard to get them back into this deprive the State Governments of control Chamber. over it. The need to maintain the balance in favour of rural electorates, both federally and on a State basis, is of vital importance I listened with some interest to the amend­ to the prosperity of rural areas. ment moved by the Leader of the Opposition, although I did not really take a lot of I was very pleased to read of the Indust­ notice of it. I plan to be constructive ries Assistance Commission's inquiry into the in my speech today rather than to rubbish footwear, clothing and textile industries. Its the A.L.P. Most people know that its policies recommendation was quite realistic. It did are rubbish, anyhow, and I would only be not demand !l'he immediate cessation of pro­ wasting time in rubbishing them. The people tection for those industries. Rather i't of Western Queensland in particular should recommended that protection for textiles, be made very much aware of how much clothing and footwear be reduced progres­ parliamentary leaders of the A.L.P. rely on sively at the fastest rate that could be sus­ unions for endorsement. The dictation that ttained by the economy without creating undue the Leader of the Opposition would have to hardship for the people, regions and firms be prepared to take from unions, particularly that are affected. That is fair enough. How­ militant unions, if ever by any fluke he ever, politicians in Canberra, particularly became Premier of the State, as something ci,ty politicians, should realise that for too that people throughout Queensland should be long the people in rural areas have suffered a very worried about. great deal of the very hardship that those 76 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply politicians do not wanrt to inflict on the their minds whether this country will be clothing industry. It is about time that populated by Australians, by selected immi­ Federal politicians realised ,the need to come grants or by immigrants forced on us by to their aid even if it means sacrificing some war. This is the very real possibility Aus­ of the inefficient secondary industries that are tralia may face unless we settle some of our dmining 1he life-blood of this nation. industrial problems and thus give the world the impression that we are trying to do some­ Mr. Houston: You are making the policy thing worth while with Australia. There is an speech for ,the National Party now. The city old saying that we should populate or perish, people would love to hear your policy. which is no longer fashionable. But it should be. Mr. McKECHNIE: J,t is a fact of life that Some time ago an Opposition member inter­ protection is the order of the day. But jected and asked, "What are we going to do the primary industries also need some pro­ for jobs if we wipe out some of these in­ tection. They need it because of the high efficient secondary industries?" Many people cost of goods and services brought about by on the land would provide employment for 'the unnecessary protection of certain indust­ literally hundreds of thousands of workers ries, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne if they could afford to do so, but the pro­ and to a lesser extent in Brisbane. I say tectionist policy is choking them. It is that for the benefit of the Opposition mem­ interesting to note that about 120,000 jobs in ber who is trying to be funny on the the clothing industry could be affected. If this sideline. I.A.C. report is adopted pmgressively, the lowering of the Consumer Price Index as a Mr. Houston: Do you think you are going result of the cheaper clothing component to sell your goods if you have no-one in the would go a long way towards beating inflation. cities to buy them from you? If primary industry were made pmfitable, the jobs that would be lost would be available Mr. McKECHNIE: If the honourable in primary industry. member will be patient, I shall deal with that later. However, I do not think patience is Mr. Houston: You cannot sell the products one of his virtues. you produce now.

For rural production to recover, it is Mr. McKECHNIE: Naturally the same essen1ial that we come back to free trade on people wonld not be involved; there would the world markets. When I was in Korea have to be a change-over period. I was interested to learn that each year we export to Korea goods worth An Opposition member said that we cannot $U.S.215,000,000 whereas we import goods sell the products that we produce now. One worth only $U.S.99,000,000. How can we reason for our not selling some of the products expect to increase our exports when we wiH is that overseas countries no longer feel that not import a reasonable quantity of goods we are a reliable exporter. Cost is another from countries such as Korea? It has been problem which the Labor Party, through its argued that a balance is obtained in other association wi,th the un'on movement, foisted ways. Bach year Korea imports goods on the Australian peopl>e, particularly during worth a total of $U.S.8,774 million and the period when Mr. Whitlam was Prime exports goods worth $U.S.l,OOO million less. Minister of Australia. Korea is looking to us to import more of its goods. I am sure thrut if we do that it will Mr. Houston: You are still living in the take more exports from us. If we were past. What about coming up to the future? allowed to ,trade freely, we would become the food bowl of Asia. However, we have been Mr. McKECHNIE: I don't want to be prevented from doing that by the protect­ troubled with yesterday's men. ionist policies of successive Federal Gov­ ernments. I will say that at least the non­ Another problem facing AustraHa today is Labor Governments treated us a little better the terrific burden of taxes. Recently, when than the Labor ones. I was in Hong Kong, I took out figures on taxes applying there. I found that a person earning $A100-which is a big income over One of the problems that city politicians there-and supporting a wife and three child­ in Sydney and Canberra have to wake up to ren does not pay any income tax. If he is that people overseas know that Australia eams an additional $5,000 a year, which puts is an under-populated country and that we him in the $200 a week bracket, he pays only are wasting Australia's assets. We spend a little bit over $2 a week in tax. Why are hundreds of millions of dollars on defence, we paying so much tax in Australia? This yet pe,ople in the Defence Forces are not is something we must all face up to as satisfied that we have an adequate defence legislators. force. I wonder how much more secure we would be if we spent some of the hundreds Over the years too many politicians have of millions of dollars of defence expenditure tried to win elections by promising the world to encourage an increase in Australia's popu­ without pointing out to the electorate what lation. It is up to Australians to make up the cost will be. Address in Reply (4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply 77

:Mr. Houston: It is your Government that should be directed towards housing. It has kept increasing the number of members is something basic. This gets back to what and the size of the Cabinet. I was saying at the beginning of my speech: by building something new we are creating :Mr. McKECHNIE: We are quite happy real wealth and fundamentally increasing to stand up and say that it is necessacy our standard of living. to have a few more politicians instead of a whole host of senior public servants. Probably the greatest problem we in People are demanding that their elected repre­ Queensland are facing today is industrial sentatives take upon their shoulders some umest. I think the people of Queensland of the decisions that are now being made are demanding that Governments take a by senior public servants. I was interested strong stand on this aspect. It is fair enough to note recently when I was in Hawaii, to say that most unions registered in Queens­ where I had a look at the American system, land are reasonably moderate. Their per­ that the top public servants are political formance in strikes is something that not appointments and that they are quite happy many people appreciate or realise. I should with that situation. I said, "But would you like to congratulate those unions, and their get good men to apply for the job when they members who fall into this category, on do not have security of employment?" The adopting a responsible attitude over recent chap I spoke to said, "Boy, oh boy. All years. the Governor has to do is ring me up and I am gone-and don't I perform!" I said, "But what happens when there is a change Many of our militant unions are federal of Government and you have to be replaced?" unions. Therefore, to a large degree, they He said, "Boy, oh boy. It's such a pre- are out of our control. I want it known 5tigious job and there are so many people in my electorate that I am urging the of ability who want it that I make sure Federal Government to be as tough as pos­ I do my job vecy well." sible with people like Elliott V. E!lio1lt, who says that he does not believe in the system I am not saying for one moment that our and is doing everything he can to destroy senior public servants are not good chaps it while he is holding the position of an and that they are not good administrators. official in a union. People like him and Carmichael are interested only in foisting Mr. Houston: Well, what are you saying? strikes upon Australia and they should have the toughes.t measures possible taken against them. Mr. McKECHNIE: What I am saying is that there is a feeling in the Public Service that Ministers come and go but that the But what about the responsible union senior heads are there for ever. I think member? Quite often, Opposition members that detracts from the power this Parliament accuse Government members of union­ has over senior public servants. bashing. The Premier has stated quite clearly and firmly that the average union member is Another reason why we in Australia have a jolly good bloke. The average union high taxes is that we tend to be encouraged, member deserves 1the support of this and particularly by people of a socialist other Governments. I hope that during this philosophy, to overlegislate. For instance, session it will be possible to consider bringing I know that seat belts can be justified. They down legislation to give him the right to are vecy good. They save lives. Similar work. It is time that our total industrial remarks could be applied to the collapsible scene was looked at in depth. Perhaps we steering wheel. We have literally hundreds should investigate more fully ilhe Japanese of regulations such as those which individ­ system of enterprise unions. ually can be substantiated. But I wonder how many people suffer from undue mental Unfortunately, trade unions have let Aus­ stress and how many contract various diseases tralia down. They were necessary when they through worcy because they are concerned were formed. Because of the irresponsibility about their cost of living. It is not possible of some union leaders and because of the to measure the effect on the cost of living of lack of fortitude of some members of those legislating for everything. I believe the fact militant unions to stand up to ,their leaders, that we are paying three or four dollars a some of the unions have become unnecessacy. week in tax more than we would need to Again, it is easy to talk. We in this Parlia­ if there were not as many rules and reg­ ment do not face the victimisation practised ulations governing our lives has a very great on some of the union members if they stand effect on the medical condition of some people. up to the mmtant union leaders.

Of great concern also in the basic neces­ We are wrong in taking too much notice sities of life is housing. I am vecy pleased of aicy-faicy academics. Recently I was talk­ that my electorate has received its share ing to a university professor who questioned of Housing Commission homes since my me about the Torres Strait border dispute. election. I will always advocate in Parlia­ He said that he could understand tha,t Torres ment that a greater share of our revenue Strait Islanders should be allowed to remain 78 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply

as Australians, but did not know whether Politicians should never forget that they they should be allowed to stay on ~heir are the one bulwark between the odd mistake islands or not. That indicates the sort of made by public servants and the person in airy-fairy world 1that academics live in. He the street. I think all of us here try as hard could not understand a person's having a as we can to help those who come to us love of the land where he was born. He is with their little problems and to see that they of the opinion that a person can give that get satisfaction. For my electorate I pledge away and that i't does not matter. myself to continue to do that. Irrespective of political colour, religion or anything else, Academics think that way because they all receive the same treatment when they are all on high salaries and flit from one come to my door. That will continue. country 1to another on sabbatical leave or take up an appointment in another country Mr. Houston. Do you ask if they are for a couple of years. They have their Communists? degrees and do not have to worry about tomorrow. That is all the insurance they need. Mr. McKECHNIE: No, I do not. There are not many Communists in my eleotorate; in fact, there are not many in Australia. It In order to help our people, we must look is time the A.L.P. stopped mucking around at this matter realistically and urge the and joining hands with unions that are Com­ Federal Government and the State Minister munis~-dominated and controlled. If the to take away some of the money being given A.L.P. wants to return to Government in for some of the airy-fairy courses, such as ·this State~in 100 years' time or something the bachelor of arts degree, and get down like that-it must divorce itself from the •to the basics of life and help people to find union movement. The problem of industrial apprenticeships. This country is short of relations is aggravated because the union tradesmen. There is no way in the world movement allies itself with one party. Its that we can tax our people any more leaders, at least, do not want to ally them­ heavily ,than they are taxed today. We must selves with any other party. have people with bachelor of arts degrees -nobody denies that-but we do not need The sooner unionism is removed from the as many. field of party politics and union members are given the right to change their allegiance An Honourable Member: You must have from time to time as ~hey want to without drones in every beehive. fear of victimisation by militant Left-wing unions, the sooner there will be a sensible Mr. McKECHNIE: They are not all industrial relations policy in Austmlia. The drones. That is a long way from .the point. people of my electorate are very much aware Most holders of B.A. degrees are probably that Le:lit-wing union militancy is causing very nice people and many of their skills more problems than anything else in Aus­ are needed in this country. However, the tralia. Not one A.L.P. member ever gets up point I am trying to make is that priorities and really gets stuck into militant unions and must be changed so that there are fewer stands up for moderate Right-wing unions. with B.A. degrees and more with technical education qualificaJtions. I am pleased to have been given the time to point out some of the problems that are Mr. Houston: How do you select them? facing this great State of ours. I am sure the people of my electorate realise that they Mr. McKECHNIE: The way to do that have a Government thM, despite unemploy­ is to give a little less money to the univers­ ment and other great problems which every­ ities for this type of education and more to one knows originated wi•th Gough Whitlam, colleges of technical education. will always do the best it can to see that Queensland continues as the best State in the I am endeavouring •to speak about some Commonwealth. of the broader problems £acing the State. That, however, does not mean to say that Mr. GOLEBY (Redlands) (5.15 p.m.): I I am not very much concerned with the would like to join with other members in little everyday problems that I face in my congratulating Sir J ames Ramsay on his electorate. The people of Carnarvon know appointment as Governor of this fine State what a diversified electorate I have to service and also to pledge the loyalty not only of and how hard I work on behalf of the myself but the constituents I represent to various industries in it. The wine industry Her Majesty the Queen. is a new industry that is now getting off the ground. It deserves a lot of attention, as Recently this State has seen an electoral does tourism. There is also the production redistribution and in future the shire of of deciduous fru~t, vegetables, cattle, sheep, Redland will constitute the whole of the grain, pecan nuts and tobacco, all of which new electorate of Redlands. This is one have grea!t problems to which I am con­ of the fastest-grow[ng areas in Queensland stantly trying to find solutions and on which and, indeed, Australia and in the redistri­ I am constantly making representations. bution the commission saw fit to maintain Address ill Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address ill Reply 79 the community of interest of this area in erations to come will be deprived of a one electorate. It is the smallest shire in large camping area as well as extensive sport­ Queensland and, I understand, the most ing and recreation grounds. closely settled. The shire consists of a mainland area and seven inhabited islands I do not suppose that we should call the in Moreton Bay. I believe that this is the people I have referred to "conservationists" first occasion that an electorate has been because I believe that each and every mem­ made up entirely of just one shire. Despite ber of this House would consider himself or what many people think, the major industry herself a conservationist. The people I am in the electorate, at least on the mainland, talking about are obstructionists and preser­ is horticulture. Arguments have been put vationists, without having a thought for any forward in favour of the retention of this other person in the community. Many of area as farmland-a salad bowl-so that it them object merely for the sake of objecting remains the vegetable-producing centre of and do not even come from the area con­ Brisbane for all time, but I would point cerned and, in many cases, as we saw with out that this is not possible. Large areas Fraser Island, have never been there. Jus·t of the electorate were subdivided way back because it is the popular thing to do they in the 1890s and many of the farms there jump on the bandwagon and object. In so today are an aggregation of 16 and 20-perch doing they put the local authority concerned allotments which are now set for residential and, in many cases, industry and the State development. The whole area is subject to Government to the expense of countless a town plan and a residential water supply thousands of dollars to fight a case through is reticulated throughout the whole shire. the courts. Meanwhile industry is held up There is little doubt that within the next and people are deprived of their jobs. 20 years the balance of this once-rich vege­ I mentioned Amity Point. This. fast­ table-growing area will be rather high-class ~eveloping bayside township is in need of a residential land lying close to metropolitan Jetty. It was serviced by private enterprise Brisbane. for many years but private enterprise can no longer continue to service the area as people One of the other major industries in the now do not come by ferry but prefer to electorate is sand-mining. Indeed, I under­ bring their cars over on the barge. The stand that the sand-mining industry on North boating fraternity who use that part of the Stradbroke Island is the largest such ooer­ bay look upon Amity Point as a refuelling ation in Australia. The sand miners have station to pick up supplies, water, etc., but done a first-class job of rehabilitation. They they cannot land without the provision of a have done a job that is second to none jetty. I urge that in the coming Budget the as will be seen by anyone who is lucky Government pay particular attention to the enough to be taken on a tour of the urgent need for this facility. rehabilitated areas. Contrary to the image which has been created by a lot of the Stradbroke Island has unlimited tourist conservationists throughout the country, the potential. Access is proving a problem. I mining company is doing a first-class job mentioned earlier that all visitors to the of showing the public just what can be island travelled by barge, but the barge com­ done after mining. I am sure that if many panies are finding it increasingly difficult to of the people who were hostile to sand­ provide a service for the convenience of the mining on Fraser Island had gone to Strad­ public. In a previous speech in this House I broke and seen the wonderful job of rehabi­ said that I believed that the vast tourist litation that has been done there, we would potential of Stradbroke Island should be have seen sand-mining on Fraser Island today. made available to the fullest extent to the In many of the rehabilitated areas the vege­ population of the metropolitan area of tation is far superior to that originally pro­ Brisbane. vided by nature. Following that speech an industr·ial firm and an engineering firm have taken Whilst ?n the subject of sand-mining I up the proposal and investigations have been must mentiOn the work that the sand miners made. Only today, together with some of are prepared to do at Amity Point. As our Cabinet Ministers, we had discussions many members would know, Amity Point is along these lines. I do urge the Government, a small fishing and tourist township on the the Lands Department and .the various auth­ extreme end of North Stradbroke Island orities concerned to put no hindrance in the and the mining company is prepared to sup: way of this project. Here we have a local ply and spread in position over 1 000 000 m3 authority, investors, a mining company and of sand to provide a camping area and sport engineering firms working closely together to and recreation grounds. The area proposed try to provide this very important link with to be filled is low, swampy land with a Stradbroke Island. That would make the area few mangroves. The presence of a few accessible to many hundreds of thousands of mangroves draws the attention of the con­ people in South-east Queensland. At the same servationists and every effort has been made time vehicular access would be provided to to prevent the mining company depositing some of the Moreton Bay islands such as the sand in the area. If these efforts to Russell Island, where over 10,000 blocks are prevent the reclamation are· successful, gen- waiting to be developed. 80 Address in Reply [4 AUGUST 1977] Address in Reply

As I mentioned before, Redlands is a discuss the pros and cons of that. However, growth centre, one of the fastest-growing I am gravely concerned at the general policy centres in the State. In a growth centre lying of the State Government Insurance Office of as close to the metropolitan area as Redlands setting itself up as final arbiter and of refusing does, fast transport is required. I refer to the to enter into further correspondence in con­ urgent necessity for a four-lane highway from nection with claims. Capalaba into Brisbane. Capalaba is only 12 miles from the city and approxima,tely Some of my electors have shown me papers 20,000 vehicles a day pass along that single from the State Government Insurance Office carriageway. The road is far from adequate stamped "Claim fully paid. No right of to transport the large numbers of people who appeal." What right does any insurance wish to commute to the city daily. organisation have to deprive anyone of his right of appeal? Some people are perman­ The Cleveland railway line is an urgent ently disabled, yet because of the State Gov­ necessity. I understand that the proposal put ernment Insurance Office's policy they may forward by me in this House has led to this not receive just compensation. This matter particular venture being included in the calls for investigation. If the State Govern­ Metropolitan Transit Study. We are very ment Insurance Office is not prepared to fortunate in this regard because the route adopt a more tolerant attitude towards genu­ the line will traverse is still available in its ine claims, the Government should look at entirety. The Redland Shire Council saw fit the possibility of allowing ot!her insurance in 1961 to make sure that the area was placed companies to enter the workers' compensation under council control so now the whole of field. the railway reserve from Lota Station right through to Cleveland Point is still available, I would be the first to admit that some and no resumptions will be required to re-lay persons flout the law and trade on the the line. I thank the Ministe'r for Transport Workers' Compensation Act. I know that for the efforts he has made on my behalf, many bogus claims are made. The inspectors and also people in the electorate who have have the job of sorting those claims out. made every effort to have this project However, some persons who make genuine included in the Metropolitan Transit Study. claims are not receiving adequate compensa­ I hope that in the very near future, with the tion for their injuries. electrification of the Wynnum line, this extension will be laid into that very fast­ Finally-today we heard once again the growing area of my electorate. hollow promises of the Leader of the Oppos­ ition-the great Dr. Fix-em or Mr. Fiction. Unfmtunately police strength in the shire As has been said, an empty vessel makes and the electorate has not grown with the the most sound. The Leader of the Oppos­ population. The Minister for Police, who is ition recently conducted a survey in this in the House, is well aware of the problem. I certainly hope that in the Budget provision State only to find that things were not as will be made for the appointment of more he thought they were or as he had been led police throughout the State. But besides need­ to believe they were by the Left-wing unions ing more police we need more facilities for that dominate him and his party today. police offic·ers. This Government has been in office for Some of the police stations throughout 20 years and the people of Queensland have Queensland provide very cramped and in­ just as much confidence in it today as they adequate working conditions for police had in it 20 years ago. They are happy to officers. A:t the Cleveland Police Station, for have the Premier and his Ministers continue as example, the waiting room is so small that if leaders of this great State. Queensland leads it is occupied by two persons a third person Australia in growth and population expans­ waiting for attention is forced to remain ion. As I have said in this House on earlier outside on bhe street. Sometimes I wonder occasions, the export earnings of New South what would be Vhe reaction of school-teachers Wales and Victoria combined do not equal if they were required to work under the very those of our fine State. While this Govern­ cramped oonditions under which police ment is in power we can rest assured that officers work. Although the police provide a the expansion of our mining and primary service day in and day out seven days a week industries will continue. and during holidays, they are forced to work under severely cramped conditions. I sin­ Mr. Houston: Our primary industries are cerely hope that the Budget will make pro­ not expanding. vision for the relief of some of the in­ adequacies of accommodation at police stations not only in my electorate but in many Mr. GOLEBY: Our primary industries are other elec1orates as well. expanding. Under the provisions of Standing Order The State Government Insurance Office has No. 17, the debate stood adjourned. a monopoly over workers' compensation in­ surance in Queensland. I am not going to The House adjourned at 5.31 p.m.