Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 19 AUGUST 1980

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

QUEENSLAND

Parliamentary Debates [HANSARD]

THIRD SESSIO'N OF THE FORTY-SECOND PARLIAMENT Appointed to meet AT BRISBANE ON THE NINETEENTH DAY OF AUGUST, IN THE TWENTY-NINTH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH 11, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1980

TUESDAY, 19 AUGUST 1980 the Opening of this the Third Session of the Forty-second Parliament of Queensland and that, nevertheless, it is His Excellency's desire that you proceed forthwith to the considera­ OPENING OF PARLIAMENT tion of the aforementioned business. Pursuant to the proclamation by His Excellency the Governor, dated 24 July 1980, appointing Parliament to meet this day for DEATHS OF SIR ALAN MANSFIELD the dispatch of business, the House met at AND SIR MOSTYN HANGER 11 a.m. in the temporary Legislative Assembly Chamber in the Parliamentary Annexe. MoTioN OF CoNDOLENCE Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah Mr SPEAKER (Hon. S. J. Muller, -Premier) (11.6 a.m.), by leave, without Fassifern) read prayers and took the chair. notice: I move- The Clerk read the proclamation. "1. That this House desires to place on record its appreciation of the services rendered to this State by the late Hon­ COMMISSION TO OPEN PARLIAMENT ourable Sir Alan Mansfield, K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., K.St.J., LL.B.Syd., LL.D.(Hon.) Mr SPEAKER: I have to inform the Qld., formerly Governor of the State of House that I have received from His Queensland and its dependencies in the Excellency the Governor a commissiOn Commonwealth of Australia. appointing me and Mr W. D. Hewitt, Chair­ man of Committees, or either of us, Com­ "2. That this House desires to place on missioners to open this session of Parliament. record its appreciation of the services rendered to this State by the late Hon­ I now call on the Clerk to read the ourable Sir Mostyn Hanger, K.B.E., B.A., commission. LL.M., formerly Chief Justice of the Sup­ The Clerk read the commission. reme Court of the State of Queensland and one time Administrator of the State of Mr SPEAKER, as the Senior Commissioner, Queensland and its dependencies in the said: Honourable members, we have it in Commonwealth of Australia. command from His Excellency the Governor "3. That Mr Speaker be requested to of Queensland to communicate to you that convey to the widow and family of each Parliament has been summoned to meet this of the deceased gentlemen the above resolu­ day to consider legislation, the granting of tion, together with an expression of the Supply to Her Majesty and such other matters sympathy and sorrow of the members of as may be brought before you; that the the Parliament of Queensland in the loss customary Speech will not be delivered at they have sustained." 2 Motion of Condolence [19 AUGUST 1980] Motion of Condolence

Honourable members have been saddened by But many Queens!anders will have fondest the recent passing of two very eminent public recollections of Sir Alan as a man who loved figures who served the State faithfully and nothing better than to escape to a secluded well. seaside spot and indulge in his hobby of Sir Alan Mansfield was a distinguished boating and fishing. citizen and scholar who endeared himself to He was a dutiful husband, and father to the people throughout his term of office as a son and daughter. To his family, we Governor from 1966 to 1972. During his express our heartfelt condolences. Sir Alan six-year term, Sir Alan won the affection, has left a highly individual and indelible respect and confidence of people in all walks mark in so many areas. of life. He devoted virtually a lifetime of He will be recorded in Queensland's history service to the community and the State. as one of the State's most eminent citizens Our Sovereign the Queen personally hon­ and one who subscribed to the tenet: service oured Sir Alan through bestowing two knight­ above self. His career, with its countless hoods on him-that of Knight Commander of achievements of excellence, remains his most the Order of St Michael and St George in faithful memorial. 1958, and Knight Commander of the Royal The late Chief Justice Sir Mostyn Hanger Victorian Order in 1970. He was also a died after a long illness. This great man Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. had a long and distinguished career in both In his speech upon assuming the office of the legal profession and the service of this Governor in March 1966, Sir Alan said his State. aim as Governor would be to bring the Sir Mostyn was held in the highest regard Queen closer to the people. He succeeded by those who knew him personally and by admirably with that intention. those who associated with him professionally. Queensland-bern, Sir Alan was the second All of them were aware of his being a Queenslander to be appointed Governor. The truly honourable gentleman. first was Sir John Lavarack, whose term Born in 1908, he was educated at Gympie ran from 1946 to 1957. Born in 1902 at State High School and the University of Indooroopilly, Brisbane, Alan Mansfield was Queensland. He graduated from that uni­ the son of Edward Mansfield, himself a versity in 1929 with the degree of Bachelor Judge of District Courts (Queensland) who of Arts and was admitted to the Queensland served as Chairman of the Land Appeal Bar in 1930. Court and, from time to time, upon the Supreme Court. In 1932 he commenced private practice and after many years of distinguished service he In 1924 Sir Alan, then in his early twenties, was appointed a King's Counsel in 1950. graduated from Sydney University with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. In that year Sir Mostyn was elevated to the Supreme he was called to both the New South Wales Court of Queensland in 1953 and was Bar and the Queensland Bar, reading within appointed to the office of Chief Justice in the chambers of Mr P. L. Hart. More than 1971, in which office he served until his 30 years of active court work followed. He retirement in 1977. He earned the respect lectured in bankruptcy at the Queensland and high regard of the entire legal profession. University Law School and in the Faculty Judicial roles filled by him included the of Commerce. He was also lecturer at the demanding position of President of the Indus­ Brisbane State Commercial High School. trial Court from 1961 to 1971. He was regarded as a leader among younger Queensland owes a great debt to this man counsel and as a man of culture. As he who gave so much of his life for the benefit matured, his judgments in court were con­ of the community. For these services, Her sidered vigilant and shrewd, and invariably Majesty graciously conferred a knighthood tinged with mercy. He was elevated to the upon him-that of a Knight Commander of Supreme Court of Queensland in 1940 and the Order of the British Empire. was appointed to the office of Chief Justice Sir Mostyn also served Queensland in the in 1956. capacity of Administrator between the retire­ From 1956 to 1965 he was Warden of the ment of former Governor, the late Sir Alan University of Queensland and became its Mamfield, and the appointment of the late Chancellor in 1966. He held this important Sir Colin Hannah in 1972. He served again post for 10 years. During this time the in this capacity in 1977 between Sir Colin's university enjoyed one of its most progressive retirement and the appointment of the present periods. Governor, Sir James Ramsay. As a member of tribunals of inquiry and Sir Mostyn is survived by his wife, three courts of appeal, whether within the State, sons and a daughter. His links with the the nation or on the international stage, Sir legal fraternity still continue, however, as Alan displayed his wisdom and legal scholar­ one of his sons, John, is a Judge of District ship. Courts in Townsville, and another son, Ian, He was commissioned as an Honorary is a barrister in Brisbane. Colonel of the 2/14 Queensland Mounted I am sure all members feel a great loss Infantry and as an Honorary Air Commodore with the passing of Sir Mostyn, who was one of 23rd Squadron of the Citizen Air Force. of Queensland's great men. Motion of Condolence [19 AuGusT 1980] Motion of Condolence 3

On behalf of the Government and, I am of the New South Wales District Court; the sure, all honourable members of this House, bow went on to become Mr Justice Hunter­ I wish to extend our condolences to the Chief Justice of Tonga-and No. 6 in the family of the late Sir Mostyn Hanger, K.B.E. boat was a young law student of great repute, Alan Mansfield. For sheer weight of talent Hon. L. R. EDWARDS (Ipswich-Deputy there has never been a crew quite like it. Premier and Treasurer) (11.13 a.m.): I wish Sir Alan Mansfield always put his State to second the motion of the Premier in first. In 1957 when the then Governor, Sir expressing the condolence of the Parliament John Lavarack was ill, Sir Alan was Admin­ on the passing of two of Queensland's most istrator of the State. Members will recall that distinguished sons-Sir Alan Mansfield, that was a turbulent period in Queensland's K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., K.St.J. and Sir Mostyn political history with the then Gair Govern­ Hanger, K.B.E. ment on the brink of collapse. Mr Justice Both men made an enormous contribution Mansfield, as he then was, delayed a pending to Queensland and they have left indelible operation to stay on duty during that period marks not only on the legal history of this of constitutional crisis. Such was the man's State, but also in the fields of administration, devotion to duty that in 1958 he was education and community development. honoured with a knighthood in the State's New Year honours list-the first for more Sir Alan Mansfield came from a remarkable than 25 years. family with a history steeped in service to the law profession. He was the third judge in Sir Alan Mansfield loved Queensland's the family-succeeding his father, Edward outdoors and its natural environment. He was a keen fisherman and was often seen in Mansfield, who was a Judge of the Queensland his baggy shorts fishing for whiting on District Court, chairman of the Land Appeal Moreton Island. He regularly holidayed on Court and an Acting Supreme Court Judge; Fraser Island. Sir Alan Mansfield thrust him­ and his great-grandfather, Sir James Mans­ self into community life. His part-time and field, who was twice Solicitor-General in honorary jobs were enough to absorb the England and Chief Justice of the Common energies of an ordinary man. Sir Alan Pleas. Mansfield was more than just a Governor of Sir Alan's own career in the law was Queens1and. He was a part of our State and outstanding. He was called to the New a part of the Queensland community. He was South Wales Bar and the Queensland Bar a family man and a devoted husband. To his in 1924. He was a highly successful and widow and children I express our deepest respected barrister and it was only a matter sympathy. of time before he was elevated to the Bench. Sir Mostyn Hanger was a respected and On 17 May 1941, he was sworn in as dedicated servant of the State. A man with a Justice of the Supreme Court of Queens­ an exceptional ability at law, acute and quick land and la.ter he became the Acting in apprehension, and thorough in preparation, President of ,the State Industrial Court. He he had a great capacity for independent was the Senior Puisne Judge in 1947 and critical thought. Mostyn Hanger was admit­ Chief Justice of Queensland between 1955 ted to the bar on 25 November 1930. He and 1966. built up a reputation as an able advocate in the commercial and property side of the law. After more .than a quarter of a decade on In 1941 he received his masters degree in law the Bench, he became Govemor of Queens­ and took silk in 1950. land from 1966 in an extended term till 1972. A,t the same time he was also His service to the law spanned more than Chancellor of ;the University of Queensland 47 years and culminated in his elevation to from 1966 to 1967. the high office of Chief Justice on 12 May 1971. Such an appointment speaks for itself As Governor, Sir Alan earned the deep as to his qualities of learning and integrity. affection of many Queenslanders. Together A distinguished figure in his homburg hat, with Lady Mansfield he toured the Sta.te Sir Mostyn was always willing to seek advice widely, meeting Queenslanders in all walks and in turn be generous of his time and of life. He was truly a Governor for all knowledge-particularly to young lawyers and the people. law students. Sir Alan Mansfield was a man of Above all, Sir Mostyn Hanger was a exceptional ability. He was a keen sportsman devoted family man. With three sons and a in his youth. Nobody who knew him back daughter he cultivated in them a great appre­ in his rowing days at Sydney University was ciation of the importance of the family unit surprised when he was appointed Governor in and together they shared his love for music 1966, for he rowed in a boat that has since and the arts. He was a dedicated scholar of become legendary for the good fortunes it German. An indication of the wide-ranging brought to her crew. It was the famous interests of the man was his deep love for his Interfaculty Eight of 1923. The stroke in orchids. He was an avid orchid hobbyist and that boat was a young man named Curlewis was patron of the Brisbane Orchid Society. who later become Judge Adrian Curlewis; He balanced his recreational time in his No. 7 become Judge Holt of the New South nursery with other activities. A keen golfer, Wales District Court; No. 5 became Mr he attained an enviable level of skill and Justice Heron of the New South Wales indeed continued to play until his recent ill­ Supreme Court; No. 4 became Judge Berne ness. 4 Motion of Condolence [19 AuGUST 1980] Electoral, &c., Whitsunday

Sir Mostyn Hanger was an outstanding remarks of the Premier, the Deputy Premier Queenslander with a lasting record of service and ·the Leader of the Opposition. Like all to this State. To his widow and family J who practised before them, I had the great­ extend our deepest sympathy. I support the est .respect for both Sir Alan Mansfield and motion moved by the Premier. Sir Mos.tyn Hanger. Sir Mostyn had not long retired as Chief Justice. His acute mind Mr CASEY (Mackay-Leader of the made a great contribution to the administra­ Opposition) (11.19 a.m.): I would like to tion of justice in this State. His forte, I join the Opposition with this motion and think, was in the hearing of cases before the support the comments made by the Premier Full Court, where he would quickly master and the Deputy Premier in .relation .to these the facts and seize upon a vital passage ·the two most distinguished Queenslanders. It is signifiance, or full significance, of which :rather odd that a motion of condolence may have been overlooked by counsel. In should be moved for both of them at the nisi prius cases, too, he had great gifts. I same ·time because I do not suppose there will remember him most, I think, presiding would be two more distinguished legal per­ over the famous gold bars case: Fazal Deen sonalities ·in this State whose careers were v. Thomas Brown & Co. so much in parallel in many respects. Sir Alan Mansfield enjoyed a positio·n I personally remember Sir Alan Mansfield which is almost unique in the legal pro­ more than I do Sir Mostyn Hanger because fession. His courtesy and conduct I met Sir Alan in the North over a great on the Bench and his legal scholar­ many years prior to my entry into this ship were an example to everybody. I remem­ Parliament. He often reminisced with me ber his pa·tience on the Bench when he was about his early career as a barrister when teaching me to pronounce "Mudgeeraba", he used to practise in the circuit courts \Vhich I had mispwnounced three times in round Queensland. as many minutes. He had a distinguished ancestor in Lord Mansfield. Lord Mansfield Sir Mostyn Hanger's career followed much had such a reputation for fairness that, the same course. The work these two young when his house was burnt down, the arsonist barristers did suited them very weU for the who did it especially asked to be tried roles that they eventually played: Sir Alan by Lord Mansfieid. Sir Alan Mansfield's Mansfield as Governor of the State and Sir reputation was no less. His character can Mostyn Hrunger as Administrator of the State be summed up by saying that a whole genera­ for a period. They distinguished themselves tion modelled themselves on his behaviour. firstly as banis.ters and .then as judges and I associate myself with the motion. Chief Justices. Sir Alan Mansfield also dis­ tinguished himself as Governor. Sir Mostyn Motion (Mr Bjelke•Petersen) agreed to, Hanger, as Adminis.trator, was not required honourable members standing in silence. to travel anywhere near as much as was Sir Alan Mansfield. He merely administered the ELECTORAL DISTRICT OF office of Governor during change-over WHITSUNDAY periods. I ·think that the earlier tr.aining of both men held them in good stead for the RESIGNATION OF MEMBER very high offices that they both filled wi•th Mr SPEAKER: I have to inform the House great distinction. that I have received the following letter from Sir Alan Mansfield, at quite a young age, the Honourable Ronald Ernest Camm, mem­ became Australia's representative on the ber for the electoral district of Whitsunday- United Nations War Crimes Commission in "Mineral House, 1946. That commission wrote a new page "41 George Street, in world legal history. This very distinguished "Brisbane, 4000. Queenslander was par·t of that commission "24th June, 1980. and served on i·t with great distinction. He "Dear Mr Speaker, was acclaimed throughout the world for the "I hereby tender my resignation as the legal knowledge and ability tha,t he displayed Member for the Electoral District of Whit­ on that commission. sunday, such resignation to take effect at I suppose ·that in years to come both men midnight on Thursday, 17th July, 1980. will be remembered best for their legal work. "Yours sincerely, Unfortunately, Governors and Administrators "R. E. Camm, come rund go. Both men will be remembered "Minister for Mines, Energy for the work that they did on the Bench in Queensland in their earlier years. Both and Police." were appointed to the Bench at a very young age and, as I say, they served on it with SEAT DECLARED VACANT great distinction for a long period. We in Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Baram­ the Parliament of Queensland are equally bah-Premier), by leave, without notice: I as proud of them as are any other people move- in the State and we certain:ly suppor.t the motion of condolence. "That the seat .in this House for the electoral district of Whitsunday hath Hon. J. W. GREENWOOD (Ashgrove­ become and 1is now vacant by reason of Minister for Survey and Valuation) (11.23 the resignation of the said Honourable a.m.): I wish to associa.te myself with the Ronald Ernest Camm." Electoral District [19 AUGUST 1980] of Whitsunday 5

Mr CASEY (Mackay-Leader of the wonder that cynics in Queensland declare Opposition) (11.25 a.m.): The Opposition that winning the Premier's selection for Cab­ takes the unusual step today of enlarging inet is like learning the combination to the the debate on this normally formal motion Bank of Brisbane. as the means of registering its disgust and Because of ,the manner in V\hich at was disapproval of the "jobs for the boys" adven­ proclaimed via Cabinet, there is no way in tures of the National and Liberal Parties. this Pariiament that we can upset the appoint­ We ask the majority of members in this ment of Mr Camm. The decision was made Parliament-in particular the Liberals who by Cabinet and was promulgated by Cabinet pretend such high principles on these matters through the Executive Council. Par~iament -to join with us in this defence of what is not given the opportunity to withdraw should be the minimum standards of Gov­ the appointment. However, today we might ernment behaviour. be able to remedy that deficiency. I believe there 'is no more dearading Mr Hinze: What happened to Forgan advertisement to not just a Governme';t but Smith? a Parliamentary system as a whole ',than the sight of a generously superan~uated Mr CASEY: He left this Parliament at political favourite being hustled sideways the age of 55, 10 or 11 years before the into an extravagantly rewarded Government normal age of retirement. That was also at job at an age when most Queenslanders a time of no superannuat~on scheme for are either required to be retired or are on members of Parliament. There was no par­ the edge of retirement. liamentary pension of any kind. There can be no comparison between the two cases. Last year it was the National Party's If the honourable Minister for Local Gov­ former police and tourism Minister (Max ernment, Main Roads and Police-he is now Hodges) who, at 63, retired with almost the chief sheriff of this State-would like $270,000 in superannuation ,jnto the Govern­ to check on this particular matter he would ment chairmanship of the Port of Brisbane soon learn that when Mr Forgan Smith Authority on $300 to $400 a week. Last left this Parliament he did not immediately month the political beneficiary was the Nat­ take the job of Chairman of the Sugar Board. ional Party's former mines Minister and Following a distinguished career elsewhere, Deputy Leader (Ron Camm). He retired on he then took that position. 17 July on what wi:ll, in finality, approximate a record $320,000 'in superannuation. He I hope that today we might be able to was then recalled by his Cabinet colleagues correct the deficiency resulting from the only five days later, on his 66th birthday, to efforts of our Cabinet gang of 18 in this fill the $800 a week Government job as matter. We must defend the dignity of our Chairman of the Queensland Sugar Board. parliamentary system against these Cabinet detractors through a protest in the strongest Shortly before Mr Camm's retirement, form against this individual appointment and and also since Parliament last met, nhe Nat­ the practice of Government jobs for the boys ,ional Party's unknown one-termer for Wyn­ by the Liberal and National Parties. num (Mr Bill Lamond) was prised from the jaws of yet another election defeat and I challenge the Liberal Party to stand with installed, without applications being called, Labor in support of parliamentary standards­ in the cha:irmanship of the Government's which it professes to uphold-although I am new Small Business Development Corpor­ aware that its leader and, no doubt, other ation. Ministers were partners in the Camm con­ spiracy. I see the Minister for Industrial Both Mr Camm and, before him, Mr Relations chafing at the bit over there. I Hodges, in their final days as parliamentar­ suggest that he, as Deputy Leader of the ians and Cabinet Ministers, were conditioned Liberal Party, would have been fully in for the political retirement pastures through support of this appointment, along with his first class round-the-world holidays. In the leader. case of Mr Hodges the target was Amster­ dam and "other centres"-we can only guess The Camm conspiracy was known in many what that means. For Mr Camm it was circles as far back as early January this year, "round the world" in the most expensive when even the cane stalks were shouting to sense of the term. Neither, I might add, sub­ one another that, when the Sugar Board was mitted a report to the Parliament on his restructured and Eric White was appointed journey, despite the commitment that was as Deputy Chairman, the appointment was made to this Parliament last year when another made only until the further appointment of Minister of the Crown was unceremoniously Mr Camm at a later stage during the year recalled from overseas. At that stage the when he was ready to retire from the Parlia­ Parliament was nromised that rit would be ment. That was known not only in the informed and g:iven a report about the electorate of Whitsunday but also in various overseas tours of Ministers. Incidentally, sugar circles within the State. The conspiracy we are still waiting for that Minister's report. was begun many months ago. I might add that since the 1977 elections No political party in my memory has been Mr Camm had enjoyed at least four, and allowed more uncritically by sections of the possibly five or more, overseas excursions media to dishonour its own proclaimed prin­ at the Queensland public expense. It is no ciples than the Liberal Party in Queensland. 6 Electoral District [19 AuGUST 1980] of Whitsunday

Some Liberals have been endeavouring to His claims in the "Telegraph" on the shout from the rooftops about this issue. We 14th of this month that he stepped down to will see how strong they are on their prin­ make way for a younger man are nonsense. ciples today. No political party has been Mr Camm stepped down, to the day, when it allowed so unquestioned to propound a suited him best financially, knowing there multiplicity of policies, few of which it is was a new pot of Government gold waiting prepared to enact when the occasion arises at the start of his retirement rainbow. To and its members are given the opportunity on crown parliamentary injury with indecency, the floor of this Parliament. I give them here on 18 July in "The Courier-Mail" newspaper, today in this Parliament the opportunity to former Minister Camm told Queenslanders display a strength of conviction and a spirit that if he didn't get a well-paid retirement of principle that have so sadly deserted them job he could make more selling his Cabinet in the past. and departmental secrets to mining companies. What, I ask, in these troubling times of record post-war unemployment must our job­ This sent a shock wave round the whole of less youngsters think as they see the super­ Queensland, and Queenslanders might well annuated Government grandpas of this Parlia­ question whether this is, in fact, the ment pensioned off by their mates into $800- unprincipled guide-line of the jobs for the a-week plush, cushy jobs? What must they boys philosophy that has taken over the think, these Queensland youngsters, as they National and Liberal Parties in this State. see yet another National Party 66-year-old Is the new retirement cry of Ministers to be, (the former Minister for Police and member "I've got my super, but if you don't fatten for Mirani) approaching retirement, which me further, then I'll sell you all out with he hopes will land him in London as the next some of my secrets."? It is an attitude, I Agent-General? What, I ask, must anyone beEeve, that no Government should cultivate unemployed think as he sees young Vie being and no Parliament can afford. shuffled up into old Ronnie's job behind the I move the following amendment­ Premier as the receiver of the next Govern­ "That the fol:lowing words be added:­ ment goodies to be handed out? 'and that the Parliament of Queens­ There is, I believe, in Queensland a dis­ land desires that so much of the procla­ illusionment-a disenchantment-towards not mation of 22 July 1980 under the Sugar only the style of government but also the Acquisition Act of 1915 as published in standards of government in this State. vVe the Government Gazette of 26 July 1980 see an alarming coincidence between dona­ as refers to the said Ronald Ernest tions to the Bjelke-Petersen Foundation and Camm be rescinded and that the Execu­ Government contracts and appointments made tive Council is hereby instructed by the by Cabinet. Jobs worth three or four times Parliament that applications be called for the average earnings (padded, I add, with the position of Chairman of the Sugar healthy expense accounts) are filled secretly Board from persons who have the neces­ by political favourites through Cabinet sary qualifications and who have not appointments without applications being reached the compulsory retiring age of invited or qualifications for the jobs being 65 years in accordance with the Public disclosed. I have no doubt that, in such cases, Service Acts.' " the possession of a National Party member­ I draw the attention of the House to the ship card is more influential than a university statement in that amendment that Parlia­ degree. ment does have the responsibility and does have the authority-we will see in a few Today through my motion we have the moments, Mr. Speaker, whether it also has opportunity to strike a blow for the con­ the desire-to override the actions of the science of Parliament and to show our dis­ Cabinet gang of 18, through the Executive pleasure at practices of the Government that, Council, in making unprincipled appoint­ no matter how they are justified, are really ments without calling applications to enable indefensible. The facts of the Camm affair people in Queensland who may be far better are that this former National Party Minister qualified to serve their State well to put methodically maximised his parliamentary themselves forward. Honourable members superannuation, skilfully selecting his retire­ have just spoken of two distinguished Queens­ ment date between 1 July, when new adjust­ landers who have passed on who served their ments apply, and his 66th birthday on 22 State well. There are many others in the July when reduction factors would have community who could do equally well and begun. Only five days after this careful who have knowledge of the sugar industry financial transaction at an age already one necessary to enable them to take the onerous year above the maximum Public Service responsibilities of the position of Chairman retiring limit, six years over the voluntary of the Sugar Board, rather than the position limit and 11 years over the Government's being given to an aging and retired parlia­ voluntary police limit-a portfolio he was mentarian. administering at the time of his retirement­ he is miraculously recalled by his grateful old I invite all members who care, even if buddies over there on $40,000 a year until he only a little, for the prestige of Parliament turns 70. to join me in this protest. Electoral District [19 AuGusT 1980] of Whitsunday 7

Mr D'ARCY (Woodridge) (11.36 a.m.): In of the House, and that it may be decided seconding the amendment moved by the without debate. I reiterate that the Premier Leader of the Opposition-- sought leave of the House to move a motion without notice, and that leave was granted. Mr SULLIVAN: I rise to a point of order. Therefore, I put to you that the motion relat­ I wish to second the motion moved by the ing to the resignation of Mr Camm should Premier. not be debated. Mr Cascy: It does not require seconding. Mr SPEAKER: Order! This is a very Mr D'ARCY: It is the amendment that I technical debate. am seconding. Mr WRIGHT: I rise to a point of order. Mr SPEAKER: Order! We now have an Mr SPEAKER: I shall listen to the amendment before the House. I must give honourable member's point of order later on. the caH to the Deputy Leader of the Opposi­ I wish to confer with the Clerk to get a clear tion to second the amendment. interpretation of the meaning of the Standing Order, because it has been debated and it will Dr EDWARDS: I rise to a point of order. continue to be debated. I wish to have this I draw your attention to Standing Order 52, which says- matter cleared up once and for all. "A Motion may be made, without Mr Speaker conferred with the Clerk. Notice, by leave of a majority of the Order! There has been some difference of House, to be decided without Debate." opinion in relation to this matter, so in the The Premier sought leave to move a motion circumstances I feel I cannot sustain the without notice, and leave was granted by the point of order taken by the Deputy Premier. House. Therefore, I ask you for a ruling Mr D'ARCY: As I was saying, I rise to that the motion should go forward without second the amendment moved by the Leader debate. of the Opposition. Queenslanders generally were shocked by Mr Camm's appointment as Mr CASEY: I rise to a point o.f order. Chairman of the Sugar Board within weeks Honourable Members interjected. of his retirement from this Parliament. Mr SPEAKER: Order! Senior citizens who retire after a lifetime of work are forbidden to work if they Dr EDWARDS: Mr Speaker, I ask for are to receive the age pension, which is a your ruling on my point of order before the mere pittance granted to them by the Leader of the Opposition is given the call. Federal Government. Queenslanders, who never see a return from the great mineral Mr CASEY: My point of order is an wealth of this State, are cynical about the addendum to the Deputy Premier's point of appointment of the man who, as Minister for order. Mines, administered that mineral wealth. Honourable Members interjected. From the parliamentary superannuation fund he received the sum of $300,000 and, at 66 Mr SPEAKER: Order! I am desirous of years of age, is now given a $400-a-week hearing the comments of the Leader of the job. Opposition. As my leader pointed out, young Queens­ landers who have no job and face little pros­ Mr CASEY: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I pect of obtaining one must wonder in amaze­ draw your attention-! do not really need to ment at the crudity of this Government's draw your attention to it because you know appointment of a retired Minister who it so well, but the Deputy Premier certainly received $300,000 to a job paying $400 a week. does not-to Standing Order 88, which says- Surely Mr Camm shoulc! have been retired in "A Question having been proposed, may the normal manner. be amended by omitting certain words only, One is not concerned about the National by omitting certain words in order to Party policy. Over the years we have seen the insert or add other words, or by inserting National Party make no apology for its belief or adding words." in political patronage. In fact, over the years Quite clearly, it is a corollary of the motion we have seen plenty of evidence of its policy moved by the Premier. of political patronage. Mr D'ARCY: In seconding the amendment However, the mystery lies within the moved by the Leader of the Opposition-- Liberal Party, which itself is a mystery. The Liberal Party's policy is vacillating to such Dr EDWARDS: I again rise to a point of an extent that Queenslanders everywhere, in order. I raised with you a point of order, addition to saying that the Liberal Party's Mr. Speaker, and asked if you would give leader is weak, are saying that the party itself a ruling on it. The matter mentioned by the is weak. That is the comment that we hear Leader of the Opposition is, of course, not all the time. And no wonder! relevant. I ask you again to give a ruling On this subject, Dr Edwards must surely on this point under Standing Order 52, which show where he stands. The party of which he says quite clearly that a motion may be is leader is a mystery. It is too weak to made, without notice, by leave of a majority make a decision. When Dr Edwards took 8 Electoral District [19 AUGUST 1980] of Whitsunday over as parliamentary leader of the Liberal Mr .Tones: You have not even got .the Party he said he was going to change the seat right; it is Whitsunday. Liberal Ministers in Cabinet. He is an embarrassment to his party and to Queens­ Mr UCKISS: Mr Speaker, I had not landers. Most of all, he is an embarrassment finished what I was saying. The motion before to the Press. I do not know how the Press the House concerns the vacancy in the seat puts up with him. He said he was going to of Mackay, and an amendment has been make changes in Cabinet and he leaked to moved. the Press what those changes were to be. Mr .Tones: Whitsunday. Get it right. They appeared on the front page of the newspapers. Then the Press was forced to Mr LICKISS: Whitsu:nday. An amendment withdraw the announced changes. has been moved to that motion. •I ask you, Only last week "The Courier-Mail" carried Mr Speaker, if the debate is going beyond the headline, "Libs to axe 'jobs for boys'". the motion and the amendment currently The paper said that Mr Camm was one on a under review in this House. list of eight whose appointments were to be reviewed by the Liberal Party. The Liberal Mr SPEAKER: Order! The debate before Party was reported as saying that it will the House at the moment is based on the examine every statutory body and remove amendment moved by the Leader of the and terminate patronage appointments. The Opposit·ion. list included Bill Lamond, Frank Moore, Ron Camm, Sir Wallace Rae, Mr Keith Williams, Mr D'ARCY: Thank you very much, Mr Mr Max Hodges, Mr Car! Robertson and Mr Speaker. John Wyatt. ·I have referred to hospitals boards and fire Later on the article deals with the appoint­ brigade boards. Let me now refer to a former ment to the position of Chairma,n of the Liberal Attor.ney-'General, Dr Pete~ Deia­ T.A.B. Will it be the Premier's National mothe who became Agent-General 1n Lon­ Party appointment or Dr Edwards's Liberal don. He was a member of the Liberal Party member? In .the same article Dr Edwards and a member of the Government. J?r says that there will be no more jobs for Edwards is on very weak ground m the boys. The editor of "The Courier-Mail" s·aying what he will do about jobs for the must have been terribly embarrassed the boys. following day because he had to come out I believe that Dr Edwards's staff appointees and say that the Liberal Party's assurance in recent times have been Liberal Party that it would make no political appointment members and Liberal executive members. to State Government bodies was welcome Mr Justice Connolly was the member for but a Ji.ttle late. Kurilpa in this Parliament and Mr Justice At •the end of an article by Mr Casey Wanstall was the Liberal member for Too­ in the same newspaper, Dr Edwards is quoted wong. Yet the Libe!'als talk about jobs fo.r as saying that he would have nothing to do the boys! with any Opposition moves. He will have his opportunity to explain 'to this Parliament Surely one of the bigges·t jokes must what is the Liberal Party policy. concern Sir William Knox. One wonders how he gets into the Press. It was on!~ a The following day, Dr Edwards came out few months ago that Dr Edwards was fightmg with the statement, "I backed Camm for with him over the leadership. It was suggested top job." The pubJ.ic must surely be tre­ that Sir William !

The people of Queensland believed that. of that position, Mr Lloyd Harris--who has They believe a lot of what they read in the done a magnificent job--I considered the Press. That was in the Press and it was people who were available. Nobody can debated for several day>. When we talk about convince me that giving the job to Ronald jobs for the boys and look at the Liberal Ernes! Camm would qualify as an example Party's track record, it is seen to be very of what the Leader of the Opposition refers poor. Where does the Deputy Premier stand? to as "Jobs for the boys." Mr Camm could With all his vacillations, no-one in Queens­ have remained in his position of deputy land knows. leader of the National Party and Minister for Mines, Energy and Police for the next three This is a serious matter and one about or four elections if he chose so to do. which Queenslanders must be terribly con­ He was next in line to become Premier cerned. We are not seeing a return from of this State. our natural wealth. The Queensland public cannot be fooled all the time. I believe the I believed, as did so many other people in Government has goaded them into such a the sugar industry, that because of his state of despair that they will react violently responsible attitude to the sugar industry, against it in the forthcoming elections. This applies particularly to our senior citizens. which he served as an outstanding farmer, as In recent weeks I have attended meetings of a mill administrator and as a representative 200, 300 and 500 senior citizens. I attended of the industry at sugar conferences at execu­ one recently in Toowoomba with Bob tive level, and having the wide knowledge Hawke, and the question that was repeatedly that he has, Mr Camm was the most asked was, "Why do parliamentarians take appropriate man to fill the position to be big lump sums and then take jobs when vacated by Mr Lloyd Harris. we cannot do so?" The Government can­ not fool the people of Queensland all the The Leader of the Opposition referred to time. the appointment of my former private secre­ tary, Mr Eric White, as deputy chairman of Hon. V. B. SULLIVAN (Condamine­ the board. It is true that on the recommenda­ Ministcr for Mines and Energy) (11.51 a.m.): tion of the chairman of the Sugar Board Mr The motion moved by the Premier reads- White was appointed to that position, but I did not believe that after occupying the "That the seat in this House for the position of deputy for a period of only a electoral district of Whitsunday hath few months he was sufficiently experienced become and is now vacant by reason of to take over as chairman. So I looked the resignation of the said Hon. Ronald at other people and came up with Mr Camm. Ernes! Carum." When I asked him whether he was prepared The Leader of the Opposition has moved an to take on the job when he resigned from amendment to that motion. It has not been Parliament, he gave the matter long con­ circulated, but I understand that after sideration and then accepted. It should be borne in mind that he could have remained mentioning jobs for the boys it goes on to here for the next three, six or nine years attack the appointment of the Honou:-able on a Minister's salary, and perhaps on the Ron Camm as chairman of the Sugar Board. Premier's salary. But he has given the job The amendment was seconded by the hon­ away and taken his superannuation. If he had ourable member for \Voodridge. stayed his superannuation would have grown, as it grows each year, and he would have In the 1950s lhe then Premier of Queens­ paid tax on only 5 per cent of it. But land, the late William Forgan Smith, was he has taken the superannuation to which he appointed chairman of the Sugar Board and was eniitled and invested a large proportion chairman of the Central Sugar Cane Prices of it in the electricity loans for which he was Board-- responsible for so many years. Opposition members have come here today and con­ Mr Casey: 1940. demned Ron Camm. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that he will not be Mr SULLlVAN: Whenever it was, appar­ impressing many people around Mackay. ently the Government of the day felt that he would be of value to the sugar industry, I shall n:ot deal with all the other appoint­ and I believe the industry accepted that. ments that the member for Vvoodric!i:;c mentioned. I just wish to put the record Mr Casey: Deputy chairman of the Sugar straight. I, as Minister for Primary Industries, I3oard. was responsible for recommending to Cabinet an appointment to the Sugar Board. My Mr SULLIVAN: Just let me make my recommendation w.lS for the appointment of speech. Mr Camm, and I make no apologies for doing that. I believe that he is the best man h As the then Minister for Primary Industries Australia for the job, and many people in and Minister responsible for recommending the sugar industry think the same. an appointment to the chairmanship of the Sugar Board, a Yacancy brought about by the mO\"C- deteriorating health of the present incumbent "That the que!'ltion be now put." 10 Electoral, &c., Whitsunday [19 AUGUST 1980] Ministerial Statements

Question put; and the House divided­ Resolved in the negative. AYES, 54 Motion (Mr Bjelke-Petersen) agreed to. Ahern Knox Akers Kyburz Armstrong Lane Austin Lee ELECTORAL DISTRICT OF BULIMBA Bertoni Lest er Bird Liekiss Bishop Lockwood RESIGNATION OF MEMBER Bjelke-Petersen McKechnie Booth Miller Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members, I Bourke Moo re have to inform the House that I have received Camp bell Newbery Edwards Porter the following letter from Mr John William Elliott Powell Houston, member for the electoral district Frawley Row of Bu~imba- Gibbs, I. J. Scassola Glasson Scott-Young "Electoral Office, Go le bY Simpson Greenwood Stephan "Brisbane Cricket Ground Complex, Gunn Sullivan "Stanley Street, Gygar Tenni "Woolloongabba, Qld, 4102 Hewitt, N. T. E. Tomkins Hewitt, W. D. Warner "24th July, 1980. Hinze Wharton Hooper, M. D. White, P. N. D. "The Speaker, Innes Tellers: "Queensland Parliament, Katter "Parliament House, Kaus Neal Kippin Turner "Bri&bane, Qld, 4000. NOES, 21 Blake Prest "Dear Mr Speaker, Burns Scott "I hereby tender my resignation as the Casey Underwood D'Arcy Vaughan Member for the Electoral District of Fouras Warburton Bulimba in Queensland Parliament. Gibbs, R. J. Wilson Hansen Wright "I wish this resignation to take affect Hooper, K. J. from midnight the 25th July, 1980. Jones Kruger Tellers: "I naturally also resign any positions Mackenroth Davis that I hold through my membership in Milliner Shaw the Queensland Parliament. Resolved in the affirmative. "Yours sincerely, Question-That the words proposed to be "J. W. Houston MLA" added (Mr Casey's amendment) be so added­ put; and the House divided- SEAT DECLARED VACANT AYES, 21 B!ake Prest Hon. J. .BJELKE-PETERSEN (Baram­ Burns Scott bah-Premier), by leave, without notice: I Casey Underwood D'Arcy Vaughan move- Fouras Warburton "11hat the seat in this House for the Gibbs, R. J. Wilson Hansen Wright electoral district of Bulimba hath become Hooper, K. J. and is now vacant 'by reason of the resig­ Jones nation of the said John William Houston, Kruger Tellers: Mackenroth Davis Esquire." Milliner Shaw Motion agreed to. NOES, 54 Ahern Knox Akers Kyburz Armstrong Lane Austin Lee MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Bertoni Lest er Bird Lickiss CHANGES IN MINISTRY Bishop Lockwood Bjelke-Petersen McKechnie Booth Miller Hon • .J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Baram­ Bourke Moo re ,bah-Premier) (12.17 p.m.): I desire to Campbell Newbery cinform l1he House that on 17 July 1980, His Edwards Porter Elliott Powell ExceLlency the Administrator of the Gov­ Frawley Row ernment- Gibbs, I. J. Scassola Glassou Scott-Young (a) accepted the resignation tendered by Goleby Simpson the Honourable Ronald Ernest Camm, as Greenwood Stephan a Member of the Executive Council of Gunn Sullivan Gygar Tenni Queensland, effective from midnight on Hewitt, N. T. E. Tomkins 17 July 1980; Hewitt, W.D. \tVarner Hinze Wharton ~b) accepted the resignation tendered Hooper, M. D. White, P. N. D. by the Honourable Ronald Ernest Camm, Innes Tellers: as Minister for Mines, Energy and Police Katter of Queensland, effective from midnight on Kaus Neal Kip pin Turner 17 July 1980. Ministerial Statements [19 AUGUST 1980] Ministerial Statements 11

I also desire to inform the House that On behalf of the Government and the on 29 July 1980, His Excellency the Gov­ people of Queensland, I advised the Prime ernor- Minister that the coalfields dispute had to be (a) accepted the resignat.ions tendered ended immediately. I advised Mr Fraser by the Honourable Victor Bruce Sullivan, that my Government could not accept the as Minister for Primary Industries of Commonwealth's proposal for what amounts Queensland, and the Honourable Russet! to a new tax on the Central Queensland James Hinze, as Minister for Local Gov­ workers 1involved in the dispute and that I ernment and Main Roads of Queensland, regarded .the proposals as a tax that is surely effective on and after 29 July 1980; unique in that .it would be a tax on an agreement between employers and employees. (b) appointed Miohael John Ahern, Esquire, B.Agr.Sc., to be a Member of I ad¥ised the Prime Minister that there the Executive Council of Queensland; was every indication that the miners would (c) appointed the Honourwble Victor remain on strike-with tragic results for this Bruce Sullivan, to be Minister for Mines State and the nation-indefinitely. I again and Energy of Queensland; the Honour­ proposed to .the Prime Minister that he able Russell James Hinze to be Minister should order a moratorium on the housing for Local Government, Main Roads and tax proposals pending a genuine, far-reach· Police of Queensland; and the Honourable ing inquiry into the entire question of hous­ Michael John Ahern, B.Agr.Sc., to be ing subsidy taxation throughout Australia. Minister for Primary Industries of Queens­ For the benefit of honoumble members, land. I can report that the Prime Minister assured I lay upon the table of the House copies of me that he would give my proposals urgent the Queensland Government Gazettes of consideration. 19 July and 29 July .containing the relevant notifications. RELEASE OF MRS l. M. LAMB ON PAROLE Whereupon the honourable gentleman laid the Queensland Government Gazettes on the Hon. Sir WILLIAM KNOX (Nundah­ table. Minister for Health) (12.20 p.m.): I wish to draw the attention of members to the circum­ stances surrounding the recent release on parole of Irene Mavis Lamb. DELEGATION OF AUTIIORITY; MINISTER FOR WELFARE It is not normally my policy to discuss individual cases relating to those people who, Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Baram­ at one time or another, are admitted to any bah-Premier) (12.18 p.m.): I also desire to psychiatric institution. However, I believe it ·inform the House that His Excellency the is necessary in this case to clear up a few Governor, by virtue of the proV'isions of the points. Officiais in Parliament Act 1896-1975, authorised and empowered the Honourable Mrs Lamb was admitted to Osier House, Llewellyn Roy Edwards, M.B., B.S., MLA, Security Patients Hospital, Wolston Park Hos­ Deputy Premier and Treasurer, ·to perform pital, Wacol, on 8 March 1977. She had been and exercise ail or any of the duties, powers charged with the commission of the offences and authorities imposed or conferred upon that on or about 20 February 1977, at Wolvi the Minister for Welfare by any Act, rule, near Gympie, she had murdered Thomas pmctice or ordinance on and from 19 August William Lamb, Laurelle Gail Lamb, Lynette !980, and until the return to Queensland Gail Oakley and Brenda Lee Lamb. of the Honourable Samuel Sydney Doumany, B.Sc.Agr., M.A.I.A.S., MLA. Her admission to Wolston Park Hospital was in accordance with section 34 of the I lay upon the table of the House a copy Mental Health Act 1974. Mrs Lamb was sub­ of the Queensland Government Gazette of jected to intensive investigation and active 16 August notifying this arrangement. treatment. She was fully investigated, not only from a psychiatric and psychological Whereupon the honourable gentleman laid point of view but also from a physical point the Queensland Government Gazette on the of view. Mrs Lamb was also examined table. by an independent psychiatrist on the request of the Public Defender. In accordance with the Mental Health Act, CENTRAL QUEENSLAND COALFIELDS TAXATION reports were made by the Director of DISPUTE Psychiatric Services and the Attorney­ General and, in June 1977, an Order in Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Baram­ Council was issued, deferring, for six months, bah-Premier) (12.19 p.m.): I desire to advise further consideration of the matter. the House that earlier today, I once again made personal representations to the Right In November 1977, further reports were Honourable the Prime Minister in relation made to the Governor in Council and, in to the disastrous strike by coa·l miners in accordance with section 34 (10) of the Central Queensland. Mental Health Act, the Governor in Council 12 Ministerial Statements [19 AUGUST 1980) !Yfinisterial Statements ordereJ that proceedings be continued against thinking. The Land Surveyors Act of 1908 Mrs Lamb and she was subsequently tried in and its regulations were in need of review. the Supreme Court at Brisbane. In 1971, the Government set up a committee of inquiry under the chairmanship of a On 29 May 1978, the jury found that Mrs member of the Public Service Board, Mr Pat Lamb was not guilty on the grounds of Bredhauer, to recommend reform. The unsoundness of mind, and the Supreme Court resulting report was considered by all relevant judge ordered that she be kept in strict cus­ State Government departments. Their com­ tody at the Women's Prison, Brisbane, until ments were completed by January 1976. The Her :V!ajesty's pleasure be known. Surveyors Act 1977 resulted from this Mrs. Lamb continued to be under the care work. Ultimately the new Surveyors of psychiatrists while in the Brisbane Prison, Regulations were prepared. and regular reports on her condition were Throughout this process of reform the made in accordance with the Mental Health Act. Government has had the complete support of the surveying profession. That profession Mrs Lamb's progress was such that a fur­ has for over 100 years been represented by ther independent psychiatrist examined Mrs the Institution of Surveyors. About 90 per Lamb and, as a result of that examination, cent of all registered and licensed surveyors the advice from the treating psychiatrist and belong to that institution. The institution the advice of the Comptroller-General of Prisons, both the Minister for Health and the includes within its ranks both employers and Minister for Welfare made recommendations employees, private sector, Commonwealth and to the Governor in Council that Mrs Lamb State Government and local authority sur­ be relea:;cd on parole subject to certain veyors. Its views are recognised as the conditions. authoritative voice of the profession. In addition, the Association of Consulting Sur­ Mrs Lamb's condition was one which, although uncommon, is a classic psychiatric veyors supported the reforms. That body is disorder susceptible to treatment, and is one the private enterprise sector of the profession. of those conditions where what might be All its members are obliged to belong to the termed radical cure is possible. The facts in institution. this case have followed the classic clinical picture and advice to the Governor in The reforms in Queensland have been of Council indicates that Mrs Lamb has great interest to other parts of Australia. recovered. South Australia moved along the same path independently but New South Wales and Mrs Lamb, however, will remain under Victoria have made changes in the same psychiatric care and reports will be sub­ direction as Queensland. Only a fortnight ago mitted to the Governor in Council during the our department was visited by the Western period of her parole. Australian Surveyor-General and the Western Australian Minister. The pioneering work of our Surveyor-General, Mr J. M. Serisier, has SURVEYING PROFESSION been recognised throughout Australia. This year he was elected Federal president of the Hon. J. W. GREENWOOD (Ashgrove­ Institution of Surveyors. Minister for Survey and Valuation) (12.23 p.m.): As members of the House know, some It is said that action causes reaction. In officers of the Department of Mapping and 1973 a group of 20 or so surveyors, who found Surveying and senior members of the survey­ themselves out of step with the rest of the ing profession have recently been vilified in profession, formed a group which they called an anonymous article in the magazine "Metes the Society of Registered Surveyors. To and Bounds" and in a series of anonymous members of the public their title seems letters. I do not propose to comment further respectable enough. What honourable mem­ on that rubbish. Writs have been issued and bers should remember is that they are a tiny the Supreme Court will deal with them in due dissident body whose membership is by invita­ course. tion only and whose views have become What I wish to do this morning is reassure increasingly hostile to any form of change. the House that the reforms and enormous They have become almost obsessional in their changes that have occurred in the practice of attacks on the department, its officers and the surveying during the last eight years have institution. The latest edition of their journal been changes for the better. If the current "Metes and Bounds" is the last straw as far campaign of denigration continues, as it may as I am concerned. I know that at least one well do in an election year, there are a few of their members has resigned as a result of facts which honourable members should have it. From now on I propose to regard SORS availabk to them if they are asked about as a disreputable organisation. these !Clatters. However, in the difficult situation which The first is that the Queensland Govern­ these anonvmous letters have created, it is mcot was o1:e of the first Governments in good to kr1ow that the department has the Austrdia to recognise that modern surveying support of the responsible profession. I will technology could not be catered for by an t 1ble, if I may, two letters, one from the \et anJ Re1;ulations based on 19th Century Association of Consulting Surveyors and on" Ministerial Statements [19 AUGUST 1980] Ministerial Statements 13

from the Queensland division of the institu­ The facts are that late last month I tion. The letter from the institution is quite announced that the Main Roads Department short. was to begin a Statewide check on unregis­ tered vehicles. Cabinet recently approved It reads- the secondment of eight additional police "Dear Mr Greenwood, officers to the Main Roads Department "This Division represents some 90% of registration branch to boost its strength to all registered and licensed surveyors resi­ 14 officers. The 14 officers this week will dent in Queensland. Membership is volun­ complete a familiarisation course in Brisbane tary and the Divisional Committee is elected and some will then be transferred to pro­ annually by ballot of all members. The vincial areas. During the course the officers current Committee is representative of all have participated in enforcement and detec­ significant sectors of the profession. tion drives in Brisbane and surrounding "On behalf of Members of the current areas including the Gold Coast. Divisional Committee I wish to record our disgust at the anonymous campaign being There are presently 3 300 reports of conducted against yourself, senior officers unregistered vehicles being investigated. of the Department of Mapping and Sur­ During 1979, 22 283 reports of possible veying and other distinguished members of breaches of the regulations were received. this profession. Of these, about 60 per cent were received "In our view the allegations which have from the then Main Roads Department been made have no substance, and because police attachment of six officers. During of the manner of their airing are not worthy 1979, 6 444 summons were issued, and of dignifying with a public response. during the last financial year a total of $464,525 was retumed to the department "Whilst the Institution is and wishes to from fines and fees. remain non-political, I am empowered by my Committee to inform you that they Currently, 300 cases are processed through have utmost confidence in the Brisbane Magistrates Court every second The Surveyors Act and Regulations week. On the Gold Coast, 26 people appeared Your Administration of this Act charged with a total of 30 offences before the Southport Magistrates Court on 15 Aug­ The Surveyors Board, ust. A further 30 charges will be heard ·The Department of Mapping and Sur­ in that court on Friday, 29 August. veying and its senior officers. "As President, I share these views and The State Government views the matter add the comment that I believe the current of unregistered vehicles as serious from organisation of surveying in Queensland is both the personal and public points of view. second to none in Australia, and carries We are seeking to protect people from the public benefits which are the envy of all very considerable personal and financial risks other States. of driving in an unregistered vehicle which "Yours sincerely, could be involved in an accident and also "G. R. Ledlie, to recover for our road building funds sub­ President." stantial outstanding fees. Both aims are for the benefit of the vast majority of honest Whereu.pon the honourable gentleman laid and responsible vehicle owners. on the table the letters referred to. Unregistered vehicles involved in .an accident are not covered by compulsory third MAIN ROADS DEPARTMENT CAMPAIGN AGAINST party insurance. The owner of such a UNREGISTERED VEHICLES vehicle could be liable for a huge amount of damages, which could prove financially Hon. R. J. HINZE (South Coast-Minister disastrous. The Main Roads Department for Local Government, Main Roads and believes that a potential 83 000 vehicles­ Police) (12.29 p.m.): I read with grave or more than 6 per cent of the State total concern a week-end Press report headed, of some 1.6 million-currently are unregi­ "Russ cools it on rego blitz." As honourable stered and could be using the State's roads. members would be aware, the report claims This could represent a loss of income of up to that the State Government will do nothing to $5m annually to the department-not the rid the road of unregistered vehicles until $8m quoted in the Press article. after the State election. This report is com­ pletely without foundation. I state that there Cabinet simply has authorised a much­ has been no direction to me to slow down a needed and long-overdue increase in the campaign by the Main Roads Department patrolling force of the Main Roads Depart­ against unregistered vehicles. There has been ment registration section following a huge no approach to me from the unnamed "men increase in the number of unregistered at the top" quoted in the report. vehicles using the State's roads. 14 Papers [19 AuGUST 1980] Papers

PAPERS Supreme Court Act 1921-1979. The following papers were laid on the Harbours Act 1955-1980. table, and ordered to be printed:­ Land Act 1961-1978. Reports- Forestry Act 1959-1979 and the National Thirty-third Report of the Public Parks and Wildlife Act 1975-1976. Accountants Registration Board of Queensland. Queensland Film Industry Development Interim Report of the Commission of Act 1977-1979. Inquiry into the Efficiency and Admini­ Agricultural Bank (Loans) Act 1959- stration of Hospitals. 1980. Annual Report of the Board of Trustees Agricultural Bank (Loans) Act 1959'- of the Queensland Museum for the 1980 and the Local Bodies' Loans year ended 31 December 1979. Guarantee Act 1923-1979. The following papers were laid on the City of Brisbane Market Act 1960-1978 table:- and the Local Bodies' Loans Guar­ antee Act 1923-1979. Proclamations under- Dairy Produce Act 1978-1979. Acquisition of Land Act 1967-1977 and the State Development and Public Milk Supply Act 1977-1978. Works Organization Act 1971-1979. Primary Producers' Co-operative Associa­ Prince Charles Hospital Development tions Act 1923-1979. Centre Trust Act 1980. Primary Producers' Ol'ganisation and Hospitals Act Amendment Act 1980. Marketing Act 1926-1979. Health Act Amendment Act 1980. Regulation of Sugar Cane Prices Act Queensland Institute of Medical Research 1962-1972. Act Amendment Act 1980. Soil Conservation Act 1965-1980 and Nursing Act 1976-1979. the Co-ordination of Rural Advances Nursing Studies Act 1976-1978. and Agricultural Bank Act 1938-1980. Forestry Act 1959-1979. Sugar Experiment Stations Act 1900- Fruit Marketing Organisation Acts 1976. Amendment Act 1980. Sugar Acquisition Act of 1915. Regulations under- State Development and Public Works Orders in Council under- Organization Act 1971-1979. State Development and Public Works Public Service Act 1922-1978. Organization Act 1971-1979 and the Locacl Bodies' Loans Guarantee Act Prisons Act 1958-1974. 1923-1979. Explosives Act 1952-1978. State Development and Public Works Health Act 1937-1979. Organization Act 1971-1979. Health Act 1937-1980. Public Service Act 1922-1978. Hospitals Act 1936-1980. Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977-1978. Nursing Studies Act 1976-1978. Explosives Act 1952-1978. Medical Act 1939-1980. Mines Regulation Act 1964-1979. State Transport Regulations, 1961. Electricity Act 1976-1980. Traffic Regulations, 1962. Forestry Act 1959-1979. Architects Act 1962-1971. Stock Routes and Rural Lands Protec­ Bail Act 1980. tion Act 1944-1978. Crown Proceedings Act ·1980. Barrier Fences Act 1954-1978. Elections Act 1915-1976. River Improvement Trust Act 1940- Queensland Marine Act 1958-1979. 1977. Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Con- Irrigation Act 1922-1979. trol Act 1966-1978. Water Act 1926-1979. Agricultural Standards Act 1952-1972. Farm Water Supplies Assistance Act Dairy Produce Act 1978-1979. 1958-1979. Fruit Marketing Organisation Act 1923- Metropolitan Transit Authority Act 1980. 1976-1979 and the Local Bodies' Loans Guarantee Act 1923-1979. Hen Quotas Act 1973-1978. Industrial Development Act 1963-1979. Meat Industry Act 1965-1977. State Housing Act 1945-1979. Milk Supply Act 1977-1978. Art Unions and Amusements Act 1976. Primary Producers' Organisation and Collections Act 1966-1977. Marketing Act 1926-1979. Co-operative and Other Societies Act Stock Act 1915-1979. 1967-1978. Wheat Pool Act 1920-1979. Personal Explanation [19 AUGUST 1980] Proposed Suspension, &c., Orders 15

By-laws under- and mentioned that he was !!peaking for and Nursing Act 1976-1979. on behalf of the people of Queensland. As a positive measure in the House this morning, By-law No. 1 of the Loder Creek Drain­ I should like to give the Opposhion's support age Board in accordance with the to the proposal that the subsidised housing provisions of section 36 (1) of Part tax on Queensland miners be scrubbed. The III of the Schedule to the Water Act Opposition is very concerned that, if the 1926-1979. situation :is not .resolved successfully, gre.at By-law No. 2 of the Silkwood Drainage hardship will be created for mamy other Board in accordance with the pro­ workers in many different fields within the visions of section 36 (1) of Part III State. of the Schedule to the Water Act 1926-1979. Mr I. J. GIBBS: I rise to a point of order. Resolutions of the 9th Meeting of the The Leader of the Opposition is supposed Australian Fisheries Council. to be making a personal explanation, not an explanation collectively for the Opposition. Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account as at 29 February 1980 of Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Union-Fidelity Trustee Company of Australia Limited. Mr CASEY: I would add that most of these things are tied up with industrial agreements. RJINGING OF BELLS FOR DIVTSIONS AND QUORUMS Mr GYGAR: I rise to a point of order. I draw your attention, Mr Speaker, to Standing SESSIONAL ORDER Order 110, which states- Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah "By the indulgence of the House a -Premier), by leave, wj,thout notice: I Member may explain matters of a personal move- nature, although there is no Question "That during this session, unless other­ before the House;" wise ordered, and notwiths.tanding anything I submit that the matter that the honourable contained in the Standing Orders, when a gentleman seeks to raise is not of a personal division is demanded or a quorum is nature and that therefore he should not required to be formed, the division bells proceed with this matter as if it were a shall be rung for a period of four minutes: personal explanation. Provided that, for consequent divisions or ·after the first division in Committee on Mr SPEAKER: Order! I take the honour­ the cLauses of a Bill, .the Chair may order able member's point of order. I inform the the bells to be rung for two minutes only." Leader of the Opposition that his explanation Motion agreed to. must be of a personal nature or he cannot proceed.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Mr CASEY: Thank you, Mr Speake.r. I accept your ruling. SESSIONAL ORDER Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah -Premier), by leave, without notice: I PROPOSED SUSPENSION OF STANDING move- ORDERS

"That during this session, unless other­ CENTRAL QUEENSL".ND COALFIELDS TAXATION wise ordered, and notwithstanding the DISPUTE provision of Standing Order No. 68, ques­ tions may be asked by members without Mr CASEY (Mackay-Leader of the notice being given. The period allowed each Opposition): I seek leave of the House to day for the asking of questions upon notice move-- and without notice and for the .answering "That so much of Standing Orders as of questions sh.all not exceed one hour: Provided that this period shall terminate is necessary be suspended to allow debate to at 12 o'clock noon on the days allotted ensue on a motion by me- for the discussion of matters of public 'That this Parliament condemns the interest." Federal Government for its betrayal of the Central Queensland miners over the Motion agreed to. subsidised housing taxation dispute and the consequential losses to the Queens­ land economy that their actions have PERSONAL EXjPLANATION caused. Mr CASEY (Mackay-Leader of the Furthermore, it calls on the Federal Opposition) (12.47 p.m.), by leave: Earlier Government to immediately cease any this morning, in a ministerial statement, the further action on this issue and anv Premier referred to the disastrous situation consequential action of a similar nature that has arisen in Central Queensland over on persons engaged in other industries the issue of taxation on subsidised housing in remote areas.' " 16 Matters ofPublic Interest [19 AUGUST 1980] Questions Without Notice

Question-That leave be granted-put; and allotted until I o'clock p.m. for discussion the House divided- of matters of public interest on which any member may address the House for ten AYES, 21 minutes. If the discussion is still proceed­ B!ake Scott ing at 1 o'clock p.m., it shall be terminated Burns Underwood Casey Vaughan by Mr Speaker." D'Arcy Warburton Fouras Wilson Motion agreed to. Gibbs, R. J. Wright Hansen Hooper, K. J. Jones Kruger Tellers: QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Mackenroth Milliner Davis Prest Shaw PIN-BALL MACHINES Mr CASEY: Unfortunately it appears that NOES, 53 Ministers have not been told that question­ Ahern Lane time is still on. Perhaps the Premier might Akers Lee Arm strong Lester arrive on the scene, but meanwhile I will Bertoni Lickiss ask the Deputy Premier and Treasurer a Bird Lockwood question because he appears to show some Bishop McKechnie Bjeike-Petersen Miller interest in this matter. I draw his attention Booth Moo re to yesterday's report in the "Telegraph" Bourke Newbery newspaper headlined "Hooked up on pin-ball Edwards Porter Elliott Powell -they stole to pay", which outlines the tragic Frawley Row case of five Brisbane children who stole Gibbs, I. J. Scassola $12,000 in three weeks to feed their gambling Glasson Scott-Young Go le by Simpson habits on pin-ball machines. Greenwood Stephan Gunn Sullivan I ask: How does the Deputy Premier and Gygar Tenni Treasurer reconcile the inconsistency of his Hewitt, N. T. E. Tomkins Hewitt, W. D. Warner attitude of condonement of this unregulated Hinze Wharton form of imported gambling for schoolchildren Hooper, M. D. White, P. N. D. in dingy fun parlors, with most of the profits Innes White, T. A. Katter going to foreign gambling interests, with his Kaus blind rejection of the right of adult Queens­ Kippin Tellers: Janders to even decide if they want Knox Neal Kyburz Turner Australian-made poker machines in their club premises under strict Government guide-lines Resolved in the negative. and the further supervision of respectable club managements, with most of the profits [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] being used locally to provide more jobs for our young unemployed and better sporting facilities which will keep them out of fun SITTING DAYS parlors and prevent them stealing?

SESSIONAL ORDER Dr EDWARDS: The only positive contri­ Hon. C. A. WHARTON (Burnett-Leader bution the Leader of the Opposition has made of the House), by leave, without notice: I as far as policy is concerned is in his claim move- that the introduction of poker machines into "That during this session, unless other­ Queensland vmuld solve the unemployment wise ordered, the House will meet for the problem. On the one hand the Leader of the dispatch of business at Il o'clock a.m. on Opposition talks about the benefit to the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in each family yet on the other he talks about the week, and that on Tuesdays and Thursdays, implementation of a policy which would, in and after I o'clock p.m. on Wednesdays, the words of Mr Dunstan, the former Labor Government business shall take precedence Premier of South Australia, do more to cause of all other business." the disintegration of the family than aQ.ything else. So the Leader of the Opposition is Motion agreed to. totally inconsistent in his views. When he is consistent in his attitude towards these mat­ ters, then and only then will he be in a MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST position to ask such questions.

SESSIONAL ORDER As to the pin-ball machine situation-the Government is aware of some of the problems Hon. C. A. WHARTON (Burnett-Leader associated with pin-ball machines and has of the House), by leave, without notice: I introduced some legislation and regulations to move- control them as best we can at this stage. "That during this session, unless other­ I can assure the Leader of the Opposition wise ordered, and notwithstanding the that the Goverment will continue to survey provisions of Standing Order No. 17, on this problem, and if it continues then further each sitting Wednesday a period shall be regulations will be introduced. Questions Without Notice [19 AuGUST 1980] Questions Without Notice 17

CENTRAL QuEENSLAND CoALFIELDs HEALTH SERVICES EXPENDITURE TAXATION DISPUTE Mr WRIGHT: I ask the Deputy Premier Mr CASEY: As the Premier has still not and Treasurer: Is he aware that, according arrived, I direct a further question to the to the Commonwealth Grants Commission Deputy Premier and Treasurer. I refer to the report on social services spending for continuing mining tax dispute, the inability 1978-79, the Queensland Government is spending around 27 per cent less than the of the Queensland Government to influence average of the other five States on health its Liberal-National counterpart in Canberra services? As this means that under existing which it has applauded so often and its tragic arrangements Queensland is not getting a indifference towards the tremendous economic fair share of Commonwealth health expendi­ loss the dispute is causing Australia, Queens­ ture, what steps has he taken to have his land and our international export trade. Liberal colleagues in Canberra provide Queensland with a more equitable &hare of I ask: What assurances does the Queens­ this expenditure and also to increase the land Government have that the Canberra tax State's spending in this area to meet the attack now being mounted against miners in health needs of Queensland? Central Queensland will not be extended to public servants, police, nurses, teachers, rail­ Dr EDWARDS: I am not aware of the waymen and thousands of others, including specific arrangement to which the :honour­ station hands, permanent farm hands and able member referred, but I will certainly share-farmers who rightfully receive housing have it examined. assistance in country areas as the barest com­ Mr D'Arcy interjected. pensation for the comforts they unselfishly forgo to fill basic employment needs in this Dr EDWARDS: The honourable member State? for \Voodridge can laugh as much as he likes. Dr EDWARDS: Not only has the Leader I do not have those figures in my pos­ of the Opposition not understood but session at this tiDJ.e. I am sure 1:!he member obviously he has not even read or liste~ed to for Rockhampton will understand that. I what this Government has been doing over will give him a detailed statement on that the last seven weeks. The Government of aspect tomorrow. Queensland, through the Premier, myself I v.rould like to comment on the aspect of and various Ministers, has made its position health spending in Queensland, to which the perfectly clear. We believe quite categoric­ honourable member refers. It is indeed a ally that the Federal Government has not fact that this State's expenditure on health handled this position in the best way possible has been less than that in other States of at all. In fact, we have been quite out­ Australia. There are a number of reasons spoken. in our condemnation of this particu­ for this. We do not have a system under lar attitude of the Federal Government. which consultants are paid on a fee-for­ service basis, which increases enormously the The Queensland Government's position is cost of hospitalisation. We do not have the perfectly clear. We believe quite clearly that expensi>e hospitalisation programs of other there should be a basis on which the States. Over a long period we have become taxation can be assessed. But we also believe efficient in the operation of hospitals, through very clearly that people who live in such a central accounting bureau and centralisa­ areas should have zone allowances and local­ tion of hospital-supply purchases. ity allowances discounted so that they are not discriminated against in the taxation Mr Fouras: Absolute nonsense. ~eld. If the. members of the Labor Opposi­ Dr EDWARDS: The member for South tiOn had assisted us, perhaps we might have Brisbane would not know too much about been able to let the people of Queensland hospitals. I do not think it is even worth know that Labor members at least have some while listening to his interjection. sensible thoughts in their heads. They have shown no sense whatsoever in the past. As to the community health program facet of health expenditure-Queensland :has The Premier and I have been in touch matched the programs in this field but has daily with the Prime Minister and the not expended the additional costs incurred in Federal Treasurer. We have been in touch most other States. However, I wiU give with union officers. In fact, we have dis­ the honourable member further details as cussed continuously with union members soon as I can have an answer prepared for and leaders the problem as we see it and him. also the way in which we can assist. We make no apology for saying that we are ashamed of the way in which this matter APPOINTMENT OF MR R. E. CAMM AS has been handled. The Federal Government CHAIRMAN OF THE SUGAR BOARD must be condemned and we face up to the Mr D'ARCY: I ask the Deputy Premier responsibility of condemning it. Unlike the and Treasurer: As the general public is Leader of the Opposition, we do not shed having a great deal of difficulty following the that responsibility. policy of the Liberal Party on "jobs for the 18 Questions Without Notice (19 AUGUST 1980] Supply (Vote of Credit) boys", could he inform the House how many proclamation and provide answers to the Liberal Ministers signed the proclamation for unanswered questions to which I have Mr Camm's appointment to the Sugar Board? referred?

Dr EDWARDS: I make it perfectly clear Mr SULLIVAN: The honourable member that when a decision is made bv Cabinet the amazes me. I sat here alongside the then Ministers attending the Cabinet" meeting sign Minister for Mines and Energy when these that document. questions were asked and amwered. It is not my intention to rake over the coals again. The answer to the question is "No". LEAKING OF BUDGET DETAILS Mr LANE: In directing a question to the Deputy Premier and Treasurer, I refer to "BUY QUEENSLAND MADE" CAMPAIGN the police investigation that has been insti­ Mr FRAWLEY: I ask the Minister for gated by the Federal Government into the Industry and Administrative Services: In leaking of details of the 1980 Federal Budget view of claims by some members of the papers and I ask: Is he satisfied that security Opposition that the suit worn by him in his arrangements with regard to the Queensland television advertisement for the "Buy Queens­ Budget documents are adequate enough to land Made" campaign was actually made in maintain the traditional confidentiality of such Hong Kong, with a Freedman label sewn papers? on the inside of the coat, can he inform the House whether those claims are correct? Dr EDWARDS: I should like to say how regrettable this incident is. I think that every Mr K. .J. Hooper: I was there when he thinking Australian would agree with me, had it made. including members of the Opposition­ although at times one wonders whether they Mr LEE: Like the member for Archerfield, think at all. What has happened on the I visited Hong Kong, and I had a suit made Federal scene has created a very deplorable there by the gentleman he recommended. It and irresponsible situation for the Govern­ lasted about three months, and I immediately ment and, indeed, the Public Service. It is a realised there was no truer saying than "We very regrettable state of affairs. make it great in the Sunshine State"­ referring, of course, to Queensland. There is The Queensland Public Service has a long no better place to have a suit made than and fine record of loyalty to Governments. I Freedmans in the Valley, Brisbane, Queens­ place on record my deep appreciation for their land. That is where my suits are made. confidentiality and loyalty. We have not had any difficulties such as those being experienced Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time allotted on the Federal scene. The Public Service in for questions has now expired. this State has a tradition equal to that of any similar service anywhere else in the world. Our public servants act with integrity, SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS honesty, loyalty and neutrality. I believe that that situation will continue and I look forward APPROPRIATION BILL (No. 1) to continuing confidentiality in regard to not Hon. L. R. EDWARDS (Ipswich-Deputy only Budget documents but also all other Premier and Treasurer), by leave, without documents that come into the hands of notice: I move- public servants in this State in whom I have "That so much of the Standing Orders the greatest confidence. be suspended as would otherwise prevent the constitution of Committees of Supply and \Nays and Means, the receiving of PROTECTION OF PREMIER'S PROPERTY UNDER Resolutions on the same day as they shall PROVISIONS OF MINING ACT have passed in those Committees, and the Mr WARBURTON: In directing a question passing of an Appropriation Bill through to the Minister for Mines and Energy, I all its stages in one day." refer to the draft proclamation that I tabled Motion agreed to. in this Parliament last session which, if allowed to proceed, would have exempted the Bjelke-Petersen land in the Kingaroy area SUPPLY from the application of the Mining Act. As VOTE OF CREDIT-$1,405,000,000 this Parliament was never advised by the then Minister for Mines, Energy and Police (Mr Mr SPEAKER read a message from His Camm) as to which officer in the Mines Excellency the Governor recommending that Department received and subsequently pro­ the following provision be made on account cessed the request for such a proclamation, of the services for the year ending 30 June or that that proclamation be drafted, and who 1981- issued the instruction to the Mines Depart­ "From the Consolidated Revenue Fund ment officer, will he clear the air and of Queensland (exclusive of the moneys eliminate the secrecy surrounding the events standing to the credit of the Loan Fund leading up to the tabling of the draft Account), the further sum of $650,000,000; Supply (19 AUGUST 1980] (Vote of Credit) 19

"From the Trust and Special Funds, the to increase to higher and higher ·levels. How­ further sum of $675,000,000; and ever, if we demand those higher standards "From the moneys standing to the credit before they have been really earned, then of the Loan Fund Account, the further all we will do is endanger our future rather sum of $80,000,000." than enrich it. These are important issues and I will touch on aU of them. CoMMITTEE We have a strong and diverse economic The Chairman of Committees (Mr W. D. base from which to launch forward into the Hewitt, Greenslopes) in the chair eighties. Our primary industries of wool, beef, sugar and grains are doing •well. The Hon. L. R. EDWARDS (Ipswich-Deputy gross value of rural production in Queens­ Premier and Treasurer) (3.20 p.m.): I move-- land for the financial year just closed has "That there be granted to Her Majesty, been estimated at $2.466 billion. This repre­ on account, for the service of the year sents an increase of approximately 11.7 per 1980-81, a further sum not exceeding cent over the result for 1978-79. The beef $1,405 million towards defraying the industry faces a favourable outlook in the expenses of bhe var.ious departments and short term. The outlook for wool remains services of the State." b11ight, especially with the minimum floor In the las! Appropriation Act, passed by price increase. Sugar growers and millers the House m December of last year, Supply can look for·ward to a muoh brighter season for 1980-81 to the extent of $770m was in 1980. granted-$350m for the Consolidated Revenue Our manufacturing industry sector has Fund, $370m for the Trust and Special grown quickly in recent years and is now Funds and $50m for the Loan Fund. as large as our old-established primary The purpose of the Bill now before .the industry sector. The estimated value added Committee is to provide a further sum of in Queensland manufacturing production :in $1,405m, of which $650m is required for the 1979-80 is $2.6 billion. Conditions are gen­ Consolidated Revenue Fund, $675m for the eraHy good in a wide range of activities­ Trust and Special Funds and $80m for the mineral-processing, foundries, steel fabrica­ Loan Fund. tion and general engineering. The total supply which will now be avail­ Confidence has been partkularly strong in able for 1980-81, pending the approval of the building industry. High .levels of activity the Budget for that year, is $2,175m­ have been reported on the Gold and Sun­ $1,000m for the Consolidated Revenue Fund, shine Coasts, and in the Gladstone and $1,045m for the Trust and Special Funds and Cairns areas. During 1979-80, dwelling com­ $130m for the Loan Fund. In total, this rep­ mencements were consistently high at .levels resents an increase of $290m on the 1979-80 approaching those of the boom in 1973-74. figure. For the first 11 months of 1979-80, new This increase is necessarv to cover the cost motor vehicle registrations in Queensland of salary, wage and other cost increases in increased by 5.27 per cent compared with the intervening period, and reflects also an an Australia-wide decline of 2.02 per cent. increase in the proportion of total expendi­ Retail sales in Queensland for the March tures that is taking place in some areas 1980 quarter were 14.3 per cent higher than in the early part of the financial year. for the ·corresponding quarter of the previous As you are aware, Mr Hewitt, it has been year. The figure for Austra1ia was 12.5 tradit·ional for the Treasurer of the day, per .cent. Our basic economy therefore is in presenting this Bill, to take the oppor­ very sound. To be able to maintain this per­ tunity to comment on the financial or econ­ formance through our development policies omic position of the State or other import­ is a real achievement indeed. It has been ant matters of interest to the community. done despite the inability of the Common­ wealth to correct the fundamentals of the We have recently entered a new decade. economy. The commencement of the new decade marks the start of an exciting new era in Inflation and unemployment have proven which our development prospects will •inten• to be particularly intractable. The Con­ sify from now on. This new era holds much sumer Price Index rose by 10.2 per cent in promise for us. We have the potential to 1979-80. Unemployment remains unaccept­ be one of the most important energy export­ ably high and, unfortunately, there is a ers in the world. However, we will certainly high level of youth unemployment. As a not achieve this position if we cannot estaJb­ State Government we have, unfortunately, lish a genuine and lasting reputation as a very little direct control over the general reliable supplier. course of the economy. While we do agree that the continued control of inflation must The health of our basic economy is be a policy of paramount importance, we; fundamental to our successful progress do disagree with the Commonwealth that through the years ahead. So are our attitudes there must be a relentlessly rigid adherence to work. Many in the .community want to to restricted State loan works programs. be paid more to work less and have greater We believe that special injections of capital leisure. There is no doubt .that. over the in loan works programs is the most suitable years, our standard of living will be able way of providing stimuli to the economy 20 Supply [19 AUGUST 1980] (Vote of Credit)

that will result in job creation. A maj

Provided that aspect can be kept under "(c) That, towards making good the control, the future holds grea·t promise for Supply granted to Her Majesty, on account, substantially increased living standards for for the service of the year 1980-81, a fur­ all Queenslanders. However, the realisa­ ther sum not exceeding $80,000,000 be tion of the~e higher standards depends to a granted from the moneys standing to the very larg~ extent on our being able to con­ credit of the Loan Fund Account." tinue to be a reliable supplier to the rest of Motion agreed to. the world. Resolutions reported, received, and agreed The current dispute on the Cent,ral to. QueensLmpute has been entrenced for far too FIRST READING long now. The cost so far has been enor­ mous. The State atself will have forfeited of A Bill, founded on the Resolutions reported the order of $34m by the end of the week from the Committee of Ways and Means, was and will continue to ,Jose royalties, pay-roll introduced and read a first time. tax and r.1il return at the rate of $4.3m per week. SECOND READING Employees lost wages must be close to Hon. L. R. EDWARDS (Ipswich-Deputy about $Wm now and the loss in coal sales Premier and Treasurer): I move- would be well over $lOOm. The Common­ "That the Bill be now read a second wealth -has lost tremendous sums in tax and time." levies. Perhaps most important is the loss of our international reputation as a reliable Mr WRIGHT (Rockhampton) (3.40 p.m.): supplier under fi,rm contracts. There will I elected to speak in the second reading of also be other costs for other members of this Bill because I believe that we need to the commue1ity who are ~related to the indus­ canvass, as the Treasurer has done, many try. aspects of the financial administration of this State in the last financial year. In introducing This Government has just about run out the Bill before the Assembly the Treasurer of patience on the issue. It cannot remain has now presented somewhat of a glowing unresolved much longer in view of the picture of Queensland's financial administra­ damage that is being caused ,to our other­ tion. I also note that he again made a plea, wise very favourable future prospects. The if I might use the word "plea", for greater parties must resolve this dispute shor,tly. Commonwealth assistance. The futt;re of Queensland is bright. This Members will recall that in the Treasurer's Bill and the Budget to come wiH continue introduction of the second Appropriation Bill to provide a basis for continuing develop­ for 1979-80 in December last year he made ment and progress ·in this State. some rather critical observations about Queensland's being greatly disadvantaged in I commend ,the motion to honourable comparison with other States in the tax­ members. sharing arrangements with the Commonwealth Motion (Dr Edwards) agreed to. Government. He went on to elaborate on the reasons for that undesirable position. He Resoh~tion reported, !Teceived, and agreed cited the financial assistance grant formula to. and pointed out that the distribution to Queensland had been significantly eroded ViA YS AND MEANS under that formula because of population under-estimation-an under-estimation that CoMMITTEE he stated was almost 4 per cent between the years 1970 and 1977. He went on to put VoTE OF CREDIT-$1,405,000,000 this in hard cash terms-I use his own cal­ Mr Gunn (Somerset) in the chair culations again-when he told this Assembly that it meant a loss to Queensland of almost Hon. L. R. EDWARDS (lpswich-Deputy $40m, not in the seven-year period but in Premier and Treasurer): I move- the previous two financial years alone. "(a) That, towards making good the He summed up his feelings about the Supply granted to Her Majesty, on account, Commonwealth's attitude to this State by for the service of the year 1980-81, a saying that it was a matter of continuing further sum not exceeding $650,000,000 be regret. I say to the Treasurer that that would grant;:d out of the Consolidated Revenue have to be an understatement-possibly the Fund of Queensland exclusive of the understatement of the year-because in Feb­ moneys standing to the credit of the Loan ruary of this year his own department, the Fund Account. Queensland Treasury, prepared a 143-page "(b) TI1at, towards making good the submission which went to the Commonwealth Supply t;ranted to Her Majesty, on account, Grants Commisison advocating a review of for the s<.:rvice of the year 1980-81, a State relativities. In the last few days I took furth.:r sum not exceeding $650,000,000 be the time to read that thoroughly. Those mem­ l:nn cd from the Trust and Special Funds. bers who have considered it would appreciate 22 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AuGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

that it is a detailed, in-depth, well-prepared cent. The only State that had a lower figure and certainly well-considered document. The -and then only slightly lower-was South truth of the submission, however, is that it Australia. is not so much an outline of the different While these comparisons should be recog­ methodology of establishing these grants as an nised by the Commonwealth Government in attack on the very foundations of the existing distributing revenue-and that is no doubt the Commonwealth-State financial relationships. reason why Treasury officials went to such It did not say as much; but, reading between great pains in presenting these facts-and the lines, that is certainly what it was, for it while it ought to be impressed upon the Commonwealth Government that these fac­ challenged the Federal Government's inter­ tors have to be taken into consideration, pretation, firstly, of the States (Personal they also raise and stress some serious ques­ Income Tax Sharing) Act of 1976 and left tions about the claims that have been made no doubt that Queensland was receiving a by members of this Government as to how raw deal, backing up the statement that the well off Queenslanders are under this Treasurer made in December last year-a raw present State administration. deal, irrespective of the party political One often hears Government members in persuasion of the Government in power. this Chamber present a picture that Queens­ The attitude adopted by the Treasury offi­ landers are almost on a financial Easy Street; cials who drafted the submission was yet facts provided by their own Government somewhat different, however, from the show that Queenslanders have the lowest expression of concern made in this Assembly household income in the nation. With all when the Treasurer said that it was a the puffing and blowing about development matter of continuing regret. In sharp under this Government, it might come as a contrast, it was critical of even the time given shock to members of this Assembly and to to this and other States to prepare that sub­ supporters of the Government to hear that, mission; it was critical of the methodology on a per capita value-added basis, Queens­ adopted by the Fraser Government in con­ land's mining and manufacturing industries ducting the review of State relativities; it rate even lower than those of the smallest was critical of the very terms of reference State in the Commonwealth. for such a review; and it made it patently Dr Edwards: It is a very interesting fact, clear that Queensland's broad and specific also, that Queensland has the highest number disabilities in terms of population dispersal, of pensioners. social position, environmental and climatic conditions and revenue capacity were not Mr WRIGHT: Yes, I accept that. I also given due consideration and proper weight realise that there are problems because of by the commission. the State's social make-up and its 2 per cent of Aborigines. However, the facts should One of the more startling statistical revela­ not be cast aside and it should be acknow­ tions made in the submission was that ledged that Queensland has that difficulty, Queensland has the lowest household income particularly in view of the laudatory com­ per head of mean population of all the States. ments that are constantly made about how This again is in great contrast to a statement wonderful life is in Queensland. made only a few moments ago about improved living standards in this State. It I am not knocking Queensland; it is a also pointed out that Queensland has the great State, and I will continually stress that. lowest level of savings per capita. The sub­ But the fact is that for almost a decade, mission went on to reveal in relation to and es,pecially for the last five years under the companies that, although Queensland has Fraser Commonwealth Government, Queens­ approximately 15.5 per cent of the total land has been sold out financially by Can­ population of this nation, it generates a sub­ berm. One would have thought that because stantially lower percentage of manufactured of the depth of this submission-and it was value added-in fact, only 10·4 per cent. an excellent one-anrl because of the party­ Even if we consider the tremendous mining political persuasion of the Government in development taking place in this State and if charge of this State, because of the co-ordina­ we add mining value added-and this is taken tion one often hears about in the politicking into account-then Queensland's total value and campaigning, the Federal Government, added was lower than the population of 12.9 when it amended the States (Personal Income per cent. If we compare this with other Tax Sharing) Act last year, would have given States-and after all, that is what political special consideration to Queensland in par­ parties and Governments tend to do: make ticular. But that has not happened. Instead comparisons of their progress and their of introducing an amendment taking into abilities and their capacities in line with other account the ideas put forward by this Treas­ States-we see that, even if we add the min­ ury group and the submission that detailed ing and manufacturing industries together the disadvantages of Queensland, instead of Queensland's total per capita value added i~ giving any cognisance to it, Mr Howard made comparison with New South Wales was only only one real promise, which was that the 81.9 per cent. In terms of Victoria it was State's tax-sharing entitlement for 1980-81 71.8 per cent; in terms of Western Australia would be at least as much in real terms as it was 80.1 per cent. Even in relation to Tas~ for 1979-80. In his usual generous way, mania, such a small State, it was 89.1 per which I think has been typified by the offers Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 23

he has made to the Central Queensland drastic. reduction in the quality and quantity mmers, Mr Howard made it clear that that of services rendered by the State or the intro­ promise-let us call it a guarantee-could be duc_tion of dual taxation throughout the given for only one year. It is rather strange, natron. Mr Speaker, that it happens to be for 1980 a year in which an election is to be held. ' It will be the people of Queensland and others like the people of Western Australia All the signs are there. Despite the pleas -let us keep in mind that Sir CharJes of the Deputy Premier and Treasurer, despite Court has already said that he intends the pleas of the Premier, despite the pleas to do something about it-who will suffer. of t_heir counterparts in Victoria, South Aus­ Unless something is done to force the tral!a, and Tasmania, in the future~not just Commonwealth Government to provide the !IOW, not just in the last agreement, not just revenue to fill this vacuum, the State m the amendments that were made in April of Queensland faces a dismal future. The this year, not just at the Premier's Con­ local authorities in this State will learn ference held in June this year, but in the what it is like to suffer at the hands of future-there wiH be less and less money •this Government. There are more and coming from the Commonwealth unless more grounds for believing that that will something drastic happens, such as a change be the result. of Government. Ail the signs are there that Politically, I do not often agree with the the future financial lot of the States is a Mayor of Rockhampton, Alderman Rex dismal one, and that means that all the Pilbeam. I certainly agree with some of his disadvantages for Queensland can only schemes for improving the city of Rock­ increase. hampton. ~n yesterday's "Monning Bulletin", I cast my mind back to 1975-76, when Mr pubhshed m Rockhampton, Rex Pilbeam was Fraser took over in Canberra, and the debate reported as making certain comments con­ that ensued throughout the Commonwealth cen_:Jing the l~tes't local authority grants. I in Public Service areas and in the notice '!hat his comments appeared in this Assemblies about Fraser's new Federalism. moming's "Courier-Mail". I suggest that his Honourable members will recall that it was comm_ents will be echoed by every shire hailed by the Government of this State conncillor, town councillor and city council when it was first mooted. It was hailed by ;eader and alderman throughout Queensland the Premier; it was hailed by those on the If the Fmser Government continues to treat Government side who had some sort of the States as colonials in financial terms and economic expertise, with one exception. The if. the local authorities are treated any longer Treasurer of the day, Sir Gordon Chalk, was with utter contempt. the only one who voiced reservations of any Mr Pilbeam is not one to mince words. type. The Premier gave his personal endorse­ I know that at times he has made certain ment of what the F,raser Government was rough comments. On this occasion he has doing, in spite of the warnings of Sir Gordon been reported as saying that the local Chalk and in spite of the warnings of some authority allocations are "bonuses for bums". senior Treasury officiah and some senior He pointed out thM the grants are dis­ members of the Opposition. Regardless of graceful, unrealistically low and unjust. He the treatment that has been meted out to described them as nothing mme than a hand­ the States, especially since 1975, regardless out. He summed them up as being totally of the losses to Queensland amounting to ir.respons.ible. I might point out that his words ,tens of millions of dollars-the Treasurer on this occasion s'iand in sharp contrast to said $40m m just two years; so one can the praise and adulation that he heaped on imagine what it has been over the 10-year this Govemment, particularly the Premier, period-and regardless of all the comments the Minis,ter for Local Government and the that have been made, there is sti1l an Minister for Lands, Forestry and Water acceptance by the Government of Queens­ Resources, at the official opening last Satur­ land of this deal. day of the new traffic bridge. On that occasion he told the people of Rockhampton Dr Edwards: What could you do about it? what a wonderful job the Queensland Gov­ ernment has been doing for the city of Mr WIUGHT: I want to talk about that, Rockhampton. and that is the principal reason why I wished It should be noted that Rex Pilbeam is a to speak on the second reading of this Bill. member of the Liberal Pmoty and one who I accept the Treasurer's point that an effort !>erved in this Chamber as a Liberal par­ has been made by Treasury officials, and liamentarian. ,I stress that because he one cannot cast any blame there. I know expressed the opinion that Rockhampton's chat, in his capacity as Treasurer, the hon­ allocation is based on political motives. That ourable gentleman has endeavoured to pre­ is what he said; that comment is not mine. sent a special case for Queensland. Although Dr Edwards: You wouldn't agree with the Treasurer said that it was a matter for him, I hope? continuing regret, I think that was the oniy point on which he was correct. It certainly Mr WRJGHT: I intend to establish a is continuing, and if something is not done case and I hope that the Treasurer will try in a political sense-unless Labor is returned to answer it. It would seem that on this to office in Canberra-it will continue at v;hole issue there is some smoke; and where least to the stage where we see either a there is smoke, there is fire. 24 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

Of a total of $50.7 million provided by the Liberal Party. What an indictment not only Commonwealth for distribution by the StMe of the general disbursements but also of the of QueenS'land to the local authorities, Rock­ reasons why the disbursements were made! hampton received $785,000, or a mere 12 per cent more than it received in 1979. Dr Edwards: Do you support the idea that Admittedly, to someone who does not have political involvement should be part of the that amount of money, that is a generous decision-making? sum. However, let me make some com­ parisons. Mr WRIGHT: No. I do not think it should play any part at all. The decision should be The city of Ipswich received $942,000, based on needs and priorities. I am surprised Toowoomba received $874,000, Mt Isa that so much evidence is coming forward that received $837,000 and Townsville received decisions in this State are based on what seem a massive $1,440,000. I,t might be only a to be political motives. coincidence, but those cities are of political importance to the Government with an It is not an indictment from ALP or election brewing. independent critics in a local government area but one from the Treasurer's own Liberal Dr Edwards: Did you hear what the ranks. I suggest that it is a warning to every Ipswich City Council said about it? other local authority in this State about the way this Government is now administering Mr WRIGHT: No, I didn't. Queensland and what they may expect in the Dr Edwards: I will tell you later. future. Queensland is being administered with policies and financial allocations that are not based on the interests and needs of people Mr WRIGHT: I would like ,to hear it. but are made for straight political gain. Perhaps it is only a coincidence, but the two State seats in the city of Rockhampton It is bad enough when special priority has are held by Labor members and even the been given to Government-held electorates. Government is saying that it has no hope of h is bad enough when Ministers can say winning those seats. Time and time again publicly that they have a pre-school in every Ministers have risen in this Chamber and town in their electorates. This was said denied that any departmental allocations have publicly the other day. It is bad enough when been based on the political affiliation of the we see works programs in which the bulk of members representing the electorates in which the money goes to Government areas for the particular cities and 'towns are located. schools, pre-schools, bridges and roads; but The member for Arche11field and other mem­ now it seems it is happening also in the local bers of the Opposition have raised this matter government grants area. on many occasions. It is patently obvious that Mr Pilbcam says that it is disgraceful. I Rex p,ilbeam believes our allegations to be agree. It is completely irresponsible and true. He does not accept ministerial com­ unjust. It is not unjust to the members of ments to the effect that no type of political the ALP who represent those areas, because motive is involved. they can always say, "It is not our fault." Mr Pilbeam's belief seems to be confirmed But it is unjust to the people of Queensland by a comparison between the allocation given who Jive in those areas. to other local authorities and that given to It can only get worse, not because an Gladstone, which also is held by a Labor election is brewing but because the State's member (Mr Prest). Gladstone received revenue will be cut back continually by the $388,000, whereas the nearby Banana Shire, Commonwealth Government. As priorities which just happens to lie in an electorate get tighter, the blatant political motives must held by a Nationa'i Party member, and a become more obvious. I say to the people of very small shire at that, received $673,000. Queensland that if the Liberals ever get con­ Fu11thermore, Miriam Vale, which also just happens to lie in a National-Party-held trol of the coalition it will be the end for any electorate, received $486,000. Mt Morgan, area outside the metropolitan region. which happens to be in a Labor electorate, Government Members interjected. received a paltry $255,000. So, to answer the Treasurer's question, I do find myself in agreement with Mr :Pilbeam on these issues. Mr WRIGHT: It is happening now. It will be Brisbane first, Brisbane second and Also, I have to raise the matter of where Brisbane last. Every National Party member the blame lies. Mr Pilbeam says that the and supporter ought to keep that in mind. blame should be laid not at the feet of the Irrespective of the claims made by the Federal Government but at the feet of his Treasurer as to how well off Queensland is own Liberal Leader and Treasurer, Dr under Liberal and National leadership, the Edwards. He says this because the Local fact is-and his own departmental submissions Government Grants Commission distributes substantiate this-that under the Liberal­ the allocations and it is the Grants Commis­ National Country Party coalition in Canberra sion that is under the direct control of the Queenslanders are being disadvantaged. Under Queensland Treasurer. So, heated up about a National-Liberal Party State Government, this whole issue. he says that he will have so far as the local authorities are concerned, to consider his future membership of the Queenslanders are being disadvantaged. Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AuGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 25

Whether we like it or not, under this Govern­ of Federal allocations. One can give many ment we are tied to Fraser's new Federalism examples, such as the dental schemes. Prior scheme. It is a scheme which Canberra has to 1976 such schemes were totally Common­ used as an excuse to force this and every wealth funded, but now funds are provided other State to carry a disproportionate share on a 50/50 basis. of the burden of fiscal restraint. In the area of health planning agencies, The figures speak for themselves. Since finance was previously provided on the basis 1975, when Fraser took power, total Govern­ of $2 for $1, but .they are now provided on ment outlays have increased by 45 per cent; a $1 for $1 basis. In the area of home-care yet, in the same period, the financial assist­ services, funds were previously provided on ance given to the States has risen by only 32 a basis of two for one, but this has now been per cent. Year by year, the States have been altered to a one for one basis. In the fund­ forced to obtain an ever-increasing percentage ing of senior citizen centres, funds were of their capital funds in the form of semi­ previously provided on a ,two for one basis, government authority borrowings rather than but again this has been altered to one for through the Federal Budget. This has meant one. borrowing at more than twice the usual In the area of transport planning and interest rate. One estimate given to me last research two-thirds of total spending was week is that this has added approximately provided by ,the Commonwealth, but this $250m to the interest bill owed by the has been altered 'to a half. In the housing States in the last four years. I would like it area, prior to 1978-79 there were no match­ discounted. I would like to hear the ing a11r.angements, but in 1978-79 a base Treasurer's side of it. amount was provided with the rest again It is clear that, as they are forced to provided on a one for one basis. borrow under this new form of semi­ The effect of these changes has been such government authority borrowing rather than that they \lied up around $170m of State obtain money through the Budget, they are funds in 1978-79. So it is no wonder ,that forced to pay hard money. They are forced this Government is looking to other areas to service hard money loans. The quickest for financial return-for revenue. Lt is no way to bring a business to its knees is to wonder that State indirect taxes have sky­ force it to service hard money loans. It rocketed. I did not have the time to go seems that is what the Fraser Government is through all the departments, so I picked just doing to the State of Queensland and, in one~the Fisheries Department. I ,thought turn, to the local authorities. it would be an interesting one because of Dr Edwards interjected. the promises that have been made to help the fishing industry, which is a primary Mr WRIGHT: I shall deal later with industry, and encourage people-- borrowings overseas. Dr Edward§: You wouldn't call ·it ,typical, Every now and again there is some political would you? grandstanding by Ministers. Especially have we seen this from the Minister for Local Mr WRIGHT: I think it is 'typical. I was Government, Main Roads and Police when hoping the Minister for Justice would be here he has been complaining about the poor deal so we could also look at the increased cost he is getting from the Federal Government. of lodging legal documents and so on in the But, like the Treasurer, it seems that other courts. The same .thing has happened in Ministers are prepared to cop it, and it will this area, too. The cost of a master fisher­ not be too long before they have to cop man's licence has increased by 33-1/3 per stage 2 of the Federalism proposal and impose cent since last year. The cost of registering a State income tax. The Treasurer shakes his commercial fishing vessel up 'to 10 m in head, but I say to him that he will not have length has increased by 50 per cent; up to much choice in the matter because he has 15 m in length, 60 per cent; up 1o 20 m, to find the money from somewhere. As I said 140 per cent; and 20 m in length, 100 per before, Western Australia has already indi­ cent. The cost of a licence to conduct cated that it is prepared to do so, and if oystering operations has increased by 25 per Mr Fraser and Mr Howard have their way cent. One could go on and on. Members Queensland will eventually follow suit; it will will see that trend in every area, and those have no choice. are just a few figures I was able ~to obtain Queensland is under attack financially by very quickly from the Parliamentary Lib­ the Commonwealth, just as is every other rary. But one finds that indirect taxes are State. It seems to me that this Government increasing, and this increase seems to be has no defence; ,it is being attacked ~rom the only way this Government is able to every side. Not only is it being forced to fill the vacuum left by the change in Com­ accept the pre-1979 financial arrangements monwealth financial arrangements. under the personal income tax scheme, but It is also no wonder that 'local authorities there is also a tightening-up of the matching are in such a desperate plight. I was speak­ arrangements for programs. The Common­ ing to a local authofi.ty leader at an airport wealth Government is forcing the States to in North Queensland the other day and he commit more and more of 'their untied funds told me that he is being forced to borrow, in order to qualify for •the maximum amount even small amounts of up to $20,000, at 26 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bili (No. 1)

12.6 per cent and the repa)_'men.t period is Canberra, the States have been disadvan­ only 10 yearrs. This same sltuatwn is con­ taged by the Commonwealth. The Com­ fronting many local authorities. In the monwealth seems to be determined to have ~n~l analysis it is the people who pay, and this clamp-down on loan funds for the 1t 1s .the people who suffer. States in every area, and this is the fifth consecutive year that there- has been a It [s sometimes amazing what political clamp-down. There has been no major leaders wiH say ,in an endeavour to present increase in Commonwealth-backed loans for •to. the public, .especially at election-t,ime, .that works and development projects. Allowin"' thmgs are gomg well, •that they have been for inflation, this in an effective cut-back ~uccessful . in their ,efforts. I was very of 10.5 per cent for 1980-81. Since 1975-76, mterested m the Premier's comments when loans to the States from the Federal Treas­ he came back from the Premiers' Con­ ury have been effectively reduced by almost ference in June. "The Courier•Mail" ran a 40 per cent. So we cannot simply say, "It headline, "_Joh comes home happy." I sug­ is a matter of continuing concern.". It gest to th1s Assembly ,that the Premier is amazes me that the Premier returned from either yt;ry easily pleased or he is playing Canberra and said that he had won. The the pohtJcal cov~r-up. One has only to look people of Queensland certainly have not a;t tlhe aHocat11ons to see why. Whilst won. Queensland may have come off best of all It must be clear to honourable members the States~in fact, I believe it received half that Fraser's new Federalism is not the of what was requested-its allocation was partnership approach that he talked about $1,255m, made up of $1,081m in tax­ in 1975 and 1976. It is certainly not the sharing grants (up 13.6 per cent), $173m in deal that this Government thought it would loan p~ograms (!fP .5 per cent), $360m in be. It is clear also that, if the last five borr?wmg authonsatwns by larger local and years are any indication, the future for the sem1-government authorities (up 12.9 per States in terms of Commonwealth/State ~en!), $95m in estimated borrowing author­ financial relationships will be an ever­ Jsatrons (up 5.5 per cent), special loans of worsening one. It will be completely one­ $17m for infrastructure loans which we all sided, with the Commonwealth calling the realise allow money to be borrowed over­ seas-this one was specifically for the coal tune. expor,t facility at Hay Point-$100 m in Mr Blake: That is what new Federalism infracture •loan authorisation for the power­ is all about. house and another $20m infrastructure loan for the Brisbane. railway electrification, and Mr WRIGHT: That is what it is; it is a also loans for mmor elect

the threat of State personal income tax for Everton (Mr Glen Milliner), the member by repealing stage 2 of the financial agree­ for Chatsworth (Mr Terry Mackenroth), the ment. It has also committed itself to pro­ member for Archerfield (Mr Kev Hooper), vide 2 per cent of the net personal income the member for South Brisbane (Mr Jim tax collections to local authorities, and that Fouras), and the member for Murrumba (Mr ought to be shouted from every mountain Joe Kruger) carcried out a thorough and in­ top and published in every newspaper in depth survey. order to inform local authorities that there is a better deal, there is an alternative. Mr Porter interjected. One can imagine what this would mean to Mr WRIGHT: The report is factual and is local government funding. The Opposition's backed up by statistical information. The shadow Treasurer, Ralph Willis, has already report makes some startling revelations. advocated that the guarantee for one year Comparisons have been made between 1980 that Howard is 'talking about would be and previous years. One of those compari­ increased. But we need to cast aside the sons dealt with food prices, and 14 basic knowledge that there is an election pending items were used. :their price in 1975 was and accept the fact that, irrespective of $8.01. The price for the same 14 items in the outcome of that election, this Govern­ 1980 is $19.72. As members will realise, ment has responsibilities, and that it must that is an increase of well over 100 per cent. revamp its style of administration. There Other results dealt with 38 items of groceries. is a growing tax revolt in Australia; there is In 1975 their cost was $27.73, but in 1980 a growing tax revolt in Queensland, and their cost is $48.95, an increase of 76 per one that is ever increasing. There must be cent. another way. We all appreciate that State That committee also looked at incomes, Governments have limited avenues for because they are so important--one's capac­ raising revenue for capital works and recur­ ity to buy. In 1975 the average minimum rent expenditure. They can take it from award rate was $6,133. In 1979 it was people through personal income tax, if they $8,748. The average weekly earnings for accept stage 2 of that program, or they the same period were respectively $9,136 and can raise it by indirect taxation. They can $12,896. One must consider that the CPI receive it in the form of tied or untied had risen by 10.1 per cent last year, food grants from the Commonwealth, or they costs had risen by 18.5 per cent and the can borrow it, regardless of the source, but average minimum award wage had dec!'eased we all know that eventually the money has in actual disposable income and buying to be repaid. Finally, and the one I suggest, power by $20 to $36 a week, or $1,059 a is that they can earn it. year. Surely this is the real solution to the In regard to average weekly earnings, the dilemma that is facing the States and local fall in disposable incomes for the same period authorities, and will face them even more v, as $22 to $60 a week, admittedly a great in the future. Queensland has already proved variation, but the actual faH per annum was that State enterprise can work. It proved $1,175. that with the SGIO. I maintain that that principle needs to be extended, that initia­ Mr Warburton: This Government has the tives need to be taken by this Government power to reduce tax. and that a lead ought to be given personally by the Treasurer and by the Treasury. Mr WRIGHT: It certainly has such a power. We all appreciate that Queensland is a great State with unlimited potential, but The main problem is that because of the it is apparent that that potential is not being lower incomes being received and the higher tapped for the benefit of Queenslanders. cost factors being faced, the lower and The fact that we have the lowest household middle income families are being hurt. I now income of any State is an indication of this. deal with the percentage increases of costs It is certainly true that some mining last year. Food increases were 18 · 5 per cent; companies are reaping huge financial benefits, health and personal care, 17 ·1 per cent; but it is also true that that benefit is not transportation costs rose by 11· 2 per cent; being passed on. For all the wealth, for all the recreation costs, 10·5 per cent; housing, 6·7 millions of dollars in natural resources that per cent; and clothing, 6·4 per cent. The leave this State, and for all the massive only action that this Government took to primary industry wealth that we have, per­ control prices in this period was to introduce sonal incomes remain low. a minimum price scheme for bread-not a maximum, not some protection for con­ I was very pleased to receive a copy of a sumers, but a minimum price scheme. recent survey carried out by members of this Parliament. Maybe those who read That committee also made some very "Hansard" appreciate that in recess mem­ interesting comparisons, again in the Bris­ bers of Parliament do not just sit around, play bane metropolitan area, not just in one bowls or go fishing. An eight-member com­ year, as that can create some difficulties, mittee consisting of the Deputy Leader of the but in a number of areas in the Opposition (Mr Bill D'Arcy), the member 10-year period f.rom 1970 to 1980. for Lytton (Mr Tom Burns), the member for The average price of a three~bedroom Nudgee (Mr Ken Vaughan), the member home in 1970 was between $11,000 and 28 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. I)

$15,000. In 1980 it was $26,000 to $35,000. Mr W. D. Hewitt: He said "Sta'c-fmanced The cost of a S·tandard HO'!den Kingswood motels". 6-cylinder sedMJ. in 1970 was $2,488, while in 1980 it is $7,068. A 15 cubic foot refrigerator Mr WRIGHT: Yes, I belieYe we ought in 1970 cost $400, while in 1980 the cost to have State-financed motels and tourist is $680. The quarterly electricity bill of resorts. 2 000 units for domestic purposes such as Mr Davis: Like New Zealand. hot water was $31.30 in 1970 but a massive $70.60 in 1980. Standard doctors' and medi­ Mr WRIGHT: I was just going to say cal costs in 1970 were $2.80 a consultation, that: like New Zealand. I would have thought while today they are $9. The cost of a home that the Treasurer would have understood visit was $4.20 in 1970, while today it is that, instead of being 1ike New Zealand, $13.80. which spent money, opened up a new area, pioneered a reso11t and then sold i,t off to The interesting comparison for us all is pvivate enterprise, the Government ought with petrol. Per litre in 1970 super grade to maintain an equity in it. The State railway cost 9.5c. In 1980 i.t varies between 29.9c system could be used in a far bet,ter way to and 34.9c. In other words, it has risen from promote the tourist indus-try. We could even 42c per gallon to $1.35 {o $1.57, which have a State touri~t bus system. Resort areas people are paying without appreciating the could be opened, jus.t as has happened in fact because of the change from Imperial other countr.ies. Again I cite New Zealand. to metric measurements. For those who New Zealand gave a lead in the South partake of the amber ale, a 7 oz. glass of Pacific in this way. There is no reason why beer in 1970 was 15c, whereas today it is Queensland cannot follow suit, but let us 45c. A bottle was 40c in 1970 and today keep the propel'ties for ourselves. The tourist it is 93c. A packet of cigarettes was 40c industry is one of tremendous potential. It in 1970 and today varies between 80c and is untapped. I:t is a great revenue earner for 95c. this Sta;te, but it could be maximised to the fullest if the Sta.te owned part of ·the There are other statistics, not just those developments talcing place. based on surveys carried out by members of the Oppos·i•tion. I have seen similar surveys The second area with great potential, natu­ in "The Aus·tralian", "The Courier~Mail" and rally, is the development of the State's many other reports. There has been a defi:ni1te mineral resources. H is time that this State erosion of family liV'ing standards; yet the Government rethought tts at>titude to a par.t­ Treasurer today spoke about improved living nership approach with pr•ivate enterprise. I s-tandards. I would suggest that if we start acknowledge that i·t is a sheer impossibility looking at the erosion of disposable income, for the State Govemment to have the neces­ the family ·is facing difficulties from the sary funds to develop the grea·t resources, large increase in costs in every area of in coal-mining areas and others, by ·itself. I expenditure. And it will worsen as State accept that, but there is no reason why there indirect taxes increase. H will worsen as cannot be a pantnership. I might say that Commonwealth financial assistance decreases, ·it pleased me to hear •the Treasurer say when as I believe will happen. It will wo·rsen as he came back from overseas that the deal the financial burden on local authorit,ies Queensland is getting is not satisfactory. becomes heavier. As all realise, their interest I suggest to the Treasurer that, instead of and redemption payments today are exor­ increasing royalties and freight rates, .the bitant. It will also worsen as personal income Government should have part of the actiOn. tax increases. That suggestion was made when Moura was opened up. Thiess made overtures to the The answer is to offset the tax burden. State Government to come into partnership, As I have said before, the way to do but those overtures were not accepted and it is to earn the necessary revenue to fill the the company had to work with tl:e Japanese. gap. I have thought carefully about a There is a need for a partnership approach number of areas that the State Government with private enterprise to develop the State's could enter. The first surely would be the resources. Profits are being made, and I tourist indus,try. Previous Ministers for Tour­ suggest uhat the economy of Queensland ism have said in this House that it is the would be in a serious state without those second major income earner for Queensland profits. However, the profits that could be and has tremendous untapped potential. The made in a partnership development would Government should enter that field and assist be ten or a hundred times greater than those local authorities to do likewise. Their task received from royalties and freight rates. and objective should be to promote local tourist resources. The Government should There would also be the added advantage establish State-financed motels and tourist that the Government would control the resorts and finance such things as country exploitat.ion of the State's resources. It \vould camping reserves. give Queensland State participation. I suggest to this Assembly tha~ there .is Dr Edwards: Would you say thM again? a growing nationalism in Australia and m Queensland. It was begun by Whitla111 in Mr WRIGHT: If the Treasurer knew 1972 when he made people realise that anything about national fitness, he would cu!tu'rally Australians had something to be understand what I am talking about. proud about, that they did haYe a tradition. Appropriation Bill (No. 1) (19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 29

It has grown, and even the Fraser Govern­ to face, and will face in the future, can ment has realised the importance of Austral­ be resolved. It is the only way in which ians wanting to be part of Australia. the uncontrolled exploitation of the State's natural resources can be curtailed. Something similar could certainly happen in the development area, too, and I put for­ I concede that it is not an immediate ward the view that Queensland needs to panacea. It would be a long-term solution launch its own public development .investment to the State's problems. However, it would fund, a special fund to which Queenslanders meet the growing desires of the people of could subscribe. As Queenslanders, we all this State to curb the ever-increasing accept that we have confidence in our State. demands on them to fill the Treasury coffers. Queenslanders everywhere are proud of The position is going to get worse. Australia Queensland. They do not mind being called is already the highest-taxed nation in the banana benders or being ridiculed in that western woi'ld, and the position must worsen. way, because they are proud of Queensland. I am sure that they would be prepared to In conclusion, I say that the responsibility invest in the development of the State. 1ies with the Treasurer. He asked earlier, "What do you do wbout the Commonwealth's If a public investment development fund aHitude?" One can plead; one can go cap in could be set up, just think, Mr Speaker, of hand; one can badger; one can threaten; the access to financial resources that would but finally one must use one's own .initiative. be avaibble to the Government. It could The Treasurer must try to create rindepend­ approach private enterprise and say, "We ence, an wbility to carry out development in have the money. It is the people's money. the Government's own right. That would We want to work with you to make Queens­ mean, of ·course, that the Treasurer and the land an even greater State." It would also Government would have to cast off their guarantee ownership of the State's natural inhibitions Jn regard to State enterprise. resources, at least in part, and .it would They would have to rethink their definition keep the resources and the wealth of the of what some people ca11 socialism. However, State in the hands of the people of Queens­ it is time that this State, the Treasurer, land, and in the hands of the Government officers of the Treasury and those who make on behalf of the people of Queensland. the deoisions for Queensland acknowledge the disadvantages that the State faces now, I should like to see the profits of the SGIO, and also acknowledge the disadvantages of instead of being used to help private enter­ State enterprise while appreciating the many prise develop huge shopping centres-and advantages and benefits that are to be derived we know that the SGIO has financed the from it. establishment of shopping centres all over the State-being used to build shopping centres on I suggest that the time is fast falling away its own behalf and allow the property to remain and that, if the Federal Government is not the property of Queensland. What ris done now? defeated this year, Queensland will suffer even Cheap money is made available to private worse. It will not be a matter of the loss enterprise and the State receives some return of $40m because of the financial arrange­ by way of interest. There is no reason why ments; in two years we will be talking about this State could not launch out into major hundreds upon hundreds of millions of commercial and retail development projects, dollars. The only thing to do is to cast aside improving the commercial and retail centres one's basic political motivations and say, throughout the State. As the earnings "O.K., I have a task to do and that task is increased, the people of Queensland would for Queensland." benefit, and services •to the people would also improve and increase. In turn, there would Mr W. D. HEWITT (Greenslopes) (4.26 be a chance of the tax burden being lessened, p.m.): It would be reasonable to assume that, and, finally, it would remove the State's if by some quirk of fate there were a change dependency on the Federal Treasury. The of Government in this State at the end of Treasurer would not have to go cap in this year, the honourable member for Rock­ hand, time after ·time, to the Federal hampton would be the incoming Treasurer. Government. It is therefore useful that today he has given us a very thoughtful exposition on his atti­ I appreciate, too, that the attitude of the tudes and on the policies that he would bring Federal Government is, "The better off you forward. He would assume, quite correctly, are, the less you will get." If the State Gov­ that the Treasurer and I would join issue ernment starts trying to give incentives to with him on some of his propositions. I pro­ local industry, as it did by reducing pay-roll pose to do that. However, first I want to say tax, the Federal Government reduces the that not since the time of Eric L!oyd and amount of money that the State Government Pat Hanlon have I seen a member of the receives. That has happened, as the Opposition approach himself so meaningfully Treasurer said earlier, in other areas. How­ and responsibly to a debate on an Appro­ ever, I suggest that a different approach priation Bill. I compliment the honourable is needed and that a partnership approach member for Rockhampton for the work that is desirable, a partnership consisting of the he has brought to bear today. He has done an Government, the people and the private enormous amount of work and has given us sector. That is the only way in which the the benefit of his thinking on a range of financial dilemma that the State is beginning subjects. 30 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AuousT 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

Before I join issue with him, I tell him money in this area. It is a remarkable para­ that I agree with his earlier proposition con­ dox, one that the Australian community cerning taxation disbursements from the sooner or later must apply itself to and come Commonwealth. I do believe that Queensland up with a solution. has been disadvantaged and remains so. All Quite simply, there is nothing that Govern­ of us recall the problem we had in counting ments cannot do. If the Australian com­ our population. The Commonwealth had to munity wants to settle for a level of taxa­ concede in retrospect that the assessment of tion comparable with that in Sweden, where Queensland's population was incorrect and the people pay something like SO per cent of that the formula was affected. For too long their wages by way of tax, the Australian the consequence was that the reimbursements community only has to say so. Governments were not of the proper order. That is one of \Vill extract the money and Governments will the things that have been corrected. look after people from the cradle to the My very good friend Kevin Cairns, a most grave or, as I have often heard it described, learned gentleman, has long argued about the from the womb to the tomb. The people extent to which Queensland and Western only have to opt for it. I do not believe Australia have been disadvantaged. There is that they want to opt for it, and sooner no denying that these two great States are or later thev will have to face the hard the great repositories of natural resources and option. They cannot demand more and more that they will make the major contribution Government expenditure and, at the same to a burgeoning Australian economy in the time, cry for lower tax. 1980s. As a consequence of that contribution, There are interesting projections which sug­ there should be a more meaningful Com­ gest that, by about the year 2010, a critical monwealth flow-back to them. judgment will have to be made. In referring If those propositions are correct, it is all to this, I emphasise and support the very the more remarkable that Queensland has clear observations that Mr Justice Kirby been able to maintain the lowest level of made recently when he invoked young people State taxation of all the States in the Com­ to become more involved in political affairs monwealth. A little later I shall deal with a and to consider their own future a little table that I have at my disposal to demon­ bit more. He put it hard on the young strate that contention quite clearly. academics. He said, "They owe something to Australia for what Australia has done for The honourable member for Rockhampton them." It was a good proposition, and I made a side-swipe at my party, putting for­ agree with it. ward the remarkable contention that when I talk about the year 2010 as the critical we gain the ascendancy in the coalition the people will somehow or other be disadvan­ point. There are some cynics who say that taged. The fact of the matter is that in the about that time I will be offered a ministry 23 years that this Government has been in and I wiH be available. But, about that time, office-23 highly successful years-there have the projections suggest that with the contri­ been nothing but Liberal Treasurers. Those buting factors of a lower birth rate, earlier Liberal Treasurers have participated in the retirement and longer life expectancy, those negotiations on all of the great contracts that people then in the work-force will not be have led to the development of this State and able to sustain the heavy demands made on our highly successful decentralised programs. them; they will collapse under the burden. The fact remains that Queensland is the most Those of us in this Chamber will be past decentralised State in the whole of the caring. If we are still in the world of the Commonwealth. If that is a compliment to living, we will be the recipients of all the the coalition as a whole-I take it as such­ welfare programs. But young men, of whom it is a compliment also to an unbroken line my son is typical as he is rising 19, will, of Liberal Treasurers. in the year 2010, be at the height of their professional careers. They are the young The honourable member for Rockhampton people who, right now, should be considering worries too much. He tries to sustain an the hard options or the easy options. The abysmally poor attack on my party. The fact honourable member for Rockhampton is of the matter is that the distribution of funds right. There is talk about tax revolt, but that we have seen over the past 23 years people are not thinking it through. It is will certainly be sustained in any Government about time they were encouraged to do so. led by my party. The honourable gentleman, in the latter The honourable member also made refer­ part of his speech, cited a great number of ence to a growing taxation revolt in this figures. He identified the prices of certain country. Undoubtedly he is correct. What he commodities a few years ago and contrasted did not make reference to, however, is the them with the prices today. No-one quite remarkable paradox that can be identified understood what he was trying to prove. He in this country today. Every person is asking certainly lost me. for a lower rate of tax; every person is say­ ing, "We want to control our own income Mr K. J. Hooper: That wouldn't be hard. and we want to determine how we will spend our money. Lower our taxation." But almost Mr W. D. HEWITT: The honourable mem­ every last person has his own pet project and ber who has to go for some driving lessons says that the Government should spend more soon said that I would be easy to lose. I Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 31

have never made any pretence of being an better verification than that, Mr Speaker. intellectual giant in this place and the We are enormously grateful to Dr Murphy, cha.nces are .that I would be lost pretty and we wish him well in his presidency. easily. But, If I am lost pretty easily, the honourable member for Rockhampton lost We know, without highlighting the fact, himself earlier because he gave those figures the state of the Labor Party at the moment, without relating them to wage structures or but what is more important is the policies other movements. By a strange coincidence, that the Labor Party is tied to in the the first example that he gave was the cost event of becoming the Government, and of housing. He spoke about the cost of we should not forget the fact that every housing in Queensland now and compared it member of the parliamentary Labor Party with the cost three years ago. The fact of is bound by a pledge to support conference tht; matter is that houses are cheaper in decisions in the Parliament. So the record B_nsbane than they are in any other capital of proceedings of the Rockhampton con­ city. The average cost of a house in Bris­ ference of 1979 is in fact the parliamentary bane is $32,800, in Melbourne it is $40 900 program for the next three years if Labor and in Sydney it is an astronomical $58,SOO. comes to office. So the honourable gentleman, to my thinking at least, did not prove much. Therefore, it is timely to look at these policies and to ask ourselves precisely what Mr Vaughan: He was talking about the they would do for Queensland and where difference in prices between 1970 and 1979. they would lead us. There is no doubt in my mind that that document is a blueprint Mr W. D. HEWITT: I am telling the for disaster. In looking at these policies honourable member that to talk about a we must not be seduced by the fairy-floss, movement in prices without relating it to froth-and-bubble presentation by the Leader wage structures and other contributing fac­ of the Opposition when he goes on television tors proves absolutely nothing. I am very at his urbane, avuncular, lugubrious and ubi­ ?rateful to the honourable member for help­ quitous best, but rather must we look at that mg :ne to prove that his colleague proved document itself and analyse it in great nothmg. detail. The fact is that at a time when the . I have already referred to the fact that people are calling for less control, fewer m the event of a change of Government State authorities and reduced Government the honourable member would be the control that document calls for the very Treasurer. It is therefore not untimely to opposite: massive Government intrusion, massive Government expenditure and mas­ tal~ .abo:-rt th~ party that he supports, the policies It projects and precisely what that sive public authority establishments, so that party would do if it were in control of the private enterprise would be under the same Treasury benches in the latter part of 1980. squeeze that it faced in South Australia. We must, first of all, look at the party Let us analyse that document. The first itself, which approaches the electorate with thing to talk about is the number of the wonderful slogan, "Labor-ready to authorities, tribunals, boards, commissions govern". Now, Mr Speaker, you might and all those other things to which a Labor notice that with great difficulty they restrain Government would have recourse. We the grins. It is hard, but this is a sombre should recall again that members from this occasion-"Labor-ready to govern"! That side of the Chamber are now committed would have to be the sick joke of the to what we call sunset legislation. Sunset decade. legislation would look at all these statutory authorities, committees and nondescript Mr Austin interjected. boards, call them all to account, and if they could not justify their continued exist­ Mr W. D. HEWITT: The fact of the ence they would be phased out-no ifs, no matter is that they cannot even govern buts, no maybes. That sort of legislation themselves. Seldom has a party on the eve has worked with very telling effect in some of an election been so hopelessly torn 27 of the United States; it could work with asunder; the so-called old guard and new great effect in Queensland. We are com­ guard or, as the Leader of the Opposition, mitted to it. We are committed to the in the most unfunny attempt to be funny, concept of reducing Government, of getting talks about, "The old guard, the new guard, out of people's lives, of letting them do the rear guard and the mudguard." We are their own thing and of trying to create a all expected to greet that with guffaws of genuine free enterprise society. laughter. It is so pathetic it is puerile. But the fact is that the dissensions are so real The Labor Party policy documents tells that not in a fit is that party remotely us that the Labor Party would create one ready to govern. The fact of the matter is administrative tribunal, one set of advisers, that the concession to that statement is one agency, five authorities, one board, one made by the president of the Labor Party bureau, one centre, nine commissions, 15 himself, who was quoted in the Sunday committees, one co-operative, four councils, Monitor section of the "Sunday Sun" as two counselling services, another court, two saying, "I would be dishonest with you if departments, one divis,ion, two inquiries, one I said I think we are going to win this institute, a new set of loan funds, three next State election." You don't want much offices, one portfolio, a region, a scheme, 32 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) (19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

a secretariat, a statutory board, a new sys­ Minister, when he wanted to speak in derisory tem, two t~ibunals, a trust ood two units. ,terms about his political opponents, would They are all spelt out in close and concise use the turn of phrase, "They are like the detail, and I would be happy to elaborate Bourbons: they learned nothing and they upon them to those who might be too forgot nothing." The label could be applied embarrassed to ask publicly what they might equally these days to the State branch of be. the Australian Labor PaJCty. To talk about That is not the end of it; that is only the State•owned enterprises is to push aside the start of it. Some committees, inquiries and failure, the disgraces, the scandals and the boards could be justified. We must not be blots on our history of attemp~ to set up myopic in these matters, and I certainly do State-owned enterprises in this State. The not :intend to be that. I select three of >the Labor Party has learnt nothing. policy statements in that document to which It is consistent with the argument on our I direct the closest a~tention of any con­ side of politics that there must be an evacua­ cerned Queenslooder who genuinely worries tion from public participation; that Gov­ about :the future of this State. The first ernments should do those things for which that I select is headed "Statutory Bodies". they are elected, and they should do them ~he document reads- well, and that they should let the private "'~hat committees be formed to examine sector, with total encouragement, get on with the social and economic advantages of doing the things that it can do best of all. forming statutory bodies-separate from When one talks of the expansion of the :the State public service-to become public sector it brings to mind a policy involved in mining and secondary manu­ matter on the agenda for the Victorian factudng industries in Queensland." conference of the Australian Labor Party It is not a committee to inquire as to any in which it aspired to 60 per cent of the disadvantages of statutory authorities. It is population being employed by the State. assumed that they are only advantageous and That is a very noble aim. At least the that it is only a question of considering where Victorian ALP is honest about these things. and how they would be set up. I have already But that would be as destructive to its referred to the fact that we have a pro­ State as the implementation of such a policy liferation of statutory authorities, which we would be to ours. It is frightening. must brLng to account, and it is anathema The third and last point that I touch upon to us to suggest that more should be created. is under the heading "Industrial Democracy". ,Jn talking about statutory authod,ties, Every employer, every businessman, every nobody to this point in time has predicated entrepreneur, every man who pays lip-service the situation facing our entrenched Public to private enterprise and the Australian ethic Service. We have a Public Service in this of having his own go and getting rewarded State that is loyal, dedicated and hard-work­ for it should ponder these words very care­ ing and gives complete loyalty to the Gov­ fully and make his judgment upon them- ennment of the day. Young people join the "An ALP Government will introduce Public Service in the expectation that they legislation designed to develop the capacity will develop a long, successful and happy of unions and their members to carry out career with the Public Service. The Public intervention in all aspects of managerial Service Board and the Public Serv,ice authori­ prerogatives." ties in this State should be under no doubt at aU that a proliferotion of statutory Any person who is involved in his own authorities would erode their base, security, company, who enjoys a good relationship and employment possibilities. I would hope with his workers, but nevertheless believes that the great number of pubiic servants that it is his show because he has worked who approach elections dispassionately would hard to put it together, should consider the look at this provision, ask their own questions implication of those words very carefully. and satisfy themselves on what impact that It is quite frightening; it is terrifying. policy declaration would have upon their Mr Wright: You are talking about Victoria. future. The second matter that I touch upon is Mr W. D. HEWITT: I am quoting from under the heading of "Public Sector", and the proceedings of the Austra:lian Labor reads- Party Conference held in Rockhampton in " An ALP Government in Queensland 1979. will take all steps necessary to protect Mr Wright: You weren't when you were and expand the public sector in this State, talking about 60 per cent. recognising that a thriving public sector including State-owned enterprises, is ~ Mr W. D. HEWITI: Because the honour­ practical and responsible method of ensur­ able member is only half tuned in, that was ing that the resources of Queensland are about three paragraphs ago. I will try to enjoyed equally by all Queenslanders." help him catch up by using simple language. Dr Edwards: Like the State butcher shops Mr Wright: Do you believe that a private they used to have. enterprise that goes bust for some reason should have the right to go back to the Mr W. D. HEWITT: The Treasurer a:ntici­ Commissioner for Corporate Affairs, re-regis­ pates me very well. The former Labor Prime ter and have another go? Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 33

Mr W. D. HEWIIT: I believe that there other States last year, while Queensland's are great shortcomings in the administration population rose by 31 000, 18 000 by natural of corporate affairs. increase and 13 000 interstate migrants. So the first proposition is that this is one of Mr Wright: Answer the question. the growth States o.f the Commonwealth. Mr W. D. HEWIIT: I am answering the This is one of the great States that the people question. Isn't it amazing in this world that are expressing their confidence in with their people ask a question and when they do feet. People do not like to move house and not receive the answer in precisely the way home unless they are convinced that they are they want it they say that the question is moving to a good establishment. being dodged? I am not dodging the question My second proposition with regard to the at all. The honourable gent,leman asked me State of Queensland relates to internal a ques.tion and I said that in my opinion the taxation, to which I made passing reference administration of corporate affairs has some at the start of this speech. These figures are loopholes. I do not believe that people who the more remarkable in the light of the take others down willy-nilly should be able arguments presented by the honourable mem­ to get registration very quickly. ber for Rockhampton, who spoke about the M:r Wright: Do you believe that a company extent to which we are disadvantaged by the that faHs in its first enterprise should be Commonwealth. The corollary of that would allowed to have another go? If you do, that be that we should be more dependent upon should be the same fOT State enterprises in internal taxation than any of the other Queensland. States. What are the facts in the taxation fields of the State? Gift, probate and suc­ Mr W. D. HEWITT: With all the Christian cession duties and property taxes yield charity at my disposal, and I am well $105.79 per head of population in Australia. endowed with that, if there were in the The average in Queensland is $85.34. From history of this State only one example of a liquor taxes and taxes on gambling, the State enterprise going bust, then we might Australian average is $33.99. The Queensland consider the argument of the honourable average is $16.55. Taxes on ownership and gentleman on its merits and say, "Yes, let operation of motor vehicles is $55.83 as a us give it a go." But the fact remains that, national average, whereas in Queensland it in regard to State enterprises, the economic is $46.87. Incidental taxes such as pay-roll road of Queensland's history is covered with tax, fire brigade levies, stamp duties, business disaster. The honourable gentleman cannot franchise and things such as that yield $420.54 escape the history of his own party. over all of Australia, whereas the Queensland average is $333.32. Not only are we sub­ Mr Jones interjected. stantially below the Australian average in every quarter, but we are also below every Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the mem­ other State. The only exception is the North­ ber for Cairns under Standing Order 123A. ern Territory, and Territorians cannot be Mr W. D. HEWITT: There is an old axiom compared because they do not pay taxes in in politics: when they are throwing it at some of the fields that I have referred to. you, you know you are in front. Therefore, a clear case is shown that our internal taxation is the lowest of any State As I say, the intrusion of unions and their of Australia and that Australians by voting membership into managerial initiatives at all with their feet are saying that this is one of levels should terrify and frighten any busi­ the great States and they want to live in it. nessman and any entrepreneur in this State who genuinely wants to get on wHh the busi­ Development of this State is not without ness of running his show without facing the its problems. We are told that in the next possibility of union and Government inter­ 10 years Rundle could well come on stream. vention. We could have three aluminium smelters, By inference, it is suggested that the State which is remarkable. Great developmental is not moving well, that the development is propects that are taking place will make slow and great things have to be done. Queensland the California of the '80s. I refer During the Korean conflict when thousands to the problems that these things create. of people crossed the border from north When addressing a distinguished group to south, the phrase was coined: "They recently the Under Treasurer (Mr Hielscher) voted with their feet." These days thousands referred to the possibility of labour shortages, and thousands of Victorians are voting with particularly with craftsmen. Th~r~ is a their feet by moving into Queensland. That strange paradox when we are agomsmg con­ is their vote of confidence. They are taking stantly about unemployment and yet at the up re3idence here; they are staying and they same time predicating the stage where we are loving it. The fact remains that over could be short of labour and short of trades­ the last 10 years the population growth in men. Queensland has been of the order of 2.2 per cent. The all-State average is 1.61 per There is a response that should be made. cent. However, looking in more relative Last year the Government set up a manpower terms than just the last 10 years, Queensland planning authority, which met with my total is gaining 1 000 migrants from interstate support. I believe in manpower planning. I every month. Victoria lost 13 600 people to do not believe in manpower direction. I would 92144-2 34 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) not think anyone here would. However, man­ we wHl be able to hail the fact

land is required. The land should be State election. I was disappointed to ·hear auctioned. I believe a good case exists for the honourable member for Greenslopes, in a auctioning it •in a raw state. That would manner that really does not befit him, indulge save the Government the expense of devel­ in a nasty attack on the Labor Party. oping it. It is not right that private enter­ prise should be excluded from some areas. One would have to say that the honourable The land could be auctioned and private­ member for Greenslopes is fast earning him­ enterprise developers could be allowed to self the reputat•ion of being nothing short develop it and put 1t on .the market. What is of a political humbug in this Parliament. more, the developers who purchase it should he obliged to put ·it on the market within The honourable member for Greenslopes a certain period. There is no point in auct.ion­ spoke about the Treasury. It is fitting to ing land so that someone can buy it and sit say that, with the present state of mind of on it waiting for his capital gain. the Premier, it is highly likely that, follow­ ing the elections, Dr Edwards, who will A second solution that I would put for­ probably have problems in retaining his ward ·is that the Government reserve for first•home buyers a certain percentage of leadership of the Liberal Party, will not be land put up for auction. This system works Treasurer. That will be one of the plum very well in the Australian Capital Territory jobs that will go to a National Party and probably in other places. I do not say Minister. the Government should give it away; an The honourable member for Greenslopes upset price should be put on the land. In tried to paint a rosy picture of what the certain growth areas where price pressures Liberal Party would do as the senior partner are exerted, it is difficult for people to buy in the coalition. All Liberal members of blocks of land on whioh to build a house. this Parliament have been found sadly want­ The reservation of a percentage of that 1land ing in this particular area. They have for first-home buyers would give young talked about the need to establish a public people an opportunity to purchase a block accounts committee. This is something that and to build the home of their choice. It the Labor Party has been calling for in would also avoid locking up a lot of this this State for years. The ALP has been land for speculative purposes, as ·is hap­ very vocal on this matter. The offer has pening at present. been made repeatedly in this Parliament to What I am suggesting is that the Govern­ Liberal Party members that, if they are ment look at its policy of opening up land honest in their desire to have a public and selling it. I am not suggesting that the accounts committee established, they only solutions I have put forward would work have to make the move within this Parlia­ in every area of Queensland. Obviously,

Let me go one step further. The honour­ If the Liberal Party wants to talk about able member for Greenslopes spoke about the role of trade unions within the com­ worker participation. What he said is not munity and the democratic rights of people shared by the thinking people in the com­ in the community, then once again we have munity. I wish to refer to a report entitled only to look at its role in the current dispute "Employee Participation, Ways and Means," on the Blackwater coalfields. Whilst there which has come from the National Employee have been some mealy-mouthed statements Participation Steering Committee. And who made publicly by members of the Liberal is the chairman of that committee? None Party about their attitudes towards the dis­ other than the Honourable Kevin N ewman, pute, the fact is that it is Liberal Party MP, who is a Liberal Federal member and policy that created the present industrial Minister. Another member of ,the com­ trauma up there. It was the Federal Liberal mittee is Mr W. K. Allen, who is Assistant Party that caused it and, whether members Secretary of the Department of Productivity. opposite like it or not, they are tied to their I could go through and rattle the names coat-tails and cannot detach themselves off. They are certainly not people who regardless of how much they would like to would be supporters of the Australian Labor do so. Party or strong sympathisers with the Aus­ tralian trade union movement. I now want to mention some housing problems which exist in this State at present The report on the objectives of this com­ and refer to a company known as Peter mittee reads- Kurts which, in my opinion, can only be "Develop and recommend policies described as a financial jackal. The company appropriate to Government, employers and is on the verge of creating a monopilistic trade unions, designed to develop a situation and is preying on those who wish greater understanding of the concepts of to realise the great Australia dream of own­ employee participation and to encourage ing their own home. When one looks at their implementation. the conglomeration of companies created by "Identify and develop measures for Peter Kurts one has to be immediately sus­ stimulating action in both the public and picious of their activities within the com­ munity. There are firms such as Peter Kurts private sectors. In order to fulfil thi~; objective, the Committee has an important Pty Ltd, Peters Realty, Queen Street Realty role in identifying, assessing and diffusing Pty Ltd and Vaucluse Investments. newly emerging ideas and practices and The one in which I am specifically inter­ in creating within organisations a willing­ ested is Peters Realty, because it operates ness to change. in Ipswich and, specifically, in my own elec­ "I.lentify and develop guidelines for torate of Wolston. But the problems I intend appropriate training, research and dis­ to outline today emanate mainly from semination of specific ideas, information Toowoomba. It is significant, and needs to be and programs." said, that this information was taken to the Liberal member for Toowoomba North (Dr And so it goes on. Lockwood) who advised his constituents that But then, if we turn to the conclusions he could not assist them, that he could not of the report, we find- help them because he would not rise in this place and expose the financial shonkies pulled "Employee participation should be seen by this firm. These activities involve not only as a gradual, evolutionary process. Estab­ Peter Kurts but the Permanent Finance lished procedures, roles, habits and attitudes do not change overnight." Corporation Ltd and a firm of solicitors in Toowoomba named Clewett, Corser & Nowhere in any section of the policy or Drummond of 92 Russell Street. They are platform of the Australian Labor Party do the only solicitors I intend to name here we say for one moment that we as a Govern­ today, but I am extremely suspicious of the ment would move in and, by the stroke of activities of a whole group of people within a p~n, legislat.e to introduce employee partici­ the legal profession who are currently doing patiOn overnight, because we realise and legal work for Peters Realty. I will explain indeed the trade union movement r~alises, my reasons for that later on. the need for a gradual easing in of that pro­ But let me get to the crux of this pwb­ cess. lem. It also involves a gentleman named 'Iihe report also states that- Laurie Flanigan from Toowoomba, v;ho is "The devdopment of employee participa­ employed by Peters Realty. He has been tion is best regarded as a dynamic pro­ the arch architect of the practice of selling cess.'' people homes on the payment of a deposit of around $1,400 or $1,500. The system That is what the people who compiled this worked like this: after Mr Flaginan or Peter report said and, as I said before, they are Kurts inserted advertisements in newspapers involved in the industrial sphere and know for these cheap homes, people went around to what they are talking about, which is prob­ them with a deposit. They were required ably considerably more than could be said to put a $100 holding deposit on a home. for the honourable member for Greenslopes. Then they were brought down to PFC in I recommend that honourable members read Brisbane. They thought that they were that very good report. coming down to Brisbane to see PFC. Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AuGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 37

I put it to this Parliament that this is these people were under the impression that one instance of a highly irregular financial they were signing up on a 20-year basis. Now exchange taking place. None of these people they find that they have only a five-year have ever been required to go to PFC for an contract. interview to discuss their personal financial I have a computer read-out sheet here situation to see whether or not they were showing the finance involved in this shonky capable of meeting the repayments which type of racket. It involves an initial borrow­ this particular company requires. The people ing of $24,598, with repayments of $330 a were driven to Brisbane. Laurie Flanigan month over five years. After paying that went to PFC and carried out the financial amount of money for five years, these people dealings on their behalf. He took the $1,500 will still owe PFC the sum of $22,819. So, deposit. Then he drove the people back to over five years, they will have paid a little Toowoomba. over $2,000 off their loan. The rest of the Some time afterwards the people received repayments will have been for interest. their contract through the mail. They were When the end of the five-year contract advised that their finance had been approved. is reached there is absolutely no guarante·e I have here with me today the bills of mort­ that the loan will be refinanced so that the gage belonging to some of these people. I people can remain in that house. That leaves do not intend to table them because I wish it open for Peter Kurts, after this five-year to return them to the people concerned, initial period has -run out, to evict those but they are available for perusal by any people from their homes and to put them on honourable member. The bills of mortgage the market and sell them. Such allegations very clearly set out the financial terms have already been made in this Parliament. involved. Certainly there is no guarantee that PFC The first refers to a Douglas James Bennett will refinance those loans for a further and Barbara Bennctt, his wife, as joint period of five, 10 or 15 years. tenants. The loan is for $23,180. They took I have with me today some letters from out a loan with PFC on the understanding, people who are involved in this sordid deal. and to their best knowledge and advice from One of the letters is from Permanent Finance their solicitor, that it would be a 20-year loan Corpomtion and advises a couple that the for the purchase of a home. These people pay-out on their account is $24,734. It goes signed the papers, although I must admit on to state that of the $330 monthly repay­ that in some cases they should have read the ment for June, $315.47 represented interest. contracts a little more thoroughly. Lo and That simply means that for every month behold, when these people received their ove-r the five-year period they are ¥irtua1Iy contract they found that it was for only a paying off only $14.53 of the amount they five-year period. This working man has to have borrowed. I am glad to see the Minister pay $389 a month for five years on a loan of for Justice here today because I will make $23,180. some pertinent comments to him shortly. I believe it is high time that the Government The next bill of mortgage refers to Ian started to make some moves in this area. McLaren Ferguson and Patricia Clare Power. They were lent $24,285. Again, it was a five­ The Minister for Justice should investigate year term. They were given to believe all the activities of some real es·tate companies. along that they were signing up for a loan I am not one who wishes to slate the entire real estate industry. But it is the same as to be repaid over 20 years. Their repayments the car industry: it only takes a couple of are $330 a month. crooks in the barrel to make the whole thing Another bill of mortgage refers to Peter stink. John Booth and Vera Ann Booth, his wife. Peters Realty has been operating .in my The loan is for $24,295, with monthly repay­ electorate for quite some time and I have ments d $303, a;;:..m over a five-year period. had numerous complaints about •them. I see The "::me terms apn'y to each of these con­ the Treasurer shaking his head. Perhaps that tracts. The rcpaynL::'ts range from $250 to is a sign that he agrees with me because right $330 a month. through Ipswich and Toowoomba complaints The best exzmple that I can give is to are received about the business activ.ities refer to the bill of mortgage of Kenneth of that company. William Lark and Colleen Kay Lark, who Dr Edwards: The man the ALP has have a large family. They were told by Mr endorsed to oppose me in my electorate is Flanigan and also by PFC that they would their solicitor. not have any particular problems getting finance through PFC because Mrs Lark's Mr R. J. GIBBS: I am not aware of that. family allowance cheque eac~ month would If he is, I cer·tainly make no apology for be enough to cover the repayments. I do not him. know what this woman is supposed to do. The Government should act in a number I do not know whether she is supposed to of areas to rectify this situation. For the rife keep on having babies every 12 months over of me I cannot see why it is not possible the next five years in order to partly finance for -the Government to introduce legislation the repayments. This is a shocking indictment to make finance companies that enter into the of the financial dealings of Peter Kurts, PFC financing of homes charge a maximum inter­ and the solicitors involved. As I have said, est rate equal to that charged by building 38 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) societies. If the Government wants to speak That is one letter. Another letter I have of a free-enterpnise system, that cert·a1nly here is from D. L. Wi,lkinson. The real would be a free-enterprise system because it estwte agent he bought the house off was would open the field for borrowing money Laurie Flanigan-again the name Flanigan­ for housing. The Government needs to con­ of Peters Realty. It IJ.'eads- sider legislation to ensure thM finance com­ "He explained to us that we could buy panies that engage in home financing charge .the house and that Peter Kurts would interest rates equivalent to those of building finance us. He said we would be paying societies. 'the house off for a total of 20 years and would never pay over 14% interest and The Minister for Ju~tice should seriously consider an investigation of ·these companies, the payments would be $64.25 a week pa11ticularly the ones thM I have mentioned, for ,the whole 20 years. Our payments because allegations and charges have pre­ have not been $64.25 a week. They have ¥iously been levelled at them in this place. been $69 a week, or $279 a month. Because of this Government's legislation, "We then went to the solicitors--" their dealings cannot be considered as illegal. Centainly morally and ethically they can only again Clewett, Corser and Drummond- be described as thieves ~and crooks. One of " ... which they sent us to. They told us the reasons that strong Government action we would only have ;to sign a contract for has not been taken in ~these cases is that the five yrs and jf we were suitable payers they Liberal Party obviously gleans much of its would ~then sign us up for the rrema:i,ning funding for election campaigns from people 15 yrs. He said the reason for ·this is that in the industry. Peter Kurts has had a 'lot of trouble with people who won't pay their monthly pay­ I will now read some of the letters I have ments. They also said we wouldn't pay received from people up there. The first is over 14% intereg,t and $64.25 for 20 years." from Mr Ian McLaren Ferguson and Miss Patricia Clare Power. It says- Aga~n, total misrepresentation by the repre­ sentative of Peter Kurts, total misrepresenta­ "On inqukies :to advertisement 'in ,the tion by Peter Kurts themselves and very local newspaper for older style home for shoddy dealings and representation by rthe a deposit of $1,000, I was [mmediately firm of solicitors I have mentioned, Clewett, shown new home for $1,500 deposit, which Corser and Drummond. Perhaps at a bter at the time seemed a great deal. When date in this Padiament I will name other I explained that only $1,100 was available solicitors who are involved in the same he said--" business. and "he" I might point out, was again I wiH now l!'ead ,the final ~etter, which Flanigan_: comes from a 'Mr. Davison. " ... that I could pay of the balance while waiting for loan to be approved, which I Dr Lockwood interjected. did. I was ,told that rrepayments were $77 Mr R. J. GIBBS: I am glad to see -the a week and was led to believe for a 20 year member for Toowoomba Nor,th in the House period. Loan was approved in seven days listen~ng to my speech. As I said before, which I thought was unusually quick, but these people actually approached him in who would argue with ,that." Toowoomba about this problem and he dis­ Indeed, who would argue wi,th it when trying missed them. He was not sufficiently to purchase a first home? interested to ;take the matter up

Whereupon the honourable member laid to put in a recommendation that they be the documents on the table. financed because she was earning $500 a year. The letter continues- Mr R. 1. GffiBS: The final letter I read "Whether this was quartely or what-we to the House comes from Mr R. W. Davison don't know & didn't understand or realize and says- what he was actually doing. My wife pro­ tested to him not to put such a high "Our dealings with Peter's Reality, amount down as it was far below this Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, has been as figure. follows:- "After a 7 day acceptance wait (not ! first approached the agency after much time to rethink the purchase over) I seeing an advertisement in the local was driven to Brisbane personally by Mr. paper saying obtain your own home on Flannigan to collect the deposit I had there a low deposit of $1,500 which was the in Brisbane. I asked to go along with him only way for myself and family at that during the transaction of paying the deposit time & ,they seemed a reputable Com­ in but he refused saying he'd handle it all pany. -as though doing me a favour. I also Upon this we were shown different remember Mr. Flannigan telling me that homes (mainly old needing repair & paint after 2 years with this 14% reducing, that work) by the agent whom we had the we would be paying more off the house & only dealings with, Mr. Laurie Flanni­ that come the 5 years up a large amount gan." would be paid off clear, off the house." We know, of course, that that is complete Again, our friend Flanigan's name is hoo-ha. The letter continues- mentioned. The letter continues- "Only recently I found out the following:- "Most of these old homes were at 16% "Two weeks ago I saw the Loans account­ & $1,000.00 deposit. Then we were shown ant at 'Permanent Finance Company' & the new similar homes they were building asked for a pay-out figure on the house to with 'Edward Street Properties', Bris­ date after 22 months. I was told a figure of bane--" $23,232.00. Apparently in all this time again, another subsidiary company of Peters from the value of house less deposit being Realty- $23,490, is only $258.00. Not even one monthly repayment which is $293.00. I " ... at 14% interest reducing on $1,500.00 asked then for a figure after 5 years which deposit, plus legals over 5 years, which we I was told was impossible for him to do bought, as at the time they looked a good then & there & was denied me. bargain (compared to the old homes) ... "I then went to the Solicitor who did the During the signing up of the contract legals for me & was told it was a 'Baloon we were told for the first 5 years we would contract'. After 5 years all I would have be with their finance company 'Permanent paid off is a very small margin of principal Finance Co., 30 Herschel St., Brisbane' & off my loan being around $1,300.00. If I the repayments to be $54.00 weekly. Not was refinanced by the same firm (probably until we had moved in & paid legals were at a higher interest rate again) I would be we informed by mail that owing to the nearly 85 years old & my beneficiar~ies, Calendar weeks it would now be $74.00 children, would be nearly 64 years old. And weekly which was far to high for us." if I was a bad credit risk I would have to find finance elsewhere . . • . " So in one jump they went from $54 a week repayments to $74 a week after they had They are letters that come basically from signed the contract. Incidentally, the solicitors people in the electorate of Toowoomba North left a blank in that particular section of the who approached Dr Lockwood with this problem, but he rejected them out of hand contract that they were signing. The letter and was not prepared to bring the matters continues- before the notice of this Parliament. Again I "(When signing the contract, 2 copies in make the accusation that this is a typical all, the place showing amount weekly to example of the little concern ,that the pay was a blank space.) (Our solicitors Liberal Party shows for the people of never pointed out the calendar setup or Queensland, and I challenge the Liberal Party the high-interest rate section.) Also we Minister for Justice and Attorney-General had an earlier letter from them with $54.00 and the Treasurer to introduce legislation to weekly typed on it." protect people in situations such as these. Again, a charge against the solicitors. The Dr LOCKWOOD: I dse to a point of letter continues- o-rder. Aga~n the honourable member has "My wife who works part-time occa­ referued to certain documents. I ask that sionally, was told by Mr. Flannigan to they be tabled. help us to obtain the home he would have Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Kaus): to put down her income at $500.00." Order! They have already been tabled. This was a woman who was not working, but Mr POWELL (Isis) (5.35 p.m.): It gives the shonky agent from Peters Realty wanted me grea't pleasure to speak in suppor~t of 40 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980) Appropriation Bill (No. 1) the Appropriation Bill. In the past the one drop of water from the dam. If the Queensland Government has shown very good scheme had proceeded at the rate at which s•tewardship. As a result, the State has pro­ we were told 10 years ,ago it would proceed, gressed quickly and in a manner that would water would now be reticulated to the farms satisfy most people. in the Isis area. The Bill simply asks Parliament to approve The blame must be sheeted home to the the expenditure of certain sums of money Federal Government because that Govern­ from ce!'tain funds. I suppose that each mem­ ment promised to fund the scheme. It was ber has the opportunity to suggest to the originally to cost $47m but it might finish up Government the way in which the money costing about $147m or even more. In 1974 should be spent. It is important that in the Federal Government decided not to fund debating this fiscal legislation each member the scheme any further, and the rot set in. present to the Government pwjects that It must be said, with the greatest of charity, should be looked M very closely in his that most of us believed, with a change of eiectorate. UnHke a prev:ious speaker, I Government in Canberra, that funds would have enough work in my electorate w1thout flow to this very valuable project. having to annoy other members or to attempt The plain economic fact is that if the to do work for them. My electorate is a Isis area had been able to produce sugar to fairly large one and it requires a good deal its total peak in each of the past three years, of time spent in it. the Federal Government would have gained Mr McKechnie: Would you say 1hat mem­ handsomely through tax provisions. We know bers who go into other members' electorates that the Federal Government is the income are probably neglecting their own electorates? tax collector in this nation. But, through the ineptitude of the Federal Government and Mr POWELL: That is most definitely its slowness in delivering the goods, the correct. scheme has been proceeding in a very slow Over the past 5"} years it has been my fashion. It is quite clear that the State policy to bring •to the attention of this Government has done everything possible. No Parliament the prob1ems that confront the fair person would blame the State Govern­ people :in the Isis electorate. The greates•t ment for the present situation. But, even problem confronting them at the moment with the greatest of charity, the people find •is the drought. Unlike other people, I do it very difficult to support the Federal Gov­ not blame the Government for the drought. ernment's attitude. I guess a Jot of other members would like The Federal Government made an election rto blame the Government for it; but of promise three years ago that it would spend course, they cannot do that. $200m on water resource programs in the Mr Shaw: You take credit for the 11ain. following five years. However, three years later, it has spent only $45m of that $200m. Mr POWELL: I have never taken any It was to spend an average of $40m a year, cred·it for the ra~n. In fact, if it were to so it is currently about $80m behind. ·ra]n in my area I would be very happy mdeed. Perhaps tonight Mr Howard will tell us that ~ain w.ould help solve the problem that $80m will be provided for water resource confronts us. The problem is that we just programs in Australia to fulfil the Govern­ have not had any rain. The Is]s area is ment's promises. I have serious doubts about suffering from its fou11th year of below­ whether that will occur. According to the average annual ,J1ainfa.JJ. Over the past 84 information that has been leaked, the Gov­ years the avel'age annual rainfall in the Isis ernment wiH announce a $38m surplus. I area was 1 090 mm. In contrast, the average will be the first to congratulate that Govern­ annual ,rainfall registered in the Isis area over ment if it can present a more or less the last three years was only 682 mm. That balanced Budget because it is in the interests indicates a 68 per cent annual average of the nation that that occur. However, I rainfall. Most people would understand that can see no reason why it cannot provide at that has a very serious economic impact on least $10m of that surplus for the Isis the district. section of the Bundaberg-Isis Irrigation The Isis mill area has proved that it is Scheme and end up with a $28m surplus. capable of producing in excess of 1 0'00 000 t of cane in a season. In the last three years Mr Y ewdale interjected. the mi'1's prodaction has been seriously depleted Lecause of drought. J',ll:r POWELL: It could be said for any The thing that the cane growers of the other part of Australia, as the honourable ifsis area just ca:nnot stomach is the existence member for Rockhampton North said. But o.f a dam nearly full of water onlv a short it is important to remember that, unlike dis•tance away. The Fred Haigh barn was our area, not every other part of Australia finished approximately six years ago. It is has been guaranteed funds for irrigation. presen\ly reticulatiTig water to a significant Apart from the economic impact of the number of growers in the Bundaberg district drought in the Isis area and the lack of and in the Millaquin, Qunaba and Fairymead action by the Federal Government to get mill areas. \Vater is also reticulated to a few the scheme moving at a sensible rate, Childers growers in the Bingera mill area. As yet, the has a serious town water supply shortage. growers in the lsis area are not receiving Its scheme is 40 years old and it depends Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 41 on bores. That is not unusual in many towns the Isis mill are prepared to put the proposi­ in Queensland. The unusual aspect is that tion to the mill shareholders that they con­ although the Childers area is very close to the tribute towards the acceleration of the Bundaberg subartesian basin it cannot find scheme. It must be emphasised that we are adequate water close by for its town water not trying to advance the Isis area at the supply. The Isis Shire Council, after years expense of another part of the scheme. I of investigation, has come up with a town emphasise that the priorities were set 10 water supply scheme which would satisfy the years ago, but it must be remembered that needs of Childers and Woodgate for prob­ had the Federal Government played its part ably the next 40 years. The drawback is the as promised in 1969 the scheme would be cost, which is conservatively estimated at finished and I would not have to fight for $2.7m. Frankly, I do not believe that the water for Childers, Woodgate or the Isis dis­ people of Childers and Woodgate should be trict as a whole. I acknowledge that it was lumbered with a cost of $343 per annum for a Government different from the present one, a domestic water supply. That is exactly the or even the one that we had from 1972 to cost that will be thrust upon them-$343 1975. The people of the Isis electorate just for wate.r. think constantly of the promise by this Over and above that, of couse, they have Government and the Federal Government to to pay general rates, cleansing rates, and so enter into the Burdekin scheme. on. It has been put to the Government that It may be remembered that when that a grant of $917,000 would bring the water legislation went through this Parliament I cost per consumer down to $200 per year did not vote against it. In fact, I said then, which is, in my view, still extremely expensive. and I repeat it now, that water conservation However, when people have no water an projects in this State, and in fact in this expensive scheme may be the only way out. country, ought to be supported because this In this debate on the Appropriation Bill the country is comparatively parched and needs Parliament should be brought up to date with water conservation projects. However, it must the current situation. In the opinion of be emphasised that the Bundaberg/Isis irriga­ many people in the district the Bundaberg tion scheme satisfies the needs of existing irrigation scheme ought to be advanced growers and, in fact, of existing assigned land quickly so that water may be reticulated from as at 1970. It does not include the expansion the Fred Haigh Dam to the Isis area, and in of 1974, nor does it include the present particular to the Childers district, so that expansion. Those new lands are outside the both schemes may operate concurrently. It scope of the irrigation project. Again it must makes not one bit of economic sense, to my be emphasised that the Isis scheme is mind, for a local authority to have to spend designed for existing growers who are almost $3,000,000 on a town water supply currently attempting to produce sugar-cane scheme when the district as a whole is facing on their land. It is not for new growers. It a drought and when that entire drought­ does not satisfy the needs of any new projects. stricken district could be relieved by accelera­ ting work on the Bundaberg-Isis irrigation On the other hand, the Burdekin scheme scheme. will satisfy the needs of new growers and new land. Personally, I believe it is I bring this matter to the notice of the important for the Government to get its Treasurer because I believe that the Govern­ priorities straight and ensure that it pro­ ment must treat it as a special case. I know vides enough finance for the Bundaberg/Isis of no other part of Queensland that is in a irrigation scheme in order to satisfy the similar situation. In most places a creek or needs of the existing growers. Their position river can be dammed to supply the water should be made economically viable and that is required, but in the Isis area there secure so that drought does not cause serious are only a couple of dry gullies. This area economic harm to the district as a whole. has the potential to produce a lot more than it is producing. It makes no sense at all for I suggest that in the next week or so a local authority to spend $3,000,000 on a Cabinet look very seriously at the proposi­ town scheme when the rest of the district will tion, which I have put to it through the remain drought stricken. I am very pleased Minister for Local Government, that the that the Minister for Local Government, Main priorities of the Bundaberg/Isis irrigation Roads and Police has convened a meeting scheme be changed so that the present areas of interested persons and took a submission on the north side of the Burnett River to Cabinet. He wiii be taking a further receive the allocation that would normally submission to Cabinet which, I hope, will go to them; but also that there should be satisfy the needs of the district. The State a concurrent development on the south side Budget is a fairly tight document, but it will of the Burnett River and in the Isis area have to take into account this very serious in order to satisfy the needs of those very problem that is facing us. badly drought-stricken areas. It is quite clear that if the Federal Treasury is to A further point that should be made is that collect the total amount of income that it the cane growers of the district are willing believes it needs, this scheme must be to look seriously at the idea of local involve­ developed as quickly as possible. The State ment. To my knowledge this has not yet Government should look seriously at pro­ been done in Queensland. The directors of viding a special allocation of $10 m for the 42 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

Isis scheme this year so that it can be structures of local authorities. I am told that advanced in order to satisfy the needs of one reason Hervey Bay receives such a smaJ.l the people in these areas. amount is ~that its ,rates are so low. The rates Another subject on which I w1sh to paid by people in the Hervey Bay Town comment is the Local Government Grants Council area are among the lowest in Queens­ Commission. I do not have ~the allocation land. That area certainly has the lowest rate figures for all the local authorities in in the dollar. Surely that has been brought Queensland. In fact, I have the figures for about by good housekeeping on the part of only the local authorities in the Wide Bay the local authority. I do not see why a area. I am pleased that the local authori­ local authority which practices good house­ ties in my electorate have received an keeping and keeps its rates low should have increased allocation. I might say that the the imposition placed on it of receiving a increase was justly deserved because, in my smaller amount from the Local Government view, some of these local authorities have Grants Commission. Although the amounts been treated very badly in the past. received by local authorities this year from the Grants Commission are far better than It is pleasing to note that the Bundaberg last year-there is no question about that­ City Council is to receive an allocation they ought to be better, especially for the of $404,000, but when that is compared local authorities in my electorate that I have with the allocation received by the Mt Isa mentioned. City Council, which has a smaller population, and the Mackay City Council, which has a iBefore I conclude, I mention a prob1em similar-sized area, I am rather disappointed at the UI1angan Boat Harbour. I asked the that the figure is so low. I am very pleased Minister a question about that today. I when I see that the Hervey Bay Town understand that the contract figure for Council is to receive a 50 per cent increase, dredging was $350,000. That may be con­ taking its allocation to $201,000. However, fi.rmed or denied by the Minis,ter tomorrow. I have a great deal of difficulty in accepting Cl was also informed through the local media the fact that the Gympie City Council is that the contractor contracted to spend a certain amount of money rather than to do to receive $236,000, which is $35,000 more a set a;mount of work. Surely there is some­ than that received by the Hervey Bay Town thing wrong whh that. Surely the body that Council, yet the city of Gympie is smaller called tenders should have decided how much in area and has a smaller population than work had to be done. Surely 1t is not correct Hervey Bay. I cannot understand why on that a contraotor, once he has spent the earth the Gympie City Council should receive amount of money that he stated he could a greater sum than the Hervey Bay Town do the job for, can then turn to the Govern­ Council. ment and say that he cannot cont•Lnue I now look at a further anomaly. The because he has run out of money. If that ·is Widgee Shire Council is to receive an allo­ rthe oase then there is s.omething seriously cation of $354,000. Admittedly, that is wrong with the way in which tenders an increase of only 35 per cent on its last were ca1!ed. Perhaps tomor,row ~he allocation, but in my view it is far too much. Minister will state that that is not I compare that with Hervey Bay, Woon­ the way it happened. However, according garra and Isis and, when one thinks of to the local media it is. The officers of the anomalies, it pales into insignificance for Minister for Madtime Services and Tourism it is quite clear that Widgee, with a popula­ should look very sedously at the way in tion similar to that of Hervey Bay and which they call tenders. If a contraoto:r has Gympie--but larger in area-should receive contracted to do work for $350,000 and is 50 per cent more than Hervey Bay. I do unable to do it for that figure, he should not believe that that is fair. be made to complete the work for which he has COCOJtraoted. [n Queensland, local gover:nment is receiving from the Gmnts Commission 2 [Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.15 p.m.] per cent of the Fedeml ,income tax collection. I cert,ainly applaud that idea. l1t is a very Mr MACKENROTH (Chatsworth) (7.15 good idea indeed, but the formula and the p.m.): On 12 March this year I spoke in the way ~n which that formula has been advanced debate on Matters of Public Interest about are what I complain about. It is worrying a mutual home loan scheme which is oper­ that some of the coastal local authorities in ating in Queensland. At that time I referred my electorate, while apparently receiving a to the soheme as legal robbery. I also called far better deal than last year, in my view still on the Justice Minister to take action to do not receive a fair deal. For example, Isis protect Queenslanders who were being :ripped Teceives $154,000. After what I have said off by these companies. I s.pecifically spoke on about its water problems here this evening, that occasion about two people I was repre­ surely it needs a whole lot more than senting. $154,000. At this date, the number of people who ii am told that water problems and water­ have asked me to assist them has grown supply problems are not considered by the to 84, with new people contacting me almost Local Government Grants Commission I every day. Their investment in the funds at beHeve they should be. I believe it is right this stage totals almost $300,000. Most of and proper that the Local Government these people have, in the past, contacted Grants Commission should look at the rate either the Justice Minister or the Corporate Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 Auousr 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 43

Affairs Office, but in true Queensland Gov­ I asked them to provide me with the names ernment style the Justice Minister sticks his and addresses of the shareholders who had head in the sand and hopes that they will go informed them that they wished to sell, the away. I would like to inform the Justice names and addresses of the shareholders who Minister that as long as I can continue to had had their shares sold and the names talk I wi11 fight to see that these rpeople get and addresses of the purchasers. To this justice. request I received a letter that 1 will later I can remember when I first became a taJble. It simply outlines the !Ilumber of member of Parliament asking the Heahh people still wanting to sell, which was 76, Minister to investigate a problem in my and .the number of members whose shares electorate. It took 16 months and a change they had sold-three. of Health Ministers to get action. Perhaps I also asked for actuarial reports which that is what is needed now-a change of they had told me had been done for the Ministers. If Dr Edwards had not been so superannuation people and for further •infor• weak when elected Leader of the Liberal mation on the superannuation scheme, Party, and had gone ahead with the change including hypotrhetical superannuation figures of M,inisters, pe!'haps we would have a Min­ with eXJpected pay-out figures for anyone ister who ·would be prepared to take strong who joined the soheme. I received copies of action. actuarial reports which had been prepared I would like to briefly outline the events for the mutual home loan companies in New since 12 March. South Wales during the 70s, all of which have rbeen proved incorrect, and a ten"page Dr Edwards: You won't be here after the document outlining the superannuation next election, anyway. soheme, which was simply a sales pitch that told one nothing. Mr MACKENROTH: I certainly wi11, but After assessing the information supplied there is not much chance of the Treasurer's and, more particularly, the information not being the Leader of the Liberal Party after supplied, as all the specific information I the next election, because he ·won't be here. had asked for had been skirted around­ On 1 April the ABC program "Nat•ion• not one name had •been given to me, nor wide" ran a segment on this subject. In that had figures or any actuarial report on the segment George Smith interviewed Mr Barry present state of the fund-I decided to Alfred Brown, Cha·irman of Directors of inform Mr Brown that I .intended to ask Federated Housing Fund of Australia Lim­ .the Justice Minister for legislative controls ited and Intercapital Finance Corporation over the companies. I informed Mr Brown Limited. During the course of .that inter­ of my decision by telegram on 30 June. I view Mr Brown promised that for any mem­ then received a telephone call from Mr ber who wished to leave the company he Brown asking ·why I had made my decision, would sell the shares and they would receive and I told him. Subsequently I received his money by 30 June 1980. I wiU table a a telephone call from Mr Maher Suliman in transcript of that .interv.iew. Melbourne. I will refer later to that phone call. Following that interview I arranged for 21 members to advise Mr Brown that they On 19 July the company held a meeting wished to have their shares sold. On at the Greek Community Centre for all 12 June I received a phone call from Mr members who wished to sell. At that meet­ Brown stating that he wished to speak to ing the company suggested that the members me about the sale of members' shares. I should fmm a shareholders' association to agreed to speak to him and arranged a work with the company. meeting .in my office for Friday, 13 June An association was formed, but unfortun­ 1980. ately the company has not been very At that meeting Mr Brown was accom­ co-operative. The chairman of the association panied by Mr Ross Barnett, the new com­ has written to the company asking that cer­ pany secretary, and Mr Maher Suliman, .the tain information be supplied to shareholders. national marketing manager for Executive To date, none has been supplied. Last Thurs­ Counsellors Pty Ltd, the new superannuation day, the chairman was told by Mr Barnett, company which I referred to briefly in my the company secretary, that the company first speech. Mr Brown claimed that prob­ had more important things to do than answer questions put forward by the association-the lems were being experienced in the selling same association that they suggested be of members' shares as they had received a greater number of requests than expected. formed. Mr Suliman outlined how the superannu­ I believe that their change of attitude since ation scheme would be the saviour of the 19 July is because at that meeting an officer funds. They then asked me not to make any from the Corporate Affairs was present and public statements about not being able they sold him the impression that they were to meet the 30 June deadline, and tried to concerned and would assist shareholders, but convince me that they really had the share­ outside the meeting they once again just holders' interest at heart. I informed them laughed at the shareholders. that I would give them no undertaking, :but I believe the questions asked by the would consider the matter if they supplied association to be important. They include me with further information. questions on the amounts of money lent to 44 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AuGusT 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

other corporations, a list of shares held by he starts any investigations, I am convinced the funds, and also other questions. I will that these companies are not acting in the table a copy of all questions which have been best interests of their shareholders, and when asked, none of which has been answered. an investigation is held, I think shareholders The companies, now safe in the knowledge will be in for a shock with the findings of that that the Justice Minister will protect them, investigation. and in fact take no action at all to protect The same people who are running the the ordinary shareholder, have offered share­ Queensland funds and some of the people holders 40 per cent of their money payable who are running the superannuation fund in six months' time. were involved with three similar companies in New South Wales. Those companies are now Mr R. J. Gibbs: Would you think there being run by a New South Wales Government could be a possibility that they could be con­ administrator. He has found that these people tributing to Liberal Party campaign funds? have been responsible for losing millions of dollars through bad investments, mostly in Mr MACKENROTH: In Queensland, companies which they controlled. nothing would surprise me. Earlier in my speech I referred to the The shareholders' association has asked the meeting that was held on 19 July. I attended companies to supply the names and addresses that meeting as a proxy for a number of of the propDsed purchaser for this deal, but shareholders in Queensland, and it was the once again they have refused to supply any greatest farce that I have ever seen. Although information. The committee of the share­ the Minister for Justice requested that an holders' association fears that the purchaser officer from the Corporate Affairs Commis­ could be a $2 company set up by the sioner's Office attend the meeting, the things directors of the fund which could be put that were put over the shareholders there were into liquidation, perhaps in five months' time, farcical. The directors had at that meeting before paying any money. Therefore, the a man named Stephen Roy Coleman, repre­ shareholders could lose their money. If the senting the superannuation companies, who directors of the home loan companies con­ got up at the meeting and ,told the share­ tinue to refuse to give this information, one holders that he, acting for the superannuation can only assume that they have something to company, was very pleased with the way hide. that the company had presented its case that The offer I have referred to was included day. He said he would go back and report in the companies' latest news-letter. Also in to the superannuation fund management on that news-letter was a brazen use of the the fine state that these companies were in. Justice Minister's name. It was implied in Mr Coleman was appointed director of that news-letter that Mr Lickiss suppDrted both the home loan funds on 17 July 1979. the companies. I would challenge the Justice Other directors of the superannuation fund Minister to categorically state his position in are directors of the home loan fund. Those relation to these companies. I would like to people should well have known the state of know if he does support these companies, and those companies before 19 July. if he is going to continue allowing them to As well, the meeting was attended by a use his name in their propaganda. man named 1Triggs from New South Wales. The Justice Minister continues to state He stood up and told the shareholders that that he will not take any action until there the last thing they wanted was Government is disclosure of illegal practices. I think that intervention. He told them that if the the question is more a moral one: Should we, Government intervened they would lose all as members of Parliament, allow ordinary their money. He told .them that share­ people to be fleeced of their hard-earned holders in New South Wales had in fact savings? lost money. The type of people we are dealing with in I telephoned the New South Wales Gov­ these companies was shown to me on 30 June ernment administrator on the Monday follow­ in the telephone call by Mr Suliman I ing that meeting and asked him if any share­ referred to earlier. Mr Suliman, acting as a holders in Sydney had lost their money. He middle man for the home loan companies, said that up to that date there had not been phoned me and offered me a directorship of any pay-outs, so therefore nobody had lost both home loan companies. He claimed that any money. He also said that the same Mr I could serve the shareholders of the funds Triggs had been in his office on the W ednes­ better if I accepted this offer rather than call day prior to the meeting on 19 July and on the Justice Minister to take action. I took had told him that the best thing that had this offer as a clumsy attempt by the com­ happened in New South Wales was Govern­ panies to shut me up, and I told him so. ment intervention. That shows this Mr I looked on this offer as an attempt to Triggs to be a complete liar. At the bribe me into shutting up. If I had proof invitation of these crooks who are running of this attempt at bribery, I would have .the Queensland company he attended the asked the police to take action under section meeting to try to help them get over their 60 of the Criminal Code, which deals with problems. attempts to bribe members of Parliament. Since December 1978 both companies have Unlike the Justice Minister, who wants his lent money to 20 loan priority numbers. This case presented to him all wrapped up before was told to the people on the day. One Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 45

would see that that represents only 10 people. a cheap home loan. On many occasions I That would make approximately five loans have said in this Parliament and through per company to these people. It shows that the media that these people have not even under this new management-they are received very many loans. trying to convince the people that .they are doing a good job-they are doing nothing at I refer now to some of the quick action all. that has been taken by Queensland Ministers in relation to 'these home loan funds. On They talk about the superannuation fund 6 August, one of the people I am crepre­ as being the saviour; they say it wiii save senting received a 'letter reading- the Queensland home loan companies. It is "! acknowledge .receipt of your let.ter a company that is registered in Canberra and concerning the Federated Housing Fund, has its offices in Melbourne. It operates and wish to advise that .this matter is through Melbourne and is now starting to being investigated--" sell home loan shares to a company registered in Queensland. The thing is that the same that is the crux- ~>uperannuation company went into New South Wales and asked the Government of " ... at the present time by the Minister that State for permission to sell a super­ for Justice, Mr Lickiss. annuation scheme through the home loan "I am hopeful a decision will be made funds in New South Wales. However, the [n the :near future. I have written ,to him New South Wales Government kicked it out ·to receive a letter of explanation and I and would not have a bar of it. Queensland shall write .to you again as soon as pos­ is going to allow it to con Victorians into sible. buying shares in this Queensland company. "Yours sincerely, When I asked these people from the super­ "Dr L. R. Edwards annuation company how the system worked, "Deputy Premier and Treasurer and they did not really want to teH me. After Member for Ipswich." we went through the scheme with them and He wrote ~hat letter to one of :his con­ I subsequently asked further questions on the stituents. telephone, I found out that when a person buys a superannuation scheme a trust is Those people received from Mr Lickiss a set up, and when the person's trust is set up letter dated 7 August. Remember ·that Dr it buys home loan shares. Next, if his Edwards had stated on 6 August that Mr priority number which is owned by his trust Lickiss was investigating these funds and should ever get a loan, his trust gets the that he was hopeful a decision would be loan for a house and he then has to rent made in the near futme. The people had his house from his own trust. written to Mr Lickiss as well and his reply reads- On today's housing costs, he would have to pay $200 a month off his loan for his house " I am in receipt of your let•ter of 22nd July, 1980 concerning the abovementioned and his trust would then pay off the loan. companies which were incorpomted pur­ However, that cost goes up each year in suant ,to ·the provisions of :the Companies line with inflation. We would find that in Act 1961-1978. nine years' time, instead of paying off $200 as a person would through a building society, "I was requested by the media to make a comment on .this situation which was he would be paying $400. That is based on ·then not accurately reported. For your an inflation rate of 10 per cent, which we information, I am enclosing herewith .the have at the present time. comment which I made to the media. This person would be paying that money "Your representations have received into his own trust. I suggest he would be careful considemtion but it is considered better off if he were to bank his money. that 1the comment previously made by me If someone takes out superannuation in a still appHes. supe.rannuation company, he relies on his "I am advised by my officers that an superannuation company to have a port­ offer has been made .to shareholders of folio of diversified investments, thereby mak­ the companies--" ing sure that if anything goes wrong with one of the investments he will not lose a that is the 40 per cent offer- lot of money. Under the scheme .that this company is proposing, all a person's eggs " ... and that these offers are presently will be in one basket-in his own basket­ being considered. and he will be paying his own interest. "I would repeat that, should there be any disclosures brought 1to my attention con­ I cannot see how thilit sort of scheme can cerning any iliegality in relation .to the possibly work. People should not be able management of these companies, I would to put fmward such a scheme to Victorians, certainly take whatever steps were neces­ Queenslanders or any other Australians. sary to ensure proper compliance with the These people will be selling that super­ ~aw and I would add that no such dis­ annuation scheme and .trying •to say that the closures have yet been brought to my people will have the opportunity of getting attention." 46 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

The attached statement from the Justice the then Mr Connolly QC was inadmissable Minister was released on 21 July. Remem­ as evidence. •The only evidence allowed was ber that Dr Edwards said ,that it was being his summing-up, which ran to about four investigated. The statement reads- paragraphs. The evidence showed that a "! have received a report from a Cor­ person named Brian Maher, of whom I pomte Affairs officer who was present at have heard the honourable member for Sa·turday's meeting. Any action by the Archerfield speak in this Parliament, rece·ived State Government in this matter will be $50,000 in 1972 just for lodging company dependent on it being established that documents. With inflation that would pro­ there has been a breach of the statutory bably be $100,000 now, something for which provisions unde'r which t he released through .the media, companies of which they are directors. he said he wants proof. I do not know what The Justice Minis•ter wants me to prove the Minister for Justice wants me ~o do. everything. I have tabled documerrts in this Does he want me to bring these people Parliament which have shown that they have along to his office handcuffed and in done this to one company called Rotashare. prisoners' suits? Since March I have given Surely the Justice Minister does not expect in .this Parliament and in the stl\ltements that me to go out and do all of his investigations? I have made enough proof to warrant inves­ That is what he pays public servants for. tigation by the Minister for Justice. In He has Corporate Affairs officers who are 1973, Mr Knox was Minister for Justice. being paid as investigators. They should Mr Frawley: And a good Minister, too. freeze the ass·ets of that company until they check what has been done with the money Mr MACKENROTH: He was better than and how much money has been lost in the pr.esent one. At lea~t he was willing >to companies in which directors, either past or have a go. Even ·if he did make a complete present, have a pecuniary interest. I think botch of it, he did try. He set up an inquiry. it will be found that there has been a lot. At ·that time he did not have any proof. The [ referred earlier •to questions that were present Minister for Justice says that he asked at that meeting and I will briefly wants proof. The pr.evious Minister did not mention a few of them. have proof; he just knew tha,t something Mr Frawley: The fact that they wanted was wrong and he got his investigators .to you as a director should have convinced him go to .the Companies Office, freeze all of they were a shocking company. What did >these books and investigate them. The they offer you? Tell us that. document of over 100 foolscap pages that the investiga

At that meeting we asked them to supply many parts of Queenlsand. It is having a very us within 14 days with a list of all moneys severe effect on the finances of the people owing to the funds by e:ither corporations involved and also of the Government. I or individua1s outside loan allocations to commend the Government for the initiative pdo:rity numbers. I have shown here that it has taken to try to cushion the effect of about half of the money held by these the drought on those people who have been companies is lent out to either corporations affected so much by it. Of course, there are or individuals, but we are not able to find more ways of helping people than those out to which companies it has been lent. presently sanctioned by law. This Government That is something the Justice Minister would and the Federal Government should consider find out in an investigation. providing further concessions to the people in We want to know the names of the these areas. corporations or 1ndividuals ,and the amounts At the present time the Queensland Gov­ ow~ng. We want to know the or:iginal value ernment is losing revenue through what I of the loan, the date it was made, the believe is a needless industrial dispute. I am interest rate, the type of security held by the referring to the dispute about the tax on fund OJ1 each loan and the expected date the loan w,iH be finalised. I think if we miners' houses. The Queensland Government found out that sort of information the people is losing net income of at least $4.5m a week. in those funds would be able to make a The miners and their families are suffering a sound judgment on whether they should lot of hardship, and they have my sympathy. throw their shares away or keep going. People As weii, the Federal Government is losing continually ask me what I suggest they revenue. Just as importantly, Australia and should do, and this places me in a very Queensland are losing their names as reliable invidious position because I do not !mow exporters. I join with the member for Peak what to tell them. How ca,n I tell people Downs (Mr Lester), the Premier and the to throw away thek life savings? If they Treasurer in calling on the Federal Govern­ were my shares I would throw them away ment to take some positive steps to end this because I believe that, if the Justice Minister dispute. in this State does not take some action, they People should not be fooled into believing are wovthless. that it is only a dispute between the miners I call upon the Premier or Deputy Premier and the Federal Government. It extends right of this State to order the Justice Minister to across the board and includes public servants, do something. If he will not do anything, he station employees and just about everybody should be sacked. Around the corridors of who lives in a subsidised home in the country. this Pariiament we hear Liberal members Traditionally, it has been the one incentive to complaining about the Justice Minister, saying attract people to those areas. It is time that that he is weak and will do nothing. The the Federal Government found some means back-bench members of the Liberal Party are whereby the miners will not have to pay the just waiting for the day when he gets the tax. If this dispute is to be solved, I think sack. He is not prepared to do anything. that there has to be a face-saver on both The Premier or the Deputy Premier should sides. I do not think we should set the force him into the situation where he will do precedent under which the miners and others something. have to pay this increased tax. Our revenue is suffering immensely as a result of this Mr R. J. Gibbs: Mr Bourke shakes his dispute. head in the gallery. He agrees with you. At the present time there is much talk Mr MACKENROTH: That is good. I about a tax revolt, and I am pleased that believe that the member for Sherwood has the Queensland Government has led the the long knife drawn for him. They should revolt. We have abolished many taxes. We get rid of him and put in his place somebody have abolished road permit fees and road who is prepared to do the job. I am sick maintenance taxes. We provide the best pay­ and tired of continually giving the Justice roll tax exemptions in Australia. We have Minister information about these companies abolished State death duties. In fact, we and his not being prepared to do anything forced the Federal Government to foilow our about them. lead. The same comment applies to gift duties. Some say that this causes a loss in Mr Frawley: Who do you suggest should revenue. I dispute that because the increased take his place? employment that has been generated by the Mr MACKENROTH: I think that Bob reduction of these taxes in Queensland has Gibbs would be the best man in the Justice brought more revenue to the Government and portfolio. has brought about increased employment in Queensland. I conclude on that note. It is about time that the Queensland Government started to Mr Blake: Haven't we got any unemployed look after the people who vote for it. in Queensland? Mr McKECHNIE (Carnarvon) (7.41 p.m.): Mr McKECHNIE: I am pleased the hon­ I think it is rather a shame that we have ourable member asked that question because to take part in this debate on the Appropria­ I had the Parliamentary Library research the tion Bill at a time when drought is crippling increase in employment in the various States 48 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

of Australia over the last five years. These State, which exists largely because the other figures come from the Commonwealth States have not done their job. I believe that Bureau of Statistics and indicate the number a major national study should be undertaken of people employed, including those who are to determine logical and economically feasible self-employed. In the five years to February long-term policies to improve the industrial last, in Queensland employment has risen by relations climate in Australia. 11.79 per cent. It is interesting to note that I am not one of those, as the Opposition in what was the Labor State of South sometimes tries to make out, who put ,the Australia employment has risen only 2.56 cause of all industrial disputes at the feet of per cent. In New South Wales employment the unions. Just a while ago I said that the increased 6.12 per cent. In Victoria employ­ Federal Government h'ad 'a very heavy ment increased by 7.89 per cent. The figure responsibility in the current dispute in the in Tasmania is 6.32 per cent. mining fields. We have to find a better solu­ Honourable members opposite do not like tion to 1the problems of industrial r"btions hearing the truth, but the average increase in Au&tralia. in employment in the southern States in that To aid youth employment, apprenticeship­ period was only 6.32 per cent. If the other t,raining schemes should be widened and States had the same employment record as Queensland, there would be virtually no stepped up. There should be an urgent unemployment in Australia today. review of the apprenticeship Act. The block: release scheme is not working-- Opposition Members interjected. Mr Vaughan: It doesn't exi~t any more. Mr McKECHNIE: That is a fact. The Opposition does not seem to be capable of Mr McKECHNIE: The member knows understanding it. what I mean. It is the Industrv and Com­ merce Training Act, if he wants- to be tech­ Mr Yewdale: Seven per cent of the work­ nicaL force is out of work. Pre-vocational tra,ining in industry should Mr McKECHNIE: The Opposition speaks be stepped up and encouraged. That is part of the percentage of unemployed in Queens­ of the Act to which the honourable member land. Of course, this affects not only their has just drawn my attention. S;;hemes lives-they are the ones I am most con­ should also be directed at training adults. cerned about-but also the revenue of the Mr Vaughan: That is in the new Act. Government. The fact of the matter is that unemploy­ Mr McKECHNIE: Of course it is, but I ment in Queensland is largely imported. If am saying that it should be stepped up. I was over the last five years every State had an pleased 'the other day to receive a phone increase in employment of 11.79 per cent, call from a Government official in South there would not be people coming here seek­ Australia asking my opinion on it. He knew ing employment because they would have jobs that I was interested in it and had done in their own States. Because this is a free some ·research, because it was report;;d in country we welcome them to Queensland; the P,ress ,that I was doing some reseflJrch on we welcome new settlers. The reasons for this matter. the high rate of unemployment in this State To assist employer and ,employee harmony are the policies of other Governments. in ,the interests of keeping people employed, Mr Davis interjected. there should be wider avenues of appeal to the Industrial Court as well as a right of Mr McKECHNIE: If the honourable mem­ appeal to the Full Bench of the Indu~trial ber wishes I will table the documents so that Commission so that both s~ides can have he can study them. I am sure Opposition more faith in the arbitration svstem than members would not accuse the Parliamentary they have now. Just the other day in rela­ Library of political bias. tion to ,the cuHent ETU dispute we heard I think I have proved my point to any that some of 'the unions do not have much reasonable person, but of course the Opposi­ faith in the commission. That would be a tion does not like to hear about the success worthwhile measure, not only to give the story of development in Queensland. The unions more faith in ;the commission but Opposition does nothing but knock it. Every also ,to give it to the employers as well. That project that this Government tries to get off would help employment and assist the the ground, the Opposition tries to find some economy of ~this State, and 'thus aid the way of blocking it. Treasurer in his budgeting. But the facts are here. In Queensland over Mr Davis: Are you in favor of robot the last five years there has been an increase shearers? in employment of 11.79 per cent. If the southern States had the same record, the Mr McKECHNIE: If the member for unemployment situation in Australia today Brisbane Centra'! was one, I would be. would be virtually solved. Taxation concessions should be given to Be that as it may, I am sure the Queens­ double•income families, 'to encourage ,those land Government will not rest on its laurels women who do not want to work but feel but will continue to try to find ways of over­ they have to through necessity, to stay at coming the unemployment problem in this home, thus making jobs available ,to young Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 49 school-leavers. I am sure some members reasons why interest rates are high is that of ·the Opposition would agree with me on Governments are borrowing too much money that. in competit·ion with the private sector, which drives interest rates up. When people come This Government should step up its pre­ to me and say, "\Vhy won't the Govern­ employment •training courses. There is such ment do this? Why won't the Government a course in Stanthorpe at 'the moment. It is do that?", I very politely point out to them the Grade 11 course, and it has given that there are many things that the Gov­ students a new form of education. I have ernment would like to do hut that there is no doubt that at the end of the yea'r they a limit to how far Governments can tax will be much more employable than ,they people and a limit to how much money would have been if 'they had not undertaken Governments can borrow. That contrasts that course. very sharply with the attitude of the spokes­ While we are talk·ing about the Treasurer's man for the Opposition, who thinks that the problems in trying to administer the finances Government's providing more money is a cure of this State it should be noted .that the for just wbout every .ill. Australia is in the Opposition Leader (Mr Casey) recently mess that it is in today because of the announced that H was ALP policy to bring pressure generated by the A.L.P. in reduced working hours over a period when the ALP considered that the economy The Opposition has spent many hours in could afford it. We are an exporting State, this Chamber condemning the multinational and there is ample evidence to prove that mining companies. I remember reading reduced work·ing hours could lead to more "Hansard" many years before coming •into unemployment, not less. The Opposi!Jion, this Chamber and speaking to my father, who was then a member of this Assembly, with ~ts tie-up whh its Left-wing unions, is not prepared to face reality. about how much the Opposition knocked the mining companies coming .into Queens­ When the ALP spoke about .the 4Qchour land. They continually claimed that the week we had a very low rate of inflation State was not receiving enough royalty, and quite high employment. The argument despite the fact that the Government was that applied to the 48-hour week does not receiving a massive profit from the oper­ apply to ,the 35-hour week. atrion of rai•lway lines for which the com­ panies provided finance. I gave the figures Mr Kruger: Do you ag.ree wi,th ·the state­ earlier. The Government of this State is ment made by Sir Wi1liam Knox recently losing $4.5m net a week while the coal­ that, if people are ldt in the work-force miners are out on strike. If that does not longer, they wi:ll create more employment? prove to ordinary people that the Govern­ ment and the citizens of Queensland are Mr McKECHNIE: What we should be doing fairly we11 out of the mining compan­ doing a·t the moment is bringing about more ies by way of revenue that never would have ea,rJy .retirement. That should be done. been available had the Opposition been However, a general reduction in working allowed to squash suoh ventures, I do not hours would be ,the greactest 1tragedy that know what will. These ventures were sup­ ever hit Australia. Lt would create more ported by the Government of the day, and unemployment. Sir Gordon Chalk and Sir Frank Niddin­ in those days they were just Gordon Chalk I was amazed to hear the honoura:ble mem­ and Frank Nicklin, Deputy Premier and ber for Rookhampton (Mr Wright) speak Premier of this State-toured the wor·ld about socialised motels, and so on. Without trying to get people to invest in Queensland. doubt, the honourable member for Rock­ However, people ·were so used to 40 years hampton is the member of the Opposition of Labor Government that no-one wanted for whom I have most respect, and I respect to come here and invest. The Treasurer's him also as a person. The speech tJhat he Budget is now at risk because some of that delivered today was well thought out, and mining ·income is being cut off. If that is not it is abvious that it is Opposition policy. I proof of the contribution that the mining took careful note of what he said. He industry, encouraged by the Government, ·is believes that the Government should become making to the economy of Queemland, I more ~nvolved in socialising industry-that will walk to Bourke and back. is what he meant-and he spoke about motels and other things. If that is ALP policy The Government of this State has a proud coming from the shadow Treasurer, God record. The Government of Western Aust­ help Queensland if the ALP ever gains the ralia and the Government of Queensland Treasury benches. are the two Governments that have created employment in Australia at a time when the The honourable member for Rockhamp­ economy has been depressed. I am amazed ton spoke also about Government financing that Opposition members are not prepared and being a partner in enterprises of many to acknowledge that an 11.7 per cent types. To do that, of course, the Govern­ increase in employment over the past five ment would have to borrow money before it years is something to be proud of. I am could increase Government revenue as he amazed that Opposition members do not suggested. The people of Australia have to join with the Queensland Government in wake up to the fact that one of the main encouraging Governments in southern States 50 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

to take the same type o.f tax-cutting initi­ Another example of poLi1ical patronage ative as this Government has taken in an was rthe appointment of Sir Wallace Rae as endeavour to encourage employment in Agent.General in London. I think all of Australia. us agree that in this modern day and age the po~ition of Agent·Geneml is an outmoded Mr K. J. HOOPER (Archerfield) (8.1 and unnecessary anachronism. I~ can be p.m.): I nise to express my disgust at the likened to the position of Lord Warden of Government's giVIing a plum job to the the Cinque Ports. H is an expensive luxury former Deputy Leader of the National Panty, that the State cannot afford. Indeed, I would Mr Ron Camm. Earlier today when this suggest that the position of Agent-General matter was raised, we saw the ruthless use is a relic from our colonial past. It is about of the gag and the brutal use of numbers. as useful to the people of this State as a li was shocked. The Opposition was allowed hat rack. to have only two speakers on the matter People other than Oppos~tion members before the gag was applied. It was quite have expressed concern at the waste of public obvious that the Government had a lot money in maintaining the Agei!Jit-General's to hide. It knew it was guilty of nepotJsm office in London. In faot, my good friend at its worst. the hooourable member fo-r Salisbury has Giving that job to the former Deputy been most trenchant in her cr·iticism of the Leader of the National Party, Mr Ron Government in this regard. In the Budget Camm, reeks of nepotism at its worst. In debate on 3 October 1978 she said~ fact, his appointment to the position of "The estimated expenditure of the chairman of the Sugar Board .reeks of blatant Agent•General's office in London is political nepotism. It is a further example of $666,622." sinecures fo.r geriatric National Party po1itioo.l That was two years ago. I guarantee that in hacks and boot-lickers. the two years since then the figure has 'I was appalled at the r.emarks made by the increased to an a~tronomical level. The hon­ former Minister for Primary Industries and ourable member for Salisbury is tom between now Minister for Mines and Energy (Mr two minds. She does not know whether she Sullivan). He said that he had looked at is a small "1" Liberal or a small "1" Labor other applications but had accepted Mr person. If she is fortunate enough to be Camm as being the mos1t suitable person for ;re-elected-indeed, I do not think she will appointment to the position. The calling of be-and if she continues to improve, we appLications for the position of chairman of might even accept her on this side of the the Sugar Board was an exercise in futi1ity. Chamber. She is certainly the most attractive The position was filled even before it was member in the Chamber. advertised. Today 1the Minister spoke hog­ The position of Agent-General, in this day wash. He had already agreed to Mr Camm's and age, is a blatant waste. appointment to the position of chairman of the Sugar Board. "It appals me that Queensland, as a State of this Commonwealth, has so many Among all the 7 200 sugar-cane farmers migration promotion clerks in London." in the State, people who obtain their liveli­ hood from the industry, surely there is one These are not my words. They are the words who is equally competent as Mr Camm to of a prominent member of the Liberal Party, car.ry out the dut,ies attaching to the position the honourable member for Salisbury, Mrs of chairman of the Sugar Board. I am Rosemary Kyburz. She also said that this regarded in this House as a Nostradamus, State is becoming a banana republic. and I make the predicnion now that when the Mr Frawley: I don't believe that. She New Year's Honours List comes out in wouldn't say that. 1981- Mr Porter: Y ou'H be &n it? Mr K. J. HOOPER: If honourable mem­ bers want to disagree with me, all they have Mr K. J. HOOPER: No, not me. I am to do is peruse "Hansard" of that date and a repubLican; I do not believe in those useless they will see that what I am saying is true. baubles. I predict that Ron Camm will be It is quite obvious that the honourable mem­ made a knight of the realm. ber for Salisbury does not disagree. If I was not spot on, she would have taken a point Government Members interjected. of order. Mr K. J. HOOPER: Let us wait and see. Mrs Kyburz: You told me you were going Look at two other National Party bagmen, to say it. Sir Rod Proctor and the other noble knight, or ignoble knight, Lyons. They are bagmen Mr K. J. HOOPER: I know. I like to warn for the National Party and they have been the honourable member. While the honour­ rewarded with knighthoods. able member for Salisbury is quite eloquent Mr Camm's appointment as chairman of in the House at times, she is a very slow the Sugar Board is a further example of thinker and she is very slow on the uptake sinecures for ger,iatric National Pal'ty poEtical in regard to interjections. Being a gentleman, hacks who are subservient to the Premier. I do not want to take advantage of her. If there was no subservience to the Premier, Mrs Kyburz: That's not what you said there would not be any plum jobs offeJ;]ng. this afternoon, either. Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 51

Mr K. J. HOOPER: And I rejected her Whereupon the honourable member laid proposition, too. the report on the table. It is quite obvious that the extracts of the Dr Edwards: Where did you get that from? speech I have just quoted are an indication that Liberal Party members have reservations Mr K. J. HOOPER: As a matter of fact, about the advantage of having the office of it came from a member of the Treasury the Agent-General in London. I make it quite Department. clear, and I am sure I echo the sentiments of all members of the Opposition, that the Dr EDWARDS: I rise to a point of order. members of the Liberal Party do not have I find that very offensive to members of my the intestinal fortitude to stand in this department, and ask the honourable member Chamber and say what they really think. to withdraw it. They agree with me privately. I see in the Chamber the Minister for Industry and l\fr K. J. HOOPER: I do withdraw it. I Administrative Services. I have his title cor­ certainly would not embarrass the senior rect this time. It is rather difficult to member of the department who leaked the remember because, in the three years that report to me. he has held that portfolio, he has not intro­ The audit inspector discovered the following duced a Bill. I can see that he agrees irregularities: firstly, as at August 1979 the with me. He said to me in the lobby a while institute had not submitted its final budget ago that he agrees that the Agent-General is for 1978. a sinecure. The position should be abolished. That is long overdue. It is certainly a relic Government Members interjected. not only of our colonial past but possibly of Mr K. J. HOOPER: I am serious now. I our medieval past. think all honourable members would agree It is strongly rumoured that Sir Wallace that this is a disgraceful state of affairs. One Rae is to be appointed as Official State of the largest colleges of advanced education Host. TI1is is truly a joke. It is an example in this State had still not submitted its finan­ of blatant wasting of the taxpayers' money, cial report for 1978 some 12 months later. which this Government tries to do from time to time. It is a blatant case of patronage and Mr Bourke interjected. largesse by the Premier. Surely the duties proposed to be carried out by Sir Wallace Mr K. J. HOOPER: I do not want to Rae should be carried out by the relevant embarrass the honourable member for Too­ Minister or a senior public servant, not by woomba South, whose electorate the college is a superannuated political lackey. It is another in. The honourable member for Lockyer, blatant example of jobs for the boys. who lives in Toowoomba, would not have a clue. He does not know where the college He is not in the Chamber tonight but nor­ is. There is a smell here. The whole of mally we see the elderly member for Mirani Toowoomba is talking about this, and some­ waiting patiently to get the Premier's nod thing should be done about it. to succeed Sir Wallace Rae as Agent-General in London. Secondly, the institute's enrolment .policies were in conflict with guide-lines laid down Mr Davis interjected. by Government legislation. That is stated Mr K. J. HOOPER: He more than gave in the report, and honourable members are at the job away. He was indiscreet in the early liberty to peruse it. They will see that what I part of this year. He boasted that he was am saying is spot on. Thirdly, the institute's the next Agent-General in London. He main financial reports reveal certain inaccur­ embarrassed the Premier. He put his foot in acies. That is also a direct quote from the his mouth. It is about the only time he has report of the audit inspector assigned by the opened his mouth in the 8t years I have been Auditor-General to investigate the ledgers and here. It is now doubtful whether the Premier financial statements of the institute. will appoint him to this sinecure. Fourthly, there was a cross-membership Mr Davis interjected. between the institute's governing body and the board of directors of the Darling Downs Mr K. J. HOOPER: I am told that Sir Association for Advanced Education, a com­ Wallace took a lot of furniture with him. pany which operated a residence called I am reliably informed that the Minister McGregor College for institute students. for Aboriginal and Island Affairs is to be Fifthly, the audit inspector believes that the appointed as Agent-General in Espiritu cross-membership could cause a conflict of Santo when he retires from the House later interest between the directors of the Darling this year. The mind boggles. Downs Institute and ilie Darling Downs I should like to take this opportunity to Association and those on the governing body refer to the Darling Downs College of of the institute. He also noted that substantial Advanced Education. There is a gigantic financial transactions occurred between ilie smell and cover-up emanating from an audit institute and the company. of certain matters by the Auditor-General's Mr Deputy Speaker, as a man of great Department. The audit was carried out by experience in this Assembly you would be audit inspector Mr L. J. Scanlan. The report aware that what I am saying is extremely is dated 12 December 1979. I table it. serious and warrants the closest attention of 52 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) the Auditor-General's Department. I will quite obvious that during 'the short ~t·ime 1the make it quite clear: I think that not only member for Lockye.r remains in this House should the officers of the Corporate Affairs he is doomed to remain on .the back benches. Office be called in but that it is a job for the I think I have spelt out quite clearly what Police Fraud Squad. should happen to tighten up on white-collar Government Members interjected. crime in 'this State. Apant f'rom the rather inane and facetious interjections f·rom the Mr :K. J. HOOPER: I do not make that t!ightweight honourable member for Lockyer, statement lightly. I can see from the intent look on :the faces of honourable members on both sides of the I think there are too many instances of House .that they agree with me. I pay hon­ white-collar crime being swept under the ourable members opposite ~this tribute: whilst carpet by this Government. On many occa­ some of 'them support big business and some sions I enumerated to this Assembly the are not br-ight, I do not 'think that ,they want problems that existed within the building to see straight-out roguery and the average society movement. But nothing was done. person an the community being ripped off. The Queensland Permanent Building Society, They have the opportunity .rn the joint parties the second largest in the State and the eighth room ~to put pressure on ,the reactionary largest in the Commonwealth, went to the Premier and probably on the inefficient Min­ wall, not with a bang but with a whimper, ister for Justice and Attomey-General .to do some three years ago, and despite that there something about this matter. has still been no report made to this Assembly. A lot of members will wonder One of the problems with ~this Darling why. Downs institute is .that it conducted M·t unions in order to raise funds to purchase The answer is quite simple. A lot of the demountables, which were then erected on former directors of that society were ,the campus and leased ,to the institute. I prominent members and supporters of the am not cavilling about that. Probably the Liberal Party. There has been a gigantic motives were quite good. However, one of cover-up. I am only sorry that the Minister the matters that worries me is that the lease for Justice and Attorney-General is not in agreement was paid out in under three years the Chamber tonight. I put it straight to under rather suspicious circumstances. I am him that most members know what I am sure tthat ~this warrants some investigation saying is true. This Government's track and explanation. record on white-collar crime is appalling. The company laws in this State are so wide that Dr Lockwood: What were those circum­ one could drive a bulldozer through them. stances? In fact, even the Minister for Local Govern­ ment, Main Roads and Police could fit Mr K. J. HOOPER: I .think the honour­ through them. The Darling Downs Associa­ able member knows as well as I do what tion of Advanced Education is responsible ,the circumstances were. There is a smeH for promotion and fund-raising activities. attached to this mat.ter. If I were to outEne One of its prime functions is to assist in pro­ here tonight some of ~the smells tthat are viding accommodation for students at attached .to it, I might emba,rrass either .the McGregor College. member for Toowoomba North or 'the mem­ ber for Toowoomba South. So I suggest to Mr Lee: What would you do to fix it? ~he member for Toowoomba North that he should keep his 'tongue between his teeth Mr K. .J. HOOPER: I will take that inter­ because, quite frankly, he should remem­ jection. I do not like being cruel, but the ber .the old adage, "Where ignorance is bliss, Minister for Industry and Administrative '.tis folly .to be wise." Services is certainly not the most shining light in Cabinet. We all know his perform­ Dr Lockwood: Make an accusation. ance when he was Minister in charge of building societies. Surely his skull is not that Mr K. J. HOOPER: As I was saying, the thick that I have to repeat what I said just lease was paid out within three years. Where a few moments ago. The way to tighten up ~the money was obtained has not yet been on white-col!ar crime in this State is to satisfactorily explained. Surely 'that answers tighten up .the company laws. Also, officers the honourable member for Toowoomba of the Police Fraud Squad should be back Nonth. where they belong-seconded to the Corporate A perusal of the audit inspector's report Affairs Office-so that when there is any reveals that he had difficuLty in under­ instance of fraud, not only do the accountants standing .the institute's finances. As a matter from the Corporate Affairs Office go out and of fact, I have a number of copies of the investigate but the officers of the Police report here. There is no need for 'the Fraud Squad go out, too. members of the Press to ,take notes; I shaH take a copy of the report up 'to them. The Mr Bourke: You would want the police report reveals that ,the financial certificate in the Education Department as well. had been qua1ified to the extent of $68,000. Mr K. J. HOOPER: That is one of [he We all know-even people like the honour­ most stupid and inane interjections that able member for Lockyer who has greaJt have been made during my speech. It is difficulty in understanding the fundamentals Appropriation Bill (No. 1) (19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 53 of accountancy would know~that if an According to information I have received, auditor discovers ,that a company's accounts one of the fire chiefs reported that there were have been qualified, he then requires an two doors open at the time of the fire and explana,tion, or if no explanation is forth­ none was previously reported. There are coming mo\es are initiated by the Corporate aclso other allegations that two keys were Affairs Office and/or the Police Praud found outside the building. There is a Squad. smell at this institute. What do I have to do to get this through the thick skulls of Mr Warner: I guarantee you :that ,the some of the honourable members on the DDIAE would welcome any investigation other side of the House? whatsoever. I'Vl:r Porter interjected. Mr K J. HOOPER: I wiH accept tha,t interjection from the honourable member Mr K. J. HOOPER: The Minister for for Toowoomba South for whom I have some Aboriginal and Island Affairs is quite elo­ respect. He is certainly not one of :the most quent when he gets to his feet but he is eloquent members in this House, but I do a most annoying interjector. Because of his not think he is dishonest. I am only hoping very light boy-soprano voice, it is very that rthe Government :takes up what the difficult for me to take his interjections. honourable member for Toowoomba South Had he lived in Italy some 400 or 500 years has suggested to me. If the institute wel­ ago, I might have thought he had had some comes an investigation, I :think i,t should be operation; his voice is extremely light. conducted as quickly as possible in order :to remove the cloud of suspicion ,that is hanging rr'here is seething suspicion that moneys over the heads of all members of :the have been paid into the Bjelke-Petersen academic and clerical staff of :the institute. Foundation. I ,think we would all ag,ree with ,that sug­ gestion. I think ,that the honourable mem­ Mr Frawley interjected. ber for Toowoomba South, who is a fair­ minded man, would agree with it. Mr K. J. HOOPER: One only has to look at some of the people on the Gold Coast. Mr Lee: You are planting :the seed. Mr Keith Williams made a donation of $25,000 to the Bjelke-Petersen Foundation Mr K. J. HOOPER: It is probably a shame and was rewarded with two positions on that the honourable Minister's father planted Government-controlled boards. There is a seed in the first place. also Mr Kornhausen, another white-collar crook who went broke and ruined a lot of There has also been a breach of the people. He made a donation of $100,000 Insurance Act because the insurance comp­ to the Bjelke-Petersen Foundation and was any which was the insurer of the bumt"out rewarded with a very lucrative contract on administration building is controlled by a the Gold Coast. Another gentleman donated member of the council who is also a promi­ $100,000 to that fund and was given a nent member of the National Party. This knighthood. I will not give that honour­ is a Mr Griffiths, the managing director of able gentleman's name because he has gone Toowoomba Insurance and also the Southern to the great big Parliament in the sky. Cross Foundry. Honourable members can put their own Every time the honourable member for connotation on that. Carnarvon speaks in this House, my good What I am saying is serious. The Bjelke­ friend and colleague the honourable mem­ Petersen Foundation has a smell to it. It ber for Brisbane Central accuses him of being is widely regarded as Tammany Hall at its a member of the League of Rights. I do best. I am sure that some of the people not know whether that is true or not. who administer the Bjelke-Petersen Founda­ tion would make the late and unlamented Mr Davis: I do. Boss Tweed of Tammany Hall green with envy. As I say, moneys have been paid in Mr K. J. HOOPER: I am not saying the to the Bjelke-Petersen Foundation. honourable member is wrong. What I am saying is that it is well known in Toowoomba Mr Lee: By whom? that Mr Griffiths has very close links with Mr Eric Butler, the Director of the League Mr K. J. HOOPER: By Mr Griffiths. The of Rights. honourable the Minister wanted a name and now I have given him one. Let some mem­ Government Members interjected. ber on the Government side produce evidence that denies that his money has been paid in. Mr KC J. HOOPER: It is common know­ I chaHenge honourable members opposite to ledge. I see the Minister for Aboriginal and do that. Island Affairs nodding his head in agree­ ment. For him to do that, there must be It is also true that the Minister for a scintilla of truth in it because politically Culture, National Parks and Recreation made he is about 10 goose steps to the right of a donation of $5,000 to the Bjelke-Petersen Genghis Khan. Foundation and he was rewarded with a 54 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980} Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

position in Cabinet, over the heads of some short of outstanding. I for one am most dis­ of his more intelligent and better performed appointed that the member for Archerfield colleagues. would stoop to this sort of attack. Donations have been made by firms that I take the opportunity of spending a few are deeply involved in the conduct of the minutes during this debate on the Appropri­ institute. I have spelt out the allegations quite ation Bill to make an urgent plea on behalf clearly. The only problem is that I have of the electors of Cunningham. A number of spoken too late tonight. Had I spoken matters are most urgent. We require fund­ earlier in the day my remarks would have ing in a number of areas. Obviously every received wider Press coverage. other member of this Parliament will, when he has the opportunity, put his ·case for the The aHegations I have made are extremely electors of his area. After all, that is what serious ones and cast asperations on directors we are here to do. The first thing that dis­ of the institute. Mr Barker, a director, who appoints me immensely is-- I believe is a member of the Liberal Party, or was, said in a statement last week in Mr Davis: Soil conservation. response to an article of mine in the educa­ tion supplement of "The Australian" that Mr ELLIOTT: Yes, soil conservation, as this was old hat and that the allegations my old friend from Steele Rudd corner says. were made two years ago. He said, "It is Aunt Glad isn't here tonight to hear him rather amazing that Mr Hooper raises the perform, but she will keep an eye on him, matter in an election year." That happens as she tells me now and then. to be coincidental. It would not worry me It disappoints me that the level of com­ whether it was an election year or not. It mitment .from the State Government to is my job and that of every other member of date does not measure up to the requirements the Opposition to protect the interests of the of that most serious problem. I would hope little man in this State. We are not here to that the Treasurer would take my remarks represent big business. We are here to on board. He has flown over the area at represent the ordinary person in the com­ different times after some of the disastrous munity who needs a voice-the weak and rains in the area. Fortunately we received the powerless. They are the ones we rep­ some recognition of the problems caused by resent. When I look on the other side and disastrous flood rains in the Olifton and see the fat plutocrats of the Government, I Back Pbins areas last February. I thank the realise that all they are interested in is Treasurer and other Cabinet Ministers who looking after big business. The allegations were involved, in particular the Minister for I have made tonight are serious ones. Primary Industries who was out there v.ir­ Mrs Kyburz interjected. tuaHy the next day to look at the problem first hand. He was l¥ble to get us on the Mr K. J. HOOPER: The honourable priority list and have it recognised as a member for Salisbury is certainly not in the disaster area. I thank him for that assistance. category :I have just mentioned. As a matter ·I am particulify the problem, and every storm will ister for Justice and Attorney-General. I cause damage that cannot be rectified. It hope that tomorrow there will be a min­ is a once-only loss. That is not a situation isterial statement to the House that he has 1hat we, as members of Parliament, can sit ordered an investigation of my allegations. back w.ith a clear conscience and allow to happen, and it disappoints me that some Mr ELLIOTT (Cunningham) (8.27 p.m.): members of the Oppos.ition treat soil erosion First, I would like to say a couple of words as a laughing matter. As a member who about the disgraceful attack of the member represents '

the level of the Leslie Dam to fa:!! lower Many young persons do not receive the than it has been for many years, and there full benefit of education. As they go through is only a 45 per cent allocation for the life they need remedial teaching. Unfortun­ ensuing year. ately, some of them are not given it. Such children have a tremendous number of doors Mr Davis interjected. closed to them. I earnestly ask the Treasurer to look at education expenditure and to Mr ELLIOTT: The honourable member ensure that, if the present miners' strike thinks it is about time somebody said that. does result in any Budget cut-backs, he not One would almost think he ~Mrote my speech, eliminate those crucial services such as remed­ because that is what I intend to say. ial education. As I have said, the lack of remedial education is a grave problem facing In my opinion, the problem is not just people who live away from the major popu­ one for the electors and landholders of lation centres. Its importance cannot be Cunningham, because it has far-reaching stressed too strongly. effects. It has a flow-on effect on all the I instance Millmerran particularly. The seoondary industries in the area, particularly town has a great need for remedial facilities. the machinery manufacturers and the firms If such facilities were provided, they could that supply equipment, and also on towns service not only the Millmerran State School such as Millmerran and Pittsworth that rely but surrounding schools as well. That is a on the underground aquifer for their water concept that we must push further. supply. I am sure that the honourable mem­ ber for Warwick will have something to I am sure that other members wish to say about it later, because he faces a s.imilar make a contribution to this debate. I would problem in his electorate. Its ramifications are have liked to raise other matters, but because far-reaching and will be felt throughout the time is short I shall allow other members region if something is not done to rectify an oppmtunity to make their points. the problem. Mr GOLEBY (Redlands) (8.38 p.m.): I 'I should like to place on record tonight think all honourable members will agree that my thanks to all those who have been Queensland is the growth State of the nation. associated w.ith the project. In particular I There is no doubt about its productivity and thank the honourable member fo.r Warwick expansion under good Government. We have the honourable member for Toowoomb~ entered an exciting decade, one that will South and other members representing electo­ reveal continuous development and growth rates in the area who have suppor•ted us and within the State. Queensland undoubtedly assisted us to ensure that the problem has leads Australia in development in all fields, received at least some reco~nition. We have such as mining, secondary industry and been able to obtain regulatory weirs that will primary industry. The encouragement given ensure that the water in the Leslie Dam by this Government through the various that is used for ir,dgation is not wasted. departments, administered by our Ministers, When one considers •the length of st·ream has led to an expression of confidence in this ?e~ween the Leslie Dam and the farms being State that is unparalleled in its history. trrigated down towards Cecil Plains, one For too long Queensland was treated as a sees how difficu1t it is to release the water branch office State. Unfortunately, from so that it is not wasted and the wrong time to time it is still treated in that manner people do not pump iJt. The regulatory weirs by Canberra in the allocation of funds. are designed to control the flow between the Leslie Dam and the irrigation areas, and I Queensland has a tremendous road net­ am very thankful for the money that has work, one that cries out for expenditure. been spent for that purpose and to provide Roads are very high on the people's list of the bridge that was part and parcel of the priorities. A great deal is said about educa­ Le:non Tree ~eir. Because the siting of the tion and health, both of which are of utmost weir . resulted 1n the inundat·ion of a rive.r importance. But I cannot stress too much cro~smg, thereby causing tremendous incon­ the need to have an excellent network of venience to. the landhoiders and other people roads. A good road network has top priority on each side of the Condamine a high- in the eyes of the public. level bridge was built. ' Queensland is experiencing a population explosion. In fact, it is the only State that !fle oth~r matter that I wish to touch on can boast a large increase in population. It bne~y tomght concerns education. I want to is iJ?.teresting to note that the people are put m a plug for the provision of remedial commg from the southern States particu- facilities in country schools. I am sure that larly Victoria. ' other country members would do likewise. The lack of remedial facilities is a serious Recently I addressed the 300 children at a problem confronting people who live away school in my electorate. I asked those who from the maj?r population centres. Those of had come from southern States to raise their us who have m our electorates towns that do hand. To my amazement, approximately one­ third had come from New South Wales and no~ have remedial facilities realise what a senous problem that lack of facilities is for V!ctor!a, with the majority coming from parents and particularly for the children VIctona. I was also interested to learn that themselves. in the l.ast two years, quite a percentage had moved mto my electorate from New Zealand. 56 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

Queensland's claim to fame as a State of that they have not seen very much of Queens­ tremendous potential and development has land and have very little knowledge of the spread across the Tasman to New Zealand State, let alone Australia. The Government and has encouraged many people to seek a should encourage our people to see our great new life-style here. State and nation and to make full use of the The honourable member for Carnarvon facilities here before venturing overseas. mentioned job opportunities. I also have the The Commonwealth Games will be held in figures that he quoted and I confirm that Brisbane in two years' time. This will give they came from the Parliamentary Library. a great impetus to tourism. I am pleased that The growth rate in new jobs created in the the Minister controlling sport is doing every­ last five years is 11· 79 per cent, the exact thing possible to make sure that the Games figure that the honourable member quoted, are a tremendous success. It behoves all compared with the Australian average of Queenslanders, particularly those in Brisbane, 6 · 23 per cent. This clearly indicates that to open their homes to the 35 000 overseas Queensland is the State on the march and visitors who are expected to be in the Bris­ the State that offers the greatest opportunity bane area at that time. Besides giving us an not only for Queenslanders but also for many opportunity to offer friendship and welcome people who have been attracted from south­ these people into our homes, it gives the ern States. There would be no unemployment tourist entrepreneurs in this part of the in Queensland today-in fact, there would be State an opportunity that comes only once job vacancies-if it were not for migration a century. The impact on the State will be from other States. The creation of new jobs enormous, and I know that the local authori­ in this State is not keeping up with that ties in this region are gearing themselves to migration. play a very active part. The majority of the people coming to Transport is a 1top pr,jority for any Queensland are settling in South Queensland. developing St•ate, and I feel sure tha•t i•t will As I indicated, the census I took at one of be one of our top priorities in the 1980s. The my local schools bears this out. population of my electomte has doubled in Mrs Kyburz: Queensland has very good .the past six years, and many of .the residents weather, too. commute to Brisbane. It is 1therefore most impor;tant ilh<11t a fas•t and efficient transport Mr GOLEBY: Many things other than system be provided for them. The growth the weather attract people to Queensland. In rate in the area is second only to .that of addition to the creation of job opportunities, :the Gold Coast, and I believe ,that in the we have the lowest taxes in Australia. We 1980s the a,rea between Brisbane and the have abolished death duties, road mainten­ Gold Coast will become one large ci•ty, and ance tax and many other taxes and have I therefore believe that we mu~t now pro­ reduced pay-roll tax. Anybody wishing to vide every encouragement for a fast and start up a small business finds it much easier ·efficient transpor.t system to service this to do so in Queensland. More people start population explosion. new businesses in Queensland than anywhere While on the subject of the population else in Australia. eX!plosion in .the Moreton region---mol so The average home buyer from the South long ago an overseas professor was com­ will tell any member of this Assembly that he missioned •to carry out 'the Moreton Region can buy house and land in Queensland for Growth Strategy Inve!ltigation. The popula­ little more than half the cost in Sydney and tion of my area in the year 2000 was Melbourne. That is an incentive to young estimated to be 65 000. This was arrived at families to settle here. only af.ter three deputations from the Red­ Tourism is virtually an untapped industry land Shi·re Council, because Professor in Queensland. Although it is the tourist Stevens originally believed that 'there would State, there is still a long way to go. I give be only 32 000 residents in the area at that full credit to the Government for its encour­ -time. I have to report that the present agement to tourism and also for the population of the Redlands is 40 000 and introduction of international flights to this will far exceed the estimated 65 000 by the State. I understand that that will be on a year 2000. In fact, it will far exceed permanent basis next year. It will bring many 100 000. people into the State from the near Asian I am sure that every member has been countries and beyond. concerned about •the .tragedies on our roads The changes in the school holiday system in recent weeks. Road safety is one of the will make a big difference to tourism. People top priorities in the mind of every thinking will now have the opportunity to travel member, and I beHeve thaJt to get ,to the throughout this State with their children. I root of this problem road safety has 'to be am sure that the tourist industry will capital­ taught in our schools. It should be a cur­ ise on it. I would like to think that the riculum subject on which students are Government will continue the campaign to examined in both primarry and secondary See Queensland First. Queensland has many schools. We believe ·that our education attractions of interest. It saddens me at times system is framed so as to set our children on when I hear of people travelling overseas. the right road for life, but I believe i•t has They come to my office to have their pass­ one glaring gap. Unless we insist that port photographs endorsed. I find quite often children are taught road safety and examined Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AuausT 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 57

on it, we are failing in our duty as legis­ They have been happy, the board has done lators. Many children are in a posii'ion •to quite well and the public has been able to obtain a driver's licence before they leave purchase fish that normally would not have high school, but they start to learn road been available to it. Those fish would have safety only after .they ge.t out on the roads. been sold interstate. I believe that if they were taught the funda­ mentals of the motor vehicle and how to use I believe that we must cast aside many of it, along with the rules of the road, many the old and antiquated ideas of management road tragedies would be ·avoided. and bring the Fish Board under the control of the Primary Industries Department. We I referred earlier to .tourism. Off the should give it a completely new life. The shores of southern Queensland lies Moreton fishing industry is little different from many Bay, which has a tourist potential equal to other primary industries. The Fish Board that of any region. I suppose 'that from .time could operate a1ong lines similar to those to time \vhen we have travelled .to Sydney of the Brisbane Market. The fishermen should each of us has looked forward to travelling organise themselves into a group and operate along the shores of Sydney Harbour, but I under guide-lines and rules similar to those believe .that Moreton Bay has f.rur greruter governing the COD, which has been so suc­ advantages than Sydney Harbour has ever cessful in this State since the 1920s. The had, including scenic beauty and 1he facilities COD, in the marketing of fresh fruit and looked for by .the boruting enthusiast. It is vegetables, has been the envy of every other a sheltered waterway containing many State. I can see very little difference between islands and is rated as one of the finest water­ the fruit and vegetable industries and ·the ways in the world. fishing industry. The fishing industry ha:s perishable items, as have the fruit and veget­ The area will see major development in able industries. the 1980s. Tourist operators are already con­ ducting trips throughout the bay islands, and There are four principal types of fisher­ I would like to see some of them, [n par­ men. There are the net fishermen, the .ticular Peel Is1and, used as reoreational trawler operators, the line fishermen and parks. For a long time now Peel Island has the crabbers, and they cannot be mixed. lain dormant, with only a caretaker looking They are four different identities. They after ·its few facilities. Very restricted use all harvest the sea, but they have has been made of it. We •all know that Peel completely different ideals and different Island was formerly a lazaret. The island methods of operation. There is no way in has beautiful sandy beaches and live coral which they can be mixed up under one body below •the low-water mark. This provides and one committee. The COD has its much enjoyment for the tourist. I urge this sectional committees dealing with the various Government to develop i.t into a r.ecreationai types of fresh fruit and vegetables. The Fish park so that the people who use these Board could operate along similar lines with sheltered areas of Moreton Bay oan not sectional committees covering the various only have a boa:t anchorage but can also types of fishermen that I have mentioned. enjoy the many natural resources on 1the They are all earning their living from the island. sea. For many months we have read in the This is far too important an industry to this Press reports about the problems facing our State to be allowed to drift away and pass Fish Board. From time to time we have seen into the hands of co-operatives and the like. recommendations that the board should be I believe that conservation is very important abolished. I believe that the board should to the fishing industry, and this Govern­ be retained, and it should be retained for ment has the responsibility to make sure that a very good reason. We all know and the industry is administered, and administered acknowledge that from time to time there well. That is why I appeal to the Govern­ have been problems in the administration of ment not to disband the Fish Board but to the board. Neither the Government nor the make sure that it is put in a position in fishermen are blameless for many of the which it can operate efficiently. problems concerning its administration. I believe that both must share the blame for Recent Press headlines have indicated that the problems with the Fish Board over many this State has been subject to take-overs years. involving some of its primary industries. This time I refer to the poultry industry. I think I think we have reached the stage where that every member of Parliament in southern the fishermen themselves have closed their Queensland was dismayed to hear that 150 ranks and are now prepared to ensure that people from Provincial Traders Pty Ltd the Fish Board, if given another chance, were sacked just recently when the company will work. We all know that from time to \vas taken over by Inghams. I remind hon­ time many fishermen, particularly the trawler ourable members that the poultry industry is operators, have sold their catches outside a very large industry in this State and the board. They ha\ e not given the board the throughout Australia. Unfortunately, it is opportunity that it should have to retail falling into the hands of two or three of their catches. The net fishermen, particularly the major food chain operators, some of those on the ocean beaches in my electorate, whom belong to the multinational groups have made suitable marketing arrangements. from overseas. In the long term, the public 58 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) of this State will be the losers. TI1e Steggles That meant that it would not arrive until group in New South Wales has also been 1982, not 1980 as we now have it. T~e A~P taken over. campaigned heavily on the electnficaNon Those take-overs have caused the retrench­ issue and forced the National/Liberal Gov­ ment of a lot of workers. Many small, suc­ ernment to bring forward the estimated date cessful operators have been swaHowed up. of completion to 1980, not 1982. The Govern­ They may have been pu:blic companies but ment provided extra funds so that the pro­ they were too small to be able to resist the ject could be completed within three years. tentacles and the strangehold tactics of the Now the program will be operating before larger companies. The Government must do the 1980 election in an attempt to save the something to protect the smaller companies, Liberal leader's political neck. just as it has brought in legislation to protect Mr Moore: What is wrong with that? manufacturers in the bread industry. The same sort of thing is happening in the poultry Mr UNDERWOOD: Nothing is WTong industry. Before long there will be take-overs with it for Ipswich because it is great that in the poultry industry just as there were we have been able to force the Government take-overs by Vesteys in the beef industry into providing electrification. So that is a years ago. feather in the cap for the Australian Labor Price wars have been started deliberately Party and the people of Ipswich and their and this makes the small companies bow to good sense in voting for us. the dictates of the larger companies. The We are delighted that the electric trains bread industry suffered from the plant baker­ will be running, even though they are over ies and the poultry industry suffers from the 20 years late, in accordance with a previous multinationals such as Weston and Amatil, State Labor Government's electrification and the Australian Ingham group. Those program. three groups will control the Australian poultry industry before long unless something I am proud to say that there have been is done. important State public works carried out in the Ipswich West electorate over the term Earlier today members of this House men­ of this Parliament. To instance some of the tioned our standard of living and the 35-hour major works that have been completed, ~re week. I want to make quite clear to this under construction or are on the drawmg House tJhat I do not support the moves for a board, I only have to look at the mod~rn 35-hour week and I know that the thinking faciiities for the workers at the Ipsw1ch person in the electorate believes the same. Railway Workshops, the new grade 8. centre People in Australia, and particularly in this at the Ipswich High School, the Bla1r pre­ State, realise they are fortunate to have the school the library facilities at St Joseph's life-style they enjoy. No-one will convince school: the library and administration facili­ me that the introducbion of the 35~hour week ties for the Brassall State School, and the wi:ll improve the standard of living of people new Amberley State School that has been in Queensland. It will improve the living campaigned for since the mid 1960s and standard of a minority but it will make which has been finally given the nod while I things a lot harder for the majority, have been the State member of Parliament because of increased prices. That will for the area. be a difficulty not easily overcome. The We have seen a boom in pensioner-unit majority of the community are still paying accommodaJtion, eight having been completed off their homes and they cannot afford Dhe recently and another 10 being due for com­ inflaHon that would accompany the introduc­ pletion and occupancy by Christm.as. In fact, tion of the 35-hour week. I appeal to this it is pleasing to see what ~ hope Js :: c.:hanl?e Government to do all it can to resist the in the policy of the Housmg Commission m introduction of the 35-hour week. ,that pensioner units are now being peppered throughout the suburbs that require them. Mr UNDERWOOD (Ipswich West) (8.57 The commission has recently purchased and p.m.): September 1980 will see the electri­ prepared land in West Ips:vich for th~ con­ fication of the railway to Ipswioh, an event struction of another 12 umts for penswners. for which the Australian Labor Party and Building plans are being drawn up now. That the electors of Lpswich City and surrounding will complement the Ipswich City Council's areas can justly take credit and :be proud of. pensioner units at Brassall. I hope that we It has been brought about by the tremendous will be able to have some more constructed support and the swing towards the three at North Ipswich and the Blair Saddlier's ALP candidates

Ipswich Special School. These are just some necessary degree a large number of students of the major projects in my area. In addition, so that they can catch up and maintain a innumerable small works projects have been respectable level of work in their education. carried out over the last three years. One has only to look at some of the facili­ New indm,tries have been attracted to the ties in schools to see how funds for them area by the Wulkuraka Estate, 1n spite of the have decreased. Take the funding for stranglehold on the development of Ipswich school libraries. Even for reasonable-sized industry by the weighbridge placed on the schools we have seen cut-backs of over boundary with Brisbane city at Wacol, which $1,000 in real terms. There have been similar allows trucks to transport goods around cut-backs for sporting equipment. These gaps Brisbane with uncontrolled loads and weights. have had to be filled by p. and c. asso­ In spite of ,(hat, we have seen a large increase ciations, but, as is often the case, those in the development of industry on the Ipswich associations are not able to make up for the Industrial Estate. Jordans, Portion Control cut-backs. Therefore, the standard of Foods and earthenware companies are resources at schools is definitely deteriorating expanding or commencing new establishments in all electorates, whether they are electorates there. held by Government members or by Opposi­ tion members. We have seen massive expenditure on road­ works in the area, particularly on the War­ Book allowances must also be reviewed, rego Highway and the Brisbane Valley High­ because in a large number of cases-and I way. Work on secondary roads includes give art as an example-the book allowance the upgrading of the Mt Crosby Road in by no means covers the cost of the expensive the near future and the Wulkuraka con­ books that are required by students, particu­ nection road. larly those in secondary schools. I turn now to the field of education. The To find the reasons for these cut-backs one concept of free educa,tion is a long-gone has only to look at the comments of the myth. It is a tragedy when one considers Minister for Education earlier this year, who what the Government ]s providing these days. said that the State Budget for the last finan­ A heavy financial burden is being placed on cial year provided inadequate funding to our schools, our p. and c.s and on parents meet the needs of his department. That in try~ng to provide the funds to fill the reflects directly on the member for Ipswich ever-widening gap since the State lllnd Federal and Treasurer, who is providing inadequate Governments' cut-backs on expenditure on funds for the education of our young people, State schools in particubr. However, one who are probably our greatest resource. This does not have to go to Labor areas to see is one of the most important aspects of problems in our schools. In fact, m the Government funding, yet the Government llps,wich area the most overcrowded class­ fails to recognise that and put it into rooms are to be found in the T,reasurer's practice. own electorate of Ipswich. One sees that by perusing the figures that were taken out Pensioners and old people who have worked ,earlier this year, as I have told the Parliament hard all their lives are neglected by society on a previous occasion. In Ipswich West ,there and, in particular, by the Government. In are problems with crowding 1n class-rooms, this State we see the incredible situation of but not nearly as bad ,as in the Treasurer's the State Government's refusing local next-door eleotorate. We have seen wonderful authorities any assistance towards providing innovative programs such as the Theatre in rate remissions for pensioners. Only in some Education, which was do1ng t,remendous areas, mainly those controlled by Labor work until last year in assisting children with councils, are rate remissions provided for learning dis:abilities and social problems. They pensioners. have overcome those problems and, probably for the first time, taken an 1nterest in their Accommodation provided by the Queens­ class-room and started to come to g:dps w,Hh land Housing Commission is in serious need the work and progress with their learning. of upgrading, and maintenance. Because of However, the Government refused to con­ the Commonwealth-State Housing Agree­ tinue that funding and the program was ment, to which the Government of this State scrapped. It was a small program, but a has agreed, working families are moving out ve.ry important one for many chi'Idren in the of Queensland Housing Commission accom­ Ipswich area. modation into private rental accommodation because they find that, in many instances, it There is a crying need in Ipswich for is cheaper and there are fewer restrictions. speech therapists and remedial teachers. In In addition, the suburbs that they move into fact, people in those professions consider from Housing Commission areas have more that Ipswich has a chronic problem. By the services and facilities available, one of the admission of the Minister for Education him­ main ones being public transport in the form self there is a desperate need for speech of buses. What is happening, of course, is therapists in particular. He virtually admitted that single-parent families are moving into that there are extensive waiting lists for both the vacated houses, and this is creating all speech therapy and remedial work. Almost sorts of social problems in Housing Commis­ every school in Ipswich is faced with the sion areas not only in Ipswich but also in problem of not being able to assist to the the Brisbane metropolitan area. 60 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

Accommodation for pensioners needs to be Zoonosis diseases are transferable from considered seriously and revised. In south­ animals to humans. The most common of eastern Queensland, which includes Ipswich, the diseases are Q fever, brucel1osis and about 400 pensioners are seeking Queensland leptospirosis. The only redeeming feature of Housing Commission accommodation. The ,the diseases is that apparently they are not waiting time is 18 months to two years and, contag,ious between humans. as a result, quite a number of pensioners die Let me look at the situll!tion that prevails before they are offered accommodation. Pen­ in places other than our supposedly progres­ sioners should not have to wait so long before sive State of Queensland. On the Federal being given accommodation. It is not unrea­ scene, some six years ago the Federal ALP sonable that they should have to wait a short Gov,ernment introduced measures tha;t pro­ time; they certainly should not have to wait 18 months to two years. If the Government v[ded adequate compensation provrsions for had set about spending some of the money its meat inspectorial staff. On a national that it failed to spend in the previous basis, Federal mea;t inspectors are covered financial year, such a large waiting list would by workers' compensation for .the effects of not have existed over the past 12 months. these diseases. Thi!!t action ensures that a meat inspector win continue to be com­ Pensioners and other members of the pensated for brucellosis, whether blood tests community are hit by increased costs, and are pos,itive or not. I shall refer to that price control is definitely an area of State aspect ag,ain later. Government responsibility. There has been a In February 1979 that progressive measure definite neglect in that respect; in fact, one was updated when the Federal Government could say that the Government has encour­ -a Tory Federal Government, by the way­ aged price increases, particularly in view of advised the medical profession that a meat the massive increases in the cost of gas and inspector was to be given the benefit of any electricity over the past three years. doubt when the doctor suspected that he or she had contmcted brucellosis. So Federal The Queensland Government has also dis­ meat inspeotors have not only compensation criminated against pensioners in respect of coverage but also advice from the Govern­ reciprocal travel arrangements between the ment to the medical profession. eastern States. It would cost the Government very little to grant that concession. Say a On a naHonal basis, the AMIEU is very Queensland pensioner travels interstate to concerned about this aspect of the industry Sydney and queues up with pensioners from in which it is involved. It is demanding other States for a package tour to Luna the same prov1s1ons for its members Park. That trip involves a ferry ride across throughout the industry. I challenge the the harbour, a tour of Luna Park itself and Minister for Labour Relations to convince a return journey by ferry or bus. There is the AMIEU and its members and their the recent case of a Queensland pensioner families, partkularly those who live in ,(he who queued up with a Victorian pensioner Ipswich area, as well as a host of other and both asked for a concession fare. The workers in the primary and transport indus­ Victorian was granted it, whereas the Queens­ tries, that they should not be treated as lander was told that, because Queensland does normal human beings and not be compens­ not give concessions to pensioners from ated for infections attributed to their southern States, he could not be given a con­ occupation. cession fare. This Government's penny­ The employers, through 'the Meat and pinching attitude has resulted in discrimin­ Allied Trades Federation, aJre arguing that ation of that type against Queensland mea~workers should use up their sick leave pensioners who visit southern States. That ,entitlements inst,ead of hav,ing compensation type of attitude makes it very difficult for cover similar to that of meat inspectors. The Queensland pensioners who travel interstate. discrimination extends further than that. The employers say that meatworkers should have An area of concern that has been ignored to use their sick leave, aithough meat and negelected by the Queensland Govern­ ,inspectors receive compensation. Why should ment for many years concerns zoonosis dis­ one sect,ion of ,an industry ~receive preferential eases. The Ipswich area contll!ins several 'treatment while a Large number of members meatwmks. Meatworkers are ,the pr,ime tar­ of the AMIEU are discrimina:ted against? gets for zoonosis diseases. They affect not That is not fair play. only meatworkers but other workers as well The Queensland Division of Public Health in the meat industry, whether they be rum! conducted a survey at a Brisbane meatworks workers, ~transport workers carting livestock and proved conclusively that meatworkers in or processers. This Government's inhuman Queensland do not ,receive justice in the area and callous attitude ,towards Queensland of occuoation heaith. The Government's workers, particularly meatworkers, concerns own department proved that. us. Zoonosis diseases have a devastating This is a question on which the State effect on the life-style of workers who con­ Government will not negotiate, and it will tract them. In faot, some workers who could not provide compensation for meatworkers not live any ,longer with the effects of the in this State. One of the Government's diseases have 1aken their own lives. own departments conducted a survey at a Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 61

Brisbane meatworks and indicated that meat­ Health Services to the secretary of the New workers are not receiving the benefits of South Wales Branch of the Meat Industry occupation-health provisions. That is why Employees' Union. The letter says- I am referring specifically to Brisbane. "Members of your Union have, over a Of 58 meatworkers with symptoms of number of years, assisted the Red Cross brucellosis, only six received compensation. Blood Transfusion Service by regularly In addition, none of 26 leptospirosis victims acting as blood donors. received workers' compensation. The par­ "The Blood Transfusion Service has ticular diseases were defined, but the victims recently conferred with the Health Com­ were deprived of workers' compensation. mission concerning the possible risks of transmitting Brucellosis or Q fever by With the exception of New South Wales, blood transfusion and because of the States are demanding positive pathology tests increased risk of abattoir employees being from patients suffering from zoonosis infected with these diseases, it has been diseases such as chronic brucellosis. I am decided that they should not in future be categorising New South Wales now. used as blood donors. Sydney medical practitioners were recently "I would be glad if you would convey interviewed on the subject of industrial health this information to your members with and brucellosis. In general terms, the medical the thanks of both the Health Commission practitioners lack background experience of and the Red Cross Blood Transfusion facto;y workers and abattoir workers. Even Service for their generous support in the in an area such as Ipswich where they are past." making continual contact with it, a number of medical practitioners fail to recognise the It was only yesterday that I learnt of a case symptoms. of both a husband and wife contracting zoonosis disease which laid them both off In spite of that, they make judgments about work for a considerable period. It had a the ability of workers to return to work. consequential traumatic effect on the finan­ These medical practitioners contend that cial and social aspects of their family life. members of their profession erect a false image of themselves as knowing all about That letter states that health authorities the matter. Doctors must be able to admit in New South Wales will not take blood that they do not know everything. donations from abattoir workers. It is not because all the workers are infected but The number of areas in the meat industry because the possibility of infection is there in which workers can become infected is and, through blood transfusions, infection amazing. I will cite some examples. Vets could spread among the community. or laboratory workers can become infected through obstetric procedures or calving. Recently, the export of feral pig carcasses Employees in skin sheds can become infected has been drawn to the attention of the because discharge can contaminate tails, skins community. Feral pigs are handled by meat­ and hides. Slaughterhouse labourers can workers, thereby exposing them to the risk become infected through handling parts of of infection. the animals such as hocks, which can infect The New South Wales Government has through fluids in their joints, or from clean­ legislated in an attempt to do something ing parts of the floor that are contaminated. about the disease and has told the medical Meat inspectors run the risk of infection profession in New South Wales how to from parts of an infected carcass that are recognise and diagnose the symptoms. In being examined. Pregnant cows, calving or New South Wales, compensation is paid. miscarriges in the yard, or cows excreting in dust, expose holding-yard employees to the In contrast, the Queensland Government risk of infection. is not even prepared to talk to the medical profession about it. It is not even prepared In fact in the Ipswich area, a school is virtually next to a holding yard and the dust to consider the matter. The Government is a very serious problem from time to .time, should appoint an officer in its Health so that the students as well as the adults in Department to make a complete study of that area are at risk. these diseases in the meat industry. As a State Government, it should do that in the Vaginal discharges from diseased cattle can interests of the workers and their families. contaminate trailers, so that transport drivers In one instance in New South Wales, a can be exposed to the risk of infection. young pregnant woman working in a meat­ Infection in the uterus or udder of a cow works was aborted when she contracted threatens slaughtermen handling those parts. a disease in the meatworks. The meat com­ They are also vulnerable to infection from panies are dodging the issue on the basis spillages. Maintenance workers run the risk that the production line would slow down if of infection from dust on equipment, which animals carrying the disease were treated. may be disturbed during maintenance. I repeat that the Government continues It is pertinent to note that a large num­ to ignore the situation and the Minister is ber of workers are blood donors. I quote not prepared to do anything about it. There a letter from the New South Wales Com­ have been discussions held between l\1inisters, missioner for Environmental and Special but at the moment they are stonewalling and 62 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

refusing to do anything about it. The people less than $70,000 would be requked to of Queensland should be told what is ensure those jobs for future generations of happening. a:aHway workers. The work that would have Another serious problem exists in Ipswich, been done by the foundry a;t this particular where it is probably more serious than in workshop has been sent •to two intersta:te other areas of Queensland. I refer to rising foundries. The Government is exponting prices and how they affect the family budget. Ipswich jobs to the southern Stllites. These There are also problems of a lack of job jobs 1nvolved making castings for the elec­ opportunities for people in Ipswich, particu­ trification program. larly young people, job security for those ht the end of this year thousands of already in work, for instance in the railways, young boys and girls will be applying for and the decrease in value in real terms of apprenticeships in South-east Queensland. wages, salaries and benefits. We find, for Only a few years ago approximately one ·in example, that in the employment field there six young people apply•ing for apprentice­ are approximately 75 young people for every ships in •the railways received one. Thes•e available job in Ipswich while the State days the ratio is about one in 1 000. So job average is something in the vicinity of 25 to 1. oppo11tuniNes for young people in •the rail­ Members can see from those figures that the ways are virtually non-existent. On past youth unemployment problem in the Ipswich experience, about two dozen apprenticeships area is very serious indeed. The Government will be offered to school-leavers this financial is not prepared to take any real initiatives in year. the Ipswich area to provide employment for I turn to the m&tter of the decrease in ,the young people. I can give them a suggestion value of wages, combined wi•th •increased here and now. The Golden Circle Cannery­ prices. This

The scheme is being ignored by is. of Victoria's, 80.1 per cent of Western Aust­ The effect of these changes has been to ralia's and 89.1 per cent of Tasmania's. It tie up around $170m of State funds in was only slightly more than that of South 1978-79. No wonder the States' indirect taxes Austra1ia. have sky-rocketed. One only has to look at While these comparisons should be recog­ the fees and charges of all departments to nised by the Commonwealth Government see that that is so. In the final analysis it in distributing revenue under the financial is the people of Queensland who pay. It arrangements and should support the case is the people who suffer. for a better deal, they also now raise serious Let it not be misunderstood by the elector­ questions a:bout the claims of this Govern­ ate that a vote for the Liberal Party will ment of how well off Queenslanders are mean a change. In fact, the events of this under the National/Liberal administration. Parliament have shown that whether it be To hear Government members speak, one a Liberal/National coalition or a National/ would think that the average Queenslander Liberal coalition, Queenslanders will get the 64 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) same shoddy, undemocratic deal. A vote for this because the Liberal Party of Queens­ the Liberal Party is a vote for Bjelke-Petersen land willingly and knowingly connives to and his neo-Nazi style standover tactics. sustain this iniquity." Whilst some Liberals do a lot of talking That is the view of a Liberal. He would not in the newspapers and on TV 3'bout their be acceptable to the Liberal Party in Queens­ land. op;~osition to Johannes Bjelke-Petersen, their record in Parliament shows that Bjelke­ Let us look at the Liberals and what they Petersen cannot implement his undemocratic have voted for, adopted, endorsed and programs without Liberal support; or, to enforced on the electorate's behalf. put it another way, if the Liberals voted (Time expired.) against Johannes's outlandish proposals, they would be defeated. None of that has occurred Dr LOCKWOOD (Toowoomba North) in the last three years. (9.33 p.m.): Earlier in this debate on the Appropriation Bill we heard a number of These are the facts. There are 82 mem­ wild accusations by the member for Wolston. bers of Parliament in Queensland. The I will examine them in fine detail tomorrow. National Party holds 34 of those seats. To \Vhat he has said cannot be expunged from have a matter passed by the House, he must the record, but I will compare the statements be able to control 42 votes (one more than he has made in relation to Toowoomba with half of the House of 82). All the controvers­ the truth and perhaps speak in greater detail ial, irresponsible, unpopular, totalitarian legis­ on them tomorrow or Thursday. Suffice it lation has been passed because the Liberals to say that his motives were purely political, have voted to support it. The Liberals have and I believe that the statements were made 25 votes; the ALP has 23 votes. purely to embarrass his lifelong enemy, If the Liberals were truly opposed to Lindesay Jones. I can say at this stage from Bje!ke-Petersen's actions on street my recollection of representations made at mal'ches, education, "Bellevue", SEl\riP, my electorate office that of all the names of MACOS, essential services legislation, persons he read out this evening only one of Tarong, e.Jectricity charges, the Ron Camm them has seen me. He was quite con­ appointment, etc., they have the right to vote cerned about paragraph 2 (a) of his mortgage with Labor and the total of 48 (25 + 23) agreement, which reads- votes would defeat these outlandish measures. "The Mortgagor shall whilst any money A search through the official record of remains outstanding and unpaid hereunder of parliamentary debates ("Hansard") shows pay to the Mortgagee interest thereon at that 99.9 per cent of the time all Liberals the rate of 14.00 per centum per annum vote with Bjelke-Petersen. On a rare calculated from the date of the advance occasion one or two cross the floor and vote and thereafter such interest shall be cal­ with Labor, but never in sufficient numbers culated and charged on monthly rests in to defeat the legislation. So this well­ accordance with the provisions of 'The orchestmted, highly publicised limited vote Money Lenders Acts 1916 to 1969'." against the Government gains the Liberals He was concerned about another matter, too. some form of respectability while allowing He feared that his mortgage agreement, which the undemocratic legislation to be adopted ran for five years only, could result in a and enforced. snap sale of his property if he was unable If we think the Liberal leader would be to pay out the loan in full or renegotiate a different from Bjelke-Petersen in Govern­ loan. I understand in his instance finance ment, we should remember that Dr Llew was arranged with a group called Permanent Edwards has always, without fail, voted with, Finance Company. It has to be pointed out, and for, Johannes Bjelke-Petersen and his however, that after he had entered into infamous legislation. If we need proof of arrangements with that company it wrote the concern felt by true Liberals over the vot­ to him offering a further loan for home ing record of the State's Liberals, a former improvements, which he accepted. He went national president of the Young Liberal to them and accepted a further loan and movement is on record as describing the entered into arrangements to further improve Queensland National/Liberal Government his home. as follows--- I remember his problem very well. He had "They are a pack of cronies who are pre­ a perfectly legal document. H was duly pared to destroy police reports and lie signed and witnessed. He had his solicitor, the about it ... who are prepared to try and railway credit union solicitor, act for him, turn the police into a political tool and and he did all of this before he saw me. who see the workers in trade unions not He took advantage of offers that Peter Kurts as people, but as potential victims to be and PFC make to attract home buyers who used for the purpose of political confronta­ have very little to offer by way of deposit tion. when they seek to buy a home. A person with a low deposit of $1,000 or $1,500 cannot "The Premier daily brought public approach a building society. However, by contempt on parliamentary Government approaching PFC and Peter Kurts, he can and the democratic process. obtain a mortgage over five years, and it is "But that is not the tragedy-the tragedy a general condition that is offered on many is that he only manages to get away with mortgage loam today. It allows review of Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 65

the iuterest after five years. At the end of As I said, he can move wi,th the Leader five years also, if the home purchaser has of ~he Opposition to have the ALP can­ managed to get some equity in the home, didate, who is the solicitor for Peter Kurts, he can use that equity as a deposit to disendorsed. If Opposition members feel refinance a loan with another finance strongly about it, they can move for his corporation. expulsion fmm the Labor PaJity. Now we It is one way of getting a home on a very will put the member for Wolston to some low or absolute minimum deposit. There is, test as to the merit of his comments and of course, a danger, and the danger is that his feelings for the people whom he claims the person who is buying the home needs his heart bled for. to have an assured income to meet the repay­ ments. A person may not have, as part of Mr Bourke: Wouldn'rt you say that he is that deal, accident, skkness or unemploy­ a pretty poor messenger boy for Lindesay ment insurance. He certainly should have Jones in Toowoomba? He didn',t do a very the mortgage debt covered for fire and good job. other damage. I point out that anvone enter­ ing into the Queensland Housing Commission Dr LOCKWOOD: He didn't do a good rental.-purchase plan will need a much larger job at all. I will read "Hansard" 'to com­ d~posrt before the commission will accept pare his statements and accusations with ,fhe him, even though the Government is assist­ known truth. ing with a Government-subsidised interest If the Labor P~rty does not make that rate that allows lower repayments. move, it shows that i:ts declabbs) and the Leader of the Opposition commercial, industrial, agricultural and (Mr Casey) to move for the disendorsement defence needs. The Federal Government of Joe Sciacca, the ALP candidate for could be doing far more than it has done to Ipswich, who is also the solictor who dmws ensme tha't Australia survives in 'the field up the mortgage agreements for Peter Kurts. of transpo11t. _Mr Bourke: Wouldn't you say that Mr Some very real problems have arisen. G1bbs treated those four people downstairs When Mr Fif,e was ~the responsible Minister with the utmost contempt and bad manners he advocated the introduction of what when we were down there at about 6 o'clock? beoame known as :the Fife package. It was favoured greatly by the service-station Dr LOCKWOOD: I thought so. opera:tors throughout Australia. He plugged for three points: firstly, no price discrimina­ Mr Bourke: He just walked off laughing. tion between 1he prices at which bulk fuel was offered :to company-owned, company­ Dr LOCKWOOD: I continued to talk to leased and privately owned and operated them. I must say that I had never seen some service stations; secondly, no company retail of them before. One man I had met before­ outlets; and, thirdly, moves to end harsh only one. Mr Gibbs sees them as something and unconscionable contracts as they applied of a political football to be kicked round, -in the service stations. and he is not interested in solving their Mr Fife believed that a service-st,ation problems. lease should offer security of ,tenure, that 92144-3 66 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) retrospectivity should always be considered Dr LOCKlVOOD: If it cannot inject real­ and that compensation should be considered ism into its decisions, delib~ ·atio;-:o and when a lease was resumed. recommendations, it is time it went. Mr Bmns: You know he made his mind I will I'OW refer to onc of the things about up two years after the royal commission had which it is being unreal. At various times it recommended the same things? Why did he has m.1de recommendations on price increases. wait two years? Various companies can sell petrol at their outlets below that recommended price. If Dr LOCKWOOD: I do not doubt he con­ they can do that, they arc either robb:ng the sidered it. \\"hat concerns me is that, the leased and privately owned outlets in favour royal commission having sat and he having of their own company-operated, company­ made up his mind, he was not allowed to managed outlets or they are telling lies to the proceed. PJT about the real price of petrol ex refinery. Mr Burns: Because of the donations the Liberal Party collects from the oil com­ JVIr Burns: What about the doctors who panies-- charge more than the recommended fee? Dr LOCKWOOD: It is not in my pocket. It is quite empty. Dr LOCKWOOD: They have that rig!1t and the patient has the right not to pay the Mr Burns: You sold out the farmers and account. The patient can make his own the retailers. choice. Dr LOCKWOOD: I doubt very much If the PJT wants to be real, one of the whether the Libeml Party would have got as things it should do is find the lowest price at much a~ the Labor Party got from ACTU­ which petrol has been sold in bulk ex refinery, Solo and its sweetheart deals. declare that that is the going price and maintain that price until the oil companies Mr Burns: Any time you like to get the can demonstrate, with facts and figures, that Liberal Pa•rty books and compare them with there needs to be an increase. There could the Labor Par.ty books on oil company be, at the refinery, a deliberate overpricing of dona~ions, we wiU put you to the ·tes•t. fuel of somewhere between 3c and 6c a litre. Dr LOCKWOOD: If :the honourable 1\'Ir Burns: That is what the royll com­ member can arrange ,that, I would be pleased mission found. to look at them. Mr Burns interjected. Dr LOCKWOOD: And I reckon that it is still right. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Miller): Order! The honourable member wi11 have Harsh and unconscionable contrac!s apply an opportunity to participate in this debate. to service stations, shopping centres and hire­ purchase agreements in various forms. The Dr LOCKWOOD: Several attempts have company-managed site operators are looking been made by the large multinational com­ to a large volume of sales and do not really panies to squeeze private operators out of care how they get it. They resort to a great their service stations. Some have backed down many things, such as gifts and gimmicks, and and withdrawn but, following the recent Com­ free car washes had to be one of them. The monwealth decisions relating to service leased site where the operator looks to a stations, a new ball game has emerged. profit rather than a wage has been discrimin­ ated against. Quite often that operator is I am sorry to say that Caltex, which was paying a definite 3c a litre more than the formerly quite a good oil company, has now fellow selling the same brand from a com­ resorted to putting the weights on the small pany-owned and company-managed site. private service station operators by removing their tanks and pumps. Caltex has given Why is there this problem? Part of the notice to a man in Toowoomba that that is sop that this country was fed about the time what it aims to do. Prior to that, I thought Labor lost Government in this State was that that Caltex was playing the game as fairly as we should do everything with petrol. It has possible with its service station outlets. perhaps been the biggest mistake the coalition Government has made. Oil company greed I believe that the Prices Justification Tri­ has seen the oil companies in liaison with bunal needs to thoroughly re-examine all of motor vehicle manufacturers to increase the its deliberations on fixing what it considered size of engines. Everybody entered the horse­ to be the base cost of petrol. power race and the humble Holden ended up with a 5 litre V8 engine. The people's car Mr Burns: Do you know that Dr Edwards wants the Prices Justification Tribunal was O.K. while there was cheap petrol. abolished? Cheap crude was also associated with a very high mark-up by the oil companies and this Dr LOCKWOOD: So do L I do not believe [ed them to spy on each other~industrial that it is doing a good job at all. sabotage-and build sites where anybody Mr Burns: You just asked that it do some­ had reasonable sales, so there was a pro­ thing. You had better make up your mind. liferation of serv.ice station outlets, far more Appropriation Bill (No. 1) (19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 67

than this country ever needed or deserved. I am totally opposed to any form of With the rise in the price of crude 1here monopoly. I am just as opposed to the was, of course, a reil!! search by the motor­ multinational monopoly of the oil retail ing public to find out what size motor they business as I am oto Government nationa,lisa­ needed, \\"hether they really needed a 5 litre tion, socialisation or monopolization of that VS in rhe family sedan to transport one same industry. The multinationals have their person or whether they could manage with •role; they are good at it. I do not think a smaller motor. they are good at retailing, as their record in Poiicies introduced by the Fedeml Gov­ this country proves. I believe greater ernment have already led to a 10 per cent economies can be made if we keep them out drop in petrol sales around the nation, and of the reta,il business. I believe greater so the service 9tation boom is over. Economy economies can be made ,to force down the is the name of the game, and the oil com­ real price of all petrol as it leaves the panies canno:t play that game with 1the refinery gate and allow various forms of dis­ number of sites they have. It has been counting for bulk and bulk ,transport. mooted that the fuel war will close dealers, and this is exactly what the major oil com­ I would now like to address myself to panies want. They want the leased and some of the things that are happening with priv:.~tely owned sites to go broke. One workers' compensation in this State. One fellow closed his pumps and put a sign on problem that has long existed in this St,ate them which read, "This pump is being closed and, indeed, throughout the world is that a because of price discrimination." He closed great many of the more seriously tation operators out of business. tion payment in the first week after their There h3.s to be a subsidy in it somewhere injury. I know that a free-enterprise Gov­ if that is in faot what is done. ernment is supposed to stand up and scream It is my belief that many of these people free enterprise for everything. A free-enter­ arc doing a paper entry and buying their fuel prise police force does not work, neither at the refinery in Brisbane. They make a does a free-enterprise road system. One pape:· entry of a run to the Tweed, another cannot buv a little bit of railway track, pap.:; entry of an unloading at the Tweed, carry it around in a port and lay it where another ~nt,ry of a transfer at ,(he Tweed, one wants to go. Some things have to be :moll er paper entry of a run back to Bris­ done by big organisatiom, and sometimes b;me c,rrd the fuel then goes to Ipswich. But •wvemments do them best. I think this is ail 1h:" time it has never done more than ~!early the c2se with \VOrkers' compensation. the km to the Ipswich depot. People in Queensland might complain about In ad,!iiion, I believe that a great many the rates chargcd for v, orkers' compensation, tru:k' c:re operating in absolute defiance of but they are much lower than those charged our law. Under our law trucks are not in New South Wales and Victoria where allowed to proceed ful'ther west than Gatton private industry, through insurance comp­ withoc:t a special permit from the Transport anies, runs the compensation schemes. Our DeD:Ir::n(;at. I believe thaJt a lot of these record of payments is much better, too. All bulk jobbers are operating in absolute too often in the South an injured worker defi:mce- of that law. I also believe they has to v, .1it for a lump-sum settlement until may be coming from another site. As yet I he is totally rehabilitated after a serious do not have the evidence I need to make injury. It might take It to two years before any Hnnouncement on that. he receives his first cent of compensation. 68 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

That is simply not good enough for a man Mrs KYEURZ (Salisbury) (10.5 p.m.): We w.ho is trying to feed his family and meet are daily confronted with the evidence of h1s othe:-- commitments for clothing, housing the emergence of economic unce.rtainty, both and vanous hire-purchase agreements. here and abroad, and the assumptions and The member for Ipswich West spoke at expectations of a generation of Australians great length about the various meatworks from the late 40s to the early 70s about fevers. I think that sometimes doctors do work, affluence, security, the role of Gov­ ernment and correct economic theory have to not ~ake an adequate history when they are treatmg a man who could have meatworks a large degree come undone because of that fever. Not enough detail is gone into. I uncertainty. can remember one man who came into the Growth, greater self-sufficiency, more Ipswich General Hospital, where most of the equitable distribution of income and of wel­ meat workers who get sick go. One can find fare servkes, and the commitment of stcl'ong meatworks fever in people by the most and powerful allies can no longer be depended obscure methods. One of the things that has on as they once were. The good years of not been mentioned is that a worker can historically unprecedented growth of the 50s get meatworks fever by dl'inking water from and 60s may perhaps have happened because the wrong taps at the Bremer meatworks. of wise and sound political and economic The kiHing floor is washed down and the decision-making. However, they may well have water is recycled. It contains impurities happened because of the incidental develop­ and infections. If any person strange to the ment which took place in Australia at that meatworks and not knowing the system drinks time. Although the onset of our ecOI!lomic from the yellow taps, he almost certainly uncertainties seemed abrupt in the mid 1970s, will get meatworks fever. So a person does the evidence of the coming stresses was not need to be a meatworker with a knife already developing in the world economy in in his hand to get these fevers. the late 60s and the early 70s. It is true that they are spread by dust. The difficu1ty then, as now, is how to read our experience and how to pursue There have also been accidental inocula­ goals for the future. Do we persist with tions with the OXK 19 strain. People who the theory strongly held in some quarters in have been inoculating animals have, through response to the changing world of change at th~ merest scratch, inoculated themselves. I amy price, or do we realise that supply and thmk that they are entitled to compensation. demand are powerful fo.rces, but it is not I am afraid that some of the people who necessarily clear what drives or changes have come to my electorate office seeking them? information about meatworks fevers have The free trade philosophy, as an alternative not had all the necessary tests done. This to Government intervention, cannot guar­ makes it extremely difficult in retrospect to antee reasonable equity or expanding market decide whether they have 'or have not had forces and .response. Consumers are no acute meatworks infection. Probably the longer so easily tempted into pushing the Workers' ~ompensation Board should put a economy along. I say "Bravo" for that lot :rr:ore tlm~ and ei!ergy into informing the change. People have increased their savings w9rkmg pubhc, particularly those associated as a proportion of their earnings. However, with the meat, cattle and sheep industries prices have increased as a response. Sharp about the risks, dangers, early symptom~ rises in fuel costs are changing property a.nd what. they should ask the doctor, par­ values, increasing transpol't and tmvelHng ticularly If they are sick from a fever or costs, reducing net earnings and adding to illness. the cost of job-hunting for the unemployed. I very much doubt whether the member for There is a need now for the future planning Ipswich West is asking for compensation both on a national and State basis. What for every meatworker who is ill with flu or might be the national goals or, indeed, uni­ an ordinary virus or any fever that did not versal goals or universal values as we see dev~lop purely as a result of his work. If them? The most important job now, I he IS, that would flow on to the whole of the believe, for any Government is to attack working population and reduce the workers' a:rrd overhaul the whole taxation system as compensation payments available to those we know it in Australia. On the admission who were severely and genuinely ill as a of the Federal Treasury, 80 per cent of result of their work. all taxation revenue is paid into the Federal Treasury by wage and salary earners. That T~ese are a few of my comments in ,relatiOn to the Appropriation Bill. I con­ leaves only 20 per cent to be paid in from gratulate the Treasurer on a job well done. companies and other sources. After all, there I believe he is facing a very difficult time has to be a realisation on the part of the as a result of the cut-backs in revenue public, as it is I believe a great realisation caused by the prolonged coal strike. It is on the part of every member of Parliament, not of his making but it will severely affect that we need wealth for welf:are. There is his ~ork. I. do not doubt that day by day always a trade-off in a:ny form of economic he IS lookmg at that Budget and seeing necessity. the amounts dwindlLng and seeking for ways What then could be our nat&onal goals? to save another few million dollars. I First of all, they should be growth and wish him all the best in his deliberations wealth. Some would say that in a con­ and I hope that the strike is soon ended: servative society that would not be a primary Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AuGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 69

national goal. Secondly, I see a need fa.r being innovative and totally changing our a greater equity-power-sharing and par­ present aspect and conditioning towards ticipation-botn within Australia and within work. I believe that the increased wealth our Asian neighbourhood. I believe that the from this high technology /high growth difference between the haves and the have­ scenal'io will be used to fund a more equit­ nets in Australia is getting far wider than able society. I also foresee a national super­ an economv the size of Australia's should annuation scheme for a guaranteed minimum have. Thirdly, there should be ecological bal­ income as part of our commitment to min­ ance and national development. Fourthly, orities and individuals. there should be national self-determination. Aus,tralians must decide where Australia is Local control of resources ,is a must-a going. Fifthly, there should be recommital must for the whole of Australia. Develop­ to the value of the indhddual, which means ment must be equitably controlled locally. recognising human rights-indeed, the rights I also believe that the mechanism of local of minority groups, the rights of blacks and ownership through a national superannuation the rights of other people who have, I scheme 1is extremely important. We must, in believe, suffered under the economic cir­ other words, channel superannuation funds cumstances in which we now see ourselves. into the development of resources that we We must also realise that those human beings have in Australia, instead of looking over­ have different needs and different associations seas for capital. The generation of Austral­ on an economic basis from some of those ian capital is extremely important. In th.e that we profess. future it will probably be very difficult, as ~t has been 1in the past, to generate Australian As a consequence of those national goals, capital, but I believe that at least 20 per ce~t in an overall economic context, how would participation is presently available, were It we then see the future, or indeed how stoked up by Government sanction for insur­ should we see the future in this high growth, ance companies and superannuation funds high technology scenario. to ,invest in such developments. New wealth We now have an opportunity to turn the generation also must be used to reposition development of our favourable energy Austra:lia as a supp.Uer to the information position to the benefit of large numbers of economy, both domestically and in o.ur Australians. We have also a second major neighbouring regions. That includes Asia, development in the tertiary sector, that is, which I believe will be the most important in the information economy, which has an economic future for Australia. immense benefit capacity. I believe that the As a State and as a nation, we must informat,ion economy is the scenario of the espouse a commitment to a national policy future for Australia. We do not have a great of full employment and full personal activity. deal at the present time, but we will be That does not mean everyone packing his able to buy information from abroard. liUle lunch and trundling off to work. It Thirdly, I believe that we should aim to could mean people staying in their homes, marry these in a high energy /high technology having purchased this high-technology infor­ scenario so that ecological balance is mation economy that will be poss,ible in the improved in the long term. future. It will only be a few years before Our future determination lies in not going people working in the computer field will back to agrarian values but in going for­ be able to stay at ,home and do their work. ward. How then will we come to this infor­ Therefore, as I said earlier, we must look mation economy scenario? In the future very carefully at this high-technology. scen­ education will be of primary importance in ario, particularly in the field of education. the overall economic scenario. First of all, As to energy-the whole future of the we will have user-run or consumer-run edu­ energy policy of Australia, and primarily of cat,ion. All of us will participate in this Queensland, must be turned to the value­ education process, because I believe it will added system of taxation and of energy, We be far more ongoing than it has been in must not just dig up coal and sell it; we the past. The use of computers will be must sell it as a primary energy source. extremely widespread. That will allow par­ ticipation in decision-making. It could well JVI:r V:mghan: Well! be vhat in the future individuals will have Mrs KYEURZ: What is so new about a microfiche. They will be allowed to that? participate and play their particular role in decision-making by placing their decision Mr Vaughan: You have been reading my on the microfiche and then allowing it to notes. be fed into a central computer bank. Thus, Mrs KYEURZ: If the honourable member everyone will have his say. It could be on could read my scribble, I would suggest that a more simple basis. he had been reading mine. The future scenario for the use of com­ There are indeed great problems for the puters in the educational field is very future, and I believe that each and every one widespread and indeed very exciting. I also of us who lives in this society has helped tp see extended opportunities for personal devel­ cause them. Among them are the problems of opment and leisure by buying this informa­ social stress and cultural stress. We have tion scenario. This economy of the future will problems of demography, of an ageing provide new and interesting jobs simply by population; problems of people who will still 70 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) turn blind eyes to the fact that we have a Boonah, Kilcoy, Landsborough, Moreton, multicultural society in Australia, people who Biggenden, Kingaroy, Mundubbera, Perry, are still saying, "This is a white-majority Tiaro, \Voongarra, Nebo, Croydon, Rich­ country and nobody else is welcome." That mond, Bulloo, Bendemere, Cambooya, Chin­ is just not on any more. It is a multicultural chilla, Clifton, Glengallan, Inglewood, society, with its inherent stresses and its Murilla and Rosenthal. The Treasury has to equally inherent benefits. Obviously, then, the increase the local government grants to those great debate of the future will be on the shires-the cost would probably amount to social contract between wealth and growth $1.4m-to allow a 25 per cent rebate in for future welfare and for resource develop­ them as a starting point. That would be most ment. useful. Obviously sweeping and wide I must say, though, that another one of the changes would be unacceptable in the overall fears of the future must be the balance economic context of restraint. between man and the environment. After all, Today I have listened with interest to we have seen bio-engineering taken to a this debate, particularly to the contributions rather high degree, and the recent concern from Opposition members. For six years about plant breeders' rights must put that in I have sat in this Chamber and listened to its true perspective. However, it does offer a the ALP attacking the Premier. Not that I hope for a more finely tuned human being in have not done so myself! He was the usual the long run and, one would think, a more focus of the Opposition's attack. highly evolved human being. That is, of course, if one believes in evolution, which An Opposition Member: Not today. most intelligent people do. The next worry of the future is in social Mrs KYBURZ: No, not today. Today we administration. How are we going to govern have seen a totally different proposition. further education? I believe that the future Indeed, one senses either a panic or a group of further education will be in using the not being led. Every speaker from the school as a social resource centre. In my Opposition side has either squeaked, grunted opinio•1, the school will be the centre of a or droned a criticism of the Liberal Party­ community's activities. It will not only have except the honourable member for Archer­ the central computer controls for that area; field, who took up outside points. it will also have the resources to allow people to barter both their knowledge and things I demand to know, and I believe that the that they may manufacture or make­ rank and file of the ALP will demand to potiery, and so on. know, whether a sweetheart agreement has been entered into between the Deputy Leader \Ve must also be concerned about the of the Opposition (Mr D' Arcy) and the apathy and alienation of large sections of National Party on the a!l:ocation of prefer­ our society at present. That is the sort of ences. In a debate on this Appropriation thing that allows groups such as the League Bill, a debate dealing with the appropriation of Rights to breed, fester, multiply and turn of money for good government in this State, into a stench that disgusts me. \Ve must also we must raise the question of the blatant be concerned that these very same subversive decision to allocate out of the blue a groups are attacking the values and expecta­ research assistant to the Deputy Leader of tions of society. Our major concern must the Opposition. Nobody knew about it. The be motivating people-motivating every Deputy Leader of the Opposition is, after person, in fact-to be part of the high­ all, only a back-bench member of Parliament. technology society. I must say now that, as far as the future I ask if this blatant act of political oppor­ of the Liberal Party is concerned, the major tunism, which is being spoken about openly point I would like to see come up for Budget in some sections of the ALP-it dep;:nds decision is rate remission for pensioners. whether one is new guard, old gu:ud, mud­ Bec~:use, as I said earlier, income is inequit­ guard, front guard or rear guard-is part ably distributed in society at present, and is of the pay-off cle:'l! bc:ing entered into on most inc'quitably distributed in the case of preferences by the National Party and Mr pei1sicmers, I have recommended to the D' Arcy, most p.riicularly in ~he South Treasurer that major concessions be given in Coast seat. Is this part of the ploy to rates. at least for aged pensioners. There are cmure that ALP seats are propped up in anomali.:s in the local gov~rnm~ni sphere order to pr-:Yent the Liberal Party w!nning at pressnt because of a complete lack of uni­ them? If that is so, then the concern of formity in rate-remission schemes for the average ALP voter, which is being pcnsior,ers throughout the State. expressed at the moment, is justified. A true Labor man will be horrified to learn Although local authorities have available of this sweetheart deal. And public it will to thl'm two types of scheme-deferred con­ be, because it seems now that this once cessions and write-off concessions-too manv great party is up for sale. I berate that fact. shires still are not using either of those schemes. I have outlined in my position paper ALP branch members would indeed be the deferred scheme. I think that could prob­ incensed at knowledge of this deal entered ably be put to more use in other shires. Some into behind their backs with their traditional shires do not give any rate rebate at all to opponent, Mr Bjelke-Petersen. I predict that pensioners. Those shires include Beaudesert, there will be a revolt in the rank and file of Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 71

tl1e Labor Partv at such a disgraceful, dis­ I'i!r BURNS (Lyt:on) (10.27 p.m.): It tasteful deal. If r>ir D' Arcy has perpetrated would seem to me that the Liber:ll Party this dcaJ, the National Party and the Labor is running very scared tonight in this P2r1ia­ Party will have trouble keeping it quiet. ment, and the speech by the member for Sali~bury is an indication of the fears con­ What is certain is that out of the blue Mr fronting th;: Liben! Party as it faces this D' Arcv has received an additional staff election. mcmb~r. i do not know what his pay is. However, obviously it would be quite sub­ I should like to spend a little time look­ stantial. Probably it will be the pay of a ing at \he Liberal leader, if I may. I am told t<:achcr >vho has been teaching for eight year:; b1 the Liberal member for Salisbury that or so. Perhaps Mr D'Arcy could tell us the Libe!'als intend to give the electors a what his staff member's pay is. I believe choice. Let us have a look at the Liberals' that an additional staff member has never choice-Dr Edwards, vhe leader. As I under­ before been offered to a Deputy Leader of stand it, he w:ts elected as a result of a the Opposition, \\ ho, as I said, is only a move to dump Bill Knox which was planned back-bench member after all. while Mr Knox was at his mother's funeral. One must say that the Leader of the Government Members interjected. Opposition is quite entitfed to have staff. However, whatever the precise nature of the reward given to .tvlr D'Arcy, or indeed to Mr Mr BURNS: They should not run away Casey, one thing is certain: any attempt to from it because \\hen we S•Val't to talk about channel ALP preferences to the National Dr Ed\\ards and his leadership we must Party will probably spontaneously be rejected remember that people in the Labor Party by the ALP voters, anyway. I must say and people throughout 'lhe community that my informant was indeed a person in a expect to see a man have the guts to face Labor Party branch and, as members of the up to others and not do things behind their Opposition will know, women do talk. backs. For .the moment, Jet us have a look at Immedi.aiely after Dr Edwards was the other party 'in this deal of preference­ elected as the leader he promised to sharing. That is, of course, the National reshuffle the Cabinet. One of the ·loudest Party. As we approach this election, whh voices sing.ing out in the back belonged to the Liberals having announced that they one of the people who helped him ,to do in intend to give the eleotomte a choice­ Mr Knox on the promise of a Cabinet that is, someone to vote for if they have appointment. Let me d~eal with the Cabinet found the National Party conduct unaccept­ reshuffle tha·t he prmmsed. able to 'them~panic has suddenly set in. We read 'in "rhe Courier-Mail" in Paranoia is so widespread it is funny. December 1978 tha:t the Liberals' action After all, that is an area where the man, Dr Llew Edwards, was ,to announce the National Party is most experienced, that is, ne\v Ministers the following day. "The in finding a way out, in rationalising situa­ Courier-MaH" said tiha't Bill Hewitt was jn tions. It did this in the seat of South and Mr Greenwood was out. The public Coast in 1969. l believe 'that, in 1969, a was told through Liberal-inspired Press leaks de_d was done with preferences and Mr that this was Dr Edwards taking control Hinze's preferences were to go to the ALP and making his ma•rk. and vice versa. In i.ts bleating about We were told not to expect a swap of coa1ition harmony, coalitionis,ts first, and so portfolios between Health and ~reasury, on, \vho comes out as the wo'fSt coalition between Knox and Edwards. That was not party? One can only ask that. on; that was not to happen. That \'\as Not only may this deal expose the two reported in the newspapers. If any member participants for what they really are but also wants to read them, I have '!he cutt.ings may it ·reveal the Nat·ional PaPty as a party here. of political expediency. ~he National Party Queenslanders were told also that Bill "·ouM have us beiieve that i·t is the only Knox would not be honoured with a kni~t­ party of integri,ty, that it provides the major hood. This man who savs that 'the Liberals opposit,ion to the socialist Labor PaPty, that will not be a party ,to National Party control it provides the political puri.ty that guaran­ is reported in the P·ress as having discussed tees fi,rm opposition to the ALP and a the ministry twice in eight hours with the continuation of our Queensland way of life Premier, the Nat·ional Party leader, Mr via Eric Butler. It has been alleged in the Bjelke-Petersen. media, however, that there has been a deal between Mr Hinze and Mr D'A,rcy for an What happened? There was no Cabinet exchange of preferences in that seat. I mus·t reshutne, Mr Knox and Dr Edwards swapped say that that could well expose them both portfoLios, Mr Bjelke.Petersen was reported for what they are. The Labor Party­ to have clearly outmanoeuvred ,the Liberal National Party grand plan must be exposed Leader and BiJ.l Knox became Sir Willi

Mr Bjdke•Petersen was so pleased to have Mr BURNS: With due respect to Mr clearly outmanoeuvred the Liberal leader, as Deputy Speaker, I could not answer that he has done on every occasion since, that question. he 8aid in "The Australian Financial Then 20 days later it was announced that Review"- the action man was again not ready to act. "! am pleased he co-operated with me "The Liberal reshuffle is not on yet." That fuliy and I am pleased he is as dedicated was 23 September 1979. Energy Edwards, as and determined to make the Coalition they told us he was, had now become Lethar­ functio.n as I am." gic Llew. What did his party think of him? If he had heard the speech made here a In January 1980 the Young Liberals hit out moment ago by Mrs Kyburz he would not and said that they- have thought she was interested in the " ... were awaiting a tangible display coalition, but her leader was recommended of his capacity to lead the party." to us by the Premier as a coalitionist. That was the Young Liberals talking about Let us go a little further. "I am pleased the leader in January this year, awaiting a he co-operated with me fully", said Mr tangible display of his capacity to lead the Bjelke-Petersen. That was the first abo,rtive party. The Minister for Aboriginal and Island step to give the Liberal Cabinet a new Llew ,Affairs, Mr Porter, said he did not think Edwards image. Then in March 1979, three Dr Edwards would make as good a Premier or four months later, the papers trumpeted as Mr Bjelke"Petersen. That is loya1ty from that Liberal action man Dr Llew Edwards his own front bench. That is the measure was again to act. Lickiss and Greenwood of the leadership of the man. "The Aus­ were to be axed on this occasion and the tralian Financial Review" quoted one Liberal new people to come in were Hewitt, Lame back-bencher as saying of his leader that "he and Akers. They were all to be promoted. had a mandate for a dramatic change but "What the Liberal leader planned to do was did nothing". The Liberal member for Towns­ maJnipulate around the back bench, get a ville, Dr Scott-Young, accused Dr Edwards few of 1hem here and there getting the idea of having failed to stand up for his members that they might be Cabinet Minis,ters and ,in Cabinet. He went on to say- as a result they will all stand up and help ",I often wonder if the Liberal Party their friend Llew in his campaign against does not sell a portion of its soul every Joh." time one of its members is elected to Dr Edwards: You didn't stay too long cabinet, and loses his identity to the will as Leader of the Opposition. of the coalition Premier." That ,is Dr ScoH-Young, one of the back­ Mr BURNS: I had four years as Leader bench members who Dr Edwards professes of the Opposition. Let me say this to you, to lead into government. It says a lot for Doctor, that if I were you I would do the all the Cabinet Ministers, not only Dr same thing as I did; I would step down, Edwards when Dr Scott-Young said that because you are a failure in your position; each and every one of the Liberals who went you are a disgrace to the position you hold. into that Cabinet sold a little bit of his soul. If Mr Bjelke-Petersen handles the Liberals Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Miller): after the next election as he has done in Order! The honourable member will address the past and if the coalition is unfortunately the Chair. returned, I believe Peter McKechnie will probably be the Treasurer or, if not, it will Mr BURNS: All right. Through you, he be Tony Elliott. But there wHl be a National ought to stand down. Party Treasurer. The National Party took After those great :wticles and all the news­ Transport away last time and the next one paper stories tha1 were leaked, what hap­ will be the Treasury. Dr Edwards's desire to pened? Dr Llew Edwards failed to act again! remain in Cabinet and in the coalition above There was no reshuffle of the Cabinet. Let all things and at any cost proves that Dr us now go on to September 1979---

the next three months attacking and which The Deputy Premier did not deny it in the they have already spent the last six weeks paper. He decided at that time to ignore attacking. this particular matter; but the deal was pro­ Already the people of Queensland have posed down at The Lodge. After the dis­ been given an assurance by the Liberal State cussions down there, I might say that I can President that the coalition will come together understand his anger when his own Federal again. The Liberal leader has already told leader, Mr Fraser, did a deal with the us that he does not expect his party to be Premier over the election date and did not able to win on its own, that if it is to govern even consult him. The Liberals were left in this State it will have to govern in coaliton right out of the arrangement and Dr with the National Party. So people should Edwards had to come out in the newspapers be reminded of that and I will remind them again to complain that the Liberal Party of it right throughout the State. The Liberal Federal leader was not taking any notice of Party is campaigning on the basis that the him or consulting him over election matters. people they are now attacking, the people The people of Queensland share the feelings they want to get rid of, will be their hand­ of back-bench Liberals, the Young Liberal in-hand partners in coalition after the elec­ movement and others of the Treasurer's poor tion. leadership qualities. Dr Edwards: You will collapse as soon as Dr Edwards: You must be very worried. you have pressure put on you again. Mr BURNS: I think the Deputy Premier is Mr BURNS: Is that right, dear doctor? worried. When the Liberals cook up stories As the "Telegraph" reported in June 1979, like that one about 57 per cent in the paper one Liberal speaking on the withdrawal from this morning and the member for Salisbury the coalition said that the Liberal Party gets handed a speech tonight to attack some did not have the principle or the guts to do sort of fancy deal we are supposed to be it. The Deputy Premier has not got the doing with preferences, I think they are principle or the guts to withdraw from the worried-and they should be. Anyone who coalition and he has not got the guts to stand has been involved in party politics for some up to the Premier on any of the issues on time would know that they shot their bolt which he has failed in the past. too early. At the Liberal conference they made all of those statements through Dr Dr Edwards: I would not say too much Herron about how they were going to take on about the strength of anybody, because you the National Party, how they were going have not too good a record in that regard. to defeat the National Party and how Dr Edwards was going to become Premier. But Mr BURNS: I will be around and I will most people do not believe them. be able to take it on the chin. I will not do people in when they are at their mother's Most people see the Liberal Party as a funeral. I will stand up to them face to face very weak party. They do not believe that, whenever they want to. collectively, the Liberals have been prepared Another Press article stated that Liberal to take anyone on. They think of Tarong, Party strategists said that Dr Edwards has Iwasaki, the Bellevue, street-march legisla­ an infuriating habit of qualifying every pub­ tion and attacks on churchmen. They think lic statement he makes. After the Deputy to themselves, "How many times did we see Premier had had a Press conference stating the Liberal Party do something about it?" how he was going to reform the Parliament, We know that on every occasion they would we found that he spent most of the time have to say to themselves, "They didn't." apologising for it. That is a report from Quentin Dempster of the "Telegraph". The Mr Blake: Wasn't it a Liberal who called Deputy Premier refused to be drawn on them the doormat party? questions associated with the coalition and he ran away from it. That is part of his normal Mr BURNS: That is right. The director practice. of the Liberal Party called them the doormat party. He said that in January this year­ At this time members were not flocking to just recently. the Liberal Party. A country vice-president of. the Liber!ll Party, Mr Kevin Coughlan, Someone spoke about surveys. I like to res1gned and 1t was reported that membership look at surveys. Here is one that refers to in Queensland had slumped from 10 000 to a swing to Joh. It talks about leadership 5 000. In all of its troubles today with the qualities. It says- old guard and the new guard, the ALP has "A survey of swinging voters looking more members than that. for strong leadership qualities found that Malcolm Fraser obviously has little regard only 8 per cent, or 8 out of every 100 for "Noddy". After the Liberal Convention surveyed, thought that Dr Edv,ards would h:~d decided on a separate Senate ticket the be a strong leader." doctor, Mrs McComb and others all fle:.V to Eight out of a hundred! I would hang my a sec;-et meeting at The Lodge in Canberra head in shame if I ever got eight out of to discuss the Senate ticket and a deal to do a hundred. This is the man we are told is away with and bypass the original decision the only Liberal worthy of leadership. It that '.vas made at the Liberal Convention. doesn't say much for the others. Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 75

Let me quote a few of Dr Edwards's state­ Mail" reports that there is a public rela­ ments on Cabinet and the coalition- tions staff of 60 journalists and a multi­ "The National Party cannot govern with­ million doilar PR outfit in this State, Dr out us and we cannot stay in Government Ed~ards pays the bill. Obviously he approves without them." of Jt, because he has said it can continue.

Every time \VC hear Mrs Kyburz, Dr Edwards, Of! 26 Jul:; this year, Dr Edwards said that Mr Innes, Mr Bishop or any of the others he was, tired of thco National Pariv takino­ attack the National Party, let us remember ~! -dlt J or the economic initiatives of Liberal Dr Ecwards's words: "The National Party 1 rezsur~rs. I am reminded that the Liberals cannot govern without us and we cannot have always held the Treasury port~'olio stay jn Govcrnn1cnt V.'ithont ih~;1n." They and have been responsible for the ccof!om'c \\ill be back as kissing cousins after the m::nagcment .of the State. It has been those election. They will be back here doing as ~~~~:l};'JS,__~nmisterial mismanagements that the Premier savs after the election. Thev Ll..Je1 c.1 i 1 casurers have endorst:d o;:er the will be toeir:g tl1e party line. I a<;k Queens­ year~~. landers to keep that in mind as the Liberal pretenders try to con voters that all bad !--et us lock at the speech of the honour­ abtc . member for Greenslopes tMr \V. D decisions were made by the National Party. HewJtt), who this morning in thi3 Chambe; The Lib~rals can't stay in Government with­ out National Party support. After the elec­ spoke about the democratic process. I can tion the two partners in crime will be back s~y qt;,Jte. truthrully. that I am becoming holding hands. tJrcd 01 h1s f!OntJficatwns on this issue. He is a very expen~nced Chairman of Committees. On Cabinet decisions, Dr Edwards said Howe\ c:r, whlle he has served in this House that the Liberals' contributions to them were the demo:ratic proce2s has been assaulted not widely recognised. ~nd battered till it no longer resembles that m any. other parliamentary democracy in J\.fr Yewdale: There's the new Treasurer tt~e natwn .. I am reminded of the Jack of just coming into the Chamber. L1beral actwn relative to the story of the two members of Cabinet who signed undated Mr BURNS: There's Peter McKechnie, wntten letters of resignation-who res·igned the new Treasurer--the man who will be before they got the jobs. They went to the Treasurer after the election. I recognise newspapers and said, ''I resigned that he will probably be a stronger and more beforehand." forthright Treasurer than the one we have had for the past couple of years. Mr vV. D. Hewitt interjected. At this stage I would like to refer to the Mr BURNS: The only thing the honour­ contributions by Dr Edwards about the coalit­ able member did was wr.ite a smart letter ion. He said that National Party members or to Mike Ahern. That is the onlv action that Ministers did not make all the decisions. he or the Liberal Par.ty took on the issue. In June this year he took full responsibility for the wasteful extravagance by Cabinet Mr W. D. Hewitt: I publicly criticised it. Ministers when speaking of Liberal Minis­ ters featuring themselves in Government Mr BURNS: Publicly criticised it! The advertisements. I would like to read this honourable member is a paper tige,r. He has point from Dr Edwards because it shows been roaring and ranting about parliamentary why, when he was asked if the Govern­ democracy in this Chamber for the past five ment was arrogant, he said, "No."- years, but nothing has happened. They were "The Deputy Premier and Treasurer (Dr very good speeches but a very poor perfor­ Edwards) said yesterday that the Welfare mance. That is what the facts show. Minister (Mr Doumany) could continue to appear in Government advertisements. But what about these two Ministers? I 'Afier all, I pay the bills,' he said." tried to find out whether it was possible to charge the Premier with blackmail, because He pays the bills! I understood that the I think it is blackmail for anyone to suggest taxpayer of this nation paid the bills. I that he \Vill hold the threat of forced resig­ understood that the same man was saying nation over anyone's head. But it is impo;­ that \\t: would haYe a public accounts com­ sible to find out what type of oath Cabinet mittee to look at Government spending. Minis{ers in this State sign. If one goes to "After all, I pay the bills," he said. the library, one can obtain a copy of the He claims that all of the economic decisions oath that the Governor takes and a copy have been made by Liberal Treasurers. of the oath that the judges take; but one We ought, then, to have a look at some of cannot obtain a copy of the oath taken by the things that he approves. For the minis­ Cabinet Ministers. feria:! junkets-and Mr Camm was attacked If one reads what Pri"Y Councillors sign this morning over retiring soon after his and thinks of the system of honourable overseas trip-he pays the bill. When Mr Ministers, one sees that Ministers were placed Porter went overseas on his retirement trip, on their honour to put their country above Dr Edwards paid the bill. When Joh flashes themselves, to put their country above _Per­ round the countryside in his aeroplane, Dr sonal considerations. They are called hon­ Edwards pays the bill. When "The Sunday ourable Ministers because they took the 76 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

correct step, the step that was in the nation's the ordinary people in the community. What interest. But how can a Minister claim to did the Liberals do to protect the parLiamen­ be an honourable :Minister when, in essence, tary process when Mr Speaker announced he says to the Premier, "Here is my res:ig­ .that a Speaker is elected to apply the wishes nation. You can slip the date on it whenever of the Government he represents? vou like. If I don't toe the party line and do as I am told, if I don't do as you want me Mr Akers: What did you do? to, you can cut my throat."? For the hon­ ourable member for Greenslopes to rise in !VIr BURNS: What did we do? Look this Chamber this morning, after nothing back .through the records. The honourable has been done about that by the coalition member is part of the Government. Government, and speak about parliamentary democracy and responsibility is a sham-a Mr Akers: I am a back-bencher. complete and utter sham! Mr BURNS: The honourable member is There is even worse than that. What about a back-bencher, but he .is a member of .the this story: "Camm: 'I'd make more by Government. telling' "? This is probably one of the most disausting stories to come out of the coalition Let me l"ead what Mr Speaker said, and Go~ernment in this State in this century. his comments were supported by ·the mem­ The newspaper article said- ber for Pine Rivers and aH the others. Mr "The National Party Deputy Leader, Mr Speaker said that a determination on •the Camm, .retired yesterday with a parting function of Parliament should be made by shot at people who claimed governmel?-t the Government. He said he beLieved it Ministers were being found well-paid ,should be the Speaker's responsibiLity .to retirement jobs- ,interpret ·these decisions ,in the manner rthe " 'I could use the knowledge that I gained Government of which he is a member would a-s Mines Minister to reward myself far wish. He said that a Speaker is elected to greater by disclosing information and tac­ apply the wishes of the Government he tics to many mining companies in this represents. state,' he said." Is that the 'type of parliamentary democracy ·that the member for Greenslopes Mr K. J. Hooper: And he has. was ~talking about .today and that he eJCpressed concern about? That is .the type Mr BURNS: No, I would not say that. of parliamentary democracy mhat the people of Queens,Jand have come to expect from Mr K. J. Hooper: You are more charitable ,the Liberals and the National Party, which than I am. form the coalition. The Government pai'ties should be able to do something about i1. If M:r BURNS: I may be more charitable the Liberals cannot do something about ·it, but I will not say that. they should get out of the ooadition. If the Dr Edwards: After your performance Libemls are second-mters in the coali-tion, tonight, I would not say that you are very always lose ·the fight and are always pushed charitable. into a position in which ·they cannot win, .they are a spineless mob of animals if they Mr BURNS: Let me say to the Treasurer do not get out. that I think it is impossible to ask people Let me deal with the quest·ion of the to believe in the parliamentary process, redistribution. We are told now •that tihe in the system of parliamentary democracy, Liberal Party is concerned about parliamen­ in Cabinet Government and in the way that tary democracy and that the Liberals arre Cabinet should operate if it is even suggested going ·to do something about changing the that a Cabinet Minister might use the knowl­ system. I am reminded of a statement made edge that he has gained in Government after on 22 February this year by the Deputy he has left office to t.he advantage of some Premier and Treasurer when he was talldng company or sell it on the open market. A about a partial redi~I'ibu1·ion proposed by statement of that type brings all Cabinet the National Party. He said that a redis­ Government, whether it is Liberal Party, tribution, even a part1al one, as has been National Party or Labor Party Government sugge;;ted by the National Pmty, would be as we know it-and it is Cabinet Govern­ an admission that the 1977 redistribution was ment, not Parliamentary Government, in askew. What he is saying there is tlhat this State-into disrepute. I wonder why there was nothing wrong with the 1977 the Liberal Party, which is now making redistribut.ion. What does he mean by saying so much noise, did not do anything about the 1977 redist·ribution was not askew? it. The honourable member for Greenslopes Mr Bourke: H could have been better. also spoke about other democmt,ic processes. Mr BURNS: Thank you very much! The Let me look at what the Libe1.1als have f,aiJed honourable member is in dis·agreement with .to do. On every occasion they have f.ailed his leader. Dr Edwards did not want any to support Opposition attempts to make changes; he was happy witih the 1977 ParEament responsive to the aspirations of redistribut·ion. Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 77

Let me go a litde fmther for the benefit said that the Liberals would tie the com­ of these democrats, such as the membe!l' for munity up with committees. Dr Herron made Greenslopes and others who claim they a statement about committees. He said he believe ·in parliamentary democracy. We are wanted a Liberal committee to probe the fire told that when the National Party said that boards, and I think Mr Lane was one of the it would ?ring back first-pa~t-the-post voting, members to be appointed to it. the Prenner and o!ihers said that preferential voting was introduced in Queensland at the The Liberals intend to set up a privacy Liberals' request because ·they could not save committee. I do not hear one Liberal mem­ their seats if •bt was not brought in. It was ber talking about the young Warwick lady not because it was democmtk; it was not who was fined $20 by the Liberal Federal because it was a fair and just system; it was Government on 13 August for refusing to because it would help the Liberals save supply information. The information that was their seats. And this morning the member sought on the CES form included whether tor Greenslopes had the hide to rise and she lived alone, who visited her house during talk about democracy and i:he democratic the week and the names of all persons, process. including visitors, who were living at her home during the week. What value is that Let me go fu11ther into :Ubeml Pa11ty information to an unemployment office? She policies. The Young Liberals said cthat was fined because she said it was an invasion recently they had oompleted two years' work of her privacy. At the same time as that, the on detailed proposals for Mle composi.t:ion Liberals are saying, "We will set up a and powers of a State Upper House. The privacy committee." Young Liberal man was reported as say.ing that it was impo11tant that, if an Uppe!l' Mr Shaw: They are hypocrites. House be not just wasted spending on more politicians, at least two conditions should Mr BURNS: Of course they are hypo­ hold. He set out the conditions. Two years' crites. study in support of an Upper House by the Liberal Party! Unless it be Where were the Liberals and their privacy ·thought rthat no-.one .in th:is House supports committee when the Police Act Amendment it, I point out that Sir William Knox said Bill was before Parliament? The Liberals yes to an Upper House. The establishment voted for that amendment which allowed of an Upper House must be part and ,parcel police files to be circulated to insurance com­ of the Liberal Party's poiicy these days. panies and Government agencies. Today I ran [nto a fellow-! shall not Mr Jones: It was 46 to 24. mention his name-who said that the Liber:al leader changed his mind from day rto day. Mr BURNS: Right. He smid, "If you are in today, you could be When will the Liberals implement their out tomorrow; ·if you 'are out today, you policies? They do not implement them. We could be in tomorrow." have only to remember Malcolm Fraser and The Liberals say ·that ·they are opposed his broken policies. A headline reads, "Libs to the Government's street march policy. ignore own finances policy." The article The Liberal 'leader has said, "The only way reads- to do it is get the numbers ·in !ihe coalition. "Liberal Party policy on politicians' Get 1the numbers in the party room." Let pecuniary interests is being ignored by me deal with the report about ·the pa!1ty Liberal Cabinet Ministers. room and the Liberal Party's policy on street "A detailed resolution on Cabinet marches. Ministers' private interests was passed by the Liberal Party in 1970.... On 20 July 1978 the Premier was reported "The Liberal policy also calls on any in the Press as saying that only eight Liberal new Minister or incoming Opposition back-benchers suppor.ted a motion in the Leader to give up all shareholdings and joint Government parties meeting to have the other investments to trustees." legislat,ion changed. In othe!l' words, of the 24 Libeml Party members who a'l:e elected Ten years later that policy has not been here-all of whom tell us they want to do implemented. something about It and all of whom support the Liberal ~arty's organisational wing in iis Last year the Bowman area conference of trumpeting around ·Mle streets saying, "The the Liberal Party debated a Chatsworth only way we ca,n do it is in the joint parties Young Liberals' resolution for extra tax on room"-only eight voted for the legislation working wives. Is this the Liberal Party atti­ to be changed. In oliher words, 16 are hypo­ tude-that working wives should pay extra cl'ites and false pretenders. tax? Another article goes on to say that the Liberal Party is against the elimination of I heard Mr Hewitt say this morning that pay-roll tax. Dr Edwards said that in the the Labor Party would tie the community up newspapers. The Liberal Party opposed the in red tape by the establishment of commit­ National Party scheme to scrap death duties, tees. ·we should have a look at some of the and I would have supported them. Sir Gordon Libe:-,11 committees. I understand the Premier Chalk was beaten on that stand. 78 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

Anybody who wants to talk about honesty Finally I say this to members of the and decency in Government and parliamen­ Liberal Party as they go out onto the tary circles should look at the operation of election stump to tell the people of Queens­ the Liberal Party in the selection of an land how different they intend to be: when Aboriginal lady by the name of Mrs Scott as Dr Edwards was asked had the Government a candidate for the electorate of Cook. The become arrogant he said, "No." I say to Liberals are sadly misusing that lady and her Liberal Party members that if they believe race. That sort of shabby trick will be proved they can sell Dr Edwards and the Liberal wrong. The Aboriginal community in that Party policies and the Liberal Party leader­ area will wake up to what they are trying to ship to the people of Queensland on the do. They are trying to put two Scotts on the basis that if they lose they will come back ballot paper in the hope of confusing the here with the bloke they are attacking; if people there. They will find that their racist they are going to come back on the basis idea that local Aborigines will not be able that whatever happens they are not going to work it out for themselves will be proved to win on their own and will have to come \Hong. Bob Scott will be returned as the back into a coalition with the people they member for Cook. That sort of shabby trick are vilifying on the stump day in and day and the misuse of that good lady are very out, then they are trying to treat the people wrong. of Queensland as fools, and they are not If the Liberal Party is fair dinkum in fools. They are aware of the Liberal Party opposing the collection of money by the now, they know it is weak and I know Bjelke-Petersen Foundation, it should do they will not vote for it. something about it. I said tonight to Dr Lock­ wood, and l will say it again: the Labor Party Mr PREST (Port Curtis) (11.6 p.m.): has been prepared for years to accept a motion in this Parliament, and it can be During this debate we have heard statements backdated for a few years, that every dona­ by many speakers about what a wonderful tion to a political party or candidate be State this is, and rightly so, but unfortun­ made public and that it be an offence not to ately the National and Liberal State provide the details. If the Liberals are wor­ and Federal Governments stand condemned ried about the amount of money that the because today we find that the finance ALP receives from the unions, it will be necessary to develop our State is sadly surprised, when it gets the facts, just how lacking. We have the highest unemployment little it receives, but we will get the Liberal rate in Australia. We also have the highest facts about the oil companies and the other taxation, both personal and indirect. The big companies involved in the port and other Treasurer said that we have a wonderful areas, and we would be very interested to State, one of the richest in Australia, but read the details. the honourable member for Rockhampton produced figures which showed that Queens­ Mr Vaughan: The Bjelke-Petersen Founda­ landers as a whole have the lowest house­ tion is not a political party. hold earnings per head of population of all Australians. But it is totally different when Mr BURNS: The funds can be covered we look at the profits of the multinational the same as in America on a number of companies. Queensland should be the richest occasions. If the honourable member gets a State in Australia, but unfortunately it is copy of the Hatch report he will be able to not the Queensland people or the Govern­ read all about it. ment but the multinationals who make vast What did the Liberal Party do about these profits and yet employ so few people in absurdities? The first prosecution of a white comparison to the throughput of materials woman for living with an Aborigine occurred that they have at their disposal. If Queens­ under this Government. An absurd situation, land was receiving a fair go and a fair a terrible situation! No Liberal in this Par­ return for our mineral exports, why then liament did anything about it. What about do the Queensland railways run at a loss the refusal for a permit for one man and which continues to mount each year while his dog to march along a secluded road out­ carrying ever-increasing amounts of freight? side Bundaberg at 2.45 a.m.? Opposed by the Liberal and National Parties in this State! We have a State Government that cannot The Liberal Party said he was a threat to the provide adequate housing and has a long nation! What did it do when the Premier list of people in every city and town waiting gagged the reply to a censure motion on the for housing accommodation. We have child­ Opposition that he had moved? What did the ren who have never been able to obtain Liberals do then? What did the democrats do pre-school education, and when those then? Where did they go? What did they do children are admitted to primary and later about Tarong, Iwasaki or the "Bellevue"? secondary school they are educated in Nothing other than wring their hands. demountable accommodation which is grossiy overcrowded. We also have a State Govern­ Mr Bourke: Where were you? ment that cannot provide sealed all-weather roads which would ensure safe, comfortable Mr BURNS: I was over here voting travel at all times. We have a State Govern­ against you, and I will be here voting ment that does not and cannot assist local against you as long as I am able, make authorities sufficientlv so that finance is avail­ no bones about it. able to provide the infrastructure that is Appropriation Bill (No. 1) (19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 79 ne~essary to meet the needs of the popu­ Mr PREST: Of course I do. I enjoy lation growth in the developing areas of travelling by rail. I can leave Gladstone the State. 'vVe have a State Government at 6.30 p.m., travel in a sleeping compart­ that, because of cost, does nothing to ensure ment and arrive in Brisbane at 7 a.m. the th.at. polluti?n is controlled and, in fact, next day. Sure I use the railways. ellmmated, out instead is allowed to cause Mr Powell: When did you use it last? problems to health, property and primary industry. It is also a fact that because of Mr. PREST: If I have no business to the . finance provided t'O the Government attend to on Monday night, it is nothing-- parlles and the pressure placed on them by big companies the Government Mr Bourke: How often? Did you come al!ows those companies to dictate the terms down by rail last night? and conditions of their operations at the Mr PREST: There we have the chemist expense of the people of Queensland. from Laidley. He is commonly referred to I shall speak in more detail about some as "Pierre the Frenchie". o_f the are~s of concern that I have men­ Queensland children are being deprived tioned. Fustly, I must mention the rail­ of an education. We must look at our ways. It~ losses are very serious. Last schools. We have heard about the great year I thmk the Que~nsland railways lost development that will take place. A little $97m. As I have sa1d, no doubt this is while ago we were told that the development due tv the secret freight rates that this that is taking place in Central Queensland Government has given to the multinMional will provide 11 000 job opportunities. coal compa!lies operating in Queensland. We Recruiting the skilled tradesmen necessary find that ra1lwaymen, those dedicated workers for the construction of the projects we are who work all hours under all conditions hearing about today will be a great problem. are not adequately housed. Over the year~ ~he ,~reates! ~mphasis must be on appren­ the Gov.ernm~nt has promised railway ticeship trammg. At the present time a wor~ers m. th1s State that they will be technical college ,is being built in the city prov1ded with adequate housing. Although of Gladstone. That will :be a great asset. m~reased tonnages are being carried by the We are looking not only to private enterprise ra1Iways each year, such great losses are to employ more apprentices but in particular st~ll b~i~g S!fffered and railway workers are st1ll hvmg m substandard houses. These to Government departments to play their !1ouses would not be accepted by workers part in taking on more apprentices so that m an:( other area of Government employ­ we can get skilled tradesmen who are ment m the State. Queenslanders. A great majority of the development work Mr Powell: What sort of houses did you that will take place will create employment give them? for men. To have a contented and :balanced work-force we must provide in these Mr PREST: Unfortunately, we have been developing areas some sort of employment in Opposition for 23 years. This Gov­ for women. We all know that today more emment's reign is coming to an end. The and more women are entering the work­ h~mourable m~mber will be lucky to hold force. Of course, we know that the h1s seat of Is1s at the next election. As opportunity ,is there to provide jobs and as has already been mentioned, he could not get enough votes in his own party to become I said, there is a very high rate of unem~loy­ the party whip. He was defeated not only ment. One Press release stated that there by the member for Balonne but also by are 430 789 people out of work. That is the member for Caboolture. a crying shame. There will be a great increase in the Not very long ago the Minister for coal traffic from the coalfields to Gladstone Industry and Administrative Services said So it will be absolutely essential to build that many job vacancies could not be filled. a double line from the coalfields to Glad­ In March 1980 I wrote to the Minister stone. People do not patronise the railways stating that I had been approached by today because the trains carryin<> coal for tradesmen desirous of contacting some of Japan are given preference over th~ passenger the firms with a view to obtaining employ­ traffic. I am quite cel'tain that if the ment. I asked if it was possible to obtain Government gave more consideration to the a list of these firms with vacancies as the people of this State, a greater number would tradesmen were prepared to travel anywhere use the railways. There is no better form in Queensland. Unfortunately, I received no of travel than rail travel. It is very safe. reply to my letter. I telephoned the Minister's office on two occasions but was told that ,I am sure that in the very near future­ he was unavailable. I was also told he would it will not be in this Budo-et-a freight contact my office when he was availruble. and fare rise will be impo~ed upon the I still have not heard from him. To me, people of Queensland in order to subsidise his silence proves that the statement that the coal traffic that is subject to this secret there were job opportunities could not be agreement. substantiated. In fact, such a statement did Mr Powel!: Do you use the railways to not warrant Press coverage because vacancies, travel backwards and forwards between when they do occur, are isolated and can be Gladstone and Brisbane? readily filled by tradesmen in the particular 80 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AuGusT 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

area. Such statements give some hope to giving some indication of what he would be the unemployed but ,it causes them bitter requiring the Federal Government to fund disappointment when the Minister refuses to and making certain that those funds would give details to substantiate !

has no annex and the children spend of the serious shortage of accornm

Esk ratepayers face a 37 per cent increase. that would embarrass the Government, par­ Those in Toowoornba have to meet ticularly just before a State election. There a 16.J2 per cent increase. In the is no answer to the powerhouse pollut,ion. ~alliope s.hire, where great development The stacks pour out pollution. 1s occurrmg, the increase has been kept to the level of the increase in inflation, "The Gladstone Observer" of 5 July 1980 namely, 10 per cent. The ratepayers in reports that crops in the Yarwun area were hit by the city fall-out. It said that the Gladstone are faced with an increase of Yarwun papaw farmers complained that 14.19 per cent. pollution from the Gladstone Power Station Some vears ago Gladstone was not in the and possibly QAL was destroying thousands top 20 highest-rated towns in Queenslince 1976--

Lee from the West Australian Industrial be constructed from Gladstone to Velina Development Minister (Mr. Graham Estate, which would service the suburbs in Mackinnon). that area. In the third stage, construction "The cylindrical dryer shell is part of could go from Ve!ina Estate to the Boyne a $7 mi!lion contract under which Noyes Island turn-off. If we wait until we >:et Brothers Limited, of Sydney, will supply all the money for the job, we might have -to cement clinker manufacturing and raw wait for years. There will be an escalation material processing plant to the Queens­ in costs and we could be looking at a cost of bud Cement and Lime Company's Fisher­ about $12m to $15m. I ask the Minister for man's Landing project. Main Roads to get on with the job. TI1e "Mr. Terry Roberts, Noyes' Engineering proposai has been on the dra\ving board for representative in Giadstone, said the cost a number of years. I would say that it has of the shell, including transportation, was been there for the best part of eight years. $200,000. Each year we find it is shelved because we do not have $Sm. As I have said, it should "It had been made by a Perth firm be done in stages. under sub-contract. Its overall length was 12.75 metres and maximum diameter 5.2 Only last year I appealed for a-;sistance metres. for the Citizens Advisory Service in Glad­ "Said Mr. Lee, 'I imagine the trailer stone that was closing down. During the driver will also bring a big thirst with latter part of 1975 it was funded bv the him which I hope to alleviate with a Whitlam Government. At that time i-t was Queens!and-made product.'" called the Gladstone Social Area Develop­ ment Board. There was a grant of $2 per That means a beer. head of population. There were social Tius sort of contract should have been workers to help all the itinerant and con­ let in Queensland. This type of fabricated struction workers with their problems. The shell could have been made by one of our Gladstone City Council, which has funded engineering workshops. I want to know why this project since 1979, has now ceased to these contracts are being let outside the fund it, and the centre has closed down. State. vVhy is our Minister, a man who I made an appeal on behalf of this centre says we must buy Queensland-made goods, last year and the Government said that it going to fly to Gladstone at the taxpayers' had not received an application for assist­ expense to greet this trailer driver when he ance. I know that it received an application arrives from Perth with a letter from the from the Gladstone City Council in October \Vestern Australian Government? As I said, or November last year. It is too late to I do not believe it is necessary. TI1is dryer provide assistance now. However, I am look­ shell should have been made in Queensland, ing for money in this coming Budget to and if this could not be done we should employ a social worker, who could work be doing something to ensure that engineer­ from one of the Government departments. ing workshops in Queensland are equipped (Time expired.) to handle the building of any sort of equipment. Mr SCOTT (Cook) (11.47 p.m.): We have We did read in that Press release that seen in this House today a massive attack the route through Queensland would be on the credibility of a failing Government. subject to our road conditions. That is Members from all parties in the House have another problem we face-our roads. The charged the Government with irrespon­ Queensland motorist has been ripped off sibility in managing the affairs of a State for the past 10 years by the Federal Liberal­ that should be great. The only members National Country Party Government. As the who have not attacked the Government are honourable member for Rockhampton said, the weak-kneed ones holding National Party the cost of a litre of petrol has risen from seats, who are suffering the same problems 9c in 1970 to 36c today. Most of this money in their areas as the rest of us but are should be coming back into Queensland and not prepared to be honest. The reason for being spent on our roads. Why should we the attacks is that the Government is not in this State have to wait for good weather spending money in the right parts of the conditions before we can travel? We should State. have roads, particularly in country areas I have many charges of neglect in my in the North and in Central Queensland, area, particularly in relation to roads and on which motorists can travel safely at all times. schools, to lay at the door of the Govern­ ment. My secretary told me today that \Ve are looking for funds to construct a people from Cooktown were ringing up bypass road from Gladstone to Benaraby wanting to take up a petition about the and then on to the Boyne Island turn-off. Cooktown road. It is not long since a The cost of this 15 km section will be petition was taken up and presented to in the vicinity of $8m. I do not believe the Minister for Main Roads about the road we should have to wait for $8m in the next to Chillagoe. The roads in that area are Budget. That road could be constructed in in a shocking condition. The tourists and sections. Money could be allocated for the those who use the roads to bring their construction of bridges and culverts in the products to the market are all suffering first year and the next section could then because of their poor condition. 84 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

Whut have we got? We have a Liberal honourable members a document prepared Treasurer as part of the Government, who by the resident engineer of the Oarpentaria is determined to make promises about what Shire, who works for Cardno & Davies. he will do after the next election. I draw There are over 40 i,tems of correspondence honourable members' attention to an article ,referred to between the end of 1977 and in "The Courier-Mail" of 13 August headed 1980 relating to the simple matter of a water "Liberal pledge on roads and schools". I supply for a town that is in great and shall just read a little of it, in these terms- urgent need. The Government has done "A Liberal-led government would nothino- about it. Representatives from the encourage decentralisation of industry, and Carpe;taria Shire formed a delegation to improve services, roads and communication meet the Minister for Local Government, in 'rural Queensland." Main Roads and Po1ice (Mr Hinze), who gave them an undertaking that uhe prl_twn When is the Government going to do it, and processers in the town would not be requ1red why have we got to wait until after the ,to pay ,in half a rniHion dollars, which is election for that sort of thing to happen? what the Government has ,asked :them to We on this side of the House listened this contribute for a town water supply sclheme evening with great pleasure to a stinging attack by the member for Lytton on Dr which is necessary for that area. That is an Edwards, who sat back and cringed in his area that is earning money. seat. He sat there and copped it because In no other similar town are producers it was an honest and fair attack. It showed or manufacturing processers being asked to up every weakness in his party. These matters contribute in that manner. If those people will be brought out in greater detail as the were spread out along the Brisbane River election campaign proceeds. If I were the and were contributing to the industry of Treasurer, I would prevail upon the Premier the city of Brisbane, or if they were in the to hold the election now because it is town of Gladstone, whose case has just been his only chance of getting off the hook put so adequately by my colleague the and saving any of his party's seats. He member for Port Curtis, they would not should not wait, because his credibility will be asked to contribute that amount. That plummet further as the public realistically promise was made by the Minister for Local examines his performance as Treasurer, his Government (Mr Rime), but the Govern­ party's performance in the coalition, and ment has now reneged on it. Is that reneging the whole of the coalition Government's the resu~t of an argument between .the performance. I could spend considerable time National and Liberal members of the on that line of attack. Cabinet? The same newspaper contained a statement by Sir WilHam Knox headed, "Problem is Recently one of the pmwn processers state's size". I will quote only a sm

Thr,; people up there have received a letter Mr D'ARCY: It is in my area. Sometimes from the Under Secretary of the Treasury I think the Minister is a Liberal spy. welshing on a promise given :by a Minister We have a working core in Australia and of C12 Crown. I hope the Treasurer spends a litt:e ;ime answering the many charges it is absolutely necessary that housing be that have been ,Jevelled at him tonight. I supplied in welfare areas. The wages of hope he explains to the people in Karumba Australians are falling further and further why it is necessary for them to privately behind. We know that the real wage today finance this scheme. Karumba is a viable is about $18 lower than it was when Mr town with a proven record of export earn­ Fraser came to office. The Liberal Party was ings. It is exactly what we are asking people going to abolish unemployment but it has an in this State to do: earn money, produce unemployment rate of 400 000 people. So and live ia remote areas. I will be reminding many young people will never obtain jobs. them during the election campaign with a This is the Liberal Party which was going to little svmbol of the State of Queensland reduce inflation-one of its Ministers, the where the money is going in up in the Far Minister for Finance in the Federal House, North and being taken out for the people said earlier in the year that it would drop to down in the south-east corner, who already 6 per cent-yet now the real inflation rate is have quite enough. about 13 per cent. One of the things that must frighten every Mr D'ARCY (Woodridge) (11.46 p.m.): voter in Queensland is that this Government After listening to some of the debate on this and this Liberal Treasurer, who scurried out Bill, o!:e \VOuld wonder about the sensitivity of the House when the member for Lytton of the Liberal Party. Let me deal with the was speaking, are just waiting to raise interest Federal Budget, which was delivered tonight. rates again. We know that he has been After hearing it, one reaHses how little saying, "We will keep them do~n." Ht? is the Liberal Party has done for Australia. keeping them down only until election­ Mr Fraser, after all his broken promises­ time. Housing interest rates will go up again and the·" have been extensive-tonight had in this State by up to 2 per cent. Well over to explain to the Australian people how 50 per cent of Queenslanders are trying to his Budget in 1980 was going to see pay off a home. The rates will be kept down Australia through another 12 months. only till election-time. Mr Bi.akc: Stagnation. Mr D'ARCY: Stagnation! Tonight's Bud­ get has been descrrbed as boring and priceless. [Wednesday, 20 August 1980] All Mr Fraser's promises since 1975 have been broken. This Budget has done nothing As I said earlier, the Federal Budget makes about unemployment. Petrol pricing has a mockery of Liberal Party policy; it makes helped him balance the Budget, but none a mockery of the Liberal Pa11ty. One of the money has been returned to the of the things that disturbs me about the Australian public. Liberal Party is that it cannot tell the truth When we look at the areas he has spent about anything. One honourable member money on, we see that he is as divisive as made the po.int that my research assistant the Liberal Party in Queensland, and is as had been granted by someone, but I do not non-thinking. Defence spending is up, which know who she meant. I understood that the appointment had been approve<;! by I think is a good thing. However, welfare Cabinet, eight members of which are Liberal spending is almost at the same level as it Ministers. It is interesting to note that was for the past 12 months. Education on 20 February this year, when I was expenditure has increased by 10 per cent, appointed, I, in conjunction with my leader, which only keeps pace with inflation. How­ wrote to the Premier requesting a researc!, ever one of the sad things about education assistant and additional staff. We wrote expdnditure-and this illustrates the divisive­ several times, after we had been in touch ness of the Liberal Party in Queensland­ with every other deputy leader in Australia. is that it resurrects the State-aid issue. There It was pointed out in writiJng by other States is an increase to non-Government schools that Queensland had the worst conditions of 121 per cent, but only 3 per cent to for a deputy leader in Australia, even includ­ Government schools. in" the Northern Territory. In general, My colleagues tonight have pointed out th~y all still have better conditions than we the great need for housing in this State, and have in this State. In New South Wales welfare housing in particular. This is one and Victoria, chauffeurs and cars are pro­ of the areas in which spmding has 'been vided. slashed by the Federal Government. How are we going to get extra housing when the Mr Bourke: We should get you a keeper Housincr Commission in this State is already rather than a chauffeur. well 'behind? As I have told the Minister on many occasions, I believe the Government Mr D'ARCY: That would be all right, has no heart on housing matters. It is too. This debate on the Appropriation aggressive to people. Bill-- Mr Wharton interjected. Dr Edwards: On the Liberal Party. 86 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1)

Mr D'ARCY: It should be on the Liberal That is what this Government is subjecting Party, too. It is obvious that the Liberal Queenslanders to by its mismanage:nent and Party is wrecking this great country. failure. In this State, one must look at t1vo The Full Bench judgment was the second factors. The people cf Queemland should in which Mr Justice Staples ;:anici;:n:ted be much beLler off than the people of any since his relegation to Full B,:;nch only other Australian State, but they are not. duties. Honourable member.; might recc:\1 that Vve "re continually told that this State has he \vas one of the com_rnissioners t:1e L~:.::eral great wealth, but wealth really flows into Party tried to keep off the Full Bench. this State only when the Australian L1bor l\Ir Justice Staples went on m his judg­ Party forc.:s it into the State. ment to say- Dr Edvvards interjected. "The claim if granted " ;uld bring the weekly pay of hospital employees after Mr D'ARCY: I will give the Treasurer tax to between $144.64 and $148 a •;;eek some figures. The State derives some of for a single man and $159 and SH13 for its wealth from royalties, and if one looks those with one dependant. Under tl~e con­ at the figures between 1971 and 1978, one ditions in our society at this point, adults sees that there is a great discrepancy. Till taking home less than $160 a week or the late Rex Connor introduced a decent so are, .in my observations, subjected to subs,idy sys'iem and forced the Government an undue degree of str:dn and deni.~l in of Queensland to take better royalties, no keeping body and soul together, in making royalties of any consequence were being paid plans and keeping self-respect on high." to the Government. In 1973 royalties amounted to less than $5m. In 1974 the That is the situation. He said that in figure was just over $8.75m. In the year Queensland the present minimum wage under in which the subsidy system \\as introduced, Federal awards is $136 a week and the royalties to the Government of Queensland average adult wage was up to $226 a week. were in excess of $40m. In the following In this great and wealthy State of ours year, they increased to $44m, then to $50m, housing is not provided to the extent It and then to $52m. should be in the welfare area. This Govern­ Dr Edwards interjected. ment is going to cut it. We have great mineral wealth in this State, and the people Mr D'ARCY: Queensland is a wealthy who most need this wealth are not seeing it. State; it has great mineral reserves. How­ It is interesting to note that on the same ever, it has the lowest wage structure and day as the Full Bench judgment a Federal the lowest mean average wage o,f any Liberal member criticised the Queensland Aus:tralian State, with one exception. The Government for its failure. He said, "You great wealth of this State is not being passed are not doing a good enough job in your on to those who need it most; it is not coalition Government. You do not intend being passed oo to the average worker. to pass on the wealth or distritbute wealth. The average wage rate shown by the latest You ,look after the vested interests of the figures, which were published late in 1979, mining companies and that is all." show that the average wage for Brisbane­ and it must be realised that Brisbane rates That Federal Liberal member went on to are higher than those in many centres say- throughout Queensland-was $199, compared "It is high time we looked seriously at with $242 in CaJnber.ra, $210 in Sydney, $211 decentralising the nation's wealth. As a in Melbourne, $200 in Perth, and $195 in nation we ~ride relativelv easy in the Adelaide. The Treasurer may laugh, but saddle because of the wealth of Queensland he is laughing at ,the people of .this State and Western Australia.· However, the who are trying to make a go of it on average income in Queensland has to ·be the minimum wage. Let him try to feed ·be compared more with the poorest State, his family on $136 a week, which is what Tasmania. Locally, it's time we traded otf his Government gives as the minimum wage. a little of our mining royalties in return It is unbelievable that that is the minimum for undertakings to permanently estabiish wage in Queensland. The Woodridge area headquarters here." contains a large number of people who take home less than $150 a w·eek. The only headquarters ever established in Queensland by a major mining company was Last week Mr Just,ice Staples, in a decision the headquarters of Mount Isa Mines Ltd. that is worth quoting, said that Jess than Its headquarters were established here at the $160 a week take-home pay, that is, after request of the Labor Government of the tax, meant undue strain. He said that the Arbitration Commission had called for a day. mm1mum wage based on fair basic living One of the things that must concern m is standards and suggested that such a wage the imposition of a value added tax. It has could be fixed at a "tolerable proportion" been mooted. Such a tax is a highly inflation­ of average weekly earnings. He said that ary one. The public should be warned that if adults taking home less than $160 after tax they re-elect the Liberal Government in were being subjected to undue strain and Canberra and the coalition Government in denial in keeping body and soul together. Queensland, they will have additional taxation Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [19 AUGUST 1980] Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 87

imposed on them. Queensland will end up I shall treat them with the contempt they with State taxation. We know that the deserve. I shall reply only to the speech Liberals cannot keep their promises. of the honourable member for Rockhampton This morning mention was made of the because he made a sensible contribution. Deputy Premier's comment that there would He left personalities out of his speech a,nd be no more jobs for the boys. He looked levelled constructive criticism at the Govern­ foolish on television tonight. The media ment, which is his right and responsibility. have finally ,woken up to him. I can remem­ His assessment of the Queensland Govern­ ber in 1975 Mr Fraser saying, "There will ment's submission to the Commonwealth be no more jobs for the boys." Look at his Gmnts Commission was a justifiable state­ record! The position was so bad that he had ment and analys,is of the situation. If the to appoint the defeated Opposition Leader honourable member would like to have a in New South ·wales, Mr Coleman, to look at the total submission, which consisted Norfolk Island. It was once a convict settle­ of something like 20 to 25 booklets-not ment, and perhaps that is where all defeated the 36-page summary to which he referred, Liberals should be sent. but something like 40-odd documents__,! will Some problems in this State need to be be happy to discuss the matter with him. looked at specifically. I have spoken before It is true, as he indicated, that this State about the ambulance service. It is an has not received from a,ny Commonwealth absolute disgrace that the M'inister for Health Government the assistance it deserves. This -and Dr Edwards can claim some credit is why we believe that we must justify our as a previous Minister for Health~organised case. ,I am pleased that he sa:w the value an inquiry into ambulance services over 18 of the submission the Government made. months ago, and it has not brought down The submission brings great credit to my a finding yet. Ambulance brigades and officers and the other people who worked commi:tees are framing their budgets with­ so hard on its preparation. out knowing what the Government intends The honourable member made one or to do. If it continues with its record, it will do nothing. two points to which I would like ,to reply. He said that Queenslanders had llhe 'lowest Tomorrow I shall present to Parliament a household income per head of population petition signed by over 12 000 people through­ iin Australia. That is basicaHy because we out the length and breadth of the State have the highest percentage of pensioners asking Parliament to improve ambulance of any State, and this tends to 'lower the services. The ambulance people deserve a average income level, as he indioated. better dc:al and the public deserve a better deal. One matter for consideration is the The honourable member also refe11red to better training of ambulance officers to dual taJCation and predicted its introduction. paramedical s,tandard and the upgrading of A couple of other speakers also referred to the vehicles used in emergency work so that 'this point. For us to introduce stage 2 of standardised equipment will be available. ,the Federal Government's policy would need legis1a:tion in the House, and we have said The State Budget will be introduced at 'that as a State we will not be part of stage the end of next week, so we must look at 2 legisLation, and we therefore whll not be what is really being offered to the people imposing a State tax, despite whrut has been of this State. One of the biggest problems said here this evening. I might also add that facing Queensland is unemployment. This Government has done nothing to overcome no other State has agreed to introduce stage unemployment. The Minister for Works ll!nd 2 of their taxation. This was discussed at Housing lets contracts instead of using day­ a Premiers' Conference held in Melbourne labour, and he has contributed to additional a week or so ago. unemployment. The honourable member Dor Rockhampton With the introduction of each Budget, the also referred to the Local Government Treasurer cons the Press which carries banner Grants Commission, and for once he agreed headlines about more jobs for Queensland. with Alderman Pilbeam. It is interesting to l think it was 5 000 more jobs last Budget note that members tend :to agl"ee and and 5 000 the Budget before. What happened disagree with people when it suits their to those jobs? They were not created. Lies political philosophy or argument, but were told and we ended up with one of the unDortunately on this occasion A'lderman highest unemployment rates in the Common­ Pilbeam is well off the beam. He said, wealth. for example, rhaJt Rockhampton had been discDiminated a)S'ainst, but I will cite some Hon. L. R. EDWARDS (Ipswich-Deputy figures to show that he was incorrect. For Premier and Treasurer) (12.13 a.m.), in reply: example the Gold Coast received $12.3 per At the outset let me point out that I intend capita compared with Ipswich $13.23, to reply only to the speech of the Opposition Brisbane $11.51, Rockhampton $14.56, spokesman on economic affairs, Mr Wright. Toowoomba $12.06, Bundaberg $12.43, I place on record my utter disgust at the Logan $11.77, Pine Rivers $12.16 and contributions of other Opposition members. Redcliffe $11.65. He also indicated that the They degraded this Parliament in a way basis for allocation was a political decision. that has not been seen in the history of That was not a correct statement. The th's State. I place on record my disgust a11d commission is a totally independent body 88 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) [20 AuGUST 1980] Papers

appointed by the Government consisting COMMITTEE of representatives of local authorities who The Chairman of Committees (Mr W. D. make recommendations to the Government on a basic formula. Hewitt, Greenslopes) in the chair Clauses 1 and 2, as read, agreed to. Mr Wm:burton: Not the number of people, though. Bill reported, without amendment.

Dr EDWARDS: The honourable member THIRD READING does not understand the facts. The basis of the allocation is, first of all, the population Bill, on motion of Dr Edwards, read a and area of each local authority; secondly, third time. the revenue capacity of each local authorirty :I'he House adjourned at 12.22 a.m. relative to the rest of the local authorities; (Wednesday). thirdly, 1Jhe revelant road costs, health, ·recreation, cuLture and library costs of each local authority and, fourthly, any special expenditure items which may have 'to be borne by particular autho11ities such as hostels, chHdminding centres, garbage disposals, precepts, soil erosion, school bus routes, urban dreinage, noxious weeds, pubLic order and safety and so forth. There is also allowance made for any isolation factor when this is relevant. I might add that when we released 1ihis figure, which was approved by the Fedeml Government, there were only one or two compla.inrts throughout Queensland about the way the allocation had been administered by the Grants Com­ mission. I have every faJith in the way it has been administered. I spoke to the leaders of several local authorities today, and they said that this year was one of the fairest distributions in the history of the Grants Commission. The honourable member for Rockhampton also referred to the policy of the Labor Party. I think the honourable member for Greenslopes covered ~hose points very fuHy. There is one other point I would like to make very olearly, and that is that this Government will continue to adopt policies which will benefit the people of Queensland. Our record stands for itself. I beHeve we have contributed a great deal to the develop­ ment and grow.th that is now the envy of every other State. We have the best fiscal position of any State, and this is recognised a:t Premiers' Conferences. We have the best employment figures for any State •and the greatest job-creation figures. I can state quite categorica!lly that this Stllite has been the recipient of Government poHaies and programs which are bringing progress and development to the State. ]t is regrettable that when we have the opportunity in this Parliament to spend ~the time debating economic mat,ters we hear nothing but scurrilous attacks on people both inside and outside this Parliament which add nothing to the dignity of this House. I wish to dissociate myself totally from such attacks. I am totally responsible for my integrity, and I Jeave it to the judgment of 'the people of Queensland. I wouM hope that the Budget debate w,iH result ·in a better deba·te in this House. I look forward to hearing the cont11ibutions from members in .that debate. Motion (Dr Edwards) agreed to.