PARL~NTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

FORTY-SEVENTH PARLIAMENT-

SESSION COMMENCING 1976

IJ egi.alatiue Cttunu!i! nub litgislatiut Al1l1tudtlg

YEAR 1977

VOL. cccxxxm

{From September 6, 1977, to October 9, 1977/

MELBOURNE: F. D. ATKINSON, GOVERNMENT PRINTER

wqr ~nUrrtlnr His Excellency the Honorable SIR HENRY ARTHUR WINNEKE, K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., O.B.E., K.ST.J., Q.C.

wqr ijirutrtltttlt-~nUrrtlnr The Honorable SIR JOHN McINTOSH YOUNG, K.C.M.G.

Premier, Treasurer, and Minister of the The Hon. R. J. Hamer, E.D., M.P. Arts Deputy Premier, and Minister of Education L. H. S. Thompson, " C.M.G., M.P. Chief Secretary V. O. Dickie, M.L.C. " Minister for Local Government, and Min­ A. J. Hunt, M.L.C. ister for Federal Affairs " Minister for Minerals and Energy J. C. M. Bal(our, M.P. " Minister for Conservation, Minister of W. A. Borthwick, M.P. Lands, and Minister of Soldier Settle- ment Minister of Transport .. J. A. Rafferty, M.P. " Minister of Agriculture I. W. Smith, M.P. " Minister of Public Works R. C. Dunstan, D.S.O., " M.P. Minister of Special Education A. H. Scanlan, M.P. " Minister of Health W. V. Houghton, M.L.C. " Minister for Social Welfare, and Minister ., B. J. Dixon, M.P. for Youth, Sport and Recreation Minister of Water Supply, and Minister of F. J. Granter, M.L.C. Forests " Minister for State Development and D. G. Crozier, M.L.C. Decentralization, and Minister of " Tourism Minister of Labour and Industry, and R. R. C. Maclellan, M.P. Minister of Consumer Affairs " Minister of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, WaIter Jona, M.P. and Assistant Minister of Health " Minister of Housing, and Minister for G. P. Hayes, M.P. Planning " Attorney-General Haddon Storey, Q.C., " M.L.C. Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet: J. H. Ramsay, Esquire, M.P.

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FORTY-SEVENTH PARLIAMENT-FIRST SESSION.

MEMBER PROVINCE MEMBER PROVINCE Block, P. D. Boronia Houghton, W. V. Templestowe Bradbury, A. K. North Eastern Howard, Dr. R. W. Templestowe Campbell, W. M. East Yarra Hunt, A. J. South Eastern Chamberlain, B. A. Western Jenkins, O. G .. . Geelong Crozier, D. G. Western Knight, A. W .. . West Dickie, V. O. Ballarat Knowles, R. I. .. Ballarat Dunn, B. P. North Western Landeryou, W. A. Doutta Galla Eddy, R. J. Thomastown Long, R. J. Gippsland Elliot, D. G. Melbourne McDonald, S. R. Northern Evans, D. M. North Eastern Reid, N. B. Bendigo Foley, Dr. K. J. Boronia Saltmarsh, D. N. Waverley Fry, W. G. Higinbotham Stacey, N. F. .. Chelsea Galbally, J. W., Q.C. Melbourne North Storey, Haddon, Q.C. East Yarra Gleeson, S. E. .. South Western Taylor, J. A. Gippsland Granter, F. J. .. Central Highlands Thomas, H. A ... Melbourne West Grimwade, F. S. Bendigo Trayling, I. B. Melbourne Guest, J. V. C ... Monash Wait on, J. M. Melbourne North Hamilton, H. M., E.D ... Higinbotham Ward, H. R. South Eastern Hauser, V. T. .. Nunawading White, D. R. Doutta Galla Hider, C. A. M. Monash Wright, K. I. North Western

President: THE HON. W. G. FRY.

Chairman of Committees: THE HON. W. M. CAMPBELL.

Temporary Chairmen of Committees: The Honorables A. K. Bradbury, D. G. Elliot, H. M. Hamilton V. T. Hauser, C. A. M. Hider, A. W. Knight, and H. R. Ward.

Leader of the Government: THE HON. V. O. DICKIE.

Deputy Leader of the Government: THE HON. A. J. HUNT.

Leader of the Opposition: THE HON. J. W. GALBALLY, Q.c.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition: THE HON. J. M. WALTON.

Leader of the National Party: THE HON. S. R. McDoNALD.

Deputy Leader of the National Party: THE HON. B. P. DUNN.

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FORTY-SEVENTH PARLIAMENT-FIRST SESSION. MEMBER DISTRICT MEMBER DISTRICT Amos, D. G. I. Morwell Lind, A. A. c. .. Dandenong Austin, T. L. .. Ripon Loxton, S. J. E. Prahran Balfour, J. C. M. Narracan McArthur, P. S. Ringwood Billing, N. A. W., K.SU. Springvale McCabe, J. E. .. Lowan Birrell, H. W .. , Geelong West McClure, D. H. R. Bendigo Borthwick, W. A. Monbulk Mclnnes, N. M. Gippsland South Burgin, C. W. J. Polwarth McKellar, D. K. Portland Cain, John Bundoora Mackinnon, D. J. Box Hill Cathie, I. R. Carrum McLaren, I. F., O.B.E. " Bennettswood Coleman, C. G. Syndal Macle]]an, R. R. C. Berwick Collins, P. C. Noble Park Mutton, J. P. ., Coburg Cox, G. H. Mitcham Patrick, Mrs. J. T. Brighton Crabb, S. M. Knox Plowman, S. J .. . Evelyn CrelIin, M. L. Sandringham Raiferty, 1. A .. . Glenhuntly Culpin, J. A. Glenroy Ramsay, J. H .. . Balwyn Dixon, B. J. St. Kilda Reese, W. F. L. Heatherton Doube, V. J. Albert Park Richardson, J. I. Forest Hill Dunstan, R. C., D.S.O... Dromana Roper, T. W .. , Brunswick Ebery, W. T. . . Midlands Ross-Edwards, Peter Shepparton Edmunds, C. T. Ascot Vale Scanlan, A. H ... Oakleigh Evans, A. T. Ballarat North Simmonds, J. L. Reservoir Evans, B. J. Gippsland East Simpson, J. H ... Niddrie Fogarty, W. F... Sunshine Skeggs, B. A. E. Ivanhoe Fordham, R. C. Footscray Smith, Aurel South Barwon Francis, C. H., Q.c. Caulfield Smith, 1. W. Warrnambool Ginifer, J. J. Keilor Stephen, W. F. .. Ballarat South Gude, P. A. Geelong East Stirling, G. F. .. Williamstown Guy, A. G. Gisborne Suggett, R. H. " Bentleigh Hamer, R. J., E.D. Kew Templeton, T. W. Mentone Hann, E. J. Rodney Thompson, L. H. S., C.M.G. Malvern Hayes, G. P. Wantirna tToner, Mrs. P. T. Greensborough *Holding, A. C. Richmond Trewin, T. C ... Benalla Hudson, N. R., D.F.C. .. Werribee Trezise, N. B. .. Geelong North Jasper, K. S. Murray Valley tVale, R. M ... Greensborough Jennings, D. B... Westernport Weideman, G. G. Frankston Jona, Walter Hawthorn Wheeler, Sir Kenneth Essendon *Jones, B. O. .. Melbourne Whiting, M. S ... Mildura Kennett, J. G. .. Burwood Wilkes, F. N. .. Northcote Kirkwood, C. W. D. Preston Williams, M. T. Doncaster Lacy, Norman.. Warrandyte Wilton, J. T. Broadmeadows Lieberman, L. S. Benambra Wood, A. R ... Swan Hill • Resigned, November 3, 1977. t Elected, November 5, 1977. t Died, September, 10, 1977.

Speaker: THE HON. SIR KENNETH WHEELER.

Chairman of Committees: MR. I. F. McLAREN, O.B.E. Temporary Chairmen of Committees: Mr. Billing, Mr. Birrell, Mr. Edmunds, Mr. A. T. Evans, Mr. B. J. Evans, Mr. Ginifer, Mr. Hann, Mr. Lind, Mr. McCabe, Mr. Reese, Mr. Aurel Smith, Mr. Stephen, Mr. Suggett, Mr. Templeton, and Mr. Trewin.

Leader of the Liberal Party and Premier: THE HON. R. J. HAMER, E.D. Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and Deputy Premier : THE HON. L. H. S. THOMPSON, C.M.G. Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party and Leader of the Opposition : MR. F. N. WILKES.

Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party and Deputy Leader of the Opposition: MR. R. C. FORDHAM. Leader of the National Party: MR. PETER Ross-BDWARDS.

Deputy Leader of the National Party: MR. M. S. WHITING. HEADS OF PARLIAMENTARY DEPARTMENTS

Council-Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Council : Mr. A. R. B. McDonnell.

Assembly-Clerk of the Legislative Assembly: Mr. J. H. CampbeU. Hansard-Chief Reporter: Mr. R. G. Stuart, B.O. Library-Librarian: Miss J. McGovern. House-Secretary: Mr. R. M. Duauid. Legislative Council [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Chamber. 9057 favourably with its appearance in 1Iltgilllntint C!rnUUtil. 1856 wnen it first came into opera­ tion, and speaks volumes for the men Tuesday, September 6, 1977. who have chosen to be carpenters, plasterers, painters, electricians, and scaffolders. The PRESIDENT (the Hon. W. G. I think it proper to record the Fry) took the chair at 4.52 p.m. and names of those who participated in read the prayer. the magnificent restoration of this Chamber. The Clerk of the Parlia­ DEATH OF MEMBER'S WIFE. ments has kindly made available to The PRESIDENT (the Hon. W. G. me, through the Public Works De­ Fry): While the House was in partment, a list of those artisans. It abeyance we received the melancholy is as follows- news of the death of Mrs. Galbally, S. Cook, Senior inspector of works the wife of the Leader of the Opposi­ A. L. Bird, Supervisor L. Varossy, Carpenter tion. I inform honorable members E. Redmond, Carpenter that messages and suitable floral M. Mannion, Plasterer tributes were sent on behalf of all A. Jones, Plasterer honorable members. W. Coghlan, Plasterer P. Griffin, Plasterer Mr. Galbally, on behalf of the E. Duggan, Bricklayer P. Sullivan, Bricklayer House, I extend to you our deepest M. Reynolds, Bricklayer condolences. A. Harrison, Builders labourer S. H. Bant, Supervisor LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL F. L. Strahan, Supervisor E. Phillip, Painter CHAMBER. D. Fletcher, Painter The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief E. Crichton, Painter Secretary): I am sure all honorable P. Buckley, Painter J. Watson, Painter members would like me, before the J. Hendrey, Painter session starts, to comment on the A. Buerkel, Painter wonderful Chamber we are sitting in P. Costanzo, Painter today. The work that was contem­ M. Tavlia, Painter M. Tavlian, Painter plated for this Chamber was delayed. T. Jones, Apprentice painter Because of the amount of work in­ Heather CulIen, Apprentice painter volved, as all honorable members R. Knapp, Apprentice painter C. Patterson, Apprentice painter know, when the autumn sessional S. Griffiths, Apprentice painter period concluded we moved out be­ K. Green, Apprentice painter lieving that the Public Works Depart­ T. E. Tinkler, Glazier ment had access to the Chamber for B. Harrington, Glazier the next four or five months. A. Pike, Glazier R. Dorey, Polisher Honorable members will recall the A. A. Biggins, Supervisor, electrician need for Parliament to reassemble P. Brabender, Leading hand electrician which meant that scaffolding had to G. Lauder, Leading hand electrician be removed thus delaying the work T. Durmanic, Leading hand electrician C. Wi1liams, Leading hand electrician for a week or so. I, and I am sure R. Joyce, Leading hand electrician all honorable members, have watched H. Douramakos, Leading hand electrician the progress of the work in the M. McCarthy, Supervisor, scaffolding Chamber. E. Haywood, Scaffolder K. Haywood, Scaffolder One can talk idly today about how H. Martins, Scaffolder M. Leaman, Scaffolder artisans in our work force are not J. McCarthy, Scaffold er as good as they were 100 years ago, R. PolIock, Scaffolder but I am sure all honorable members F. Gardam, Scaffolder will agree that the refurbishing of F. Hoareau, Scaffolder P. ValIance, Scaffolder this Chamber has been done in such J. Rae, Scaffolder a way that it compares more than G. Pavlovic, Scaffolder Session 1977.-314 9058 Joint Sitting [COUNCIL.] of Parliament.

The work commenced on 12th May accordance with rules adopted for the pur­ and was completed on 26th August. pose by the Members at the sitting, and I should be grateful if you could arrange Some polishing remains to be com­ for a joint sitting to recommend three Mem­ pleted, which will take another six bers for apPOintment to the Council for to eight weeks. I -am sure that honor­ the four year term commencing on 1st able members will agree that these January, 1978. persons have done a wonderful job. I have addressed a similar letter to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. JOINT SITIING OF PARLIAMENT. Yours sincerely, L. H. S. THOMPSON, STATE COLLEGE OF VICTORIA: DEAKIN Minister of Education. UNIVERSITY: MONASH UNIVERSITY. Section 7 of the Monash University Act 1958 provides that three members of the The PRESIDENT (the Hon. W. G. Council of the University shall be Mem­ Fry): I have received the following bers of the Parliament of Victoria who have been recommended for appointment by a communications, dated 1st Septem­ joint sitting of Members of the Legislative ber, 1977, from the Minister of Council and the Legislative Assembly con­ Education- ducted in accordance with rules adopted for Pursuant to the provisions of section 43 the purpose by the Members present at the of the State College of Victoria Act 1972, Sitting. a Proclamation of the Governor in Council The Honorable Stuart Richard McDonald, published in the GOVernment Gazette on M.L.C., who was appointed to the Council 13th July, 1977, fixed Mond-ay 14th Nov­ for the four-year tenn ending 11th Decem­ ember, 1977, as the day on whiCh the Senate ber, 1979, has resigned from the Council on of the State College of Victoria is to be the advice of his doctor and I should be duly constituted. In the meantime the grateful if you could arrange a joint Sitting State College has been administered by an to recommend a Member to replace him. Interim Senate, three members of which­ I have addressed a similar letter to the the Hon. H. R. Ward, M.L.C., the Hon. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. B. P. Dunn, M.L.C. and Mr. B. O. Jones, M.P.-were recommended for appointment Yours sincerely, by the Parliament under the provisions of L. H. S. THOMPSON, section 45 of the Act. Minister of Education. Section 7 of the Act provides that three The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief members of the Senate shall be Members of the Parliament of Victoria who have Secretary): By leave, I move- been recommended for appointment by a That this House meet the LefPslative joint sitting of Members of the Legislative Assembly for the purpose of sittmg and Council and the Legislative Assembly con­ voting together to choose three members ducted in accordance with rules adopted of the Parliament of Victoria to be recom­ for the purpose by the Members at the mended for appointment to the Senate of sitting, and I should be grateful if you the State College of Victoria, to choose could arrange for a joint sitting to recom­ three members of the Parliament of Victoria mend three Members for appointment to to be recommended for appointment to the the Senate for the four year term com­ Council of the Deakin University and to mencing on 14th November, 1977. choose a member of the Parliament of I have addressed a similar letter to the Victoria to be recommended for appoint­ Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. ment to the Council of the Monash Uni­ versity. Yours sincerely, L. H. S. THOMPSON, The motion was agreed to. Minister of Education. It was ordered that a message be Pursuant to the provisions of section 39 of the Deakin University Act 1974, a Procla­ sent to the Legislative Assembly mation of the Governor in Council published acquainting them with the foregoing in the Government Gazette on 24th Novem­ resolution and requesting them to ber, 1976, fixed Sunday, 1st January, 1978, name the place and tirae of such as the day on which the Council of the University is to be duly constituted. In meeting. the meantime the University has been ad­ ministered by an Interim Senate under the QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. provisions of section 41 of the Act. Section 7 of the Act provides that three members of the Council shall be Members LITTER. of the Parliament of Victoria who have been The Hon. D. M. EVANS (North recommended for appointment by a joint sitting Qf Members of the Legislative Council Eastern Province): Has the Chief and the Legislative Assembly conducted in Secretary, in travelling -around .the Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] without Notice. 9059

State, become aware of the wide could raise funds for me which, of variety and quantity of litter on course, chairmen of electoral com­ roadsides, which is becoming par­ mittees do. He raised funds; I do not ticularly apparent with the good know the total amount. I do not housekeeping of the Country Roads know the identity of any donor, al­ Board and the grass-cutting carried though I presume he was one, and I out by the various shire councils? do not know the amount paid by any subscriber. That is in accordance Does the Minister consider that with the code of ethics of the Liberal the Litter Act 1964 is sufficient to Party. control the littering of highways? If so, will the Government ensure that Because it is known that he raised the Act is applied, and if not, will funds, an imputation has been made it alter the Act to make it more that he must have received con­ effective? fidential information about the The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister Melton land purchase by the Housing for Local Government): The ques­ Commission. tion should have been directed to me. The Hon. W. A. LANDERYOU: I The honorable member has probably asked you whether you discussed it. read or heard of the Premier's announcement yesterday that amend­ The Hon. A. J. HUNT: No, I did ments to the Litter Act will be pro­ not discuss it with him, and indeed posed in this sessional period. the facts put paid completely to the imputation. In f1act Welmac and their associates had been engaged in HOUSING COMMISSION LAND putting together the parcel of land PURCHASES. over a considerable period and the The Hon. W. A. LANDERYOU purchases went back to December, (Doutta Galla Province): Is the 1972, March, 1973, May and June, Minister for Local Government in a 1973, and in the final case September" position to assure the House that he 1973. did not have discussions with Mr. Peter John Leake and/or Mr. Colin The Housing Commis,sion first ob­ George Cooke of Nandina Invest­ tained Cabinet approval to look for ments in July, 1973, regarding the land in the Melton area on 16th July, proposed Melton land purchases? Did 1973. On 17th September, 1973, it the Minister have discussions with obtained approval to seek that land either gentleman two months prior in the corridor west of Melton, an to 29th March, 1974? area of som'e 15 to 20 square mUes. I knew for the first time then the The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister location of the land that the Housing for Local Government): On the same Commission was prepared to buy. matter? within 15 or 20 square miles. I am in a position to give the House By that stage all this land had long an unqualified assurance on the first since been aggregated. It can hardly m'atter. As to the second matter, Mr. be said to be on the basis of con­ Landeryou has not specified the dis­ fidential knowledge if the land was cussion on which he requested held by the vendor before the com­ information. I think I should elab­ mission decided to buy. orate. I might add that it is a matter of It is no secret that Mr. Peter record, on which evidence will be Leake was chairman of the Flinders given, that the Chief Secretary first Federal electorate committee of the disclosed to me the precise area of Liberal Party in 1973. I have never land which he had decided to buy on hidden the fact that before the 1973 lOth January, 1974, at 'a conference elections in that capacity he at which a number of officers were approached me to ask whether he present and which was fully minuted .. 9060 Questions [COUNCIL.] without Notice. OUTBREAK OF SALMONELLA. on regulations to ensure that recalling The Hon. B. A. CHAMBERLAIN procedures, standards of laboratories (Western Province) : In view of the and standards of testing are all up­ anxiety caused to young mothers graded. who use powdered milk products following the recent outbreak of HOUSING COMMISSION LAND salmonella, can the Minister of PURCHASES. Health give the House an assurance The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING (Mel­ that steps are being taken to ensure bourne Province): In respect of that the chance of such an outbreak land purchases by the Housing Com­ occurring in the future is minimized? mission in Sunbury, what instructions The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON or guidelines did the Minister for (Minister of Health): The outbreak Local Government issue to the to which the honorable member Valuer-General's Department to use refers is no doubt the one at the Ton­ in determining the value of the land gala milk factory in northern Vic­ at the time of the purchase? At the toria. It concerns the contamination time of the purchase was the land of the product Lactogen which is zoned as general farming, and was used in the feeding of infants. any potential residential consideration taken into account in the valuation? The Department of Health has If the Minister did not issue such closed that factory and has insisted an instruction or guidelines perhaps that all the Lactogen products pro­ he could inform the House who did? duced at that factory be withdrawn In another case today the Minister from sale. of Housing and Minister for Plan­ There was a minor outbreak of ning-- gastroenteritis anslng from the The PRESIDENT (the Hon. W. G. presence of salmonella bacteria bred Fry): Order! in tha,t - plant. The factory will remain closed until it has been The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister thoroughly established that any for Local Government): I gave no future product will be free from instructions whatever to the Valuer­ contamination, that all the faults General or to any other person in inherent in some of the repairs made respect of valuation of land at Sun­ to machinery for the drying of milk bury, Melton or Pakenham and was in that factory are corrected and the not consulted about them in any way. danger of contamination from that source no longer exists. GOULBURN-MURRAY IRRIGAnON DISTRICT. I can assure the honorable member The Hon. N. B. REID (Bendigo that as far as possible the risk win Province): Some time ago the Minis­ be minimized but it is not possible ter of Water Supply appointed Mr. to give an undertaking that in the A. G. Robinson to conduct an inquiry future no further contamination by into the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation salmonella bacteria will happen. As District. r believe the report has Mr. Elliot knows, salmonella bacteria been completed, and I ask the Minis­ are present in hundreds of different ter of Water Supply when copies of varieties. it will be available. The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: There are The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Minister 805. of Water Supply): The report has The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON: The been finalized; the Government has bacteria present in poultry pro­ received it and it will be made avail­ ducts are destroyed by cooking. able to honorable members in the I can recommend to all Victorians electorates of the Goulburn-Murray that they continue to cook their meat Irrigation District and to any other in the future as they have in the honorable member who would like to past. Work is already proceeding peruse it. It will also be provided Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9061 to advisory boards in full, but indivi­ community's and the Australian way dual members of advisory boards will of life. The Victorian Liberal Govern­ receive a summary of the recommen­ ment has pursued that belief-that dations and conclusions. policy-since 1955. With vigour! In so far as the Housing Commission is DRAFT STATE DISASTER PLAN. concerned, it has provided since its The Hon. S. R. McDONALD (North­ formation in 1938 in excess of 84,000 ern Province): In reply to a question dwellings for Victorians-to the ex­ during the last sessional period the tent that one person in twelve is Chief Secretary said that a draft being helped with housing, through State disaster plan was under con­ the commission-of which total, sideration. Can the honorable gentle­ more than half, 44,511, have been man advise the House whether this purchased with Housing Commission draft plan has been considered and help. when the final report and plan will When the Honorable R. J. Hamer be available? succeeded the Honorable Sir Henry The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief Bolte as Premier of Victoria in Secretary): The final planning is August, 1972, he immediately an­ close to completion. The Chief Com­ nounced a number of top priority missioner of Police is responsible for policy matters. Decentralization was the State emergency services. Re­ given the highest priority in these cently a new Chief Commissioner, Mr. policy announcements. In broad Miller, was appointed. Mr. Miller has terms, it meant that Government now apprised himself of the whole action was to be directed towards report it having not been his respon­ the development of country towns, sibility up to the time of the retire­ with special emphasis being applied ment of Chief Commissioner J ackson. to at least a half dozen of the largest I shall not give a date but I hope the provincial centres. The highest prio­ draft plan will be finalized and cir­ rity was to be given to housing needs culated as quickly as possible. in all country towns and the opera­ tions of the Housing Commission MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. were to be scaled down within HOUSING COMMISSION POLICIES AND Greater Melbourne and no further LAND PURCHASES. Housing Commission high-rise flats The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief for family units were to be built. Secretary): I wish to make a Minis­ It was recognized that the key to terial statement with respect to the decentralization was with industrial Housing Commission. development in country towns and By way of background, and for the the necessary housing to cater for benefit of the House to allow a full the needs of families who were either canvass of present policies, I wish to prepared to remain in a country restate that the Government strongly town or move there from the metro­ supports the principle of home politan area where new job opportu­ ownership by any Victorian family nities were created. It was also which can afford-or can be helped recognized that, irrespective of how to purchase-a home of their own. much Government assistance was forthcoming to decentralize, there We do this for many excellent would always be families who would reasons, the most fundamentally im­ prefer to live in the big city and portant being the perceived right of there were industries which had no every Australian family to own their desire to move away from Melbourne. piece of . We believe that home ownership makes better citi­ Equally it was accepted that Mel­ zens, allows low-income families to bourne would continue to be a participate in the economic wealth magnet for many, and therefore a of this country and consequently programme was devised whereby leads to over-all improvement in our a number of satellite towns would be 9062 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement. developed by the Housing Commis­ tember, 1973, and precise locations sion, in conjunction with private de­ were, in each case, subsequently velopers, around the perimeter of selected and purchases effected. Greater Melbourne, but at a distance Land purchase for residential de­ from the perimeter which would per­ velopment in each of those three mit people to commute within the areas afforded the opportunity of hour to their place of work in Mel­ creating new, integrated communities bourne, and still give them all the in the satellite town situation to benefits of living in a country en­ which I have previously referred­ vironment. At least twelve towns, with the prospect of ease of com­ which were within one hour's travel­ muting to central Melbourne should ling of Melbourne, were considered that be necessary, access to growing by the Government as being places local employment opportunities-the for such development. chance for Government to quite In the Melbourne Herald of 29th directly effect a balancing situation March, 1973, the Government intent around Melbourne, yet in a way not was announced regarding the estab­ connected to its then urban sprawl. lishment of new towns, that twelve Self-contained, moderate-sized com­ opportunities were being looked at. munities with which new residents As Minister of Housing, I then said, could develop and feel a rapport, yet inter alia- in each case offering a diversity of We want to get people out of the concrete life style suited to each. jungle of the big city. We are determined that, from now on­ That policy was welcomed and ap­ particularly in the dormitory towns-com­ plauded in an Age editorial of 20th miSsion houses will not be Cl typed". Both September, 1973, which stated- in design and location, our houses will blend Instead of attacking spiralling land prices with the pattern of the town. with the imperfect weapon of price control, The Government determined to buy the Hamer Government has wisely prefer­ large tracts of land, within reasonable red to use a blend of competition and compassion. Instead of running the risk commuting distance of Melbourne, as of distorting the market, the Government a deliberate policy to counter urban has entered it in the interests of the "small sprawl around Melbourne's periphery man". Thus, unlike some of the Federal and to assist in developing new types Labor Government's proposals, the Victorian Government's plan deserves high marks of residential settlements, totally in­ both for economic sense and social justice. tegrated. The reason for wishing to buy large tracts of land was to allow Those three Housing Commission for implementing the Government's land purchases, so welcome then in new policy of social mix-a policy principle and potential effect, have allowing for Government housing to now been cast in doubt and three ob­ be integrated within a total residen­ servations are pertinent- tial complex, aesthetically indistin­ Firstly, the Housing Commission guishable from its neighbour, such was directed by the Government to that in these Government sponsored buy parcels of land in these places, housing projects, no more than one­ the Government having fully con­ third of the housing stock created sidered the potential of at least would be provided to people needing twelve country towns near Mel­ Government housing help. It was bourne, and decided on the three also designed as a positive interven­ mentioned, namely Pakenham, Sun­ tion in the residential land market, to bury and Melton. increase supplies of lots and dampen Secondly, over the 22 years of suc-' rapidly rising prices. cessful Liberal Government in Vic­ Of the twelve opportunities under toria, it has been firm policy not to review during 1973, the Government compulsorily acquire land, other than opted for three-Pakenham, Sunbury as a last resort. Each of the three and Melton. The Government ap­ parcels of land purchased by the corn-' proved the seeking of land in these mission and now under scrutiny by a general areas in April, July and Sep- board of inquiry, was valued by the The Hon. V. O. Dickie. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9063 Valuer-General. Subsequently, con­ at Sunbury and Melton. Maybe hon­ tracts of sale were negotiated with orable members opposite should look the owners of the land-in each case in detail into this and other Federal at a price less than that assessed by Government purchases made during the Valuer-General. that 1973-74 period. Their findings Thirdly, 1973 and 1974 were land could be very interesting! boom years-the land market was at The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT (Mel­ its peak-and so the Housing Com­ bourne Province): On a pOint of mission competed with the market order, Mr. President, while I appreci­ that then obtained. ate that the Leader of the House is It is common knowledge now that reading with a slow measured tread, a number of developers-many well­ so to speak, I think he insults the known in the field, or formerly so­ House. We were just as interested in have since taken the knock. They what the Minister said before as what bought at the peak and could not he is saying now and what he will say service their commitments. There is subsequently. I request that the no need to mention names-they Minister continue at that speed so should all be well-known to honorable honorable members can understand members. Yet nobody has suggested what he is saying. What the honor­ raking over the coals of the disasters able gentleman has said to this stage within the private sector which fol­ has been almost unintelligible. lowed the 1973 land boom. Nor has The PRESIDENT (the Hon. W. G. it been suggested that land purchas­ Fry): There is no point of order, ing arrangements by other Govern­ Mr. Elliot has made his point. ments, at that time, should now be The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ viewed in retrospect. bourne North Province): Before the I could cite a most interesting com­ Minister resumes reading, it seems parative example for the information tha t this is not a Ministerial state­ of all honorable members and I hope ment. For instance, the Minister is all honorable members are listening. saying, "It is ironic". He is debating It concerns land purchased by the a point which he proposes to put, no Commonwealth Defence Service doubt to the electors, and no doubt to Homes in the Parish of Yuroke, near Sir Gregory Gowans. I have argued Craigieburn. Some 326 acres were this with you, Mr. President, without sold in August, 1972, to a developer, much success over the years, but it by the original owners, for $187,000. seems that a Ministerial statement Several subsequent sales and trans­ should be a statement and not a pro­ fers took place between August, 1972, cess of the Minister arguing in his and August, 1974-each one at a con­ own interest. siderable profit. On 30th August, The PRESIDENT (the Hon. W. G. 1974, the land was again sold to a Fry): Mr. Galbally has made that developer for $908,750 and on the statement and it is left to the Minis­ same day-I emphasize" the same ter's good taste and good sense to day "-it was transferred to the Com­ take note of what has been said. I do monwealth Defence Service Homes not propose to rule on this point. for $1 ·485 million. In two years there The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief was a capital appreciation of almost Secretary) : It is important to bring 700 per cent. And, a "same day" forward comparative sales. Inciden­ payment by the then Federal Govern­ tally, the Craigieburn defence service ment showing a 24-hour gain of 63 homes land is still undeveloped and, per cent to a one-day vendor. I believe, about to be placed on the It is ironic that at the very same market for sale as broad acres; as it time, the then Federal Minister for was, in 1972. The Housing Commis­ Housing, who was responsible for this sion is now under fire-and not for remarkable land purchase, queried the the first time-in respect of these Housing Commission land purchases three land purchases. 9064 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement.

The Government, to dispel any are due to appear before the board doubts whatsoever and to put to rest and it is the board's task to report its various allegations and inuendoes for opinion. I certainly would not wish once and for all, has appointed a to see particular people, or particular board of inquiry for the purpose of in­ circumstances, pre-judged here, under quiring into and reporting upon- the cloak of Parliamentary privilege, 1. All aspects of and matters aris­ during the currency of the board's ing from the land purchases by the inquiry. I am sure all honorable Housing Commission at Pakenham, members will agree that to do so Sunbury and Melton in the years would be totally unfair to those con­ 1973 and 1974, and the proposed de­ cerned in the inquiry-and inapprop­ velopment of the land so purchased, riate too, with an appointed board of and in particular to report in each inquiry now taking· evidence. case-- . The Government has indicated its (a) whether any person was guilty intent to debate the matter here, in of any impropriety, breach this session, when all the relevant of law or duty, negligence or facts are brought to attention. act of dishonesty in relation The relevant facts will include thereto; prices paid for the three parcels of (b) whether any person gave or land referred to at that time and will gained improper advantage also refer to development proposals or improperly disclosed or in train. I should mention, as a mat­ misused confidential infor­ ter of record, that following a firm mation; submission to the commission by (c) whether the valuation, or valu­ Pinmore Pty. Ltd. in December, 1976 ations, preceding the pur­ -a submission which allowed for chase was, or were, proper­ marshalling private capital to help ly made and based; achieve the Government's purpose~ formal advertisements were then (d) whether the price paid was placed nationally, in the month of fair and reasonable. February, inviting like-minded groups 2. Whether the procedures and to register interest in joining the methods employed and the practices commission in various joint venture observed in relation to the purchase opportunities. Fifty-four such sub­ of land by the Housing Commission missions have been received, inter­ are adequate or whether any and what views have been conducted, and as a new procedures, methods and prac­ result a short list of registrants tices should be introduced and adopt­ thought to be appropriate has been ed in relation thereto. compiled. They are-or were-due The Government has asked the to be contacted and asked to com­ board, with as little delay as possible, peti ti'Vely bid for various housing and by 30th November at the lat­ projects throughout the State. The est, to report its opinion resulting Government thinks it best not to pro­ from this inquiry. Why November ceed with these competitive tenders 30th? To provide a full opportunity until such time as the board has re­ for debate in this Parliament during ported, for to do so now could quite the course of the current session. inappropriately anticipate one of the That is our purpose-to seek a full terms of reference given the board. and frank report, available for public The principle, however, has already scrutiny and for public debate here, in been stated. Coincidentally with this Parliament, this session. the advertisements being placed last The board is at work at present February, a press statement was and it would be unfair, in the Govern­ issued by me announcing that the ment's opinion, to canvass in detail, commission was anxious to develop now, matters referred to in the terms closer relationships with private of reference. A number of persons builders in the future provision of The Hon. V. O. Dickie. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9065 low-income State housing. Honorable have described, and therefore the end members interested in this topic will cost of the residential projects must no doubt have a copy of that state­ be lower than usual. Is not this type ment which is self-explanatory. of arrangement beneficial to all parties? To the Government for its In furtherance to that policy, the Minister of Housing intends introduc­ housing needs in association with an ing legislation into this session of immense project-for the builder in Parliament to provide to the Housing terms of minimizing costs of finance Commission the necessary legislative and therefore for the end-customer authority to enter into joint ventures in terms of his "end buying" price? with private enterprise firms to allow The utilization of private or for their competitive participation in institutional capital to help develop the commission's larger residential mixed es·tates on Government owned developments. land-and the resultant reduction of Perhaps I could give the House one Government financial outlay-must example whereby private capital and have significant advantages, not only expertise is being marshalled to assist for the Government but also for the in the provision of housing in a de­ community of Victoria. centralized area. We-the commun­ Joint venture objectives are to be ity-want to see the new Loy Yang pursued by the Government because power station built. That will require there is-there always has been-a the provision of housing for the work shortage of resources to be allocated force employed on the project and amongst competing uses in Victoria. recently the Decentralized Industry There never has been enough money Housing Authority, acting in con­ to provide adequately for housing junction with the State Electricity demand. When the Housing Com­ Commission, the Housing Commission mission is in a position to joint and the Treasury, placed advertise­ venture with private firms a new op­ ments calling for builders to register portunity to tap fresh sources of interest to supply between 300 and capital will eventuate. This will 1,000 houses throughout the Latrobe attract, the Government trusts, a very Valley over the next ten years. significant increase in the level of Builders will use land already owned funds used in the production of by the State Electricity Commission, housing generally, and low-income or by the Housing Commission, or houses for those waiting for Govern­ land which they themselves already own, and will supply houses on a com­ ment assistance. The Government is petitive tender basis, as is justified by most anxious to use every possible means to encourage the building of the work force requirements at the more houses and to effect shorter power station project. For its part waiting periods for needy families. the Government will guarantee to purchase any houses unsold, follow­ The community generally will ing a suitable period of time, through benefit, because the Iow-income one of its various agencies. housing content will be spread un­ In other words, the private builder obtrusively through the normal does not need to get involved with private developments. No longer will the capital cost of land, nor perhaps low-income housing" stick out like with bridging finance associated with a sore thumb", because it will be servicing costs, yet has a guaranteed designed into new housing areas. It uItim'a te purchaser-one or other will be indistinguishable from any agency of the Government. The other housing development in the risks associated with developing new community. residential areas are minimized; Low-income families assisted in borrowing facilities for the builders this way will benefit in particular. concerned must surely be easier They will receive a high standard of under the circumstances which I accommodation, occupying premises 9066 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement. in total~ planned and developed Bearing in mind the Government's communIties, which will not have the firm commitment to a policy of social label of low-income Government mix in most future developments of housing attached to them; they will sizeable proportion and the disposal be indistinguishable from their neigh­ of two-thirds of most new develop­ bours. ments to achieve this purpose, the This then leads to recent criticism commission's present land holdings as to the extent of land holding are certainly not excessive. As· a owned by the Housing Commission general guide, the intention would throughout Victoria. This criticism normally be to maintain land stock appears to be based on the erroneous at about the present level, by pur­ assumption that all land owned by chasing further areas of land to re­ the commission is to be used to pro­ place annual usage. This year, how­ vide low-income Government hous­ ever, because of the awesome pre­ ing. As I have just explained, this is dicament which the home building not the case. industry faces, the commission has been asked to minimize its land stock When one considers that of the replenishment programme-to use land presently owned only ,about one­ every possible dollar in the Budget third, in the main, will be used for to provide bricks and mortar; gainful low-income Government housing pro­ employment for an industry in trouble duction, the extent of the present -affordable houses for people who land holdings falls into a new per­ need shelter. spective. Recent significant land purchases, In provincial and country areas the in such decentralized centres as Sale, commission is never criticized for Wodonga, Ballarat, Kyneton, Mildura owning too much land. The pressure and Bacchus Marsh ensure adequate is always on, from local interests, medium-term land in most regional from local members, trying to get centres, to accommodate the dual pol­ the commission to purchase more icies of decentralization and social land holdings and, in fact, the com­ mix. However, land purchase prob­ mission is usually requested to pur­ lems now being encountered in the chase sufficient land to ensure a min­ important centres of Geelong and imum of ten to fifteen years' activity. Bendigo must be overcome, and the I wonder what the Opposition criti­ Government is directing activity to­ cism would have been had the com­ wards this end. mission not owned significant tracts Still dealing in bricks and mortar of land around Melbourne to allow -building work, but not houses as for mixed housing development to such-there are two other matters occur, to help overcome the dispro­ that should be taken into account portionate waiting time now experi­ so far as Government policies affect­ enced by those wishing to live and ing the Housing Commission's activi­ work in and around the metropoIis­ ties go. It has long been recognized whether criticism is appropriate to by the Government that new com­ land holdings in country and provin­ munities created by the Housing Com­ cial areas? Had the commission not mission and other large developers sought land banks throughout Vic­ go through an initial, difficult period toria, ! would have thought that the when community facilities are inade­ commission could reasonably be sub­ quate. ject to more justifiable criticism in In an endeavour to at least partially those circumstances than it can be overcome such problems in low-in­ at present. It is not possible to build come housing areas, the commission houses without land to erect them is to make available from now on on. It is obviously prudent for the sufficient funds to provide primary largest producer of housing in Vic­ schools and pre-schools in commis­ toria to ensure that it has adequate sion developments, where provision land for its future operations. of these facilities would otherwise lag The Hon. V. O. Dickie. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9067 significantly behind the settlement of expected that work will be com­ families. Arrangements have already menced on another 2,473 during the been made for the provision of pre­ 1977-78 financial period. It is esti­ schools at Whittington, COrio, Werri­ mated that between 2,500 and 3,000 bee and Hastings. Primary schools of these new units will be completed are at present being planned for and occupied during the year. Broadmeadows-three schools-and This represents a substantial con­ one each at Werribee and Shepparton. tribution towards the Government's Subject to the availability of funds, effort to provide decent housing for this programme will be continued and, every Victorian family, at prices they if possible, extended in the future­ can afford to pay. all funds to be repayable to the com­ Of the 2,473 new units on which mission by the respective authorities, construction will commence this year, when work has been completed, over 443 will be units to house elderly per­ a three-year period. sons, 1,751 will be houses for families The Urban Land Council was to rent and buy, and 279 will be flats formed in 1975, utilizing the Housing erected in medium density develop­ Commission as the instrument ments. through which land would be pur­ Some 60 per cent of these new chased, subdivided, developed and units in 1977-78-a total of 1,455 sold. Significant purchases have been units-will be erected in regional and made and development proceeded country centres. Only 39·95 per cent with. The sale of residential land, of the new works programme-a total at reasonable prices, is a matter of of 988 units-will be located in the public record. Continued activity in metropolitan area. this area in the future will have the desired effects of helping to ensure an Because inflation has hit Govern­ adequate supply of high quality resi­ ment fund allocations, it will be ne­ dential land, at reasonable prices, in cessary to induce greater participa­ areas to the north-west of Melbourne tion by private enterprise to supple­ -achieving, in part, the balanced de­ ment short Government finance. velopment of the metropolis which The Minister of Housing has, as the Government has previously previously stated, already commenced spelled out as being desirable. action to have private enterprise pro­ Land stocks at present total some vide an initial 300 homes, of an 429 lots under development and 205 eventual need of about 1,000, for the lots available for sale plus 460 broad Loy Yang project. He expects to hectares. The revenue from sale of announce successful tenderers for land is to be used as a revolving this project and the methods to be fund to finance continuing activity employed before the end of October, of the council. The anticipated ex­ 1977. penditure for the 10977 -78 financial Further action of a more general year will be in the order of $9 million nature will ensue when the Housing of which 75 per cent will accrue from Commission has the authority of this sales and the balance will be allo­ House to do so. cated to the State by the Common­ The Housing Commission over wealth under the original agreement. many years has held a proud place in In summary, the commission con­ Victoria-its contribution in both a tinues to do an outstanding job physical and social sense should not throughout Victoria in providing low be allowed to be swept under any income families with high quality carpet. Without its presence, I just housing, at prices they can afford to wonder how viable many of our pay. country towns would be, how satis­ As at 30th June, 1977, the com­ factorily people in need might other­ mission had 2,357 units of accom .. wise be accommodated, and in the modation in course of erection. It is present climate how on earth the 9068 Board of Inquiry [COUNCIL.] into Housing Commission building trade, particularly smaller not passed an enabling motion like country builders and those sub-trades the one I am suggesting to the House that work with them, would have any tonight. The proposal, if accepted, hope of survival. would impose no compulsion to give By leave, I move- evidence but would provide the op­ That this House take note of this Minis­ portunity to do so if any member terial statement relating to Housing Com­ wished to be heard. mission land transactions. I regret that a motion of this kind I propose to hear honorable mem­ is necessary. It seems to me--and I bers and use the right of reply under am supported in this particularly by Standing Order No. 123. what the Leader of the House said The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ tonight-that Housing Commission bourne N orth Province): I move- policy, as dictated or advised by the That the Ministerial statement be taken Government, is a matter peculiarly into account on the next day of meeting. for Parliament, and this is where the The PRESIDENT (the Hon. W. G. matter ought to be resolved. At pre­ Fry): That is equivalent to refusing sent we are betwixt heaven and earth. leave to take the statement into The Minister has outlined the policy account. of the Housing Commission in Parlia­ ment, and at the same time a board of The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: No, inquiry is inquiring into the matter. we wish to debate the statement on the next day of meeting. The decline of Parliamentary insti­ tutions, both here and at Canberra, The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief has been hastened by the determined Secretary): Then I give notice that policy of Government in Canberra on the next day of meeting I shall and in Victoria to fob off to someone move that this House take note of else outside Parliament a problem the Ministerial statement relating to that belongs peculiarly to the Parlia­ Housing Commission land trans­ mentary institution. actions. The Housing Commission is a State instrumentality which is funded with BOARD OF INQUIRY INTO moneys, and has considerable re­ HOUSING COMMISSION LAND sources. Parliament should be the PURCHASES. watchdog. Parliament should assert The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ its control over the Executive arm of bourne North Province): By leave, I government, and that has not been move-- done for many years. That leave be given to members of the It is a matter of deep regret for Legislative Council to attend as witnesses if they think fit before the board of inquiry Parliamentary institutions that in the to investigate land purchases by the Housing past twenty years one has seen al­ Commission of Victoria in 1973 and 1974 most the decline and fall of Parlia­ appointed by the State Executive Council mentary government in Victoria. on 9th August, 1977. This question and the issues surround­ It seems desirable that members of ing it ought to have been resolved by this House, if they so wish, should be Parliament by means of a Select free of the restraint of Parliamentary Committee, of which there have been privilege and be enabled to give evi­ only two in the past 30 years. These dence. Many years ago this matter are all-party committees. The two was dealt with at some length by Mr. Select Committees that I mentioned Justice Anderson, who was then Mr. -one on the Royal Botanic Gardens Kevin Anderson, Q.C., during the in­ and one on the Little Desert-re­ quiry into scientology. I have some ceived encomiums from both the Gov­ tender memories of that inquiry, be­ ernment and the people. The con­ cause I wished to give evidence before tinuing process of shovelling decisions the commission but was prevented off to some retired judge or eminent from doing so because this House had barrister is to be deplored. Land [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Purchases. 9069

People in the community ask why Accordingly, I ask the House to members of Parliament are elected. carry the motion I have launched. If In saying this, I make no improper Parliamentary government is to sur­ attack on Sir Gregory Gowans. We vive in Australia, Parliament must all remember him as a fine and present itself as a forum to the learned judge, but this process has people and not as a ritual in which been used by Governments here for members come here a few times a many years. Members of Parliament week from now until Christmas, are left with nothing to do while knowing that the decisions they issues of this kind are debated in the ought to be making in the public in­ press by every citizen in the land, terest are made for them by other as they should be. However, in the people, no matter how knowledge­ Parliament of Victoria we are told able, how experienced and how trust­ that these decisions will be made not worthy they may be. in Parliament but by the resources lt cannot be said that the proposals of the commissioner of inquiry. of a Parliamentary Select Committee The Hon. R. J. LONG: Does Mr. would be hampered because there Galbally disagree with the Leader of would be so many members of the the Opposition in another place, Mr. National Party, so many members of Wilkes, in his call for an inquiry? the Government party and so many members of the Opposition. How The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY: I have does the Statute Law Revision Com­ said that inquiries have almost broken mittee work? It works splendidly, Parliament and Parliamentary gov­ and that committee operates on the ernment in Victoria. Here members same pattern I would propose for a assemble after two or three months Select Committee. to discuss a matter that has been en­ These are dark days for the people gaging the attention of the press of Victoria. We are in the midst of daily. a recession that is troubling not only No one will deny that big issues Victoria and Australia but the whole are involved, and I am not attempting world, and it is proper that mem­ to resolve them tonight, but it is pre­ bers of Parliament accept their duties posterous that after a recess of three and responsibilities, no matter how months, when honorable members onerous they may be. The community return to Parliament, they are told will get nowhere by handing its prob­ that the matter is to be taken out of lems over to non-elected members the Parliamentary arena so that mem­ of the community. bers' mouths will be stopped until The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief at some time, on the terms selected Secretary): The Government fully by the Government, a report is pre­ supports the proposal outlined in Mr. sented to the House. Galbally's motion. The motion was agreed to. I bitterly resent that because it denigrates the role of every member PROPERTY LAW (DEEDS) BILL. of this House. The Hon. HADDON STOREY The Hon. R. J. LONG: Does Mr. (Attorney-General), by leave, moved Galbally disagree with Mr. Wilkes? for leave to bring in a Bill to make certain provision in relation to the The Hon. J. W. GALBALL Y: I registration and sealing of deeds, con­ disagree with everyone who says that veyances and other instruments, to this matter should be taken out of alter provision for prescribing fees the Parliamentary arena. We should under the Property Law Act 1958, to tomorrow set up a Select Committee amend the Property Law Act 1958 and abandon the other process, which and for other purposes. is unparliamentary, undemocratic and The motion was agreed to. not worthy of the role of a member The Bill was brought in and read of Parliament of this State. a first time. 9070 Commissioners and [COUNCIL.] Justices Bill.

MELBOURNE AND CRIMES (ARMED ROBBERY) BILL. METROPOLITAN BOARD OF The Hon. HADDON STOREY WORKS (POWERS) BILL. (Attorney-General), by leave, moved The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister for leave to bring in a Bill to amend for Local Government), by leave, the Crimes Act 1958, to make provis­ moved for leave to bring in a Bill to ion for an offence of armed robbery make provision with respect to cer­ and for other purposes. tain powers of the Melbourne and The motion was agreed to. Metropolitan Board of Works and The Bill was brought in and read a for other purposes. first time. The motion was agreed to. The Bill was brought in and read a COMMAND PAPERS. first time. The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON (Minister of Health) presented, by COMMISSIONERS AND JUSTICES command of His Excellency the Gov­ BILL. ernor, the report of the Youth Parole The Hon. HADDON STOREY Board for the year 1975-76. (Attorney-General), by leave, moved It was ordered that the report be for leave to bring in a Bill to amend laid on the table. the Evidence Act 1958 and the Magis­ The Hon. HADDON STOREY trates' Courts Act 1971 with respect (Attorney-General) presented, by to the fees payable by commissioners command of His Excellency the Gov­ for taking declarations and affidavits ernor, the report of the judges of the and justices of the peace and their Supreme Court for the year 1976. registra tion. It was ordered that the report be The motion was agreed to. laid on the table. The Bill was brought in and read a first time. PAPERS. The following papers, pursuant to ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE the directions of several Acts of Par­ (AMENDMENT) BILL. liament, were laid on the table by the The Hon. HADDON STOREY Clerk- (Attorney-General), by leave, moved Cemeteries Act 1958-Certificate of the Min­ for leave to bring in a Bill to amend ister of Health relating to the purchase or the Administration and Probate Act taking of certain land for the purpose of 1958 and for other purposes. the Traralgon Public Cemetery. Country Fire Authority-Report for the year The motion was agreed to. 1975-76. The Bill was brought in and read a Crimes Compensation Tribunal-Report for first time. the year 1976-77. Education Act 1955-Resumption of land at WILLS (INTERESTED WITNESSES) Corio North and Riddells Creek-Certifi­ cates of the Minister of Education (two BILL. papers). The Hon. HADDON STOREY Exhibition Trustees-Report for the year (Attorney-General), by leave, moved 1976-77. for leave to bring in a Bill to re-enact Fire Brigades-Report of the Metropolitan sections 13 and 16 of the Wil1s Act Fire Brigades Board for the year 1975-76. 1958 to make provision in the Admin­ Geelong Harbor Trust Commissioners­ istration and Probate Act 1958 with Statement of accounts for the year 1976. respect to the power of the Supreme Groundwater-Report on the investigation Court to declare wills to have been programme for the year 1975. Land Conservation Council-Report for the duly executed and for other purposes. year 1976-77. The motion was agreed to. La Trobe University-Report of the Council, together with Statutes approved by the The Bill was brought in and read a Governor in Council, for the year 1976 first time. (nine papers). Papers. [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Papers. 9071

Law Reform Commissioner-Report for the Dietitians Registration Act 1958-No. 216. year 1976-77. Dried Fruits Act 1958-No. 129. Marketing of Primary Produots Act 1958- Explosives Act 1960-No. 156. Proclamation declaring that Chicory shall Fisheries Act 1965-Nos. 84, and 130 to become the property of the Chicory 133. Marketing Board for the period 20th June, 1977 to 19th June, 1978. Forests Act 1958-No. 116. Proclamation declaring that Eggs shall be­ Friendly Societies Act 1958-No. 214. come the property of ,the Victorian Egg Grain Elevators Act 1958-Nos. 125 to Marketing Board for a further period of 128, 138, 139 and 182. two years. Health Act 1958-Nos. 96, 101, 136, 164, Melbourne University-Financial statements 165, 168 to 174, 177, 178, 185 202 and for the year 1975. 225. Parliamentary Officers Act 1975- Housing Act 1958-No. 88. Statements of appointments and alter­ Industrial Training Act 1975-Nos. 86, ations of classifications in the Depart­ 122, 142, 151, 159 to 163, and 184. ments of the Legislative Council, the Labour and Industry Act 1958-No. 100. Legislative Assembly, the Library, the Reporting Staff of the Victorian Parlia­ Land Surveyors Act 1958-No. 197. mentary Debates, and the Legislative Legal Profession Practice Act 1958-No. Council and Legislative Assembly 224. House Committee, for the year 1976-77 Lifts and Cranes Act 1967-Nos. 87, 144, (five papers). 219 and 220. Statements of persons temporarily employ­ ed in the Departments of the Legislative Liquor Control Act 1968-Nos. 152 and Council, the Legislative Assembly, the 209. Library, the Reporting Staff of the Vic­ Local Government Act 1958-No. 176; torian Parliamentary Debates, and the Lotteries Gaming and Betting Act 1966-­ Legislative Council and Legislative Nos. 175 and 201. Assembly House Committee, for the year 1976-77 (five papers). Magistrates' Courts Act 1971, Magistrates (Summary Proceedings) Act 1975, Parole Boards-Reports of the Adult Parole Landlord and Tenant Act 1958-No. 181. Boards for the years 1973-74 to 1975-76 (three papers). Magistrates (Summary Proceedings) .Act 1975-No. 158. Police Service Board-Determinations Nos. Marine Act 1958-Nos. 105, Ill, 118 to 273 to 277 (five papers). 120, 205 to 207, and 226 to 231. Poultry Farmer LicenSing Committee­ Melbourne and Metropolitan Board Report for the year ended 28th February, of 1977. Works Act 1958-Nos. 99, 146, 147 and 203. Railways Board-Report for the quarter ended 31st March, 1977. Melbourne Harbor Trust Act 1958-No. 104. Registration of Births Death and Marriages Act 1959-General abstract of live births, Mental Health Act 1959-No. 108, 179, still births, deaths and marriages in Vic­ 183, 186 and 187. toria for the year 1976. Metropolitan Fire Brigades Superannua­ River Murray Commission-Report for the tion Act 1976-Nos. 93, 97, 124 and 193. year 1976. Milk Board Act 1958-No. 109. Statutory Rules under the following Acts of Motor Car Act 1955-Nos. 102, 117 and Parliament- 134. Agricultural Education Cadetships Act Pipelines Act 1967-No. 199. 1959-No. 94. Poisons Act 1962-Nos. 135 and 200. Bail Act 1977-No. 180. Police Offences Act 1958-No. 208. Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act 1970- Nos. 215, 217 and 218. Police Regulation Act 1958-Nos. 140 and 194. Building Societies Act 1976--No. 145. Portland Harbor Trust Act 1958-No. 143. Cemeteries Act 1958-No. 167. Private Agents Act 1966--Nos. 190 and Children's Court Act 1973-No. 157. 232. Consumer Affairs Act 1972-No. 85. Protection of Animals Act 1966--No. 212. Country Fire Authority Act 1958-Nos. Public Records Act 1973-No. 211. 115 and 196. Public Service Act 1974-Nos. 90 to 92, County Court Act 1958-No. 112. 103, 107, 110, 148, 154, 204, 233 and Crown Proceedings Act 1958-No. 155. 234; PSD Nos. 38 to 84. Dentists Act 1972-No. 166. Racing Act 1958-No. 98. 9072 Papers. [COUNCIL.] Papers.

Registration of Births Deaths and Mar­ Planning Scheme, with maps riages Act 1959-No. 210. (two papers). Road Traffic Act 1958-No. 121. Cranbourne Planning Scheme 1960- Rural Finance and Settlement Commis­ Amendments No. 13, 1975, No. 21, 1976 sion Act 1961-No. 223. and No. 26 (three papers). Scaffolding Act 1971-Nos. 221 and 222. Eildon Reservoir Planning Scheme 1959 Second-hand Dealers Act 1958-Nos. 113, (Shire of Mansfield)-Amendment No. 114, 191 and 192. 22, 1976. Eppalock Planning Scheme-Amendment Seeds Act 1971-No. 150. "Au. Small Claims Tribunals Act 1973-No. 89. Lome Planning Scheme, with maps (three State Electricity Commission Act 1958- papers). No. 198. Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme Supreme Court Act 1958, Companies Act -Amendments No. 56, Part 2A, with 1961-No. 106. twelve maps; No. 62, Part 4, with three Teaching Service Act 1958-No. 195. maps; No. 68, Part 1, with forty-five Town and Country Planning Act 1961- maps; No. 70, Part 2, with map; No. 74, Nos. 188 and 189. with map; and No. 78, with map (sixty­ nine papers) . Transport Regulation Act 1958-No. 137. Morwell Planning Scheme-Amendment Valuation of Land Act 1960-Nos. 123 and 153. No. 50, Part 1, 1975. Vegetation and Vine Diseases Act 1958- Phillip Island Planning Scheme-Amend­ No. 149. ments Nos. Is and le (two papers). Water Act 1958-Nos. 141 and 213. Port Fairy Planning Scheme 1959- Amendment No. 3, 1976. Wild Flowers and Native Plants Protec­ tion Act 1958-No. 95. Portland Planning Scheme 1957-Amend­ ment No. 18, 1976-Part 2. State College of Victoria-Statements ot accounts of constituent colleges, together Seymour Planning Scheme-Amendments with Statute approved by the Governor Nos. 18 and 28 (two papers). in Council, for the year 1975 (three (Coastal) Planning papers). Scheme-Amendment No. 11, 1976- Town and Country Planning Act 1961- Part 1. Ballaarat and District Planning Scheme (Horsham Boundary) 1966-Amendments No. "A"; No. 1 Planning Scheme-Amendment No. 2. (); No. 15, 1975 (); No. 4, 1976 (Shire Planning Scheme of Buninyong), No. 6, 1976 (Shire of -Amendments No. 6, Part 1, and No. 8 Ballarat); Nos. 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and (two papers). 31, 1976 (City of Ballaarat); and No. Shire of Bulla Planning Scheme 1959- 7, 1977 () Amendment No. 58, 1977. (twelve papers). Shire of Cranboume Planning Scheme Planning Scheme 1960-Amendment No. 24. 1959-Metric Conversion Amendment Shire of Flinders Planning Scheme 1962 1975. -Amendments Nos. 86 and 88, 1967 Planning Scheme-Amend­ (two papers). ments Nos. 11, 13 and 16 (three papers). Planning Scheme­ Amendments No. 8, 1976 and No. 23 Planning Scheme 1962- (two papers). Amendment No. 25. Shire of Planning Scheme, City of Croydon Planning Scheme 1961- with maps (two papers). Amendments Nos. 69 and 70 (two papers). Shire of Lillydale Planning Scheme 1958 Planning Scheme-Amend­ -Amendment No. 70, 1976. ments No. 24, 1974 and No. 29, 1976 Shire of Mornington Planning Scheme (two papers). 1959-Amendments No. SO, 1972 and City of Fran,kston Planning Scheme­ No. 107, 1976 (two papers). Amendments Nos. 12 and 13 (two Shire of Portland (Heywood Township) papers). Planning Scheme, with maps (two Planning Scheme 1973 papers). -Amendments No. 30, 1976 and No. 32 (Township) Planning (two papers). Scheme-Amendment No. 6. City of Knox Planning Scheme 1965- Planning Scheme­ Amendments Nos. 162 to 164, 169, 170, Amendments No. 3, Part 1; No. 4, 1976 172 and 174, 1976 (seven papers). and No. 5 (three papers). Adjournment. [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Adjournment. 9073

Shire of Sherbrooke Planning Scheme president, the general manager and 1965-Amendments No. 85, 1975 and the directors-the twelve disciples­ No. 104, with maps (three papers). seems to be running sport within this Shire of Tambo Planning Scheme (Lakes It Entrance) Planning Scheme-Amend­ State. is about time the Govern­ ments Nos. 7 and 10 (two papers). ment did something about this and I Shire of Werribee Planning Scheme 1963 ask the Chief Secretary to refer the -Amendment No. 43, 1976. matter to the Premier and Cabinet as Planning Scheme­ I do not believe we should be dictated Amendments No. 22, 1975 and No. 27 to by a minority body. (two papers). Town of Bairnsdale Planning Scheme, The Victorian Football Association with map (two papers). is televising its games and over the Planning Scheme­ past four years attendances at these Amendment No. 18. games have increased. Attendances Town of StawelI Planning Scheme 1963- at Victorian Football League games Amendment No. 11, 1975. have decreased and I suggest to the Wangaratta Sub-Regional Planning Chief Secretary that he refer that Scheme, with maps (thirteen papers). fact to the Premier in seeking his support to approach the directors of ADJOURNMENT. the Victorian Football League and TELEVISING OF VICTORIAN FOOTBALL once again inform them that the LEAGUE GRAND FINAL-STOCK public of Victoria, including patients AFFECTED BY RAIL WAY STRIKE­ in hospitals, those unable to obtain ALBURY - WODONGA GROWTH tickets for the grand final and the CENTRE - HAMILTON-NORADJUIHA many thousands who support the RAILWAY LINE-HEALTH SERVICES game during the year, should have -COUNTRY TELEPHONE CHARGES. the opportunity of watching the grand final on television. The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief Secretary): By leave, I move- The PRESIDENT (the Hon. W. G. That the Council, at its rising, adjourn Fry): Order! I have been very tol­ unti} tomorrow at quarter-past two o'clock. erant in waiting for Mr. Eddy to come The motion was agreed to. to the point, and I now suggest that he do so as quickly as possible. The The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief honorable member has covered the Secretary): I move- matter three times already. I ask That the House do now adjourn. him to make his point and conclude. The Hon. R. J. EDDY (Thomas­ town Province): Once again at this The Hon. R. J. EDDY: I want the time of the year I draw a matter to Chief Secretary to refer the matter the attention of the Chief Secretary to the Premier for action to be taken. and ask him to refer it to the Premier. The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief I refer to the televising of the Vic­ Secretary) : Once again I will refer torian Football League grand final. the matter raised by Mr. Eddy to the Over the years questions have been Premier. asked about this topic. In 1973 in another place questions were asked The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT (North by Mr. Wilton, Mr. Skeggs and Mr. Western Province): I raise a matter Wilkes. Again in 1974 questions were with the Minister for State Develop­ asked in another place by Mr. Wilkes ment and Decentralization, who rep­ and Mr. Holding, and by me in this resents the M-inister of Transport in House. Last October I raised this this House. It concerns constituents matter following the last grand final of mine who loaded sheep into rail­ and at this late stage I seek the sup­ way wagons yesterday on the port of the Government to ensure Underbool.... Murrayville-Ouyen line. that this year's grand final is tele­ No sooner had they loaded hundreds vised. There is no reason why it of sheep than they were instructed by should not be televised. The Vic­ the railway staff to unload them torian Football League comprising the because of an impending strike. 9074 Adjournment. [COUNCIL.] Adjournment.

They refused to unload the sheep and, centre. As the Federal Government so far as I know, they may still be in has now withdrawn a large amount the wagons. of the money which would have been I am wondering what action the m'ade available to this centre, is the Government can take to give due State Government prepared to in­ notice to. the farmers when one of crease its allooation in order to make these strikes is taking place so that this a viable proposition? a great loss will not be incurred. In It 'seems incongruous to me that this instance I under,stand that the we are prepared to spend $200 loss could be as high as $4 a head million in this city on the West Gate and farmers are threatening to use Bridge in order to bring more traffic, road transport from now on. I should business and population into the like to know what action the Govern­ middle of the city area, but up to ment is taking. date the three Governments have The Hon. D. G. CROZIER been prepared to spend only half of ('Minister for State Development and that amount in developing the twin Decentralization) : I agree with Mr. cities of Albury and Wodonga. I Wright that this matter is of real should like to hear from the Minister concern to users of the raiIways--or for State Development and Decent­ any other Government service for ralization, a clear statement on the that m'atter-particularly when st'Ock Government's intentions concerning owners are not only embarrassed but this growth complex. also penalized quite unfairly and The Hon. D. G. CROZIER (Minister unjustly by a set of circumstances for State Development and Decentra­ over which they have no control. lization): Firstly, I am sure that I will certainly bring this matter to Mr. Walton recalls the broad facets the notice of my colleague, the of the agreement. The opemtive Act Minister of Transport. I do n'Ot know is the Albury-Wodonga Agreement whether he is aware of this particular Act 1973 passed by this P.arliament in consequence of this irresponsible December of that year. Clause 9 (8) strike, but I assure Mr. Wright that of the agreement-I am speaking he soon will be. from memory but I think it is correct I do not know how the Govern­ -clearly implies an obligation on the ment or the Railways Board can give Federal Government to provide the some warning so that the users of necessary funds for the purchase of rail services will not be caught in this land and the development of the predicament in future. However, I growth centre. It is also clearly agree with Mr. Wright that every stated in the Act and in the agree­ effort should be made to 'advise ment, and validated by the so-called prospective users of rail services side letters which passed at that time that a strike is imminent once the between the Prime Minister and the management of the Victorian Rail­ Premiers of New South Wales and ways is aware of it. I remind the Victoria, that the States of New House again that this is another con­ South Wales and Victoria as the sequence of an increasingly irrespon­ recipient States of this loan funding sible industrial situation. would ultimately be responsible for The Hon. J. M. WALTON (Mel­ the repayment of those loan moneys. bourne N orth Province): I direct It is a matter of record that on the the attention of the Minister for Victorian side some $39 million has State Development 'and Decentraliza­ been spent on the acquisition of land. tion to the concern of many thousands The total borrowings exceed $50 of business and working people who million. In addition-this is based placed their faith and trust in the on the letter and spirit of the Act and Federal and State Governments of the agreement-the Victorian Gov­ New South Wales and Victoria in re­ ernment has accelerated its input spect of the Albury-Wodonga growth beyond the norm in terms of funding Adjournment. [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Adjournment. 9075 the municipality principally con­ sustain the worth-while momentum cerned, namely, the Rural City of which this project has already gene­ Wodonga, to help in the provision of rated. services and the development of an The Hon. B. A. CHAMBERLAIN infrastructure in an endeavour to (Western Province): I bring to the keep pace with the accelerated attention of the Minister for State growth that has been produced. Development and Decentralization So that in this regard-this in­ representing the Minister of Trans­ cludes the extension of the gas pipe­ port, a matter which has been dis­ line-some $30 million to $35 million cussed in the House previously. I as a minimum has been expended refer to the Hamilton to Noradjuha and a considerable proportion of that railway line. On 16th September expenditure has been over and last year the Minister of Transport beyond the normal that would have announced that certain so-called been expended if the growth centre poorly patronized Western District had not taken place. railway lines would be closed and an alternative road service would be pro­ I cannot anticipate what the vided through a system of regional Premier and Treasurer will have to freight centres. say tomorrow night in his Budget Subsequent to that announcement speech, but I expect that reference and after various discussions with will be made to Albury-Wodonga the Minister and railway representa­ and growth centres generally. It tives, the local Liberal members of would be presumptuous for me to the area expressed reservation about say more. I can assure Mr. WaIton the ability in the short term of the that at least following the last Min­ railways to handle bulk commoditie8. isterial council meeting which took particularly superphosphate. place in Launceston on 23rd June, I shall bring the situation up to the the Federal Government is now, for present time. The regional freight the first time since I have had the centres for the movement of rail honour of holding this portfolio, mak­ goods freight are working extremely ing a clear statement of intention and well-in fact much better than concern about the minimum level of most of the critics would have funding for the ensuing five years. thought. Following the concern As Mr. Walton knows that is $5 that the local members expressed million, which is a modest sum by to the Minister of Transport, comparison with what has been the honorable gentleman issued spent in the preceding years in the a statement on 28th April that growth centre, but at least it goes this line would remain open and that some way towards ending a period of it would be available for bulk freight damaging financial uncertainty. with trains running as required as I assure the honorable member and at present. The problem that has other members of the House that the arisen at present is that the railways Victorian Government has not devia­ are not backing the Minister on that ted from its delineation of the statement. The problem has arisen Albury-Wodonga project as a and is still present with the move­ national project of major significance ment of superphosphate. and as an integral part of our de­ A proposal has been put forward centralization programme. Within that we as local members do not be­ the constraints imposed on our lieve will work. It is vital that the budgeting circumstances, not least large quantity of superphosphate re­ the constraints laid down by the quired in that area be shifted as and Federal Treasury in terms of over­ when required. seas borrowing-which I might add The three bulk commodities that in some cases is at an attractive rate this line carries are grain from the of interest and repayment terms­ north of Balmoral, superphosphate we will be doing what we can to and wool. Road transport for the 9016 Adjournment. [COUNCIL.] Adjournment. smaller quantities is a feasible way record that my colleagues and I have of moving wool, but the proble!l1s had some reservations about the that I wish to bring to the attentIon capacity of the alternative service to of the Minister arise particularly from handle the bulk commodities referred the movement of superphosphate and to by Mr. Chamberlain. grain. I believe the We are not quite sure what the are not yet equipped to pr.ovide a railways will do about the grain, but service which will match up In every we know what they are proposing respect in complete conformi~y with about superphosphate. I raise the the Ministerial assurances gIven. I matter for the attention of the Minis­ can assure my colleague, therefore, ter of Transport because the railways that I look forward to joining with are apparently trying to circumvent him again in discussing this important the Minister's statement of 28th local matter with the Minister of April. I ask the Minister to bring Transport. to the attention of the Minister of Transport the concern that the pro­ The Hon. B. P. DUNN (North posal will not work. We do ~ot be­ Western Province): Briefly I want to lieve the railways are adherIng to raise a matter with the Minister of the terms of the Minister's statement. Health concerning health. I am con­ cerned, as are many people associated The Hon. D. G. CROZIER with hospitals, with directives that (Minister for State Development and have been given to hospitals to make Decentralization): I concur with Mr. rather severe cuts in staffing, by not Chamberlain's criticism of the some.; replacing some staff and reducing what chequered history of this rail­ some casual staff, and reducing build­ way line in recent months. The policy ing programmes. Any capital works surrounding it has been largely spelt must first be agreed to by the out by the two Ministerial statements Premier. There is a list of other from our colleague the Minister of directives, including one that ind~ca~es Transport. The first was made on that when the Health CommISSIon 16th September last to which Mr. budgets are announced, a further 5 Chamberlain appropriately referred. per cent reduction can be expected. My understanding of the position regarding that statement is firstly I am sure that most people believe and quite fundamentally that the health is one of the most important assurances given in that statement facilities in the community today. It naturally stand without qualification. is something that Governments must I remind the House of the first of take great care not to affect throu~h those assurances contained on various cuts in expenditure. It IS page 2 of the stateme~t when the not sufficient for the State to say Minister of Transport saId- that the cuts and the directive result from a reduction in Federal Govern­ The Government guarantees that country people will not suffer by the closing of the ment funds for hospitals and health lines. In fact, we confidently expect they services because if the State gives will get improved service. health the priority that it should have The Minister concluded his statement it should be meeting the deficiency in a similar vein with these words- in these payments to ensure that Shire of Dunmunkle ating cost of hospitals for this com­ by the Commonwealth Minister for ing year was expected to be $614 Posts and Telecommunications con­ million. The income from fees is cerning increased telephone charges. $134 million so that the budgeted Whilst country areas are in a de­ Government contribution to hospital pressed state and the Department of maintenance amounted to $480 mil­ State Development and Decentraliza­ lion. The Commonwealth Govern­ tion is endeavouring to assist small businesses, I find it alarming that the ment determined that this sum could Federal Minister should make a state­ not be met and that it would have to ment, which is almost a leakage of make economies in hospital main­ Commonwealth proposals, that tenance expenditure. Therefore, it charges may be increased. reduced the amount to $4·8 million, a decrease of $32 million, which repre­ Does the Minister believe such an sents a 5· 2 per cent cut in the esti­ increase will upset the Victorian mated budget for hospitals. Government's decentralization poli­ cies and cause people to leave There are many ways in which country areas? Will the honorable economies can be made in the health gentleman make representations to field without affecting in any way ser­ the Federal Minister to ensure that vices to patients. We are proposing telephone charges are not increased? 9078 Adjournment. [COUNCIL.] Adjournment.

Postal charges are already subject to effecting a change in Federal Govern­ an equalization scheme, but the ment policy, the Victorian Govern­ Federal Government has refused to ment will continue to pursue the introduce a similar scheme con­ matter with as much vigour as cerning telephone charges. I ask the possible. Minister for State Development and I assure the House, and I also Decentralization to make strong assure Mr. Ward, that I will take representations to the Federal Min­ steps immediately to put the Vic­ ister for Posts and Telecommunica­ tions. torian Government's pOint of view as vigorously and as robustly as I can, The Hon. D. G. CROZIER pointing out, as Mr. Ward has already (Minister for State Development and done tonight, that it would be quite Decentralization): I thank Mr. Ward unwarranted to increase telephone for raising the matter. I am not aware charges and would conflict with of the article but I find the informa­ the Victorian Government's stated tion disturbing, particularly as any objective, and indeed the whole such increase would obviously have thrust of its decentralization policy, an adverse effect on the already embattled position of many farmers which is to achieve a better and rurally-orientated businesses. It is balance of population by strengthen­ a matter of record that one of the ing country areas per medium of Victorian Government's objectives in diminishing and where possible assisting the decentralization pro­ eliminating cost penalties. An gramme is to persuade our Federal increase in telephone charges would colleagues that the penalty of dif­ be directly in the opposite direc­ ferential trunk line charges, and tion. Despite the fact that in the other costs for telephones and tele­ past the Victorian Government has communications generally, is one of not had a very sympathetic hearing the principal impediments to the from Federal Ministers, I hope that, operations of farmers and rural in the not-too-distant future, we will businesses. There is no argument see decentralization become a about that although there may be national objective supported by some dispute as to how high the governments of all levels and there­ penalty is. fore there will be some breakthrough in this important area. Since I have been Minister for State Development and Decentraliza­ The motion was agreed to. tion, on visits to country Victoria, I The House adjourned at 6.36 p.m. have made it a practice to inquire of QUESTIONS ON NOTICE. a wide cross-section of businessmen and citizens generally in country WERRIBEE RAILWAY areas what is the prinCipal penalty ELECTRIFICATION WORK. for operating a business in a par­ (Question No. 375) ticular area. Almost without excep­ The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT (Mel­ tion, the answer is that the bourne West Province) asked the principal cost penalty is the cost Minister for State Development and of trunk line telephone charges. Decentralization, for the Minister of Therefore, it is of no surprise that Transport- over the years this matter has been When is it proposed to commence work the subject of repeated and strong on the electrification of the railway to representations to successive Federal Werribee? Ministers in the portfolio that Mr. The Hon. D. G. CROZIER Robinson now holds. Quite recently, (Minister for State Development and I had occasion to write to the present Decentralization): The answer sup­ Minister on this subject. Although plied by the Minister of Transport there has been a lack of progress in is- Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9079

Design work is proceeding and orders will (b) Will the Minister table copies of be placed for materials. The board has ad­ proof of these alleged threats? vised me that construction will begin during the 1979-80 financial year and be completed The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON towards the end of 1981, providing there is (Minister of Health): Theanswer an appropriate flow of funds. supplied by the Minister for Social Welfare is- RIDDELLS CREEK PRIMARY (a) Information came into the possession of senior prison authorities which led to the SCHOOL. belief that Prison Officer Deller's safety was (Question No. 449) at risk. This information was conveyed to senior The Hon. F. S. GRIMWADE officers mainly by innuendo, and after (Bendigo Province) asked the assessing their reports it was considered Attorney-General, for the Minister of that substantial charges could not be made Education- out as it was impossible to identify the exact originating sources of the threats and In view of the considerable delay in the the persons involved. preparation of the necessary papers for land acquisition for a new site for the Riddells It is worth noting that Mrs. Deller re­ Creek Primary School-(i) when will the ported to the press that she and her hus­ resumption certificate be presented to band had received threatening telephone Parliament; and (ii) will there be sufficient calls, possibly from prisoners' associates. time to allow land acquisition, design, and (b) No. Details of the threats are con­ construction of the new school building be­ tained in confidential reports relevant to fore the school year starts in 1979? the security at Pentridge. The Hon. HADDON STOREY (Attorney-General) : The answer PUCKAPUNYAL MILITARY CAMP. supplied by the Minister of Education (Question No. 457) is- The Hon. F. S. GRIMWADE The Minister of Education advised the (Bendigo Province) asked the Chief honorable member by letter dated 30th Secretary, for the Premier- August, 1977, as follows- (a) Has the Commonwealth Government (i) Resumption certificates for acquisition made formal application to the State Gov­ of a replacement site for this school were ernment for the acquisition of approximately approved by the Governor in Council on 12,000 hectares of forest land to increase 23rd August, 1977, and were forwarded to the military camp at Puckapunyal: if so, both Houses of Parliament on 26th August, has the Government considered such re­ 1977. These documents must lie on the quest? tables of both Houses for a period of 30 days after which notice of acquisition can (b) Has the Government considered com­ be served on the owners. pensation by way of money or land ex­ change with the Commonwealth, or a com­ (ii) Planning for the construction of the bination of both? building is not behind schedule. ( c) In view of the considerable delay surrounding this proposal, when is it likely ALLEGED THREATS AGAINST that finalization will be reached? PRISON OFFICER. The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief (Question No. 450) Secretary): The answer supplied by the Premier and Treasurer is- The Hon. R. J. EDDY (Thomas­ town) asked the Minister of Health, (a) No formal application has been made. for the Minister for Social Welfare-- However, the State Government has con­ sidered several aspects of a Commonwealth (a) As the Minister for Social Welfare proposal for the extension of the area oc­ has alleged that Prison Officer Deller was cupied by the Puckapunyal Army Training transferred from Pentridge Prison to the Camp by approximately 20,000 hectares. Law Courts because his life has been threatened by a person or persons within (b) Yes. Pentridge, why has no action been taken against the person or persons concerned, (c) This will depend upon further ap­ under seceion 137 (1) of the Social Welfare proaches by the Commonwealth Govern­ Act 1970? ment. 9080 Questions [COUNCIL.] on Notice.

FIRES IN OIL INSTALLATIONS AND Iations licensed under the Inflammable Liquids Act, ensure that appropriate mea­ REFINERIES. sures are adopted to minimize the build up of static electricity when tankers are being (Question No. 463) filled. The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT (Mel­ bourne West Province) asked the RATE RELIEF TO PENSIONERS. Chief Secretary- (Question No. 470) (a) How many fires have occurred in oil The Hon. J. V. C. GUEST (Monash installations and refineries in Victoria in the Province) asked the Chief Secretary, past two years; and what were the causes of the fires? for the Treasurer- Having regard to the increaSing number (b) What action has been taken to stop of persons over 65 years of age in the a recurrence of such fires? population and to any other relevant trends, can the Treasurer provide any estimates of The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief the comparative extent of rate relief to pen­ Secretary): The answer is- sioners, on the law as it now stands, com­ paring the current year with 5, 10 and 15 (a) Seventeen fires occurred in oil instal­ years hence, or any other future time, in lations and refineries in Victoria during terms of numbers of pensioners, proportion 1975 and 1976. The fires were attributed of population, receivlDg relief, proportion to the following probable causes- of Victorian G.D.P. devoted to rate relief or other appropriate measures? Cause No. of Fires Vapour in contact with 1 The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief hot metal Secretary): The answer supplied by Metallic spark 2 the Premier and Treasurer is­ Spark from cutting tool 3 Estimates of the nature requested by the Overheating of bitumen 1 honorable member are not available. Spontaneous ignition 1 Static electricity 2 EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Unknown 7 STORES BRANCH. Total 17 (Question No. 475) The Hon. B. P. DUNN (North (b) Fifteen of the fires were of a minor Western Province) asked the Attor­ nature. Consequently, special measures ney-General, for the Minister of Edu­ to prevent a recurrence were not required. cation- The other two fires which occurred whilst a rail tanker and a road tanker vehicle, (a) Is it the intention of the Government respectively, were being filled were caused to close the stores branch of the Education by static electricity. Department; if so, why? In the case of the rail tanker fire the (b) What changes (if any) and for what method of filling the tankers was subse­ reasons, are proposed in the operation and quently altered to minimize the build up service provided by the branch? of static electricity. The Hon. HADDON STOREY With respect to the fire involving the road (Attorney-General): The answer sup­ tanker vehicle the static electricity which ignited the vapour was generated by a plied by the Minister of Education method of filling which violated standard is- safety procedures. Consequently, the com­ The Minister of Education advised the pany which owns the vehicle issued written honorable member by letter dated the 2nd lDstructions to its agents and employees September, 1977, as follows- warning against the dangers of such viola­ tion. In addition, as part of its regular cc (a) I desire to say that it is not the training programme the company has placed intention of the Government to close the special emphasis on the necessity for per­ stores branch of the Education Department. sonnel to adhere to standard safety pro­ (b) While no changes at this time are cedures which were designed to minimize proposed in its operation, a committee has the generation of static electricity. been established to examine the possibility I am advised that, as a consequence of of providing schools with grant funds to en­ the two fires, inspectors from the Ex­ able decisions to be made locally, as to plosives and Gas Examining Branch of the whether purchases will be made from the Mines Department, who inspect oil instal- store or elsewhere." Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9081

LOCOMOTIVES. Members: (Question No. 480) Mr. B. Treyvaud-Executive Officer of the Priorities Review Committee Sun­ The Hon. K. I. WRIGH'r (North shine Region. Western Province) asked the Minis­ Mr. M. Creati, Principal, MeIton High ter for State Development and Decen­ School. tralization, for the Minister of Trans­ Mr. G. Rogers, Principal, Coburn Prim­ port- ary School. (a) Axe Victorian Railways servicing and Miss J. Phillips, Principal, Melton West repair services operating behind require­ Primary School. ments to such an extent that, at any given Mr. R. Sloan, Assistant Shire Engineer time, at least 30 locomotives are undergoing Shire of Melton. service and maintenance; if so, what steps are being taken by the Minister of Transport Mr. P. Meyer, District Inspector of to ensure that Victorian grain is transported Schools, Melton. adequately and efficiently? Mr. L. Boyd, Community Development Officer, Melton Resource Centre. (b) How many locomotives are operated by the Victorian Railways? Mr. G. Morgan, Building Liaison Officer, Education Dep~tment." The Hon. D. G. CROZIER (Minister for State Development and Decentralization): The answer sup.,. plied by the Minister of Transport is- ijtgislntittt Asstmhly. (a) There are occasions when 30 loco­ motives are undergoing service and main­ tenance at the one time. The majority of these are shunting and electric locomotives and are not employed in the haulage of Tuesday, September 6, 1977. grain. The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth Wheeler) The Victorian Railways currently have ten 3300 h.p. locomotives on order the first took the chair at 4.5 p.m. and read of which is expected to be delivered late in the prayer. May. (b) Three hundred and eighteen. THE OPPOSITION. The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth ADDITIONAL SECONDARY Wheeler): I inform the House that I SCHOOL FOR MELTON. have been officially advised of the appointment of Mr. F. N. Wilkes as (Question No. 481) Leader of the Opposition and Mr. R. The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT (Mel­ C. Fordham as Deputy Leader of the bourne West Province) asked the Opposition. Attorney-General, for the Minister of Education- THE MINISTRY. Further to question No. 366 answered in The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth this House on 19th April, 1977, who are the Wheeler): I also advise the House personnel who comprise the ad hoc investi­ that the Honorable J. C. M. Balfour, gating committee, and what are their quali­ who was previously Minister for Fuel fications? and Power and Minister of Mines, is The Hon. HADDON STOREY now designated Minister for Minerals (Attorney-General): The answer sup­ and Energy following the coming into plied by the Minister of Education operation of the relevant Act. is- The Minister of Education advised the USE OF ADVISERS' BOXES. honorable member by letter dated 1st Sep­ tember, 1977, as follows- The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth Wheeler): On 4th May last I under­ "The members of the ad hoc investi­ gating committee were:- took to refer to the Standing Orders Committee the question of the use of 11 Chairman: Regional Director of Sunshine or the Assistant Regional Director. the advisers' boxes in this Chamber. 9082 Personal [ASSEMBLY.] Explanation. I have since discussed this matter The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth with the committee and have ac­ Wheeler): I ask the Minister to read cepted its advice. I now advise the it to the House. House that in future the use of each of the advisers' boxes will be limited Mr. RAFFERTY: In the answer to to officers of the Public Service and the question there were three officers of statutory corporations columns. The first column was who are invited there by Ministers headed "Financial Year". The next or party Leaders respectively, in column was headed "Galli Con­ order to advise them. This definition, tracting Pty. Ltd." and the third of course, includes private secretaries column was headed" Apex Quarries and research officers, being members Ltd.". The correct amounts for each of the Public Service attached to of the financial years are as follows- Ministers and party Leaders. Oalli Apex Financial Year Contracting Quarries Ltd. PERSONAL EXPLANATION. Pty. Ltd. Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of $ $ 1971-72 .. 583,700 Transport): I wish to make a personal 1972-73 .. 1,508,102 explanation concerning an answer 1973-74 .. 2,747,336 given to the honorable member for 1974-75 .. 6,733,462 Melbourne on 20th April this year in 1975-76 .. 5,899,982 103,631 reply to question No. 1727. The ques­ 1976-77 .. 38,178· 1,057 tion was in six parts and related to 17,510,670· 104,688 the Wall an to Broadford section of the Hume Freeway. The information included in the • Final payment on the contract for the Wandong answer to part 2 of the question was to Sunday Creek section has not yet been made. provided by the Country Roads SEATING OF MEMBERS. Board and I regret to advise the House that that information was The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth incorrect. Wheeler): I notice that a number of honorable members, particularly On Friday, 15th July, I received a those of the Opposition, have changed letter from the Chairman of the their seating arrangements since the Country Roads Board informing me last sessional period. that the information given in the table in the answer to part 2 of the Mr. WILKES (Leader of the question was incorrect. Immediately Opposition): I apologize to you, Mr. I became aware of this error I wrote Speaker. I understand that you have to you, Mr. Speaker, informing you not been notified of the change. It of the position and advising you that is purely my responsibility. I assure I would seek to correct the matter you, Sir, that you will be notified as by way of a personal explanation at soon as possible. the earliest possible opportunity. Included in my letter was a table QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. setting out the correct amounts. HOUSING COMMISSION LAND On further advice received from PURCHASES. you, Mr. Speaker, on Monday 18th July, I immediately wrote t~ the Mr. WILKES (Leader of the honorable member for Melbourne and Opposition): I remind the Premier to the Leader to the National Party and Treasurer that under section 22 attaching a copy of my letter to you: (1) (a) of the Housing Act the Housing Commission is required to I now seek leave to either incor­ obtain his consent, as Treasurer, to porate in Hansard the amendment to any purchases of land. I ask the the answer or, if you so direct, Mr. Treasurer whether he gave his con­ Speaker, I shall read it to the House. sent to the purchases of 'land at Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] without Notice. 9083

Pakenham, Melton and Sunbury? If other legislation. After a period so, what prior steps did he take to when the Government is in a position satisfy himself that no irregularities to evaluate the effectiveness 'Of this: had 'Occurred with the initiation, legislation, it will consider the general' negotiation and finalizati'On 'Of these question of penalties for all offences deals? involving motor vehicles. Mr. HAM ER (Premier and Treasurer): The question is some­ IMAGE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS. what detailed. I presume that the Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray): honorable member wants a proper I direct a question to the Deputy answer to this question and he will Premier following his recent state­ get it if he puts the question on ment as reported in the National notice. Times that the majority of his col­ leagues are not here to line their own NEW GRAIN HANDLING pockets and that there are few whom AUTHORITY. he would nDt trust. I ask the Deputy Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of Premier, in the interests of the people the National Party): Does the of the State, whether he will name Premier intend to table the files re­ those of his colleagues-we are told lating to the appointment of the new they are in the minority-who are grain handling authority in Victoria here to line their own pockets and the as requested in June by the Parlia­ few whom he does not trust. Finally, mentary Secretary of the National can the Deputy Premier indicate Party? whether any 'Of the reservations he Mr. HAMER (Premier and has regarding his colleagues flow Treasurer): I know of no reason why from the recent Housing Commission the files should not be tabled. They land deals issue? are not in my possession. They are Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of in the possession of the Minister of Education): When confronted with a Agriculture, but I will certainly con­ suggestion that politicians and Parlia­ fer with him about tabling the files. mentarians had a bad image and were out to further their own aims, I vig­ SEAT BELTS. orously retorted that I believed the Mrs. PATRICK (Brighton): I direct majority of people with whom I had a question t'O the Minister represent­ come into contact on both sides of ing the Chief Secretary. Has any the Parliamentary fence were in Par­ thought been given to increasing the liament to serve the people and to penalties for not wearing seat belts? advance this nation. If a decision has been made not to increase the penalties, what are the LUCERNE SEED. reasons? Mr. WHITING (Mildura): Has the Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Minister of Agriculture seen an article Special Education): The penalties in the Age of 2nd September wherein under the various Acts that relate to a senior scientist from the Common­ motor vehicles, and in particular wealth Scientific and Industrial Re­ seat belts, have been considered by search Organization is reported to the Chief Secretary. He is disP'Osed, have stated that lucerne seed import­ however, to increase only the penalty ed from the United States of America for not wearing seat belts as part of would not be resistant to spotted the total review of all penalties that alpha aphid. In view of the import-: apply generally tD motor vehicle of­ ance of the lucerne seed industry to fences in Victoria. Currently the this State, does the Department of Government is examining the effecti­ Agriculture support this view and can veness of the various innovations that the Minister clarify the situation for have recently been introduced, in­ those producers who are particularly' cluding random breath testing and interested in the subject? 9084 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice. Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of same advice and counselling at the Agriculture): I did not see the Brandon Park clinic, which is also article to Iwhich the honorable mem­ within the municipality of Waverley. ber alludes, but, as soon as the de­ Quite clearly, these is a need for a partment was aware that spotted family planning service in the western alpha aphid was present in Australia, portion of the Waverley 'municipality it sought the services of Dr. Marble and, accordingly, officers of the de­ from the United States of America, partment are currently having discus­ who was here within a fortnight of sions with the Waverley City Council our knowing about the outbreak. He with a view to establishing another has travelled around the State advis­ centre in the western part of the ing groups of farmers and seed sup­ municipality which will be more cen­ pliers on the steps that they should tral for the residents of the area. take to protect their stands of lucerne and to replant them if they are affect­ HOUSING COMMISSION LAND ed, and also on the type of seed that PURCHASES. would be the most suitable based on experience gained in California where Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North): spotted alfalfa aphid destroyed a I ask the Minister of Special Educa­ lucerne crop some years ago. tion, for the Chief Secretary, whether a police inquiry was ordered into the Some people may well be buying purchase of land at Sunbury by the seed which is not of a resistant strain, Housing Commission and, if so, is a but if they care to check with their copy of the report available and will local Department of Agriculture ad­ the Minister ask the Chief Secretary viser they will get the names of re­ to make a copy available for perusal sistant strains and then they should by members of this House? only buy and plant those strains. Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Special Education): In view of the JORDANVILLE FAMILY PLANNING complexity of the general question CLINIC. and the subject-matter involved, I ask Mr. McLAREN (Bennettswood): that the question be placed on notice. I ask the Assistant Minister of Health whether the Department of Health KEYSBOROUGH TROTTING has closed the family planning clinic COMPLEX. at Jordanville? If so, why was this Mr. McINNES (Gippsland South): action taken and what steps does the I ask the Minister for Youth, Sport Minister propose to take to ensure and Recreation whether a feasibility that this service is provided to the study has been conducted into the residents of this area? proposal that the Trotting Control Board establish a trotting complex Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of at Keysborough and, if so, what the Health) : It is true that the Depart­ ment of Health, after consultation recommendations of the study are. with the Waverley City Council, has Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, closed the family planning clinic at Sport and Recreation): A feasibility Jordanville which was situated in the study has been conducted by officers infant welfare centre. The reason for of the Department of Youth, Sport the closure was that since the clinic and Recreation, in conjunction with opened in March, 1976, it has officers of the Treasury, into the ques­ averaged only about one to two con­ tion of establishing a trotting sultations in each three-hour session. at Keysborough. The current situa­ On that basis, I am sure that this tion is that the study has been made House will agree that it was not a available to the Chairman of the Trot­ wise expenditure of funds, especially ting Control Board for his perusal. when those one or two persons who At this stage the recommendations were seeking the services in each made within the study are recom­ three-hour session could receive the mendations to the department and Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] without Notice. 908S such announcements as may be It is of interest to note that the appropriate as a result of the study under-seventeen Victorian team won will be made by me at a suitable three of its four matches and the fact time. that the Papuan New Guinean team won a match is an indication of how FOOTBALL TRIP TO strongly the game is growing in PAPUA NEW GUINEA. Papua New Guinea. Mr. COLEMAN (Syndal): Whether rugby teams should travel Can the Minister for Youth, Sport overseas for Australia in a general and Recreation advise the House sporting context and the financing whether his department funded the for such operations is essentially a recent trip of an under-seventeen matter for the Federal Government. team of Australian rules footballers to Papua New Guinea and, if so, will HOUSING COMMISSION the Minister give consideration to LAND PURCHASES. sponsoring a similar trip for a team of rugby football players of a similar Mr. HOLDING (Richmond): Can age, as it is considered that rugby is the Minister of Housing inform the the senior game? House whether, to his knowledge, he or any other Minister has received a Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, police report on inquiries he initiated Sport and Recreation): The Depart­ into land deals? Can the Minister ment of Youth, Sport and Recreation also inform the House whether such makes grants available to the Junior report, if received, recommended any Football Council of Victoria. In the and, if so, what prosecutions and, first year the grants were $100,000; if not, can he inform the House in the second year they were what recommendations were made $120,000; in the third year the and what action the Government pro­ amount was $130,000; and this year poses to take in the light of any such the grants will amount to $180,000. recommendations? Those funds are made available to Mr. HAYES (Minister of Housing): be used at the discretion of the Junior I am the only Minister so far as I can Football Council of Victoria, which recall-and I say that quite franldy­ submits a budget to the Department who received reports from the police of Youth, Sport and Recreation. In subsequent to the inquiry which was my original discussions with the sought of them. Those reports have Junior Football Council I indicated been handed to the board of inquiry that I would like it to consider send­ and, naturally, what flowed from ing footballers under seventeen from those reports, interim though they Victoria to Papua New Guinea and were, led to the establishment of that having footballers of the same age board. coming from Papua New Guinea to Victoria. The administrators of the DECENTRALIZATION OF council found it appropriate to BAKERIES. authorize those events on an annual Mr. JASPER (Murray Valley): basis. I ask the Premier: Has the Govern­ The trips have a twofold purpose. ment recently considered classifying One purpose is to show the people country bakeries as decentralized in­ dustries? If so, when will they be of Papua New Guinea that we in Vic­ included in the list of decentralized toria, as Victorians, have an interest industries? in their well-being and an exchange of information. The second is that Mr. HAMER (Premier and it is extremely useful for Australian Treasurer): I think this question rules football to have a link with should rightly be directed to the Min­ Papua New Guinea, where the game ister for State Development and is well established. Decentralization. I am not aware of 9086 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice. any such application or considera­ CHILDREN AND FAMILY tion, but I invite the honorable mem­ SERVICES. ber to take it up with the appropriate Mr. REESE (Heatherton): I ask the Minister and he may get a more up­ Minister for Social Welfare what to-date answer· steps are proposed by the depart­ ment to assist research for the BANK HOLDUPS. delivery of better co-ordinated ser­ Mr. SKEGGS (lvanhoe): I ask the vices for the needs of child and family the Minister representing the Chief services? Secretary: Having regard to the in­ creasing incidence of bank holdups, Mr. DIXON (Minister for Social will the honorable gentleman ask the Welfare): The question of co-opera­ Chief Secretary to give consideration tion and integration of child and to calHng a conference between family services is one that needs to banks, security organizations and the be taken up to a much greater extent po~ice to look at ways of improving than has yet been done. My depart­ security measures at banks. ment has recently announced a grant of $20,000 to the Children's Welfare Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Association to precipitate a research Special Education): The Chief Secre­ project in the southern region. tary is very concerned and disturbed at the number of bank holdups that It has three major objectives. The have occurred, and has already first objective is to try to ensure that initiated a number of conferences where children may be at risk, or including the representatives to whom families are in danger of breaking up, the honorable member alluded. preventive measures are able to be taken speedily. The second alterna­ HOUSING COMMISSION tive is that if in fact there is some LAND PURCHASES. need to remove children from within Mr. EDMUNDS (Ascot Vale): the family circle, there will be I ask a question of the Minister rep­ places available within that com­ resenting the Chief Secretary. In view munity so there will be no need of the reply given by the Minister of to remove the children from Housing to the honorable member for within that particular locality. Richmond, which stated that reports The third objective involves further have been handed. to the board of work being done into alternatives to inquiry as part of a submission, can leaving children within an institu­ the Minister tell the House whether tional framework. I believe the re­ any restriction has been placed on the Victorian police in continuing to search project to be conducted by prosecute anybody involved in this the Children's Welfare Association nefarious activity and has any action under the supervIsIon of the been taken to restrain the Victorian Social Welfare Department is a police from continuing their investi­ good example of co-operation gations into this matter? between the Government and a private organization within the gen­ Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of eral area of family and children's Special Education): I am not aware welfare services. of any constraint placed on the police at any time by the Government. HOUSING COMMISSION LAND Having said that, I hasten to assure PURCHASES. the honorable member that I was overseas at the time alluded to. Gen­ Mr. JONES (Melbourne): I ask the erally the role of the police in the Premier and Treasurer: Does a record whole of this matter is as detailed of the expenditure of public funds by the Minister of Housing in his on the Pakenham, Melton and Sun­ response to a question that was initi­ bury land deals by the Housing Com­ ated·· earlier in- the proceedings. mission of Victoria appear in any Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] without Notice. 9087

State Budget, Auditor-General's re­ is authorized by the Secretary of the port or other financial document pre­ Storemen and Packers Union, Mr. Bill pared and presented to this House? Landeryou, who is the former shadow If so, where? Minister of Immigration and Ethnic Mr. HAMER (Premier and Affairs in this State. People who Treasurer): The funds expended by wish to take advantage of the services the Housing Commission are their of this independent organization are own; in other words, they are con­ invited to contact 246 Church Street, trolled by the Housing Commission. Richmond, which by coincidence hap­ The funds made available to the com­ pens to be the electoral office of the mission under the Commonwealth honorable member for Richmond who agreement come through the Treasury at the time of the publication of the and are recorded there in proper pamphlet was the Leader of the Oppo­ form. The actual expenditure in de­ sition. tail of the funds is a matter for the Housing Commission and appears, I For those reasons it will be seen am sure, in the annual report of the that my refusal to co-operate with Housing Commission. the organization on the grounds of its political bias is justified. MIGRANT CITIZENSHIP ACTION COMMITTEE. HOUSING COMMISSION LAND Mr. SUGGETT (Bentleigh): Has the attention of the Minister of PURCHASES. Immigration and Ethnic Affairs been Mr. CATHIE (Carrum): Has the drawn to a pamphlet that is being Minister of Housing asked the Valuer­ circulated by an organization known General about an assumption of prior as the Migrant Citizenship Action knowledge regarding residential zon­ Committee, encouraging citizenship, ing referred to in the Sunbury land and further, is this organization spon­ valuation by the Valuer-General's sored by a State or the Federal Gov­ Office? If so, when did he ask and ernment? what was the reason given for the Mr. JONA (Minister of Immigra­ assumption? tion and Ethnic Affairs): Yes, my attention has been drawn to an organ­ Mr. HA YES (Minister of Housing): ization known as the Migrant Citizen­ The honorable member knows that ship Action Committee. I was in­ the Valuer-General is responsible to vited to participate with that organi­ the Minister for Local Government. zation in a campaign to encourage new settlers in this country to take HIGH SCHOOL FOR SWIFfS out citizenship. I refused to do so because I do not believe in and I do CREEK. not think the House would indicate Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East): any support for an organization in­ Will the Minister of Education lay volving itself in motives of such a on the table of the Library the files political bias as has been shown by relating to the establishment of high that committee. r hasten to point school facilities at Swifts Creek? out that the pamphlet produced by that organization-incidentally the Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of organization does not receive any Education): The department had a Government funds, Commonwealth or difficult problem in trying to recon­ State-contains a number of inac­ cile the competing interests of Omeo curacies which are extremely mislead­ and Swifts Creek. A decision was ing to people who may be contem­ finally made in favour of Swifts plating taking out citizenship. Creek, and I should be happy to make Furthermore, to indicate the degree the file and any other information of political bias within that organiza­ relating to the matter immediately tion I point out that the document available to the honorable me~ber. 9088 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice.

TRANSPORT STRIKE. PROPOSED LAND PURCHASE Mr. RICHARDSON (Forest Hill): AT POINT COOK. I direct a question to the Minister of Mr. HUDSON (Werribee): Is the Transport. Is it a fact that railway Minister for Planning aware of news­ and tramway workers are using as paper reports that the Melbourne and their reason for today's strike the re­ Metropolitan Board of Works is ne­ fusal of the Goverment to pay the gotiating to purchase land at Point claim that has been made on it by Cook, and if so, what are the latest their unions? developments in the purchase and to Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of what use will the land be put? Transport): That is one of the claims Mr. HAYES (Minister for Planning): that has been made by the unions. The Board of Works indicated some I have already described the strike time ago in an amended planning publicly as a stupid, irresponsible and scheme now before the Town and childish act. Country Planning Board for report the proposed establishment of a me­ Fortunately, today the Victorian tropolitan park around the Altona­ Railways were able to bring the Werribee foreshore, including the matter before the Conciliation and Ar­ bitration Commission, and I might say Point Cook homestead. that when the strike was called yes­ The report from the Town and terday the matter had already been Country Planning Board is not yet listed for hearing before the com­ with me, although I understand from mission on Thursday. the Board of Works that an approach has been made by owners concerned The unions have been told on in the area. numerous occasions that the Gov­ ernment cannot and will not accede To date there has been one con­ to their requests for direct payments versation with the owners. The of additional moneys. They have been board has not made an offer, told repeatedly that the only way in and at present there is a large dis­ which additional moneys can be made parity between the price asked and available to them is through the the price offered. proper process-that is, the Con­ ciliation and Arbitration Commission. PAYMENT OF STRIKING EMPLOYEES. I am happy to say that the matter Mr. McCLURE (Bendigo): Can the came before the commission today Minister of Transport advise the instead of Thursday, and I understand House whether either the Victorian that the commission has asked the Railways or the Melbourne and railways unions to go away and re­ Metropolitan Tramways Board will present to it a properly documented be making any payment to their case on 16th September. staffs in respect of today's strike? HOUSING COMMISSION LAND Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of PURCHASES. Transport): The normal practice is that striking employees would not Mr. ROPER (Brunswick): When receive payment, and I certainly be­ did the Premier first become aware lieve they will not receive it for that documents were missing from the Housing Commission file on the today. Sunbury land deal, and what action HOUSING COMMISSION did he take when he became aware LAND PURCHASES. of the disappearance of the docu­ ments? Mr. FOGARTY (Sunshine): The Minister of Housing has admitted Mr. HAMER (Premier and that he initiated moves for police in­ Treasurer): I am not aware of the tervention in the Housing Com­ disappearance of any such docu­ mission controversy involving land ments. at Sunbury, Pakenham and Melton. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9089 At that time did he offer to resign By way of background for the his portfolio; if so, what were the benefit of the House and in order reasons given and why did the to allow a full canvass of present Premier refuse to accept the resigna­ policies, I wish to restate that the tion? Government strongly supports the principle of home ownership by any Mr. HA YES (Minister of Housing): Victorian family which can afford­ I have heard various suggestions to or can be helped to purchase-a that effect, but none of them has home of their own. emanated from me. We do this for many excellent FAMILY VISITS AT ARARAT reasons, the most fundamentally im­ PRISON. portant being the perceived right of every Australian family to own their Mr. McARTHUR (Ringwood): piece of Australia. We believe home I direct a question to the Minister for ownership makes better citizens, al­ Social Welfare, and refer to a report lows low-income families to partici­ last week that prisoners at Ararat pate in the economic wealth of this Prison were receiving private family country and consequently leads to visitors as an experimental scheme. over-all improvement in our com­ Can the Minister inform the House munity's and the Australian way of of some details of this scheme-for life. The Victorian Liberal Party instance, how long has it been going Government has pursued that belief on, how does it actually work, and -that policy-since 1955, and with is it secure? vigour! In so far as the Housing Mr. DIXON (Minister for Social Commission is concerned, it has pro­ Welfare) : From 1st May, sixteen vided since its formation in 1938 in long-term prisoners at Ararat Prison excess of 84,000 dwellings for Vic-· have been receiving private visits torians-to the extent that one per­ from members of their families. The son in twelve is being helped with arrangements for these visits are housing, through the commission. secure. They take place in a sepa­ Of that number, more than half- rate area provided for the purpose. 44,511 in fact-have been or are The area is quite spacious and has being purchased with Housing Com­ kitchen facilities and also a yard or mission help. garden area. When the Honorable R. J. Hamer The visits were approved as a succeeded the Honorable Sir Henry result of discussions with the Gover­ Bolte as Premier of Victoria in nor of Ararat Prison, prison officers, August 1972, he immediately an­ and the prisoners themselves. As I nounced a number of top priority have indicated, these arrangements policy matters. Decentralization was have been in operation for four given the highest priority in these months. The visits are for half a policy announcements. In broad day a month for each family. Thus terms, it meant that Government far, they have been successful and, action was to be directed towards I believe, have contributed much to the development of country towns, the quality of life at the prison. with special emphasis being applied to at least a half dozen of the largest provincial centres. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. The highest priority was to be GOVERNMENT HOUSING POLICIES AND given to housing needs in all country LAND PURCHASES. towns and the operations of the Mr. HAYES (Minister of Housing): Housing Commission were to be I desire to make a Ministerial state­ scaled down within Greater Mel­ ment concerning Government policies bourne and no further Housing Com­ as implemented by the Housing mission high-rise flats for family Commission. units were to be built. Session 1977.-315 9090 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement.

It was recognized that the key to of residential settlements, totally in­ decentralization was with industrial tegrated. The reason for wishing to development in country towns and buy large tracts of land was to allow the necessary housing to cater for for implementing the Government's the needs of families who were either new policy of social mix-a policy prepared to remain in a country town allOWing for Government housing to or move there from the metropolitan be integrated within a total residen­ area where new job opportunities tial complex, aesthetically indis­ were created. It was also recognized tinguishable from its neighbour, such that, irrespective of how much that in these Government-sponsored Government assistance was forthcom­ housing projects no more than one­ ing to decentralize, there would third of the housing stock created always be families who would prefer would be provided to people needing to live in the big city and there were Government housing help. It was industries which had no desire to also designed as a positive interven­ move away from Melbourne. tion in the residential land market then obtaining in Melbourne, to in­ Equally it was accepted that Mel­ crease supplies of lots and dampen bourne would continue to be a rapidly rising prices. magnet for many, and therefore a programme was devised whereby a Of the twelve opportunities under number of satellite towns would be review during 1973, the Government developed by the Housing Commis­ opted for three-Pakenham, Sunbury sion, in conjunction with private de­ and Melton. The Government ap­ velopers, around the perimeter of proved the seeking of land in these Greater Melbourne, but at a distance general areas in April, July and Sep­ from the perimeter which would tember of 1973 and precise locations permit people to commute within the were, in each case, subsequently hour to their place of work in Mel­ selected and purchases effected. bourne, and still give them all the Land purchase for residential de­ benefits of living in a country en­ velopment in each of those three vironment. At least twelve towns, areas afforded the opportunity of which were within one hour's travel­ creating new, integrated communities ling of Melbourne, were considered in the satellite town situation to by the Government as being places which I have previously referred­ for such development. In the Mel­ with the prospect of ease of co m­ bourne Herald of 29th March, 1973, muting to central Melbourne should the Government intent was an­ that be necessary, access to growing nounced regarding the establishment local employment opportunities; the of new towns. It was announced chance for Government to quite direc­ then that twelve opportunities were tly effect a balancing situation around being looked at. My predecessor, the Melbourne, yet in a way not connec­ Hon. V. O. Dickie, then said: ted to its then urban sprawl; self­ We want to get people out of the con­ contained, moderate-sized communi­ crete jungle of the big city. ties with which new residents could He further said- develop and feel a rapport, yet in each case offering a diversity of life We are determined that, from now on­ particularly in the dOrmitory towns--com­ style suited to each. mi!lsion houses will not be "typed". Both That policy was welcomed and ap­ in design and location, our houses will blend plauded. I quote from an Age editorial with the pattern of the town. of 20th September, 1973, bearing on The Government determined to buy that topic. It included this state­ large tracts of land, within reasonable ment- commuting distance of Melbourne, as Instead of attacking spiralling land prices a deliberate policy to counter urban with the imperfect weapon of price control, sprawl around Melbourne's periphery the Hamer Government has wisely prefer­ red to use a blend of competition and and to assist in developing new types compassion. Instead of running the risk of Mr. Haves. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9091 distorting the market, the Government has I could cite one comparative ex­ entered it in the interests of the cc small ample for the information of all hon­ man" . . . Thus, unlike some of the Federal Labor Government's proposals, the orable members. It concerns land Victorian Government's plan deserves high purchased by the Commonwealth marks both for economic sense and social defence service homes in the Parish justice. of Yuroke, near Craigieburn. An Those three Housing Commission area of 326 acres was sold in August, land purchases, so welcome then in 1972, to a developer, by the original principle and potential effect, have owners, for $187,000. Several subse­ now been cast in doubt and three ob­ quent sales and transfers took place servations are pertinent. between August, 1972, and August, 1974-each one at a considerable Firstly, the Housing Commission profit. was directed by the Government to buy parcels of land in these places, Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows): the Government having fully con­ I raise a point of order, Mr. Speaker. sidered the potential of at least I ask you to rule whether this sec­ twelve country towns near Mel­ tion of the Ministerial statement is bourne, and decided on the three in order. As I understand it, a Min­ mentioned, namely Pakenham, Sun­ isterial statement has to be confined bury and Melton. to matters under the Minister's juris­ diction or matters affecting the de­ Secondly, over the 22 years of suc­ partment for which he has Ministerial cessful Liberal Government in Vic­ responsibili ty. toria, it has been firm policy not to I also refer to a previous occasion compulsorily acquire land, other than when a Minister-the then Attorney­ as a last resort. Each of the three General-made what he claimed to be parcels of land purchased by the a Ministerial statement but which commission and now under scrutiny in the opinion of many honorable by a board of inquiry, was valued by members of this House was strictly the Valuer-General. Subsequently, a political speech. I submit that the contracts of sale were negotiated Minister of Housing is now deliver­ with the owners of the land-in each ing a political speech and not a case at a price less than that assessed Ministerial statement. by the Valuer-General. The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth Thirdly, 1973 and 1974 .were land Wheeler): Order! On page 336 of boom years-the land market was at the nineteenth edition of May, under its peak-and so the Housing Com­ the heading " Ministerial State­ mission competed with the market ments ", the following appears- that then obtained. Explanations are made in the House by Ministers on behalf of the Government re­ It is common knowledge now that garding their domestic and foreign policy; a number of developers-many well­ stating the advice they have tendered to the Sovereign regarding their retention of known in the field, or formerly so­ office or the dissolution of Parliament; an­ have since " taken the knock". They nouncing the legislative proposals they in­ bought at the peak and many found it tend to submit to Parliament; or the course difficult to service their commitments. they intend to adopt in the transaction and arrangement of public business. These ex­ There is no need to mention names­ planations are now sometimes elicited by they should all be well known to hon­ arrangement in reply to a question. orable members. Yet nobody has sug­ This statement was referred to me gested raking over the coals of the earlier, which is the custom and re­ disasters within the private sector quirement, and prior to coming into which followed the 1973 land boom. the House I read it carefully. r be­ Nor has it been suggested that land lieve the Minister is in order provided purchasing arrangements by other that he does not traverse the matter Governments, at that time, should to the extent of being critical of what now be viewed in retrospect. another Parliament has done. 9092 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement.

Mr. HAYES (Minister of Housing): once and for all, has appointed a As the House may recall, I was giv­ board of inquiry for the purpose of ing a comparative example of what inquiring into and reporting upon- had occurred within the private sec­ 1. All aspects of and matters tor and other Government sectors arising from the land purchases by at that time. I mentioned some land the Housing Commission at Paken­ at Craigieburn which totalled 326 ham, Sunbury and Melton in the acres and which had been sold by years 1973 and 1974, and the pro­ the original owner to a developer in posed development of the land so August, 1972. Several subsequent purchased, and in particular to report transfers took place between 1972 and in each case- 1973, each one at a considerable profit. (a) whether any person was guilty of any impropriety, breach On 30th August, 1974, the land of law or duty, negligence was again sold to a developer for or act of dishonesty in $908,750 and on the very same day relation thereto; it was transferred to Commonwealth defence service homes for $1·485 (b) whether any person gave or million. In two years there was a gained improper advantage capital appreciation of almost 700 per or improperly disclosed or cent, and, a "same day" payment misused confidential in­ by the then Federal Government formation; showing a gain-a 24-hour gain----of (c) whether the valuation, or 63 per cent to a one-day vendor. valuations, preceding the purchase was, or were, Honorable members interjecting. properly made and based; The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth (d) whether the price was fair Wheeler): Order! I am having diffi­ and reasonable. culty hearing the Minister and I ask him to speak as loudly as possible. 2. Whether the procedures and I also ask honorable members to re­ methods employed and the practices frain from continually interjecting. observed in relation to the purchase of land by the Housing Commission Mr. HAYES: It is ironic that at are adequate or whether any and the very same time the then Federal what new procedures, methods and Minister for Housing-responsible for practices should be introduced and this remarkable land purchase­ adopted in relation ,thereto. queried the Housing Commission land purchases at Sunbury and Melton. The Government has asked the Maybe my colleagues on the other board, with as little delay as possible, side should look in detail into this and by 30th November at the latest, and other Federal Government pur­ to report its opinion resulting from chases made during that 1973-74 this inquiry. Why 30th November? period. Their findings could be inter­ To provide a full opportunity for de­ esting! Incidentally, the Craigieburn bate in this Parliament during the defence service homes land is still course of the current session. That is undeveloped and, I believe, is about our purpose-to seek a full and frank to be placed on the market for sale report, available for public scrutiny as broad acres, as it was, in 1972! and for public debate here, in this Parliament, this session. But the Housing Commission is now under fire-and not for the first The board is presently at work and time-in respect of these three land it would be unfair, in the Govern­ purchases. ment's opinion, to canvass in detail now, matters referred to in the terms The Government, to dispel any of reference. A number of persons doubts Whatsoever, to put to rest are due to appear before the board various allegations and innuendoes and it is the board's task to. report its Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9093 opinion. I certainly would not wish to closer -relationships with private see particular people, or particular builders in the future provision of circumstances, prejudged here, under low-income State housing. Honorable the cloak of Parliamentary privilege, members interested in this topic will during the currency of the board's no doubt have a copy of that state­ inquiry. I am sure all honorable ment which is self-explanatory. members will agree that to do so would be totally unfair to those con­ In furtherance of that policy, I intend introducing legislation in cerned in the inquiry-and in­ this session of Parliament to provide appropriate too, with an appointed to the Housing Commission the board of inquiry now taking evidence. necessary legislative authority to The Government has indicated its enter into joint ventures with private intent to debate the matter here, in enterprise firms to allow for their this session, when all the relevant competitive participation in the facts are brought to attention. commission's larger residential de­ The relevant facts will include velopments. prices paid for the three parcels of Perhaps I could give the House one land referred to at that time and will example whereby private capital and also refer to development proposals expertise is being marshalled to assist in train. I should mention, asa in the provision of housing in a matter of record, that following a decentralized area. We-the com­ firm submission-I emphasize the munity-want to see the new Loy words cc firm submission" because Yang power station built. That will there was an earlier draft submission require the provision of housing for prior to December to the commission the work force employed on the by Pinmore Pty. Ltd. in December project and recently the Decen­ of 1976-a submission which allowed tralized Industry Housing Authority, for marshalling private capital to acting in conjunction with the State help achieve the Government's pur­ Electricity Commission, the Housing pose, formal advertisements were Commission and the Treasury, placed then placed nationally, in the month advertisements calling for builders of February, inviting like-minded to register interest to supply between groups to register interest in joining 300 and 1,000 houses throughout the the commission in various joint Latrobe Valley over the next ten venture opportunities. Fifty-four years. Builders will use land already such submissions have been received, owned by the State Electricity Com­ interviews have been conducted, and mission, or by the Housing Commis­ as a result a short list of registrants sion, or land which they themselves thought to be appropriate has been already own, and will supply houses compiled. They are-or were-due on a competitive tender basis, as is to be contacted and asked to com­ justified from time to time by the petitively bid for various housing work force requirements at the power projects throughout the State. The station project. For its part the Government thinks it best not to pro­ Government will guarantee to pur­ ceed with these competitive tenders chase any houses unsold, following a until such time as the board suitable period, through one of its has reported, for to do so now could various agencies. quite inappropriately anticipate one of the terms of reference given the In other words, the private builder board. does not need to get involved with the capital cost of land, nor perhaps The principle, however, has already bridging finance associated with been stated; coincidentally with the servicing costs, yet has a guaranteed advertisements being placed last ultimate purchaser-one or other February, a press statement was agency of the Government. The risks issued by me announcing that the associated with developing new commission was anxious to develop residential areas are minimized: 9094 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. borrowing facilities for the builders Low-income families assisted in this concerned must surely be easier under way will benefit in particular. They the circumstances which I have will receive a high standard of ac­ described, and therefore the end cost commodation, occupying premises in of the residential projects must be totally planned and developed com­ lower than usual. Is not this type of munities, which will not have the arrangement beneficial to all parties­ label of low-income Government to the Government for its housing housing attached to them-they will needs in association with an immense be indistinguishable from their neigh­ project; for the builder in terms of bours. minimizing costs of finance; and This then leads to recent criticism therefore for the end-customer in as to the extent of land holdings terms of his" end buying" price? owned by the Housing Commission throughout Victoria. This criticism The utilization of private or in­ appears to be based on the erroneous stitutional capital to help develop assumption that all land owned by mixed estates on Government-owned the commission is to be used to pro­ land-and the resultant reduction of vide low-income Government housing. Government financial outlay-must As I have just explained, this is not have significant advantages, not only the case. for the Government but also for the When one considers that, of the community of Victoria. land presently owned, only about one­ Joint venture objectives are to be third, in the main, will be used for pursued by the Government because low-income Government housing pro­ there is-there always has been-a duction, the extent of the present land shortage of resources to be allocated holdings falls into a new perspective. amongst competing uses in Victoria. In provincial and country areas the There never has been enough money commission is never criticized for to adequately provide for housing owning too much land. In fact, the demand. When the Housing Commis­ contrary. The pressure is always on, sion is in a position to joint venture from local interests, from local with private firms a new opportunity members, trying to get the com­ to tap fresh sources of capital will mission to purchase more land hold­ eventuate. This will attract, we ings and, in fact, the commission is trust, a very significant increase in the usually requested to purchase suffi­ level of funds used in the production cient land to ensure a minimum of of housing generally, and low-income ten to fifteen years' activity. houses for those waiting for Govern­ ment assistance. The Government is I wonder what the OpPOSition cri­ most anxious to use every possible ticism would have been had the com­ means to encourage the building of mission not owned significant tracts more houses and to effect shorter of land around Melbourne to allow for waiting periods for needy families. mixed housing development to occur, to help overcome the disproportion­ The community generally will bene­ ate waiting time now experienced by fit, because the low-income housing those wishing to live and work in ancJ content will be spread unobtrusively around the metropolis-whether cri­ ~hrough the normal private develop­ ticism is appropriate to land holdings ments. No longer will low-income in country and provincial areas? Had housing cc stick out like a sore the commission not sought land banks thumb", because it will be designed throughout Victoria, I would have into new housing areas. It will be thought that the commission could indistinguishable from any other reasonably be subject to more justi~ housing development in the com­ fiable criticism in those circum­ munity. stances than it can be at present. It Mr. Hayes. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 909S is not possible to build houses with­ go. It has long been recognized by out land to erect them on. It is ob­ the Government that new com­ viously prudent for the largest pro­ munities created by the Housing ducer of housing in Victoria to ensure Commission and other large develop­ that it has adequate land for its future ers, go through an initial, difficult operations. period when community facilities Bearing in mind the Government's are inadequate. firm commitment to a policy of social In an endeavour to at least partially mix in most future developments of overcome such problems in low­ sizeable proportion and the disposal income housing areas, the commis­ of two-thirds of most new develop­ sion is to make available sufficient ments to achieve this purpose, the funds from now on to provide commission's present land holdings primary schools and pre-schools in are certainly not excessive. As a commission developments, where pro­ general guide, the intention would vision of these facilities would other­ normally be to maintain land stock at wise lag significantly behind the about the present level by purchasing settlement of families. Arrangements further areas of land to replace an­ have already been made for the pro­ nual usage. This year, however­ vision of pre-schools at Whittington, and I mention this as an exception­ Corio, Werribee and Hastings. Prim­ because of the awesome predicament ary schools are at present being plan­ which the home building industry ned for Broadmeadows, three schools, faces, the commission has been asked and one each at Werribee and Shep­ to minimize its land stock replenish­ parton. I recently visited Broad­ ment programme-to use every pos­ meadows with the honorable member sible dollar in the Budget to provide for Broadmeadows. bricks and mortar; gainful employ­ Subject to the availability of funds ment for an industry in trouble­ this programme will be continued affordable houses for people who and, if possible, extended in the need shelter. future. All funds will be repayable Recent significant land purchases to the commission by the respective in such decentralized centres as Sale, authorities when work has been com­ Wodonga, Ballarat, Kyneton, Mildura pleted, over a three-year period. and Bacchus Marsh, ensure adequate MR. Ross-EDWARDS: They will pay medium-term land in most regional you back, in other words. Plus in­ centres, to accommodate the dual terest? policies of decentralization and social mix. However, land purchase prob­ Mr. HAYES: Yes, plus interest. lems now being encountered in the The Urban Land Council was important centres of Geelong and formed in 1975, utilizing the Housing Bendigo must be overcome, and we Commission as the instrument are directing activity towards this through which land would be pur­ end. I would not wish the House to chased, subdivided, developed and get the impression that the commis­ sold. Significant purchases have been sion is not looking for land in Gee­ made and development proceeded long and Bendigo. It is actively doing with. The sale of residential land, at so. I should not think, by saying there reasonable prices, is a matter of is in general sufficient land in stock, public record. Continued activity in that the House was disappointed this area in the future will have the when the commission purchased land desired effects of helping ensure an in Geelong and Bendigo. adequate supply of high-quality resi­ Still dealing in bricks and mortar dential land, at reasonable prices, in -building work, but not houses as areas to the north-west of Melbourne such-there are two other matters -achieving, in part, the balanced that should be taken into account so development of the metropolis which far as Government policies affecting the Government has previously the Housing Commission's activities spelled out as being desirable. 9096 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. By way of information, land stocks per cent of Victorians live within the at present total some 429 lots under Greater Melbourne area and the development and 205 lots available housing production programme is in for sale, plus 460 broad hectares. The a directly inverse proportion to that, revenue from sale of land is to be hence the Government's decentrali­ used as a revolving fund to finance zation programme. continuing activity of the council. The anticipated expenditure for the 1977- MR. Ross-EDWARDS: Melton is not 78 financial year will be in the order in the country, though! of $9 million, of which 75 per cent Mr. HAYES: Melton is not in this will accrue from sales and the programme. balance will be allocated to the State by the Commonwealth under the Because inflation has hit Govern­ original agreement. It is anticipated ment fund allocations, it will be that that will be the last loan. necessary to induce greater partici­ pation by private enterprise to sup­ In summary, the commission con­ plement short Government finance. tinues to do an outstanding job throughout Victoria, in providing I have, as previously stated, already low-income families with high quality commenced action to have private housing, at prices they can afford to enterprise provide an initial 300 pay. homes, of an eventual need of about As at 30th June, 1977, the com­ 1,000, for the Loy Yang project. I mission had 2,357 units of accom­ expect to announce successful ten­ modation in course of erection. It derers for this project and the is expected that work will be com­ methods to be employed before menced on another 2,473 during the the end of October, 1977. 1977-78 financial period. It is esti­ Further action of a more general mated that between 2,500 and 3,000 nature will ensue, when the Housing of these new units will be completed Commission has the authority of this and occupied during the year. This House to do so. represents a substantial contribution The Housing Commission, oyer towards the Government's effort to many years has held a proud place in provide decent housing for every Vic­ Victoria-its contribution in both a torian family, at prices they can physical and social sense should not afford to pay. be allowed to be swept under any Of the 2,473 new units on which carpet. Without its presence I wonder construction will commence this year, how viable many of our country towns would be-how satisfactorily 443 will be units to house elderly people in need might otherwise be persons, 1,751 will be houses for accommodated; and in the present families to rent and buy and 279 will climate how on earth the building be flats erected in medium-density trade, particularly smaller country developments. builders and those sub-trades that Some 60 per cent of these new units work with them, would have any in 1977-78, a total of 1,455 units, will hope of survival. be erected in regional and country By leave, I move-- centres. Only 39·95 per cent of the That this House takes note of the new works progranlme, a total of Ministerial statement forthwith. 988 units, will be located in the met­ ropolitan area. To define that, the Mr. WILKES (Leader of the metropolitan area will be the area Opposition): For the past 25 minutes within the metropolitan planning honorable members have listened to boundaries. a Ministerial statement read by the Minister of Housing which has very I draw the attention of honorable little relevance to the matters which members to the fact that the produc­ should have been the subject of tion programme is an an inverse ratio discussion in the House this after­ to the population of the State. Sixty noon. Mr. Hayes. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9097

If, by this tactic, the Government fundamental rights to anyone within intended to detract from the im­ Victoria. I accuse this Government portance of the Housing Commis­ of robbing the people of Victoria of sion's activities and the Government's their right to house themselves at a bungling of land deals in the three reasonable cost. particular areas which have been mentioned, it has been unsuccessful. Whether the Government is guilty The statement is not in any way of criminal acts or merely incom­ relevant to that important matter. petence for which it should be driven from office remains to be seen, as the The Opposition has attempted to Minister pointed out, but for what­ co-operate with the Government. It ever reason this Government has informed the Government of its squandered millions of dollars buying intentions as early as the day before up land to enrich land speculators yesterday and, as is the general rather than to provide shelter for the practice, the Government and the people who need homes within Vic­ Opposition got together to discuss toria about whom the Minister speaks. precisely how the business of the House was to be dealt with on the My colleagues and I will provide the first and subsequent days of meeting, details of this amazing malfeasance but on this occasion the Government in due course but at the outset I wish clearly wants its cake and wants to to illustrate the Government's gro­ eat it, too. It wants the right to tesque view of the duties and obliga­ introduce the Budget at the prime tions it has. Its actions have time tomorrow and does not want to amounted to an attack on the living give the Opposition the opportunity standards and expectations of or­ of moving its relevant motion this dinary working men and women. afternoon. Men all over Victoria have lost their In that situation I have no option jobs and their families have been other than to move an amendment to greatly affected. They have either the motion. Accordingly, I move- lost their jobs or are about to lose their jobs because the timber industry That the following words be added to the motion-CC and arising out of the contents is in a state of collapse, yet the Min­ of the statement is of the opinion that the ister of Housing talks about the build­ Government no longer possesses the con­ ing trade. He asked, "Where would fidence of the House". the building trade be?" The building The Minister spoke today of people trade has never been in a worse posi­ being entitled to a home and a block tion than it is today. of land. Of course, every young couple in Victoria is entitled to a At the beginning of this month block of land or a home at a price 2,000 timber workers had been re­ they can afford to pay, without being trenched and, according to the Vic­ locked into a life-long debt caused by torian Sawmillers Association, more high interest rates, a debt that can than 15,000 workers will be sacked by prove ruinous to them over the years. Christmas. That is the state of the That should be the right of every timber industry in Victoria today. person in this State, so the Minister Why is that so? The sawmillers and is not putting forward anything new the timber workers' union both agree when he expresses that as the desire that it is because the people of Vic­ of the Government. That is a well­ toria are neither buying nor building known need and is simply the right new homes and no timber is being of every person in the community used. Therefore there will be no tim­ who wishes to own his own home. ber industry and thousands of families will be faced with the misery of un­ The need for shelter is as basic as employment, with little hope of the the need for food and drink and it is workers gaining employment in the a criminal act to deny any of those future. 9098 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement.

As I pointed out, it is projected According to the Housing Industry that 15,000 more workers will be un­ Association the present cost of build­ employed by Christmas in one indus­ ing a standard sized house on a stan­ try alone. Why is this so? There are dard quarter acre block in Victoria is at least 6,000 new homes in Mel­ between $38,000 and $39,000. A bourne standing empty today because wage earner on an average family people are not able to afford to bridge earnings of $191 a week is able to the finance gap or the deposit gap or borrow only $23,700 at 10 per cent they cannot take on mortgage com­ interest over a period of 30 years and mitments involving exorbitant, crip­ therefore the deposit gap would be in pling interest rates. At the same time the vicinity of $15,000. What chance as these houses stand empty, new has that wage earner of bridging the home purchases are down 25 per deposit gap? He has no chance with cent, yet the Minister talks about the rising costs and inflation. The would­ building trade. be home owners are running on a money treadmill and have no hope of That figure of 6,000 new homes getting off. What they can save will now being vacant in Melbourne is a not catch up with what they need to conservative figure. The honorable buy or build a home in this State. member for Carrum revealed the phe­ nomenon of rows of houses standing Miss Betty Thorpe, the Housing In­ empty and no one challenged that dustry Association economist, identi­ statement. It was a published state­ fies the increasing cost of home sites ment and the honorable member said and the high interest rates and there were 1,000 empty new houses economic uncertainty as being the in Frankston alone. That is so be­ main reasons for not only the deposit cause people today cannot afford to gap but the fact that the whole indus­ buy homes. The mind boggles at a try is in a state of crisis as a result situation where there are thousands of the decline in construction. The of empty homes during a time of Minister of Housing is aware of this acute housing shortage. and the Housing Commission ought The people of Victoria are unable also to be aware of it. The Vic­ to borrow enough money at a suf­ torian Government is responsible for ficiently low rate of interest to allow the first factor and the Federal Libe­ them to purchase or finance new ral Government is responsible for the homes .. other two factors. The reason for this is that the house That is briefly the position regard­ is so expensive that the amount ing the private housing sector. The expected to be borrowed to bridge situation in the public housing sector the deposit gap is out of their reach. is even worse. One has only to look This Government has presided over at the empty acres at Melton, KeiIor, a land boom which has put millions Pakenham, Sunbury, Sunshine, AI­ of dollars into the pockets of its tona, Werribee and other places supporters to the detriment of these across the State to which the Min­ unfortunate people. The Premier and ister adverted to see where the many his erstwhile Chief Secretary, his one­ millions of dollars that could have time Minister of Housing and his been used for the development of Minister for Planning marched in homes in this State have gone. locked step as they spun fantasies about low-cost homes and diverted Nothing has been achieved in those the $10·6 million funds elsewhere. estates, not one shovel having been pushed in or one sod turned. Ac­ If the Government had built low­ cording to the latest report of the cost houses or sold low-cost building Housing Commission, at 30th June blocks it would have forced down last year the number of outstanding prices right across the State. The applications for Housing Commission Liberal Party is a party of the highest accommodation in Victoria stood at prices and the highest profit. 21,000. I am sure the forthcoming Mr. Wilkes. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9099 report will disclose a similar number waiting for Housing Commission of people waiting for Housing Com­ homes. This pool of people puts pres­ mission homes and flats in the cur­ sure on the market and forces prices rent year. up everywhere. Mr. McCLURE (Bendigo): I raise The policies of the Government are a point of order. It is apparent that the direct cause of deprivation in both the Leader of the Opposition is quot­ the private and public housing sector. ing from a document. I wonder But there is little deprivation of spec­ whether he will inform the House ulators and finance companies. what the document is and whether The Government's failure to house he will table it. people can be stated simply by saying Mr. WILKES (Leader of the that demand for public housing has Opposition) : I am quoting from increased by one-third since 1972 but copious notes of which you, Mr. the supply of homes has increased by Speaker, may have a copy. a miserable 0·05 per cent. During that time, there have been The number of outstanding appli­ some curious utterances and perform­ cations for Housing Commission ances by the Premier and the Chief homes at 30th June, 1976, was 21,000. Secretary in his previous aberration That figure should be increased when as Minister of Housing. the current report of the Housing Commission is tabled in this House. By interjection South Australia was The number of families awaiting mentioned. I would point out that houses is about 18,000. About South Australia has been able to pro­ 60,000 persons in Victoria are await­ vide building blocks to intending ing Housing Commission accommo­ home builders within 10 miles of the dation and the Housing Commission city of Adelaide at a cost of between has about the same number of empty $7,000 and $10,000. If one makes a building blocks undeveloped in this comparison, one finds that for a simi­ State. lar block in Melbourne the figure is between $17,000 and $20,000. Instead of building more homes the I invite honorable members to con­ Government has laid out money to sider what the Premier and the former buy a bank of land. People are await.. Minister of Housing said prior to the ing accommodation. Notwithstand­ election of March, 1976, about what ing the Government's promises and that were doing in housing. In 1975 its misrepresentations people can see events were triggered by the offer of what the Government's housing policy the Whitlam Labor Government to is and no doubt they will express provide $26 mi11ion to buy large tracts themselves at the appropriate time. of land to develop blocks of land for The policy expressed by the Prem­ low-income earners. Those blocks ier, the Chief Secretary and the Min­ would cost from $5,000 to $6,000. ister for Planning was to spend what The former Minister of Housing money was available in taking up said that this would be tragic be­ offers of land, speculators clearly cause it amounted to Socialism. making their profits through advance "Nonsense ", said the Age of 28th knowledge of real Government policy January, 1975, and went on to and intentions. They knew where the observe that failure to take up the Government would buy through the offer would be tragic only for those Housing Commission and all they had who yearned for a home which they to do was to buy up the broad farm­ could not otherwise afford. ing acres, double, treble or quadruple The Premier took the hint and the price and collect the cheques bear­ went into a public relations exercise ing the Premier's signature. which resulted in the banner head­ It should be remembered that line of 22nd February, 1975, "Hamer everybody is affected by the fact that clinches cheaper land". The Premier so many thousands of families are was reported as having over-ridden 9100 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. his Cabinet to clinch a deal with the to buy their first block of land for Labor Government which would peg less than $2,000 under this new Gov­ land prices in Melbourne. Thirty ernment scheme. We know what million dollars was to be spent in the happened to the young couples. next eighteen months developing 25,000 to 30,000 home sites. The Premier said these things. He said young couples would be able to Two days later, the then Minister buy a block of land from the Urban of Housing went further and said that Land Council on a deposit of 25 per by the end of 1975 blocks of land cent of the total price and that the would be available for $6,000 to Government would lend them the rest. $8,000. He spoke of 70,000 blocks What happened to this scheme? available in 36 areas within 20 miles Young people voted for the Liberal of Melbourne to be released at the Party in good faith. How could they rate of 10,000 blocks a year. Interest­ be expected to resist the Premier ingly, the Minister also spoke to the whose smiling face appeared on tele­ Sun News-Pictorial about how vision and who was reported in ban­ enough land would be bought to force ner headlines as stating that the Gov­ private developers to lower prices. ernment would lend 75 per cent of the It is a wonder that the honorable cost of the land at 10 per cent interest gentleman was able to keep a straight over ten years. But that was the face in view of what he knew had last that was heard of that scheme. happened at Pakenham, Sunbury and The then Minister for Planning did Melton in 1973 and 1974. his bit during the election campaign By April, 1975, the Federal funds in supporting what were to be the available had grown to $30 million broken promises of the Premier. He and the Premier announced that some was reported. in banner headlines as 42 areas had been set aside for rapid stating that there would be building residential development. But May blocks galore. The present Minister brought a different tale of how the should take notice of what his pre­ State Government was being forced decessor said, that the large increase to abandon its major urban land in the number of subdivisions would development programme because it help to arrest the spiral of land was short of money. It did not expect prices. Then it was back to the Commonwealth assistance and used Premier. In his policy speech he Housing Commission funds to buy included some twaddle about a pack­ the tracts of land to which the Min­ age deal for young home seekers. The ister adverted. then Minister of Housing, now the Money was not forthcoming from Chief Secretary, made yet another the Commonwealth because of the statement about eaSing restrictions way in which the former Minister of on young couples wanting to buy de­ Housing and others had sabotaged the veloped Housing Commission blocks. Urban Land Council; and so the 42 We know that the price of a block rapid growth areas were to stay as of land in the far outer areas of Mel­ they were. Once again, there was a bourne is between $17,000 and lot of publicity for the trendy, small $20,000. We also know why that is cc I" Liberal Premier but nothing so. The Government has thrown whatsoever actually on the ground. away millions of dollars which were Acting on the principle that people meant to help people, not to provide have short memories, the Government profits. We can see the hallmarks party had the temerity to make the of corruption. We hope that the cor­ same worthless promise again during rupt will be exposed and punished, the election campaign preceding the whether they be members of Parlia­ 1976 elections. One vote-catching ment, members of Cabinet, or the headline read, "$2,000 deposit buys wide boys of the broad acres. They a block". There was a fanciful tale deserve to be punished if their guilt of how young couples would be able can be determined. Mr. Wilkes. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9101 Whatever the reason, there is a Firstly, it is about whether the con­ housing crisis in Victoria and there is cept of Ministerial responsibility re­ no doubt that the Government is re­ tains any meaning in this perverted sponsible for that crisis. version of Westminster-type demo­ cracy. Secondly, it is about that most The history of this State is stained serious of government duties and by spectacular examples of graft, cor­ responsibilities-the custody and dis­ ruption and criminal incompetence. position of the taxpayers' money. I invite honorable members to study Thirdly, it is about the cornerstone this history. In recent years we of our system, the integrity of gov­ have seen conflicts of interest, serious ernment and Ministers. Fourthly, it irregularities in administration and is about accountability, about a Gov­ arrogant denials of many of the basic ernment secretly making decisions precepts of the Westminster system. which seriously damaged the com­ Further back in our history there munity, in the interests of a select were many examples of the State's group of profiteers whose only quali­ political leaders pillaging the public fication was either a Liberal Party through shady companies and out­ membership ticket or an entree card rageously corrupt decisions. One to a Minister or a Government depart­ Premier was forced to leave his post ment. These are the basic facts of hurriedly for the relative sanctuary the matter. of London and the Agent-General's position. To some of us in this House, the historic concept of Ministerial respon­ The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth sibility still has meaning and rele­ Wheeler): Order! I do not see how vance. The idea that Ministers are the Leader of the Opposition can re­ responsible for what goes on in their late this to the Ministerial statement. departments is one of the most basic to our system. In this House we have Mr. WILKES: I have moved an debated this question on many amendment to the motion, Mr. motions over the past decade or so. Speaker, and r am relating my com­ But the Government regards this idea ments to that amendment. I have as irrelevant, as its very actions show. just pointed out that one Premier was If the same principles as apply in forced to leave his post hurriedly, and Great Britain applied here, almost no doubt similar thoughts will exer­ every Minister in this and preceding cise the mind of several people in Liberal Party Governments would the next few months. Another, whose have had to resign or would direct descendant, ironically-or per­ have been forced out of office for dis­ haps fittingly-sits in another place, regarding these precepts. Instead, used a demagogic facade to obscure Ministers sit in smug arrogance. un­ his activities in floating bubble com­ able even to comprehend the depth of panies. Yet another, whose statue their guilt in some of these deals. is now a familiar landmark to Vic­ It is not unduly materialistic to torians, arranged a huge railway pro­ suggest that a government's most gramme to benefit himself and other serious responsibility is to care for land speculators. the taxpayers' money and to expend it efficiently and wisely. The idea But never before has the State been that Ministers should not waste, faced with a political crisis as serious squander or misappropriate these as the one it faces today. This c-fisis funds is also one of the most basic to is not just about the Cabinet's, and our system. But the Government con­ more particularly a certain Minister's, siders that to be irrelevant. Other­ complicity in a series of the most wise, the land deals would not have sordid scandals possible. It is about been approved in the way in which the four most basic principles in our they were. The Government has democratic system. This is what Min­ squandered $10·6 million of tax­ isters just do not seem to understand. payers' money in this sordid affair. 9]02 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement.

That amount was spent at Sunbury, substantial increase, but it is relative­ Pakenham and Melton alone. Other ly insignificant as we shall see. Dur­ deals involved as much money again ing that period the Government was but, at this stage, the Opposition does allocated, by the Federal Labor Party not want to relate the discussion to Government, the sum of $25·6 mil­ them. Honorable members on the lion for the purchase of land. I empha­ Government benches often talk about size that that was Commonwealth, honesty, integrity, law and order, and not State, money. But the State Gov­ democracy. They should consider ernment decided to act first by using hypocrisy and relate it to some of Housing Commission funds to buy these deals. land. That should have been the re­ The idea that a government must sponsibility of the Urban Land Coun­ inspire public trust and confidence in cil not the Housing Commission. The it by acting with integrity is basic, not re~ponsibility of the Housing Com­ enly to our system, but to the survival mission is to build homes. It should of governments everywhere in the be the responsibility of the Urban world. But the Victorian Government Land Council to purchase land on ignores that principle, which it re­ which the Housing Commission can gards as being irrelevant. Throughout build those homes. the world governments have come to know that they must trust the people, The intended purpose of the pur­ that they must be open and frank with chase of land was to create a land the public about their policies and the bank which would moderate the rate reasons for their decisions. That is a of price increases and provide low­ reasonable attitude to be taken by a priced blocks to prospective home government. A full and frank dis­ buyers. But this purpose was dis­ cussion of a government's intentions regarded by the Government in favor is essential so that the public can of its own policy of the deals being judge it by its actions. That is made by the Housing Commission. not the case with the Victorian Gov­ We know the result of that. The ernment and it certainly was not the money was squandered and even to­ case with these land deals. But the day not one house has been built in idea is basic to the principle of enabl­ ing the public to participate in a any of these areas. The Minister has meaningful way in the political life of not admitted that, but it is obvious the State. to anyone who walks around Sun­ bury, Pakenham and Melton that not The Government is always talking one house has been built on any of about the system being under attack those estates. The three examples of but it is itself responsible for many Pakenham, Melton and Sunbury illus­ attacks on the system. The Govern­ trate perfectly what has happened. ment's very actions in these deals is helping to destroy the system. But On 6th July, 1973, the Sun News­ the Government regards that as irrele­ Pictorial reported that the then Min­ vant. We of the Opposition will show ister of Housing, the Honorable V. O. today that the Government has failed Dickie, had stated that the Govern­ grieviously on every one of the prin­ ment planned to spend at least $5m­ ciples I have mentioned. It has and perhaps $7m to $8m-on land for abandoned the concept of Ministerial a scheme to provide Iow-cost blocks responsibility; it has squandered the of land to young married couples. taxpayers' money; it has acted with­ out integrity; and it has acted secretly That was on 6th July, 1973. The against the interests of the public of article continued- Victoria. The areas earmarked for the scheme in­ Between 1973 and 1975 the price of clude Gisbome, Pakenham, Cranboume, Berwick, Kilmore, Whittlesea, Kyneton, land in Melbourne's outer suburbs in­ Melton, Bacchus Marsh and Ballan. Sites creased by 58 per cent. That was a up to 1,000 acres will be bought. Mr. Wilkes. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9103 The article concluded with a pro­ $65,000 from the O'Briens and phetic statement- the Bramidges. According to the Developers and real estate agents yester­ Age of 9th May, 1975, the day welcomed the move. Deputy Chairman of the State I am sure they did. Rivers and Water Supply Com­ On 26th March, 1974, the then Min­ mission, Mr. Broomfield, said the com­ ister for Planning, the Honorable A. J. mission raised serious doubts about Hunt, announced that the Govern­ the suitability of developing the land ment had declared a total of 116,000 for residential use before it was acres at Melton, Sunbury, Plenty, bought by the Housing Commission. Berwick and Frankston-Moorooduc The Deputy Chairman of the State as investigation areas under the De­ Rivers and Water Supply Commission velopment Areas Act. The honorable went out of his way to advise the gentleman then said- Government or his Minister, or pre­ The price of land in the areas will not sumably the commission, that there be allowed to soar because of the announce­ were serious doubts about the suita­ ment but will be kept at present prices plus an allowance for normal inflation. bility of developing this land at Pakenham. What did the Govern­ That is what the Minister for Plan­ ment do about that? In July, 1973, ning said about the 116,000 acres of the State Rivers and Water Supply land he purchased. Commission wrote to the Housing Mr. HA YES: He did not purchase Commission expressing concern about them. the purchase of the land and referred Mr. WILKES: He set them aside. to problems relating to drainage and He used the term that they would flooding. It was even worse than "prevent" prices from sky-rocketing. that, because on 8th May, 1975, the He said that the Government would Minister of Water Supply, the Hon­ be prepared to acquire strategic areas orable F. J. Granter, was quoted in if individual owners demanded out­ the Age as stating that the land rageous prices. The article concluded might not be developed for another on another prophetic note-- 20 to 30 years. Presumably it would Mr. Hunt said the Government looked take that time to divert the creek mainly to private enterprise to develop the that floods the area and development areas. of that land could not be considered The Minister ought to know better. until that work had been done. The The chairman of his campaign com­ Government bought that flood-prone mittee and another political sup­ land for development. No one else porter were already deeply involved would have bought that land. in the area and finalizing the last of Mr. HUDSON: What percentage of their deals immediately preceding the land was flood-prone? this announcement by the Minister. Without making any deliberate asser­ Mr. WILKES: Two-thirds of it is tions, I put the question: Should that flood-prone. That is a lot of land, not require some explanation by the when one considers the price the Minister? Of course it should. Government paid for it. Despite the In 1973 the Housing Commission advice of the Deputy Chairman of the bought 936 acres at Pakenham for State Rivers and Water Supply $2,531,789. The land was acquired Commission, and the Minister of in four parcels. The commission Water Supply, the Honorable F. J. bought the Pakenham Park farm of Granter, the Government went ahead 769 acres from Mr. Roger Duncan for with the purchase of the land. Private $1,989,089. Another 106 acres was individuals are not allowed to build bought from Lensworth Finance Ltd on a flood-prone block of land, nor and Delgrange Pty. Ltd. for $372,000. should they be, but the Government Two other parcels of 37 and 24 acres buys such land for development. That were acquired for $105,700 and is how stupid the Government can 9104 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. be. The explanation of the then Min­ Mr. Ross-EnwARDs: How did Mr. ister of Housing, the Honorable V. O. Dillon get into it? Dickie, was that the price paid was extremely reasonable, and it was a Mr. WILKES: Dillon and Inkster, deal the Housing Commission could a firm of real estate agents, were in not afford to pass up. It did not mat­ the peculiar position that on one oc­ ter whether one had to have a boat casion they acted for the purchaser to live there; the Government could and on another they received com­ not afford to pass up the land for mission from the seller. Theyopera­ development. I have never heard of ted in two different areas. There anything so ridiculous. should be an explanation of that type of conduct by the Government and Let us consider what the then Min­ the Minister. ister said. In February, 1973, the Housing Commission brought a huge Mr. Dillon, the principal of the real tract of land, zoned corridor and estate agents, Dillon and Inkster, ap­ general farming. The purchase was pears in this story again and again. made nearly six months before any Mr. Durston is currently serving a policy announcement by the Govern­ three-year prison sentence after be­ ment on broad-acre purchases. This ing convicted for falsely imprisoning may, of course, simply be a matter of Mr. Weeden. It may be that the public servants anticipating the caveat was simply a legal device, wishes of the Government or of their which for reasons known only to political masters. The curious thing themselves, neither the Government is that when the purchase was first nor the commission even tried to mooted it was discovered that the penetrate or investigate. land was subject to a caveat. Hon­ In the event, the commission orable members know the effect of a bought this unsuitable land from its caveat. When a search is done on a original owners, the Duncans. It is parcel or block of land, it obviously understood that better land, not sub­ causes some concern to the prospec­ ject to flooding, close to Pakenham tive purchaser to know that there township was available for Housing is a caveat on the land. This Commission purposes. Why did the Government has supported legisla­ Minister not investigate this matter? tion in the past to deal with The Housing Commission knew that restrictive covenants and caveats there was no excuse, but why did the on land. Normal practice dictates Minister not make an investigation? that the form and conditions of How could the Government be sold the caveat would have been investiga­ land of this type? No effort was ted by any normal intelligent Minis­ made by any Minister at that time to ter, or the departmental head who make a personal effort to investigate was acting on the direction of a Min­ and determine whether what the ister. But that was not the case. Its commission was buying was in the existence should have affected the best interest of the Victorian public. negotiations and the purchase price, Not content with this incredible but that was not the case. series of events, the commission bought all the land except for one If the commission had investigated small portion owned by Stainton-a the caveat or if a Minister had inves­ small area crucial to the whole pack­ tigated it, the Government would age and probably the best part of the have discovered that it was held by entire deal. By failing to buy that a Mr. Crichlow. Mr. Crichlow and land there and then the commission Mr. Harold Weeden, whose precise allowed Stainton to sell to Lensworth business relationship must be inves­ Finance Ltd. and for that company to tigated, sought to interest the Hous­ sell to Delgrange Investments in ing Commission in the land through such a way that when the com­ two intermediaries-Mr. Bob Dillon mission inevitably purchased the land and Mr. Raymond Brian Durston. -even the most stupid person must Mr. Wilkes. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Stat~ment. 9105 have known it would eventually buy Mr. WILKES: Prior to the suspen­ the land-the price had rocketed up sion of the sitting I was about to by 50 per cent in a mere ten months place on the record the history of the due to the commission's stupidity. Housing Commission's Sunbury land That was by design, not by accident. deal which dates back to 1970. It was by deliberate design. That action ought to be accounted for in In September, 1970, an Adelaide this place. finance company and a Melbourne land developer took out an option to In essence, the crucial facts regard­ buy a 460-hectare dairy farm owned ing the entire affair are, firstly, that by the McMahon family at Sunbury. the Government paid a grossly in­ The finance company, in whose name flated price for land which was flood­ all subsequent deals were registered, prone, one-third of which could not was Lensworth Finance, a subsidiary be built on. Let the record stand of Elder Smith Goldsborough Mort. that, of the land bought for a grossly Its silent partner was Brighton inflated price two-thirds cannot be developer and consultant Mr. Mc­ built on. Gregor Aulsebrook (Greg.) Kean. Honorable members interjecting. Lensworth signed a contract with Mr. WILKES: We will hear from the McMahons giving it an option to the Premier at the appropriate time buy the land for $2,272,400, $2,000 when he can defend his land deals. an acre, on five-year terms. Secondly, the Minister who recom­ The McMahons were represented mended the purchase was the Honor­ in the deal by Dalgetys, the pastoral able V. O. Dickie, and the person who firm, and real estate agents Moore approved of it was the Premier. The Williams and Son. Mr. Kean was honorable gentlemen approved the a director and shareholder of Aulse­ deal notwithstanding the obvious ir­ brook (Vic.) Pty. Ltd.---one of the regularities involved. Those two hon­ three owners of Moore Williams­ orable gentlemen approved the deal from 1970 to 1976. and signed the purchase documents. In November, 1971, the Board of Thirdly, the valuation of the land was Works rezoned nearly 1,000 square fortuitiously within $100 or so of kilometres of rural development for what the intermediaries wanted. possible urban development by the Fourthly, the agents who handled the year 2000. But the McMahons' dairy deal were Dillon and Inkster of farm was not part of the land re­ Dandenong. zoned; it was zoned as "corridor" Let us look at Sunbury land deal. land. The history of the Housing Commis­ sion's Sunbury land deal dates back In the middle of 1973, intermedi­ to 1970. In September, 1970, an aries acting for Lensworth and the Adelaide finance company-I might commission discussed the possibility add that an Adelaide finance com­ of a sale. The intermediaries were Mr. pany could not bring off the sort of Greg. Kean of Moore Williams, acting deals in South Australia that they this time for Lensworth, and Dande­ could get here without problems or nong estate agents Dillon and resistance from the Government or Inkster, who appear in these three the Ministers. They can make huge deals, on some occasions represent­ profits in Victoria but not in Adelaide ing the purchaser and on other oc­ where the Land Commission inhibits casions representing the buyer and speculators and developers from recovering commission accordingly. making money out of the pockets of DilIon and Inkster, according to their would-be home owners and land principal, ,Mr. Bob 'Dillon, "have buyers. negotiated on many previous occa­ The sitting was suspended at 6.14 sions on behalf of the commission p.m. until 8.4 p.m. ... " Mr. DilIon said that frankly. 9106 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. On 8th August, Lensworth ap­ away without worrying about any pointed Dillon and Inkster to act for irregularities such as 200-ft. cliffs and it selling the land to an unnamed a report by the Town and Country buyer for $3,400 an acre. Planning Board stating that the land On 9th August the Valuer-General's was poor or very poor and most un­ Office estimated the value of the Sun­ suitable for development. bury land in a report to the com­ The Bulla council also opposed the mission as $3,585,750, about $3,500 plan but for some reason the then an acre. The report added that this Minister of Housing, Mr. Dickie, rode valuation assumes "prior knowledge roughshod over its objections. It did of residential rezoning". not matter what the local authority On 24th September Lensworth con­ said about redevelopment or what the verted its option with the McMahons land should be used for, the Minister to one offering $1,859,926, $1,850 an of Housing was simply hell-bent on acre, for a cash sale within 90 days. the purchase of this "crook" land­ and it could not be described in any On 26th September Lensworth sold the land to the Housing Commission other way because it cannot be used for $3,418,604, at a profit of for development. Let the Minister $1,558,678, or 84 per cent. A profit deny it if that is not so. of 84 per cent in that short time is a Since then, the Government has better gain than that of some pro­ compounded this incredible decision fessions with which honorable mem­ by allowing the Housing Commission bers are associated. to enter into a joint venture agree­ Mr. LOXTON: What about Craigie­ ment with a $2 company, Pinmore bum? Pty. Ltd., run by a man who just hap­ pens to have been a former personal Mr. WILKES: It leaves Craigieburn assistant of the Premier and a member far behind. This is taxpayers' money of the Liberal Party's State executive. which the Housing Commission I also mention that one of the partners wasted by allowing the company to in Pinmore Pty. Ltd. is a member of make a profit of 84 per cent in that the Labor Party and stood as a Labor short time. The deal was agreed to candidate. by the Minister and signed by the Premier. They saw no problems, no That company received the con­ irregularities, and nothing strange tract despite competition from 54 about that profit or the time factor. other developers, some of whom had In fact, they were eager to buy, as expertise and experience which even the Chief Secretary said. honorable members on the other side On 6th October, Lensworth paid of the House could not deny. None­ a deposit and signed a contract. In theless, the Minister chose to give the December, 1976, the Town and contract to the two gentlemen in­ Country Planning Board found the volved in the $2 company, who were land was isolated, expensive to ser­ without the experience and resources vice and should not be developed of many of the other 54 people who as it was on the Jackson's Creek tendered for the particular develop­ and was separated from the rest of ment. the area by 200-ft. cliffs. The board's The Minister made the decision in a study rated the land as either" poor" flash, saying, in effect, "Never mind or "very poor". about the other 54; we will take Peter I t is obviously possible to sell this Stirling. His firm will do us." No Government a pig in a poke, because criteria were used for deciding who it did not know what it was buying. should get the contract. There was no Somebody knew but the Premier and consideration of expertise or re­ the Minister did not know because sources. In other words, the people they were willing to purchase this involved had an "in" with the Gov­ land and sign the documents straight ernment and that " in " enabled them Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9107 to be the favoured ones. The Govern­ the directors of which included Mr. ment ought to examine its record in Colin Cooke and Mr. Peter John these areas. Leake, bought up parcels of land in Today the company is finding the West Melton near Bullman's Road. cost of headworks and the servicing Mr. HA YES: We read this in the of the capital involved a great burden press in 1974. and there is no guarantee that it will be able to continue the development Mr. WILKES: That may be so but on behalf of the Government. I wish to put it on the record now so that no one can dispute the facts Mr. HA YES: That is not true. or so that if there is disputation that Mr. WILKES: How does the Min­ disputation can occur here and can ister know it is not true? After what be settled here. he said in his Ministerial statement That parcel of land was being ac­ one could be excused for believing quired for Welmac Pty. Ltd., a com­ that he does not know. There is no pany formed by Cambridge Credit guarantee that Pinmore Pty. Ltd. will Corporation Ltd.-which no longer be able to develop the land and we exists-and the Lewis Land Corpora­ will have to wait and see what the tion Ltd. Welmac Pty. Ltd. acquired results are. the land, 1,263 acres in all, for $1·8 My colleague, the honorable mem­ million and less than 18 months later ber for Bundoora, will discuss this sold it to the Housing Commission matter in far greater detail later, but for $4,675,875-not a bad profit in I once again point out the crucial facts 18 months! One can well understand involved. First, the original purchase why these gentlemen and their sup­ ~as recommended by the then Min­ porters would be interested in buying lster of Housing, Mr. Dickie, and ap­ land. proved by the Treasurer, Mr. Hamer, notwithstanding the obvious irregu­ In one case in Melton a 236-acre larities that existed. Secondly, the farm owned by the Robinson family Government paid a grossly inflated was sold to Welmac Pty. Ltd. for price for land which one of its own $450,000. A week later Welmac Pty. expert authorities had deemed to be Ltd. sold it to the Housing Commis­ totally unsuitable for development. sion at a profit of 94·16 per cent. Thirdly, the valuation was fortuitous­ The Minister of Housing and the ly close to what the intermediaries Treasurer, who is responsible for required, which is explained as a coin­ every dollar spent by the State, saw cidence. Fourthly, I am sure I do all this and were prepared to put not have to explain who the real their signatures to it. If any honor­ estate agents were; they were Messrs. able member asked questions about Dillon and Inkster. this matter he was told it was simply a coincidence. That was the only I can add several additional basic satisfaction the people of Victoria facts about this sordid affair: The were given concerning the whole present Minister of Housing, Mr. affair. If a company made a profit Hayes, appears in the cast of char­ of 94· 16 per cent in a week it was acters as the Minister responsible for explained away as a mere coin­ the Pinmore deal. There are other cidence. new elements in that another real estate agency, Moore Williams & Co., I said earlier that the rate of in­ and another developer, Mr. McGregor crease in land prices between 1973 Kean, are involved in the transac­ and 1975 was 58 per cent, which tions. seemed enormous, but it was rela­ Now we come to Melton, and Mel­ tively inSignificant when compared ton is probably the most revealing with 94 per cent in seven days. of all the deals. Between December, That is an incredible situation, to 1973, and January, 1974, a company say the least of it. We ought to look called Nandina Investments Pty. Ltd., once again at the crucial facts behind 9108 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. this. First, the Housing Commission tends not to play such a large part bought land-it was the sucker again in events, although the Dickens novel -at a price grossly inflated in a short which depends so much on "coin­ space of time. Secondly, the Minister cidence" is appropriately enough of Housing who made the recommen­ called Great Expectations. There is no dations was the present Chief Se­ doubt that some developers, and some cretary, Mr. Dickie, and the Treasurer members of this Government certainly who signed the note was the Premier, had great expectations. Mr. Hamer, again notwithstanding That was not the only explanation those obvious irregularities. Any which the Government gave. In the back-bench member of the Liberal A ustralian of 23rd August, 1977, there Party would have noticed the irreg­ appeared an article which seems to ularities and would have done some­ be an extract from the minute book thing about them. Thirdly, the valua­ for the Government party's meetings. tion was fortuitously close to what The Chief Secretary said that there the intermediaries wanted. Fourthly, was nothing wrong with developers the estate agent was again Dillon and making a profit, notwithstanding that Inkster. earlier he was on the record prior to There are other facts, of course. the 1976 election and prior to the The then Minister for Planning, Mr. 1973 election as saying that the Gov­ Hunt, joined the cast at this stage, ernment's policy was to buy cheap and a prominent Liberal Party mem­ land and to be able to sell cheap land ber and an active Liberal Party cam­ to home buyers in this State. On this paigner also became involved. I will occasion the Minister said that there analyse this deal in more detail was nothing wrong with developers shortly, because the full details de­ making a profit and anyone who monstrate the complicity and guilt of dared to say that developers were not various Ministers. entitled to make this exorbitant profit The basic facts that emerge from which I have outlined was a Socialist! these three sordid deals are simply Similarly, a variety of explanations these: First, the Government squan­ has been used to explain away the dered millions of dollars of taxpayers' obvious irregularities which occurred money on land, buying it at inflated in these three deals. As has been prices, even though much of the land seen, the then Minister of Housing was totally unsuitable for develop­ said that the Pakenham deal was one ment and recommended by its own which the Housing Commission could departments to be unsuitable in two not afford to pass up. According to instances for redevelopment. Sec­ the honorable gentleman, it was "a ondly, the deals were recommended ripper". Of the same deal, the by the then Minister of Housing, Mr. Premier said in a press release on 9th Dickie, and approved by the Trea­ May, 1975- surer-notwithstanding the obvious It has always been understood by the irregularities I outlined. Housing Commission that no further urban development should take place in the whole Thirdly, valuations were fortuito­ of the Pakenham area. usly close to what the intermediaries I ask the Premier to indicate which involved wanted. Fourthly, the estate of those statements is true. It hardly agent in each of the three cases was sounds to a reasonable person that Dillon and Inkster. such a deal was one that could not Now, as on another occasion, the be passed up, particularly because of Government may wish to explain all what we have been able to find out this as a coincidence. The former about the Pakenham land. Minister of Housing, Mr. Dickie, ex­ Another more recent explanation plained the Melton deal in precisely is that the Housing Commission was that way when asked why it was building up a land bank to moderate merely a coincidence. I suppose out­ price increases. How can price in­ side the pages of Dickens, coincidence creases be moderated when the land Mr. Wilkes. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9109 is being bought at a price which the Housing Commission has not yields a profit in excess of 94 per adopted this as its poHcy in the past. cent in seven days? At the same Of course it has. time, the Government is saying-and As recently as 1973-at the very this is where the hyprocrisy comes beginning of this whole affair-the in-that it is buying up these large Government reaffirmed its position tracts of land through the Housing by passing the Development Areas Commission to prevent price in­ Act. The Government has never creases. The incredible fact is that actually used this Act and in March not one house has been built on this this year, Melton's designation ran land. The Minister does not seem to out with not a whisper from the be concerned about that. The land Minister or any member of the Gov­ has not been subdivided or rezoned ernment about the fact that not a and the price paid has added to the single square foot of land had been price spiral. Therefore, its useful­ acquired under it. ness as a market force seems to be very limited indeed. The then Minister for Planning, Mr. Hunt, publicly stated that the Gov­ The Government's own statements ernment would use the Act when and its action prove that none of "the investigation areas" were pro­ these explanations are valid. If they claimed. Why did he not use it in were, there would have been some these cases? He could have saved explanation by the Minister in his the State millions by using this Ministerial statement. He carefully Act. He could have saved the avoided any reference to the detail exorbitant price that was paid under concerning the deals at Melton, the noses of these Ministers and with Pakenham and Sunbury. their approval. The Minister mentioned com­ In relation to the suggestion that pulsory acquisition. In regard to a land bank was being established, opposition to compulsory acquisition, I quote from an editorial in the Age the emptiness of the Minister's of 20th August, 1977, which sums up claim is shown by the Housing Com­ this argument. mission's actual practices. During The Housing Commission used much of the 1950s and 1960s the commission this extra money neither to build houses or laid waste to vast tracts of land in flats fOf the needy nOf to develop building Fitzroy and other inner-suburban blocks for home buyers. Significantly, the areas by compulsorily acquiring Housing Minister at the time, Mr. Vance Dickie, was a foremost opponent of the houses and land. It was done by a Whitlam Government's plan to channel Government before in 1955. The funds into urban land councils to acquire Cain Government compulsorily rural land to hold down residential land acquired houses and land for the prices. He afglled that the HOUSing Com­ Housing Commission in the Preston mission could fulfil such a role. This might have been justifiable if the area and in Broadmeadows, and this commission had acquired land at reasonable Government compulsorily acquired prices. But its main buying spree was land in Broadmeadows. during the land boom when land was s~rce and prices were high. The extraordinary Mr. JONES: The Country Roads circumstances in which it bought rural land, Board is doing it now. not from the original owners but frol!1 finance companies and developers, at resI­ Mr. WILKES: Of course it is. dential prices are now, at last, to be the subject of a public inquiry by a retired Nothing could be further from the Supreme Court judge, Sir Gregory Gowans. truth than to suggest that there is Not only did the commission pay what something strange about the Housing appears to have been excessive prices, but Commission using its powers of some of its acquisitions were not even compulsory acquisition. However suitable for housing. undesirable it might be in certain This editorial magnificently sums up cases to use the power of compulsory the role of the then Minister of Hous­ acquisition, it can never be said that ing. Under the cloak of a spurious 9110 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. ideology, the honorable gentleman The Valuer-General's Department and the Government embarked on a then valued the land assuming " prior secret enterprise designed to rob the knowledge of residential zoning" . people of Victoria and to force up the Dillon and Inkster were appointed price of land. There is no disputing agents for Lensworth Finance Ltd. the actions of the Minister. He is the very day before this occurred. responsible for the high cost of land More importantly, the land was not in Victoria today. If honorable mem­ at this stage actually owned by Lens­ bers wish to make a comparison, as worth. The company had only has been suggested time and again, options on it. The valuation was they should consider the situation in based not on the option price, but on South Australia which is so much the price wanted by the intermedi­ better than that in this State. aries. The real explanation for this affair There are the irregularities. Why lies in three documents and a detailed have they not been explained? The analysis of the Melton deal. In the memorandum goes on to discuss Government's own files and in the Pakenham, authorizing development files at the Corporate Affairs Office east of Toomuc Creek, the source of and the Titles Office, the truth re­ the flooding in the area in 1934 and sides. 1971. It then says- The relevant documents are the 3. Melton-Development by Housing memorandum prepared within the Commission should be to the west of that Housing Commission following the town. Cabinet's decision to purchase large The Cabinet and the Minister directed tracts of land; the memorandum the commission to look at land in from the valuer in the Sunbury case; the very area where a prominent and the memorandum authorizing member of the Liberal Party was at the purchase at Sunbury. that time putting together a large First, Cabinet approval had to be parcel of land which was ultimately obtained. According to the Housing sold to the commission at a huge Commission file, a conference was profit just days before the first step held at the commission's offices on to freeze the price of the land. 17th July, 1973. Those present were the then Minister of Housing, Mr. The memorandum then refers to Dickie, the then Chairman of the Kilmore. No specific direction was Housing Commission, Mr. Gaskin, the given. Presumably none of Cabinet's Secretary, Mr. Bohn, and the Property friends looked like acquiring land in Control Manager, Mr. W. Creighton. that area. I quote from an extract from the Mr. SIMPSON: We had an interest­ file- ing telephone call today. It has been The Minister stated that the day before checked. the Cabinet had decided to purchase large acreages of land in Pakenham, Sunbury, Mr. WILKES: My colleague has Melton and Kilmore and that the priorities pointed out that not even Kilmore were: First-Sunbury; second-Pakenham; has escaped the dragnet of the Liberal third-Melton; and fourth-Kilmore. Party's developers and profiteers. The memorandum goes on- The memorandum concludes with lt was estimated that acreages in the the statement- neighbourhood of 1000 acres would be ap­ propriate. The Minister advised that his colleague the Minister for Planning, Mr. Hunt, was With regard to each of these towns, the enthusiastic about the proposal. Minister made the following comments: I wager that he was. The Parliament "1. Sunbury-The Housing Commission should know why the Minister was was free to purchase land presently owned by Lensworth Finance presently zoned as enthusiastic about the proposal. Per­ • General Farming '." haps, God willing, the honorable Mr. Wilkes. Ministerial [6 S~PTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9111 gentleman will be given an oppor­ blank in the sequence of the file. By tunity to explain why he was en­ whom were these instructions issued? thusiastic about it. At that time It will be interesting to find that out, many of his political associates were and if some members of the Liberal also enthusiastic about the proposal. Party had taken the trouble to exa­ I now turn to the case of the miss­ mine the file, perhaps they would have ing instruction. There is also on the been slightly concerned about who Housing Commission file a memo­ issued that instruction. There is no randum from L. J. O'Bree, Fellow of memorandum, no minute, nothing­ the Commonwealth Institute of just this reference to " instructions". Valuers (Inc.), a valuer, to the The Premier and the Valuer-General property control manager of the claim that land is always valued at Housing Commission. I suppose he residential prices when it is going to was seconded by the commission be acquired, a view which is, to say from the Valuer-Generars Depart­ the least, a little original. No valuer ment. I cannot state that authorita­ I have spoken to takes such a view. tively but I presume that was the Indeed, if valuers did, the entire case and that the valuers were operat­ municipal rating system would col­ ing right on the front doorstep of the lapse. Housing Commission. That memo­ randum has been much discussed, so I am surprised that the Valuer­ I shall just quote the most infamous General said that, if he did-and I am section of it. It states- not absolutely certain that he said The reasonable value of the land as at it; I know the Premier said it but 30th July, 1973 would be (including the I should certainly have expected the prior knowledge of the land being zoned Valuer-General to dissociate himself residential) $3,585,750. from the concept that has been adop­ The memorandum starts with the ted by the Premier. Imagine valuers words "pursuant to your instruc­ going around and valuing land on the tions ". Pursuant to whose instruc­ basis of what they think it might be tions is it? I cannot find that out. used for! Nobody seems to know. Mr. Ross-EnWARDs: The inquiry Mr. BILLING: That is what council should reveal the answer. valuers are doing. Mr. WILKES: I hope it does. I Mr. WILKES: Council valuers do have every confidence in the inquiry not value land on the basis of what and in the inquisitor. I am certain they think it might be used for; that that a man of his calibre will be able is not the criterion used. The crite­ to find out who issued that instruc­ rion is what the land will be used for, tion. and it is quite obvious that someone Mr. Ross-EDWARDS: That is the gave the order that the land be valued key. as it was. I hope the inquiry dis­ covers who issued the instruction. Mr. WILKES: It is the key. It appeared on the file. The Minister There is only one man who had the says, "That is why a police inquiry authority to issue such an instruction was called for." -the then Minister of Housing. Mr. Hayes: I did not say that. I refer now to the last document, Straighten yourself out. the actual approval of the purchase. Mr. WILKES: The Minister was Let us recapitulate on what has hap­ reported to have said that was one of pened. Three of the common factors the reasons which prompted him to apply in this case-The Government do precisely what he did. Obviously bought land at a grossly inflated price; it was not the instruction of this it operated through one real estate Minister. He was concerned about agency, Dillon and Inkster Real the phrase " pursuant to your instruc­ Estate Pty. Ltd., and did so after a tions ", and there appears to be a dubious valuation procedure. 9HZ Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. All this had happened when on The Housing Commission paid Wel­ 13th August, 1973, the then Chairman mac Pty. Ltd. $4,675,875 for the pack­ of the Housing Commission, Mr. age-$3,702 an acre. Welmac's total Gaskin, wrote to the Premier- profit was $2·8 million. Wherever In accordance with Cabinet's decision, the there has been any deal associated Housmg Commission has bought approxim­ with the Government, approved by ately 1,000 acres at Sunbury. the Government, and property bought Yours faithfully, by the Housing Commission, astron- G. P. GASKIN. 0mical profits have been made. That The other signatures on the letter means the Housing Commission paid were, and I quote: "Recommended $873,718 for the Robinson property, Vance Dickie" and" approved R. J. and Welmac Pty. Ltd. made a profit Hamer ". Both signatures appeared. of $423,718 between the time it ac­ quired the property on 15th March, The deal was actually recom­ 1974, and the time it sold it to the mended by the then Minister of Hous­ Housing Commission on 22nd March, ing and approved by the Premier. I 1974. Honorable members opposite suggest that the Minister and the do not believe there is anything irre­ Premier have very few explanations, gular about that; they believe a de­ if any, to offer for their actions in this velopment company should be able case, if not in the other case. They to make that profit from taxpayers' may claim that they just signed the money. The profit was of the order documents-in other words, that they of 94· 16 per cent. did not notice the irregularities. This brings up the question of Min­ The transaction typified the way isterial responsibility. On the facts in which this Government threw disclosed, serious irregularities had around millions of dollars buying land occurred, and the Minister and the from speculators in 1973 and 1974. Premier countenanced them by ap­ On 26th M'arch, 1974, the land was proving and authorizing them. On declared an investigation area under that basis alone they ought to seri­ the Development Areas Act. ously reconsider their position in this Following that declaration, the Parliament. There is only one other Town and Country Planning Board possible explanation which I need reported on the area, and in March, not draw to the attention of either 1975, the land was declared a design­ honorable members or the honorable ated area under the Development gentlemen involved. Areas Act. The designation lapsed This entire process is somewhat in March of this year. clearer in the MeIton land deals. Of Under the Act, the Government the 1,263 acres bought, an area of could have acquired the land at any 236 acres was a farm owned by time during the period it was William Robinson, William MaxwelI " designated" at the price applicable Robinson and Norman Lindsay Robin­ on 26th March, 1974, perhaps plus son of BulIman's Lane, Melton. The inflation. If the Housing Commission Robinsons sold their 236 acres to had waited just four days, it could Welmac Pty. Ltd. for $450,000. The have negotiated to buy the land at sale was registered on 15th March, a rural valuation at any time subse­ 1974. quently. Instead it paid $3,702 an Welmac Pty. Ltd. bought other pro­ acre. Why did it not exercise its pre­ perties around the Robinson farm rogative? That question ought to be to make up the 1,263 acres package answered. that was ultimately sold to the Hous­ The Melton designation was al­ ing Commission. Titles Office docu­ lowed to lapse this year without a ments show that the Robinson proper­ single square foot of land being ac­ ty was among those bought by the quired under the Act. Two Ministers Housing Commission on 22nd March, have some responsibility in this mat­ 1974. ter-the then Minister for Planning, Mr. Wilkes. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9113- the Honorable A. J. Hunt, and the election campaign manager for the' then Minister of Housing, the Honor­ then Minister for Planning, the Hon­ able V. O. Dickie. orable A. J. Hunt, in his 1973 elec­ When Cabinet discussed the pro­ tion campaign. The Minister for posed land purchase and the declara­ Planning's election campaign manager tion under the Development Areas clinched a massive profit from a sale Act, one would have expected both to the Housing Commission four days the Honorable V. O. Dickie and the before the Minister for Planning took Honorable A. J. Hunt to have com­ the first step to freeze the price of mented on the obvious contradiction. land. Do you, Mr. Speaker, agree But, of course, nothing like that oc­ that perhaps an explanation may be curred, and there is no evidence that required-some simple explanation? there was any intention to take that We are not asking for anything extra­ course of action. Here was one Gov­ ordinary-just a simple explanation ernment department planning to why the coincidence existed and why freeze the price of a piece of land that occurred. The then Minister of while another department was plan­ Housing has already described these ning to buy it at a massively inflated events as a coincidence. No doubt it price. There was no co-operation or was once again a coincidence that discussion between the departments. just happened to convert great expec­ That is how this Government tations into cold, hard profit. operates. Colin George Cooke is also a It is incredible that the responsible gentleman known to members Ministers did not seek to avert the opposite. Mr. Cooke was the head possible loss of public funds when the of an organization known as "the conflict became obvious. friends of Alan Hunt" who cam­ Evidence to prove this is on the file. paigned most vigorously for the hon­ The company was asked by the com­ orable gentleman in both election mission to hurry up between the campaigns, and during the intermin­ 15th and the 18th March. The then able intra-party war that the Liberals Minister of Housing, the Honorable wage in the Westernport area. Every­ V. O. Dickie, has described these one knows what happened in the events as merely a coincidence. This Westernport area. Everyone knows is his explanation and he is sticking what the honorable member for Wes­ to it. Of course, other people want ternport was subjected to by mem­ to know the truth. The public is bers of his own party, including the entitled to know why and how this Ministers. These were the men con­ occurred. cerned, but they were able to reap Both Ministers should give a full profits for the transactions conspired explanation of their actions in this by this Government. Surely the then Parliament. What makes an explana­ Minister for Planning recognized when tion more necessary is the identity of this assistance was forthcoming that the men who approached the Robin­ a potential conflict of interest may son family. The directors of that com­ have existed. We have just seen an pany, Nandina Investments, were example in today's press where the Peter John Leake and Colin George Federal Attorney-General resigned Cooke. The shareholders were their for much less-a matter of principle respective family companies in which -but this was not a matter of prin­ the other directors were the two men's wives. Peter John Leake is ciple for the then Minister for Plan­ well known to members opposite. He ning. Would one not have thought the was once a councillor of the Morn­ Minister at the time would have con­ ington Shire Council, president of the sidered that a potential conflict of Mornington branch of the Liberal interest existed? Of course not-a Party, Chairman of the Westernport coincidence, not a conflict of in­ Regional Planning Authority and terest. 9114 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. Nandina Investments received politicians in his pocket. He also about 10 per cent for its part in the said, "He probably had the Police deal. A commission was paid to real Force in his pocket at the same time, estate agents, Dillon and Inkster, of so what was the point of contacting about $94,000, despite the fact that the police about the threats." One a commission was paid to the real should remember that this is the land estate agents for the vendors. to the west of Melton, the land that Mr. HAYES: You should get your the Cabinet directed the commission facts straight. to look at. Indeed, the then Minister, Mr. WILKES: Despite the fact that the present Chief Secretary, ordered Dillon and Inkster were acting on the commission to pass by other land behalf of the Housing Commission being considered in Melton and direct­ and were paid $94,000 in commission. ed the commission to look at the Nandina Investments land, the land Mr. HAYES: Not the commission. being put together by these two dis­ Mr. WILKES: Whom were they tinguished gentlemen, Mr. Leake and acting for? Whom do Dillon and Mr. Cooke, who are well known to Inkster act for? Do they act for this the Minister, the Liberal Party and Government? Do they act for the the honorable member for Western­ Housing Commission? Do they act for port. the seller of the land? Apparently they do, and the Government sees A memorandum on the file stated­ nothing strange, nothing irregular and . . . the Minister has directed that we pro­ nothing unethical about that. ceed to investigate area 2 mentioned in the minute with a view to compulsory acquisit­ The remaInIng sum, nearly a ion- quarter of a million dollars, was divided between Leake, Cooke and Apparently the Minister was in favor a man called Raymond Brian Durs­ of compulsory acquisition at some ton. Mr. Durston, whom we all times anyway- remember for Pakenham, told his trial but that area I be disregarded. In lieu of court, according to the transcript, Area lA, we are Ita investigate the possibility of acquiring the eastern section of the prop­ that he had engineered the Melton erty owned by Nandina Development. that deal. Durston told the court that is the land lying east of Harkness Road. he had received a consultant's fee for his part in the deal and his agent, This memorandum was from Mr. none other than Mr. Bob DilIon, had Creighton, the Chief Property Control received an agent's commission. I in­ Manager, to Mr. N. Riach and was vite the Premier to examine what I dated 9th October, 1973. It was a have said about these deals and then direction of the Minister. Like every­ make the statement to this House thing the Housing Commission has that he is still satisfied. I challenge done, it was by direction of the Min­ the Premier to do that. Durston also ister. There is no point in the Minister complained that he was being or the Premier backing off by failing harassed, that he was assaulted, and to discover the underlying features of that he was threatened over the these deals. They are responsible. telephone for allegedly revealing what was going on. I invite the On 14th December, 1973, the Hous­ Premier to examine that statement. ing Commission wrote to the Premier Graeme Alexander Holden, who regarding the Melton deal. The was fined $250 for stealing Mr. Premier inscribed this letter" Approv­ Harold Weeden's car, told the court ed R. J. Hamer" with his signature that Durston had confided that he was and in his own handwriting the words, being harassed by someone, and I "On basis not compulsory acquisi­ quote, who "had the politicians in tion". At least that is in line with his pocket". It would not be dif­ what the Premier has been saying, ficult for him, after what the Opposi­ but, of course, out of court with the tion has revealed today, to get these instruction issued. by the Minister. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9115

The then Minister of Housing Let us not forget that Sunbury, directed the commission to consider Melton and Pakenham were just the land parcel being put together by three examples of the wild buying Leake and Cooke and the Premier sprees which the Go'Vernment em­ authorized its purchase-making barked upon. The other develop­ sure, while authorizing it, that Leake, ments must wait for another time. Cooke and their associates reaped a The over-all impact of all these massive profit. He cannot escape activities was that the public purse acknowledging that fact because it was plundered for the benefit of a was in front of him. All he had to few sleazy operators. Money that do was turn over the page. What could have gone towards buying happened? In answer to that ques­ more land or towards providing tion, let me suggest that there were young couples with much-needed five pre-conditions which needed to houses found its way instead into the exist before these developers made pockets of speculators and profiteers. these huge profits. The developers opened the door to First, the developers needed a real this Government without any diffi­ estate agent who could ensure that culty whatsoever. At the same time, the Housing Commission would buy instead of dampening down prices the land. There is no doubt that they for land, the Government by its found such an agent, and they knew activities stimulated the land price it. Secondly, they needed a valuation spiral. By handing out exorbitant which would legitimize their out­ profits to developers, the Govern­ rageous intentions and demands. ment was actively supporting the There is no question that they had land boom which took land out of that. Thirdly, they needed an ap­ the reach of young people. Any propriate Minister, the Minister of young couple who cannot afford to Housing, who would be willing to buy a home in this State today should recommend the deal, notwithstanding know that one of the major reasons the obvious irregularity. Is it only they cannot is the Government's coincidence that they had the right land dealings. Minister? Fourthly, they needed a Honorable members are entitled to State Treasurer who was willing to ask what a responsible and prudent authorize the expenditure, notwith­ Government should have done. I standing any irregularity. They had have not heard any such suggestion such a Treasurer. Fifthly, they made by Government party members needed to act before the Government but, of course, it is quite proper for used the Development Areas Act to the Opposition to inform the Parlia­ prevent such profits being made­ ment what it believes a prudent and they certainly acted. Government should have done in The developers found their real these cases. estate agent and they obtained their Firstly, it might have followed the valuations. The Minister of Housing advice of the Opposition which, was willing, just as the Premier and during the relevant period, con­ Treasurer was willing. The develop­ sistently provided suggestions on ers also managed to act before the how the price ,of land and homes relevant proclamation of the Develop­ could have been moderated. Secondly, ment Areas Act, and so they were in the Government might have acted in business. Indeed, one could say that a manner consistent with what is they found that all the necessary pre­ expected of Governments and care­ conditions existed, just as other fully supervised and scrutinized the developers in Keilor, Sunshine, AI­ expenditure of the public funds in­ tona, Albury, Wodonga, St. Albans volved. One would have expected and Ballarat found that such pre­ such action by any prudent Govern­ conditions existed in their deals. ment. 9116 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. In terms of specific policies, any But what did the Government do? of the following suggestions would It did not change course; it bought have avoided this mess and, if more and more land and took more applied today, would still be able to and more action to cover up what it provide lower cost housing and land was doing. From 1973 to just a for young couples- month ago, the Government consis­ 1. Reserving development rights as tently refused Opposition requests to recommended by the Else-Mitchell be allowed to examine the files on the Commission of Inquiry into Land land deals. It refused requests made Tenures. by letter and by telephone. 2. The retention by the Crown of The Premier, the Minister for Local the increments in value resulting from Government, the Chief Secretary and changes in land use thereby eliminat­ the Minister of Housing, at some ing the speculators and unearned point all deliberately obstructed the gains made at taxpayers' expense. attempts of the Opposition to get to 3. The establishment of a land bank the truth behind this sordid series of which works as the South Australian events. I suppose the reasons for Land Commission works today. their actions are now patently ob­ vious, because in the opinion of the 4. The use of the State Bank to Opposition every one of those honor­ provide long-term repayment finance able gentleman has something very and low-interest loans. important to hide. 5. Special grants and low-interest The Chief Secretary is guilty be­ loans for home buyers. cause he was the man personally res­ 6. The imposition of a betterment ponsible for the purchases-there is tax on all unused serviced land. no doubt about that. The Premier is 7. Public funding for servicing guilty because he was the man who costs on new subdivided blocks with was personally responsible for ap­ provision for long-term repayment. proving the finance for these deals. The Minister for Local Government is MR. KEN NETT: Is this a policy guilty because he could not recognize speech? the massive conflict of interests which Mr. WILKES: It is advice to the was right under his very nose. The Government designed to save this Minister of Housing is guilty because State millions of dollars in taxpayers' he participated in the cover-up. Every funds. single member of the Cabinet who, in the last few months, has witnessed 8. The prevention of subdivision the unfolding of events but who failed in reserved living zones while pre­ to resign in protest or to take any ferred development area land is with­ action which was necessary to bring held. about the resignation of the Cabinet 9. The use and enforcement of the Minister involved, is also guilty. Development Areas Act-which this The National Times recently re­ Government dodges around. ported that, a few weeks ago, the 10. The use of multiple valuations the honorable member for Westem­ before land is acquired. port said that the public was begin­ Is there anything wrong with mul­ ning to t}1Jnk that the Government tiple valuations before the land is was a bunch of crooks. The public acquired? This sordid situation would has stopped thinking that-it now not have existed if that had been the knows. case. The Opposition suggests that the least the Government can do is to 11. A firm policy of buying rural provide an explanation of the land land at rural valuations. deals which the Opposition has at­ What was wrong with purchasing tempted to place on record today. I land at rural valuations? hope that a careful examination of Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9117 what the Opposition has put will spur ber of this House ten years ago. The the Government to make a deliberate honorable gentleman has some statement instead of relying on the accusations to answer during the wasteful attempt by this Minister of course of the inquiry, as do many Housing to frustrate the Opposition other people, and I am prepared to in what it clearly sees as its defined wait to see what answers the inquiry duty to the public of Victoria, the brings forth in due course. placing of these deals on the record. Nobody questions that the Housing The House has witnessed a miser­ Commission has achieved a great able performance by the Minister of deal in assisting decentralization and Housing who read a worthless docu­ housing low-income families in Vic­ ment which purported to be a Mi­ toria. I agree with the Minister that, nisterial statement but which had without the Housing Commission, it nothing to do with, and is not even is hard to imagine what would be the relevant to, the scandals perpetrated housing position in Victoria today. In by the Government-the Ministerial Shepparton there are 1,400 com­ statement did not achieve what it mission homes today and, if these set out to achieve. were taken away, Shepparton would Members of the Opposition expect be a very much smaller place. The a full explanation from the Govern­ Housing Commission came into ment about these land deals and the existence for that very purpose. irregularities which have been des­ Perhaps it does not do us any harm cribed by Ministers as mere coinci­ to look back at what has been done dences. However, Ministers have not by the commission over the years. recognized the conflict of interest, nor has the Premier and Treasurer As to the criticisms of what has had any regard to the implications. gone on, I am sure that the Minister and other members of the Govern­ The Parliament and the people of ment appreciate that neither I nor Victoria are entitled to an explana­ other members of the National Party tion and I sincerely hope that they have been quick to make accusations. will get it. I commend the amend­ We have been very disturbed and ment to the House. troubled by some of the accusations Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of that have been made, but the proper the National Party): I cannot under­ place for them to be sorted out and stand the purpose of the Ministerial for counter accusations to be made statement by the Minister of Housing and answers given is before the because it does not tell honorable board of inquiry, which is hearing members anything that they did not evidence at present. I am hopeful know prior to the making of the state­ that the answers will come from that ment. It is more or less a summing­ inquiry. up of what the Housing Commission has done over the years and gives However, the Minister has seen fit, certain explanations of what has and therefore the Government has happened in recent times. None of the seen fit, to open up this issue in material is new. The Minister merely Parliament. I question the judgment gave a summary, from his point of of the Minister and the Government view, of what has happened in the in doing so because, inevitably, it distant past and more recently. must cut across the work of the board Frankly, I cannot see any practical of inquiry. It is difficult to discuss the reason why the Minister has done Housing Commission in detail and that. not debate some of the matters which The statement does not answer any are presently being inquired into. The of the recent criticisms. I have the Minister has touched on that subject. highest personal regard for the I would hesitate to bring these Minister of Housing, whom I have matters up in the House had not the known since he first became a mem- matter been opened up by the 9118 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement.

Government. The Government has notice or statement relating to the proposal seen fit to do this, and therefore I to investigate or to carry out th~ works or undertakings prior to the servIce of the shall make certain comments. notice to treat shall be disregarded. The Minister has stated that the Opinions seem to vary, but. it seems reason for the inquiry was his con­ incredible that if the HOUSIng Com­ cern about the results of a police mission is going to buy land for use investigation, an investigation which in 3 5 or 10 years, which includes he called for. Accordingly, the som~ of the land which has been honorable gentleman recommended bought in the deals referred to-it that an inquiry should be undertaken. has not been bought for now or next I think that is a fair statement. year-it 'must pay residential prices. It would be better to set up another Earlier today in reply to a Government authority to purchase question without notice the Minis­ rural land if the Housing Commission ter stated that no other Minister was cannot purchase land at rural prices. aware of the contents of the police report. Later, I should like the hon­ I have perhaps commented enough orable gentleman to make it clear that on the matters before the board of his statement includes the Chief Sec­ inquiry. I do not want to press on retary, because I find it ~ard to be­ because, as I said before, the right lieve that the police carned out an and proper attitude to adopt is that inquiry and that the Minister in the board of inquiry has been estab­ charge of the police has not seen the lished and if I am not satisfied with report. It is probably unnecessary the activities of the board of inquiry for me to add that the present Chief during the course of its proceedings Secretary was the ~ini~ter o~ Hous­ or with its findings, like every honor­ ing during the perIOd In WhIch the able member, I have the right to raise events being inquired into occurred. the matter in Parliament. Mr. SIMPSON: But the Minister In the short time that the board of should appear before the board of in­ inquiry has been sitting! certain di~­ quiry. turbing matters have arIsen. One IS why Dalgetys Real Estate (Vic.) Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS: If the Min­ Pty. Ltd. should suddenly share its ister does not appear at the board of commission with another firm. On inquiry, he should resign, but I haye the evidence given before the board of enough confidence in both the Mm­ ister of Housing and the Chief Secre­ inquiry yesterday, no explanation w~s given why that company should spItt tary to know that if they are called its $28,000 commission down the line. upon they will appear. I sincerely hope that a Vapold situation does not Another matter of concern is the apply again. valuation of broad acres or, as the I have said enough about the board Minister referred to it today, broad of inquiry and I turn now to the hectares. The Minister's description question of what confidence the Nat­ is rather a mouthful so I will continue ional Party has in the Government's to call it broad acres. The matter of policy of developing the so-called concern is that the land was valued satellite cities. The National Party for residential purposes rather than has no confidence in the Govern~ rural purposes. It has been stated ment's policy to develop satellite that the Sunbury land is still defined towns at Melton, Sunbury, Paken­ as general farming land even now, ham, Mount Ridley and other areas although it was valued as residential because this would be merely adding land. Section lIB (2) of the Lands Compensation Act provides- to the metropolitan sprawl. To call them satellite towns is ridiculous In determining the market value of any when they are only tacked land for the purposes of this Act any change in the value of the property caused on to the edge of Melbourne. by publication by or on behalf of the Crown It is merely establishing a Greater or any public statutory authority of any Melbourne-a Melbourne unlimited. Mr. Ross-Edwards. Ministerial [6 S~PTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9119

When the proposal was an­ never received criticism for buying nounced, the National Party oppos­ land in the regional centres. That is ed it. It also opposed this policy at true because it makes sense to buy the State elections in 1973, and it has land in advance in regional centres. continued to oppose it ever since. If the Housing Commission has re­ It is a contradiction of the first para­ ceived any criticism it is that it has graph on page 2 of the Ministerial not bought enough land in regional statement, which says- centres. I suggest that it shOUld dis­ The bighest priority was to be given to pose of the land it has bought on the housing needs in all country towns and the outskirts of Melbourne and concen­ operations of the Housing Commission were trate its efforts on the 30-odd to be scaled down within greater Mel­ bourne and no further Housing Commis­ regional centres in Victoria which sion high-rise flats for family units were to are capable of growth and which need be built. encouragement. There are to be no high-rise flats but On many occasions I have asked houses unlimited are to be built on the Government-and I ask it again thousands of acres on the surrounds tonight-to choose one centre in Vic­ of Melbourne. If the Government is toria which is growing and build sincere about decentralization it will houses in advance of demand. It try to limit the size of Melbourne, could not embarrass the Government but if it is hell-bent on encouraging to build a little ahead of dem·and and homes on the edge of Melbourne its ascertain what effect that has on the decentralization policy loses its centre, whether Ballarat, Bendigo, meaning. Sale, Wangaratta, Echuca or any Mr. GINIFER: What do you expect other regional centre. I do not ca,re from a city-based Liberal Govern­ which one it selects. There are no ment? empty houses in those 30 regional Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS: It is not a centres in Victoria. case of seats for any party. We must Mr. GUY: How can you build decide as a Parliament what is best ahead of demand? for Victoria. No one will challenge Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS: People the fact that it is undesirable for wait two years for a two-bedroom Melbourne to continue to grow as it house. How can someone who is has been growing over the past ten married with a child wait two years or fifteen years. It is not in the best for a house? The honorable member interests of the State. for Gisborne should realize that. If Mr. RAMSAY: What are the figures? the Government had a little vision it would select one centre and build Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS: The hon­ a little ahead of demand and ascer­ orable member for Gisborne repre­ tain the result. It would be an ex­ sents a city electorate but the honor­ cellent result because industry would able member for Balwyn wants to go to that centre if it could get hous­ know the figures. I will quote them. ing. However, no houses are avail­ In all fairness, the metropolitan boun­ able in regional centres. The honor­ daries have been changed twice, in able member for Gisborne would not 1964 and 1974. In June, 1955, the know, but if a skilled man from Mel­ Housing Commission's figures were bourne is required in one of these 41 ·5 per cent for the country and centres he cannot be provided with a 58·5 per cent for the city. In June, house. Honorable members repre­ 1976, the country percentage had senting a regional centre such as dropped to 37· 5 per cent. The figure Ballarat would give their right arm to for the city had increased to 62·5 per get more houses for their gteat city. cent. More houses have beert built The Housing Commission is in a but the country percentage has con­ unique position when it comes to buy­ sistently gone down' in this period. ing land. I refer particularly' to re.. The Minister made the relevant gional centres~ The commission'has statement that the commission has a "wide choice' of, good land. ' .It, :can 9120 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. adopt a take-it-or-Ieave-it attitude. use to the board of inquiry, I shall·be It can make an offer and walk away most surprised. It mixes up all sorts from it. It is a cash buyer which of concepts: It mixes up sales with does not want possession next month transfers; it mixes up options with or next year. It can wait a year or purchases; and it mixes up profits two. It can leave the vendor in his with values. It mixes all these con­ home. It can take possession in, say, cepts and tries, by a series of in­ twelve months and lease the house nuendos and false inferences, to build back for a year or two. I cannot up a case. imagine any purchaser in the State Mr. WILTON: What false infer­ who can give the terms and condi­ ences? tions that the commission can give and yet it seems to pay more tha~ Mr. HAMER: I can assure the hon­ anyone else. A cash buyer in a re­ orable member for Broadmeadows gional centre today is in a strong that they will be obvious when the position. time comes. By this means the Op­ position seeks to build up a case As I said before, I cannot see the about these land purchases and it is, point of the Ministerial statement. therefore, a very good thing that there Perhaps it was intended to head off is a board of inquiry which can bring an Opposition motion; that may have out the facts. been the tactics behind it. Surely if the Government has nothing to be What the Government desires ashamed of it would be wise to let and what it insists on is that the the Opposition hop into it and then facts be made plain. Members of the answer it. A Ministerial statement Government are sick of innuendos and that tells honorable members nothing sick of people who are connected with they do not know puts the Govern­ the Liberal Party being automatically ment in a weak position. The Natio­ regarded as in some way corrupt. It nal Party intends to support the is apparently assumed to be quite Opposition's amendment. It has no wrong to make any kind of profit at confidence in the policy of the Gov­ any time. ernment when it comes to building The crux of this inquiry and, in­ houses. deed, the crux of the whole matter, Apart from what mayor may not will turn out to be the valuation of have been dubious about the pur­ the land. The question will be, " What chases at Melton, Sunbury and Paken­ is the fair and proper price to be ham-and I will leave that decision to paid for land purchased by the Hous­ the board of inquiry-members of the ing Commission? " The Housing Com­ National Party are puzzled that the mission has an obligation to pay a Government is buying land that fair and reasonable price for the land should be left as open space to pro­ it acquires. In doing so it relies, and vide a bit of fresh air for this con­ must rely, on valuations by the best­ crete jungle of Melbourne. The informed person and group in this Housing Commission should be con­ State, namely, the Valuer-General and centrating its efforts north of the his officers. The Valuer-General has Great Divide, more than 50 miles available to him the best information from Melbourne, to build a State and in Victoria. It is far better than that not merely a city. available to any other valuer. He Mr. HAMER (Premier and knows the prices being paid for all Treasurer): For more than two hours properties. He is in a better position honorable members have listened to than anyone else to arrive at a fair the Leader of the Opposition reading and reasonable valuation. the Australian Labor Party's submis­ If there has been any irregularity sion to the board of inquiry, and a -and in spite of the innuendos and very confused and misleading sub­ insinuations from across the Chamber mission and statement it is. Indeed, if I know of none-the Government it sheds any light which will be of any wants to know about it, and if any Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statencent. 9121 action should be taken the Govern­ 95 per cent. Since March the num­ ment intends to take it. In the con­ ber of houses started has declined fused and highly misleading situation in every State in Australia. which has been created it is a very It is instructive-and the Leader good thing that there is a board of in­ of the Opposition did not go into quiry under an eminent president who this-to reflect upon why this is so. will bring the facts to light and the lt can be attributed to four reasons, Government will abide by the facts, two of which stem from the policies whatever they are. of the previous Federal Labor Gov­ I shall now deal with one matter ernment. The first reason, and it which was raised by the Leader of imposes the most crippling burden the National Party. The honorable which deters young homeowners, in member supported the amendment on particular, from buying new houses, one ground, apparently; namely, that is simply the interest rate. No hon­ the National Party sees something orable member opposite will dispute wrong with the policy of the Govern­ that, and it is a product and a result ment because of the areas in which it of the high inflation we have in­ is acquiring land. The Leader of the herited since 1974 and 1975. Until National Party has completely misun­ the interest rates are lowered we can­ derstood the purpose of the satellite not expect many of the people who towns. The Government has already would otherwise be able to purchase given priority to, as the figures quoted their homes to enter into contracts. by the Leader of the National Party The first thing we all ought to be indicate, and shown a strong bias in aiming at is to bring down the in­ favour of, Housing Commission build­ terest rates, and the first step in doing ing in country centres, and it intends that is to bring down the rate of in­ to increase that bias. As the Minis­ flation. Thank God the present Fed­ terial statement shows, this year there eral Government, to its credit, has will be a heavy preponderance of brought the rate of inflation down houses built in country centres-60 and has created the conditions under per cent will be built in country areas which it is now possible to bring and only 40 per cent in the metro­ down interest rates. I predict that politan area. this year they will come down, and Many people, for various reasons, that will be the best possible either want or have to live in the stimulus for the housing industry metropolitan area and the Gov­ here' or anywhere else in Australia. ernment does not intend to abandon The second reason is simply the them. It is irresponsible for the inflation which has taken place in National Party to suggest that the housing costs. Here again we are Government should simply stop all still feeling the effects of the tragic building in the metropolitan area and year 1974, when the average male build everything in the country. wage rose by 34 per cent and the I shall now deal with the statement average female wage rose by 40 per made by the Leader of the Opposi­ cent in one year. That is the legacy tion. The honorable member spent that has been inherited and which a long time talking about the situa­ has been reflected in costs in tion of the housing industry in Vic­ the building industry. In fact, it toria. Here, at least, we can agree is rather worse in that industry than that since about March of this year in some others. The cost of build­ there has been a decline in the num­ ing a home has gone through the ber of new houses started in Victoria. ceiling, so to speak, and is a prime However, 1976 was a very good year cause of the problems facing poten­ and Victoria then led the rest of Aus­ tial homeowners. tralia in housing and by and large The third reason is a restriction the building industry was operating in bank lending which was imposed at almost full capacity, approximately in January of this year. That is not Session 1977.-316 9122 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. attributable in any way to the quite plain. Until inflation is under previous Federal Labor Government, control, the housing industry will be but the restriction in any case has, one of the worst affected, and the re­ I am glad to say, been corrected and sult of bringing inflation under con­ there has been an upturn in the num­ trol will be a vast improvement in the ber of homes started in Victoria last housing situation. I believe there month. I hope this trend continues. have been signs, even in the past few When discussing the situation of weeks, that recovery is under way, the housing industry in Victoria, hon­ and the Government intends to boost orable members ought to analyse the it. position properly and determine what I want to pass to the Ministerial the real causes of the present prob­ statement for a minute because I lems are and how they can be over­ believe it is important to understand come. the background to these transactions I have been speaking mainly of the and why the Housing Commission private sector of housing, but if we acted as it did in order to implement turn to welfare housing we can find Government policies. It is a firm another reason why the building in­ policy of the Government to restrain dustry has gone into a decline. For the growth of Melbourne and to pro­ four successive years the amount of mote the growth of country centres. money available for welfare housing Mr. FORDHAM: It has not worked. under the Commonwealth-State Mr. HAMER: It is working. Housing Agreement has been the same in money terms and the cost The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth of building houses has gone up. In Wheeler): The Deputy Leader of the other words, the amount of welfare Opposition should cease interjecting. housing being built has declined. In his position in this Chamber he ,should be setting an example to other I am glad to say that this year the honorable members. Federal Liberal Government has pro­ vided a little more-a few million Mr. HAMER: When the honor­ dollars more-which will be put to able member returns to his seat he good effect by the Housing Com­ might study the facts and figures mission. It is important to analyse instead of interjecting in that foolish those things when we talk about the way. He will find that the growth of Housing Commission of Victoria Melbourne in the past five years was because the Leader of the Opposition O' 8 per cent a year, the lowest growth made no attempt to get at the real rate Melbourne has ever had. It is causes of the problem. If we do not well below the average growth rate know the causes, we cannot get the for the whole of Victoria and far answers. behind that of many country centres. Geelong has three times the growth Mr. WILKES: What about the rate of Melbourne. Albury-Wodonga, timber industry? Sale, Shepparton and Ballarat-- Mr. HAMER: The Leader of the Opposition might be interested to Mr. WHITING: How are you res­ know that the two reasons the timber tricting the growth of Melbourne? industry gives for its problems are, Mr. HAMER: We are restricting first of all, competition from inter­ the growth of Melbourne by encour­ state, especially from New South aging the growth of other centres by Wales because of the low level of the best and most comprehensive set housing construction in that state. of financial incentives that operate The second reason is the competi­ anywhere in Australia for the tion from imports. If that is taken a setting up of industry in the country, little further it will be found that the by decentralization of Government cost structure in our own industry has authorities, by support through the exceeded those of New Zealand and Victorian Development Corporation, other places. Let us make the position and in many other ways of which the M inisteriai [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9123 honorable member is well aware. He like. Unless this is understood, the has mentioned them many times him­ actions of the Housing Commission self. are less readily explained. If that Mr. B. J. EVANS: You have done policy is to be carried out, plenty of that at the expense of the country­ land must be bought well ahead of side. construction. I am surprised there should be any question of that Mr. HAMER: I will leave the honor­ because the last time there was a able member to state what he means Labor Government in this State, that by decentralization. I 'mean restrain­ is precisely what it did. The methods ing the growth of the metropolis and it adopted were completely repre­ encouraging the growth of country hensible. The land was acquired by centres. This is what the Govern­ compulsion and the amount paid for ment has set out to do. land was a real disgrace. The Government also set out as a second leg of policy to try to bal­ Mr. WILKES: The Labor Govern­ ance what growth there was in Mel­ ment got value for the land. bourne. As everyone knows, Mel­ The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth bourne has been growing to the south Wheeler): The Leader of the Oppo­ and east and it is part of a policy sition has made his contribution to adopted in 1968 that the Government the debate and took some two hours would try to restrain the growth of to do it. I ask that he listen in sil­ Melbourne in a southerly and easterly ence. direction and encourage it in a north­ Mr. HAMER: If getting value for erly and westerly direction. There is money means taking land from people nothing new about that. That is why compulsorily without paying a fair Melton and Sunbury were selected as and reasonable price, the Government satellite towns. The Government has will have nothing of it. been consistent in that policy through­ out. If the Opposition wants a good The fourth principle was that the reason why the Housing Commission Government was quite determined, in should be buying land in Melton and the face at that time of opposition Sunbury, it is that. These are satel­ from the Federal Labor Government, lite towns-determined as long ago to persist with the policy of encourag­ as 196B-in which the Government ing people, particularly Housing Com­ wants the Housing Commission to mission tenants, to buy their own play ,some part to help carry out a homes. ~he Government therefore firm and successful policy in those reduced the required deposit to nil, areas. gave easy terms to the tenants of Housing Commission homes, and per­ The third leg, so to speak, in this sisted with its policy of selling half policy was to intensify the role of the of all the houses constructed. Tha t Housing Commission in providing for was absolutely vital because this was low-income families. part of the Government's plans for Mr. WILKES: You said that in your the three satellite centres. policy speech. The fifth principle was that the Mr. HAMER: That is right, and that Government wanted to avoid and was one good reason why the building overcome the segregation that had of high-rise flats in the inner suburbs occurred in Housing Commission of Melbourne has been abandoned. No areas, and provide what has been more high-rise flats are being built called in the Ministerial statement, and the Housing Commission has con­ "a social mix". The Government centrated on building villas for fami­ wanted to arrange, if it could, a lies. The Government believes the range of incomes and experience, a place to build them and to carry out range of professional and semi­ the policy I mentioned, is in the professional people, and blue and satellite towns, such as Pakenham, white collar workers in these areas. Melton, Sunbury, Kilmore and the If a policy of that type is to be 9124 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. adopted, the land required must be the land it acquires; it negotiates for extensive because it will be divid­ the land that it wants if it possibly ed roughly three ways. One third can; it uses compulsory acquisition will be used for low-income earners only as a last resort; and it relies to own homes; one third will be used in arriving at the price to be paid on for middle-income earners who were an independent valuation by the not eligible but who required cheap Valuer-General. Those principles have land; and one third will be available been adopted time and again. to builders to build for people who Mr. ROPER: That is a weak argu­ like to buy their homes in a package ment. deal. Therefore, large tracts of land are required. Mr. HAMER: It is not an argu­ ment; it is the truth. I am explaining for the benefit of the House-some members are not Mr. WILKES: Why did the Govern­ able to understand-why the Housing ment call in the police? Commission, in carrying out these Mr. HAMER: What is the attitude policies, bought large tracts of land of the Leader of the Opposition to the in these places. The final principle other purchase which has been men­ the Government adopted was to tioned in the Ministerial statement? bring private enterprise into the pro­ Mr. WILKES: Which other pur­ vision of homes for the people, be­ chase? cause, as many members have point­ Mr. HAMER: The purchase of land ed out already, there is and always at Craigieburn by the former Federal will be, unless the Government takes Minister for Housing in the Labor some action of this type, a lag in wel­ Party Government. fare housing. There will be delays and queues of people waiting. The Mr. WILKES: I believe two wrongs way to overcome that is to bring in do not make a right. private enterprise capital on proper Mr. HAMER: I do not suggest that terms and to have private enterprise two wrongs make a right; I ask what as well as the Government build innuendoes and inferences members houses for the people. The Govern­ of the Labor Party draw from the fact ment intends to do that. It is our that in the two years between August, policy and I believe it to be a proper 1972, and August, 1974, the price of policy. I notice that the Deputy that land rose by 700 per cent, from Leader of the Opposition nods his $180,000 to $1·4 million. What infer­ head in approval. ences do members of the Labor Party I remind the House that the Hous­ draw from that? Do they assume that ing Commission is the biggest land the action taken was proper, that the buyer in this State. It has built Federal Labor Government obtained 84,000 homes. One family in twelve valuations and paid the right price? in Victoria is housed in a Housing Is that the inference or not? It is Commission home. The commission difficult to follow the innuendoes. has sold 44,000 homes, many of which All the Opposition does is present a are still being paid off. In all the set of facts which show that the land transactions and purchases of land purchased by the Housing Com­ that have taken place certain prin­ mission has gone through several ciples have been followed. The hands and that its value has risen. Housing Commission has not fn But exactly the same thing happened other cases come in for the sort of in a rather exaggerated way in other criticism that is being levelled at cases. these three large purchases because Mr. WILKES: That does not justify it has followed a consistent pattern. this Government's actions. The commission follows certain Mr. HAMER: It is not a justifica­ well-tried principles, the correct­ tion ; I ask the honorable member to ness of which is indisputable. It be consistent· If he draws unfair offers a fair and reasonable price for and unreasonable inferences from one Mr. Hamer. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9125 case he should do so in the other case the Premier seems to be saying, case, or he should examine the cases "Blame the Valuer-General if any­ and find out where the truth lies. It thing is wrong. The whole matter is quite wrong to say when the facts turns on valuation". It does not turn are the same that something is wrong on valuation. If the Premier interprets in one case and is right in another. what is going on in this State in these I assume that the right course was transactions in that way, it shows taken in the case of the Craigieburn how shallow his contribution has transaction. I assume a valuation been and how little he knows about supported $1'4 million and I point out what is taking place in his depart­ that if that is so, here is a similar ments. sequence of events. The second point that emerged MR. WILKES: You suggest that from what members of the Govern­ the Government should not be ment party have said tonight is that questioned? they intend to hide behind the shield Mr. HAMER: I suggest that the offered by the Minister of Housing honorable member should act in a because he was not a Minister at the more fair and reasonable way and time. Members of the Government await the outcome of the board of party are using the device of a Minis­ inquiry which will produce the facts terial statement by the Minister of about which there is so much Housing. A number of people in this argument. House on both sides feel sorry and concerned for the Minister because I come back to the board of he has inherited this bag. He did not inquiry. In the light of events, the know what happened in 1973 and appointment of a board of inquiry is 1974. He pored over the files for probably the best thing that could weeks until he gained some inkling possibly happen. All sorts of facts about what was happening, and to and values could be bandied across his credit he acted accordingly. this House and inferences drawn according to political inclinations but It is true that two or three things the facts remain to be proven. This that had not occurred before hap­ Government wants the full facts as pened in the middle of this year. The much as anybody else. honorable member for Niddrie and the honorable member for Knox went I started by saying that I know of to Adelaide. They opened the bag no irregularity. If, as the outcome of and showed what was going on. It is the board of inquiry, any irregularity also true that the Labor Party sought is shown to have occurred, the access to records and indicated that Government will be the first to take it intended to interview certain whatever action is required. I enjoin people, but beyond that not much this House not to be led astray by inferences, statements and facts happened. which are misinterpreted. Honorable The Minister of Housing, when he members should wait until the facts read the file, knew something was are established and then take action. wrong and said, " Documents missing I promise the House that when the from the files were some of the mat­ facts are known they can be debated ters that led to my disquiet and led to at length and that the Government my calling in the police and led to my will join issue on them. calling for this inquiry." For that Mr. CAIN (Bundoora): Two points the Minister ought to be commended. have emerged in this debate. The It is true, of course, that he was con­ first was the Premier's interpretation cerned-we all were-by the call by of responsible government. In a the honorable member for Western­ rather shallow contribution to the port. The Leader of the Opposition debate the Premier seemed to say read out to this House what the that if anything is wrong the Public honorable member had said and I Service should be blamed. In this think that also had some effect. 9126 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement.

I hope the honorable member for be passed here, and the Premier Westernport makes a contribution to seemed to want to pass the buck to the debate. It was the Minister of the Valuer-General, then the Valuer­ Housing who believed from what he General has a lot to answer for in the had seen in the files that there was a calculations and valuations he made. need for a police inquiry and for a full inquiry, and he acted accordingly. Why did this happen? Why did The arrogance that the Government responsible officers of Government displayed before the Minister did that departments, in the Housing Com­ was typical, and it was the same sort mission, and the Valuer-General's of arrogance that one Richard Mil­ office get themselves into this posi­ hous Nixon displayed two and a half tion? It is true that we are talking or three years ago, a cover-up all the about millions of dollars and people while. I should have thought that to whom millions do not mean any­ what happened to Nixon would have thing. These are the smart operators been a lesson to all Governments, but in the land development field. If there is anything that comes out of it was not to be. this inquiry, it is what a can of worms The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth there is in the land development Wheeler): Order! I cannot see how industry-it moves in all directions. Mr. Nixon is relevant to this debate. I hope the inquiry will reveal what Mr. CAIN: I draw the parallel; I happened. think the House and the gallery will Four groups of people will be exa­ see the parallel. mined by the inquiry and ought to H.onorable members interjecting. be examined by Parliament. The first The SPEAKER Order! Honorable group is the farmers who want to sell members will cease interjecting and their land and move on. I understand the honorable member for Bundoora that· they are in for what they can will make no reference to the gallery get.' The second group is the de­ or to the people who are in it. velopers and one expects that the developers will wheel and deal be­ Mr. CAIN: Mr. Speaker, I refer to cause that is the system that the the heart of this matter so far as the Government nurtures and wants to people of Victoria are concerned, and operate. The third group is the that is the monumental waste of pub­ Housing Commission, which has a l?t lic money that has taken place in re­ to answer for in regard to the way In gard to these transactions. In a little which it behaved in these transac­ over a year there was a spending tions. But most of all, the group of spree of spectacular proportions. people to whom the buck comes is the Some $11 million or thereabouts of Victorian Cabinet. The Cabinet made public money was spent in buying it all happen; its members collectively three lots of raw land out in the were the people responsible for the sticks. Of that $11 million, no more spending of public money. They than $6·2 million went to the farmers, made the decisions and they are ac­ the landholders. The remainder went countable to the people of this State. to the developers, financiers and what I shall call the urgers. They shared Why did it happen? The politics of approximately $4 ·15 million. the time had something to do with it. Reference has been made by the The move by the Federal Government Premier and other speakers to the to establish a land commission led to philosophy of the Government not to the Victorian Government and the acquire land. That may be its philo­ Housing Commission cutting across sophy, but as a result the urgers what the Federal body was doing. moved in, manipulated Government I refer the Parliament to a diary departments and their officers and note from the Housing Commission created false prices. The honorable file of 18th July, 1973, signed by Mr. member for Knox will demonstrate Creighton and headed "Conference quite clearly that if the buck was to held at 179 Queen Street, Melbourne, Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9127 on 17th July, 1973, between the Hon­ In the months that followed, to orable V. O. Dickie, M.L.C., Minister support what the Government set out of Housing, Mr. J. P. Gaskin, Director to do, we were always told by the of Housing, Mr. A. L. Bohn, Secretary Minister of Housing and the Premier, of Housing, Mr. W. Creighton, Pro­ as the Leader of the Opposition said perty Control Manager." so eloquently in his address, that these were good buys, too good to I shall be referring to this document pass up. The Government always later, and the reference I make in support of my contention about the defended them and said that it had politics of this matter is contained on made killings in the market. the first page. Mr. Creighton, in the What has happened in the past diary note on what the Minister of month? We have now been told that Housing said, reported- the Government is not in the business The Minister advised that he had called of acquiring land and paying less for the meeting to confirm a direction given by that land than it is worth, having re­ Cabinet on Monday. 16th July, 1973, con­ gard to the purpose for which it will cerning the establishment of a commission as be used. That is the philosophy of a land developing organization as a State alternative to the Commonwealth proposal the Government; if it is to be used for concerning the establishment of land com­ residential purposes, that is the sort missions. The Minister stated that Cabinet of price that should be paid. The had decided that large acreages of land Government did not say three would be purchased in Pakenham, Sunbury, Melton and Kilmore, and the priorities with years ago that this was the regard to purchase would be as follows- basis on which the prices were calculated. I do not know how He then set out the priorities that the Premier could contribute to the were to be followed. As I said, the debate tonight and not refer to the politics of the time dictated the Gov­ responsibility of the Valuer-General's ernment's action. That diary note Department. I find it incomprehen­ referring to the decision in July, 1973, sible, but that is the philosophy of however, does not explain the pur­ the Government. chase of the Pakenham land, and I will say more about that later, be­ It is sheer humbug to raise that cause it had taken place some months defence now. For three years the before. A decision had apparently Government said that they were been taken in January. great prices, great buys, but now it is shifting ground and saying that it The suggestion that the politics of pays the price that the land is worth the time explained it is supported by having regard to what it is to be used an examination of the newspapers at for. the time. The Premier had made a point of saying that the Victorian Going through the files one gets Government was going to furnish the impression that the commission cheap land. The figure of $5,000 was concerned to acquire land com­ was mentioned frequently. The pulsorily. That phrase is used in the Premier was saying, " We will supply files in respect of the Melton trans­ land in the metropolitan area to action, although not in respect of the young couples for $5,000." That others. At one stage in the files was fine, and everybody wanted it, appears an admonition by the but it never happened. These were Premier and a correction, and the pious utterances about which the Premier is assured by the commission Premier felt concern when he saw officers that compulsory acquisition what was happening in South Aus­ will not happen without consultation tralia, but he thought the Victorian with the Minister of Housing and the Government might be shown up by Premier. what the Federal Government was I offer some detail on the matters proposing to do. about which this inquiry has to be 9128 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement.

concerned to give answers to Parlia­ matters are in the file. If the Minis­ ment and the people of Victoria. To ter of Public Works, who is inter­ do so I must go into detail about jecting, took the trouble to read it several m'atters. he would have seen that for himself. There are four groups that have to The document referred to a report be looked at closely. The first group from the State Rivers and Water contains the middle-men or urgers to Supply Commission. The report whom I referred earlier; the second suggested that there were drainage is the valuations that were referred problems and the only solution was to by the Premier. Those two the construction of works to divert aspects will be dealt with in detail by the course of the creek and that the honorable member for Knox, and urban development should not be he will destroy utterly the contention permitted in that catchment as of the Premier that these vaIuations there are other areas more suit­ were other than nonsense. The other able and which provide adequate matters are the role of the agents and drainage. There is better land the choice of the land, and I will deal available in Pakenham and the report with these. of the State Rivers and Water Supply I deal firstly with the land. In Commission, to which the Housing respect of each of the three lots it Commission had access when it can be said from a study of the files, bought this land, contained that personal observation of honorable information-although it came in members who have looked at the after a decision was made, but I land and all the material available do not know why. In 1974 the con­ that the land was poor for residential sultants who were called in, Messrs. purposes; it varied in quality and Clarke Gazzard and Co., asked, there was better land in the areas "Why did you buy this land? It is which was, as the inquiry will show, no good." They were told that the more accessible to all the facilities Housing Commission was not keen that urban land ought to have. It is about it but was forced or was told clear from the files that in many to buy it. cases no real study of the require­ lnents was made. I refer now to the Sunbury land. So far as I can ascertain from the I refer again the the memorandum file, there was no attempt to get a that I mentioned earlier. I refer to geological report on that land. It is the diary note of 18th July, 1973, under the comments regarding an area affected by basalt-type stone. Pakenham. The note reads- It is a plateau. From the evidence given at the inquiry today it appears This land is already owned by the com­ mission but the Minister intimated that he that the Melbourne and Metropolitan would like the commission to commence Board of Works, over the past four immediately with the development of that years, was determined to protect the portion of the estate as lies east of the Toomuc Creek, i.e. that portion which lies integrity of its plan for this area. The outside the bounds of the Melbourne Metro­ fact is that honorable members are politan Planning Scheme. now told that this area will be used That land was subject, for planning for the development of two houses to purposes, to an interim develop­ an acre. The projection given at the ment order of the Shire of Berwick, time of purchase of the land, with the then responsible authority. No which the honorable member for other planning ordinance affected the Knox will deal, was four houses to an land. It was proposed at that stage acre. That is the basis on which the that all of the planning procedures valuations were made. Now there be thrown aside and simply to take are to be two houses to an acre' and the land and develop it. That has not there are to be something of the happened. Part of the parcel of land order of 2,000 homes in the whole in Pakenham is flood-prone. All these area. Mr. Cain. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9129 Something has been said about Government did not intend to do that the rural nature of the land and, by it had no right to buy rural land. way of interjection, Government The Government cannot have it both supporters commented about paying ways. If that is what the Government residential prices for land for other was doing it was casting aside all uses. Honorable members have now the planning ordinances it had built been told that less than two-thirds of up in the State, complex as they are, the area will be used for housing and was making a decision to turn purposes. The Government has paid land from farmland into residential residential prices for land that will be land overnight. Honorable members used for a golf course and a bridle know what happened. That has not track for horses and ponies. That is been done. the policy the Government says this House should endorse. That is how r mention finally the role of the it justifies the price it paid for the agents. That is the second matter land. about which the people of Victoria must get details from the board of I refer now to the suitability of inquiry. Dillon and Inkster were the land in Melton for the Housing Com­ agents for transactions with the Hous­ mission. There are three lots. The ing Commission. They wore two first is the one the Government chose hats. They received a commission and which the then Minister of Hous­ from the seller, and, it is suggested ing directed the commission to select. they were the agents for the Housing A memorandum which is on file made Commission. I want to know whose it clear that it was the only one the agents they were. If they were the commission could buy. The land was agents for the Housing Commission, miles from the railway line. The pur­ did they have a broad brief to go chase was supported on the basis that out and buy land and wheel and deal it was a compact package because for the Housing Commission? If that Welmac had put the package together. is so the Government should say so. Did the Government intend to pay Mr. WILKES: We know why they them commission as the purchasing put it together. agent and have them buy the land Mr. CAIN: The middle man could at the best possible price? That is not make title and could not comply what a purchasing agent should do. with the provisions of the Sale of If they were the agent of the seller Land Act. In addition, part of the and he paid their commission they land was what is known as old law should have acted for him and got land. It had to be brought under the the best price, namely, the highest Transfer of Land Act and the Govern­ price. The Housing Commis- ment had all the trouble in the world sion should get the lowest putting the package together. The price. What is the position? The board of inquiry will tell us why those agent cannot serve two masters. I purchases were made, having regard cannot understand how the Premier to those facts. There is no evidence can make a contribution to the debate anywhere in the files to indicate that tonight and not offer some explana­ adequate studies were made as to tion about that. the suitability of this land for the When one examines the papers on purposes for which it was bought. the file one finds that the agent If the Government proposed, as it had no regard for legalities or is now contended, to provide cheap statutory requirements. Notices were land then there had to be a change undated weeks or months after in the zoning of the land. If the transactions were completed. In the Government bought the land intend­ Sunbury transaction a sale note was ing to change the zoning, it intended sent on 8th August and the decision to throw aside the planning provi­ to buy was not made until 9th August. sions that existed in the State and That is the sort of thing that hap­ zone the land as it wished. If the pened. Paperwork meant nothing. It 9130 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. was done afterwards to conform with amount of $250 an acre is the asking a given situation. No wonder the price and, happily, the records of Minister of Housing was concerned. Cambridge Credit Corporation have No wonder he called in the police. been preserved. That company is in No wonder he wanted an inquiry. The the hands of a receiver and the same situation prevailed with the records will be produced at the in­ Pakenham land. Again, the Pakenham quiry. They will show that there file arose out of a letter Mr. Dillon were two commissions paid. Mr. sent to Mr. Riach on 26th January, Durston states that he should have 1973, long before there was any con­ received $70,000. Somebody else cern about satellite cities. It stated states that he should have received that the land could be bought for $88,000, but he received only $20,000, $2,700 an acre. How would Mr. DiI­ so· what is going on? That is a trans­ Ion know that the Housing Commis­ 'action which the Government has sion wanted land in Pakenham? covered up for three and a half years. The Pakenham transaction is a mys­ I submit that it all gets back to tery unless the information that the Ministerial responsibility. The Gov­ Leader of the Opposition mentioned ernment cannot run away from it. is available. Mr. Durston was con­ These are the matters that the inquiry cerned in the kidnapping case. About has to bring out. Why did the Gov­ this time there was a meeting between ernment participate in this type of Mr. Durston, Mr. Weeden and Mr. operation? Soon after the present Crichlow at Mr. Weeden's home in Minister of Housing looked at the Toorak. The subject was how to sell file he saw that something was land to the Housing Commission. wrong, but for three and a half years Durston was the expert. He provided the other members of the Government information for a fee of $20,000, had allowed it to go on. That is the which he did not receive. That is crux of the issue, and if the Premier something the inquiry ought to reveal. and his Ministers are not prepared to Durston knew Dillon and had dealings offer an explanation to this Parlia­ with him. He handled a number of ment, which they have the oppor­ deals for him. That is the type of tunity to do tonight, they should operation for which the Government resign. has been responsible. In the Sunbury transaction, again Mr. Dillon is in­ The Leader of the Opposition was volved, but also Moore Williams and right when he stated that there is no Son Pty. Ltd. That firm played the other honourable course which they two roles this time acting as seller's can adopt. There is no issue which agent for Mr. McMahon, who owned has stirred up the public in this State the land originally, and then at the so much as this one. Members of other end of the transaction sharing the public hate to see its money being profit with Lensworth Finance Ltd. wasted, and so they should. What With Mr. Kean that firm shared the right does this Government have to massive profit that Lensworth Finance put $4· 5 million into the hands of Ltd. made on the deal. On the one people who just sign bits of paper­ hand Moore Williams and Son Pty. as the Melbourne Age stated. That is Ltd. took part as agent for the seller all they did. and then a couple of weeks later The Government should not run shared in the spoils. That is the type away from this affair, but should of operation that is involved, but offer an explanation tonight. The again honorable members are told that explanation it has offered so far in everything is above board. the Ministerial statement is as shal­ The Melton land deal involved low as a tin dish and does not get Cambridge Credit Corporation. Again to the real guts of the matter. These Mr. Durston was involved. He are the things which the inquiry said that he had a special buyer and should find out. It has already started asked what was in it for him. An to do so, but this Parliament should Mr. Cain. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9131 also have the opportunity of doing Valuer-General was wrong in valuing so. In fact, it has a responsibility to the land on that basis because having look at the transactions which have being given instructions by the Gov­ gone on and the Government should ernment, he could value it only for not be allowed to get away with this residential housing as that is the only type of action any more. business in which the Housing Com­ Mr. KENNETI (Burwood): The mission is engaged. Its purpose is to honorable member for Bundoora and provide low-cost housing for the the Leader of the Opposition, but people of Victoria. particularly the honorable member for Every piece of land which has been Bundoora, spoke about developers bought by the Housing Commission being like a can of worms. The whole has been bought with the sole performance of the Opposition to­ intention of providing low-cost hous­ night has been like that of the life­ ing. style of a silkworm which eats roots The Leader of the Opposition and and leaves and does most of its work the honorable member for Bundoora in the dark. What the Opposition has referred to a press statement by come up with tonight has been totally the Minister of Housing at that time, prepared in the dark. I should like to the Honorable V. O. Dickie, about make a couple of points in answer Government land being sold to people to the comments of the Leader of who could not afford to pay the high the Opposition and the honorable prices for land being sold at that member for Bundoora. time. Both honorable members said Before I develop the principle in incorrectly that no land had been which I believe very much, a principle sold by the Housing Commission, and in which the Government also be­ this supports my belief that the lieves very much and I refer to the Opposition has done all of its work principle of joint venture--I mention in the dark because that is not a fact. that the Leader of the Opposition, In 1974-75, throughout Victoria when referring to the price paid for the Housing Commission sold 250 land, said that municipal valuers blocks of land at prices ranging simply valued land on what they knew between $6,000 and $7,000 a block. and not on what they thought. That is In 1975-76 it sold 179 blocks of land. also my understanding, and from my Mr. Ross-EnwARDs: Where? reading of the papers that has been the case in this instance, particularly Mr. KENNETT: Throughout Vic­ as it applies to the price paid for the toria. That land was sold for prices land that the Government purchased between $6,000 and $8,000 a block. around Melbourne. The Government In 1976-77, the Housing Commission purchased land at the price recom­ sold another 166 blocks, but the mended by the Valuer-General who Leader of the Opposition said tonight knew the purpose for which th~ land that the Housing Commission had was to be used. The Valuer-General not sold any land. Interjections come knew that the Government was not thick and fast stating where the land purchasing the land to continue farm­ was but the blocks of land that have ing, but that it was purchasing the been sold are located throughout the land for redevelopment so that land State. for low-cost housing could be pro­ The Premier informed the House vided for those in the community quite speCifically that over the past who are less fortunate. four years, the housing funds alloca­ tion from the Federal Government, Mr. McINNES: How did the Valuer­ regardless of its political persuasion, General know that? has been relatively stable at about Mr. KENNETT: The Valuer-Gen­ $98 million. In real terms the amount eral knew because he was instructed. of land that can be obtained with That is my understanding, and it is those funds has been substantially absurd for anyone to suggest that the reduced, whereas the need and 9132 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. demand for low-cost housing has The golf course will be provided increased. No one should be expected simply by selling the blocks of land to pay high prices for land, and fronting the course at a higher price despite the interjections of honorable to the private sector; that will pay members, I do not believe the for the course. Government paid a high price for the Mr. ROPER: That is mixed develop­ land it purchased. It must be re­ ment, is it? membered that when the Housing Commission purchased its land, it Mr. KENNETT: Of course, it is was buying during a land boom when mixed development. People in this everyone was purchasing land and State are becoming more aware of when everyone expected the market the total incompetence of members to continue to rise. What this of the Opposition in perusing files and Government was doing in making in understanding Government policy. these purchases was securing land to When the Government talks about provide houses for the future joint ventures, it is talking about two generations of this State. things-a social mix within the com­ munity and the involvement of private Mr. FORDHAM: It was forcing up money to enable the Government to the price of land. provide low-cost housing that it Mr. KENNETI: Not at all. The would not otherwise be able to pro­ Government was buying broad acres vide. If the Opposition continues to to achieve two purposes; firstly to knock that concept, it will be clear provide housing in the future for that the Opposition, which is the al~ future generations of Victorians-to ternative Government, no longer con­ provide them with an opportunity at siders the needs of those who earn that time of obtaining a house at a less than $150 or $160 a week. reasonable price-and, secondly to The estate at Goonawarra has tre­ allow the Government and the Hous­ mendous potential and prospects for ing Commission to carry out their the people of Victoria. Basically, it responsibilities of providing a new will be split up in three ways. If concept in housing in Victoria Labor Party members had properly wherever the Housing Commission read the files, they would understand was involved. this. One-third of the development will be undertaken by the Housing There has been only one instance Commission inasmuch as half of that in Australia where the development one-third, which comprises one~sixth of land similar to Goonawarra and of the over-all development, Will be Mount Ridley has been successful available for sale whilst the other half and that was at West Lakes in South of that one-third will be Housing Australia. Goonawarra at Sunbury Commission development available has potential and is at present for lease. The rest of the estate wilJ being planned to provide for a social be developed by private enterprise mixing of housing to provide a more either in package form or individual balanced community. development. This will give a social The honorable member for Bun­ mix with 'Housing Commission de­ doora continued to throw up ir­ velopment spread throughout the relevancies by referring to golf community. courses. It is not correct that the golf Mr. ROPER: But not around the course is to be paid for by the Hous­ golf course. ing Commission. Not one cent of the The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth cost of the golf course is being pro­ Wheeler): The honorable member will vided by the Government and the ignore the interjection. honorable member for Bundoora by Mr. KENNETT: It is difficult to his remarks showed that he had a ignore the interjection because it is total ignorance of the information relevant and continues to demon­ contained in the files. strate the total lack of knowledge of Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9133 members of the Opposition. If the rupt. Over the past eighteen months, honorable member for Brunswick had on no occasion has the Opposition looked at the plans and ·the designs of been able to provide ·the people of the over-all scheme, he would have Victoria with one new policy. All it seen that the majority of the golf does is to continue to ridicule, to course area will be available for pri­ pick, and to accuse by innuendo. vate development and will be sold Indeed, the OppositioQ has presented under the joint venture scheme so no facts at all. that obviously the course will be Somebody mentioned big rip-offs financed from the higher prices paid. being made by the purchasers of. the However, the course will be utilized land which was sold to the Housing by the 8,000 people who will reside Commission. I do not agree with on the estate. that contention. A private citizen If it had not been for the accusa­ who acts in good faith and takes an tions by the Opposition the Govern­ entrepreneurial risk is entitled to ment would be well ahead with the make a profit, whether it relates to development of this project and other land or anything else. Again, the projects providing low-cost housing. Opposition has failed to prove any­ The Government needs the money thing concrete. I support the prin­ from these joint ventures to ensure ciple that anyone who acts in good that it can continue to provide low­ faith and takes risks should be able cost housing. to profit by his actions, regardless of An honorable member, by interjec­ the size of the profit. That is what tion, refers to bankruptcy, but it is the free enterprise system is all not a matter of bankruptcy at all. about. However, as the Premier said, Honorable members on the Opposition if any privileged information has been benches ask for more money to be divulged, obviously it is a different spent on education, hospitals and so ball game and I will be the first to on, but they are not prepared at any support the Premier or any other stage to work out the figures. The Minister in ensuring that restitution Government has only so much money is made. Up to date, the Opposition and can spend it only in so many has proved nothing. The matter is ways. These joint ventures will give now quite correctly in the hands of the people of Victoria the opportunity a board of inquiry, which will find to purchase their own homes, an op­ the facts. portunity that is currently not being Joint ventures in this State have afforded them because of economic provided a tremendous opportunity restraints. Accordingly, the joint for involvement and home ownership. venture as such should not be ridi­ The Government went to the polls in culed; it should be praised in its 1973, immediately following these entirety. land purchases. No accusations were The Government has advertised for made by the Opposition then, and the developers to look at developments in Government was returned with a other areas and the response has been landslide majority. The Government good. The Government has been also went to the polls in 1976 and hindered by the Opposition. In re­ again had a magnificent win. It was sponse to its advertisement relating resoundingly returned because the to the Mount Ridley proposal, the people of this State want home Government has received 54 applica­ ownership. On the 18th September, tions. 1973, as reported at page 306 of volume 313 of Hansard, the then Mr. TREZISE: How many are pre­ Leader of the Opposition moved- pared to put money in the Liberal That this House expresses its grave con­ Party slush fund? cern at the adverse social, economic and Mr. KENNETT: Again, the Op­ environmental effects of the inflation in land prices in the metropolitan area and position has the magnificent obses­ calls on the Government, either separately sion that any land deal must be cor- or in conjuction with the Commonwealth, 9134 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. to establish a Lands Commission and price to provide to this Parliament fresh stabilization legislation to eradicate the policies which can be put to the shortage in the supply of broad acres and serviced blocks. people of Victoria because, if it con­ tinues on its present course, the Mr. RaPER: He was not advocating Government will be returned in 1979 rip-offs. with an even greater majority. Mr. KENNETT: What the then Mr. CRABB (Knox): I support the Leader of the Opposition was saying amendment moved by the Leader of was that we must ensure at all times, the Opposition and the remarks of both then and in the future, that we my colleague, the honorable member provide for those members of t~e for Bundoora. Regarding the com­ community who want to Own theIr ments of the last speaker, honorable own homes. This is what the Govern­ ment has provided and that is why members are accustomed to the clich~ that there is no such thing as the people of this State have returned a free lunch. The honorable member the Government to office. I am sure for Burwood could perhaps adapt that most people in this State re­ that to "There is no such thing as a cognize that what the Government free g~lf course." That is about as has done is in their long-term in­ much as anyone would want to say terests. about the last speech. Even now, if the purchase price of the land were divided by the total In his contribution to the debate, number of blocks which will be avail­ the Premier referred to the valuation able for development, each block will and the prices paid for parcels of cost only $1,500, which is much land at Pakenham, Sunbury and cheaper than the present price of Melton. He said that the crux of the $14,000 or $15,000. The Govern­ matter was the valuations that deter­ mined the prices paid. Perh~ps he ment's action is also in line with what was thinking that the valuatIO!l. of was said by the Leader of the anything is a matter of expert opInIOn National Party which appears at page and he could hide behind that fact. 332 of the same volume of Hansard. I will take up that challenge and in I do not want to go further be­ the time available to me try to cause if neccesary, my colleagues demonstrate to the Premier what he will e~pound on this matter. It is re­ surely must know. He ha~ ex~mined grettable that the debate has been so the files which have been In hIS P?S­ uninspiring and has been so badly session and his Cabinet's possessIon led. As a member with a Housing for the past three and a half years. Commission area in his electorate, I As I said the value of any item is am prepared to tell the people .th~re arguable always and I do not intend or those in any other commISSIOn to put forward conflicting profes­ area as well as the people of Victoria sional opinions. I will examine. the gen~rally, that the Opposition is so way the prices and the valuattons concerned about profits being made were arrived at because in all of in the normal course of business, that these deals there are significant aber­ it would rather eradicate the possi­ rations in the way in which this has bility of people ever acquiring their been done. These aberrations are own homes than allow profit making so clear and evident as to be to continue. The Opposition does not alarming to any lay,man. The first stand for home ownership or for the apparent contradiction in the nature man in the street; it stands for its of the valuations was a lack of in­ own vested interest. dependence in the valuers who made This whole debate has been an the valuations. At the time these attempt to denigrate the Government valuations were made the valuers by innuendo. The Government stands were actually working in the Housing on its record and, as a new member Commission office under the day-to­ of this House, I am proud of that day direction of Housing Commis­ record. I challenge the Opposition sion officers. They seldom if ever Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9135 saw the Valuer-General. The only is, 787 acres of the remaining two connection between them and the parts-and indicating that it was Valuer-General's Department was being offered to the Housing Commis­ that they were listed in the records sion for purchase. He also claimed of the Public Service. The fact is that there was an offer to the owner that day by day all the things they did of the land by a company called were under the direction of Housing Lomar Investments in Sydney. The Commission officials. I am sure hon­ offer was for a total of $2· 033 mil­ orable members who belong to pro­ lion, representing about $2,500 an fessions will realize the difficulty that acre. would confront anyone in this situa­ It is interesting to note that a tion in attempting to act as an inde­ search of the companies' offices in pendent professional person. The Melbourne and Sydney shows no Government is responsible for the record of a company called Lomar situation which created that lack of Investments. It is possible that the independence in the valuers. The company has gone into liquidation Government, the Premier, and his in the intervening period. The only Cabinet were responsible for the re­ information I have obtained is an un­ sults of that lack of independence. substantiated report that it is a com­ I refer to the first land deal chrono­ pany associated with Mr. Crichlow, logically of those the House is the gentleman who bought the third examining-that is the purchase of part of land. At that time Mr. the Duncan land at Pakenham. The Riach drew the attention of the valuer Duncan family had a sizeable farm at to this strange offer. It is strange Pakenham of 1,044 acres. During that anyone should make an offer for 1972 the family arranged to split that land on which he had a contract of farm into three parts. Mr. Crichlow, sale six months previously. He was a Sydney investor, took out a caveat also concerned that the purchase on that land and a contract for sale, should go through quickly. He said and purchased one part containing that the offer of Lomar Investments 257 acres at a price of $800 an acre. was- The land Mr. Crichlow purchased in . . . subject to confinnation by their full June, 1972, was in the south-east board on 16th April. If nothing is received corner. This piece of land is on the from the commission by then, it is believed outskirts of the Pakenham township. it is proposed to sell. It could reasonably be said that it is On the same day a memorandum part of the Pakenham township. Part was forwarded to the valuer. The of it is subdivided into building memorandum was signed by Mr. blocks. The remaining land was Riach on behalf of Mr. Creighton, the offered to the Housing Commission property control manager. It re­ on 26th January, 1973, by the agent peated the information that Lomar Dillon and Inkster. It was offered to Investments requested an option of the Housing Commission out of the $2· 033 million, which is equal to blue. At that stage according to the about $2,500 an acre. I ask honorable files no one had said that the com­ members whether that is likely when mission was interested in buying that better land adjoining this land had land or any other land at Pakenham. been sold six months previously for The commission had not looked at $800 an acre! any other land at Pakenham. On 9th April, Mr. Morey, the valuer Some two months later, on 19th in this instance, valued the land at March, 1973, the Housing Commis­ $2,800 an acre and quoted the owner sion agreed at a meeting to obtain as Duncan Brothers. He did not men­ a valuation on that land. Ten days tion Mr. Crichlow's caveat and more later, Mr. Riach, the land purchasing importantly did not mention at any officer of the Housing Commission, stage the adjoining land, the third sent a memorandum to the valuer piece of the Duncan land which had telling of an offer for the land-that been sold six months earlier for 9136 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement.

$800 an acre. Therefore, he ignored real estate agent, Mr. Bob Dillon of the Crichlow purchase. On the same Dandenong, and his associate, Mr. day as this report is dated, on 9th Ray Durston. Mr. Durston and April, the Housing Commission ap­ Mr. Dillon were acknowledged at proved the purchase of the land for that time as specialists in selling land up to the sum of $2· 1 million. On for the Housing Commission, and 13th April, four days later, Mr. Riach one can understand why. One other reported- back to the Housing Com­ event for which Mr. Durston is mission. He said that the initial offer renowned is that he kidnapped Mr. for a sum of $2·033 million was Weeden in 1975, apparently in an accepted. That is exactly the sum attempt to collect his share of the that the valuer had been directed to profits. regarding the spurious offer from the Perhaps one can imagine the unknown Sydney company. As it devious activities of this bizarre happened that was not the sum that group of gentlmen, but however de­ was paid because the Education vious those activities one can hardly Department required 17 acres of the understand how the Housing Com­ land and in due course it was agreed mission could be duped by such that a little under $2 million would transparent methods into arriving at be paid for the remaining 770 acres. a price of $2 million for this land. Five days later the then Minister of No checks were made on the title; Housing recommended the purchase no checks were made on the informa­ and the Premier approved it. It was tion given to the valuer. The com­ not until two months later that Mr. mission merely paid the price asked Crichlow's caveat was removed. No of it. one had mentioned its existence or had apparently been aware of it. Two Soon after the deal at Pakenham weeks after that the land was trans­ was sewn up our friends Dillon and ferred to the Housing Commission. Durston were in action again, this time on the other side of the city, It is interesting to note what hap­ at Sunbury. Here there was a dif­ pened to the third part of the land, ference. It was not the agent who the good part, which Mr. Crichlow introduced the land to the Housing had purchased for $800 an acre. On Commission. It was not the agent 21st December, 1973, six months who turned up first in the file. The later, he sold the land for $1,876 an first mention of the Lensworth land acre. He sold it, not to the Housing at Sunbury comes, remarkably Commission, but to a company called enough, in a memorandum of a con­ Edwalls Beef and Agistment Pty. Ltd. ference held at the Housing Commis­ Therefore, the Housing Commission sion on 17th July, 1973, between the paid a residential price for paddocks, Minister of Housing, the Director of and a grazing company paid rural Housing, the Secretary of Housing prices for building blocks next door and the property control manager of to that land. In arriving at this in­ the Housing Commission. I quote credible amount of $2 million for this from the document- land which has been described by The Minister advised that he had called the honorable member for Bun­ a meeting to confirm a direction given by doora, the existence of the caveat Cabinet on Monday, 16th July, 1973. was not discovered. No one was The memorandum later states- told of the spurious offer for the The Minister stated that Cabinet had land and at no stage did anyone decided that large acreages of land would be purchased in Pakenham. Sunbury, Mel­ check on the title or the information ton and Kilmore and that the priorities that had been given to a valuer who with regard to purchase would be as had made the valuation. Who put follows- the deal together? The gentlemen in­ 1. Sunbury. volved were Mr. Aubrey Crichlow, 2. Pakenham. a grazier from Surfer's Paradise, his 3. Melton. associate, Mr. Weeden of Toorak, the 4. Kilmore. Mr. Crabb. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9137 The memorandum states that the That is precisely what it says. What Minister made the following com­ it is referring to is the Lensworth ment with relation to Sunbury- option on the McMahon land at Sun­ The commission was to be free to pur­ bury, which was taken out in Decem­ chase land presently owned by Lensworth ber, 1970, for $2,000. However, it was Finance (Vie.) Pty. Ltd. on the east side renewed at $2,000. It was always at of Jacksons Creek presently zoned as cc general farming". $2,000 and was never at $3,000. That is the first mention of that On 9th August Mr. O'Bree tendered land in any of the files made avail­ his valuation on the Sunbury land. able to the Opposition and, pre­ That valuation states- sumably, it is its first mention in the Pursuant to your instructions- files available to the Government for These are those fabled instructions four years. that are not on any file. Mr. O'Bree is At the time of this meeting the a fairly careful public servant and Pakenham land had already been pur­ later in his valuation stated- chased and one can only speculate I have been informed that Lensworth on whether Cabinet knew it had been Finance (Vic.) Pty. Ltd. renewed the purchased because, according to the option in December, 1972, for two years at $7,410 per hectare ($3,000 per acre). Docu­ memorandum, several copies of which mentary evidence of the option has not been turned up on several files and one sighted. would imagine an error would not have gone uncorrected for so long- Yet, on the basis of that, Mr. O'Bree went ahead and produced a valuation. The priorities with regard to purchase would be as follows- Mr. O'Bree continued- 1. Sunbury. Aparot from the knowledge of the option which is assumed to be bona fide the follow­ 2. Pakenham. ing residential sales are considered the most The Pakenham land had already significant guide to the value of the land as been purchased. How could Sun­ a residential proposition. bury be bought in priority to Pak­ Mr. O'Bree was very careful. He enham when Pakenham had already said there was a lack of direct sales been purchased? It seems that evidence at Sunbury and he construc­ Cabinet does not know what it is ted a hypothetical subdivision by talking about. estimating that the land could be After the meeting of 17th July divided into 3,800 blocks and then things happened fairly quickly. On estimated the amount for which they 20th July an engineer's report was could be sold, thus working back to requested. Peculiarly enough, as we a purchase price. Presumably that is are probably all aware, no memoran­ a proper way for a valuer to do his dum requesting a valuation appears job. The only trouble is that there on the files. But all honorable will not be 3,800 blocks, there will members know what was in the only be 2,300 and they will come from memorandum; it was an instruc­ a larger area of land. The estimate tion that the valuation should was made on the basis of 3·8 blocks be based on the residential zon­ an acre but in fact the commission ing of land which was and still is will obtain only 1·8 blocks an acre, to this day zoned for general farming. which is less than half the original estimate. Between 17th July and 9th August Mr. O'Bree, another valuer in the It is obvious, therefore, that the Housing Commission, made a note of valuation of the Sunbury land is based a conversation he had with Mr. Riach, on three things: an option for $3,000, the land purchasing officer. That which never existed; prior knowledge handwritten note reads- of residential rezoning, which has not Information N. Riach. Option. Caveat. yet occurred; and the assumption that December, 1970, $2,000. Renewed December, the land could be divided into 3,800 1972, $3,000. $100. $3,400 per acre. blocks, which is more than twice the 9138 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. number of blocks into which the land a pretty big profit but it was obvious­ will actually be divided. The price ly not enough for Lensworth, which arrived at was $3,500 an acre. sold the land not to the Housing On the same day, 9th August, that Commission, not to Cambridge Credit remarkably busy day at the Housing Corporation Ltd., but to a company Commission, the commission approv­ called Delgrange Investments Pty. ed the purchase for $100 an acre Ltd. at a price of $3,110 an acre. The less, that is $3,400, which just hap­ principal of Delgrange is Graeme pened to be the same figure Mr. Hill, the consultant at Sunbury. The Riach advised the Valuer-General of profit to Kean and Lensworth was some weeks before. Just to make $117,000. sure that everything ran efficiently, Nothing more was done on this on the same day Mr. Dillon, the land until October when the Sunbury ubiquitous real estate agent, received deal was wrapped up and our friends a sale note from Lensworth Finance had time to direct their attentions allowing him to sell the land at pre­ somewhere else. On 23rd October, cisely the price agreed to by the Hous­ 1973, Mr. Dillon again contacted the ing Corn-mission on that day. Housing Commission and informed Four days later, on 13th August, it that Mr. Hill wanted to resell the 1973, the Minister of Housing recom­ land to the commission at $3,500 an mended the purchase. The Premier acre, the price which they tried to again approved it. No one checked get earlier. Mr. Riach recommended the option. No one checked the re­ this strongly and on 30th October zoning. No one checked the number another valuation was asked for. This of blocks. The people involved made time it was sought not from Mr. enormous profits. Mr. Dillon's profit O'Bree but from Mr. Morey-not the was $70,000 in commission and the valuer of the Sunbury purchase, not middlemen, the developers, Lens­ the valuer who valued it for $3,000 worth and Kean, between them made an acre in June, but another valuer­ a profit of $1· 5 million. and the request for the valuation says- Just as the deal at Sunbury was It would appear that the present vendors sewn up these same people, Dillon, would not be making a high profit in selling Kean and Lensworth, turned their at­ at $3,500 per acre when their expenses such tention back to Pakenham and this as agents commission, stamp duty, interest, sale at Pakenham is the most damn­ legal fees, etc., are taken into account. ing evidence against the Government That was the justification that was and its conduct. given. Mr. Morey valued the land, In late 1972 Lensworth purchased conveniently enough, at $3,500 an 106 acres of land slap-bang in the acre. His sole evidence for his valua­ middle of the Housing Commission tion reads as follows- land purchased from Mr. Duncan at The most recent known sales in the area are those made to the commission and that Pakenham. The Housing Commis­ of the subject property which was purchased sion did not attempt to buy it at the for $3,100 per acre in June, 1973. same time as it bought the Duncan The habit of the Housing Com­ land, but on 1st June, 1973, Mr. mission, seems to be to cut $100 or Creighton, the property control more off the valuation, and in this officer, directed Mr. O'Bree to value instance the commission offered the land and told him that Cambridge $3,250 an acre for the land. On 9th Credit Corporation Ltd. had made November, Mr. Riach reported back an offer of $3,500 an acre. Four days that the offer had been rejected and later, on 5th June, 1973, Mr. O'Bree the vendor still wanted to sell it to gave a verbal valuation of $3,000 an the Housing Commission for $3,500 acre. On the same day the Housing an acre. But an extra piece of evi­ Commission agreed to offer $2,800 an dence is thrown in. We are told that acre, which represented a profit of Consolidated Home Industries made 40 per cent in six months. That was an offer of $5,000 an acre. That Mr. Crabb. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9139 would have produced $200,000 in in every action. It involved the then profit to the vendor, but he did not Minister for Housing personally want that profit; he wanted to sell directing that land be bought from the land to the Housing Commission. particular vendors and particular On 13th November the Housing places at particular times; the same Commission changed its mind and agent forwarding the same type of offered $3,500 an acre for the land. incorrect information to the Housing The Premier approved it, and the land Commission and the valuers over and was sold at the price asked for over again. originally. Not only should the House express Mr. Ross-EDWARDS: Do you think that it has no further confidence in Consolidated Home Industries are the Government; the people of Vic­ still in the market for $5,000? toria should have no confidence in a Mr. CRABB: The Leader of the Government that can preside over Opposition has already dealt with this undeniable corruption. the Melton purchase in some detail. Mr. TIlOMPSON (Minister of It is extremely complex; suffice for Education): Tonight is the first me to say the pattern is the same. occasion we have heard the new The Housing Commission paid the Leader of the Opposition in action. price which the developers asked. We congratulate the honorable mem­ Under the direction, supervision and ber on his appointment and we trust approval of the Minister of Housing that he will do such a good job as and the Cabinet these shocking, dis­ Leader of the Opposition that he will graceful events occured. remain in that position for many, What I have told the House covers many years to come. You never the Duncan land at Pakenham, where transfer a good full forward to full in arriving at the price the fact that back. We should also congratulate a Mr. Crichlow had a contract of sale the Leader of the Opposition on his on the land was ignored; a spurious stamina in speaking for two hours. offer was given to the valuer to jack However, we were disappOinted that up the price that was sought. At Sun­ his stamina was not matched by his bury, the valuer was instructed to logic, reasoning or evidence. base his valuation on residential zon­ VVe have seen an extraordinary ing. He was told of a fake option debate with C-class Elliott Nesses and the number of blocks of land that and E-class Sherlock Holmeses pro­ was expected to be developed was in­ flated to double the figure it actually ducing all kinds of details, and then was. In the purchase of the Delgrange drawing extraordinary, amazing con­ land, the central piece of the Paken­ clusions from these, blackguarding all ham package. VVe have not one or sorts of people concerned with the two spurious or fake options but, to purchase of land by the Housing get the price up to $3,500 an acre, Commission. three fake options. At Pakenharn, The only logical criticism I heard the best land went to Mr. Crichlow tonight, and it was only a logical at $800 an acre. The worst land went to the Housing Commission at criticism on the surface, was that $2,600 an acre. delivered by the honorable member In one isolated case one could for Bundoora when he criticized the believe this was the result of Government for not producing at this stupidity. One could perhaps in one stage any detailed evidence. In other case believe it was the result of circumstances that would be a incompetence. One could perhaps in reasonable criticism, but the fact is the Housing Commission's case be­ that the Government has appointed lieve it was inexperience, but this did an independent inquiry headed by Sir not happen once but over and over Gregory Gowans to ascertain all the again with the same people involved detailed facts concerning the choice 9140 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. of land under discussion, relating to The Government stands firmly be­ the actual price paid and other details hind its policy of home ownership and of purchase. its belief that the homeowner is a As pointed out by the Leader of the more contented and more secure National Party, it would be illogical oitizen. If a person wants to own a indeed, and improper, for the Govern­ home, an opportunity should be ment to come into this House after available to him. He should not be deciding on an inquiry to ascertain forced into leasing or renting or shar­ all the detailed facts, and say, " Here ing; he should be given an oppor­ are the detailed facts." That would tunity of choosing to own a home. be quite ridiculous. Therefore, This Government is proud of its Government members follow the record in this field. It is to be noted approach of talking about the prin­ that a few years ago 79 per cent of ciples and policies that motivated Victorians owned the houses in which these purchases. they lived. The percentage will drop The Leader of the Opposition in unless drastic action is taken to cur­ the early part of his speech spent a tail the price rises in the building in­ considerable time deploring the fact dustry which are brought about by that home ownership was becoming excessive wage demands and strike more difficult. The Government agrees action. with him entirely. We know that The next point relates to the de­ during the period of galloping infla­ cision of the Government to purchase tion, brought about to a large degree some 3,000 acres of land. Why did the by three years of Whitlam Govern­ Government make that decision? In ment rule, the price of houses has gal­ 1973, along with the Federal Govern­ loped astronomically. At the begin­ ment, the Victorian Government was ning of the 1970s an average three­ concerned at the galloping increase bedroom brick veneer house on the in the price of land. There was a land suburban fringe could be purchased boom, a Poseidon boom in the land for $15,000. Today a comparable area, and something had to be done house costs $37,000. If the request to combat it. The Government there­ of Mr. Norman Gallagher of the fore decided to purchase large areas Builders Labourers Federation for an of land alongside Housing Commis­ additional $30 a week for members of sion developments, which could be his union was granted, and this was sold to homeowners. In other words passed on to other unions-as it there would be mixed estates where would be-what would be the effect? two-thirds of the blocks would be It would add in the view of the Mas­ made available to private home buy­ ter Builders Association another ers and one-third maintained for $2,000 to $3,000 to the cost of a Housing Commission usage. It was a house. logical step which was generally com­ mended at the time. Indeed, the Age I suggest to the Leader of the Op­ editorial of 20th September, 1973, position that, instead of complaining stated- about the matter to the Government, Instead of attacking spiralling land prices he should go to his union masters and with the imperfect weapon of price control, tell them to stop agitating for further the Hamer Government has wisely preferred unreasonable wage rises which must to use a blend of competition and ~ompas­ penalize the man in the street the sion. Instead of running the risk of distort­ ing the market, the Government has entered prospective homeowner, to th~ ex­ it in the interests of the "small man" . . . tent of another $2,000 to $3,000 and Thus, unlike some of the Federal Labor place home ownership further be­ Government's proposals, the Victorian Gov­ yond the reach of many young people ernment's plan deserves high marks both for on low and medium incomes. This is economic sense and social justice. a matter of major concern to the The move was generally commended Government. by people on both sides of the fence. Mr. ThomJJsQn. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9141 The second question asked tonight used it would be found that the per­ was why the Government had pur­ centage today would be nearer to chased the land in these areas. In 60. The Government believes that, 1973 the Premier announced that the next year, as a result of a particular aim of the Government from that stimulus to the development of hous­ time on was to develop housing in ing estates in the major country country areas, to cease building mul­ centres, the percentage will certainly ti-storey flats in the inner metropoli­ reach 60 and may even be a little tan area and to concentrate on the higher. While developing these satel­ development of satellite towns to lite towns on a planned basis the cater for people wishing to work in Government is certainly not ignoring the Melbourne metropolitan area. the real need to aid the development That policy was also applauded at the of industry in country centres. time. As I indicated earlier, it is not ap­ It was therefore decided to consider propriate for the House to go into all twelve distinct possibilities provided the factual details that the board of by towns within 50 kilometres of Mel­ inquiry will be examining. However, bourne. After considerable investiga­ there have been many references to tion a decision was made to acquire the firm of Dillon and Inkster. I land at Pakenham to cater for the point out that in recent years dif­ eastern area, at Melton to cater for ferent agents have been used for large the western area, and at Sunbury to purchases by the Housing Commis­ cater for the northern area. This sion. For example, other firms used satellite town approach was proposed during the past five years for pur­ following experiments that had been chases amounting to more than carried out successfully in places $500,000 include Abbott and Dean such as the United States of America (Aust.) Pty. Ltd., Broomhall Janides and the United Kingdom. Successful and Associates Pty. Ltd., Dalgety ventures have taken place in loca­ Australia Ltd., J. A. Cain and Co. and tions such as Stevenage, Harlow, Moore Williams and Son Pty. Ltd. Welwyn Gardens City and Milton­ which negotiated through a large Keynes in Buckinghamshire, the last building company. Therefore, in mentioned being the most recent. recent years a number of different They have been applauded by modern agents have been used for large pur­ town planners because they provide ohases by the Housing Commission, great advantages in allowing people but commission has not been paid by to enjoy the advantages of semi­ the Housing Commission to the rural life while continuing to work agents concerned; it has been paid in the metropolitan area. by the vendors of the land. This matter is of fundamental im­ There is a high measure of agree­ portance. It is not possible to ignore ment on the major principles under­ completely the needs of the metro­ lying these land purchases. Firstly, no criticism was made of the move politan area when there is a large list to purchase large areas of land to of people in the metropolitan area provide blocks for young prospective waiting for Housing Commission homeowners. Secondly, there was homes. The Government accepts the general agreement at the time on the idea advanced by members of its own development of satellite towns within party from country areas that further 50 kilometres of Melbourne and on the impetus should be given to the devel­ action that the Government has taken opment of housing in country areas. in a variety of fields to stimulate The Leader of the National Party home ownership and keep it within stated that in 1955 42 per cent of the the reach of young married couples homes being erected were in country during a time of galloping inflation. areas, and said that that percentage There is one other general point had dropped to 38 per cent at present. made by the Opposition that merits However, if the 1955 boundaries were comment. It has been suggested 9142 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. that although it was a good move to be remembered, it is what I term keep down the price of land and to " Operation Clean-up ". In the make land available to young eighteen months of this Parliament couples at low cost, so far this land there have been the Vapold scandal, has not been made available. What the Beach inquiry scandal, the single is the reason for that? That is a fair tender contracts scandal, the Kaiser question. There are two good rea­ Aetna Australia Pty. Ltd. scandal, and sons why this land has not been made now there is the land deals scandal. available. What I find pleasing about c, Oper­ Firstly, there was a request from ation Clean-up" is the magnificent the planning authorities that before support and response the Opposition development took place in areas such has received both from people outside as Melton and Sunbury an over-all this place and from honorable mem­ plan should be determined or bers opposite. I refer to a statement finalized, so at that stage there was in an article in the National Times a deliberate and, I believe, fully justi­ of 27th June last attributed to the fied delay. honorable member for Westemport. I The second and more compelling publicly congratulate the honorable reason why land has not been made member on having had the courage available in the last eighteen months to make such a statement on record. to two years is that the allocation It is a pity his example has not been from Commonwealth and State hous­ followed by more members of the ing funds has remained at $98 Government party to help in this million for four years during a time operation. of rapid inflation. If it had kept pace The honorable member for Wes­ with inflation it would have been ternport is quoted as having said- possible to move forward and develop The people responsible for the current sections of the land at places such as happenings are one of two things: They Pakenham, Melton and Sunbury in are either corrupt or incompetent. In either the interests of young home pur­ case they must go, and go quickly. chasers. As finance becomes avail­ The article continues- able, that course will be followed. Once corruption is established against the Government, it does not survive. This is Therefore on the major issues of the one great danger for the Liberal Party. policy there appears to be general . . . Governments cannot win elections when agreement. There is some disagree­ the public starts to suspect they are corrupt. ment about the details relating to the I digress for one moment from the purchases. Because of the innuen­ land deals and take issue with the does continually being circulated in contribution made by the Leader of the daily press the Government took the National Party, who said that he prompt and commendable action to could not understand why the Gov­ appoint an independent inquiry un­ ernment had introduced the subject der one of the most highly esteemed here this evening. He thought it was and experienced judges this State has wrong for this land deals scandal to ever seen, namely Sir Gregory be discussed within the Parliament. Gowans, in whom everybody has con­ fidence. Mr. STEPHEN: He did not say that. Instead of drawing cock-eyed con­ Mr. SIMPSON: If I have not clusions from wild inferences and quoted the honorable member cor­ innuendoes, as the Opposition has rectly, I will stand corrected, but the done tonight, the Government's aim inference I took was that he would is to wait for this inquiry to be com­ prefer that there be no debate on the pleted, to examine its recommenda­ matter here until the completion of tions and act upon them. the inquiry. Mr. SIMPSON (Niddrie): If there is Mr. Ross-EDWARDS: I did not say one thing for which this 47th Par­ quite that; I said that the Govern­ liament of the State of Victoria will ment was foolish to bring it in. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9143

Mr. SIMPSON: The Leader of the We went to Adelaide and met National Party suggested that the with the management of Lensworth Government was foolish to bring the Finance Ltd. to try to ascertain matter in and that he would prefer whether these suggestions which if there were no debate until the com­ had been put to us were cor­ pletion of the inquiry and the report rect. We learned that the dramatic from the board. figure of $1·5 million profit was However, I believe that is not the made by Lensworth Finance Ltd., correct policy to adopt because every and our information was that there time a government, no matter what were secret partners who had ex­ its political persuasion, found itself in pertise and contacts who could get a sticky situation, all it would have to them into the Housing Commission do would be to set up an inquiry and to set up these deals. It was the task automatically silence this institution. of Lensworth Finance Ltd. to arrange That would be nonsense, for Parlia­ the finance. ment must be supreme over any in­ The management of Lensworth quiries that may be sought and estab­ Finance Ltd. was very helpful. It lished. was fairly clear that we had touched In this present case no charges have on a sensitive nerve; they did not say been laid, no one has been convicted so in as many words, but when the or sent to gaol, and consequently Par­ blood drained from the faces of the liament must remain supreme, but if officers when we mentioned certain the other attitude were adopted let us names and figures, we assumed that consider what would have occurred we were correct. The honorable mem­ in relation to the Vapold inquiry. ber for Knox and I had the arduous There was an inquiry into Vapold and task of finding out who the secret a report was issued in December and partners were, and I am sorry to have presented to the House, where debate to admit that after three months we ensued. However, only four speakers have still not found all the secret took part in the debate, which partners. I sincerely hope Sir was then adjourned, and the item Gregory Gowans will be able to do so now lies on the Notice Paper and at the board of inquiry. We know has lain there ever since. Therefore that Mr. Kean was one of them, and it is not simply a matter of saying it was under some pressure that that the matter can be brought back Lensworth Finance Ltd. flushed into the House for full and complete out Mr. Kean. For four years debate. What can happen is that a the people of Victoria have been report can be brought on for debate; led to believe it was Lensworth which there may be two speakers and the made this bonanza profit over what Government could adjourn the debate has been incorrectly called 20 days and leave the matter on the Notice when in fact it was almost no days. Paper to die. That could occur in this Eventually after pressure was exerted case, and therefore there is a risk in to discover who were the secret part­ adopting that line of thinking. ners, Lensworth relented. Lensworth I return to the land deals and start Finance in Adelaide is the " establish­ with the matters I first investigated, ment ". The idea of any smear with the honorable member for Knox, on the "establishment" in that in Sunbury. We received some help­ city could not be allowed to occur, so ful information to begin with. Cer­ the company obviously contacted Mr. tainly, as I did not divulge the source Kean and said, "Sorry, but you will of my information on Vapold-it have to come out into the open" and dropped from the back of a truck­ Mr. Kean accepted that he received likewise I would not do so in this $750,000. case. I shall just say that useful The lengthy search next led to the information was made available to Corporate Affairs Office where we the honorable member for Knox and tried to discover all the companies me. with which Mr. Kean was associated. 9144 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. We did not receive much help con­ areas. The people involved in these cerning the people who took part in joint venture agreements are involved these ventures, but it would be inter­ because it may be helpful when esting to read for the benefit of the financing company operations. How­ House the names of some of the com­ ever, what concerns me is that there panies in which Mr. Kean has an is no accountability of joint venture interest. First of all there is Aulse­ agreements. What happens is that brook Holdings Pty. Ltd., a Kean fam­ a group of men do some paper work ily company; Aulsebrook (Victoria) amongst themselves, having honour Pty. Ltd., a Kean family company; amongst themselves, and eventually Moore Williams & Son Pty. Ltd., a when a deal is completed, they share Kean family company with Aulse­ out the profits of the joint venture brook (Vic.) Pty. Ltd. as shareholder; agreement. In private companies 12A a'Beckett Street Pty. Ltd. with there is nothing wrong with that, but Mr. Kean a director and Aulsebrook when public moneys are concerned (Vic.) Pty. Ltd. a shareholder; Wax­ such as would be involved in Lens­ flower Pty. Ltd., with Mr. Kean a worth Finance (Vic.) Pty. Ltd. and director; Loughnans Road Pty. Ltd., public utilities, such as the Housing with Mr. Kean a director; Bell Waver­ Commission of Victoria, it is abso­ ley Pty. Ltd., with Mr. Kean a direc­ lutely essential that there be pub­ tor and Aulsebrook (Vic.) Pty. Ltd., a lic accountability for joint venture shareholder; Tooraneedin Pty. Ltd., agreements. with Mr. Kean a director; Keanfam Pty. Ltd., with Mr. Kean as joint sec­ Possibly out of this whole sordid retary; Corridel Estates Pty. Ltd., with affair will come an amendment Mr. Kean a director, and Gloster Way made to the Companies Act of Pty. Ltd., with Mr. Kean a director. 1961 to provide that when there are joint venture agreements, when I accept that there is nothing secret partners are involved, the wrong with Mr. Kean being a details must come out into the director or shareholder of all of open. If this occurred, the dealings those companies, but the point I of McGregor Aulsebrook Kean would am trying to make is that we were be public and those people who trying to find out what happened to had invested money in public com­ the amount of $750,000. We had panies and who had money in pub­ been through Lensworth's books in lic utilities by paying taxes which Victoria. We went through Lens­ help finance the operations of the worth's books in Adelaide but could Housing Commission, would know not find even there what happened to precisely what had happened to their the $750,000. It is much harder to money. That is the first improvement find what happened in their books which I hope will eventually come because it is a big company. Quite out of the inquiry. simply, we were looking for an amount of $1· 5 million shared be­ Turning now to Corridel Estates tween Lensworth and Kean and that Pty. Ltd., the only reason why this seemed a reasonable increase in one company came into existence was be­ year, which should be easy to find, cause Mr. Kean became very sick. but we could not find a trace of it I do not want to sound morbid, but anywhere. Mr. Kean's partners were terrified Furthermore, we could not find a that he was going to die. They may trace of the amount in any of the com­ have been terribly fond of Mr. Kean, panies in which Mr. Kean had an but I got the impression that they interest until we came across Corridel were more concerned about their Estates Pty. Ltd. Apparently there money. Mr. Kean eventually assign­ are many joint venture agreements ed all of his joint venture agree­ within the operations of companies ments with Lensworth to Corridel and apparently these joint venture Estates Pty. Ltd. This was the first agreements are operated in various documentation upon which we were Mr. Simpson. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9145 able to ascertain factual information However, I understand that no mem­ about joint agreements and the ber of the Government saw fit to names of the partners concerned. examine the files. Unfortunately, the largest single MR. WEIDEMAN: That is a lie. figure our research brought forth was a figure of only about $147,555. Mr. SIMPSON: I stand corrected It was the largest figure we could if that is the case. I am delighted to find and the only large. amount hear that some members of the Gov­ which was collected at that time. ernment party viewed the files. I shall Possibly, it was part of the amount wait with bated breath for the next of $750,000 which Mr. Kean was to honorable member from the Govern­ have received as his share of the ment side who follows me to support Goonawarra property sale. This did what has been said by the Leader of not fit in with what we had been led the Opposition, the honorable mem­ to understand about the division of bers for Bundoora and Knox, and the amount of $750,000. We were led myself about the things missing from to believe that there were three part­ the files and the irregularities in ners who were to receive $150,000 those files. I am delighted to have each but that there were also two heard the interjection and I shall others. What we have been able to wait for an honorable member to en­ establish is that there could be five dorse what members of the Opposi­ secret partners involved. We now tion have claimed, namely, that believe two other partners who were sections of the files are missing. involved with Corridel Estates Pty. Ltd. were Mr. Enzo Minuzzo and Mr. When we were in the office of Laurence Williams, but up to date the Minister of Housing and the we have not been successful in Minister came across the section ascertaining the names of the other which began, "pursuant to my in­ two partners who possibly shared the structions " was missing-at the time money receiving $150,000 each. the honorable member for Bundoora We were also told that there was and the member representing the an option of $2,000 an acre and a Doutta Galla Province in another second option after the first option place were present-we asked, "Is had expired in 1972. The second this why you called in the police?" option was supposedly for $3,000 an The Minister' replied, cc It was a acre and that was part of the reason­ contributing factor why I called in ing behind the decision of the Valuer­ the police and it has caused me some General to make the recommended disquiet." To his credit, the Minister figure $3,400 an acre. Of course, as called in the police because he was the honorable member for Knox so concerned about what was miss­ clearly demonstrated, that second ing from the file and some of the option of $3,000 per acre did not exist. irregularities that I have mentioned. We have the nonsensical situation of The memorandum that we read was a valuer in the Valuer-General's signed by W. Creighton, who was the Department saying that he had not Property Control Manager for the sighted the option but he believed Housing Commission. The Minister in the bona fides of it. As a result told us that he had had personal con­ of that nonsense by the valuer, the trol of the files since May of this year. Housing Commission paid $3,400 an The files were made available to the acre for the property. Opposition in August. It seems ex­ After some considerable time, and traordinary that, in answer to re­ I suggest after some considerable quests by the then Leader of the pressure, the files became available Opposition, the honorable member to the Opposition. In fact, the files for Richmond, the Minister said that became available, as I recall reading he could not let the Opposition have it, to every member of this Parlia­ a look a the files because he was too ment and every interested person. busy with them himself. 9146 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement.

Mr. Cox: What is wrong with Minister. Any such decision would be that? contrary to the planning scheme, the Mr. SIMPSON: After four months, concepts of planning and expert ad­ one would have thought that the Op­ vice from the Board of Works. The position would have been able to see only way for the development to take the files earlier than August. At last, place is for the Minister to act con­ the Opposition was able to view the trary to that advice; the honorable files and the memorandum by Mr. gentleman will be a brave man if he Creighton, who could have helped us takes this action. ascertain where the missing papers The same sort of situation applies were. I asked the Minister whether at Pakenham where an amendment he had contacted Mr. Creighton, who would have to be made to rezone the no longer works with the Housing land as residential. Evidence has Commissison but is with the Albury­ been given to the board of inquiry by Wodonga Development Corporation. a highly qualified officer of the board The Minister had previously said that that any such rezoning would he had worked day and night and had not be in the best interests of given up practically every week-end the concept of the Government's going over the files. The first logical policies. Apparently, the Pakenham thing that came into the mind of the development will be limited because honorable member for Bundoora, the of the existence of flood-prone areas, Honorable D. R. White, M.L.C. and a lily pond and a quarry. Again, myself was to ring up Mr. Creighton any such development will almost to ask whether he knew where the certainly have to result from a de­ missing papers were. However, the cision by the Minister. Minister did not think of this. Finally, I come to the third area at Events surrounding attempts to Melton. This is a rather interesting rezone the area at Sunbury are matter because it demonstrates the quite outstanding. In 1973, three conflict between two Ministers in objections to the zoning were 1973. I have received information lodged with the Board of Works from a most reliable source--it will and, strangely, one was from emerge if I am wrong-that there was Lensworth Finance (Victoria) pty. a shouting match between the two Ltd., one from Mr. McMahon, the Ministers in front of several officers owner of the property and one from about what was occurring at Melton. Mr. Burgis who owned an adjoining Apparently, the then Minister of property which eventually was Housing in 1973 won the shouting sold to the Housing Commission. match. I have obtained certain infor­ Those three organizations or people mation from the files and from infor­ objected to the planning scheme be­ mation volunteered to me. cause they wanted the Goonawarra Mr. RAMSAV: By whom? area rezoned as reserved living. After two long years, the Board of Mr. SIMPSON: The same informa­ Works came down with the decision tion that fell off the back of a truck not to rezone the land. about Vapold Pty. Ltd. The informa­ tion is reliable and accurate, but the Tonight, honorable members have informant wants to remain anony­ heard some rather grand schemes as mous. At Melton, three parcels of to how this development is going to land were involved. Before the third take place under a joint agreement one emerged, the two were one area between private enterprise and the south of the highway and one area Housing Commission. However, the to the north. An instruction was area has not been rezoned and, as issued for a valuer to visit the two recently as 1975, the Board of Works areas and provide a valuation. The refused a rezoning application. Al­ areas were similar in size, although, most the only way in which the area as a layman, I felt that the area to the can be rezoned is by a decision of the south may have had some advantages. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9147

I have inspected all three parcels of use Dillon and Inkster as agents. I land and I consider that the area to cannot understand why the Housing the south has some advantages be­ Commission does not do its own cause it is close to the railway line buying of land. and not so far from the major shop­ One of the farm owners put his ping centre. However, this was a land on the market for sale at auction matter for the experts and they were approximately six months earlier and told to view these two areas. he did not get one bid. He then took On the next day, an instruction his parcel of land to the Housing came directly from the Minister that Commission. He got no takers at the the valuer was not to look at parcel commission. It was not interested in No. 1, the area on the south side of his land. A few weeks later there the highway, but that he should in­ was a knock on his door by Mr. spect only the area on the north and Colin Cooke and the conversation also an area to the west, which hap­ was along the lines: "I believe pens to be the parcel of land put you have some farm land for sale. I together by Messrs. Cooke and am more than interested in buying Leake through Nandina Investments it. " Pty. Ltd. Surprisingly, this is appar­ I shall quote precisely what the ently when the shouting match Premier was saying in September, occurred between the two Minis­ 1973, when all this buying was going ters, which the then Minister of on and all this money was being Housing, the present Chief Secre­ expended. On 19th September, 1973, tary, won. Eventually, the area the Premier said- that was farthest from the town, was The State Government will release 13,000 ultimately selected, against the early new building blocks near Melbourne in a recommendation of the commission. major effort to contain Victoria's spiralling I have spoken with numerous farm­ land prices. ers who have sold their property and The Premier said the Housing Commission they were quite surprised when they was now spending $8 million on special land found out that the property had been purchases. purchased by a company called Wel­ They were certainly special land pur­ mac Pty. Ltd. because the contracts chases. The article continues- of sale that they had signed had been He said $2 million already had been spent with Nationwide Finance Pty. Ltd., in buying 832 acres at Pakenham. This CopperCone Pty. Ltd. and Kampala would provide about 2,600 blocks. Pty. Ltd., but eventually they all The massive amount of $11 million finished up with Welmac Pty. Ltd. was expended. Where are all these In the sale to the Housing Commis­ blocks that the Premier referred to sion, Welmac Pty. Ltd. made a lar­ in September, 1973? There have been ger profit than that obtained by the no subdivisions, no land zoned for total figures of the farmers. housing and no houses built. It is a I make it quite clear that the farm­ disgrace and the amendment should ers are not disappointed with the be carried. price that they received. I have not Mr. HUDSON (Werribee): I wonder yet struck a farmer who was disap­ what all that Kean family history and pointed with the price obtained, but all the useless figures quoted by the what they were really dirty on was honorable member have to do with that they did not get the profits the real issue that the Opposition is obtained by Welmac and Lensworth trying to prove. The Opposition is Finance, that they were not able to trying to prove that the Housing sell direct to the Housing Commis­ Commission paid too much for the sion. At the time, prices for farming land and that it was wrong for the land were quite depressed and they Housing Commission to allow the were not complaining about the prices vendors to make a profit at the com­ that they received. I am surprised mission's expense. I am disgusted that the Housing Commission would at the allegations and the untrue 9148 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. statements that have been made by ments Pty. Ltd. purchased 1,263 the Leader of the Opposition and the acres of land, some of which it bought honorable member for Niddrie. While in December, 1973, and January, it is fresh in my memory I point out 1974. He also said that the same to the honorable member for Niddrie 1,263 acres were sold to the Housing that he has endeavoured to confuse Commission by Welmac at a profit of the House by saying that the farmers $2 ·8 million, this was a pretty good who were involved in the land pur­ profit in eighteen months because chase deal at Melton did not deal the company paid $1· 8 million for it. with Welmac. One of the five pro­ That same parcel of land that the perties was purchased previously by Leader of the Opposition was talking Nationwide Finance Ltd., the re­ about was purchased by Nandina In­ mainder were purchased by Welmac vestments Pty. Ltd. in 1972 and 1973. from the farmers. The Leader of the Opposition also Mr. SIMPSON: That is not true. said that that land was bought by Mr. HUDSON: The honorable mem­ Welmac one week before the Housing ber for Niddrie does not even want to Commission paid for it. That was a hear the truth. The situation is that deliberate distortion of fact. It is de­ Welmac is a development company finitely untrue. What actually hap­ that was formed between Lewis Land pened was that in May, 1972, Nandina Corporation and Cambridge Credit Investments Pty. Ltd. approached the Corporation Ltd. The first three Robinson family to sell their pro­ letters that comprise Welmac are perty. This property is in my elec­ from Lewis Land Corporation and torate and unlike many members of the last three from Cambridge the Opposition I take an interest in Credit Corporation Ltd. They what goes on in my electorate. engaged Nandina Investments Pty. Mr. FORDHAM: You will not have Ltd. as their agents to purchase to worry about that much longer. land and to make a sensible parcel Mr. HUDSON: That remains to be of land to develop. Nandina Invest­ seen. In July, 1973, an offer of ments Pty. Ltd. started that develop­ $2,000 an acre was made to Max and ment in 1972. Lindsay Robinson for their land. That Mr. FORDHAM: Nandina Invest­ is the land referred to by the Leader ments Pty. Ltd. is Leake and Cooke. of the Opposition. On that date the Mr. HUDSON: Yes. In 1972 they offer was accepted and in September started to accumulate the land for the contracts of sale for the Robinson Welmac. Little by little they pur­ property were exchanged. The Hous­ chased parcels of land for Welmac in ing Commission's purchase did not Welmac's name so that Welmac commence until much later, and yet owned the whole of that land before the Leader of the Opposition tries the Housing Commission entered into to tell the House that Welmac pur­ the deal. The Opposition is endea­ chased that land only one week vouring to tie up Nandina Invest­ before the Housing Commission paid ments Pty. Ltd., Leake and Cooke for it. What it did was make a final and everybody else with a straight­ payment one week before. forward sale between the Housing All the properties put together by Commission and Welmac, one owner Welmac Pty. Ltd. were purchased on of one piece of land. terms contracts and the conditions of sale to the Housing Commission took I was not impressed with the con­ that into account. The terms of that fusion created and the repetition of sale were 10 per cent deposit, 40 per the remarks of the Leader of the cent within 60 days and the balance Opposition. He endeavoured to con­ of 50 per cent by 31st August, 1974. fuse and mislead the House. He Those terms were agreed to because talked about this parcel of land of the Housing Commission did not need 1,263 acres. He said, and he must the land immediately and because it agree with me, that Nandina Invest- was necessary, so the title for the Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9149 final purchase by the Housing Com­ not take a risk. It took the same risk mission would be in order, for the as any other company, as is obvious original terms contracts to be re­ from the fact that one of the partners negotiated to cash contracts. When in that company, Cambridge Credit the last of those, that for the Corporation Ltd., took risks and lost. Robinson land, was negotiated, the I t is now bankrupt. title was free and the Housing Com­ The Opposition suggests that the mission paid its money. Valuer-General's Department in some It is in those ways that the Opposi­ way rigged the valuations. That is a tion is attempting to confuse the terrible accusation. The Valuation of issue and mislead honorable members Land Act of 1960 clearly indicates completely. All the Opposition is that the potential of land must be really concerned about here is the taken into consideration for the pur­ price paid for the land, the profit pose of valuation. When the Housing made and some alleged corruption Commission purchases land it is not that it is trying to prove. acting as a speculator, it is acting as In the early 1970s I noticed that a developer, because it is buying the there was a land boom and I pur­ land for development into residential chased land. I am not afraid to admit properties. The Valuer-General is not that I purchased four blocks of land dumb; he has the gumption to realize on a terms contract for $2,200. I sold that the land will be developed into them just less than two years later for residental property and if he is to $5,000 and I made almost 250 per value the land on the basis of its cent profit. Was I corrupt in doing potential he must value it as a resi­ that? I venture to suggest that some dential proposition. members of the Opposition bought The Opposition has suggested that land in those boom times and sold the Housing Commission should it at a profit. Were they corrupt, or acquire land compulsorily. I can was that 'a bad decision? Were they remember occasions during the time profiteering in the same way that of the Dunstan and Cain Govern­ they have suggested occurred in these ments when the Housing Commis­ transactions? Of course they were sion acquired land for prices below not. If none of them bought land at those paid by the people from whom that time it was because they had no the land was acquired. I can even sense of business. It certainly would quote a personal example. My parents not be on a matter of principle. purchased a block of land on a small If I had had more money at that deposit and gave it to me on my time I would have purchased broad eighteenth birthday on the condition acres because I could see as well as that I paid the remaining purchase anyone else that land prices were price at ten shillings a week. Shortly rising. I would have been able to sell after that I joined the Air Force and those broad acres at a high profit. made an allotment to my mother, Would I have been corrupt in doing part of which was to pay that ten so? No, not at all. How can members shillings a week. While I was over­ of the OppOSition say that Welmac seas the Housing Commission acquired my block of land for less was not entitled to its profit? Of than the original purchase price and course it was. I had no say in that whatsoever. That The Opposition is endeavouring to occurred when a Labor Government imply that there was no risk and no was in office. The Opposition wants gamble but if one looks at the com­ the same sort of system to operate panies which purchased land at high now. prices in the Melton, Sunbury, Wer­ The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth ribee area and are now selling that Wheeler): Order! The hanorable land at rural prices the risks are member for Ascot Vale will cease obvious; yet the Opposition has the interjecting. I made the appeal before temerity to suggest that We1mac did and I will not continue appealing. 9150 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement.

Mr. HUDSON: Once the Liberal mac Pty. Ltd., but it might be said Government took over-it has been that $4,000 an ac're should have been in office for many years and will stay the value of that I'and. in government for many more years MR. Ross-EDWARDS: How many -it changed that policy. It was not prepared to rob the people blind by acres were in that piece? compulsorily acquiring land unless Mr. HUDSON: One hundred and it paid fail'lly for it. The Liberal Gov­ sixty acres. It shows why, in these ernment formed policies so that land transactions, the distorted figures would be purchased by negotiation that are presented by the Opposition at market value. Since then the are not necessarily correct. What Housing Commission and the Govern­ has been said about the Melton deal ment have done that in purchases of is a load of garbage. This was cor­ land and will continue to do so. Why ridor land and purchased at a fair should a Government set itself up as and reasonable price. a robber of the people? Why should The sitting was suspended at a Government not pay market value 12.16 a.m. until 12.48 a.m. in the same way that anybody else is required to pay? Mr. CATHIE (Carrum): It is prob­ ably appropriate that the Government I said that I know something about should call upon the honorable mem­ the Melton land purchase. I know ber for Werribee-I believe he is an the value of land which was pur­ expert in cleaning clothes-to clean chased in the corridor zone. Perhaps up this mess. All he succeeded in members of the Opposition are un­ proving was that he and other people aware of what a corridor zone is. In in the community are prepared to jack the land boom period the value of up the price of land to squeeze the any land that was zoned as corridor maximum they can obtain from the under amendment 3 of the Board of market to the discomfort of every­ Works planning scheme shot up body else in the community. enormously, and millionaires were made overnight. I can name many During question time this afternoon persons in the Werribee corridor honorable members were told that who became millionaires. as a result of certain police investi­ gations an inquiry has been set up. The value of land is based on mar­ However, what facts have honorable ket value. The Leader of the Opposi­ members been told? What facts did tion said that what Welmac Pty. Ltd. that police inquiry discover? If the paid per acre for all parcels of land Westminster system of Government and for one parcel of Robinson's land means anything, in this debate the was about half what the Housing Ministers should have stated the facts ~ommission paid for it. However, he that led to the inquiry. Instead, the did not mention that in changing the House has heard nothing from the terms contract with the property Government in reply to the catalogue owners in Melton, some difficulty of facts set out by Opposition spokes­ arose with one property. A farmer men. who sold property on a terms con­ tract wanted to stick to the contract One thing has clearly emerged dur­ because he wanted to farm the land ing the debate: The Government and for a few more years and did not the Ministers will not accept respon­ want to lose the price on it. He was sibility for the improper and question­ paid $4,000 an acre for his land. able acts that have been catalogued by members of the Opposition. The On the one hand the Leader of the responsibility for questionable valua­ Opposition said that the GO'Vernment tions and questionable procedures paid far more to one farmer and yet rests with the Government, with in fact they had paid far less to an­ Cabinet members and with the Pre­ other. For the whole parcel of land mier and Treasurer of this State. They the Government paid more than Wel- cannot hide behind others and behind Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9151 public servants. They authorized the As one read or listened to the state­ deals; they signed the cheques; they ment by the Minister of Housing-a signed the papers. pathetic document filled with vague The Premier has tried to suggest generalizations that have no relation­ that there is fair and proper zoning ship to the facts presented by the and that the Housing Commission had Opposition----one found principles on an obligation to pay a fair and reason­ which all honorable members can able price which was set by the agree. One principle is how import­ Valuer-General. That argument is a ant it is for every Australian family bit too neat. It ignores the vital facts to have the right to own its own piece that members of the Opposition have of Australia. The Opposition believes presented tonight. For example, the in that principle. However, when House has not yet heard the facts be­ listening to Government supporters hind the missing memorandum. It is tonight one would not believe that a straightforward point of Govern­ the ability to purchase a home and ment administration. The memoran­ block of land is beyond a young mar­ dum dated 9th August, 1973, from the ried couple. A statement in the Age Valuer-General, Mr. L. J. O'Bree, of 2nd September, 1977, reads- stated- Young couples on average incomes now Pursuant to your instructions the valua­ face a home building deposit gap of at least tion would be $3·5 million. $15,000. That indicated prior knowledge of That makes it almost impossible for the land being rezoned residential. the average couple to buy their own According to the Age of 13th August, home. What is the Government even the Minister of Housing was doing? Is it attempting to reduce the right to seek the whereabouts of that price of land and assist young couples memorandum. Who made that re­ to purchase a home and realize their quest and ordered that the valuation dreams by competing against the de­ should proceed according to that re­ velopers, as the South Australian quest? Government is? Not at all. At the beginning of this sessional period the Minister of Housing made All one heard were vague principles a Ministerial statement and by doing about how the Victorian Government so he avoided having to reply to the has the same aspirations as every­ Opposition's proposed motion of want body else in the community. The of confidence in the Government be­ Opposition tonight made a number of cause of the concern that exists in very serious accusations. the community about the question­ Mr. SCANLAN: Without any facts able actions that have been taken by or back-up information. the Government. It was a shabby manreuvre to make a Ministerial Mr. CATHIE: The Minister of statement in an attempt to head off a Special Education says that there want-of-confidence motion. are no facts to back it up. I do not The Premier also said and accepted know where he was when the Leader that the Housing Commission buys of the Opposition and the honorable land at inflated values. The honorable members for Knox and Niddrie were gentleman stated that the commission speaking. must buy land at current residential The OppOSition has shown clearly prices rather that at prices which tonight that there has been a monu­ apply to broad acres for far,ming. If the Government of Victoria was pre­ mental waste of public money. It pared to buy land at rural prices, has shown that a group of individuals zoned as broad acres, that would be and companies created false prices a positive step in reducing the price and manipulated valuations to push of a house, which is rapidly becoming profits into their own pockets. The beyond the means of the average pur- Opposition has shown that developers chaser in the community. . and their hangers-on have squeezed 9152 Ministerial [ASSEMBLY.] Statement. from public funds $4· 5 million. That The Opposition then suggested that ~oney ca~e f~om the taxpayers and each of the community's question­ IS now gomg Into private pockets. able purchases should be examined The Opposition has pointed out and that the responsibility for them that there has been no adequate ex­ should come back to the Govern­ amination of the suitability for resi­ ment. Cows are now grazing on acres dential develpment of land which of land that was bought four years the Housing Commission purchased ago for residential development. at Melton, Sunbury and Pakenham. There has been no answer from the It has shown that ambiguity and Government or senior Cabinet Min­ confusion 'exist about the roles of isters to the allegations that the some of the principals in these Opposition has presented in Parlia­ events, such as Dillon and Inkster ment. One has not yet seen the Real Estate Pty. Ltd., whose name practice of Ministerial responsibility appears to be everywhere. Even that must be shared by the Cabinet at this late stage of the debate hon­ for the events that have been des­ orable members have not been told on cribed so adequately by the honorable whose advice that firm was acting, member for Bundoora. whether on behalf of the Housing Commission, developers or private It is time the Parliament was landowners who wished to sell. treated properly, and the serious It comes back to Ministerial allegations that have been made responsibility. The Liberal Party tonight deserve an answer here in often makes a great deal about this Parliament now. who is running the State. The State Mr. HAYES (Minister of Housing): Government of Victoria is running An interesting debate has taken place this State. This matter is its respons­ on the Ministerial statement this ibility because it signed the docu­ evening. That statement embraced a ments and agreed with what was number of topics, and I shall refer to going on. There is general concern some which have been raised. throughout the community, and a report in the Australian of 16th I assume that most honorable August last pointed out that the members agree with the Govern­ land deals could well threaten plans ment's policy directive of providing of the Fraser Government to hold an maximum opportunity for people to election before the end of the year. own their own homes as they wish. The article stated- There has been no argument against The Federal Liberal Party's strategy con­ it, and it has received confirmation cerning the continued allegations of Victorian Government involvement in land from the Opposition. Apparently hon­ deals could upset preliminary plans for an orable members also agree with the early Federal election. Government's decentralization policy, I shall summarize again the key although understandably the National accusations made by the Opposition. Party would wish the Government to A relatively large amount of public go further than it has gone so far, money was spent in a comparatively particularly with respect to housing short time to buy land at inflated in rural Victoria, but a balance needs prices of more than $10 million. The to be effected. As I mentioned before, Opposition has shown that no de­ there is already an imbalance in fav­ velopment of that land has taken our of rural Victoria. As the Leader place in the four years since that of the National Party says by interjec­ time. The Opposition has asked who tion, that is part of our policy, and it instructed the Valuer-General to has been exemplified recently through value that land at residential prices co-operative housing allocations, and to anticipate urban zoning, be­ which again were quite disproportion­ cause urban zoning has still not yet ate to those in the metropolitan area. been obtained. This occurs in terms of Housing Co m- Mr. Cathie. Ministerial [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9153 mISSion expendi ture throughout Vic­ was acknowledged by some honor­ toria, and I gather again that that is able members, but quite frankly it is reasonably acceptable. a pity that advantage was taken of the privileges of the House to a I described to the House the situa­ tion of the building programme at greater extent than the Government the end of this financial year, and wished, not to present embarrass­ this also mirrors the Government's ment of me, but in a sense of pro­ wish to place strong emphasis on priety to the board of inquiry. How­ rural Victoria in comparison with ever, that has happened and so be it. metropolitan areas. No discussion There will be further opportunities occurred on that topic that I noticed. later in the sessional period for dis­ The Government raised the topic cussion on some of the topics raised. of the Urban Land Council, and that It is not the intention of the Govern­ was hardly touched on, although the ment at the moment to embark on Government has at least explained a debate on those topics other than the Housing Commission's function in to make this acknowledgment. the council's activity. It has des­ cribed lots held, lots under production The amendment moved by the and so on. Opposition, which I gather is still supported by the National Party, is I was somewhat interested to note that arising out of the contents of that no comments were made on the commission's new thrust into the the statement the Government no area of social infrastructure in the longer possesses the confidenc~ of provision of primary and pre-schools. the House. I should have thought These are well spread in terms of a the Ministerial statement afforded metropolitan versus rural bias. I some comfort to some corners would have expected some comment of the House. Apparently it does to have been made on that matter not and the Government must because some honorable members accept that judgment and bear it in may take the view that housing mind in due course. The Govern­ needs, whether they come from the ment will vote against the amend­ current agreement or otherwise, ment and in favour of the motion. might be better served by providing total shelter rather than the type of The House divided on Mr. Wilkes's infrastructure I mentioned earlier. amendment (Sir Kenneth Wheeler in However, that has not been touched the chair)- upon. Ayes 27 The commission this year will be Noes 47 maximizing its expenditure on bricks and mortar, with one or two excep­ Majority against the tions which I mentioned. Some land amendment 20 needs to be bought to back up the Government's policy on decentraliza­ tion, particularly for housing in AyES. Mr. Amos Mr. Mutton places like Geelong, and those pur­ Mr. Cain Mr. Roper chases will follow. Mr. Crabb Mr. Ross-Edwards Mr. Edmunds Mr. Simmonds Most of the debate seems to have Mr. Evans Mr. Simpson dealt with the topics currently being (Gippsland East) Mr. Stirling considered by a quite properly ap­ Mr. Fogarty Mr. Trewin Mr. Fordham Mr. Trezise pointed board of inquiry. When I Mr. Ginifer Mr. Whiting read the Ministerial statement, I did Mr. Holding Mr. Wilkes suggest to the House that it might be Mr. Jasper Mr. Wilton appropriate not to delve in too much Mr. Jones Mr. Kirkwood Tellers: detail as there is an independent Mr. Lind Mr. Cathie board of inquiry at work. That point Mr. McInnes Mr. Culpin Session 1977.-317 9154 Papers. [ASSEMBLY.] Papers.

NOES. the Board of Inquiry into the Dairy In­ Mr. Austin Mr. Mackinnon dustry in Victoria. Mr. Balfour Mr. McLaren Education Act 1955-Resumption of Land Mr. Billing Mr. Maclellan at Corio North, Riddells Creek and Mr. Birrell Mrs. Patrick Trafalgar-Certificates of the Minister of Mr. Borthwick Mr. Plowman Education (three papers). Mr. Burgin Mr. Rafferty Egg Industry Stabilization Act 1973-Report Mr. Coleman Mr. Ramsay of the Poultry Farmer Licensing Com­ Mr. Cox Mr. Richardson mittee for the year ended 28th Febru­ Mr. Crellin Mr. Scanlan ary, 1977. Mr. Dixon Mr. Skeggs Exhibition Trustees-Report for the year Mr. Dunstan Mr. Smith 1976-77. Mr. Ebery (South Barwon) Geelong Harbor Trust Commissioners­ Mr. Evans Mr. Smith Statement of accounts for the year 1976. (Ballarat North) ( Warrnambool) Groundwater Advisory Committee-Report Mr. Guy Mr. Stephen for the year 1975. Mr. Hamer Mr. Suggett Land Conservation Council-Report for the Mr. Hayes Mr. Templeton period ended 30th June, 1975.-Ordered Mr. Hudson Mr. Thompson to be printed. Mr. Jona Mr. Vale La Trobe University-Report of the Coun­ Mr. Lacy Mr. Weideman cil for the year 1976; together with Mr. Ueberman Mr. Williams statutes approved by the Governor in Mr. Loxton Mr. Wood Council during the year 1976. Mr. McArthur La,w Reform Commissioner-Report for the Mr. McCabe Tellers: year 1976-77.-Ordered to be printed. Mr. McClure Mr. Gude Marketing of Primary Products Act 1955- Mr. McKellar Mr. Kennett Proclamation declaring that chioory shall PAIRS. become the property of the Chicory Marketing Board for the period from Mr. Doube Mr. Collins the 20th June, 1977, to the 19th June, Mr. Hann Mr. Francis 1978. The motion was agreed to. Proclamation declaring that eggs shall become the property of the Victorian Egg Marketing Board for a further COMMAND PAPERS. period of two years. Mr. MACLELLAN (Minister of Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works-Order in Council sanctioning the Labour and Industry) presented, by maximum expenditure of the Board of command of His Excellency the Gov­ Inquiry into the Melbourne and Metro­ ernor, the report of the Supreme politan Board of Works. Court Judges for the year 1976. Melbourne University-Statement of ac­ counts for the year 1975. It was ordered that the report be Metropolitan Fire Brigades Board-Report laid on the table. for the year 1975-76. Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation­ Mr. DIXON (Minister for Social Order in Council sanctioning a maximum Welfare) presented, by command of expenditure by the Board of Inquiry into His Excellency the Governor, the motor vehicle accident compensation. Parliamentary Officers Act 1975- reports of the Parole Boards (Youth) Statements of appointments and altera­ for the year 1975-76. tions of classification- It was ordered that the reports be Department of the Legislative Assem­ bly. laid on the table and be printed. 'Department of the Legislative Council. Department of the Legislative Council PAPERS. and Legislative Assembly House Com­ The following papers, pursuant to mittee. Department of the Library. the directions of several Acts of Par­ Department of the Reporting Staff of liament, were laid on the table the Victorian Parliamentary Debates. by the Clerk- Statement of persons temporarily em­ Cemeteries Act 1958-Certificate of the ployed- Minister of Health relating to the pur­ Department of the Legislative Assem­ chase of certain lands for the Traralgon bly. Public Cemetery. Department of the Legislative Council. Country Fire' Authority-Report for the Department of the Legislative Council year 1975-76. and Legislative Assembly House Com­ Crimes Compensation Tribunal-Report for mittee. the year 1976-77. Department of the Library. Dairy Industry in Victoria-Order in Coun­ Department of the Reporting Staff of cil sanctioning maximum expenditure of the Victorian Parliamentary Debates. Papers. [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Papers. 9155

Parole Boards (Adult)-Reports for the Melbourne Harbor Trust Act 1958-No. years 1973-74, 1974-75 and 1975---76 104. (three papers) .-Severally ordered to be Mental Health Act 1959-Nos. 108, 179, printed. 183, 186, 187. Police Regulation Act 1958--Determinations Metropolitan Fire Brigades Superannua- Nos. 273 to 276 of the Police Service tion Act 1976-Nos. 93, 97, 124, 193. Board (four papers). Milk Board Act 1958-No. 109. Motor Car Act 1958-Nos. 102, 117, 134. Railways Act 1958--Report of the Vic­ Pipelines Act 1967-No. 199. torian Railways Board for the quarter Poisons Act 1962-Nos. 135, 200. ended 31 st March, 1977. Police Offences Act 1958-No. 208. Registration of Births, Deaths and Mar­ Police Regulation Act 1958-Nos. 140, 194. riages Act 1959-General Abstract of the Portland Harbor Trust Act 1958-No. 143. number of live births, still-births, deaths Private Agents Act 1966-Nos. lOO, 232. and marriages in Victoria for the year Protection of Animals Act 1966-No. 212. 1976. Public Records Act 1973-No. 211. River Murray Commission-Report for the Public Service Act 1974-Nos. 79, 80, 90 to year 1975---76. 92, 103, 107, 110, 148, 154, 204, 233, 234, PSD Nos. 38 to 84. State College of Victoria-Statement of Racing Act 1958-No. 98. accounts of constituent colleges for the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marri­ year 1975; together with statutes approved ages Act 1959-No. 210. by the Governor in Council during 1975. Road Traffic Act I 958-No. 121. Statutory Rules under the followin~ Acts­ Rural F'mance and Settlement Commission Agricultural Education CadetshIps Act Act 100 I-No. 223. 1969-No. 94. Scaffolding Act 1971-Nos. 221, 222. Bail Act 1977-No. 180. Second-hand Dealers Act 1958-Nos. 113, Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act 1970- 114, 191, 192. Nos. 215, 217, 218. Seeds Act 1971-No. ISO. Building Societies Act 1976-No. 145. Small Claims Tribunals Act 1973-No. 89. Cemeteries Act 1958-No. 167. State Electricity Co.mmission Act 1958- Children's Court Act 1973-No. 157. No. 198. Consumer Affairs Act 1972-No. 85. State Rivers and Water Supply Commis­ Country Fire Authority Act 1958-Nos. sion (Special Projects) Act l009-No. 115, lOO. 78. County Court Act 1958-No. 112. Supreme Court Act 1958 and the Com­ Crown Proceedings Act 1958-No. 155. panies Act 1961-No. 106. Dentists Act 1972-No. 166. Teaching Service Act 1958-No. 195. Dietitians Registration Act 1958-No. 216. Town and Country Planning Act 1961- Dried Fruits Act 1958-No. 129. Nos. 188, 189. Explosives Act I~No. 156. Transport Regulation Act 1958-No. 137. Fisheries Act 1968--Nos. 84, 130, 131, 132, Transport Regulation Act 1958 and the 133. Commercial Goods Vehicles Act 1958- Forests Act 1958-Nos. 82, 116. No. 60. Friendly Societies Act 1958-No. 214. Valuation of Land Act 196O-Nos. 123, Grain Elevators Act 1958-Nos. 125 to 153. 128, 138, 139, 182. Vegetation and Vine Diseases Act 1958- Health Act 1958-Nos. 96, 101, 136, 164, No. 149. 165, 168 to 174, In, 178, 185, 202, 225. Water Act 1958-Nos. 141, 213. Housing Act 1958-No. 88. West Moorabool Water Board Act 1968- Industrial Training Act 1975-Nos. 86, 122, No. 83. 142, 151, 159 to 163, 184. Wild Flowers and Native Plants Protection Labour and Industry Act 1958-No. 100. Act 1958-No. 95. Land Surveyors Act 1958-No. 197. Teaching Service Act 1958- Legal Profession Practice Act 1958-No. Teaching Service-Primary Schools Divi­ 224. sion (Classification, Salaries, and Lifts and Cranes Act 1967-Nos. 87, 144, Allowances) Regulations-Regulations 219, 220. amended (No. 417). Uquor Control Act 1965-Nos. 152, 209. Teaching Service-Professional (Classi­ Local Government Act 1958-No. 176. fication, Salaries and Allowances) Regu­ Lotteries Gaming and Betting Act 1966- lations-Regulations amended (No. Nos. 175, 201. 416). Magistrates' Courts Act 1971, the Magis­ Teaching Service-Secondary Schools trates (Summary Proceedings) Act Division (Classification, Sal:aries, and 1975, and the Landlord and Tenant Act Allowances) Regulations-Regulations 1958-No. 181. amended (No. 418). Magistrates (Summary Proceedings) Act Teaching Service (Teachers Tribunal) 1975-No. 158. Regulations-Regulations amended (No. M_Brine Act 1958-Nos. 105, lll, 118 to 415). 120, 205 to 207, 226 to 231. Teaching Service--Technical Schools Divi­ -Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of sion (Classification, Salaries, and Works Act 19s9...... ;.Nos. 81,' 99, 146, 147, Allowances ) Regulations-Regulations 203. amended (No. 419). 9156 Papers. [ASSEMBLY.] Papers.

Town and Country Planning Act 1961- Shire of Flinders Planning Scheme 1962, Bacchus Marsh Planning Scheme, Amend­ Amendment Nos. 86 and 88, 1976 (two ment Nos. 6, Part 1,and 8 (two ,{>apers). papers). ShIre of Kilmore Planning Scheme, Ballaarat and District Planning Scheme Amendment Nos. 8, 1976 and 23 (two 1966, Amendment No. "A". ,{>apers). Ballaarat and District Planning Scheme Planning Scheme. 1966 (Borough of Sebastopol), Amend­ Shire of Lillydale Planning Scheme 1958, ment No. 7, 1977. Amendment No. 70, 1976. Ballaarat and District Planning Scheme Shire of Mornington Planning Scheme 1966 (City of Ballaarat), Amendment 1959, Amendment Nos. 80, 1972 and Nos. 15, 1975; 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31, 107, 1976 (two pa~rs). 1976 (seven papers). Shire of Portland (Heywood) Planning Ballaarat and District Planning Scheme Scheme. 1966 (), Amendment Shire of Rosedale Planning Scheme, No. 6, 1976. Amendment Nos. 3, 1976-Part I, 4, Ballaarat and District Planning Scheme 1976 and 5 (three papers). 1966 (Shire of Buninyong), Amend­ Shire of Sherbrooke Planning Scheme ments Nos. 1 and 4 (two papers). 1965, Amendments Nos. 85, 1975 and City of Benalla Planning Scheme, Amend­ 104 (two papers). ments Nos. 11, 13 and 16 (three Shire of Tambo (Lakes Entrance) papers). Planning Scheme, Amendments Nos. 7 City of Bendigo Planning Scheme 1970, and 10 (two papers). Amendment No. 25. Shire of Werribee Planning Scheme 1963, City of Croydon Planning Scheme 1961, Amendment No. 43, 1976. Amendment Nos. 69 and 70 (two Shire of Woorayl Planning Scheme, papers). Amendment Nos. 22, 1975 and 27 (two City of Echuca Planning Scheme, Amend­ papers). ment Nos. 24, 1974 and 29, 1976 (two Town of Bairnsdale Planning Scheme. papers). Town of Kyabram Planning Scheme, City of Frankston Planning Scheme, Amendment No. 18. Amendment Nos. 12 and 13 (two Town of Stawell Planning Scheme 1963, papers). Amendment No. 11, 1975. City of Horsham Pl,anning Scheme 1973, Wangaratta Sub-Regional Planning Amendment Nos. 30, 1976 and 32 (two Scheme. papers). Workers Compensation-Order in Council City of Knox Planning Scheme 1965, sanctioning the maximum expenditure of Amendment Nos. 162 to 164, 169, 170, the Board of Inquiry into Workers 172, and 174, 1976 (seven papers). Compensation. City of Sale Planning Scheme. Cranbourne Planning Scheme 1960, JOINT SITI'ING OF PARLIAMENT. (Amendment Nos. 13, 1975; 21, 1976; 24 and 26 (four papers). STATE COLLEGE OF VICTORIA SENATE: Eildon Reservoir Planning Scheme 1959, DEAKIN UNIVERSITY COUNCIL: (Shire of Mansfield), Amendment No. MONASH UNIVERSITY COUNCIL. 22, 1976. Eppalock Planning Scheme, Amendment The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth "A". Wheeler): I have received the follow­ Lome Planning Scheme. ing communications, dated 1st Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme, Amendment Nos. 56-Part 2A, 62-Part September, 1977, from the Minister 4, 6S-Part I, 7O-Part 2, 74, and 78 of Education- (six papers). Pursuant to the provisions of section 43 Morwell Planning Scheme 1954, Amend­ of the State College of Victoria Act 1972. ment No. 50, Part 1, 1975. a Proclamation of the Governor in Council Phillip Island Planning Scheme, Amend­ published in the Government Gazette on 13 ment Nos. IB and le (two papers). July, 1977, fixed Monday, 14 November, Port Fairy Planning Scheme 1959, Amend­ 1977, as the day on which .the Senate of the ment No. 3, 1976 and Metric Conver­ State College of Victoria is to be duly con­ sion Amendment 1975 (two papers). stituted. In the meantime the State College Portland Planning Scheme 1957, Amend­ has been administered by an Interim ment No. 18, 1976-Part 2. Senate, three members of which-the Hon. Rochester Township Planning Scheme, H. R. Ward, M.L.C., the Hon. B. P. Dunn, Amendment No. 6. M.L.C. and Mr. B. O. Jones, M.P.-were Seymour Planning Scheme, Amendment recommended for appointment by the Par­ Nos. 18 and 28 (two papers). liament under the provisions of section 45 Shire of Alberton (Coastal) Planning of the Act. Scheme, Amendment No. 11, Part 1. Section 7 of the Act provides that three Shire of Arapiles (Horsham Boundary) members of the Senate shall be members Planning Scheme, Amendment No. 2. of the Parliament of Victoria who have been Shire of Bulla Planning Scheme 1959, recommended for appointment by a joint Amendment No. 58, 1977. sitting of members of the Legislative Joint Sitting [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] of Parliament. 9157

Council and the Legislative Assembly con~ Legislative Assembly for the pur­ ducted in accordance with rules adopted for the purpose by the Members at the sit­ pose of sitting and voting together ting, and I should be grateful if you could to choose three members of the Par­ arrange for a joint sitting to recommend liament of Victoria to be recom­ three Members for appointment to the senate for the four year term commencing mended for appointment to the Senate on 14 November, 1977. of the State College of Victoria, to I have addressed a similar letter to the choose three members of the Parlia­ President of the Legislative Council. ment of Victoria to be recommended Your sincerely, for appointment to the Council of L. H. S. THOMPSON, the Deakin University and to choose Minister of Education. a member of the Parliament of Vic­ Pursuant to the provisions of section 39 toria to be recommended for appoint­ of the Deakin University Act 1974, a Pro­ clamation of the Governor in Council pub­ ment to the Council of the Monash lished in the Government Gazette on 24th University, and the Legislative Coun­ November, 1976, fixed Sunday, 1 January, cil requested the Legislative Assem­ 1978, as the day on which the Council of the University is to be duly constituted. In bly to name the place and time of the meantime the university has been ad­ such meeting. ministered by an Interim Senate under the provisions of section 41 of the Act. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Section 7 of the Act provides that three Education): Pursuant to that trio of members of the council shall be members communications, I move-- of the Parliament of Victoria who have been recommended for appointment by a joint That the messages be taken into considera­ sttting of members of the Legislative Council tion tomorrow. and the Legislative Assembly conducted in accordance with rules adopted for the pur­ Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray): pose by the members at the sitting, and As I indicated to the Premier before I should be grateful if you could arrange for a joint sitting to recommend three members this session resumed, the Opposition for appointment to the council for the four~ is in a similar situation with a num­ year term commencing on 1 January, 1978. ber of its members on educational I have addressed a similar letter to the bodies. To avoid the need for a President of the Legislative Council. further joint sitting within a short Yours sincerely, period of time, it would be preferable L. H. S. THOMPSON, Minister of Education. if this joint sitting could be delayed Section 7 of the Monash University Act for one week. 1958 provides that three members of the Council of the University shall be members Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of of the Parliament of Victoria who have Education) (By leave): In our usual been recommended for appointment by a co-operative style, there will be no joint sitting of members of the Legislative problems. Council and the Legislative Assembly con­ ducted in accordance with rules adopted for The motion was agreed to. the purpose by the members present at the sitting. The Honorable Stuart Richard McDonald, BOARD OF INQUIRY INTO M.L.C. who was appointed to the council for HOUSING COMMISSION LAND the four year term ending 11th December, PURCHASES. 1979 has resigned from the council on the advice of his doctor and I should be grateful Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray): if you could arrange a joint sitting to re­ By leave, I move-- commend a member to replace him. I have addressed a similar letter to the That leave be given to members of the President of the Legislative Council. Legislative Assembly to attend, if they think fit, as witnesses before the Board Yours Sincerely, of Inquiry into Housing Commission Land L. H. S. THOMPSON, Purchases at Pakenham, Sunbury and Mel­ Minister of Education. ton. A message was received from the Mr. RAMSAY (Balwyn): I second Legislative Council acquainting the the motion. Legislative Assembly that the Legis­ lative Council has agreed to meet the The motion was agreed to. 9158 Committees (Attendance [ASSEMBLY.] Fees) Bill.

COMMI'ITEES (ATTENDANCE the Melbourne and Metropolitan FEES) BILL Board of Works (Borrowing Powers) The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth Bill. Wheeler) announced the presentation Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for of a message from His Excellency Conservation), pursuant to Standing the Governor recommending that an Order No. 169, moved for leave to appropriation be made from the Con­ bring in a Bill to increase the maxi­ solidated Fund for the purposes of mum amount which the Melbourne the Committees (Attendance Fees) and Metropolitan Board of Works Bill. may borrow and for other purposes. Mr. HAMER (Premier and The motion was agreed to. Treasurer) , pursuant to Standing The Bill was brought in and read Order No. 169, moved for leave to a first time. bring in a Bill to amend the Parlia­ mentary Committees Act 1968, to PUBLIC ACCOUNT (AMENDMENT) amend the Public Works Committee BILL. Act 1958, to alter the method of The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth determining attendance fees and for Wheeler) announced the presentation other purposes. of a message from His Excellency the The motion was agreed to. Governor recommending that an ap­ The Bill was brought in and read propriation be made from the Con­ a first time. solidated Fund for the purposes of the Public Account (Amendment) EPWORTH HOSPITAL Bill. (GUARANTEE) (AMENDMENT) Mr. HAMER (Premier and BILL Treasurer), pursuant to Standing The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth Order No. 169, moved for leave to Wheeler) announced the presentation bring in a Bill to amend section 16 of a message from His Excellency the of the Public Account Act 1958, and Governor recommending that an ap­ for other purposes. :propriation be made from the Con­ The motion was agreed to. 'soli dated Fund for :the purposes of the The Bill was brought in and read Epworth Hospital (Guarantee) a first time. (Amendment) Bill. Mr. HAMER(Premier and ADJOURNMENT. Treasurer) , pursuant to Standing PROBATE FUNERAL ALLOWANCE- Order No. 169, moved for leave to HOUSING COMMISSION CHARGES­ bring in a Bill to amend the Epworth ROAD SAFETY BOOKLET-RAILWAY Hospital (Guarantee) Act 1977 and STATIONS-SALE OF HOUSING COM­ for other purposes. MISSION HOMES TO TENANTS. The motion was agreed to. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education): I move- The Bill was brought in and read That the House, at its rising, adjourn a first time. until tomorrow, at two o'clock. MELBOURNE AND The motion was agreed to. METROPOLITAN BOARD OF Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of WORKS (BORROWING POWERS) Education): I move- BILL That .the House do now adjourn. The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth Mr. EDMUNDS (Ascot Vale): Wheeler) announced the presentation I raise a matter for the attention of ofa message from His Excellency the Premier and Treasurer. Recently the Governor recommending that an it was brought to my notice that appropriation be made from the Con­ under the Probate Duty Act a form solidated Fund ffor the purposes of which a person handling a small Adjournment. [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Adjournment. 9159 estate must complete has a heading, for the employee. Does the same "Deductions from Gross Estate". principle apply within the Housing Under section 10, which relates to Commission? In other words, does funeral, burial or cremation expenses the Housing Commission accept re­ incurred, the maximum deduction sponsibility for employees of the allowed from the gross estate commission who have illegally taken is $160. The ordinary, simple money out of the pockets of certain funeral costs no less than $600 residents of Australia, some of whom or $700. I should like the Trea­ were not fully conversant with the surer and the Government to ur­ laws of the land? What has hap.­ gently consider the proposition that pened within the ambit of the Minis­ that amount should be raised to en­ ter's investigation, and where do the sure that people who are handling persons who have purchased or small estates on behalf of relatives rented homes stand as a result of the are able to deduct something nearer investigations carried out by the the contemporary price of the burial Minister? of a relative. This matter requires the most simple of amendments. I be­ Mr. ROPER (Brunswick): I raise lieve it is some time since there has with the Minister who represents the been any change in the law and that Chief Secretary in this House a an amendment would be welcomed matter which concerns the availa­ by the community generally. bility of the Victorian road code booklet in languages other than Mr. FOGARTY (Sunshine): I raise English. The Minister mayor may a matter with the Minister of Hous­ not be aware that in 1975, in answer ing. During the latter part of the to a question that I asked, the former last sessional period the honorable Chief Secretary said that the booklets member for Footscray told the House were out of stock in the period from that certain people wishing to July to August, 1975, but he hoped purchase or rent a Housing Commis­ they would be available in Italian, sion home were charged certain sums Greek and other languages early in of money illegally. I believe an in­ the New Year. Subsequently I have vestigation was carried out and, pos­ asked other questions, both without sibly, arising from the investigation notice and on notice, and on each charges may be made. I represent occasion I have been assured by an electorate in which there is a large Ministers that the booklets will be number of Housing Commission available. homes for rental and purchase. From information received there is every This morning the Road Safety and possibility that some of my con­ Traffic Authority stated, as we have stituents may have been caught up in been told repeatedly, that translations a certain amount of skullduggery have now been made but there which may have occurred in areas are problems with the Government within the Housing Commission. As Printer. I do not know where the problem is but one would imagine a result of the Minister's investiga­ that a normal Government depart­ tion I wish to know whether charges ment and a normal Minister would are to be laid against certain officers have been able to ensure that if a of the Housing Commission. If so, stock of important booklets ran out how many and what is the nature of in July and August, 1975, the new the charges? printing would occur before mid­ I raise this matter on the adjourn­ September, 1977. ment motion to find out where the It does not take a particularly people who have paid the money, active department or a particularly among whom are newer settlers to active Minister firstly to ensure that our country, now stand. In industrial these books are available and, relations I have always accepted the secondly, to ensure that promises fact that the employer is responsible that are given to Parliament and to 9160 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment. the migrant communities of Mel­ Mr. JONES (Melbourne): I should bourne are fulfilled. No doubt the like the honorable gentleman to bear Minister and his colleague, the Minis­ with me until half time. The question ter of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, continues- would be aware that the booklets and (b) have approaches and/or barrier were extremely useful. When they gates to platforms which are obscured from first came out I had quite a stock in the guard and/or driver of a normal seven­ my electoral office and copies were carriage train. taken by many people so that they I asked this question on the ides of could understand the Victorian road March, which the Deputy Premier at code. That makes the road safer for least would recognize as being 15th all of us. The booklets were also March, this year. That is almost six available in Government offices and months ago and the question has not they were snapped up because for yet been answered. many people they were the first What I really want to know is what adequate account of the Victorian has happened to the administration road code. of the Minister's department. I asked r ask the Minister representing the the question because the Australian Chief Secretary whether he can Railways Union gave me a copy of ascertain the reason for the further a notice prepared by the Minister of delay and give some guarantee to the Transport which classified railway House that promise No. 5 may be stations in terms of their visibility. kept. I thought the information contained in the material prepared by the Minis­ Mr. JONES (Melbourne): I bring ter's own department was so valuable to the attention of the Minister of that it ought to be on public record. I Transport a matter concerning ques­ thought I had asked the Minister the tion No. 1760 on the Notice Paper. easiest question possible. All he The question was one of a series had to do was to put the question asked early in the autumn sessional in and his computer-like mind would period. Eight of them have still not immediately recognize it as being the been answered now that the House language of his department. He has resumed for the spring sessional could say, "That is easy. I will have period. the answer tomorrow." In fact. the poor individuals who advise him must The question reads as follows- have lost the piece of paper because To ask the Honorable the Minister of six months have now thundered by Transport what railway stations in the Melbourne suburban system-(a) require and they cannot find the material on station staff on duty. due to curvature in which the question is based. I ask track at the station resulting in part of a the Minister why he has not been able normal seven-carriage train being obscured to provide an answer to the question. from the guard's view; Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir): I Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public direct a matter to the attention of Works): I wish to raise a point of the Minister of Housing. A number order. Until tonight I had assumed of residents of the Housing Com­ that the honorable member for Mel­ mission estate at East Reservoir are bourne was an intelligent man but he seeking to purchase their homes. is asking questions on the adjourn­ They have been advised that no sales ment of the House. Why does the of houses on the estate will be made honorable member not raise these pending a decision concerning a questions at the appropriate time? planning proposal. The SPEAKER (Sir Kenneth I ask the Minister to consider the Wheeler): Order! The honorable position of residents who have indi­ member for Melbourne is asking the cated that they wish to buy the Minister of Transport why a certain homes they presently occupy and question on the Notice Paper has not whether a valuation could be made been dealt with. and an undertaking given to sell at Adjournment. [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Adjournment. 9161 that valuation if a decision to release The proposition was that the com­ these homes for sale is ultimately mission could consolidate the titles made. I also ask the honorable to old, dilapidated houses and offer gentleman to bear in mind the posi­ the existing tenants the opportunity tion of those residents who now have of compatibly moving to another dependants under the age of 21 but site, offer to move them back free who may not in eighteen months or of charge and provide, in place of, two years have those dependants. I say, eight old houses, perhaps twenty should be grateful if the Minister new terrace apartments. The com­ would investigate the matter in an mission believes that would be appre­ attempt to provide justice for those ciated by both the people who were residents so affected. afforded new housing in place of old Mr. HAMER (Premier and and those who would be rehoused Treasurer): I have taken notice of close to public transport and facili­ the request made by the honorable ties. member for Ascot Vale to increase The Housing Commission has now the amount of deduction for funeral vetted most of those 14,000 opportuni­ expenses for probate duty purposes ties and in the next week or so letters and will be glad to deal with that will be sent to approximately 13,500 matter in connection with the Budget. tenants to tell them they can pro­ Mr. HA YES (Minister of Housing): ceed with an application to purchase Concerning the matter raised by the if they wish to do so. There are honorable member for Sunshine, I approximately 410 or 420 opportuni­ thought that the press at large had ties for redevelopment which are still covered the situation of charges laid under investigation. against people who had offered and It may be that each of the tenants paid bribes to be advanced in the the honorable member represents is queue to purchase a house. To date at present occupying a property more than a dozen people have been which has been cleared for purchase, charged on various matters. but if the property happens to be one Mr. FOGARTY: The tenants have of those still under investigation for been charged? redevelopment the tenant will be told of that in a nice, frank, courteous Mr. HAYES: Tenants who have letter. paid bribes to have their cases ad­ vanced in the queue have been Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of charged. A former officer of the com­ Special Education): Obviously, from mission has also been charged and the shy and coy glances of the hon­ other charges will follow. Those arable member for Brunswick to­ charged have been remanded for wards the press gallery, he has al­ trial later this year. ready given the press gallery a good briefing on the matter he raised of With respect to the matter raised the translation of the literature con­ by the honorable member for Reser­ cerning the road code. voir, honorable members will recall During the last sessional period a that last April it was alleged that number of questions concerning this the commission intended to bulldoze 14,000 homes. At the time I ex­ matter were placed on the Notice plained that, with my concurrence, Paper. With the creation of a Min­ given in the previous November or istry of Immigration and Ethnic December, the commission had Affairs by the Premier of this written to owners of old houses which State- had a capital value of approximately Mr. JONES: And the Parliament. $8,000 in those days, advising them Mr. SCANLAN: Yes, the Premier that the houses were being withheld and the Parliament, it became from sale while a study was under­ obvious to the Government that taken into redevelopment opportuni­ there was a need to examine ties. the type of literature to which 9162 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice. the honorable member has alluded. Fire Safety are a blueprint for legislative Therefore, with a view to improving reform. whether the Government will be taking action to implement the report; if so, the quality and production of pub­ whether the Minister will take steps to have lications for those who wish to have the report made public? information supplied in languages other than English, a committee has Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of been established by the Chief Com­ Special Education) : The answer missioner of Police, who consults with supplied by the Chief Secretary is- the Minister of Immigration and The Government has taken action in re­ spect of a number of recommendations Ethnic Affairs with a view to improv­ made in the report and the details in this ing the range and quality of pub­ respect have been publicized. Further steps lications printed and published by the will be taken as the results of current Government. That has occurred and investigations come to hand. is continuing. The report was prepared for the infonna­ In the meantime, if there are delays tion of the Government and it is not pro­ with the Government Printer, that posed to arrange for its publication. is a matter for the Premier and not the Chief Secretary. I inform the FUNDS FOR LIBRARmS. honorable member that I understand (Question No. 949) the publications will be available Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the soon. Minister of the Arts- Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of In each of the years 1972-73 to 1975-76 Transport): Immediately upon the inclusive-- honorable member for Melbourne 1. What amount was made available by asking me about question No. 1760 by the Commonwealth Government and the State Government, respectively, for the im­ my computer-like mind told me that provement of local and central libraries the question had already been through the provision of foreign language answered. I checked with the Clerk, material? and there is a copy of the answer in 2. What amount was actually spent and the Papers Room. I ask the honorable to what J?Urpose any shortfall in expenditure member to attend one of his many was applied? offices and look at his unopened mail. If he is unable to find the answer I am Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): sure that the Papers Room will be The answer is- able to help him. In the event that the 1. Advanced Recouped from Papers Room is not able to make by State Commonwealth one available to him, I shall be de­ $ $ 1972-73 lighted to do so tomorrow. 1973-74 The motion was agreed to. 1974-75 29,836.85 1975-76 45,810.38 75,647.23 The House adjourned at 1.48 a.m. (Wednesday). Totals 75,647.23 75,647.23 The Commonwealth, through the Depart­ QUESTIONS ON NOTICE. ment of Urban and Regional Development, undertook to reimburse the State for ex­ The following answers to questions penditure of up to $94,000 incurred be­ tween 15th May, 1974, and 1st July, 1974, on notice were circulated- for provision of central foreign language materials at libraries in specified areas. REPORT ON FIRE SAFETY. At my request this time limit was later (Question No. 680) extended to 1st July, 1975. Mr. WILKES (Leader of the 2. Problems with both local and overseas Opposition) asked the Minister of supplies meant that up to 30th June, 1976, Special Education, for the Chief $75,647.23 was expended. Expenditure was curtailed as there was no guarantee during Secretary- 1975-76 that the Commonwealth would con­ In view of the statement of the former tinue to reimburse the State. Hence there Chief Secretary that sections of the report was no shortfall, as the Commonwealth re­ of the Liberal Party Policy Committee on imbursed only on proof of expenditure. Questions [6 SEPTEMB~R, 1977.] on Notice. 9163

PRIMARY FUELS. I took up with the Prime Minister in Sep­ tember of, last year the possible need for (Question No. 1417) grain subsidy having regard to the condi­ tions then existing. The Prime Minister Mr. AMOS (Morwell) asked the referred the matter to the committee which Minister for Minerals and Energy- was set up to advise Commonwealth Min­ 1. Whether the Ministry of Fuel and isters, but following the spring rains, it Power co-operated with the Fuels Branch was decided that such a last resort of the Commonwealth Department of measure was not then necessary. Minerals and Energy on the End Use Analysis of Primary Fuels Forecast· Study FIRE AT MOUNT MARTHA BEACH undertaken by that department; if so, what are the details of that co-operation, indicat­ HOUSE. ing what information the Ministry was able (Question No. 1519) to provide? 2. What data the Ministry has at its dis­ Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of posal on all fuels usage and forec~ts in this the National Party) asked the Min­ State? ister of Special Education, for the 3. What is the forecast consumption of Chief Secretary- primary fuels, by industry and by fuel type, If the Chief Secretary will lay on the expressed in British thermal units multi 10 table of the Library all correspondence to the power 12, in Victoria from 1971-72 to between the Under Secretary and the 1984-85? honorable member for Caulfield relating to the police investigation and legal proceed­ Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for ings arising from the setting on fire of the Minerals and Energy): The answer honorable member's beach house at Mount is- Martha in June, 1974, together with all 1. No. other correspondence relating to these matters? 2. I refer the honorable member to the Victorian Government's Green Paper on Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of energy, issued March, 1977. Special Education): The answer 3. The forecast information relating to supplied by the Chief Secretary is- primary fuels is contained in Tables 2 ·1 and 2· 2, also figures 3 and 6 of the above It is not proposed to table the file. Green Paper. Conversion data is found at the end of the report. MEDIBANK HOSPITAL PATIENTS. Forecast consumption of oil fuels by Aus­ (Question No. 1618) tralian manufacturing industries is contained in the latest Oil and Australia 1976 fublica­ Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the tion by the Australian Institute 0 Petro­ leumLtd. (page 7). Assistant Minister of Health, for the Minister of Health- GRAIN SUBSIDIES. 1. Whether the Minister, the Hospitals and Charities Commission, the Department (Question No. 1446) of Health or the Medical Board of Victoria, have received complaints concerning Mr. HANN (Rodney) asked the doctors refusing to treat Medibank hospital Premier- patients; if so, how many complaints have If he will lay on the table of the Library been received, what was the result of the all correspodence and files relative to the investigation into each such complaint and request to the Commonwealth Government what action was subsequently taken? for the inclusion of grain subsidies as a 2. Whether the Commonwealth Min­ fonn of drought relief under the Natural ister of Health has communicated or Disaster Scheme; if not, why? corresponded with the Minister or any Vic­ Mr. HAMER (Premier and torian departmental officers concerning the Treasurer): The answer is- problem of the non-treatment of Medi­ bank hospital patients; if so, what action The provision of a subsidy on the pur­ is proposed to be taken by the Minister? chase and transport of feed grains was one of a number of matters covered in Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of correspondence between the State and Health): The answer supplied by the Commonwealth in fonnulating appropriate relief measures within the framework of Minister of Health is- established natural disaster arrangements. 1. There have been isolated reports con­ As indicated in my letter to you of 15th cerning doctors refusing to treat Medibank April, a subsidy on feed grains is only hospital patients but only one complaint considered as a last resort measure to help was fonnally made to the Hospitals and a fanner feed his essential breeding stock. Charities Commission. Upon investigation 9164 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice. the commission arranged a firm admission (b) It is not possible to calculate the date for the patient for treatment under additional cost for the State. the Commonwealth-State cost-sharing (c) In some instances there were and arrangements. will be delays. 2. Yes. The Commonwealth Minister of Health recently drew attention to a 2. Yes. complaint that a patient had failed to (a) November, 1976. gain admission to a recognized hospital (b) It is not possible to calculate the where he required urgent surgery. At the additional cost for the State. time the patient advised the hospital that he was privately insured. No beds were (c) In some instances there were and available at the particular hospital and will be delays. other public hospitals were asked but were unable to help. The patient was referred to the surgeon on call at his MEomANK PAYMENTS. private rooms who decided that admission (Question No. 1635) was necessary. At the time the patient believed that Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the he was covered by family health insurance Assistant Minister of Health, for the but intimated that if he was not his family Minister of Health- would accept responsibility for the payment 1. Whether the Department of Health h~s of the accounts. He then elected to go investigated any complaints from the pubh,c to a private hospital. concerning over-charging or abuse of Medi­ It is believed that the problem in this bank payments; if so, how many doctors particular case was exceptional and have been investigated and with what re­ Specific to the patient and cannot be sult? regarded as being related to a general shortage of beds. 2. Whether the department has inves­ tigated the case of Dr. David Sender who was found guilty in relation to eleven HOSPITALS DEVELOPMENT charges of Medibank over-payments; if so, PROGRAMME. what action the Department of Health has (Question No. 1620) taken.? 3 Whether the case of Dr. Sender, or any Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the other doctor, charged and/or found guilty Assistant Minister of Health, for the in relation to Medibank payments has been Minister of Health- referred to the Medical Board of Victoria for In respect of the hospitals develop­ action; if so, which cases and what action ment programme currently funded by the the board has taken? State and the Commonwealth- Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of 1. Whether the Commonwealth Govern­ Health) : The answer supplied by ment refused to meet the increased cost of State programmes approved for funding the Minister of Health is- under the programme in the year 1975-76; 1. Complaints from the public concerning if so-( a) when the decision was announced; (b) what additional cost was over-charging or abuse of Medibank pay­ involved for the State; and (c) whether ments come within the responsibilities of the the programme was delayed and, in that Commonwealth Department of Health. In event, how? so far as the State of Victoria is concerned, section 17 of the Medical Act provides for 2. Whether the Commonwealth Govern­ inquiries by the Medical Board in respect ment has notified the State that it will not to the conduct of medical practitioners meet the increased costs of approved where the medical practitioner has been projects in 1976-77; if so-Ca) when the convicted of an indictable offence or has decision was conveyed to the State; (b) been guilty of infamous conduct in a pro­ what additional cost was involved for the State; and (c) whether the programme is fessional respect or is an inebriate within to be delayed and, in that event, how? the meaning of the Inebriates Act 1958 or any corresponding succeeding enactment. Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of 2. Yes, but it is understood that the Health): The answer supplied by the offences which Dr. Sender was convicted' of Minister of Health is- were not indictable and therefore outside of the provisions of section 17 of the Medical 1. Yes. Act. (a) In February, 1976, the Common­ wealth Government advised that in view 3. Yes, the Medical Board is at present of the curent economic situation it had considering reports submitted by the Com­ decided that it could not fund cost escala­ monwealth authorities concerning Dr. tion on the State's grant for 1975-76. Sender and another medical practitioner. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9165

CUTS IN PUBLIC SPENDING. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of (Question No. 1640) Education): The answer is- I advised the honorable member by letter Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the dated the 29th August, 1977, that in the Premier- electoral district of Coburg, Newlands High 1. Whether the Prime Minister or any School has a career education officer ap­ other Commonwealth Minister, has written pointed to its staff. to him or any State Minister this year con­ cerning cuts in public spending? MELBOURNE-GEELONG 2. Whether the State has been informed RAILWAY UNE. that any proposed grants from the Com­ (Question No. 1723) monwealth to the State would be part of expenditure cuts approved by Federal Mr. GUDE (Geelong East) asked Cabinet in January and February this year; the Minister of Transport- if so, which programmes will be affected and to what extent? 1. What progress has been made On the duplication of the Geelong-Melboume rail Mr. HAMER (Premier and link and when the duplication will be com­ Treasurer): The answer is- pleted? 1. Yes. 2. What is the position regarding the electrification of the Newport-Werribee rail 2. Yes. Several programmes will be link and when it is expected this electrifica­ affected. The extent will not be known until tion will be completed? the Federal Budget is brought down. Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Transport): The answer is- EDENHOPE HOSPITAL. 1 and 2. As the honorable member would (Question No. 1661) be aware, the Government has allocated $700,000 this financial year for work on Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the these two major projects. Assistant Minister of Health, for the The Victorian Railways Board has ad­ Minister of Health- vised me that on-site work has commenced on the duplication of the Melbourne­ Further to question No. 1160 answered on Geelong line and that design work is pro­ 8th March, 1976- ceeding on the electrification of the line to 1. Whether the difficulties between the Werribee. committee, doctor, matron and other staff Subject to an appropriate flow of funds, of the Edenhope hospital have now been the Victorian Railways Board estimate that resolved? the duplication will be completed by the end of the 1979-80 financial year and that Whether the resolution of these difficul­ the electrification will be completed towards ties is the reason for the decision not to lay the file or files on the table of the the end of 1981. Library; if not, what is the reason? (Question No. 1739) Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of Health) : The answer supplied by Mr. BIRRELL (Geelong West) the Minister of Health is- asked the Minister of Transport- 1. It is believed that the problems associ­ What progress has been made in the ated with the management of the Edenhope duplication of the Lara to Corio section of and District Memorial Hospital, have been the Melbourne-Geelong railway line since resolved. the announcement in the 1976 Budget of an allocation of $500,000 for such work? 2. For the above reason, it would be inadvisable to table the file at this stage. Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Transport): The answer is- SCHOOLS IN COBURG The Transport Works and Services Act 1976 provides for expenditures until Decem­ ELECTORATE. ber, 1977. (Question No. 1719) As the honorable member would know the Government has committed $700,000 Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) asked the this financial year for work on two major Minister of Education- projects on the Geelong line-the duplica­ How many secondary schools within the tion between Little River and Corio and the electoral district of Coburg have a guidance electrification between Altona junction and career officer attached to the staff? Werribee 9166 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

The. honorable member will be pleased to 3. What sUpel'Visioo. is undertaken by the know that on-site work has already com­ State over how well these clubs achieve menced on the duplication of the remaining their objectives? section of the Geelong line. 4. What action has been taken, or is ELDERLY CITIZENS' CLUBS. proposed, following the submission of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Associa­ (Question No. 1744) tion of Geronotology that elderly citizens' Mr. CATHIE (Carrum) asked the clubs do not r~ch a wide enough group Assistant· Minister of Health, fOr the of elderly people in need? Minister of Health- Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of 1. What funds have been allocated in Health) : The answer supplied by each of the past five years to elderly citi­ the Minister of Health is- zens' clubs an~ on what basis the allocation was made? 1. Capital and maintenance payments to 2. What are the functions of these clubs elderly citizens' clubs in Victoria for the and what percentage of the aged in the financial years 1971-72, to 1975-76 inclusive community they serve? were as follows--

Financial year Total payment Capital Maintenance

$ $ $ 1971-72 269,041.84 54,735.59 214,306.25 1972-73 579,393.22 ~66,572.08 212,821.14 1973-74 " 523,776.85 282,960.31 240,816.54 1974-75 " 803,291.57 525,269.43 278,022.14 1975-76 .. 2,171,690.04 1,753,900.59 417,789.45

The basis of such allocation was as subject to the net cost of anyone item follows- (excluding hot meals) being limited to 25 (0) Capital- per cent. . 1971 to 15th September, 1971-maximum 1st October, 1974, to 30th September, subsidy of $10,000 on a $2 for $1 basis. 1975. Maximum of $3,000 per annum per 16th September, 1971, to 21st August, club on the basis of four-fifths of the net 1973- cost to the council; subject to the net cost of anyone item (excluding hot meals) being 1. (a) Approved cost not exceeding limited to 25 per cent. $22,500: Subsidy-seven-ninths of approved project. 1st October, 1975. Maximum of $3,000 per annum on the basis of two-thirds of the (b) Approved cost exceeding $22,500 but net cost to the council; subject to the net not exceeding $30,000: Subsidy-$10,000 cost of anyone item (excluding hot meals) plus an amount equal to one-third of the being limited to 25 per cent. approved cost. 1st October, 1976. Maximum subsidy of (c) Approved cost exceeding $30,000: $6,000 per annum per club providing a hot Subsidy-$20,OOO plus an amount equal to meal service and up to $4,000 per annum the direct contribution by the municipal per club not providing hot meals on the council towards the cost of the project provided that the total amount of subsidy basis of two-thirds of the cost to the shall not exceed the aggregate of $10,000 council; subject to :the net cost of anyone and one-third of the approved cost. maintenance item ( excluding hot meals) being limited to no more than the $4,000. 22nd September, 1973 onwards-- 2. Elderly citizens' clubs provide services 1. (a) Cost not exceeding $30,OOO-Sub­ and amenities to assist the elderly to retain sidy-an amount equal to actual cost. their health so that they may continue to (b) Cost exceeding $30,000-Subsidy-a lead independent lives in their own homes. basic amount of $30,000 plus $2 for each $1 The recommended constitution for the clubs contributed to the project cost by the muni­ provides that the club is- cipal council from municipal funds only. cc to promote and undertake or assist in (b) Maintenance- promoting and undertaking benevolent 1.971 to 30th September, 1974. Maximum assistance for elderly people of both sexes of $2,000 per annum per club on the basis irrespective of creed, class or colour and of four-fifths of the net cost to the council; without in any way limiting the generality Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9167

of the foregoing provision shall have (b) Seventy-two locations where the power to do or to assist in doing any or curvature of the track obscures the entrance all of the following things- to the station platform from the view of the (i) To provide a benevolent relief to guard or driver. elderly people by establishing and maintaining a club or clubs. DIET OF SCHOOL CHILDREN. (ii) To provide recreational facilities, (Question No. 1765) social companionship, entertainment and daily accommodation and care Mr. CATHIE (Carrum) asked the for club members. Assistant Minister of Health, for the (Hi) To establish and maintain a "meals­ Minister of Health- on-wheels" service. 1. What investigations have been under­ (iv) To organize and maintain a visiting taken by the Department of Health into the service." diet of school children, and with what It is estimated that approximately 15 per results? cent of the aged in the community avail 2. What action is lroposed to control themselves of the facilities provided by school tuck shops an the sale of sweets elderly citizens' clubs. and sugar d~? 3. Community welfare advisers of the Department of Health visit all clubs subsi­ 3. Whether it is proposed to follow the dized by the Government and provide advice United States of America and English pr-ac­ and assistance to the club committees in tice of providing a basic meal to school achieving the objects detailed in the constitu­ children at lunch time; if not, why? tion. Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of 4. With the object of assisting municipal councils in developing elderly citizens' clubs Health): The answer supplied by the so as to reach as many elderly as possible Minister of Health is- the Department of Health has appointed 1. The School Medical Service of the three additional community welfare advisers. Department of Health participated in the In addition the department has arranged investigation related to fish eating and mer­ regional seminars to discuss with municipal cury contained in fish during 1972-73. Ap~rt representatives the services provided and from this, the depa.rtn}ent. ha~ not carned the best use of elderly citizens' club facili­ out any formal investigatIon mto the diet ties. of school children. It has, however, for a Many of the clubs provide chiropody ser­ long time and in many different areas acted vices and the department has at present as consultant and adviser on nutrition to the under consideration proposals for the exten­ Education Department and to individuals sion of health facility services through the and groups associated with institutions clubs. operating under the Education Act. At the present time a workin~ party ap­ 2. There is no power to control the sale pointed by the Premier is revieWIng services of sweets and sugar drinks in school tuck­ at elderly citizens' clubs as part of an in­ shops and canteens operated in independent vestigation into domiciliary care services schools The matter of control over tuck­ provided by municipal councils. shops . and canteens operated in State schools is one for the Minister of Educa­ RAILWAY STATIONS. tion. (Question No. 1760) 3. The question should be directed to the Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the Minister of Education. Minister of Transport- LAND IN LYGON STREET, What railway stations in the Melbourne CARLTON. suburban system-(a) require station staff on duty, due to curvature in track at the (Question No. 1776) station resulting in part of a normal seven­ carriage train being obscured from the Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the guard's view; and (b) have approaches Minister of Housing- and/or barrier gates to platforms which are In respect of the vacant block of land in obscured from the guard and/or driver of a Lygon Street, Carlton, immediately adjacent normal seven-carriage train? to the block of flats on the south side of Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Lytton Street- Transport): The answer is- 1. What were the dimensions of the block? There are in the suburban area- 2. When the land was acquired by the (a) Thirty-six stations where the Housing Commission and at what prIce? curvature of the track obscures the guard's view of portion of the train at the opposite 3 When the land was sold, indicating the end. na~e of the purchaser and the selling price? 91()8 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

Mr. HAYES (Minister of Housing): Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of The answer is- Education): The answer is- 1. 122 ft. III ins. frontage to Lygon I advised the honorable member by letter Street, 155 ft. 5 ins. frontage to Cardigan dated the 2nd August, 1977, as follows- Stre~t. 332 ft. 2l ins. depth. Primary Schools Division 2. Individual properties which form the subject land were acquired between 16th 1. 7·9 per cent want part-time employ­ February, 1965, and 5th March, 1968, at a ment. total price of $192,573. 2. 9·2 per cent are male-90·8 per cent 3. Agreement on sale was reached on 27th female. October, 1976. The purchaser was R. & M. Secondary Schools Division Cardigan Developments Pty. Ltd. Sale was effected at the Valuer-General's valuation of 1. 22 per cent of applicants for temporary $233,000. teaching positions require part-time employ­ ment, 78 per cent full-time. STATE SCHOOL CLASS-ROOMS. 2. 60 per cent of applicants are· women. (Question No. 1780) 3. Applications cover all areas of curri­ culum but the majority are applican~s for Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray): humanities subjects. Most of the applIcants who have not been appointed are available asked the Minister of Education- only for restricted localities where few 1. How many-(a) portable; and (b) vacancies exist. Bristol class-rooms, are currently in use in Victorian State schools? Technical Schools Division 2. Whether, in view of the continuing use 1. In the Technical Schools Division the of these class-rooms, consideration has been applicants are not required to indicate given to (a) insulation; (b) installation of whether they are applying for part-time or overhead fans; and (c) construction of ex­ full-time employment. ternal sun blinds, for these class-rooms? 2. Approximately 58·2 per cent of the Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of applicants are women. Applications are Education): The answer is- mainly in the humanities and mathematics and science area. I advised the honorable member by letter dated the 24th August, 1977, as follows- 3. Of these registered persons there are no art, physical education or musi~ avail­ 1. (a) 2,718 portables are currently in able for employment and a potential ten­ use in Victorian State schools. twenty of the other categories. (b) 530 Bristol class-rooms are currently in use in Victorian State schools. SAFETY FOR ELECTRICAL 2. All portable class-rooms throughout the State have roof insulation. From 1972- APPRENTICES. 73 onwards all portable class-rooms have (Question No. 1797) been fully insulated, however no provision is made for the supply of exterior sun blinds Mr. GUDE (Geelong East) asked the and fans as it is considered that as all port­ Minister of Education- ables have either internal blinds or heat­ treated and tinted windows, the portables Whether a new safety element relating to are adequately protected. poles work has been introduced in appren­ ticeship studies for electricians in 1977; if not, whether he will have this matter re­ TEACHER EMPLOYMENT. viewed with the view to inclusion at the (Question No. 1785) earliest moment? Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of the Minister of Education- Education): The answer is- With regards to teachers currently reg­ I advised the honorable member by letter istered for appointment to the Education dated the 23rd May, 1977, as follows- Department- "I desire to say that while safety is 1. What proportion are registered for­ covered as an important element of the (a) part-time; and (b) full-time appoint­ electrical trades courses specific reference ment? to power pole safety is not included; how­ 2. What proportion are women? ever, as the complete electrical trades syllabuses are under review to enable the 3. What subject areas the secondary and introduction of a "common core" interstate technical applicants are qualified to teach syllabus the matter of all safety elements in? is under review." Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9169

BEVERAGES PACKAGED IN 3. Whether the Government will take any ACRYLONITRILE. action to control the sale of wrappings manufactured from these substances? (Question No. 1813) Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked Health): The answer supplied by the the Assistant Minister of Health, for Minister of Health is- the Minister of Health- 1. Yes. On the assumption that "viny­ 1. Whether any beverages sold in Vic­ lide" should read "vinylidene". toria are packaged in acrylonitrile? 2. Yes. Officers of my department are 2. Whether the Department of Health aware of the work mentioned. has been approached by any companies plan':' 3. The National Health and Medical ning to sell beverages in such packaging? Research Council recommended limits for vinyl chloride in food and food container~. Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of This recommendation was adopted in this Health): The answer supplied by the State by an amendment (Statutory Rule Minister of Health is- No. 21, 1977) to the Food and Drug Standards Regulations. 1. No. It is not possible to package bever­ ages in acrylonitrile, which is a liquid. APPRENTICESHIP VACANCIES. Presumably the inquiry relates to plastics manufactured in part from acrylonitrile, and (Question No. 1819) as far as I am aware these materials are not used for beverage containers in Vic­ Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked tOria. the Minister of Special Education, for 2. No. the Chief Secretary- 1. How many apprenticeship vacancies in PLASTIC WRAPPING PRODUCTS. each trade classification were advertised by the Metropolitan Fire Brigades Board (Question No. 1814) and the Police Department, respectively, Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked during the past five years? the Assistant Minister of Health, for 2. How many applications were received the Minister of Health- in respect of each such position advertised? 3. How many tradesmen have been 1. Whether any plastic wrapping products employed by each of these bodies during sold in Victoria are manufactured from a the past five years? combination of vinyl chloride with vinylide chloride? Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Special Education) The answer 2. Whether the Minister is aware of the findings of Dr. Cesare Maltoni's research on supplied by the Chief Secretary is- vinyl chlorides? 1 and 2.

Number of Trade to which Number of Agency new Commenced apprentices apprenticed applications

Metropolitan Fire Brigades 10th January, 1972 •. Motor mechanic .. Recorda not maintained Board 1 8th January, 1973 .. Motor mechanic ., Records not maintained 1 9th January, 1973 " Motor mechanic ., Recorda not maintained 1 8th January, 1973 .. Fitter and turner .. Recorda not maintained 1 16th December, 1974 " Fitter and turner .. Recorda not maintained 1 22nd November, 1974 Electrical mechanic . . Records not maintained 1 6th January, 1975 " Motor mechanic ., Recorda not maintained 1 Sth January, 1976 " Motor mechanic .. Records not maintained 1 8th June, 1976 " Painter and decorator ., Records not maintained 1 18th February. 1977 " Electrical mechanic ., Records not maintained 1 18th February, 1977 .. Electrical fitter .. Records not maintained 1 4th March, 1977 " Motor mechanic .. Records not maintained 1 4th April, 1977 " Fitter .. .. Records not maintained Police Department Nil 1972 3 30th January, 1973 " Motor mechanic .. 19 1 7th February, 1974 " Motor mechanic .. 12 4 24th February. 1975 " Motor mechanic .. 23 1 2Sth February, 1975 '. Motor mechanic 1 7th August, 1975 " Motor mechanic .. 10 ·1 19th August. 1975 " Radio technician ·1 1st August. 1975 " Radio technician ·1 27th January, 1976 " Cook .. . . 3 1st February. 1977 " Motor mechanic .. 14

• Appointments were made on the basis of recommendations by the Industrial Trainini Commission. 9170 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

3. The numbers of tradesmen employed Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of by each agency, as at 1st December, in each of the past five years are- Transport): The answer is- 1. The study which resulted in the pro­ duction of the met~politan transportation Metropolitan plan included many of the areas mentioned Year Fire lIriaadca PoUce in the honorablemember's question. In Board Department addition a detailed study of transport needs in the western suburbs was carried out by Wilbur Smith And Associates in 1975. 1972 51 39 Officers of the MiniStry of Transport also 1973 56 39 completed an examination of transport in 1974 56 43 this area. 1975 54 45 A transportation study of the Werribee 1976 55 52 area has been commissioned; and the outer ring study which involves some of the areas mentioned in the honorable member's ques­ MELBOURNE-WERRIBEE tions, has been completed. RAILWAY LINE. In addition the relevant transport authori­ (Question No. 1836) ties review the transport needs in these and other areas. Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the 2. Work has been completed on the dupli­ Minister of Transport- cation of the line between Sunshine and Deer 1. What works will be carried out in Park West and the proviSion of a new sta­ 1976-77 in respect of electrification of the tion at Ardeer. Werribee railway line, and what is the estimated cost? Power Signalling has been installed be­ tween Deer Park West and Rockbank. 2. What works will be carried out in each succeeding ftnancial year until the line is Duplication of the line between Deer Park completely electrified, and what is the esti­ West and Rockbank. mated cost in each case? The lines to Werribee and Mel,ton will be Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of electrified. Transport): The answer Is- The Little River-Corio section of the Mel­ 1. The Victorian Railways carried out boume-Geelong line will be duplicated. preliminary design work during 1976-77. 3. It has been estimated that there are 615,021 car trips per day with origins and! 2. Design work is proceeding and orders or destinations in the areas mentioned. will be placed for materials. These motorists will, of course, be affected The board has advised me that con­ by further shortages of fossil-petroleum struction will begin during the 1979-80 fuels. financial year and be completed towards the end of 1981, providing there is an appro­ BENALLA HIGH SCHOOL. priate flow of funds. (Question No. 1842) The board is not in a position to provide annual cost estimates until design work is Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked further advanced. the Minister of Education- 1. When plans were first formulated for TRANSPORT NEEDS WEST OF a new three-storey wing at Benalla High MELBOURNE. School to meet class-room needs? (Question No. 1837) 2. When it is expected that work will Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the commence on the wing? Minister of Transport- Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of 1. What studies have been or are being Education): The answer is- made of the future transport needs of the I advised the honorable member by letter Melton, Werribee, Deer Park, Laverton and dated the 17th August, 1977 as follows- Little River areas, respectively? 1. Plans for three-storey development have 2. What plans have been prepared and/or been drawn up for which the estimate is con­ adopted for-(a) rail; (b) road; and (c) sidered to be excessive. In conjunction with any other ,transport modes for these areas, local municipality a road closure adjacent indicating when such plans will be imple­ to site is being considered. In the light of mented? the proposed road closure it is intended to redesign the facility. . 3. What effect projected shortages of fossil-petroleum fuels will have on the areas 2. It is not possible in light of the above mentioned above? to advise a definite time for commitment. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9171

NOISE LEVEL IN FACTORIES. (b) Appropriate recommendations along the following lines have been. made- (Question No. 1856) (i) reduction of the noise exposure Mr. CATHIE (CaITum) asked the where practicable; Assistant Minister of Health, for the (ii) regular audiometry of exposed indi­ Minister of Health- viduals to detect any deterioration of hearing; Further to the answer to question No. (Hi) the provision of suitable ear protec­ 1746 given on 22nd March. 1977- tion devices. 1. In respect of the 22 factories visited for the purpose of investigating noise levels 2. The number of factories visited in each in 1975, and the 25 factories visited in year would represent a very small per­ 1976-(a) how many factories in each centage of the total number of factories year were detected with excessive noise in Victoria. exposures; (b) what remedial measures were recommended for combating industrial APPRENTICESHIP VACANCIES. deafness? (Question No. 1867) 2. In each year, what percentage of Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked the total number of factories in Victoria was visited? the Minister of Transport- Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of In each of the past five years- 1. How many tradesmen were employed Health): The answer supplied by the by the Victorian Railways Board and the Minister of Health is- Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways 1. (a) In 1975, fifteen factories were Board, respectively? inspected where noise exposures of 2. How many positions and in what employees were found to be excessive; in trades apprenticeship vacancies were ac;l­ two further cases, the exposures were vertised? found to be borderline with respect to the 3. How many apprenticeship applications department's criteria. were received in respect of each of the In 1976, fourteen factories were inspec­ positions so advertised? ted where noise exposures of employees 4. How many appointments were made were found to be excessive; in five further in respect of each of the trades? cases, the exposures were found to be borderline with respect to the department's Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of criteria. Transport): The answer is-

VICTORIAN RAILWAYS BoARD.

Employed Requirements Applications Appointments

1972-2,539 Blacksmith 5 2 5 Boilermaker 32 83 32 Carpenter and joiner 10 182 10 Electrical fitter (car lighting) 3 2 3 Electrical fitter (signalling) 15 21 15 Electrical fitter (workshops) 20 83 20 Electrical mechanic 15 264 15 Fitter and turner .. 53 264 S3 Motor mechanic .. 2 148 2 Painter 4 26 4 Plumber and gasfitter 4 103 4 Signwriter 1 34 1 Telephone technician 12 75 12 Tinsmith and sheetmetal worker 1 6 1 Upholsterer 1 7 1 1973-2,713 Boilermaker 27 141 26 Car and wagon builder 6 43 6 Cook 1 1 Compositor 1 2 1 Coppersmith .. .. 2 4 2 Electrical fitter (car lighting) 3 13 3 Electrical fitter (instrument) 1 18 1 Electrical fitter (signalling) 15 27 14 Electrical fitter (workshops) 20 94 19 Electrical mechanic 15 321 15 Fitter and turner .. 44 325 40 Letterpress machinist 1 13 1 Lithographic machinist 1 4 1 9172 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

Employed Requirements Applicationa Appointments

Motor mechanic .. 2 236 2 Mo~der .. 2 1 2 Telephone technician 10 78 10 Tinsmith and sbeetmetal worker 2 24 2 Upholsterer 2 10 2 Watchmaker 1 7 1 1974-2,736 Boilermaker 23 56 2S Car and wagon builder 6 45 7 Car painter 5 23 5 Compositor 2 2 2 Coppersmith . . . . 2 3 2 Electrical fitter (car lighting) 3 13 3 Electrical fitter (signalling) .. S 18 5 Electrical fitter (workshop) .. 20 70 20 Electrical mechanic 16 270 16 Electroplater 1 2 1 Fitter and turner .. 42 225 41 Gasfitter and plumber 2 176 2 Letterpress machinist 1 9 1 Motor mechanic .. 2 202 2 Paper cutter 1 1 Patternmaker 1 15 1 Telephone technician .. 12 61 12 Tinsmith and sheetmetal worker 2 15 2 Upholsterer 3 12 3 1975- 2,897 Boilermaker .. 26 78 25 Car and wagon builder .. 10 6 10 Car painter .. 4 25 4 Carpenter and joiner 4 322 4 Compositor 2 5 2 Cook 1 1 Coppersmith . . . . 3 6 2 Electrical fitter (car lighting) S 12 5 Electrical fitter (signalling) 6 29 6 Electrical fitter (workshops) 22 82 22 Electrical mechanic 19 374 19 Fitter and turner 48 237 46 Letterpress machinist 1 21 1 Lithographic machinist 1 9 1 Motor mechanic 2 311 2 Moulder 1 1 1 Painter 5 33 5 Paper cutter .. 1 1 Plumber and gasfitter 5 277 5 Telephone technician 12 193 12 Tinsmith and sheetmetal worker 1 19 1 Upholsterer 4 25 4 1976- 2,783 Blacksmith 4 13 4 Boilermaker 40 107 41 Car and wagon builder 10 30 10 Car painter ., 5 23 5 Carpenter and joiner 9 367 9 Compositor 1 30 1 Coppersmith . . . . 3 9 3 Electrical fitter (car lighting) 3 33 3 Electrical fitter (signalling) 10 37 10 Electrical fitter (workshops) 24 118 24 Electrical mechanic 12 416 12 Fitter and turner .. 56 257 54 Motor mechanic .. 2 321 2 Mo~der 2 2 2 Painter .. . . 8 39 6 Plumber and gasfitter 4 305 4 Signwriter 1 97 1 Telephone technician 2 94 2 Tinsmith and sheetwmetal worker 1 23 1 Upholsterer 3 18 3 Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9173

MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN TRAMWAYS 1973 Auto electrician BoARD. Bodymaking Electrical fitter 1. Tradesmen employed- Fitter and turner 1972 480 Motor mechanic 1973 491 Sheet metal worker 1974 477 Tradesman painter 1975 503 1974 Auto electrician 1976 515 Bodymaker Electrical fitter 2. Positions advertised - Apprenticeship Fitter and turner opportunities were advertised in the daily Motor mechanic press in the latter half of each year from Panel beater 1972 to 1975, but more recently the board Sheet metal worker has been able to recruit sufficient appren­ Tradesman painter tices without press advertising. The press 1975 Bodymaker advertisements only showed the trades in Electrical fitter which apprenticeships were available. The Fitter and turner number of vacancies in each trade was not Motor mechanic shown. Details of the positions advertised are as follows- 1976 3. Applications received-The board in Year Vacancies for apprentices in the recent years has received many more trades of applications for apprentices that it can en­ 1972 Bodymaking gage. Many are from relatives of current Electrical fitter employees and no record has been kept Fitter and turner of the number of applications received in Motor mechanic past years. Tradesman painter 4. Appointments made-

Trade 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976

Automotive electrician 2 BlacksnUthing .. 1 Bodymaker-lst class 3 4 12 5 Boilermaker .. 1 Carpenter and joiner 1 1 1 Electrical fitter " 6 3 2 4 4 Electrical mechanic 1 2 4 Fitter and turner 4 3 6 4 <3ardener .. 2 1 Motor mechanic 5 4 5 8 6 Painter and decorator .. 1 Plumbing and gas fitting 2 Sheet metal-l st class 1 1 Tradesman painter .. 3 3 2 Tradesman panel worker and panel beater 1 Tradesman trimmer 3

APPRENTICESHIP VACANCIES. 3. How many applicants for apprentice­ ship vacancies were interviewed for these (Question No. 1870) positions, indicating the number for each trade? Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked 4. How many tradesmen were employed the Minister for Minerals and by the commission and the corporation, Energy- respectively? In each of the past five years- Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for 1. How many apprentices commenced Minerals and Energy): The answer work with the State Electricity Commis­ is- sion and the Gas and Fuel Corporation, respectively? 1 and 2. The following table shows the number of apprentices who have com­ 2. How many apprentices so employed menced work in each trade in each of the were appointed in each of the respective past five years with the State Electricity trades? Commission of Victoria- 9174 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

Trade 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977

Electrical fitter 21 11 21 23 17 Electrical mechanic 10 18 14 19 28 Refrigeration mechanic 2 2 3 2 1 Radio tradesman .. 2 4 Watch and clockmaker 1 1 1 Meter mechanic .. 2 2 6 4 5 Fitter nad turner 39 42 42 53 52 Motor mechanic 6 8 8 11 9 Carpenter and joiner 3 2 5 7 7 Boilermaker . . . . 15 19 18 16 16 Instrument maker and repairer 7 8 8 8 9 Plumber 1 1 3 3 2 Blacksmith 1 Motor trimmer 1 Panel beater 2 1 1 Sheet metal worker 1 1 1 Painter and decorator 4 12 10 10 Auto electrician 2 1 1 Mechanical fitter .. 3 Bricklayer ...... 2 2 2 B1ectrical fitter and armature winder 2 2 3 3 3 Gardener 1 1 1 1 Linesman 28 36 85 67 91 Moulder.. .. 1 1 Silk screen printer 1 Totals .. 142 160 238 231 263

The figures relating to the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria are as follows-

Trade 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977

Fitting and turning 1 1 4 5 6 Electrical mechanic 1 1 1 3 2 Steel construction 2 2 3 2 3 Painting and· decorating 1 Motor mechanics .. 2 5 3 3 4 Carpentry and joinery 1 1 1 Instrument making 2 Plumbing and gasfitting 18 27 30 31 41 Totals .. 24 38 42 44 57

3. Information concerning the number of ticeship vacancies during each of the past applicants interviewed by the State Elec- three years is set out below. Figures relat- tricity Commission of Victoria for appren- ing to 1973 and 1974 are not available.

Trade 1975 1976 1977

Electrical fitter 53 63 34 Electrical mechanic 34 43 55 Refrigeration mechanic 9 6 4 Radio tradesman 10 20 Watch and clockmaker 3 6 Meter mechanic 12 11 21 Fitter and turner 95 96 108 Motor mechanic 24 27 38 Carpenter and joiner 17 21 22 Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9175

Trade 1975 1976 1977 Boilermaker 41 37 30 Instrument maker and repairer 25 24 29 Plumber .. 8 12 8 Sheetmetal worker 1 3 3 Painter and decorator 23 23 22 Auto electrician 4 5 Mechanical fitter 16 Bricklayer ...... 8 8 8 Electrical fitter and armature winder 10 10 10 Gardener 4- 8 Linesman 205 187 297 Moulder " 4- 8 Silk screen printer 4 Panel beater .. 7 2 6 Total interviewed 601 584 744 The Gas and Fuel Corporation of Vic­ 2. Whether the school to be established toria does not have figures for the years on the property is to be a district high 1973 to 1976 inclusive but the information school; if so, when? relating to 1977 is as follows-- Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Trade 1977 Education) : The answer is- Fitting and turning 20 Electrical mechanics 8 I advised the honorable member by letter Steel construction 7 dated the 26th August, 1977, as follows- Motor mechanics 10 1. This property was purchased on the Carpentry and joinery 6 26th April, 1976, for $1,325,000. Plumbing and gasfitting- (a) The present cost of renovations is Metropolitan 137 $185,000 which includes the following pro­ Country 76 jects- House No. 6 Pilley Street­ Total interviewed 264 Gymnasium; music; drama facilities. House No. 8 Pilley Street- 4. The number of tradesmen employed Science room: Geography room; re­ by the State Electricity Commission of Vic­ medial room; toilets. toria as at 31st December in each of the past five years was-- Building No. 4- Ground floor- 1972--3,995 Staff-Administration; library; seminar­ 1973--3,989 conference; staff toilet. 1974-4,026 First floor- 1975-4,202 1976-4,115 Home economics; needlecraft; lan­ guage; general class-rooms. The following table relates to the Gas Building No. 5- and Fuel Corporation of Victoria and the figures are compiled as at 1st January in Flat 24- each of the past five years-- Woodwork; metalwork; machine room; store; seminar; toilet. 1973-547 Building No. 5- 1974-508 Flat 25- 1975--606 1976-620 Art room; gallery; stores; seminal, 1977-663 toilet. Provision of new multi-sport courts. PURCHASE OF PROPERTY BY Total cost of project--$I85,OOO. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. (b) It is planned to progressively moder­ nize the existing buildings over the next few (Question No. 1880) years, to provide for---- Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked (i) the relocation of the Prahran Regional the Minister of Education- Administration; (ii) a community education centre; In regard to the purchase by the Educa­ (iii) a possible country student hostel; tion Department of property in the City ot (iv) additional school facilities. St. Kilda known as cc Ardoch "- The estimated cost of renovations for 1. When the purchase was made, what further development of the school during was the purchase price, and what is the 1977-78 is approximately $250,000, and there cost of-(a) present; and (b) planned, re· are currently no firm plans for the other novations? proposals. 9176 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

2. A co-educational high school catering Major building projects-Up to $16.000 for pupils from form 1 to form 5 will operate on a $1 for $1 basis (e.g. common rooms, from the beginning of 1978. cafeterias. and so on). Canteens-Up to $7.000 on a $1 for $1 HOUSING COMMISSION basis. REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME, Cooling systems-Up to $3,000 on a $1 for $1 basis (applicable to the north-western WILLIAMSTOWN. part of the State only). (Question No. 1887) Swimming pools-The extent of this grant Mr. STIRLING ('Williamstown) is considered by the Minister in every case. asked the Minister of Housing- The grant is normally on a $1 for $1 basis, $10,000 being the usual starting point. Whether a decision has been made con­ cerning a redevelopment scheme for the The above grants were also available Housing Commission area at Champion during 1975 but during 1976 due to the need Road. North Williamstown; if so. whether to conserve funds for urgent building works, he will make available a copy of the details new applications for grants were suspended of the scheme to the member for Williams­ except for grants of up to $1.500.00 on a town? $1 for $1 basis for grounds improvements. During 1975 a grant of $225,000.00 on a Mr. HAYES (Minister of Housing): $3 for $1 basis for the construction of multi­ The answer is- purpose assembly halls could be obtained No decision has yet been reached. via a waiting list but during 1976 this grant was postponed pending the development of new policy concerning the provisions of such SUBSIDIES FOR SCHOOL WORKS. buildings. (Question No. 1896) Gymnasiums-Requests for a special grant Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) aSked towards the cost of a gymnasium are at present being considered on their individual the Minister of Education- merits pending clarification of a revised 1. What subsidies are now available to policy, and availability of funds. schools wishing to undertake building pro­ jects or grounds development projects. and 2. During 1975-76 financial year what subsidies were available in 1975 and $1,099,812 was spent on assembly halls 1976? and $946.000 on the other categories. 2. What amount was spent by the Educa­ Expenditure recorded up to the 30th June, tion Department on each category of such 1977, is $2,226,000 for assembly halls and subsidy works in. each of the past two years. $1,627,000 for other special grants. and how much IS planned to be spent this It is planned to spend $2, 5 million on as­ year? sembly halls and $1'7 million on special 3. How many schools have applied for grants (other) this financial year. and are currently waiting on the granting of each category of such subsidy? 3. Apart from applications for assembly hall grants (for which a new policy is opera­ Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of tional) there is no waiting period for special Education) : The answer is- grants. Applications are dealt with as they 1. Special grants. on a $1 for $1 basis, are received. are currently available to schools as Details of the new policy for assembly hall follows- grants have been forwarded to honorable Primary schools members. General purpose rooms-Up to $20.000 on a $1 for $1 basis. Canteens-Up to $7.000 on a $1 for $1 EDUCATION DEPARTMENT basis. Grounds development-Up to $5.000 on a SYSTEM LEVEL INNOVATION $1 for $1 basis. PROJECTS. Swimming pools-Up to $4.600 on a $1 (Question No. 1913) for $1 basis. Cooling systems-Up to $3.000 on a $1 Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked for $1 basis (applicable to the north-western the Minister of Education- - part of the State only). Secondary and technical schools 1. What progress has been made on the system level innovation projects funded in Ground development-(a) New schools­ Up to $12,500 on a $1 for $1 basis. 1975? (b) Existing schools-Up to $5.000 on a 2. What funds were allocated for each of $1 for $1 basis. these projects and how much has been Minor building projects-Up to $5.000 on spent to date? a $1 for $1 basis (e.g. covered areas, storage 3. When it is expected that the study rooms. and so on). will be completed? Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9177

vide resources for teacher-produced pro­ Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of grammes involving self-paced mastery learn­ Education): The answer is- ing by pupils. I advised the honorable member by letter The total grant: $5,000. dated the 5th August, 1977, as follows- Expenditure to date: Nil. The following projects have been ap­ proved- A decision is to be made on the nature of the recurrent costs of the vehicle. Because 1. Regional Television Scheme (Special of the school base of curriculum there is Services). a continuing need for guidance to teachers 2. Media Mobile Audio-Visual Consultants in regard to the production of cost-effective (Special Services). a udio-visual resources. 3. Reading Research and Treatment (3) Reading Research and Treatment Centre (Special Services). Centre- 4. Audio-Visual Production Unit (Special (a) Eight Variable Reading Disability Services). Study. 5. Brunswick-Fitzroy School Community (b) Information Dissemination Project. Study (Office of Director-General). The two funded projects inter-relate in 6. Evaluation of School Councils (Plan­ that the 1975-77 reading disability study is ning Services). designed to research and evaluate aspects of reading performance in Melbourne State 8. Joint Services Research-Feasibility primary schools and to arrive at educa­ Study (Planning Services). tionally productive conclusions which could 9. Special Interest Centres-Feasibility be used at the teaching work-face. Study (Planning Services). Although separately funded, the Informa­ 10. Education of Girls-Resource Centre tion Dissemination Project is dependent on (Planning Services-Schools Divisions). the Eight Variable Project (EVP) for con.. 11. Language Programme-Preston Region tent, and provides its means of expression. (Planning Services-Preston R.O.E.-Catbo­ The total grants: (a) $25,000. lic Education Office). (b) $10,000. 12. National Seminar on Educational Dis­ Expenditure to date: (a) $15,666. advantage (Teacher Education). (b) Nil. 13. School-Work Interface Project. Brief interim report prepared. A. Approved (4) Audio-Visual Production Unit-The (1) Regional Television Scheme-Ex­ purpose of the project was to provide a emplary Television Production and back-up facility for teachers of all systems, especially dubbing services were instituted for schools those in the metropolitan area, to produce in the Geelong region. $30,000 spent on their own teaching materials such as slides, portable B/W production equipment and audio cassette tapes, photographs, printed colour recording equipment for one secon­ materials, etc. dary, one technical school and the Audio­ The total grant: $15,000. Visual Education Centre in Geelong. Expenditure to date: $15,000. $35,000 was invested in television master Began operations in March 1976. Teachers recording equipment at Central A.V.E.C. come during and out of working hours. The total grant: $66,000. 300 productions handled per month (ap­ Expenditure to date: $64,503. proximately). Order of priority of demand for services-graphic and associated print Extensive use made of colour recording materials (i) slide making (ii) audio cas­ equipment by both schools-hundreds of sette copying (Hi) major users consultants tapes copied from broadcasts. (At Matthew and itinerant teachers in Special Services Flinders Girls High School 324 colour vidio Division, metropolitan teachers, country tapes have been copied). Porta-paks were teachers. used less intensively for school produced It was estimated that the capital value of materials both teacher and student initiated. the equipment needed would exceed the A.V.E.C. Geelong have used studio pro­ capability of the average school to supply. duction equipment for teacher training and (5) Brunswick-Fitzroy School Community tape production in venues throughout the Study region-main areas Drama, Special Educa­ The total grant: $20,000. tion and Remedial Reading. Dissemination Expenditure to date: $20,000. of information through workshops and con­ tact with the schools in the project. Report printed and distributed. (2) Media Mobile, Audio-Visual Consul­ (6) Evaluation of School Councils tants-To provide transportation of consul­ -Commissioned to SCV-Burwood tants, display materials, production equip­ -interim reports prepared ment and a simulated remote control learn­ The total grant: $20,000. ing station (carrel). Concept was to pro- Expenditure to date: $14,000. 9178 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

Research schedule being re-negotiated due (11) Language programme-Preston to delay in implementing changes in school Region-Facilitation of children's language councils. development through an experientially­ (7) (a) Simulation Option Model Project based language programme. -A feasibility study on the applicabUity of The total grant: $50,000 the Simulation Option Model to the planning Expenditure to date: NU needs of the department. Completion: June, 1978 The total grant: $37,600. (i) Interim Committee of Management Expenditure to date: $35,550. established which includes principals of Completion: February, 1977. three government schools, one Catholic Report has been written and is being pre­ school, part-time co-ordinator, District pared for publication. User manuals are Inspector, Catholic Education Office. also completed and awaiting publication. (ii) Committee is in the process of con- Computer programmes are complete. sidering- (b) Step '76 Report-A report to schools, -appropriate terms of reference other educational institutions and bodies -accountability concerned with employment on the Secon­ -refinement of project proposal dary-Tertiary Education Planning studies. -time table for completion -administrative arrangements by the The total grant: $7,400. Regional Office. Expenditure: $7,400. (12) National Seminar on Education Dis­ Completion: December, 1976. advantage-Glenn College, La Trobe Uni­ Report was produced and distributed. versity, 15-18 August, 1977. (8) Joint Services Research-Feasibility The total grant: $8,120 (Schools Com- Study-Collection of accurate data and mission, $6,620; V.I.S:E.C. $1,500) ideas for development as a basis for pre­ Expenditure to date: Nil paring recommendations that funds be Completion: 18 August, 1977 made available for upgrading the level of Organizer: J. Beacham, Teacher Educa­ specialist support services on an inter­ systemic basis. tion Division. The conference will be for people already The total grant: $10,000 involved in the programme-teaching, mak· Expenditure to date: Nil ing decisions about the programme, offering Completion: December, 1977 counsel, and each State will be asked to (i) Representative committee to be estab­ select their own personnel from co­ lished in line with A.S.C. recommendations. ordinators, teachers, field officers and con­ (ii) Executive officer position to be sultants, parents, academics and students. advertised. One hundred participants including re­ (iii) Co-operation with Country Education source personnel will be invited. Project to be examined. The objectives are the clarification, re­ (9) Special Interest Centres-Feasibility discovery and re-articulation of a pro­ Study-An investigation to examine:- gramme's philosophy, and to help achieve a -nature and extent of existing facilities better match between underlying philosophy -forms of centres and practical outcomes of the programme. -structure (control, administration, staff, Because of the complexity and breadth students, funding). of the objectives, it is proposed to have The total grant: $13,500 three streams functioning---each one focus­ Expenditure to date: Nil sing on a different aspect of the theory! Completion: December, 1977 practice dynamic. The three streams are- Working party in the process of being Tomorrow? A search. fonned to include representation from in­ Curriculum. terest areas (arts, music, drama, craft, Philosophy in Practice. sport, academic), education authorities, Interesting fea tures are- teachers and community. (a) the use of the "search" technique (10) Education of Girls-EstabHshmcnt of employed at the Centre for Con­ Resource Centre tinuing Education at the Australian The total grant: $18,000 National University; Expenditure to date: Nil (b) emphases on understanding the Completion.: December, 1978 theory and philosophy of the (i) Initial meeting with advisory group programme; from related activities. (c) a start to be made on a data bank! (ii) School divisions to consider location, resource centre which it is hoped management committee, appointment of will be progressively built on after .. liaison worker". the conference. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9179

B. In Process and what was the average wage on that l. School based funding project-The pro­ date? ject is designed as a series of inter-related 2. What is the average wage at present? studies examining school-based funding in 3. Whether it is the intention of the Victoria. Five objectives of the project- Minister to periodically amend the Act to -critically evaluate the philosophy/theory preserve relativity with the average wagep of school-based funding if so, when amending legislation will be -assess and suggest alternatives to introduced? present school-based funding arrange­ ments Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of ~amine the schOOl community image Special Education): The answer sup­ of school-based funding plied by the Chief Secretary is- -examine the administrative procedures 1. The benefits which are currently pay­ and infonnation flow for school-based able under the Workers Compensation Act funding arrangements came into operation on 1st July, 1975. The -examine the applicability of Victoria's increase in benefits was based on the in­ experience with school-based funding crease in weekly earnings per employed to other school systems. male unit in Victoria from the September, Estimated budget: $40,000 1971, quarter to the December, 1974, Completion: June, 1978 quarter was $148.20. Project will be administered by a steering 2. The average male wage for the March, committee with representatives of interested 1977, quarter, which is the latest figure parties. available, was $190.90. Each study will be under the direction 3. The matter of an increase in the of a study leader from within Planning benefits prescribed by the Workers Com­ SelVices Division. pensation Act is being examined in con­ 2. School-Work Interface Project-The junction with the consideration of the re­ project has three phases- commendations made in the 'Aport of the Board of Inquiry into Workers Compensa­ (i) relationships between school and tion in Victoria. work; (ii) re-entry to secondary schools; NATURAL GAS. (iii) project stimulation. (Question No. 1941) Planned outcome- Report 1. Initiatives and practices in work Mr. AMOS (MorwelI) asked the ~perience, career education and pre­ Minister for Minerals and Energy- vocational counselling. With respect to question No. 1437 Report 2. Projects and developments in answered on 29th March, 1977- the area of student re-entry to secondary 1. Why it is thought necessary for the schools. Gas and Fuel Corporation to have confi­ Report 3. Legislation, policies and dential access only to information relating activities in work experience and career to those fields from which its dedicated education in Australia. quantities of natural gas are supplied? Report 4. Legislation, policies and 2. Whether the Government will give the activities in re-entry to secondary schools. corporation access to the data necessary to Report 5. Work experience, career edu­ enable it to make an independent appraisal cation, pre-vocational counselling and re­ of the total natural gas reserves in Vic­ entry programs-evaluation and recom­ toria; if not, why? mendations. 3. What access the corporation has to Estimated budget: $20,000. Mines Department information? Completion: February, 1978. 4. Whether the Government's Green Once approved, a steering committee is Paper estimate of Victoria's gas reserves to be appointed which could consist of- was based on the Jast appraisal on these Project Director, Principal Researcher, reserves which took place in 1973; if not, Schools Commission (two), TAFEC, What appraisal was used for purposes of and an academic. the paper? Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for AVERAGE WAGE. Minerals and Energy): The a'nswer (Question No. 1936) is- Mr. FOGARTY (Sunshine) asked 1. As indicated in my reply to your ques­ tion 1437 the corporation is entitled to the Minister of Special Education, access to confidential information relating for the Chief Secretary- to only those fields in the GippsJand Basin 1. What was the date on which the rates which have been dedicated to the corpora­ 'of workers compensation were last revised tion under the terms of its contract with 9180 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

Esso-BHP. Information on gas reserves in Lower Yarra group on behalf of the a number of other minor non-commercial Lower Yarra Foundation. ApplicatiOD re­ fields, some of which are still being ceived on 2nd October, 1975, and was re­ assessed, is not normally made available fused because of uncertainty of ownership to the corporation as these are not fields of the aircraft concerned. dedicated to the corporation. 2. No. This is not considered to be ne­ AEROSOL PROPElLANTS. cessary for the corporation's purpose. (Question No. 1952) 3. On request the total natural gas re­ Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) asked the serves in Victoria would be made known to the corporation by the Mines Depart­ Assistant Minister of Health, for the ment. The total known hydrocarbons re­ Minister of Health- serves in fields declared commercial by Whether any recommendations were Esso-BHP are published by the Ministry made to the Minister by the ad hoc com­ of Fuel and Power (Ministry of Minerals mittee established in May, 1976, to enquire and Energy from 1st September, 1977) in into the problems associated with aerosol some detail in quarterly updated editions. propellants? 4. The estimates of Victoria's gas re­ Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of serves published in the Government's Health) : The answer supplied by Green Paper on Energy were based on figures supplied by the Mines Department the Minister of Health is- (Department of Minerals and Energy from The investigations by the ad hoc com­ 1st September, 1977) in 1976 (after ratifi­ mittee have taken longer than was cation by Esso-BHP) at the time the paper originally anticipated. The convenor of the was prepared. committee has now infonned the Minister of Health that he hopes to be in a position COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY to submit a report before the end of the AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION. month. (Question No. 1946) TEACHER AIDES IN COBURG Mr. LACY (Warrandyte) asked the ELECTORATE SCHOOLS. Minister of Special Education, for (Question No. 1960) the Chief Secretary- Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) asked the 1. Which groups or brigades have applied Minister of Education- to register aircraft with the Country Fire Authority, indicating which applications 1. What is the basis of appointment of were-(a) refused; and (b) delayed for teacher aides? more than one month? 2. To which schools within the electoral 2. What were the grounds for each refusal district of Coburg teacher aides have been or delay? appointed? Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Special Education): The answer sup­ Education) : The answer is- plied by the Chief Secretary is- I advised the honorable member by letter 1 and 2. Applications for registration of dated the 2nd August, 1977, as follows- private aircraft for use by the Country Fire 1. (a) Schools on declared list for sup­ Authority are usually made by individuals. plementary grants (provided by Common­ The following applications have been wealth funds to disadvantaged schools) may made by groups- apply to their regional (or area) Committee for Supplementary Grants. These commit­ Winchelsea group on behalf of J. H. tees will consider whether funds should be Cumming. Application received 30th Oc­ tober, 1976. Approval granted by the committed for the appointment of aides by authority on 15th December, 1976. The school councils ( ethnic aides or teacher delay in granting approval was caused by aides). the need to rf!fer the application to a meet­ (b) We have endeavoured to extend the ing of the authority. provision of aides beyond those schools on the declared list by special funding for Lower Yarra group on behalf of C. K. other schools with considerable problems. Ritchie. Application received on 4th This list was compiled on the specific January, 1977, and approved on 24th recommendations of the directors of January, 1977. divisions. Special aides have been appointed Lower Yarra group on behalf of B. in schools receiving refugee children. Naylor. Application received on 7th (c) Aboriginal teacher aides are ap­ January, 1976, and approved on 12th pointed on the recommendation of the January, 1976. Supervisor of Aboriginal Education, Special Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9181

Services Division. after investigation of a whether the offer has now been conveyed to school's application, and are funded from the university research team by letter or Commonwealth Department Aboriginal other means? Affairs. 4. What are the details and the extent of 2. In the electoral district of Coburg no the Government offer? teacher aide appointments have been made under the provisions of 1 (b) and (c) Mr. HAMER (Premier and above. However under supplementary Treasurer): The answer is- grants provision (1 (a) above). aides have 1. The Victorian Government, excluding been appointed at primary schools 484. the State Electricity Commission, did not Coburg (2 + 2 X 15 hours). 4260, Coburg spend any money on solar energy research East (1 X 0'5), 4543. Coburg North (1 + until 1974. During the period 1974 to 1976 1 X 0'5), 3941, Coburg West (3 + 2 X the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria 0'6), 4864, Fawkner East (2 X 0'5). 4779, spent a total amount of $6,000 on solar Fawkner North (7 X 0·5), 4328. Merlynston energy research and development. No other (1 X 0·7 + 1 X 3 hours) and at secondary State organization as far as I am aware school-Fawkner High School (1 + 5 X spent any money on this particular activity 0'5). during this period. 2. The State Electricity Commission of TRANSPORT TO SCHOOL Victoria spent the following amOlmts during SWIMMING CLASSES. ,the past ten years- (Question No. 1962) 1967-68 to 1973-74 $30,000 approximately Mr. MUTION (Coburg) asked the 1974-75 $13,000 approximately 1975-76 $27,000 approximately Minister of Education- 1976-77 (nine months) How many primary schools within the to March, 1977) $21,000 approximately electoral district of Coburg have applied this term for financial assistance for the These funds were financed from the com­ provision of transport to swimming tuition mission's revenue as part of its programme classes? towards effective use of energy. In addition, the commission is contributing Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of to solar energy research through its member­ Education) : The answer is- ship of the Electrical Research Board. I advised the honorable member by letter 3. No offer has been made to the Aus­ dated the 29th June, 1977, that within the tralian National University research group. electoral district of Coburg two primary schools (4543 Coburg North and 4731 4. Not applicable. Pascoe Vale North) have applied to the Physical Education Centre for financial assistance for the provision of transport to BOX HILL TECHNICAL COLLEGE. remedial swimming classes. (Question No. 1973) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked SOLAR ENERGY RESEARCH. the Minister of Education- (Question No. 1970) With regard to the Box Hill Technical College- Mr. AMOS (Morwell) asked the 1. What is the current student enrolment? Premier- 2. What courses of study are undertaken Further to his answer toa question at the college? without notice on Tuesday, 29th March, instant concerning an offer to assist in solar 3. On which sites the college currently energy research- operates? 1. What amount the Government, exclud­ 4. How many portable class-rooms are ing the State Electricity Commission, has used by the college? contributed to solar energy research in each 5. What stage planning has reached for of the past ten years? the redevelopment of the college? 2. What amount the commission has spent 6. When it is expected building will com­ on such research in each of the past ten mence on the new site? years, indicating whether such. ~nd~ were available because of the commIssIon s own Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of revenue-raising powers? Education): The answer is- 3. Whether an offer of assistance was I advised the honorable member by letter made by the Government to the solar .re­ dated 29th August, 1977, as follows- search programme of the AustralIan National University before he made such an 1. Student enrolments- offer publicly on television; if so w~en the Full-time day (of which 397 is the sec­ offer was made and by whom; If not, ondary enrolment) 9182 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

Part-time day 1,580 (b) Watts Street annexe Part-time evening 3,018 Activities housed-Radio and electrical trades apfrentice courses; Electrical and 5,332 mechanica drafting middle level courses; Humanities, and so on. 2. TAFE programmes- (c) Mitcham annexe (1) Preparatory: Engineering graphics, Activities housed-Carpentry and Jomery English. Mathematics, Physics, Technical and Motor mechanics apprentice courses. drawing. Science. (d) Rutland Road annexe No. 1 (2) Technical orientation: Applied Activities housed-Soils and mining and science. Art, Building studies. Business Civil engineering drafting middle level studies, Engineering, General studies, courses. Integrated studies. Printing, Radio-lV and (e) Rutland Road annexe No. 2 basic electronics, Physical education. Electrical, Plumbing, Motor mechanics. Activities housed-External studies. (1) Cambridge Street annexe (3) Tertiary orientation: Art. Physical education. Activities housed-Refrigeration and air­ conditioning, Workshop and theory com­ (4) Pre-employment: Architectural. elec­ plex being developed. trical, Mechanical, Civil and survey drafting, Building studies, Communication and (g) New college (gas works) site electronics technician (Radio-lV). Activities housed-Buiding trades work­ (5) Basic vocational: Carpentry and shop. joinery, Electrical fitting and machining, 4. There are 35 general and specialist Motor mechanics, Plumbing and gasfitting, purpose portables in use by the college and Radio and electronic tradesmen. two toilets-portable. (6) Advanced basic vocational and tech­ 5. (a) A master plan of college re­ nician: Building construction, Building development on the new .. gas works" site radio and T.V. communication technician, has been completed and approved by the Electrical technician, Industrial electronics, Commonwealth. Electrical drafting, Fluid power (Hydraulics (b) Commonwealth approval has also and pneumatics), Mechanical technician, been obtained for the proposed stage one Metrology, Production, Toolmaking. Jig and complex consisting of three large buildings tool drafting. Quarry technician, Quarry to house the faculties of Engineering, Build­ supervisor. ing studies, Related studies and catering and the Administration and student staff centre (7) Middle level vocational-Architec­ and the contract documentation for the stage tural drafting, Building supervisor, Esti­ is scheduled for completion late in 1977.. mating. Civil Engineering. Civil design draft­ ing. Structural design drafting. Carto­ 6. At ,the present rate of Commonwealth graphy, Surveying (assistant). Mechanical assistance it is anticipated that construction design drafting, Electrical engineering. elec­ of stage one will commence on the gas tronic engineering, Extractive industries. works site early in 1979 and be completed in 1981. (8) Special purpose vocational-Crane drivers, Dogman and crane chasher's certifi­ cate, Fitting and maintenance, Gas accredi­ COUNCIL OF ADULT EDUCATION. tation, Pipeline design, Police studies, (Question No. 1981) Plumbing and gasfitting, Telecommunica­ tions for Postmaster General. Toolmaking, Mr. CRABB (Knox) asked the First-aid and mine rescue, shot firing. Minister of Education- (9) Service programmes to other educa­ 1. Whether he is aware that lecturers con­ tional institutions-Workshop training for ducting courses for the Council of Adult CAE and universities; off campus study pro­ Education formed an Adult Education grammes in co-operation with RMIT. Tutors' Association in 1970 and that amongst its objectives it seeks to further the develop­ (10) Adult education-Amplifiers and ment and expansion of adult education ser­ stereo, Electronics hobby, Artmetal. Metal­ vices in Victoria? work, Owner drivers, Painting, Photography, 2. Whether he has so far failed to accede Pottery. Printmaking, Radio-lV, Woodwork to requests frequently made by the associa­ hobby, Adult reading improvement, Basic tion since its formation to have a represen­ mathematics for adults, Introduction to tative of the association appointed to mem­ statistics and allied computations. bership of the Council of Adult Education; 3. (a) Main college site-Dunloe Avenue if so, why, and whether he does not recog­ nize that the claim of these tutors to be so Activities housed-Secondary division, represented on the council is at least as Plumbing,Carpentry and joinery, Fitting and good as the claim of represented organiza­ machining and Motor mechanics apprentice tions such as the Country Women's Assoc­ courses; Art, Physical education and Draft­ iation, the Chamber of Manufactures, the ingmiddle level courses; Mathematics, Victorian Drama League and the Depart~ Science, Humanities support programmes. ment of Health? Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9183

3. Whether the council at its meeting on where. Other members of council have also 25th May, 1973, passed a resolution to the tutored or are tutors of adults, for council effect that in any future review of the or elsewhere. These people are already Act, provision shoUld be made for represen­ bringing to council table the special skills tation of tutors and knowledge derived from their tutoring 4. Whether he will introduce amending experience. legislation to provide for a nominee of the association to become a member of the DANCE COMPANY FOR council and thus demonstrate his support for the valuable service rendered to the VICTORIA. community by the 700 experts who make (Question No. 1985) their skills so freely available in the cause of adult education Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of the Minister of the Arts- Education): The answer is- Whether he commissioned Mr. Garth Welch last year to prepare a report on the I advised the honorable member by letter establishment of a small but highly effective dated the 28th June, 1977, as follows- dance company for Victoria; if so, whether 1. Yes, I am aware that the Adult Educa­ the report has been completed by Mr. Welch tion Tutors' Association consisting of mem­ and, in that event, whether copies will be bers of the Council of Adult Education's made available to members on request? part-time teaching force was formed late in 1971 and I was advised of the objectives Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): of the association. The answer is- 2. The association approached me in May, 1. Yes. 1972, seeking nominatIOn to the Council of 2. Yes. Adult Education and at that time I sug­ gested that 'the association establish a close 3. Yes. liaison with the director of the Council of Adult Education. FRANKSTON COMMUNITY 3 and 4. Council, at its meeting of May HOSPITAL 25, 1973, passed the following resolution- (Question No. 1993) .. That, in any future review of the Education Act, provision be made for the Mr. CATHIE (Carrum) asked the representation of tutors, administration Assistant Minister of Health, for the and students". Minister of Health- At the same time views were expressed that the administration and students were 1. What is the present number of beds at already represented on council, by the the Frankston Community Hospital, includ­ director and the Adult Education Associa­ ing the temporary ward? tion and that in a similar way tutors were 2. What is the current ratio of beds per also members of council as nominees of 1,000 population and how this compares other organizations. with the accepted standard, indicating the requirements of beds for-(a) the Franks­ In 1976, council established a Committee ton population; and (b) the peninsula of Review which is examining the whole structure of its membership under the Act, population. in view of applications from a number of 3. What was the average monthly number institutions-the State College of Victoria, of inpatients and casualty-x-ray patients, Deakin University, the country continuing respectively, treated at the hospital in each education centres, and so on-seeking month this year? nomination, all of which have substantial claims, and of which the Tutors' Association 4. When a firm decision will be made on is but one. I expect that this Committee of funds for the actual construction of the Review will make recommendations in due stage 1 project, including wards for 150 course and when these are received the beds, a suite of six theatres, out-patients' matter will be given further consideration. area, and augmented staff facilities? The matter of amending legislation to Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of accommodate so many claims could be com­ Health): The answer supplied by the plex. If the council should recommend the formal inclusion of a tutor amongst its Minister of Health is- Dumber, consideration will be given to 1. 193 beds. establishing a formula by which a repre­ 2. (a) 3·69 sentative tutor might be selected. (b) 2·25 (excluding Frankston popula­ In the meantime, one of the more active tion) . members of council has been a tutor for council for a number of years-and is very The accepted standard for hospital beds much engaged as a tutor of adults else- per thousand of population is 3·5. 9184 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

3. September, 1976, from delegates of the four organizations representing employees Average number of in-patients- of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board January February March April of Works and the report on the various 157·7 174·9 184·4 matters raised by them has been received 175·1 from the Melbourne and Metropolitan Average monthly numbers of x-rays- Board of Works. 1,528 1,3.83 1,602 1,508 2. All matters raised except continuing superannuation for women upon marriage Average monthly number of casualty patients- have been dealt with by the Melbourne 2,767 2,320 2,618 2,560 and Metropolitan Board of Works. 4. The Hospitals and Charities Commission Superannuation is stil la matter of invest­ is examin~g the final sketch plans for which igation but an early resolution is expected. there are some outstanding questions on 3. Board employees are employed under mechanical services. Working drawings will conditions set out in a Federal award. then take some months to prepare. The 4. Yes. funding for this project will be considered at the time the completed drawings are See answer to 2. approved. It is likely that a preliminary 5. No. contract will be let for a new boiler house as the present boiler house stands on the Terms and conditions are award matters. site of the proposed works. PRAHRAN COLLEGE OF ADVANCED EDUCATION. BOARD OF WORKS CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT. (Question No. 2005) (Question No. 2000) Mr. CATHIE (Carrum) asked the Minister of Education- Mr. CAIN (Bundoora) asked the 1. When the Prahran College of Advanced Minister for Conservation, for the Education-( a) obtained approval from the Minister of Water Supply- Victorian Institute of Colleges for the 1. Whether the Minister has received a purchase of an adjoining carpet factory for report from the Melbourne and Metro­ a proposed union building; and ( b) re­ politan Board of Works concerning various quested the Estates Branch to begin pro­ matters raised by the Association of ceedings? Architects, Engineers, Surveyors and 2. What has caused the delay in this Draftsmen of Australia (Victorian Division) project, and when it is expected that the at a deputation on 24th August, 1976, and property will be purchased? in correspondence before and since the Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of deputation? Education): The answer is- 2. Whether any decision has been made on any of the submissions put by the I advised the honorable member by letter association both at the deputation and by dated the 2nd August, 1977, as follows- correspondence; if so, which submissions? 1. (a) Ist January, 1973. 3. Whether the Minister will take action (b) 20th August, 1974. to ensure that board employees enjoy the 2. This has been a protracted acquisition same terms and conditions of employment complicated by administrative and practical and entitlements as Victorian public difficulties. servants and employees of other State in­ strumentalities? It was necessary to locate alternative premises to which the carpet factory could 4. Whether a report has been received be successfully relocated, with commercial by the Minister in relation to the board opportunities equivalent to the existing from the Anti-Discrimination Bureau; if so, location. The premises needed to be in a what action has been taken in respect of similar area, enabling the carpet manu­ the report? facturer to retain his established market, in 5. Whether the question of terms and a building that has the capability of being conditions of empJoyment of board em­ renovated to adequately retail carpet and ployees will be referred. to the inquiry into allied furnishings. the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Investigation into available premises was Works for consideration. undertaken conjointly for a number of months. On location of the 1087 High Street Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for property the owner appointed an architect Conservation): The answer supplied to develop the remodellIng proposals. It was by the Minister of Water Supply is­ with the assistance of the Assistant Chief Architect, Public Works Department and , 1. A deputation was not received on 24th this architect that the details of re-establish- August, 1976, but one was received on 2nd ment were negotiated. . Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9185

It was necessary to determine an appro­ CENTRE MUNIClPAUTY priate compensation for re-establishment Murchison Waranga and to identify and negotiate all other Carnegie- Caulfield related expenses and to describe this in an Murrumbeena agreement acceptable to both parties. Bayswater Knox The settlement was concluded on 25th Mount Eliza Mornington May, 1977. Donald Donald Sunbury Bulla North Balwyn Camberwell GRANTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS' Canterbury Camberwell CENTRES. Penhurst Mount Rouse (Question No. 2006) Will Sampson Prahran Koo-wee-rup Cranbourne Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the Stratford Avon Cobden Heytesbury Assistant Minister of Health, for the Montrose Lillydale Minister of Health- He at hcote McIvor In respect of grants for senior citizens' Doveton Berwick centres in 1976--77, 1977-78 and 1978-79- Pakenham Pakenham Camperdown Camperdown 1. When the Commonwealth requested Traralgon Traralgon the State Government to provide a list Beaumaris Sandringham showing the priority of individual projects Trafalgar Narracan and when such a list was provided? Coburg Coburg 2. Which senior citizens' centres were in­ Ararat Ararat cluded on the list, indicating in which Altona Altona order and whether any funds have yet been Portland Portland received from the Commonwealth Govern­ Cowes Phillip Island ment? Pascoe Vale Coburg Edenhope Kowree Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of Japarit Dimboola Health): The answer supplied by the Mallacoota Orbost Minister of Health is- Highett Moorabbin 1. The request made by the Com­ Esplanade Port Melbourne monwealth Director-General of Social Blackwood Ballan Security for a determination of the relative Doncaster Doncaster- priority of each deferred project was con­ Bulleen- Templestowe tained in a letter dated 16th September Templestowe Doncaster­ 1976. The information requested was sup: Avondale­ Templestowe plied by my department under date of 19th East Keilor Keilor October, 1976. Revised costs of the various No funds have yet been received from projects were subsequently given on 4th the Commonwealth Government in regard March, 1977. to any of the centres listed above. 2. The following list details the projects in relative order of priority- VOLUNTARY WELFARE CENTRE MUNIClPAUTY WORKERS. East Frankston Frankston (Question No. 2007) Sebastopol Sebastopol Tootgarook Flinders Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the Mornington Mornington Minister for Social Welfare- OIinda- Lillydale Sassafras Whether following the recent conference Aspendale Chelsea on volunteerism conducted by the Social Chadstone Malvern Welfare Department and the Victorian The Basin Knox Council of Social Service, he will ascertain Essendon Essendon the legal status of voluntary welfare Euroa Euroa workers and, in particular, if they are Cora Graves St. Kilda compellable witnesses in court proceedings, Noble Park Springva]e and advise the House and the Victorian Blackburn Nunawading Council of Social Service the result of his Northcote Northcote inquiries? Longwarry Buln Buln Mr. DIXON (Minister for Social Dunolly Bet Bet Ascot Vale Essendon Welfare): The answer is- Wand in Lillydale I have written to the Attorney-General Riddell Romsey to ascertain the legal status of voluntary Blairgowrie Flinders welfare workers, in particular, if they are Frankston Frankston compellable witnesses in court proceedings Pascoe Vale Coburg and I will make that advice available when Cockatoo Pakenham I receive it within the terms of the honor­ Stanhope Waranga able member's question. Session 1977.-318 9186 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

STATE DANCE COMPANY. Computer services. Assist with the evaluations of proposals and quota~ (Question No. 2008) tions for work involved with the detailed deSign, programming and Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the implemention phase of the properties, Minister of the Arts- personnel and pay-roll sub-systems. $30 Whether major creditors of the State per hour for twenty hours. Dance Company were assured repeatedly by Detailed design phase for the properties, Government officials that Treasury cheques personnel and pay-roll sub-systems. covering their accounts have been issued; if Fixed price $70,000. so-( a) whether an assurance was categori­ cally given on at least one occasion that the cheque in question has actually been posted; EDUCATION ALLOWANCE. (b) what responsibility, if any, is accepted by the Government for these assurances; (Question No. 2015) and (c) when the creditors will be paid? Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): the Minister of Education- The answer is- Whether junior Government scholarship No. holders are also entitled to receive the education allowance payable to students; if not-(a) why; and (b) what other CONSULTANTS EMPLOYED BY students are excluded? EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of (Question No. 2013) Education): The answer is- Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked I advised the honorable member by letter the Minister of Education- dated the 20th May, 1977, as follows- What consultants have been employed by (a) Junior scholarships provide a requi­ the Education Department in-(a) 1974-75; sites allowance and holders have always (b) 1975-76; and (c) in this financial year been ineligible to receive any other depart­ to date, indicating the rate of remuneration mental requisite allowance. The education in each case and the work which has been allowances which provide much larger undertaken by each consultant? amounts for requisites, rendered the junior Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of scholarships redundant in State schools. Allowance Education): The answer is- Year I advised the honorable member by letter 9 10 11 12 dated the 20th May, 1977, as follows- Junior scholarship $14 14 16 34 (a) Brunswick-Fitzroy Schools Planning Education allowance $50 50 60 70 Study Group. Fixed price $40,000. In registered schools the tuition allowance (b) Gardening services. Consultancy on of $50 made the scholarship more valuable school gardening. $55 per day, four days and the awards were retained in preference per week. to the education allowances. Building services. Research and develop­ (b) (i) Students in years eleven and ment of a works programme. $1,750 twelve undertaking post-secondary voca­ per month. tional preparation courses. Computer services. Feasibility study into (ii) Students residing outside Victoria. the over-all computing and forward planning requirements of the Education PAEDIATRIC CLINIC FOR Department. Fixed price $20,625. BROADMEADOWS. Requirements analysis and general system (Question No. 2016) design for the properties, personnel and pay-roll computer data bases, as recom­ Mr. CULPIN (Glenroy) asked the mended in the above feasibility study. Fixed price $63,250. Assistant Minister of Health, for the Minister of Health- (c) Committee on religious education in State schools. Research and development of Whether he is aware of the unanimous the programme. $392 per month. decision of the Broadmeadows City Council taken on 4th April, 1977, to the effect that Gardening services. Consultancy on school the council deplored his insistence that a gardening. $60 per day four days per paediatric clinic, as proposed by the Royal week. Children's Hospital, be operated on a Building services. Research and develop­ referral basis and further, that the council ment of a works programme. $1,900 fully supported the hospital's proposal and per month. believed· that paediatric care should be Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9187 available in close proximity to the people's MOTOR REGISTRATION AND residence; if so, whether he will reconsider DRIVER'S LICENCE CHARGES. this matter and if not, why? (Question No. 2029) Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of Health): The answer supplied by the Mr. JASPER (Murray Valley): Minister of Health is- asked the Minister of Special Educa4 tion, for the Chief Secretary- The Minister of Health is aware of the matter raised in the question. The present 1. Whether the Minister is aware of the policy is that services of the Royal Chil­ provision in South Australia allowing for dren',s Hospital in the municipality of a 50 per cent reduction in registration Broadmeadows should operate only on a charges for motor cars and co~cess~ons for referral basis. drivers' licences for aged, InvalId and widowed pensioners? The provision of paediatric care is part 2. Whether, as many pensioners in of total health care of the community and country areas are unable to. take advanta~e consequently the delivery of primary of pensioner fare concessIOns on pubhc paediatric services will continue to be the transport, the Minister will consider the responsibility of general practitioners. Any introduction of nominal charges for registra­ specialized care to other problems involving tion of motor cars and drivers' licences for the health of children are then referred by aged, invalid and widowed pensioners? their practitioner to special facilities in­ cluding the Royal Children's Hospital. Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Special Education): The answer HOSPITALS SUPERANNUATION supplied by the Chief Secretary is- FUND. 1. Yes. I am aware of the concessions (Question No. 2017) that are available to pensioners in South Australia in relation to fees for the regi­ Mr. ROPER Brunswick) asked the stration of motor cars and the issue of Assitant Minister of Health, for the drivers' licences. Minister of Health- 2. The matter is under examination at present. In respect of the Hospitals Superannua­ tion Fund and the improvements which occurred as a result of the Hospitals Super­ STATE DANCE COMPANY. annuation (Amendment) Act 1976- (Question No. 2031) 1. When the improvement came into effect? Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked 2. Whether there are doubts concerning the Minister of the Arts- the payment of improved benefits to 1. When the State Dance Company of members of the fund who reached the age Victoria informed him last year before de­ of 65 years before the changes came into parting for New Zealand that there had effect; if so what are these doubts and on been considerable losses on the Panov tour what legal opinion they are based? in Australia, indicating-(a) by what means; 3. Whether the Government proposes to (b) which representative or representatives fulfil its undertakings to those persons who of the company supplied the information; had reached the age of 65 years but had not (c) what was the specified loss;. and (d) retired prior to the scheme coming into whether this loss was aggregated WIth earher operation? accounts to give a total company deficit? 2. As the company's advice of the loss Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of was accompanied by the request for Health): The answer supplied by the an additional $200,OOO-(a) whether the Minister of Health is- $200,000 was seen as the whole cost of the New Zealand tour; (b) whether the com­ 1. Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Hospitals pany W

Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): 2. The letter stated that the amount ulti­ mately required might be in the vicinity The answer is- of $1 million. It was not shown to me 1. On 17th June, 1976, and 1st July, 1976. before being sent to the Director of Finance. a) By letter. 3. Yes. On 1st September, 1976, a letter b) Mr. S treet er. was sent to the Chairman of Ballet Victoria. lc) $180,722. (d) Yes. (Question No. 2037) 2. (a) No. (b) Not applicable. Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked (c) No. the Minister of the Arts- 3. No. Whether the Finance Officer of the Ministry of the Arts asked the staff of the (Question No. 2034) State Dance Company of Victoria to vouch for the correctness of any accounts owed Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked in connection with the Panov tour, other the Minister of the Arts- than the $180,000 owed for advertising to Whether he received reports from the Foote, Cone and Belding Pty. Ltd.; if 80- chairman and/or general manager of the (a) which accounts; (b) on what dates; and State Dance Company of Victoria separat· (c) what was the reason for any such re­ ing the finances of the company school quest? from those of its performing group; if so­ Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): (a) on what date; and (b) whether he will The answer is­ lay the reports on the table of the Library or otherwise make them available to Yes. honorable members? (a) and (b) Not recorded. Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): (c) For inclusion in a report on the The answer is- financial situation of Ballet Victoria. The question presumably refers to Ballet (Question No. 2038) Victoria. Various submissions, requests and correspondence have been received Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked from Ballet Victoria from time to time. the Minister of the Arts- Access to the file can be had in the normal 1. Whether, as Minister of the Arts, he way. recommended to himself as Treasurer that there should be an additional Government (Question No. 2035) grant to meet the debts of the State Dance Company of Victoria; if so---(a) on what Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked date; (b) by what means; and (c) on what the Premier- grounds. 1. Whether a letter was sent to the Direc­ 2. Whether advice that the recommenda­ tor of Finance asking for urgent substantial tion had been made was sent by letter from funding to be made to the State Dance the Ministry of the Arts to any creditor Company of Victoria to pay outstanding of the State Dance Company of Victoria; creditors and meet salaries; if so-( a) on if so-Ca) on what date; (b) to which what date; (b) by whom; and (c) in what creditor or creditors; and (c) in what terms? terms? 3. Whether, as Treasurer, he advised 2. Whether the letter stated that the himself as Minister of the Arts that the re­ amount required was expected to be in the commendation was rejected; if so-Ca) on vicinity of $1 million and whether a copy what date; (b) by what means; and (c) on of the letter was shown to him before being what grounds? sent to the Director of Finance? Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): 3. Whether he sent the Chairman of the State Dance Company of Victoria a letter The answer is- advising that no funding for any substantial 1. No. amount would be made until complete in­ formation relating to outstanding creditors 2. No. was made available to the Ministry of thE'! 3. No. Arts, and then only following an investiga­ tion of the company's books and accounts (Question No. 2039) by Ministry and Treasury officers; if so, Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked on what date? the Minister of the Arts- Mr. HAMER (Premier and 1. Whether reports were received during Treasurer): The answer is- 1976 on the deteriorating financial situation 1. On 31st August, 1976, the Director of of the State Dance Company of Victoria; the Arts sent a letter to the Director of if so, what was-Ca) the date of each report; Finance requesting an additional grant to and (b) the financial situation set out in Ballet Victoria. each report? Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9189

2. Whether at any stage the attention of SUPPLEMENTARY GRANTS TO the Government was drawn to the position SCHOOLS. of the company by the Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation in his capacity as a (Question No. 2044) director of the company; if so-( a) on what date; and (b) in what terms? Mr. CATIDE (Carrum) asked the 3. Whether the projected budget for the Minister of Education- Panov tour was approved by the Ministry 1. What supplementary grants have been of the Arts? provided in Victoria to secondary, tech­ nical, and primary schools in each of the Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): past three years, including this year to The answer is-- date? 1. Yes. 2. What recommendations were made for (a) (i) 17th June, 1976. alterations to the list of disadvantaged (ii) 1st July, 1976. schools by the Victorian Supplementary Grants Committee, what alterations have (Hi) 11th August, 1976. been made to the list, and when it will be (iv) 17th August, 1976. finalized? (v) 30th August, 1976. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of (b) (i) Accumulated deficit $322,722 at Education): The answer is- 31st May, 1976. 1. Supplementary grants provided in Vic­ (ii) Accumulated deficit $322,722 at 31st toria to Cl declared" disadvantaged schools May, 1976. are as follows- (Hi) Accumulated deficit $602,336 at 30th June, 1976. $ (a) July, 1973, to June, 1974 1,099,755 (iv) Cl That our accumulated deficit to (b) July, 1974, to June, 1975 4,190,000 31st July will be of the order of $600,000." (c) July, 1975, to June, 1976 4,442,795 (v) Accumulated deficit $666,127 at 31st (d) July, 1976, to June, 1977 4,550,475 July, 1976. Total expenditure to June, 2. No. 1976-(a) + (b) + (c) 9,732,550 Estimated expenditure to June, 3. No. 1977-(d) 4,550,475 (Question No. 2041) Total provided 14,283,025 Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked the Minister of the Arts- DMSIONAL PROVISIONS. Whether he stated on 8th December, 1976, in a letter to Actors and Announcers Equity Association, that Ballet Victoria was regard­ Children Share of funds ed as the State's dance company but the adoption of this title was the result of an internal decision taken by the company, and (1) Primary .. 71 per cent 73 per cent (2) Secondary .• 20 per cent 18 per cent had also previously stated publicly that (3) Technical .. 9 per cent 9 per cent Ballet Victoria is the State ballet company; (4) All metropolitan .. 84 per cent 87 per cent if so-( a) on what date the internal decision (5) All country .. . . 16 per cent 13 per cent by 'the company to use the title was­ (i) taken; and (ii) given public effect; and (b) whether there is any indication in 2. In determining the 1977 list of declared representations made to him by creditors schools the Victorian Supplementary Grants of the State Dance Company of Victoria Committee made use of the Schools Priority that this action on his part led them to Index prepared by the Planning Services extend credit to the company on the basis Division of the Education Department. The that it was Government guaranteed? list submitted by the Supplementary Grants Committee was accepted for declaration and Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): six further schools were added to bring The answer is­ the total number of students to 117,000 Yes. as allowed under the Commonwealth-State Agreement. (a) (i) Unknown. In 1976 there were 257 declared schools. (ii) The company's letterhead first showed The 1977 list contains 275 schools. Fifty-six the title State Dance Company of Victoria schools were deleted from the 1976 list in September, 1974. and 74 schools were added. The 1977 list (b) This is a matter of interpretation. was made public on 15th April, 1977. 9190 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

COMMITTEES OF MANAGEMENT board appointed pursuant to the provisions OF HOSPITALS. of section 48 (1) (a) if the Hospitals and Charities Act 1958, indicating when they (Question No. 2052) were first appointed and the date of expira­ Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the tion of their present appointment? Assistant Minister of Health, for the Minister of Health- Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of In respect of committees of management Health): The answer supplied by the of hospitals, who is the appointee on each Minister of Health is-

Hospital Government appointee Appointment date Expiry date

After-care .. Cornell, Brian Charles .. 22nd July, 1975 21st July, 1975 Airlie Maternity .. Taylor, Geofl'rey Reginald 16th July, 1974 15th July, 1977 Alexander (Castlemaine) .. French, Donald Max .. 21st October, 1975 .. 20th October, 1978 Alexandra Boyle, David Ovens .. 13th November, 1975 13th November, 1978 Alfred .. Habersberger, John Cobell 16th January, 1968 .. 15th January, 1980 Altona .. Willis, Raymond James .. 5th May, 1964 4th May, 1979 Apollo Bay Tamblyn, Richard John .. 21st October, 1975 .. 20th October, 1978 Ararat .. Tivey, Bruce Rowland .. 21st October, 1975 .. 20th October, 1978 Austin.. ., Hepworth, Jobn Albert .. 25th June, 1968 .. 24th June, 1977 Baechus Marsh .. Bond, Neville Stuart, J.P. 13th March, 1968 .. 12th March, 1980 Ballarat Heinz, John Handford .. 16th December, 1969 15th December, 1978 Beeac .. Lang, Donald Fraser .. 29th June, 1976 .. 28th June, 1979 Benalla McDiarmid, Robert Clevedon 27th August, 1974 .. 26th August, 1977 Bendigo Shadforth, Roy Mclntosh 13th May, 1974 .. 13th March, 1980 Bendigo Home .. McKean, Wilton Cameron 29th October, 1963 ., 28th October, 1978 Berry Street, Child and Family Care (East Mel­ bourne) Gibbs, Alfred Alien .. 21st May, 1963 20th May, 1978 Birregurra HolIoway, Campbell John 23rd April, 1974 .. 22nd April, 1980 Boort Wright, David Douglas .. 3rd December, 1974 2nd December, 1977 Box Hill Padgham, Oeorge .. 6th July, 1971 .. 4th July, 1977 Burwood Dodgshun, Robert Mills .. 14th February, 1961 13th February, 1979 Camperdown Hill, Oeorge Leslie .. 20th July, 1965 .. 18th July, 1977 Casterton Donald, Robert Stewart .. 11th February, 1968 .. 10th February, 1980 Castlemaine . . . . Muir, Lawrence Ernest .. 12th December, 1972 .. 11th December, 1978 Central Oippsland (Traral- gon) .. Barrow, Harry Oasquaoline 24th July, 1956 .. 23rd July, 1977 etunes .. Birch, WiIliam Stanley, J.P. 5th September, 1967 .. 4th September, 1979 Cobram Crockett, John Duncan .. 10th October, 1967 9th October, 1979 Cohuna Mawson, Kenneth Charles 25th June, 1958 24th June, 1979 Colac .. Robbins, Ernest John 7th July. 1970 6th July, 1979 Coleraine Finch, Glen Malcolm .. 18th April, 1973 .. 17th April, 1979 Corryong Kaighin, WilIiam Henry Robert 24th January, 1967 .. 23rd January, 1979 Creswick Williams, Donald Murton 15th April, 1975 .. 14th April, 1978 Dandenong Metcalfe, Donald Henry .. 30th November, 1976 29th November, 1979 Daylesford Hauser, Stanley, J.P. . . 28th June, 1949 27th June, 1979 Dimboola Michie, Thomas Clerk .. 30th May, 1961 29th May, 1979 Donald Rye, Kendall Jeft"rey 25th August, 1976 .. 24th August, 1979 Dunolly .. .. Newitt, Laurance 8th September, 1959 7th September, 1977 East Gippsland (Bairnsdale) Dahlsen Bryan Raymond 22nd December, 1964 21st December, 1979 Echuca .. McKenzie, Kennetb Rodney 15th April, 1969 .. 14th April, 1978 Edenhope Crawford. Mervyn George 26th March, 1963 .. 25th March. 1978 Eildon .. Southee, Colin ...... 6th April, 1976 197'3' 5th April, 1979 Elmore .. Holmberg, Herbert Henry Fullerton 18th September, 17th September, 1979 Essendon Woods, Norman Albert, J.P. llnd December, 1964 21st December, 1979 Frankston Clark, Max John 24th September, 1963 23rd September, 1978 Oeelong ., Wemyss, Bruce.. .. 19th June, 1962 18th June, 1977 Oippsland (Sale) .. Phillipson, Thomas Edward 25th September, 1974 24th September, 1977 Gippsland Geriatric Centre Appointment pending Grace McKellar House (Geelong) ., .. David Alan Ray .. .. 4th October, 1960 ., 3rd October, 1978 Greenvale Geriatric Centre Gillespie, James Geogre, M.B.E... 26th August, 1969 .. 25th August, 1978 Hamilton Henry, John WiIlil'm .. 2nd July, 1968 .. 1st July, 1977 Hampton Chisholm, Robert George 13th January, 1976 .. 12th January, 1979 Healesville Warner, John Vincent .. 10th October, 1972 .. 9th October, 1978 Heathcote Dowd, Garrett WiIIillm " 8th March, 1966 7th March, 1978 Heywood McGrath, Joseph Michael 10th May, 1977 9th May, 1980 Inglewood Nevins, John Frederick, J.P. 2nd August, 1966 .. 1st August, 1978 Kaniva .. WiIliams, Albert John .. 5th December, 1972 .. 4th December, 1978 Kerang Collins, Clarence Hedley, J.P. 17th June, 1964 16th June, 1979 Kilmore ., Quinn, Raymond Edward ~th Au,!;ust, 1972 8th August, 1978 Kingston Centre Wishart, Neil Garnsworthy 9th July, 1968 .. 8th July, 1977 Koroit .. Urwin, Alan Blair 26th October, 1976 .. 25th October, 197Q Korumburra Brumley, Alan Purves .. 15th January, 1963 .. 14th January, 1978 Kyabram Haslem, lan Christopher 29th June, 1976 28th June, 1979 Kyneton Donovan, Brian Joseph .. 19th April, 1972 18th April, 1978 Latrobe Valley (Moe) McCormack, John Hamees 2nd July, 1974 Ist July, 1977 Lismore Wellman, Ray Vincent .. 30th November, 1976 29th November, 1979 Lome .. McConachy. WilIiam Francis 26th February, 1974 25th February, 1980 Ma.::arthur ., .. Payne, Beniamin Robert .. 9th November, 1971 .. 8th November, 1977 McCulloch House (Geelong) Emerson, John Tasman .. 8th February, 1977 .. 7th February, 1980 Maffra .. Wilson, William Wall ace 2nd February. 1972 .. 1st February 1978 Maldon Freemantle, Colin John .. 18th November, 1969 17th November, 197& Mam·ngatang Tepper, Alan Roy .. 15th January, 1974 .. 14th January, 1980 Mansfield Elliolt, Peter Murray William 10th September, 1974 9th September, 1977 Maroondah Appointment pending Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9191

Hospital Government appointee Appointment date Expiry date

Maryborough Mowbray, Charles Douglas 10th August, 1971 .. 9th August, 1977 Mildura Russell, Charles Frederick 29th September, 1963 28th September, 1978 Minyip .. Chappell, Graeme Ronald 25th February, 1975.. 24th February, 1978 Moorabbin Appointment pending Mooroopna .. Riordan, Kevin Francis .. 4th May, 1949 13th May, 1979 Mordialloc-Cheltenham Community Brown, John Joseph .. 22nd September, 1953 21st September, 1977 Mortlake McInnes, CoHn Lachlan .. 19th October, 1971 " 18th October, 1977 ~~~~~ll Eliza Geriat;i~ Knight, Eric Harold 10th February, 1976 9th February, 1979 Centre .. .. Beard, Lloyd George .. 25th November, 1975 24th November, 1978 Mount Royal (parkville) .. Stevens, Thom!'s Neal Duncan 3rd August, 1965 .. 2nd August, 1977 Myrtleford Boyd, William Thomas .. 25th November, 1975 24th November, 1978 Nathalia Gundry. Richard Edward 22nd November, 1960 21st November, 1978 Nhill .. Palmer, Charles Churchill 2nd December, 1968 .. 1st December, 1977 Nwnurkah Doyle, David Frands .. 3rd February, 1967 .. 2nd February, 1979 Oakleigh Hutchins, Henry Donald 21st February, 1950 .. 20th February, 1980 Omeo .. McKenzie, Alan Young .. 5th August, 1975 4th AUgust, 1978 Orbost .. Coulston, Reginald Thomas 25th June, 1975 24th June, 1978 Ouyen .. Edgar, Robert Noel 28th May, 1974 27th May, 1977 Ovens and Murray Home (Beech worth) .. McKenzie-McHarg. David 5th May, 1965 4th May, 1977 Ovens (Beechworth) Bailey, Graeme John ., 10th September, 1974 9th September, 1977 Penshurst McCulloch, David Craik 21st December, 1971 .. 20th December, 1977 Port Fairy Conlan, David Montague 22nd April, 1975 21st April, 1978 Portland .. Barker, Ronald Roy 29th June, 1976 .. 28th June, 1979 Preston and Northcote ChesseIl, Arthur John lOth September, 1974 9th September, 1977 Prince Henry's .. . . White, Lindsay Pynor 30th November, 1971 29th November, 1977 Queen Elizabeth Geriatric Centre .. Clamp, Charles Henry 15th January, 1963 14th January, 1978 Queen Victoria .. Donegan, John Henry 10th May, 1977 9th May, 1980 Ripon Peace Davis, Robert William 28th May, 1974 27th May, 1977 Robinvale SpiIler, Arthur Ewens .. 20th August, 1957 .. 19th August, 1978 Rochester .. Westcott, Herbert Ronald 18th September, 1973 17th September, 1979 Royal Children's Ferguson, Donald McLeish 20th December, 1955 19th December, 1979 Royal Dental .. Bamford, AlIan Edrnond 8th March, 1977 7th March, 1980 Royal District NursU;g Service .. Stevens, Thomas Neal Duncan 5th March, 1968 4th March, 1980 Royal Melbourne Nave, John Lionel .. 9th August, 1972 8th August, 1978 Royal Talbot .. a~d Rashleigh, William Francis 12th June, 1956 11th June, 1977 Royal Victorian Eye Ear.. .. Hambleton, James McConnell 27th November. 1973 26th November. 1979 Royal Women's .. Leckie, Leslie Gordon Francis 28th May, 1957 .. 27th May, 1978 Rupanyup Hamilton, Kenneth lan ., 26th February, 1974 25th February, 1980 Rutherglen Milton, Michael John .. 7th December, 1976 .. 6th December, 1979 Sandringham McKemmish, Henry Jackson 9th June, 1970 8th June, 1979 Seymour .. Hawking, Bruce William 10th May, 1977 9th May, 1980 Shelly Memorial Pound, Phillip Hugh, J.P. " 7th June, 1966 .. 5th June, 1978 Waldron, Stanley William, M.B.E. 27th February, 1962 26th February, 1980 ~~~~~n . 'Memori'a" (Caulfield) .. Thomson, WilIiam Richardson 10th May. 1955 9th May, 1979 Southern Peninsula .. Evans, WaIter Arthur ., 31st July, 1973 .. 30th July, 1979 South Gippsland (Foster) Gardiner, WilIiam Henry 14th January, 1976 .. 13th January, 1979 Springvale Appointment pending St. Arnaud Walsh, Arthur Ernest, M.B.E. 14th May, 1957 .. 13th May, 1978 St. George's Retchford, Lindsay .. 26th October, 1976 .. 25th October, 1979 Stawell .. McMullin, Robert Keith 29th March, 1977 .. 28th March, 1980 Sunshine Ba wden, Alfred Grenville 6th October, 1970 .. 5th October, 1979 Swan Hill Logan, Donald Alexander 25th September, 1973 24th September, 1979 Tallangatta Coulthard, Gordon Rosslyn 29th June, 1965 28th June. 1917 Tawonga " ., 'i ine, Bruce Leonard 21st October, 1975 20th October, 1978 Terang (Norah Cosgrave) .. Kenna, Laurence James .. 8th July, 1952 7th July, 1979 Timboon " ., Jepson, Kenneth Neil 22nd May, 1973 21st May, 1979 Upper Goulburn (Woods Point) Stewart, Hector ., 13th March, 1963 .. 12th March, 1978 Wangaratta Macgeorge, Alexander Luxmore 14th December, 1954 .. 13th December, 1978 Waranga Richards, Maxwell Gordon 25th September, 1973 24th September. 1979 Warracknabeal Thorburn, John Joseph .. 8th August, 1961 .. 7th August, 1979 Warrnambool Hooton, Alfred. . . . 15th January, 1957 .. 14th January. 1978 Werribee .. .. Henderson, Edgar Maurice 20th November, 1962 19th November, 1977 West Gippsland (Warragul) Lawson, Campbell Ray 20th July, 1965 19th July. 1977 Western General (Foots- cray) Bailey, Albert Joseph 17th August, 1954 16th AUgust, 1978 Westernport (Koo-wee- (up) Appointment pending Will aura Millear, Ruth (Mrs.) 14th March, 1962 13th March, 1980 William Angliss (Upper Fern Tree Gully) Patterson, James Winters 6th June, 1961 5th June, 1979 Williamstown .. Caithness, Lindsay George 29th March, 1949 " 28th March, 1979 (Horsham) Lovett, Keith Harold .. 15th November, 1949 14th November, 1979 Winchelsea Henderson, David John .. 7th December, 1976.. 6th December, 1979 Wodonga Rutkowski, Andrew Witold 30th July, 1972 29th July, 1978 Wonthaggi Appointment pending .. Woorayl Nelson, Arthur Edward .. 23rd June, 1959 .. 22nd June, 1977 Wycheproof Larmour, Rugby Winter .. 27th October. 1953 .. 26th October, 1977 Yarram O'Bryan, Loughnan Jack 19th October, 1971 .. 10th October, 1977 Yarrawonga Wilson, John Cuthbert ., 28th August, 1973 27th August. 1979 Yea Coonan, Gerald Joseph .. 14th May, 1974 13th May, 1977 9192 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

PORTABLE CLASS-ROOMS. PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN (Question No. 2053) BRUNSWICK ELECTORATE. Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the (Question No. 2056) Minister of Education- Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the In respect of portable class-rooms- Minister of Education- 1. What provision is made for insulation. In respect of each State School in the exterior sun blinds and fans, respectively? electoral district of Brunswick- 2. Whether consideration has been given 1. What is the Teachers Tribunal staffing to improving the comfort of staff and stu­ schedule? dents working within such class-rooms; if 2. What is the Education Department's so, what consideration? staffing schedule? Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of 3. How many staff are presently teaching Education): The answer is- at the school? I advised the honorable member by letter 4. What requests have been received from dated the 20th May, 1977, as follows- each school concerning staff shortages and what action has been taken? 1. All relocatable class-rooms have insula­ tion in the roof and all buildings construct­ 5. How many migrant English teachers ed after 1972 contain wall insulation. were employed at each school during 1976 and how many are now employed? Exterior sun blinds are not provided; how­ ever, heat resistant glass has been provided 6. How many migrant pupils are at each in buildings constructed since 1973. Build­ school, specifying the number classified as ings constructed prior to 1973 were provided needing migrant English assistance? with venetian blinds to the north aspect. 7. What resources are available to these The buildings are sited with the windows schools to enable them to adequately cope orientated north and south. with newly-arrived Lebanese students? Requests from schools located in the north western sector of the State for provision of Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of air circulating fans in portable class-rooms Education): The answer is- will be considered on their merits. I advised the honorable member by letter 2. Over the next few years it is proposed dated 24th August, 1977, as follows- to implement a programme of improving the The position as at the 15th August, 1977 internal and external features of the early type of relocatable building. The Public is as follows- Works Department is presently preparing Secondary Schools Division a scheme of modifications for consideration. Brunswick High School 1. 39 + principal = 40. MOUNT ROYAL SPECIAL 2. 56·2. HOSPITAL FOR THE AGED. 3. 55·5 + one from beginning of third (Question No. 2055) term. Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the 4. (a) Request for a careers teacher. Assistant Minister of Health, for the Request agreed to and a senior teacher Minister of Health- appointed to position. In respect of the Mount Royal Special (b) General request for over base staffing Hospital for the Aged, what is the current due to great number of migrants and in par­ average waiting time for persons classified ticular the influx of non-English-speaking as urgent admission, specifying the waiting Lebanese migrants. times for males and females, respectively? Staffing officer has promised considera­ Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of tion for schools which may be disadvant­ Health): The answer supplied by the aged with regard to other schools. 5. Three migrant English teachers in 1976. Minister of Health is- Six migrant English teachers in 1977. I~.is no.t. possible to define an "average" waItmg tIme when the span of time can 6. 735 migrants, of whom 600 need range from a few days to a few years. Each migrant English assistance. prospective patient is assessed by profes­ 7. 50 Lebanese students have not been to sional health workers so that the most school for three years and many have little appropriate service to meet the individual's schooling at all. needs may be provided. School resources Under this programme, if there is a need (1) Ethnic aide who speaks Greek and for hospitalization for treatment of an acute condition, this will be arranged without English. delay. There is no waiting list for persons (2) Foreign language assistant who requiring medical care. speaks Greek and English. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9193

(3) Graduate social worker trainee for (e) Preston Regional Office (Northern two hours per day who has the assistance of Divisional Office of Education) helps with a Lebanese interpreter. an Arabic social worker who visits the (4) One Commonwealth demountable school once in three weeks. class-room. Princes Hill High School (5) Six migran,t English teachers. 1. 31·3 + principal = 32·3. Brunswick East Hjgh School 2. 50·1. 1. 27·3 + principal = 28·3. 3.54'5. 2. 51·2. 4. (a) Application for allotment of two full-time staff for Mirimbah Country Centre 3.49'8. (school camp). Approved by staffing 4. (a) Request for physical education officer. teachers. (b) Requests for: ( 1) English/History At present the department is unable to teacher to replace one teacher who went on supply physical education teachers. confinement leave on March 13th, 1977. (b) Request for Turkish teacher. (2) Drama teacher to replace one teacher who resigned on 27th February, 1977. Both One teacher appointed. requests were not granted as Princes Hill (c) Request for two maths and one Eng­ High School was at the time over three lish/ drama teachers. teachers above base entitlement and now This request is at present under consider­ the school is 4·4 over the base. ation by the Secondary staffing officers. 5. Number of migrant English teachers in 5. Migrant English teachers 1976-5·5. 1976-4·6. Number of migrant English Migrant English teachers 1977-6·1. teachers in 1977-4·6. 6. Number of migrant pupils 520. 6. Number of migrant students-363. All need assistance. Number who need migrant English assist­ ance-520. 7. Number of Lebanese in school-18. 7. 25 Lebanese students. Resources Resources ( a) Migrant English teachers. (a) Migrant English teachers. (b) Large ran~e of books for assisting (b) Use of house next to school. migrants in learnmg English. (c) Teacher's aide in school who speaks (c) Small teaching rooms for migrants. some Lebanese. (d) Language laboratory in school. (d) Grant of $400 by the Advisory Coun­ (e) Liaison with Brunswick Health cil of school towards the purchase of suit­ Centre where there is a Lebanese woman able books. assistant. (e) Help in translation from Brunswick Brunswick Technical School Health Group. 1. 30. Moreland High School 2. 43 equivalent full-time class-room 1. 28·0 + principal = 29·0. teachers. 2.42,6. 3. 46 equivalent full-time class-room 3.46'3. teachers. 4. (a) Application for time fraction in­ 4. Requests Action creases for Miss Grindrod, Mr. Reynolds and 1 Library 6/10 appointed Ms. J. Thomas. All approved. 1 Turkish teacher 1 appointed (b) Librarian to replace one who resigned 1 Art 1 appOinted on March 31st. No appointment is possible 1 Fitting/machining 1 appointed at this stage. 5. 1976-3·5. 1977-3'5. 5. Migrant English teachers 1976-3·1. 6. 240, 70 need assistance. Migrant English teachers 1977-4·1. 7. Two teachers speak Arabic and one 6. Number of migrants-503. Number of these assists the Migrant Education who need migrant English assistance-300. Centre. 7. Resources Primary Schools Division (a) Migrant English teachers are assist­ 1213 Brunswick ing Lebanese-22 are initial English 1. Total establishment of 27 teachers in­ language learners. cluding principals and. two . non-tea~hi!1g (b) Greek language assistant. vice-principals and not mcludmg specIahst (c ) Lebanese-Turkish language assis­ staff. tant. 2 Total establishment of 35 teachers in­ cluding principal and two non-teaching, vice­ (d) A number of Lebanese speak some principals and two librarians, one art/craft French. and one physical education teacher. 9194 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

3. One principal, two. vice-principals, 1. TQtal establishment Qf nine teachers 30 class-rQQm teachers, five migrant educa­ including Qne principal excluding specialist tiQn teachers, two. art/craft teachers, Qne staff. physical educatiQn teacher, two. librarians 2. TQtal establishment Qf fQurteen and Qne teacher fQr Early ChildhQQd De­ teachers including Qne principal, Qne velQpment PrQgramme. librarian, Qne art/craft teacher. 4. Three resignatiQns will Qccur at the 3. One principal, thirteen class-rQQm beginning Qf term 3. The Primary staffing teachers, Qne librarian, Qne art/ craft Qfficers have replacements under cQnsidera­ teacher, Qne QPPQrtunity remedial teacher, tiQn. 1 . 2 migrant teachers and Qne teacher fQr 5. 1976-2·5. 1977-5. Early ChildhQQd DevelQpment PrQgramme. 4. No. requests have been received CQn­ 6. 687 pupils require assistance. cerning general staff shQrtages. 3179 Brunswick East 5. 1976-1·7. 1977-1·2. 1. TQtal establishment Qf fQurteen 6. 202 pupils require assistance. teachers including principal and nQt includ­ ing specialist teachers. 2890 Brunswick West 2. TQtal establishment Qf nineteen 1. TQtal establishment Qf eight teachers teachers including principal, Qne librarian, including principal excluding specialist staff. Qne art/craft teacher. 2. TQtal establishment Qf thirteen 3. One principal, thirteen class-rQQm teachers including Qne principal, Qne teachers, Qne librarian, Qne art/ craft librarian and Qne art/craft teacher. teacher and three migrant teachers. 3. One principal, nine class-rQQm teachers, Qne librarian, Qne art/craft teacher, 1·3 4. No. requests have been received CQn­ child migrant teachers and Qne teacher Qn cerning general staff shQrtages. O' 5 time fQr Early ChildhQQd DevelQpment 5. 1976-2·6. 1977-3. PrQgramme. 6. 370 pupils require assistance. 4. No. requests have been received CQn­ 4399 Brunswick NQrth West cerning general staff shQrtages. 1. TQtal establishment Qf twelve teachers 5. 1976-0·8. 1977-1·3. including Qne principal excluding specialist 6. 155 pupils require assistance. staff. 1252 CarltQn NQrth 2. TQtal establishment Qf sixteen teachers 1. TQtal establishment of eight teachers including Qne principal, Qne librarian and including Qne principal excluding specialist Qne art/craft teacher. staff. 3. One principal, sixteen class-rQQm 2. TQtal establishment Qf fQurteen teachers, Qne librarian, Qne art/craft teachers including Qne principal, Qne teacher and 1·5 migrant educatiQn teachers. librarian and one art/craft teacher. 4. No. requests have been received CQn­ 3. One principal, ten class-rQQm teachers, cerning general staff shQrtages. Qne librarian, Qne art/craft teacher, Qne 5. 1976-1·0. 1977-1'5. QPportunity remedial teacher and 1· 5 Child Migrant educatiQn teachers. 6. 169 pupils require assistance. 4. No. requests have been received CQn­ 3585 Brunswick NQrth cerning general staff shortages. 1. TQtal establishment Qf 28 teachers in­ 5. 1976-2. 1977-1' 5. cluding Qne principal, two. nQn-teaching vice­ principals and nQt including specialist 6. 135 pupils require assistance. teachers. 3110 Merri 2. TQtal establishment Qf 37 teachers 1. TQtal establishment Qf seventeen including Qne principal two. nQn-teaching teachers including one principal and Qne vice-principals, two. librarians, Qne art/craft nQn-teaching vice-principal excluding teacher and Qne physical educatiQn teacher. specialist staff. 3. One principal, two. nQn-teaching vice­ 2. TQtal establishment Qf 25·5 teachers, principals, 34 class-rQQm teachers, two. including Qne principal, Qne nQn-teaching librarians, Qne art/craft teacher, Qne phy­ vice-principal, 1· 5 librarian, Qne art/craft sical educatiQn teacher, 3· 8 migrant teacher and Qne physical educatiQn teacher. teachers and Qne teacher Qn O· 5 time fQr 3. One principal, Qne nQn-teaching vice­ Early ChildhQQd DevelQpment PrQgramme. principal, 21 class-room teachers, 1'5 4. No. requests have been received CQn­ librarian, Qne art/craft teacher, Qne physi­ cerning general staff shQrtages. cal educatiQn teacher, Qne QPportunity remedial teacher and 2'3 child migrant 5. 1976-3·4. 1977-3·8. educatiQn teachers. 6. 703 pupils require assistance. 4. No. requests have been received oon­ 2743 Brunswick SQuth cerning general staff shQrtages. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9195

5. 1976-1·3. 1977-2'3. Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of 6. 346 pupils require assistance. Health): The answer supplied by the 2837 Moreland Minister of Health is- 1. Total establishment of 30 teachers in­ 1. (a) Mental Health Authority­ cluding one prinCipal and two non-teaching Carpentry and joinery vice-principals excluding specialist staff. Cooking 2. Total establishment of 38 teachers in­ Electrical mechanic cluding one prinCipal, two non-teaching vice­ Fitting and turning principals, two librarians, one art/craft Gardening and turf management teacher and one phYSical education teacher. Painting, decorating and 3. One principal, two non-teaching vice­ signwriting principals, 35 class-room teachers, 1 ·5 Plumbing and gasfitting librarians, one physical education, one· art/ (b) Tuberculosis Branch­ craft teacher and four migrant teachers. Cooking 4. No requests have been received con­ 2. (a) Mental Health Authority 21 cerning general staff shortages. Tuberculosis Branch 1 5. 1976-4·5. 1977-4. (b) Mental Health Tuberculosis 6. 718 pupils require assistance. Authority Branch 1970 to 1974 Nil. 2955 Princes Hill 1975 18 1. Total establishment of fifteen teachers 1976 Nil. 1 including principal, excluding specialist staff. 1977 Nil. 2. Total establishment of 20 teachers in­ cluding one principal, one librarian and one FOREST IN PUCKAPUNYAL art/craft teacher. AREA. 3. One principal, eighteen class-room teachers, one librarian, one art/craft (Question No. 2063) teacher, one physical education teacher and Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the two child migrant teachers. Minister of Agriculture, for the 4. No requests have been received con- Minister of Forests- cerning general staff shortages. In respect of the Commonwealth Govern­ 5. 1976-1. 1977-2. ment proposal to take over 12,000 hectares 6. 138 pupils require assistance. of forest in the Puckapunyal area, whether 7. (All schools). an agreement has been reached between the State and Commonwealth Governments on An Arabic ethnic consultant has been ap­ the leasing of such land? p<)!nted to the Child Migrant Education Branch and is available on request to vari­ Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of ous schools. This consultant is able to pro­ Agriculture): The answer supplied vide available background information on the Lebanese students and assist with com­ by the Minister of Forests is- munication between schools and parents. No agreement has yet been reached with Interpreters are available on request to as­ respect to the State forest in the Pucka­ sist with communication between schools punyal area. Discussions are still proceeding and parents of Lebanese children. between the State and Commonwealth Governments. APPRENTICES IN DEPARTMENT LAND IN PUCKAPUNYAL AREA. OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY. (Question No. 2064) (Question No. 2062) Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the Premier- Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the Whether the Government has yet con­ Assistant Minister of Health, for the sidered an environmental study in relation .Minister of Health- to proposals by the Commonwealth Govern­ ment to purchase 20,000 hectares of land for 1. In what trades apprentices have been the Puckapunyal Training Centre; if so when employed in the Department of Health and the environmental study was received, when the Mental Health Authority, respectively, it was considered, and with what result? in the past six years? Mr. HAMER (Premier and 2. What was the total number of-( a) apprentices employed; and (b) first-year Treasurer): The answer is- apprentices engaged, by each of the Yes; 4th March. 1976. The draft environ­ branches of the department and authority mental impact statement (E.I.S.) was then in each year from 1970 to 1976, and in this considered by relevant State Government year to date? agencies and local shires. On 8th July, 1976, 9196 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

I wrote to the Prime Minister seeking (b) 3·25 per cent. clarification on matters of concern to the Victorian Government arising out of the (c) Refer to answer supplied for part E.I.S. The Commonwealth Government 2 (b). subsequently provided an addendum to its (d) Estimated cost for financial year environmental impact statement which was 1976-77 is $14,854,000. also considered by all interested parties. I then wrote again to the Prime Minister on 8th June, 1977, outlining proposals for INJURIES TO EMPLOYEES OF future management of the area with a view TRANSPORT AUTHORITIES. to satisfying both State and Common­ wealth responsibilities. (Question No. 2066) Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS. the Minister of Transport- 1. How many workers employed by the (Question No. 2065) Railways Department, the Country Roads Board, and the Melbourne and Metropolitan Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked Tramways Board, respectively, were injured the Assistant Minister of Health, for during 1976? the Minister of Health- 2. How many injuries were reported In respect of industrial accidents in Vic­ during that period? toria- 3. What the total work force was em­ 1. What percentage of total usage of Vic­ ployed during that period? torian hospitals is taken up by industrial 4. How many man-hours were lost as a accident cases? result of injury? 2. What percentage this represents as­ 5. How the 1976 figures compare with (a) in-patient bed days; and (b) out-patient visits? the previous four years? 3. What is the annual estimated cost of Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of hospitalization due to industrial accidents? Transport): The answer is­ 4. How these figures compare with motor accident figures in the percentages of-(a) Victorian Railways Board total hospital usage; (b) in-patient bed days; 1 and 2. 6,148 accidents were reported (c) out-patient visits; and (d) annual costs on workers compensation claims during for hospital expenses? 1976. Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of 3. The total number of staff including casual employees as at 30th December. Health): The answer supplied by the 1976, was 24,488. Minister of Health is- 4. The Victorian Railways Board does 1. During the last financial year 1976-77, not keep statistics on a man-hours lost actual figures are only available for a ten­ basis. Details on a lost time frequency month period. To give a figure for the basis in accordance with the Australian twelve months, the last two months have standard are used and during 1976 the been estimated. average was 51 injuries per million man­ The bed usage for industrial accidents was hours exposure. 1·8 per cent. 5. Year Injuries reported 2. (a) 1 ·8 per cent of total bed 1972 6,595 occupancy. 1973 6,374 (b) Out-patient visit figures are not 1974 6,383 readily available. It would require a survey 1975 6,754 of the whole pu hUc hospital field being Country Roads Board undertaken to ascertain such figures. The Country Roads Board maintain 3. For the financial year 1976-77 the esti­ figures for financial years. mated in-patient cost is $8,350,000. The table below sets out the position as 4. (a) Total bed occupancy of motor far as the Country Roads Board is con­ accident cases was 3·25 per cent. cerned-

Financial year 1971-72 1972-73 1973-74 197~7S 1975-76

Injuries involving loss of work time 314 355 315 380 397 Reported injuries 1,534 1,454 1,357 1,408 1,433 Total work force 4,724 4,744 4,795 4,833 4,845 Man-days lost .. 2,113 2,051 1,998 2,222 2,375 Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9197

Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways toria relate to disabling injuries as defined Board in Australian Standard CZ6-1966, which 1. 1,371. provides that only injuries which result in 2. 1,711. loss of one day or more be recorded. There­ fore, the following information does not in­ 3.4,540. clude work injuries which did not incur at -t. 40,374 man-hours. least one full day's absence. 5. 1972-1,668. 1973-1,787. There were 623 employees of the Gas and 1974-1,703. Fuel Corporation of Victoria injured during 1975-1,766. the 1975-76 year. 1976-1,711. 2. The State Electricity Commission of INJURIES TO EMPLOYEES OF Victoria reported 612 disabling injuries dur­ FUEL AUTHORITIES. ing the year ended 30th June, 1976. (Question No. 2068) The number of disabling injuries reported by the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Vic­ Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked toria during the year 1975-76 was 103. the Minister for Minerals and Energy- 3. The total work force of the State Elec­ tricity Commission of Victoria as at 30th 1. How may workers employed by the June, 1976, was 18,572 and of the Gas and State Electricity Commission and the Gas Fuel Corporation of Victoria 4,245. and Fuel Corporation, respectively, were injured during 1976? 4. The State Electricity Commission of 2. How many injuries were reported dur­ Victoria suffered a loss of 120,256 man­ ing that period? hours as a result of injury whilst the loss 3. What the total work force was during to the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria that period? was 34,054 man-hours. 4. How many man-hours were lost as a In respect to the State Electricity Com­ result of injury? mission of Victoria you are reminded that 5. How the 1976 figures compare with the figure quoted in relation to the number the previous four years? of accidents refers only to accidents re­ Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for sulting in disabling injuries. Minerals and Energy): The answer 5. The following tables show the total is- number of employees, the total number of 1. The statistical records of injuries kept accidents and the man-hours lost during by the State Electricity Commission of Vic- each of the past five years as at 30th June-

STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA.

1976 1975 1974 1973 19n

Number of disabling injuries 612 657 561 505 529 Total work force at 30th June 18,572 18,478 18,519 18,975 19,593 Man-hours lost 120,256 126,040 139,344 148,256 139,984

GAS AND FUEL CORPORATION OF VICTORIA.

1976 1975 1974 1973 1972

Number of accidents 623 602 460 386 451 Total work force as at 30th June 4,245 4,176 4,094 4,092 3,314 Man-hours lost 34,000 34,000 21,000 19,000 20,000

You are reminded again that the figures recorded by the State Electricity Commis­ sion of Victoria relate only to accidents resulting in disabling injury. 9198 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

INJURIES TO MEMBERS OF 2. How many injuries were reported POLICE FORCE AND COUNTRY during that period? FIRE AUTHORITY. 3. What the total workforce was during that period? (Question No. 2070) 4. How many man-hours were lost as Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked a result of injury? 5. How the 1976 figures compare with the Minister of Special Education, the previous four years? for the Chief Secretary- Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of 1. How many members of the Victoria Special Education): The answer sup­ Police Force and the Country Fire Authority, respectively, were injured during plied by the Chief Secretary is- 1976? 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Details are--

Number of Number of claims lodged employees injured for Number of employees Hours lost through injury workers compensation Year Country Country Police Police Country Police Country Police Fire Fire Fire Force Fire Force Authority Force Authority Force Authority Authority

1972 * 56 661 56 5,410 319 • 1,086 1973 * 59 756 59 5,628 331 * 1,725 1974 * 90 794 90 5,841 371 * 4,960 1975 * 83 801 83 6,156 398 * 9,514 1976 • 114 753 114 6,487 433 * 5,439

·Information not readily available.

INJURIES TO DEPARTMENT OF BALLARAT EAST HIGH SCHOOL. HEALTH EMPLOYEES. (Question No. 2079) (Question No. 2071) Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked the Minister of Education- the Assistant Minister of Health, for In regard to the Ballarat East High the Minister of Health- School- 1. What is the current enrolment? 1. How many workers employed by the Department of Health were injured during 2. What is the staffing target establish­ 1976? ment? 3. What is the actual number of staff 2. How many injuries were reported appointed? during that period? 4. Whether the Education Department 3. What the total work force was during has received a request from the school for that period? extra staff to meet remedial English and mathematics needs; if so, whether such staff 4. How many man-hours were lost as a are to be appointed and, if not, why? result of injury? Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of 5. How the 1976 figures compare with the previous four years? Education): The answer is- I advised the honorable member by letter Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of dated the 31st August, 1977, as follows- Health): The answer supplied by the "I am now in a position to advise that as Minister of Health is- at the 30th August, 1977, the position is as follows- 1. 2,095. 1. 877. 2. 2,107. 2. 53·4. 3. 9,162. 3. 54'5 plus one who takes up duty on 4. 137,236. the 5th September-equals 55·5. I desire to add that two other teachers 5. The number of man-hours lost per will return to duty on completion of their reported injury decreased steadily from 4·3 leave; one on the 4th October and the in 1972 to 3·90 in 1976. other on the 14th October, 1977. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9199

When this occurs the actual number of 6. How often teaching staff are able to staff will be 4'1 teachers over the base visit-Ca) school-age; and (b) mature-age entitlement. students in the country and city, respec­ 4. No high school is entitled to a set tively? number of remedial teachers. All teachers 7. What provisions are made for prac­ experience problems of individual differences tical work for secondary students, particu­ among pupils in their classes, therefore all larly in science areas? teachers are professional remedial teachers. 8. To which Education Department divi­ Where remedial problems are beyond the range of the class-room teacher, smaller sion the principal of the school is respon­ withdrawal groups should be organized by sible? the principal of the school with the staff 9. What opportunity exists for parent at his disposal. involvement in the management of the As Ballarat East High School is staffed school? over the base the school can cope with 10. Whether there are plans to involve remedial problems satisfactorily." the school in the Country Education Pro­ gramme? SCHOOL MIGRANT EDUCATION Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of PROGRAMME. Education): The answer is- I advised the honorable member by letter (Question No. 2081) dated the 10th June, 1977, as follows- Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked Primary Correspondence School the Minister of Education- 1. Total enrolment of- (a) school-age students in primary How many teachers were employed in the school migrant education programme (i) (ii) in Victoria at-Ca) October, 1976; (b) Primary Physically Total December, 1976; and (c) February, 1977, general handicapped and how many are employed at present? Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of ]976 911 307 1,2]8 Education): The answer is- April, 1977 547 154 701 As this matter comes under his jurisdic­ tion, the Minister of Special Education has advised the honorable member by letter (b) mature-age students-the physically dated 10th June, 1977, as follows- handicapped section of this school is responsible for the teaching of illiterate (a) 1,103; adults. The total number as at May, 1977. (b) 1,024; (c) 1,062. is 41. 2. Total number of students in each of The number of teachers employed as at 31st May, 1977-1,087. the above categories in each region- The numbers given below represent­ (a) enrolment as at April, 1977; CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL. (b) full-time students. (Question No. 2082) Physically Regions Primary Illiterate Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked handicapped adults the Minister of Education- Ballarat .. 3 7 1 1. What is the total enrolment of-Ca) Bendigo 4 2 2 Benalla .. 5 2 2 school-age students in the primary, secon­ Gippsland 23 8 3 dary, technical and special categories, Horsham 5 2 respectively; and ( b) mature-age students? Sunshine 7 3 Knox ]2 30 7 2. What is the total number of students Frankston 27 7 in each of the above categories in each Prahran 2 4 Preston .. 1 26 8 region? Geelong 5 23 2 3. HC'w many school-age children are isolated? 3. Number of isolated students has been 4. What is the total-Ca) professional; taken to represent children living beyond and (b) Public Service staff of the school? the statutory distance of the nearest prim­ 5. What is the total recurrent grant for ary school. the school, indicating the financial totals in Primary- Victoria Riverina each component of the grant, including­ (a) education allowances; (b) direct grant; 58 16 (c) travelling allowances; (d) stores branch; Physically Victoria Riverina ( e) library; and (f) others? handicapped- 10 9200 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

4. Total professional staff­ (b) mature-age students in secon- Full-time 44 dary category 569 Part-time 3 Total 2,987 Total 47 There is 5. School grants-( a) Education allow­ no technical section of the ance-full-time students living in Victoria, school. students who have been out of Victoria for 2. Total number of students in each of a period of less than twelve months, mis­ the above categories in each region- sionaries and those of the Diplomatic Corps overseas are entitled to the educational School-age Mature-age allowance. Region students in students in secondary secondary (b) Direct grant-see secondary. category category (c) Travelling allowance-primary gen­ eral have never been refused travelling Frankston .. 373 75 expenses to visit children in isolated areas Knox 327 84 but at the same time have never been given Prahran 253 80 Preston 229 98 any fixed amount for visits to isolated Sunshine 156 54 students in country areas. Ballarat 93 17 Benalla 229 31 Physically-handicapped section does re­ Bendigo 191 50 ceive a travelling allowance from Special Oeelong 248 31 Services-the amount for 1977 being Horsham 127 10 $6,000. Moe 192 39 2,418 569 (d) Stores Branch-see secondary. (e) Library-$500 per annum. This 3. Number of isolated school age covers predominantly books for the use by children. children beyond statutory distance-39 4. (a) Total professional staff-l 04

6. Visits by teaching staff to students. The teacher in charge of the physically By- handicapped section is answerable to the A Visiting teachers-the secondary Director of Special Services. section has 2· 25 teachers who visit- The prinCipal of the secondary school is 1. School-age children in the metro­ answerable to the Director of Secondary politan regions not in attendance at Education. school. These visits are made on a 9. At present no opportunities exist for regular basis. parental involvement in the management of Frequency of the visits depends on the school. the needs of the individual student but 10. The Country Education Programme is on the average students are seen once in its initial planning stages and no plans a month. have been made to date to involve the 2. School-age children in country re­ Correspondence School. gions not in attendance at school or continuing with secondary education at ALLEGED BRIBING OF a primary school or higher education GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. school. These visits are made on an annual basis. (Question No. 2083) B. Subject teachers who visit indivi­ Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked duals, institutions or schools as required. the Premier- These visits are irregular and infrequent. 1. Whether he is aware that the United This year these visits will be scheduled States company, J. Ray McDermott and Co., on a group teacher-group school basis, to of New Orleans, Louisiana, has filed a return country areas e.g. Geelong, QueenscIiff with the Securities and Exchange Commis­ and Lorne are being visited on 1st June by sion admitting payment of bribes to Govern­ teachers of German, Accounting and ment officials in Australia between 1971 and Legal Studies. 1976? Visits to mature-age students in both 2. In view of the seriousness of these metropolitan and country regions are allegations whether he can give assurances incidental. that no Victorian Government officials are In 1977, one day seminars (mainly at involved? higher school certificate level) in some Mr. HAMER (Premier and subjects are being held. These are avail­ able to both school-age and mature-age Treasurer): The answer is- students. As far as I can ascertain at this point no 7. Provisions for practical work for official of the Victorian Government has secondary students. been involved in any transactions referred to in the April, 1977, report to the Securities Art : Years 7 to 11 forward practical and Exchange Commission of the audit com­ work to the school. mittee of the board of directors of J. Ray Year 12 students must arrange to have McDermott and Co. Inc. the practical work of higher school cer­ A statement to the press by the Public tificate art supervised by a qualified Affairs Manager, J. Ray McDermott (Aus­ teacher as the school teaches only the tralia) Pty. Ltd. indicates that the only appreciation section of the course. questionable transaction in Australia known Needlecraft: All work is forwarded to to the audit committee related to one isolated the school. payment, made to a health inspector for In the main in art and needlecraft private consulting work done for the com­ students provide their own materials. pany's Australian operation, and that the payment was probably proper under Aus­ Geography: Year 11-1 week's Geo­ tralian law. graphy camp. I am advised that the Securities and Ex­ Science: Years 7 and 8-practical work change Commission has been seeking further involved can be performed in the home. information and I expect to be informed of Much of the materials and equipment is any outcome. of a homely nature. Special requirements are provided in kits appropriate to the unit being studied. CANCER RESEARCH. Year 9 and 100not taught in 1977. (Question No. 2094) Years 11 and 12-the practical work Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) asked the involved is such that access to an adequate Assistant Minister of Health, for the laboratory is required. In addition the Minister of Health- supervision of a qualified teacher is required. How much money was allocated by the­ (a) Commonwealth Government; and (b) 8. The principal of the primary section State Government, to cancer research in is answerable to the Director of Primary Victoria in each of the past three financial Education. years? 9202 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of vested in the Environment Protection Autho­ Health): The answer supplied by the rity under the terms of the Environment Protection Act 1970. The Act provides for Minister of Health is- the following areas of responsibility to be It is not possible to define the amount of undertaken- money allocated for medical research pur­ 1. A licenSing system designed to control poses which is specifically used for cancer and manage the discharge of wastes to air, research. land and water. In so far as the Commonwealth Govern­ 2. Control of noise and litter. ment is concerned, advice has been received that the amount spent by the Commonwealth 3. Prevention of pollution. upon cancer research in Australia in the last 4. Declaration of State environment pro­ three calendar years is- tection policies for segments of the environ­ 1975 $288,570 ment. 1976 $356,310 5. Delegation to other Government agen­ 1977 $369,378. cies to carry out certain functions set out in the Act. Benefit for this research would of course flow to Victoria. In addition to this direct The following agencies assist in the ad­ support to cancer research the Common­ ministration of the Act as delegated protec­ wealth also provides support to the WaIter tion agencies of the Environment Protection and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Authority- whose main field of research, immunology, (a) Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of is of direct relevance to cancer research. Works-Discharge to water in the metro­ Commonwealth support for the institute in politan area. the last three calendar years is- (b) Commission of Public Health-Dis­ 1975 $649,164 charges to land. 1976 $921,000 (c) Dandenong Valley Authority-Dis­ 1977 $1,060,000. charges to water in the Dandenong Valley The State Government grant to the Cancer catchment. Institute included the following amounts for (d) Latrobe Valley Water and Sewerage cancer research during the past three finan­ Board-Discharge to air, land and water in cial years- the Latrobe Valley and East Gippsland. 1973-74 $346,265 (e) State Rivers and Water Supply Com­ 1974-75 $543,806 mission-Discharges to water in all other 1975-76 $702,985. areas of the State. The Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria funds a number of projects concerning cancer research and recorded expenditure during TRADE TEACHERS. 1975-76 as some $400,000 for this purpose (Question No. 2100) of which $25,000 was a grant to the re­ search programme from the Government of Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) asked the Victoria. Minister of Education- Cancer research is also undertaken at 1. How many trade training teachers have various universities and institutions within commenced duty with the Education Depart­ Victoria-the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, ment in each of the past three years? the Howard Florey Institute of Experimental Physiology and Medicine, the Baker Medical 2. Whether there are any current short­ Research Institute and a number of public ages of trade teachers in the technical school hospitals. Information is not available as division; if so, in which trades? to the proportion of State Government assist­ Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of ance to these institutions which can be regarded as being allocated for cancer Education): The answer is- research. I advised the honorable member by letter dated the 1st September, 1977, as WASTE DISPOSAL. follows- 1. 1974 350 (Question No. 2095) 1975 342 1976 323 Mr. CATHIE (Carrum) asked the 1977 270 (approximately) Premier- 2. Yes; there are shortages­ What Government departments and bodies building trades; are responsible for cOntrolling waste dis­ cabinet makers; posal, indicating their areas of responsibility? wood machinists; Mr. HAMER (Premier and upholsters; roof slaters-tilers; Treasurer): The answer is- automotive trades; Over-all responsibility for the control of plumbing/sheetmetal; discharge of wastes to the environment is horticulture trades. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9203

I desire to add that the Technical Schools FLUORIDATED WATER. Division advertised for trade training teachers in July and interviews will be con­ (Question No. 2120) ducted shortly. If sufficient applications are not received the division will re-advertise Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) asked the later in September to recruit more trainees Assistant Minister of Health, for the in the shortage areas. Minister of Health- 1. What provisions have been made for MELBOURNE UNDERGROUND people who could be affected through the RAIL LOOP PROJECT.. consumption of fluoridated water? (Question No. 2101) 2. What equipment has been provided at hospital level for people being treated for Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) asked the kidney complaints who could be affected by Minister of Transport- fluoridated water, indicating which hospitals 1. What is the total loss of working time are involved and how many patients are on the underground rail loop project receiving this special treatment? attributable. to industrial stoppages to date, 3. What method of research was carried expressed In man-hours and man-days out by the Department of Health, as re­ respectively? ' quested by the World Health Organization, 2. How much of the lost time was due to ascertain an optimum level of fluoride, t

2. What is the total number of students? When figures for the January-July, 1977, period are known, I will make them avail­ Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of able to the honorable member. Education): The answer is- A small percentage of the above cases I advised the honorable member by letter will be transports to the Essendon and dated the 2nd September, 1977, that the District Memorial Hospital and also re­ position as at the 1st September is as turns from metropolitan hospitals to private follows- residences. Enrol- Enti tle- Actual Primary schools ment ment star TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT BLACKBURN 4732 Broadmeadows East •. 325 15 17 INTERSECTIONS. 4833 Campmeadows 406 16 17 3118 Glenroy .. 326 14 17 (Question No. 2135) 4782 Glenroy North 485 19 19·2 4809 Glenroy West 478 18 21 Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the 4806 Gowrie Park " 696 29 5 32·5 4878 Hadfield 485 19 22·1 Minister of Special Education, for the 4721 Oak Park 512 21 24 ,n58 Westbrccn 402 16 21 Chief Secretary- 1. Whether 176 traffic control lights are ·This includes principals, vice principals, librarians, art­ scheduled for installation before traffic craft teachers, migrant teachers and so on. control lights will be installed at the inter­ sections of Williams Road and Station Street Enrol- Actual with Whitehorse Road, Blackburn? High Schools ment Base staff 2. On what date it is expected that the Glenroy .. 885 54·3 56'9 installation of traffic control lights at the Hadfield 887 54'4 5,5'1 above-mentioned intersections will be com­ Oak Park:: 897 ,56'9 60·4 menced and completed, respectively? 3. What is the estimated cost of the instal­ Technical school Enrol- Target Actual lation of traffic control lights at the inter­ ment staff sections? Glenroy- 4. Whether funds have been allocated for Full-time day .. 9941 the installation of traffic control lights at the Full-time T AFE intersections; if so, how much has been Part-time day .. 8728 J 86 92 Part-time evening 384 allocated; if not, when it is expected that such allocation will be made? 5. Whether any formal applications, OAK PARK AMBULANCE SERVICE. requests or submissions have been made to the Country Roads Board and the Road (Question No. 2133) Safety and Traffic Authority, respectively, for the installation of traffic control lights Mr. CULPIN (Glenroy) asked the at the intersections; if so, on what date or Assistant Minister of Health, for the dates and by whom? Minister of Health- Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of How many calls the ambulance service Special Education): The answer sup­ situated in Strahan Street, Oak Park, has made each month since its establishment? plied by the Chief Secretary is- Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of 1. Yes. The intersection of Williams Road-Station Street with Whitehorse Road, Health): The answer supplied by the Blackburn, was listed as priority number 177 Minister of Health is- in the State-wide list of sites proposed for The Oak Park branch station has been in signalization under the State intersection existence since 1968. The figures requested control programme, which was issued by the are not readily available and it would in­ Road Safety and Traffic Authority in volve a detailed search through old records October, 1976. to provide them. 2. It is expected that the installation of The following figures for the period July­ the signals at the intersection will be com­ December, 1976, have oniy recently become pleted during 1978. Precise information as available as Ambulance Service-Melbourne to the timing of the installation will not be is in the process of placing records on com­ available until the works programme for puter and it will take some time before that peIiod is prepared. more current figures will .be avaHable- 3. Detailed estimates of cost will not be July 1976 Total cases 1,141 prepared until the proposal is programmed August 1976 Total cases 1,510 for installation under a works programme. September 1976 Total cases 1,385 4. The allocation of funds for the instal­ October 1976 Total cases 1,665 lation of traffic signals at this location wiU November 1976 Total cases 1,588 be made when the proposal is accepted in December 1976 Total cases 1,488 a works programme. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9205

5. The Road Safety and Traffic Authority In respect of the intersections of Williams received a request for the installation of Road and Station Street with Whitehorse signals at this intersection from the Council Road, Blackbum- of the City of Nunawading on 13th May, 1968. The authority considered that the 1. How many traffic accidents involving installation of signals was not justified at pedestrians, motor cars, motor trucks, motor that time. cycles, and bicycles, respectively. have taken The council made a further request for place at each of those intersections in each installation under the State intersection year since 1960. and in this year to date? control programme on 23rd July, 1975. 2. How many persons have been killed Information with respect to matters re­ and injured, respectively, as a result of lating to the Country Roads Board is not traffic accidents which have taken place at available to me. each of those intersections in each year? TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AT Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of BLACKBURN INTERSECTIONS. SpeCial Education): The answer (Question No. 2136) supplied by the Chief Secretary is- 1. Details of traffic accidents reported at Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the the intersection of Williams Road and Sta­ Minister of SpeCial Education, for the tion Street with Whitehorse Road, Black­ Chief Secretary- bum, are set out in the following table-

Number of vehicles and pedestrians Number of casualties in Number and severity of accidents involved in reported accidents reported accidents Year Trucks InJ'ury Property Total Motor Bi­ Pedes­ Fatal Cars and cycles cycles trians Killed Injured Total damage buses

1968 .. 7 4 11 17 2 7 7 1969 .. 3 2 S 9 S S 1970 .. 2 S 9 2 1 1971 .. 2 3 1972 .. 1 2 2 1973 .. 3 4 7 1 1974 .. 2 2 2 2 1975 .. " I 1 1976 .. 4 s 6 1 6 6

TRAFFIC LIGHTS. from adjoining development; and the need for roadworks. (Question No. 2137) (b) 'The priority number allocated for a particular intersection proposed for signal­ Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the ization under the State intersection control Minister of SpeCial Education, for the programme is based on accident history over Chief Secretary- the previous three years and traffic flow. What criteria are taken into account in determining-( a) whether traffic control SCHOOL SWIMMING POOL lights should be constructed at an intersec­ SUBSIDY. tion; and (b) the priority which should be given to the construction of traffic lights at (Question No. 2142) any particular intersection? Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of asked the Minister of Education- Special Education): The answer 1. What is the current Education Depart­ supplied by the Chief Secretary is- ment subsidy for the construction of a (a) The criteria for determining whether school swimming pool? traffic signals are an appropriate form of 2. When this level of subsidy was first control at an intersection, are the accident set? history; traffic flows, the amount of pedes­ trian activity; the proximity of neighbouring 3. Whether he has received a recom­ signals; the need for access to or egress mendation from within the department to 9206 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice. lift the subsidy; if so, what is the recom­ ADVISORY COUNCIL ON mendation, and when a decision will be TERTIARY EDUCATION. made? (Question No. 2143) Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) Education): The answer is- asked the Minister of Education- I advised the honorable member by letter 1. On what dates the Minister's Advisory dated the 20th May, 1977, as follows- Council on Tertiary Education met in 1974, 1975, 1976, and in this year to date? 1. $4,600 on a $1 for $1 basis for primary 2. Who was present at each meeting? schools. 3. Whether he will make available to $10,000 on a $1 for $1 basis for secondary honorable members on request, copies of the schools. minutes of the meetings of the council as was done for earlier years? 2. 1960. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of 3. A recommendation has been made to Education): The answer is- increase the subsidy to $35,000 on a $1 for I advised the honorable member by letter $1 basis, and a decision will be made dated the 20th May, 1977, as follows- shortly. 1 and 2.

Council meetings held in 1974 Members present

22nd February Mr. L. H. S. Thompson (Chairman), Professor A. S. Buchanan (Deputy­ Chairman), Mr. V. R. C. Brown, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. V. Faulkner (for Father F. M. Martin), Dr. P. G. Law, Dr. J. A. L. Matheson, Mr. D. M. McDoneIl, Dr. D. M. Myers and Rev. T. H. Timpson. 26th April Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Mr. V. R. C. Brown, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. V. Faulkner (for Father F. M. Martin), Dr. P. G. Law, Dr. J. A. L. Matheson, Mr. D. M. McDonell, Dr. D. M. Myers, Dr. L. Shears and Rev. T. H. Timpson. 28th June Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Mr. V. R. C. Brown. Professor D. P. Derham, Dr. P. G. Law, Dr. J. A. L. Matheson, Dr. D. M. Myers, Mr. M. K. Selway (for Mr. D. M. McDonelI), Dr. L. Shears and Rev. T. H. Timpson. 26th July Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Mr. V. R. C. Brown, Professor D. P. Derham, Dr. P. G. Law, Father F. M. Martin, Dr. J. A. L. Matheson, Mr. D. M. McDonell, Professor E. K. Braybrooke (for Dr. D. M. Myers) and Rev. T. H. Timpson, Mr. P. N. Thwaites. 30th August Professor A. S. Buchanan (in the chair), Mr. V. R. C. Brown, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. V. Faulkner (for Father F. M. Martin), Mr. D. M. McDonell, Dr. D. M. Myers, Mr. R. Parry (for Dr. P. G. Law), Professor W. A. G. Scott (for Dr. J. A. L. Matheson) and Mr. P. N. Thwaites. 25th October Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Mr. V. R. C. Brown, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. V. Faulkner, (for Father F. M. Martin), Dr. P. G. Law, Dr. J. A. L. Matheson, Mr. D. M. McDonell, Dr. D. M. Myers, Mr. P. N. Thwaites and Rev. T. H. Timpson. 13th December Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Mr. V. R. C. Brown, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. V. Faulkner (for Father F. M. Martin), Dr. P. G. Law, Dr. J. A. L. Matheson, Mr. D. M. McDonell, Dr. D. M. Myers, Mr. P. N. Thwaites and Rev. T. H. Timpson.

Council meetings held in 1975 Members present

21 st February Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. A. D. P. Dyer, Dr. P. G. Law, Mr. D. M. McDonell, Dr. D. M. Myers, Dr. L. Shears, Professor J. M. Swan (for Dr. J. A. L. Matheson), Mr. P. N. Thwaites and Rev. T. H. Timpson. 11th April Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. A. D. P. Dyer, Mr. V. Faulkner (for Father F. M. Martin), Dr. P. G. Law. Dr. J. A. L. Matheson, Dr. D. M. Myers, Dr. L. Shears, Mr. M. K. Selway (for Mr. D. M. McDonell). Mr. P. N. Thwaites and Rev. T. H. Timpson. 27th June Mr. Brian Dixon (Assistant Minister of Education) in the chair for part of the meeting. Professor A. S. Buchanan, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. A. D. P. Dyer, Mr. V. Faulkner. Dr. P. G. Law, Mr. D. M. McDonell, Dr. D. M. Myers, Dr. L. Shears, Professor W. A. G. Scott (for Dr. J. A. L. Matheson), Mr. P. N. Thwaites and Rev. T. H. Timpson. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9207

Council meetings held in 1975 Members present

29th August Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. V. Faulkner (for Father F. M. Martin), Dr. J. A. L. Matheson, Mr. D. M. McDoneIl, Dr. D. M. Myers, Mr. R. E. Parry (for Dr. P. G. Law) and Dr. L. Shears. 24th October Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. A. D. P. Dyer, Dr. P. G. Law, Mr. D. M. McDonell, Dr. J. A. L. Matheson, Dr. L. Shears, Mr. P. N. Thwaites and Rev. T. H. Timpson. 5th December Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. A. D. P. Dyer, Mr. V. Faulkner (for Father F. M. Martin), Mr. D. M. McDonell, Dr. J. A. L. Matheson, Dr. D. M. Myers, Mr. R. E. Parry (for Dr. P. G. Law), Dr. L. Shears, Mr. P. N. Thwaites and Rev. T. H. Timpson.

Council meetings held in 1976 Members present

20th February Professor A. S. Buchanan (in the chair), Professor D. E. Caro (for Professor D. P. Derham), Mr. A. D. P. Dyer, Dr. F. R. Jevons, Dr. P. G. Law, Mr. D. M. McDonell, Father F. M. Martin, Dr. D. M. Myers, Professor W. A. G. Seott and Mr. P. N. Thwaites. 27th February Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. A. D. P. Dyer, Dr. P. G. Law, Mr. D. M. MeDonell, Father F. M. Martin, Dr. D. M. Myers, Professor W. A. G. Scott, Dr. L. Shears and Mr. P. N. Thwaites. 23rd April Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. A. D. P. Dyer, Dr. P. G. Law, Mr. D. M. McDonell, Dr. D. M. Myers, Professor W. A. G. Scott, Dr. L. Shears and Mr. P. N. Thwaites. 25th June Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. A. D. P. Dyer, Dr. F. R. Jevons, Dr. P. G. Law, Father F. M. Martin, Dr. D. M. Myers, Professor W. A. G. Scott, Mr. M. Selway (for Mr. D. M. McDonel1), Dr. L. Shears and Mr. P. N. Thwaites. 3rd September Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. A. D. P. Dyer, Dr. P. G. Law, Father F. M. Martin, Mr. D. M. McDoneU, Dr. D. M. Myers, Professor W. A. G. Scott, Dr. L. Shears and Dr. F. R. Jevons. 17th December Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buehanan, Mr. R. Barnett (for Dr. P. G. Law), Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. A. D. P. Dyer, Dr. T. Moore (for Dr. L. Shears), Professor W. A. G. Seott and Dr. F. R. Jevons. 15th April, 1977 Mr. L. H. S. Thompson, Professor A. S. Buchanan, Professor E. K. Braybrooke, Professor D. P. Derham, Mr. A. D. P. Dyer, Mr. J. M. Hill, Professor R. 1... Martin, Dr. F. R. Jevons and Dr. L. Shears.

3. Minutes of the council meetings have Whether he will examine and rectify the not been made available in the past but severe staff shortage at Ringwood High an annual report on the work of the council School, in respect of replacements for-(a) has been prepared and published. a maths/science teacher; (b) a Form VI. A report has not been prepared for 1976, biology teacher; and (c) art!craft teachers? since during the course of the year, the Post-Secondary Education Committee of In­ Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of quiry was established and the terms of reference of this committee included many Education): The answer is- of the functions formerly associated with the AdviSOry Council. Since establishment of I advised the honorable member by letter the inquiry the AdviSOry Council has met dated the 20th May, 1977, that three addi­ less frequently and has dealt with a dimin­ tional teachers have been appointed to Ring­ ished range of business. A brief account wood High School, all effective 23rd May, of this work could be provided if necessary. 1977. These appointments are as replace­ RINGWOOD HIGH SCHOOL. ments for one teacher who resigned on 21st April, 1977, one who will resign as from (Question No. 2149) 23rd May, 1977, and one who will com­ Mr. McARTHUR (Ringwood) mence a period of confinement leave on asked the Minister of Education- 23rd May, 1977. 9208 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

NON-RATEABLE CROWN LAND. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of (Question No. 2158) Education): The answer is- I advised the honorable member by letter Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) asked the dated the 29th June, 1977, that no exit Premier- student graduating from a State College Whether the Victoria Grants Commission, of Advanced Education with a three-year in forming its assessments for the current physical education degree was denied a year, took into consideration the areas place in Diploma of Education at the State College of Victoria at Hawthorn. Physical of non-rateable Crown land in each muni­ education methods were not available at cipality; if so, with what result? other teacher-training institutions offering Mr. HAMER (Premier and Diploma of Education. Treasurer): The answer is- Yes. OTWAY RANGES. Under the "As of right entitlement" an (Question No. 2163) area component was paid irrespective of ownership of the land. Under the "needs" Mr. CATHIE (Carrum) asked the component, payments could be made if the Minister of Agriculture, for the municipality provided services for the non­ rateable Crown land. Minister of Forests- 1. When the last systematic survey was "EO. CREDIT" DEDUCTIONS carried out for the presence of Phytophthora FROM TEACHERS' SALARIES. cinnamomi in the Otway Ranges? (Question No. 2159) 2. What sites were tested? 3. Where Phytophthora cinnamomi has Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) asked the been located in the ranges? Minister of Education- 4. Whether Phytophthora cinnamomi has What is the present position of Victorian been located in mountain ash forests of the Secondary Teachers Association members ranges; if so, where, and what are the applying to the Education Department to implications? have payments to "Ed. Credit" deducted 5. Whether any other tests for fungal from their salary? pathogens have been carried out in the Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of ranges; if so, when these tests were under­ taken, what pathogens have been found, Education): The answer is- and where? I advised the honorable member by letter 6. How many sawmills are dependent dated the 20th May, 1977, as follows- on the hardwood resources of the ranges, "The Education Department is currently indicating in respect of each-(a) the involved in the detailed planning and pro­ location; (b) the number of persons em­ gramming of a new computerized pay-roll ployed; (c) the size of present log alloca­ system proposed for introduction during the tion; (d) the forest district from which the second quarter of 1978. The department's allocation is obtained; (e) the minimum size existing computerized system is presently of the allocation that is considered eco­ fully committed and any further adaptations nomic; and (f) the expected life-time? or extensions of it are impracticable pend­ 7. What volume of regrowth timber from ing introduction of the new system. I have informed Education Credit Union Co­ the 1939 fires has been cut in the ranges? operative Ltd. that upon the introduction Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of of the planned system in the new year I Agriculture): The answer supply by will be prepared to consider having the department handle credit union deductions Minister of Forests is- from the salaries of teachers who are mem­ 1. Surveys of various types are part of bers of the Victorian Secondary Teachers' an on -going research programme in forests Association. " throughout the State. GRADUATES IN PHYSICAL 2. Various sites have been examined. 3. While an on-going programme is pro­ EDUCATION. ceeding it is not possible to give a mean­ (Question No. 2160) ingful answer to this question. Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) asked the 4. Although research is still proceeding Minister of Education- it can be said that forests on well drained, fertile mountain soils are not prone to Further to question No. 1709 answered on 30th March, 1977, whether any of the serious injury from Phytophthora cinna­ 52 students who graduated with a three­ momi. year Physical Education degree in 1976 5. Tests for fungal pathogens in State failed to obtain admission to a Diploma of forests including the Otway Ranges are in Education course in 1977? progress. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9200

6. Eleven sawmills depend upon saw log PULPWOOD SUPPLY ZONES. supplies obtained from State forests- (a) Sawmills are located at Geelong, Ben­ (Question No. 2165) werrin Barwon Downs (2), Deans Marsh, Birregurra, Forrest, Colac, Mr. CATHIE (Carrum) asked the Elliminyt, Baroongarook and Apollo Minister of Agriculture, for the Bay. Minister of Forests- (b) Not known. (c) Present log allocations are- 1. What is the area of-(a) land; and 300 mS, 668 ms, 4177 mS, 6137 mS, (b) State forest, in respect of each con­ 4177 ms, 450 ms, 7228 mS, 13886 ms, cession zone provided under Act Nos. 8563, 5118 ms, 675 ms, and 7371 m3. 6046, 6585, 7924, 8121 and 8748, respec­ (d) Sawmills situated at Geelong, Ben­ tively? werrin, Barwon Downs (2), Bir­ regurra, Forrest and Deans Marsh 2. What was the area of-(a) land; and obtain logs from the Eastern (b) State iorest, in respect of each con­ Otways forest district. Sawmills cession zone provided under Act Nos. 4451, situated at Colac, Elliminyt, Bir­ 6796 and 7473, respectively? regurra, Baroongarook and Apollo Bay obtain logs from Gellibrand 3. Whether maps of the concession zones forest district. for each of the above-mentioned Acts are available; if so, from what source? (e) The minimum economic size of log allocation varies between saw­ millers in relation to capital struc­ Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister of ture, type and age of milling equip­ Agriculture) : The answer supplied ment and the degree of owner by the Minister of Forests is- participation. (I) The expected economic life-time of 1 and 2. There are no concession zones a sawmill is a function of existing provided for under the Acts listed. How­ capital stock, maintenance prac­ ever, each Act incorporates an agreement tices and technological obsoles­ between the company and the Forests Com­ cence. The Forests Commission mission which specifies a supply zone from does not have complete informa­ which the company which is party to the tion relating to these matters for agreement has the right to obtain pulp­ the sawmills in the Eastern Otways wood of quantity and type and under the and Gellibrand forest districts. conditions specified in the agreement. Ap­ 7. No regrowth timber from the 1939 fires proximate areas involved under the various has been cut for supply to industry. Acts are as follows-

Area ('000 hectares) Act Date Company Type of pulpwood State Total land forest

8563 1974 Australian Paper Manufacturers Hardwood 2,007 1,007 8563 1974 Australian Paper Manufacturers Softwood 1,329 370 6046 1956 Masonite .. Hardwood 312 245 6585 1959 Commonwealth Sugar Refineries Hardwood 321 81 7924 1969 A. V. Wehl Softwood 1,236 166 8121 1971 Bowater-Scott Softwood 633 365 8748 1975 Softwood-Holdings Softwood 562 118 4451 1936 Australian Paper Manufacturers Hardwood 365 242 6796 1961 Australian Paper Manufacturers Hardwood 2,025 983 7473 1966 Australian Paper Manufacturers Hardwood 1,990 1,007

3. (i) Maps of each of the respective (ii) Maps pertaining to Act Nos. 7924 supply zones are available for inspection and 8748 have been lodged in the Central at the head office of the Forests Com­ Plan Office as specified in the respective mission. Act. 9210 Questions [ASSEMBL Y.] on Notice.

ALBURY-VVODONGA REGIONAL posed for this school. At this stage it is COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL not expected that these works will be carried DEVELOPMENT out during the 1977-78 financial year. (Question No. 2168) RED HILL CONSOLIDATED Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the SCHOOL. Minister for Social Welfare- (Question No. 2172) Whether he has given consideration to the position of the Albury-Wodonga Regional Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked Council for Social Development with the the Minister of Education- Australian Assistance Plan being continued on a State basis by the Governments of New What steps are to be taken to improve South Wales and Victoria; if so, with what the inadequate bus service available to results? students at Red Hill Consolidated School? Mr. DIXON (Minister for Social Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Welfare) : The answer is- Education): The answer is- I have recently received a letter from the I advised the honorable member by letter Director of the Albury-Wodonga Regional dated the 20th May, 1977, as follows- Council for Social Development requesting U I desire to say that school bus contrac­ that that council be given consideration in tors in the area are being requested to sub­ the allocation of resorces under the pro­ mit quotes for a temporary bus service to posed Victorian Family and Community commence as early as practicable in the Services Programme. That request is being second term." examined within the over-all context of pro­ viding assistance to the entire Upper Murray region, but at this stage planning is still in EDUCATION DEPARTMENT the preliminary stages and I am unable to indicate the extent of assistance that might STORES BRANCH. be provided. (Question No. 2173) VVINDSOR PRIMARY SCHOOL. Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked the Minister of Education- (Question No. 2170) What changes are proposed to the opera­ Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked tion of the stores branch of the Education the Minister of Education- Department? With regard to the Windsor Primary Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of School- Education): The answer is- 1. What is the student enrolment? I advised the honorable member by letter 2. What is the area of the school grounds? dated the 2nd September, 1977, as follows- 3. What is the age of the permanent .. I desire to say that no changes at this school buildings? time are proposed to the operation of the stores branch of the Education Department. 4. How many temporary buildings are at the school and how long each building has However, a committee has been estab­ been so located? lished to examine the possibility of providing schools with grant funds to enable decisions 5. When it is expected that a new art/ to be made locally, as to whether purchases craft facility will be constructed? will be from the store or elsewhere." Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education): The answer is- BInTH CONTROL PROGRAMME. I advised the honorable member by letter (Question No. 2174) dated the 17th August, 1977, as follows- 1. Five hundred and forty-four enrolled. Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the 2. Three acres 0 roods 13· 8 perches. Assistant Minister of Health, for the 3. Light timber construction--eleven class­ Minister of Health- rooms-1966-71. Multi-storey brick­ In respect of the Department of Health eleven classrooms (built in stages 1877-96 birth control programme- and 1915). 1. Which municipalities now operate 4. Two portables, one for use as a stan­ clinics, indicating-(a) for how many ses­ dard class-room supplied on 12th March, sions; and (b) what grant each clinic re­ 1973, and one for migrant classes supplied ceives? in Sepetmber, 1976. 2. Whether the department has received 5. It is intended that an art/craft facility at any time a request from the City of Warr­ will be considered for inclusion with the nambool regarding the setting up of a staff accommodation improvements pro- clinic; if so, when, and with what result? Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9211

3. Whether the department will com­ BACCHUS MARSH PRIMARY municate with the , drawing its attention to State Government SCHOOL. programmes in this field and offering assist­ (Question No. 2175) ance in the provision of such a service? Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of the Minister of Education- Health): The answer supplied by the Minister of Health is- With regard to the Bacchus Marsh Primary School- 1. The following family planning clinics are now operating- 1. Whether the school buildings have been condemned; if so, why?

Municipalities Number of 2. What was the date of any report pro­ sessions posing condemnation and on what date this action was approved? (a) Metropolitan­ 3. Whether the school buildings are to be Altona .. 2 sessions replaced; if so, when rebuilding will com­ Broadmeadows 1 session mence and when it is expected to be Brunswick 2 sessions finished? Camberwell 2 sessions Chelsea .. 2 sessions Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Coburg " 2 sessions Education): The answer is- ColIingwood 1 session I advised the honorable member by letter Dandenong 4 sessions dated the 20th May, 1977, as foUows- Diamond Valley .. 2 sessions 1 and 2. The buildings at this school have Essendon 1 session not been condemned by this department Fitzroy .. 2 sessions or by the Public Works Department. Frankston 2 sessions 3. It has not yet been determined whether Hawthorn 1 session any of the existing school buildings will be HeideJberg 1 session replaced. However, the situation at this Keilor .. 2 sessions school has been reviewed by the Ballarat Knox 5 sessions Regional Priorities Review Committee and it is expected that the school will be up­ Malvern .. 1 session graded in 1980. Melbourne 3 sessions Moorabbin 1 session Mordialloc 1 session Northcote ., 2 sessions REGISTERED DENTISTS. Nunawading 1 session (Question No. 2176) Oakleigh .. 1 session Port Melbourne 1 session Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the Prahran .. 2 sessions Assistant Minister of Health, for the Preston .. 2 sessions Minister of Health- Sandringham 1 session In respect of dentists registered for the Sherbrooke 1 session first time in 1975 and 1976, and in this year South Melbourne .. 1 session to date, how many were not residents of Springvale 2 sessions Australia at the time of-Ca) application; Sunshine .. 1 session and (b) registration, specifying the country Waverley 3 sessions of residence and qualification in each case? (b) Country­ Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of Corio 1 session Hastings .. 1 session Health) : The answer supplied by Each session is of three hours' duration. the Minister of Health is- Applicants for registration as dentists in There is no grant in respect of these Victoria are required to make personal ap­ clinics as they are operated by staff em­ plication at the office of the Dental Board. ployed by the Department of Health. The table hereunder lists dentists from over­ seas who made applications in 1975, 1976 2. No. and in this year to date and were sub­ 3. Yes. sequently granted registration- 9212 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

Number of Country of residence Year Dental qualification applicants at time of application

Year endina 30th September, 1975 .. B.D.S. Singapore .. 15 Malaysia .. 4 Singapore 9 Hong Kong 2 B.D.S. Witwatersrand South Africa

Year ending 30th September, 1976 .. B.D.S. Singapore .. 44 Malaysia .. 20 Singapore .. .. 21 Hong Kong 1 United Kingdom 1 B.D.S. Witwatersrand 2 South Africa 2 D.D.S. McGill University .. Malaysia .. D.M.D. Oregon United States of America ..

From 1st October, 1976, to 3rd May 1977 B.D.S. Singapore .. 35 Hong Kong 1 Singapore .. .. 15 Malaysia .. .. 19 B.D.S. Witwatersrand South Africa

SOUTHERN PENINSULA (c) A saving of $6,832 was re­ allocated for miscellane­ HOSPITAL. ous works. (Question No. 2177) 1976-77 (a) Ward block casualty and kitchen-preliminary fees. ROPER Mr. (Brunswick) asked the (b) Progress payments of Assistant Minister of Health, for the $15,638 were made in Minister of Health- 1975-76 and $8,581 in 1976-77. In respect of the Southern Peninsula Hospital- 2. Working drawings and specifications have been approved for casualty, kitchen, 1. What funds have been allocated in dining, services, stores and a 30-bed nursing each of the past five years for building home ward. works, indicating-(a) the works to be undertaken; (b) their date of completion; Availability of funds will depend on the and (c) whether any money was unspent amount allocated to the Hospitals and and, if so, how the unspent money was dealt Charities Commission for capital purposes with? for 1977-78. 2. What offers now exist for construction of hospital extensions and when it is ex­ REMEDIAL TEACHERS IN RIPON pected funds will be made available for this purpose? ELECTORATE. Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of (Question No. 2178) Health): The answer supplied by Mr. AUSTIN (Ripon) asked the the Minister of Health is- Minister of Special Education- 1. Funds have been allocated for the fol­ How many remedial teachers are attached lowing building works at the Southern to schools in the electoral district of Ripon, Peninsula Hospital during the past five stating which schools? years in respect of the following building works- Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of 1972-73 Nil. Special Education): The answer is- 1973-74 Nil. The Minister of Education has advised .the honorable member by letter dated the 8th 1974-75 (a) Manager's residence $15,000. August, 1977 as follows- (b) December, 1974. "I desire to say that there is no official entitlement to a certain number of remedial (c) All paid to hospital. teachers by any high school. All teachers 1975-76 (a) Sewerage installation experience problems of individual differences $31,051. among pupils in their classes and in this (b) $15,638 was paid to hospital sense all teachers are professional remedial in 1975-76-$8,581 in teachers. The majority of high schools in 1976-77. Victoria are staffed generously over the Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9213

• base' and where remedial problems are (b) the establishment of which will not beyond the range of the class-room teacher, or the conduct of which does not smaller withdrawal groups should be impose an undue load on any exist­ organized by the principal of the school with ing or projected service for the the staff at his disposal. supply or provision of water, gas, Staff returns from schools in the electoral electricity, sewerage facilities, or district of Ripon indicate that the following any other like service. high schools use teachers for purely remedial In the table to clause 7 in the ordinance work for the time fractions as indicated- to the Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Beaufort High School-O· 5 equivalent Scheme (Reprint No. 5) section 13, column full-time. 3 uses, other than cc light industry", are subject to the following conditions- Lake Bolac High School-I' 5 equivalent full-time. (a) the conditions applicable to light industry are observed; and St. Arnaud High School-I' 5 equivalent full-time. (b) the processes carried on, the mat­ erials, goods and machinery used Stawell High School-O'8 equivalent full­ and stored and the transportation time. of materials, goods and commodi­ No remedial teachers have been appointed ties to and from the premises will to .the three technical schools in the elec­ not cause injury to or prejudicially torate but some teachers may undertake affect the amenity of the locality by remedial teaching duties as part of the reason of the emission of noise, overall duties at these technical schools." vibration, smell, fumes, smoke, vapour, steam, soot, ash, dust, waste products, grit or oil, the ap­ SEAFORD PETROLEUM PTY. LTD. pearance of the property or other­ (Question No. 2183) wise. Mr. CArnIE (Carrum) asked the (b) Clause 25 (2)- Minister for Conservation, for the (d) vehicles filling storage tanks shall stand wholly within the curtilage Minister of Water Supply- while so doing and the layout of Further to the answer to question No. the buildings and works shall be so 2098 given on 26th April, 1977, when located that a vehicle measuring permits were issued to Seaford Petroleum 13'8 metres by 2'5 metres can by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board enter and leave the site moving in of Works, indicating-(a) what conditions a forward direction; of a light industrial zone refer to injury and (e) no vehicle shall be serviced unless it loss of amenity to surrounding residents; is wholly within the curtilage; (b) what conditions in clause 25 (2) of the ordinance refer to injury and loss of (f) where the site has a common boun- amenity to surrounding residents; and (c) dary or common boundaries with what specific conditions were imposed on land within a residential zone pro­ petrol-selling facilities in each permit? vision shall be made along the com­ mon boundary or boundaries and Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for within the site for a planting strip Conservation): The answer supplied 3 metres wide and such strip shall by the Minister of Water Supply is­ be planted and maintained to the satisfaction of the responsible (a) Clause 2 (1) in the ordinance to the authority. Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme defines .. light industry" as follows- (g) the buildings and works constructed and activities carried out on the cc Light industry" means any industry site shall not cause injury to or whether or not particularly described or prejudicially affect the amenity of defined in this ordinance - the locality by reason of the ap­ (a) in which the building or works there­ pearance of such buildings and by occupied or employed, the pro­ works or any materials on the site cesses carried on, the material used or by reason of emission of noise, or stored, machinery employed, and vibration, smell, fumes, smoke, the transportation of materials vapour, steam, dust, waste pro­ goods and commodities to and from ducts, oil or otherwise; and the premises will not cause injury to or prejudicially affect the ame­ (h) an oil and silt interceptor trap shall nity of the locality by reason of the be installed to the satisfaction of appearance of such building, works the responsible authority and shall or materials or by reason of the be so located as to receive all the emission of noise, vibration, smell, drainage from paved areas on the fumes, smoke, vapour, steam, soot, site including any car wash areas. ash, dust, wastepaper, waste pro­ (c) As a petrol filling station is a per­ ducts, grit, oil, or of the presence mitted use in a Light Industrial Zone any of vermin or otherwise; and conditions included in earlier permits are 9214 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice. now of no consequence as the use is per­ (iii) Permit serial No. 50899 for the erec­ mitted as of right subject to the provisions tion of buildings and works and use of the of the ordinance. However, the conditions land for a heating display centre issued on of each permit were- 21st May, 1968, as set out hereunder- (i) Permit Serial No. 46899 issued 17th Subject to the conditions (if any) set July, 1967, for the purposes-and subject to out hereunder permission is hereby granted the conditions set out hereunder- for the land situate at and described as Subject to the conditions (if any) set lots 8 and 9, lodged plan No. 75196, west out hereunder permission is hereby side of Bardia Avenue, City of Frankston, granted for the land situate at and to have buildings and works erected described as lot 8, plan of subdivision No. thereon in accordance with the attached 75196, on the west side of Bardia Avenue, endorsed plan and to be used for a heating City of Frankston, to be used for the pur­ display centre. pose of a transport depot and storage of domestic heating oils. Conditions. 1. The layout of the site and the size of Conditions. the proposed buildings and works as 1. The use shall comply with the provi­ shown on the endorsed plan shall not be sions of light industry as defined in the altered or modified (whether or not in order. order to comply with any statute, statu­ 2. The loading and unloading of vehicles tory rule or by-law or for any other and delivery of goods to and from the reason) without the consent of the respon­ store or other place where goods are or sible authority. are to be kept shall at all times be effected 2. The area set aside for the parking of within the curtilage. vehicles and so delineated on the endorsed 3. No vehicle under the control of the plan shall be made available for such use operator under this permit or his staff and shall not be used for any other pur­ shall be parked in the streets nearby. pose. 4. The total quantity of heating oil 3. The loading and unloading of vehicles stored shall not at anyone time exceed and delivery of goods to and from the 10,000 gallons and not more than 5,000 store or other place where goods are or gallons of such oil shall be stored other are to be kept shall at all times be effected than in underground tanks. within the curtilage. (ii) Permit serial No. 49088 issued 30th 4. The conditions of permits Nos. 49088 January, 1968, for the purposes and subject and 46899 shall be complied with. to the conditions set out hereunder- Under these permits the land can be used Subject to the conditions (if any) set for the purposes set out subject, inter alia, out hereunder permission is hereby to no retail sales of petrol. However due granted for the land situate at and to the modification referred to and compli­ described as lot 9, lodged plan No. 75196, ance with clause 25 (2) of the ordinance Bardia Avenue, City of Frankston, to be the operator as of right may now sell petrol. used fOT the purpose of parking trucks There is no provision expressly stating that thereon and installing three underground such sales shall be retail or wholesale. tanks with pump bowsers to service same.

Conditions. PROPOSED HUME FREEWAY. 1. The pump bowsers shall be so located (Question No. 2184) that they will not attract passing traffic to seek retail sales. Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the 2. No vehicle under the control of the Minister of Transport- operator under this permit or his staff 1. Further to the answer to question No. shall be parked in the streets nearby. 1632 given on 19th April, 1977, what funds 3. The loading and unloading of vehicles have been or will be made available this and delivery of goods to and from the financial year from the Commonwealth for store or other place where goods are or the Hume Freeway sections from-la) are to be kept shall at all times be effected Craigieburn to Bell Stree\:; and (b) Bell within the curtilage. Street to the city, indicating for what pur­ On approval of the Melbourne Metro­ poses those funds are to be used? politan Planning Scheme, on the 22nd May, 2. In respect of those two sections of the 1968, the Planning Scheme Ordinance was freeway what proposals for future years modified in that a petrol filling station was have been made to the Commonwealth? changed from being a discretionary use to a IHr. RAFFERTY (l\1inister of permitted use subject to a controlling clause. 25 (2) (copy attached). Subject to that Transport): The answer is- clause no permit is required pursuant to the 1. Funds made available in financial year planning scheme for retail sales of petrol. 1976-77 by the Country Roads Board from Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9215 both Commonwealth and State sources for OUTER RING TRANSPORTATION the Hume Freeway between Craigieburn and STUDY. Clifton Hill are as follows- (a) Craigieburn to Bell Street- (Question No. 2186) $ Land acquisition . . 1,645,000 Mr. LACY .(Warrandyte) asked the Investigation and engin- Minister of Transport- eering survey 10,000 Further to question No. 206 answered (b) Bell Street to Clifton Hill- on the 5th May, 1976, in respect of the outer $ ring transportation study- Land acquisition .. 760,000 Investigation and engin- 1. Whether the study group has com­ eering survey 90,000 pleted its investigations and its report; if Right-of -way clearance 50,000 not, why, and when it is expected that Notwithstanding the allocation of funds these tasks will be completed? made earlier in the financial year, no investi­ 2. Whether the study group has encoun­ gations, engineering surveys or 'right-of-way tered any problems of technical evaluation; clearance will be carried out this financial if so, what are these problems and what year. steps have been taken to overcome them? 2. The following will be included in the programmes to be submitted to the Com­ 3. Whether he will ensure that the report monwealth for financial year 1977-78- is made within twelve months of the con­ tract date of November, 1976? $ (a) Craigieburn to Bell Street- 4. Whether the Government's policy on Land acquisition . . 1,500,000 freeways in outer suburban areas, as re­ Investigation and engin­ corded in the Premier's policy speech on eering survey 175,000 1st March, 1976, and in his answer to a (b) Bell Street to Clifton Hill- question without notice on 29th October, Land acquisition 100,000 1975, has been specifically brought to the The allocation for land acquisition merely attention of the study group and its con­ makes allowance for any requests by land tractors; if so, whether the study group owners for compensation on the grounds of and its contractors have been specifically hardship that may arise during the 1977-78 requested to conduct their investigations financial year. and to prepare their report within this con.,. straint and, in that event-(a} what was LEGAL ABORTIONS. the response to that request; (b) whether they have conducted their investigations (Question No. 2185) within that constraint; and (c) whether Mr. BILLING (Springvale) asked they are preparing their report within that the Assistant Minister of Health, for constraint? the Minister of Health- Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of What was the total number of preg­ Transport): The answer is- nancies terminated for therapeutic reasons in Victorian public hospitals in each of the 1. No. The commencement of stage two financial years 1974-75 and 1975-76 and of the study was delayed due to the review how many of such operations were per­ of stage one taking longer than expected. formed at-(a} the Royal Women's Hos­ Work is now proceeding satisfactorily on pital; and (b) the Queen Victoria Memorial stage two. Hospital? 2. The evaluation required new tech­ Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of n~ques largely untried in Australia. These Health): The answer supplied by the techniques were developed during part one of the study and applied during part two. Minister of Health is- Several minor problems using these new The total number of pregnancies ter­ and unfamiliar techniques have been en­ minated for therapeutic reasons in Vic­ countered and overcome during the normal torian hospitals is not available. However, course of the study. pregnancies terminated for therapeutic reasons at the Royal Women's Hospital 3. Every effort will be made to complete were as follows- the report by November this year. 1974: 845 terminations 4. The committee supervising the study 1975: 881 terminations is fully conversant with Government policy 1976: 1,289 terminations with respect to transport and all their in­ and at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hos­ vestigations and deliberations are carried pital as follows- out in full awareness of this. The con­ 1975: 433 terminations sultant's work is constantly reviewed to 1976: 344 terminations. ensure that it fulfils these requirements. 9216 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

COMMONWEALTH-STATE 2. What criteria are used in approving PRE-SCHOOL FUNDING. the construction of assembly halls or placing schools on a priority list? (Question No. 2187) 3. What schools have received grants for Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the assembly halls since a priority list, was Premier- published in Hansard in September, 1973? Whether the Prime Minister wrote to him 4. What is the reason for schools lower in November, 1976, concerning the form of on that list than Bell Park High School Commonwealth-State consultative arrange­ obtaining assembly halls since that date? ments on pre-school funding; if so, whether 5. When the school can expect to receive he will provide the member for Brunswick with a copy of the letter, together with the funds for an assembly hall? response of the State Government? Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Mr. HAMER (Premier and Education): The answer is- Treasurer): The answer is- I advised the honorable member by letter (a) Yes. dated the 26th August, 1977, as follows- (b) Yes. 1. There are eighteen schools ahead of Bell Park High School on the priority list REPATRIATION HOSPITALS. to receive grants for assembly halls. 2. The criterion for approved construction (Question No. 2188) is that the building should be of a multi­ Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the purpose nature (e.g. gymnasium, hall, theatre) . No criteria are placed on high Assistant Minister of Health, for the schools or technical schools wishing to be Minister of Health- placed on the priority waiting list. 1. Whether the Commonwealth Minister 3. The following schools have received or the Department of Veterans' Affairs have assembly hall grants since publication of the established either formal or informal con­ sultation arrangements with the health priority list in Hansard in September, 1973- authorities of Victoria concerning repatria­ Belmont Technical School. tion hospitals; if so, when such arrange­ Macleod High School. ments were made and what requests were Koonung High School. made by the Commonwealth? Broadford High School. 2. What proposals have been made by Glenroy Technical School. the Hospitals and Charities Commission to Daylesford Technical School. the Department of Veterans' Affairs con­ Chadstone High School. cerning the future of veterans' hospitals and Vermont High School. health facilities in Victoria? Terang High School. Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of Corio Technical School. Health): The answer supplied by Morwell High School. Colac Technical School. the Minister of Health is- Preston East Technical School. 1. In the last year consultations have Watsonia Technical School. taken place between officers of the Com­ Cobram High School. monwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Hospitals and Charities Commission 4. Because of the lack of other suitable concerning repatriation hospitals in Victoria. facilities in the areas served by the Preston The main request made by the Common­ East and Watsonia technical schools and wealth was the usa~e of their facilities for because of the school councils' proven non-repatriation patIents. willingness to locally raise and provide sub­ 2. The Hospitals and Charities Com­ stantial funds for their other important mission requested the Department of school projects, departmental promises were Veterans' Affairs to broaden the co-operation made in 1972 to provide grants towards between the public and veterans' hospitals, erection of these halls as soon as circum­ with special reference to emergency ad­ stances permit. The multi-purpose hall at mission services. Preston East was finally completed late in 1976 and at Watsonia just recently. SCHOOL ASSEMBLY HALLS. In the case of Koo-wee-rup High School, (Question No. 2192) an error was made in the recording of the school's original date of application and a Mr. BIRRELL (Geelong West) grant will be made available to this school asked the Minister of Education- this financial year. 1. What position Bell P:uk High School 5. It is not anticipated that a grant would occupies on the Eclucation Department be available to Bell Park High School before priority list for assembly halls? the 1979-80 financial year. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9217

GRANTS TO ETHNIC Grants are not available for building pro­ jects, recurrent salaries, or for those pur­ ORGANIZATIONS. poses which already qualify for subsidy en­ (Question No. 2193) titlement through other Commonwealth and State Government departments. Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the Minister of Immigration and Ethnic EMPLOYMENT AT CHURCmLL Affairs- AND WONTHAGGI. What amount has been allocated this (Question No. 2194) financial year for grants to ethnic organiza­ tions and welfare programmes, indicating to Mr. AMOS (Morwell) asked the whom grants have been made and on what basis? Minister for Minerals and Energy, for the Minister for State Development Mr. JONA (Minister of Immigra- tion and Ethnic Affairs): The and Decentralization- 1. What support the Government has answer is- given to Exacto Knitwear Pty. Ltd. to enable 1. An allocation of $50.000 was available that company to expand its operations at this financial year (1976-77). Churchill? 2. Grants have been made to the follow­ 2. How many additional employees are ing organizations- expected to be engaged at Churchill as a Prahran Multi-Cultural Community $ result of this expansion? Centre 11,000 3. Whether the Department of State De­ Port and South Melbourne Turkish velopment has made any assessment of the Committee 5,274 likely effect of this expansion at Churchill Maltese Community Council of Vic­ on Exacto's operations at Wonthaggi; if so, toria 5,000 what is the result of such assessment; jf Boroondara Free Kindergarten 3.500 not, whether an examination will be made Altona North Migrant Community to ascertain whether the Wonthaggi opera­ Centre 3,000 tions will be adversely affected by the com­ Geelong Migrant Planning Com- pany's expansion at Churchill? mittee 2,788 4. What steps will be taken to encourage Co.As.It 2,000 alternative employment at Wonthaggi to Sunshine Polish Charity Association 2,000 minimize the effects of reduced employment Yugoslav-Australian Workers' Cen- opportunities at the Wonthaggi plant? tre 1,750 The Council of Hungarian Associa- Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for tions of Victoria 1,500 Minerals and Energy): The answer "Italian Week 1977 .. 1,500 by Lebanese Summer School 1,345 supplied the Minister for State De­ Springvale Community Aid and velopment and Decentralization is- Advice Bureau 1,000 1. The usual decentralization incentives Latvian Relief Society Cl Daugavas have been provided. Vanagi" 1.000 Italian Committee of Co-ordination 1,000 2. 200. Slovenian Religious and Cultural 3. No assessment has been made; com­ Centre 1,000 pany policy will determine the future of Australian Federation of Islamic the Wonthaggi factory. Councils 1.000 4. The Department of State Development Western Region Education Centre 640 has a good record of introducing alternative Queen Victoria Hospital 603 employers when a decentralized industry Chinese Fellowship of Victoria 500 has been forced to close or retrench staff, Captive Nations Council of Victoria 500 and will use its best endeavours if such be­ Elderly Italians Club of Essendon 400 comes the case in this instance. Lithuanian Women's Welfare As- sociation 350 Victorian Arab Charity Organiza­ STATE ELECTRICITY tion 300 COMMISSION COMMISSIONERS. Leader Group of Newspapers 200 (Questions No. 2195) Good Neighbour Council-CC Ethnic Communities and the Law It Mr. AMOS (Morwell) asked the Seminar 150 Good Neighbour Council-CC Ethnic Minister for Minerals and Energy- '77" 100 1. What are the details of the business 3. Applications for grants are considered associations of each of the State Electricity for those projects which are designed to Commission commissioners? promote the objectives of the Ministry in the 2. In respect of the appointment of Mr. areas of community integration. migrant R. N. Millar as a deputy commissioner· of services and ethnic organizational develop­ the commission-(a) in which companies ment. he holds directorships; (b) whether any of Session 1977.-319 9218 Questions [ASSEMBL Y.] on Notice. these companies have undertaken business Director, Electrolux Pty. Ltd. with the commission; if so, what business Chairman. Grosvenor International transactions have taken place; and (c) (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. whether his association with the General Deputy Chairman, Australian Eagle Electric Co. Ltd. has ceased completely? Insurance Company Ltd. Director, H. C. Sleigh Ltd. Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Director, Australia-New Guinea Cor­ Minerals and Energy): The answer poration. is- Chairman, L. M. Ericsson (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. 1. Mr. B. J. Callinan- Director, Longman Australia Pty. Ltd. Managing Director, Gutteridge, Haskins and Davey Pty. Ltd. Mr. T. P. Scott- Director, BP Australia Ltd. Director, The National Mutual Life Director, Bland Payne Pty. Ltd. Association of Australasia Ltd. Commissioner, Australian Atomic Director, Trustees Executors and Energy Commission Agency Co. Ltd. Deputy Chairman, Lower Yarra Cross­ Member, Melbourne Underground Rail ing Authority Loop Authority. Sir Roger Darvall- Mr. J. C. Trethowan­ Director, Penguin Books Australia Ltd. Nil.

2.

(0) Directorships (b) Business transactions

H .C. Sleigh Ltd. through subsidiary Mr. Millar has been a director of this company since 1976, Golden Fleece Petroleum but the commission has had contracts with the company for more than 25 years. Most contracts for automotive lubricants, distillate and petrol are shared between several companies-each share being dependent on price offered and location of suitable outlets. Current shared contracts are as follows- Automotive lubricants-two-year contract, 1976-78 Distillate-two-year contract, 1976-78 Petrol-two-year contract, 1975-77 John Perry Ltd. Again, Mr. Millar has been a director of this company since 1976, but the commission has had contracts with the company through its subsidiaries and, in particular, Johns and Waygood Ltd. for many years. Johns and Waygood Ltd. have undertaken extensive works in most Latrobe Valley and metropolitan power stations for the commission. All public tenders are awarded on the basis of the lowest acceptable offer received. Current contracts are as follows- Johns and Waygood Ltd. Lift maintenance contracts. Miscellaneous grid flooring and matting. Coal conveyor, Yallourn W Power Station. Cranes, Yalloum W Power Station. Hoists, Yallourn W Power Station. Johnsway Galvanising Maintenance air vessels-two-year contract, 1976-78. Johns Phoenix .. Pulverising equipment, Hazelwood Power Station. Australian Eagle Insurance Co. Ltd. No direct business. Leyland Motor Corporation of Australia No business. Ltd. E.M.I. (Aust.) Ltd. .. Minor purchases of recording tapes.

TIMBER USED BY STATE arms on State Electricity Commission poles ELECTRICITY COMMISSION. -(a) what type of timber is used; (b) where it is milled; and (c) what quantity (Question No. 2197) was ordered in each of the past two years? 2. Whether any imported timber is cur­ Mr. CA11DE (Carrum) asked the rently being used; if so-(a) in what Minister for Minerals and Energy- quantity; (b) what type; and (c) from 1. In respect of timber used for cross where it is imported? Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9219

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for amendments to the Mental Health Act have been recommended to me by the Mental Minerals and Energy): The answer Health Authority and other interested is- parties, the immediate concern of both the 1. Government and myself is to establish the new Health Commission as recommended by (a) (b) (c) the Syme-Townsend committee of inquiry. When the commission is appointed it will Quantity ordered be appropriate for it, I believe, to investigate Types of timber Where milled two years to March,1977 fully all arms of the heal th service and recommend amendments to the various Acts rrf Messmate East Gippsland of Parliament that are consistent with the Silvertop policies and patterns of administration it be.. White Stringybark lieves desirable. Yellow Stringybark 5,649 Bluegum For these reasons I will not make a de-. Mahogany tailed reply to the points you have made. Ironbark N~w South Wales Turpentine 1,239 However, you should be aware that remedial Blackbutt action has been taken in regard to payments Karri W~stern"Aust;~lia 890 to official visitors for each hospital visit and Keruing Malaysia l 140 the regulations have been amended to pro­ vide for a fee of $15 per visit. 2. Yes. Many of your non-legislative recommenda­ (a) 140 m3 in two years to March, 1977. tions will receive consideration, particularly (b) Keruing. those relating to the consultation with a number of community agencies on persons ( c ) Malaysia. suitabJe for appointment as official visitors, This small quantity was ordered to test and those calling for more regular con­ this source of supply because of the ferences of official visitors to replace the possible difficulties in obtaining adequate present practice of holding such a con~ quantities locally in the future. ference each four years. You can be assured that the situation re~ lating to the appointment of official visitors SUBMISSION BY STAR VICTORIAN and the performance of their duties will be ASSOCIATION FOR THE kept under review." RETARDED. (Question No. 2198) GERIATRIC CENTRE FOR Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the EASTERN SUBURBS. Assistant Minister of Health, for the (Question No. 2200) Minister of Health- Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the In respect of the submission prepared by Assistant Minister of Health, for the Star Victorian Association for the Retarded, Minister of Health- concerning official visitors- 1. Whether a decision has been made 1. What action the Minister has taken as concerning the proposed Eastern Suburbs a result of the submission? Geriatric Centre; if so, what deCision, in­ 2. What recommendations which do not dicating-(a) on what date it is proposed require legislation are presently under con­ construction works will commence and be sideration? completed, respectively; (b) what services 3. When it is proposed that legislation on and facilities will be provided at the centre; the question of official visitors will be intro­ and (c) what satellite facilities are pro~ duced into the Parliament? posed in the region? 2. Whether any studies or surveys have Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of been carried out for the purpose of deter­ Health): The answer supplied by the mining the need for geriatric services and Minister of Health is- facilities in the eastern suburbs and/or for By letter dated the 10th of January, 1977, aged persons residing in the eastern the Honorable the Minister of Health ad­ suburbs; if so, whether a copy of the results vised the President of "Star", Victorian of such surveys will be made available to Association for the Retarded, as follows- the member for Brunswick? "Concerning the appointment of official 3. What is the membership of any plan~ visitors and the official visitors system I be­ ning or research committee for the pro­ lieve that many of the points you raise are posed centre? well-founded and some improvement of the Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of situation is desirable. Health): The answer supplied by the Many of the recommendations made would involve changes in legislation but no Minister of Health is- immediate action can be taken in this direc­ 1. A provisional committee of manage~ tion at present. Although a number of ment was formed in May, 1977, with the 9220 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

objectives of establishing a geriatric centre Intersection Control Programme. I am in the eastern suburbs. It is too early at unable to indicate at present when funds this stage to indicate when construction will be allocated for the installation of works will commence, a completion date, signals at the intersection. The council what services will be provided and the of the City of Brunswick can, if it so available satellite facilities. These matters desires, proceed with the early installation are being considered by the provisional of the signals under the provisions of the committee. Deferred Payments Scheme associated with 2. A feasibility study was carried out in the STATCON programme. 1971 by an interim committee, represented by the eight interested municipal councils PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS. in the eastern suburbs. A copy of this report would be available through the (Question No. 2202) Nunawading City Council. Mr. COLEMAN (Syndal) asked the 3. The provisional committee consists of- Minister of Education- Cr. C. P. James, President In respect of primary school staffing- Mr. F. W. Cremean, Vice-President 1. What is the ratio between men and Mr. J. F. Edwards, Treasurer women class-room teachers in the Primary Mr. T. N. Lanham, Secretary Schools Division, indicating whether any at­ Mrs. J. R. Baghel tempt is made to maintain that ratio at in­ Mrs. J. Kevill dividual schools? Cr. E. P. Poelman 2. Whether the Education Department Dr. D. J. Burne recognizes any danger in the absence of Cr. I. L. Cowin male teachers at some schools? Cr. G. L. Pile Mr. A. J. Robinson Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ Cr. G. R. Smart cation): The answer is- Cr. R. D. White I advised the honorable member by letter dated the 20th May, 1977, as follows- BRUNSWICK INTERSECTIONS. 1. As at 12th March, 1977- (Question No. 2201) Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the No. of teachers Men Women Total Minister of Special Education, for the (0) Special Class 544 215 759 (b) S.T. Class 1,386 338 1,724 Chief Secretary- ~C) A.R. .. 1,792 1,456 3,248 d) Assistant. . 3,181 13,079 16,260 In respect of the intersections of-(a) Melville Road and Pearson Street; and (b) Totals: 6,903 15,088 21,991 Brunswick Road and Flemington Street, Brunswick- 2. All teachers have the same rights in 1. How many accidents have been applying for fositions (without due regard reported in each of the past five years, to the sex 0 the applicant ) . specifying the number of serious accidents? It is not possible to maintain a balance in 2. When it is expected that lights will be appointments. installed at each intersection? Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of TOTAL AUSTRALIAN Special Education): The answer COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN. supplied by the Chief Secretary is- (Question No. 2203) 1. Melville Road does not intersect with Pearson Street. Accident details in respect Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the of the intersection of Brunswick Road with Minister of Immigration and Ethnic FIeming Street, Brunswick are- Affairs- In respect of the Total Australian Com­ Year Fatal Injury Property damage Total munity Campaign- 1. When it was decided to undertake the 1972 Nil 1 Nil 1 campaign and on whose advice? 1973 Nil 2 Nil 2 2.' What research studies were consulted 1974 Nil Nil Nil Nil prior to the decision being made? 1975 Nil 1 3 4 1976 Nil Nil 1 1 3. What ethnic groups were consulted prior to the campaign being launched? 4. What moneys have been allocated in 2. The intersection of Brunswick Road this and the next financial year, specifying with Fleming Street, Brunswick, has been how much has been spent to date, the items included in the State-wide list of sites pro­ of expenditure, and where the remaining posed for signalization under the State moneys will be spent? Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9221

Mr. JONA (Minister of Imnligra­ 2. Whether Mr. G. Kavadias, an employee of the Champion Meat Packing Company Ltd. tion and Ethnic Affairs): The answer who suffered an injury at work on 21st is- February this year, was not informed by Health Underwriting Insurance Company 1. The decision to undertake the campaign until 26th April that liability was denied, was made by the Minister on the recom­ leaving him without any income for over mendation of departmental officers early in two months; if so, whether he will ascertain 1977. and advise the reason for this delay? 2. No studies were available on this type 3. Whether Mr. C. Attard, a worker at of campaign within the Australian context. Co-operative Farmers and Graziers Direct Meat Supply Ltd. at Brooklyn, ceased work 3. The Ministry had discussions with a with an injury on 2nd March, 1977, and wide range of community representatives despite many attempts was unable to obtain and invited the ethnic media, the daily any action on his claim until he was in­ media, as well as Opposition and National formed on 28th April that the State Insur­ Party Parliamentary representatives to com­ ance Office had arranged for him to see the ment on the format. company doctor on 9th May; if so, whether he will ascertain and advise the reason for 4. Television these delays? $ $ 4. Whether workers compensation claims Production of 2 x 30 are further delayed by the refusal of an second commercial 7,000 increasing number of doctors to undertake Publicity workers compensation cases? Media time 20,040 27,040 Car stickers (5,000) 500 Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Badges (5,000) 450 Special Education): The answer sup­ T-shirts (1,000) 2,800 plied by the Chief Secretary is- Posters (15,000) 3,500 7,250 1. Despite a very large influx of new busi­ Art and design and other ness in the workers compensation field, and professional media ex- resulting administrative problems, the expenses 2,210 efficiency of the State Insurance Office in Making of radio tapes 550 2,760 the processing of claims has been generally maintained. In fact, it is considered that Radio following recent organizational changes the 2 x 30 second com- efficiency of the office has improved. At mercials 3,590 3,590 present most claims are processed within ten days of the receipt. Unavoidable delays, 40,640 the causes of which are outside the control of the office, occur with respect to employees No money has so far been allocated for whose claims require further investigation the campaign in 1977-78. and, in some cases, several weeks may elapse before such claims are finalized. However, such employees may apply to the Department of Social Security for the pay­ WORKERS ment of sickness benefits, pending the out­ COMPENSATION. come of their claims. Information in rela­ tion to the processing of workers compen­ (Question No. 2204) sation claims by insurers other than the State Insurance Office is not available to Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked me. the Minister of Special Education, for 2. I am advised that Mr. Kavadias's claim the Chief Secretary- required investigation and that Mr. Kavadias contributed substantially to the delay by not 1. Whether injured workers are frequently responding to a letter which was forwarded made to wait two months or more for insur­ to him by the insurer on 4th March, 1977. ance companies to detennine liability to pay workers compensation and whether there has 3. Mr. Attard's claim required investiga­ been a recent serious decline in the efficiency tion. The delay was caused by the necessity of the State Insurance Office in handling .to refer Mr. Attard to an independent medi­ workers compensation claims, causing cal specialist for examination. difficulties for the staft' in the office, and 4. I understand that difficulties are being distress to injured workers claiming com­ experienced in obtaining additional medical pensation; if so, what the Minister is pre­ specialists to whom referrals may be made pared to do to ensure that-(a) injured by the State Insurance Office. The matter workers have their claims attended to with­ has been discussed with the executive of the out undue delay; and (b) there is an im­ Australian Medical Association and is under provement in the efficiency of the office? consideration by the executive at present. 9222 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN Below are the figures for 1976 which are complete and serve as a good comparison NORTHERN AREA SCHOOLS. with those figures that are available for (Question No. 2205) 1977. Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked Class sizes No. of classes in each aroupiq the Minister of Education- Students Primary Secondary- Technical- In view of the acknowledged inadequacy 41 and over .. 20 of present methods to control the effects of 36 to 40 1,056 19 5 31 to 35 5,382 1,554 64 excessively high temperatures in schools in 26 to 30 3,629 2,836 1,063 northern areas of the State-- 21 to 25 1,795 1,450 757 16 to 20 792 650 796 1. Whether the Public Works Department 531 229 256 has been requested to prepare recommenda­ 15 and under :: tions on the matter? 13,205 6,738 2,946 2. What steps will be taken to alleviate Note : -With respect to secondary and technical schools the position? size of English classes only was used as the criterion Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ for determining class sizes. cation): The answer is- As far as 1977 is concerned for the Primary Division there are no classes of 41 I advised the honorable member by letter and over. The number of classes in the dated the 24th June, 1977, as follows- 36-40 bracket has dropped to 315. How­ "I desire to say that it has been depart­ ever, those schools with these class sizes mental policy for a number of years to pro­ have had extra support staff given to them vide evaporative cooling systems in new and do not have any major problems. school buildings, new libraries and in exten­ For the Secondary Division the figures are sions which involve four class-rooms or as follows- more at existing schools. This policy ap­ plied to schools in the north-western part of Class sizes No. of classes in the State (north of a line drawn between Secondary Division Cohuna and Horsham). Students 1977 In an endeavour to provide some further 36 to 40 11 31 to 35 1,116 relief -in respect to class-rooms in existing 26 to 30 3,099 schools I have approved a special pro­ 21 to 25 I,S7S gramme to provide cooling facilities initially 16 to 20 74S to nine primary schools, two high schools 11 to 15 236 and one technical school, in the Sunraysia 10 and less 78 District and this has begun. 6,860 This programme will be extended during In the Technical Division there are no the 1977-78 financial year to progressively classes below 36-40 and only ten in the handle further schools in this zone in order 31-35 bracket. It must be noted that these of priority. classes have been put together at the Detailed inquiries should be forwarded to specific request of the teachers concerned. the Regional Director of Education." As soon as the full analysis for 1977 is known, I will let you know." SCHOOL CLASS SIZES. (Question No. 2206) REMEDIAL ENGLISH TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS. Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked the Minister of Education- (Question No. 2207) With regard to each of the primary, Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked secondary and technical divisions of the the Minister of Education- Education Department, how many classes With regard to the teaching of remedial fall within each of the following class sizes­ English in secondary schools- (a) 41 students and over; (b) 36 to 40 1. How many teachers are currently students; (c) 31 to 35 students; (d) 26 to teaching remedial English? 30 students; (e) 21 to 25 students; (1) 16 to 2. How many teachers were so employed 20 students; and (g) 15 students and under? last year? ' Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu­ 3. How many additional teachers are now cation): The answer is- needed? I advised the honorable member by letter Mr. THOMPSON (Minister o.f dated the 14th June, 1977, as follows- Education) : The answer is-

If I desire to say that the analysis for class I advised the honorable member by letter sizes for schools in the primary and techni­ dated the 1st September, 1977, as foIlows- cal divisions for 1977 have not as yet been I desire to say that there is no 6ffichH completed, although some figures are avail­ entitlement to a certain number of remedial able. teachers for any secondary school. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9223

Secondary Schools Division quarters at Falls Creek, which will comprise 1. The majority of high schools in Vic­ the area manager's residence, the ranger's ~oria are staffed generously over the residence and a small flat (bed-sitter) for "base" and where remedial problems are committee use. beyond the range of the class-room teacher, (a) The estimated cost of the quarters is smaller withdrawal groups should be $153,416, which was the lowest tender organized by the principal of the school received. Building costs in any alpine with the staff at his disposal. village of course are much higher than in 2. Staff returns from all high schools in urban areas. Victoria indicate that 253· 7 (equivalent (b) The small flat is being provided for full-time) teachers are currently employed committee members and committee staff who on remedial work in English. have to visit Falls Creek on business. Most . Last year 271·5 (equivalent full-time) of these members are not residents of Falls teachers were so employed. Creek. (c) The chairman of the committee has 3. As indicated under 1 above, secondary assured me that the flat will be used only for schools are staffed according to an estab­ members visiting Falls Creek on business, lishment which enables principals to for visitors also on business and for organize special programmes which may be meetings. necessary. Therefore, in the terms of your question the situation is similar to that applying in the Technical Schools Division. PROSECUTIONS UNDER AUCTION It . is not proposed to employ teachers SALES ACT. specifically to teach remedial English. (Question No. 2211) Technical Schools Division Mr. McINNES {Gippsland South) 1, 2 and 3. No teachers are employed in asked the Minister of Special Educa­ the Technical Schools Division specifically to teach remedial English. tion, for the Chief Secretary- The division does have some school-based, In respect of sections 29, 34, and 37 of trained specialists from courses such as the the Auction Sales Act 1958- Bachelor of Special Education at Monash 1. How many prosecutions have been,­ University who work with the whole staff ( a) launched; and (b) successful against of their school in the same way as do visit­ offenders within Victoria during the past ten ing specialists from Special Services Division years? to develop a whole staff approach to learn­ 2. What were the names of the persons or ing problems across the curriculum. companies prosecuted, and what penalties Divisional policy is to regard language were imposed? problems as symptoms of learning problems 3. In respect of which selling centres suc­ and to involve all teachers in overcoming cessful prosecutions were launched? them. Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of STATE ELECTRICITY Special Education): The answer COMMISSION V.I.P. FLATS AT supplied by the Chief Secretary is- FALLS CREEK. 1, 2 and 3. Inquiries indicate that the (Question No. 2209) information is not readily available. Mr. AMOS (Morwell) asked the MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL Minister for Minerals and Energy- BENEFITS FUNDS. Whether the State Electricity Commission (Question No. 2212) is building, as part of a ranger's head­ quarters, two luxury self-contained V.I.P. Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the flats at Falls Creek; if so-(a) what is the Minister of Special Education, for the estimated cost of these flats; (b) for what Chief Secretary- purpose these flats are being constructed; Whether information is available in re­ and (c) whether he will assure the House spect of each friendly society, benefit associa­ that these flats will not become utilized by tion, medical service andlor hospital benefit Government Ministers and commission per­ fund for the year 1975-76; if so-(a) what sonnel in the manner that other commis­ was the income specifying contributions, sion and Melbourne and Metropolitan Board interest, Commonwealth benefits and sub­ of Works chalets have been used? sidies; (b) what was the exyenditure, Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for specifying medical benefits hospita benefits, Minerals and Energy): The answer management and Commonwealth Govern­ ment benefits; and (c) what was the total is- of each fund as at 30th June, 1976; if not, The Falls Creek Tourist Area Manage­ whether the Minister will obtain and supply ment Committee, not the State Electricity the figures to the member for Brunswick as Commission, is currently having built staff soon as possible? 9224 Questions [ASSEMBL Y.] on Notice.

Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of quested is set out in the following schedules. Special Education): The answer Figures relating to the medical services supplied by the ChIef Secretary is- funds do not include particulars of the ancillary/paramedical type funds operated (a) , (b) and (c). The information re- by associations and societies. HOSPITAL BENEFIT FUNDS--FRlENDLY SocIETIES AND BENEFIT AsSOCIATIONS. Income for year ended 30 June, 1976.

Commonwealth Association or society Contributions Interest benefits and Other Total subsidies income income Friendly Societies­ $ $ $ $ $ M.U.I.O.O.F. 11,153,638 306,409 1,982,408 151,810 13,594,265 G.U.H.B.S. 1,262,554 13,131 235,635 1,511,320 I.O.O.F. .. 1,502,879 35,651 384,612 1,923,142 U.A.O.D. 1,144,003 61,240 124,676 1,329,919 A.O.F. in Vie. 390,243 18,999 40,085 449,327 I.O.R. 831,411 57,242 192,051 1.080,704 O.S.T. 232,929 10,616 44,742 288,287 H.A.C.B.S.· 2,438,239 6,000 605,162 3,049,401 G.U.O.F.G. 181,323 11,068 24,103 216,494 P.A.F.S.* " 746,508 65,923 95,441 907,872 A.N.A. 8,133,405 369,254 1,292,975 9,795,634 I.N.F. 452,930 35,042 487,972 T.B.S. 510,874 9,795 12,504 533,173 Benefit Associations­ H.B.A. 63,104,720 2,474,063 14,550,063t 650,485 80,779,331 L.V.H.H.S.A. 3,662,490 69,154 n.a. 3,731,644 V.M.H.S. 205,048 2,325 35,313 242,686 G.M.H.B.A. 2,626,822 46,309 433,243 3,106,374 M.D.H.M.F. 847,225 30,462 434,154 25,693 1,337,534 Totals 99,427,241 3,587,641 20,522,209 827,988 124,365,079 • Preliminary fiprel. t Commonwealth Government subsidies only; the filure (or Commonwealth Government benefits is not available. n.a. Not available. MEDICAL SERVICES FUNDS - FRIENDLY SOCIETIES AND BENEFIT ASSOCIATIONS. Income for year ended 30 June, 1976. Commonwealth Association or society Contributions Interest benefits and Other Total subsidies income income Friendly Societies­ $ $ $ $ $ M.U.I.O.O.F. 691,784 70,731 363,219 83,252 1,208,986 G.U.H.B.S. 16,455 6,417 197,829 220,701 lO.O.F. " 5,894 1,399 362,288 91,800 461,381 U.A.O.D. 16,624 2,769 206,230 17,511 243,134 A.O.F. in Vie. 24,657 1,125 78,156 103,938 I.O.R. 38,875 21,080 236,091 296,046 O.S.T. 4 1,000 1,004 H.A.C.B.S.· 44,404 404,061 448,465 G.U.O.F.G. 215 2,890 22,927 26,032 P.A.F.S.· .. 55,272 864 146,862 202,998 A.N.A. 627,076 74,992 1,466,363 2,168,431 I.N.F.· 136 51,199 51,335 T.B.S. 2,578 1,694 36,045 8,584 48,901. Benefit Associations­ H.B.A. (-) 12,483 172,169 1,189,674t 4,224,496 5,573,856 L.V.H.H.S.A. 103,723 46,824 n.a. 150,547 V.M.H.S. 391 26,896 17,944 45,231 G.M.H.B.A. 125,569 16,259 378,465 520,293 M.D.H.M.F. (-) 1,993 15,685 133,677 13,229 160,598 Totals 1,738,790 436,289 5,299,982 4,456,816 11,931,871

• Preliminary fiaures. t Commonwealth Government subsidies only; the fipre (or Commonwealth Government benefits is not available: n.a. Not available. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9225

HOSPITAL BENEFIT FuNDS--F'RIENDLY SocIETIES AND BENEFIT AsSOCIATIONS. Expenditure for year ended 30 June, 1976.

Commonwealth Association or society Hospital Management Government Total benefits benefits expenditure

$ $ $ $ Friendly Societies- M.U.I.O.O.F. .. 9,455,854 1,227,681 513,549 11,197,084 G.U.H.B.S. 1,208,411 136,278 71,338 1,416,027 LO.O.F. 1,541,940 217,901 93,137 1,852,978 U.A.O.D. 912,314 118,886 44,582 1.075,782 A.O.F. in Vic. .. 316,262 40,867 17,035 374,164 I.O.R... 860,708 74,212 44,956 979,876 O.S.T... 211,677 34,899 9,800 256,376 H.A.C.B.S.· 2,322,211 163,215 101,894 2,587.320 G.U.O.F.G. 119,616 38,665 5,918 164,199 P.A.F.S.* 644,762 69,863 31,928 746,553 A.N.A. 6,832,730 721,178 382,444 7,936,352 LN.F. 380,158 55,002 20,406 455,566 T.B.S ... 263,469 51,106 11,188 325,763 Benefit Associations- H.B.A ... 60,498,918 9,664,773 n.a. 70,163,691 L.V.H.H.S.A. .. 2,495,214 989,308 n.a . 3,484.522 Y.M.H.S. 194,896 28,197 10,564 233,657 G.M.H.B.A. 2,330,626 316,031 119,836 2,766,493 M.D.H.M.F. 1,029,875 50.385 71,633 1,151,893 Totals 91,619,641 13,998,447 1,550,208 107,168,296

• Preliminary figures. n.a. Not available.

MEDICAL SERVICES FUNDS-FRIENDLY SOCIETIES AND BENEFIT AsSOCIATIONS. Expenditure for year ended 30 June, 1976.

Commonwealth Association or society Medical Management Government Other Total benefits benefits expenditure expenditure

$ $ $ $ $ Friendly Societies­ M.U.I.O.O.F. 1,261,005 198,191 95,556 1,554,752 G.U.H.B.S. 56,824 32,435 179,444 268,703 l.O.O.F. .. 91,214 73,559 321,587 486,360 U.A.O.D ... 85,597 12,794 189,700 288,091 A.O.F. in Vic. 15,018 5,350 69,123 89,491 I.O.R. 25,987 32,418 215,213 25,000 298,618 O.s.T. " H.A.C.B.S.· 70,613 24,921 370,580 466,114 G.U.O.F.G. 12,406 17,523 19,993 49,922 P.A.F.S.· .. 91,498 33,660 135,669 260,827 A.N.A. 549,140 294,089 1,308,657 2,151,886 LN.F.· 12,603 34 46,198 58,835 T.B.S. 998 258 35,061 36,317 Benefit Associations­ H.B.A. .. 1,135,912 41,279 n.a. 1,177,191 L.V.H.H.S.A. 380,913 116,670 n.a. 497,583 Y.M.H.S. 22,176 2,823 22,541 26 47,566 G.M.H.B.A. 169,891 82,180 285,177 537,248 M.D.H.M.F. 19,486 (-) 20,977 97,395 95,904 Totals 4,001,281 947,207 3,391,894 25,026 8,365,408 • Preliminary figures. n.a. Not available. 9226 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

HOSPITAL BENEFITS AND MEDICAL SERVICES FuNDS-FRIENDLY SOCIETIES AND BENEFIT AsSOCIATIONS.

Balances of funds as at 30 June. 1976.

Hospital benefits Medical services Association or society fund fund

$ $ Friendly Societies- M.U.I.O.O.F. 4,630,598 165,004 G.U.H.B.S. 379,906 139,528 I.O.O.F. 662,381 (-) 103,981 . U.A.O.D. 709,851 (-) 8,771 A.O.F. in Vie. 290,208 53,804 1.0.R... 735,402 144,784 O.S.T ... 159,545 15,268 H.A.C.B.S.* 681,512 37,911 G.U.O.F.G. 205,932 (-) 73 P.A.F.S.* 566,042 (-) 65,717 A.N.A. 6,051,120 509,908 I.N.F... 96,904 * (-) 23,916 T.B.S ... 336,210 14,454 Benefit Associations- H.B.A. 31,066,863 2,220,795 L.V.H.H.S.A. 802,434 920,915 Y.M.H.S. 206,666 39,955 G.M.H.B.A. 1,283,831 180,076 M.D.H.M.F. 496,146 144,366

Totals 49,361,551 4,384,310

• Preliminary figures.

Abbreviations: FAILURE TO REPORT EMPLOYEE M.U.1.0.0.F.-Manchester Unity Indepen­ ACCIDENTS. dent Order of Oddfellows. G.U.H.B.S.-Grand United Hospital Bene­ (Question No. 2213) fit Society. I.O.O.F.-Independent Order of Odd­ Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked fellows. the Minister of Labour and U.A.O.D.-United Ancient Order of Industry- Druids. A.O.F. in Vic.-Ancient Order of Foresters In respect of each injury referred to in in Victoria. the answer to question No. 2024 on 3rd I.O.R.-Independent Order of Rechabites. May. 1977- O.S.T.-Qrder of the Sons of Temperance. 1. Who was the employer of each in­ H.A.C.B.S.-Hibernian Australasian Cath- jured person? olic Benefit SOciety. G.U.O.F.G.-Grand United Order of Free 2. What subsequent action was taken in Gardeners. respect of the safe operation of each P.A.F.S.-Protestant Alliance Friendly machine involved? Society. 3. What fines or penalties were imposed A.N.A.-Australian Natives Association. and on whom? I.N.F.-Irish National Foresters. T.B.S.-Tramways Benefit Society. 4. When each of the premises was last H.B.A.-Hospital Benefits Association. inspected? L.V.H.H.S.A.-Latrobe Valley Hospitals Mr. MACLELLAN (Minister of and Health Services Association. Labour and Industry): The answer Y.M.H.S.-Yalloum Medical and Hospital Society. is- G.M.H.B.A.-Geelong Medical and Hos­ It is not my practice to divulge the pital Benefits Association·. names of employers who have been con­ M.D.H.M.F.-Mildura District Hospital victed for breaches of the Labour and and Medical Fund. Industry Act. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9227

2. Action taken in respect of Prosecution date the safe operation of each machine involved Action taken in respect of Prosecution date the safe operation of each machine involved 7th Junet 1976 Guarding fitted in accordance with the Labour and Industry 11th February, 1976 Guarding fitted in Act and Regulations accordance with the 17th June, 1976 Guarding fitted in Labour and Industry accordance with the Act and Regulations Labour and Industry 1st ~arch, 1976 Guarding fitted in Act and Regulations accordance with the 28th October, 1976 .. Guarding fitted in Labour and Industry accordance with the Act and Regulations Labour and Industry 11th March, 1976 .. Guarding fitted in Act and Regulations accordance with the 11th November, 1976 Guarding fitted in Labour and Industry accordance with the Act and Regulations Labour and Industry 29th April, 1976 Guarding fitted in Act and Regulations accordance with the 29th November, 1976 Guarding fitted in Labour and Industry accordance with the Act and Regulations Labour and Industry 30th April, 1976 Guarding fitted in Act and Regulations accordance with the 6th December, 1976 Guarding fitted in Labour and Industry accordance with the Act and Regulations Labour and Industry 31st May, 1976 Precautions have been Act and Regulations taken to prevent re­ 7th ~arch, 1977 ~achine not been used currence. Employees since accident. Exist­ must wear hair nets ing guarding to be to confine hair close modified before mach­ to the head ine can be used

3. Details of the fines and penalties imposed, and on whom, are-

Fine Court Prosecution date Breach imposed costa

$ $ 11th February, 1976 Failing to report accident 50.00 24.58 Failing to guard a mincing machine 50.00 Ist ~arch, 1976 Failing to report accident 20.00 Failing to guard a trimming' machine 70.00 1.88 11th ~arch, 1976 Failing to report accident 75.00 Failing to guard an eyelet press machine 200.00 1. 78 29th April, 1976 Failing to report accident 20.00 Failing to guard a cake-slicing machine 80.00 149.00 30th April, 1976 Failing to report accident 25.00 Failing to guard bench saw .. 100.00 24.16 Permitting person under 18 years of age to work at saw 100.00 31st May, 1976 Failing to report accident Defendant 63.00 released on entering into a re- cognizance of $200 to be on good behaviour Allowing a person to work among or near moving machinery without hair cut short or securely fixed and confined close to head by net or otherwise 9228 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

Fine Court Prosecution date Breach imposed costs S S 12th February, 1976 Failing to report accident .. 10.00 22.40 7th June, 1976 Failing to guard a circuJar saw 50.00 1.20 17th June, 1976 Failing to report accident .. 10.00 Failing to guard a power press 50.00 56.50 28th October, 1976 Failing to report accident .. 20.00 Failing to guard a docking saw 20.00 37.11 11th November, 1976 .. Failing to report accident .. 10.00 Failing to guard a mincing machine 50.00 120.00 29th November, 1976 .. Failing to report accident . . . . 50.00 Failing to guard a paper-cutting guillotine .. 50.00 65.00 Allowing a person under 18 years of age to operate a power guillotine 200.00 6th December, 1976 Failing to report accident .. 10.00 Failing to guard a brake press 100.00 51.00 7th March, 1977 Failing to report accident . . . . 50.00 Failing to guard a power fress .. 50.00 79.50 Failing to guard treadJe 0 power press 50.00

4. the most appropriate means for the further development of social welfare systems in Date on which premises Victoria as outlined in the report. Prosecution date were last inspected I draw the honorable member's attention 11th February, 1976 · . 11th March, 1976 particularly to the penultimate paragraph lit March, 1976 .. · . 13th July, 1976 of the statement. If the honorable member 11th March, 1976 .. 14th April, 1976 is aware of community bodies or organiza­ 29th April, 1976 .. .. 25th February, 1977 30th April, 1976 .. · . 15th July, 1976 tions who would want copies of the report, 311t May, 1976 .. .. 7th November" 1975 the Social Welfare Department will be 7th June, 1976 .. 2nd July. 197t) pleased to provide them upon request. If 17th June, 1976 .. .. 9th July, 1976 28th October, 1976 .. 23rd March, 1977 necessary, a reprint will be made. 11th November, 1976 · . 10th January, 1977 29th November, 1976 · . 14th January, 1977 6th December, 1976 · . 10th February, 1977 SCHOOL LmRARIES. 7th March, 1977 .. .. 25th March, 1977 (Question No. 2215) Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked FAMILY AND COMMUNITY the Minister of Education- SERVICES PROGRAMME In respect of libraries financed by the STATEMENT. Commonwealth Government, whether he (Question No. 2214) will ascertain which principals of secondary schools have exercised their responsibility Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the -(a) to reserve such libraries exclusively Minister for Social Welfare-- for library use; and (b) to permit use of such libraries as class-rooms? In respect of the statement on the Vic­ torian Family and Community Services Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Programme, how many copies of the state­ ment which appeared in Hansard on 27th Education): The answer is- April, 1977, were printed on his behalf, in­ I advised the honorable member by letter dicating at what cost, who will meet the dated the 26th August, 1977, that once a cost, and to whom copies were distributed? library has been built from taxpayers funds it is the responsibility of the principal to Mr. DIXON (Minister for Social ensure that the best possible use is made Welfare): The answer is- of that library having regard to the particu­ Two thousand copies of the statement lar needs of the school. were initially printed at a total cost of $244.36 which will be paid by the Social POLLUTING OF YARRA RIVER. Welfare Department. (Question No. 2216) It is intended that copies will be dis­ tributed to all organizations, Local Govern­ Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked ment bodies, members of Parliament and the Minister for Conservation, for interested citizens who were prepared to assist in the consultation phase prior to the the Minister of Water Supply- development of this report and to those . 1. On how many occasions this year, raw persons who are prepared to assist in the sewage has been discharged into the Yarra more comprehensive consultation towards River by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9229

Board of Works, indicating in each case­ Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of (a) the date; (b) the ,reason for the dis­ Transport) : The answer is- charge being authorized; (c) the duration of the discharge; and (d) the amount of 1. Records of the movements of heavy sewage involved? trucks have not been maintained by the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop Authority 2. Whether the Minister will provide until recently. comparable information for any or all of Following complaints in June this year, I the five preceding years? asked the authority to arrange for engineers Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for supervising loop work to monitor trucks' movements in the area and to take steps to Conservation): The answer supplied keep the noise to a minimum. Measures by the Minister of Water Supply is- which have been taken to minimize noise 1. (a) 7th-9th April, 1977. include- completely enclosing the stockpile area; (b) Western metropolitan sewer sheds were subject to intense and prolonged unloading rail trucks at the bottom of the tropical-type precipitation of 99 mm which work site ramp; caused considerable stormwater infiltration changing the method of handling tunnel into the sewerage system. In order to pre­ spoil from trucks to conveyor system. vent the surcharge of sewage from house­ 2. There is a night shift loading of 15 per holders' premises, operation of the river cent on the day shift rate. stormwater relief was authorized. 3. I understand that the Environment (c) 43·25 hours. Protection Authority does not have the legislative powers in relation to noise (d) Not metered. emanating' from construction activity. 2. The following information refers to However, I understand that the noise the previous three years-- from the operation of trucks may be covered by section 48B of the Environment 1976: 4 overflows Protection (Noise Control) Act 1975. 1975: 17 overflows 4. I am informed by the Melbourne 1974: 13 overflows. Underground Rail Loop Authority that the Only one of these overflows, viz.: May, Environment Protection Authority has not 1974, was comparable with that which made representations to the authority to occurred after the storm of 7th-8th April, impose a night curfew. 1977 and all occurred prior to the final com­ missioning of the trunk sewer to South RAILWAY RESIDENCES. Eastern purification plant in August, 1976. (Question No. 2219) Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the MELBOURNE UNDERGROUND Minister of Transport- RAIL LOOP. 1. What action the Victorian Railways (Question No. 2218) Board has taken to permit railway em­ ployees to purchase railway residences in Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the areas where services are to be withdrawn? Minister of Transport- 2. How many railway residences there 1. On how many occasions since May, are in Wonthaggi and what action has been 1976, heavy industrial trucks have been taken to dispose of them? used for extended periods in connection with 3. In respect of an application by a rail­ the construction of the underground rail way worker to purchase the property at loop in the vicinity of Lansdowne Street 38 Campbell Street, Wonthaggl, when the and Wellington Parade between the hours applicatIon was received, indicating-( a) when it was acknowledged; and (b) what of 11 p.m. and 5.45 a.m.? action has been taken? 2. What is the relative labour cost of em­ Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of ploying drivers and other workers for night Transport): The answer is- shift compared with day shift work? 1. Favourable consideration is given to 3. Whether the Melbourne Underground applications from railway employees to pur­ Rail Loop Authority is exempted from pros­ chase railway houses occupied by them in ecution under the Environment Protection areas where services are to be withdrawn (Noise Control) Act 1975? if land titles are readily transferable. 2. There are twelve railway houses at 4. Whether the Environment Protection Wonthaggi. All of the houses are on land AuthOrity has made representations to the which will revert to the Crown when no Melbourne Underground Rail Loop longer required for railway purposes, and Authority to impose a night time curfew; the railways intend to offer the houses for if so, to what effect? sale for removal. 9230 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

3. An application to purchase the rail­ dispose of their present property way house at 38 Campbell Street, Won­ on the open market at a reason­ thaggi, was received from the occupant on able price because of the board's 4th April, 1977. On 17th December, 1976, proposals. the occupant was informed verbally at Wonthaggi that the house was on Crown The properties concerned would need to land and would be offered for sale for be wholly or partly affected by the board's removal when no longer required depart­ proposals for Freeway F2. mentally and this information has again I reiterate my remarks forwarded to the been conveyed to him by letter dated 6th honorable member in previous answers on May, 1977. this matter, that the allocation for land acquisition merely makes allowance for any requests by landowners for compensation FREEWAYF2. on the grounds of hardship that may arise (Question 2220) during this financial year. Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked FAILURE TO REPORT EMPLOYEE the Minister of Transport- ACCIDENTS. In respect of the $760,000 allocated in the current financial year for land acquisi­ (Question No. 2221) tion for the Freeway F2 in the area from Clifton Hill to Bell Street, and the $835,000 Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked allocated for the area from Bell Street to the Minister of Labour and In­ Mahoneys Road, what are the circumstances dustry- in which it was envisaged claims for com­ Further to the answer given to question pensation on the grounds of hardship might No. 2024 on 3rd May, 1977, when each case arise during the financial year, and in which was prosecuted and what fine or penalty streets persons making claims have to live was imposed? in order to be eligible for such compensa­ tion? Mr. MACLELLAN (Minister of Labour and Industry): The answer Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of is- Transport): The answer is- The information sought in this question This question relates to my answer to is provided in the answer given to the third your earlier question No. 2049. part of question No. 2213. Some examples of the circumstances in which claims for compensation on the MEDIBANK HOSPITALS grounds of hardship arise are-- AGREEMENT. (a) elderly people desiring to sell their (Question No. 2223) property and purchase smaller accommodation but who have not Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the been able to dispose of their pro­ perty on the open market at a Assistant Minister of Health, for the reasonable price because of the Minister of Health- board's proposals; In respect of the Medibank Hospitals (b) owners of property desiring to shift Agreement, whether any hospital in Victoria to another State or location for can charge fees to a privately insured patient health reasons, change of job, who elects for hospital medical treatment retirement etc., but who have not irrespective of the extent of that person's been able to dispose of their pro­ insurance cover; if so, which hospitals and perty on the open market at a whether the Hospitals and Charities Com­ reasonable price because of the mission has issued any circulars on the board's proposals; matter and, in that event, whether copies will be made available to the member for (c) executors of property which is in­ Brunswick? volved in the winding up of the affairs of a deceased estate; Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of (d) owners of vacant land who are un­ Health): The answer supplied by the able to proceed with sub-divisions Minister of Health is- or other developments because of the board's proposals; Under the Commonwealth-State Hospitals Cost Sharing Agreement, all recognized hos­ (e) owners of industrial or business prem­ pitals in Victoria may raise a charge of $20 ises who wish to extend their per day in respect of a privately insured premises but are unable to do so in-patient receiving treatment provided ex­ because of the board's proposals; clusively by a medical officer ( excluding (J) owners of industrial or business prem­ resident medical officers and registrars) mises who wish to relocate their employed by the hospital on a full-time or a industry or business but are unable sessional basis, with no right of private to do so as they are not able to practice. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9231

This instruction was issued by the Hos­ Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of pitals and Charities Commission in circular No. 25/1977, dated 5th April, 1977. Copies Health): The answer supplied by the will be made available to the member for Minister of Health is- Brunswick. 1. The school has made application for funding to cover the cost of employing part­ time staff including a psychologist, social MANS FIELD AUTISTIC worker, paediatrician and a school liaison PLAYSCHOOL. officer at an estimated annual cost of (Question No. 2225) $20,000. 2. The school has not, at present, sub­ Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the mitted a formal application for funding of Assistant Minister of Health, for the the project under the Community Health Minister of Health- Programme. An inquiry from the Common­ wealth Department of Health has disclosed 1. What grants have been made to the that an application should now be forwarded Mansfield Autistic Playschool, since its open­ for consideration when and if funds are ing? available for new projects. 3. If the project referred to in item 2 2. On what basis the playschool is above is approved under the Community presently funded and what the funding basis Health Programme, the State would provide will be for 1977-78? its normal contribution. Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of 4. Until such time as the result of the Health): The answer supplied by the application referred to above is known, no good purpose would be served in receiving Minister of Health is- a deputation. 1. An amount of $20,000 was made avail­ able by the State Treasury during the 1976- 77 financial year to the Mansfield Autistic HOUSING COMMISSION HOMES Playschool towards costs other than salary IN RESERVOIR ELECTORATE. costs. The matter is to be reviewed in the (Question No. 2227) 1977-78 financial year. Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked 2. In addition to the grant referred to the Minister of Housing- above the Commonwealth Department of 1. Whether it is proposed to insulate Hous,; Social Security is at present providing a ing Commission houses in the electoral salary subsidy at the rate of 50 per cent of district of Reservoir, particularly in East the total salary paid to the director of the Reservoir; if so-(a) how; (b) when; and playschool, three teachers, the housekeeper (c) whether prefabricated concrete housing and three house parents. is to be so treated and whether this type of house will be given priority due to ~the problems of dampness and cold? LARMENIER SPECIAL SCHOOL. 2. Whether other measures are proposed (Question No. 2226) to provide adequate heating in these pre­ fabricated concrete houses? Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the Mr. HAYES (Minister of Housing): Assistant Minister of Health, for the The answer is- Minister of Health- 1. The commission proposes to insulate the ceilings of all tenanted Housing Commis­ In respect of the Larmenier Special sion homes in the State of Victoria. School- (a) The whole of the ceiling areas are 1. Whether the Minister or the Depart­ to be insulated with 75 mm fibreglass batt ment of Health has been asked to make insulation. grants to the school for recurrent assistance; (b) The insulation programme in both if so, for what recurrent assistance and with country and metropolitan areas will be what result? started within the next few months and it is estimated all existing tenanted houses will 2. Whether the State has been in touch be insulated within four years. with the Commonwealth Government con­ Installation will be programmed on a cerning additional assistance to the school; locality basis and in approximately five-year if so, with what result? age groups, with the oldest first. 3. Whether the State will make money (c) Yes, but as previously stated, priority available towards the funding of staff, or at will be on a locality and age basis, and not least the psychologist, social worker, and on the type of construction. liaison officer? 2. The commission has no proposals for increasing heating facilities in existing pre­ 4. Whether the Minister will see a deputa­ fabricated concrete housing, other than tion from the school? defence service houses. The commission 9232 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice. will be giving improvement of heating con­ 2. 1 x Administrative Officer, Class cc B ". sideration, as current modernization pro­ 1 x Director of Nursing, Grade 11. grammes are finalized. Advertised 3rd August. 1976. FOOTSCRAYEARLY TREA1MENT 3. 1 x Administrative Officer, Class cc B ". CENTRE. (Manager). (Question No. 2228) 4. Seven medical positions as shown here­ under have been created by amendments to Mr. ROPER (Brunswick) asked the the Mental Health Regulations. Assistant Minister of Health, for the Minister of Health- 1 x Psychiatrist Superintendent, Group 11. 2 x Consultant PsychiatriSts. In respect of the Footscray Early Treat­ 1 x Psychiatrist. ment Centre and its staffing- 3 x Medical Officers. 1. How many positions the Public Service Board has created, specifying such positions All positions have been advertised. The and the date of their creation? three positions of medical officer have been 2. Which positions have been advertised, filled and are awaiting transfer at an appro­ specifying the date of first advertising? priate date. 3. How many positions have been filled? 4. How many medical officers have so far HIGHETI GASWORKS SITE. been created by amendments to the mental health regulations, how many have been (Question No. 2229) advertised, and how many filled? Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park) asked Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of the Minister for Minerals and Health): The answer supplied by the Energy- Minister of Health is- 1. Eighty five positions have been created What was the basis and terms of the by the Public Service Board. transaction concerning the transfer of the Highett gasworks site from the Gas and Fuel Details of poSitions and date of creation Corporation to the local municipality or to are shown hereunder. the Government for use by the local com­ 1 x Administrative Officer, Class munity, specifying in particular-Ca) how .. B .. Created 16th the transfer from the Gas and Fuel Corpora­ 1 x Director of Nursing, Grade June, 1976 tion was effected or is to be effected; and II. (b) what considerations was paid or is to I x Administrative Officer, Class be paid; indicating, by whom, to whom, and "en in respect of what land? 2 x Administrative Officer, Class "E" Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for 1 x Clinical Psychologist, Class Minerals and Energy): The answer " P-2 " 1 x Psychologist, Class" P-l " is- 1 x Social Worker, Class" SW -3 " On 12th August, 1976, the corporation 1 ]I[ SocialWorker,Class"SW-2" entered into a contract to sell to the Govern­ J x Sole Pharmacist, Class ment an area of 8· 5 hectares of land, being "PC-3 " portion of the Highett gasworks site, for a 1 x Occupational Therapist, Class .. T-3" consideration of $2,500,000 . 3 x Occupational Therapist, Class The terms of sale provided for a deposit "T-l " Created of $500,000, which was paid to the corpora­ 1 x Assistant Director of Nursing 3rdMay,1977 tion on 12th September, 1976, and the bal­ 2 x Assistant Head Nurse ance of the purchase price to be paid by 7 x Charge Nurse instalments at any time or times prior to 7 x Deputy Charge Nurse 12th August, 1979. The contract of sale 22 x Ward Nurse does not provide a fixed schedule of repay­ 1 x Storekeeper, Grade I. ments but stipulates that interest at the rate 1 x Case Aide of 9·8 per cent per annum is payable half 3 x Stenographer, Grade I. I x Engineer Mechanic, Grade I. yearly on the balance of the purchase price 2 x Typist, Grade I. outstanding at the commencement of each 2 x Clerical Assistant, Grade I. half yearly period. It also provides that the 1 x Telephonist, Grade 1. Government shall demolish the three gas­ 4 x Inquiry Officer holders situated on the land without cost 2 x Motor Driver, Grade Ill. to, and to the satisfaction of the corporation 1 x Laundryhand, Grade II. prior to the 12th August, 1977. t x Craft Supervisor, Grade I. 3 .x Cleaner (Heavy Duties) It is anticipated that transfer of the 8 x Kitchen and Wardsmaid property to the Crown will be effected under 1 x Laundryhand, Grade I. the Transfer of Land Act 1958 in due t x General Hand course. Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9233

DANDENONG COUNTY COURT WARRANTIES FOR SOCIAL SI'ITINGS. WORKERS. (Question No. 2230) (Question No. 2232) Mr. LIND (Dandenong) asked the Mr. LIND (Dandenong) asked the Minister of Labour and Industry, for Minister for Social Welfare- the Attomey-General- Whether it is the intention of the Govern­ Whether it is intended to arrange sittings ment to provide for warranties amongst of the County Court in Dandenong; if so, social workers, as is done by the Common­ when sittings are likely to commence; if wealth Department of Social Security; if not, why? so, when such a scheme will commence; if Mr. MACLELLAN (Minister of not, why? Labour and Industry): The answer Mr. DIXON (Minister for Social supplied by the Attorney-General is- Welfare): The answer is- It is not intended at this stage to have I assume by the term "warrantee" that sittings of the County Court at Dandenong. the honorable member means that social Consideration has been given to the pos­ workers should be invested with the power sibility of arranging County Court sittings to present clients' benefit cheques for pay­ at places other than Melbourne in or near ment in situations where the recipient is the metropolitan area, and more particularly unable to do so himself by reason of in­ sittings of the County Court in its civil capacitation. I do not believe that officers jurisdiction, but this is not yet considered of my department need to be licensed to practicable, either in Dandenong or else­ undertake such duties as section 22 of the where in the metropolitan area outside the Social Welfare Act specifically empowers city. the department to take certain action in the Nonetheless, it is proposed to establish case of illness, etc. of a client. a full-time sub-registry of the County Court in Dandenong for the benefit of local prac­ Part (b) of that section provides-CC (The titioners as soon as suitable accommodation Director-General) shall make such arrange­ and staffing requirements can be finalized. ments as he thinks proper as to the person The operations of the sub-registry will be to whom payments are to be made during the responsibility of the County Court such incapacity in respect of the mainten­ Registrar at Melbourne. It is hoped that ance of the child or young person." the sub-registry can be opened later this Pursuant to that section, where an assisted year. parent caring for her children becomes incapable of managing her financial matters, payment may be paid to a trustee upon the MOTOR ACCIDENTS BOARD. parent consenting. I believe such instances (Question No. 2231) are extremely rare but when they do occur, the terms of section 22 (b) are sufficient to Mr. LIND (Dandenong) asked the ensure that the client is adequately pro­ vided for, hence there is no requirement Minister of Special Education, for for a warrantee scheme to be installed. the Chief Secretary- Whether reciprocal arrangements are con­ templated between the Commonwealth ELECTRIFICATION OF RAIL Department of Social Security and the Motor SERVICES. Accidents Board; if so, when such arrange­ ments are likely to operate; if not, why? (Question No. 2233) Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the Special Education): The answer sup­ Minister of Transport- plied by the Chief Secretary is- 1. What plans the Government has for an electrified rail service from Broadmeadows The Motor Accidents Board is liable to to Craigieburn? pay loss of income at the level of 80 per cent of net pre-accident income. The 2. What is the population of the Craigie­ amount so assessed is normally higher than bum area which would be served by such a amounts that would otherwise be payable rail link? as sickness benefits under the Common­ wealth Social Services Act 1947-1970. 3. What is the expected usage of such a Where this is the case, a person's right to line? sickness benefits is foregone during the 4. What is the estimated cost, the date period that the board pays benefits. If a person's entitlement to sickness benefits of commencement, and the date of com­ exceeds the amount payable by the board, pletion? that person can apply to the Department of 5. What is the comparative usage of that Social Security for benefits in respect of the section of the Werribee-Melbourne service short-fall. which is about to be electrified? 9234 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Transport): The answer is- Transport): The answer is- 1. 3 and 4. There are no immediate plans 1. At present the staff employed at Won­ to electrify the rail service between Broad­ thaggi comprises 1 clerical assistant, meadows and Craigieburn. class 3, one parcels assistant and one 2. The present population of the township shedman, class 2. of Craigieburn is approximately 3.000. 2. Each of these employees was inter­ 5. There is a well established rail usage viewed concerning his future on 16th pattern from Werribee. where the existing December, 1976. Arrangements have been population of the township is approximately made for the clerical assistant and shedman 20.000. to transfer to Leongatha or Korumburra, and for the parcels assistant to transfer to Morwell following the closure of the Won­ YEA HIGH SCHOOL. thaggi station. (Question No. 2234) REPORT ON FATAL ARARAT Mr. PLOWMAN (Evelyn) asked the ACCIDENT. Minister of Education- (Question No. 2236) In respect of the provision of a science room at Yea High School- Mr. AUSTIN (Ripon) asked the 1. When it is proposed to build the science Minister for Social Welfare- room? Whether he has yet received the reports 2. Whether the Education Department's of the results of the police investigation original proposal was to provide a science into the fatal accident which occured in room in the 1975-76 financial year? Ararat on Sunday, 17th April, 1977, in 3. Whether this project has now been which Broce Olver was killed; if so, relegated to group C. long term programme. whether he will make public the results of by the Regional Priorities Review Com­ those reports? mittee; if so, on what grounds this decision Mr. DIXON (Minister for Social was made? Welfare): The answer is- Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of The department did not receive a formal Education): The answer is- public report concerning the accident and I advised the honorable member by letter I do not believe one is necessary. dated the 23rd May, 1977, as follows- The alleged driver of the vehicle which collided with Mr. Olver's car was a youth 1. The provision of a science room at trainee from Langi Kal Kal named Trevor Yea High School has been considered by Sutherland. That trainee was on approved the Benalla Regional Priorities Review Com­ week-end leave from the training centre mittee but the priority allocated is such when the incident occurred. He is now in that the work will not proceed next financial Pentridge and has been remanded to appear year. At this stage I cannot say exactly at the Ararat Magistrates Court on 29th when the room will be built. June. 1977, on the charges of theft of a 2. It was intended to proceed with this motor car and culpable driving. It is room in 1975-76 but in view of the cut believed that, following that court appear­ back in Commonwealth funding for works ance. he will be remanded on account of of this type at that time, it was not pos­ further charges compriSing driving whilst sible for the work to proceed. under the influence, dangerous driving and 3. This project has been included in group other traffic offences. C long term programme by the Regional I do not believe any comment from my­ Priorities Review Committee. The decision self concerning the accident is warranted was made on the basis of identifying areas at this time. No doubt the media will report of greatest need, comparative adequacy of the facts of the case at the time of the existing facilities, and financial limitations. court hearings. WONTHAGGI RAILWAY STATION. GRANTS FOR BUSH FIRE VICTIMS. (Question No. 2235) (Question No. 2237) Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the Mr. HOLDING (Richmond) asked Minister of Transport- the Premier- 1. How many staff are employed at the Further to the answer to question No. Wonthaggi railway station and in what 1986 given on 28th April, 1977- classifications? 1. What was the value of-(a) emerg­ 2. What arrangements have been made ency food or clothing; (b) furniture; (c) concerning the future employment of each cash payments; and (d) catering for vol­ of the staff and when these staff were in­ unteers and Government officials, made formed of the arrangements? available by the Government? Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9235

2. If he will ascertain and advise the 2. Whether the number of staff at the value of comparable assistance in each Central Geelong police headquarters will be category made available by the Red Cross reduced to allow for increases at Norlane? and other voluntary sources, respectively? 3. What car parking facilities are to be 3. What amount of money was distri­ provided to cater for extra staff? buted by the Government prior to Tuesday, 4. When it is expected that the Corio 5th April, 1977, and what comparable sums police station will be established? were drawn against relief funds raised by the Melbourne, Ballarat and Hamilton City Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Councils respectively? Special Education): The answer 4. Whether all local people employed by supplied by the Chief Secretary is- the Government in a temporary capacity in connection with the emergency have been 1. The authorized strength of the new paid for their services; if so, on what date police station which was established at the last payment was made? Norlane on 26th June, 1977, is 21 members, comprising one senior sergeant, four ser­ Mr. HAMER (Premier and geants and sixteen senior constables or con­ Treasurer): The answer is- stables. A new Criminal Investigation Branch, with a staff of one detective ser­ 1. The figures are not available. geant and three detective senior constables 2. No. or constables, was established at the police 3. $6,336 had been paid by the Govern­ station on the same date. ment and $24,450 from public appeal 2. The establishment of the new police moneys. station and Criminal Investigation Branch 4. Yes; The last payment was made on at Norlane resulted in a decrease of one 2nd June, 1977, to persons whose employ­ sergeant and six senior constables or con­ ment ended on 27th May, 1977. stables in the strength of the Geelong police station. BUILDING CONTRACTS. 3. At present there are no car parking (Question No. 2238) facilities available at the Norlane police station to cater for extra staff. However, Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) the Public Works Department is examining asked the Minister of Public Works- the situation to see if it would be feasible 1. On what basis the contracts for the to provide parking facilities at the rear of North Shore Primary School renovations the premises. and the two-storey building occupied by the 4. It is proposed to establish a 24-hour Barwon Regional Child Health Centre were police station and divisional office at Corio. let to C. Bramich of Coburg? I am unable to indicate at present when 2. Which firms tendered for the con­ construction will commence. tracts? 3. Why Geelong firms were not given MORNINGTON TO FRANKSTON special consideration in view of the large PASSENGER TRANSPORT. unemployment problem in Geelong? (Question No. 2240) Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Works): The answer is- Mr. CATHIE (Carrum) asked the 1. Public tenders were called by advertise­ Minister of Transport- ment in the Age. 1. How long a diesel rail passenger car has operated from Mornington to Frankston, 2. J. Toth. indicating the average weekly number of C. B. Bramich. passengers travelling in each direction for Harker Painting and Renovations. each year of operation? 3. No Geelong firm submitted a tender for either project. 2. When this service was terminated and why? POLICE STATIONS. 3. What private bus company now provides a passenger service on this route, (Question No. 2239) indicating at what cost to the Government Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) and how the fares compare with those asked the Minister of Special Educa­ charged for the diesel rail service? tion, for the Chief Secretary- Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of 1. How many police personnel are ex­ Transport): The answer is- pected to be stationed at the Norlane police station when it is expanded, indicating the 1. The Frankston-Mornington diesel rail areas from which additional personnel are car service has operated since 12th Septem­ to be transferred? ber, 1966. 9236 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

To obtain the passenger statistics sought random sample of figures indicated the by the honorable member -in full would average number of passengers carried for entail considerable research involving a sub­ each trip per week for the first six months stantial number of man-hours. However, a of 1971 and 1976 respectively is as follows-

Momington to Frankston to Frankston Momington

2nd January, 1971, to 26th June, 1971 16 15 3rd January,' 1976 to 26th June, 1976 16 18

2. It is assumed that the question refers How many Children's Court hearings have to the withdrawal of the rail car service on been held in each metropolitan court in 5th May, this year when, due to a shortage each of the past five years to date, giving of locomotives, the diesel rail car was the monthly figures for each of the past temporarily withdrawn and utilized on the twelve months? Geelong hne. This enabled the release of locomotives for use in shifting urgent Mr. MACLELLAN (Minister of superphosphate consignments. Labour and Industry): The answer The diesel rail car service was returned to the Mornington line on 14th May. supplied by the Attorney-General 3. During the temporary withdrawal of is- the rail car Peninsula Bus Lines provided an alternative service covering each of the I am able to supply certain details of the scheduled six. return trips between Frank- number of days on which Children's Court 8ton and Momington for $120 per day. hearings were held in the metropolitan Normal rail fares applied during the period area for the years 1972, 1974, 1975 and of bus operation. 1976 and these appear below but figures for 1973 are not available. The collation CHILDREN'S COURT HEARINGS. of statistics for 1973 would involve many (Question No. 2241) hours of work and for that reason I am not prepared to direct that the records at Mr. CA THIE (Carrum) asked the each of the courts be examined. If 1973 Minister of Labour and Industry, for figures are required for any particular court the Attomey-General- I will be pleased to provide them.

METROPOLITAN CHILDREN'S CoURTS. Sitting Daya 1972 1974 197!5 1976

Box Hill 23 23 24 24 Brighton .. 4 Broadmeadows 21 21 22 21 Brunswick 4 Camberwell 4 Cheltenham 22 22 22 22 Coburg .. 4 Dandenong 22 20 22 22 Elstemwick 4 Femtree Gully 4 Fitzroy .. 4 Footscray 23 23 22 22 Frankston 23 23 23 23 Heidelberg 4 Malvern .. 4 Melbourne 247 249 246 250 Moonee Ponds 4 Northcote 4 Oakleigh 23 23 22 23 Prahran .. 4 Preston .. 24 21 21 22 Ringwood 4 23 Sunshine 22 24 24 23 Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9237

The monthly figures for the twelve months ending 30th June, 1977, are as follows­ Number of hearing days for period July. 1976 to June. 1977.

Courts July August Sc:;.m- October January Febru- April May June N~~m- n:m- ary March

Box Hill 2. 2. 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2. 2 2 Broadmeado~~ 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 Cheltenham 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 Dandenong .. 2 2 1 2 2 2. 2 2 2 2 2 2 Footscray .. 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 Frankston .. 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2. Melbourne .. 19 23 21 21 21 20 J9 20 22 17 22 21 Oakleigh 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 Preston 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2. Ringwood .. 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2. 2 2. Sunshine 2 2. 2 2 2 1 2. 2 2 1 2 2.

Section 4 of the Children's Court Act Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for provides that a Children's Court shall be held at every place within the State of Conservation): The answer supplied Victoria where a Magistrates Court is by the Minister of Water Supply is- appointed to be held unless the Governor in Council otherwise orders. However. in F. C. Castle, Eastern Farms Manager. recent years, the practice has been adopted Mrs. F. C. Castle, Administrative officer of only holding Children's Courts in the (Nee Miss A. Rowlands, employed by Mel- metropolitan area at the courts listed above. bourne and Metropolitan Board of Works The hearings are conducted by magistrates prior to marriage on 1st April, 1977). specializing in Children's Court work and based at the Children's Court, Melbourne. P. L. Croxford, technical assistant. Of course. other magistrates can conduct Children's Courts under section 4 and it is thus possible but not likely that occasional ORANGE TRAMS. Children's Court hearings were held at (Question No. 2244) other metropolitan Magistrates Courts. Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the Minister of Transport- LAND IN LYGON STREET, 1. What major electrical work involving CARLTON. alterations to the orange trams is being (Question No. 2242) undertaken at the Melbourne and Metro­ politan Tramways Board's workshop at Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked Preston, indicating at what cost? the Minister of Housing- 2. Why this work was considered What is the reason for the delay in necessary? answering question No. 1776. first asked on 16th March, 1977, and when an answer 3. How many trams-(a} have been will be given? modified; and (b) remain still to be modified? Mr. HAYES (Minister of Housing): The answer is- Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Refer to question No. 1776 answered 17th Transport): The answer is- May, 1977. 1. Major electrical work involving altera­ tion is being carried out on only one Z-class MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN or orange tram at Preston workshops. BOARD OF WORKS EMPLOYEES. The reasons for this work are as follows­ (Question No. 2243) Since the contract for these trams was Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the let there has been considerable development in a new form of electric motor control Minister for Conservation, for the for trams, namely D.C. Thyristor (more Minister of Water Supply- generally called "chopper") control. This H he will ascertain and advise which has been made possible by continued re­ relatives of the Chairman of the Melbourne search and development in the electronic and Metropolitan Board of Works, including industries. The system is based on solid relatives by marriage. are employed by the state technology and is now being introduced board, indicating in what capacity in each in the most up-to-date tram and rapid transit case? systems in North America and Europe. 9238 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

In its more advanced form it uses re­ MINISTRY FOR THE ARTS generative braking which means that during REPORTS. the braking phase of its operation, the con­ trol system allows ~ergy produced by . the (Question No. 2245) motors during braking to be fed back Into Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the the overhead power supply at all tiIJ.les when the receptivity of the system permIts. Minister of the Arts- 1. When the reports of the Ministry for The nature of the "chopper" circuit re­ the Arts for 1974-75 and 1975-76 will be duces dramatically the power wast~d in ~e available? resistors carried under trams. This saVing 2. What are the reasons for the delay in in power can be up to 20 or 30 per cent of each case? the total consumption. The new system thus not only offers savings in operating costs 3. What is the target date for publishing but also more efficient use of energy re­ the 1976-77 report? sources. Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): It is capable of producing an extremely The answer is- smooth ride for passengers because of the 1. September, 1977. stepless control of acceleration and braking with inherently less tendency to spin or 2. The work-load on the officers of the skid wheels. Ministry. Because of the elimination of many 3. October-November, 1977. mechanical parts associated with the pr~ vious contactor systems of motor control, It is also expected that maintenance will be CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT reduced. GRANTS. The project is being funded under the (Question No. 2246) Transport (Planning and Research) Act Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the 1974. Expenditure to date is, 1975-76 $95,000 and 1976-77 $45,000. Minister of the Arts- 2. The present investigation will assist in 1. In respect of the 1975-76 financial year the assessment of tenders for the next 100 and in 1976-77 to date, what organizations trams to be purchased-for which tenders and persons are currently in receipt of are currently being invited. cultural development grants, indicating how much has been received? The work has been undertaken to allow 2. In which cases, if any, the Victorian the Tramways Board to keep in the fore­ Council of the Arts made a recommendation front of the latest technology in this field, to which led to a variation or rejection of a gain first-hand knowledge of any problems grant recommended by the Ministry for the associated with its use and to investigate Arts? the compatibility of preferentially blended, regenerative direct current thyristor traction Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): control with the board's electrical distribu­ The answer is- tion system. 1. On 5th October 1976, in answer to 3. This is a single prototype tram. It is your question on notice No. 636, I supplied not proposed that this modification will be you with the information now requested carried out on any other trams of this relating to 1975-76. Grants for 1976-77 current contract. are set out in the following schedule-

Name Total

$ Adelaide Festival Centre Trust (Victoria Opera Co.) 4,000.00 Alexander Theatre Company 10,700.00 Ararat Golden Gateway Festival 1,100.00 Arts and Crafts Society 2,500.00 Arts Council-Colac 500.00 Arts Council-Victoria .. 99,000.00 Astra Chamber Music Society 7,000.00 Austral Salon of Music ...... 500.00 Australian Association of Tertiary Art and Design Education 2,000.00 Australian Ballet 81,350.00 Australian Dance Theatre .. 572.25 Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust .. 333,000.00 AustraHan Musicians Guild " ., 4,500.00 Australian National Memorial Theatre 32,500.00 Australian National Playwrights Conference 920.00 Australian Opera . . . . 110,000.00 Australian Performing Group . . . . 67,500.00 Australian Science Fiction Foundation Co-Op Ltd. 500.00 Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9239

Name Total S Ballarat Begonia Festival 10,000.00 Ballarat Choral Society 100.00 Ballarat City Band .. 1,925.00 Ballarat Civic Male Choir 200.00 Ballarat Music Lovers Club .. 100.00 BaIlarat Orchestral Association 1,500.00 Ballet Victoria .. 200,000.00 Beechworth Music Group 100.00 Benalla Memorial Band .. 1,140.00 Bendigo Competitions Society 3,000.00 Bendigo Easter Fair Society .. . . 6,000.00 Bendigo Musical Advancement Society 1,500.00 Bendigo Music Lovers Club .. 200.00 Benola Choristers . . . . 100.00 Berriwillock Arts and Crafts Group 350.00 Bogong Cattlemens Huts 2,000.00 Boort Fiesta Committee 850.00 Brighton Municipal Band .. 1,780.00 British Music Society of Victoria 900.00 Butterfield Drawings 1,200.00

Camberwell City Philharmonic Society 300.00 Camberwell Music Society .. 950.00 Caulfield Community Arts Centre 5,000.00 Casterton Music Circle .. 200.00 CastIemaine Drama Group .. 800.00 CastIemaine Festival 10,000.00 Children's Arena Theatre .. 36,000.00 Children's Book Council of Australia 2,000.00 City of Bendigo 2,160.00 City of Footscray 3,000.00 City of Mordialloc .. 500.00 Colac City Band 1,010.00 Colac Music Lovers Club 300.00 Colac Players . . . . 400.00 Conabeare, Mrs. B. (Wildflowers Collection) .. 5,000.00 Contemporary Art Society of Australia-Victoria 600.00 Craft Association of Victoria 25,000.00 Creative School Holiday Club 3,800.00

Daylesford Highland Gathering .. 1,650.00 Donald Music, Literature and Art Society 150.00 Doncaster Templestowe Choral Society 150.00 Doncaster Templestowe Youth Eisteddfod 500.00 Drama Resource Centre 2,023.00

Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival 750.00 Echuca Federal Band 2,125.00 Echuca Music Group 100.00 Echuca Rich River Festival " 2,500.00 Embroiderers Guild ...... 400.00 Ewing East Malvern Combined Choirs 250.00

Ferntree Gully Arts Society .. 200.00 Fitzroy Festival of All Nations 16,000.00 Footscray Community Arts Centre 5,000.00 Frankston City Band 640.00 Frankston Theatre Group 300.00

Geelong Association of Music and Art 1,500.00 Geelong Eisteddfod ...... 360.00 Geelong Society of Operatic and Dramatic Art 750.00 Golden Square Brass Band .. 1,260.00 Greek Festival Week .. 1,000.00 Gwen Nisbet Music School Fund 500.00 9240 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

Name Total $ Hamilton Apex Qub 300.00 Hamilton Arts Council 1,200.00 Hamilton Eisteddfod 600.00 Hartwell Eisteddfod 650.00 Hawthorn City Band 1,425.00 Heathcote Musical Society 50.00 Heidelberg Repertory Group 400.00 Herald and Weekly Times Ltd. 2,405.00 Hoopla Productions 6,000.00 Horsham City Band 1,360.00 Horsham Music Club .. 200.00 Horsham Orchestral Society .. 50.00 Joint Committee for Film and Television 150.00 Kew Philharmonic Society 150.00 Kolobok Dance Centre .. 57,000.00 Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival 800.00 Library Promotion Committee 1,000.00 McCelland Gallery .. . . 600.00 Magic Mushroom Mime Troupe 14,000.00 Malvern Artists Society .. 500.00 Marist Brothers (Bendigo) Band 950.00 Maryborough City Band .. 480.00 Maryborough Arts Society .. 500.00 Maryborough Golden Wattle Festival 2,000.00 Maribymong Valley-Working Committee 1,000.00 Meanjin Quarterley .. . . 4,000.00 Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music .. 10,000.00 Melbourne Access Video and Medias Co-Op Ltd. 225.00 Melbourne Chorale .. 15,400.00 Melbourne City Council .. 93,500.00 Melbourne Festival of Organ and Harpsichord 3,000.00 Melbourne Film Festival 7,300.00 Melbourne Mandolin Orchestra 370.00 Melbourne Theatre Company 310,500.00 Melbourne University Gallery 5,500.00 Melbourne Youth Orchestra .. 10,000.00 Mildura Arts Centre 750.00 Mildura Little Theatre 50.00 Moe Singers 100.00 Montsalvat 2,500.00 Moomba Festival .. 55,000.00 Moorabbin City Band .. 845.00 Moorabbin City Theatre Group 200.00 Mordialloc Eisteddfod 200.00 Musica Viva 18,000.00 National Institute of Dramatic Art 500.00 National Music Camp .. 300.00 National Theatre-Swan Hill 600.00 Neo Kyma Polyethnic Music 2,900.00 Nihonga Exhibition .. 9,750.00 Northcote Dramatic Society 200.00 North Eastern Musical Society " 100.00 North Western Victoria Ballet Society 10,000.00 Olinda Singers 50.00 Oriana Madrigal Choir 400.00 Pakenham District Brass Band 1,345.00 Peninsula Arts Society 100.00 Peninsula Music Society 200.00 Photographic Assignments .. 165.00 Pilgrim Puppet Theatre Pty. Ltd...... 12,000.00 Portland Council for Encouragement of Music and Art 300.00 Print Council of Australia . . . • . . . . 800.00 Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9241

Name Total $ Redclitfs C. W .A. and Ballet Group .. 600.00 Regional Galleries Association of Victoria 20,100.00 Ringwood Eisteddfod .. 200.00 Rochester Music and Drama Club 100.00 Royal South Street Society .. . . 5,000.00 Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind 2,000.00 R.S.L. Military Band 1,000.00 St. Barnabas' Choir 100.00 St. Cecilia Singers .. . . 500.00 St. John's Eisteddfod-Ballarat 600.00 Sale Eisteddfod .. 700.00 Saltwater River Festival .. 500.00 Sea Lake Little Theatre Group 300.00 Seymour Music Club . . . . 100.00 Shepparton Musical Advancement Society 600.00 Shepparton Symphony Orchestra 430.00 Shepparton Theatre Arts Group 800.00 Sherbrooke Arts Society 550.00 South Gippsland Eisteddfod 400.00 Strathmore Theatrical Arts Society 100.00 Sunshine Rainbow Workshop 2,000.00 Swan Hill Apex Club 1,000.00 Swan Hill City Band 1,430.00 The 1812 Theatre 500.00 Theatre Australia 2,000.00 Town of Stawell 500.00 Tudor Choristers 2,000.00 P. Van Praagh 2,000.00 Victorian Amateur Cine Society 50.00 Victorian Artists Society 3,000.00 Victorian Ballet School 38,600.00 Victorian Bands League .. 10,000.00 Victorian College of the Arts .. 15,962.50 Victorian Drama League . . . . 4,500.00 Victorian Fellowship of Australian Writers 2,000.00 Victorian Highland Pipe Band 25,000.00 Victorian State Opera .. 183,000.00 Victorian Police Bands .. 3,500.00 Victorian Printmakers Group 1,000.00 Victorian Tapestry Workshop 24,500.00 Victorian Trades Hall Council 2,500.00 Wangaratta Arts Council 1,500.00 Wangaratta Eisteddfod 200.00 Wangaratta Players .. 100.00 Warracknabeal and District Band 975.00 Warracknabeal Music Club 100.00 Warrandyte Arts Association .. 400.00 Warrnambool Music Society 100.00 Warrnambool Rotary Club 300.00 Welsh, Garth 4,767.00 Westside Singers .. 100.00 Why Not Theatre .. 3,600.00 Wodonga Citizens Band 1,310.00 Wodonga Music Club ...... 100.00 Wolkenberg International (Rental of premises Victorian Ballet School) 3,733.33 Wycheproof Arts Council 600.00 Yallourn Madrigal Singers . . . . 100.00 Yallourn Orchestral and Choral Society 350.00 Total 2,175,193.0g

2. Nil. 9242 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF necessary, in order to provide an inner circle line to convert the radial train lines in the ENTERTAINERS. northern inner suburbs into a grid; if not, (Question No. 2247) why? Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Minister of the Arts- Transport): The answer is- 1. What applications for assistance have The Victorian Railways Board has advised been received by the Ministry for the Arts me that the board's preliminary studies from the Australian College of Entertainers, indicate that the extension, upgrading and indicating what action the Government electrification of the North Carlton loop proposes to take in this regard? line to provide a passenger service could not be justified at this stage. The board 2. What assistance the college presently estimates the cost of electrification, track receives from the Government? duplication and automatic signalling to be 3. What are the aims and objectives of approximately $1' 75 million. the college? 4. How many-Ca) staff; and (b) students Sufficient width of railway land is being retained to ensure that future provision of are at the college? such a service is not prejudiced. Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): The answer is- LEVEL CROSSINGS. 1. The Australian College of Entertainers has asked the Ministry for the Arts to assist (Question No. 2250) in locating suitable accommodation for the Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the college and this being done. Minister of Transport- 2. Nil. In respect of level crossings on the Mel­ 3. To establish standards and provide bourne-Epping railway line- training for professional entertainers. 1. How many crossings there are on this line? 4. (a) Nineteen. (b) Approximately two hundred per year. 2. How many are-( a) protected, indicat­ ing the location and mode of protection; and (b) unprotected, indicating the location? UNUSED RAILWAY. 3. In respect of each year from 1972 to (Question No. 2249) 1976, and In this year to date, how many major accidents have occurred at each cross­ Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the ing, indicating the number of-Ca) fatalities; Minister of Transport- and (b) injuries in each case? In respect of the currently unused rail­ way line which runs eastward from Royal Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Park until it turns south near the corner Transport): The answer is- of Park Street and St. George's Road, North 1. 19. Fitzroy, whether the Government will in­ dicate what is the estimated cost of and 2 and 3. There are no unprotected level undertake a feasibility study of-( a) extend­ crossings on this line. ing the line along existing unused railway easements and across St. George's Road to The location of the crOSSings and their link with the Epping line north of the respective records of major accidents in­ Rushall station; (b) electrifying the line; volving injuries and fatalities since 1972 and (c) providing double track wherever are as follows-

Accident record Location Type or protection Date Killed Injured Oifton Hill Ramsden Street Interlocked gates Merri Charles Street Northcote Arthurton Road Northcote Beavers Road Hand" gates Croxton Woolton Avenue Croxton Normanby Avenue " Thombury Hutton Street Ini~rlocked gates Thombury Oakover Road Hand gates Bell Bell Street Boom barriers 9th October, 1974 Preston Cramer Street Preston. Murray Road " 24th August, 1972 Regent Regent Street Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9243

Accident recorded Location Type of protection Date Killed Injured'

Reservoir High Street Boom Barriers Keon Park Keon Parade Thomastown Settlement Road Fl~hing Lights 30th October, 1975 1 Thomastown Heyington Avenue 12th February, 1977 1 Thomastown Manns Crossing 2nd July, 1974 1 2 Thomastown Manns Crossing 2nd November, 1974 1 Thomastown Manns Crossing 5th August, 1976 1 Thomastown Manns Crossing 15th February, 1977 1 Lalor Paschke Crescent Lalor Child's Road

OSTEOPATHY, CHIROPRACTIC what effect, if any, preparation by the board AND NATUROPATHY REPORT will have on the date of installation of the RECOMMENDATIONS. lights? (Question No. 2251) Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Special Education): The answer supplied by Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the the Chief Secretary is- Assistant Minister of Health, for the The Shire of MeIton is carrying out minor Minister of Health- roadworks at the intersections of Coburns Following the tabling of the report of the Road and Station Street-O'Neills Road with Joint Select Committee on Osteopathy, the Western Highway, MeIton. The road­ Chiropractic and Naturopathy on 27th works will not affect the date of installation November, 1975, what action has been taken of signals at the intersections. by the Govemment to carry out the recom­ mendations made by the committee on X-rays? TRANSPORT ACCIDENTS. (Question No. 2253) Mr. JONA (Assistant Minister of Health): The answer supplied by the Mr. JONES (Melboume) asked the Minister of Health is- Minister of Special Education, for the The recommendations by the Joint Select Chief Secretary- Committee on Osteopathy, Chiropractic and Further to the answer to question No. Naturopathy are being considered by the 1480 given on 27th April, 1977- Governme.nt in connection with the prepara­ 1. What estimated loading factor of num­ tion of legislation to provide for a system bers of people carried per million kilo­ of registration for chiropractors and some metres travelled by each vehicle should be other practitioners. applied in respect of-(a) private cars and station wago.ns; (b) buses; (c) passenger TRAFFIC LIGHTS FOR MELTON. trains; (d) trams; (e) motor cycles; and (I) taxis? (Question No. 2252) 2. What is the corrected figure of persons Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the killed or injured per estimated million pas­ Minister of Special Education, for the senger kilometres, in contrast to million Chief Secretary- vehicle kilometres, for each transport mode? In respect of the site preparation for Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Special traffic lights in High Street (Western High­ Education): The answer supplied by way) Melton, whether this preparation is to be carried out by the-(a) Shire of Melton; the Chief Secretary is- or (b) Country Roads Board, indicating 1 and 2. Details are-

Average No. Persons killed per estimated Persons injured per estimated Transport mode of passengel'8 million passenger kilometres million passenger kilometres carried 1974 197.s 1974 197.s

Cars and station wagons 2 0·011 0·012 0·281 0·264 Buses 13 0·00083 0·00042 0·017 0·032 Passenger trains 69 0·00043 0·001 0·002 Trams 23 0·002 0·056 0·029 Motor cycles 1·1 0·221 0·232 4·687 5·197 Taxis 2 0·002 0·176 0·167 9244 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

ACCIDENTS AT GEELONG WEST for the first three weeks of operation total INTERSECTION. approximately $23,000. (Question No. 2254) Approximately 75 per cent of this cost was devoted to educational-type material explain­ Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) ing to potential customers the range of bets asked the Minister of Special Educa­ available and how to place investments. tion, for the Chief Secretary- Additionally, there were posters and handout How many vehicle accidents have been re­ information provided in branches and corded in each of the past twelve months at agencies. the intersection of Church and Pakington This was supported by a programme of streets, Geelong West? press releases, news stories, figures, feature articles and press, radio and television inter­ Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Special views, which received wide exposure at no Education): The answer supplied by cost to the board. the Chief Secretary is- Details of the number of reported acci­ dents are-- WATER SUPPLY TO LARA AREA. Property (Question No. 2257) Year Fatal Injury damage Total Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) 1915 Nil 2 3 1976 Nil 2 Nil 2 asked the Minister for Conservation, for the Minister of Water Supply- FACILITIES FOR HOUSING What are the proposed plans and expected timing for the updating of the water supply COMMISSION ESTATES. to the Lara area? (Question No. 2255) Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) Conservation): The answer supplied asked the Minister of Housing- by the Minister of Water Supply is- 1. What plans there are to provide-(a) public telephones; (b) bus shelters; and (c) The water commission gave general ap­ shopping facilities in the Corio North Hous­ proval on 24th August, 1976, to a proposal ing Commission estate; and when it is ex­ submitted by the Geelong Waterworks and pected that such facilities will be provided? Sewerage Trust, which administers the 2. When it is expected that shopping facili­ water supply to Lara, for the augmentation ties will be established in the Whittington of supply to the township by the installation housing estate? of a new 750-mm and 450-mm diameter supply main from Lovely Banks storage Mr. HAYES (Minister of Housing): through to Lara. The answer is-- The estimated cost of this work is 1. (a) The provision of public telephones $1'05 million and construction of stage I of is the responsibility of Telecom Australia; the pipeline extending from Purnell Road, North Geelong to Lara township is well (b) The prOvision of bus shelters is the advanced. responsibility of the municipality. Completion of stage I works by Septem­ (c) Twelve months. ber, 1977, should significantly improve the 2. Nine months. water pressures in the Lara reticulation system during peak demand periods in the TABELLA BETTING. summer months. (Question No. 2256) Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) PENSIONER MUNICIPAL RATE asked the Minister for Youth, Soort REBATES. and Recreation- - (Question No. 2258) What has been the cost of advertising and promotion of cc Tabella" betting to date? Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, asked the Minister of Public Works, Sport and Recreation): The answer for the Minister for Local Govern­ is- ment- The Totalizator Agency Board has advised How many pensioners in Victoria have­ me that the advertising costs for the an­ (a) applied for; and (b) received municipal nouncement of Tabella and the follow up rate rebates in the past financial year? Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9245

Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Works): The answer supplied by the Education): The answer is- Minister for Local Government- I advised the honorable member by letter dated the 25th August, 1977, as follows- All persons who were pensioners within the meaning of the Municipalities Assistance Within the Geelong Regional Directorate Act 1973, and who submitted valid applica­ the follOwing schools are listed for cyclic tions to their councils during the current maintenance in the financial years as municipal financial year, or were ,treated by indicated- their councils as having made such applica­ School Financial year tions on the basis of the receipt of valid 1910 Anakie 1980-81 applications in the previous year, as provided 932 Bannockburn 1980-81 by section 298 (lAC) of the Local Govern­ 1845 Batesford 1980-81 ment Act, would obtain remission of portion 124 Corio 1981-82 of the rates which they were liable to pay TS Corio 1981-82 in respect of their sole or principal place of 4927 Corio South 1977-78 residence. 5031 Corio West 1977-78 During the financial year ended 30th June, 4919 Fyans Park 1979-80 1977, payments were made to municipalities 1691 Fyansford 1980-81 for claims lodged for rates remitted under 4768 Geelong Special 1977-78 the Government scheme, in respect of- 1889 Geelong North 1977-78 HS Geelong North 1977-78 102,793 pensioners who received assist­ 4681 Herne Hill 1980-81 ance with their 1976-77 municipal rates; and 1147 Inverleigh 1977-78 4224 Manifold Heights 1977-78 22,925 pensioners who received assistance 1887 Newtown 1977-78 with rates due in respect of previous years. 379 Shelford 1978-79 Further claims continue to be received as municipalities finalize applications in their Within this time-table there is still pro­ offices. vision, subject to availability of funds, for schools to be brought forward if occasion (adverse climatic conditions, and so on) BUS SERVICE FROM GEELONG warrants. Other maintenance jobs of an RAILWAY STATION. urgent nature are effected as they occur or (Question No. 2259) as soon as practicable depending on degree of urgency. Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) Primary School 3630, Balliang, is within asked the Minister of Transport- the Ballarat regional directorate. Informa­ tion from the region indicates that quotes Whether consideration is being given to will soon be received for the internal and providing a bus feeder service from the external painting and repairs to this to inner-city bus school. The work would also include re­ routes servicing suburban outlets; if so, pairs to the existing toilets. If satisfactory when a decision will be made, indicating quotes are received this work is likely to be when such a service will commence; if not, put in hand during the current financial whether consideration will be given to this year. matter? Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of STREET LIGHTING FOR GEE LONG Transport): The answer is- HIGHWAYS. Yes. I am unable to forecast the timing (Question No. 2261) of a decision on this matter at this stage, as this is one of many matters being con­ Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) sidered by the Transport Regulation Board asked the Minister for Minerals and in the present review of bus operations in Energy- the Geelong area. 1. What improvements to street lighting are planned for highways in the Geelong SCHOOLS IN GEELONG NORTH area? ELECTORATE. 2. When it is expected that such lighting (Question No. 2260) will be installed? Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for asked the Minister of Education- Minerals and Energy): The answer is- 1. What schools in the electoral district of Geelong North are approved for mainten­ 1. Street lighting installations are cur­ ance works? rently being constructed at Princes Highway West (Latrobe Terrace to Lunan Avenue) 2. When it is expected that such works and Bellarine Highway (Ocean Grove will be commenced and completed? intersection) . 9246 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

The Country Roads Board has under 3. Whether the National Gallery will lend consideration street lighting designs pre­ the Parliament a representative collection pared by the commission for- of works of the Heidelberg School and/or Princes Highway West (Lunan Avenue some works by eminent Victorian painters to MacKay Street) including Fred Williams, Sidney Nolan, Princes Highway West (Plantation Arthur Boyd, Roger Kemp and Clifton Pugh, Street intersection) for exhibition in Queen's Hall? Midland Highway (Pakington Street to Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): Church Street) The answer is- Midland Highway (Church Street to Thompsons Road) 1. Seven of the paintings belong to the Midland Highway (Thompsons Road to gallery. Analde Road) 2. The National Gallery paintings are of 2. The installation of street lighting for acceptable standard for exhibition and have Princes Highway West (Latrobe Terrace been exhibited in the National Gallery of to Lunan Avenue) is scheduled for com­ Victoria. pletion in August, 1977. The lightin~ for the Bellarine Highway (Ocean Grove mter­ 3. Paintings by artists of the Heidelberg section) is partly completed and further School are constantly exhibited at the progress is dependent upon the completion Gallery. They are not lent except on rare of associated road construction works. occasions and then only for short periods. Many of them are fragile and require climate Progress on the other installations control, a condition not satisfactorily met depends on receipt of advice from the Country Roads Board of the Street Lighting at Parliament House. Committee's approval. Some paintings by Williams and Pugh could be safely exhibited in Parliament ARTS ACCESS. House. (Question No. 2262) GEE LONG SPORTING AND Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the Minister of the Arts- RECREATIONAL BODIES. 1. What representations have been made (Question No. 2267) to the Government for assistance to the organization known as Arts Access? Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) asked the Minister for Youth, Sport 2. What action has been taken to-(a) assess and evaluate the activities of the and Recreation- organization; and (b) assist the organiza­ tion financially or in any other ways? 1. What applications for financial assist­ ance are in hand from sporting and recrea­ Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts): tional bodies in the Geelong area? The answer is- 2. When it is expected a decision will be 1. Written submissions from Arts Access given in relation to each such request? and support from several members of Par­ liament. Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, 2. (a) Interviews with the liaison officer Sport and Recreation): The answer of Arts Access. Consideration by Victorian is- Council of the Arts. The department is not presently consider­ (b) No direct financial assistance. In­ ing any applications from sporting and direct assistance through subsidized per­ recreational clubs for assistance from the forming groups. Sports and Recreation Fund. Due to the heavy demand upon the Sports PAINTINGS IN QUEEN'S HALL. and Recreation Fund, assistance is not pro­ (Question No. 2264) vided to individual sporting or recreational Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the clubs. Assistance for the development of Minister of the Arts- the various sports and recreations is directed through the parent State-wide 1. Whether the nine paintings currently organization. Assistance by this depart­ hanging in Queen's Hall, Parliament House ( exclusive of the Fred McCubbin work ment for the development of sporting and undergoing restoration) belong to the recreational facilities is made available through the respective municipal council': National Gallery Collection? ) 2. Whether the paintings are regarded as However, the following applications have of acceptable standard for exhibition in the be~n received from youth organizations in National Gallery? the Geelong area- Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9247

Name of club Location Amount requested $ St. Thomas Youth Group Norlane 450 Salvation Army Youth Group Norlane 500 Bell Park Community Youth Group North Geelong 2,417 Pettitt Park Youth Centre Bell Post Hill 4,384 1st Norlane Scout Group Norlane 100 St. Mary's Senior Youth Group Geelong 368 East Geelong Community Youth Club Geelong 2,500 Geelong Community Adolescents Family Geelong 3,966 Centre The Salvation Army Youth Group Geelong 2,616 Y.M.C.A.-Geelong Geelong 45,800 Geelong Christian Cadet Corps Geelong West 150 Geelong and District Y.W.C.A. Youth Newtown 11,612 Clubs Shire of South Barwon 1st Torquay Scout Group Torquay 1,979 Belmont Community Youth Club Belmont 875 TRAFFIC LIGHTS FOR GEELONG 2. What is the expected delay in each INTERSECTIONS. case before such lights are installed? (Question No. 2268) Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of . Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) Special Education): The answer asked the Minister of Special Edu­ supplied by the Chief Secretary is- cation, for the Chief Secretary- 1. (a) Funds have been allocated for the 1. What intersections in the Geelong urban installation of signals at the following inter­ area are presently-(a) approved; and (b) sections in the Geelong area as part of the under consideration for the installation of Road Safety and Traffic Authority's 1977-78 traffic lights? works programme-

Intersection Municipality Moorabool Street-McKillop Street City Of Geelong BeIIarine Street-Malop Street City of Geelong Myers Street-Yarra Street ., City of Geelong Latrobe Terrace-Ryrie Street City of Geelong, City of Geelong West, City of Newtown Church Street-Pakington Street-Stubbs Avenue City of Geelong West Pakington Street West-Fyans Street ...... City of Newtown Barrabool Road-Mount Pleasant Road-Roberts Road-Shannon Avenue ..

In each case, before installation com­ mentioned above, were received by the Road mences, agreement must be reached be­ Safety and Traffic AuthOrity from munici­ tween the Road Safety and Traffic Author­ palities in the Geelong urban area. All such ity and the municipality concerned, and also requests have been considered in the pre­ the Country Roads Board in the case of paration of the State-wide ranking of sites the board's declared roads, as to the design for which there are proposals from munici­ of the signals and the completion of any palities to install signals. The ranked list necessary roadworks. Subject to such has been limited to those intersections which agreements, it is expected that signals will are considered by the authority to represent be installed at the above-named intersections the higher priority for treatment in the by the middle of 1978. progressive implementation of the statcon In addition the installation of signals was programme. Based on current costs it is completed recently at the intersection of the expected that 85 sets of intersection signals Bellarine Highway-Ormond Road and and 25 sets of pedestrian-operated signals Boundary Road, Geelong and came into oper­ will be installed throughout the State each ation on 23rd August, 1977. The installation year. of signals has also commenced at the inter­ Details relating to intersections which have section of Gordon Street and Myers Street, been approved as requiring treatment. and Geelong. It is expected that the signals will the priority accorded to each such intersec­ be in operation by September, 1977. tion, are outlined in the Road Safety and 1. (b) and 2. Approximately 75 requests Traffic Authority bulletin No. 7 of 1976. for the installation of signals at intersec­ which was issued in October. 1976. The tions, under the State intersection control honorable member has been provided with programme, including those intersections a copy of the bulletin. 9248 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

RAILWAY WORKS. 2. What action, if any, is being taken to (Question No. 2269) reduce such delay? Mr. HA YES (Minister of Housing): Mr. TREZISE (Gee long North) The asked the Minister of Transport- answer is- 1. Ur~ent repairs are normally attended Whether an assurance was given to the to withm 24 hours of notification. members for Geelong West and Geelon~ East in 1976 that the Geelong-Melboume raIl Normal repairs are attended to within 21 line would be fully duplicated in the 1975- days as stipulated under the conditions of 76 year; if so, when such undertaking is the maintenance contracts. now to be fulfilled? Contracts for repairs of a major nature Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of such as large scale refencing, reroofing and repainting are let on an annual basis, Transport): The answer is- dependmg on the availability of the neces­ The Government is committed to complete sary funds. the duplication of the Geelong-Melboume 2. Any delays are mainly due to un­ rail line and on site work has already started expected difficulties such as the unavail­ on the duplication of the final section be­ ability of a particular component, or the tween Little River and Corio. failure of a contractor to honour his con­ The honorable member will be aware tractural obligations. Every endeavour is that this is a major task that will take made to rectify such delays. some three years to complete. HOUSING COMMISSION HOMES CROWN LAND IN GEELONG. AT CORIO AND WHITTINGTON. (Question No. 2273) (Question No. 2270) Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) asked the Minister of Lands- asked the Minister of Housing- What is the area of Crown land leased 1. How many applicants are presently to the Cheetham Salt Works, Geelong, in­ on the waiting list to purchase Housing dicating the terms and period of such Commission homes at-Ca) Corio; and (b) lease? Whittington? Mr. BORTIlWICK (Minister of 2. What is the expected waiting time for Lands): The answer is- applicants in each such area? 3. How many homes are expected to be The company's operations at Geelong built in the-Ca) Corio; and (b) Whitting­ are conducted on land vested in the Geelong ton estates, in the next twelve months? Harbor Trust Commissioners. 4. How many homes have been com­ ,leted for occupation in each estate over BACCHUS MARSH ROAD, CORIO, the past twelve months? MEDIAN STRIP. Mr. HAYES (Minister of Housing): (Question No. 2274) The answer is- Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) 1. (a) Corio-S20. (b) Whittington-276. asked the Minister of Transport- 2. Twenty-six months for Corio, 29 What consideration is being given to up­ months for Whittington. grading the condition of the median strip on 3. The commission does not yet know Bacchus Marsh Road, Corio, between Cox the funds it will have available next finan­ Road and Purnell Road to provide lawn and cial year but anticipates that funds avail­ trees of similar standard to the Melbourne able will be sufficient to let at least 127 Road, Corio? homes to contract in the Corio and Whit­ Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Trans­ tington estates. port): The answer is- 4. (a) Corio-Sl homes. The Bacchus Marsh Road, Corio, between (b) Whittington-19 homes. Cox Road and Purnell Road is located within a 58· 22-metre reserve and com;ists of a HOUSING COMMISSION HOMES single 7· 32-metre carriageway for through IN GEELONG AREA. traffic with service roads on either side. (Question No. 2271) The Country Roads Board will consider the construction of dual carriageways for Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) through traffic and the associated medjan asked the Minister of Housing- development when warranted by traffic I. What is the present approximate delay volumes. This is not expected for some in undertaking maintenance repairs after years. complaints are lodged by tenants of Hous­ It would not be appropriate to plant .ing Commission homes in the Geelong lawns and trees in the future outer separa­ area? tors prior to the construction of. dual Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. ,9249

carriageways because of the later removal Mr. HAYES (Minister of Housing): and disturbance which would be necessary to cater for underground drainage and ser­ The answer is- vice alterations. 1. Sixty-six. 2. Twenty-four months approximately, de­ TOTALIZATOR AGENCY BOARD. pendent on vacancies. (Question No. 2275) 3. None. Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) asked the Minister for Youth, Sport DRUG OFFENDERS IN GEELONG and Recreation- AREA. 1. What was the annual turnover of the (Question No. 2277) Totalizator Agency Board in the Geelong area in each of the past five years in respect Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) of-(a) horse racing; (b) trotting; and (c) asked the Minister of Special Educa­ greyhound meetings? tion' for the Chief Secretary- 2. What was the weekly turnover of "Tabella" betting in the Geelong area to How many persons have been charged iate? with drug offences in the Geelong area in each of the past five years, indicating the Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, respective age groups of such persons and Sport and Recreation): The answer the number convicted? is- Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Special I have been advised by the Totalizator Education): The answer supplied by Agency Board that the annual turnover in the Chief Secretary is- the Geelong area for the past five years is as follows- Details of drug offences in the Geelo.ng area are- J972 1973 1974 J975 J976 No. of persons $ $ $ $ $ Number Year- charged with convicted 7,488,896 8,765,576 9,736,648 J2,414,740 13,294,596 drug offences

It is not possible to provide turnover 1975 36 36 figures separately for racing, trotting, grey­ 1976 45 44 hound and tabella investments, within any • Information with respect to offences committed prior particular electorate, but the over-all split 1975 is not readily available. for racing, trotting and greyhounds for the past five years throughout the whole of Vic­ The respective ages of the persons toria is as follows- charged were-

1972 J973 1974 1975 1976 Number charged Age 1975 1976 per per per per per cent cent cent cent cent 15 Racing .- 64'23 64'48 63'19 63'30 64·40 Trotting. _ 22'45 21-99 22'03 22'49 22·59 16 Greyhounds .. 13'32 13'53 14·78 14·21 13'01 17 18 1 Tabella investments will not come into account until the current year ends on 31st 19 3 July, 1977. 20 4 3 21 6 6 HOUSING COMMISSION HOMES 22 6 13 IN GEELONG AREA. 23 3 7 (Question No. 2276) 24 4 3 25 1 7 Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) 26 3 1 asked the Minister of Housing- 27 4 1. How many pensioners are at present 28 2 on the waiting list for lone-person Housing 29 Commission accommodation in the Geelong area? 30 31 2. What is the expected waiting period for such applicants? 32 3. What areas of undeveloped land are 33 presently available for development of such accommodation in the Geel6ng ar-ea? Totals .. 36 45 Sessron 1977.-320 9250 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

MELBOURNE~EELONG arrived late at their destination, the extent PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICE. of delay and the reasons for late arrival? (Question No. 2278) Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) Transport): The answer is- asked the Minister of Transport­ The time-keeping details of passenger How many passenger trains have travelled trains operating between Melbourne and between Melbourne and Geelong over the Geelong for the six months from 1st Novem­ past six months, indicating how many have ber, 1976 to 30th April, 1977 are as follows-

Number of trains Five-ten Over ten operating On time minutes late minutes late

Melbourne-Geelong 2,934 1,781 850 303 Geelong-Melbourne 2,924 1,953 776 195

The late running of certain trains was Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of due to a variety of reasons including in­ Special Education): The answer dustrial disputes, defective rolling-stock, signal and point failures and flood damage. supplied by the Chief Secretary is- Inquiries indicate that this information is not readily available. RESTRICTED FILMS AT DRIVE-IN THEATRES. TRAFFIC COUNTS IN GEELONG (Question No. 2279) AREA. Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) (Question No. 2282) asked the Minister of Special Educa­ Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) tion, for the Chief Secretary- asked the Minister of Transport- What restrictions apply to drive-in picture What are the traffic counts in each of the theatres in relation to the screening of re­ past five years for vehicles travelling on the stricted films which may be viewed from following roads-(a) Melbourne Road, adjacent public roads? North Geelong; (b) Thompson Street, North Geelong; (c) Station Street at the rail Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of crossing, North Shore; (d) Purnell Road, Special Education) : The answer Corio; (e) Bacchus Marsh Road, Corio; (f) Mercer Street, Geelong; and (g) Pakington supplied by the Chief Secretary is- Street-Church Street, Geelong West inter­ There are no restrictions applicable at section? present to the exhibition of "R" certificate films at drive-in theatres where the screen Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of may be viewed from outside the precincts of Transport): The answer is- the theatre. The matter was discussed in The 24-hour daily traffic figures at the detail at two recent meetings of Common­ locations listed, taken over the past five wealth and State Ministers responsible for years, are as set out below- censorship and methods of remedying the situation are being examined. (a) Melbourne Road at Separation Street Bridge- April 1972 21,400 ADMISSION OF UNDER AGE January 1973 28,230 PERSONS TO RESTRICTED FILMS. January 1974 26,800 (Question No. 2280) January 1975 29,250 Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) January 1976 31,200 asked the Minister of Special Educa­ (b) Thompsons Road, south of Victoria tion, for the Chief Secretary- Street- April 1972 12,190 How many theatre proprietors have been - (a) charged; and (b) convicted, in each March 1973 11,230 of the past five years for admitting under­ December 1974 15,130 age persons to restricted films? August 1976 14,300 Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9251

(c) Station Street at Railway Crossing- On the basis of this information and the October 1973 5,040 investigating officer's knowledge of the area, an inspection of likely sources is car­ May 1974 6,120 ried out to detect unusual operating condi­ December 1975 8,420 tions or any plant malfunction which may have led to the release of odours. (d) Purnell Road, east of Bacchus Marsh Road- 2. On the basis of past complaints the sources of odours in the Norlane-Corio July 1973 3,190 area have been Shell Refining (Australia) September 1974 4,160 Pty. Ltd., M. C. Herd Pty. Ltd., Corio Meat October 1975 4,830 Packaging Pty. Ltd., Australian Brake Sup­ plies Pty. Ltd. and a domestic source relat­ October 1976 4,910 ing to fibreglass odours. ( e) Bacchus Marsh Road, south of Purnell 3. Odour level may be determined by Road- taking an air sample in a gas sampling bag January 1973 4,340 and subjecting the contents to an evalua­ September 1974 5,210 tion by a selected odour panel using a method of dynamic dilution. This method October 1975 5,420 measures the "strength" or "intensity" November 1976 6,000 of an odour, it does not attempt to estab­ lish the .. nature" of an odour. (f) The only figures available for Mercer Street, Geelong, are as a result of twelve I am informed no odour measurements hour (7 a.m.-7 p.m.) traffic counts taken have been carried out in the Norlane-Corio in 1974 and 1976. These results are set area. out below. MILK. December 1974 19,200 July 1976 18,800 (Question No. 2284) (g) Pakington Street, south of Church Mr. WHITING (Mildura) asked Street- the Minister of Agriculture- December 1972 11,400 1. With reference to the Milk Board In­ August 1973 11,010 quiry into prices held from 13th to 20th December, 1976-(a) whether copies of the May 1974 11,180 transcript of evidence were made available November 1976 10,550 to all parties who gave evidence to the inquiry; and (b) what submissions were made to the board outside the dates re­ ODOUR LEVEL IN NORLANE­ ferred to above? CORIO AREAS. 2. In which areas of Victoria whole milk is supplied for retail sale at prices in excess (Question No. 2283) of those announced on 9th February, 1977, indicating-( a) the names of processors Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) who supply such milk; and (b) whether all asked the Minister for Conserva­ such processors are authorized to charge higher rates; if not, what action is taken tion- against unauthorized higher charges? 1. What procedures are adopted to 3. \Vhat retail price is charged for milk investigate odour complaints in the Norlane­ at Horsham, Genoa, Mallacoota, St. Arnaud Corio areas? and Charlton, respectively? 4. When deliveries are made to each of 2. What are the main sources of odour the above towns, and what is the age of affecting these residential areas? the milk, as indicated by the carton date 3. How measurements of odour level are code when delivered to the retailer? recorded and what are the latest recorded 5. In view of the increasing demand for levels in the Norlane-Corio areas? pasteurized (not homogenized) and bottled milk in many areas, whether bottled milk Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for will again be available in country areas of Conservation): The answer is- Victoria to encourage increased sales in line with recent Milk Board advertising 1. The procedure for the investigation of themes? odour complaints by the Environment Pro­ tection Authority is essentially the same for Mr. SMITH (Minister of Agricul­ all areas. The complainant is interviewed ture): The answer is- for specific information as to the type of 1. (a) Copies of the transcript were odour, time of occurrence, duration and made available to advocates for milk indus­ prevailing wind direction, among other de­ try organizations who appeared at the in­ tails. quiry. In the case of any witness, a copy 9252 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice. of that part of the transcript relating to Central Western District (Apollo Bay)­ his evidence was made available on re­ L.S.T. (Colac) Dairy Processors Pty. quest. A copy of the full transcript was Ltd., Colac. available on request, for examination at the board's office. East Gippsland- Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co. Ltd., (b) At the board's request, copies of Maffra. submissions by industry organizations were lodged with the board prior to the com­ South Gippsland (Wilson's Promontory)­ mencement of the inquiry. Murray Goulbum Co-operative Co. Ltd., These were later formally submitted to Maffra. the inquiry by advocates for these orga­ (b) There is no fixed price for milk sold nizations and incorporated in the tran­ in areas not under Milk Board jurisdic­ script of evidence. No other submissions tion. were made to the board outside the dates 3. The retail prices charged for milk (in referred to. paper cartons) at Horsham from 11th Feb­ 2. Retail prices determined by the Milk ruary, 1977, are as follows- Board are observed in all areas under its Plain mnk jurisdiction, which embrace approximately cents 95 per cent of Victoria's population. 600 millilitres 22 1 litre 36 (a) Areas of State and names of pro­ cessors located outside Milk Board dis­ 2 litres (per 2-litre carton) 70 tricts where milk is sold retail at prices above those announced on 9th February, Flavoured milk cents 1977, are- 600 millilitres 30 North West District- In addition to the above prices, distri­ Milk Processors Pty. Ltd., Ballarat. butors may charge up to a maximum of Horsham Modern Dairy, Horsham. Mary­ 6 cents per delivery on home delivered borough Dairies Pty. Ltd., Maryborough. milk. Sandhurst Dairies Ltd., Bendigo. Weir's The retail price charged for milk at Melrose Dairy, Mildura. Murray Goulburn Genoa, Mallacoota, St. Arnaud and Charlton Co-operative Co. Ltd., Swan Hill. which are outside Milk Board districts is-

600 millilitres 1 litre

Genoa 25 cents 43 cents Mallacoota 25 cents 43 cents St. Amaud 25 cents 38 cents Charlton 24 cents 40 cents

4.

Age of milk by carton Deliveries date code

Horsham daily one day Genoa every second day average two days Mallacoota every second day average two days St. Amaud every second day one day Charlton every second day one day Questions [6 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] on Notice. 9253

5. A number of types of milk containers 3. The audited amounts held in the Ararat are prescribed under the Milk Pasteurization City Council's Ararat's mains water supply Act 1958 for use in Victoria, and it is depreciation fund in each of the years since a matter for individual dairies to decide 30th September. 1972, and the date of audits which type or types they will use. While are as follows- some dairies provide their customers with a choice of containers, others may decide to supply milk in one type of container Date Amount Date of audit only. The Milk Board has no authority to direct a dairy to use any particular type of $ container. 30th September, 1972 355,160 18th March, 1973 30th September, 1973 387,720 29th May, 1974 WATER FUNDS. 30th September, 1974 422,742 17th February, 1975 (Question No. 2285) 30th September, 1975 461,501 4th March, 1976 30th September, 1976 490,759 24th March, 1977 Mr. WHITING (Mildura) asked the Minister for Conservation, for the Minister of Water Supply- PLANS OF SUBDIVISION. 1. Whether the Minister is aware that (Question No. 2287) the City of Ararat has approximately $500,000 invested in its mains depreciation Mr. CAIN (Bundoora) asked the funds, as required under section 285 of Minister of Labour and Industry, for the Water Act 1958, whilst their capital expenditure asset is only a little over $1 the Attomey-General- million? In respect of the examination and ap­ 2. Whether the Minister will give con­ proval of plans of subdivision. whether, as sideration to introducing amending legis­ from approximately mid-April. 1977. the lation in respect of the Act to release some Registrar of Titles has refused to pick up of the funds now required to be invested? for examination any plan of subdivision lodged for approval which either-(a) does 3. What were the audited amounts held not have any "requirements" under section in the mains depreciation fund, including 569E of the Local Government Act 1958; or interest, invested by the City of Ararat in (b) has requirements. until after he has each of the years commencing 30th Septem­ received notice from the council as to com­ ber, 1972, to 30th September. 1976. in­ pletion of these requirements; if so-(i) clusive, indicating the date of audit in whether such action is thwarting the whole each case? intent of section 569E and is a direct negation of the Government's stated aims of reducing the bureaucratic delays in plan­ Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for ning and other controls which are adding to Conservation): The answer supplied the cost of housing; and (ii) what steps by the' Minister of Water Supply is- the Attorney-General proposes taking in order to improve and resolve the current 1. Yes. The Ararat City Council's water delays caused by this procedural change? supply depreciation fund as at 30th Sep­ tember. 1976. stood at $490,759. The balance Mr. MACLELLAN (Minister of of the asset account capital expenditure at the same date was $1,201,379. The City Labour and Industry): The answer has complied with section 285 of the Water supplied by the Attorney-General Act 1958, by putting aside amounts annually is- to the depreciation fund and including in­ terest earned on such investment. 1. (a) Plans of subdivision not subject to a requirement under section 569E of 2. The Waterworks Trusts Association of the Local Government Act are (and have at Victoria has had a sub-committee inquiring all times been) picked up for examination into the matter of depreciation funds in order of lodgment. On application setting operated by authorities throughout the out valid grounds. individual plans may be State. dealt with urgently.

It is understood that a report with certain (b) Because of pressures arising from in­ recommendations has been completed and creased lodgments. from about December. that a deputation is being sought with the 1976. to May. 1977, a plan subject to a Minister of Water Supply to generally dis­ requirement was not in fact picked up for cuss the proposals. examination until notice had been received 9254 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice. that the requirement had been satisfied or TOTALIZATOR AGENCY BOARD. withdrawn. On satisfaction or withdrawal of the requirement the plan was dealt with (Question No. 2289) urgently-normally being approved within five working days. Mr. SIMPSON (Niddrie) asked the Minister for Youth, Sport and 2. The above practice has now been dis­ Recreation- continued. As at 16th May, 80 plans were affected. These have now been dealt with 1. What was the annual turnover of the and any delays arising from the practice Totalizator Agency Board in the electoral have been eliminated. district of Niddrie in each of the past five calendar years for-Ca) horse racing; (b) trotting; and (c) greyhound meetings? SENTENCES FOR MURDER. 2. What was the turnover of Cl Tabella" betting in the electoral district in the first (Question No. 2288) week of operations? Mr. CAIN (Bundoora) asked the Minister of Labour and Industry, for Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, the Attorney-General- Sport and Recreation): The answer is- In view of the decision of the Court of I have been advised by the Totalizator Criminal Appeal in the case of R. v. Schultz Agency Board that the annual turnover in (1976) V.R. 325, relating to the form of the electoral distriot of Niddrie in each of the sentence following a murder conviction and past five years is as follows- the power of the Governor to commute sentences since the passing of the Crimes (Capital Offences) Act 1975 on 29th April, 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1975- 1,580,812 2,132,812 2,450,804 2,919,012 3,240,224 1. How many persons have been convicted of murder? It is not possible to provide turnover figures separately for racing, trotting, grey­ 2. In how many cases the sentence of life hound and tabella investments within any imprisonment has been commuted? particular eleotorate, but the overall split for racing, trotting and greyhounds for the 3. Whether the Governor has power to past five years for the whole of Victoria is commute the mandatory sentence of life as follows- imprisonment; if not, what steps the Govern­ ment is taking or proposing to take in order to remedy this situation? 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976

per per per per per Mr. MACLELLAN (Minister of cent cent cent cent cent Labour and Industry): The answer Racing .. .. 64·23 64·48 63'19 63'30 64·40 supplied by the Attorney-General Trotting .. .. 22'45 21'99 22'03 22'49 22·59 is- Greyhounds 13'32 13'53 14'78 14'21 1J·1O

1. Twenty-one. In two of these cases the convictions have been set aside and retrials PAYING PATRONS AT TROTTING ordered. In another two cases the convic­ MEETINGS. tions have been set aside on appeal and the persons involved have been convicted of (Question No. 2290) manslaughter. Mr. SIMPSON (Niddrie) asked the 2. None. Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation- 3. The Governor cannot commute a What was the number of paying patrons sentence of imprisonment for the term of at trotting meetings at the Royal Agricul­ natural life. Provisions of the kind tural Society's Showgrounds and Moonee formerly contained in sections 496 and 497 Valley, respectively, including mid-week of the Crimes Act do not now exist but His meetings, since 1st January, 1977, till 7th Excellency can effectively reduce such a May, 1977, and what was the number of sentence to a term of imprisonment for paying patrons at trotting meetings at the years by approving release from prison at showgrounds during the same period in the appropriate time. 1976? Mr. DIXON (Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation): The answer is- The following figures have been supplied by the Trotting Control Board-

Moonee Valley Showgrounds Showgrounds 1977 Paid adult ·Children Total paid Paid adult Dennis Club Total attendance Total attendance 1976 attendance Children·· Sub-total nights to January 1 9,242 1,352 10,594 January 3 16,254 2,964 19,218 740 19,958 l:: 8 13,139 2,041 15,180 10 13,103 2,435 15,538 673 16,211 ~ 15 12,625 17 13,316 2,288 15,604 1,048 16,652 S· 22 13,289 1,941 15,230 11,186 2,112 13,298 337 13,635 24 ~ 29 12,263 2,031 14,294 31 11,507 2,103 13,610 1,308 14,918 February 5 11,013 1,363 12,376 February 7 11,389 2,244 13,633 1,999 15,632 (Wednesday) 9 N.A. N.A. 8,359 12 11,712 1,813 13,525 14 10,722 1,927 12,649 1,790 14,439 ,....., 19 19,798 2,896 22,694 21 11,417 2,091 13,508 1,777 15,285 0) (Wednesday) 23 6,305 408 6,713 Vl 26 8,444 1,472 9,916 28 11,373 2,077 13,450 2,097 15,547 t%1 ~ March 2 5,864 378 6,242 t-i (Wednesday) t%1 5 10,321 1,495 11,816 March 6 11,617 1,997 13,614 1,640 15,254 3: 12 9,785 1,307 15,456 tJ:I 11,092 13 11,303 1,943 13,246 2,210 t%1 19 10,544 1,559 12,103 20 8,879 1,251 10,130 2,007 12,137 !J 26 .. 10,832 27 10,800 1,808 12,608 2,011 14,619 April 2 8,496 1,050 1,505 11,639 1,853 13,492 9,546 April 3 10,134 t.D 9 7,200 981 8,181 10 8,931 1,225 10,156 2,390 12,546 -....J 16 8,286 17 11,465 2,228 13,693 13,693 ....J 23 5,457 703 6,160 24 8,345 1,047 9,392 2,145 11,537 ~ 30 8,232 1 7,775 1,888 9,663 1,961 11,624 May 7 7,607 852 8,459 May 8 6,972 822 7,794 2,154 9,948

C) 170,479 23,642 202,480 39,975 206,488 35,955 242,443 30,140 272,583 ;s

~ Notes.-· Children at Moonee Valley pay 40 cents •• Children are admitted free at the Showgrounds. ri' admission. N.A. Not Available. - ~ Total-Royal Agricultural Society's Show- Dennis Club nights: No admission fee is Average attendance (less free passes) (19 grounds and Moonee Valley-242,455. paid direct to the Trotting Control Board, meetings) -14,346. Average attendance (less free passes) (22 but is included in the fees paid by the Average paid attendance (including Dennis meetings)-ll,021. members to Dennis Catering and thus finally Club nights)-12,454. Average attendance (less children)-9,566. to the board. 1.0 N Ut VI 9256 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

TRAFFIC COUNTS ON SECTIONS Park; if so, what was the count and when OF CALDER HIGHWAY. it was conducted? (Question No. 2291) Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Trans­ Mr. SIMPSON (Niddrie) asked the port): The answer is- Minister of Transport- 1. Whether a traffic count has been con­ 1. A traffic count was conducted by the ducted on the Calder Highway, at or near Country Roads Board on 14th September, the intersection of Fosters Road, Keilor 1976, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the inter· Park, and near the entrance to Brimbank Park; if so, what was that count and on section of Fosters Road and Cemetery Road what date the count was conducted? with the Calder Highway. The twelve-hour 2. Whether a traffic count has been con­ traffic figures are shown in the following ducted at the entrance gates to Brimbank diagram.

Fosters Road 1268 1304 It !I 8316 9413 ~ ) Calder Highway 10468 < ~ 9406 11 11 215 286 Cemetery Road

2. The board has not conducted a traffic count at the entrance gates to Brimbank Park.

OVERHEAD LIGHTING FOR CALDER HIGHWAY INTERSECTION. Iltgislutittt Cltnuutil. (Question No. 2292) Wednesday, September 7, 1977. Mr. SIMPSON (Niddrie) asked the Minister of Special Education, for the Chief Secretary- The PRESIDENT (the Hon. W. G. Fry) took the chair at 2.32 p.m. and Whether there are any plans to install read the prayer. overhead lighting at the intersection of the Calder Highway and Erebus Street, Keilor Park? QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Mr. SCANLAN (Minister of Special Education): The answer supplied by HOUSING COMMISSION LAND the Chief Secretary is- PURCHASES. It is understood from inquiries made with The Hon. D. R. WHITE (Doutta the Ministry of Transport that the State Electricity Commission has installed, for the Galla Province): My question is Country Roads Board, overhead street light­ directed to the Leader of the ing at this intersection. The lighting was ex­ House. During his term as Min­ pected to be operational by 3rd June, 1977. ister of Housing, did he specificaJly Questions [7 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] without Notice. 9257 direct the Housing Commission on or not keen that the Housing Commis­ about 9th October, 1973, to investi­ sion as such should establish a con­ gate or inquire into Welmac land? If ventional Housing Commission estate so, how did he become aware of the in Melton. availability of the land, and why did When I say "conventional" I he direct the commission to investi­ mean an estate such as had been the gate that land as being suitable for practice throughout the years by the acquisition? Housing Commission to establish by The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief building 100 houses in an estate. As Secretary): The purchase of land in Melton Shire Council had indicated the Melton area was the last of three its attitude, I considered that it was purchases that the commission was better to enter into a more secluded making on behalf of the Government and quieter corner of Melton for this to implement a policy that had al­ development. For those reasons I told ready been approved by Cabinet. the commission I believed that was As far as Melton land was con­ the area where it should buy land. cerned, because of my great know­ The commission then showed me a ledge of the Melton area and because parcel of land that was in the name until that time the Housing Commis­ of, I believe, Nandina, and I said that sion had not built one house in the was the land that we should buy. area, I undertook to look at various That is the history of the land pur­ areas of land which as a parcel would chase in Melton. equate approximately 1,000 acres. The Hon. W. A. LANDERYOU At the same time the Housing Com­ (Doutta Galla Province): Further to mission put together three packages the question I asked the Minister for of land equating approximately 1,000 Local Government yesterday and to acres. One was to the south of the his answer, can he give the House Western Highway; another to the an assurance that he did not have north of the Western Highway be­ any conversation with Mr. Peter John tween what is now accepted as being Leake, Mr. Colin George Cooke or West Melton and the creek which is Mr. Paul Day of Lewis Land Corpora­ towards Bacchus Marsh; and the tion Ltd. in the months immediately third was on the Toolern Vale Road before 29th March, 1974, about the immediately north of Melton. Melton land purchases, the Urban When I saw these three packages Land Council or the Development of land that had been put together Areas Act? I said that I considered that the com­ The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister mission should look at the north-west for Local Government): I had no con­ corner of Melton. Again because of versation whatsoever with anyone of my knowledge of the town, I con­ those three gentlemen about the Mel­ sidered that that land lent itself more ton land purchases, which I did not to the type of social mix concept that know were proposed prior to 29th we had than any of the three that the March. The Urban Land Council did commission had already put before not exist on that date. There were me. proposals by the Commonwealth for My two main reasons for choosing what were then known as land com­ the north-west corner were, firstly, missions and which were opposed in I considered that with a concept of that form by the Victorian Govern­ social mix, this area of land had views ment. to the north-west that were quite I spoke to many people about the magnificent. It looked out over the reasons for the Victorian Govern­ mounts of Bullengarook, Macedon and ment's opposition to the Federal Blackwood and the Great Dividing Government's proposals and I could Range generally. Secondly, I was not possibly recall a full list of p.er­ already aware, because it had written sons to whom I spoke regarding our to me, that Melton Shire Council was opposition to the form of the proposal. 9258 Questions [COUNCIL.] without Notice. The Development Areas Act did representations regarding the neces­ not exist either. I believe it was first sity of disability compensation being foreshadowed in the Government's paid to the families of Country Fire election policies of 1973 and it was Authority members, particularly ultimately presented to Parliament in those involved as volunteers rather December, 1973. than the paid officers. Can the Chief Secretary advise whether any form of POSTAL VOTING FACILITIES FOR compensation or disability payment MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. is available for the families of these The Hon. K. I. WRIGHT (North volunteers? Western Province): My question The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief directed to the Minister for Local Secretary) : This matter has been Government concerns postal voting raised with me on a number of occa­ facilities for municipal elections. It sions. At present certain problems will be known by many members of are associated with this matter but the House that there were some quite they are being examined, and 1 hope close results in the recent council to be able to make a statement on elections and in one in the Shire of the matter during the present session Mildura a vacant seat was won by of Parliament. Councillor Lance Fraser by 196 to 195 votes. At one stage it looked as ST. ARNAUD POLICE though the Shire Secretary, Mr. Drew, HEADQUARTERS. would have to give a casting vote. There were two postal votes posted The Hon. B. P. DUNN (North on the Thursday and received by the Western Province): Is the Chief council on the following Monday. Secretary aware of the pressure from Under the Local Government Act the st. Arnaud area for the establish­ these postal votes cannot be taken ment of a section of the Criminal into consideration. Will the Minister Investigation Branch in the new consider an amendment to the legisla­ police headquarters that have been tion to permit these postal votes to constructed there and which can be considered? serve the region around that head­ quarters? If he is aware of this, The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister what action is being taken at pre­ for Local Government): The difficulty sent? Can the Minister indicate to with the honorable member's pro­ the House whether a section of the posal is that the postal voting regu­ Criminal Investigation Branch will be lations closely follow the regulations provided there and, if so, when? for the Commonwealth and the State The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief and departures from the common Secretary): The St. Arnaud police form do create problems. However, station was a matter of controversy I am able to say that my department when it was opened. Because it was is currently re-examining the whole built with the intention of making it ~uestion of postal voting and will no a regional centre to do the very doubt tender its advice when its in­ thing that Mr. Dunn has referred to, vestigation is complete. I will cer­ there should be a section of the tainly consider the suggestion made Criminal Investigation Branch in that by the honorable member in the light area eventually. of his comments. It is a substantial building; honor­ able members should have no doubt COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY about that. If they wonder why it is so MEMBERS. large, the reason is because that was The Hon. H. R. WARD (South the intention. The proposal to set up Eastern Province) : My question a section of the Criminal Investigation relates to Country Fire Authority Branch at St. Arnaud is under inves­ members and is directed to the Chief tigation at present by the new Chief Secretary. Some time ago I received Commissioner. Representations have M inisteriai [7 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9259 already been made to me, and I hope inquiry with certain powers under to be in a position to make a state­ section 14 of the Evidence Act ment in the future on the Criminal and the subject-matter of that inquiry Investigation Branch at St. Arnaud. is the subject-matter of the Ministerial statement relating to land purchases BADAC REPORT. by the Government for Housing Com­ The Hon. B. F. STACEY (Chelsea mission purposes. Province): The Minister for Local It is my submission that the supre­ Government is aware that councils macy of Parliament and not of the have in the past few days received Government must be upheld. There­ the recommendations of the BADAC fore, no question of sub judice can committee. In view of the fact that be entertained; nor should the privil­ these are quite complicated recom­ eges of Parliament be transgressed. mendations and that the report may have been held up in themail.isit Mr. President, if you rule that as possible for the Minister to extend the Government has referred the land beyond the end of the month the purchases to a board of inquiry the period in which to comment? sub judice rule applies and therefore Parliamentary discussion is stifled, The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister the supremacy of Parliament will be for Local Government): I am pre­ overthrown. The supremacy of Par­ pared to give an extension of time, liament must never be in jeopardy certainly, if delays have occurred as a but, on the contrary, the actions of result of the mail strike. government must always be the sub­ Perhaps I should comment that the ject of scrutiny by Parliament. The document is a valuable one which right of a citizen to have every action proposes means of cutting through of Parliament and government dis­ the red tape and delays that exist on cussed and examined in Parliament building applications, cutting out the must never be put in jeopardy. multiplicity of authorities each of whom has a separate say, and mak­ The Government Gazette of Tues­ ing the local council a one-stop shop, day, 9th August, 1977, sets out the a proposal with which I believe all appointment of a board of inquiry members would concur. into Housing Commission land pur­ chases. Sir Gregory Gowans, Q.C., The report is currently under con­ a former judge of the Supreme Court, sideration by an officers' committee has been appointed a board of inquiry which will of course not finalize its deliberations until comments from into and reporting upon all aspects of the municipalities are received. If and matters arising from the land honorable members would like me to purchases of the Housing Commis­ make copies available in the Papers sion at Pakenham, Sunbury and Mel­ Room for their perusal, I shall ton in the years 1973 and 1974, and certainly arrange for that to be done. the proposed development of the land so purchased, and in particular to MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. report in each case---- (a) Whether any person was guilty of any HOUSIN G COMMISSION LAND impropriety, breach of law or duty, negli­ PURCHASES. gence or act of dishonesty in relation thereto; The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief (b) whether any person gave or gained Secretary): I move---- improper advantage or improperly disclosed or misused confidential information; That this House take note of the Minis­ terial statement relating to Housing Com­ ( c) whether the valuation, or valuations, mission land transactions. preceding the purchase was or were properly The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ made and based; bourne North Province): On a point (d) whether the price paid was fair and of order, Mr. President, I seek your reasonable. ruling in this matter. The Govern­ The Government must never be ment has appointed a board of heard to say that it has appointed 9260 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement. a board of inquiry and therefore Par­ restricted in a legal sense by the ex­ liament is powerless until the board istence of the board of inquiry. How­ completes its inquiry. The Opposi­ ever, consideration of the possible tion stands for the supremacy of Par­ effect on the board's operations may liament and puts to you, Mr. Presi­ well caution honorable members not dent, that this is a matter on which to venture too far into the board's you should rule that no action by the field of investigation. I believe Executive arm of government should that answers all the matters Mr. be allowed to interfere with the privil­ Galbally raised. eges of Parliament Or the right of The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Mel­ Parliament to debate something which bourne North Province): Yes, defin­ has been referred to a board of in­ itely, Mr. President. quiry by the Executive. The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING (Mel­ In those circumstances, I submit bourne Province): The Chief Secre­ sub judice belongs to the courts of tary has moved- justice and must never become a Gov­ That this House take note of the Minis­ ernment weapon to stifle the truth terial statement relating to Housing Com­ or debate in Parliament. mission land transactions. At this stage I desire to move an The PRESIDENT (the Hon. W. G. amendment in these terms- Fry) : I would not mislead anyone, Mr. Galbally, if I said that the point That the following words be added to which you have raised has been fore­ the motion- and arising out of the contents of the most in my mind since the matter statement are of the opinion that the of the board of inquiry was first Minister for Local Government and the raised. Chief Secretary deserve the strongest cen­ sure for their incapacity in administration However, the House, by resolution when holding the portfolios of Minister for passed yesterday, 6th September, Planning and Minister of Housing, respec­ agreed to waive any privilege in so tively. far as members may attend if they The presentation in the House of so wish and give evidence before Sir that Ministerial statement last even­ Gregory Gowans sitting as a board ing was something akin to the des­ of inquiry into Housing Commission perate protestations of a condemned land transactions. man. No other question of privilege ap­ The Hon. H. M. HAMILTON: Con­ pears to impinge directly on the width demned by you. or depth of the debate. The board of inquiry cannot be considered to The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING: No, be a judicial body; therefore the by the public and every thinking restrictions of the sub judice rule do person in this State. not apply to this debate. Honorable members interjecting. However, there is another aspect THE PRESIDENT (the Hon. W. G. which occurs to me, and it is this: Fry): Order! If we are to get any­ Presuming that honorable members where in this debate, I suggest we are of the view that it is desirable listen in silence to what opposing in the public interest that this board honorable members have to say and of inquiry succeed in its appOinted abide by the rules of the House task, honorable members could well relating to interjections, all of which consider the dangers to the likely are disorderly. success of the board which might en­ sue if the particular matters to be The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING: In any investigated by the board are can­ event, the Government presented a vassed in any detail in this debate. cheeky document in which it tried to set out a defence and disguise where The position is that the debate in Government incompetence and ob­ this House of Parliament cannot be struction lay. It failed lamentably. Ministerial [7 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9261

I want to discuss briefly the docu­ the Government to attempt to justify ment itself and then to canvass that statement. some of the points and matters of On page 2 of the Ministerial state­ principle which it raises. The state­ ment it is stated- ment proudly proclaimed on page It was recognized that the key for de­ 1- centralization was with industrial develop­ ment in country towns and the necessary We believe that home ownership makes housing to cater for the needs of families better citizens, allows low-income families who were either prepared to remain in a to participate in the economic wealth of country town or move there from the this country. metropolitan area where new job oppor­ No Government in Australia has tunities were created. done more, or less, whichever way It is claimed that was important, but you want to take it, to ensure that unemployment in country areas of low-income earners, or any earners Victoria is higher than it is in metro­ for that matter, have less oppor­ politan Melbourne. The Government tunity to move into their own homes has done very little to ease the un­ today. That is a matter of concern employment problem. to the Opposition. The obstructions raised by the Government to people There are factors in the economy to­ taking advantage of anything to day that might give the Government make it easier for them, and easier some excuse, but it is no excuse for for members of the community, to the Government in defence of Hous­ purchase their own homes is a mat­ ing Commission purchases to claim ter of public record. that that was a consideration in what it was doing. They and their col­ Again on page 1 of the Ministerial leagues have done everything to des­ statement concerning purchasing troy the continuing rate of develop­ policies and the actions of the Hous­ ment of a magnificent decentraliza­ ing Commission, much is made of de­ tion programme at Wodonga. The centralization being the highest pri­ scale of activity there has been so re­ ority of the Government. I am sure duced that it is almost staggering to the Minister for State Development contemplate. What did the Govern­ and Decentralization must have ment do to provide growth at Gee­ looked at the expressions in this long? Geelong has one of the high­ document with wonderment! The est unemployment rates in Victoria. Government's action entailed an This is a tragedy, but to piously claim examination and subsequent purchase motives of that sort is hypocrisy at of land in the areas of Melton, Sun­ its worst. bury, Kilmore and Pakenham. One of the principal reasons given Under the Government's Decentra­ for the purchase of land by the com­ lized Industry Incentives Payments mission in 1973 and 1974 was that it Act, to qualify for decentralization was desired to build houses in areas benefits an industry has to be located outside urban Melbourne, rather than 80 kilometres from the General Post in the metropolis. The Government Office and there are also some special purchased a lot of land but it has not exemptions. However, none of the built any houses on it. The Govern­ areas mentioned and none of the ment began purchasing the land in areas where land purchases were early 1973, now it is late 1977. How made came within the ambit of the sincere is the Government in its claim special exemptions. To refer to de­ that all this tremendous activity of centralization was a feeble attempt producing enormous profits was to by the Government to fool the public provide houses for needy people in and this Parliament into believing Victoria? These comments go on and that decentralization was a vital con­ on throughout this document. sideration in the purchase of the land The Minister talks about the land under question. In no way did the boom years of 1973-74 when the purchases of land qualify under the market was at its peak, and offers term "decentralization" and I defy that as an excuse for the high price 9262 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement. paid for the land. However, as every­ on 17th July, 1973. Those present one knows, the Government was not were the Minister of HOUSing-at interested in using Federal money that time Mr. Dickie-the late Mr. available to it to set up a land com­ Gaskin, then Director of Housing, Mr. mission in Victoria as was done in Bohn, then Secretary of Housing, and South Australia. In South Australia Mr. Creighton. I shall now quote blocks of land, 6 or 7 miles from the from this document. General Post Office, cost between The Hon. R. J. LONG: Which the $10,000 and $12,000 less than in Government provided to you. Sydney. The Hon. I. B. TRA YLING: Do not I move now to the subject of Min­ be frightened of it. It reads- isterial responsibility, which is often The Minister advised that he had called the referred to in this Chamber. If the meeting to confirm a direction given by Ministers in this House were sincere, Cabinet on Monday, 16th July, 1973, con­ their political experience should have cerning the establishment of the com­ made them aware of their Ministerial mission as a land developing organization- responsibilities. That does not simply It further reads- mean doing their job as they see fit The Minister stated that Cabinet had in the interests of a third party. It decided that large acreages of land would be purchased in Pakenham, Sunbury, Melton involves responsibility for the actions and Kilmore. of their staff, and honesty in promot­ ing the policies which they espouse in The document has a sub-heading this House. In the searching pursuit under "Planning ". The then Minister of filling the pockets of friends of the for Planning was the present Minister Government with public money, no­ for Local Government, Mr. Hunt. Mr. thing was secret, not even the Minis­ Creighton was a meticulous man and ter's planning policies, at which he kept careful records of all his deal­ appeared to be working so hard. ings. Under this sub-heading the following appears- Honorable members are aware of The Minister intimated that the announce­ an organization in the United States ment of Governmental policy concerning of America called the Mafia. The land development by the commission and a Mafia operates there through very change in policy with regard to planning of the metropolitan area in order to arrest the respectable front organizations-well urban sprawl, would be made in mid­ known business names. We have our September and that the statement on own Mafia in Victoria. It is a " land" planning would also invite the abandon­ Mafia. The respectable front organiza­ ment of the concept of "corridor" growth tion is the Government and Ministry in favour of satellite towns . . . of Victoria, and on the opposite side The abandonment of the concept of of the House sit two members of the corridor growth is what the Chief board. Of course, the managing direc­ Secretary intimated, according to tor, who signs the cheques, sits as this precisely worded memorandum. Premier in another place. The Minister advised that his col­ league, the Minister for Local The Hon. D. G. CROZIER: Who is Government-that is Mr. Hunt-was the Godfather? enthusiastic about the proposal to The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING: I shall abandon the concept of corridors for move to specifics. The Minister will growth in Melbourne. I do not know have plenty of opportunity to reply whether the former Minister for and I will be most interested to hear Planning would deny it. Perhaps his reply because when answering a there should be a short adjournment question without notice which I asked to enable the two Ministers to discuss yesterday, the Minister avoided the it. The memorandum further reads- issue. I now refer to a diary note The Minister advised that his colleague, signed by Mr. Creighton, Property the Minister for Local Government, was Control Manager of the Housing Com­ enthusiastic about the proposal and would arrange for the responsible planning mission, about a conference that was authorities to arrange planning in accord­ held at 179 Queen Street, Melbourne, ance with the policy already outlined and Ministerial [7 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9263 to enable the commission to immediately mentioned earlier, one imagines that develop the land it is to purchase in each of the four towns. Ministerial responsibility covers the Minister's department and the staff It does not need a clever mind to under his control. It has been sug­ work out what is fairly precise and gested, and the Minister will have clear. The former Minister of Hous­ an opportunity to deny it, that mem­ ing said that the former Minister for bers of the staff of the Valuer­ Planning was prepared to abandon General's Department were re­ the corridor growth. The honorable located for a period in the offices of gentleman was enthusiastic about it the Housing Commission which was and he changed planning to fit in with controlled by the former Minister of those arrangements. I have a copy Housing. I do not know whether of the document. Despite assertions that explains some of the sub­ of the former Minister of Housing sequent happenings, but again the about the former Minister for Plan­ Opposition will be happy to hear the ning, and the latter's support for the abandonment of corridor growth, in response. May, 1974, some twelve months We shall have quite a lot to say later, the former Minister for Plan­ about valuations. I wish to quote ning is on record in a Ministerial from a copy of a letter from the statement, which I have quoted Valuer-General's office, signed by before in this House, as saying- Mr. McRoy, qualified valuer to the There is no commitment for the release of Housing Commission, to the Property any particular part of any particular cor­ Control Manager re Delgrange In­ ridor for regional development. vestments Pty. Ltd. land at Paken­ The Hon. A. J. HUNT: I said it in ham. The area of land in question 1971, too. was approximately 106 acres, but the The Hon. I. B. TRA YLING: The really interesting point is that in Minister said it in 1974, twelve regard to the valuation of this land­ months after the former Minister of I shall not go into a great deal of Housing said that the honorable detail about this because a lot is gentleman was enthusiastic about already known-this letter states- abandoning the whole corridor The most recent known sales in the area are those made to the commission and that growth concept. One of the Ministers of the subject property which was pur­ must be embarrassed! Perhaps the chased for $3,100 per acre in June, 1973. Minister for Local Government was After giving due consideration. to the enthusiastic about changing it, but available evidence I value the subject pro­ twelve months later in his Ministerial perty at $3,500 per acre, Sir. statement he changed his mind again. The valuation was based on a sale It is nothing new, when defending some months earlier by the same this censure against these two body that was purchasing this land honorable gentlemen, for the Min­ for the Housing Commission. Plenty ister for Local Government to change of evidence was available from pro­ his mind about planning. perties adjacent and in the immedi­ In December last year when the ate vicinity to enable the valuer. to honorable gentleman who took his determine what the correct valuatIOn place as Minister for Planning got a should have been and to realize that Cabinet decision to change planning this valuation was grossly inflated. policy to give Lensworth Finance a Either the Minister did not know what $9·5 million commission to sell land was going on in one of his depart­ to T & G Insurance Group for ments, the valuer was instructed by $300,000 for development for 2,000 another Minister, or something was people, the two Ministers supported wrong with the system that allowed this. It is a matter of public record. this to happen. One of the departments under the For the benefit of members of the Minister for Local Government is the Government party I point out that in Valuer-General's Department. As I today's press-the Age and the Sun 9264 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement.

News-Pictorial-it is revealed that You are therefore requested to furnish the valuation of land by the Local an up-to-date valuation of the land as soon Government Department was 5·5 as possible. times greater than that of adjacent The Secretary of the Housing Com­ land which had been purchased just mission had already stated that he a few months earlier. did not think $3,500 an acre was a The Hon. HAnnoN STOREY: And bad price. He asked for a valuation what the valuer said was not com­ to be made as soon as possible. parable. The Hon. P. D. BLOCK: Is Mr. The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING: How Trayling accusing the Valuer-Gen­ could the honorable gentleman ever eral's Department of being corrupt? be an Attorney-General with such an The Hon. I. B. TRA YLING: Mr. abysmal ignorance of what was said Block can reach his own conclusion. at the inquiry yesterday, and when he has the audacity to make that sort Who instructed the Secretary of of comment? the Housing Commission to write such a letter? For the assistance of The report in the Age about the members of the Government party land that was valued at less than who are unaware or do not want to that of the Housing Commission know about some of these matters, I stated that the valuer said- point out what the Housing Commis­ The land, of 256 acres was a bit of a sion, together with the Valuer-Gen­ backwater, and just does not appear quite eral's Department, was doing with so attractive. public money. However, it is interesting to note that that land which was described as un­ I shall now refer to another pur­ attractive now has residential devel­ chase by the Housing Commission. opment upon it and that the other In 1972 the Duncan family at Paken­ land has not been touched and has ham divided 1,044 acres of land into all sorts of problems in making it three different lots. In June, 1972, a suitable for residential construction. Sydney investor by the name of Mr. The Attorney-General bleats in his Crichlow purchased 257 acres of the corner. He should learn these things land at $800 an acre. Those 257 acres before making a fool of himself. were the best part of the land in the three divisions. In January, 1973, The Housing Commission seemed to six months later, the remaining land have been involved in an exercise of was offered to the Housing Commis­ assisting certain sections of the com­ sion. There is no record of the munity who were involved in wheeling Housing Commission instructing any­ and dealing in land. Those people body to look at the land at that time. were not too fussy about details or It was just out of the blue that the about getting all the facts, so long firm Dillon and Inkster decided, as they could buy the land at inflated "Here is a good cop. Let us offer prices and thus ensure enormous pro­ the land to the Housing Commission. fits for members of the Liberal Party It will buy anything." and some of their friends. In March, 1973, Mr. Riach, the land I shall now quote from a letter on purchasing officer of the Housing Housing Commission letterhead dated Commission, sought a valuation of 30th October, 1973, from the Secre­ the land. The valuation given was tary of the Housing Commission to $2,800 an acre. This valuation was the Valuer-General, concerning 833 arrived at partly because a mysterious acres of land at Pakenham. The let­ firm called Lomar Investments, sup­ ter reads, inter alia- posedly from Sydney, had already It would appear that the present vendors made an offer for the land. At that would not be making a high profit in selling time nobody was able or has been at $3,500 per acre when their expenses such as agent's commission, stamp duty, in­ since to authenticate the existence of terest, legal fees etc. are taken into ac­ Lomar Investments. Perhaps it ex­ count. isted and perhaps it did not. Ministerial [7 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9265

The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: That was ahead and purchase the land in all rural land, was it not? haste." That was the Minister's atti­ The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING: Yes, tude to the engineer's report that indeed. I do not know whether the disclosed that the land had enormous Government can distinguish be­ drainage and other problems which tween land categorized as general pointed against residential develop­ farming land and land for residential ment. purposes, whether it be in Koo-wee­ I shall now refer to Sunbury and rup, Kew or Carlton. In any event, quote from a letter dated 13th the Housing Commission bought the August, 1973, from the former Direc­ land at $2,800 an acre. tor of Housing to the Premier. This It might be suggested that the letter refers to 1,000 acres of land enormous increase in price from at Sunbury under the control of $800 to $2,800 an acre in a few Lensworth Finance Ltd. It reads in months occurred as a result of part- market trends at the time. With It is considered that this land is most suitable for housing development and has his knowledge of the area, would Mr. been bought under offer at $3.400 per acre Block agree with that? Mr. Block under certain terms. A valuation has been must know something about the area, obtained from the Valuer-General's Depart­ but he refuses to say anything about ment wherein it is considered the value of the land is $3,500 an acre. The present a proper market price. zoning of the 'area is "general farming" The Hon. P. D. BLOCK: It is your and will require rezoning. speech, Mr. Trayling. In terms of the valuation and dif­ The Hon. I'. B. TRAYLING: About ferences in timing, there is no way in six months after the Housing Com­ the world that general farming land mission purchased that land, Mr. would have been considered at a Crichlow, who bought the original value of $3,500 an acre, but with prior 257 acres at $800 an acre, sold that knowledge that the land would be land for $876 an acre. How can used by the Housing Commission that be explained? Not even the some time in the future, a valuation Attorney-General, who now falls of $3,500 was placed on the land. silent, can explain that, nor can Mr. Therefore, the commission requested Block who, I suppose, had some prior the Treasurer to approve of the pur­ knowledge of the area. The best land, chase and, surprisingly, the honor­ purchased at $800 an acre in Decem­ able gentleman did. The land will ber, 1972, is sold for $1,800 an acre require rezoning. six months after the Housing Com­ I refer to another document which mission has purchased adjacent land is signed by Mr. O'Bree, a valuer-- for $2,600 an acre. The Hon. R. J. LONG: Who provided The Minister for Local Government you with this document? is responsible for those valuations. The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING: The His department, the Local Govern­ Government. In a letter to the ment Department, is responsible for Property Control Manager of the the production of that information to his colleague, the then Minister of Housing Commission concerning the Housing. If the Minister for Local land at Sunbury, the valuer com­ Government was ignorant of what mences, "Pursuant to your instruc­ was happening, that is a sad thing tions ". Who did this man work for? to have to admit; if he was not, he Was it the Minister for Local Gov­ should resign. ernment or the then Minister of All honorable members know about Housing? That is the question that the Pakenham land. They know that we seem to be unable to get informa­ the engineer's report stated that the tion about. This land was situated land was unsuitable for residential at Lancefield and Sunbury and was construction, and yet Mr. Dickie, the zoned "general farming". The val­ then Minister of Housing, said, "Go uer goes on to say-- 9266 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement.

I have been informed that Lensworth ricate a price that he thought he Finance (Vie.) Pty. Ltd. renewed the option in December, 1972, for two years at $7,410 wanted for the land but there was per hectare ($3,000 per acre) on a deposit never any consistency between that of $247 per hectare ($100 per acre). Docu­ price and related prices in the same mentary evidence of the option has not area. That was the first step. Then been sighted. the Housing Commission would be Under a sub-heading "Sales Evid­ contacted, usually through the same ence" reference is made to cc know­ real estate firm. Then, extraordin­ ledge of the option which is arily, the Housing Commission would assumed to be bona fide ". Evidence get a valuation from the Valuer­ of the option was never presented General's Department which would but there is great faith in the thrust be within $100 or so of the suggested of land dealings because an owner price. A most interesting consistency says he has been offered so in the cycle of events surrounded all much for the land, but still there is these transactions. no evidence of that. Like the Paken­ I refer now to the land purchased ham land, where there is this non­ at Melton. To make the matter existent company known as Lomar clearer I have to read two minutes Investments, probably some fictitious from the file, the first of which is one offer has been made and the option signed by Mr. Creighton, the Hous­ taken up because the vendors know ing Commission officer in charge of that the Housing Commission will property. This minute reads- fall for anything and that the then Acquisition of land at Melton-Housing Minister of Housing would accept Commission subject to Treasurer's con­ anything. The valuer states- sent, resolved that it proceed to acquire Apart from knowledge of the option whieh by compulsory acquisition two areas of land is assumed to be "bona fide", the fol­ bounded generally as follows- lOwing residential sales are considered. Then follows a description of the The Hon. A. J. HUNT: It was bona two areas known as area 1 and area 2. fide, was it not? That minute is signed by Mr. Creigh­ The Hon. r. B. TRA YLING: This ton. On the following day, appears was general farming land and the a minute from Mr. Riach, the land Minister should know that different purchasing officer for the Housifl:g values apply. Commission, to Mr. Creighton. ThIS minute states- The Hon. D. R. WHITE (to the The Minister has directed that we pro­ Hon. A. J. HUNT): The option was ceed to investigate area 2 mentioned in never checked. the minute with a view to compulsory acquisition, but that area 1 be d~srega~ded. The Hon. A. J. HUNT: You are In lieu of area 1, we are to InVestIgate complaining that the option holder the possibility of acquiring the eastern sec­ got a profit. tion of the property owned by Nandina Development, that is land lying east of The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING: There Harkness Road. is no point in the Minister try­ Nandina Development is a company ing to side-track on this issue because which includes amongst its directors, it is just not on. In the final paragraph a Mr. Colin Cooke and Mr. Peter John under " Valuation" the valuer Leake. Before honorable members states- opposite get up in arms, I ask them to In my opinion, a reasonable value of the bear with Ine. Mr. Leake is president land as at 30th July, 1973, taking into of the Mornington branch of the account all factors including the prior Liberal Party and was campaign knowledge of the land being zoned to manager for the Minister for Local cc residential" is $3,500 per acre. Government in the 1973 elections. One of the remarkable aspects about Yesterday, in this House, the Minister this tragic series of events which for Local Government conceded the robbed the public purse is that possibility of Mr. Leake donating per­ what seemed to happen was that an sonally to his campaign as well as intermediary would suggest or fab- collecting money from others for his Ministerial [7 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9267 campaign. There is nothing improper of dollars were paid out and a lot of in anyone doing this for a Minister of this money went into the pockets of his choice. Obviously, it is a intermediaries, real estate agents, and mutually satisfactory arrangement. so on. Of course, some of it went The Minister for Local Government into the land, but still no house has went on to say that he would not been built on the land. There was know the details of such donations. I incredible haste in buying this land find that strange. The honorable and still it has not produced a house. gentleman referred to party ethics. I During the same period, the Chief am not suggesting impropriety in the Secretary, as Minister of Housing, donation, but I find it strange that the was anxious to spend millions of Minister would not be aware of some dollars of public money on behalf of of the donations made to his cam­ Victorians, but the honorable gentle­ paign, because, from my experience man declined an offer of $20 million in politics, a person is anxious to from the Federal Government to set learn who is helping his party or him up a land commission similar to the as an individual. Perhaps the Liberal one .that has been established in Party has so much money that it is South Australia and has been of great an embarrassment to it. benefit to people in that State. I do not care which party is in power so Mr. Leake led an organization long as the people benefit. In known as "Friends of Alan Hunt" Adelaide, it is possible to get a block and there is nothing wrong with that of land within 6 or 7 miles of the either. Considering some of the prob­ General Post Office for about $7,000 lems facing .the Minister for Local whereas in Melbourne similar land Government on the Mornington costs more than $20,000. Even farther Peninsula relating to members of his out, land is priced at $17,000 or party, the Minister would need all the $18,000. help he could get. There is nothing wrong with that; but if the Minister The Minister's extraordinary be­ was ignorant of .the involvement of haviour on behalf of Victorians dur­ Messrs. Cooke and Leake in land deal­ ing that period is worthy of the ings at that time when the honorable strongest censure for which the mo­ gentlemen was Minister for Planning, tion calls. It would have been a simple it is at least unfortunate that they did matter for the Minister to introduce not inform the Minister of their as­ a Bill in.to Parliament at that time, sociation with land transactions or after the Government had decided to pending land transactions. If the buy land in the four designated areas. Minister was aware of it, then it was In that area within two years one of a highly imprudent action because of the categories, rural land for resi­ a potential conflict of interests. In dential development, had increased any case, this sort of situation should in value by 100 per cent. Even though not be allowed to arise. terms of acquisition existed it was not necessary to acquire land because The Hon. A. J. HUNT: I think you of the generous provisions of the have put that extremely fairly. index. This took place in approxi­ The Hon. I. B. TRA YLING: The mately the middle of 1973, the same present Chief Secretary, when he was period which is under discussion Minister of Housing, was prepared to here. direct the expenditure of millions of Such a system could have been dollars of public money on buying created by the Government through land at grossly inflated prices, as­ this Parliament. When spending pub­ sisted by valuations given by staff lic money which is to be given back supposedly under the direction of the to the public in the form of des­ Minister for Local Government. perately needed housing, there is There is no way in which the Minister absolutely no need to pay grossly can escape the truth of that state­ inflated prices for land. The Govern­ ment. but for what benefit? Millions ment has a responsibility, as set out 9268 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement. in the recommendations of the Else­ many of the matters which the Mitchell report, to put a stopper on House is debating today. However, grossly inflating land prices. To add there was one great difference; fuel to the fire, as the Government when that Ministerial statement was did at that time, is not serving the taken into consideration, as my interests of Victorians and certainly Ministerial statement of yesterday brings into question the credibility of is now being taken into consideration, the Ministers involved at the time, I was taken to task by the members the Ministers to whom I have refer­ opposite for not doing the very red. I point out that by no means things for which I am now being do I intend that the man who signed criticized for doing. I hope all honor­ the cheques and gave final approval able members will read the Ministerial of all these matters, the Premier, statement of 1973. should be let off the hook. He stands Unfortunately, five years have condemned with the others. elapsed and it is extremely difficult The PRESIDENT (the Hon. W. G. now for my colleague and me to Fry): Order! Mr. Trayling has moved recall the detail. When one is a an addendum to the Chief Sec­ Minister responsible for a department retary's motion and from now on the only a very small percentage of debate will take into consideration everything one says, of the consul­ both the motion and the addendum. tations one has with various statutory The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief authorities, of the discussions with Secretary): I now rise to speak be­ the chairmen vested with the respons­ cause I believe it is necessary for me ibility of administering those author­ to set out in great detail all the events ities, finds its way into official docu­ which took place during the period ments, although naturally much is when I was Minister of Housing. recorded on file. I should have preferred to wait until My colleague, the Minister for later in the debate because no doubt Local Government, and I are the many more accusations will be men on trial because the terms of directed at me by speakers on the the addendum are-- Opposition side of the House and I "and arising out of the contents of the should like to answer those accusa­ statement are of the opinion that the Minis­ ter for Local Government and the Chief tions. However, as Minister respons­ Secretary deserve the strongest censure ible for housing at the time and for their incapacity in administration when having had the benefit of reading all holding the portfolios of Minister for Plan­ the innuendoes and insinuations made ning and Minister of Housing, respectively." against my colleague and myself It is almost impossible to create during the past two months, in which today, in a situation of economic we have been judged by the Opposi­ depression, an understanding of the tion and by certain sections of the atmosphere that existed 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 media and found guilty without any or 10 years ago, and attempt to argue opportunity of defending ourselves, I a case explaining why certain actions feel I must speak out loud and clear were taken in the atmosphere which at this first opportunity to recount existed in those days. Hindsight is the facts. Facts are magnificent, if of remarkable benefit when examin­ people are prepared to accept them. ing the decisions of the past. Innuendo and insinuation are dread­ That is obvious if one considers ful, particularly when there is no the mining boom. How can one ex­ evidence to back them up. plain to young people today that only For the interest of the Johnny-come­ 5, 6 or 7 years ago people paid $280 latelys, all of the matters raised over a Poseidon share, when that company the past two months have been fully is not even listed on the Stock Ex­ debated in this House on a number change today? There are also the of occasions and on 6th March, 1973, armchair generals who look back to I made a Ministerial statement, 22 the war years and give reasons why pages in length, which covered forces should never have landed at Ministerial [7 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9269

Gallipoli, why forces should never and that the Housing Commission have landed at Normandy and why was not to build any more high-rise different actions should have been flats for families or buy any more taken at Singapore. land for family units within that If the atmosphere of the land boom perimeter; it was to concentrate on still existed it would be much simpler building houses in towns more than to explain the decisions that were 50 miles from Melbourne. taken in those days. In assessing that policy it was ob­ I became Minister of Housing at vious that, irrespective of the success the time when the present Premier of the decentralization programme, succeeded Sir Henry Bolte, on 22nd there would still be many people who August, 1972. I was immediately desired to continue living in the made aware of a number of major greater metropolitan area, and many policy matters decided by the Premier thousands of those families were on which were to receive the full sup­ the Housing Commission's waiting port of Government departments. list for accommodation throughout Two major policy matters were high­ Victoria which at that time consisted lighted by the Premier; one related of approximately 18,000 families. to the environment and conservation The Hon. R. J. EDDY: It is still the and the other related to decentraliza­ same number. tion. At that time I had held the The Hon. V. O. DICKIE: Yes, and portfolio of Minister for State De­ it will continue to be the same num­ velopment and Decentralization for ber. It is good that it remains static. three years and I was a ware of many factors which could be instrumental Because we had been instructed in bringing about a successful de­ that we were not to build any more centralization programme. One of high-rise flats or buy any more land those factors was that in order to for home units in the metropolitan attract people to country towns area, it was necessary to examine im­ where they could work in industry mediately the alternative available to or commerce or carry on other rural the Housing Commission. The first pursuits, it was necessary to provide alternative was to move into the housing for them. Therefore, when inner-coun try area in order to house I took over the portfolio of Minister those people who lived in Melbourne of Housing I realized that I had an and wanted to continue to work in important part to play in the Govern­ Melbourne. That meant examining ment's decentralization programme areas close enough to the city to and that if I could not provide housing allow these people to commute daily, in towns more than 50 miles from but outside the perimeter of Greater Melbourne our decentralization pro­ Melbourne. If the people involved gramme would fail. were industrial workers, that in­ volved towns to the east, west I immediately called a meeting of and north of our great city. the Housing Commission and in­ formed the commission that we would As Minister I had the responsibility now be working under new policies of looking around to determine a and that the Premier had instructed dozen towns around the perimeter of me that everything possible must be Melbourne that would meet the basic done to stop the growth of Greater requirements. I started in the east Melbourne. Greater Melbourne is de­ and decided that the towns of Cran­ fined as the area from the General bourne, Berwick and Pakenham Post Office within the perimeter of should be considered; in the north­ the planning area of the Melbourne east, the north and the north-west and Metropolitan Board of Works. Whittles ea and perhaps Healesville, The Premier had told me that the Kilmore, Broadford, Sunbury, Gis­ Housing Commission must not con­ borne and Kyneton; and in the west tribute further to the increasing popu­ Baccus Marsh and Ballan. I think lation of the Greater Melbourne area that accounts for twelve towns. 9270 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement.

Having looked at those twelve development of Melton and how towns the Government then thought its population could be increased. about choosing one town in the east In 1964 the population of Melton one in the north and one in the west was 2,500. At that time, as which would be chosen specifically Minister for State Development, I not at that stage as satellite towns, was aware of the needs of people but for the Housing Commission to who would be prepared to live in move in and buy a large acreage of nearby country towns and the need land on which it could build houses for more people to move out of Mel­ to replace the money that had been bourne, live in these towns but still spent in building family units in high" commute into the big cities. In 1964 rIse flats and other developments in I said that the future of Melton was the metropolitan area. not that of an industrial town but that one day it should become a dor­ Pakenham appeared to be the ob­ mitory or satellite town. yious town in the east. People living In that town could, if they worked in Shortly thereafter the Savoy Cor­ Dandenong and Frankston areas poration moved into Melton appreci­ commute daily in half an hour 0; ating as it did that in the east th,ree-quarters of an hour compared of Melbourne the population was With more than an hour in the morn­ being compacted into the Dande­ ing and well over an hour in the nong area and on the Morning­ evening from the central residential ton Peninsula the build-up of suburbs on overcrowded freeways population was making it almost im­ ~nd public transport to the outer per­ possible to commute into the city Imeter of Dandenong and Frankston under one and a half hours on the 12, 15 or 20 miles away. Pakenham Princes Highway. Twenty years ago was the natural selection. Dandenong was an isolated town known for its market. It was now I then looked to the north and found to be a big city in the metro­ thought that perhaps Kilmore could polis and people were going out to meet our needs in that direction but Hallam, a distance of 25 miles. It it appeared to be a little too far was obvious to developers at that away. We had already been alerted time that the movement would be to to the fact that the Shire of Bulla be­ the west. lieved that Sunbury lent itself to de .. On many occasions I made the velopment as a satellite town. An statement in my township of Bacchus architectural seminar had been held Marsh that by the turn of the century in Sunbury about that time at which there would be quarter of a million proposals were put forward that a people living in the rectangle of dormitory or satellite town should be Bacchus Marsh, Melton, Sunbury and built somewhere near Melbourne and Gisborne because that was the only that Sunbury lent itself to that type direction in which the population of development. Proposals were pre­ could go. Mr. Knight is nodding his sented to that seminar showing Sun­ head in agreement. One did not have b~ry subdivided to a distance of many to have outstanding foresight because mdes from the centre and indicating the developers were starting to move a probable population increase. Sun­ out into those areas. b~ry was naturally very much in the minds of people at that time as be­ The Savoy Corporation first came coming a satellite town, so the Hous­ to Melton, and then in 1964 or ing Commission interested itself in 1965 Cambridge Credits indicated an the area. interest in moving into MeIton and creating a new town called West In respect to the west, as Minister Melton. It also indicated that it was for State Development in 1964 I had prepared to provide not only housing been a guest of the Melton Shire but additional facilities and com­ Council. That council asked what I munity facilities without any Govern­ could do to bring about the ment assistance. West Melton was The Hon. V. O. Dickie. Ministerial [7 SEPTEMBE~ 1977J Statement. 9271 developed by Cambridge Credits, and interesting myself in these new towns the population of Melton increased and observing the way they were from 2,500 people in 1964 to approxi­ developing. I know that many mem­ mately 14,000 people in 1974. There bers of both Houses of this Parliament was a population boom. Melton grew have visited these towns. more rapidly than any other munici­ pality in Victoria without any Govern­ Stevenage outside London was the first town to be developed. It is de­ ment assistance. veloped on the basis of social mix. It was obvious to all land de­ One develops an area of, say, 1,000 velopers that Melton would continue acres in such a way that the Gov­ to grow, but during those years the ernment or Government authorities Government had no intention of use a percentage of that area to pro­ moving into Melton as a Housing vide housing for those who only want Commission area because there was to rent a house and have an income no one on the waiting list for Housing which permits them only to rent a Commission homes in that town. But house. The Government develops in the private developer had moved in, that estate blocks which can be sold so I discussed the matter with the to middle-income earners. The defini­ late chairman and other members of tion of the middle-income earner is the Housing Commission and we a person who is ineligible to receive decided that Pakenham, Sunbury and Housing Commission assistance or to Melton were to be three places where become a member of a co-operative the commission would do exactly as housing society. Honorable members it had done since it was formed in are aware that there is a means test 1938, namely, move in its own right for both. and buy land, develop it and build houses on it for people who were The third ingredient in the social within the means test. mix estate to which I referred in Stevenage was the joint venture be­ Another factor emerged then, and tween Government and private enter­ emerged strongly. Overseas-London prise to do their part. Throughout would have been the first place be­ the whole estate one did not have­ cause London was almost completely as in our situation-one-third for destroyed in the great war. When Housing Commission, one-third for London was rebuilt-- blocks of land to be sold to middle­ The Hon. D. R. WHITE: Which war income earners and one-third for pri­ -1666? vate developers. The idea of social The Hon. V. O. DICKIE: There are mix was to merge the lot. Johnny-come-Iatelys who make silly One also made certain-this is very remarks and who do not know that important-to develop the area in there was a great war in 1939-45. such a way that maximum recreation When London was destroyed the facilities were provided for the people residential areas were not rebuilt. living in the new t~wn. V{~~n I" say The British Government moved out "maximum recreatIon facIlItIes , It into new towns to do exactly the is interesting when one visits Steven· same thing that we are contemplating age and another town called Milton in Pakenham, Sunbury and Melton. Keynes, between Birmingham and It built residential towns with all of London, to find that the area was so the community facilities and some flat that they created their own hills light industry, not heavy industry, for and valleys and a river flowing those who did not want to commute, through them for water sport and but close enough to London to permit recreation. people to commute daily into the If one wishes to see a most magnifi­ city. There are about half a dozen cent town that has been created one such towns around London. I had should go to Columbia Basin in Was­ had the opportunity, prior to becom­ hington, United States of America. ing Minister of Housing, of having There one will see the perfect been in London on three occasions social-mix recreation facilities of 9272 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement. lakes, waterways, hills and so on. the planning schemes of the towns This is what we contemplate for to encompass areas as large as Pakenham, Sunbury and Melton. 1,000 acres to be used for residential The Housing Commission had to purposes. Therefore, the Housing introduce a new scheme if it was to Commission realized that in these move away, in a major development, places it would have to buy land out­ from the image it had unfortunately side the normal town planning zoning drawn to itself over the years of an areas. organization which built only estates, Before the commission moved to which might be regarded as some purchase 1,000 acres at Pakenham it sort of depressed areas within towns. had already decided that it would in­ I direct attention to the Wendouree crease the number of houses there estate outside Ballarat where there and would therefore require more are 400 or 500 houses. There was land. It had already chosen portion great difficulty in interesting anyone of the Duncan property as the natural in buying the houses there. The area to buy. But, as I understand same situation applied at Kangaroo the position, the Duncan family said Flat outside Bendigo and in many that it did not want to sell any part other towns. of its holding. The Duncans said So the policy we decided to apply that if the commission was interested was one of buying large estates of in buying the whole of the property 1,000 acres or more because such they might sell, but they did not want acreages were necessary to create to sell part of it. this concept of social mix. We So, in its normal land-buying wanted a mixture of people including operations, the commission had al­ those on middle incomes buying ready considered Pakenham and blocks of land, and private developers chosen the particular area of Duncan building houses and selling houses land which was closer to the centre and land together for as many of the town. However, at that time. thousands of dollars as one would it was not able to buy part of the wish. That was the design in moving land unless it was prepared to buy into these areas. the lot. Therefore, when the policy The money was due to the com­ of buying parcels of land of 1,000 mission under the normal Common­ acres or more was adopted and it wealth-State Housing Agreement was decided to buy land at Paken­ arrangements. We had been told ham, it was natural that the commis­ that we were not to build any more sion would immediately turn to the houses in the Greater Melbourne area Duncan land because, as I have said. so there was a need to begin develop­ it had already indicated its desire to ing these estates as quickly as pos­ purchase part of it. That comprised sible. I particularly want honorable about 760 or 770 acres. To make up members to realize that our initial the parcel to as near as possible to purchases in these areas were purely 1,000 acres the commission bought purchases by the Housing Commis­ three small holdings, one of about sion of areas of 1,000 acres and more 23 acres, one of about 30 acres, and to set up the social-mix concept. one of about 110 acres. It should be remembered that I will not delve any further into Pakenham, Sunbury and Melton were this except to say that when rural small country towns. When parcels land comprising 1,000 acres or so is of land of 1,000 acres or more are bought, no one can buy-I defy bought in any small country town, anyone to do so-such an area any­ whether it is in any of these three, where without some part of it not any of the other nine I mentioned, or being subject, as broad acres, to anywhere else in Victoria, it cannot flooding. That is what the game is be obtained as land reserved for all about in relation to engineering living and residential purposes. These requirements and in making certain towns are just not big enough for that proper drainage is installed. The Hon. V. O. Dickie. Ministerial [7 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9273

We were criticized most particu­ Hills of the "Insight" team of the larly by one section of the press Age, came to me in 1973 when that which first introduced the idea that team was first alerted to the very we had bought flood-prone land at same suggestion we are raking over Pakenham. But the Town and again today. The matter had already Country Planning Board reported been the subject of adjournment on the whole area, showing the motions and Ministerial statements commission land as part of the land in this House. It had been debated, from Pakenham through to Western­ talked about, and raked over. When port Bay. Of the 980-odd acres that Mr. Hills came to see me to obtain the commission bought, only about information on the purchase of land 20 acres within a short distance of I told him what I am telling honorable Toomuc Creek was shown as not members. Members of the Labor being capable of being developed for Party should read the article in the residential purposes. That report Age; certainly they must have it. showed that 960 of the 980 acres The Hon. D. R. WHITE: You said bought in that area was suitable it stuck out like a boil on your nose. residential land. The Hon. V. O. DICKIE: It would We then moved into Sunbury. As stick out a lot further if it was a boil I pointed out earlier, we were aware on Mr. White's nose. If members of that the area of land which we bought above Jacksons Creek had the Labor Party read that article they been defined in the seminar held would realize that I said, " Mr. Hills, twelve months previously as being the do not look for any niggers in the best residential land in Sunbury if woodpile. I was responsible for the Sunbury was developed as a satellite purchase of the land in Melton." I town. There it was, shown on that said that in my answers to questions. plan as being prime residential land. I will tell the story again. Certainly it was zoned as rural land I live 7 miles away from this land. and certainly it was shown as being I have lived in Bacchus Marsh all my general farming land. But we must life. I walked the Melton area when realize that the Bulla Shire Council, Mel ton was a township of a couple of and particularly the Shire Engineer, hundred people. I know the area like Mr. McKerrow, believed that Sun­ the boil on Mr. White's nose. I know bury lent itself to becoming a the country closely and well. I felt I satellite town. They intended to had a contribution to make in select­ lodge an appeal against the plan pro­ ing the area of land to be purchased posed by the Melbourne and Metro­ in Melton. politan Board of Works. They I looked at all the alternatives and wanted the area to be brought into at the parcels of land which had been the general residential zone. suggested by the properties division How foolish we would have been of the Housing Commission but I still to have looked elsewhere for 1,000 said, "No, I think you are doing the acres of good residential land, when wrong thing. The area you should the particular area was shown on the move to is in the north-east corner. plan, which I can recall now being The parcel of land of 1,000 acres-plus displayed on the wall of the council in that area would be perfect for our chamber of the Shire of Bulla, as concept of development with a being prime residential land. That is social mix." The area of land was why we bought the Sunbury land. purchased on my instructions and I Then we moved to Melton and, in do not give any responsibility to any­ answer to a question today, I gave one else. As Minister of Housing, I the history of the purchase of land made the decision to buy that land there. I have nothing to hide. I and I stand by it. have told that story and I will tell it The Hon. D. R. WHITE: At that every time as it happened. Mr.Ben price? 9274 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE: No. I only after 1 made the decision that I had no responsibility as Minister of became aware of the complications Housing for the price that we paid with Welmac Pty. Ltd., Cambridge for land that was selected. Credit Corporation Ltd. and others. The Hon. D. R. WHITE: Who was I had been completely unaware of responsible? that. All 1 was interested to do in The Hon. V. O. DICKIE: The Melton, Sunbury and Pakenham was Valuer-General is the only person to buy 1,000 acres of land or more to who is able to give a guide. If his undertake the concept of social mix. valuation is less than the price that There is agreat deal that one could we negotiate, it is Government policy say about the whole matter. The that we must not proceed with the Government received full approba­ purchase, that we must abide by the ~ion in the newspapers for its policies valuation of the Valuer-General. We ln 1973. Certainly, as Mr. White said had no alternative but to use his -I think I heard him interjecting valuation and we had not given him above and below my voice-we have any instructions. If we gave him not built any houses on this land. instructions, he had every right to Neither has Mr. Johnson, the Federal make a criticism to his own Minister Minister for Housing in the Whitlam and to Parliament. The Valuer­ Government, nor the Federal Govern­ General is independent. ment built any houses on the 326 acres of land they bought at Craigie­ The Hon. D. R. WHITE: Who burn. Neither has the Albury­ instructed him? Wodonga Development Corporation The Hon. V. O. DICKIE: Nobody built as many houses on its land as it instructed him. would have liked to build. The Hon. D. R. WHITE: You ap­ Mr. Trayling criticized me because proved the price! -and 1 make no secret about it-I The Hon. V. O. DICKIE: Of spoke out strongly against the con­ course we approved the price! cept of land commitments in Victoria. The Whitlam Federal Government The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (the came into office in 1972, and on 18th Hon. W. M. Campbell): The Chief January. 1973, Mr. Johnson made his Secretary has the call. From the now famous statement on what was number of interjections which Mr. to be a take-over by the Australian White is making, it would appear that Government of all housing built in it was he who had the call. 1 ask Australia from Government funds. him to refrain from continually inter­ The Housing Commission was to be­ jecting. come an instrumentality of the The Hon. V. O. DICKIE: I take Federal Government and home owner­ full responsibility for the purchase ship was to cease. and for the site in Melton that was selected, and I stand by that. I swear For the benefit of those who were on God's oath that I was unaware of not around at that time 1 shall read the name of any person that was as­ four striking statements made by Mr. sociated with that land. I made the Johnson. The first was contained in choice, not another person. a press release headed" New Housing Agreement to be Negotiated". On I consulted with the late Jack 18th January, 1973, Mr. Johnson Gaskin, and unfortunately he is not stated, inter alia- here to verify my story, but I must The agreement would replace the present defend Jack Gaskin. He consulted system of virtually unconditional grants me; we talked about parcels of land with a scheme whereby Commonwealth and we both decided that the Nandina financial aid would be given subject to a land-that was the only name by number of clearly defined conditions. which I knew it then-was the site Until that time the Victorian Govern­ that we would purchase. I told Jack ment had been autonomous in the Gaskin to buy that land, and it was way it could spend money given to it Ministerial [7 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9275 under the successive Commonwealth­ The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (the State Housing Agreements. For the Hon. W. M. Campbell): Order! Re­ first time the Whitlam Government grettably, I must refer to both the issued an ultimatum to the States Chief Secretary and Mr. White. Each that no longer could they spend their of them is trying to provoke the money as they had in the past, and other. In the interest of this House, that the Commonwealth Government both gentlemen should return to would make the decisions. Then Mr. normal debating procedure. Johnson said-and this is magnifi­ The Hon. V. O. DICKIE: I have cent- dealt with the Federal Minister for The existing agreement places far too Housing during the term of the Whit­ much emphasis on home ownership to the lam Government, Mr. Johnson, and disadvantage of the more needy lower in­ I shall now deal with the former come families . . . Minister for Urban and Regional As honorable members know the Development, Mr. Uren. At approxi­ policy of the Bolte Government when mately the same time in 1973- it came to power in 1955 was that The Hon. I. B. TRAYLING (Mel­ houses would be sold to all applicants bourne West Province): On a point who desired to buy them. of order, during my speech I was The Housing Commission has done careful, in accordance with the a magnificent job; I wish somebody customs of this House, to make only would give it more praise because it fleeting reference to matters relating is always being criticized. The com­ to the Commonwealth Government. mission has built and had built The Chief Secretary is extending that more than 84,000 home units, of fleeting reference, which you, Mr. which it has sold nearly 45,000- Deputy President, on a number of over half-to people who must occasions have warned honorable undertake a means test. members against doing. The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Chief Mr. Johnson's other famous state­ Secretary): On the point of order, it ment was- is imperative that the House should I also propose that the sale of new be acquainted with the situation that homes built by the State housing authority after 30th June, 1973 be severely restricted, applied during the year now being if not entirely prohibited. debated, when the Commonwealth Government indicated its intention to That was the policy of the Whitlam move entirely into the housing and Government when it came into land system in Victoria. power. The 1973 election was fought on the policy of home ownership, and The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (the the Liberal Party won it hands down Hon W. M. Campbell): What Mr. and killed the other side, which had Trayling said is perfectly true, but in relied on Mr. Johnson's proposals of the past when comments like that cutting out home ownership. have been made it was only after an honorable member had read exten­ The Hon. D. R. WHITE: You are sively from documents. our greatest asset; we are on the way now. As the Chief Secretary said, he is quoting only three or four phrases The Hon V. O. DICKIE: If I am from the document in his hand. There­ the Labor Party's greatest asset, one fore I find no point of order. of these days I shall tell Mr. White wha t an asset he is to us. I hope he The Hon. V. O. DICKIE: In refer­ keeps going up to Ballarat, the area ring to Mr. Uren, the former Federal which I represent. Minister for Urban and Regional The Hon. D. R. WHITE: I go there Development, I want to say only how more often than the Chief Secretary vital it was that the Victorian Govern­ does. He only goes there for the ment opposed the land policies that races. the Whitlam Government intended to 9276 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement. implement in Victoria. Although the urban development... initially concen­ Whitlam Federal Government in­ trating on the fringes of existing cities. They would be engaged primarily in as­ tended to establish land commissions sembling land . . . It is envisaged that the in Victoria, honorable members must publicly acquired land will be developed always realize that houses cannot be largely by private developers. built unless land is bought. The commissions or their equivalents would receive financial assistance from the The Housing Commission should Australian Government to acquire land. have had its correct title-and I was Before providing this assistance, the Gov­ almost at the stage of introducing an ernment has sought agreements with the States on how these bodies would operate. amendment when I was Minister of It has been proposed that each State body Housing to change the commission's should have at least one nominee of the title to the Housing and Land Com­ Australian Government. mission-because it had to be a land That means that the $25 million commission to enable it to build the would be available provided that a number of houses it was building. nominee of the Australian Govern­ It must also be remembered that ment could sit on the land commis­ the Federal Government has no sion and control how it expended powers over land in Victoria other money. After each State had set up than that which is required speci­ a land commission, an urban land fically for Commonwealth Govern­ council or its equivalent, Mr. Uren ment purposes. These purposes in­ would then set up an Australian land clude defence. The Royal Australian authority centred in Canberra which Air Force has land for this purpose would allocate funds for the pur­ at Point Cook; there is a naval base chase of land for housing under the at Flinders; the Army has land at various departments, but on its terms. Watsonia and Puckapunyal; land is That was the access that the Com­ set aside for quarantine purposes at monwealth Government was going to Point Nepean and Portsea. Land is have into the States to get control of also reserved for meteorological pur­ land which it did not have pre­ poses, and at Tullamarine airport viously. for civil aviation purposes. All remain­ Therefore I said this, and stand by ing land, other than that held pri­ it: "Yes, we want Mr. Uren's $25 vately, is vested in the Crown; the million, but the price of land is not re­ Commonwealth Government has no duced by purchasing more land. One control over it. can obtain 4 to 4! blocks an acre." The one thing that the Whitlam Under the old measurement of Federal Government wanted to get 7 ,000 square feet a private subdivider control of was land other than that could get six blocks to an acre of reserved for defence purposes. There­ land, but now, with proper planning fore it used this concept of land com­ and recreational space, from 4 to 4! houses an acre can be built. There­ missions, and held out a carrot by fore if the total of three land pur­ making $25 million available to Vic­ chases, amounting to 3,200 acres, is toria for the purchase, not the devel­ multiplied by 4!, it gives a figure of opment, of land, provided that land about 13,000 blocks of land. commissions were established. If one divides $10 million by It is interesting to note at page 29 13:000, one reaches a figure of about of the second annual report of the $670 per block. If twice the price Department of Urban and Regional is paid, then the land ingredient is Development that the intentions of about $1,300 or $1,400. That is still the Australian Government are set a low price or contribution to the out. One paragraph states- price of the block of land. The Australian Government has pro­ The killer, as all honorable mem­ posed that each of the States establish a bers will be aware, is the amount land commission, or its equivalent, to ac­ needed today to obtain water, sewer­ quire large tracts of land needed for future age, drainage, electricity and all the The Hon. V. O. Dickie. Ministerial [7 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9277 other services that are necessary for blocks of land. If that money had a block of land. That is why young been provided the land would have married couples today are paying been on the market for two years. $15,000, $16,000 and $17,000 for a Again this is using hindsight. block of land. I give Mr. Johnson full credit be­ When the Housing Commission cause in the year 1974-75 he said moved into Pakenham, Sunbury and that the State would be given what­ Melton it used its own funds. It did ever money it was able to spend in so because the great need was for the any financial year in building houses. middle-income earner who was not Therefore, early in 1974 we sought eligible for help from the Housing $58· 565 million for welfare housing, Commission or co-operative housing. exclusive of co-operative housing All the pressure was for Governments money. Initially Mr. Johnson gave us to assist the middle-income earner. $43 million of the $58 million we ap­ In the three land buys the Govern­ plied for. We said that we would ment had supposedly squandered quickly get rid of that. He said to $10·5 million. Honorable members do so and he would give us more are aware of the story of the $10·5 money. That was in June, 1974. In million which was a fund accumulated October, 1974, he gave us an extra in the Housing Commission as a re­ grant of $6·8 million. In February, sult of its house sales policy over 1975, he provided another $12 which the commission had complete million. He said that if we kept control. Until Mr. Johnson rewrote building houses the money would the 1973 Commonwealth-State Hous­ continue to be provided. I said, " This ing Agreement, all other moneys from is marvellous." the previous three housing agree­ I visited country towns and said ments, which had been used to build that no longer would the Government houses for rental, and which in turn be announcing that ten houses would had been sold, were repayable over 53 be built here, two in Mildura, and so years to the Commonwealth. There­ on. I said, "We will now find a fore, the State Housing Commission builder who is prepared to keep on had that money available to use as building in all country towns." I had it wished. selected 26 country towns and it was At the time the $10'5 million was intended to have a continuing build­ used to buy this land, because ing programme in every area, pro­ one-third of the land was to be vided that the commission bought developed to sell blocks of land at land in all these places. I gave the cost, plus the servicing, plus instruction to the commission to buy a 5 per cent margin of profit to the and reserve in all these towns land State. At that time blocks of land that would last for at least ten years were selling for approximately because it appeared that at long last $10,000 and it was hoped that these we were under way. Canberra had blocks would go on to the market accepted that provided that the State for about $5,000. I pleaded with Mr. proved that it would spend the Uren to allocate $25 million to help money the funds would be made in developing this land because the available. money was available to buy it. If we Th~refore, in 1974-75 we sought had not used our own $10'5 million $58 million and we received $62 and if we had accepted Mr. Uren's million. When we had to make our $25 million for land purchases, I am application for 1975-76 I applied for certain half of that $10·5 million $125·252 million which was exactly would still have been used to buy double the amount Mr. J ohnson had Pakenham, Sunbury and Melton land. provided the previous year. He had However, we employed good busi­ indicate~ that he would be prepared ness acumen and used our own to consider a figure provided that we money. I wanted Mr. Uren's $25 mil­ could show that we could spend it. lion to help in developing those We applied for $125 million because 9278 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement. we wanted part of the money that was As I said when I commenced my necessary to begin developing this speech, over the past two months land. When the allocations were I have been judged and found made we received $68 million. This guilty by the Opposition and by was a cut of $57 million. That was the media, for having carried out the money we intended to use to de­ the general policy which was ap­ velop Pakenham, Sunbury and Melton. proved by Parliament at the time. The Hon. S. R. McDoNALD: Santa It was debated by the Parliament. At Claus was not so generous that time. that time we were as open as it was possible to be with Ministerial state­ The Hon. V. O. DICKIE: That is ments and questions in the House. right. The housing boom had sud­ Not one question that is being asked denly disappeared in the same way as today was not asked and answered did the mining boom; it was past as recorded in Hansard of 1972, 1973 its peak and on the way down. Why and 1974. have we not been able to proceed with this as rapidly as possible? We I have deliberately omitted to refer have had certain requirements under to any of the matters that are the planning schemes for satellite towns subject of a board of inquiry. I have to make sure that the Housing Com­ given chapter and verse as closely as mission's thousands of acres merge possible. I have left out much in with the general planning required but I have tried to closely recreate for the whole of the town. At the the atmosphere that existed in time of purchase we were indepen­ 1972-73 in the land boom era when dent, as we had been for so long. If developers were everywhere and in the money had come from Canberra many instances Governments could we could have gone ahead and plan­ not move in without dealing with ned these estates as we wanted to, option holders, and so on. but because of the cutback in funds and because of the need, which I ac­ I believe our story is still good. cept, to merge in with the planning of I do not believe we have squandered Melton, Pakenham and Sunbury as $10·5 million. Today the valuation satellite towns, much work has been of that land may be close to what done and progress made. It should the Housing Commission paid. It be remembered that when this land could be slightly less or slightly more. was bought it was bought not for our The Housing Commission is a hous­ 1973-74 needs but for our needs in ing and land commission. Houses the next ten to fifteen years. cannot be built without buying land. It is interesting that in the ten years r believe the investment we made on prior to 1972, the commission in buy­ behalf of the public in 1972-73 was ing land in the greater metropolitan a wise one. It was instrumental in area spent $7· 5 million. In 1972 we more houses being built. spent $10 million to meet our needs In conclusion, I m&ke the following for the next ten years. Therefore, statement- the $10 million which was spent in 1972 to last until 1982-85 was wisely I, Vance Oakley Dickie do swear: spent. In the previous ten years it That I have not spoken to or com­ cost $7 million in the greater metro­ municated by letter or any other politan area to buy an equivalent means or asked anybody to do so amount of land for high-rise flats, and on my behalf and that I do not know so on, to house a similar number of personally or would recognize- people. I believe our story for those (a) Any estate agent used by the who were around at the time was Victorian Housing Commission for quite magnificent. The concept was any land transactions. approved by all parties, and by the editorials of newspapers. Today in (b) The Valuer-General for the the light of hindsight it may have State of Victoria or any valuer in the been wrong. Valuer-General's Department. Ministerial [7 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9279

(c) The Duncan family or anybody not be allowed to continue reading associated with the companies from but he is allowed to read certain which the balance of the land at parts. Pakenham was purchased. The Hon. D. R. WHITE (Doutta (d) The McMahon family or any­ Galla Province): I wish to adhere body associated with Lensworth only to the facts of this issue, which Finance (Victoria) Pty. Ltd., from are complex and difficult. I intend which the Sunbury land was pur­ to ensure that the facts I present are chased. right for your benefit, Sir, so that (e) Anybody associated with Nan­ you will begin to understand the dina, Welmac, Cambridge Credits or magnitude of this issue. Mr. Duncan any other company involved, from advised Mr. Fella to sell his property whom the Melton land was purchased. at Pakenham Park and put it on the My conscience is clear in the market at $2,700 an acre. knowledge that in the purchase of On 26th January, 1973, Dalgetys land at Pakenham, Sunbury and Mel­ was appointed the sole agent for the ton I am not aware of any action sale of the property. Earlier in Janu­ which I took which was irregular and ary, 1973, or perhaps late in Decem­ not in accordance with established ber, 1972, Mr. Fella of Dalgetys ap­ principles. proached Dillon and Inkster to assist The Hon. R. J. EDDY: Who wrote him in selling the property owned by that for you? Duncan at Pakenham Park for $2,700 The Hon. V. 0 DICKIE: I did. an acre. He approached Dillon and Inkster because he said that he had The Hon. D. R. WHITE (Doutta had a similar experience in 1971 of Galla Province): I support the add­ selling land for development purposes endum moved by Mr. Trayling that with Dillon and Inkster at Narre the following words be added to the Warren. motion- and arising out of the contents of the Mr. Fella at a much later stage statement is of the opinion that the Minis­ wrote to L. J. Hooker (Vic.) Ltd. ter for Local Government and the Chief and also to Dalgetys associated Secretary deserve the strongest censure for company responsible for residential their incapacity in administration when hold­ ing the portfolios of Minister for Planning development, namely Dalgety (De­ and Minister of Housing, respectively. velopment) Company Pty. Ltd. of­ I should like to commence by look­ fering to sell the property in conjunc­ ing at what the Housing Commission tion with either of those two parties. and more specifically the former Min­ I am trying to point out that in the ister of Housing set out to create as first instance Mr. Fella went to Dillon Australia's very own Venice, namely and Inkster directly because he knew Pakenham Park. In January, 1973, a that Dillon and Inkster had had a past stock agent of Dalgetys informed association with the Housing Com­ Dalgetys Dandenong rural estate mission and he also knew that it was agent, Mr. Clifford Fella, that Mr. common knowledge amongst the real Duncan of Pakenham Park was pre­ estate profession generally that if pared to sell his property for $2,700 one wanted to sell land to the Hous­ an acre. ing Commission one had to go The Hon. B. A. CHAMBERLAIN through Dillon and Inkster. (Western Province): On a point of The Hon. D. N. SALTMARSH: What order, does Mr. White propose to are your allegations? read the whole of his speech or just a few lines of it? The Hon. D. R. WHITE: I am say­ The PRESIDENT (the Hon. W. G. ing that in order to sell broad acres Fry) : Order! There is no point of of land to the Housing Commission order. I will observe Mr. White from for development purposes at Sun­ now on. He is aware that he will bury, Melton and Pakenham and even 9280 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement. in other areas, it was common know­ time; yet the Housing Commission ledge that to do so one had to go went ahead and purchased Pakenham through Dillon and Inkster. Park for $2,700 per acre. The Hon. D. N. SALTMARSH: That On 10th April the State Rivers and is your allegation? Water Supply Commission indicated that some of the land comprising the The Hon. D. R. WHITE: Yes. In Pakenham Park estate was flood doing so, Mr. Fella was well aware prone and it was common knowledge that he was going to forgo a subs­ that in 1971 for the second time tantial portion of the commission on in 40 years flood waters had flowed the sale of Pakenham Park. The com­ over Pakenham Park. mission was ultimately divided be­ tween Dillon and Inkster and Dal­ The Hon. N. F. STACEY: That is getys, and Mr. Fella's share of the not true. commission was $3,500. However, in The Hon. D. R. WHITE: Notwith­ order to receive $3,500 he had to standing, the Housing Commission forgo an equivalent amount which decided to enter into a contract for went to Dillon and Inkster, and his the purchase of Pakenham Park employers had to forgo an amount knowing that it was flood prone and of $10,500. partly unsuitable for residential de­ A question which arises is: Des­ velopment. pite the fact Mr. Fella knew Mr. According to the Housing Commis­ Riach of the Housing Commission, sion files, a report from the State why did he not go to him directly or, Rivers and Water Supply Commis­ even more specifically, why did he sion referred to erosion having oc­ not go to his associate company curred along Toomuc Creek and which had a record in residential de­ stated that any increased flow result­ velopment? The reason is he knew ing from land development would that he could not sell land to the accelerate scouring and increase the Housing Commission without going time the lower levels would be cov­ to Dillon and Inkster. ered with water. The report further stated that there were no suitable On 21st March, 1973, Mr. Riach of flood-water retarding basins available the Housing Commission rang Mr. and that there were no areas which Fella and asked him to furnish title could be developed as retarding details of the Pakenham Park land. basins. On 1st April, 1973, Mr. Morey of the Valuer-General's Office valued Pa­ The Hon. N. F. STACEY: What is kenham Park at $2· 1 million, or your authority for that? $2,800 per acre which is eight times The Hon. D. R. WHITE: It is in what the thought the report submitted by the State it was worth at the end of 1969. Rivers and Water Supply Commission which is contained in the Housing It is also worth pointing out that Commission files. the Housing Commission purchased the Duncan land knowing that ad­ The Hon. N. F. STACEY: What is joining land also owned by Duncan the date of that report? had been sold nine months previously The Hon. D. R. WHITE: Mr. Stacey for $800 per acre to a man named Mr. can find the date. Crichlow. As my colleague Mr. The Hon. N. F. STACEY: It is Sep­ Trayling pointed out, that land owned tember, 1974. by Mr. Crichlow and which was for­ merly part of the Duncan estate, had The Hon. D. R. WHITE: That re­ been purchased for only $800 per acre port became available to the Housing and was closer to the township of Commission, as I indicated earlier, Pakenham, had made roads around it, on 10th April. was not subject to flooding and The Hon. N. F. STACEY: Which actually had houses built on it at the year? Ministerial [7 SEPTEMBER, 1977.] Statement. 9281

The Hon. D. R. WHITE: 1973, 1972, Mr. Crichlow, who purchased before the Housing Commission the adjoining property, entered into entered into the contract for the pur­ a contract regarding the Duncan land chase of Pakenham Park. That and in July, 1972, Mr. Crichlow was known then. It was also known entered a caveat over Pakenham that it would cost a substantial Park. That caveat appears on the amount of money to ensure that the title of the Pakenham Park land and area would not be flooded in future, was not withdrawn until June, 1973. yet in determining the valuation of However, the valuer, Mr. Morey, that land the cost of preserving the claims that he did not see the caveat area from flooding was not taken into on the title. The Housing Commis­ account. If it had been taken into sion may well have experienced some account, as it most properly should difficulty in obtaining title to that land have been, the amount which the if it had known the full circumstances Housing Commission would have of­ of the caveat. It certainly would fered for Pakenham Park would have have reduced the valuation. been substantially lower-something The real instigators of the sale to like $800 per acre at which Mr. the Housing Commission were a Crichlow was able to buy the ad­ group of intermediaries including Mr. joining property from Mr. Duncan. Crichlow. Certainly the company or On 12th April, 1973, at the Duncan the individuals who had the caveat property, the Duncan family in con­ over the property on 21st April, 1973, junction with Mr. Fella and Mr. Bob were entitled to benefit by the sale. Dillon negotiated the sale of the This could be proved by examining property with Mr. Riach and Mr. the income and expenditure accounts Creighton from the Housing Commis­ of the Duncan brothers' estates. sion. On 17th April the Housing In June, 1973, the Housing Com­ Commission paid $200,000 into the mission purchased an additional trust account of Dillon and Inkster property, the Bramich property, for and on 21 st April the contract of sale $65,000 or $2,600 per acre. The com­ was signed, the sale price being $1· 98 mission was split 50: 50 between million or approximately $2,700 per Dillon and Inkster and Dalgetys. acre. None of the land has been built on, and in fact, within a few In July, 1973, the Housing Com­ weeks of the purchase it was leased mission purchased another property, back for grazing purposes. O'Brien's, for $105,000, and once again the commission was split 50: 50 The Housing Commission, or more between Dalgetys and Dillon and particularly the Government, as evid­ Inkster. enced by the statement made tonight by the Chief Secretary, was motivated On both ocasions Dillon and Inkster by four factors-firstly, the availa­ had approached Mr. Fella and asked bility of funds under the Common­ him to approach the relevant farmers wealth-State Housing Agreement, to see whether they would be pre­ secondly, by the internal generation of pared to sell their properties to the funds from the sale of houses by the Housing Commission to make up the commission, thirdly, the fear of com­ one parcel of land. pulsory acquisition of broad acres Subsequent to those two purchases, by the Federal Labor Minister for which were after the first purchase, Housing, and, fourthly, by the diffi­ there was an additional block still culty of continuing with slum reclam­ to be obtained and which should have ation in the inner areas. been purchased simultaneously with It has always appeared publicly Pakenham Park because it was the that the Pakenham Park sale was choicest piece of land and was situ­ a simple sale by a farmer to the Hous­ ated in the middle of the estate. How­ ing Commission, but nothing could ever, first it was sold to Lensworth be further from the truth. In June, Finance for $212,000, or $2,000 an Session 1977.-321 9282 Ministerial [COUNCIL.] Statement. acre. That sale by Stainton in Octo­ The Hon. D. R. WHITE: Because it ber, 1972, to Lensworth Finance was confirms the point that if one wanted used as a guide by the Valuer-General to sell land to the Housing Commis­ to determine the price of Pakenham sion, one had to have the sale go Park. through Dillon and Inkster. It was the same pattern; one had to approach What the Opposition alleged is that Dillon and Inkster, particularly the the Stainton sale price was an arti­ deal made in conjunction with Lens­ ficially contrived price used to jack worth Finance, and to keep Graeme up the price of Pakenham Park. That Hill out of the way they had to offer affected the valuation because that him part of the deal over the Stain­ property was ultimately sold to the ton property at Pakenham. Housing Commission. The Stainton property deal was contrived by Mc­ In 1974 the new Shire of Pakenham Gregor Kean and the property was development plan proposed that only eventually sold to the Housing Com­ the eastern third of the Housing mission. Not only did the Housing Commission property be zoned for Commission allow itself to be taken urban development. The Lensworth­ in by the sale of the Stainton property Delgrange land and all of the Paken­ but also, to add insult to injury, in­ ham Park property west of Toomuc stead of obtaining an option over the Creek would remain zoned as rural. Lensworth property early in 1973, the In that sense, the Government has Housing Commission waited until lived up to its promise because that after Lensworth Finance had sold that land is still being used for grazing property to Delgrange, later renamed purposes and the $2· 5 million which Greyoak, at a price of $3,100 per acre has been expended by the Housing and ultimately did not pick it up until Commission has virtually gone down 6th December, 1973, for $3,500 per the drain. acre, thus enabling Delgrange to make a gross profit of $42,000 in two The Hon. D. G. ELLIOT: How much months. The Stainton property was an acre would it be worth for grazing used as a benchmark by the Valuer­ purposes? General. The Hon. D. R. WHITE: About 6 cents per acre, on my reckoning. In However, it was a contrived sale July, 1976, State Cabinet approved by Lensworth Finance in that it was the Shire of Pakenham plan to retain originally bought at a price well in more than two-thirds of the property excess of the existing market value. for rural purposes although the Hous­ Lensworth Finance subsequently sold ing Commission had purchased the the property to Delgrange, later re­ land for development purposes. That named Greyoak which in turn sold means that two-thirds of the land for it to the Housing Commission for which the Housing Commission had $3,500 per acre at a time when the spent $2· 5 million, as a result of a Housing Commission could have in­ Cabinet decision in July, 1976, be­ tervened and placed an option over came useless for anything other than the property or even compulsorily farming. In total, the Housing Com­ acquired it at a much lower price. mission purchased 936 acres of flood:" The Opposition believes the sale prone land for $2· 5 million and on was a pay-off to Graeme Hill for ser­ 16th July, 1973, the land at Paken~ vices rendered at Sunbury in that he ham was leased back for grazing pur­ kept out of the way thus enabling poses. The Pakenham land has not Kean to approach Lensworth Fin­ been used productively to fulfil the ance and then the subsequent resale intentions of the Housing Commis­ to the Housing Commission occurred. sion. I t is interesting to note the number of The holding costs on an outlay of characters who continually reappear $2·5 million conservatively estimated in these transactions. at 10· 5 per cent represents a holding The Hon. O. G. JENKINS: Why? charge of $262,000 a year or spread The Hon. D. R. White.