Legislative Assembly 637 18 April 1996

THURSDAY, 18 APRIL 1996 This extraordinary action raises a number of serious questions. The first is the nature of the decision making itself, which is unacceptable. I have today instructed the Mr SPEAKER (Hon. N. J. Turner, Nicklin) immediately concerned Ministers—the Deputy read prayers and took the chair at 9.30 a.m. Premier and Treasurer and the Minister for Public Works and Housing—to advise that the Office Systems Management unit manager of PAPER CITEC and the Director of the Ministerial The following paper was laid on the Services Branch are requested to go on leave table— immediately pending a full investigation of the circumstances surrounding the extraordinary Minister for Health (Mr Horan)— action of their agencies. Secondly—— Scope of Nursing Practice— Discussion Opposition members interjected. Paper. Mr BORBIDGE: I wonder what members opposite had to do with this! MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Secondly, and very much related, is the Government Computer System question of the security of computer systems Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers within ministerial offices—within my office and Paradise—Premier) (9.31 a.m.), by leave: the Treasurer's office and, indeed, throughout Yesterday afternoon, after the Minister for Government. I make the point that it has now Police, Corrective Services and Racing had been revealed that CITEC, as part of the detailed to the Parliament certain abuses of a same decision with the Ministerial Services computer by staff of the former Minister for Branch, has taken it upon itself to access not Police and Corrective Services in his then once but twice all the ministerial computers of ministerial office, there was an invasion of the the current Government. Minister's computer system. Files referred to A computer system which is open to such by the Minister in his statement yesterday unilateral tampering is an extremely were deleted from the system. There is dangerous system. A system in which people currently concern that files belonging to the may reach into a Minister's office—into any current Minister may have been accessed and Government office—and excise data at will is a deleted. system in which data can be viewed at will and There was no reference to the Minister for altered at will. It is obviously a system capable Police, Corrective Services and Racing before of the most serious abuse. An obvious this action was taken. There was no reference example is the ability to intrude into computers to the Minister for Public Works and Housing, within the Premier's office, the Cabinet office, from whose department the action was taken. the Treasurer's office, the Police Minister's There was no reference to the Deputy Premier office and the Attorney-General's office. It may and Treasurer, who is responsible for the also mean that there could be access to any Ministerial Services Branch, which was also State Government computer, including sensitive material such as health files, financial apparently involved in this decision. The transactions and other confidential data. Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Certainly, via the ministerial and departmental Racing became aware of this action last night systems, there could be access to Cabinet after officers again sought to access files submissions. referred to yesterday. As I indicated earlier, I am advised that, An Opposition member interjected. further to the invasion of the Police Minister's Mr BORBIDGE: The member will learn computer system, CITEC has taken it upon something. itself to carry out similar deletions in relation to It was subsequently established—and this all ministerial offices. That advice was provided should cause concern for members on both by CITEC yesterday evening after it had visited sides of the House—that the missing files were the ministerial computer system. I understand deleted by the Office Systems Management that subsequently there has been an offer to unit of CITEC on the basis of what has been reconstitute the files deleted from the described as a collective decision by CITEC ministerial offices. Not good enough! and the Ministerial Services Branch to protect I regret to advise the House that I have material which was apparently judged by those grave reservations about the security and the agencies to not be the property of the current integrity of the State Government computer Government. system that we have inherited. It is a system 18 April 1996 638 Legislative Assembly open to abuse and overall control of power on the white horse of accountability, Government processes, and this Government wrote to Ruth Matchett and said— will not tolerate it. Therefore, in addition to my "Dear Ruth, advice today to the most concerned Ministers in relation to leave for two senior officers, the I now advise that I have determined Government will carry out an independent that a further one month's extension be audit of the security of Government computer approved until 13 August 1995." systems to reduce the potential for tampering. Twenty days. He continued— I will advise the House further of developments "I have come to this decision on the in regard to this course of action. understanding that you are agreeable that this extension also provides the final MINISTERIAL STATEMENT termination date of your contract and that your Minister, Anne Warner, is fully aware Ms R. Matchett of your intended voluntary departure." Hon K. R. LINGARD (Beaudesert— It is those words, "of your intended voluntary Minister for Families, Youth and Community departure", that I emphasise. As all members Care) (9.37 a.m.), by leave: Yesterday in the know, if one's contract is terminated Parliament, I gave details of a gift of $91,000 involuntarily, one is open to receive severance given by the ALP Government to remove Ruth pay and a much larger superannuation. Matchett and replace her with Jacki Byrne. I table today details of that transaction, which Let us examine what happened on 21 show a payment of $91,750 which was clearly July. The then Premier reaches that a gift given to Ruth Matchett when she agreement with Ruth Matchett: "You are going finished as director-general. on 13 August; it is voluntary; and you are about to leave." However, the ALP had to When the payment of $91,750 was work out how to pay Ruth Matchett a gift of instructed to be made, quite rightly the public $91,750, because the pay officers were saying servants involved—the pay clerks—questioned to the PSMC, "This is not right." The Crown it. In response to questions to bodies such as Solicitor was saying, "This is not right." So the PSMC, the pay clerks received this what had to be done? Within six or seven statement— days of the then Premier's giving that letter to "It has been advised that the Premier Ruth Matchett, the then Premier and Ruth was feeling generous, and it was his Matchett signed a very special agreement on decision in respect of the 20 years of 3 August, which was seen to be a termination. service that Ruth be afforded the He had given her an extension of 20 days to termination of the contract." 13 August so she could be paid severance The Premier was feeling generous, so he payments. So she could be given a gift of decided to pay Ruth Matchett $91,750 to $91,750, the then Premier arrives at a special remove her and replace her with the AWU variation of contract, which was basically an person, Jacki Byrne. agreement between Ruth Matchett and the then Premier that her services were Mr T. B. Sullivan interjected. terminated—on 3 August, seven or eight days Mr LINGARD: I will continue and I will after the contract had been signed, and seven tell members the entire details. or eight days before she was to fall over Let us have a look at how Ruth Matchett's naturally on 13 August. That was supposedly contract expired. Ruth Matchett was given a the agreement to give her $91,750. She was three-year contract to expire in June 1995. supposedly terminated by the Government, That contract was extended by three and a bit and she did not leave voluntarily. I will table weeks to end on 13 July 1995—a fair move the letter from the then Premier which states, due to the fact that an election was to be held "You will depart voluntarily." That is what the on 15 July. But let us look at what happened then Premier did to give her that payment of immediately the ALP won Government on 15 $91,750. July and Ruth Matchett was to be replaced by I also remind members of Parliament that Jacki Byrne and Anne Warner was to be that was not legal. The Crown Solicitor, Mr replaced by an AWU person. By 21 July, O'Shea, referred to that matter and said that nothing had been done and the ALP needed Ms Matchett would not be entitled to to give Ruth Matchett a gift. In working out severance payments under her contract of how to give the gift, the then Premier, Wayne employment and it would seem for Goss, the person who supposedly came to superannuation purposes her cessation of Legislative Assembly 639 18 April 1996 employment would not be regarded as an dwindled, blown out on ill-conceived and involuntary termination. poorly managed projects that left the heart of Against all of those recommendations, the industry dead. against the recommendations of the Crown The former Minister supported a grant of Solicitor, against the fact that the then Premier half a million dollars to refurbish the elite signed a document with her seven or eight gentlemen's club, Tattersall's, while the safety days earlier giving her an extension of 20 days of jockeys and horses was being daily to her contract, seven or eight days before her compromised by broken guide rails, damaged contract fell over, the then Premier gave her tracks and substandard safety fencing. I will what was supposedly a termination so that shortly table a letter that states that. That was she was entitled, supposedly legally, to at a time when the said gentlemen's club had $91,750 of taxpayers' money, simply to put an not even submitted an application for such AWU person in the job instead of a Socialist funding. Where was the then Minister's Left person. alleged concern for the ordinary person, the worker, and the rank-and-file punter when it came to racing? MINISTERIAL STATEMENT The parlous state of the Racing Racing Industry Development Fund that we inherited from the Hon. T. R. COOPER (Crows Nest— previous administration will surprise few people Minister for Police and Corrective Services and in the industry who witnessed the lavish but Minister for Racing) (9.42 a.m.), by leave: Two highly selective style of the former Minister. weeks ago I announced changes to the The $11m reserve with which the fund began various boards and committees entrusted with the 1995-96 financial year will, after controlling and overseeing the racing industry commitments before it, be reduced to just in Queensland. I table a list of all $4m after recurrent expenditure is withdrawn. I appointments to those various statutory table a document outlining the status of the boards. The changes were made in the Racing Development Fund. context of the industry's ongoing disunity, and The honourable member for Bundamba a loss of confidence from within, which has can hardly defend or excuse this because it is damaged and marred the activities of a sector comparatively less than the amount he found once so robust and spirited. in the fund in 1990, and which he then decried While I do not denigrate the job done by as inadequate. In fact, on 4 October that year the past boards, there were undoubtedly in this place, he said that with $3.6m in the some among them who were straight political RDF, "racing simply cannot be administered in appointments. No-one could say that about that way". Six years later, and after inflation is the new board members, nor could they considered, he left the fund in a worse position question their integrity and ability to do the job. than he found it. I could no better than echo They have all been appointed after wide and reinforce his words of 1990—"racing consultation with, and on the advice of, the simply cannot be administered in that way". racing industry. These new appointments will, I After all the filibustering, all the rhetoric believe, restore some harmony and cohesion about racing and its future, about honest to the ranks of the industry, and help repair dealing and financial accountability, the RDF is the legacy of disrupted management and depleted to the point of exhaustion. The bitterness left by the previous Government. management policies of the previous That will be part of their job, and I wish I Government saw a sharp rise in the level of could hand it all to them and say, "That is recurrent funding commitments, and in typical that." Unfortunately, since assuming office Labor Government style the policy of spending some seven weeks ago, I found the industry more than is earned was addressed by their faced not only a crisis of confidence in its refinancing the racing industry debt to cover administration but a diabolical financial fracas excessive expenditure. Much of that chaos as well. Under its former Minister, the was caused because the previous honourable member for Bundamba, Mr Gibbs, Government undertook to switch the emphasis the sport of kings in Queensland most of the RDF away from its original and intended assuredly became the sport of the prince and purpose of making capital works grants to the paupers. While the prince anointed a making it a slush fund for prize money and pet chosen few to sit at his feet, the core and the project funding. Whereas many clubs grassroots of racing in this State crumbled. gratefully accepted this switch and the dollars While he jetted off overseas on first-class that came with it, it became all too easy for the ministerial tours, racing industry funds fund to be used in pork-barrelling exercises 18 April 1996 640 Legislative Assembly until it was so depleted that the safety and inception to mid-May 1995, and the financial security of racing missed out altogether. That controller of the Queensland Principal Club simply is not good enough. endorsed that recommendation. However, that Pre-1990, the target had been to repay did not happen. The audit which was the debt by the year 2000, but Labor was conducted, after the failure of Mr John forced by late last year to defer debt principal Needham of QRIS to cooperate, covered only repayments for two years and extend the term the period from July 1994 to May 1995. I still of the industry debt by a further five years to await a reply. It did not cover the period prior the year 2005. That is yet another ALP to July 1994 despite, as I say, the cop-out to extend debt into the future. That recommendations of the CJC and the QPC disastrous financial legacy will result in severe financial controller. limitations on the options this Government can Perhaps surprisingly the former Minister consider for implementing much-needed could see nothing wrong with any decision to infrastructure development and remedying snub these recommendations for a formerly neglected areas of racing. comprehensive audit, and I can only wonder why. However, I want to reiterate here that When that is combined with a forecast QRIS is here to stay. I have no problem with that the growth of TAB distribution payments the QPC's administration of QRIS. Indeed, the to race clubs will be sluggish, principally due to only time that I am concerned about is the increasing competition from other forms of period up until the QPC took control. What I gambling, with the accompanying levelling out want to do is take a close look at it to of growth in Racing Development Fund determine whether the scheme can be revenues from the TAB, one can see what a enhanced so that the industry as a whole can challenge the Government is facing. How do benefit from a wider spread of the $3m that we fund our capital works? How do we this Government contributes to it. None of the prioritise the $11.4m in applications now stakeholders should have anything to fear before the RDF when only $4m is left in the from that. coffers? Do we tell a regional race club that, no, it cannot have its track repaired, it cannot This Government will seek to redress the have its swabbing area upgraded, because an existing difficulties in the racing industry with a elite gentlemen's club in has been widespread use of industry-based experience. promised half a million dollars for their club The Totalisator Administration Board of rooms? Queensland, the Greyhound Racing Authority, the Queensland Harness Racing Board, the I do not in any way denigrate Tattersall's trustees of Albion Park and the trustees of and the committee which runs it. They have Eagle Farm are key bodies which will every right to apply for funding. However, I do characterise the Government's commitment to question the morality of a Government which restoring harmony to the industry. These gives priority to a gentlemen's club boards need the services of individuals with refurbishment over safety in racing—especially diverse backgrounds in the industry and who when the gentlemen's club had not even are representative of it. The structure and role formally asked for the money. How does the of these bodies are essential links to wider honourable member for Bundamba defend industry consultation and input. Now that the that outrageous action? This Government is new boards are in place, the industry can go committed to ensuring a more equitable and forward in the way we all know that it can. With justifiable distribution of funding from the careful management and some strategic Racing Development Fund. Advances from thinking, the financial problems now facing the the now severely limited fund will only be industry will be corrected and safety and approved for clearly justifiable projects which fairness returned to racetracks all over the benefit as many industry participants as State. Racing is a dynamic and respected possible, and which maintain the security, sport and we intend to restore to it the integrity and safety of the industry now and confidence it once had. into the future.

At this point I want to clarify my intentions MINISTERIAL STATEMENT regarding QRIS, the Queensland Racing Industry Incentive Scheme. As honourable Queensland Health members will recall, I raised concerns about Hon. M. J. HORAN (Toowoomba the operation of the scheme with the CJC South—Minister for Health) (9.51 a.m.), by while in Opposition. The CJC had leave: The failure of Labor in the 1995 State recommended that a comprehensive audit of election was in no small way due to the failure QRIS be conducted from the time of its of its system of regional health authorities. Legislative Assembly 641 18 April 1996

Queensland's many small, community-driven 4—Bowen—, . hospital boards were centralised into 13 5—Bundaberg—, Shire of regions, creating an extra layer of Burnett, Shire of Isis, Shire of Kolan, Shire of management with little or no clinical Miriam Vale, Shire of Perry. involvement. Community involvement in health 6—— (excluding Division 1 management was decimated and became but including the Towns of Gordonvale and remote. I am pleased to advise the House that Aloomba), (that portion of the Cabinet approved last Wednesday a new Shire south and east of a line from Cape structure for Queensland Health, which Flattery due west to the Normanby River then restores genuine community input and due south to the boundary of Shire - includes Cooktown, Hopevale, & focuses the department on its fundamental Laura), , Division 4 of Shire of purpose: the health of Queenslanders. Mareeba (east of the Oakey/Blackwater Creeks Prior to 1989, health professionals and including the Towns of Koah and Kuranda). administrators well knew the twelve words from 7—Cape York—, Shire of the Act which said it all— Cook (which is that portion of the Shire north and west of the line defined in the Cairns "The function of the board shall be District above), (exclusive the treatment of the sick." of that part which is south of the Gilbert River This focus was lost—not by those at the and containing the Karumba Outpatients Clinic hospital bed, nor by those serving the public in and the Normanton Hospital), Town of . community health, but by the organisation as 8—Central Highlands—Shire of Bauhinia, that a whole under the guidance of Ministers part of the Shire of which is west of a whose objectives had more to do with social line joining the towns of Woorabinda and engineering than with the delivery of health Duaringa excluding these towns, Shire of services. The 39 health districts approved by Emerald, Shire of Peak Downs (excluding the Cabinet under 38 health councils and the town of ) Mater's board of governors will be broad in 9—Central West—Shire of Aramac, Shire of scope, recognising the commitment of this Barcaldine, , Shire of Blackall, Shire of Boulia, Shire of Diamantina, Shire of Government to integrated community and Ilfracombe, Shire of Isisford, Shire of Jericho, hospital services and to the importance of Shire of Longreach, Shire of Tambo, Shire of preventive and population health. They will Winton. provide genuine community input into the 10—Charleville—, Shire of planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation Murweh, , Shire of Quilpie. of hospital and community-based services. 11——City of Charters They will also initiate minor capital works Towers, Shire of Dalrymple, Shire of Flinders, programs and be represented on the selection . panels for senior district appointments. 12—Gladstone—Shire of Calliope, City of For the information of honourable Gladstone. members, I lay upon the table of the House a 13—Gold Coast— but copy of the paper "Rebuilding Queensland excludes that part of the City which is north of Health" and a schedule detailing the the Coomera River. boundaries of the new district health services. I 14——Shire of Cooloola. seek leave for the schedule to be incorporated 15—-Maryborough—City of Hervey into Hansard. Bay, City of Maryborough, Shire of Tiaro, Shire Leave granted. of Woocoo. 16—Innisfail—, Shire of DESCRIPTION OF DISTRICT HEALTH Johnstone, Division 1 of City of Cairns (except SERVICES for the towns of Gordonvale and Aloomba). dist1 17—Logan-Beaudesert—City of Logan, Shire No.—District Health Service—Description of of Beaudesert, that part of the City of Gold District Health Service Coast which is north of the Coomera River and 1—Atherton Tablelands—Shire of Atherton, includes Beenleigh. , Shire of Eacham, Shire of 18—Mackay —Shire of Broadsound (the Etheridge, Shire of Herberton, Shire of Coastal part of the Shire which is east of the Mareeba (excluding Division 4 east of the Connors Range), , Shire of Oakey/Blackwater Creeks). Mirani, Shire of Sarina, Shire of Whitsunday, 2—Banana— 19——Shire of Belyando, Shire of 3—Bayside— (so much of the Broadsound (the Hinterland part of the Shire City as is south of the Brisbane River and east which is west of the Connors Range), Shire of of the Gateway Arterial Road), Shire of Nebo, that part of the Shire of Peak Downs Redland. which is the town of Tieri. 18 April 1996 642 Legislative Assembly

20—Mt Isa—, , No.—Hospital —Description Shire of McKinlay, Shire of Mornington, City of 35—Mater—Mater Hospitals Complex, Brisbane Mt Isa, that part of the Shire of Carpentaria (the southern part) which includes the Karumba 36—Princess Alexandra—Princess Alexandra Outpatients Clinic and the Normanton Hospital. Hospital, plus integrated adult mental health services for the geographical area defined The 21—North Burnett—Shire of Biggenden, Shire Queen Elizabeth II Hospital and District of Eidsvold, Shire of Gayndah, Shire of Monto, Shire of Mundubbera.— 37—Royal Children's—Royal Children's Hospital, plus all community child health 22—Northern Downs—Shire of Chinchilla, services, including child mental health services, , Shire of Murilla, Shire of Tara, for the geographical area defined as the Prince Shire of , Shire of Wambo. Charles Hospital and District. 23—Redcliffe-Caboolture—Shire of 38—Royal Brisbane —Royal Brisbane Hospital, Caboolture, Shire of Kilcoy, . Queensland Radium Institute, Keperra Hospital, 24— —Shire of Fitzroy, Shire of Brisbane Dental Hospital, plus oral health Livingstone, Shire of Mount Morgan, City of services for the geographical area defined as Rockhampton, that part of the Shire of Duaringa The Prince Charles Hospital and District, and which is east of a line joining the towns of plus integrated adult mental health services Woorabinda and Duaringa associated with the Royal Brisbane Hospital, 25—Roma—, Shire of 39—Royal Women's—Royal Women's Hospital Bendemere, Shire of Booringa, Shire of Bungil, and women's health services for the , Shire of Waroo. geographical area defined as The Prince 26—South Burnett—Shire of Kilkivan, Shire of Charles Hospital and District., Kingaroy, Shire of Murgon, Shire of Nanango, Mr HORAN: Corporate office, too, will Shire of Wondai. change to target the delivery of health services 27—Southern Downs—Shire of Cambooya, to Queenslanders. I know that many in Shire of Clifton, , Shire of corporate office look forward to working on Inglewood, Shire of Millmerran, Shire of health as opposed to the social policy games Pittsworth, Shire of Stanthorpe, Shire of they have been forced to play for six long Waggamba, . years. This reorganisation complements my 28—Sunshine Coast —City of , Shire commitment to rebuilding in the Department of of Maroochy, . Health a politically independent, career public 29—The Prince Charles Hospital and service free to deliver frank and fearless advice District—So much of the City of Brisbane as is to the Executive Government. north of the Brisbane River, Shire of Pine Two major divisions will encompass most Rivers, Halwyn Centre, but excludes the Royal Brisbane Hospital, the Royal Women's of the staff of Corporate Office, namely the Hospital, the Royal Children's Hospital, Keperra Health Services Division and the Planning and Hospital, the Queensland Radium Institute, Systems Division. The Health Services Division integrated adult mental health services will be responsible for direct health service associated with the Royal Brisbane Hospital, delivery issues and will provide a range of and Brisbane Dental Hospital/oral health support services. This includes line services. management of district health services, public 30—The Queen Elizabeth II Hospital and health, pathology and scientific services. The District—City of Brisbane (so much of the City Planning and Systems Division will assist the as is south of the Brisbane River and west of Government in setting broad health priorities. the Gateway Arterial Road but excludes the It will identify and develop services and provide Wacol Hospitals complex, the Princess corporate infrastructure support. The whole of Alexandra Hospital Complex and the Mater Hospitals complex). the new structure will be underpinned by service agreements between the Planning and 31—Toowoomba—Shire of Crow's Nest, Shire Systems Division and the District Health of Gatton, Shire of Jondaryan, Shire of Rosalie, Services. These agreements will be structured . in program management terms and will link 32—Torres—. expenditure to program commitments. 33——, City of For six years, Queensland Health has Thuringowa, . paid lip-service, and little more, to this 34—West Moreton—Shire of Boonah, Shire of Parliament's demands for program Esk, , Shire of Laidley, so much accountability. Large sums of money voted by of the City of Brisbane as is east of the this Assembly to critical purposes, such as Brisbane River and which constitutes the Wacol Hospitals Complex being certain land excluded mental health, have been diverted and from the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital and Health consumed by other programs. This will no Service. longer happen. Rebuilding Queensland Health Legislative Assembly 643 18 April 1996 includes restoring public accountability, and concerns amongst a number of education this is our commitment to this Parliament. groups, including teachers and industry Finally, it needs to be said again that the training representatives across the State, that failure of regionalisation was a failure of its this model will not adequately cater for all reckless and ambitious political overlords, and post-compulsory students, including those in not of the 200 to 300 regional office staff who special schools. As a result of this, my did their best to improve the health and colleague the Minister for Training and wellbeing of Queenslanders in spite of Industrial Relations and I have agreed to bring regionalisation. I have given clear and the parties together to develop an appropriate unambiguous directions to my department framework incorporating principles and options that these staff are to be treated with the for access to, and participation in, education utmost dignity and integrity. They are to be, and training for all school students of and have been, fully informed of the post-compulsory age. processes of change and will be assisted at an We have arranged that the individual level in the transition to the new representatives of peak groups, such as the structure. I hope that these changes will bring Board of Senior Secondary School Studies, opportunity and success for many. the Department of Education, the Vocational The function of Queensland Health is, Education Training and Employment once again, the treatment of the sick, the Commission, the Department of Training and prevention of illness and the promotion of Industrial Relations, the Catholic Education health—as it always should have been—and Commission and the Association of so it will remain under the administration of this Independent Schools of Queensland meet to Government. begin this collaborative process. Within the next week, a task force will be established with terms of reference which require them to MINISTERIAL STATEMENT develop an agreed framework and to report to Convergence of General and my ministerial colleague and myself at the Vocational Education beginning of August. Hon. R. J. QUINN (Merrimac—Minister The terms of reference of the task force for Education) (9.55 a.m.), by leave: In late will ensure that appropriate consultation and 1995, the previous Government made a participation occurs during this collaborative number of decisions regarding the work and will, at least, involve teachers, convergence of general and vocational parents, industry training authorities, relevant education for the Years 11 and 12 curriculums unions, universities and employers. The task in Queensland schools. force will be headed by an independent and eminent chair. The Board of Senior Secondary School Studies, under delegation from the Vocational It is the intention of my ministerial Education Training and Employment colleague and I that options for access to, and Commission, is to take responsibility for participation in, education and training be managing the convergence of general and developed for Queensland schools, which vocational education in the senior school builds on the very good work that many curriculum. Under this plan, vocational people over recent years, including teachers in education elements are to be embedded in schools, have already done. It is also our existing and new board subjects, which intention that the framework developed by the contribute to students' overall position scores task force will ensure that the curriculum caters at the end of Year 12. As well, hundreds of for all post-compulsory students and that the board-registered subjects, that is, subjects valued pathways are available to all students which do not count towards calculation of OP at the end of their senior schooling, whether scores, are to be streamlined into they wish to progress to further education, approximately 20 and elements of vocational training or work. education are to be embedded in these board-registered subjects over the next several MINISTERIAL STATEMENT years. During 1996, my colleague the Minister Workers' Compensation Inquiry for Training and Industrial Relations and I have Hon. S. SANTORO (Clayfield—Minister become concerned that this model for the for Training and Industrial Relations) (10 a.m.), convergence of vocational and general by leave: I wish to advise the Parliament and education in Years 11 and 12 needs to be the people of Queensland that the Inquiry into extended and refined. In particular, there are Workers' Compensation & Related Matters in 18 April 1996 644 Legislative Assembly

Queensland, being conducted by Mr Jim damage to rental property. There are Kennedy, is progressing well and I have no adequate provisions for dispute resolution by doubt that it will meet the proposed reporting arbitration, with an appeal process. deadline of 30 June. Newspaper However, my concerns stem from the fact advertisements calling for submissions by 30 that there is an accumulating fund of money April 1996 were published around the State in which the authority has been unable to return mid-March. Mr Kennedy also has written to to the tenants who lodged it. This fund has hundreds of individuals and organisations now grown to an amount of almost seeking their input to the inquiry. $400,000—an amount which the authority is The inquiry has provided information to unable to return to its rightful owners because stakeholders on many aspects of the it does not know where to send the money. operations of Queensland's workers' compensation system, together with other The authority's normal operating material, to assist stakeholders in preparing procedure for unclaimed bonds is to make out their submissions. I am advised that a cheque for the amount owed once a discussions have already taken place between tenancy has been finalised, and post it to the Mr Kennedy and a wide range of business, person who paid it at their last known address. union, community and other stakeholder In most cases, obviously, the cheque finds the groups and individuals in Queensland. person because it is forwarded via mail Discussions also have been held with workers' redirection through Post, or by the compensation authorities in other States. Mr new tenants or owners who have been given a Kennedy has also formed advisory and forwarding address by the former tenant. The consultative committees to ensure that a problem arises when there is no mail strong flow of information, comment, debate redirection or forwarding address, and when and analysis is generated among key the tenant involved does not, of his or her own stakeholders. Arrangements have been made initiative, contact the RTA for the return of the for a series of public hearings to be held in bond money. This results in some cheques for regional centres across the State. Media bond refunds never being cashed because releases and newspaper advertisements will they are simple returned to the authority publicise these meetings. marked "Return to Sender." Mr Kennedy has maintained a strongly As a result, the authority is stuck with independent attitude towards the process of bond money which it would love to return to its the inquiry and he has been given full access rightful owners, but is unable to because it has to both the Workers' Compensation and no way of contacting the former tenants. This Workplace Health and Safety Divisions of my is now a lotto-win sized problem, involving department. Mr Kennedy has repeatedly 3,004 former tenants who paid rental bonds stated that he intends to maintain a dating back to 1991. Together they could hold thoroughly inclusive and consultative process a huge champagne celebration with the during the entire inquiry period, and is proceeds of more than $386,000 owed to continuing the process of exhaustive them. The largest amount of unclaimed bond consultation on a daily basis. I invite all money is $1,890. I am surprised that so many honourable members to maintain an interest people have either forgotten to cash their in the progress of the inquiry. cheques from the authority, or have not checked to see why they have not received a refund of their bond money. Unfortunately, the MINISTERIAL STATEMENT RTA can only send notices of rental bond Residential Tenancies Authority claims and cheques to a tenant's last known address. Hon. R. T. CONNOR (Nerang— Minister for Public Works and Housing) In addition, until now the Residential (10.01 a.m.), by leave: The Residential Tenancies Authority has given publicity to Tenancies Authority, which is within the orbit of unclaimed bond moneys through localised my ministerial responsibility, has drawn to my media releases. Trying to extend the effort to attention a situation which greatly concerns match the unclaimed money with its rightful me, which is the matter of bond money lodged owners, I have asked the RTA to advertise the with the authority because of the statutory fact that it is holding these moneys, and that requirement under the authority's Act. For the people who consider they are owed it should great majority of bond money lodged, the contact the RTA. Tenants whose cheques system operates exactly as it was intended have been misplaced and have not been to—the money is lodged and held by the cashed have only to contact the RTA and they authority against the potential liability to repair will be given a new cheque. People unsure Legislative Assembly 645 18 April 1996 about whether they are owed money should 11.30 a.m. today to locate the missing contact the authority immediately. equipment or replace it at public expense. What action is the Premier going to take NOTICES OF MOTION to retrieve this expensive equipment provided to him, Mrs Sheldon and Mr Lingard by the Economic Stagnation taxpayers of Queensland? I table for the Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader information of the House a list of material of the Opposition) (10.04 a.m.): I give notice missing entitled, "Assets not Currently Found". that I shall move— I also table two letters to the Premier in which I "That this House— said that I was amazed when we moved into the Opposition offices previously vacated by (a) is deeply concerned that the him that a huge amount of equipment had Treasurer’s capital works freeze and been inappropriately taken by his staff. We are a lack of positive initiatives by the still working with officers of the Premier's Government is causing economic Department to try to recover the equipment. I stagnation, loss of business table all of those documents. confidence and loss of jobs, and This morning, we saw a disgraceful (b) believes that the Treasurer should performance in this House in which the make public all those parts of the Premier endeavoured to intimidate honest major treasury briefing she received public servants. He knew what he was doing: on becoming Treasurer which could he was trying to a send a signal to these be considered positive by the officers of his department not to investigate business community." the equipment he stole. That is what he was saying: "Do not investigate the equipment I Environmental Protection (Interim) stole." Because he is a thief, the Premier is Amendment Regulation prepared to persecute and sack anyone. Mr WELFORD (Everton) (10.05 a.m.): I Mr BORBIDGE: I rise to a point of give notice that I shall move— order. The suggestion that I have stolen equipment is objectionable and I ask that it be "That the Environmental Protection withdrawn. The Leader of the Opposition (Interim) Amendment Regulation (No. 3 should not lie! 1996 (Subordinate Legislation No. 43 of 1996) tabled in the Parliament on 2 April Mr SPEAKER: The Premier has found 1996, be disallowed." the remarks that the Leader of the Opposition has made objectionable. PRIVATE MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Mr BEATTIE: The one that he was a thief? I am prepared to withdraw any Opposition Office Equipment inferences that the Premier found to be Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader offensive. of the Opposition) (10.05 a.m.): I wish to raise Mr BORBIDGE: I rise to a point of a major concern about the theft of equipment order. I ask the Leader of the Opposition to from the Opposition offices in Parliament unequivocally withdraw the statement that I House. Officers of the Premier's Department stole equipment. have, since the Premier vacated the Opposition offices on 21 February, been Mr SPEAKER: That is quite clear. The undertaking an extensive audit of equipment Premier has found offensive the remark that allocated to the office of the former Leader of he stole. I ask the member to withdraw. the Opposition and found a substantial Mr BEATTIE: I withdraw, and in doing amount of equipment missing, including so I rise to a point of order. In his remarks, the laptop computers, facsimile machines, Premier made reference to matters that I find typewriters, Pagemaker equipment and a offensive and I seek for them to be withdrawn. Scanjet printer interface. The equipment Mr SPEAKER: No point of order. concerned, which disappeared from the former Opposition office during the hurried exit of Mr BEATTIE: Mr Speaker, he made a both leaders and the staff into the Executive reference—— Building, and some also held in the secretive Mr SPEAKER: I have ruled that there is Margaret Street premises of the National no point of order. The member should take his Party, is being sought by the Premier's point at that particular time, if he made any Department. Those officials have only till remarks. The member did not do so. 18 April 1996 646 Legislative Assembly

PRIVILEGE Ms R. Matchett Mr Speaker's Ruling on Point of Order Ms BLIGH (South Brisbane) Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader (10.10 a.m.): I rise to condemn the disgraceful of the Opposition) (10.08 a.m.): I rise on a attempt made in this House by the Minister for point of privilege. With respect, Mr Speaker, Families, Youth and Community Care to you sat me down before I had an opportunity impugn the integrity of Ms Ruth Matchett, a to do so. The Premier has made a reference former director-general of that department. which slurs my character and which is untrue. The Minister claimed that she had received a gift—a grant. What he did was imply that she Mr SPEAKER: When? had taken a bribe. The Minister implied that Mr BEATTIE: During his point of order. I she knowingly took something that she was am entitled under the rules to have it not entitled to in return for taking certain withdrawn. actions. Nothing could be further from the Mr SPEAKER: State it, please. What truth, and I urge the Minister to check the did he say, please? facts. Mr BEATTIE: Mr Speaker, can I ask I refer the Minister to today's Courier-Mail that you seek reference from the Clerk. I fail to in which Ms Matchett categorically denied this see why I should have to repeat his lies. outrageous and unfounded claim. In the face Mr SPEAKER: I rule that there is no of this denial, one as has to ask from where point of order. he got the information. He has been able to table nothing in this House to back up those claims—not one item that backs up any gift or PRIVATE MEMBERS' STATEMENTS any grant, as he has claimed. His first Government Attack on Public Servants outrageous claim was that she received a concessional payment. I wonder who is giving Mr ELDER (Capalaba—Deputy Leader him that information. There is only one of the Opposition) (10.08 a.m.): This morning, meaning for the word "concessional" on a we saw an outrageous attack on departmental severance payment and that is that part of the officers going about their jobs, which was, of payment that attracts a tax concession. course, clearing computers. Today, the Anybody who has done first-year human Government has gone back to the politics of resource management would be able to tell fear, the politics of arrogance, the politics of him that. intimidation. The Government has said clearly to anyone who works in the public service, The document that the Minister tabled "Watch out, you are next. Whatever you do, yesterday referred to an item called "CELA". make sure you do the right thing by us or you "CELA" on a standard public service pay slip are history!" refers to "cash equivalent for long service A". Not one action mentioned this morning That is long service leave which attracts a was improper or illegal—not one. Let me tell different form of tax than long service leave B. the House about the action of members That is the type of stupid mistake that opposite. On entering the Opposition offices, members opposite can expect when they we found that the computers had had their make senior appointments on a basis other hard drives stolen. The entire network was than merit. If neither the new director-general stolen. The Government has a list of nor anybody in the new Office of the Public equipment that it has not returned. If the Service can read a standard public service pay Government has not taken it—and we accept slip, it is no wonder the Minister makes those its advice that it has not done so—I ask: who types of mistakes in this House. However, this has? If it is not returned, will the Premier call in is not just a simple mistake. This is a the police to investigate the claim? The deliberate attempt to use an innocent Government has had the list for three weeks party—— but it has not returned the equipment. Mr LINGARD: I rise to a point of order. I Today, we have witnessed the politics of find the comments offensive, because the the jackboot. Queensland is back to being the CELA has nothing to do with the $91,750. I laughing-stock of Australia. The Australian tells find the comments offensive and I ask that of the "big Kahuna"—all the respect that we they be withdrawn. as a State had is gone. The Government has Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Minister finds taken us back to being the laughing-stock of the comments offensive. Australia. We are again being ridiculed across Australia. Ms BLIGH: I withdraw the comments. Time expired. Time expired. Legislative Assembly 647 18 April 1996

Brisbane Festival and Brisbane and the week after that. It has now been Biennial some two months since the honourable Mr FOLEY (Yeronga) (10.13 a.m.): I member said that she would tell urge the Minister for The Arts, Mrs Joan Queenslanders how she would pay for it. Sheldon, to abandon her announced decision The arrogance of the Treasurer can be of a merger of the Brisbane Festival and the seen in what we have now discovered to be Brisbane Biennial. These two great festivals the way in which she intends to pay for that deserve a chance to find their niche without election promise. Two months later, we have the Damoclean sword of merger hanging over seen the Treasurer get together with the their heads. Premier and the Minister for Transport to hatch It is not simply a question of two festivals a neat little scam which will ensure that the but 102. It is a question of where those Treasurer's pork-barrelling promise—the festivals find their place in a rich cultural $200m promise with respect to the Sunshine environment which includes the folk festival at Motorway—will be paid for. This is how it will be Maleny—now Woodford—the Laura Dance done: the debt will be Festival and the Indigenous Arts Festival that loaded onto the Gateway Bridge and Logan was announced by the former Government Motorway debts. In other words, the Treasurer and which I am pleased to see will be is saying, "It's not good enough for my continued under the present Government. I constituents to pay for that infrastructure on refer to the visual arts and the Asia-Pacific the Sunshine Coast, but it is good enough for Triennial and the Brisbane International Film the people of Ipswich, Brisbane, Logan and Festival. anybody who uses the Gateway Bridge or the Logan Motorway to pay for it.” That is the The importance of promoting Queensland equity, the justice, the governing for all as a place of excellence in the arts and as a Queenslanders that we see from the coalition place at which these cultural festivals can take Government. It is neither justice nor equity. place cannot be overstated. It is absolute poison to corporate support that the Minister The Treasurer has loaded the debt onto for The Arts should have announced a merger the Logan Motorway and Gateway Bridge prematurely, as she has done. I respectfully debts, with the result that the people using the urge the Minister for The Arts, whom I Gateway Bridge and the Logan Motorway will commended earlier in the week for her positive be paying for the Sunshine Motorway for the action in supporting the Brisbane Festival and next 20 years. The Government has extended the Brisbane Biennial, to backflip on this point. the time over which those tolls will be paid. As a person concerned with the arts, the Time expired. Minister should have the courage to backflip publicly and announce that she has abandoned this decision for a merger. A Pacific Highway Expansion backflip is not something known to classical ballet, but it is known to the art of politics. I Mr D'ARCY (Woodridge) (10.17 a.m.): I have no doubt that if the Minister for The Arts, am concerned that commonsense is in very short supply in this Chamber. Commonsense Mrs Sheldon, has the courage to backflip on tells me that 90 per cent of all Queenslanders this issue, she will be regarded as the Dame support an alternative route between the Margot Fonteyn of the Queensland arts Brisbane airport and Nerang—a route that is scene. safer, faster, shorter, more direct, commercial and convenient, a trip which at legal speeds Sunshine Motorway should take no more than 40 minutes. Mr HAMILL (Ipswich) (10.15 a.m.): The Commonsense tells me that the people of Queensland were certainly amazed taxpayers of Gladstone, Townsville and Mount at the breathtaking speed of the Treasurer in Isa do not want to fund $1 billion worth of implementing an election promise that gave infrastructure in south-east Queensland which great benefits to her electorate. I refer to the they rarely use when banks and commercial haste with which she removed the toll on the interests are prepared to build, own, operate Sunshine Motorway. Interestingly, at the time and transfer it on a user-pays basis. she made that announcement, the Treasurer Commonsense tells me that upgrading work would not tell the people of Queensland how on existing roads is a nightmare for motorists she would pay for that very expensive and unsafe for workers. Alternative routes in promise. At the time, she said, "I'm not going the form of bypasses at , Pimpama to tell you today. I'll tell you next week." Next and Ormeau have been very successful. week came and went, as did the week after Commonsense tells me that the population 18 April 1996 648 Legislative Assembly explosion in south-east Queensland is going Bay and Victoria Point. This community to continue and lead to a demand for a more organisation is sponsoring a mobile activity economical and commercially based road centre, referred to as a MAC. That centre is transport system. Commonsense also tells me designed to provide a safe venue for the that the jobs generated would be welcome in youth of the area similar to police and citizens the current climate. youth clubs. One of these activity centres has Most Queenslanders believe that, when been operating successfully for the past year members of the Executive Government walk or so. It is open on Friday, Saturday and through these doors, commonsense stays Sunday nights, a time when the local youth outside. I believe it is time that we stopped might be tempted to get into mischief. The pandering to vocal minority groups with vested centre is mobile; it operates from a vehicle. interests and brought commonsense back to Small snacks and a range of activities are the issue of road transport when it is debated provided. in this Chamber. The Lions Club of Redland Bay and Victoria Point is a very active organisation. It has already raised a considerable sum of Mr P. Gilding money which it has donated towards the Mr STEPHAN (Gympie) (10.18 a.m.): I purchase of a syringe pump for the Redlands take this opportunity to highlight that former Hospital. Of course, that was greatly Greenpeace International chief Paul Gilding appreciated. That hospital is located in an has been appointed to the Timber Board. This area that has a growing population and indicates significant support for the requires more and more medical facilities. In environment within the timber industry. Unless fact, the hospital is to be expanded some time there is support for a strong and sustainable next year. forest industry, timber will be replaced with I return to the mobile activity centre. I much more environmentally damaging encourage other honourable members to building products such as steel and plastic. I investigate the prospect of establishing similar do not think that many honourable projects with service organisations in their members—particularly those on the electorates. These centres provide the local Opposition side—are aware that the timber youth with an opportunity to be involved with industry is a sustainable industry. When the the police and encourages them to treat police steel industry digs a hole in the ground, that as friends and not as people to be feared—— hole in the ground remains. A forest regenerates and sustains the timber industry. Time expired. Forest products are inherently sustainable and enable the construction of the buildings that Impact of Government Freeze on we live in. Apprenticeships Mr SPEAKER: I call the member for Mr BRADDY (Kedron) (10.24 a.m.): The Mount Ommaney—— matter that I wish to raise is the contribution Mr ARDILL: Mr Speaker—— being made by the Borbidge/Sheldon Government to unemployment in this State. It Mr HEGARTY: Mr Speaker—— is a massive contribution. The Goss Labor Mr SPEAKER: I am sorry. I meant to Government instituted a quota of 400 call the member for Redlands. traineeship positions to be provided by State Mr ARDILL: I rise to a point of order. I departments and authorities in 1995-96. was on my feet before the member for Those traineeships have been put on hold Redlands. because of the freeze imposed by the axe- wielding Treasurer, Mrs Sheldon. The fact is Mr SPEAKER: Order! I was looking past that 400 traineeships provided by State the member for Gympie at the time and I Government departments would make a big missed the member for Archerfield. contribution towards reducing the rate of youth unemployment. Lions Club of Redland Bay and Mrs Sheldon interjected. Victoria Point Mr BRADDY: But there she is laughing Mr HEGARTY (Redlands) (10.22 a.m.): I when this part of Australia has high youth want to draw to the attention of the House the unemployment. Our former Government very commendable efforts of a local provided money for 400 positions but they are community service organisation in my still on hold. Similarly, in Townsville Torgas has electorate, that is, the Lions Club of Redland applied to the department to stand down Legislative Assembly 649 18 April 1996 seven carpentry and joinery apprentices. The Kuraby, Runcorn and Sunnybank have reason for that is that the former Department contacted my office complaining about the of Housing, Local Government and Planning increase in noise. It is not just the increase in awarded contracts to that company to build noise emanating from the trains' wheels on homes in Ayr, Charters Towers and Ingham the tracks, but also the regular blowing of the but those projects have also been put on hold. trains' horns as they pass over railway That is why Torgas has now applied to stand crossings that is also causing disturbance and, down seven apprentices. hence, complaints by residents. That is an example of the contribution During the last sitting week, I placed a being made by this Government, a question on notice to the Minister for Transport contribution to unemployment by cancelling and Main Roads requesting that action be the programs of our Government, which would taken to address this problem. I believe that have been a real benefit to the Minister has a responsibility to undertake and right across the State. noise testing along the Beenleigh rail line to determine the extent of the problem. The results of this testing must be made public so Pacific Highway Expansion that the community has an opportunity to Mr ARDILL (Archerfield) discuss the issue. If the results of the noise (10.25 a.m.): The Brisbane media have testing show that excessive noise is being missed the most important issues in the Gold generated by the increase in rail services, the Coast Motorway fiasco, that is that the eight- Minister and the Government must be laning of the least used section of the highway prepared to act to provide some relief from this is a $400m waste of public money; six lanes problem. are more than adequate. Whilst I do not want to pre-empt the Even more important is the disgraceful results of any noise testing that may be proposal to empty freeway traffic onto the undertaken, I believe consideration must be suburban roads of Brisbane. This proposal, given to the installation of appropriate forms of which I disclosed on Tuesday and which the noise attenuation barriers along built-up Minister confirmed on Wednesday, must be sections of the Beenleigh rail line where noise stopped. The people of Brisbane have put up is found to be a problem. The noise generated with the disruption of resumptions and the by the new Gold Coast rail service does not building of a freeway which will now become impact just on local residents but on schools the preserve of Gold Coast traffic, encouraged such as Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School. by the excessive capacity to be built at the Attention must be given to the potential for Gold Coast end of the highway. disruption to classrooms at this school caused The huge blow-out in cost from $244m to by an increase in the frequency of trains $630m for this section comes about because passing close to classrooms. the road was never designed for eight lanes, I am therefore calling on the new but for six, which competent engineers know is Government to act swiftly and conduct noise ample for decades to come. Expanding the testing along sections of the Beenleigh rail line highway to eight lanes means that all the as the first step towards addressing this issue, bridges and overpasses will require incredible which many residents in my electorate have extensions. That should not occur. raised with me. The major issue, however, is the proposal Mr SPEAKER: Order! It is now time for to flood Brisbane roads with traffic and to question time. prohibit Brisbane motorists from using the freeway. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Mr R. Owens Beenleigh Rail Line Noise Mr BEATTIE (10.30 a.m.): I refer the Mr ROBERTSON (Sunnybank) Minister for Police to his statement to the (10.27 a.m.): I raise concerns in my electorate Parliament yesterday that the approach for about the impact of the new Gold Coast rail him to appear in the Concerned Citizens for service on residents who live alongside the Mundingburra television campaign was by the Beenleigh rail line. As a result of the Mundingburra Liberal campaign committee. I introduction of this new rail service, which has refer also to the statutory declaration by Mr wide public support, an additional 52 trains per Robert Purcal Owens that the suggestion for day use the Beenleigh rail line. As a result of the Minister to appear in the advertisement this increase in train movements, residents in was made by an advertising agency. I ask the 18 April 1996 650 Legislative Assembly

Minister: was the same advertising agency Manager on behalf of a Brisbane used by the Liberal Party in any of the company arriving in Townsville on 22nd campaign material for Mundingburra? Would it June 1995. I have lived in Townsville be normal for the Minister to make television since that time. advertisements for organisations with which he 2. I am not a member of any political has never met or of which he has no party. knowledge? Are any members of the Liberal Party in Townsville also members of the 3. I authorised certain advertising on Concerned Citizens for Mundingburra behalf of the concerned citizens for campaign committee? Finally, how did the Mundingburra as a result of my personal Liberal campaign committee come to be concern for law and order issues for the involved with the advertising campaign for the By-election for the seat of Mundingburra Concerned Citizens for Mundingburra? in February this year. I was a resident of Touch Street, Mundingburra at the time of Mr COOPER: This issue has been authorisation of the advertising and have canvassed pretty well. The Leader of the left such address as a result of certain Opposition is trying to read something harassment which resulted from my sensitive, secret and sinister into this matter. authorisation of that advertising. There is nothing sinister or sensitive in it. As I have said, an approach was made to me by 4. I have never met or spoken to concerned persons of Mundingburra to do Russell Cooper. The suggestion to feature some ads on law and order issues. Nothing Russell Cooper in the advertising was was done by me unless the script was made by the Advertising Agency, to my approved and the ads were approved by the knowledge, as Russell Cooper was a coalition campaign committee. Had I really strong supporter of law and order issues." known this fellow Robert Owens, then it would Well, who isn't? The document continues— have been a conspiracy. The fact is that I kept "5. I believe that the advertising on at arm's length. But no—the Opposition behalf of the concerned citizens for believes that there is still a conspiracy. Mundingburra that I have authorised has Whatever I do, members opposite will read been linked with an alleged Memorandum something into it. of Understanding between the National As there has been quite a bit of selective Party and the Queensland Police Union." reporting and because of the sinister Mr Beattie interjected. allegations by members opposite, while I am on my feet I would like to go through the Mr COOPER: I am reading from the statutory declaration made by Robert Owens. statutory declaration. It continues— On 15 April, I received a note from Boulton "I say that I know of no connection Cleary and Kern, solicitors of Townsville, which between the advertising that I have stated— authorised and the Memorandum of "Dear Sir Understanding. 6. I say that I have been harassed by We act on behalf of Mr Robert certain members of the media and other Owens. We enclose a statutory persons who I presume to be members of declaration which is self-explanatory." the Labor Party and issue this statement The letter was then signed off. The statutory to clarify my position and in an endeavour declaration goes something like this— to have the harassment cease. The "QUEENSLAND TO WIT: harassment has taken the form of numerous telephone calls to my I, ROBERT PURCAL OWENS of Room residence, numerous telephone calls to 209"— my aged mother in Victoria, messages left I had better not reveal the address, because at my residence and attempts by the no doubt the thugs and goons will get after Mr media to interview me. Owens again, as they did previously— 7. I say that this harassment has ". . . do solemnly and sincerely declare caused embarrassment, is upsetting and that has caused stress to my aged mother, 1. Prior to May 1995 I lived in Victoria. I brother, my niece and myself. went to for a couple of 8. I believe in the right of free speech months after that time and thereafter and the harassment I have referred to transferred to Townsville where I was inhibits a persons right to free speech and engaged as the I am concerned that other members of Legislative Assembly 651 18 April 1996

the community may feel reluctant to Mr BORBIDGE: The leaders' forum in express views if they are going to be Adelaide last Friday was significant in dealing harassed in the manner that I have. with a number of issues of concern to all State 9. I request that all concerned respect and Territory Governments. I believe that the my right and my family members rights to most significant breakthrough of the Adelaide privacy. Accordingly I do not wish to forum was the agreement between all comment further on this matter and any Premiers and Chief Ministers in respect of queries may be directed to my Solicitors native title and the need for native title Boulton Cleary & Kern. legislation to be made workable. The communique is quite extensive, but I want to And I make this solemn Declaration read into Hansard the relevant section. It conscientiously believing the same to be states— true, and by virtue of the provisions of the "Premiers and Chief Ministers Oaths Act 1867-1981." welcomed the move by the Federal For the record, so that people are Government to address quickly the aware—we still believe in freedom of speech unworkable and unresolved aspects of and in democracy in this place. Someone has the Commonwealth Native Title Act. In to speak out on behalf of this person, and I particular, they noted the need to clarify am quite prepared to do so. the uncertainty regarding lease hold land and to adopt procedures to better scrutinise claims prior to registration and Concerned Citizens for Mundingburra the right to negotiate applying." Mr BEATTIE: How many other people's The significance of that resolution is profound. driver's licences does the Minister carry? I refer For the first time, we have Governments the Minister for Police to his statement to the across Australia—Labor and non-Labor— Parliament last sitting week that the agreeing to a common position. One of the Concerned Citizens for Mundingburra signatories to this declaration was the Premier campaign was linked to the CJC inquiry into of , Mr Carr. I inform this the Memorandum of Understanding. That is House that the attitude taken by the New what the Minister said in this House. South Wales Premier has been a totally Mr Elder: Your words. responsible one. I place on record my appreciation for the support that he has given Mr BEATTIE: Those were the Minister's to changes to the native title legislation. words. I ask: on what grounds did the Minister As honourable members would be aware, believe that there was a link between those the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime two issues? Minister, Senator Nick Minchin, has been Mr COOPER: At that time, the meeting with all State Governments in respect Opposition's questions were deliberately of the proposed changes to the pointed towards muddying the waters and Commonwealth legislation, and the trying to use this Parliament for other Queensland position is essentially that agreed purposes. Now that Mr Owens has had a to by the leaders' forum in Adelaide. I chance to speak out, now that he has made welcome the support of Mr Carr. I would be his statutory declaration—and I am pleased very interested to know whether we have that he did so, because the man has been bipartisan support on this matter from the under extreme pressure—now that he has Leader of the Opposition and members spoken out and clarified his position, as far as opposite. I would be very interested to know I am concerned the matter has been whether the Leader of the Opposition supports adequately discussed and adequately these changes to the native title legislation. I canvassed. As far as Mr Owens is concerned wonder what the Opposition Leader thinks. I and as far as the concerned persons of wonder what the collective wisdom of Mundingburra are concerned, that is where members opposite is in regard to this matter. the matter rests. A little later this year, the changes to the native title legislation will be before the House Leaders' Forum of Representatives. The success of that process depends on the concurrence and the Mr SPRINGBORG: I ask the agreement of the Senate. I make the point Honourable the Premier: will he outline to the that the Senate must heed, and has the House the results achieved at last week's responsibility to heed, what is now the meeting of State Premiers? common position of all State and Territory 18 April 1996 652 Legislative Assembly

Governments across Australia. From the an obligation to ensure that the stated intent political party that landed us in this mess in of the native title legislation is dealt with in regard to native title legislation, the silence of such a way that the security of the pastoral the Leader of the Opposition has been leases is secure, and also that we secure deafening. I would have thought that that those other changes that the Queensland man, who rushes to be in front of the Government, is seeking in consultation with television cameras at the first opportunity, the other Premiers and Chief Ministers, that is, would have been endorsing the stand taken better procedures to scrutinise claims when by Mr Carr and the other State and Territory they are lodged prior to registration, and the leaders in Adelaide last week. That the Leader right to negotiate applying immediately. of the Opposition could make some I hope that before the end of this year we constructive and helpful suggestions in this will see native title legislation for all Australians regard is apparently too much to hope for. I that is workable. If and when that happens, have not seen him so quiet since he has been the role of all States and Territories will, of Leader of the Opposition; he is like a church course, be important, but the Queensland mouse. Government along with the Western Australian Government members interjected. Government and, indeed, the John Howard Mr BORBIDGE: Some of my more Government will be able to take some pride in unkind colleagues have referred to another that achievement. form of rodent. I certainly would not do that. What is important is that we now have a Concerned Citizens for Mundingburra Federal Government that is determined to work its way through the workability of native Mr FOLEY: I refer the Attorney-General title. This has been and Minister for Justice to the disclosure by prepared, with Western Australia and now with the Minister for Police and Corrective Services the other States, to support that process and, and Minister for Racing in this House as a result of action taken by this coalition yesterday that all the advertisements Government, starting on 11 June, certain appearing under the name of the Concerned matters in regard to pastoral leases will be Citizens for Mundingburra were, in fact, heard before the High Court of Australia. authorised and approved by the Mundingburra Liberal Party campaign committee. I ask: will The Deputy Leader of the Opposition in he refer this matter to the State Electoral his normal smug way is waving certain Commissioner asking him to ensure that the documents around. This Government makes money, reputed to be some $30,000, no apology for not taking any action that expended on the Concerned Citizens would undermine our chances of success in campaign is included in disclosures by the the High Court in regard to the security of Liberal Party in relation to their expenditure on pastoral leases. The native title legislation that the campaign? was given to this country by Prime Minister Keating, by Premier Goss, by Mr Farley of the Mr BEANLAND: It is quite obvious that NFF and by Mr Pearson of the Cape York the member for Yeronga is becoming very Land Council was sold at the time on the basis desperate on this issue, together with his of pastoral leases extinguishing native title. A shadow Cabinet colleagues on that side of the lot of people took that at face value. They House. Quite clearly, this is the last desperate believed the Prime Minister and the architects act of desperate people— of that legislation. What has come to pass has A Government member: Losers. shown that that is simply not the case. Mr BEANLAND: Losers, as the Minister To those smug, politically correct, says. southern-based journalists and some local editorial writers who have discomfort with the The Minister for Police and Corrective position that the Queensland Government has Services has covered very fully this matter in taken, I make the point that on the issue of the past few days in this Parliament. Now we native title, the attitude taken consistently by see an attempt once again by the members of the coalition in this State and the Western the Labor Party in this place to try to create Australian Government has proved to be, as some sensation out of that issue. Of course, time moves on, absolutely the correct position. they have failed to do that to date—failed very That is why we have adopted the attitude that miserably—and they are failing again now to we have in respect of the land agreement on create some sensation out of that issue. the cape. There is no problem with the Quite clearly, when one is talking concept of regional agreements, but we have about—— Legislative Assembly 653 18 April 1996

Opposition members: Answer the never consulted with us in relation to their question. proposal to deal with this issue. Members on Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Minister is this side of the Chamber are the ones who are answering the question. I will have some going to deliver and we will do exactly that. order. Mr BEANLAND: Thank you very much, Queensland Principal Club Mr Speaker. I am answering it very fully Mr HEALY: I refer the Minister for Police indeed. and Corrective Services and Minister for We are talking about the funding of Racing to the number of rumours circulating election campaigns and, of course, members currently within the racing industry, mainly in of the Labor Party know all about that. One country areas. I ask: will he outline the future has only to consider the amount of money of the Queensland Principal Club? that that party obtains from the union Mr COOPER: I thank the member for movement, via various methods, without Toowoomba North for the question. A lot of disclosure. That is a very important point in malicious rumours have been circulating, relation to this matter, when one considers especially in country areas, about the who is throwing stones from the other side of Government's intentions in relation to the the Chamber. The Labor Party does not make Queensland Principal Club. It does not matter the same disclosure of donations received what one says, those rumours persist, from the union movement that is required of because they are being generated by people donations from other bodies and who have other than decent intentions. We organisations. They must be disclosed in are fully aware that those people are trying to returns to the Electoral Commission. The disrupt the industry. The member for members opposite excluded donations to the Toowoomba North is fully aware of that; he union movement, and each and every one of comes from an area of the that those members opposite in this Chamber is very strong in country racing. Of course, our voted to support that, because the then aim is not only to ensure that country racing Opposition moved an amendment to set up a remains strong but also to improve it. political purposes fund and to have those For the past six years, country racing donations disclosed. However, each and every suffered at the hands of the former one of the members opposite spoke strongly Government. Our intention is to improve its against it, voted against it, and ensured that conditions. Unfortunately, some people are disclosure would not occur. That is why spreading rumours and actually ringing around donations from the union movement are not to other places. The other day the Noorama required to be disclosed, and that is why there Race Club, which is out near , is failure to disclose that information. received a telephone call from one of these characters saying that this is going to be the South Coast Motorway end of country racing, and that the country membership of the QPC is going to deteriorate Mr ELDER: I refer the Minister for at the expense of increased membership of Transport and Main Roads to the size of the the QPC by metropolitan clubs. I want to massive resumption, relocation of debunk that rumour and to say that it is utterly infrastructure and services such as the false. I will let people know that it is false not replacement of all overhead bridges, the only through this Parliament but also by way of replacement of river crossings and the total a mail-out setting out the contents of the realignment of all services for his heartless half ministerial statement that I made this morning, a highway. In terms of the social, health and my answer to this question and also quite a bit environmental concerns, I ask: will he now of information that will enlighten country race table in the House the outline for the clubs of the Government's intentions to environmental management plan for that debunk those malicious and deliberate project? rumours—if I can be so kind as to call them Mr JOHNSON: That project is currently rumours. in the design stage, and the project For the benefit of honourable members, I management team has been put in place. As will list the membership of the Queensland that project unfolds, details of design and Principal Club. Wherever I go, I have been issues relevant to the environment and local saying this—and I will keep on saying it. I have communities in general will be furnished to been saying this in the party room, and will members opposite. That is something that the continue to say it, "QRIS stays, QRIS stays, members opposite never did for us. They QRIS stays." I have said that so often, it is not 18 April 1996 654 Legislative Assembly funny. I have also said, "The QPC stays, the and how did it become coalition policy to QPC stays, the QPC stays." The membership establish offices of the State Tripartite Forum of the Queensland Principal Club is made up in places such as , Mount Isa, of the following people—and I want to read Townsville, Rockhampton and Toowoomba, as this into Hansard for all people to read—— outlined in of 13 February? Mr Veivers: The QPC is staying, isn't it? When was this specific reference to more offices first revealed to the public? Did the Mr COOPER: Well done. I will give Mr Minister detail the promise of new offices at his Veivers a tick. He gets 10 out of 10. The media conference after that meeting outside current committee of the QPC is made up as the Townsville General Hospital during the follows: Mr Bentley, who is the chairman, and Mundingburra election campaign? What who is from the Ipswich Turf Club; Mr Allom, promises caused Mr Miller and his friends to who is the vice-chairman, and who is from the boast around town that they had got Brisbane Turf Club; Mr Black, who is from the everything they wanted because they Downs and South-West Queensland Racing delivered the vote in the Mundingburra Association; Mr Forster, who is from the North by-election? Queensland Racing Association—— Mr HORAN: It is good to see the Mr Stoneman: A good man. honourable member up on her feet all alone. Mr COOPER: Yes, he is tops. The list Lately, every time we see her the Opposition continues: Mr Geeves, who is from the Leader is with her. They have become known Sunshine Coast Turf Club; Dr Guilfoyle, who is around town as the Peter Pan and Wendy from the Central Western Queensland Racing show. Association. Any comment? And further: Mr So much for a secret deal! The Hillman, who is from the Capricornia Racing Opposition Leader is talking about referring it Association; Mr Martin, who is the Licencees to the CJC. How ridiculous can matters Representative; Mr McLean, who represents become? We have people with policy and the Gold Coast Turf Club; Mr Stewart, who policy initiatives having media conferences in represents the Toowoomba Turf Club, and Mr front of the Townsville General Hospital, Sullivan, who represents the Queensland Turf photos taken by the Courier-Mail, interviews Club. For the benefit of the members of this with Miss Danni Cooper from the Townsville House, I say that those people have been Bulletin, and other radio and TV journalists are nominated by the various clubs and there—everything. Yet in Queensland if a associations that I have mentioned. The person has good policy and good policy composition of that committee is defined in initiatives, all based under the national section 11 F(1) of the Racing and Betting Act Aboriginal health strategy of partnership 1990. arrangements in service delivery, and stands All of the changes that I have announced up and publicly espouses it for all to see in recently, be they changes to the TAB, the front of the Townsville General Hospital—talk GRA, to harness racing and all the rest, have about it, give interviews, the whole lot—what absolutely no effect whatsoever on the happens? Those opposite say that it should QPC—none, zero, zilch, zip, nothing. The go to the CJC. metropolitan representation remains, and the I have a bit of advice for Ms Edmond. I country representation remains. There will be think she should also refer to the CJC the no further metropolitan representation over families and the groups in Townsville who are and above the country representation so that involved with people who have disabilities. We country racing would be disadvantaged. The had meetings with those people. We balance will be maintained. I have nothing developed good policy initiatives for five whatever to do with those people. However, in therapists in Townsville, which the Labor Party the interests of racing, I wish them well. I think then copied. She had better send them along that I have made myself clear. to the CJC as well. What about the doctors whom we met with and who complained about funding for the Townsville Hospital? During the Mr M. Miller course of the campaign we said that we would Mrs EDMOND: I refer the Minister for see that the Townsville Hospital received Health to a story in the Weekend Australian in better funding for its budget so that it could do which Mr Mick Miller, chairperson of the State the primary tasks it is there to do. She had Tripartite Forum, made allegations of a secret better send along the dentists, the nurses and deal with the Minister in relation to the all the administrative staff to whom we spoke Mundingburra by-election, and I ask: when about putting in a better system. Legislative Assembly 655 18 April 1996

That is the ridiculous stage that both from the educational community and the Queensland politics has reached. One stands general community. It will go on further public up before the public and says, "This is our display on about 2 May this year. After a long policy. These people believe that our policy is period of public consultation, the final plans will better than yours. These people believe that be drawn and put into effect. our policy will deliver better water, better The new high school at Kuranda will, in sewerage, better nutrition, better vaccination fact, be very similar to the one recently services, better diabetes control and better constructed in my electorate at Robina. When drug and alcohol control, all for the benefit of one looks at the new facilities offered by the Queensland health." That was stated publicly Department of Education these days, they are in front of the Townsville General Hospital. a far cry from the facilities that were offered Then the member says that it should go to the five to ten years ago in terms of the fit-out, the CJC! quality of the buildings and the equipment All I can say is that I well remember the which is installed. This high school will in fact Opposition Leader on the night that the start with an administration block, a resource Government changed hands in this place; he centre, a science block, a manual arts block, a stood up and said that he was not bitter. I home economics block, an arts block, general think that he is a bit bitter because all he studies blocks, agricultural and multipurpose wants to do is report to the CJC all of those sheds and other facilities. These facilities people who have publicly espoused policy and make the State schools which are now put on policy initiatives. stream quite a quantum leap from the facilities we provided several years ago. Kuranda High School In conclusion, this school will come on stream at the beginning of 1998. All of the Ms WARWICK: I ask the Minister for planning is in progress and, as I said, I Education: will he inform the House of the congratulate the member for Barron River for progress to date on the acquisition of the site pursuing this matter to its ultimate conclusion. at Myola Road for the construction of a high school at Kuranda? State Gas Pipeline Mr QUINN: Firstly, I thank the honourable member for Barron River for her Mr McGRADY: I refer the Minister for question and place on record the vigorous way Mines and Energy to his Government's in which she has pursued this matter since she decision to sell the State gas pipeline to has become the member for Barron River. I Pacific Gas Transmission Company for the also say that, after quite a long period of sum of $162m. I ask: could the Minister protracted negotiations between the owner of explain to this Parliament the weightage given the site and the Department of Education, the to the cash bid, and also the tariff component department has finally secured the site in of this deal? Could he further explain and Myola Road. elaborate on his claims that this will mean Now that the site has been secured, the lower gas prices for the consumers of concept and site plans can be progressed and Queensland? made available for public consultation. The Mr GILMORE: I thank the honourable estimated cost of the new school, when it is member for the question, which revolves finally built, will be something in the order of around a most important deal announced $4,200,000. It now has a target opening date yesterday by the Queensland Government, in of the first day of the school year in 1998. That terms of the disposal of the Government- date has been moved back one year because owned gas pipeline to Gladstone. of the extensive and protracted negotiations The deal came out of bids received from with regard to the acquisition of the site. four companies. It was very carefully When the school opens on that day, it is considered by a number of departments, so anticipated that it will have an enrolment of that we have come to the very best deal for somewhere between 170 and 200 students in the people of Queensland, and particularly the Years 8, 9, 10 and 11. To get that progress up industrial complex of Gladstone. What is going and running so that we are not delayed any to come out of that is, of course, a guarantee further, it is anticipated that we will, in fact, of a supply of gas at world's best prices for the appoint an interim principal at about the industrial complex of Gladstone. beginning of the second semester of 1997. Opposition members interjected. An initial master plan has been drawn up. Mr GILMORE: I am curious about the To date, it has met with widespread support question, and I am curious about the 18 April 1996 656 Legislative Assembly interjections that are coming from the other Mr Beattie brought her into the office and said, side of the House, because this is quite an "I am going to give you the position of extraordinarily good deal for the people of Opposition Health spokesperson", I wonder if Queensland, in so far as the reserve price on he told her the good news about the possible that fuel was $111m. $38m budget overrun that the Health Mr McGRADY: I rise to a point of order. Department is facing this year. I wonder The question was quite simple: in arriving at whether he told her about the $24m budget the decision, what weightage did the overrun from last year. I wonder whether he Government give on the cash bid and the tariff told her about the $34m that he tried to pilfer component? in the night from the Capital Works Program to cover up the budget overrun. Mr SPEAKER: There is no point of order. The Minister is answering the question. Mr Borbidge: Talking about budget overruns, she got a pretty good one up in Mr GILMORE: I would remind the workers' compensation. honourable gentleman that he is now in Opposition. He asks the question and I get to Mr HORAN: The track record is there. I answer it, and it is my turn. Let me tell the suppose she probably knew how to handle the member that the bid price of $162m was quite quantum of the overrun. I wonder whether the considerably in advance of the reserve price of Leader of the Opposition told the member for $111m. Mount Coot-tha that he had made arrangements to transfer $34m from the In respect of the tariffs that were Hospital Rebuilding Fund—money that would associated with that bid, it was a multi-part have been used for Maryborough, Proserpine, tariff bid. It was one which, having finally been Hervey Bay and Rockhampton. I wonder how negotiated, is inflation-protected for the people the contractors would have been paid? of in respect of the tariffs. The net present value of that bid was the very Mr Livingstone interjected. best of the four bids in respect of the capital Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the value that we receive for the pipeline, and in honourable member for Ipswich West under respect of the world's competitive tariff costs Standing Order 123A. for those people. In fact, the bid, negotiated in the way that it was, reduces the tariff Mr HORAN: I wonder whether the Leader of the Opposition told the honourable component to businesses of central member how those contractors would have Queensland like no other bid that was been paid when the $34m was transferred to received. The Opposition can be well satisfied cover up the recurrent budget overrun he was that this is absolutely the best deal that could leaving behind. I wonder whether he told her have been provided. It was considered about the $1.2 billion blow-out of the Capital carefully and we are very pleased indeed with Works Program's Hospital Rebuilding Fund. I the outcome. bet he did not! Unfortunately, just as happened last year, she has received the Reopening of Hospital Wards hospital pass. I wonder how she can sit with that mob, having twice had that done to her. Mr STEPHAN: I refer the Minister for Health to a central plank of the coalition It is a pleasure to tell this House that Government's health policy, which is the some two weeks into Government we were reopening of hospital wards. I ask: can the able to seek additional funding from Treasury Minister explain to this House what initiatives to cover some of the serious hot spots in have been implemented in this regard? Queensland Health left behind by the previous Mr HORAN: I thank the member for Government. First of all, we sought funding to Gympie for his question. It is a pity that the reopen wards at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. Opposition spokesperson is not in the On 7 May, Ward 3F will reopen, and 18 Chamber at the moment, because she would additional nurses have already been recruited. be able to hear about some of the progress On 24 May, Ward 3E will be reopened. Five achieved under the coalition Government in extra nurses have already been recruited, and reopening wards that had been closed, and in currently a substantial number of graduates giving back some basic services. Maybe she is are being interviewed. fearful of receiving another hospital pass. Last In addition, of course, the allocation of year, we saw the honourable member for these additional beds means that the hospital Mount Coot-tha get the hospital pass of the is able to undertake additional elective surgery workers' compensation package given to her every day. The previous Government had when she was made a Minister. When reduced the cap on elective surgery from Legislative Assembly 657 18 April 1996 about 78 to 45, and then down to only 27 Sunshine Coast Motorway and the operations per day. However, operations are Government's unfunded decision to build "half starting to increase in number and more beds a highway" to the Gold Coast? are being made available. Mrs SHELDON: I find that to be quite A couple of weeks ago I visited the Gold an extraordinary question coming from the Coast Hospital, and already 27 of a possible failed Minister for Transport. During his reign, 30 beds have been reopened. Thirteen railway lines were closed down throughout additional nurses and five allied health staff Queensland. have already been employed because of the Mr Borbidge: The former Government reopening of those beds. At the Prince closed down one-third of the rail network. Charles Hospital, we have provided funding so that an extra six operations per week can be Mrs SHELDON: One-third of the rail performed, so that within a short space of time network was closed down, mostly in regional the number of people who are currently Queensland, and many railway employees lost outside the guidelines for category 1 their jobs as a result. That was thanks to a operations—30 days—will be back within those Labor Government! I am amazed that the guidelines. honourable member has the effrontery to ask a question about rail lines, given that he was Not only have we been reopening wards the principal architect of the closure of a third throughout the State; in north Queensland we of the railway lines in this State, an action have also been providing good, basic services. which put thousands of railway employees out Cairns Hospital has been provided with of work. additional funding and has already put on staff, a principal house officer in the accident The sale of the gas pipeline was very and emergency unit, and is currently positive for the State of Queensland. The advertising for a director of accident and reserve price was $111m; we received $162m emergency. For years, no public urology net. In addition, about another $6m in stamp services have been available for the north of duties and so on will be paid to the State of the State. We have provided over $900,000 to Queensland as a result. Also, we negotiated the Townsville General Hospital, and the extraordinarily good tariff prices. Gas will cost hospital has advertised for a full-time staff roughly 74c per gigajoule, and that is urologist. Already, one application and an something about which all of the industrial inquiry have been received. That service, once users of the gas pipeline are very pleased. implemented, will provide not only a full-time The shadow Treasurer seems to think that staff urologist, new equipment and all the this was not such a good deal for the State at non-labour costs, but will also mean that the all. For his benefit, I point out that ICI has told urologist will be able to visit Mackay and Cairns the Treasury that it was very pleased with the for clinical sessions and Mount Isa for an out- decision. It is the main client of the gas patient clinic. pipeline. QAL is delighted that existing users Once again, the Borbidge Government is will also receive immediate tariff reductions, delivering good, basic, caring services in spite and it also considers PGT to be a very of the dreadful financial mess of almost reputable company with which to do business. unbelievable proportions left behind by the QMAG is over the moon with the result, and former Minister for Health, Mr Beattie. I refer to QGL is also very pleased with the outcome. It the recurrent budget and the attempted said that it was particularly happy that a transfer of $34m out of capital works and also competitor was not associated with the the massive $1.2 billion budget blow-out in the preferred bidder. Capital Works Program. Those four major industries in this State are delighted that they will pay a reduced tariff for gas, which means that they will become State Gas Pipeline; Carpentaria/Mount more profitable, can expand and put on more Isa Mineral Province staff. The Government is trying to attract a Mr HAMILL: I direct a question to the major aluminium refinery to the State. A major Deputy Premier and Treasurer. I refer to the factor that would convince Comalco to invest Government's decision to sell the State gas in an aluminium refinery in this State would be pipeline, and I ask: will these funds be used to the price of gas. It is delighted with the price of upgrade the Mount Isa-Townsville rail line to 74c. Not only are the current major industrial serve the Carpentaria/Mount Isa mineral users delighted with the result but it also looks province in line with the Cabinet decision of very much as though we will be able to attract the former Labor Government, or will the major business to the State, resulting in job moneys be used to meet the debts of the growth and a boost to the economy. 18 April 1996 658 Legislative Assembly

Also, average domestic consumers of gas Mr BORBIDGE: What we saw today will be much better off in that they will pay from the Leader of the Opposition was just a lower tariffs. There has been a great further shabby act of political cowardice. I discrepancy in tariffs, ranging from nearly $3 challenge the Leader of the Opposition to down to $1. In future, commercial users will make those allegations outside the pay 74c, and domestic users will pay a much Parliament. I challenge him to do so. He better rate as well. This contract will be signed accused my staff and me of stealing at the end of the month, at which time there equipment. Applying the same rules, I will tell will be an immediate reduction in tariffs for the House what is missing from the Executive both commercial and domestic users. That Building. has been a great win for the Government, Honourable members would be well industry, jobs and domestic users. I am aware that, upon the change of Government, I absolutely astounded that the Opposition offered the Leader of the Opposition new does not consider that to be a good outcome premises and new equipment to ministerial for the State. standard. To this end, the Leader of the Having PGT in the marketplace will create Opposition was offered more than 400 square a lot of competition, something that we will metres of office accommodation at 80 Albert need if we are going to hook into the national Street, fully maintained and fully serviced to competition policy. The bids of other bidders ministerial standard, not the squalor that my were examined independently. As with any staff had to work in at Margaret Street for six commercial decision, there will be some losers years. Both the Leader of the Opposition and and some winners. We have had a winner with his staff inspected the premises with officers of PGT. The Government has received a very the Premier's Department and approved of nice letter from the Gas Transmission and them. Storage CMS thanking us for the opportunity Let me take this opportunity to outline to be able to bid. It was very happy to see that some of the facts. Soon upon assuming such an extremely good deal was able to be Government, officers of my department put in brokered. place a stocktake of equipment across The Government will use the $51m profit Government. That stocktake has uncovered a to the State to provide infrastructure that is substantial amount of equipment which very badly needed. Currently, the Commission cannot be located at its intended location. I of Audit is reviewing all infrastructure needs of point out to the Leader of the Opposition that the State. When the absolutely hopeless lot that same stocktake revealed that a opposite were in Government, there were no substantial amount of equipment is missing plans for the provision of basic infrastructure, from the fifteenth floor of the Executive either physical or social. The Commission of Building. That is equipment which, according Audit is examining what infrastructure is to the stocktake, should be located there. I needed now and what will be needed in 5 and would not accuse and I am not accusing the 10 years' time. A desperate need exists. previous Government of stealing equipment, because clearly that has not happened. Mr Elder interjected. I have sought information from my Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the department in regard to the list of equipment member for Capalaba under Standing Order tabled today, and I can advise the Leader of 123A. the Opposition as follows. He might just learn Mrs SHELDON: This $51m windfall to something. I am advised that there are two the State will be used to provide very basic broken computers currently at Margaret Street and necessary infrastructure for the State. It is which I had intended to replace for the new a great win for the people of Queensland, and office of the Leader of the Opposition at 80 I am delighted that the Government was able Albert Street. I now seek the advice of the to succeed. Leader of the Opposition as to whether he would prefer the broken computers or the new ones that I was going to supply to him—the Opposition Office Equipment ones listed in the document that he tabled this morning. Over and above that, if the Leader of Mr CARROLL: I refer the Premier to the the Opposition really wants me to, I will also allegation by the Leader of the Opposition this make arrangements to transfer the 10 broken morning that some equipment of the and obsolete—I emphasise "broken and establishment of the former Opposition had obsolete"—computer keyboards to which the been stolen by the Opposition staff, and I ask: Leader of the Opposition referred this can the Premier outline the true situation? morning. Legislative Assembly 659 18 April 1996

I am also advised that some of the Government members: Shame! equipment mentioned by the Leader of the Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader Opposition stretches back as far as the 1980s of the Opposition. when, as honourable members will recall, it was the Labor Party that occupied the Mr BEATTIE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Opposition benches in this place. In terms of The list of missing items tabled by me this computer programs—in particular D-base 3 morning was prepared by the Premier's own and PageMaker referred to this morning by department. It was the Premier's own the Leader of the Opposition—I am advised department that identified what he had taken that the said programs were loaded onto and is missing. Opposition computers and the disks were Mr BORBIDGE: I rise to a point of returned immediately to the Premier's order. I am quite happy to table the list of Department and are currently housed there. equipment which, according to the definition of I also want to say a few words about the the Leader of the Opposition, was taken from disgraceful attack that the Leader of the the fifteenth floor of the Executive Building. Opposition made against my staff this Mr BEATTIE: If I can complete my morning. That attack was particularly matter of privilege—I repeat that this list was disgraceful in view of the working conditions prepared by the officers of the Premier's own that our staff were subjected to for six years department; it is not my list. As the Premier and the way in which we have moved quickly well knows, on two occasions I have sought in to improve facilities, entitlements and correspondence to have it returned. equipment for the Opposition. For the Leader Mr Elder: Eight weeks. of the Opposition to brand as thieves staff who worked in appalling conditions which did not Mr BEATTIE: Eight weeks we have comply with the provisions of the Workplace waited. I remind the Premier that that audit is Health and Safety Act shows how low this to take place at 11.30 this morning. He should political assassin will go. not try to get out of it; it is his own list. I will cite some instances. This morning the Leader of the Opposition branded people QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE as thieves. One of those people on my staff Public Service Traineeships; Youth whom the Leader of the Opposition branded Unemployment as a thief paid $4,000 out of his own pocket for computer equipment because the Mr BRADDY: I ask the Minister for member's lousy predecessor would not supply Training and Industrial Relations: given that it. In terms of the equipment provided to the the Goss Labor Government ordered a quota Opposition—the National Party had to provide of 400 traineeship positions to be provided by a facsimile machine to my press secretary and Queensland State departments and then pay the bills associated with it because authorities in this financial year, is it a fact that the employment of public service trainees has the member's lousy predecessor would not been suspended because of the current approve it, and the Leader of the Opposition has the audacity to come into this place today Sheldon freeze on public service and brand these people as thieves! appointments? Further, I ask: what action is the Minister taking to make the "frozen" What we have seen from the Leader of Treasurer see reason on this vital issue of the Opposition is an act of political cowardice. I employment for long-term unemployed youth? just want to say—so that everyone in this Mr SANTORO: Whenever one listens to Chamber is fully aware of the consequences— members on the other side these days, one that I have spoken to my staff this morning and, like me, they invite the Leader of the cannot miss the fact that they cover Opposition to repeat these outrageous themselves constantly with the cloak of allegations outside Parliament, and we will see hypocrisy. This morning, I listened very how they stack up. carefully to the honourable member opposite when he made his statement. He tried to link the content of his question to the whole issue PRIVILEGE of unemployment. I want to take the opportunity to refer to that part of the Opposition Office Equipment member's question and speak about the Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader record of those on the other side in relation to of the Opposition) (11.23 a.m.): I rise on a the issue of unemployment, and in particular matter of privilege. The material that I the issue of unemployment as it relates to distributed this morning—— youth. 18 April 1996 660 Legislative Assembly

Honourable members may be interested about unemployment. I am talking about his to know and be reminded of the employment administration's disgraceful record. According and unemployment record of members to all indicators available to the public of opposite. If one looks at any indicator which Queensland, it was atrocious. measures the level of unemployment, one Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time for sees that under the previous Labor Party questions has expired. administration, under previous Labor Ministers, the record speaks for itself, and it is atrocious. I point out to the honourable member that it is LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT one that I would not seek to ever raise in this BILL place because it is one that is utterly Hon. D. E. McCAULEY (Callide— embarrassing to him. Minister for Local Government and Planning) Let me refer first of all to the absolute (11.30 a.m.), by leave, without notice: I figures. I wish I had more time to go through move— the few points that I jotted down. I did not "That leave be granted to bring in a bother to organise a dorothy dixer on this Bill for an Act to amend the Local subject because the honourable member Government Act 1993." gave it away when he started talking about employment and unemployment. I wish that I Motion agreed to. had more than two minutes so as to be able to answer the honourable member's question First Reading comprehensively. Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and Let me deal with the absolute rate of Bill, on motion of Mrs McCauley, read a first unemployment. The number of unemployed time. has increased from about 69,000 in December 1989 to well and truly, and consistently, over 150,000. Let us look at this disgraceful record. Second Reading The rate of unemployment at the beginning of Hon. D. E. McCAULEY (Callide— the honourable member's administration was Minister for Local Government and Planning) about 6.9 per cent, yet it was nudging 11 per (11.30 a.m.): I move— cent—well above the national average—during most of the years that the Labor Government "That the Bill be now read a second was in power. time." It gives me great pleasure to introduce If one has a look at youth unemployment, one will see that disgraceful record of over 30 this Bill, which implements a major per cent unemployment. One will also see that commitment the coalition gave to those in various regions in Queensland under the people in Queensland whose local councils Labor administration the level of youth were forcibly amalgamated by the previous unemployment was well and truly over 35 per Labor Government. The provisions of the Bill give all electors affected by those forced cent and in some areas up to 40 per cent. In amalgamations the opportunity to make their some cases, it was even above that figure. If views known to the Government on whether or one looks at regional unemployment, one not they want their areas to remain sees that the Labor Government gutted the amalgamated. If the majority of electors in public service and the provision of public each affected area favour deamalgamation, services in country centres, again adversely the Bill lays out a process for their views to be affecting the rate of regional unemployment. If considered by Parliament and, if appropriate, one talks to small businesses and asks them for the necessary arrangements to be put in why they are not employing young people, place to reinstate the local governments which one will be told about the Labor Government's existed immediately prior to amalgamation. blatantly unfair and biased union rules and employment rules, and the unfair dismissal Some people are of the opinion that it is laws which mean that small businesses—— impossible to deamalgamate an area—a bit like trying to unscramble an egg. This is not Mr Braddy: What about traineeships? the case. It can be done, and the Bill provides Mr SANTORO: I will take the a rational and logical process for honourable member's interjection—the unfair deamalgamation to occur. However, the task dismissal laws which inhibited the capacity of is not an easy one and the costs of small businesses to employ young people. deamalgamation will have to be met by those The honourable member asked a question communities which choose that path. about unemployment; I am telling him plenty Estimates of the likely costs will form part of Legislative Assembly 661 18 April 1996 the material that is sent to all electors where a year. As an alternative to deamalgamation, referendum on deamalgamation is to occur. the Bill also provides the electors of Cairns, The task in front of us has also been made Gold Coast and Ipswich with the opportunity to much harder by the failure of the previous say whether they want their existing councils to Government to respond to persistent requests go back to the polls next year rather than from the community that all electors should be having the elections deferred until the year entitled to have their say about any proposed 2000. boundary change involving an amalgamation. The process for achieving total When in Opposition, we moved deamalgamation can be broken up into five amendments to the Local Government key stages— Legislation Amendment Bill in February 1994 1. the lodgment and verification of to require any action to amalgamate the local petitions calling for a referendum on government areas of Warwick, Allora, the question of deamalgamation; Glengallan and Rosenthal to be subject to support by the majority of electors in each of 2. the conduct of a referendum; the areas. The level of support was to be 3. consideration by Parliament of the gauged by holding a poll under the Local results of a referendum; Government Act. The Labor Government 4. implementation of a proposal to rejected that proposal and proceeded with the deamalgamate; and forced Warwick amalgamation. Later on, it also created the super councils for Cairns, 5. holding fresh elections in 1997 for Gold Coast and Ipswich by more forced any reinstated councils. amalgamations. In the lead-up to the State Stage 1 is already under way. In this elections last July, the coalition therefore gave respect, the Bill recognises seven approved a commitment that, where local governments forms of petition specifically designed for had been forcibly amalgamated by the Labor potential use by affected electors in each of administration, legislation would be introduced the relevant areas. The petitions call for a to enable a referendum to be held on the referendum on the question of reinstating the question of deamalgamation. Through this Bill, local government areas which existed prior to the Government is honouring a principle that amalgamation. To provide affected electors matters of such local significance should be with sufficient time to sign the petition, the dealt with democratically rather than by forms were approved by the Director-General trampling roughshod over the wishes of the of the Department of Local Government and community. Another indication of the way the Planning on 20 March 1996 and published in previous Government did not listen to ordinary an extraordinary gazette of the same date. In Queenslanders was its decision to provide five- the case of the Cairns, Gold Coast and year terms for councillors on the Cairns, Gold Ipswich areas, the approved petition form Coast and Ipswich super councils. The Bill will includes a statement that, if a also put in place a process for the electors of deamalgamation referendum proceeds, an those three local governments to express their additional question will be put to electors views on the retention of the five-year terms. about whether elections for these councils I will now turn to the provisions of the Bill should be held in 1997 at the same time as in more detail. The proposed legislation is: the elections for all other councils. time limited in nature; lays out different The electors who are entitled to sign the procedures from those in the Local petition are those enrolled under the Electoral Government Act dealing with the review, report Act as at 27 March 1996 in the amalgamated and recommendation by the Local area or in parts of the areas which were Government Commissioner on reviewable transferred to an adjoining area. For example, local government matters such as changes to when Ipswich City and Moreton Shire were external and internal boundaries; and applies amalgamated, parts of the area were then put only to the cities of Cairns, Ipswich, Gold Coast into Brisbane and Logan Cities and Esk Shire. and Mackay and the shires of Burnett, To be a valid petition, it must be lodged with Cooloola and Warwick as well as the adjoining the Minister by 10 May 1996 in the approved local governments that were affected by the form and comply with the requirements set out amalgamations. In effect, the Bill will enable on the back of the form. For example, the the reversal of the regulations which abolished affected elector's surname, given names, or altered certain local government areas to address for which the elector is enrolled on 27 create the amalgamated areas. This will occur March 1996 and signature must be included. in time for any fresh elections to be held when The Director-General of the Department of all councils face their triennial elections next Local Government and Planning must then 18 April 1996 662 Legislative Assembly verify that the electors who signed the petition preliminary processing of such votes. In the were entitled to do so, that is, an entry on a case of Cairns, Gold Coast and Ipswich, the petition page was made by an affected polling process will involve the simultaneous elector. holding of two referendums, that is, one on Stage 2 of the process deals with holding the question of deamalgamation and the a referendum. Where a petition is signed by other on an early election. This is necessary 10 per cent or more of affected electors, due to the complexities associated with having arrangements for holding a referendum on the two categories of affected electors entitled to question of deamalgamation are automatically vote in different areas. triggered. A referendum of affected electors To ensure the integrity of the referendum must be held before 28 July 1996 on the process, the Bill also provides for the question of deamalgamating the area which is appointment of independent returning officers the subject of the petition and on the question and assistant returning officers by the Minister. of bringing forward the elections to 1997 for the existing councils if the petition relates to To have a meaningful referendum, it is Cairns, Gold Coast or Ipswich. To enable any essential electors entitled to vote are able to unforseen circumstances to be addressed, the make an informed decision. For each Governor in Council has a reserve power to fix referendum, the Bill therefore requires an a later date for a referendum. explanatory statement to be sent to each affected elector. This statement is to be The electors who are entitled to vote at a prepared by an independent person deamalgamation referendum are those who appointed by the Minister and will set out that on 10 May 1996 are electors under the person's assessment of the advantages and Electoral Act in the amalgamated area or in disadvantages of deamalgamation and the those areas which were transferred from the estimated financial cost. Similarly, if a amalgamated area to an adjoining area. In referendum is held in Cairns, Gold Coast or the case of a referendum for an early election Ipswich, the independent person is to also in the Cairns, Gold Coast or Ipswich areas, the prepare a statement setting out the electors entitled to vote are those who on 10 advantages, disadvantages and the financial May 1996 are electors under the Electoral Act costs of holding elections in 1997 for the for the existing amalgamated area. The Bill existing councils. The Bill enables a different has set the date for closing off a voters' roll for person to be appointed for the preparation of a referendum as 10 May 1996 to provide statements in each affected area. However, to sufficient time for compiling the rolls prior to support a consistent approach, a reserve referendum day. To ensure that members of power exists to allow the Minister to give this House are kept informed and to preserve directions about the format of the statements. the integrity of the process to verify petition entries, a copy of each petition is to be tabled The Minister will also be able to enter into in Parliament together with a copy of the agreements with these persons about the director-general's advice and the gazette preparation of the statements; for example, to notice indicating whether or not the petition set deadlines and the assistance the qualifies for triggering a referendum. department may need to provide to achieve those deadlines. However, the Minister would Once it has been established that a not have any power over the content of the referendum is to be held, a polling process explanatory statement. The people preparing based on the existing procedures in the Local these statements should be beyond reproach. Government Act dealing with the conduct of It is therefore intended to appoint persons with council elections applies to the referendum. the necessary skills and experience to do the Some things such as compulsory voting will job and for those persons to be impartial and apply without change. However, a number of objective in the preparation of the statements. changes have to be made to reflect that a If referendums are to be held, I will discuss referendum is being held. For example, as with the Local Government Association of there are no candidates for election, new Queensland the names of the people I procedures are required to deal with matters consider are capable of preparing these such as the appointment etc. of scrutineers. statements. That would happen before any Different ballot papers are also necessary and appointments occur. further procedural changes are proposed to minimise costs and to facilitate the possible As part of the process of developing the conduct of a referendum by a full postal statements, the independent persons would ballot—for example, the use of reply-paid also consult with the affected councils and rather than pre-paid envelopes, more publicly interested people and groups in the acceptable declaration envelopes and early community and others who hold information of Legislative Assembly 663 18 April 1996 relevance. Because of the emotions that are from into the current City of likely to be involved amongst some supporters Gold Coast, along with a majority of electors and opponents of a referendum question, the on the roll for the old area of Gold Coast City. differences of opinion as to what might be the If a majority is not secured in both of these advantages and disadvantages and their areas, the question is not approved. degree of importance, the best estimates A referendum in Cairns, Gold Coast or made of likely costs etc., the Bill provides that Ipswich on holding an early election in 1997 is the explanatory statement is a non-justiciable taken to be approved if it has been supported document. That is, it cannot be challenged in by the majority of the affected electors a court. Hence the importance placed on the enrolled on the voters roll in the newly credibility of the independent persons. amalgamated area; for example, in Cairns. A To further assist affected electors make majority of such electors on the roll in the new an informed decision, the Local Government area of the city must vote "Yes" to a 1997 Commissioner is to prepare a statement election. If there is no qualifying petition for setting out the electoral arrangements that deamalgamation in any of these local might apply to fresh elections for the government areas, the five-year term of office reinstated areas. These arrangements involve will remain. If the vote is "No" for both the number of councillors, whether or not there referendum questions, the five-year term of are electoral divisions and, if so, the office will also remain. assignment of members to those divisions. Stage 3 of the process deals with The Bill requires the arrangements for consideration of the results of a referendum reinstated areas to accord with those that on deamalgamation. Where a applied before the forced amalgamations were deamalgamation referendum is approved, the implemented. However, because of the Minister must table the result in Parliament. In population growth for some areas which view of the enormity of a decision to previously had electoral divisions, it will be implement such a referendum question, the necessary to make changes to the old Bill requires this can occur only if the divisional boundaries to meet the quota Legislative Assembly then passes a resolution requirements in the Local Government Act. A asking the Governor in Council to make a summary of these proposals will be given to regulation to abolish the amalgamated area affected electors with the detailed proposals and reinstate the pre-existing areas. If the being placed on public display by the returning Legislative Assembly does not make the officer. appropriate resolution within seven sitting For a referendum question to bring days, the deamalgamation of the relevant forward the elections for the existing Cairns, local government area cannot proceed. Gold Coast and Ipswich City Councils, an Due to the requirements under the joint electoral arrangements statement will also be roll agreement between the State and the prepared by the commissioner to adjust the Commonwealth for three months' notice to current electoral divisions so they are in quota. prepare electoral rolls based on new Given the tight time frames, the uncertainty boundaries, it will be necessary for Parliament that could exist for some electors as to their to have dealt with the referendum results by right to vote and the different rolls for different questions, it will be more efficient to have a full the middle of October 1996. postal referendum, that is, every elector on the Stage 4 of the process deals with the roll will be sent a ballot paper and supporting situation where Parliament endorses the material through the post. A power for the implementation of a deamalgamation Governor in Council to direct a full postal ballot proposal. The Bill provides that a regulation is has therefore been included in the Bill and to be made to abolish the existing Cabinet has approved this process. amalgamated local government area, create The results of a referendum are to be new local government areas and make any presented to the Minister in the form of a necessary adjustments to external boundaries return from the returning officer. The question with adjoining local government areas in order on deamalgamation is taken to have been to restore the external boundaries applying approved if it has been supported by the prior to amalgamation. majority of the affected electors in each of the The Governor in Council is also pre-existing local government areas who are empowered to make regulations in relation to enrolled to vote. For the Gold Coast, a majority the election of councillors for the reinstated of electors on the voters roll must vote "Yes" local governments and the relevant electoral to deamalgamation in the area of the old arrangements. The composition, divisional Albert Shire, including a portion transferred arrangements and assignment of members as 18 April 1996 664 Legislative Assembly set out in the referendum electoral statements example, the application of budgets, the are basically to apply. Both sets of regulations transfer of assets and liabilities, the recovery of would have application for the purpose of unpaid rates, the keeping of records, etc. enabling all the procedural steps to be put in Where a referendum for deamalgamation in train to conduct fresh elections in 1997 and the Cairns, Gold Coast and Ipswich areas is from the conclusion of those elections. not approved but the referendum for an early The Bill will also allow regulations to put in election is approved, the Bill enables the place the necessary arrangements for the Minister to seek the approval of the Governor transition of the amalgamated area to the old in Council to an amending regulation bringing local government areas; for example, forward the elections for the existing councils approving interim corporate structures for the to 1997. new councils, appointment of acting chief The fifth and final stage in the process executive officers and senior staff, the relates to holding a general election following assignment of other staff, reorganisation of a decision to deamalgamate. The Bill provides accommodation, systems and processes, etc. that the fresh election of any reinstated local An independent person can be appointed government will be held at the same time as under the regulations to undertake the tasks the next triennial elections of local outlined above. The person would have the governments. At this stage, the elections are capacity to appoint staff or co-opt existing to be held on Saturday, 30 March 1997. council staff for this purpose and be able to However, as this date falls on the Easter give directions to the council or its employees. weekend, consideration is being given to fixing The regulation power is couched in terms another election day in March. that ensure there is a process by which a The Bill also provides that the Minister council has the capacity to object to the may direct all the costs associated with the Minister against a direction by the deamalgamation process for a particular local independent person. In view of the government area are to be met by the considerable impact deamalgamation would relevant local government. It is intended that have on certain adjoining local government all reasonable costs be either recovered from areas, the Bill also enables the electoral or be directly charged to the relevant local arrangements for those areas to be government. rationalised in time for the 1997 elections. For example, if deamalgamation of the Burnett Finally, because of the tight timelines and Shire was to occur, the City of Bundaberg the unforseen issues that can arise—for would be significantly affected by the transfer example, in adapting existing councillor of approximately 6,000 electors to the electoral procedures to conducting a reinstated Gooburrum and Woongarra Shires. referendum—a reserve regulation power has Bundaberg is currently divided into 10 divisions also been inserted to vary those procedures or with one councillor assigned to each division. otherwise facilitate the holding of the referendum. The Bundaberg City Council has requested that it go undivided for the 1997 That concludes my description of the elections. This request is currently the subject significant provisions under the Bill. The Bill is of a reference made to the Local Government seen as providing a balanced and democratic Commissioner. Even if this reference was fully approach to dealing with quite complex issues implemented, it may be necessary to urgently that have been of serious concern to many review the electoral arrangements again if the people affected by the forced amalgamations deamalgamation of Burnett Shire was to pushed through by the former Labor occur. For example, the city council might want Government. I commend the Bill to the House. to reduce its composition. The Bill provides Debate, on motion of Mr Mackenroth, any such review must involve consultation with adjourned. the relevant local governments and the consideration of the proposal by the Local Government Commissioner. However, PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES because of the time constraints in the joint roll LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL agreement, the normal statutory process for examining reviewable local government Resumption of Committee matters cannot apply. Debate resumed from 17 April (see A further regulation power has been p. 620). included to deal with the administrative Hon. R. E. Borbidge (Surfers Paradise— arrangements for the reinstated councils. For Premier) in charge of the Bill. Legislative Assembly 665 18 April 1996

Clause 3— Of course, the other area of committee Mr HAMILL (11.51 a.m.): I could not work that blossomed under the former help believing that the Premier's comments Government was the Estimates committees. I last night in answer to the Opposition's well remember the processes of this submissions in relation to this clause were Parliament prior to the election of the Labor somewhat gratuitous. The Premier made Government when it came to dealing with comments to the effect that the Opposition Budget Estimates. At that time, the was being half-smart and opportunistic, and Committee of the Whole was allowed to he suggested that the Government's proposal discuss only certain departmental Estimates in would ensure that the Opposition had a any one year. Those Estimates were selected greater say in the committees of this place. in the same way as the Leader of the House wants to select the chair of committees—the I thought that those comments were quite Leader of the House, a member of the extraordinary and, in the same vein, the Government of the day, would tell us which provisions in clause 3 are quite extraordinary. I Estimates we were allowed to debate. also find it extraordinary that the Government believes that parliamentary committees should That same sort of high-handedness is be denied the right to select their own chair. I being demonstrated in relation to this would have thought that it is only fit and provision. I am all for a strong committee proper that the people who have been system; I hope that all other members are as selected by this place to sit on committees well. However, to provide, as this provision should determine who chairs each committee. does, that the committees cannot select their We do not need the mandate of the Leader of own chair is very, very wrong indeed. the House to choose the chair of a committee. The other point that I want to raise I believe that the members of the six relates to the other part of clause 3, which committees that are proposed are quite able gives the Government's nominated chair of to make that decision. the committee two votes. It is quite Mr FitzGerald: Ha, ha! extraordinary that in his comments last night the Premier should fall back and say that that Mr HAMILL: I take the interjection of the was a recommendation of EARC. Yet not long Leader of the House, who chuckled at my ago, when the Opposition moved a motion suggestion that committee members are able that the Speaker should be able to exercise a to select their own chair. I would have thought deliberative vote, the Government would not that six members of this place are quite able have a bar of it. The Opposition had certainly to determine who should lead their committee. not suggested giving the Speaker a I am surprised that the Leader of the House deliberative vote, that is, giving that person a thinks otherwise. second vote by way of a casting vote. The Last night the Premier said that the Opposition made it very clear in its motion that committee system of this place was the the powers of the Speaker would be amended product of previous National Party so that the Speaker should exercise one vote Governments. I will go down memory lane in and one vote only, and that would be a relation to the history of committees. In the deliberative vote. almost 13 years that I have been a member of In relation to what is proposed in this this place, I have made plenty of speeches clause—we have the Premier posturing that it about the committee system. I remember that is all about giving the Opposition a greater say I made quite a number of those speeches and greater clout in committees. However, when I was previously in Opposition. I criticised what the clause means is, "We will make the most severely the absence of a properly numbers even on the committee, but we will formed committee system in this place. give one of the Government's representatives Indeed, it was only under the former Labor two votes just to make sure that that Government that committee work in this place even-handedness does not go too far." I really came into its own. I refer not only to the believe that the proposition would have committees that were established to serve the greater credibility if the Premier had just said, then EARC committee and the Criminal "We want seven votes exercised on the Justice Committee but also to the very good committees—four from the Government and work that was done by the Travelsafe three from the Opposition", which, of course, Committee in particular, which was a has been the state of play on committees in committee established under the former Labor recent years. We do not need a proposition Government. The member for Archerfield that tries to structure the committees in a way played a very distinguished role in the good that truly gives the Government four votes on work of that committee. a committee and the Opposition three 18 April 1996 666 Legislative Assembly votes—a proposition that has been tarted up the issue. In other words, the way the Bill has to suggest that there is going to be equality of been drafted is to ensure that the person who representation on committees. initiates the selection process is the Leader of Consequently, the Opposition feels very the House by means of a nomination. strongly about these matters. I hope that the However, the selection itself is by the House, Premier might reflect a little not on what he because each of these committees are says but rather on his deeds and see that the parliamentary committees and there is no proposition that is contained in the clause intention at all to in any way diminish the really does not meet the very high standards traditional role of the House in this process. If I that he claims to have set for himself. had received different advice, I would have been prepared to amend the Bill, but on the Mr BORBIDGE: I am becoming basis of information given to me and the increasingly amazed by the antics of the statements I have now made to the members of the Opposition. We offer them Committee, I see no practical need for further new computer equipment and they want the action to be taken. broken stuff back; we offer them new office accommodation and they do not want it; and Mr BEATTIE: I reiterate the today we are offering them equal numbers on Opposition's position that we will be opposing parliamentary committees and they do not this clause. The Premier's response does not want that either. I just cannot work out the overcome the concerns we have previously twisted logic of the Labor Party. expressed. I can only reiterate what I said in my We do not seek to change the second-reading speech in regard to the Opposition's numbers on this committee, matters that have been raised last night and regardless of which party forms the this morning, and that is that the proposal that Opposition, but we do seek to have the a chairperson have a casting vote was Government represented by four members, recommended specifically by the Electoral and which is the current position. It is not a matter, Administrative Review Commission in its report as the Premier tries to imply, of giving us equal on the review of parliamentary committees. So numbers at all. Under the power given to the we are doing what the umpire suggested. We chairman in terms of voting, we effectively are doing something that the Labor Party, have four-three, anyway. when it was in Government, was not prepared Mr Hamill: Let us be honest about it. to do. I refer again to paragraph 8.197 of the EARC report into parliamentary committees, Mr BEATTIE: Exactly, let us be honest which states— about it. Let us not play games. Effectively, we "Furthermore the commission have four-three, anyway. Our concern, as we believes that the chair of a committee said yesterday, is that when the numbers in should have both a deliberative and, in this House change and they are not as close the event of a tied vote, a casting vote. as they are now, the Government will have The commission has reached this enshrined in legislation a disproportionate conclusion on the basis that with small representation in relation to the committee committees, which may or may not have system that will require legislative change. even numbers of members, there is an That is unnecessary, it is unworkable and it is increased likelihood of tied votes. In order unreasonable. to ensure the timely conclusion of The Premier said that he finds our committee business the chair should have position hard to understand, but it is not hard the power to resolve tied votes." to understand at all. The Premier says one The other matter that was raised—which I thing, but then does something different. He dealt with briefly in response to the honourable trumpets the importance of FOI legislation in member for Ashgrove last night but which has Opposition, and yet the Health Minister, Mr been raised again today by the member for Horan, took all his briefing notes to Cabinet Ipswich—is the method of appointment of last Monday to avoid people gaining access to members to parliamentary committees. them under FOI legislation. The Premier talks about access, yet a week ago my driver was For the information of all honourable barred from access to the Premier's members, I point out that overnight I Department to collect material. That never canvassed those concerns with the happened under our Government. I suggest Parliamentary Counsel. It is the view of the that the Premier looks at that issue. I find it Parliamentary Counsel that, although the pretty offensive when my driver cannot—— Leader of the House nominates the chairperson, it is the Parliament which decides Mr Borbidge: I am not aware of that. Legislative Assembly 667 18 April 1996

Mr BEATTIE: I appreciate that the NOES, 42—Ardill, Barton, Beattie, Bird, Bligh, Premier was not aware of it—I am not Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Burns, Campbell, suggesting he was—but I think that it was D'Arcy, Dollin, Edmond, Elder, Foley, Fouras, Gibbs, unreasonable. One of my assistants had to Goss W. K., Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, McElligott, walk a great distance with a lot of boxes. McGrady, Mackenroth, Milliner, Mulherin, Nunn, Those are the sorts of concerns that I have Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Purcell, Roberts, about what is said and what is delivered. Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Smith, Spence, Sullivan J. H., Welford, Wells Tellers: Livingstone, The Opposition will oppose this provision, Sullivan T. B. because when we return to Government our Pair: Warwick, Woodgate. committee system will be based on four-three, as it was during the Labor Government under Resolved in the affirmative. Premier Goss. I am not prepared to support a Clause 4— position that I will not support when I am Mr BORBIDGE (12.12 p.m.): I move the Premier. following amendment— Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: I support the "At page 5, line 17— comments of the Leader of the Opposition completely. However, I take offence at the omit, insert— suggestion by the Government that the '(3) This Act (other than section 26) committees themselves, as constituted in this does not apply to the Criminal Justice Parliament, whether they be of equal numbers Committee.'." or of numbers that reflect the difference between Government and Opposition parties, Basically, the proposed amendment could not properly elect a chairman, and, seeks to ensure that section 26, which deals therefore, the Government feels it is necessary with the privilege against self-incrimination, for the chairman to be elected in the first applies to the reconstituted Criminal Justice instance by the House. Committee. In moving this amendment, I I accept that the methodology, which the inform the Committee that at this stage the Premier checked overnight with the Government's intention is simply to maintain Parliamentary Counsel, is in fact an election of the status quo with respect to section 26 in the chairman by the Legislative Assembly. that it will apply to all relevant parliamentary Nevertheless, I believe strongly that it is the committees. I appreciate that there are some prerogative of committees to elect their own concerns about section 26, some of which chairpersons. I suggest that the Premier give were expressed when the parliamentary some thought to reviewing this matter. If he is committees legislation was debated last year. going to deliver committees of equal Therefore, I instructed officers of my numbers—which he is able to do without department to review this provision to recourse to legislation—then he should give determine whether any further changes were some thought to the suggestion that required. At this stage, it would be premature committees be left to determine who their to make a substantive change in the law in chairpersons will be. If a committee is such a potentially important area without unable—without a casting vote, of course—to having all the implications being thought do anything other than to divide three-three on through. The same applies in respect of the matter, then the matter of electing a chair amendment No. 2, which will be moved can be returned to the Parliament. I think that consequential to this amendment. provides a greater respect for the people who Mr BEATTIE: Yesterday, members will are going to serve on committees and, recall that I signalled that I would be moving particularly, a greater respect for members of an amendment in the Chamber which the Opposition. removed the requirement of people appearing Mr BORBIDGE: Good try, but no. before the Criminal Justice Committee to Question—That clause 3, as read, stand answer questions that might lead to their part of the Bill—put, and the Committee giving self-incriminating evidence. I am divided— pleased to see that the Government has AYES, 43—Baumann, Beanland, Borbidge, Connor, picked up our suggestion. It could have simply Cooper, Cunningham, Davidson, Elliott, FitzGerald, accepted our amendment. However, I accept Gamin, Gilmore, Goss J. N., Grice, Harper, Healy, that the Premier has moved an amendment Hegarty, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Lester, Lingard, which, in effect, achieves what we sought to Littleproud, McCauley, Malone, Mitchell, Perrett, achieve. I thank him for that. Quinn, Radke, Rowell, Santoro, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, Stephan, Stoneman, Tanti, Turner, Veivers, My concern about this provision is very Watson, Wilson, Woolmer Tellers: Springborg, simple. It is important for powerful Carroll parliamentary committees to be able to carry 18 April 1996 668 Legislative Assembly out their work. However, the rights and concern and to indicate to the Premier that we freedoms of individuals need to be protected. will be watching for this sort of thing in the The amendment moved by the Premier, which future. We have some concerns about the we support—and, as I said, it is identical to drafting of Government amendments and their ours—does not remove the opportunity for the timing. It would have been quite appropriate Parliamentary Criminal Justice Committee or for the Premier to have accepted our any other committee, when experiencing amendment. difficulty in obtaining answers from witnesses, This morning, I reconfirmed that in the to report the matter to the House so as to be debate on the committee legislation in given appropriate authority to direct a witness September the Premier moved six to answer questions. amendments, one of which was accepted by I put on record that the honourable the Government and later enacted through a member for Gladstone, who is not in the SLUMP Bill. It was accepted by the then Chamber, expressed a particular view in Leader of the Opposition that one relation to that matter when it was raised in a amendment would be dealt with in another similar Bill put forward by the Goss way, and the four others were rejected. The Government. I know from her previous voting rejected amendments essentially make up this pattern on such issues that she shares the amendment Bill. Although we have some view of the Opposition. concerns about the process, the Opposition Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: I rise to speak not will not oppose the Government's so much about the amendment but to express amendment. some concern with respect to the Mr CAMPBELL: I wish to make some circumstances surrounding the origin of the further comments in relation to my strong amendment, and I wish to do so in a feelings about section 26 of the Act, which non-accusatory way. Nevertheless, the deals with the privilege against Opposition has some concerns. At 9.30 or self-incrimination. I am also concerned about thereabouts on the evening before last, the parliamentary privilege, especially as it applies Opposition asked the Office of Parliamentary to the Parliamentary Criminal Justice Counsel to draft the amendment mentioned Committee. earlier by the Leader of the Opposition. In its Under sections 94 and 96 of the Criminal final form, that amendment arrived in the Justice Act, the commission is given the power Parliament at 11.48 yesterday morning. At to compel witnesses to give evidence, yet the that stage, I assure the Parliament that the Parliamentary Criminal Justice Committee Table Office was not aware of any impending does not have that power. This issue has amendment to the legislation by the been referred to in the past. I feel that it is Opposition. totally unacceptable for the committee A reading of Hansard will show that, when monitoring the commission not to be able to the Leader of the Opposition spoke about this call witnesses and compel them to answer matter in his speech in the second-reading questions when it is conducting an inquiry—for debate, the Leader of Government Business, example, an inquiry into Operation Wallah— Mr FitzGerald, by way of his interaction with given that the commission has such a power. the Leader of the Opposition, was also In other words, the body that is monitoring the unaware that an amendment to this clause commission does not have as many powers would be moved by the Government. At that as the body it is monitoring. That is an issue of time, Mr FitzGerald was listed to speak first on importance to the Parliament. I know that behalf of the Government. Shortly after those undertakings in that regard have been made exchanges took place, Mr FitzGerald was before. As to the Criminal Justice noticed to go into the Minister's room in the Committee—it is very important that we company of a person who visited the maintain that power for the good of the Parliament at that time and has not been Parliament. seen here during the ensuing debate. Two Mr BORBIDGE: In response to the minutes later, an amendment surfaced matters raised by honourable members—the trumping the Opposition's amendment. amendment that I have moved was first Although at this stage I do not wish to flagged with me by departmental officers accuse anybody of anything in particular, Mr yesterday morning. So I do not want to get Chairman, you can understand why members into a petty argument as to who was first; that of the Opposition are somewhat concerned would be really silly. I believe this shows that about the circumstantial evidence of an there was concern amongst members on both inappropriate train of events. I wish to flag that sides of the Parliament in regard to this Legislative Assembly 669 18 April 1996 matter. I say in all sincerity that I do appreciate same: these are matters that can be dealt with the comments made by the Leader of the adequately in the resolution of appointment of Opposition and the support of the Opposition committees. I do not see the need for us to in this regard. I am pleased to place that on depart from the Westminster tradition to make the record. There was no conspiracy to defrock these matters a statutory requirement. the Leader of the Opposition to stop him from Mr BORBIDGE: I never thought I would moving an amendment. Basically, I think what hear the day when the honourable member happened was that the timing was probably for Caboolture said he trusted me. I thank him roughly the same, as members on both sides for that character reference. We are seeking to of the Chamber acknowledged that an apply consistency across all parliamentary amendment along these lines would be committees. Notwithstanding the assurance desirable. given by the former Premier when this matter In respect of the matters raised by the was last before the Assembly and my honourable member for Bundaberg—I acceptance of that assurance, I felt that it was appreciate those concerns. I believe that they appropriate that it be determined formally by have legitimacy amongst members on both the Parliament so that those arrangements sides of the Chamber. As I indicated earlier, I are written into law. have instructed my departmental officers to Clause 6, as read, agreed to. review this provision and to keep an eye on it so that, if necessary, and if there is discomfort Insertion of new clause— amongst members on both sides of the Mr BORBIDGE (12.25 p.m.): I move the Chamber or there is reason to further examine following amendment— it in the future, we can bring it back and have "At page 6, after line 3— subsequent discussion if it is necessary to attend to some of the concerns which the insert— member for Bundaberg outlined. 'Amendment of s 26 (Privilege against self-incrimination) Amendment agreed to. '6A. Section 26(1)— Clause 4, as amended, agreed to. omit, insert— Clause 5, as read, agreed to. '26.(1) This section applies to a Clause 6— statutory committee, or another Mr J. H. SULLIVAN (12.22 p.m.): As I committee of the Legislative Assembly said in my contribution last September and authorised by the Assembly or an Act to again yesterday, I see no reason for this call for persons, documents and other power to be in this Bill in terms of any things.'." committee. I refer to the amendments moved This is consequential to the earlier in September by the then Opposition Leader, amendment accepted by the Parliament. Mr Borbidge. He moved a similar amendment to the Bill at that time. Having been assured Amendment agreed to. by our then Premier, Mr Goss, that the matter New clause 6A, as read, agreed to. would be dealt with in the resolutions of Clauses 7 to 9, as read, agreed to. appointments of the committee the following day, in line with practice in Westminster Clause 10— tradition, he accepted that assurance and Mr BEATTIE (12.26 p.m.): I move the withdrew the amendment. Today, the following amendment— amendment that Mr Borbidge foreshadowed "At page 7, lines 12 to 27, and page at that time is now proposed as an 8, lines 1 to 6— amendment to this Bill. The only conclusion I can draw is that Mr Borbidge trusted Mr Goss omit." more than he trusts himself, seeing as it will be This amendment is consistent with our him who will have control of drafting the opposition to clause 3, which provides that the resolutions of appointment. position in relation to the Criminal Justice Mr Beattie: You would understand that, Committee remain four-three numerically and surely. that either a deliberative or casting vote not be given to the chairman. In other words, we are Mr J. H. SULLIVAN: I can understand seeking to maintain the Criminal Justice that, but I had not expected Mr Borbidge to Committee in its current form. This is really admit it quite so readily. The position I took in consequential to the amendment proposed in September and again yesterday remains the relation to clause 3. 18 April 1996 670 Legislative Assembly

I will not reiterate the arguments that I would be quite happy to do that. If the Leader have previously put on the record in this of Government Business is today indicating debate other than to say that I believe that support for the return of the honourable this Parliament needs to use the committee member for Ashgrove to the Speakership, system to give all members, particularly new then we welcome that support. The members entering the Parliament, experience honourable member for Ashgrove may not be in the workings of the committee system, an sitting in his current seat for much longer. The opportunity to participate in its processes, and Honourable the Speaker, who is no doubt in to not only involve themselves in the particular his chambers listening to this debate, would assigned work of the committee but also to be less than impressed with all of us! hear evidence, take submissions and consult Mr FitzGerald interjected. with the various people who appear before that committee. Mr BEATTIE: The member for Nicklin will come and vote. I have been on public record in this Chamber on many occasions saying that the Mr Fouras: I want him to relax over his parliamentary committee system is one of the lunch. most educative things that members in this Mr BEATTIE: Yes, I am sure. House can participate in, particularly in their There is a need for consistency in these formative stages after their election to the matters. We are demonstrating consistency. I Parliament. That is why I believe it is important conclude my remarks by saying that in my that as many members of the Assembly as view the Parliamentary Criminal Justice possible have an opportunity to serve on Committee was given one of the most parliamentary committees. important tasks of all in the recommendations Increasing the Government of the Fitzgerald report. I believe that the representation to four advances in this committee deserves special consideration in particular committee the opportunity for one these matters, which is why we have persisted more person to serve on a parliamentary with this amendment. committee. That view relates consistently to all other parliamentary committees. I accept that Mr BORBIDGE: It is interesting that the the Premier does not support our view, but it is Leader of the Opposition indicates that the a view that we strongly hold. When we return Parliamentary Criminal Justice Committee to Government the composition of the deserves special consideration. I remind the Parliamentary Criminal Justice Committee will honourable gentleman that it was his Government which abolished it. be amended. There will be changes, and it will be returned to the four-three position that we Mr BEATTIE: I cannot let that cheap have advocated here. jibe go. The Premier is the master of cheap It would be remiss of me if I did not jibes. He is well aware that I have consistently remind the Premier of the debate that was been a supporter of the Parliamentary Criminal held recently about a private member's Bill Justice Committee. which I introduced in relation to the voting Mr Bredhauer: You should have been ability of the Speaker. The Premier would be here yesterday and heard his speech. aware that on that occasion we took a Mr BEATTIE: Had the Premier been different view. I am disappointed that the here yesterday, he would have heard me Premier is taking a different view—— explain clearly the democratic processes and Mr FitzGerald interjected. the wonderful way in which they operate within Mr BEATTIE: I realise that the the great democratic party that I have the Government also took a different view. Both privilege of leading in this place. I have made the Premier and the Leader of Government it very clear that my consistent support for the Business know exactly what occurred during Parliamentary Criminal Justice Committee that debate. They may sit there smiling like since I was the inaugural chairman has not Cheshire cats, but they know exactly what I changed, nor will it. mean. Question—That the words proposed to Mr J. H. Sullivan: If the candidate be omitted stand part of the clause—put; and changed they might reintroduce that. the Committee divided— Mr FitzGerald: Will you support him AYES, 43—Baumann, Beanland, Borbidge, Connor, Cooper, Cunningham, Davidson, Elliott, FitzGerald, now for Speaker? Gamin, Gilmore, Goss J. N., Grice, Harper, Healy, Mr BEATTIE: If the honourable Hegarty, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Lester, Lingard, member for Ashgrove were the Speaker, we Littleproud, McCauley, Malone, Mitchell, Perrett, Legislative Assembly 671 18 April 1996

Quinn, Radke, Rowell, Santoro, Sheldon, Simpson, Another achievement of the Goss Labor Slack, Stephan, Stoneman, Tanti, Turner, Veivers, Government was the establishment of one of Watson, Wilson, Woolmer Tellers: Springborg, the best travel terminals outside Brisbane. Carroll Prior to that, two large fig trees sufficed as the NOES, 42—Ardill, Barton, Beattie, Bird, Bligh, Maryborough travel terminus. Can honourable Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Burns, Campbell, members imagine waiting for a bus on a wet D’Arcy, Dollin, Edmond, Elder, Foley, Fouras, Gibbs, winter's night under a dripping fig tree? Goss W. K., Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, McElligott, McGrady, Mackenroth, Milliner, Mulherin, Nunn, The first Government office to be Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Purcell, Roberts, established in Maryborough in over 50 years Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Smith, Spence, was built at a cost of some $2.9m and now Sullivan J. H., Welford, Wells, Tellers: Livingstone, houses the regional education office and the Sullivan T. B. Environment and Heritage Department. A Pair: Warwick, Woodgate regional office to house the Department of Resolved in the affirmative. Family Services is nearing completion and the Wide Bay regional laundry is expected to be Clause 10, as read, agreed to. completed this month at a cost of $5.5m. That Clauses 11 to 13, as read, agreed to. laundry will service Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Bill reported, with amendments. Monto, Gayndah, Biggenden, Childers and perhaps Gympie hospitals. On completion, the laundry will be the most modern and hygienic Third Reading in Queensland. Bill, on motion of Mr Borbidge, by leave, Some $7m was invested in Maryborough read a third time. Base Hospital over the first two terms of the Labor Government, $2m on a new maternity facility. The former Government had little DEBATE ON ADDRESS IN REPLY option on that as Maryborough specialists had Sessional Order refused to practise in the old Lady Musgrave Mr FITZGERALD (Lockyer—Leader of maternity facility that the Goss Government Government Business) (12.40 p.m.), by leave, inherited. One specialist, Dr Stokes, was without notice: I move— reported in the media as saying that a mother and child would certainly die if something was "That for the remainder of this day's not done about the hygiene and the 30 sitting the debate on the Address in Reply minutes it took in an emergency to transfer a may resume until 5 p.m. and shall count mother from the maternity unit to the as three quarters of an allotted day." operating theatre. Caesarean section mothers Motion agreed to. were bypassing Maryborough for Bundaberg and Brisbane to give birth. This was taking place under the good old hospitals board ADDRESS IN REPLY system to which we appear to be returning. Fourth Allotted Day A further $5m was spent on new Mr DOLLIN (Maryborough) (12.40 p.m.), equipment such as a new X-ray machine. The continuing: In the run-up to and during the last old one was about the same vintage as a 6/20 State election, the Minister for Police, Mr Brownie camera. I was rather shocked when I Cooper, was a very regular visitor to had the need of an X-ray. The operator lined Maryborough. On every visit he pointed out me up, then went outside with a button in his how understaffed Maryborough's police hand attached to a long cord, shut the door services were. In fact, the National Party and pressed the button. That did not instil me candidate promised 65 police officers if the with much confidence as to how safe was the coalition was elected. Well, the coalition was procedure. That took place under the good old elected. It is now the Government, and it National Party and the old hospitals board should keep its promise. I will not hold the new system. Minister to the 65 officers promised by the Maryborough Base Hospital did not have National Party candidate, but I do ask him to an ultrasound machine; now it has one of the replace his rhetoric with action and appoint six latest. Nor did it have the laparoscopic extra officers as soon as possible. The citizens equipment required to perform key-hole of the Maryborough electorate are watching surgery; now it has state-of-the-art equipment. and will judge this Government and this A third operating theatre has been Minister according to whether they keep their established. As one theatre must be on stand- promises. by at all times, the new theatre doubles the 18 April 1996 672 Legislative Assembly hospital's operating capability. Most of the helpless people, which is merely the tip of the hospital has been repainted and recurtained. iceberg. The report of the inquiry undertaken The staff were involved in the selection of in December 1990 states— colour schemes and curtains, and they did an "The complaints covered a wide excellent job. The wards are now bright and spectrum ranging from cold showers cheerful, in stark contrast to the drab, grey, through delays in provision of medical aid peeling paint that we inherited from the to callous, vicious treatment of inmates." Nationals and the hospitals board. Mr Elliott: Why didn't you raise this with A further $9m was allocated from the last the former Health Minister. Goss Budget for further upgrading of the Maryborough Base Hospital. Stage 1, which Mr DOLLIN: The former Health Minister was the total refurbishment of the old Lady conducted the inquiry and we did a lot about Musgrave Unit to a Community Health Centre it; it is not like that any more. If the honourable costing $1.2m, is completed and was member listens quietly, I will tell him how it has occupied by community health officers two changed. The report continues— weeks ago. When fully staffed, that centre will "Relatives complain of old lazy staff. house an in-patient rehabilitation unit, a Patients are propped up in bed and in pharmacy unit, an operating day procedure chairs. unit, a medical records unit, a rehabilitation day hospital, a geriatric assessment unit, a Numerous people have complained community health unit, a library and education about seeing patients falling out of chairs unit, and most importantly the long-awaited and not being picked up for some hours. soundproof room for the testing of the hearing Despite these witnesses approaching staff impaired. For many years, people with hearing and requesting assistance. One lady impairment had to travel to Brisbane for that informed us when she approached the facility. staff who were busy playing cards she was told to"— A new ambulance centre was planned and funded in the last Goss Budget at an ping off. It further states— estimated $800,000. That was planned to be "Almost all complaints have referred commenced this June. I hope it has not been to bumps and bruises and cuts on caught up in the Treasurer's freeze, as the patients from rough handing. ambulance officers are working out of terrible Patients within days of death are accommodation: an old hospital ward with a being forced to feed, shower and care for lean-to for ambulance vehicle accommodation. themselves. That has been the case for the past 30 years under the Nationals and the good old No-one cuts up any meals for the hospitals board. patients. If incapable mostly they just Talking about the good old hospitals don't eat." board pre-1989, the Minister for Health should These complaints are recorded in the report familiarise himself with some of the goings on that I have just tabled, if any honourable at the Maryborough Base Hospital and the member wants to read it. The report Wahroonga Nursing Home by reading a report continues— that I will table for his benefit. That is a report "Previous staff who claim they have of an inquiry into those matters following a left because they could not instigate any request that I made to the then Health changes in the place claim patients are Minister, the Honourable Ken McElligott, stripped in their rooms and wheeled in because of the dozens of very serious their chairs to showers down corridors etc. allegations reported to me about some of the totally naked, showered, then brought staff, the management and the board, the back to their rooms naked and dressed latter being described by my constituents as again. useless. They stated that when they complained about the terrible treatment Almost all calls including staff have waged against their relatives, they were told by told of people being given cold showers if the management and the board that, if they they wet the bed. It is widely claimed that were not happy about the treatment that their buzzers are out of patients' reach so they mothers, fathers, brothers or sisters were can't ring them. Hence they soil receiving at the home, they should take them themselves. When discovered by staff home and stop complaining. I will give hours later, they were yelled at and given honourable members a brief of some of the these showers. Others claim patients with treatment that was being dealt out to those false teeth have them removed if they are Legislative Assembly 673 18 April 1996

naughty as punishment making eating would grant $3m up front towards a difficult." community entertainment centre in Walker Mr Nunn: All under the old hospitals Street. I am sure that that is a promise that board system. they will fulfil very soon. Mr DOLLIN: All under the old hospitals To sum up, Maryborough has prospered board system. over the last six years through the good management of the Goss Labor Government The report continues— across a wide spectrum of industry and "Others claim they have witnessed Government services. In my opinion, two people ring buzzers for literally hours areas of great achievement are education and before they received attention." health. I am certain that we would not have The report contains many more complaints, witnessed or achieved anything like the great and I recommend that the Minister and leap forward that we had in health had we not honourable members take time to read the got rid of the old Maryborough hospital board report that I have just tabled. and replaced it with the Wide Bay Regional Health Authority. I thank the director of the This, honourable members, is what the Wide Bay Regional Health Authority, Mr Paul Goss Labor Government inherited from the Kelly, and all of his staff for the great progress National Party Government in 1989 and the they achieved at the Maryborough Base good old hospital board of that time. I ask: is Hospital during their short reign of this what we are going back to—back to management. I wish them well in the future. central control and boards? I certainly hope not. I ask the Minister for Health to read carefully the report that I have tabled so that A high priority for Granville residents is the he is fully aware of the mess to which the widening of the Granville bridge, which was Maryborough Base Hospital had degenerated, also planned and financed in the last Goss and to note the composition of the board in Budget. That project needs to be completed that period. I ask him to be very careful when urgently before there is another casualty. I he is appointing a new board. Neither I nor my have been given an undertaking by the constituents want to see the now good Minister for Transport and Main Roads that services that are being delivered at the this project will start this month—a month later Maryborough Base Hospital back to anything than was scheduled, but better late than like they were prior to 1990. I am very pleased never. On behalf of the Granville residents, I that the Minister for Health is in the Chamber. I thank him for that. am sure that he has heard what I said. If he The proposed start of the Tinana bus reads the report that I have tabled, I am sure service keeps retreating month by month. It is that he will find that everything in it is factual. frustrating Tinana residents to no end as they The report was compiled in the right manner, are without any public transport whatsoever. I setting out the witnesses to the events. fail to understand why it has taken over 12 Debate interrupted. months to organise a simple bus run. I bring to the attention of the Minister for Transport and Main Roads that the No. 1 PRIVILEGE priority for 90 per cent of Maryborough electors Opposition's Computer System is a successful result in freeing up the Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader redundant QR land for a major shopping of the Opposition) (12.52 p.m.): I rise on a complex. Three developers are rearing to go. I matter of privilege. In question time this say to the Minister that it just needs a little oil morning the Premier misled the House by in the right place. The Mayor of Maryborough saying that the computer software program, and I have met with the Minister for Transport, Pagemaker, had been loaded on to the Mr Johnson, and he has given a commitment Opposition's computer system. to come to Maryborough and look into this Officers of the Premier's Department were matter first-hand. I sincerely thank him for this in the Opposition's offices yesterday. They and I am sure that the great majority of confirmed at that time that Pagemaker was Maryborough citizens will also thank him. not available on the system. This information I take this opportunity to remind the was further confirmed by officers of the Premier and the Treasurer, Mrs Sheldon, of Premier's Department at about the same time the commitment that they gave Maryborough that the Premier was on his feet in the House during the last State election campaign and this morning. This program has not at any time that was that, on attaining Government, they been available following the departure of the 18 April 1996 674 Legislative Assembly coalition along with the computer hard drives Premier's Department to discuss any problems from the Opposition offices. Staff who were to that may arise from time to time, particularly in appear this morning in the offices of the relation to Government departments. This Opposition to attend to matters including initiative will enable the Government not only missing equipment have not yet arrived. to be pro-active in local government I understand that the Ministerial Services representation but also to foster development Branch is currently at war with the Ministers and employment opportunities throughout this because of their spending. This should not in northern region of the State. The Deputy any way affect the return of equipment to Director-General of the Premier's Department Opposition offices. will be based in Townsville. The office will have full support staffing and will be represented by senior Government member Mark Stoneman, ADDRESS IN REPLY who now holds the position of Parliamentary Fourth Allotted Day Secretary. The office will have sufficient resources and manpower to represent all of Debate resumed. those provincial areas for the Premier. Mark is Mr MALONE, continuing: I take and always has been a long-term advocate for pleasure in rising to join in the debate on the the progression and development of north adoption of the Address in Reply. Mr Deputy Queensland so that it realises its full potential Speaker, before doing so, I congratulate you in all areas, such as tourism, minerals, industry on your appointment as Chairman of and rural pursuits. Committees and I wish you well in that role. I The electorate of Mirani is well positioned would also like to congratulate Mr Speaker on to take advantage of these arrangements. his progression to the high office of Speaker of Coalmining developments inland will have a the House. I am sure that he will bring to that major effect on the shipping of coal through office a sense of history, pride and integrity. I the dual coal ports of Hay Point and Dalrymple would also like to wish him a long sojourn in Bay. Already, that complex is one of the that position. world's largest coal ports and currently rivals In rising to join in the debate on the Richard's Bay in South Africa as the world's adoption of the Address in Reply, I pledge my largest coal port. The expansion of Hay Point loyalty and that of the citizens of the Mirani and Dalrymple Bay will ensure that this electorate to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. complex will be one of the great ports of the In doing so, I express the hope that she will world. remain Queen of Australia for many years to In many areas, the Mirani electorate has come. I also express my loyalty to the tremendous potential for development and Governor of Queensland and hope that the employment opportunities. The new office will be maintained for many years to Department of Economic Development and come under its present constitutional Trade will help to achieve that. Currently, a arrangements. number of manufacturers, light and heavy, are I must say that I am very pleased that the developing overseas contacts in order to move Borbidge Government has tackled head-on into the area. In particular, the mining industry the source of the real problems of the previous is leading the way with innovative, imaginative Goss administration in relation to the products and processes. provisions of services to Queenslanders and to I was pleased to note in the Governor's take real counsel from local sections of the Speech that there will be the implementation community. It will take some time for ordinary of contemporary planning and approval people—mums and dads, workers and systems that will be responsive to the business people—to get back to believing that aspirations of the community for ecologically the elected representatives, and consequently sustainable development. It will also respect the Government, are mindful of their concerns investors' requirements for planning certainty and are willing to do something about it. and the timely response to applications for The abolition of the Office of the Cabinet development approvals. Appropriate provision will go a long way towards helping the will be made to planning approval legislation community overcome its fear of big and impact assessment procedures. Government rolling on and rolling over the Approvals management will also be reviewed. community's concerns and needs. The setting That step alone will have a tremendous up in Townsville of the Office of Premier with streamlining effect on the progression of branch offices in regional areas, including development in my region. Quite a large Mackay and Cairns, will enable people in north percentage of calls received in my electorate Queensland to have direct access to the office relate to the concerns of investors, Legislative Assembly 675 18 April 1996 project office managers and developers in contribute up to $5,000 towards restitution in relation to delays, stonewalling and unclear appropriate cases. guidelines, particularly in local government In the area of education—it is interesting matters. I can nominate a number of investors to listen to the comments of teachers and who have been disadvantaged by hundreds of principals in relation to the direction that the thousands of dollars and others who have new Government has taken. The comment decided that the pain is not worth the effort that I most frequently hear is that there and have taken their money and their appears to be a focus on getting teachers expertise elsewhere. Our region will move back to teaching; there seems to be a focus ahead quickly if those problems can be on the basics; there seems to be a focus on overcome. minimising the programs that are The provision of additional funds to assist non-productive and pushing the programs that people who have disabilities and their carers, will encourage students to achieve their particularly those supporting people who have maximum individual potential. Programs such intellectual disabilities, will benefit those who as SPS and LOTE have merit, but they must need it most. The extension of the Seniors be able to be integrated into the school Card concessions will be a major benefit to community without causing a negative impact many of those in our community who have and tailored to maximise positive aspects so worked hard all their lives and who are in need that there is a definite enhancement to our of some support in their later years. school environment. Most teachers indicate Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.30 p.m. that Language Other Than English programs Mr MALONE: Discussion on law matters should be available in primary schools but should only be offered on a voluntary basis. are a high priority in my electorate, as in many Emphasis and support should be given to others. The two-man police station in the students who are having problems with the Pioneer Valley is operating with one officer, English language. It will take time, and there is with little hope of relief for sick leave or holiday much still to do, but the focus will be turned leave, which results in the station being closed around. for the required period. Understaffing is also a major concern in the Mackay station. In Sarina, the centre of my electorate, the Sometimes only a single squad car is available high school has been lacking a basic for busy periods during the weekend, undercover area for many years. Since my particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. election almost two years ago, I have made It is pleasing that the Government is several representations to Education Ministers committing an additional 2,780 police to be in to have this anomaly corrected. It is a place by the Year 2005. The Government particularly important facility, considering the has given a commitment to provide a recruit climatic conditions and the connection with training centre in Townsville, to be opened in skin cancer in that area. Sarina is in the 1996, and to build a north Queensland police tropics, and under the current environment of academy. This commitment will meet the duty of care we must take good care of our future needs and demands of the public for young charges. more well-trained police to curb the ongoing In the interests of fair play, I must say that and increasing crime rate, and will give our $230,000 was set aside by the previous citizens a sense of safety within the Government for this facility. The facility which community. The cost of this commitment is could be built for that money was an open $1.1 billion. multi-function complex, measuring 14 metres It is also pleasing to see a commitment to by 19 metres, designed by Project Services. empower the courts to be able to sentence The unfortunate fact about this scenario is that multiple and repeat murderers to a minimum even now a building of that size cannot hold number of years’ imprisonment which will the full complement of students, let alone the exceed the mandatory minimum of 20 years. staff, for a school assembly. The school is Some horrific crimes have occurred over the showing a steady increase in enrolments, and last few years, and the animals that perpetrate it will not be too long before a building of this these crimes should be well and truly aware size will be obsolete—perhaps even before it is that the party is over. If they do the crime they built. The school community is keen to ensure will have to do the time. Another innovation is that the building is acquired and that it meets the empowering of the courts to require the the long-term needs of the school. I know the parents of a child appearing on criminal Minister understands the position and I will charges to appear before the court, too, and continue to consult with him. 18 April 1996 676 Legislative Assembly

Project Services have quoted $230,000 reviewing the Act, the committee must also as the cost of building the desired facility, take into consideration the effect of which would measure 14 metres by 19 metres. competition reforms—the Hilmer national The school's P & C has been very pro-active in competition policy. Hopefully, the industry can this situation and it has actually obtained a demonstrate that positive aspects of private quote for a building that is roughly community benefits can overcome some twice as big—20 metres by 40 metres. The perceived negative aspects of limited quote that it obtained was $170,000. This competition and maintain the single-desk private firm can construct a building with similar seller through control of the Queensland specifications to that of the building proposed Sugar Corporation. by Project Services, although twice as big, for Even though the sugar industry has been approximately $30,000 to $35,000 less. That through more inquiries in the last few years is rather interesting. than any other industry—and perhaps if I was Again, rural industries are facing a tough a little cynical I would say that that is because year, with a wet season that has been a the industry is so successful—it is very non-event. Most areas have had little rain important that this inquiry continues. The since January and the country is very dry, as Government strongly supports the most honourable members would be well continuation of the inquiry to enable the aware. Of course, with the downturn in cattle industry to proceed once and for all without prices, graziers are facing a potential disaster. the threat of continued and costly Sale yard prices have fallen by 40 per cent to investigations. 50 per cent in the last six months, and a dry season is forcing extra cattle onto the market Since the change of Government nearly at give-away prices. The position is untenable, six weeks ago, I have been pleased to as the industry was barely viable before the announce a number of funding commitments. downturn. Honourable members could relate The Mackay Hockey Association was the to losing up to 50 per cent of their salary with recipient of $360,000 for the development of a no sure knowledge of when the position will synthetic superfield built to an Olympic turn around. I am sure that most honourable standard. With public subscription, that members would be sympathetic to that case. funding will enable the building of a complex worth $900,000 which will cater for more than The sugar industry, the backbone of my 1,500 players in the which electorate, is a little better off with reasonable extends up to Bowen, out to Moranbah and prices over the last few years, but the price down to Rockhampton. I was pleased to have now seems to be firmly in a downward trend. the support of Rob Mitchell, the member for From a high of around 15c two years ago, the Charters Towers, to convince the Minister, Mr current price is around 11.5c, and that has Veivers, of the potential of this project. I thank happened in the last two years. One must Mr Veivers for his understanding in this matter. remember that while there has been a considerable reduction in price of about 25 per Another major funding commitment of this cent, there has been a very considerable Government has been the provision of increase in big ticket items or input costs to the $786,000 for the supply of water to the small industry, such as the basics of fuel and coastal township of Armstrong Beach. fertiliser. Over the last two years, these costs Because of the sand-based aquifer and the have increased by as much as 25 per cent soakage-type systems in place in that and 30 per cent. These trends are not township—the only available water being from encouraging for the industry, and continuing sand bores—the high E coli levels made the dry weather in the sugar industry south of water unsuitable for human consumption. The Townsville is certainly adding to those project has been on hold for a number of concerns. years. We were not able to convince the former Labor Government that it was a priority. The Sugar Industry Review Committee After a representation to the Minister for Local has been constituted under the Sugar Industry Government and Planning, Di McCauley, this Act. The chairman of that committee is Sir Eric project was able to proceed. I wish to thank Neal, who comes to the position with very high the Minister for that. credentials. Members of the committee include Harry Bonano, representing the Because of the gagging of the Address In canegrowers; Ron Verri, representing the Reply debate during the last session of Australian Cane Farmers Association; Graham Parliament, I have not had the opportunity to Davies, representing the Australian Sugar thank the electors of Mirani for their support at Milling Council; and representatives from DPIE the State election on 15 July. I thank my in and Queensland DPI. While friends, supporters and family for their help in Legislative Assembly 677 18 April 1996 the lead-up to the election. I am pleased to abuse and neglect with a doubling of child say that they were not disappointed with the protection notifications and also almost a result. I reaffirm my dedication to serving the trebling of the numbers relating to sexual electors of Mirani to the very best of my ability. abuse." Mr FOURAS (Ashgrove) (2.41 p.m.): All Mr Zerk then made the startling conclusion children have the fundamental right to a safe, that departmental child-care officers were caring and nurturing environment in which to finding it increasingly difficult to meet the grow up. For some, their parents are unable or department's statutory responsibilities. That unwilling to care for them. Therefore, the State was in 1984. The homeless children inquiry in has the responsibility to intervene and protect 1989 said exactly the same thing. The these children. However, all too often the Burdekin report was highly critical of the role of State fails to protect the very children and the State in caring for the children for whom it young people who, through no fault of their is responsible. The report concluded— own, have been placed in its care. "The failure of the States . . . both to The Australian Association for Young provide appropriate nurture and support People in Care Committee estimates that up to children committed to, and leaving their to seven out of every ten young people in the care, is a serious indictment on the care of the State have experienced abuse and willingness and capacity of those neglect after they have been brought into the authorities"—— child welfare system. After the State has Mr Veivers: What about the laws intervened, seven out of ten young people regarding the parents of these children? have experienced abuse and neglect. The States' failure to meet their statutory Mr FOURAS: The member for obligations to protect children from neglect Southport! I could talk to the Minister later and exploitation is horrendous. Under their about this. Would the Minister mind? This is a own legislation, all of the States are guilty of serious topic. neglecting and exploiting young people. Mr Veivers: I'm asking you serious Ultimately, the sources of child abuse and questions and you can't answer them. neglect are the attitudes which view children Mr FOURAS: The honourable member as possessions or as social and economic can talk to me outside later. burdens. Parents have duties to children, not rights—just as owners have duties to dogs. The report continued— I was involved with the Human Rights and ". . . is a serious indictment on the Equal Opportunity Commission report, the willingness and capacity of those Burdekin report, which stated that the process authorities to properly discharge their legal of children coming into care or attempts to and social responsibilities. Children have a child committed to care provided a between 12 and 15 or 16 years of age clear path to homelessness. So the State are particularly ill-served. The States are system provides a path to children becoming ill-equipped or unwilling to offer homeless. That is the failure of this system. In appropriate services and the 1988, the Queensland Government submitted Commonwealth regards the matter as a to that inquiry, of which I was a member— State responsibility. These children fall "Many young homeless have been through the nets of support, inadequate or still are subject to statutory child welfare as they may be, extended by the State orders for reasons of care and protection and Federal Governments." (after abuse or neglect), offending or Coming later in 1995 was the Morris because of status." report for the Commonwealth Government. It So the Government itself said then that found— children under its control are in danger of ". . . the increasing evidence of youth becoming homeless. The inquiry concluded homelessness is connected to the inability that State welfare authorities, poorly resourced of State welfare departments to provide by States Governments, have generally not adequate care for adolescents." been able to fulfil their statutory obligations for In evidence to that committee, the children in need of care and protection. Department of Social Security stated— Mr Graham Zerk, the Director of the "Another cause for concern is the Department of Children's Services, in 1984, number of young people aged 13 and 14 reported to the Parliament that— years approaching the Department for "Child-care officers have become income support. These cases clearly concerned at the rising incidence of child highlight the withdrawal of State Welfare 18 April 1996 678 Legislative Assembly

Departments which previously would have therapy and mediation services in a national supported many of these young people in program as a preventive measure for young institutional care. people leaving home prematurely, and further Developments within child welfare recommended that this be fully implemented philosophy and practice have changed within three years. The committee also said the extent to which the State intervenes in that the Commonwealth and State the lives of children and families. Governments should institute a national family policy which would include a family support Many of the children who are now services program. seen on the street, or housed in refuges, are children that in the past years would One should note that, in 1988, tied grants have been institutionalised, fostered or to the States for family support from the subject to State supervision orders. Commonwealth were untied by the Commonwealth with the result that these What we have a Buckleys choice—a funds were not directed by the States to family choice between the unpalatable 'Court support programs. wardships' model and the barely less than unpalatable option of leaving young Families under stress are a serious people to fend for themselves." problem in our society. Some people often say that children and young people leave home, While I do not support a return to institutional but in most cases home leaves them. Support care, or for that matter increasing the numbers for families under stress should be the major of children made wards of the State, there is focus for preventing child abuse. serious and considerable concern about the vacuum in care options for many people, in Mr Veivers: But the Labor Party makes particular adolescents. The withdrawal of State them leave home. It gives them $126 a week Government services for 12 to 16-year-olds to leave home when they are 13. was reiterated by the findings of Justice Mr FOURAS: Mr Deputy Speaker, I ask Fogerty from the Family Court. He said— for your protection from the Minister for "Young people move from Emergency Services. placement to placement without any Adolescence is a natural crisis period in State control and influence and have the lives of children and their families. The really been abandoned by the State." difficulties experienced can be exacerbated by In 1995, the Morris report stated— family poverty, youth unemployment, difficulties at school, absence of an extended "It is particularly disturbing that in six family or community to assist parents through years since the release of the Burdekin the crisis, and lack of accessible services in the report, little, if anything, has improved." community, including counselling, to assist the The evidence given to the Morris committee family. Family support services should be about the care and protection of young available to vulnerable families so that they adolescents is a shocking indictment of the are assisted with the task of child rearing. The child welfare system in Australia. Burdekin inquiry points to prevention programs With the deinstitutionalisation process that and early intervention as the best options. went on through the 1970s, the baby was The former Government, in the last thrown out with the bathwater, because Budget, provided an $8m package for this deinstitutionalisation was not followed up with year, with the package to be continued for the the necessary alternative of community next two years. It was intended to go hand in support for families and adolescents. During glove with what was proposed to be the new the Morris inquiry, the committee was told of child protection Act. I ask the Minister to tell the numbers of State wards who were either in me how this allocated $8m is being used. In SAAP—such as refuges, medium-term my view, we should have parent centres for accommodation services—or were homeless. families experiencing difficulties. We should Although there has been a sharp decline in have improved State intervention in line with the number of children and young people the proposed child protection legislation, as subject to orders for guardianship and control, well as additional support for community these young people are highly represented in groups and additional support and supervision the numbers of homeless. for child-care workers. The Morris committee recommended that One of the problems we have in our the Commonwealth and State Governments system is that child-care workers get burned immediately establish funding arrangements out. It is about time we did something about for the extension of adolescent and family that. I hope that this is not one of the cutbacks Legislative Assembly 679 18 April 1996 by Sheldon. I do not think that we can afford to the statistics, the biggest number of cases in this day and age to cut back on such a of physical and sexual abuse involve 13 and program. 14-year-old girls. What are we seeing from the The current legislation to protect children evidence? States right around Australia are in this State is now 30 years old. It was totally neglecting that 12 to 16-year age enacted in 1965. It is time to get away from group. They are letting the streets look after the current divide of bad parents and good them. Both the Human Rights and Equal parents. It is time to get away from care and Opportunity Commission report and the Morris protection orders—the punitive approach—and report stated quite unequivocally that those locking up children for status offences. groups were being totally neglected; that they had Buckley's chance, which is no chance at Mr Veivers: You wouldn't have had this all. trouble if Justice Murphy hadn't let it all loose. I would like to talk about some of the Mr FOURAS: By "status offences", I things that we need to do. We need a national mean things such as substance abuse, strategy to prevent child abuse and neglect. promiscuity and so on, which would not be The Commonwealth Government has signed regarded as crimes if they were committed by a convention on the rights of the child. In Mr Veivers. Those children are getting locked relation to abuse and exploitation, the up for things that Mr Veivers does every day of convention states— the week. It is time for a move into—— "The State shall protect children from Honourable members interjected. all forms of physical and sexual abuse, Mr FOURAS: Mr Deputy Speaker, I am neglect or exploitation, including child trying to make a speech. I am not talking to Mr prostitution and participation in child Veivers. Mr Deputy Speaker, I ask that you pornography, and all other forms of give me the right to speak in this Chamber. exploitation prejudicial to the child's It is time for a move into family support welfare." and early intervention. At the moment there is That refers to Articles 19, 34 and 36. It is a heightened awareness of child abuse. With about time that we actually accepted our that comes the expectation that Governments responsibility. will do more. But honourable members should Mr Veivers: Don't tell me about not hold their breath about that. responsibility. Mr Veivers interjected. Mr FOURAS: People such as the Mr FOURAS: I would like to say to Mr member for Southport, a Minister of the Veivers that if he did not trivialise what I was Crown, are trying to say that this is an saying I would take his interjections, but he anti-parent thing. As I said, parents have does not know what he is talking about. If he duties, not rights. That statement says that we had an idea of what I was talking about, I should protect families. That is very important. would take his interjections. We should have a national child abuse and Let me have a look at the statistics. State neglect policy. We also need some standards and Territory welfare departments received of accreditation. For example, we have 74,436 reports of child abuse and neglect standards of accreditation for child-care during 1993-94, representing an increase of workers all over Australia, but we do not have 26 per cent over the figure of the previous standards for people who look after children in year. Of those, 64,787, or 87 per cent, were care. Why not? We are told that children in finalised. Of the 28,711 substantiated cases, institutions are being abused; that at some 29 per cent related to physical abuse, 27 per stage or another seven out of ten children who cent to emotional abuse, 25 per cent to come within the control of the State are neglect and 19 per cent to sexual abuse. The abused. Therefore, there is a need for number of cases reported increased by 75 per accreditation for all groups—whether they be cent over the past five years, while the number church groups, community groups or those run substantiated increased by 46 per cent. For by the State. We need those standards. substantiated cases of physical and sexual Consideration should also be given in abuse, there were more boys than girls in Queensland and in other States to having an each age group for pre-teenage children. independent statutory authority to deliver child However—and this is important—more protection services. The task of that authority teenage girls than teenage boys were the would be to ensure that there is child subject of substantiated cases of physical and protection. I believe that child protection is too sexual abuse, with the highest number important to be mixed up with the other involving girls aged 13 and 14. So according responsibilities of community service bodies. It 18 April 1996 680 Legislative Assembly is time that we set up an authority with a board environment. Others regard schools as that is responsible to the Minister, with young alienating institutional structures. Some people people having a say in it. Some of the are ejected from schools because they are attitudes that have been exhibited by Ministers different. Some schools respond to the in this Chamber, such as the member for problems of young people by suspending or Southport, do no credit to Ministers of the expelling them. Those children never learn to Crown. The old-fashioned ideas and national read and they remain illiterate. What happens policies do not work. We need a full range of to those young people? They end up in our adequately resourced services for children who gaols. This State Government is going to find need protection. an extra $160m next year for gaols. That was In Scandinavian countries, over 80 per mentioned in the Governor's Speech. Some cent of children whose parents cannot or will proportion of that should be spent in not adequately care for their children are supporting families, early intervention and placed with extended family or close family school counsellors. School counsellors are an friends. In Australia, that figure is between 10 essential mechanism for the prevention of per cent and 20 per cent. In New Zealand, family breakdowns, and they need to be they have family conferencing. When there is properly trained and properly resourced. a risk of a child being hived off, they get all the This State has an horrendous inability to family together and try to place that child protect children who, through no fault of their within the broader family—with uncles and own, cannot be looked after by their own aunties. They try to place that child within the families. There is a gap between the programs family. That is a positive measure. What we offered by the State and Federal need in this State is legislation that will allow Governments, whereby 13 to 16-year-olds are that to happen. We do not need this 1965 looked after by nobody. The State intervenes, legislation; it is old hat and out of fashion. and those young people end up in refuges Also in Scandinavia, where placement and on the street. There are some horrific with extended family networks is not possible, stories about what is happening to those then a range of other well-supported options people. For example, I remember when I was are provided, ranging from foster care and a member of an inquiry into homeless residential care to boarding schools and children. This is what one young girl said— supported independent living. Options must "Yeah, I did sleep with people for a be tailored to meet the needs of the children, roof over my head—not for money. I had rather than the children having to fit the no choice, either, than to be in it or out in available options. It is very important to involve the cold." the community. It is important also to involve I remember another young lady who said to churches, friends, relatives, neighbours, me that she was raped by her stepfather when teachers, doctors, journalists—the whole she was 14. She was a member of a so-called community. It is important to get rid of those reconstituted family—a blended family. What a silly biases about parents' rights. It is about terrible phrase. This 14-year-old girl was raped time that we started talking about the duties of by her stepfather. She ran away from home parents to protect—— and ended up living in a squat. She said that Mr Veivers: Parents don't have any the hardest aspect was trying to sleep with rights. one eye open and often waking up with Mr FOURAS: They have duties. The somebody on top of her. However, she would attitude of some parents is to view children as not go back home because what happened to possessions and social and economic her there was worse. Where was the burdens. It is important to do something about intervention in that case? Where were that that view. girl's parents? Where were the people to care I turn now to the school system. Schools about her? I was appalled by that story. are potentially in a position to identify and It is time that politicians of all political respond to difficulties within a family, to colours—including the member for monitor the violation of the rights of the child Southport—got together to draft a national and to ensure that the child's right to perspective on this serious issue. Recently, education is meaningfully met. Outside the attention has been focused on certain family, the school has the greatest contact paedophiles. But many kids have suffered with our children of all social institutions. Yet physical and sexual abuse in their homes or school can be a very alienating place. For when living on the streets because the State some young people the school curriculum is has failed them. They are living on the streets irrelevant. For some it is an inflexible because the community has failed them. More Legislative Assembly 681 18 April 1996 and more children are living on the streets scheme announced by our Government and because the members of this Government administered under the watchful eye of the have failed them. Because children are Minister for Housing, Mr Ray Connor, the underage and do not vote, politicians cannot honourable member for Nerang, will be most gain any kudos by protecting their interests. helpful in delivering priority access to housing Members opposite are failing to acknowledge for pensioners, low-income families, their fundamental responsibility as legislators. ex-servicemen and women, people with Mr Veivers: They don't agree with you. disabilities and the sick. This housing assistance priority listing initiative gives a Mr FOURAS: The member for balance to community needs, and has already Southport will never agree with me. been welcomed by care advocates. Mr Veivers: I do so. I said "they" don't Furthermore, my electorate welcomes the agree with you. announcement of an inquiry into the security Mr FOURAS: It is obvious that the of payments to subbies working in the building member has not understood a word that I industry. For far too long, subbies have been have said. forced into bankruptcy through no fault of their This is a shameful state of affairs. It is own. It is time that these honest people were time that the Queensland Government protected. I am sure that this inquiry will greatly enacted proper legislation and found more assist the public also, which has been led into money to protect our children. It can find a false sense of security because a builder money for more gaols and for the Indy, but it has a certain-coloured card. Some cannot find the money to protect the children constructive adjustments in this area will be of this State. welcomed by the genuine tradespeople and, I am sure, by the public as well. Time expired. Since the coalition came to Government, I Mr BAUMANN (Albert) (3 p.m.): It is have noticed an upsurge in hope and indeed an honour as the member for Albert to expectation within the electorate and a speak to the motion for the adoption of the willingness for all members of the community's Address in Reply to the Speech of Her representative bodies to liaise with each other Excellency the Governor of Queensland. In in a very positive manner. There is a view doing so, may I take the opportunity to pledge developing in Albert from ideas already my loyalty to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I espoused by this Government that great congratulate the Speaker on his election to opportunity lies ahead, with notions of fair that high office and assure him that I will give play, tolerance and social justice for all. Last him my full cooperation. I take this opportunity year was the International Year of Tolerance. I also to congratulate the newly appointed am extremely grateful for the opportunity to Chairman of Committees, Mr Bruce Laming. I represent people who embody this principle am certain that both gentlemen will carry out not only in theory but also in practice. Where I their jobs with great dignity and responsibility. I come to play a part in their lives, I aim to extend to Margaret Woodgate, the member deliver such reasonable expectations. for Kurwongbah, my best wishes for a full and speedy recovery from her recent serious The people of Albert are overwhelmingly surgery. clear in their support for the care of our environment. This is much more than just an I will now talk briefly about my electorate ideological stance; it is indeed a way of life. of Albert. As at 31 March 1996, the electorate The people of Albert show support for of Albert had 29,086 voters registered on the balanced development—the type of electoral roll. The quota at redistribution in development that should summarise notions 1991 was 20,372. The electorate has shown of contemporary progress is there in the an increase in eligible voters of almost 50 per practice of ecologically sustainable cent in the past four years. The electorate is development. People serving in local and diverse in geographical aspects, State authorities have, in only a short time, encompassing coastal, urban, industrial and illustrated to me a level of responsibility and rural regions, and the needs and aspirations of accessibility far beyond that generally the people I represent are as diverse as the attributed to public servants. Open and demographics themselves. accountable government processes are The natural diversity of Albert makes the already visible, with the public service in most area very attractive to most people, and it is instances playing an integral role in these thus home to young families, Brisbane processes. Development is related to commuters, singles and retirees. The needs- progress, and I wish to convey the following based priority listing housing assistance message to any potential developers with an 18 April 1996 682 Legislative Assembly eye purely on fast bucks: do not come to my We are committed to ensuring that the end of Queensland and make development lifestyles of retirees are not eroded any proposals which do not take into account the further—and in some instances that may most meaningful and contemporary benefit the gentlemen on the benches environmental factors. Let any developer opposite. By working hand in glove with our beware that if he is looking for a mug in Albert, Federal colleagues, we will within a reasonable he had better go to the trouble of bringing one time span reintroduce to the Australian with him! taxpayer—and introduce a completely new The people of Albert are competitive and concept to those people aged 30 years or progressive. Some of the most successful younger, the majority of whom would have people in Australia now live in the electorate. known nothing but the repression of a Federal The people of Albert, from the grassroots up, Labor Government for all of their working lives, consider our piece of Queensland to be the if they were lucky enough to work—that vital most precious. I intend for my part, and as component of the private sector: the long as my influence is there, to support such expanding economy. When we have this municipal pride. I intend to see through, not exciting prospect up and running, we will show just in Albert but by my representations in the economic pundits who are active in the Government, the development and provision scholarly roundabouts of high-minded of infrastructure and incentive which by basic commentary boxes—and we hear plenty from design and method are put in place for the them—how to share the wealth fairly and public and not purely for the public service. equitably and according to the prudent law of Such infrastructure and incentive should be effort equalling reward. We will show those sound enough to encourage the risk-takers of same pundits how to develop a welfare the world. I refer to the business community, system that provides hope and dignity and and I include in that group manufacturers, gives help as it is required—not a welfare wholesalers, retailers, produce growers and system that, by its very nature, is a cynical and exporters and especially the small-business not so subtle gerrymander in itself. operations run by committed families. To borrow a phrase from our most This State offers the best opportunities capable Premier, Mr Borbidge—Queensland is available anywhere in Australia, and we will not now most certainly open for business. That fob off ambition by telling people looking for statement alone did more for business and opportunity, "If you fail, hell, that is tough luck. consumer confidence in this State in the few We still have the best weather in the country!" seconds that it took to deliver than the While this Government is in power, there will members opposite could achieve in six and a no longer be reports of record numbers of half years. bankruptcies of reputable, hard-working I turn now to the tourism industry, people. Incidentally, I can assure the House because my electorate is home to some of that this Government is here to stay for a very Australia's greatest attractions. The Tourism long time. We are committed to proper Ministry, ably filled by my colleague Mr Bruce planning practices, thus guaranteeing that the Davidson, the member for Noosa, is a very infrastructure requirements of all developing important portfolio indeed. The tourism areas will be met to support the many and revenue generated from people staying in varied needs of the people. commercial accommodation for the year We are committed to the provision of an ended December 1995 was in the vicinity of integrated and affordable public transport $5.2 billion. Those figures released from the system. Over the past few years, we have Queensland visitors’ survey indicate that 1.3 indeed witnessed nothing short of anarchy in million international visitors came to the passenger transport industry. My thanks Queensland in the year ended December go to Mr Vaughan Johnson, the Minister for 1995, each spending an average of $220 per Transport, for the action plans being night for the duration of their stay. That figure, announced almost daily for continued of course, does not include those international improvement in this important area. My thanks visitors who chose to stay with friends and/or to the Minister for Transport once again for the relatives. The total number of tourists, acceleration of the upgrading of the Pacific including intrastate, interstate and international Highway to world motorway standards—a visitors, is a whopping 6.9 million people. project which will deliver to the public Tourism represents one of the State's something that was due around six and a half most significant revenue generators. Perhaps years ago—and the forward planning of his of most importance is its value in export dollars department for the maintenance and for the Queensland economy. One could be upgrading of the entire State roads network. excused for being more than a little dismayed Legislative Assembly 683 18 April 1996 to learn of the low priority given by our commit ourselves to easing their workload, predecessors to that huge generator of wealth allowing them to deliver a far better health for our State. The State's tourism industry can service to the people of the Gold Coast City look forward to a much-deserved higher profile and beyond. with, of course, a budget to match—which I There still remain in Albert the principal am sure the Minister will seek—from that concerns of the electorate as of 15 July last Ministry. year, concerns reinforced by the Mundingburra We have all seen this State slip from its election result. At this point, I congratulate the former position as leader in significant State member for Mundingburra, Frank Tanti. His events and conventions to being a State tenacity will serve the people of his electorate battling to hold just one event. I speak, of very well indeed. course, of the Indy. I urge Cabinet and The priority remains the same. The particularly Treasury to recognise the potential deadly cocktail of deprivation, want importance of tourism to the State's success and hostility gathering itself into programs of and prioritise accordingly. By way of crime has been well identified by the Minister comparison, I point out that the export of for Police, Russell Cooper, whose notable merchandise generated $1.4 billion in efforts in law enforcement to get to the core of business for the rural industries, and crude the problem and put in place structures to minerals represented another $1.3 billion, so it come to grips with the filth that is growing in can be seen that tourism is certainly one of our society have been derided by some of the the great revenue generators of this State. very people who will most benefit from his This Government has a commitment to planning concepts. His concepts, identified by ensuring that the youth of Queensland are the law enforcement agencies themselves as provided with the best opportunities available part of the cure, could only be derided by and are trained by the best educators those who either wish they had thought of available. I am pleased that my colleague Mr them first or who would seek to benefit from a Bob Quinn, Minister for Education, has put the toothless police force and judiciary. teachers back in the classroom and administration back in the hands of All those items and more are administrators. Teachers throughout the State comprehensively spoken of in Her Excellency's were disenchanted, devalued and leaving the Speech as an indication of the will of this profession disgusted and deflated. Indeed, it Government. I will do all that is within my is refreshing to see this important department power to support and bring about such decisiveness. led by the commonsense approach to the inherited problems, and I am certain that our Mr PURCELL (Bulimba) (3.16 p.m.): young people will reflect the benefit of that. May I congratulate you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Finally they will be able to read, write and on your elevation to the position of Chairman understand arithmetic: the essential basics for of Committees, and would you please convey every individual. I know many parents in my my congratulations to the Speaker, Neil electorate, and although they were happy to Turner, on his elevation to that high office. I have that extra $50 in their pockets earlier this am sure that he will act in that position to the year, clearly they saw the stunt for what it was: benefit of the House and all those present. compensation for inadequate services. It gives me pleasure to rise in this House Health is now ably attended with huge to join the Address in Reply debate. It affords incentives and commonsense by my me the opportunity to tell the House some of colleague . He has opened 27 of the aspirations and hopes of the residents of the 30 beds closed at the Gold Coast Hospital the Bulimba electorate. As it has been so by the Labor Government. He is currently topical of late, I will begin by discussing recruiting more staff where they are so tollways and freeways. The link between the desperately needed. I praise the staff of the north and south coasts, the South East Gold Coast Hospital. They have suffered as Freeway—the city bypass freeway—runs much under the former Health Minister, Peter through the eastern side of the Bulimba Beattie, as the patients did, although for a electorate. For years, the residents of my while the staff were at least assured of electorate have had to put up with congestion, admission. My sincere thanks go to the noise and the fumes of cars and heavy nurses, doctors and all hospital support staff, transport vehicles travelling through this mainly including the many volunteers who gave way residential electorate. It would be very above and beyond what should be expected neighbourly of the Transport Minister, the of anyone. We in this Government know the Honourable Vaughan Johnson, to have noise ordeal that they have been through, and we barriers erected along the freeway to alleviate 18 April 1996 684 Legislative Assembly the noise problems affecting these long- so cheated. But to pork-barrel the Queensland suffering residents who have been neglected Treasurer's electorate, never! for so many years. The cost to the Transport Miss SIMPSON: I rise to a point of Department would be negligible, but would order. Actually, the tollway was located in the return some amenity to the residents who live electorates of and Mooloolah. in that corridor. We thank the Treasurer and the Transport I know well that the Minister would be Minister for their assistance in the matter. most interested in the major problem along Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Laming): that route, that is, the Gateway Bridge with its There is no point of order. iniquitous toll: $4.40 per round trip per car, and the toll rises to $22 per truck per round trip. Mr PURCELL: I am pleased that the That would have to be the most expensive toll member got that in. That has enlightened us anywhere in Australia, and it must be all. Is this fair and equitable government? No! removed. As the Minister would know, most I would like to share with the House truckers today are self-employed. Imposing a another small item: I assure members that the charge of $22 per trip on workers who are sight of the Treasurer wearing a toll-buster being squeezed by set freight charges and T-shirt, celebrating the job losses of those high fuel, maintenance and tyre costs makes it workers who worked on the toll booths, does nearly impossible for them to make ends not go down well. The final insult was that meet. A constituent of mine who is a typical those same workers received letters of battling self-employed trucker moves vehicles congratulation, which contained lines such as, around the city on a car-carrying bogey with "Next time get a job where you can hold your five axles. He has to pay $18 per round trip. head up high." What a disgusting group of For a typical six-day week, the trips over the people the Treasurer is associated with. I think bridge cost him over $100. Owing to his small that the Treasurer is the poorer for that. payload of between four and six vehicles and I will remain on the transport theme as it the fact that he is being squeezed by car relates to the Bulimba electorate. When are dealers on set freight charges, that is money the residents of Hemmant going to get a fair that he can ill afford. Every day, between deal? After having a third freight line located 40,000 and 50,000 vehicles cross that bridge. through the heart of Hemmant, just to make That traffic is generated mainly by workers sure that the oldest village in Brisbane does going to and from work. For the sake of the not get any peace, a high-speed, four-lane many workers who use the bridge, I urge the truck freeway will be located beside the railway Transport Minister to have the toll removed. line. The Department of Transport could have On behalf of the constituents who live on taken numerous other routes that would have both sides of the river where the Gateway toll had minimal impact on Brisbane's oldest bridge is located, I now ask the Honourable hamlet. Hemmant has always been a workers' Treasurer Joan Sheldon: when will she be suburb and houses were reasonably priced. taking steps to treat the people of Bulimba Now, after years of infrastructure building and and its surrounds the same as she treats her planning, one cannot give away a house in own constituents who use the Sunshine Hemmant. I urge the Transport Minister to Motorway? Does the Treasurer believe that take his department in hand and give the workers using the Gateway Bridge should be people of Hemmant a respite by locating the subsidising those who live in her electorate? freeway route to the port away from residents' Are the workers and their families who use the homes. There is plenty of land in that area, Gateway toll bridge going to be represented or well away from residential areas, that could not? Every day, 40,000 to 50,000 vehicles use take those traffic routes. the bridge. If one averages the price of a round trip at $4.40—and if one does not count I would like to draw to the attention of the the trucks and heavy transports, which cost up Transport Minister an article written by Phil to $22 a round trip—one realises that each Dickie for the Courier-Mail about moving coal to the port of Brisbane by means other than day $176,000 is collected on that bridge. That rail. For the benefit of the Minister and other amounts to $1.23m a week, and $64m a year. members of the House, I will read it out. The Do workers and their families have to pay for article is headed, "Mine company to study coal the damn bridge over and over? I think that pipeline", and states— they have paid for it already. If the toll was lowered substantially and it was used to "The Minerals and Energy subsidise the cost of roads in the country, I am Department has asked a mining company sure that the users of the bridge would not feel to investigate the feasibility of a coal slurry Legislative Assembly 685 18 April 1996

pipeline through southern and western Enough brickbats for the Transport Brisbane suburbs to the Port of Brisbane. Minister—I have a bouquet for him. I suppose, But while the possibility might seem the brickbats were for his department. The initially worrying to residents, a Minister has not had his backside in the seat spokesperson for a leading conservation for too long, and it is mainly his department group said a slurry pipeline was preferable that I have had the problems with. I would like to rail transport on noise and dust to congratulate the Minister's rail pollution grounds. commissioner, Vince O'Rourke, for taking the time and initiative to visit the railway stations of The instruction to the Ebenezer Norman Park, Morningside, Cannon Hill, mine, outside Ipswich, is contained in Murarrie and Hemmant. I am sure that the amended guidelines for an environmental upgrading of those 100-year-old stations will impact assessment on mine extensions. now be done soon. The pipeline would run to the Port of I would like to inform the House and the Brisbane, where currently about three Transport Minister of a wee bit of the history of million tonnes a year of coal is exported. the Bulimba railway line, which was laid over However, if successful, it could be 100 years ago. The location of the Cannon extended to other south-east corner coal Hill saleyards and the Brisbane abattoir in my deposits. electorate was one of the main reasons why Currently, there are 10 mines or that line was laid many years ago. The prospects with about 1000 million tonnes Minister, being an old bushie, would know that of high grade coal and just one, the the Cannon Hill saleyards, along with the old Macalister prospect near Dalby, could Homebush saleyards in Sydney, which is now generate coal traffic of eight million the site for the 2000 Olympic Games, were tonnes a year." probably the major selling centres for sheep and cattle along the eastern seaboard of One could imagine the impact that that Australia. I remember during my time in the sort of rail traffic would have on the Bulimba bush when we would make sure that we did electorate. The article states further— not miss those market calls at lunch. If we "Mr Brian Clark, a semi-retired missed the lunch calls, we would try to get the engineer and volunteer energy and calls at night. They were always on the ABC transport researcher for the Australian and, from listening to those calls, we could Conservation Foundation, welcomes the make decisions about whether we would sell instruction, saying it would relieve looming stock in the next week. rail bottlenecks and be cleaner and must Going back to the 1930s, 1940s and on less noisy than trains. to the 1960s, which was my time, those He said 10 coal train movements a saleyards were major selling centres. So I am day would become about 30 movements referring to the time of steam engines when a day in about two years." this line was laid. A steam train needs to wind We are fast approaching that figure now, up hills. I am reliably informed that the grade because that article was written last year. The from the other side of Norman Park station article states further— near the overpass up to the Morningside station and beyond is one of the steepest "In late 1995, people living along this grades on Queensland lines. One could section of track would be subjected to the imagine the number of twists and turns that equivalent of six hours of continuous train had to be put in the line to take the heavy noise of varying intensity each day." loads of sheep up that grade and now, of I would like to inform the Minister that course, that is still the case with the coal and twice the number of people live along this shipping containers that run down that line to corridor than live in his electorate. Every day, the port. their lives and their amenity are severely When the Cannon Hill sale yards were still affected. A short-term solution to the problem, operating, locals tell me that it was a common which we should be looking at immediately occurrence, usually late at night, that, if the until a study such as that into the slurry trains could not get a full load of sheep and pipeline can be finished, would be to cover the cattle up that grade, the brakes would be put wagons. A few tarps and a few hours of work on half the train and that part of the load covering the wagons with those tarps would would be uncoupled. The first half of the train make life just a bit more tolerable for so many would continue to the yards and the stock people living along the vital rail corridor to the would be unloaded. The engine would then port. return and hook up the other half of the train, 18 April 1996 686 Legislative Assembly take it up to the sale yards and unload it. That area and about the Government departments should give honourable members an idea of that do nothing about it. how steep the grade is. A major concern in the Bulimba electorate In the 1960s, Queensland Rail, in its is BHP's plans to build a massive metallic wisdom, bought various pieces of land in the coating line on the Brisbane River between the area in order to straighten the line. Like so river and the residential suburbs of Murarrie many projects started by Governments, it was and Cannon Hill. At various public meetings of never finished. That part of the line is one of the Cannon Hill community and the Murrarie the noisiest and most disruptive sections of Progress Association, I have not heard one line in Queensland, with double-header coal resident speak in favour of the project, even trains squealing their way around corners all though this is an area in which workers live, through the suburbs. In fact, the squeal of a and workers are very keen to get jobs. bogey wheel is louder than a diesel at full Following meetings I had with the Coordinator- throttle, which, as honourable members know, General's Department and BHP, the "big has a fair bit of throat. If members do not Australian" came clean about its full proposal believe me, they can come out and have a for the large site it has acquired in Murarrie. listen. I can assure them that it is very loud. If BHP proposes a three-stage ever a section of line needs sorting out, this is development: the first two stages are for it. metallic coating lines and the third stage is a smelter. I do not think honourable members While we are talking about rail, it would be could say that those are the sorts of remiss of me if I did not mention the walkway operations that are appropriate for residential that has been built at the Morningside station suburbs in which are situated schools and to take passengers over the third railway line sporting fields—it is just crazy. There is a mile to catch trains to and from town. This would of land down towards the port, and some of it have to be the biggest monstrosity that has is Government owned. I am sure we would be ever been built. It has ramps that go up, up, only too pleased to have the operations of up—they just keep going up for about six BHP situated there away from the populated stories. areas. BHP would still have access to the Mr Perrett: Who designed it—a Gateway Bridge and would certainly be closer committee? to the port. It is not too late for the Borbidge Government to intervene positively on behalf Mr PURCELL: It would have to be a of the residents of the Bulimba electorate and committee—a committee that never had to those electorates adjoining it, because this use it. If disabled or elderly people ever got to plant will not affect only my electorate. I urge the top of that ramp they would collapse from the Premier to do that as a matter of urgency. exhaustion, and then they would have to do it Turning to the policing of the Bulimba all again to get down the other side. If ever electorate, since I have been the member the there was a case of bureaucracy gone crazy, police station has never been fully manned, this is it. The ramp was built without any and it is still not fully manned. The men and consultation with the users or the people who live in and around the Morningside Railway women at that station work their backsides off Station. The matter was certainly not taken up for the people of Bulimba and surrounds. with the local member. It remains a monument Crime is a problem. It certainly is for the elderly to the stupidity of those who built it. The cost who perceive that they are constantly under of building the ramp would far outweigh the attack. They must lock their front and back cost of installing elevators or a moving doors, even when they go out in the garden to walkway for the disabled and elderly to use, water or have a talk to a neighbour over the but this needs to be done if we are fair dinkum back fence. More police are needed to help about making public transport accessible to improve the clean-up rate, because with the and useable by people. Otherwise, we will number of police on duty in the area it is continue to build more roads and freeways, physically impossible for it to be policed and fill them with cars and trucks. correctly. The police accommodation at An enormous amount of rail and road Morningside is an absolute disgrace. That traffic passes through my electorate on its way accommodation consists of a tin shed stuck to the port. Tom Burns' electorate of Lytton up on water pipes, a temporary structure that adjoins mine, and while my constituents do has been there for over 30 years. Until not bitch about that, they certainly bitch about recently, that shed has been the main building the amount of traffic that moves through the used to house the police officers of the district. Legislative Assembly 687 18 April 1996

There is an old house next door, and I believe Later during her Speech, the Governor that as many officers as possible are going to referred to the hospital Capital Works move there, because it is a little better Program, education expenditure, road accommodation. However, there is still infrastructure and water storage development. nowhere near the amount of accommodation The Government has also established a required for the police officers working there. Commission of Audit which has been asked to On numerous occasions I have said that that examine a number of issues relevant to the shed on water pipes is a deathtrap. Queensland economy, including the issue of Government members were talking this infrastructure provision, in a report to be morning about occupational health and safety. provided to the Government by 30 June 1996. There is no exit from that building other than In particular, the terms of reference request the one opposite the door one enters through. that the commission provide an assessment of That certainly leaves the officers very the condition of Queensland's public, social vulnerable in the case of fire or any other and economic infrastructure in relation to: its abnormal occurrence. It is a tragedy waiting to adequacy to support efficient and effective happen, and something should be done delivery of public services to best practice about it immediately. The station is situated on standards and world competitive performance enough land to build a new complex, and I call of the business sectors that depend on it; on the Police Minister to set aside money in deficiencies that need early attention; medium the next Budget for a new police station. and longer term public capital investment Time expired. needs; and direction on the areas requiring Dr WATSON (Moggill) (3.37 p.m.): The further work. honourable member for Bulimba takes a while So the Government has recognised the to slow down once he gets going. First of all, importance of infrastructure, as it should. In let me begin by congratulating you, Mr Deputy fact, for Australia as a whole, infrastructure Speaker, on your appointment as Chairman of services account for around 12 per cent of Committees and as Deputy Speaker of this GDP and employ 6.4 per cent of Australia's Parliament. I wish you all the best in your work force. Therefore, infrastructure services deliberations. I ask you to pass on the same make an important contribution to national sentiments to the Speaker, the Honourable output in their own right. However, more Neil Turner. I am sure that both of you will importantly, infrastructure services are also carry out your functions in the debonair consumed as an input by all businesses. manner you have performed other duties, with Direct and indirect infrastructure services panache and in the very fairest way possible. I comprise between 7 per cent and 16 per cent take the opportunity in this address to of the costs of producing final output. examine, in some detail, the question of Therefore, infrastructure is a critical influence infrastructure, the economic imperatives on the international competitiveness of every associated with this kind of investment, the Australian firm. The availability of good, adequacy of infrastructure provision in both competitively priced infrastructure is therefore Australia and Queensland, how we fare an important factor for firms making decisions internationally in this area and the on the expansion and location of new opportunities and challenges that face production facilities, both between and within Queenslanders. countries. Her Excellency, in outlining her Infrastructure services also make an Government's program over the life of this important contribution to Australia's standard Parliament, referred to the provision of of living, both directly—in being consumed by infrastructure, or specific aspects of households—and indirectly by affecting the infrastructure investment, throughout her costs of the delivery of all goods and services Speech. For example, on page 1 she stated— by business. In addition, infrastructure makes "The Government has set out . . . a an important overall contribution to economic program to provide for enhanced growth. The general tenor of new growth economic growth through provision of models in economics is that, where there are sound basic infrastructure and services." externalities or market failures which make private returns to innovation and investment in Her Excellency also stated— physical or human capital less than social "Borrowing will only be entertained for returns, then market provision is likely to lead infrastructure to the extent that projects to underinvestment and suboptimal growth. are able to service their debts and will not This provides both the opportunity and the be countenanced for recurrent economic rationale for Government expenditure." involvement. 18 April 1996 688 Legislative Assembly

There is substantial evidence that in this Industry Economics November 1995 report information age human capital accumulation is titled "International Benchmarking—Overview an even more significant source of long-run 1995" concludes that, while performance gaps sustainable growth than investment in physical between some Australian infrastructure capital. For example, EPAC paper No. 9 of industries and observed international best November 1995 titled "Investment and practice have tended to narrow, there is still Economic Growth" stresses the importance of much that remains undone. Its more specific investment in social infrastructure for the findings include the following. As to overall development of an economy, both in prices—Australia's best observed price terms of economic growth and standards of performances are in waterfront coal handling, living. road freight, dry bulk vessel coastal shipping Finally, infrastructure has a significant and electricity. The largest price gaps were recorded for waterfront container handling, impact on Government finances, as a telecommunications, rail freight, airport significant proportion of infrastructure assets charges and gas supply. More importantly, the are Government owned. The financial evidence is that Australia's road freight prices performance of these assets can therefore are about equal to world's best practice. affect the level of revenue collected by However, electricity has prices around 40 per Governments, which in turn affects the level of cent higher, telecommunications are around taxes and charges on the community and the overall level of public sector debt. The natural 80 per cent higher, rail is around twice as high question which arises is whether or not and waterfront costs are over twice as high as Australia's and Queensland's infrastructure is world best practice. adequate to service the needs of an economy As to service quality—Australia's which is fairly open to international competitive waterfront industry performs relatively poorly in forces. This issue has recently been terms of service quality, although the aviation addressed in a number of forums. and road freight industries perform relatively well. As to productivity—labour productivity In 1993, EPAC made a number of points gaps to international best practice are largest about the adequacy of Australia's in rail freight and electricity and lowest in gas infrastructure. Many relate to the requirements supply and coastal shipping. Capital arising from population growth and are productivity performance gaps are greatest for therefore particularly pertinent to Queensland. the use of rail rolling stock, gas supply and The points made by EPAC were as follows. aviation, and smallest for some coal-handling Continuing population growth will generate a facilities. variety of infrastructure requirements on the urban fringe and where growth is most rapid. The BIE report also analyses relative Recent investment in roads may have barely State performance in infrastructure services. kept up with the deterioration of roadways. In The BIE has constructed indices to measure rail, the need is for increased reliability and how each State performs in terms of both timeliness. Maritime ports need to invest price and productivity in the provision of a mainly in improved methods of operation basket of infrastructure services—for example, rather than in equipment and facilities. covering electricity, rail, waterfront and gas Investment in intermodal links may be supply. The price index indicates that necessary to maximise efficiency. Some Queensland is the third cheapest provider of airports—for example, Sydney's—will require infrastructure among Australian States, significant capital expenditure, but others will ranking mid range for all infrastructure service not. Former excess capacity in electricity is prices. Victoria offers the cheapest being reduced, but the establishment of the infrastructure services, largely due to cheap national grid might involve significant capital electricity. is the next expenditures. Urban growth will require cheapest, primarily because of low prices for significant expenditure for water treatment and gas supply and waterfront services. New South sewerage. Telecommunications infrastructure Wales has the worst ranking, just below that of requirements will continue to grow strongly. Western Australia. The productivity index The higher education and TAFE sectors will shows that Queensland's infrastructure require further capital expenditure. Prisons, the services are the most productive of all States, courts and policing also have requirements to with mid to high productivity across all remedy past inefficiencies and keep up with industries, except labour productivity in gas population growth. supply. Victoria is close behind, with high levels of productivity in the electricity sector. More recently, two studies give some South Australia ranks third, Western Australia insight as to how we rate. First, the Bureau of fourth, and New South Wales again ranks last. Legislative Assembly 689 18 April 1996

A second recent study, the 1995 World that Queensland's expenditure on economic Competitiveness Report, provides the following infrastructure has been well ahead of other rankings for Australian infrastructure sectors States in this period. It has been rising strongly out of a total of 49 countries in terms of their while that in the other States has been static. ability to meet business requirements: roads, Expenditure in Queensland rose from $422 14; air transport, 19; rail transport, 20; port per head in 1989-90 to $636 in 1994-95, with access, 32; telecommunications, 11; power the annual figures averaging $530. The supply infrastructure, 21; and electricity costs average for the other States was $371 per for industrial clients, 11. The evidence is head in 1989-90 and $336 in 1994-95, with mixed. Australia and Queensland seem to the figures for the period averaging $351 per perform well on some indices and poorly on head. By contrast, expenditure on social others. This probably reflects the distributional infrastructure in Queensland has been flat effects of infrastructure investment or naturally since 1989-90. It was $249 per capita in 1989- occurring competitive advantages. 90 and $243 in 1994-95, with figures However, what is less open to debate is averaging just $243 during this period. the decline in public investment in Australia Other States have also had fairly flat over the past two decades. Public investment spending, but at a higher level than reached a peak of around 10 per cent of GDP Queensland throughout the period, with in the early 1950s and has trended down equivalent figures of $328, $337 and $333 virtually continuously since the mid 1960s to respectively. A recent feature article by reach a ratio of around 5 per cent in 1993-94. Queensland Treasury titled "Economic Reflecting this decline, the average age of Perspective: Public Sector Infrastructure infrastructure has risen steadily in the past 20 Spending" appeared in the Queensland years. At the national level the decline in Economic Review for the June quarter 1995. public infrastructure is virtually entirely due to The authors there maintain that public declining levels of investment in economic infrastructure provision has been more than infrastructure. Infrastructure of this type, adequately paced to meet emerging including transport networks, communications population driven requirements. They indicate facilities and public utilities fell from 7.4 per that during the period 1988-89 to 1995-96 cent of GDP in 1965-66 to 3.5 per cent in population growth of 2.5 per cent per annum 1992-93. By comparison, investment in social was recorded, while real expenditure on new or economic infrastructure—hospitals, schools, fixed assets increased on average by 6.8 per police stations, day-care centres and cent per annum. Of this, social infrastructure prisons—has remained remarkably stable, grew by 8.8 per cent in real terms and averaging about 2 per cent of GDP over the expenditure on economic infrastructure grew past 40 years. by 5.7 per cent. The components of economic Not everyone agrees with these infrastructure which have declined the most conclusions, with Marc Robinson, Associate include road transport, energy and water. Professor of Economics at QUT, arguing that Together these sectors account for around the extremely high population growth in three-quarters of the total decline in public Queensland is particularly crucial in investment. Infrastructure in Australia remains determining whether infrastructure provision in around 90 per cent publicly owned, although Queensland is adequate. Marc Robinson uses private involvement has increased in recent the "accelerator" principle, relating the level of years, initially through contracting out and capital expenditure required to maintain a more recently through private financing and given standard of capital stock provision to the ownership. Some reduction in public rate of change, rather than the level, of infrastructure spending in recent years will be population growth. According to this principle, due to privatisation of infrastructure service Robinson maintains that expenditure in providers. The recent successful Victorian Queensland needs to be well above levels of electricity production and distribution other States if the standard of capital provision privatisations are prime examples. However, in Queensland is to be maintained. this does not explain the large fall since the Apart from this focus on the significance mid 1960s. Much of the debate over capital of population growth, the tone of Robinson's adequacy has been applied at the national work can be summarised in the following level and consequently provides little guidance points. Queensland's achievement of to Queensland, where demographic trends are eliminating net debt has come at the expense considerably different. of the standard of public infrastructure in the Analyses of State expenditure on new State. Specific reference is made to health, fixed assets on a real per capita basis indicate education and public transport. Queensland 18 April 1996 690 Legislative Assembly started off with a substandard public capital Within Australia, recent studies by the stock and per capita expenditure on new fixed Allen Consulting Group have found that there assets has been below levels recorded in can be very high social returns to expenditure other States. Queensland increased on arterial roads. Recently, the Business expenditure on new fixed assets significantly in Council of Australia, commenting upon the 1994-95 and 1995-96, which has placed interim report of the EPAC taskforce on private pressure upon fiscal outcomes. To improve infrastructure, noted that disaggregation of the Budget bottom line, Queensland has infrastructure data reveals a number of adopted private infrastructure provision and deficiencies. It states, for example, that the increased its use of financial transfers from the apparent aggregate excess capacity on the non-Budget sector to the Budget sector. The Australian waterfront masks three challenges: Queensland Government is failing to make firstly, a combination of inadequate interport more moderate use of debt in order to meet linkages, that is, coastal shipping to things public investment priorities. Judicious and such as rail, and poor decisions led to many responsible use of debt has a very useful ports being developed which were too small to function in fiscal smoothing and makes it access economies of scale and were thus possible to maintain much greater stability of wasteful of port capital; secondly, the tax and service levels in the face of shocks equipment is ageing, particularly in Sydney and discontinuities. and Melbourne; and thirdly, technology has Having identified some of the problems changed with the introduction of fourth- and issues, what are the challenges that lie generation container ships carrying 6,000 ahead for Queensland and where, if TEUs, that is, 20-foot container equivalent anywhere, should public infrastructure units, a ten-fold increase on the current investment be placed? First, it must be generation ships servicing Australian ports. recalled that public infrastructure is typically Australia has no ports capable of servicing provided because it is believed it generates these vessels and will need to tranship at ports external benefits to society beyond those that such as Singapore and Colombo unless go to the individual. Private firms would tend to additional investments are made. underprovide such goods due to their non- For an export-oriented economy such as excludable and/or non-rival nature. In this Queensland, these observations present regard, two US research publications are particular challenges. Government in worthy of particular note. Queensland, like the rest of Australia, has long dominated infrastructure provision. In many Aschauer (1989) uses data for the period cases the infrastructure provider has had a 1949-85 to measure the spill-over benefits on statutory monopoly or faces competition United States private sector productivity arising restricted by statute. The incentives for from public capital. Key results and efficient planning, provision and operating of conclusions include: for every 1 per cent infrastructure have therefore been weak. This change in Government capital, private output has been of increasing concern in recent years responded by 0.39 per cent; a 1 per cent as private firms have been exposed to increase in core infrastructure—defined to increasingly intense international competition. include streets, highways, airports, public Consequently, further reforms which transport systems, electricity and gas, water encourage more efficient provision and use of and sewerage—is calculated to raise total infrastructure need to be pursued. private sector output by 0.24 per cent; and of the decline in private sector productivity that Queensland also needs to consider has occurred in the US since 1975, 75 per greater private sector participation in the cent can be attributed to declining levels of provision of infrastructure, through public sector investment. public/private sector partnerships, the contracting out of entire projects and the sale The second US paper worthy of note is by of infrastructure assets to the private sector. Cullison, who extends existing analysis to Considerable benefits will flow from this, include investment by the Government in including enhancing the total capital resource people or, if one likes, human capital. This, like base available to fund infrastructure other forms of investment, can increase development; providing access to a wider private sector output through its effect upon range of skills and technology; engendering labour productivity. Investment in education more flexible, efficient and innovative work and labour training were found to have the practices through greater competition, most statistically significant effect on economic potentially allowing for a wider range of growth. services to be provided at lower cost; and Legislative Assembly 691 18 April 1996 diversifying the risk associated with Brisbane. If these reports are accurate, I infrastructure development. wish to protest in the strongest possible Finally, while Queensland can benefit terms and request that you take from a broad increase in infrastructure immediate steps to have this instruction investment, particular emphasis on ports and revoked. their intermodal links, appropriately positioned I understand that there are some urban arterial roads, particularly in south-east sections of the National Party which still Queensland, and gas and electricity supply regard Queensland as a Crown Colony, and distribution would appear to provide the but after nearly a century of being part of greatest potential for boosting Queensland's the Australian nation, I must say I productivity and competitiveness. This will consider such a notion to be completely ultimately flow on to higher living standards, out of date. This is especially so when higher employment opportunities and higher one realises that Britain, some years ago, incomes for all Queenslanders. turned its back on Australia and Mr MULHERIN (Mackay) (3.56 p.m.): In embraced the European Union. Nothing rising to speak to the motion for the adoption could have demonstrated more clearly of the Address in Reply, may I firstly that Britain has no interest in our welfare. congratulate you, Mr Deputy Speaker, on your You will also appreciate that Australians appointment as Chairman of Committees. now enter Britain through the 'Alien' gate. Also, would you please pass on my The Union Jack is a foreign flag and, congratulations to the Speaker on his election therefore, is not one which is appropriate to that high office? I wish you both well in your to fly above Parliament House. One could endeavours during the life of this Parliament. mount an equally plausible argument to The decision by the Speaker to fly the fly the Italian flag in recognition of the Union Jack over this Parliament has generated contribution made by migrants of Italian considerable debate within the community. It origin to the development of this State. was a decision the Speaker took alone. This is I cannot find one valid reason for the something that the coalition protested strongly Union Jack to be flown over Parliament against when former Speaker, Jim Fouras, House and, as noted earlier, I request removed the Union Jack from Parliament. I that you arrange for the Speaker's refer to Honourable Kev Lingard's speech to instruction to be countermanded. Parliament on 11 November 1992, expressing In an endeavour to give this matter his concern over the decision to remove the the widest possible coverage, I am flag. I quote from Mr Lingard's speech— sending copies of this letter to various "It is not the Speaker's role to decide newspapers, the Leader of the Opposition which flag should fly outside Parliament." and my local Member, as well as to the I gather from Mr Lingard's statement that while Deputy Premier and Leader of the Liberal it was appropriate to justify attacking the Party. former Speaker's decision, the recent decision Yours sincerely by the new Speaker is considered quite W. J. Burton" justified. However, whilst I respect the decision Mr Burton is a retired banker and a very proud of the Speaker, I and many other Australian whose father fought in World War I. Queenslanders strongly disagree with his I believe that Mr Burton's views reflect the decision. I have received numerous letters and majority view of the people in the Mackay telephone calls on this matter from my electorate. I totally agree with him that the only constituents. To highlight the depth of feeling flags that should be flown on a permanent that his decision has generated in my basis over this House are the Australian flag electorate, I wish to refer to one of the letters and the Queensland flag. I look forward to by a constituent, Mr Bill Burton of Wentworth participating in the debate on the motion put Street, Mackay. Mr Burton sent a letter to the on notice by Mr Hamill to that effect. Premier on this matter and a copy to me, which I have sent on to the Speaker. The The decision by this Government to close letter states— the Mackay Regional Health Authority office and dismantle the region has not gone over "Dear Mr Premier, well with the people of Mackay and district. It has been reported in the media The decision completely ignores local opinion. this week that the new Speaker has The former Health Minister, the honourable issued instructions for the Union Jack to Peter Beattie, listened to what the people of be flown above Parliament House in Mackay and district were saying and 18 April 1996 692 Legislative Assembly guaranteed that the old regional health The achievements of the Mackay boundaries would be maintained; in fact, the Regional Health Authority are quite extensive, boundaries were to be expanded to include and it would be remiss of me if I did not Bowen and Collinsville as well as keeping the mention some of them. Take the Sarina regional office function so that services would Hospital and Primary Health Care Centre, be delivered in a fair and equitable manner which is situated some 40 kilometres south of across public, community and environmental Mackay in the electorate of Mirani. Hospitals health. So when the Health Minister, the such as Sarina in conservative States like Honourable Mike Horan, announced last Victoria were closed because of their close Thursday that there would be two health proximity to a major hospital such as Mackay. councils based in the Mackay region— Instead, under the Goss Labor Government, Hinterland and Coastal—it came as a real hospitals such as Sarina were enhanced. The shock to the community. Sarina Hospital and Primary Health Care Centre provides acute in-patient care, an There was some expectation that the accident and emergency service, a nursing region would remain intact. As recently as 26 home and respite care for the aged and March, the National Party member for Mirani, community follow-up nursing. In fact, this Ted Malone, whose electorate joins mine, said hospital is one of the two in the Mackay region in the Mackay Daily Mercury— which have full accreditation and was awarded "The Health Council areas such as first place at both State and national level by Central West, South West and Mackay the Australian Hospital Association for its could open with the same boundaries as Community Outreach Program. I want to pay they had previously." tribute to the staff of the Sarina Hospital and The Ministers of this Government are travelling Primary Health Care Centre for a job well around the State claiming that this is a caring done. Government—a Government for all, a Another first for the region was the Government that will listen to what people Clermont Multi-Purpose Service, with which the want and not pay lip-service to the people. member for Charter Towers would be well The Health Minister said that the former acquainted. The service was launched in 1994 regional offices of the Central West and South and combines the resources of the Clermont West would remain open under the new Hospital and Community Health, HACC, the structure. Obviously the Minister listens to the Clermont Hostel and Meals on Wheels for the people of Roma and Longreach but not the betterment of the whole of the Clermont people of the Mackay region. The people of community. The small township of Nebo, Mackay and district are saying to me that the which is located some 100 kilometres south people of Roma and Longreach are more west of Mackay, has benefited through health important than the people of Mackay. All I ask regionalisation. Under the old hospital board of the new Health Minister is that he treat the system, community health was nonexistent at Mackay region in the same fair manner as he Nebo. Through a cooperative approach with did the people of Longreach and Roma. I urge the Nebo Shire Council, the former health him to review his decisions about Mackay. authority and other State Government The former Mackay Regional Health departments saw the construction of a multi-purpose centre which houses the Authority was acknowledged as being the Queensland Ambulance Service, the State most successful of the 13 regions and had Emergency Service, the rural fire service, widespread community support, including that Home and Community Care as well as of the Mayor of Mackay, Councillor Gordon community health services. The list of benefits White, and the Mackay Regional Development provided by regionalisation goes on and Bureau. The reason for its success was that includes improved mental health services, regional staff worked with the people of additional specialist services, the Mackay Mackay and district, consulted widely and birthing unit, the family health unit, the aged developed services to meet the needs of the care and disability unit and the Aboriginal, region whilst demonstrating sound financial Torres Strait and South Sea Islander Health management. There were never any budget Service. None of these services was provided shortfalls or budget blow-outs. The staff of the under the old hospital board system. regional office were very successful in advocating our needs with Queensland I listened with amusement when the Health. Regional staff fought for funds to member for Mulgrave made this comment provide for badly needed services which under during the Adjournment debate on 16 April— the old hospital board system were available "Mr Horan has saved and created only to the people of Rockhampton and services for Cairns, Townsville, Mount Isa Townsville. and Mackay." Legislative Assembly 693 18 April 1996

I cannot speak for the other centres, but I can millions of dollars by caring for their speak for Mackay. Mr Horan came to Mackay intellectually disabled children. These people on Thursday, 11 April, and the results of his are now elderly and wish to get on with their visit are: a divided health region that the lives. However, their major concern is the lack community did not want; the closure of the of choice and facilities for 24-hour care regional offices of the former health authority available in the Mackay district. I hope that the and possible job losses that the community Minister for Families will consider these people did not want; and the new breast screening when he puts his programs in place. clinic, which is part of the $6m Mackay Another issue that I hope the Community Health Care Centre—a Goss Government will address in this term is the Labor Government initiative—still remains need for the duplication of the Ron Camm unopened to the women of Mackay and Bridge over the Pioneer River. The people who district, even though equipment is in place and live on the north side of the river are subjected staff employed. Mr Horan's comments on to 20 to 25-minute traffic delays each day as Seven Local News Mackay on 11 April have they travel to and from work. I urge the only added to the uncertainty for the Mackay Government to give careful consideration to community about the future redevelopments this project and look forward to meeting with of our district hospitals at Mackay, Proserpine the Transport Minister in Mackay to discuss and Clermont. For the record, I quote from and find a long-term solution to this problem. Seven Local News Mackay— Mr Deputy Speaker, I welcome your "Interviewer—Health Minister Mike Government's commitment to develop new Horan admitted that planned expansions water storage projects over the next 15 years. to local hospitals may be downgraded In my maiden speech I made reference to and delayed. Visiting Mackay on a sales water being the most undervalued resource pitch for the new District Health Councils, and yet the most significant. The construction Mr Horan blamed budget blowouts for the of the Teemburra Dam, another Labor decision. initiative, is a significant contribution to the Interviewer—The State Government future water needs of the Mackay district, but it is boasting that the new streamlined is by no means sufficient. Water resource health system will save taxpayers $6m development in the Mackay district remains a upfront, with further savings down the high priority, and I look forward to working with track. But today in Mackay, Mr Horan your Government to achieve suitable admitted it might not be enough to save outcomes for the Mackay district canefarmers badly needed expansions of local and other industries that may want to become hospitals. He said capital works promises established in our region. I pay tribute to the from the former Labor Government Queensland canegrowers and millers for their amounted to $2.9 billion." continuing participation in the review of the regulations that govern this great industry. Let The people of Mackay know better. They know us hope that that will be the last review that will that the blow-out was caused by the coalition's be undertaken of that most reviewed industry. unfunded election promises to build new Another group of Mackay people to whom hospitals at Robina, Beaudesert and Noosa. I pay tribute is the local Maltese community, The people of Mackay are saying, "This is a who are once again organising the Maltese Government of the south-east corner. It Festival. The festival commences on 26 May doesn't listen to us." I would like to place on and one of the principal organisers, Vicki record my appreciation for the excellent Baldwin, has told me that the Maltese service that the former Regional Health community wants to expand those Director for Mackay, Mr Gordon Lee Koo, and celebrations to include all migrants who have his staff have provided the Mackay district. I contributed so successfully to the Mackay wish them well for the future. community. Mackay is probably the most In her Speech, the Governor made multicultural coastal centre and the migrants reference to a series of policy initiatives that who have come to that centre have the Government wishes to implement in this contributed greatly. This year, for the first time, session—initiatives such as further assistance we will see the participation of the South Sea for people with disabilities and their carers, Islander community, who will be holding particularly those supporting people with displays and celebrations at their Long Hut at intellectual disabilities. In the Mackay region, the lagoons on the southern outskirts of there are at least 11 families that I know of Mackay. I look forward to participating in those who have saved the taxpayers of this State wonderful events in May. 18 April 1996 694 Legislative Assembly

I am very conscious of the long tradition believe that the positive leadership from this and history of support that the Mackay State's leader will soon settle that dispute. electorate has given to the Labor Party. I will The wisdom of our Deputy Premier, Joan certainly do my best to carry on that tradition. I Sheldon, as part of the coalition leadership pledge myself once again to the people of team assisted Frank Tanti to win the seat of Mackay, the State of Queensland and this Mundingburra and change the Government. Parliament. The Tanti success story will continue to inspire Mr CARROLL (Mansfield) (4.11 p.m.): I battlers in Queensland for decades. I am sure speak in support of Mr Tanti's motion for the that the Independent member for Gladstone, adoption of the Address in Reply. I Liz Cunningham, will not regret her support of congratulate you, Mr Deputy Speaker, and the this new Government in that confidence vote Speaker, the member for Nicklin, on your at 1 a.m. on 21 February this year. appointments to the high offices that you Honourable members have appreciated and occupy. I record our appreciation for the many will continue to benefit from the input of the years of service of the member for Ashgrove, very hardworking and truly independent Jim Fouras, in the position of Speaker. member for Gladstone. Since I first spoke in this House on 19 As for my performance in the role of local October 1995, quite a few things have member—I continue to receive encouraging changed. The Labor Government resigned on input from the Queensland Liberal Party 19 February 1996, only seven months after President, Bob Tucker, and the Liberal team, the general election of July 1995. Her as well as the following local party branches: Excellency the Governor opened the second Mansfield Liberals, Mansfield National Party, session of this Forty-eighth Parliament on 28 Burbank Liberals and Sunnybank/Wishart March 1996, with the Borbidge/Sheldon Young Liberals. The hard work by members of Government installed. Her Speech promised those active branches and many other many reforms under the new Government, volunteers gave Prime Minister Howard's team based on sound policies developed by the the winning edge in the recent Federal National Party and the Liberal Party and a election, and three new members of the strong, working coalition. As Deputy Whip, I Federal House of Representatives relevant to am excited to be part of the new Government the Mansfield electorate, namely, Graeme that will not only see Queensland reopened for McDougall in Griffith; Gary Hardgrave in business but will also see the eradication of Moreton; and Andrea West, daughter of the many impediments to free enterprise. first member for Mansfield, Bill Kaus, in Hardworking families will be protected. Our Bowman were elected. children will be better educated and protected. With a lively electorate and plenty of The new Premier, , has committee work, I am greatly assisted by my hastened to demonstrate the positive attitude wife, Joan, and my electorate officer, Mrs of the Governor's Speech. As an effective Tanya Morgan. The people of Mansfield are leader, he facilitated the revival of the jammed very pleased that the south coast motorway discussions holding up the Century Zinc was finally abandoned late last year, though project. We know that the Aboriginal people, many are surprised that the Government has their elders and the communities likely to not begun to sell the many Rochedale benefit from that mine want the project to properties bought by Queensland Transport proceed. Their many families will benefit. for that project. The proceeds might help to Ratbag opportunists such as Murrandoo meet the cost of the much-needed Pacific Yanner cannot hold Queenslanders and their Highway upgrade announced three days ago economy to ransom. In common with "Mad by the Honourable Minister, Vaughan Dog" Kelty in the Federal industrial relations Johnson. Early reports from my electorate arena, that kind of troublemaker will be bring good feedback on that announcement. defeated by our new Government leaders. At least the real work will now begin. The Prime Minister, Mr Howard, and Premier Borbidge are strong, prepared to roll up their It is a pity that we may not be able to sleeves and look after the workers and complete planning for the transport route entrepreneurs who are the engine room of this changes between the Logan River and nation. Yesterday I was amazed to hear a Brisbane City for another few months. I hope handful of Opposition speakers suggest that that that will not further delay freeway noise the Premier should not assist the parties in the abatement measures that are sorely needed Century Zinc mine negotiations toward a by the residents of Portulaca Street, solution. We on the Government side firmly MacGregor. I have worked for a year to hasten Legislative Assembly 695 18 April 1996 those installations. Those patient people have Mount Gravatt. I salute the initiative of all waited 14 years and have had enough. those involved in those projects. Speaking of the freeway noise, I turn to I am sure that honourable members the Gateway Motorway, which carries appreciate the valuable work done in increasingly heavy volumes of traffic north- Queensland by the many non-profit south through the electorate of Mansfield. I organisations. I trust that neither this State have studied the draft final report on the Government nor the Federal Government will proposed Port of Brisbane impact assessment be so short-sighted as to withdraw or reduce after a number of my constituents expressed any of the revenue concessions presently concern over its route, which clearly now is not extended to those churches, charities, going to affect Mansfield directly. The report foundations and trusts. Organisations such as shows clearly that the new port road linking the Mount Gravatt Meals On Wheels, based in Port Drive with the Gateway Motorway is the electorate of Mansfield, perform invaluable needed and it recommends a route somewhat work. It is a real encouragement to me when I parallel to Lytton Road. There does not see men and women in their 70s and 80s appear to be an extra road planned to dump rallying to help other aged folk who enjoy not traffic onto Tilley Road from the port as was only the hot meals delivered to them but also initially feared, but the new road will obviously the warm friendship given to them by those bring extra vehicles onto the Gateway cheerful volunteers. Motorway, which runs through Mansfield. The social fabric of the people in the I have also been keeping an eye on plans electorate of Mansfield is further enriched by for a zincalum plant just to the west of the the community radio station FM101, which Gateway Bridge toll plaza. Although that was established a few years ago by a small development is outside my electorate, it will group of volunteers. It is a fine example of undoubtedly have a beneficial effect on the what community broadcasting can be in availability of work for Mansfield residents. Australia. I pay credit to those who people They are concerned, however, that additional have worked so hard for many years. I also heavy transport vehicles being drawn onto the want to mention family radio FM92.1, which Gateway Motorway and then travelling via broadcasts for only four lots of three weeks busy Mount Gravatt-Capalaba Road to light each year. That station is anticipating the industrial centres in Mansfield, MacGregor, granting of a Federal licence for full-time Acacia Ridge and Rocklea may cause them broadcasting soon. I certainly urge our Federal some nuisance. We anticipate that some of Minister responsible for that matter to make a that extra traffic will use the new southern policy decision that will facilitate the granting of bypass to avoid congestion on the east-west that licence. Griffith arterial road through MacGregor. The rich fabric of our society is understood Whether we like it or not, the electorate of and fostered by honourable members, but I Mansfield straddles the junction of the three mention it here to let those many thousands busiest roads in Queensland, as the South of benefactors know that they are appreciated East Freeway joins those other two roads and and also to entice others in the electorate to then merges into the new pacific motorway follow their example. Recently, I assisted prize announced this week. Some of that extra givers at the Mansfield District Junior Cricket traffic and related commercial development Club and also at the Mount Gravatt Junior has left us with additional noise and motor Cricket Club trophy days. The high standard of accidents, but the police officers from the young cricketers at those clubs is achieved Upper Mount Gravatt station within the only with the commitment of volunteer electorate, and also both Camp Hill and coaches, managers and scorers. The same Holland Park stations outside the electorate, goes for those responsible for our many other have been very helpful. Not only have they sporting groups—scouts, guide troops and done their best with limited resources on cultural and social clubs in Mansfield. Some of patrols and call-outs; they have also those groups, such as the Queensland Rifle demonstrated old-fashioned courtesy. Those Association, the Sporting Shooters police officers covering my electorate have Association, the vintage car clubs and the good intelligence on trouble spots, trends and Light Horse Association, are known throughout best preventative measures. They also invest Australia for their achievements. a lot of effort in the many Neighbourhood Watch and Safety House committees that The Southside Chamber of Commerce is serve the electorate of Mansfield. With their a very strong and progressive association of encouragement, a crime safety audit is under local businessmen. It is an ideal clearing way in Eight Mile Plains and is about to start in house, or common room, for local business 18 April 1996 696 Legislative Assembly owners and managers. The meetings are worthwhile koala habitat yet allow reasonable always well organised and optimistic with development of land in that area, part of which informed and timely speakers. Recently, the is in the electorate of Mansfield. A recent chamber was successful in securing a grant of decision of the Planning and Environment money from the Queensland Government Court showed that the many complex issues under the Main Street Program to give a fresh surrounding that policy need to be sorted out look and new life to the Mount Gravatt soon. shopping centre. The Garden City Shopping The same type of tensions are Centre, which is located down the road at strengthening in north Rochedale, where a Upper Mount Gravatt, is halfway through a pro-development lobby is competing with the major upgrade of facilities, and I am sure that conservation of farming land lobby, which has it will continue to grow in success. I only hope been picked up by SPP1/92. We have a that the managers and owners understand unique sample of that problem in the that there is a need for moderation in rent, for Levington Road, Eight Mile Plains area where small business has had a hiding in the last a proposal to subdivide a couple of farming decade in Australia and needs some properties caught in a wedge between the encouragement if that kind of large enterprise new southern bypass, Logan Road and is to really get back on its feet. another main road, in my view, has Right next door at Mount Gravatt, in the demonstrated many good reasons why it electorate of Mansfield, is the historic and should be developed into multiple attractive Mount Gravatt Showgrounds. It dwelling-type accommodation so that workers continues to be improved by the hardworking can access easily the nearby light industrial Mount Gravatt Showground Trust under the and commercial areas. able leadership of the new chairman, Robin The parliamentary prayer fellowship still Fardoulys, who is a commercial builder. I am continues in this House during times when the calling on the State Government departments House is sitting. Yesterday morning's meeting, that are able to assist with any possible in my belief, revitalised that group. A number funding to assist the trust to transport to the of basic concepts were agreed and I believe showgrounds and renovate the Evans Deakin that speakers will continue to be organised for building to the high standard of completion meetings on the first Wednesday of each that we saw occur with the Mount Gravatt future sittings. I commend it to the attention of Memorial Show Hall during the time that I was honourable members, and I am sure that they chairman of that trust. The showgrounds has a will find it a secure and comfortable meeting proven record as an accessible and popular place where they will be able to have venue for all sorts of cultural, recreational, fellowship, have a time of prayer and feel no sporting and showground activities. The trust barrier between members according to their has appointed a youth development worker, particular faith or political leanings. and is anxiously awaiting confirmation of funding from the State Government so that it I support the motion, saying in summary might proceed for the next couple of years that I am confident and pleased to serve the with a program that I believe will help young people of Mansfield in the Borbidge/Sheldon people in the electorate of Mansfield and coalition Government. I believe that we shall adjoining areas. I also praise the community achieve the objectives outlined in the Speech work of the Mount Gravatt Show Society under of Her Excellency brought to us on 28 March the able leadership of long-time president Bob 1996. Goss. I am sure that, on the last weekend of Mr FITZGERALD (Lockyer—Leader of July this year, this city will see a great annual Government Business) (4.27 p.m.): I join in the show. debate on the motion for the adoption of the A significant issue in my electorate of Address in Reply, delivered by Her Excellency Mansfield is the Koala Coast Conservation the Governor Leneen Forde on 28 March Plan, or SPP1/95, which I discussed on 16 1996. As is the tradition for members in this April. The Koala Habitat Conservation program place, I pledge my loyalty to Her Majesty the of the Brisbane City Council does not appear Queen and her representative in Queensland. to be very well coordinated with that I congratulate Mr Speaker on his appointment Government policy. I urge the council to take to the high office of Speaker. Mr Deputy advantage of the offer and facilities of the Speaker, I also congratulate you on your Queensland Department of Environment to elevation to the rank of Chairman of make sure that there is a consolidated, Committees. effective and profitable plan for the people of It is indeed tradition that members speak south-east Queensland that will preserve to a motion for the adoption of the Governor's Legislative Assembly 697 18 April 1996

Speech. It is a Speech that has been written years, to talk at length about their own in consultation with the Government of this electorates and the needs of the people that State. As this is a new State Government, this they represent. I have always done that and is the second Address in Reply debate since will continue to do it. the State election on 15 July in which Dr Watson: In fact, for some of them it members have had an opportunity to speak. It was many years since they have even spoken. is a very unusual circumstance that Government has changed hands since a Mr FITZGERALD: I take that general election. interjection. It has been quite some years One of our great institutions is this since some of them have spoken. The major Parliament, in which we can change issue facing the electorate of Lockyer is the Governments at the will of the people and on growth that is taking place in south-east the voting strength of the members of this Queensland. My electorate is nestled at the House without a shot being fired in anger. foothills of the eastern Great Dividing Range, Another great institution is that, although from the New South Wales border and the Governments can be defeated and new southern side of the Boonah shire, right Governments can be elected, the people can around to the city of Toowoomba. I cover the have their say. At times, we may think that range all the way around. This area has they get it right; other times we know that they experienced phenomenal growth, because get it wrong. At least they have a chance to Lockyer gets the spill-over of growth from other reconsider their position and they can change areas of south-east Queensland. their minds. I do not want to sound arrogant, People come to this region because they but I know that, some day, members opposite like sun and surf, they enjoy the climate and may sit on this side of the House, and those of they think that Queensland is a land of us who sit on this side may possibly sit on the opportunity. I hope that they prosper and that opposite side of the House—but not if I can we can accommodate them without too much help it! inconvenience to the present residents. It is Replying to the Governor's Speech is an always a conflict for people who want an area old tradition, and it is a great tradition because to progress and develop, but do not want new it stands for the Parliament. That is why I feel neighbours, the roads clogged and the so strongly about maintaining the traditions of schools overcrowded. That is what happening this place. I hope that this Government is able in country areas, and in some urban areas. to finish the debate on the motion for the For example, when one sees how clogged the adoption of the Address in Reply and present roads in Brisbane are, one may think, "Why do it to Her Excellency, unlike the previous all these people have to come? We were Government which fell before it presented its comfortable beforehand." However, provided Address in Reply. we plan and develop infrastructure, the inconvenience to present residents can be The Governor delivered rather an minimised and newcomers can have the interesting Speech which outlined the priorities facilities that they need. Most newcomers of the new Government and the programs it is enjoy living in Queensland and, provided that going to initiate. Government members are they can find work, few tend to move on. now looking forward to that legislation being presented; indeed, some of it has already There is a need in the community for been presented. In summing up, Her extra roads and, of course, railway lines, and Excellency said— this can cause some inconvenience to the "I have outlined some of the main people whose land will be affected. Presently, features of my Government's program. In plans are being looked at for new road and rail opening this second session of the forty- routes through my electorate. An alternative road route over the Toowoomba range has eighth , I trust that your deliberations will be instrumental been planned for 10 to 15 years' time. That is in advancing the welfare of the people of very necessary, but naturally will cause a deal our State." of inconvenience to the people whose properties will be partly resumed. In addition, I am sure that all honourable members hope Queensland Rail is planning a new crossing of that that wish comes to fruition. the Toowoomba range for the next 10 to 30 Traditionally, members talk about their years. The present route down the range is own electorates during the debate on the most unsuitable. The tracks keep shifting, and Address in Reply. I have noticed that quite a the trains—particularly heavily loaded few members of the Opposition have taken trains—have to go very slowly around curves the opportunity, for the first time in many which I believe are eight chain curves. 18 April 1996 698 Legislative Assembly

The present railway line was built in the when it is known that a road or railway line is 1860s, and in its day it was a great going to be built and probably within 10 to 20 engineering feat. I am proud to say that my years the properties will be resumed, because great grandfather worked as a navvy on the obviously they will not be able to get a true line to Gatton, so I have a small connection market price. Other people, of course, may with the history of that line. Although that line wish to stay on their properties in the hope represents a great engineering feat— that the railway line will not be built for another particularly in that it crosses the two ranges, 30 years. They may think, "I am 60 years of the Great Dividing Range and the Liverpool age and I want to live here until I die." Those Range—it is not a suitable line for the modern, people should have the right to stay on their fast, heavy freight trains which now use the properties, but funding has to be found to buy track. out the people who do want to move. During the term of office of the previous Of course, that is not as inconvenient to Government, Queensland Rail started looking Government as one would think, because at alternative routes over the Toowoomba quite often a larger property can be bought at range. I have cooperated fully with that a fair market price. The land that is required is investigation, but I ask honourable members resumed, and the remaining areas can be to bear in mind the inconvenience that that sold to people who do not find it a great planning is causing to my constituents. inconvenience to have a railway track or road Queensland Rail originally released a route going past them, even though they will not which was going to roughly parallel the original have access to either. Those people are willing track, but, instead of eight chain curves, it was to pay a reasonable price for that land, and, going to have curves of a 1.9 kilometre radius. therefore, the cost to the State is not as great That would allow trains to travel at close to 150 as it might have been earlier. kilometres an hour, although it was hoped to increase that speed to 160 kilometres an hour. I wish to tell my constituents that I support I have now been advised that, following some strongly the provision and planning of this concerns expressed by residents—and I major infrastructure, but I will stand up for support their concerns and I know that they them to ensure that they get a fair deal. I will are genuine concerns—Queensland Rail is make sure that their concerns are listened to. looking for another route over the Toowoomba Quite a few of my constituents have range. Although I have received a briefing, I expressed major concerns to me, particularly think it is quite right that Queensland Rail about the proposed railway line. A couple of should take time to talk to the property owners years ago, Queensland Rail decided to put in on the proposed route. At this stage, it is only a signalling system, take away the railway a proposal and Queensland Rail has not yet stations along the Helidon and Toowoomba weighed one option against the other. It section of the railway line, and put in a central should be given the opportunity of contacting traffic control. Quite a few of the railway work the people affected before I start speculating force in my electorate lost their jobs as a on where the route will be. However, it will result, but one cannot complain about probably pass through the Gatton Shire, which advancing technology, provided the trains are is in my electorate. running safely. The problem is that, once there is a In addition, Queensland Rail decided that proposal for a road or railway line to pass it needed an access road along the railway through property, but which is not going to be line. Putting it bluntly, it took a large bulldozer built for 10 to 30 years, that imposes a huge and pushed a track parallel to the road. At the burden on the property owners. Indeed, it can time, the engineer responsible thought that he destroy their lives if they do not know whether had successfully constructed a road. However, or not their land will be resumed. I have a later on, some of the spoil, rock and philosophy, and I believe the Government sandstone boulders were dislodged and rolled should follow it: planning should be done and across private property. Nobody knew exactly the desired route worked out, but that route where the boundaries were. When it did rain, should be determined as soon as possible. the dams silted up. At the end of that drought, That line is put on the map, and the people when we had very heavy rain, some of the who wish to have their properties resumed are private dams silted up. Murphy's Creek and then able to sell out to the corporation that is Lockyer Creek became silted. Queensland Rail building the infrastructure. In other words, is considering putting a major railway through property owners must be able to sell out when similar country, and constituents can hardly be they want to. A number of properties on the blamed for being concerned that the proposed routes are currently on the market. It treatment they received on a previous would be totally unjust if the owners had to sell occasion will be repeated. Legislative Assembly 699 18 April 1996

Murphy's Creek is a lovely area to which competition between Queensland and the people go for peace and quiet. It is a lovely and that Queensland was brook which virtually never dries up even in the totally opposed to the north-south railway line upper reaches. The people there perceive that that is proposed from Adelaide to Darwin. I did their lifestyles will be threatened. I wholly not have an opportunity to offer my point of support those people. I hope that we can view. However, I would have said that I was come up with a solution with regard to a not opposed to such a railway line; it would be railway line that will be of benefit to the people a great piece of infrastructure. If the southern of Queensland but of minimal inconvenience cities of Melbourne and Adelaide can export to the people in my electorate. as far as Darwin along that route, I say, "Good It is a priority for any Government to build luck to them." I would like to see a full circle of infrastructure that allows commerce and railway networks throughout Australia, and I industry to develop, because this creates jobs believe that a Melbourne-New South Wales- and enables people to work. It is the Queensland-Darwin route will eventually responsibility of the Government to provide benefit not only Australia but also, more infrastructure. In particular, long-term importantly from a Queenslander's point of infrastructure is important. For instance, the view, Queensland. Treasurer advised the House over the past It is extremely important that we take into couple of days that the gas pipeline had been consideration all the requirements of sold off. That pipeline was constructed by the Government in the Address in Reply debate. State to transport gas to Gladstone. I The Governor's Speech mentioned the need remember the debates that took place in this for infrastructure. Another area of infrastructure place on that issue. The Opposition at the that needs to be developed is the provision of time was totally opposed to the State building dams. I have been rather critical of the former that infrastructure. It was rather ironic that a Government in that it completed very few conservative Government was proposing a dams. The now Opposition claims that it built a gas pipeline as a State-owned enterprise and few when in Government. However, most of yet a Labor Opposition at the time was those projects were planned well before it opposed to the State owning that enterprise. came to power. The practice of planning for Brian Austin was the Minister for Mines future dams was discontinued under the and Energy at the time. The then former Labor Government. The water Government's intention was to enable the resources design section within the supply of gas to Gladstone. Various gas Department of Primary Industries virtually consumers and producers wanted such a disappeared and all designing virtually ceased. pipeline. Every party interested in building that The Governor's Speech stated that the line sought to take full advantage of the Government is planning to spend $1 billion commercial opportunities at both ends of the over the next 15 years on the provision of line. Austin recognised the need for a water storage infrastructure. A task force is common carrier, that is, a single body to now in place that will study where those dams supply gas to purchasers. The intention was to will go. sell it off. I do not think there has been any Without any further ado, as the final criticism of that sale; it has proceeded well. speaker in the Address in Reply debate, I say Gladstone is able to take full advantage of the that it was a delight to join in this debate, even gas pipeline and is able to get very good though it is the second such debate that we prices for gas. I hope that that area continues have had since the last election. I commend to grow and develops as the major industrial the motion to the House. area in Queensland. Motion—That the Address in Reply be As to infrastructure—I have a vision that adopted—agreed to. some day we will have a railway line right up the middle of Australia from Melbourne inland, ADDRESS IN REPLY through Bathurst and the inland areas of New Presentation South Wales up to the Darling Downs, possibly continuing right up to Karumba and even on Mr SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that I propose to present to Her to Darwin. Such a major rail link would allow Excellency the Governor, at Government our exporters to export very competitively and House, on Monday, 29 April at 2.10 p.m., the would provide an alternative to sea transport Address in Reply to the Opening Speech of as far north as Darwin. Her Excellency the Governor agreed to on Recently, a conference of National Party Thursday, 18 April, and I shall be glad to be members was held in Darwin. I sat in on some accompanied by the mover and the seconder of the debate and I was rather surprised that and such other honourable members as care one of the speakers said that there is great to be present. 18 April 1996 700 Legislative Assembly

SELECT COMMITTEE ON Works Committee and Mr Stephan TRAVELSAFE be appointed as Chairperson of the committee Terms of Reference (b) That Mr Lester be discharged from Mr FITZGERALD (Lockyer—Leader of further attendance on the Legal, Government Business) (4.46 p.m.), by leave, Constitutional and Administrative without notice: I move— Review Committee and Mrs Gamin "That the resolution of appointment be appointed as Chairperson of the of the Select Committee on Travelsafe committee agreed to by the House on 15 September (c) That Mr Woolmer be discharged from 1995 be amended by: Omitting further attendance on the Members' paragraphs (1) to (3) and substituting: Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee and Ms Warwick be '(1) That a select committee, to be appointed as Chairperson of the known as the Select Committee on committee Travelsafe, be appointed to inquire into and report on all aspects of road (d) That Mr Healy be discharged from safety and public transport in further attendance on the Public Queensland. In particular the Accounts Committee and Mr Harper Committee shall monitor, investigate be appointed as Chairperson of the and report on— committee (a) issues affecting road safety (e) That Mr Malone be discharged from further attendance on the Scrutiny of including the causes of road Legislation Committee and Mr Elliott crashes and measures aimed at be appointed as Chairperson of the reducing deaths, injuries and committee economic costs to the community; (f) That Mr Springborg be discharged from further attendance on the (b) the safety of passenger Standing Orders Committee and Mr transport services, and Speaker be Chairperson of the measures aimed at reducing the committee incidence of related deaths and injuries; and (g) That Mr Springborg be discharged from further attendance on the (c) measures for the enhancement Select Committee on Procedural of public transport in Review and Mr Speaker be Queensland and reducing Chairperson of the committee dependence on private motor (h) That Messrs Lester, Baumann, vehicles as the predominant Woolmer, Hollis, Robertson and mode of transport Nuttall be appointed to the (2) That the committee consist of 6 Parliamentary Criminal Justice members of the Legislative Assembly Committee and Mr Lester be of whom 3 shall be nominated by the appointed as Chairperson of the Leader of the Opposition Committee (3) That the committee consist of Messrs (2) These changes in membership to be effective as from the date of assent to the J Goss (Chairman), Dollin, Hegarty, Parliamentary Committees Legislation Mitchell, Nunn and T Sullivan'." Amendment Bill." Motion agreed to. Motion agreed to.

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT Membership Mr FITZGERALD (Lockyer—Leader of Mr FITZGERALD (Lockyer—Leader of Government Business) (4.48 p.m.): I move— Government Business) (4.47 p.m.), by leave, without notice: I move— "That the House, at its rising, do adjourn until 9.30 a.m. Tuesday, 30 April "(1) That the membership of statutory 1996." committees be varied as follows: Motion agreed to. (a) That Mr Carroll be discharged from further attendance on the Public The House adjourned at 4.49 p.m.