APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CLERK

Tuesday, 1 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 813

Tuesday, 1 October 1991 ... he has deliberately misled the House.

That action was a clear contravention of the procedures adopted by the House.

The SPEAKER (Hon. Ken Coghill) took the chair at I am further concerned that the details of the 2.5 p.m. and read the prayer. complaint were the subject of an evening news report on Channel 7 on Monday, 23 September. I APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CLERK was subsequently contacted for comment that evening by newspaper reporters and it was evident The SPEAKER - Order! In accordance with the that they were aware of the details of the first letter powers vested in me I nominated Mr Philip John from the Leader of the National Party. It was Mithen, the Assistant Clerk and Clerk of necessary for me to write to the Leader of the Committees, to be Deputy Clerk. The Governor in National Party seeking an explanation of the media Council has been pleased to make the appointment reports and the release of details of the in accordance with the said nomination. correspondence. The response in the honourable member's reply dated 24 September did not provide ALLEGED BREACH OF PRIVILEGE a satisfactory explanation.

The SPEAKER - Order! I desire to make a It is grossly improper that the existence and details statement about an alleged breach of privilege. On of a letter from a member to the Speaker alleging a Thursday, 19 September 1991, prior to the sitting of breach of privilege should have become public. The the House, and in a further letter dated 24 confidentiality of such correspondence is essential to September, the Leader of the National Party wrote protect the rights of a member who has made a raiSing a number of matters concerning answers by complaint, to protect the rights of any person - be the Minister for Transport to certain questions they a member of Parliament or not - against without notice. The Leader of the National Party whom a complaint has been made, and to protect sought to have all of the matters referred to the the right of the Chair to determine the matter free Privileges Committee. from inquiries and speculation by the media or others. I have examined these matters in accordance with custom and practice as set out in the ruling by It appears that only one of the matters raised in the Speaker Wheeler on 19 April 1978 recorded in letter may be the subject of a prima facie case of Hansard volume No. 337 at pages 1756 and 1757. breach of privilege which should take precedence: namely, the claim that the Minister deliberately The Chair is required to determine whether the letter misled the House. None of the other matters appears setting out the complaint was written as soon as to be supported by evidence that suggests they fall practicable and whether there is a prima facie case within the categories of action which have been held which should have precedence. to constitute breach of privilege or contempt of the Parliament. I am satisfied that the first letter was written and delivered to me as soon as practicable and that, On Wednesday, 18 September 1991, in the course of while the second letter could perhaps have been an answer to a question without notice referring to written sooner, that was of no material consequence the contract of employment between Mr Jeffrey in this particular instance. Gordon and the Public Transport Corporation, the Minister for Transport said: Once the complaint has been lodged the complaining member is not permitted to say As I have explained, the contract was signed by Mc anything in the House concerning the matter Gordon and the PTc. pending the Speaker's consideration, except for the member's right to give notice of a substantive Immediately after question time the Minister motion. The Leader of the National Party did refer approached me and advised that he wished to make specifically to the matter on 19 September in debate a personal explanation about that part of his answer on the question ''That grievances be noted" when he and discussed the nature of the proposed personal said, in part, in reference to the Minister on the same explanation. matter: ALLEGED BREACH OF PRIVILEGE

814 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 1 October 1991

It is not appropriate to disclose the content of that At the heart of the Westminster system of discussion or any other discussion between an government is one central and inviolable rule: a honourable member and the Chair. Minister of the Crown must never lie to the House or must never mislead the House. It is a system and a At the first opportunity, that being the first change rule that has stood the test of time in all great of business, the Minister made his personal Parliaments. It is a system and a rule that confers on explanation in which he said: a Minister onerous obligations beyond those applied in other disciplines. I wish to make a personal explanation. I have been asked by the Leader of the National Party to clarify It puts the Minister in a position of privilege and of whether the contract between Mr Jeff Gordon and the being duty bound to uphold the traditions of the Public Transport Corporation had been signed. Westminster-style rule. In this Parliament, and on this day, the Minister faces a charge of misleading In my statement ... I said the contract was signed. In Parliament. The history of this sordid affair brings fact, what I wished to say was, as I have always no credit to the Minister or the government. The indicated, that the contract was agreed between Mr Minister has engaged in a disingenuous campaign to Gordon and the corporation, and is a legal and binding avoid responsibility for his actions. contract. I knew at the time of today's statement to the House that the contract was not signed. The SPEAKER - Order! Precedence was given in respect of one matter only. The Leader of the I apologise to the House for inadvertently misleading it. National Party appears to be digressing from that I had never previously indicated to the House that the matter. I remind him that he may only present contract was signed. In fact, I discovered only recently matters in respect of the matter which has been that it was not signed. To clarify the issue I have given precedence. He may not introduce any other requested the corporation to make the relevant matters whatsoever. documents available. Mr McNAMARA - I am raising matters in line It is not the role of the Chair to determine whether with your ruling, Mr Speaker, and I note in the the Minister inadvertently misled the House or statement you have just made reference to a prima alternatively whether, as suggested by the Leader of facie case that the Minister misled the House, as he the National Party, the Minister deliberately I'nisled explained, when he said the contract was signed but the House and there has been a breach of privilege. later he said the contract was not signed. Part of the Nor is it the practice of this House for the Speaker to Minister's explanation for that procedure was that refer matters directly to the Privileges Committee. he was not fully aware of the details of the particular Both are for the House to determine. contract.

The role of the Chair is to determine whether a The investigation of the matter by the Privileges prima facie case of breach of privilege exists for the Committee will show very clearly that the Minister purpose of giving precedence to a motion in relation was aware of many more of the details about the to the matter. Accordingly, I am of the opinion that contract than he has alluded to, and that is the precedence should be given to consideration of the fundamental point. We have a Minister who has complaint alleging that the Minister for Transport engaged in a campaign to distance himself from any deliberately misled the House in respect of his knowledge or understanding of what the contract knowledge as to whether the contract in question involved. He has sought to avoid scrutiny of the had been Signed. matter of the $95 000 payout.

I call upon the Leader of the National Party now to The SPEAKER - Order! The Leader of the proceed in accordance with the practices of the National Party may proceed only in respect to the House. Minister deliberately misleading the House as to whether or not the contract was signed. The Leader Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) of the National Party may not refer to any other -I move: aspect of the matter whatsoever. If he continues to defy the Chair I will not hear him. That the complaint made by the Leader of the National Party on Thursday, 19 September 1991, be referred to Mr McNAMARA - I certainly seek to do no the Privileges Committee for examination and report. more than what you have directed, Mr Speaker. It is ALLEGED BREACH OF PRIVILEGE

Tuesday, 1 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 815 very clear that the Minister for Transport knew more ask you, Mr Speaker, to ensure that the Leader of the about the detail of the contract than he alluded to in National Party confines his remarks to that point his statements to the House. and that point only.

The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable Mr STOCKDALE (Brighton) - On the point of member shall confine himself to the one matter and order, Mr Speaker, the issue in this case is not no other. unusual in the sense that it goes to the state of mind of the person who made the statement. Mr McNAMARA - I am talking about whether the Minister was aware that the contract was signed Honourable members interjecting. and other details. The SPEAKER - Order! This is a difficult matter The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable for the entire House and I ask honourable members member should not flout the ruling of the Chair or on both sides of the Chamber to remain silent while argue with the Chair. I have clearly ruled that the a member has the call. only matter before the Chair is whether the Minister deliberately misled the House in stating that the Mr STOCKDALE - The established facts are not contract was signed. at issue. They are that the Minister for Transport made a statement to the House which he now The honourable member may not refer to any other admits is not correct. All that remains is whether the matters relating to the contract or the general subject. Minister knowingly made a mistake. Mr Speaker, that issue, as you correctly pointed out, is the only Mr McNAMARA - Mr Speaker, I concur with issue before the House, but that does not mean that your ruling. I am referring to the Minister evidence cannot be found on whether the misleading the House in relation to the signing of misstatement was made, knowing or not, from the the contract. circumstances in which it took place. Indeed, it would be impossible for the House and the On 14 August a newspaper heading entitled ''No Privileges Committee to resolve the issue were it to special deal - Spyker" reported that the Minister be so narrowly confined as you so suggest. for Transport had issued a statement where he said Mr Speaker, this is not a case where the Minister admits he knowingly made an incorrect statement; Mr CRABB (Minister for Tourism) - On a point there is a contest about whether he knew or not. of order, Mr Speaker, the Leader of the National Therefore, any tribunal ascertaining whether he did Party has already flagrantly abused the forms of the or did not know must look at the surrounding House in the way you have described by exposing in circumstances which would have to be put in the media matters which, under the forms of the evidence. One of the classic ways of establishing the House, should not have been so treated - matters bona fides of that detail is to examine whether it which we may well hear about on another occasion. forms part of a course of conduct, not to address as For the honourable member to continue to flout the an offence the surrounding circumstances, but to see forms of the House in the way he is now doing is whether they lend support to the Minister's denial frankly outrageous. or support the allegation. They are relevant, but in an evidentiary sense, not in their own right. The complaint before the House is a precise matter. There is no doubt the contract was not signed. There For that reason I put it to you, Sir, that the course is no doubt the Minister said it was signed and there being followed by the Leader of the National Party is no doubt that once he realised that he had made is not only correct but also necessary. That is an error he took the proper steps to correct that especially so if both the House and the Privileges omission and made a statement to the House. The Committee are to make reasonable judgments. only issue that needs to be resolved is the allegation by the Leader of the National Party that the Minister The Minister and those who defend him must also was not mistaken about the signing of the contract address the surrounding circumstances. Otherwise and that he deliberately misled the House. we will be left to decide nothing other than whether to accept or reject the Minister's denial, in isolation That is the only matter before the House and the from any of the surrounding circumstances - and only matter that can be debated on this occasion. I ALLEGED BREACH OF PRIVILEGE

816 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 1 October 1991 that would be a gross miscarriage of justice for all 14 August the Minister for Transport issued a press concerned. release on the matter under the heading ''No special deal: Spyker" and -- The SPEAKER - Order! I uphold the point of order. The Leader of the National Party may not The SPEAKER - Order! I ask the Leader of the introduce matters that are extraneous to the simple National Party to relate his remarks to the matter matter to which precedence has been given. He will before the Chair. be in order if he can demonstrate the relevance of his remarks to that simple matter. Mr McNAMARA - If you give me a chance to do so, Mr Speaker. The press statement commented However, it al'pears to the Chair that he is going directly on the terms and conditions of the contract. beyond matters of relevance to the limited matter By issuing that statement to the press the Minister that is before the Chair. showed he clearly understood the nature of the contract. Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) - I now wish to deal specifically with that matter, We cannot expect the Minister to understand the Mr Speaker, which is whether the Minister details of 10 000 other contracts; but on 14 August he deliberately misled the House. showed by his own admission that he clearly understood the terms and conditions of Mr Gordon's We know that the statements he made were contract. Yet one month later, on 18 September, contradictory. In one statement the Minister for when speaking in this House the Minister appeared Transport said the contract was signed, but in not to have any understanding or knowledge of its another statement on the same day he said the contents, saying, in effect, that he was not aware of contract was not signed and that he knew at the time the contents of the contract. Although on 14 August he made the first statement that was so. Clearly, his he told us of the terms of the contract, on 18 own words have condemned him. September, under pressure, he denied any knowledge of it. In deciding whether the Minister deliberately misled the House honourable members must understand Six days earlier, on 12 September, the Minister was that he had more than a passing knowledge of the asked time and again to explain to the House the contract. The contract was not similar to those that status of the contract and to say whether it was tens of thousands of other officers under the signed or unsigned. The Minister refused to answer Minister's control had signed and were parties to. any of those matters directly - and references to The contract was unique and was drawn up in such Hansard will substantiate my point. a way that Mr Gordon was to be responsible to the Minister and to no-one else: although he was to be On 18 September the Minister was finally forced to paid by the Public Transport Corporation, Mr admit: Gordon was to be responsible only to the Minister for Transport. As I have explained, the contract was signed by Mr Gordon and the PTc. I direct the attention of the House to a document released by the Minister, which is headed Yet at 5 p.m. on the same day the Minister made a "Overview of function of PTC". The job description personal explanation to the House admitting that he referred to in the document states: had deliberately lied, even producing --

The incumbent shall work and report directly to the Honourable members interjecting. Minister. The SPEAKER - Order! I ask the Leader of the The statement clearly shows that the officer was to National Party to withdraw that term. be directly employed by the Minister for Transport, which goes to the fact of the Minister's knowing Mr McNAMARA - I withdraw. The Minister whether or not the contract was Signed. admitted that he deliberately misled the House and he even produced the unsigned contract. I agree with the point made by the honourable member for Brighton, that we need to have an Mr CRABB (Minister for Tourism) - On a point understanding of the background of this matter. On of order, Mr Speaker, the Leader of the National ALLEGED BREACH OF PRIVILEGE

Tuesday, 1 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 817

Party just said the Minister for Transport that other sections of society may regard as acceptable. deliberately misled the House. That is manifestly not Higher and different standards are expected of them ... the case. The Minister claims that at no stage did he deliberately mislead the House: he said he Mc Landeryou may well have not knowingly got inadvertently misled the House and he fronted up himself into this position. The facts are he did and a and apologised for that. The Leader of the National totally unacceptable position arose. Party should be required to withdraw the allegation. That same Wlacceptable position now faces this Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) Premier. The Premier's loyalty to her Minister may - I withdraw. The Minister admitted the be laudable -- information he gave to the House was not correct. As evidence of that he produced an unsigned Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - On a point of order, Mr contract. He did not give details about how long he Speaker, the matter being raised by the Leader of the had it, and that is another matter that must be National Party is, as you have ruled, clear and addressed. specific. If the matter is referred to the Privileges Committee the attitudes of other honourable The Minister gave various explanations for members is a matter for it to determine. The Leader misleading the House, none of which excused him of the National Party is speaking too broadly in from the action he took. Believing the explanation canvassing the opinions of other people about this given by the Minister and the retraction from his and other events. He should simply be putting to the earlier statement, the Premier came to the Minister's House the reason why this matter should defence and decided his statement was enough to immediately be referred to the Privileges Committee. save him from any action. The Minister said: Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National I knew at the time of today's statement to the House Party) - On the point of order, Mr Speaker, the that the contract was not signed. House is addressing the serious issue of Ministerial propriety. I think it is important that the House be The Minister clearly said he knew when he made the aware of other precedents that have been established statement earlier that day that what he said was not in this place. A number of honourable members who correct, and he has since verified that. On any basis have come into this Chamber since 1983 may not be of interpretation that is a clear admission by the aware of the circumstances of and the attitudes that Minister. were taken to those matters.

The Premier has said it was not the Minister's You have indicated, Sir, that there is a matter that deliberate intention to mislead the House. So far as this House should address. It is now up to the the Premier is concerned, the Minister's apology was House to determine whether the matter should be apparently enough for this matter to be resolved. I referred to the Privileges Committee. I believe all quote a statement made by the Premier: matters on this specific issue should be put before the House, and, more importantly, where we have ... when he found out he'd misled Parliament he did precedents those matters should also be considered what politicians ought to do, and that's apologise to the by members of this Chamber. House and correct it. The SPEAKER - Order! On the point of order, So far as the Premier is concerned that is enough. I the Leader of the National Party will be in order if refer to precedent and remind the Premier of the he can relate his remarks to breaches of privilege. way the honourable member for BWldoora handled However, the attitude of any particular Premier or a matter involving Ministerial propriety. On 31 Premiers to Ministerial behaviour is not necessarily August 1983 the then Premier, the honourable an issue analogous to a matter of privilege or a member for BWldoora, made the position of a contempt of the Parliament. Minister's higher duty quite clear when he said: I uphold the point of order. I indicate to the Leader Ministers carry a particular obligation to exercise the of the National Party that he will be in order if he responsibilities of their commissions and their duties can relate his remarks to matters of privilege, but not under statute in a manner in which the public can have if he relates them to other matters. full confidence. Frequently they cannot behave in ways ALLEGED BREACH OF PRIVILEGE

818 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 1 October 1991

Mr McNAMARA - I shall quote no further from I do not believe this is a case of a breach of privilege; the remarks of the honourable member for Bundoora it was entirely accidental and the Privileges on this matter, but I should like now to give an Committee would have nothing to decide upon, as I example of the attitude of former Prime Minister had admitted and apologised for my mistake. Whitlam which deals specifically with this sort of issue. When he told the nation on 15 October 1975 I wish to repeat the apology today to you, that he had acted to uphold a precise and Mr Speaker, and to the House for I believe the issues fundamental principle of Parliamentary of truth in statements to the House and privilege are government, he said: serious and must be treated as such.

The principle is that the Parliament must be able to However, my conscience is clear because I had no accept assurances given to it by a Minister, and if those intention to deliberately mislead. I made a slip of the assurances prove to be misleading, the Minister tongue. concerned must be held responsible. Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - On a point of order, That is a very clear precedent that I believe this Mr Speaker, I do not think this is an instance where House must take into consideration. The case is honourable members have a copy of the motion in crystal clear. front of them, but it refers to the complaints made by the Leader of the National Party on Thursday, I believe the statements made by the Minister have 19 September being referred to the Privileges really condemned him out of his own mouth. Committee. Certainly there is no doubt from the Minister's statement that he not only misled the House when As I understand it - and I seek your guidance, he made the statement about the contract but also, as Sir - that matter relates to part of what I is clear from his personal explanation, that he knew understand to be - and I have not seen it - a far very well that he had misled the House. I repeat more comprehensive letter, but this motion relates what the Minister said in his own apology to the only to the part that has been referred to in your House: statement to the House, not to all those parts that were part of the letter of the Leader of the National I knew at the time of today's statement to the House Party. that the contract was not signed. The SPEAKER - Order! The motion before the On that basis, I believe there is a prima facie case. House states:

Mr Speaker, you have ruled following the advice of That the complaint made by the Honourable Leader of Speaker Wheeler in 1978 that a prima-facie case the National Party on Thursday, 19 September 1991 be exists. This government can use its numbers in this referred to the Privileges Committee for examination House to defer this matter or to throw it out entirely. and report. I believe the House should adjudicate on the facts before it. The Minister has clearly admitted, out of On the point of order I rule that the motion is to be his own mouth, that he knew at the time he made interpreted in accordance with the ruling I gave in the statement to the House that it was incorrect. admitting the matter for precedence: Therefore, I believe a prima-facie case exists. . .. that precedence should be given to consideration of Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I have the complaint alleging that the Minister for Transport already apologised to the House on this matter. I did deliberately misled the House in respect of his not deliberately mislead the House. As soon as I knowledge as to whether the contract in question had realised I had made a slip of the tongue in the been signed. ' hurly-burly and bear-pit atmosphere of Parliament, I approached you, Sir, to indicate that I wished to No other matter r:aised by the Leader of the National correct what I had said. I then made a personal Party is before the House. explanation to the House on this point at the earliest possible opportunity. Motion agreed to. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tuesday. I October 1991 ASSEMBLY 819

Mr KENNElT - I ask a very serious question of the Premier.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE The SPEAKER - Order! I have called the next question. REPORTED ACTIVITIES OF MINISTER PAYMENT TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE

Mr KENNElT (Leader of the Opposition) - Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) Does the Premier support the unholy alliance - I refer the Minister for Transport to the Gordon between her friend Mc Curran and the Minister for contract that he released and ask: is the Gordon Manufacturing and Industry Development in their contract a standard Public Transport Corporation joint efforts to undermine the Prime Minister of contract? Australia? Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - Mc The SPEAKER - Order! The matter is not Speaker, as this matter has now been referred to the relevant to government administration. Any Privileges Committee I seek your guidance. Can you assertion of an alliance between an individual and a provide guidance on questions that may be asked on Minister that does not relate to government . this particular issue? administration cannot be a matter of government administration. I invite the Leader of the Opposition The SPEAKER - Order! On the point of order to rephrase his question. raised by the Minister for Transport, I advise the House that any matter related to the specific and Mr KENNElT - I rephrase my question and limited matter that has been referred to the ask: does the Premier support her Minister, the Privileges Committee may not be raised by way of Minister for Manufacturing and Industry question, but that the question asked by the Leader Development, in discharging his responsibilities as a of the National Party is in order. Minister, in his efforts to undermine the Prime Minister of Australia? Mr SPYKER - The advice I received &om the Public Transport Corporation is that it was basically The SPEAKER - Order! I find it impossible to a standard Senior Executive Service (SES) contract. relate the matter raised by the Leader of the Opposition to the administration of the Victorian AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES government. I call the next question. Mr GAVIN (Coburg) - Will the Premier outline Mr KENNETf - On a point of order, Mc to the House the government's plans to develop the Speaker, we have at the moment in Victoria a aerospace and aviation industries as major areas for government Minister who, in the course of investment and job growth in Victoria? discharging his Ministerial responsibilities, is quite clearly attempting to undermine the position of the Ms KIRNER (Premier) - My government is Prime Minister. That must affect the discharge of his working to encourage investment in two areas of responsibilities and the performance of his role as industry: firstly, in restructuring our traditional Minister. manufacturing industry, and secondly, in developing new industries for new jobs. It is quite I want to know - and the question I have put is in clear that even with the reform of traditional order - whether the Premier does or does not manufacturing industries and their restructuring, support her Minister in conducting those activities. I the generation of jobs in this area will be strictly submit to you, Sir, that is part of his Ministerial limited and therefore it is essential that we as a responsibilities because he is doing it as a Minister. government look for new jobs and new industries.

The SPEAKER - Order! The fact that a person It is interesting to hear the views of the Leader of the who undertakes a certain course of action happens Opposition on the matter of new industries. In a to be a Minister does not necessarily imply that recent address that he dressed up as industry policy person is undertaking those activities in his or her he said,"I do not know where the replacement Ministerial capacity. I do not uphold the point of industries are coming &om that will occupy our order. children and our grandchildren." He could find out QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

820 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 1 October 1991 if he was prepared to do the work and take the That action removes one of the last impediments to slightest interest in the future issues that matter for Avalon Airport becoming a truly competitive Victorians. The Leader of the Opposition could take commercial airport. off his blinkers and actually have a look at one of the crucial industries for the future. Melbourne Airport is the second issue of concern to my government and to the Committee for Mr DEIZOPPO (Narracan) - On a point of Melbourne. It is obviously essential to address the order, Mr Speaker, the question to the Premier was issue of Melbourne Airport becoming a lead quite clear. I put it that the actions of the opposition international airport. Two issues are involved: one is or of the Leader of the Opposition have nothing to airline flights direct into Melbourne -- do with the question. I ask you to rule the Premier out of order on the question of relevance. Mr J. F. McGRATH (Warrnambool) - Mr Speaker, I raise a point of order dealing with the The SPEAKER - Order! I uphold the point of brevity of questions. The Premier has now been order. I ask the Premier to relate her remarks to answering a question supposedly without notice for matters of government administration. more than four and a half minutes. I suggest that if the Premier or other Ministers are not able to Honourable members interjecting. respond to questions without notice in less than three and a half or four minutes, the content of the Ms KlRNER (Premier) - The aerospace and answer is more suitable to be the subject of a aviation industries are very important developments Ministerial statement and should be dealt with for Melbourne. In August we made a successful bid appropriately. to secure the Civil Aviation Authority's south-west air traffic control centre for Melbourne. That creates I ask you, Mr Speaker, to ask the Premier to consider a very important base for the future of the small rounding off her answer so the House can return to aircraft industry and for its development. question time and return to question time the credit it deserves. At Aerospace Technologies of Australia Pty Ltd we are witnessing one of the major industry The SPEAKER - Order! On the point of order; developments for the future of Australia. It is very as Ministers know, and as the party Leaders in the pleasing that the company recently won another House know, there is a rule of thumb that I seek to contract to maintain Boeing 747 aircraft for All apply to the length of questions. At this stage the Nippon Airways; that is in addition to the contract it Premier has not exceeded that rule of thumb, but I received from British Airways. ask her to come to the end of her answer.

With those contracts we are on the way to becoming Ms KlRNER (Premier) - I understand the the aerospace maintenance centre for the whole of Leader of the Opposition not liking to hear the good the South-East Asia area, and the Leader of the news about new jobs encouraged by this Opposition says he does not know where the new government. jobs are coming from! The second issue is Melbourne Airport. The There is a further job to do at Avalon Airport, government will be working with the Committee for namely, to allow it to be used for international Melbourne to encourage more airlines like UTA passenger charters and regional airline services. To French Airlines and Continental Airlines, which are this end I am pleased to announce that the Federal very successful, to fly directly into the airport. Minister for Shipping and Aviation Support, Senator Collins, has agreed to lift the curfew at the airport, The government is pleased to have agreement in thereby removing one of the last impediments -- principle from Senator Collins for a joint study to take place about the management, ownership and Mr Leigh interjected. equity options for the future of the airport. The government is absolutely committed to ensuring Ms KlRNER - I know he can't remove you as that Melbourne Airport obtains its fair share of one of the main impediments until the next election! revenue that is generated by airports. Q~ONS~OUTNOTICE

Tuesday, 1 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 821

REPORTED ACTIVITIES OF MINISTER are not telling the truth. All I ask is: who is telling the truth? Mr KENN£IT (Leader of the Opposition) - I refer the Premier to her telephone conversation with The SPEAKER - Order! The question from the the Prime Minister on Sunday and the fact that three Leader of the Opposition seemed almost to be of her Ministers have had discussions with the asking for confirmation of newspaper reports, which Herald-Sun pointing out that the Premier in Cabinet is not usually an admissible question. implied that the Prime Minister had threatened Victoria and the Premier's comments earlier today However, I have admitted the question. It is a when she denied that the Prime Minister had question of the type which invites a broad-ranging threatened anyone. Who is telling the truth: the answer, which the Premier has given. Premier or the three Ministers, and what will be the implications of those financial threats to the State? I do not uphold the point of order, but I ask the Premier to relate her remarks directly to the question Ms KIRNER (Premier) - I made it clear today that has been asked. that I do not reveal the contents of Cabinet discussions. Ms KIRNER (Premier) - Thank you, Mr Speaker. The question that ought to be on the table Honourable members interjecting. here and in Canberra is the question of employment.

The SPEAKER - Order! I ask honourable An honourable member interjected. members on my left to remain silent. I warn the honourable member for Glen Waverley. He has been The SPEAKER - Order! I warn the honourable here long enough and seen enough of the member for Doncaster. He, similarly, has been here proceedings of the House to know the Standing long enough to know the rules of the House and if Orders. If he flouts Standing Orders again today I he flouts the Standing Orders again today I will deal shall deal with him appropriately. with him.

Ms KIRNER - The real issue facing Australia is Ms KIRNER - I do not have, nor do I intend to not a matter of who is the Leader. The real issue is- comment on any direct links that the Leader of the Opposition might have with a certain newspaper, but the main issue here is employment, and I have Mr Kennett interjected. made it clear to the Prime Minister, and he has made it clear to me -- Ms KIRNER - You listen to this because -- Honourable members interjecting. Honourable members interjecting. The SPEAKER - Order! The Premier will pause The SPEAKER - Order! I remind the Leader of while the House comes to order. The honourable the OppOSition that he has asked his question. If he member for Syndal is simply delaying the wants it answered I suggest he listen in silence, and opportunity for questions to be answered. that applies similarly to those honourable members behind him. Ms KIRNER - I have made it clear that the ability of the Federal government and State Ms KIRNER - The real issue is how the Federal governments to work together to ensure that there is and state governments together will move forward investment in Victoria and that there are jobs in on employment policy. I can understand the Leader Victoria is not at risk. That is my job as Premier, and of the Opposition -- I intend not to walk away from that job. My job is to ensure that in this diversion of discussion about Mr KENN£IT (Leader of the Opposition) - On leadership, we have a clear contract with the Federal a point of order, Mr Speaker, my question was quite government to work on the employment issues. specific. Three Ministers of the government have spoken to the Herald-Sun and are reported as saying Honourable members interjecting. the State had been threatened. Today the Premier said that the Prime Minister had threatened no-one. The SPEAKER - Order! I warn the honourable Obviously either the three Ministers or the Premier member for Momington. He is being loud and quite QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

822 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 1 October 1991 out of step with the Standing Orders in his and not the issues raised by the Leader of the interjections, and I ask him to remain silent. If he Opposition. does not remain silent I will take the appropriate action against him. ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE

Ms KIRNER - Mr Speaker, I wish to make it Mr McDONALD (Whittlesea) - Will the absolutely clear that I will not be diverted, nor will Minister for Conservation and Environment advise my government, from the issues that matter to the House of his department's actions, in Victorians. They are no more interested in who is the cooperation with the Australian Customs Service, in Leader of the Federal government than they are in the recent operation to police illegal international who is the Leader of the Opposition. wildlife trade?

It is very clear that what they expect of me and what Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and I will carry out is that the employment issue is the Environment) - Over the past month a major focus and that the matters the government has been international wildlife smuggling operation has been discussing for some time - not just in the last few broken in a joint effort involving staff of the weeks but for some time - will be taken up by the Department of Conservation and Environment in Federal government. They are the matters of tax the Mildura region, the Australian Customs Service disincentives that operate against investment; and the Australian National Parks and Wildlife picking up the important industry sectors such as Service. aerospace and pulp and paper manufacturing and all of those industries that are value adding and The operation intercepted wildlife to the value of making sure that they move forward. about $1 million on the illegal market in the United States of America. The smuggling operation They include also picking up an issue such as the involved the collection of eggs from nests in national one involving the National Rail Freight Corporation parks and other public land in north-west Victoria. and saying,'We have made that decision and what Apparently the eggs were destined to be carried we want to do is to ensure that the dollars flow so through customs and out of the country. The that the infrastructure is built now." interception of the couriers in Melbourne and Sydney during the past two weeks in what is They are also the matters of ensuring that we have a believed to be Australia's largest wildlife smuggling national electricity grid operating at the lowest price operation involved 146 eggs and a reptile. possible, and that Victoria is the centre of it. Perhaps there was only one reptile because the guy They include ensuring that investment is made in was trying to smuggle it out in his jocks and I productive enterprises and not non-productive believe he got a very nasty bite! enterprises. They include what I referred to earlier: making sure that places like Melbourne Airport are Six American nationals have now been charged with appropriate as part of the provision for offences under the Federal Wildlife (Import-Export) infrastructure and the direct connection of Protection Act. illegal export of wildlife carries Melbourne as the hub of the whole nation. The penalties of up to ten years gaol and/ or up to $100 Minister for Manufacturing and Industry 000 in fines under the Federal Act and lesser fines Development, Mr White, has taken the lead role in under State laws prohibiting the possession of many of those issues, and they are the issues that we wildlife. ought to be debating in this House. None of the eggs were actually from endangered If the Leader of the OppOSition wishes to spend his species. Some were Major ~tchell cockatoo eggs, time asking questions that do not relate to the regarded as a threatened species in Victoria. The important matter of employment and if the eggs were taken from key habitats that the newspapers also wish to spend their time discussing government protected in the recently expanded those matters, that is not where I am going: I will Wypedeld National Park in the Mallee. The eggs are concentrate on employment issues. While I am currently in incubation at the department's Serendip doing that and getting on with the job the Leader of sanctuary and at Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney. In the Opposition can bleat all he wants to; the people Melbourne two eggs have hatched but unfortunately of Victoria will say, "Jobs are the thing for Victoria; one bird died. That demonstrates just how cruel and jobs are the thing for the Premier to concentrate on" risky it is to smuggle birds. When they are strong QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tuesday, 1 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 823 enough the birds will be returned to their original aware of the document that was released, and I refer locations. him to that.

Honourable members should recognise the excellent Honourable members interjecting. work done by the staff of the Department of Conservation and Environment and the Australian The SPEAKER - Order! The Deputy Leader of Customs Service. They were up against an extremely the National Party is simply delaying question time. well-organised and resourced gang. The round-the-clock surveillance by the Department of PROPOSED MELBOURNE CASINO Conservation and Environment in the Mildura area and the work done by wildlife officers which Mr CUNNINGHAM (Derrimut) - Will the ensured that the operation was a success was Minister for Major Projects advise the House of entirely admirable. recent progress in plans for establishing a casino in Melbourne? I do not usually do this, but I think it is worth putting on record what we owe to one of our Mr KENNAN (Minister for Major Projects) - I rangers, Mr Peter Teasdale, who was the person thank the honourable member for his question and who first observed these people in their nefarious for his ongoing interest in casinos. I am happy to say activities and caused the setting up of the jOint task that now agreement has been reached between the force. I should also like to thank the ordinary government and the opposition parties as to the citizens of the Mallee who were of considerable form of the regulations that were made this morning assistance whenever they were asked to be involved by the Governor in Council. in the surveillance throughout the past month. It is vital that the House and, indeed, the community The cooperation of the Federal and State understand the importance of those regulations. The government departments and the people themselves regulations govern the expressions of interest that indicates how all Australians abhor this obnoxious will be called for the establishment of a major casino form of cruelty. in Melbourne. Following negotiations between the government and the opposition - facilitated, I PAYMENT TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE should say, in a very constructive way by the Committee for Melbourne - it has been agreed that Mr BROWN (Gippsland West) - I direct a there will be a call for expressions of interest within question without notice to the Minister for the regulations for the establishment of a large open Transport. I refer the Minister to the Gordon contract casino on any land, public, private or municipal, that he released and I ask: who drew up that within three kilometres of the GPO. The question of contract? a boutique casino is not covered by those regulations and is deferred for the time being. Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I know there is tension in the coalition, but the Leader of the The government, of course, has expressed preference National Party has a copy of the document, so I previously in relation to the Docklands site, which is suggest that the honourable member for Gippsland covered by these regulations, as are all other sites West have a chat with him and ask to have a look at within three kilometres of the GPo. I expect there the document. will be wide expressions of interest both in respect of the Docklands and, no doubt, in relation to other Honourable members interjecting. sites.

Mr STEGGALL (Swan Hill) - My question All the evidence indicates that Melbourne is ready without notice is also for the Minister for Transport. for a large open casino - that is, a casino that we I ask: on which documents did the Public Transport would anticipate having no fewer than 150 tables, Corporation's solicitor base her advice regarding the with a potential for expansion to some 200 tables. Gordon contract? Gaming machines of course would be included in the casino. There will be ancillary features not Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I give the specified by the government but to be nominated by same answer as the one I gave to the previous operators. A private area may also be included question: the honourable member would be well within that one large open casino. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

824 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 1 October 1991

We also expect to see evidence of benefits to the to a standard form of presentation and follow the community of Melbourne. For instance, there may national accounts emphasis that we have followed in be proposals for the provision of public open space our Budget presentation for some years. and other community benefits to flow from the establishment of that casino. That would be a matter Over the past couple of weeks, and particularly last for operators and proponents to suggest. week, the problems facing most Australian States both because of reduced Commonwealth revenue It is important for the market to know that those and reduced own-purpose revenue have become regulations have been the subject of an agreement much more readily understood as a result of Premier between the opposition and the government because or Treasurer after Premier or Treasurer pointing out under the amendments to the legislation, the the extremely difficult situation that State budgets opposition will have the power to disallow are in. regulations. Therefore it was important for the purposes of establishing certainty in the It is worth noting that the Budget that was market-place that the regulations were made with introduced in New South Wales last week the agreement of the opposition so that the market demonstrates a considerably higher level of taxes, knows that those regulations are not under threat. fees and fines when compared with those in Victoria. Indeed, the figures provided by the New We will be undertaking a full-scale advertising South Wales Premier and Treasurer suggest that on program both nationally and internationally to extol a directly comparable basis New South Wales this the benefits of this great opportunity for Melbourne year is budgeting to collect $125 a head more in to seek the best possible bids. It is expected that taxes than Victoria. If Victoria had the same level of within the next month registrations of interest will taxes, fees and fines as New South Wales the current be called for and the opportunity will be open for a deficit for which we have budgeted would instead period of three to four months. They then will be be a significant surplus. considered by the soon to be established Casino Control AuthOrity in accordance with the legislation When comparing the Victorian and New South already passed by Parliament and the Victorian Wales budgets, of particular concern in the analysis Government Major Projects Unit. We look forward is that the New South Wales government has been to the exciting proposals for this important optimistic in its economic projections because it has investment in Melbourne and in the future of based them on a 2 per cent growth in the Australian Melbourne. economy compared to what is regarded by most private commentators, and by ourselves, to be more PAYMENT TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE likely: a 1 per cent growth. The revenue estimates in the New South Wales budget suggest that at least a Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) - I refer the Minister for couple of hundred million dollars will result to its Transport to the opinion of the solicitor for the Budget simply because of this overly optimistic view Public Transport Corporation dated 30 July 1991 on about what will occur in the Australian economy the Gordon contract that the Minister released and I over the next twelve months. ask: who instructed the solicitor to provide that advice; and on what date was that instruction In this financial year the financing transactions of the issued? New South Wales government will be equivalent to those of the Victorian government. Underpinning Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I refer to the New South Wales Budget is a 42 per cent my previous answer. increase in stamp duty on property and related transfers. I am sure anyone who believed there BUDGET COMPARISONS would be that kind of incr~ase in stamp duty would be welcome in any Australian market, because it will Mr BATCHELOR (Thomastown) - Has the simply not occur! Treasurer or his department undertaken a comparison of the budgets of other States; and if so, The New South Wales Budget and the Budgets of can he present details to the House of their other States have followed the example set by the ~mplications for Victoria? Premier in preparing forward estimates of both expenditure and revenue. That announcement by Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - It is now easier to the Premier in her June economic statement was compare the budgets of various States as they move regarded by the business and financial communities QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tuesday, 1 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 825 as an extremely bold step, and her example has now Mr McNAMARA - I direct to the attention of been followed by the other States to provide"a much the Minister his assertion to the House that the better forward view of State finances. employment contract of his friend Mr Gordon was a matter between Mr Gordon and the Public We certainly hope that in future Budgets the Transport Corporation, as well as to his statement to Commonwealth government will adopt the same the media that he discussed Mr Gordon's departure approach, so that in the future all Australian and possible termination with him a couple of days governments will publish forward estimates of both before telling the PTC to begin negotiations. I ask the expenditure and revenue. Minister whether he stands by the statement he made in this House. Glenda Korporaal, an Age journalist, has made an unfortunate use of the current New South Wales Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - This Budget figures. Although she claimed to be using seems quite extraordinary. I do not know what sorts Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures in of arrangements the opposition makes for people making comparisons of the various State Budgets, who are attached to their offices. If a person is unfortunately the bureau found it necessary to attached to your office and if you are restructuring advise me that the figures she used were not ABS your office - which means downsizing it - I figures but were taken from the New South Wales believe it is common courtesy to say to that person Budget Papers. that you will be advising the Public Transport Corporation that his services in your office are no We are pleased that New South Wales has followed longer required. our example in giving a much truer view of its Budget situation; but the New South Wales State 24-HOUR POLICE STATIONS government's overemphasis on revenue means that its position is not nearly as good as it has suggested. Mrs HIRSH (Wantirna) - Will the Minister for Police and Emergency Services advise the House of PAYMENT TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE recent progress in the government's plan to strategically locate 24-hour police stations Mr BROWN (Gippsland West) - The question I throughout metropolitan and country Victoria? ask of the Minister for Transport is direct and specific and has nothing to do with previous Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and answers he has given. I specifically ask the Minister Emergency Services) - I thank the honourable - and I shall speak slowly so that even he can member for her question and for her continuing understand -- interest in ensuring that we are able to provide an effective and efficient police service to the An honourable member interjected. community.

Mr BROWN - We'd like an answer, for a Last week I opened the new Knox 24-hour police change. I ask the Minister whether the Public station. That is the eleventh that we have opened Transport Corporation solicitor has the Gordon since 1982. Five are currently under way and next contract and the Gordon letter the Minister made month we look forward to opening the $15 million available and whether the PTC solicitor had the police complex in Geelong. This indicates a real letter and the contract prior to providing the legal commitment to providing resources for what the advice. police themselves have devised, that is, a 24-hour complex. Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I refer the honourable member to the documents released. The police have devised modern police stations from an operational point of view and in a way that Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) ensures that they can provide an effective and - The question I ask of the Minister for Transport is efficient service. In that respect they should be unrelated to any documents he has already released commended for the development work they have or to any questions he has already answered. done because of what it does in enhancing the service that they can provide to the community. The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable member for Keilor! It is interesting that not only do the police themselves advocate the need for 24-hour police QUESTIONS WImOUT NOTICE

826 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 1 October 1991 stations but also that, when reviewing the operations than five minutes. I further draw your attention to of the police department in 1985, Mr Justice that question, being No. 13 for today, and to the fact Neesham also heavily emphasised the need for that six questions were dealt with by the Minister for consolidating resources into 24-hour police stations Transport in 90 seconds. Today the House has had and dosing small, inefficient and poorly sited police an abuse of question time. stations. I ask you to draw the Minister's attention to the That has been the underpinning modus operandi in correct procedure at question time and ask him to the police capital works allocations ever since. The round off so that question time can have some Knox police station is a good example of the merit relevance in this place. that is inherent in what the good judge and the police have done. The SPEAKER -Order! The Minister's answer has now reached the limit which I set by way of rule The resources that have been transferred from of thumb, and of which he is aware. I ask him to Boronia, Bayswater and Femtree Gully have been round off his answer. consolidated into the new Knox station. The advantage for the community is an increased police Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and presence. Many people seek, and rightly so, an Emergency Services) - I have demonstrated to the increased police presence in their communities, and House the value and merit in upgrading 24-hour one of the great advantages of 24-hour police police stations. It was with great disappointment stations is that they provide exactly that. that I read at the weekend that the opposition spokesperson -- When one examines the situation of a small manned station which has six people working there, one The SPEAKER - Order! I ask the Minister to notes that half of that number will be away round off. throughout the year; half of them will be absent on sick leave, annual leave, rostered days off, long Mr SANDON - He indicated his opposition and service leave and so on. That is not an effective way said the coalition policy -- to provide a police service to the community. I am pleased to note that the Deputy Leader of the The SPEAKER - Order! The Minister is out of Opposition agrees with the point I have raised. order and I ask him to round off.

When one understands that 60 per cent of the time of Mr SANDON - It is important we are able to the officer in charge of a small station is, in fact, maintain our building program and keep a complete taken up with administrative duties, one can also separation of powers away from the police. It is very appreciate and understand that it is necessary to get important that politicians do not try to -- a consolidation of resources. People want to see police in the community and one of the great things The SPEAKER - Order! I ask the Minister to about 24-hour police stations is that is exactly what resume his seat. they provide for. PAYMENT TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE With the upgrading of the Knox 24-hour police station we will be able to provide two and three Mr BROWN (Gippsland West) - I direct a extra patrols a week to the community that station further question to the Minister for TranspoI1. I refer will service. That really goes to the heart of the the Minister to his press statement of 14 August whole approach and style. when he said there was nothing unusual in the Gordon contract and to his statement to this House I have left aside the need for police, on occupational on 18 September that he had not seen the contract health and safety grounds, to be housed in modem and did not know the contents of the contract. buildings and facilities. If he had not seen the contract and did not know Mr J. F. McGRATH (Warrnambool) - On a point what it contained on 18 September how could he of order, Mr Speaker, I again refer you to rulings as possibly have known whether it was unusual on 14 to the brevity of answers at question time. I draw August, and will he explain to the House the your attention to the response of the Minister; he has obvious conflict in the previous comments? been replying to a question without notice for more PETITIONS

Tuesday. 1 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 827

Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I refer hours for general shops and/or (2) the declaration of the honourable member to my previous answers. Melbourne's central business district as a tourist precinct or area. PETITIONS And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. The Clerk - I have received the following petitions for presentation to Parliament: By Mr John (45 signatures)

Sunday trading - tourist precinct To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled: To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled: The petition of the Pinewood Chamber of Commerce and the undersigned citizens of the State of Victoria The petition of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, the respectfully showeth: undersigned citizens of the State of Victoria 1. That we are concerned about the excessive pressure respectfully showeth: being exerted by certain retail chains to force the 1. That we are concerned about the excessive pressure Victorian government to amend the Shops Trading being exerted by certain retail chains to force the Act to permit extended trading hours for general Victorian government to amend the Shops Trading shops on Sundays. Act to permit extended trading hours for general 2. That we oppose any extension of trading hours for shops on Sundays. general shops on Sundays. 2. That we oppose any extension of trading hours for 3. That we believe there are more than sufficient general shops on Sundays. shopping hours (137) available under Victorian 3. That we believe there are more than sufficient law to permit general shopping to be carried out shopping hours (137) available under Victorian within legally prescribed hours. law to permit general shopping to be carried out 4. That a large variety of shops are permitted to open on within legally prescribed hours. Sundays throughout Victoria to more than 4. That a large variety of shops are permitted to open on adequately cater for urgent and tourist needs. Sundays throughout Victoria to more than 5. That we are concerned at the impact of Sunday adequately cater for urgent and tourist needs. trading on religious observance and family 5. That we are concerned at the impact of Sunday activities. trading on religious observance and family 6. That extended trading hours for general shops on activities. Sundays would greatly advantage major retailers 6. That extended trading hours for general shops on over smaller retailers resulting in an ever greater Sundays would greatly advantage major retailers market share going to major retailers leading to over smaller retailers resulting in an ever greater more bankruptcies and job losses among smaller market share going to major retailers leading to retailers, and higher costs for consumers. more bankruptcies and job losses among smaller 7. That extended trading hours for general shops on retailers, and higher costs for consumers. Sundays will lead to even more losses of State and 7. That extended trading hours for general shops on Federal revenue as small retailers return a greater Sundays will lead to even more losses of State and percentage of each dollar of sales turnover to Federal revenue as small retailers return a greater government income than larger retailers return. percentage of each dollar of sales turnover to 8. That the closure of smaller retailers in strip shopping government income than larger retailers return. centres would result in lower levels of rate 8. That the closure of smaller retailers in strip shopping collections by local government authorities, centres would result in lower levels of rate negatively impacting services to local communities collections by local government authorities, and leading to planning blight. negatively impacting services to local communities Your petitioners therefore pray that the Legislative and leading to planning blight. Assembly will uphold Victoria's shop trading laws and Your petitioners therefore pray that the Legislative oppose (1) any extension of present Sunday trading Assembly will uphold Victoria's shop trading laws and hours for general shops and/ or (2) the declaration of oppose (1) any extension of present Sunday trading PAPERS

828 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 1 October 1991

Melbourne's central business district as a tourist and distress and obtain any necessary assistance to precinct or area. maintain human life. To provide specialised transport to move animals requiring emergency medical And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. treatment. Also to foster public education in animal first aid and welfare. By Mr Kennedy (58 signatures) Your petitioners therefore pray: that the government of Retail Traders Act Victoria acknowledge and recognise the work done by the Animal Ambulance Service in response to requests To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the for help and attendance to animal accident and Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled: emergency calls. That the government of Victoria enact a law proclaiming the Animal Ambulance Service an The humble petition of Bendigo Church of Christ being ambulance service by law under Section 23 of the residents and voters of the State of Victoria, respectfully Ambulance Services Act 1986. showeth: And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. We respectfully submit that any extension of retail trading hours to include Sunday trading would By Mr Hayward (1037 signatures) seriously impact on the "quality of life" for the following reasons: Laid on table. 1. The loss of Sunday as a day of religious significance PAPERS for worship and rest. 2. The practical considerations in being able to plan and Laid on table by Clerk: execute effective meetings for religious observance and learning. Creswick District Hospital - Report and Statement of Accounts for the year 1990-91 3. The needs of family for quality time together. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Crimes Compensation Tribunal - Report for the year Victorian Parliament oppose any amendment or 1990-91 alteration to the Retail Traders Act 1958 or any additional legislation which would allow for an Land Tax 1958 - Report of the Commissioner of State extension of retail trading to include Sunday trading. Taxation for the year 1990-91

Further, that the Parliament implore the government to Planning and Environment Act 1987 -Notices of take immediate action against all retail traders who approval of amendments to the following Planning choose to trade in breach of the Retail Trading Act. Schemes: All Planning Schemes (except Flinders, Healesville, And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Lillydale, Sherbrooke and Upper Yarra) - No. SlD By Mr John (859 signatures) Alexandra Planning Scheme - No. LI8 Animal ambulance service Bacchus Marsh Planning Scheme - Nos Ll6, 123, U7 Part 1 To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the Ballaarat (City) Planning Scheme - No. 1.22 Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled: Benalla Shire Planning Scheme - No. L5 The humble petition of the members of the Animal Berwick Planning Scheme - No. 1.22 Ambulance Service and the undersigned citizens of the Broadford Planning Scheme - No. L5 State of Victoria showeth that the objectives of the Animal Ambulance Service are to respond rapidly to Cobram Planning Scheme -Nos llD, Ll1 requests for help in an animal medical emergency and Deakin Planning Scheme - No. Ll4 to provide specialist skills to maintain life and to reduce further injuries in emergency situations and while Doncaster and Templestowe Planning Scheme - No. moving animals requiring those skills. To provide help U7Part1 to members of the community in their time of anxiety Echuca Planning Scheme - No. LI1 PRIVILEGES COMMITIEE

Tuesday, 1 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 829

Flinders Planning Scheme - No. L50 APPROPRIATION MESSAGES Geelong Regional Planning Scheme - Nos RL38 Part Messages read recommending appropriations for: 3, R49 Part 2, R65 Part 2, R74 Part lA, R76 Maldon Planning Scheme - No. L6 Entertaining and Modelling Industry Agents Bill Melbourne Planning Scheme - No. 1.81 Local Government (Rating) Bill Mildura Shire Planning Scheme - No. 1.3 Gaming Machine Control Bill Mortlake Planning Scheme - No. Ll Portland City Planning Scheme - No. 1.21 APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No.l) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES Sherbrooke Planning Scheme - No. U4 (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. Stawell (Town) Planning Scheme -Nos Ll9, 1.20 2) BILL

Wangaratta City Planning Scheme - No. Ll3 Second reading Whittlesea Planning Scheme - No. L56 Debate resumed from 18 September; motions of Wodonga Planning Scheme -Nos Ll8, L22, 1.31, L34 Mr ROPER (Treasurer) and Mr A. J. SHEEHAN Woorayl Planning Scheme - No. L39 (Minister for Finance). Yarrawonga Planning Scheme - Nos 15, Ll4 Mr MATHEWS (Oakleigh) - Parliament is Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainers Registration Board sitting today for the first time since the conclusion of - Report for the year 1990-91 the Melbourne International Festival of the Arts. This is the third festival that has been organised for Statutory Rules under the following Acts: our city and our State by John Truscott, and it is also the final festival that will be organised for our city Children and Young Persons Act 1989 -SR Nos 165, and our State by him. I shall commence by paying a 166 warm tribute to John Truscott for the enormous Children's Court Act 1973 - SR Nos 163, 164 contribution he has made to the artistic well-being of Melbourne and Victoria, and through that artistic Health Services Act 1988 -SR No. 168 well-being of the community to the economic Local Government Act 1958 -SR No. 167 well-being of the community. Local Government Act 1989 -SR No. 167 I well remember how, earlier in the decade when the Marine Act 1988 - SR No. 170 festival was being set up for the first time, we were able to draw to great advantage on the knowledge Public Service Act 1974 - Public Service and experience of Gian Carlo Menotti, whose Determination No. 29 festival in the Italian town of Spoleto became the Road Safety Act 1986 -SR Nos 162, 169 model for what we now know as the Melbourne PRIVILEGES COMMITIEE International Festival of the Arts. We were able to persuade Maestro Menotti to come Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I move: to Melbourne to examine the potential this city had to offer as a site for a great new international arts That Mr Evans and Mr Lieberman be discharged from festival and were persuaded by him that this was a attendance on the Privileges Committee and that Mr practical venture. J. F. McGrath and Mr Cooper be appointed in their stead. At the time we had in mind the thought that the presence of such a festival would be enormously Motion agreed to. enriching to the lives of the people who are resident in this city and this State, but at the same time we were mindful of the need to attract to Melbourne visitors from both interstate and overseas. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

830 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 1 October 1991

As we know from the examples already pioneered complex in Australia, housing what in its turn has with the Adelaide arts festival, the arts festival of become a most notable international festival of the Perth and the festival of Sydney, functions of this arts. We have been able to go further than that in the kind can play an enormous part in building up the past decade because we are now seeing a process tourist industry which has the potential to contribute unfolding in which the Arts Centre figures as the so much to the economic development of this heart of a wider arts city precinct on the south bank. country and this State. Over recent years we have seen the addition of the Over recent years it has been good to see how much Australian Ballet Centre to the Arts Centre proper, it has been possible to build on the foundation of the which was closely followed by a new and first Spoleto Festival, as we called it at the outset of appropriate home for the Victoria State Opera, and the series, but I believe it was not until John Truscott we are now seeing the foundations put in place for took over the artistic direction of the festival three the Southbank Museum complex. I have no doubt years ago that the people of Melbourne and Victoria that the synergy which is generated by the presence first enthUSiastically took this festival to their hearts of these major arts facilities on the south bank will and began to make it the outstanding success with lead to the addition of still further companies such which we have now become familiar. as the Playbox Theatre, which occupies the new Malthouse Theatre complex adjacent to Arts City, It was John Truscott's insight that for the festival to and the centre for contemporary arts in the gardens succeed it was necessary not only to have adjacent to the Arts City precinct. . performances of the first quality being featured at the various performing venues which Melbourne I take this opportunity to say to the Minister for has to offer but also to take the arts out into the Conservation and Environment that I hope he will streets during the festival period, and that is what ·he not take too seriously representations which have has succeeded in doing over the past three years. been made to him in recent days to the effect that the further development of the centre for contemporary Over the past two weeks nobody who has walked arts should be constrained. Similar representations down St Kilda Road in the vicinity of the Arts Centre were made to me when I held the arts portfolio. I and seen the crowds of people enjoying themselves took the view at the time that those representations wholeheartedly with what the festival has to offer were ill-founded and that the chance to acquire a could be in any doubt about how thoroughly the facility of this type for Melbourne should not be Melbourne International Festival of the Arts has passed up. Looking back on that decision I have no become an integral part of the life of this city. doubt that I was correct to take it.

The degree of success which the festival under the 1 have no doubt that the Minister will be right if he artistic direction of Mc Tnl;SCott has been able to backs the plans which have been put forward for the achieve makes it an indispensable feature of expansion of this complex and if he enables it to do Melbourne and one which we can count on even more effectively the work it has undertaken to continuing and going from strength to strength in such good effect over the past six years on behalf of the years ahead. contemporary arts and artists.

It is not the festival alone that has been Mc Truscott's Nobody should doubt that the growth of all these contribution to the well-being of this city. It is facilities, closely grouped as they have become and Significant that we have been able to build this integrated as they are now by this concept of an arts festival, to which he has made so great a city, gives Melbourne an asset which is the envy of contribution, around an arts centre which is in its cities elsewhere in Australia. There is no other city in turn substantially a product of his imagination and this country - nor are there many in other countries skills. When it became plain that the original scheme - which can match this grouping of the arts. The of decoration for the Arts Centre was to be modified effect is that people whose commitment is to a single in order to properly contain the costs of the project, or individual art form will inevitably be exposed to a it was to John Truscott that the city turned for the wide variety of different arts experiences, and may new designs which have been so extremely become patrons and supporters of additional arts successful. forms.

During the decade we have seen the opening of The impetus which has now developed around Arts what is undoubtedly the most magnificent arts City irre$istible, and we will see further growth and APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

Tuesday, 1 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 831

development in the years ahead. In this respect I pay It will be well remembered how at each successive tribute to the work of the current Minister for the State election from the beginning of the 19605 a new Arts, whose role in the further development of the model of a Monash Medical Centre or a relocated arts in Victoria is accurately and impressively Queen Victoria Hospital would be suddenly thrust reflected in the provisions made for the arts in the into the limelight and new promises of the eminent current Budget. erection of such hospitals would be made and just as regularly broken. I regard myself as having been fortunate in holding the arts portfolio for the longest period of any It is very much to the credit of the Treasurer, who Minister to date in the lifetime of this government. It was the first Minister of Health in the Cain is to be regretted that several of the Ministers who government, that immediately following the election came after me had their terms of office in that of the Cain Labor Party plans were put in hand for portfolio interrupted in a way that I believe was a the transfer of the then Queen Victoria Hospital to disappointment to them and a setback to the arts. Clayton and for the construction of the new complex to begin. It is a matter of record that wonderful The current Minister for the Arts is solidly installed project was brought in on time and under budget, an in that portfolio. He has shown already by his achievement which reflects very well on the then actions and his statements that he well understands Minister of Health. It foreshadowed the many the cultural and economical role that the arts play in relevant talents he has now been able to bring to the this community. I have no doubt that the arts are in office of the Treasurer and which are reflected in the good hands while he remains in his present pOSition, current Budget. and long may he do so. People in the south-eastern suburbs are enormously When the history of the government is written one relieved - as they regularly say to me - that they of the richest pages of achievements to be recognised now have ready access to hospital facilities adjacent will be the arts. The Labor administration was to Monash University which are of outstanding fortunate when it came to office to be able to build quality and comprehensiveness. on the foundations that had been solidly and thoughtfully laid by a previous Premier who was A further achievement will receive acknowledgment himself a great supporter of the arts; I speak of Sir when the history of the government is written: I Rupert Hamer. In his time as Premier the arts made refer to retention rates in secondary schools. impressive progress, and we have seen that progress Throughout the post-war era it was a cause for multiplied many times over in the subsequent concern throughout Australia and by no means least period of office of the Cain government. Victoria that so small a proportion of the young people entering secondary schools at year 7 chose or Another area in which similarly significant progress were able to continue their secondary education will be acknowledged is that of hospital care for the until year 12. Over the past decade across Australia people of Victoria. In this particular respect I speak but most particularly in Victoria there has been an from experience as a result of the people I represent, enormous increase in the retention rates. The the people of the Oakleigh electorate, having come overwhelming expectation of young people to be served by the Monash Medical Centre during currently entering secondary school at year 7 is that the life of the Cain government. The people of they will continue their education to year 12. Oakleigh had been kept waiting for that facility many years longer than should have been the case. It is Significant that the government has now been able to put in place at years 11 and 12, where so Our conservative predecessors acknowledged as many young people now find themselves, the early as the beginning of the 1960s that a teaching Victorian certificate of education (VCE). Unlike the hospital associated with Monash University was an final secondary qualifications which preceded it, the indispensable facility for the south-eastern area of Victorian certificate of education is tailored not to Melbourne. The choice was made that instead of the exclusive needs of the restricted proportion of building such a hospital successive conservative the school population that will continue to governments under successive leaders should rather universities or colleges of advanced education but use the promise of such a hospital as an inducement rather to the entire cohort of young people passing to voters in the south-eastern suburbs to support through years 11 and 12 in all the richness and conserva tive candidates. diversity of the talents and aptitudes they bring with APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 1) BILL

832 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 1 October 1991

them to that upper phase of the secondary education Emergency Services with a view to further reducing process. the road toll.

lhat large investment of time, of money and, not However long it may be necessary for us to wait for least, of hope, which has been poured into the the final statistical evidence to be available on development of the Victorian certificate of education projects such as the Victorian certificate of (VCE), has three aims. education, there can be no doubt that the statistics now available on the road toll demonstrate a In the first instance the VCE is directed at bringing triumphant success on the part of the Minister for out from our young people at the years 11 and 12 Police and Emergency Services and are properly the stage the best they are capable of giving. I believe envy of and an example to other States in the the evidence of success in that respect is already Commonwealth. coming in and that, by the time we have the full statistical picture of the first two years of the VCE in I shall round off by emphasising that all those place, that evidence will be irrefutable. In fact, it will achievements are to the credit of the Minister for be the sort of evidence on which education Police and Emergency Services, the Minister for authorities in other States will want very promptly Education and Training, and the Treasurer, when he and very properly to build. was Minister of Health, and to great Victorians such as John Truscott, to whom I earlier paid tribute. The VCE is the shape of the future for education in this country and is the only form of The capacity for such initiatives to be properly end-of-secondary education that can properly reflect implemented depends in a very real sense on the the sheer diversity of the population of our well-being of this Parliament. One initiative that I secondary schools as we are now experiencing it. hope to see go forward in the next twelve months is for Parliament to acquire control over its own lhat is where the second objective of the VCE budget so that the control of the budget of focuses: on the diversity of curriculum that is offered Parliament rests in the hands of members of in our secondary schools. It is true that, to put in Parliament interacting in a proper way with the place the certificate and to ensure that all our young government of the day. There can be no health for a people had access to the full range of subjects at democracy or a Parliament where the financial years 11 and 12, our secondary system has had to go control of Parliamentary affairs become& alienated. through what must be seen as a major upheaval. The challenge ahead is to correct that situation. There was simply no way our secondary schools, as they were organised as recently as five years ago, Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick) - In his could offer the necessary range of curriculum. contribution the honourable member for Oakleigh referred to the retention rate in Victorian schools. It Many honourable members regret the closure of became clear in the course of his speech that either secondary schools in their electorates because of the he has not recently met a year 12 student -- high values attached to them by local communities. But that was the price we had to pay to put in place Mr Mathews - I have one! the infrastructure for the VCE. I have no doubt it is a price that the community will see as having been Mr MACLELLAN - Or that perhaps his year 12 well worth the pain. student is quite different because my year 12 student, who is at home, and the year 12 student of The final area to which I shall turn concerns the new the honourable member for Swan Hill have vastly initiatives introduced by the Minister for Police and different experiences from those put forward by the Emergency Services. The first is the extraordinarily honourable member for Oakleigh. successful way the Minister has been able to build on earlier achievements in reducing the Victorian The Budget offers no hope and no jobs for road toll through the use of speed cameras and of Victorians. Young people are staying at school imaginative, forceful and hard-hitting advertising. It longer because, under Labor governments and the is not without significance that Victoria is now recession we had to have, there are no jobs for them receiving inquiries from many places overseas about to go to. Young people are continuing with their the advertising campaign that has been undertaken school studies because they have no alternative. under the direction of the Minister for Police and APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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When referring to the broadening of the curriculum Victoria has a significant proportion of those private the honourable member failed to mention what has renters who are in housing stress. There are over 230 happened to technical education. When the Premier 000 households renting privately in the State, was responsible for education she presided over the accommodating more than 550 000 people. destruction of technical education in this State. In Approximately 60 000 of these households would have the future Victorians will be the most widespread been paying more than 30 per cent of their income on second-rate essay writers in the Southern rent while their income placed them in the bottom two Hemisphere because those students who formerly quintiles of units in 1988. chose technical schools and sought that type of education are now denied it. That is a very sad thing The position put by the Uniting Church Ecumenical to occur. Housing Unit is that affordability is an issue. About half a million people are living in rented The Budget provides for increased expenditure in accommodation and those people are suffering some areas. The honourable member for Oakleigh stress. Each time the government increases the cost referred to the arts portfolio, which has received a of accommodation it makes housing less affordable Significant increase in funding. The Budget provides and life more difficult for those families. for increased debt and for an increased deficit, both matters the honourable member failed to mention. The government is not content with increasing costs. The Budget also provides for increases in taxes and Taxes, borrowings and deficits are under attack. The charges. government wants to plunder the Urban Land Authority for the provision of funds for Labor Party The Premier repeatedly says the policy issue of the election gimmicks. Millions of dollars are being moment is jobs, jobs, jobs, but she then borrows $350 taken from the authority, a body which was million to provide redundancy packages for 10 ()()() constituted to provide affordable housing land, public sector employees. The honourable member particularly on the outskirts of Melbourne where for Oakleigh also failed to mention that matter. most of these activities take place.

Although the Premier says the issue of the moment From the profits taken from young families who is the provision of jobs, jobs, jobs, she has quietly establish houses on Urban Land Authority land the gone about making sure the public sector is pruned, honourable member for Keilor receives hundreds of if that is the word to use, or reduced - perhaps a thousands of dollars for community facilities in his more neutral term - by up to 10 ()()() positions. electorate. He even receives thousands of dollars for community services that his electorate did not ask I have mentioned increased charges in the Budget. I for. When one turns to other parts of the State which shall provide information on that subject. The have different political representation one finds the Association of Consulting Surveyors (Victoria) has same funding is not made available. The brought to my attention a 400 per cent increase in government favours its own political areas and charges under the Subdivision (Registrar'S Fees) denies funding to municipalities and communities Regulation 1991, regulation No. 7, which is represented by members of the liberal and National governed by the Subdivision Act 1988. Every young parties. family who buys a new house on a new block of land will find that the fee has increased as of March I turn to the so-called Build Better Cities Campaign. this year from $2765 to $11060. That 400 per cent fee A better term would be, ''Let's try and get the Labor increase will be passed on to every young family Party Re-elected Campaign". The political influence who builds a house on a block of land at the edge of of the funding is clearly obvious. The government metropolitan Melbourne - indeed anywhere in the proposes to spend more on closing Swanston Street State. Young families will find it more difficult to and on the urban consolidation of Southbank than afford new housing. on the whole of the south-eastem growth corridor over the next five years. You, Mr Deputy Speaker, as I turn to affordability, and I refer particularly to the the honourable member for Dandenong, would be Planning Legislation and Affordable Housing document conscious of the needs of the south-eastern growth issued by the Ecumenical Housing Unit, a group corridor, which is the most rapidly growing area in under the auspices of the Uniting Church in Australia. The Plenty corridor is to receive $122 Australia. Reference after reference is made that million; the Maribymong Valley corridor is to hOUSing affordability is getting worse. At page 13 receive $47.4 million; the Werribee corridor is to paragraph 2.2 of the document states: receive $39.3 million; and the metropolitan and APPROPRIAnON (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 1) BILL

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Southbank area is to receive $31.2 million. The area. It says that it cares about such issues as south-eastem growth corridor, the area with most heritage and the future. In reality, there are no cuts growth and with the greatest increase in population in that area. and with the higher proportion of young families, which is represented by the honourable member for I turn to an undated press release issued by the Doveton, among others, receives the least Minister for Planning and Housing. The press consideration under the program. That will be release states: reflected in the vote at the next election. That area will receive the princely sum of $14.8 million over St Kilda a winner in Budget; McCutcheon. the next five years. They are the priorities of the Federal and State ALP governments. They say that The Minister says that his own electorate is a winner where there is most growth, need and young in the Budget and he goes on with his analysis of the families they will give the least money. various facilities he has apparently been able to produce for the St Kilda electorate. The Federal and State governments are prepared to spend $10 million over the next two years to close A more general press release of 30 August 1991 is Swans ton Street yet they are prepared to spend only headed "Services for growth areas a priority". It $14.8 million in the next five years on infrastructure does not mention that the closure program for in the south-eastem growth corridor. Swanston Walk is running away with the lion's share of the Better Cities program funds while the That is the ever-caring Mr Howe, the Deputy Prime south-eastern growth corridor is left lamenting. Minister, who is so concerned about better cities that he has a political pork-barrelling program such that In the press release of 30 August the Minister says: even the City of Berwick, which is nominally a Labor council, finds it acutely embarrassing to discuss the Even in this most difficult of Budgetary years, the issue with its members of Parliament. government has directed substantial resources into providing services and facilities for growing outer The particular table to which I have drawn attention suburbs. by way of total figures is representative of a document presented to me by the City of Berwick. In relation to the south-eastern corridor that paragraph is bulldust; under the government that If the people of Cranboume want to know where corridor gets the poorest attention even though it their electrified railway line is to go they have not far has the greatest growth. to look: they will find it in the Maribymong Valley; the electrified rail is to go to St Albans and that area I turn to the Premier's little effort, a press release will receive a grant of $39.9 million under the which was embargoed until 1 September, and says: program. The people living in Cranboume do not have an electrified rail line. They have a rail line but The Premier, Joan Kirner, today celebrated major it is not part of the suburban transport system. progress on Australia's largest inner urban renewal project at Lynch's Bridge This endeavour is part of the ALP re-election program; it is a desperate gamble by both Federal The Premier was celebrating the most expensive, and State Labor governments. With enough pork unsaleable, inner-city housing to be erected by the barrelling the Labor government will retain a rump government at public expense. This is not the of members. The honourable member for Keilor is Coonara mob, who are on the outer edge: these are the major beneficiary of the rump; he receives most the trendy lefties who have their begging bowls out of the money. The government has despaired of expecting public funds to be used for Bendigo, Ballarat and certainly Doveton. The inner-suburban living. The Premier then goes on to honourable member for Doveton is to be sacrificed celebrate that as part of the Better Cities program. under the so-called Build Better Cities Program. Planning costs in the Budget are between $40 million Where are the cuts made? We were told this was a and $45 million. That figure can and ought to be cut tough Budget; it was supposed to make cuts to back because much of the money is wasted wilfully. reduce the public sector. The government has made Historic buildings and heritage and Land cuts in the historic buildings and heritage area. The Conservation Council projects are not areas where government makes some claim of legitimacy in that cuts will be made - the government will cut in the ~PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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least appropriate areas. Historic buildings and the independent panel of experts he appointed to heritage areas appear to be cut iIi. the Budget but a examine the matter to enable the golf course and careful examination reveals that they are phoney other land to be subdivided. cuts. Allotments on the Strathallan development plan are Budget Paper No. 3 at page 98 provides evidence of to be sold. 'That is said to be part of the higher the sort of cuts that are to be made. Under item 5003 density living policy; it is not, it is an ordinary covering payments under Parts 5 and 9 of the subdivision of government land which at the Planning and Environment Act, No. 45, the figure moment is a golf course and more than 400 people reduces from $7 026 600 in 1990-91 to $4 million. have made representations for the retention of the Although it sounds as if the government has land. The independent planning panel came up with knocked off $3 million from that item in fact it has a compromise which was unacceptable to the lopped $3 million off compensation. People who are Minister so he simply rewrote the decision and owed compensation by the State of Victoria in this dumped it in Parliament. year will not be paid. 'That is a simple cut that makes things look so much better. Parliament must decide whether it will allow the subdivision to happen. It may be that in the n~ar Obviously the Minister for Planning and Housing is future it will be disallowed in another place. This is out of control. He has lost factional support and the first time a Minister has so defiantly ignored the does not have a seat for the next Parliament. This is . representations of the community made to the his last Parliament and there is little that the independent panel and then added salt to the Treasurer, who is at the table, or the Minister for wound by rewriting the panel's decision, even Finance can do to discipline him. He offers up his though the panel had attempted to come to a Budget cut; he says he is not going to pay compromise. compensation that may be ordered to be paid in respect of planning matters. 'That is how the 'That contrasts beautifully with the situation dealt government makes phoney Budget cuts so that the with in a press release issued by the Minister on 14 appearance is there but the reality is quite different August 1991 headed ''Minister supports panel - cuts in compensation are inconsistent with policy. recommendation on helipad".

In addition to cutting compensation to those people When the Minister supports the planning panel he who ought to be compensated for planning issues a press release saying what a good guy he is decisions the government is proposing to sell land at but does not do so when he rewrites the decision. Janefield. 'That land is public open space in the environs of this great, livable city and the On this occasion he says that 400 submissions, government proposes to flog it off. The legislation almost all opposing the helipad, were received. The before Parliament says that the area is public land panel looked at it and the Minister accepted its which was to be allocated for certain uses. However, decision. That is the right way of going about it: the we find in the Budget that the land is earmarked for Minister appointed a panel, the panel heard the sale. That is on one side of the Yarra River. submissions and came up with advice and on that occasion Channel 9 was unsuccessful in having the On the other side of the river, in the Plenty Gorge, proposal sustained. The other way of going about it Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works orders is the wrong way and there have been serious for acquisition have been placed on various farms. breaches of what should have been done. On one side of the river the government is selling off land so that suburban areas can get ever closer to the The coalition would approach policy issues by, Plenty Gorge and on the other side they are firstly, deciding to get out of the Building Industry acquiring land and cutting back on compensation Agreement. Would honourable members believe payments for those areas. that if you wish to lay bricks on the outskirts of Melbourne for an ordinary single house the price of Despite the recommendation of the independent laying those bricks is different from the price of planning panel appointed to investigate the laying bricks on a similar project in another area of rezoning of the area just north of the La Trobe Melbourne because the State government has signed University we find that the government has already the Building Industry Agreement? sold the land to the Urban Land Authority and that the Minister has rewritten the recommendations of The Building Industry Agreement provides: APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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This agreement will apply to all on-site work on When one considers partnership in planning, one building and construction projects on which a should consider what is happening at the moment. participating employer is the principal contractor. The City of Footscray council-hardly a Engineering construction projects and the Liberal-tending council - has written to me. The cottage/housing industry are excluded. letter of 24 September complains about the direction taken by the Governor in Council in issuing a permit The outcome is that if one wants to lay bricks on a for the development of the former Pioneer Hotel site single dwelling building project on the outskirts of on Ballarat Road, Footscray. In effect it says that the Melbourne each brick will cost approximately 42.2 council has resolved to write to the government and cents to lay, and if one wants to lay bricks on a the opposition to complain about the application. A housing project in an inner city area, each brick will rough indication of the over-development of the site cost 65 cents to lay. Here is an illustration of the can be gained by comparing the density planned for difference in prices because the costs of everything this development and the usual medium density built in inner and middle Melbourne are inflated by development. A normal medium density the terms of the Building Industry Agreement. development has a plot ratio of 0.4 to 0.6; under this proposal it will be 1.7. Under an ordinary The shape of Melbourne is determined by an development 150 to 400 square metres per dwelling industrial relations question and not by planning are required; under this, 89 square metres will be issues. The Melbourne sprawl is subsidised by the required. Presumably the dwellings are to be high cost inflicted by the building agreement. occupied by human beings rather than by dogs, yet Obviously the coalition would have to consider a here is what can be described only as a "kennel" policy that would include withdrawing from the project - when the proposed area has been reduced Building Industry Agreement in the first instance. from 150 to 400 square metres to an average of 89 square metres! Further, planning should be undertaken in partnership with local government. I have a press Under the usual medium density development, 30 to report that appeared in the Melbourne Times of 4 60 dwellings are permitted per hectare, while under September. It refers to the area behind the Yarra this proposal 113 dwellings will be permitted. The Park Primary School, at the corner of Punt Road and government is seeking to allow a sort of "Saigon" Wellington Parade, on which it is proposed to erect proposal! As I said, the letter has come from the City 31 town houses in partnership with private of Footscray and the complaint is the result of the enterprise - an excellent proposal. The news report government not working in partnership with states that: councils on planning matters.

The ULA (Urban Land Authority) expects the houses to Any proposal should be considered in partnership sell for between $110 000 and $220000. with the councils involved. When areas are being considered for dual occupancy or higher density On inquiry, I discovered that the town houses that housing, consideration should be given also to the were anticipated to cost $220 000 will have three car space available. Worn-out and outdated bedrooms. On the outskirts of Melbourne, in my industrial sites and closed-up shopping areas would electorate and the electorate of the honourable be better areas to consider for development than the member for Doveton, one can buy a house on its areas currently being developed. own land for $100 000. For $110 000 one can buy an excellent, well-presented brand new three-bedroom A better planning process would result in fewer house and land package from the Urban Land appeals to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and Authority. When the same sort of housing is built in therefore would cost less both to the Budget and to inner or middle Melbourne in an attempt to increase developers and home owners. The planning the housing density, a three-bedroom house costs dithering that is characteristic of the Labor $220 OOO! One might ask: why? The answer is: government should be brought to an end, as should because of the Building Industry Agreement, the manner in which the government conducts its because of the higher building costs extracted from planning policies. every project built in the State of Victoria under that agreement. The agreement is used in a way that Currently some $600 million of proposed shopping demonstrates an abuse of the power of the trade centre development has been held up. I do not union movement. include in that figure the controversial Tooronga centre. The expansion of shopping centres has been APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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held up, yet the Premier has the temerity to say that workers compensation was addressed. by legislation. the issues before our community today are jobs, jobs, The rate of compensation for those workers who had jobs. Certainly it appears they are not jobs in the the added disability of suffering recurrent injuries building industry. The applications for the shopping was determined. During the 1970s four rates of centre developments have been neither approved workers compensation were paid, and for some at nor refused. The matter is in the "pending" drawer, rates that had been determined before 1953. just as matters are in the "pending" drawer of the Historic Buildings Council. That is the context in which I address the 1991-92 Budget. It is a fact that this government has firmly That must be one of the greatest public scandals of set workers compensation in line with WorkCare this State. Expenditure on the Historic Buildings but it is still hinged on the proposition of employer Council is proposed to be cut at a time when the liability and compulsory insurance. The twin council has 34 years worth of applications waiting to element of that is the question of occupational health be processed. In other words, if the Historic and safety. This government introduced the most Buildings Council received no more nominations for comprehensive form of occupational health and applications it would take 34 years to catch up with safety in this country, in the face of violent its work! Yet, as I said, cuts are being made in the opposition from employers and members of ~e allocation to that area. conservative side of politics as well as all sorts of threats of what would happen if workers were given Fewer appeals should have to be dealt with. The any power. The government sought to eliminate the Administrative Appeals Tribunal is not the incidence of occupational injury and disease. appropriate forum in which to develop planning policies. The delays and the dithering that are In the present economic circumstances pressures are characteristic of this government should be brought being exerted to reduce payments to injured workers to an end. The Urban Land Authority should focus and to transfer liability from the employer to the its attention on higher density projects in the inner social welfare system. The concept of employer and middle areas of Melbourne rather than liability dates back to 1915. The arguments used in encouraging the sprawl, of which it is currently a those days about the impact on employers are major agent. The role of the Urban Land Authority repeated today ad nauseam. should be that of a wholesaler, not a retailer. The doubletalk surrounding cooperation, which I commend the government for its adherence to the currently includes hiding public surveys from local principle of employer liability and its care for people government, should be brought to an end. who are injured in the course of their employment. I believe it is a fundamental right of workers to be Mr SIMMONDS (Reservoir) - The honourable able to expect to return home to their family circle at member for Berwick is no stranger to govenunent, the end of the day in the same health and condition and it is refreshing to hear him demonstrate an as when they left. Society should compensate those interest in planning matters. I came to Parliament 22 people who are injured in the workplace and are not years ago when the major issues of planning related able to support their families. If it does not do so, to the buildings near the Spencer Street railway something is seriously wrong. station and similar areas. I take the opportunity to direct attention to a The West Gate Bridge disaster created a situation in number of employment and training initiatives in which workers compensation was finally addressed Victoria. When the previous speaker was in in a way that the conservative parties had refused to government in Victoria, Mr Brian Dixon was address it. For thirteen years, between 1953 and Minister for Employment and Training. He was 1966, the workers of this State were dependent on prone to invent slogans to address the question of workers compensation that had not increased. This employment. However, in 1982 when the Labor was despite the inflationary trend in our economy, government came to power, unemployment was at the effects of such activities as the Korean War and an intolerable level. Victoria was in the middle of a all those other factors tha t lifted prices. depression and the employment situation was critical. Those who were injured suffered the effects of their injuries without just compensation. The collapse of Aligned with the question of employment is the the West Gate Bridge, which resulted in the death of question of apprenticeships. When an economic 32 workers, finally created a situation in which recession occurs, one of the first employment areas APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

838 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 1 October 1991

to suffer is apprenticeship training. Currently, 1736 transferred $200 million to local business from apprentices with contracts are unable to complete orders that previously were sent overseas. Because their apprenticeships because of the economic of a government initiative introduced by Colin situation. In 1982, 41155 apprentices were in Edwards, who worked in the Ministry of training. By 1990,49992 were in training - a Employment and Training and who asked why we Significant improvement over eight years. were not looking to local suppliers to fill orders that were currently filled overseas, the ISO was Mr Pescott interjected. established in 1984 in Geelong, but it was not long before business was so brisk that it was necessary for Mr SIMMONDS - More people were in it to be moved to Melbourne. Other States are now apprenticeships as a result of an increase in intakes. adopting similar offices using the Victorian ISO as a In 1983 commencements in apprenticeships dropped model. The Industrial Supplies Office employs a to 10 045 but by 1989 commencements had increased small band of people who operate on charter and it to 18 169. That is an incredible figure. is funded by the government and has on its board Commencements dropped from 16 076 in 1990 to representatives of the government, trade unions and 8705 in 1991, which is an indication that something employer associations. serious is occurring in apprenticeship training in Victoria. During 1986 a Director of National Coordination was established in Canberra. In 1988 the Industrial If you look around the industrial areas, as I do when Supplies Office (Victoria) Ltd was established as a I walk around my electorate, you will find that the company limited by guarantee with a tripartite food shops on the industrial estates are virtually board of directors including union, government and empty, whereas two years ago it was difficult to buy industry association representation. In 1991, your lunch because of the crowd around the counter. manufacturers, industry associations and the Now it is easy to buy your lunch because there are Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTIJ) few workers in those areas. Some areas are almost endorsed the enhancement of the national ISO industrial deserts because of the impact of network. Nicholas Clark and Associates were unemployment, which is the result of factors that I appointed by the Australian Manufacturing Council shall refer to shortly. to make recommendations. I seek leave to have incorporated in Hansard two graphs showing the On the positive side, initiatives introduced by the achievements in orders obtained for Australian government in the 1980s involved the establishment industry. of the Industrial Supplies Office (ISO). This initiative is not often talked about but it is a success story in Leave granted; graphs as follows: the metal trades area. The ISO in Victoria has APPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL 839 Tuesday. 1 October 1991 ASSEMBLY

ACHIEVEMENTS - ORDERS OBTAINED FOR

$ Million $46.1 m

~...... •. 45 - .•...... •...... 40 - ••...•....•...... ::::::::::•...... 35 ...... •...... - $30.5 m :::::::::: $27.0 m •...... 30 ...... :::::::::: - ~ ...... ;::::::::: ~ ...... ~:::::::: r-" ••••••••• :::::::::: ~ .••...... 25 le·········•...... $21.4 m - •.•...... ~::::::::: ,..~::::::::: ...... •...... ~::::::::: ...... •...... le·········••...... ~::::::::: 20 :::::::::: ••...... ~::::::::: ~::::::::: - •...... •...... ~•...... ~::::::::: ...... ••...... ~ ...... •...... ••...... •...... 15 :::::::::: ••...... •...... - ...... •...... ::::::::::...... •...... •...... :::::::::: :::::::::: ...... la ...... •...... •...... •...... - ...... ::::::::::•...... •...... :::::::::: ...... :::::::::: ...... 5 ...... •.•...... ••...... - ...... ~ ••...... •...... •...... :::::::::: ...... •..•..... -::::::::: -::::::::: ...... Year to 1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 1991-92 June 30 (As at 31/8/91) APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

840 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 1 October 1991

IS:) m;:mRIES - PrnCENr1G: FINALISED IN Th\O:R OF

Percentage

58% 60 - 53% :::::::::: 50% :::::::::: •••••••••• ...... ~: 50 •••••••••••••••••• '!; ••••••••••• •••••••• - ••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••••••• .• ...... •••••••• ~: ••••••••• ••••••••• ...... , ••••••••• • •••••••• ...... ••••••••• ...... ::::::::~;, ••••••••• • •••••••• ...... , 40 - ••••••••• •••••••••• •••••••• ...... • •••••••• ~: ••••••••• • •••••••• • •••••••• ••••••••• • •••••••• • •••••••• ••••••••• • •••••••• • •••••••• ••••••••• • •••••••• • •••••••• 30 ••••••••• ••••••••• • •••••••• - ••••••••• • •••••••• • •••••••• ••••••••• • •••••••• • •••••••• ••••••••• :::::::::: • •••••••• ••••••••• ...... , • •••••••• ••••••••• ...... • •••••••• ••••••••• ::::::::::...... , • •••••••• 20 ••••••••• :::::::::: ••••••••••• •••••••• - ••••••••• •••••••••• • •••••••• ••••••••• :::::::::: • •••••••• ••••••••• •••••••••• • •••••••• ••••••••• ::::::::::•••••••••• • •••••••• 10 ••••••••• :::::::::: - ••••••••• ::::::::::, :::::::::: ••••••••• ...... , :::::::::: ••••••••• • •••••••• • ••••••••• ••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••• •••••••• :::::::::: •••••••••• .••••••••••...... :::::::::: As at 1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 June 30 APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Mr SIMMONDS - The graph shows that in Mr Coleman - What about AMECON? 1988-89 the achievement of orders totalled $27 million. The 1989-90 figure for the total orders Mr SIMMONDS - One of the features of the obtained was $30.5 million; in 1990-91 the orders Industrial Supplies Office is that it works in obtained totalled $46.1 million, and in 1991-92 conjunction with AMECON Ltd, as well as with orders obtained for Australian industry totalled Shell at Geelong. $21.4 million. In 1988-89 the percentage of ISO inquiries finalised in favour of Australian industry The building of a skills centre in the Ballarat area was 50 per cent; in 1989-90 the figure was 53 per cent was proposed because of the needs of the local and in 1990-91 the figure was 58 per cent. footwear industry. The proposal was based on the utilisation of Industrial Supplies Office services by Over $200 million was generated in orders for those employers that received grants from the skills industry from the Victorian office, and research has centres; and a number of industries in the Ballarat shown that this has achieved 6600 person-years of area put together a package that would have employment, with a total tax bill of $50 million. The enabled the centre to be built. Victorian payroll tax component is $12.3 million. The welfare payment saving is $40 million with Unfortunately a number of bureaucrats in Victoria resultant consumer spending of $53 million and a who were threatened by the cooperative efforts of reduction in the balance of payments deficit of $200 the government, industry and unions did not allow million. the development to get off the ground. Given the economic difficulties facing the Victorian and The cost of the operation of the ISO to date is $4.5 Australian economies, I hope the government will million, with a return on investment of $44 for every explore and expand the services offered by the $1 spent. I believe any punter at the racecourse Industrial Supplies Office. would believe that was a good return on dollars spent. The ISO return on investment in 1989-90 was Decisions made by the Federal government have $38 for every $1 spent, with a job generation of 1000. had a marked effect on employment creation, skills In the year 1990-91, 1520 jobs were generated as a training and a number of other matters relevant to result of its activity. the Victorian Budget. I join with those in Canberra who are appalled by the government's failure to There are further dimensions which have not been take action to lower interest rates. The current level consummated because, in addition to the ISO, one of of interest rates means that the price of money is the features of the operation identifies the skills and extraordinarily high - for example, the current real technologies which are not known or are not business rate is of the order of 12.5 per cent - and available to some purchasers in Victoria but which that many Victorians are being deprived of the are capable of being developed. opportunity of joining the work force.

The placing of orders can sometimes have the effect The present projections of an increase of 1.5 per cent of hastening the introduction of new skills and in the gross domestic product offer no help and no technology, which is of advantage to the Australian hope to those people currently afflicted by the economy. scourge of unemployment either in Victoria or anywhere else in Australia. A number of skills centres have been established to assist various Victorian industries. The Victorian Although the lowering of tariffs may be desirable in government grant to the Ford Motor Co. of Australia other circumstances, the effects of high interest rates Ltd to establish a skills centre at Campbellfield was and the overvalued Australian dollar are producing based on Ford's allowing half of the capacity of the a further decline in employment and are centre to be used by employees of its clients and aggravating an already difficult economic situation. suppliers. Small businesses have been able to utilise The motor vehicle, textile, footwear and clothing the services of such centres, which large companies industries have been particularly hard hit; and I are able to sustain with government assistance. commend the Premier for her recent statements

Similar centres have been established by Carlton and United Breweries Ltd, Trans Australia Airlines, as it was then known, and the plastics industry. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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about the impact of the Federal Budget on those advice offered by Mr Hogan. Although I was not industries. conscious of your being in the chair, Mr Acting Speaker, I am sure you will listen with interest to The proposal to charge the unemployed and those at what I have to say. the lower end of the socioeconomic scale $3.50 for the privilege of visiting a doctor must not be I first met Mr A. L. P. Hogan when I was in tolerated. At its annual meeting the board of opposition. On his behalf I raised the matter of management of the East Preston Community Health nuclear waste being transported from his employer's Centre unanimously passed a resolution opposing premises to a tip in Coburg through two the imposition of a $3.50 surcharge, with good municipalities that were designated as nuclear-free reason. When introducing the concept, Dr zones. Everingham, a former Federal health Minister, said that community health centres were intended to be a To cut a long story short, the problem was rectified. source of primary community health care and were The then Minister of Health, the Honourable Bill designed to provide services for and meet the needs Borthwick, went out and retrospectively licensed the of people who had previously been denied access to company to discharge the waste and the them. Environment Protection AuthOrity played its part.

The five doctors who practise at the East Preston I thought that might have been the end of the case, Community Health Centre do not charge for their but some weeks later, Allan Hogan, as he was then services; and welfare counselling and a range of known, came to me seeking assistance in obtaining other services are provided free of charge. National employment because his boss had sacked him. A Acoustic Laboratories technicians attend the centre; case of victimisation was presented to me, but I do and dental and other health services are available to not know whether it was valid. I assisted him in meet the needs of a community that is drafting a letter that was circulated to employers in underprivileged, to say the least. The deleterious the area and as a result he obtained employment, effects of imposing a fee of $3.50 would outweigh which lasted for about six weeks. any financial benefits gained. Later, because he was a young bloke with a family, I do not know what gets into the heads of people he wanted work and he subsequently found a job who leave the firm ground of Victoria for the with the East Preston Community Health Centre as a rarefied atmosphere of Canberra. It seems their handyman. The problem was that, as a "handyman", preoccupation with counting dollars leads them to he never seemed to be there. I have come to the introduce ill-considered cost-recovery measures. conclusion that he was not a particularly reliable person. If nothing else, the Whitlam Labor government will be remembered for introducing the concept of I was even more concerned when, after he had community health centres. No-one would want to go changed his name by deed poll so that he could put back to the old days when people were deprived of his name on the ballot-paper as A. L. P. Hogan, he such services; and far from diminishing, the need for nominated for the seat of Reservoir at the next the services provided by community health centres election. I was inundated with complaints that is expanding, especially when some of the diseases "Hogan, A. L. P." appeared on one side of the abroad in our society are complex and need to be ballot-paper, and "Simmonds, Australian Labor identified and arrested at an early stage. Party" appeared at the top on the other side of the ballot-paper - and a few people fell for the joke. I was chairman of the board of management of the East Preston Community Health Centre for ten I was interviewed by television reporters who asked years, and I cannot speak too highly of the skills of me whether I was upset. I replied that I had more its staff. confidence in the people of Reservoir than that and that they would know what had happened. Last week I had the pleasure of listening to the However, some 1700 people obviously fell for it honourable member for Forest Hill outline the because, apart from the handful of votes that went to problems associated with people domiciled in the A. L. P. Hogan as an independent, he received Nunan and McLennan Place estate. The honourable another 1500 Labor votes - and that, I suspect, member presented a case put to him by Mr A. L. P. mainly because of the device of changing his name. Hogan. The House should consider the quality of the APPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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It is interesting that he was the informant on the Mr SIMMONDS - I look forward to seeing piece of paper that the honourable member for some of the people from the opposition side being in Forest Hill read in the House in the last sitting week government some day. about people wandering around the McLennan Place estate and so on. The point I make is valid Mr Perrin - After the next election. because the paper was compiled by the East Preston Community Health Centre and, since he left that Mr SIMMONDS -If it is going to be after the centre, Hogan has been vilifying the people who run next election, God help Victorians! the centre. He has sought to join the ALP, but it is interesting that he should ask the honourable When the honourable member for Burwood - now member for Forest Hill to raise the question in this the Leader of the Opposition - arrived in this place, Parliament to assist him in his course of action. I listened to his maiden speech about responsible hardship, particularly as it related to Camberwell. An Honourable Member - Are you going to He was going to make sure that the misery he would vote for him? inflict on Victoria would not hit Camberwell. I was here when he voted for the shorter working week. Mr SIMMONDS - The good sense of those of He wanted to ensure that a reduction in the working the Labor Party is such that they will understand week would mean a corresponding reduction in that there are some things you can do to get new pay. The point of that is that he did not have another members, but that, even in the desperate situation of liberal Party person with him in the vote; he sat in high unemployment and declining membership, the his own corner on the government side while the price may be higher than we are prepared to pay! rest of his party colleagues sat on the opposite side. I But that is for other people to judge. believe that this time around he may well be in the same position. In assisting opposition members in their work - and I believe they need some assistance, and I Apart from that, the Leader of the Opposition and I listened with interest to the remarks of the understand one another. He has a political honourable member for Berwick - I point out that I philosophy which is totally opposed to mine, and I have been in this Parliament during the terms of a am grateful for that. number of Ministers for labour, from Joe Rafferty The Budget will provide a base for going to the people in Canberra who have much to answer for in Mr Coleman interjected. terms of dealing with the real issues of employment and government involvement in the things that Mr SIMMONDS - Joe was all right; he and I got concern the people. I commend the Victorian on well. I came into this place when there were government for its determination to hold to those members like Cam Tumbull, Dinny Lovegrove and things that are essential to the well-being of the George Reid, and there was a feeling around this people who cannot look after themselves and the place that you could walk around and have a key people in this community who suffer as a result discussion outside this Chamber knowing that it of industrial injury and disease and who, through no would not be raised in the Chamber; I respected fault of their own, are left in a situation of those people. In those days it was possible to come dependency and are often assaulted by all sorts of to terms with the principle of being a member of forces for various reasons. Parliament and having a principled approach to legislation. They are confronted with a medical fraternity that lives off their backs and a legal fraternity which, I hope to be around for the presentation of the next with some notable exceptions, is not much help. The Budget - and that is in the hands of other people - rest of the community needs to understand that in but this Budget represents an honest attempt to deal the society in which we live and the present with the critical situation. industries in which we operate there are some people who become victims, and they need care and Dr Wells - Honest! protection. A society that fails to care for those sorts of people is a society that is going down the tube. Mrs Hirsh - Absolutely. Mr PESCOTI (Bennettswood) - I support the Leader of the Opposition and the shadow Treasurer, APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

844 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 1 October 1991

the honourable member for Brighton, in their abuse privilege and who cannot see another point of contributions to this debate on the 1991-92 Budget. view. They are the last people to recognise that they Before I commence my remarks about the issues are the problem. Nothing could be clearer at this relating to industry in Victoria, I congratulate the time in Victoria's history than that we have a honourable member for Reservoir for his comment Minister who is determined to stay in power because that he looks forward to opposition members being he believes he is there by some right. in government so that he can watch what sort of a job we do because, clearly, that shows a renewed The extension of that belief is that the trade union understanding that honourable members on this movement he represents has the privilege, in his side of the House are the people who have the opinion, to operate in a way that is unavailable to ability to be in government. others. One can take examples in any week of the year but one specific case in the past week concerned I also wish to comment on the appalling whether the football final would be televised live performance of the Minister for Transport this throughout Melbourne. The trade union movement morning in this House. I have checked with the said it would ensure the game was televised come Clerk of the House and, unfortunately, I cannot what may and said it would use its industrial comment on the issue that has now been referred to muscle to do so. That is an abuse of trade union the Privileges Committee as it was narrowly defined power. by the House this morning. I should love to have the opportunity to have a slip of the tongue and be able A picture of the Managing Director of Bowater to make some comment about that, but suffice it to Tissue Ltd appeared in a recent edition of my local say that the Minister for Transport was totally newspaper; he was standing in front of signs erected incapable of answering questions in question time for the opening of a new tissue factory in this morning. It was a complete disgrace that a Nunawading. The Prime Minister did not arrive to Minister of the Crown should treat Parliament with open the factory, and the opening did not proceed. contempt and not make any attempt whatsoever to Why? Because the trade union movement wanted to answer the questions that were put to him. flex its muscles because it had been in dispute with management and decided to stop the opening. It The problem for the Minister for Transport is that he achieved that goal but it was an example that those is a prisoner of his own ideas, a prisoner of the view who have the privilege in the community - the that the trade union movement is the only legitimate born-to-rule leaders of the trade union movement - ruler in this State. The Minister has been asked to believe they can take action that is not available to resign on a number of occasions in recent weeks, but other people in the community. he believes that he, his movement, and others who are here were born to rule. He believes that no-one Time and again we have seen abuses of that power. else in this community could possibly govern the The Minister for Transport, who refuses to give way, State as well-or as badly, from the perspective of is a representative of the group in the community the opposition - or in the same way as they and the that abuses that power. Do not worry about the trade union movement have been governing it. corruption ofTed Diro in Papua New Guinea or Marshal Mobuto in Zaire or what is happening in The problem for Victoria is that we have a group of Romania -we have a form and a level of people - the trade union movement - who now corruption here whereby Ministers do not accept the believe in their own ability and believe blindly that responsibility under which the Westminster system they are the only people who can govern the State. operates. History shows that those who are corrupt That attitude is evident when you look at the in this way are the last to recognise the corruption. Minister for Transport who is constantly saying it is History will repeatedly demonstrate that. this side of the House that believes it is born to rule but, when you analyse it, it is the trade union The Minister for Transport would not know the movement represented by that Minister that cannot truth if he fell over it! Therefore, today he was imagine it should ever give way to another point of silenced by his own party because he was unable to view. answer the questions put to him in this House. If he were to do the right thing he would resign before the The Minister has trouble understanding that there committee meets. Let us get rid of this problem and can be another point of view and that he can be move to another area. wrong. That becomes a danger to the Parliamentary system in Victoria. They are examples of those who APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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The other woes of the Minister for Transport in Honourable members opposite daim this has been recent weeks about which I wish to comment the fault of none on that side. We have heard speech concern his statement last week that he was being after speech from honourable members opposite in attacked by the opposition because he was the which they have assumed the problems were not the underdog. That comment highlights the abuse of fault of the government. They have explained about power and privilege of those in the trade union the downturn in Australia as a whole. Indeed, there movement and is indicative of the attitude of the has been a downturn in Europe, America, Japan and Minister. The first thing he did publicly last week many other places but I must ask: why is it worse was to say the attack had nothing to do with the here? Why are we subjected to the utter rubbish issue and that he felt he was attacked because he uttered by the government, that now we have a was an underdog. That is utter rubbish! He said three-year plan to get us out of trouble? people were praying for him and ensuring he would stay here - but who is praying for him? Are they Was there a five-year plan in China? Was it a good judges of either the Minister or the five-year plan in Moscow or in India - or in all the Parliamentary system? Obviously they do not know good socialist countries of the world? Three, four the facts and they are definitely not impartial. and five-year plans have been in existence but for the first time since Victoria has got itself into real Do those people know of the standards of this trouble the government has now resorted to the old House? I think not. The Minister should wake up three-year plan. that he is in his Ministerial position to lead the community and not to be led by unknown According to the government, it is quite useful and worshippers. Furthermore, he should not use his acceptable to increase expenditure in this Budget by pOSition to create disruption and disharmony in the 8.5 per cent - or double the inflation rate community. The role of the government as the throughout Australia; yet, we are told it is a good leader of the community is to bring the community Budget! together and to encourage people to work together but instead what does the Minister do? He How can the State lose its bank but be better off? immediately tries to create division by running How can Victorians have the highest workers around with the age-old tactic of dividing the compensation rates in Australia but be better off? community so he may improve his position. How can Victoria have more unemployment per capita than any other State and yet be better off? In reality he is not exercising the Ministerial How can we have a Premier and a Deputy Premier responsibility of bringing the community together; who sit there and say it has nothing to do with he is dividing it. Therefore we experience the old them? They have been senior Ministers in the business of kicking along the intolerance of the government from its beginning but apparently the community where it exists. We saw a deliberate difficulties have nothing to do with them! attempt to drag the issue into the gutter when he attempted to deflect this issue from his own woes. The increase in Budget expenditure is double the Australian inflation rate. The Budget is an absolute Today the performance of the Minister for Transport disaster. The cuts in expenditure have been has been appalling. He would not answer questions. insufficiently severe. The government has lost its In recent weeks he has tried to introduce another grip on this State. aspect to the whole affair; namely, that we were picking on him because for some reason he was not It is unparliamentary to call the Premier, the the sort of person we thought should be here. That is Treasurer and the Deputy Premier what I should absolute rubbish and is a disgrace to him as a like to call them. I should like to be able to explain Minister. that what they are telling the community now is very similar to what the former Premier was saying I now move to the real issue of my contribution and to the community when he said there was no refer to how the Budget will not help industry in problem with the Victorian Economic Development Victoria. Unfortunately we are living in a sad period Corporation. Was he right? of Victorian history. It is sad because of what we have been through and because anyone who looks at What is the Parliamentary term that we should use Victoria now and at the fabric of Victoria will see we for people who tell us things which later turn out are governed by a discredited government. not to be the case? What is the expression we should APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No.l) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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use? Because whatever it is, that is the expression I The basic facts are that the State needs investment so should like to use at this time. that there will be a surplus, creating an opportunity for expanded industry to invest and provide jobs. I refer to page 32 of Budget Paper No. 2, which deals with the current recession in Victoria; we are not The misery has been caused by the lack of jobs and allowed to call it a depression, we have to call it a lack of investment activity. There is a direct recession. Let us examine what is stated in this relationship between the reason for people not Budget Paper: investing in this climate in this State and the reason for there being no jobs. The sharp deterioration in economic conditions in Victoria which began in the first half of 1990 stands in The coalition is committed to the development of an stark contrast to trends during the 19805. environment in which business can grow and prosper in competition with the rest of the world. The government has been in power and has been That is unlike the government. Business activity in responsible for those particular trends. Further on it Victoria operates within the constraints of the continues: national and international economies but it is a responsibility of the State government to respond to Business investment in equipment began to trend down those conditions and to assist industry to flourish. across Australia in the first half of 1989. The cumulative fall up to the March quarter 1991 in Victoria has been Governments can foster certain forms of around 35 per cent compared with 15 per cent in the development and certain businesses to match the rest of Australia. commercial strengths within its boundaries.

We have more than doubled the downturn in The West Australian and Queensland economies, for business investment in this State; and these are example, are based on a steady stream of mining figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. and building projects which need to be replaced when they are completed to keep the economic Similarly we have had changes in employment. The wheel turning. But in Victoria our basic strength has decline in employment since July 1990 has been 6 been our industry base which was encouraged, per cent in Victoria, compared with 2 per cent in the particularly, during the Liberal Bolte era. rest of Australia, so it is three times as high as it is in other parts of Australia. Rather than build on the comparative strength of that period it has been allowed to diminish under All of this is happening while government members the government, and I refer to some figures which are saying that it has nothing to do with them. In have been prepared by the opposition and show that addition the Budget Papers state that there is a the Kirner years are even worse than the Cain years; greater reliance in Victoria on manufacturing that taxes, fees and fines have increased in Victoria activities, but that the decline in manufacturing is during the time of the current Premier by 5.6 per less pronounced during this current downturn than cent, on average, compared with 5.1 per cent under it was during the 1982-83 recession. the previous Premier, Mr Cain.

That is absolute hogwash. It is just not true; and the The amount of interest that has to be paid through fact is that our retail sales have declined by 8 per the Budget as a percentage of the State's revenue has cent in the last year, compared with 1 per cent for increased from 23.9 per cent under Premier Cain to the rest of Australia - Victoria has eight times the 25.9 per cent under the current Premier. Our Budget problem faced by the rest of Australia. deficit has increased, and so I could go on.

When the Premier of New South Wales came to There is a whole list of comparisons to show that the Victoria recently and referred to our problems as a position of the government now is even worse than regional depression the Victorian government said it the position of the government that got us into the was not true, but that industry must invest in more problems we now face. jobs. That is a complete non sequitur. It has nothing to do with what Mr Greiner was talking about. It One other area I should like to touch upon is, of was a hopeless response when somebody from course, the cost of labour in this State. According to outside was trying to make a true statement which the Australian Bureau of Statistics the non-labour the government did not like. . cost in Victoria is $3403 per employee, which is APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

Tuesday. 1 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 847

higher than any other State and 10 per cent higher will argue that they do not want to go and that they than the average for the other States of $3068. should be paid out at great cost.

We have the highest costs in payroll tax, The industrial power of the trade union movement superannuation and workers compensation per in Victoria has led to Victoria being called by some employee. One needs to ask the question: why people the Albania of the south. The Trades Hall would somebody invest in Victoria? The answers to Council has abused its power year after year. The that question are not addressed in this Budget. aluminium rolling mill to be built at Bendigo has been described as a wonderful investment The first reason why a person would not invest in opportunity for Victoria. That rolling mill is being Victoria is the unstable government. A recent located at Bendigo because Bendigo is a marginal newspaper article stated that in the current Labor seat for the Labor Party and the American company, government there had been a change of Minister, on which is the majority shareholder, did not want to average, once a month since the government has have the rolling mill next to the aluminium smelter been in office. Nobody will come to this State while at Portland because of our industrial problems. If there is an unstable government, not to mention the one factory at Portland went out on strike the other problems at the moment with an hysterical Prime factory would follow and the company does not Minister ringing up the Premier and threatening her want production of its rolling mill hampered. because of a threat to his own pOSition at a time when this Premier should not be diverted from what The abuse of union power in this State has required she is trying to do. investors spending a lot more money, and potentially losing a lot more money, in the She is now embroiled in the politics and arguments calculations they put forward before they make their of Canberra - Hawke versus Keating. Is it ''Paul for investment. Similarly the abuse of financial power Prime Minister"? I do not know. I do not even know by the Federal government has an effect. The why this Premier should be dragged into that Premier came back from Canberra and said that she argument, but certainly it gives a clear impression to had obtained an extra $300 million for Victoria. That anybody coming to this State to invest that if they was nothing more than a political distribution of come here they will find that the government is money because Victoria has performed worse than WlStable. any other State. Victoria needs extra assistance so the $300 million was nothing more than a prize for There has been an abuse of industrial power by the being the worst performing State. This morning in trade unions. The Premier continually uses the question time the Premier said she hoped to get investment in Toyota of $420 million as an example more money from Canberra. of how we are getting on with the job here in this State. She refuses to tell the public that the reason The government in this State comes at a high price Toyota is producing a new plant is that its old with taxes such as payroll tax and land tax that act equipment needs to be replaced, and if the company as disincentives. Victoria has an inefficient transport does not do it, it will lose money. system and an unnecessarily high cost of energy that industry needs for it to operate. Yet in that area More importantly, it is important for Toyota to statutory authority dividends in the past year have produce a new factory which employs fewer people. increased by 67 per cent for the State Electricity Let us be quite categorical about it: the Toyota Commission, 61 per cent for Melbourne Water and 5 investment, on its completion, will mean fewer per cent for the Gas and Fuel Corporation. In the employees of Toyota. case of the SEC and Melbourne Water the government is raking from those authorities money One should not believe the trade union movement they must borrow to pay. The statutory authority and the people who work at Toyota are in dividend introduced by this government is on the agreement. The suggestion that it will all work turnover, not on the results. The government has put smoothly is a lie because at the launching Mc the statutory authorities further into debt to the Ferguson, president of the Australian Council of point where they need to borrow each year to pay Trade Unions, said that he had told the unions 2 the government. hours previously that there would be one union. That cannot be called agreement or potential Because of this government's high taxing policies cooperation because when the workers at the investors start to look elsewhere, for instance, in Dandenong plant are told to move to Altona they South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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because those States do not have Victoria's cowboy constraints in all areas of the Budget the delivery of approach to managing the areas the government services is continuing in my electorate and is of must manage in order to help industry operate. considerable value to the people I represent.

Victoria has cumbersome planning procedures. In I was pleased a month or so ago when the Minister Altona a petrochemical plant wanting to install a gas for Planning and Housing made a final,inspection of cylinder worth $40 000 has already spent $17 000 on units in Chapel Road, Moorabbin, for 29 older planning procedures whereas next door another persons. I understand people are now moving into chemical plant which has the same gas cylinder did those units. I should also like to put on record my not need to go through that planning process. They congratulations to the regional office of the are two identical users on land only 20 yards apart. Department of Planning and Housing for their The planning procedures in this State are so tied up excellent work in my area. Despite some restraints in that industry finds it difficult to operate. its budget in the coming twelve months, I know the regional officers will do a good job. The government has lost the right to govern. In the past nine years it has established practices and Another service that has just been completed but principles that are cumbersome to the community which will also be ongoing is the Monash Medical and provide the trade union movement with the Centre based at Clayton and, more importantly, the idea that the government is here to stay. As I said Moorabbin campus based in my electorate. earlier, the Minister for Transport cannot understand why he should go. He does not seem to understand In the past twelve months buildings to the value of that another group in the community could pOSSibly approximately $42 million have been completed on take government. The born to rule syndrome within those campuses and recently the final relocation of the trade union movement is blinding the Prince Henry's Hospital to Clayton and Moorabbin government to the fact that the alternative side of was made. The building of the Monash Medical this House, through its policies that have been Centre has been of great assistance to the people in announced by the Leader of the Opposition and the my electorate. In the coming twelve months a honourable member for Brighton, would have further $41 million will be spent on the Clayton produced a Budget that would have been campus and $5 million on the Moorabbin campus, responsible, would have reduced the costs of which will see the final design work completed for government and would have provided an the next stage: a day surgery and a cancer services opportunity for industry to be relieved of its high unit. costs so that it could start to invest and create the jobs needed by this State. In the area of chlld-care, two further occasional care groups have just been funded: one, which will The ACIlNG SPEAKER (Mr Richardson) - commence shortly, will be based at the McKinnon Order! The honourable member's time has expired. Road Kindergarten; the other is in the Godfrey Street community house and will be an expansion of the Mrs BARKER (Bentleigh) - The honourable number of occasional care places. member for Bennettswood mentioned the government's period in office. Today is a Significant A further development in my electorate in the past and happy one for me because on 1 October three twelve months has been within the area of years ago I was officially elected to represent the seat community services, particularly within the State of Bentleigh and I have been happy to work for the Plan. Recently I had the pleasure of opening a people of my electorate and to have seen the services community residential unit in Dunlop Street, already put in place and others that are still to come. Ormond, for people with intellectual disabilities. This place will be only for respite care, but it is very I speak in support of the Budget because in a time of beautiful. restraint it is a balanced Budget and one that delivers services. We knew from the Premier's June I am pleased to note in the Budget for community statement that it would be a tight Budget. Following services that three areas in which I am interested that June statement I actively promoted that will be substantially funded. As honourable statement within my electorate. In the months members are aware, the government has announced leading up to the Budget people in my area said they the closure of the Caloola Training Centre by expected a tight Budget but they expressed their October 1992 and has provided a total of $53 million concern for the delivery of services. Despite to fund the State Plan in 1991-92. I am pleased to APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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note that this initiative, which is to be implemented I note with pleasure that some of the main activities in 1991-92, includes the relocation of a further 224 planned in the coming year within the Office of clients as part of the first phase of the closure of Preschool and Child Care are the establishment of a Caloola. I am sure many will come into my further 250 places for occasional care and 2690 electorate which is in the Southern Region and before and after school hours care places. which until now has not had a huge number of Construction will be completed on ten long-day care services. However, we are getting there. centres and construction of another 9 centres will commence. There will be an extra 191 day programs; ten additional respite care places; a further 50 early At last we will see some work-based child-care pilot intervention places; the development of the secure projects and planning for others up and running. I services program which will become a "total believe the Minister has done an excellent job in offenders program"; expanded shared family care; prOViding for the future. the expansion of the permanent care service; and the development of 60 community places for clients Earlier I mentioned the excellent Monash Medical living with aged parents. Centre. I wish to mention the other health services that are important to my electorate. I talk in I have mentioned the State Plan on previous particular of community health and the East occasions when I have spoken in the House and it Bentleigh Community Health Centre (EBCHC). It is pleases me to see that Caloola will be closed and important to note some of the achievements that those people with intellectual disabilities will be have been realised in community health and home provided for so they may live in the community services. This particular service, the EBCHC, was with quality care. established during the Whitlam years and the centre was built by the State government in 1986. It has I note that intensive family based services are listed contributed a great deal to the community. When in the Budget under community services. My one looks at some of the information that is available electorate does not have one of these services and, on the background of community health centres it is technically, there is not one in the region but with interesting to note that in 1982 only 29 per cent of the some work I am sure we will see one there in the population had access to community health near future. A group based in Highett, Family Focus, programs. Now 65 per cent of Victorians live within which is coordinated by the Reverend Denis Oakley reach of community health services. The number of - who is a terrific chap - has been running a community health centres has doubled since 1982. similar service to the intensive family-based services There are now 94, as well as five satellite services and is having a great deal of success with young and ten centres which are based in public hospitals. families. Family Focus works not only in that area In 1982 there were only 57 community health but also in many others, and it is to be commended centres. It is a magnificent achievement for any for its work. government to increase the availability of community health services. In the past twelve months we have seen the completion of the program planning which, as I As I said, within the community health and home understand, was in the Outer Eastern area. I am services area there are three major projects which are pleased to note that an additional $300 000 has been important to me and which have received increased provided for the expansion of the intensive funding. This year $11.8 million will be provided for family-based services into an additional three women's health programs, which include cervical regions. cancer screening, mammography, birthing units and sexual assault programs. The mammography or As I have said, funding for two more occasional care breast cancer screening programs should be up and groups will be allocated to my electorate. I believe running and servicing the women who desperately child-care is one of the issues in which many people need them. Many people have said, 'We have in my electorate are interested, and I often receive waited long enough. We want the program in place". inquiries as to what is available. There has been a substantial increase in the number of child-care Women can already use that service but the centres that are available but we need to continue proposal that has been put forward is to offer mass that work. screenings. Together with the classes conducted by community health centres to teach breast APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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self~xamination, that screening is extremely I seek clarification for the people in my electorate important. because the East Bentleigh Community H~lth Centre is located on the same site as the M>orabbin At a local level, I am very proud of the East campus of the Monash Medical Centre, ~d they Bentleigh Community Health Centre. In the past few want an assurance that the centre will not be months the services have been expanded and a amalgamated with the hospital. The people of my youth worker and an ethnic access worker have been electorate believe the centre should continue to employed. Both have been there only a few months retain its autonomy and local focus. It is an excellent but they are already working very well in those community health centre and pioneered communities. hydrotherapy in Victoria. It has a huge volunteer base and considerable community support. I have The East Bentleigh Community Health Centre is also given the centre a total guarantee that it will not be trying to establish a pilot project in the South amalgamated with the hospital under any Clayton and CIarinda areas, which are part of its circumstances. I value the work done by the centre catchment. Meetings were recently held with the too highly to see that occur and, in fact, I want its local council and the Federal government to see services expanded. what facilities, services and funding will be available. Another health issue that is of particular concern to The East Bentleigh Community Health Centre has my electorate is the funding of nursing homes. The done well to get that project up and nmning and I Budget has initiated a three-year plan to change the have already indicated to the centre that I shall offer funding arrangements of State nursing homes, any assistance I can. During the past twelve months something for which people have been waiting for a the centre has also developed a needle exchange considerable period. I am pleased that State program. I congratulate the centre on the way it has government nursing homes will move to handled the introduction of this program. CAM/SAM funding arrangements.

The Minister for Health has indicated that I have reminded various Ministers of the pride I community health centres should examine have in the development of a 3O-bed nursing home introducing some fees and charges. The East in the Bentleigh-Moorabbin area, to be called Bentleigh Community Health Centre has discussed Warawee, an Aboriginal word meaning a place to this issue and although it raises income from its stop and rest. I am pleased that the funding for the hydrotherapy pool, used by private capital works of that nursing home has been physiotherapists, it is reluctant to impose fees on its committed within the Budget, because it will mean clients because it believes in the concept of free that one of the long-term dreams of the people of my community health care. electorate will come to fruition. It will be a true community nursing home run by a community The East Bentleigh Community Health Centre has a committee of management, which has been working large volunteer base and receives many donations on an alternative design, a new and exciting from the community, community groups and service proposal. groups. The centre has managed without the imposition of fees and I shall be pleased to work I am extremely pleased with the support given by with the centre during the coming months to try to the City of Moorabbin in purchasing the land for the ensure that it continues to operate in that way. nursing home. The home will be built by the State government and recurrent funding will be provided The centre has discussed the issue of area health by the Federal government. Auxiliaries within the boards and does not believe that concept is City of Moorabbin are already operating and have appropriate if a local community focus is to be raised considerable amoUI}ts of money. I am retained; I agree with the centre. extremely pleased that $2.1 million has been committed for this project. I was concerned at comments made recently by the Honourable Marie Tehan, shadow spokesperson for I was pleased to be present at the Southleigh Baptist health in another place, that some community health Hostel on Sunday when the Federal Minister for centres serve a useful purpose and some do not. The Aged, Family and Health Services, the Honourable honourable member also stated that if community Peter Staples, opened the new wing of the hostel to health centres were located near hospitals their provide further care for older people in my futures would be in jeopardy. electorate. I congratulate the Baptist Church and its APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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social service group on the service it provides for Out-of-trade apprentices must have the opportunity older people. of finding training and work. During the past few weeks I was excited to hear that work I have done Another issue in which I have become involved with with the Federal Department of Employment, local industry concerns dangerous goods and Education and Training may result in an extension chemicals. I have now had two meetings with being added to the Godfrey Street community house Moorabbin council, the Department of Labour, under a scheme that assists out-of-trade apprentices DISPLAN and local police officers and fire officers to gain accreditation. and I am sure that as we continue these quarterly meetings we shall see an improved and safe local I have had some brief discussions with Moorabbin area. council, which owns the house, and I am confident the project will go ahead. It will provide out-of-trade I was pleased that $10 000 was made available under apprentices with work for approximately six months the Urban Area Improvement Program to improve and some of them need only that period to complete Cochranes Road, a major industrial road in their apprenticeships. That is an example of the role Moorabbin. This funding will assist Moorabbin of a local member of Parliament - ensuring that council in carrying out beautification works and to local community groups are aware of all the clean up the industrial area. facilities available to them at any level of government, and I intend to continue that work. I welcome the concessions made in the Budget for pa yroll tax and land tax. I know those concessions Victoria must have a skilled work force, and a are welcomed by the businesses within the project recently announced by the Premier has now Moorabbin industrial area, which is of considerable come to fruition in my area. It is pleasing that an size - approximately 2500 businesses. Also additional 79 part-time and full-time training places welcomed was the recent announcement by the have been created at the Moorabbin College of Premier of alterations to WorkCare. Technical and Further Education as part of the Victoria First package. The additional places will be Following the Premier's June economic statement in food technology, engineering and migrant literacy the Minister for Manufacturing and Industry and the courses are expected to run for six to twelve Development visited the local manufacturing area months. The training will provide people with skills and the Moorabbin College of TAFE. During that that are expected to be in demand as the economy visit the Minister visited Dentrac Industries, an recovers. As usual, the college is looking to the industry which is the only manufacturer of life rafts future. in the Southern Hemisphere. During the boom period of the 1980s its management borrowed The package is also linked to the proposed Industry heavily and the company was eventually placed in Training Centre to be built at the college, and I hope receivership. It was inappropriate that a company the plans for that centre will be finalised shortly. For that manufactured important marine safety some three years I have worked with the college equipment should be closed down. I was pleased to council on the training centre project and a final work with the Department of Manufacturing and concept has now been developed. Earlier this year Industry Development in putting that company in some 200 businesses attended the laWlch of the touch with investors and in working through the concept along with the Federal Minister for issues to ensure that it continued operating and so Employment, Education and Training, Mr Dawkins, preserved the jobs of approximately 30 people. At a and the Sta te Ministers for Manufacturing and local level, I am working with a variety of interested Industry Development and Education and Training. groups in relation to unemployment which does, of course, cause considerable concern. The Industry Training Centre will be a great asset to my area and it has already gained the support of Not long ago I was pleased to visit the parish of St many local industries. The centre will cost Peter's in East Bentleigh where Father Heriot, the approximately $26 million with funding being caring priest of the parish, has set up a register provided from the Federal and State governments, called "People for People". The aim of the register is the college and industry. I hope the last few details to put Wlemployed people into contact with people of the plans can be finalised soon so that works can who can provide them with work, and I hope to be commence. able to continue working with Father Heriot to try to find employment for people in my local area. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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In the last few minutes available to me I shall briefly government are trying to put across the picture that outline a subject that has been discussed in my area everything is nice in the garden. over the past twelve months, which is the police and emergency services portfolio. Yesterday I attended a Things are not very good out there. I worry about defensive living program at the East Bentleigh what the future holds for the members of our society Community Health Centre which was organised whom I believe governments are supposed to help. following a safety and security forum. I recommend that all honourable members secure the services of I refer to the Labor government's series of Senior Constable Deborah Owen and have her speculative financial disasters that have caused conduct a defensive living program in their area. So Victorians severe hardship. The Treasurer has far the forums and this program have been held only publicly acknowledged in his own Budget speech for women, but in the near future I shall organise a the level of Victoria's massive debt burden. Total forum for a mixed group. The women who attended liabilities are now $53.8 billion or $12 368 for every yesterday's program were pleased to be there and, man, woman and child. By 1993-94 it is estimated with some teenage girls, they were happy to receive that the total public sector debt will reach $31 billion. practical advice and to have some of the myths about law and order dispelled. The Budget does nothing in real terms to overcome these problems. Victoria still has a high spending Another initiative I have been pleased to be involved government: a government that cannot help but with is the ''Violence is Ugly" campaign, which is spend other people's money; a government that designed to alter aspects of male behaviour towards thinks it knows how to do things better than the women. I am glad that campaign will continue, as it private sector; and a government that still wants to has received a wonderful response from women get involved. Instead of taking the tough decisions, both inside and outside my electorate. the government has taken the safe option by borrowing more money in an attempt to cover up Many difficulties must be worked through, but I the long-term damage it has done. The Labor hope they will be resolved quickly so we can all get government is trying to cover up because it does not on with securing the future for all Victorians. want Victorians to learn about further financial problems. There is no doubt that for many years to Mr HEFFERNAN (Ivanhoe) - This Budget is of come our children and their children will be paying significance to members of the opposition because it this debt. is the last one the government will bring down. No-one knows the true extent of the State's financial Although Victoria once stood proud as the leader in problems. Victorians will not forget what was done economic development in this country it is now at to the economy during the 1980s. No doubt the the bottom of the pile. Financial losses are being government would love to turn back the clock; if it forced on the people in our society who are really could I am certain it would not go down the same hurting. It is immoral that has happened. No matter track. what is said in the House today, it is no use the government's thinking it can push away the sins of The current financial problems are the result of the the past and the mistakes it has made by suggesting socialist theory of government being applied to the that the sins have been caused by factors outside its private sector. When the Labor Party came to office control. The government cannot blame the Federal no-one had any hope of telling members of the government and others for the financial disasters government that they would get their hands burned because the plain facts are - and I shall quote from if they became involved in the economy to the extent a government strategy document to prove my point they have. History has shown that their hands have - that what has happened to Victoria was put in been charred. The sad part is that the taxpayers of place by the government. this State have been hurt the most. It is recorded step by step in the 1982 Australian It was interesting to hear the honourable member for Labor Party docwnent PreparingJor Government: Reservoir speak about community centres and the Financial Management and Economic Strategy. The wonderful opportunities people in his electorate document refers to all the sins the ALP has have been given because of those centres. Members committed in this State. It is incredible that the of the government must be walking around with government should try to push its mistakes under their eyes closed! Low-income earners are really the carpet and say that they are not its fault. On page hurting, and it is sad that members of the APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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2 under "Labor's economic objectives" the document and we are now paying the conseq~ences for its states: major financial disasters. No matter what the government says in attempting to push its disasters The process of decision making in the Victorian public under the mat, the dreadful financial situation of this sector is in urgent need of reform. There is an obvious State has occurred as a result of the strong influence need for the State government - of the Labor Party.

and I emphasise this - At page 16 under ''Philosophy of government administration" the document states: to intervene in a planned and purposeful manner in the Victorian economy. The Victorian economy has been A Labor government will work towards greater undermined by the failure of the State government to accountability of government departments and public declare its own economic objectives. bodies in policy making and administration.

In 1982 when the Labor government came to power This policy can be directly attributed to what the it said it would intervene in the economic process - government and its Ministers have done by and intervene it did. At that stage the Labor Party becoming involved in the VEOC, Tricontinental and said it would become involved in the private sector. State Bank Victoria. The government wanted all Page 6 of the document states: departments and public bodies to be accountable. The document continues: The process of decision making within government has been a major contributor to Victoria's economic This is necessary to restore the principle that Ministers downfall. Decisions based on inadequate or biased be responsible to Parliament for the conduct of information and in reaction to short-term pressures departments and public bodies under their Ministerial have generated inconsistencies and a high degree of control. economic uncertainty. Although that was the aim, the government and its The Labor government decided to move into Ministers have totally denied that their actions have reforming the economy. And brother, did it create been responsible for Victoria's disasters. uncertainty! Despite taking on a strong, economically viable State left by the former Liberal Mr Coleman - We have heard it again and again! government, the Labor Party brought about chaos. The supposed experts on that side of the House, Mr HEFFERNAN - That is the very thing the who had never been involved in economic government has been saying to the people of development in the private sector, decided they Victoria. Its members say, '1t is not our fault, it is would quickly get themselves involved. someone else's fault. It is Canberra's, it is Mr Keating's, it is Mr Kerin's. It is not our fault the State Page 7 of the document under 'The State's economic Bank went under". Yet this 1982 document sets out role" proves the government caused the problems the philosophy of the ALP before it moved into now facing Victoria. It states: government.

During the 19505 and 19605 the postwar boom carried Today the current Premier asks, ''Where are your the State of Victoria along on a wave of prosperity. In policies? I want to see them". I have before me her these decades the direction of the Victorian economy government's policy - and what a disaster it has was largely determined by the private sector growth been. path. The document also refers to revamping the State I emphasise this statement: Treasury. If ever there were something the Labor Party could not get its hands on quickly enough, it Planned economic management by government was was the State's purse strings. Never before have ALP thought by the Liberals to be unnecessary. members had their hands on so much money. What enjoyment one could see on their faces as they So in the boom years the former Liberal government continually looked towards amalgamating all decided it was not necessary to be involved in the government authorities to gain control of the private sector. What did the Labor government do? moneys for the Treasury and Mr Sheehan. It said that it knew better. It knew better all right, APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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On page 44 there are more statements on modern I turn to the important issue of unemployment in my money management. The ALP has learnt all about it electorate. It is a contentious issue in the seat of from a book at some administrative school. Ivanhoe. The Budget provides no recovery for the Mr Deputy Speaker, you would be aware one cannot private sector and therefore no jobs. My electorate take a book out of a library and read it to learn how alone has 2000 unemployed people standing in the to run a business and make a profit. No-one can do dole queue. It is embarrassing for me to see the that. It is impossible. Yet under the heading government pennitting this to continue. I know it ''Modern financial management" the document must hurt some government members. The states: government should not have become involved entrepreneurially in the private sector. The only time Labor is deeply concerned that the financial assets and it should become involved in the private sector is at powers of the State have not been used to maximise times of high unemployment through utilising its employment in Victoria. The uncoordinated and statutory reserves on capital works to stimulate the decentralised financial decisions of the large number of economy. Now is the time for the government to public bodies in Victoria have caused an excessive utilise statutory reserves - but they are now not accumulation of financial assets in the public sector. available. There is not one cent left; the whole lot has gone; the money box is empty. I cannot say to the I emphasise the fact that under the fonner Liberal young unemployed in my electorate, ''Don't worry, I government there was: will approach the government to see how it can stimulate the economy so you can find a job" . ... an excessive accumulation of financial assets in the public sector. A young man came into my office recently and said that two of his close friends had committed suicide With the accumulated financial assets the over the past two months. That is a disaster. How government said to itself, 'We will have to do can we sit here as politicians and hold up our heads something about this". Page 44 of the strategy states: when that sort of thing is happening in our society? How can the government defend itself for what it On the basis of public information it is estimated that has done? It has said time and again that it is not the financial asset holdings of the Victoria public sector guilty. That disappoints me. If someone says they are well in excess of $2000 million. have done the wrong thing that is another matter, but the government says it is not guilty. The private Where did that money go? Down the tube with State sector has cried out for relief but not received any. Bank Victoria and Tricontinental Corporation Ltd! Unemployment is rising and there is no relief. The government became involved in high entrepreneurial activities in the private sector. Today I turn to small business, for which I am the shadow the government denies any knowledge of the Minister. There has been a major downturn in small Financial Management and Economic Strategy. It now business in Victoria. Once again the private sector says it is not its fault. At page 45 the strategy states: has borne the brunt of Labor Party policy. The contract bureaucrats who have lost their jobs At present smaller authorities are pennitted to borrow recently have received large payouts. No career up to $1.2 million per annum. Very few do so because public servant who has said, ''I've lost my job" has of their limited repayment capacity. In 1980-81 the received such a handout. Plenty of small businesses estimated value of borrowing by smaller authorities have gone bankrupt and those families have lost was $126 million which was well below the potential their homes and are now living in rented borrowing capacity of more than $800 million. accommodation. The Minister for Finance tried to compare the Public Service with the private sector Public authority bodies borrowed only $126 million with regard to redundancy. packages. What a joke! but the government said, 'We will fix that, we can Not one person in the public sector works anywhere borrow $800 million". That borrowed money must near the capacity as someone in the private sector. be paid back and paid back with interest. The people of Victoria will not forget. It is not what the Liberal We as politicians are a joke and do not know what is Party said or what Ms Jones in the street said, it is going on out in the wider world; we are protected in what the government said in its strategy plan when our ivory tower. Every fortnight we receive our pay preparing for government. I am sick of hearing the envelope. Many in private business go home at night government saying it knew nothing about it. and wonder where next week's money will be coming from; they are wondering how they will live. .PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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We as politicians isolate ourselves and expect more off with high charges and taxes. High charges and and more. 11lat is unacceptable. Small businesses taxes do not stimulate investment. How are we as have had enough. I am tired of hearing people Parliamentarians to get Victorians to invest with compare the private sector with bureaucrats. I have such high taxes and charges? never heard of bureaucrats leaving their jobs to line up for jobs in the private sector, but I have heard One only has to read an article by Jason Steger in the plenty of people in the private sector wanting to get Australian Financial Review headed ''Levies costing into the public sector. The government should not 500 000 jobs, employers say". attack the private sector all the time. We continue imposing all these little levies and say Over the past twelve months bankruptcies in that what we are doing is terrific. The plain facts are Victoria have increased by a massive 71.3 per cent. that we have introduced more taxes than we have An article in the Age dated 20 July 1991 headed taken off. We cannot keep going like that; someone ''Victoria worst, as more go broke" states: has to ask whether we want our young people to work, whether we want to breed a special type of More than 4000 Australians have gone bankrupt in the youth, or whether we want to see kids on the streets past three months, as the recession wrecks the finances as happens in Third World countries - we are of small business people and the unemployed. heading that way!

The article further states: The oncosts for employers are incredible. The article by Jason Steger refers to an attack on the Federal Once again, Victoria took the worst of it. A total of 1009 government by the Victorian Employers Chamber of Victorians were declared bankrupt over the three Commerce and Industry and says in part: months to June, 38 per cent more than the 729 who went down in March. He gave an example of a company employing a clerk at an average annual salary of $21 770, grade three. Total Payroll tax has increased by 5.1 per cent; land tax by costs of employing that clerk, according to the 6.4 per cent and petrol tax by 7.5 per cent. In 1982 chamber's figures, are $28 649, with add-on costs the government pledged it would turn the State accounting for $6879 or 24 per cent. around and do something for those in need, but small business has failed; unemployment is in crisis That example relates to the private sector. Can and the government has done nothing. I know the honourable members imagine what it is like in the honourable member for Reservoir is worried about Public Service with flexitime, rostered days off, it. One only has to listen to what he said today to everyone using their sick pay, redundancy, paternity understand his hidden agenda. He has seen the leave and anything else one wishes to name. problem unemployment is causing. It was wonderful today to hear somebody attack the A newspaper article headed "State's jobless set to Leader of the Opposition because, when the 38-hour rise: survey" reports: week came in, he asked whether we could afford it. I ask: can we really afford it now? We can afford it Victorian unemployment seems set to worsen, because we have a job, but I am worried about the according to a survey by Kelly Recruitment Services. kids who do not have a job. Do we want everybody here to be working and say, "Blow you", to people Only 6.9 per cent of private and public employers over the road in West Heidelberg? If it means that surveyed in Victoria plan to hire more staff over the we have to face up to these costs, so be it. next quarter, while 16.7 per cent plan to retrench workers. I call on the government to stop going down the path of putting on a levy, of charging more every The economy has not bottomed out yet. Worse is to time it wants something, of putting it on the private come. sector.

On 27 September the Premier, as reported in the The difference today is that we are in a competitive Herald-Sun, said that business must invest. If one world and we cannot do it. We cannot have had a million dollars and went to an economist, the redundancy payments. It is out of control. economist would say, "Do not go into business in this State". If one did the government would rip one APPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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It was interesting to read in the Age today that in the I put those people on notice that I am a negotiator month of June a record number of strikes occurred and I will talk, but there is a new era coming for the in the metal industries in Victoria. How can we be so private sector. Where negotiations take place for irresponsible as to have that number of strikes in a everything the private sector gives it will get two in State like Victoria and a country like Australia? The return. For too long it has been going the other way trade union movement has not got the message that without anything at all coming back to the private we are entering into a new world and the luxury sector. It is no longer acceptable. they have experienced in the past is coming to an end. I am not knocking them but they are unrealistic; Superannuation is a good example. We all support they are living in another world. superannuation but I ask you, Mr Acting Speaker, what sort of negotiations do we undertake with the At the opening of Daimaru we saw evidence of some private sector to give something back? The of the existing problems. One example is that when government has told the public sector it will pay and some meat was being delivered to Daimaru for the receive nothing in return. That is not on: we are opening, the delivery man backed in and went to slowly standing up pnd will no longer accept what unload it. The Building Workers Industrial Union of has been happening to us. The day of reckoning will Australia (BWIU) delegate told the delivery man not arrive very soon. to unload the meat because they were still working on the site - it was a BWIU site. The BWIU man Sitting suspended 6.27 p.m. until 8.3 p.m. said that while it was a BWIU site the delivery man could not do anything. He sat in his van for 4 hours Mrs RAY (Box Hill) - I shall address my before the BWIU members said they would unload remarks to the provision of child-care services by the the truck. Who do these people think they are? They government in the current Budget. Over the past are living in another world. decade child-care and preschool services in this State have expanded rapidly, with the number of places Electrical contractors were asked to work on their increasing since 1984 from 43 000 to 69 000. two rostered days off. Everybody knows that rostered days off apply all over the world, don't As well as the number of places, the range of they! Sorry, they apply only in Australia! The services has expanded. They now include Electrical Trades Union of Australia (ETU) asked the out-of-school-hours programs, vacation programs, men whether they would work on their rostered occasional child-care and work-based child-care. days off. The demands for working those rostered These are additional to the preschool and the long days off were double, double time plus a week's day care services with which most honourable holiday. Who are these people and what world do members are familiar. they think they live in? The government has had an overall objective of The time is approaching when they will have to face prOViding a high quality and accessible children's up to reality. There will be a restructure: industrial service for all the children of Victoria. To achieve relations legislation that is necessary will be this objective, in November 1990 the government introduced into Parliament so that our children can established the Office of Preschool and Child Care. It get jobs and Australia can become competitive. took over programs previously administered by the Department of Labour, Community Services The other day Indonesia announced the building of Victoria and those administered by the Ministry of a 500- hectare industrial estate for industry. An Education and Training through further education, article in the press stated that it was a great which funded places in neighbourhood houses and opportunity for Australian industry to be involved T AFE colleges. in the development of the estate. The Indonesians are building a SOO-hectare development so that they Th~ Budget provides $84 million for the Office of can take industry from Australia and use their cheap Preschool and Child Care, which represents an labour. Australians are so stupid and naive that they increase of 6.6 per cent on the previous expenditure jump up and say, 'We are able to build a factory in in the area. In a period of contracting Budgets, this the short term" but what do they do when we build has been an area of high priority for the government. up our industry? We still have these people in the industrial area walking around stopping people On a per capita basis, Victoria spends more money from doing a normal day's work. on child-care than does any other State government. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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The additional funds provided this year will build consultation with such employing groups as the on the solid achievements of last year. Municipal Association of Victoria, the Anglican and Uniting churches and the unions, who are In the past financial year, an additional 3000 outside represented in this sector by the Kindergarten school hours care places commenced operation. Teachers of Victoria. A new group with which the They represent a 26 per cent increase on the existing government is negotiating is the Kindergarten 11 500 places. The Minister for Community Services Parents of Victoria and they are involved in all the has approved a further 435 places that will be negotiations in which the employing bodies take available in the third and fourth terms of this year. part.

In addition to the after-school-hours programs, Along with the introduction of more flexible funding has been made available for 250 new kindergarten services, an investigation will be occasional child-care places. This year, eighteen new undertaken of work practices in the sector, as part of preschool services commenced, and additional the second stage structural efficiency agreement. The subsidies were made available to 41 existing services new service types will include models where to help meet increased local demands in areas of parents have the option of an extended-hours expanding population. The growth trend noticed in service or a combination of child-care and the past financial year will continue under the kindergarten. When the pilot projects have been commitments of this year's Budget. evaluated, a final report will be presented to the Minister for Community Services. It is expected that Kindergartens have been much talked about in local the report will be presented later this year. communities. I am pleased to be able to comment on the fact that the government will continue to fully In 1991-92 expansion under the joint subsidise the salaries of kindergarten teachers and Commonwealth-State Child Care Agreement will their assistants. The existing operating grant of continue. A further 2160 out-of-school hours care $2600 a year will be maintained; no need will arise places will be established, completing the for committees of management to increase their fees. commitment that the government made to increasing the number of places in this program to I reiterate that the government is committed to the 17200 by 1992. provision of one year of preschool education for every Victorian child. This commitment was made A further 250 occasional care places will be funded. some five or six years ago when that service was They will be located in neighbourhood houses or expanded and made available to children in remote learning centres. The Commonwealth and Victoria parts of Victoria by means of mobile kindergarten are sharing the capital costs of 22 new long-day care services. centres, construction of which will be completed by the end of 1992. Preschools in Victoria are proViding quality programs that represent an important learning There will be two work-based pilot programs experience for children before they embark on their funded in 1991-92. Different approaches are to be formal education. It is hoped the services that are tested to determine which is most cost effective. In introduced in the next twelve months will be more the City of Nunawading, which is located partly in flexible and better integrated with other children's my electorate, the council has successfully pursued services. For example, it has been observed that the possibility of a 45-place child-care facility with some parents are making the decision to leave their the regional office of the Board of Works, now children in child-care in the year that they are four known as Melbourne Water, the Office of Preschool years old because the hours available to them at and Child Care, and the Federal government. kindergartens are more restricted. If the current pilot Finally, arrangements have been entered into with projects proceed as they have been, it is likely that the Office of Preschool and Child Care. Obviously as more flexible operating times will be available in this arrangement progresses some of these more kindergartens, with changes in the sessional flexible joint arrangements may be examined or arrangements and - in some cases - the provision other areas of cooperation will be pursued. of kindergarten programs in child-care settings. Melbourne Water has been able to band together The proposed changes will be introduced only with other services in a cooperative arrangement in where there is agreement by parents, the employing response to pressure from all levels of government body and members of the unions. They will follow for this kind of facility. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No.l) BD..L

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The provision of this sort of program by the downgraded Victoria's credit rating mainly because government during the past decade has significantly of concern about the State debt level, which has changed the choices available to women and has tripled over the past decade. greatly increased employment opportunities for parents with children under school age. These Victoria's taxes have - although not every year - programs also provide rich social and educational on average been the highest per capita in Australia opportunities for children. over the past decade of Labor government. We have seen a disastrous record of financial mismanagement The government has taken a path which the with a litany of financial scandals beginning with the community endorses and expects and to which the Victorian Economic Development Corporation and community is prepared to contribute. I commend ending with the loss of State Bank Victoria. the Minister for Community Services and her Cabinet colleagues for their continued commitment The Premier has been a senior Minister, Acting to child-care and to the opportunities the provision Premier or Deputy Premier for most of the decade of of these programs creates for the chief nurturers. the government's rule. She did not inherit a mess; she was part of the failed team which helped to I commend the Minister for her bold initiatives in create the mess. She cannot be exonerated and seen exploring new and flexible options in the child-care to be courageous. The Premier is now trying to get area and for her success in persuading the Victoria out of the mess but she is part of the team government to give high priority to child-care in the that helped to create it. Budget for 1991-92. In the Budget there are more increases in taxes, more Mr JOHN (Bendigo East) - We are at the end of government spending and more payments deferred an era in socialism. For the past ten years we have until the next financial year. Even worse, there is had one of the worst experiments in our political increased debt. As a result there is greater history. We have endured a corporate-style unemployment and a lack of money for vital socialistic government. It is a big government that services. There has been an explOSion in expenditure sleeps with big unions and selectively deals with with no better services being provided. After eight some parts of big business. Labor Budgets, expenditure has increased by 2.1 per cent on average each year in real terms. The The person who is left out in all these dealings is the Victorian per capita expenditure has increased from ordinary citizen, who has little say and little $1508 in 1982 to $3097 in this Budget. opportunity to defend his or her rights, but must succumb to the order of Big Brother. During the past The Budget deficit has tripled since 1982, but that ten years the government has lifted the expectation debt has not all been used for new capital works, as of the Victorian community but at the same time it has often been claimed by government Ministers. has squandered the State's financial resources. The We have seen a substantial deficit in recurrent costs government has lifted expectations but it has failed of government under Labor. The public employment to deliver. Again cuts have been made in the Budget sector has exploded and it has been funded and as a result more people will be hurt by a substantially by the increase in debt. reduction in services or by being unemployed. The government has pursued a high debt strategy, The ordinary citizens must foot the bill for the despite the fact that during this decade we have had government's mismanagement. We need new considerably higher interest rates than we had for direction, new leadership and new policies. The many years. Now the government is borrowing to government is staggering along, regularly shedding pay the interest on previous borrowings - if that its Ministers - today we have seen the likely makes sense! I am surprised that in 1985-86 the possibility of a change in the position of Minister for Auditor-General alerted the public to some of these Transport. problems in the financial administration of the State; and in his 1990 report he identified another The central role of a State government is, firstly, to $432 million of recurrent expenditure, including manage the State's finances properly. Secondly, it interest which was paid out on borrowings. should properly administer, deliver and facilitate government services. On all counts the government High expenditure, an overly large public sector and has failed dismally. During the past twelve months extremely high debt service costs have led to record two of the world's major credit rating agencies have levels of taxation. The State's taxation base has APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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trebled over the past decade, increasing from year. In real terms the net effect of the CSV budget is $2084.3 million in 1981-82 to a projected $6322.3 that less funding will be available for people with million in 1991-92. As a result of the Labor disabilities this year than was available last year and government's administration Victorians are living in the year before. an employment wasteland where they have no jobs and no hope. No doubt services will have to be cut, which means that, once again, the ordinary people of Victoria will Over the past twelve months, some 131 000 have to bear the brunt of the sleight-of-hand Victorians have lost their jobs, which accounts for accounting used by the department. almost two-thirds of the figure for the rest of Australia and which is yet another damning Community Services Victoria is a huge government indictment of the government. There are 106 000 business that employs 7600 people and offers a wide more Victorians unemployed than there were twelve range of community services. I shall refer to only months ago, nearly half of the total increase for the three sectors of the department that have been Commonwealth. affected by the Budget, without giving the impression that one is more important than the Some 27 000 Victorians under the age of twenty are other. The three sectors are: firstly, disability unemployed, an increase of 57 per cent over the past services; secondly, foster care for children at risk; twelve months compared with an increase of 15 per and thirdly, kindergarten services. cent for the rest of Australia for the corresponding period. The official Victorian unemployment rate The coalition believes people with disabilities should stands at 10.4 per cent compared with 9.3 per cent not be treated as second-class citizens and that they for the rest of Australia. have rights and privileges that should be honoured.

The figures show that Victoria's economic Although the coalition recognises the importance of performance compares very badly with that of the a sector that accounts for one-third of the total CSV rest of the nation, despite the fact that historically budget, I point out that the 12.4 per cent increase in the State has always performed better than other the department's budget will be swallowed up by States. The downturn can be blamed to some extent the relocation of the 450 residents of Caloola into the on the world recession and the difficult times being wider community or to other institutions following faced by farmers; but the government must take the closure of the institution in September 1992. most of the blame because it has lost credibility and enthusiasm and has no vision for the future of People working within the disability services sector Victoria. have told me that, despite the so-called increase in the size of the CSV budget, an across-the-board My responsibilities as the shadow Minister for reduction in services of 5 per cent in real terms is Community Services are very broad, and I have time likely to occur. to refer to only some of them. The coalition supports the provision of options for The government boasts of its success in increasing community living for those with disabilities and the the CSV budget from $801 million last year to concept of deinstitutionalisation, subject always to $880 million in this financial year which, on the face the availability of proper care, training, assistance of it, is an increase of $79 million. Nevertheless, the and nursing to ensure that people with disabilities government has failed to tell Parliament and the can be successfully integrated into the community public of Victoria that much of the increase is due to and can fulfil their potential. what can be called extremely creative accounting. The coalition has no argument with the closure of Deferred payments from last year account for large and inadequate institutions so long as the one-third of the so-called increase so that of the $79 residents of those institutions are given better million increase approximately $25 million alternatives. But I am not convinced that the represents grants for pensioner concessions that government has planned far enough ahead to ensure should have been paid last year; and another $20 that all of the options have been properly million of the increase is a matching Commonwealth considered. I am not convinced that the government grant. Some $26 million of the increase has been has consulted the residents of Caloola, their allocated for the relocation of the residents of representatives, guardians and families, as well as Caloola, which is due to close in September next APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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the management and employees of Caloola and the The many questions being asked by the public must people of Sunbury about the effects of the closure. be answered. Where are the residents going? How many are going out into the community? What The interests of residents of institutions like Caloola assistance and support will be available for these should be given top priority. At first sight the people when they go out into the community? In decision to close Caloola and spend $26 million to respect of the 50 or 60 per cent who are to be placed relocate its residents seems pOSitive, but I have been in other institutions, how cramped will the informed that between 50 and 60 per cent of the 450 conditions be at those institutions? What steps are residents of the institution will not be given the being taken to upgrade the congregate care in those opportunity of living fulfilling lives in the areas? One of the most important questions is: what community with proper support. Instead they are sort of contact will there be with families and friends likely to be shifted to institutions such as Pleasant for these residents who are relocated into other Creek Training Centre and the Sandhurst Centre, as institutions? well as other institutions throughout the State. I understand that the residents at Caloola come from We are not seeing a policy of deinstitutionalisation all over Victoria. When they are placed at other at work; instead we are seeing a fire sale of a institutions will they be placed near their friends and valuable asset situated on hundreds of acres of families and those with whom they are familiar? prime land, in order to balance the books of a Therefore it is not a question of whether the coalition cash-strapped government. favours the closure of Caloola; it is a question of the future welfare of the people for whom that I visited the Caloola Training Centre on 16 July in institution is supposed to care. The Caloola issue company with the honourable member for Gisborne. and the lack of forward planning highlight the It took 3 or 4 hours to walk over that site. For the failings of the government in this area. There are benefit of those who have not seen it, I point out that many cases where the government has fallen down it is a very large complex on hundreds and hundreds in what I consider to be its pursuit of a dogmatic of acres of very valuable land on the outskirts of ideology in terms of deinstitutionalisation, where it Melbourne. seems that the government wants a standardised model of community residential units (CRUs) with As I said, the coalition supports the concept of perhaps five or six people being just placed in the deinstitutionalisation, but several questions need to community regardless of the provision of assistance, be asked. What planning has been done to ensure the geography of the area, or the needs of the people. that the welfare of the residents of Caloola is properly catered for? Will they be herded around We need a government in Victoria that is more Victoria to other institutions? Will their families be flexible in the way it cares for people with consulted? Where is the forward planning? Where is disabilities. It is the people with disabilities who the agenda so that the people of Victoria can be should have first priority in these matters - not the satisfied that we can close an institution within less unions, not the government, not even the residents than twelve months and relocate apprOximately 450 of Sunbury, but the people who are residents at residents? Caloola.

Last year apprOximately 50 or 60 people were While I am talking about the needs of individual moved into the community and assisted with residents, a case has arisen recently, which has been adequate care and support from Caloola. This year, highlighted in the media and which I have raised under the government's plan, it is proposed that in a briefly in an adjournment debate in this House, similar period of twelve months nine or ten times relating to a facility known as Moorakyne in Lisson that number of people be either relocated to the Grove, Hawthorn. The facility consists of three community or placed in other institutions in Victoria. houses, which the government has announced it proposes to sell. The three houses accommodate 32 Honourable members will appreciate that we are people with disabilities aged between 18 and 35 dealing here with some of the most vulnerable years, 80 per cent of whom have Down's syndrome; people in our community who, in my view, do not they have lived together for a long time, about ten in have strong advocacy in the community. They must each house. I am told the property will fetch some not be treated as second-class citizens. Their families $2 million and the government has announced its must be consulted. proposal to sell it. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No.l) BILl.

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I have raised the matter in an adjournment debate As I said, the real cost of caring for these children is with the Minister for Community Services and not being met by the government. The government submitted to her that she should reconsider the sale and the community are getting it on the cheap and of this complex. Although it does not fit the the Minister for Community Services must act ideological model of five or six people to a CRU, it is before it becomes impossible for many of these a complex of three houses which is a home to people foster families to continue. who have known each other for a long time. Many may not realise that autistic people who have been The last matter I raise relates to kindergartens. The living in these sorts of situations form great coalition is firmly committed to providing attachments and friendships, and there is a great kindergarten education for all Victorian children for fondness among them. Therefore it willl:,e very at least one year. This is an essential educative and traumatic for these people if they are pushed out social experience, and we have no argument with into other places without thought for their future the government about that aim. The teachers in welfare. Therefore I have asked the Minister to kindergartens are dedicated and highly skilled address the question and I hope she will. people, and yet in recent times we have had threats held over the future of kindergartens in Victoria. I refer now to foster care. For children who are Prior to the presentation of the Budget rumours obliged to leave home, who have no home, or whom were floated - and there was some substance to the State has to transfer for some reason such as them - that the government proposed to withdraw behavioural problems, the best form of care outside the $2600 operating grants for kindergartens and 25 the family is foster care. The people who are per cent of the subsidy for teachers' salaries. involved in foster care are some of the most dedicated and committed people in our community. Like many Victorians I am grateful that the Most of them already have families; most of them government saw the stupidity of its proposal and are on quite low incomes by community standards. changed tack. Both items remained in the Budget. On occasions they take children with tremendous problems and they look after those children in their I alert the community to a fact that may not have own homes and put themselves out to a great extent. been fully appreciated; namely, kindergartens are still under threat. According to the details in Budget I want the government to review the reimbursement Paper No. 3, funding has been reduced by $2.7 levels for foster parents within the Budget million from $62.3 million to $59.6 million in a quick constraints. For children under four years of age the one-line item called "Subsidies to various authorities foster parents receive a reimbursement of $48.50 a towards cost of kindergarten supervisors, week, and there is a sliding scale ranging up to maintaining kindergartens and pre-school centres". $97.50 a week for children aged thirteen years or more. The government has said it plans to restructure teachers' awards to effect the savings; it intends to The Australian Institute of Family Studies has increase contact time, probably resulting in fewer calculated that it costs more than double that kindergarten teachers in the system. The amount to keep a child. For many children who are government's past performance in changing in foster care the alternative is a group home, a industrial awards has been mostly unsuccessful and youth hostel or an institution; it is a lot more costly I have doubts about any success in changing awards to keep a child under those circumstances. The in this instance. A budget blow-out for institute says it costs more than $700 a week to keep kindergartens will result if current services are a child in a group home and it costs more than $1200 maintained or a marked reduction in the actual a week to keep a child in an institution. Therefore, it services will follow. is far more cost effective to keep a child in foster care. At the same time the government plans to insist It is even more important for the welfare of the rigidly on 46 children being the limit for double unit children because, for many children, it is the first kindergartens. That 46 limit is a qualification level to time they have experienced any kind of discipline or achieve the full grant. I believe the enrolment level love within a family structure. There has been no will be used as the qualifier and smaller country and indexation in this Budget, and there has not been an suburban communities will be told by the Office of increase in the level of reimbursement in more than Preschool and Child Care, ''You cannot have one, twelve months. you do not qualify for a grant because you have insufficient numbers". Victorian parents seeking to APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BaL

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obtain kindergarten places for their children will be Mrs GARBUlT - Honourable members deterred and the future for existing establishments opposite, especially the honourable member for will be under a cloud. Portland, will not recognise those signs.

The coalition's intention is quite clear. There should Or Napthine interjected. be a minimum of one year preschool education for all Victorian children as a valuable educational and The ACIlNG SPEAKER (Mr Shell) - Order! social experience. The government must look hard at The honourable member for Portland has recently that line item in Budget Paper No. 3 because it is a entered the Chamber. I suggest he accords with the serious threat to the future of kindergartens. decorum existing previously and remains silent.

The constant theme of the government is: no money, Or Napthine - Have you been asleep? no resources, no jobs and inadequate services. It is a matter of scandal after scandal! Victoria needs new The ACTING SPEAKER - Order! The direction, new spirit for revival, a new spirit for honourable member for Portland should not interact Victoria and a new government. with the Chair in such a manner.

Mrs GARBUlT (Greensborough) - I support Mrs GARBUlT - I was referring to the context the Budget and I congratulate the Treasurer on his of the Budget and the second point to which I refer second Budget. As honourable members have said, obviously the Budget is set in the context of very tough economic circumstances. We should examine Mr PESCOTI (Bennettswood) - On a point of the Budget in that context, otherwise it will be order, Mr Acting Speaker, the honourable member difficult to obtain a full grasp of what the Budget for Greensborough is clearly reading a speech which sets out to achieve. she has on small pieces of paper. She picks up one piece, reads it, and replaces it with another piece of The overwhelming context in which the Budget paper. I ask you to refer her to the continuing must be observed is the national recession which has tradition of this House - that it is inappropriate for affected all States, as has been seen in other State a member to read a speech. Budgets in the past few weeks. The recession has affected all Victorians. Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - On the point of order, I have closely observed the One of the most significant effects in the Budget is honourable member -- on State revenues, particularly stamp duty and payroll tax. A most revealing figure is the income Mr Pescott - You have not. from stamp duty on land sales. Since 1988-89 stamp duty revenue has decreased by 44 per cent or $427 Mr BAKER - I have been observing the way in million. It is a Significant erosion of State revenue. which the honourable member for Greensborough is Despite the national recession some signs of delivering an excellent speech. She has been recovery which have not been referred to by referring briefly to notes; I have noticed that she honourable members opposite include increases in raises her head regularly from those notes. I ask you housing approvals, job advertisements and even car to rule the point of order out of order. Some sales figures. previous speakers by direct contradistinction have largely read their speeches. Some confidence is returning to the business world, with examples including investment in the Mr Pescott - Mr Acting Speaker -- aluminium plant at Bendigo -- The ACTING SPEAKER - Order! The Or Napthine - When will that happen? honourable member for Bennettswood has spoken on his point of order. Will the honourable member Mrs GARBUlT - Even more revealing is the for Greensborough inform the Chair whether she is move of the Esso Australia Ltd headquarters from reading her speech or referring to notes? Sydney to Melbourne. Mrs GARBUlT (Greensborough) - I am merely Or Napthine interjected. referring to notes. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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The ACTING SPEAKER - Order! There is no reducing grants to Victoria. The third matter I wish point of order. to refer to is the June economic statement of the Premier and the Budget -- Mrs GARBUTT - I invite the honourable member for Bennettswood to stay and listen. He will Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - On a notice that I have notes and that I am not reading point of order, Mr Acting Speaker, for the record I my speech. should like to point out that the honourable member for Portland, who is a member of the opposition and Mr Pe se ott interjected. a member of the liberal Party, has directed attention to the state of the House yet not one additional Mrs GARBUTT - I was referring to the context liberal member has arrived as a consequence of the of the Budget. I had referred to the national call for a quorum. recession and the second point I make -- The ACI'lNG SPEAKER - Order! There is no Mr Peseott interjected. point of order.

Mr Baker (to Mr Pescott) - Listen and you might Mr GUOE (Hawthorn) - On a further point of learn something. order, Mr Acting Speaker, the Minister made a point in terms of attendances in the House. I remind the The ACI'ING SPEAKER - Order! The Minister Minister, given that he is a fairly junior member of for Agriculture and the honourable member for this House, that it is the government's responsibility Bennettswood are out of order with their to achieve a quorum, and it is his government that interjections and it is beginning to turn into an failed to obtain a quorum. argument. I ask both honourable members to remain silent so the honourable member for Greensborough The ACTING SPEAKER - Order! There is no can continue her remarks. point of order in the comments of the honourable member for Hawthorn. Mrs GARBUTT - I was attempting to make a second point about the context of the Budget, Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick) - On a further referring to ongoing cuts in grants from the Federal point of order, Mr Acting Speaker, I put it to you government in real terms and with reference to the that I entered the House with the honourable fiscal equalisation policy which sees each Victorian member for Clayton and that I am an additional man, woman and child sending a subsidy of $175 a member who entered the Chamber on the quorum year to other States. I am pleased the Victorian bells, and that the Minister's remarks in his point of government has raised that matter at the Premiers order are offensive to me. They are untrue and the Conference and will be again raising it at the Minister, knowing that they are untrue, ought to November Premiers Conference. either withdraw them or be ordered to withdraw them by you. Or Napthir.e - Mr Acting Speaker, I believe the honourable member is making an excellent The ACTING SPEAKER - Order! The contribution in reading her speech. I draw your honourable member for Berwick finds the remarks attention to the state of the House so she can have a made by the Minister to be offensive, and I ask the suitable audience. Minister to withdraw.

The ACI'ING SPEAKER -Order! Is the Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - Thank honourable member for Portland drawing the you, Mr Acting Speaker. I did not notice the Chair's attention to the state of the House? honourable member for Berwick scurry into the House and I therefore apologise once again for not Or Napthine - Exactly. noticing his presence, as is usually the case.

Quorum formed. Honourable members interjecting.

Mrs GARBUTT (Greensborough) - I was Mr Gude - He didn't withdraw. talking about the context of the Budget and I referred to the national recession and also to The ACI'lNG SPEAKER - Order! The Minister measures taken by the Federal government in has been asked to withdraw the remarks that the APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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honourable member for Berwick finds offensive. I I would ask the honourable member whether she ask the Minister to withdraw unreservedly. would be prepared to make the notes available to the House as is the normal process. Mr BAKER - At your direction, Mr Acting Speaker, I withdraw. The ACflNG SPEAKER - Order! The honourable member is not required to make the Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) - On a further point of notes available but if -- order, Mr Speaker, I find the Minister's last rather smart and smutty remark totally offensive. It is not a Honourable members interjecting. question of your ordering him to withdraw; it is a matter of the Minister understanding the proper Mr Baker - Respect the Chair! procedures of the House. Mr Gude - Don't you talk about res.pect for the I find the Minister's remarks to be totally offensive Chair! and I ask that he withdraw unreservedly and inoffensively. The ACflNG SPEAKER - Order! Honourable members' disruptive behaviour is doing nothing The ACflNG SPEAKER - Order! The Minister conducive to the orderly running of the House, and I has withdrawn to the satisfaction of the Chair. I call ask them to remain silent. The honourable member again the honourable member for Greensborough. for Greensborough has been asked whether she will make her notes available. The matter is entirely in Mrs GARBUTI (Greensborough) - Thank you, her hands if she so desires. Mr Acting Speaker. I recap by making the two points I had already made about the Budget and Mrs GARBUTI (Greensborough) - Mr Speaker, they concern the national recession and the I am referring to personal notes and I have no reduction in grants from the Federal government. intention of making them available to the opposition.

The third area is the Premier's June economic The government has made choices which are statement which sets out a three-year program to sensitive to the community's needs and are social turn the current deficit into a current surplus. obligations of the government. The government has chosen to impose savings on expenditure across The Budget must be seen as the first step in this portfolios in areas such as the car fleet and on three-year program. I remind the House and departmental expenditure, totalling nearly $400 particularly opposition members of the aims of that million. The choices we have made have protected statement and they were that the government must services that are most valued in the community and live within its means; that it must provide the I refer in particular to preschools. community with value for money in the taxes it pays; and that it must continue to invest in the I am pleased to see that the full subsidy for long-term future of this State. kindergarten teachers has been maintained as well as the full maintenance grant of $2600, which is paid That context has forced some difficult choices on the to a full-time kindergarten. government. One choice which has been rejected - and I endorse its rejection - is the wholesale I received many representations from parents in my increase in taxes. At this time such an increase in area and the service is much valued and supported, State taxes and charges would have been very and I am pleased that it has continued. In addition, difficult for families who are struggling under the we correctly supported the police budget and that impact of the national recession and it would have has shown a 3.1 per cent real increase. Again that is a had the additional burden of harming profitability service valued and supported by the community. and further affecting jobs. The choice of rejecting the wholesale increase in taxes and charges was a The home and community care (HACC) funding has correct choice. increased by 7 per cent. That program supports the most disadvantaged in our society and I am sure Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) - On a point of order, Mr opposition members would not be too supportive of Speaker, the honourable member for Greensborough it. It is appropriate that we have increased funding is obviously reading from notes; she even has them for that program. in her hands now. I do not take exception to that but O\PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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I refer to neighbourhood houses, the funding for it. Two local churches have donated houses. One is which was protected in the Budget. At present there simply a loan and the church is paying the rent of are 197 neighbourhood houses funded by the other house. This has allowed us to make our Community Services Victoria. There are many in the government money go even further. The community electorate I represent and in the surrounding areas, would be much poorer without that program which and they provide a great service. In fact, shortly after was identified as an important community service the Budget we celebrated Neighbourhood House that could not be cut in the Budget, and I support week and I took the opportunity of visiting several that choice. of my neighbourhood houses and observing the work that had been undertaken at them. I shall refer to other projects in the electorate, some of which have been ongoing for some time. The All the neighbourhood houses have a different duplication of the Fitzsimons Lane bridge and road character. The courses they offer reflect the needs of has been under way for all of this year. The last time the community in which they are situated and in I spoke to the authorities I was told the work was this way they provide the service appropriate to the ahead of schedule. That project was a promise at a community. In times of national recession they by-election and I am pleased it is being delivered provide important services to a range of people. ahead of time and below cost. All those associClted Currently 197 neighbourhood houses are funded with the project should be congratulated, especially and some others are funded through various VIC ROADS, which is managing the project, the departments. In 1981 only 20 houses were funded by Shire of Eltham, the City of Doncaster and the community services department and the growth Templestowe and the private contractor, Thiess to 197 today reflects the government's commitment Contractors Pty Ltd. to neighbourhood houses and has my full support. I also refer to a road project funded in this Budget I am working as a member of the steering committee which was the subject of an article in the local paper for the Watsonia neighbourhood house, which has on 20 August. The Eltham shire engineer declared recently been relocated, and I look forward to the Eltham to Yarra Glen road as the council's No. 1 continuing that work because that neighbourhood priority and he called for funding to rebuild that house is providing a much needed service in the narrow carriageway which had inadequate sight local community. distance and had potholes. I am pleased that the Budget has allocated $124 000 to that road project I refer also to SAAP which, for the benefit of with further funding in future years despite the honourable members opposite who do not seem to difficult financial situation. know what I am talking about, is the supported accommodation assistance program. I have been the Another project is the Diamond Valley Secondary secretary of one of the SAAP programs for several College, an amalgamated college with the years. This year SAAP received a $3.4 million Hurstbridge junior campus and the Diamond Creek increase in its allocation. Because of further funding, senior campus. The funding in the Budget for the the program with which I am associated was able to Hurstbridge campus is $600 000 for a multipurpose increase its staff to 1.6 staff. It operates five facility that will provide physical education, music emergency houses which offer accommodation to and drama. It will include a basketball stadium families with children. which is desperately needed in the Hurstbridge area, which has no other facility to serve that community. At our annual general meeting last night a summary That was a government promise of two years ago of the figures for the previous year were presented. that is on its way to being fulfilled. We supported 33 families with 73 children during the year. These people would have been sleeping on The Diamond Creek community centre is another the streets without this service. Government support major project. Its total cost is $1 million, most of last year amounted to more than $80 000 and that which will be provided by the Shire of Diamond support is ongoing so the program will be able to Valley. However, the Budget has allocated $200 000 continue at its current level. as a government contribution to the project and demonstrates the government's commitment to the We have also attracted considerable community Diamond Creek community. At the moment the support, but obviously honourable members community has no centre of focus. It has no opposite would not know about that program either, basketball or youth facilities and has a shortage of as they did not know about SAAP when I mentioned simple meeting rooms to act as a heart for the APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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community. The project is strongly supported by the the experience of young people in the work force. At entire Diamond Creek community and I am pleased the request of the Minister for Labour I have chaired the government is showing support for this the Young Workers Task Force, which has expressed community. interest in young workers - not just apprentices and so on but students who have holiday work and The two public hospitals serving my area are the work outside school hours. The task force has Austin Hospital and the Preston and Northcote undertaken a range of consultations and discussions Community Hospital (pANCH). They both receive with young people. We have sought them out and substantial funding for initiatives in this Budget. The asked them to phone in with their experiences and Austin Hospital already has a well-established we have been made vividly aware of a number of reputation for its spinal unit and it has received $3.4 situations of concern in which young people find million for a new spinal unit. New operating themselves. I shall refer to a couple of examples theatres for P ANCH have been funded in the because they show the problems young people face. Budget, and I pay tribute to my colleague, the honourable member for Preston, who has worked One young person was an apprentice chef who hard for that facility for many years. worked for 78 hours a week but was paid for only 55 of them and was faced with appalling conditions. I refer also to the Diamond Valley TAPE which is Another person was an auto-electrical apprentice rising near the shire offices in Greensborough. The who handled car batteries on a regular basis. The government's commitment to this project is obvious acid often spilt and his hands were blistered and for all the community to see. The building will be bleeding. He asked for safety equipment but in the opened next year. end he had to buy his own gloves.

The vocational and training Budget also I am pleased that the Minister has seen fit to support demonstrates the government's commitment to my the recommendations of the Young Workers Task area. It shows that no student places will be lost and Force. A youth industrial unit will be set up in the 1000 new places will exist in the new facilities Department of Labour to coordinate the efforts of around the State that will be completed during the the various parties involved in this field, to provide life of this Budget. pUblicity for the problems, to undertake with inspectors of the department blitzes on various The Victoria First program is a joint employers and to raise the whole issue with a Commonwealth-State program of $25 million which variety of people and groups in the community. is designed to increase the training opportunities for 14 000 Victorians in both full-time and part-time The Minister has set aside $150 000 to establish this places. That includes special emphasis on training youth unit in the awards services branch of the for out-of-work apprentices so that they can Department of Labour. It consists of a central continue with their studies and when the economy coordinator and four field staff who will work in the picks up they will not be disadvantaged by that loss department's regional offices. I look forward to of time. seeing the work of that unit because it is desperately needed. Some of the young people I have spoken to The Northern Metropolitan College of TAPE, which face outright exploitation. serves my electorate, has benefited from the Victoria First program. Last week I was pleased to announce The ACfING SPEAKER - Order! The that another 45 places were available in electronics, honourable member's time has expired. engineering, literacy and numeracy. I believe the program will protect Victoria's manufacturing skills Mr WALLACE (Gippsland South) - This is the and training base for the time when it begins its ninth Budget this government has presented that I recovery. It has been strongly supported by the have debated. Once again, it will be a hindrance business community and the extra places and rather than an advantage to the community. courses have been based on the State Training Country Victoria needs revitalisation. Research and Board's training needs model. They are not merely development programs are desperately needed. I to make work; they will provide the jobs needed as notice the Minister for Agriculture is at the table. He Victoria goes into recovery. is aware of the disastrous situations country Victorians are faCing. If the State is to recover it I wish to mention briefly a matter which has been of needs the support of agriculture as well as small great concern to me for two years now and that is business and other industries. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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The government is hiding much of the true figures The government often refers to statistics relating to of unemployment. At present 320 000 Victorians are the State's population, the provision of facilities for unemployed and the figure is rising rapidly. At this old people and so on, but in Maffra there are 3500 stage unemployment is running at 14 per cent. The people who are under 19 years of age and 4500 who Labor government has forgotten the unemployed. It are aged between 20 and 49 years of age, so it is has talked about social justice but there is no social obvious that there is a need for acute beds in Maffra. justice in country Victoria and the Minister at the table should make it clear to the Premier and The Maffra District Hospital was opened in 1946 and Cabinet that we cannot continue the way we are the lack of funding is an enormous concern in the going. community. The people in that area are fighting for the survival of the hospital and are trying to come to Last year's Budget was supposed to have a deficit of an agreement with Health Department Victoria. I $660 million but, unfortunately, the figure has hope commonsense prevails and that the Maffra doubled. What is happening to country Victoria and hospital stays open. Emotion should not and is not a the community in general is a disgrace. factor in this issue because the facts are that the Unfortunately, when this government presents a hospital is viable economically and should continue Budget it does not come clean. On the day the to operate on that basis. Budget was brought down, Health Department Victoria brought out a supplementary budget for Rural Victoria is in trouble. Farm aid calls have country Victoria, and that is a disgrace. It is increased by 800 per cent; 1911 fanns applied for important that everything be in the Budget and that subsidies this year compared with 23S farms the nothing be brought out later. previous year. Clearly the farming community is finding it extremely difficult to survive and will The effect this has had on country communities is continue to do so while the recession continues. enormous. The Maffra District Hospital is one example of what is happening to country hospitals I have no doubt that a change of government will throughout Victoria. What does the government occur in the near future because this government has have planned for the future? Probably 50 hospitals brought on these problems through plain stupidity. will be in the same boat as the Maffra hospital. It is a disgrace. The effect the closure of the hospital will The Minister for Agriculture has the opportunity to have on the Maffra community is enormous. show his worth. He should take advice from the right people and assist the rural community which The Maffra District Hospital has 30 acute beds but will benefit the whole of Victoria. The economy is in the government wants to turn it into a nursing serious decline. Retail turnover has decreased 8 per home. It is absolutely disgraceful that those beds are cent in real terms since the peak of 1989. Building being taken away from the people who need them. activity has slumped 31 per cent in Victoria during The elderly need the support of a hospital and yet the past financial year compared with 13 per cent for the government has said it is closing the Maffra the rest of Australia. Equipment purchases in Jtospital and opening ten beds in another hospital. It Victoria have fallen 35 per cent. Obviously the is sheer stupidity. If my arithmetic is right the Minister for Agriculture does not give a damn about hospital is still losing 20 beds and the effect on the what happens to people in rural Victoria. We need community will be disastrous. to work together to get the State going. The economy of the State will not improve if the government Most people do not realise what has happened. Over continues with its present policies. During the past the years the community has contributed twelve months almost 1000 businesses have gone enormously to the Maffra hospital. Four dairy farms bankrupt. That is extremely sad for the individuals were bequeathed to the hospital and the money concerned. Bankruptcies have increased more than from the sale of the farms, which was $1.5 million, 80 per cent since 1983! That reflects not just on this has been used over a number of years. If for some government but on our Parliamentary system reason the hospital happened to close the money because, as I said earlier, we should be working would end up going to a hospital in Melbourne. together to improve the future of all Victorians. That is a very sad situation for a community that has contributed to the hospital for 40-0dd years. The The number of loan applications for financial government has always talked about social justice assistance to the Rural Finance Corporation has but the justice to country communities is very poor. leapt from 1700 a year to 3200 over the past two years. The interest paid on Victoria's mountain of APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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debt has increased from $2.7 billion to $3.7 billion Victoria's inflation and unemployment rates are and continues to increase. significantly above the national average. It is clear that unemployment is the major concern of most Despite the need for government restraint revenues people; parents are extremely concerned about their will soar dramatically. Payroll tax receipts are children being able to get jobs. At the time budgeted to rise 5.7 per cent to more than $2 billion; honourable members left school they were assured land tax has increased 6.4 per cent to $442 million; of jobs. However, in the present climate that is Road Safety Act fees leapt 193 per cent to $161 certainly not the case. million; financial institutions duty rose 21 per cent to $336 million and drivers licence fees will net $52 Country Victoria is bearing the brunt of the million - an increase of 52 per cent! That is a one-off recession and businesses are going to the wall. rise because the five-year period for renewal of WorkCare is a real problem in that regard. A couple licences has increased to 10 years. Forestry revenue of days ago I heard about a business in Sale that has increased 24 per cent to $61 million; public employs fifteen full-time and seventeen casual authorities will pay $721 million in dividends, an employees. Last year the company's WorkCare levy increase of 26 per cent; motor vehicle registration was $2500. This year the levy has increased by 100 fees will double to $248 million; and traffic fines per cent and next year it will increase a further 100 revenue will rise from $58.2 million to $98 million. per cent. An employee was allegedly injured and has made a claim against the company. The WorkCare A Significant concern in country Victoria which organisation was keen to increase the levy by more affects all Victorians is the Pyramid petrol levy . The than 100 per cent but was unable to do so within the introduction of that levy is a disaster and is provisions of the legislation. Through no fault of its extremely unfair on country motorists. The levy will own the company is now faced with a massive continue until 1997 and over that period will raise WorkCare levy. The future coalition government $611 million. Mr Acting Speaker, you went through will ensure that WorkCare is overhauled, reviewed a terrible time during the Pyramid crisis. and improved.

The ACflNG SPEAKER - Order! The The coalition is concerned about providing jobs for honourable member should not involve the Chair in people. The government has lost its way; it has lost the debate. the futures of many Victorians. The best avenue for the Premier to take to return Victoria to its former Mr W ALLACE - The levy affects country people prosperity is to call an election because that will in particular because they have no alternative means allow people to decide what they want. Without the of public transport. help and support of the community, nothing but disaster lies ahead. In relation to the public authority dividend, the State Electricity Commission's payment will soar from Road funding is paid directly to municipalities and $120 million to $200 million. The government is this year's Budget allocates $729 million for that apparently calling in an increased contribution on purpose, a reduction of 2.3 per cent on the previous the basis that the commission will receive an year's total current capital outlays. The road injection of private sector equity amounting to 40 network is essential to country Victoria because per cent of the cost of the Loy Yang B power station. without it produce cannot be transported and that Instead of allowing the commission to retire some of directly affects many municipalities. Municipalities its $8 billion-plus debt, the government will take its have put up a number of projects that have been own rake-off. blocked by the Minister, but I suppose one has to take the good with the bad. The asset management division of the Ministry of Finance is selling off anything it can lay its hands on. Some weeks ago a proposal for a $700 million tourist More than $343 million of supposedly surplus resort at Phillip Island was put forward. The project properties will be sold in a depressed market. The Simply needed the support of the government to get Ministry should be aware that the opposition will it under way. Some 1500 people would have been maintain a close watch on its asset sale program. The employed during the construction phase of the coalition will ensure that it does not include the sale project and 2000 jobs would have been created after of properties used for community activities, such as its completion. The project was enormous and bowling clubs, tennis courts arid cncKef clubs. . would have injected a lot of interest into the area. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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The government did not support the project because from beyond 48 kilometres away to sell bread in it was concerned about environmental issues. The other areas. That move has seriously affected company involved simply wanted the government country Victoria. It has affected people in the to show some understanding of what the project Latrobe Valley. In Leongatha ten people have lost was about. However, the government gave no their jobs through this stupidity. I hope a more support. The resort was on the scale of Disneyworld commonsense approach will be taken in the future. at Aorida and it was to include hotels, golf courses, camping parks, entertainment, large gardens and The fishing industry has also been seriously affected 10 million trees. The government has often spoken by the government's legislation. Much of the fishing about greening Victoria, and that was a great around Port Welshpool and Wilsons Promontory opportunity to do so at no cost to the government. has been affected. The fishing industry is important to country Victoria and must be encouraged. It is The project would have injected employment into important as a food source for the people of the area and would have supported the community Melbourne. If the government does not look after in many ways. The resort was to be built on 400 these industries the future of all Victoria will be acres of farmland between Grantville and the bleak. causeway to Phillip Island. The company was prepared to spend $17 million on roads in the area; it It is interesting that the government has said some was prepared to duplicate the highway between the areas are being fished out. A cray fisherman, who tum~ff to Korumburra and the resort. That was to has fished in one area for 25 years, is still getting the be done at no cost to the government, and Victoria same catch and still catching the same sized crays. desperately needs projects of that type to get it up and running again. It now appears that the project Mr Coleman - Is he getting the same price? will be built in New South Wales, which is unfortunate. Mr WALLACE - He is getting the same price, or perhaps less. It makes one wonder what is behind Another concern to people in the country is salinity, the government's thinking. Is it trying to get these and I shall refer to the salinity problem in the Lake areas onto the world heritage list? The government Wellington catchment area. Some twelve months is intent on wrecking one industry after another. ago a project in that area was given the go ahead; money was set aside and people were employed. We need more jobs to get Victoria going again. We Last Friday three employees were told they would want confidence to return to the community so that no longer have jobs on Monday morning. The the economy can grow. The government has lost its project is within six months of completion and all way and is history. The future of Victoria is with the the good work that has been done was threatened. next government. Thank goodness commonsense prevailed. The Director-General of the Department of Conservation Mr JASPER (Murray Valley) - I am happy to and Environment has given an undertaking that the debate the Appropriation Bills. The honourable project will continue for a further month while the member for Gippsland South, who has just resumed matter is investigated. his seat, has proved to me what is in my mind and what has been said by many opposition speakers: I express concern because the Budget set aside this is a totally dishonest Budget for the people of $170000 for the completion of the project, but for Victoria. some reason the Minister directed his department to put off these people. Why? Since the Budget has As a lifetime country Victorian, I am disgusted at the allocated those funds why should people be put off? current state of the Victorian economy and the lack of confidence in the general community. In just It appears the government has adopted an ad hoc under ten years the Labor government has wrecked approach. It has no system or planning. It is the State of Victoria. In 1982 the total debt and important that any planning should proceed in the liabilities of the State amounted to $11 billion. Now right direction. Again I refer to more jobs. the State debt and liabilities are variously estimated Honourable members should be concerned about at between $30 billion and $50 billion. The Budget jobs for people and for their future. estimates that the debt over the next twelve months will increase. The Minister for Labour rocketed into country Victoria with his legislation that allowed bakeries APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Victoria was once the jewel in the crown of Agriculture who was really on the job he would Australia. Victoria was the State that set the have made sure his department did not receive less standard but it is now the poor relation. The Labor funding than the arts portfolio: he would have government has brought Victoria to its knees, but it ensured that there was an increase in funding. I am is now trying to convince Victorians that things have disappointed with the attitude of the Minister turned around. because he has not worked hard for country people. He has not recognised the enormous difficulties Victorians will never forget who caused the facing country Victorians. economic and financial debt now facing this once great State. Melbourne was the financial capital of Mr Coleman - He won't go past the tram tracks! Australia, but it too is now amongst the poor relations. Mr JASPER - I hope the Minister stays and listens because he is one of the economic theorists Government speaker after government speaker has who come up with the whiz-bang phrases. But if he told the House that the recession has bottomed out went into private enterprise on his own he would and that Victoria is now on the way up. They said quickly go broke. I will return to agriculture later in Victoria is climbing out of the recession. What a load my contribution. of rot! The government is saying that the economy is back on track and that next year it will lift. That is a Whoever heard of borrowing money to pay people load of garbage. off? That is not done in private enterprise. If a small business does not have the money the business is Government members are just economic theorists wound up. But the Victorian government went to with no practical experience and no business the Federal government and asked for $300 million, background. I could go through the Ministers one by or was it $400 million? When it received that money one to prove my point. As I have said in the House it simply paid people off. I am not sure how on many occasions, I would not bother going into Victorians will pay for that in the future, but I refer private enterprise with any of them: they would the House to the experience of the Minister for quickly send you broke. Conservation and Environment. When he was Minister for Transport he said he would reduce Look what they have done to the State of Victoria. employment in the transport portfolio by borrowing Through their economic mismanagement they have $60 million and paying people off. sent the State broke. Ministers have espoused their economic theories in the House. Not one of them has Some months later I asked the Minister how he got been successful. Look at the former Premier. on with his program. He said, ''No good, we spent the $60 million but as quickly as we were paying What about the former Treasurer? At one time the people off we were putting people back on. Some of government claimed the whiz-kid was the greatest the people we had put off were put back on." I Treasurer in Australia and one of the greatest in the suggest that is what will happen again in 1991; in world. Government members do not say that now. fact, it has happened in my electorate. They do not say anything about the former Treasurer. He was one of the problems that brought To quote one particular case, a person who worked Victoria to its knees. He was partly responsible for at Beechworth as a mental health nurse was the enormous debts facing our children. retrenched. She received a large payout and retired, supposedly. She was contacted a short time later and The current Premier says there is long-term asked to go back to work because of a shortage of sustainable recovery. Where is the recovery? I staff. She received that lump sum and is now cannot see much recovery from the detail contained working in the same area again. It is the old in the Budget Papers. The government has referred revolving door syndrome. It is happening not only to casinos and poker machines. Apparently that is in the prisons but also in other departments. the gambling-led recovery. The Minister for the Arts claims great things for the arts in Victoria. Will it be I will be interested to see how many staff will be an arts-led recovery? reduced in various departments by the end of this year. The Department of Agriculture will reduce Unfortunately the Ministry for the Arts was staff because it has received less money. Will there allocated more funds than the Department of be reductions in the community services, health and Agriculture. If Victoria had a Minister for consumer affairs areas? Consumer affairs is a APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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disaster area. Both motor traders and the Uquor Budget Paper No. 3 reveals that, despite an increase Ucensing Commission are part of the consumer in the exemption level, expected payroll tax revenue affairs portfolio. I shall talk more about these areas to the Consolidated Fund is to increase by 5.7 per at a later date. cent. Road Safety Act fees will be increased by 282.6 per cent, which will include registration fees and The Premier criticises the opposition for talking other charges on motor vehicle users. The financial doom and gloom. That is absolute rubbish. One institutions duty will increase by 21 per cent. The must face reality: the government has broken this charges to the Environment Protection Authority State. Times are difficult but the difficulties have will increase 42.3 per cent from $5.7 million to an been compounded by the mismanagement of the estimated $8.2 million. When one goes through the government and the huge losses that have been Budget Papers one can see that the increases are incurred. The Premier blames everybody but the across the board. As the Leader of the National Party government. She has blamed private enterprise and interjects, there have been increases in traffic fines. the Federal government, and she is now attacking The government is using the police as revenue or tax the Prime Minister. I believe he should be attacked. gatherers. Business and industry in Victoria have been devastated, if not destroyed. Many in private There is no justification for the huge increases ~ enterprise are bleeding to death. One only has to talk fees. The government is increasing the charges on to people in the liquor and motor industry. They public authorities that will not affect it directly were great industries. The farming industry is because people will say the increase in electricity another area that has suffered and it is the key to a and gas charges are being imposed by the State recovery in Victoria. I am sick and tired of hearing Electricity Commission of Victoria or the Gas and the government attacking private industry. The Fuel Corporation of Victoria, not by the government. government cannot manage its own affairs. It has The SEC and Gas and Fuel Corporation are being issued glossy publications over the past ten years taxed by stealth and many people do not understand telling Victorians about a great recovery but it has that; they must be made aware of it. The SEC last not happened. The government said it wanted to financial year paid $110.4 million to the government, kick-start the economy. and that payment is estimated to increase by 66.7 per cent to $184 million. When people receive an Mr Delzoppo - Pump-prime it. increase in their SEC account they blame the commission, not the government. That is what the Mr JASPER - That is a good one. All the government hopes will happen. whiz-bang phrases have been used. The government is unaware of the true situation in Victoria. It has Many honourable members will ensure that taken money from private enterprise and put it into Victorians are reminded that the government is the Public Service where it is generating no income taxing by stealth to overcome its problems. It is or wealth for the State. passing the buck and taxing private enterprise, those who work the hardest, the wealth creators in the The Budget Papers are difficult to follow. I recall a State. number of years ago a former Premier saying the Budget Papers should be easier to read. He Melbourne Water will have a 61.4 per cent increase suggested the previous Uberal government in its public authority dividend, which is estimated introduced Budget Papers that were difficult to read, at $169.6 million. That highlights clearly and which made it difficult to determine Victoria's conclUSively that the government is raising revenue financial position. That is precisely what the by backdoor methods and bleeding industry and government is doing today. It has introduced six business to death. About 24 cents in every revenue volumes that supposedly show the financial pOSition dollar is being used to service Victoria's debt of Victoria in the past and what should be the compared with 16 cents in New South Wales and 8 position in the next twelve months. It is hard to cents in Queensland. Despite the so-called problems decipher or determine the figures to get an accurate in Queensland it has an excellent economy because assessment. A number of areas are not being of the long-term rule of the National Party in addressed. All the government is doing is attacking previous years. private enterprise and seeking a higher return from its charges. It is attacking the people who are the The government imposes higher fees across the hard workers in the community, not only businesses board but does not go out to discover the true but others who receive income from various areas. situation. The Treasurer and other Ministers should APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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go into the market place and talk to people in There will be a change after the next election because business and industry, get into the real world and there will be a change of government. ask those people what they think of the situation in Victoria. They would be surprised to hear that so The Budget does not assist country Victoria. My many people are critical of the situation in Victoria. greatest concern is what is happening in the country The government is not aware of the situation at all. areas of Victoria. I understand the government's attitude because there are no votes for it in the I have referred to the areas where there will be huge country. Outside of Melbourne and Geelong the increases in charges, levies and taxes, many of which government holds only three seats so it need not could be regarded as increases by stealth. As a worry about country areas. If the government could member of the Subordinate Legislation hold a majority of seats in the metropolitan area and Subcommittee of the Legal and Constitutional some seats in Geelong it could govern without Committee I am very much aware of the huge worrying about country Victoria at all. increases in charges being imposed by regulation. The government is not worried about the situation Budget Paper No 4, under the heading "Other taxes facing people in country areas. Over the past twelve on use of Goods and Activities" states: months there has been a huge increase in unemployment in country areas. It is estimated that Accordingly, where full cost recovery is already being between August last year and August this year achieved, the guideline increase will be 6 per cent. unemployment increased by 70 per cent in country areas to a total of 41865. I suggest that is In other words, all fees and charges imposed by the unacceptable to people in country areas. government will increase by 6 per cent in the financial year. The paper continues: The Premier says we must fight to hold the Telecom headquarters in Melbourne. It is meritorious to want Where full cost recovery is not being achieved, the fees to keep Telecom's headquarters in Melbourne but in question may be increased by up to 20 per cent. In all she should not forget country Victoria. I have not cases, the guidelines provide some scope for rounding once heard the Premier speak about the problems in country areas or say that she will do anything about country industries. It goes on to say that under the Subordinate Legislation Act the maximum annual rate of increase Mr Cooper interjected. is 25 per cent. Mr JASPER - I was pleased earlier this week to If the government believes it is not achieving full hear that the Premier had heard about the problems cost recovery for fees imposed by regulation it can in the textile industries; that the highest increase the fees by 25 per cent. If it wants to go unemployment level in the textile, clothing and higher it can go through the full process of a footwear industries is in Victoria. Suddenly the regulatory impact statement. After all the Premier says there is a problem and that we must do information is gathered it will then probably take no something about it. notice anyway and say that it is just government policy. It is interesting to note how the government Mr W. D. McGrath interjected. works out what charges should be. Mr JASPER - That is a good point. I refuse to get For example, the motor car traders licence fee dragged in on that point. I am clear in my mind and increased from $619 last year to $801 this financial I support the honourable member for Mornington year. I suppose the justification for the increase is: it when he says that the Premier really does not will cost so many thousands of dollars to run the understand what the situation is. The Premier said motor car traders committee in the Ministry of that we cannot drop tariff protection as proposed by Consumer Affairs, divide that amount by the the Federal government but must maintain estimated number of motor car traders and you protection for industry in Victoria. I support that, come up with what the charge will be. There was no but the Premier will have a job getting that through talk of efficiency, of a reduction in staff or holding to the Prime Minister. down fees. I suggest that sort of situation must be changed. People in Victoria will not accept that. The Prime Minister visited Wangaratta last Friday and as part of his visit he went to Bruck mills. Bruck APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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mills is a successful operation but, like all industry, this has been reduced to 32 000. The situation must is bleeding to death. It is in trouble and will not be be redressed.; things must be changed. able to maintain employment in the industry unless the Federal and State governments recognise the Primary producers cannot be left in the current importance of the textiles industries to Wangaratta situation. The Minister for Agriculture comes into and to the Victorian economy. this House and laughs, considering it a joke when somebody stands to speak about the desperate What did Joseph Brender, the Managing Director of situation facing Victorian primary producers. The Bcuck Australia Ltd, receive from the Prime budget for the Department of Agriculture has been Minister? You, Mr Acting Speaker, are shaking your reduced by 5 per cent. In 1986-87 - just four years head; you know that he received absolutely nothing. ago - the budget for agriculture was $100 million; The comment in the press was that Mr Brender and in 1991-92 it has been reduced to $68 million. That the Prime Minister agreed to disagree. Mr Brender level of reduction cannot be continued when the wanted to see something done to protect the textile budget for the arts has increased by 24 per cent. I industries and employment in Victoria, but his plea repeat: the situation in which the budget for fell on deaf ears. The Prime Minister said the Federal agriculture is reduced by 5 per cent cannot be government would not change its policy. tolerated.

The Victorian government needs to make stronger Honourable members should consider what is representations to the Federal government if it is to happening to employment in the Department of obtain any change in Federal policy to assist people Agriculture, where 220 people will lose their jobs. In in country Victoria and to assist the textiles the north-eastem region, the Department of industries, which are in real trouble. Agriculture employs 370 people; that number will be reduced by 35. I remind honourable members Primary industry, the backbone of the State of about who provides the funds to pay the 370 Victoria, is facing enormous problems. We must employees. Sources outside the department fund 100 address the situation if Victoria is to emerge from jobs in the work of salinity control and other areas; the economic recession and depression we are industry grants pay for a further 100 jobs and the faCing. Last week I spoke to a primary producer who balance of the 370 currently employed - that is, 170 told me his situation was worse than in the great - are departmental staff, whose salaries are funded depression. He said that in the depression he got within the department's budget. As I said, 35 of very little money for what he produced but he could those pOSitions will be lost in the current financial sell everything; today he is not getting good prices year. for what he produces and is being told not to produce it in any case. It is a dreadful situation The importance of agricultural research cannot be when primary producers are told not to bother under-estimated. If this State is to recover financially producing. and regain its former prominence, something will have to be done about supporting agriculture both In 1990-91 imports of food and beverages into at the State and the national level. If confidence is Australia totalled $2.175 billion. The increase in not restored to industry and business in this State so imports of food and beverages is why the tomato that work and wealth are created, this State will not growers and potato growers will have to plough in resume its former prominence. That is where the their crops. Australia is supposed to be one of the coalition wants Victoria to go and where the food bowls of the world, yet we are importing food. opposition parties will take it after the next State We are telling our primary producers not to produce election! because we can bring in food more cheaply. Mr MAUGHAN (Rodney) - I congratulate my How ridiculous; the situation is absolutely stupid! In colleague the honourable member for Murray Valley 1988-89 the value of imports of food and beverages on the excellent contribution he has made to the was $1.83 billion; as I said, that has increased to Budget debate. $2.175 billion. TItis is a Clayton's budget. I say that because despite I invite honourable members ~o consider what has the Premier's June statement, in which she built up been happening to primary producers. In 1974 the expectation that this would be a tough budget, Victoria had 49 000 farm units. The latest Australian the Budget has failed to deliver. It has failed to live Bureau of Statistics figures, to the end of 1989, show up to the rhetoric of the Premier and it has failed to APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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live up to the expectations created in her June expenditure to provide the infrastructure this State statement. so desperately needs, we are on a slippery slide.

The Budget promised to lower expenditure but in In passing, I comment on the arrogant disregard this fact it has increased by 8.5 per cent. It promised to government has for the forms of this House. It is reduce the number of public servants. I suggest that, typified in a number of ways. In the economic area, like last year, the government will not deliver on the government has been at pains to cover up many that promise. The government has an abysmal of the shady deals it has been doing. The $35 million record in meeting its predictions. If one considers interest swap is simply one example that readily the various forecasts made in last year's Budget and comes to mind. compares them with the actual outcomes, one sees the abysmal record of the government in making The accrued interest payments that were covered up statements in the Budget come true. for many years until they were discovered by Mr Hallam, my colleague in the other House, and then The government promised to reduce debt. In fact, documented by the Auditor-General are now the debt has increased by $1.582 billion in this running at something in the order of $1000 million. Budget. That is the amount of accrued interest this State owes but which does not appear in the Budget This is a traditional Labor Budget, typical of the documents. budgets of this government over the past nine years, with higher expenditure, higher taxes, higher debt, The arrogant disregard of the forms of the House is higher levels of bankruptcy and - in this year just evident at question time when time after time gone - an additional 1000 businesses going to the Ministers give lengthy answers to questions and wall. Victoria has a record rate of bankruptcies and avoid providing information. Often only one or two it is increasing. Ministers are present in the House when the adjournment debate is being conducted. This Victoria has high unemployment, with 320 000 attitude shows the contempt in which the Victorians without a job and that figure is increasing government holds the forms of the House. daily. All honourable members should be concerned about the level of youth unemployment and the high The government's attitude to committees is similar. I level of unemployment in country areas. happen to be a great believer in the work of the committees of Parliament; they are Parliament The Budget is irresponsible, dishonest, and an working at its best. Yet this government seems to be example of the monumental incompetence of this doing everything it can to strangle the work of some discredited government. The debts, losses and of its committees. liabilities racked up by this government now total something in the order of $50 billion - that is, The Budget is irresponsible because it fails to $50 000 million! address the fundamental issues of the economy that must be addressed. The State's high debt level must The bottom line is that the interest to be paid on that be addressed. Something must be done to reduce the massive level of debt now consumes some 26 cents debt, rather than increase it and say, 'We will start in every dollar of government revenue. One does not reducing it in three years time". The government have to be a Rhodes scholar to understand why knows it will not be in power in three years time so funding for schools, hospitals and roads - the it is totally irresponsible for the government to talk various capital expenditure items that this State has of reducing debt in three years time. been noted for over the years - is declining and will continue to decline when one realises that the The Budget is irresponsible because it continues to amount of interest continues to increase. This year maintain a high level of expenditure. Given the Victoria is spending more on servicing its debt than economic circumstances with which the State is on capital expenditure. The current state of affairs is faced at the moment, it is totally irresponsible to disastrous for Victoria. This year the interest to be have any increase in expenditure, let alone the 8.9 paid on public sector debt will be $3.7 billion, yet we per cent increase that is predicated in the Budget. As are spending only $2.66 billion on capital I said, this is a high interest Budget, and therefore it expenditure. When we are paying increasing is irresponsible. The debt must be reduced so that amounts in interest and reducing amounts in capital interest payments can be reduced. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) Bll.L

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We have to deal with outmoded work practices. The about unemployment and acknowledging that we government stands condemned because outmoded do need to do something about it, but I do not have work practices on the waterfront, in the transport much confidence that they will do the things that are industry and particularly in the meat industry are necessary to get business moving to create the costing the State and the nation dearly. wealth that provides employment, particularly for our young people. The meat industry was once a great industry. Victoria held the No. 1 position in meat processing. I am particularly concerned about the high levels of We have now slipped because of the antics of Wally youth unemployment. Although unemployment Curran and some of his mates, who are mates of the levels are running in excess of 10 per cent and are government. The government has failed to deal with predicted to increase, I refer to a report from Kelly these work practices and as a result we are losing Recruitment Services, which says: $100 million in export opportunities. The returns to farming communities are reduced and job Only 6.9 per cent of private and public employers opportunities in the meat industry are reduced. surveyed in Victoria plan to hire more staff over the next quarter while 16.7 per cent plan to retrench The Budget is dishonest. I referred earlier to an workers. accrual of interest that has been going on for a number of years. Accrued interest totalling $174 That is an indication that our present high level of million is provided for in the Budget, which will unemployment will increase even further, with bring the total of unpaid interest at the end of youth unemployment running at 30 per cent and 1991-92 to $1 billion. unemployment in country areas running at apprOximately 50 per cent. This is totally The Budget is predicated on a turnaround in three unacceptable. It is appalling and it is tragic. years, but the government will not be in office to see that happen. It says, 'We forecast that in three years The high unemployment levels partly explain the time we will see this improvement". high retention rates in schools. The Minister for Education and Training has recently been waxing The government has not lived up to its earlier lyrical about Victoria leading the rest of Australia forecasts. The Commonwealth government forecasts with its high retention rates at school. On the surface have also been hopelessly wrong. It is dishonest for that is most desirable and most rewarding, but if we the Premier and the Minister for Finance to blame examine the causes of the increase in retention rates I the Commonwealth for our many troubles. The suggest we will find that it is partly because young Commonwealth has a lot to answer for and the people know that if they leave school they have little former Treasurer, the honourable member for opportunity of getting a job. Instead they stay on at Doveton, must answer for the economic malaise that school and go on to attend a tertiary institution. That is gripping the State. The government has failed to is desirable if in the end there are jobs for them. deal with the things that can be improved in the State, such as the meat industry and the transport I do not see that the Budget will do a single thing to industry. increase job opportunities for young people. The number of apprenticeships has declined Many of the current difficulties are the direct result dramatically and we will pay for that in years to of the economic policies of the Cain and Kirner come because we need to train people in both the governments. Their intervention has been trades and the professions so that we can get the disastrous. They have tried to pick winners but country out of its current mess. instead they have picked losers. We have lost our State Bank and we have lost thousands of millions of Youth unemployment causes them to suffer from a dollars. Obviously the government is embarrassed lack of self-esteem. Young people who have been at but it is the ordinary people of Victoria who must school for twelve years are devastated when they are pick up the burden and carry it for the rest of their unable to get a job. They suffer a loss of self-esteem lives. It will be generations before the debt that was which can lead to an increase in social problems built up by this discredited government is paid off. because they may be tempted to turn to drugs and alcohol and, unfortunately, in many instances to It is a cruel Budget because it does nothing to deal crime. with the high levels of unemployment. I am pleased that government members are now speaking out APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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If we could improve our economy and create useful many public holidays which are the envy of the rest and worthwhile employment for our young, their of the world are forcing businesses out of existence. social problems would be reduced dramatically. Victorian employers can no longer afford to pay penalty rates and the 17.5 per cent loading on The Budget has increased expenditure by 8.9 per holiday pay -leaving to one side the actions of cent or by $1.226 billion. Why, in a time of economic unions that are disrupting our meat industry, our restraint when businesses are cutting back and hospitals and schools, and the State Electricity matching their expenditure with their income, does Commission. the State continue to increase expenditure? It is not easy to cut back but the Premier in her June Last week I spoke to a businessman in my electorate statement softened up the community for the harsh whose sales figures for the year are down by 66 per Budget to be delivered by the Treasurer. However, cent. He has reached the stage where he can no we could have cut back much more severely on longer afford to employ all of his staff of sixteen; but expenditure. If we continue to increase our because he faces redundancy payouts of expenditure using borrowed money and revenue approximately $10 000 for each employee he has from the sale of assets, the time will come when the been forced to put six of his workers on half time in assets run out. We are getting perilously close to a the hope that they will leave voluntarily. When time when we will not have any assets to sell. employers can no longer afford either to keep their employees or to dismiss them we are facing a These assets were built by our forefathers over 150 disastrous state of affairs. No wonder employers are years. During the past nine years the government moving their businesses interstate or offshore. has sold off those assets to pay our increasing debt. It has frittered away the inheritance of this As the honourable member for Murray Valley said, generation. agriculture is and will continue to be an important industry not only in Victoria but throughout the The interest payable in the Budget is $1.804 billion, Commonwealth. Nevertheless farmers are hurting: which is 26.4 per cent of revenue. That is an proceeds from the sale of wheat are down; the price alarming figure and it will get higher as our debt of wool is disastrous; returns from dairying are not continues to increase. as good as they once were; and the tomato industry is in trouble. Practically all those employed in The Budget deficit is estimated to be $1.494 billion. agriculture are facing bad times that are not Because the government's track record is so poor I expected to improve in the foreseeable future. would not be surprised if the deficit had blown out to $2 billion when the 1991-92 figures finally come in. By any standard Victoria has one of the most productive agricultural sectors in the world. For the When the Labor government was elected to office in past twenty years agricultural industries have 1982 the State debt was $11 billion, which had taken enjoyed productivity increases more than double some 150 years to accumulate. In a little more than those of any other industry. Agricultural products nine years the government has managed to triple the earn between 40 and 45 per cent of our export size of the State debt, which now stands at $30 income and will continue to do so for many years. billion, or $26 000 for each Victorian household. Despite the importance of agriculture, last week the The Budget will increase taxes and fees by an President of the National Farmers Federation said average of 11.8 per cent. Land tax is expected to that the average net farm income for this year is increase by 6.4 per cent, and payroll tax by 7 per expected to be $3000 - even less than the dole! cent. WorkCare levies are higher than those in any Despite working incredibly long hours to achieve other State; the so-called Pyramid tax is an productivity levels that are high by any standard, inequitable tax which continues to disadvantage and despite investing high levels of capital, all the those who live outside the metropolitan area; and average farming family can expect to receive for this registration fees for motor vehicles are expected to year's work is $3000 - at a time when average farm increase by $120 million - and the list goes on. debt is $250 000 and rising.

As the honourable member for Ivanhoe so As if it were not bad enough that the Department of eloquently said, the current levels of land tax, Agriculture budget has been reduced to $91.2 payroll tax, WorkCare and training levies, million which, based on last year's figures, is a cut of superannuation payouts, 38-hour weeks, and our 4.6 per cent and one of the biggest cuts of any APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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department, a closer examination of the Budget The land on which the hospital was built was given figures shows that the State government has to the people of Elmore by a prominent local citizen. reduced its contribution to agriculture by a massive The Elmore community has supported its hospital 17 per cent. Of the department budget of $91.2 financially, physically and morally, to the extent that million, only $65 million will come from the State the hospital is an important community centre. Treasury; the rest will come from Commonwealth Despite that, the government intends to close the and outside sources. hospital on 31 December this year. like many other small country towns - and the honourable member The government's decision to cut the funds available for Gippsland South referred to the Maffra hospital, to our most productive industry can only be which is in a similar situation - Elmore has been counterproductive. As the Minister for Agriculture devastated by the government's decision. discovered when he made his survey of the State's research institutes, every $1 spent on agricultural In this case the hospital is the major employer in the research yields a return of $37. Despite his findings town. It is a very important part of the economy. It the government has decided to cut the budget of the provides employment for 40 people part time. There Department of Agriculture, as well as cutting its are fifteen equivalent full-time positions, but there funding of the regional veterinary laboratories, are 40 people who draw some income from that which the farming community depends on. hospital. More importantly than that, it provides some security for the residents of the Elmore area to Overall the government has allocated less than 1 per know that hospital services are available to them cent of State revenue to Department of Agriculture nearby. programs, despite agriculture being the only hope the State has to drag itself out of its economic mess. Sadly, although closing the hospital may make sense from a health point of view it makes no sense from Recently the government considered increasing the the community's point of view because other arms price of water even though the McDonald of the government will have to pick up the cost for committee had not completed its inquiry into ambulance services, unemployment benefits, and current water pricing methods. To its credit the travelling to and from Rochester, Bendigo or government decided to back off until it received the elsewhere. Therefore the community will not be any committee's report. Once the government has better off. examined the committee's recommendations I hope there will be, if not a reduction in the price of water, Another thing that happened just today is the at least a less rapid increase in prices than the downgrading of the Gunbower abattoir. If there is government foreshadowed some months ago. such a thing as a nice abattoir, this is one. It has been running efficiently for 40 years and has turned out a Fuel prices are a heavy impost on the farming top quality product. It has had no problems from a community. As the honourable member for Murray health point of view, and yet the Victorian Abattoir Valley said, the 3 cents per litre Pyramid fuel tax is and Meat Inspection AuthOrity is compelling this an inequitable burden on country people whose operator to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars only means of transport is the motor car. Country to lift his standards. He is not prepared to do that, so people pay a disproportionate share of the money his throughput has been reduced from 240 000 units needed to bail out the Pyramid depositors -leaving to 15 000 units a year. This has led to the loss of to one side the rights or wrongs of the government's fifteen jobs in that small country town. Again, that is decision. But having made its decision the a devastating blow to that community. This sort of government should have allocated the money from thing is occurring right throughout the State. consolidated revenue rather than increasing the price of fuel, which has an unfair impact on country I refer now to the loss of school support centres. people. There is a very heavy impact on small country schools as school support centres lose their funding The Budget severely reduces the range of and are reduced in their effectiveness. government services available to country peoplp. Uppermost in my mind is the government's cutback Road funding is another very important issue to of hospital services and, in particular, the planned country people. Our roads are falling to pieces. I was closure of the Elmore District Hospital. talking to some people from VIC ROADS the other day who were telling me that, at the present level of expenditure, we are on the slippery slide because we ADJOURNMENT

878 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 1 October 1991 are not maintaining our roads and it will cost a and the children are crossing the road without a massive amount of money to get our roads back in proper school crossing and face the risk of being run order. I do not think the government appreciates the over by buses, trucks and a large number of cars that very important role that roads play in the economy use this residential street as a through road or a of this State. short cut to get on to other major arterial roads in the area. The bakeries issue to which my colleague the honourable member for Murray Valley referred I visited the site recently with the liberal Party earlier is also impacting on country people as candidate for the area, Mrs Lorraine Elliott, who is country bakeries close throughout the State. The also concerned about this issue. That part of my government has absolutely no idea of what this is electorate will be taken over by her after the next doing to country people. election. We were concerned about the situation and met with a number of parents. Mrs Ros Gayle, the This government has been responsible for losing our leading person from the school council, is also inheritance. It has not dealt with the fundamentals in concerned about this situation and has made this Budget. It has done nothing to reduce the cost to representations to me. business. It has done nothing to encourage the wealth creation industries which we need to do to As I said, the school community has increased in get out of our trouble. It has not dealt with the work population over the past two years to the extent that practices that I mentioned. It has not shown a vision, it is now a very large school. Despite the school which we need to get people to change their council having made representations to the Eastern attitudes and to have confidence in the future of this Metropolitan regional office in Ringwood, all that State. the office did was argue that it is a planning issue relating to the provision of extra car parking; and The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable eighteen months ago it came back with the member's time has expired. bureaucratic response that it was all dependent on a planning scheme being passed, but there is no Debate adjourned on motion of Mr WEIDEMAN chance of that occurring in the next few years. (Franks ton South). The situation is now urgent and the Ministry should Debate adjourned until next day. seriously consider using land that is available to the government within the school proximity for the ADJOURNMENT proviSion of car parking. Then, at least parents would be able to drop off and pick up their children Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I move: with reasonable safety in a car park rather than cars being strewn all along the residential street where That the House do now adjourn. there is currently hardly enough room for school buses to pass through because of cars parked on Mooroolbark East Primary School either side.

Mr HONEYWOOD (Warrandyte) - I raise a I therefore ask the Treasurer to convey my concerns matter for the attention of the Minister for Education to the Minister for Education and Training and ask and Training in another place, and I therefore him to do something about the situation. I wrote a request that the solitary Minister in this Chamber, letter to the Minister some months ago, but I have the Treasurer, convey my concerns to that Minister still not received a reply. I am afraid that there may on my behalf. The matter concerns the Mooroolbark be a serious accident in the near future if something East Primary School at the intersection of Taylor is not done. Road and Pine Road, Mooroolbark East. This area has been so rapidly urbanised over the past two State Bank branch, Mortlake years that the situation now exists where schoolchildren are in very real danger of being run Mr J. F. McGRATH (Warrnambool) - I raise a over by cars. A number of other private schools and matter for the attention of the Treasurer. I also note community centres have also opened up in the area that he is the only Minister here. It is of concern that and the problem is that, particularly at school Ministers are still ignoring the adjournment debate, drop-off time in the morning and pick-up time in the but I do not wish to speak at length on that issue afternoon, cars are strewn out along Taylor Road tonight. ADJOURNMENT

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Instead, I wish to deal with the issue of the State I hope my comments will facilitate the meeting of all Bank branch at Mortlake and particularly in concerned to look at a common action to be taken to reference to the manager of that bank who was recoup the losses incurred by the poor stood down last year as a result of the administration at Mortlake. commencement of an investigation that is currently being Wldertaken by the Fraud Squad. Telephone canvassing

I give an Wldertaking to the Treasurer that at this Mr SEITZ (Keilor) - The matter I raise is for the stage no charges have been laid, but I wish to raise attention of the Minister for Consumer Affairs in the the issue because while that manager has been stood other place, through the Treasurer. down and is being investigated, the regional manager and the other people within the bank have Mr Richardson interjected. become very defensive. I put it to the House that they have become defensive because they have to The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable accept part of the responsibility for the indiscretions member for Forest Hill is out of order. of Mr Sewell. Mr SEITZ - It concerns telephone canvassing. A Mr Sewell's activities have had a devastating effect number of my constituents have complained that on the community of Mortlake. People are currently this sales practice has increased particularly because facing the loss of property and businesses. One of the increase in Wlemployment; young people are elderly lady was guarantor for a business being used to make livings through this sales undertaken by her son and daughter-in-law and she method. As a downturn in jobs occurs on a periodic faces losing her house as a result of that transaction. basis companies decide to use young people for telephone canvassing. They offer a percentage of My real concern is that the State Bank will not profit on products sold or a percentage of profit cooperate with these customers in making available from any successful promotion after the salesmen to them information which I should think they have have visited homes. a right to view in making considerations about their future. However, this is not happening and I want to I ask the Minister for Consumer Affairs to warn the know why people are denied access to documents public against ordering goods over the telephone that they have signed or documents on which their and having them delivered COD by Australia Post. Signatures have been forged - and that is Sometimes invoices are sent to households and something that the Fraud Squad will deal with. companies; staff at my electorate office have experienced this as have a number of neighbouring It is of major concern to me that the bank is not shopkeepers. They receive invoices but have never being cooperative. In fact, it is being obstructive. I received any goods. The suppliers claim the goods ask the Treasurer to endeavour to have somebody were sent COD to the nearest post office. investigate the bank and to give these people the opportunity to have access to these documents so Young people have been used in this telephone sales they can make judgments about what is happening. practice; sometimes that is done honestly. Others advertise and say, ''You can earn as much money as All sorts of things are happening. In the case of one you want according to the time you are prepared to person there is a caveat forbidding the registration put in". The advertising in Keilor seems to have an of the mortgage of his property from being used as a effect by canvassing using young people. I hold source of mortgage details; in fact, it has been nothing against the yOWlg citizens because they are mortgaged by the bank, but the bank will not release trying to earn livings. The problem is the people any details of the documents to the person who exploit them, particularly through concerned. organisations whose goods are of poor quality.

Another innocent person has been held responsible The Neighbourhood Watch program has the for debts. He sold a house for more than $200 ()()Il support of most honourable members and the but he cannot complete the transaction because the community. One company used that name to sell the bank will not release details. I ask the Treasurer to painting of house numbers on the kerbs outside investigate immediately the appointment of homes, supposedly for easy reference by service someone to assist the residents of Mortlake and organisations, including emergency services. The district to gain access to the documents. young people promoting the scheme fOWld that the ADJOURNMENT

880 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 1 October 1991 product would wash off during the next rainfall. usually they are young people who have no form of Many complaints to me said, "Neighbourhood status. They are using the dogs to terrorise people. In Watch supported it". However, it was a sales Mulgrave, three youths were roaming the streets gimmick because the telephone canvassing service with an unmuzzled terrier. had said, ''Neighbourhood Watch supports the concept". But they did not recommend the type of I ask the Minister to support the three forms of paint. action recommended by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA): the I ask the Minister to use media releases, particularly terriers should be muzzled, neutered - including in suburban areas, to clear the good name of females - and they should be led. There is no way Neighbourhood Watch and to educate the the dogs should be allowed to roam as they are at community to look carefully at the canvassing issue the moment. because it is not the young people who are exploiting Victorians. I have also been led to believe by the RSPCA that Victoria has about 300 or 400 pit bull-terriers. No Pit bull-terriers doubt many are owned by responsible residents but at the moment too many of these dogs roam the Mr E. R. SMITH (Glen Waverley) - My concern streets without proper control. They are being used is directed to the Minister for Agriculture and relates by irresponsible youths to terrorise people. to the enforcement of the Dog Act as regards pit bull-terriers. I understand that this breed of dog has been used by criminal elements in America particularly in the On almost a daily basis we read in the press and see drug trade. The criminals have the dogs attack on television acts by these dogs against not only people who have not paid for their drugs; in some children but also adults. They are causing grave cases they have actually killed people because the concern to the community. About one week ago drug dealers have not been paid. The situation there most honourable members would have seen on is outrageous. Their theory is that a dog kills a television the tragic circumstances surrounding the person, the law cannot charge the dog, and therefore death of a young child in Sydney who was attacked they have discovered a perfect means of killing. by a pit bull-terrier. In the past three weeks this matter has been The responsible Federal Minister - the Minister for highlighted throughout Australia. It is causing grave Resources, Or Griffiths - has taken appropriate concern to the community because people are action by prohibiting the importation of pit frightened of the dogs. The terriers should be bull-terriers into Australia but there must be muzzled, neutered and led at all times while on the enforcement at the local level. streets because the last thing we want is irresponsible young people using them at random A retired police sergeant, Bill Peart of Vermont for their own purposes, for their self-esteem, to South, last week brought to my attention an terrorise people. The dogs are unpredictable and are experience he had about two weeks ago while with capable of maiming and killing. his grandson, Mitchell, aged two. He and Mitchell were playing near the court in which he lives in The jaws of these dogs lock onto the people they Vermont South, which happens to be where the bite. I am sure I am not telling you anything you do television program Neighbours is filmed. not already know, Mr Speaker. I hope the Minister will come back into the House tonight with a He let Mitchell play about 10 metres from him. Then response on this matter. It is of great concern to he noticed four rather scruffy youths playing with a people like my friend Bill Peart, who wants pit bull-terrier. Fortunately he heard one youth, as appropriate action to protect his grandchildren. The he held the dog by the collar, say, ''Kill, kill, kill". He rest of us would like action to be taken for the sake raced forward and grabbed Mitchell. While he could of our children, so that we can take our kids to the have taken action there and then the first thing that parks without fear of an attack from these came to his mind was to take the child and go home frightening pit bull-terriers. because he realised the danger.

Since then I have heard three other stories of youths roaming the streets and using the same breed dog; ADJOURNMENT

Tuesday, 1 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 881

Knox bus stop shelters However, the council suggests that it would like the government to fully fund the installation of bus Mrs HIRSH (Wantima) - The matter I raise with shelters and suggests it would be appropriate and the Minister for Transport was brought to my useful is for the State government to allocate funds attention by the City of Knox. It has written to me for the supply and installation of a minimwn of ten regarding bus shelters and I am hoping the Minister shelters a year throughout Knox until all the bus for Transport will investigate and take up the stops on the major routes are sheltered. problems it has brought to my attention. This would be desirable, even if it were only a few to In the municipality of Knox there are 176 bus stops begin with. It would be particularly helpful around where bus shelters are installed but there are in the areas of the retirement villages such as Glen excess of 700 bus stops where no protection exists Gollin and the older persons units throughout for bus patrons. Most of the Knox municipality's Wantirna and Ferntree Gully. I ask the Minister to public transport is by bus. There is a railway line give consideration to the provision of bus shelters in running through the northern part of the the Knox municipality and I look forward to his municipality but the rest of the city is covered by support for this worthwhile project. buses. Invicta and Ventura buslines are the main bus services covering the area. Knox is one of the fastest Murrayville Secondary College growing municipalities in the State, hence the enormous increase in public transport as new Mr BILDSTIEN (Mildura) - I also raise a matter suburbs grow. concerning the provision of bus services for the attention of the Minister for Transport. The Minister Melbourne has lovely weather in the summer but it will be aware that some time ago I raised for his can have rather inclement weather in the winter, and attention the matter of bus services for the with 700 bus stops requiring some sort of shelter for Murrayville Secondary College in the electorate of patrons, assistance would be appreciated. Mildura, particularly for the students who travel across the border each day from Pinaroo to attend The council has told me that it supports the that college. government's pOSition in trying to encourage people to use public transport where it is available rather As a result of my representation and those of the than cars. Public transport is often more convenient Murrayville Secondary College community, the to use, but if one has to wait at a bus stop in bad Minister for Transport; his colleague, the Minister weather with no shelter it can be uncomfortable and for Education and Training in another place; and the may cause a person to choose private transport, even South Australian Minister for Education, agreed to if the distance is only short and even if the trip is on establish a working party to look at the options for a bus route. Many people see this as an alternative to the college, to ensure that those South Australian standing in the rain or the wind, or standing in the students who comprise 20 per cent of enrolments at hot sun in the summer. the Murrayville Secondary College could exercise the freedom of choice to attend that college. The council has told me that new bus shelters are installed either at the council's own cost or on the It is my understanding that last week the Minister basis of a one-third Public Transport Corporation for Transport received a report from that working subsidy which is paid to them. The council also party recommending that the South Australian suggests that they support the bus system by paying government provide a bus to carry those students for maintenance and upgrading of existing bus across the border to the Murrayville College but that shelters. the annual operating cost be shared jointly ~y the South Australian and Victorian governments, which Many of the bus shelters in Knox have been would amount to approximately $5500 a year for attractively painted by young artists working for the each government. council. These pictorial representations by young people are a deterrent to graffiti, mainly because it is I should like to know whether the Minister young people who do the painting. They are very supported the implementation of the attractively maintained indeed. I encourage this sort recommendations in that report and whether or not of painting throughout the municipality. he has taken any action to ensure that the Minister for Education and Training supports the recommendation of that report. ADJOURNMENT

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The Minister will understand the urgency of the Mr Little was concerned when he received his situati~ given that the school community wishes to renewal for 1990-91 to find an increase of lOO per have the matter satisfactorily resolved before the cent from last year, from 4.4498 per cent to 8.8996 start of the next school term. per cent. This is typical of many businesses that find that after one small claim they are hit with a huge The other reason I wish to have the Minister's increase in WorkCare payments. comments on the record is that although the working party was believed to have reached a I ask the Minister to investigate this increase of 100 common view, the school community contacted me per cent in the WorkCare payments on the basis of today to advise me that it is concerned that there one claim only being made. Mr Little regards it as a appears to be some dissension with the South total disincentive to employ people in his business. Australian government. The chairperson of the Since 1985 he has developed the business school committee, Mr Dennis Heintze has written to considerably and it has been profitable, but he is the South Australian Minister for Education seeking finding it difficult in the current economic a meeting with him as a matter of urgency. circumstances and asks the Minister to review this huge increase for this financial year. Prior to that meeting taking place it is important that the Victorian school knows the attitude of our This should be investigated not only on behalf of Minister for Transport and the Minister for this employer but also for employers generally. This Education and Training. case highlights the problems of employers. I want an answer from the Minister and corrective action taken. The matter has dragged on now for some months and caused great anguish not only for the teachers, Responses the staff, the pupils and parents of pupils in the community but also for the wider community at Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - The large. I will be pleased and so will the Murrayville honourable member for Wantima raised the matter Secondary College if the Minister could state for the of installation of bus shelters in the City of Knox and record his support for the introduction of the in the electorate she represents. She has always been recommendations in that report and what time enthusiastic in putting forward the needs of her frame he envisages for the matter being satisfactorily electorate, especially on public transport matters. resolved. She said there are 176 bus shelters but in a growing area some 700 bus stops have no protection for bus WorkCare payments patrons. Protection from the elements is essential, especially in such inclement weather as the past few Mr JASPER (Murray Valley) - I raise a matter months. It is also important to encourage people to for the attention of the Minister for Labour, who is use public transport and providing adequate bus responsible for WorkCare. I hope he comes into the shelters is one way of doing this. Chamber and is able to provide me with a response; if not, that the Treasurer, who is at the table, will Every year an allocation is made to municipalities take note of my remarks. Mr Tom Little, who for the installation of bus shelters. Some operates a small business at Wangaratta known as municipalities take up the allocation but if all the Steamair Engineering Pty Ltd, commenced business funds are not used in one area they are allocated to in 1985 and has been paying workers compensation other areas. Bus shelters are also available under a and now WorkCare payments for employees in his commercial advertising operation. Some business since that time. municipalities are not too pleased about that but, considering the tight financial situation, we would Since 1985 he has paid a total $23 827 and the net like to encourage more councils to enter into levy rate has increased by 17.5 per cent in those six commercial advertising operations for the supply of years. He accepts that rate of increase. However, last bus shelters. The advertising can be done in a year he had an employee on WorkCare for eight tasteful way that does not detract from the local weeks for whom he paid the total of $2301. Through environment. his efforts, not those of the government through WorkCare or rehabilitation, the employee returned I shall be responding quickly to the honourable to his employment after eight weeks. member for Wantima and will reply to the City of Knox to see what can be done in that growth area. It is important to make sure that people, especially the ADJOURNMENT

Tuesday. 1 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 883 elderly, have some shelter from the weather while the State Savings Bank and see whether the bank is waiting for public transport. prepared to look at special consideration for Mortlake. The honourable member for Mildura raised the matter of schoolchildren who actually reside in The honourable member for Warrandyte raised the South Australia and are attending a college in his issue of education in his electorate. I shall direct that electorate. If parents from South Australia wish to to the attention of the Minister for Education and use education facilities in Victoria it is only fair that Training in another place. the South Australian authorities should pay the costs of busing the students to and from the schools. The honourable member for Keilor raised telephone canvassing with the Minister for Consumer Affairs The honourable member commented on a working in another place and I shall direct that to his party. I shall ensure that discussions also take place attention. with the Minister for Education and Training. However, I believe the South Australian government The honourable member for Glen Waverley raised is responsible for busing children to schools within the issue of breeds of dogs which is a matter under this State. We are stretched to the limits with the the control of the Minister for Agriculture and I shall number of school buses and facilities that we have direct that to his attention. but I shall take this point into consideration when discussing this with the Minister for Education and The honourable member for Murray Valley raised Training. WorkCare premium increases for an employer in his electorate. That matter will be dealt with by the Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - The honourable Minister for Labour. member for Warrnambool raised the issue of problems at the Mortlake branch of the State Savings Motion agreed to. Bank in the provision of assistance to people in difficulty in that area. I shall direct his comments to House adjourned 11.18 p.m. the attention of the general manager of the Commonwealth Bank who has the responsibility for ADJOURNMENT

884 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 1 October 1991 QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Wednesday,2 October 1991 ASSEMBLy 885

Wednesday, 2 October 1991 job of getting employment into Australia. It is absolutely --

Honourable members interjecting.

The SPEAKER (Hon. Ken Coghill) took the chair at The SPEAKER - Order! The Leader of the 10.33 a.m. and read the prayer. Opposition has asked his question. I ask him and other honourable members to remain silent.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Ms KIRNER - It is absolutely essential for us to work together, as we will - and there is no dispute between the Prime Minister and myself - to ensure MEDIA BRIEFINGS BY MINISTER that the Federal and State governments take the next step in getting jobs into Australia. Mr KENNEIT (Leader of the Opposition) - I I do not intend to hide from what has to be done; I ask the Premier -- do not intend to stop saying that there is more to be done in terms of employment policies. An Honourable Member - I hope it is better than yesterday! A real debate is going on about whether further steps have to be taken beyond controlling inflation. I The SPEAKER - Order! I warn the honourable have heard the Leader of the Opposition say - and member for Keilor tha t there is no excuse he said it even yesterday - that it is not sufficient to whatsoever for his behaviour. I advise him that if it simply have a level playing field. Rather, it is is necessary I shall take the appropriate action essential to take the next step to ensure that against him. investment is encouraged. Mr KENNEIT - I ask the Premier whether it is a For some time now I have been saying to the Prime fact that Victoria's economic recovery and job Minister, as David White, the Minister for creation prospects have been severely jeopardised Manufacturing and Industry Development, has been because you, your finance Minister -- saying to the Federal Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, that we need a jobs The SPEAKER - Order! The Leader of the policy - and we must have one! In order to do that, Opposition should address the Chair. things have to change. Mr KENNEIT - Because the Premier, your The econocrats and the bureaucrats in Canberra finance Minister -- ~ust .see that more has to be done than just stopping inflation. The balance of payments figures released The SPEAKER - Order! The Leader of the yest~rday cl~arly show there is space in the economy Opposition should address the Chair. to stimulate mvestment. There is no doubt about that, and that is what has to change. Mr KENNEIT - Because the Premier, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for It is important that the Prime Minister and I have the Manufacturing and Industry Development have, same view of the world. At the recent together with their staffs, briefed the media over the manufacturing industry conference, which I note the past 24 hours on divisions between the Premier and Leader of the Opposition did not attend even though Mr Hawke to further destabilise the Prime Minister it.was the most important manufacturing industry of Australia. dinner that has been held in Victoria for some time, the Prime Minister made it clear that changes would Ms KIRNER (Premier) - I thought for a moment be made. that the Leader of the Opposition was describing the machinations in his party room and outside about The change in the depreciation allowance made last his own leadership. week is step 1. Step 2 involves action to remove tax disincentives on investment; and step 3 must It is absolutely clear that the issue that is to the involve sector by sector plans for industry to forefront of discussions between the Prime Minister improve the economy; and I shall work with the and myself is that we both want to get on with the QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

886 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991

Prime Minister towards a special Premiers blow the base of economic policy: the consumption Conference ensuring that that happens. tax. Honourable members opposite can laugh, but the Leader of the Opposition actually said I do not resile from the fact that any government in something like, 'We do not really know about this. Australia, ours included, that does not address a We are waiting for the detail". Then he said, '1 will national jobs policy that includes consultation with have to think about it". Then what did he say, before industry, unions and the States, is not facing up to the details came out - because they have not come the issue. out yet? It took a couple of days or a week for his Federal Leader to say to him, 'ryou must support a Honourable members interjecting. consumption tax no matter what it does to Victoria".

Ms KIRNER - It is time for the Leader of the In contrast I am supporting Victoria and arguing for Opposition -- an economic policy which supports Victoria first.

The SPEAKER - Order! The Leader of the AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE INDUSTRIES OppOSition continues to interject and in doing so he invites a further response from the Premier and an Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National even longer answer. I ask him to remain silent. Party) - I refer the Premier to statements made in another place yesterday by the Minister for Ms KIRNER - It is now time for the Leader of Manufacturing and Industry Development, the Opposition to actually put his actions where his Mr David White, that the State government expects mouth is. In briefing journalists he has been saying Federal government initiatives on key investment for the past fortnight that we have to have more projects. I ask: given that the Prime Minister has action on industry policy. That is what is being said indicated that he will no longer work with Victoria's across the nation, and now he wants to turn this into Minister for Manufacturing and Industry a politicking exercise. He cannot have it both ways. Development, will the Premier explain why her Either he stands up for Victoria and says our policies involvement in undermining the Prime Minister of are right or he does not. Australia justifies the loss of the proposed Australian Defence Industries (ADI) plant at Benalla Mr J. F. McGRATH (Warrnambool) -On a point and a loss of 400 job opportunities for Victoria? of order, Mr Speaker, I direct your attention to the Standing Orders which state that continuous Ms KIRNER (Premier) - I should be very debating of a question is not appropriate. The pleased to rehearse with the Leader of the National Premier has now been answering the question for Party - the honourable member for Benalla - the more than 5 minutes, including your ruling in issue of how we have facilitated industry policy in regard to interjections. I ask you to direct her to the the State and particularly what we have attained in basis of the question, to finish off her answer, and Victoria by cooperation between the Minister for not to abuse question time. Manufacturing and Industry Development, the Federal government, our own government, industry The SPEAKER - Order! The question was one and unions. which, in fact, invited wide-ranging comment on the relationship between the Victorian government and One of the clearest achievements has been getting its policies and the national government and its our action teams together to facilitate industry. policies. To that extent I do not uphold the point of order, but I ask the Premier to conclude her answer. The first and most important achievement was in the very industry that is the base of manufacturing Ms KIRNER (Premier) - There is one crucial industry, namely Toyota Motor Corporation issue in the economy on which the Prime Minister Australia Ltd. I can tell the House that the and I stand shoulder to shoulder and it is one investment in Toyota would not have happened that-- unless there had been a partnership, which will continue, between Senator Button, the Minister for Honourable members interjecting. Manufacturing and Industry Development, David White, the unions and the company. What does this Ms KIRNER - Just wait for it! It is an issue that gentleman say? the Leader of the Opposition cannot escape from. It is the one economic action in Australia that will QUESTIONS WITIIOUT NOTICE

Wednesday. 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 887

Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) The view that there is a one-off answer to industry is - On a point of order, Mr Speaker, on the point of a very peculiar view. Our cooperation with the relevance I ask you to draw the Premier back to the Federal government will continue. I am delighted specific question. There is a great deal of concern in that for the first time in this House the honourable Victoria that we have a Minister responsible for member for Benalla shows some interest in industry industry development but with whom the Prime policy. Let us get it clear - it has to be a total policy Minister has said he will not work. We have a and we will continue to deliver what Victoria needs number of major projects in Victoria on which we without peer. need Commonwealth cooperation to help us achieve them. What will the Premier do? Will she remove MOBIL REFINERY, ALTONA the Minister and replace him with someone else and carry on, because we need someone with whom the Mr FORDHAM (Footscray) - In view of the Prime Minister can cooperate, otherwise all the announcement by Mobil Oil Australia Ltd to opportunities will be lost to Victoria? undertake a major upgrade of its refinery at Altona, will the Premier outline to the House steps the The SPEAKER - Order! There is no point of government is taking to ensure that the conduct of order. this major project meets the needs and expectations of both industry and the wider community? Ms KIRNER (Premier) - The Prime Minister has made it perfectly clear that the process in which we Ms KIRNER (Premier) - The plans by Mobil for have been involved in getting projects for Victoria a $1 billion modernisation of the Altona refinery is with the Federal government - and he has made it further evidence that the State and the government clear again twice this week - will be a continuing have the proper processes in place to ensure that process. there is investment in Victoria.

Mr McNamara interjected. The refinery is absolutely crucial to Victoria and to Australia's production of petroleum and chemical The SPEAKER - Order! The Leader of the products. It produces 50 per cent of Victoria's National Party has asked his question. If he wants a petroleum and 15 per cent of the total Australian reply I suggest he remain silent, and Similarly, so needs. It is the principal supplier of feedstock to the should the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. important Altona Petrochemical Co Ltd.

Ms KIRNER - The industry policy matter is an Six months ago Mobil spoke to the government and issue on which we have worked for the past twelve also to the opposition saying that it wanted to invest months, which has to be changed and improved and in Victoria but, it said, 'We have to be sure that you which requires the government, the unions and are serious about action". Therefore the government industry to cooperate. Make no mistake about it - established an action team, and we are now at the this House knows, as the whole of Australian point of moving on that project. It is a billion dollar industry knows, that my Minister for Manufacturing investment in Victoria. and Industry Development is one of the leading Ministers in Australia, and will continue with I notice that the opposition has gone silent because Senator Button to deliver industry policy. while it is big on politicking it is not a bit interested in real results for Victoria. As to the ADI plant at Benalla, the honourable member knows that a considerable amount of work Mr Plowman - We welcome it. was done with Senator Robert Ray to deliver on ADI, but the Minister made it clear at the beginning Ms KIRNER - I am pleased to hear the it was commercial circumstances and the board that honourable member for Evelyn say that he would determine it. I share the disappointment of welcomes it because it should be welcomed, and it is the honourable member for Benalla that it was not only possible by the careful work being done by the established in Victoria - either in the western manufacturing industry and Mobil together to make suburbs or Benalla - but that does not mean that if sure it happens. one issue is determined it goes to New South Wales; that in terms of placements we do not continue with So to ensure that the next step is appropriate and our development policy. that we receive the investment appropriately but at the same time address the community interest - QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

888 ASSEMBLY Wednesday. 2 October 1991 because there is continuing concern in the Mr BATCHELOR (Thomas town) - On the point community of Altona and Williamstown about of order, Mr Speaker, the point raised by the petrochemical matters and the environment - and honourable member for Warrandyte constitutes no the best interests of Mobil, I am pleased to announce point of order. During each of the questions asked that the government has commissioned an this morning honourable members opposite have independent review of Mobil's plans. taken points of order and at no stage have those points of order been upheld. Equally, during each Honourable members interjecting. question that was asked you, Mr Speaker, have had to call various members of the opposition to order. The SPEAKER - Order! Honourable members who interject are simply interrupting and delaying This has been a deliberate tactic that members of the question time. opposition have undertaken not only today but in a series of preceding question times in this Parliament Honourable members interjecting. to delay question time so that at the end of question time the honourable member for Warrnambool can The SPEAKER - Order! The Premier will pause quote a series of statistics showing that the until the House comes to order. government has not provided sufficient time for question time, when the reality is that it is Ms KIRNER - In agreement with Mobil the opposition members who have been delaying review will ensure full public consultation, and will question time, as they have today. be headed by the Professor of Geography at the University of Melbourne, Professor Michael Webber. Mr J. F. McGRATH (Warrnambool) -On the point of order, one does not need to refer to any I am interested in the reaction of the opposition. more statistics than the fact that today only three Recently opposition members have made the questions have been asked in 20 minutes of question occasional visit to the western suburbs and it is time. I take up the point of order raised by the interesting that they have no understanding that in honourable member for Thomastown and say that order to obtain the Mobil investment the community interjections are coming from both sides of the has to support it, the industry has to support it and House. I call on you, Mr Speaker, to use the powers it has to be based on sustainable development and invested in you to make sure that honourable proper planning. I hear the laughter from the members on both sides of the House show the opposition benches. respect to question time that it deserves so that it can take on some meaning. Short and concise answers Mr HONEYWOOD (Warrandyte) - On a point would make Parliament accountable to the people, of order, Mr Speaker, some 20 minutes of a which is what it should be all about. 3O-minute question time period has been taken up by the Premier answering three questions. The The SPEAKER - Order! I do not uphold the Parliament of Papua New Guinea looks a lot better point of order raised by the honourable member for than this Parliament, and if we are not to become - Warrandyte. However, at the point at which he interrupted proceedings the Premier was starting to diverge from the point of the question. I ask the Honourable members interjecting. Premier to return to the point of the question and to round off her answer. The SPEAKER - Order! It is impossible for the House to hear the point of order being raised by the Ms KIRNER (Premier) - The action team in honourable member for Warrandyte. I ask conjunction with representatives of Mobil has come honourable members on my right to remain silent so to the conclusion that the best way to work through that the honourable member can be heard. the difficult issues of transport, the economy and the environment is to have a single person, Professor Mr HONEYWOOD - So that the Parliament Webber, prepare for the government's consideration does not begin to look like the Papua New Guinea an integrated report to move this important Parliament, perhaps you should ask the Premier to investment project forward for Victoria. This is a round off her answer so that we can get a fourth clear example of where and how Victoria should be question up today. going forward in industry. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Wednesday, 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 889

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE INDUSTRIES Ms KIRNER - I have plenty of time. There is no formal indication that Victoria has lost the plant. Mr KENNFIT (Leader of the Opposition) - I There has been no formal indication that the plant address my question to the Premier. I refer to her will not be in Benalla. If I appeared to indicate to the earlier answer when she admitted that Victoria had House that there had been a formal decision on lost the opportunity for the proposed Australian whether the plant would go to Benalla, I was not Defence Industries plant at Benalla, and about 400 indicating that a formal decision had been made. jobs associated with it. On what date was the There has been no formal decision so far as I know. government informed that Victoria had lost the opportunity to construct that plant and, importantly, Mr Bildstien - She said she was disappointed! If what were the reasons Victoria lost it? that's not an indication I don't know what is!

Ms KIRNER (Premier) - There is no formal The SPEAKER - Order! I warn the honourable confirmation that the plant will go to Benalla or to member for Mildura: his behaviour is quite Wagga Wagga. The point I was making and which I unacceptable. If he continues to flout the Standing make again is that it is important to ensure that the Orders I will deal with him appropriately. House understands that on industry policy -- Ms KIRNER - I would be very disappointed if Mr KENNFIT (Leader of the Opposition) - On that was the case. Until we get a formal decision on a point of order, Mr Speaker, in her earlier answer Benalla we will continue to work on the issue. I have today the Premier indicated that Victoria had lost received no indication. If what I said in an earlier the Australian Defence Industries plant proposed for answer was taken by the opposition to suggest there Benalla to interstate. She mentioned New South was a formal decision on Benalla, that is incorrect. Wales in particular. Given that the Premier indicated that Victoria had lost that manufacturing industry, I Honourable members interjecting. ask: on what date was the government informed, and what was the reason for the decision? If in fact The SPEAKER - Order! The Leader of the Victoria has not lost it, how does she justify her first OppOSition, the Leader of the National Party and the answer? Deputy Leader of the Opposition are making it difficult for honourable members to hear the The SPEAKER - Order! There is no point of Premier's reply on what by any definition is an order. imporl'Ult issue.

Ms KIRNER (Premier) - Discussion is Ms KIRNER - I shall spell our position out proceeding about where ADI should go, and there is dearly for the opposition because it does not seem to a great possibility that it may go to New South want to understand. First, as the Leader of the Wales because of its proximity to industry. It is National Party has said to me personally, we have to based on commercial decisions. work hard to get the ADI plant at Benalla, having not got it for the western suburbs. Mr KENNFIT - On a point of order, Mr Speaker, that is not what the Premier said in her first The Leader of the National Party and I know that answer. If she was incorrect, I ask her to withdraw the Department of Manufacturing and Industry that answer and to tell the House truthfully where Development has been working on the project. If a the Australian Defence Industries plant now stands. formal decision has been made then I certainly do Is it lost to Victoria or is the answer she is now not know about it - perhaps the honourable giving the correct answer? member for Benalla knows that the plant is not going to Benalla. If that is the case I would be very The SPEAKER - Order! There is no point of disappointed, but I have no knowledge of such a order. formal decision.

Ms KIRNER (Premier) - There is no formal I was reacting to what I thought I heard the Leader indication to Victoria -- of the National Party say, and that is that it had gone; I assumed he had some information that I did Honourable members interjecting. not have. If I misconstrued the answer or position of the honourable member then I apologise. The answer is that I have no formal information. I again PETITION

890 ASSEMBLY Wednesday. 2 October 1991 repeat that the government has no fonnal advice on It .. It It It this issue and until it receives that fonnal advice it will work on the project and is happy to work with The following proclamations fixing operative dates the honourable member for Bena1la. In terms of for various Acts were laid upon the table by the where Victoria is going in its manufacturing Clerk, pursuant to an Order of the House dated 25 industry honourable members should remember October 1988: that the issue is the total policy, and one project does not determine the total policy. Architects Act 1991 - Whole Act; 18 September 1991 (Gazette No. 547, 18 September 1991) PETITION Corrections (prison Management and Prisoners) Act The Oerk - I have received the following 1991- Whole Act; 1 October 1991 (Gazette No. G37, 25 petition for presentation to the Parliament: September 1991)

Desexing of cats and dogs Wildlife (Amendment) Act 1990 - Section 12; 25 September 1991 (Gazette No. G37, 25 September 1991) To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled: ABORIGINAL LAND (TRANSFER) BILL

The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of the Introduction and first reading State of Victoria showeth that members of Animal Welfare organisations and other community members Mr ROPER (Treasurer) introduced a Bill to revoke are concerned at the number of stray cats and dogs the reservation and Crown grant of certain land which have to be cared for and destroyed by Animal and to authorise the grant of that land to an Welfare services. Aboriginal organisation and for other purposes.

Your petitioners therefore pray: Read first time.

That the government of Victoria acknowledge the MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY work of accredited animal welfare organisations by (HAWTHORN) BILL improving the level of funding and thus enabling them to provide an adequate service to the Introduction and first reading community, and That the government enact a law to ensure that all Mr SHEEHAN (Minister for Finance) introduced a cats and dogs, other than those registered for Bill to provide for the merger of the Hawthorn breeding purposes, are desexed. Institute of Education with Hawthorn Institute of Education Limited and for the affiliation of the Your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. institute with the University of Melbourne and for other purposes. By Mrs Barker (655 signatures)

PAPERS Read first time. VICTORIAN CURRICULUM AND Laid on table by Oerk: ASSESSMENT BOARD (AMENDMENT) BILL Building Societies Council- Report of the Treasurer of the reasons for the failure to submit the annual report Introduction and first reading by 30 September. Mr A. J. SHEEHAN (Minister for Finance) Docklands Authority Act 1991 - Report by the Minister introduced a Bill to amend the Victorian of the reasons for the granting of an extension of time Curriculum and Assessment Board Act 1986 to for the Docklands Authority to submit their annual make further provision for the constitution of the report. Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board and for other purposes.

Read first time. FAIR TRADING (ENVIRONMENTAL LABELLING) BILL

Wednesday, 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 891

FAIR TRADING (ENVIRONMENTAL cent; unemployment, 27.6 per cent to 87.6 per cent; LABELLING) BILL retail turnover, 3.7 per cent to -1.2 per cent; new vehicle registrations, -186 per cent to -200 per cent; Introduction and first reading and bankruptcies, 46.7 per cent to 71.3 per cent. Since 1982 the State debt has increased by 175 per Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and Emergency cent, which equals $6714 for every man, woman and Services) introduced a Bill to prohibit the child. advertising of goods with misleading claims about their environmental advantages, to amend the Fair In the light of the mismanagement of the State, I Trading Act 1985 and for other purposes. shall refer to an issue in my community which has been raised in the House on previous occasions. I Read first time. refer to a mini-National Safety Council of Australia-type fraud involving corruption and a APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL huge waste of money. and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. Last November, after members of staff raised certain 2) BILL matters, the internal auditor at the Keith Turnbull Research Institute, Mr Rice, reported that there had Second reading been fraud and mismanagement of funds in excess of $300 000. Debate resumed from 1 October; motions of Mr ROPER (Treasurer) and Mr A. J. SHEEHAN The matter was raised with the Minister for (Minister for Finance). Conservation and Environment in the House on 27 March 1991 by my colleague the honourable Mr WEIDEMAN (Frankston South) - I support member for Syndal, as nothing had been done on the my colleagues on the opposition benches who have issue. The matter raised was that work worth only highlighted many bad aspects of the Budget. It is a $10 000 was awarded without tender by an institute Budget of no jobs and no hope and exposes employee to a relative of his for $32 716. Building enonnous problems in the financial management of contracts to the value of $258 000 were allocated by Victoria. The Premier and Treasurer have said Mr Keith Jaclcson, the technical manager of the Victoria has a liability of the order of $30 billion, but institute, without tenders being called for. This was added to that is the State's unhmded liability of $53 supported by his director, Mr Bob Campbell, billion. without building approval of the then Ministry of Housing and Construction or the Department of It took Victoria 149 years to reach a liability of $1.1 Conservation and Environment. One wonders what billion. The State is now faced with a liability three were the kickbacks and what were the amounts paid. times that amount, and that problem has been created during the reign of the Labor Party. The A relative of an employee of the institute was paid losses include: State Bank VictOria, $1.7 billion; $2000, more than five times the value of the work National Safety Council of Australia (Victorian undertaken, which was $390. In response the DiviSion), $195 million; and the Victorian Economic Minister said he had not been aware of the matters Development Corporation, $2.7 billion. until question time that day and that he would investigate as soon as question time was finished Unemployment is a major problem in Victoria. In and would respond in due course. I understand the answer to a question asked this morning the Premier Minister responded on that day by issuing a press said the unemployment rate in Victoria is more than release. He has not responded to Parliament. 10 per cent. Over the past year the number of unemployed people in Victoria has doubled. Figures Is this another example of serious accusations being released by the Commonwealth Employment made in Parliament and a Minister not being Service dealing with the electorate of Frankston prepared to make a statement on the accuracy of show that over the past twelve months those statements and documents? In saying what he unemployment has increased by 139 per cent. said the Minister misled the House: he has not duly reported to the House. I shall refer to some economic indicators and compare the State's position last year with this I raise the issue on behalf of a constituent who year's situation: jobs lost, -1.1 per cent to -6.2 per contacted me and was one of the persons who raised APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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the issue with the internal auditor. He told me that investigations to be carried out. It is unbelievable he had informed middle management of some of the that the Minister can let such a situation continue. issues and had received no response. He also said Staff are seeking medical advice because of the stress that 95 per cent of the staff are upset by the inaction. they are under. In my time as a Parliamentarian a number of public servants have taken up matters The internal auditor recommended that Mr Keith with Ministers and departments only to find they Jaclcson be transferred to the department's have been hidden away or hounded out of the headquarters in Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, service for telling the truth. but the Director of the Land Protection Division of the department, Mr Bob Campbell, stopped this The Minister is derelict in his duty. In 1985 the from happening. I suggest this is akin to having a Minister answered certain questions, the answers to vampire in charge of the blood bank. He has been which I knew were not accurate. I took the matter up involved in deception involving $70 000, theft of with him and he said, "Don't worry, nobody really more than $7000 and fraud amounting to $258 000. cares". I care. What is happening is being done with criminal intent. It is unbelievable that it has The people who raised the issue with the internal continued for twelve months. auditor and others have been removed from their pOSitions and put into jobs where they cannot I directed to the attention of the Attomey--General defend themselves. They have no access to raise the some time ago the issue of the Lady Nell Seeing Eye matters with the appropriate authorities. Dog School after the problem had been continuing for twelve months. The following day I received a It is my understanding that, because of the recent letter from the Attomey--General indicating that four murders and other activities in the Frankston area, gentlemen were to be appointed to investigate the the police have not had the staff to undertake matter. The document was not worth the paper it investigations at the institute. I should imagine that was printed on. with an amount of $300 000 involved - and that is what we know about - the matter should be Today after twelve months the Minister has had the properly investigated. opportunity of making a Significant input but has wasted money, just as money was wasted with the Some staff have been encouraged to take National Safety Council of Australia. I was one redundancy packages. Honourable members are member who raised the issue but the government well aware of what that has meant in recent weeks. I took no action. Why does the Minister not go and go understand that Mr Jackson was offered a very quietly? lucrative package to stand down but decided against it to ensure that he is protected, in light of what has In his reply to the Budget the Leader of the occurred at the institute. The internal auditor, after Opposition said the opposition wanted to regain the talking to the Auditor--General, made the following spirit of Victoria. That was one of the challenges for recommendations to the Department of a new government and what has to be done in the Conservation and Environment: that it institute civil next ten years. Other objectives are education, the proceedings concerning transactions involving Mr economy and the environment. Jackson, his family and others. I was not aware of the next recommendation - the honourable In education Victoria must return to excellence in member for Syndal, the shadow Minister, by primary and secondary schools. Changes are interjection that he was not aware of it not, despite necessary in rebuilding the economy in the next being the one who raised the issue in Parliament - decade and Victoria must encourage industry and which recommends that, pursuant to the Audit Act, attract business. Changes must be made to the department conduct a hearing concerning Mr WorkCare and there must be reward for good Jackson's involvement. As I understand it, none of performance. Changes should be made to payroll those recommendations has been carried out. tax, the environment and quality of life.

Where is the Minister on this issue? Appropriate My main interest is in the health portfolio. The action concerning the involvement or the lack of Treasurer said there will be joint action between involvement of the Department of Conservation and Victoria and New South Wales to combat tax Environment in certain circumstances led to a public evasion, particularly the evasion of tobacco franchise investigation and recommendation that fees. It is expected that will yield $10 million a year. management be removed to enable particular That is nonsense. I\PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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I am a member of the board of the Victorian Health In addition to the reduction of revenue in Victoria Promotion Foundation. The reality is that New because of the tax evasion there has been a South Wales took on the 50 per cent tax and in voluntary reduction in tobacco consumption in Victoria it increased from 35 per cent to 50 per cent Victoria. Between 1981 and 1990 there was a 9 per in the last Budget. When I returned to Parliament in cent reduction in smoking in this State. To one who 1985 I congratulated the government because I has been involved in the Victorian Health Promotion thought more information and less disinformation Foundation it is delightful to see $3 million -10 per was being provided in the Budget. Now we have cent of its basic income ~ being spent on promoting gone full circle; information is provided in the health a reduction in the use of tobacco products in this area which no-one can find out about. State.

The information in relation to tobacco franchises is Voluntary and involuntary bans have been applied nonsense; the government is trying to get $20 in the workplace, particularly in government million through the court system. I ask the Treasurer buildings but also in private buildings. People must to find out how many companies have been taken to now go outside to smoke, which they find court over the past few years in an attempt by the unsatisfactory, and so have cut down on their government to get money. Most are $2 companies smoking. and have no money to pay. The courts can fine them millions of dollars but the government will not get There has also been significant discounting and $1 out of them. It is unlikely the government will get price cutting by the tobacco industry. Those $1 out of the $10 million mentioned in Budget Paper involved know that those who smoke a 25-pack No. I. supplement the cost of the SO-pack that is directed at young people. The facts I have suggest that at the moment the government is seeking revenue of $20 million in the Honourable members will be aware that in the order Supreme Court through the imposition of fines, of 70000 people need to take up smoking to replace including penalties. Penalty charges are fixed at the those 20 000 people who die each year as a result of rate of 100 per cent of the evaded tax. There are 13 smoking-related illness. Young people between the 000 retailers selling cigarettes in Victoria. The ages of fourteen and eighteen years are providing VictOrian Business Franchise Act does not compel their replacements. wholesalers to be licensed in Victoria. I do not understand how the Treasurer can make a Any person can buy cigarettes from Queensland. big point of gaining any income from taking to court Many of us know what is happening, what is being those who do not pay their tobacco franchise fees. done by the smarties in our community, aided by Clearly Queensland will not take any action on the the tobacco companies that declared they would not issue and will not increase its tobacco franchise fee. do it but are doing it. At the moment there are The Queensland income figures are amazing, having container loads of cigarettes sitting up on the border increased by some 50 per cent over recent times. of New South Wales and Queensland. Anybody can check that out by asking the New South Wales In Victoria, the fees have increased from 35 per cent stamps office. The containers are hooked up to to 50 per cent, but that 15 per cent increase has a real prime movers and later brought back to Victoria. effect of 20 per cent on the income of the State. In The cigarettes are manufactured in Victoria, taken to fact, some 30 per cent of the 50 per cent of tobacco Queensland, orders are placed through Queensland fees has been lost to Queensland and other States. and the cigarettes are brought back to Victoria. Honourable members will have noted that the You do not have to be a licensed wholesaler to buy Budget Papers refer to an expected decrease from the products but if you are selling the tobacco - we $260 million to $230 million in the income from have all seen the cut-price cigarettes on sale around tobacco franchise fees. The Victorian Health Melbourne and Victoria - you pay the tax. Retailers Promotion Foundation will have a resultant must ring the Stamps Duties Office, tell the office decrease in its allocation, which will go from last they went to Queensland and purchased a quantity year's amount of $26 million to $23 million. The of tobacco products at a discount because the tax decrease will affect the foundation's capacity to payable is only 35 per cent, and then they are make its contribution to the community. However, expected to pay the tax in Victoria. You can imagine the foundation is pleased to accept that because the how much that is happening! decrease in the tobacco franchise fees is directly APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

894 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991

related to its work and the Quit campaign, not to their hospitals, which have been established as some accounting exercise that is being carried out in centres of excellence, may be closed down. A Queensland. coalition government would ensure that a health service is provided in all areas of Victoria. I ask: how Members of the government have made great play can one keep people in country Victoria if services both inside and outside the House of the policies of are not prOVided for them? the National-Liberal coalition. They have asked what action will be taken when the coalition comes to During this time of recession, particularly in country power. I want to include in Hansard ten points that areas, the cost of travel is a consideration. If people will be addressed in the first few months of a have to travel long distances to gain access to health coalition government. services they will be paying an even higher cost for those services. Recently I attended a conference One of the points announced in the speech of the where I was told that people from St Arnaud now Leader of the Opposition in the Budget debate was have to travel to Melbourne for their health services. that the coalition will conduct a full audit of the The Labor government talks constantly about the State public sector to establish the State's assets. An costs of services but members of the government audit committee will be appointed on the Sunday should bear in mind that people in country areas after the election and will report to this House will have an even higher cost imposed on them within six months of appointment. Members of the because already they are paying more for their committee will be qualified in every respect so that petrol. If the cost of petrol had been maintained at they will be able to carry out the audit satisfactorily the rate it was 30 years ago, country Victorians and as a result everyone will know what is would be paying 30 cents a litre instead of the 68 happening in this State. Currently no-one has any cents a litre they are paying now. idea of the outstanding State debt. Victorians are told that it is in the order of $30 billion and then that, Mr J. F. McGrath - Try 73 cents! because of unfunded liabilities, it could be $53 billion. The assets of the State must be known so that Mr WEIDEMAN - In Frankston we are paying it can be run properly. 68 cents a litre. However, the figures demonstrate one of the problems our country cousins are facing. A coalition government will stop the government sector being involved in private sector investments. Another obvious improvement that will be made by Those honourable members who have been here an incoming coalition government will be a since 1982 will be aware of government involvement reduction in the State's influence on everyone's life. in private sector activities and of the absolutely Those of us in business will be particularly aware of disgraceful results. Government resources will be the need to effect this change. The coalition will redirected to delivery of core services such as health, reduce the number of government departments from education, law and order, and transport. 22 to 11, thereby reducing some of the administrative duplication. I referred earlier to the My country colleagues are most concerned that the Department of Conservation and Environment and smaller country hospitals are being shut down. the need to close the Keith Tumbull Research When one reads the Budget Papers relating to health Institute at Frankston. one becomes concerned about how the health dollar is being spent. When hospitals were established A coalition government will reduce the size of the throughout the Wimmera and the northern parts of Public Service and obviously will not replace those Victoria they were based on how far someone could who leave. I hope we will have the right people to travel in a dray. Hospitals were located about 30 ensure the proper performance of the Public Service. miles apart so that people could get there and back I hold public servants in high regard and consider ina day. they do excellent jobs. Honourable members who have been Parliamentarians for some time will Mr J. F. McGrath - We didn't have drays in 1956! appreciate the support and help they have had from many thousands of public servants. Mr WEIDEMAN - No. Some of the hospitals were established more than 100 years ago. I was I refer to some of the issues raised by public servants referring particularly to the hospitals in the who feel they are being cheated and their livelihoods Wimmera. I have sympathy with people in small threatened by government inaction and the country towns who are being threatened because problems that are being deliberately created. ~PROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 1) BILL

Wednesday, 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 895

A coalition government will implement a debt the year 2010 people will not be retiring at the age of reduction strategy that will be carried out with a 65. debt reduction agency. Honourable members will agree this will be an important task, given that the Health promotion is encouraging people to live well. State has a debt of some $30 billion. One of the slogans currently around Melbourne is, '1f old age is catching up with you, walk a little Honourable members will be aware of the coalition's faster". privatisation objectives regarding the State Insurance Office, the Law Printer and other Honourable members can see that the Budget is a agencies. A coalition government will contract out disgrace because the government has lost many of the functions currently undertaken by opportunities and as a result jobs have been lost We government agencies to achieve a higher level of are left with enonnous problems and it is a matter of efficiency in those areas. A range of government the government deciding quickly to go to an election. services will be considered for corporatisation. Committees of Parliament are considering these Mr PERTON (Doncaster) - As the honourable issues. A coalition government will review member for Frankston South has just indicated, this industrial relations, retail trading and a rar.ge of is a Budget that offers no hope to our community, other issues. which is distressed because it is suffering from the worst recession for some time. The young people of In the time I have left, I want to concentrate on the Victoria look upon their Parliamentary leaders, coalition's health policy. If honourable members business leaders and union leaders with contempt reflect back they will remember that the health because they offer them no hope for careers and jobs. policy of the Liberal Party was accepted far and wide in the community as being innovative and In my contribution to the debate I shall examine one looking to improving health services in the future. A aspect of the expenditure of the Department of the coalition government will provide health services Premier and Cabinet, that is, expenditure for the for all Victorians and will re-establish the standing central policy coordination role of that department of Victorian hospitals. Hospital campuses in this which received an increased Budget allocation of State will become areas of excellence and study. A $11.327 million for the next financial year. This is a coalition government will abolish the Office of cause of great concern. This expenditure has seen a Psychiatric Services and integrate those services into gross abuse of taxpayers' funds as the government the general hospital system. has used taxpayers' money to fund its own political polling for its own campaigning purposes. If the State is to establish centres of excellence to provide services in the mental health area, emphasis This is not a new story. It first hit public prominence must be placed on tertiary education and teaching. in about 1988 when the Honourable Mark Birrell, The result will be that Victoria will gain prominence from another place, sought information on the in that field. With many others in our community I Department of Premier and Cabinet public attitudes have been concerned that mental health services are monitoring program under the Freedom of the poor relation in the health system. As a result of Information Act. When Mr Birrell made that request our population ageing, the incidence of senile the response of the then Premier, the honourable dementia and Alzheimer's disease will increase over member for Bundoora, was to declare that those the next decade. Currently in the order of 16 per cent documents were Cabinet documents, and Mr Birrell of our population are over the age of 60 years. By the was forced to undertake expensive proceedings year 2010, 26 per cent of the population will be over through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal at 60; and by the year 2030, 30 per cent will be over the which hearing the government briefed a Queen's age of 60 years. Counsel and junior barristers and called professors from universities to bolster its position. When your grandfather was born, Mr Acting Speaker, the average life span was approximately 39 Despite that expenditure, the government was years; when my father was born he had a life defeated. It then appealed to the Supreme Court and expectancy of 53 years. The average life expectancy it was again defeated. The government then is now 73.8 years for males and 78.3 years for appealed to the High Court and it was yet again females. It is expected to increase a decade for those defeated. The government was then under an children who are born today. The reality is that by obligation to hand over to Mr Birrell documents relating to the public attitude monitoring program. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

896 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991

He received those documents which related to some views on the Kimer government's performance not public opinion polls conducted by Australian only on conservation and environment matters but National Opinion Polls (ANOP), a polling also on public transport and how people intended to organisation renowned in the community as the vote at the next State election. Australian Labor Party pollster. Mr Rod Cameron is a director of ANOP and he is regarded as one of the If attitudes on conservation and environment were Prime Minister's principal advisers about election the purpose of the study, that information should campaign techniques. have gone to the Department of Conservation and Environment and to the Minister, but it did not The Mr Birrell received a series of summaries of opinion volume stayed in the Department of the Premier and polls which contained no detailed results and no Cabinet. If it was conducted for the purposes of questionnaires that were used by the consultants. conservation it was strange that those results were Despite the fact that the opposition had been told by not forwarded to the responsible department. people in the community that they had been approached by government pollsters asking how It was extraordinary for the government to claim they would vote, when the opposition gained access that these questions were standard. Why did the to the documents there were no details, tabulations ANOP hand over the results of the other opinion or questionnaires. There were no details about how polls to the Premier's department? I suggest -and the $SOO 000 of taxpayers' money had been spent. the advice I have received is - that this is not a practice developed solely by the Victorian Labor The story goes on. Party.

One would have thought when the High Court In many countries the polling that was undertaken ruled that the government was required to provide for the government by ANOP would be a corrupt or the documents that it would then comply with the criminal action. In many cases ANOP has won spirit of the court decision, but that was not the case. tenders from the State and Federal governments despite its not having been the lowest tenderer. In November 1990 I made a request under FoI seeking the results of what I then believed to be the I have a copy of a document released under the 1989-90 polling of the Cain and Kimer governments. Freedom of Information Act, which is a The government spent thousands of taxpayers' memorandum written by Irving Saulwick to Mr dollars fighting legal proceedings preventing me Michael Consolo, Director, policy section, from gaining access to those documents for seven Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Paragraph 3 months. The significance of that became clear when of the memorandum shows the quotes supplied by we received the documents which included more each of the companies that were invited to tender for polls from ANOP without questionnaires and the program. detailed tabulations, but we also received a poll that had been prepared by Reark Research Pty Ltd which ANOP Research Services Pty Ltd, the Australian contained the following two questions: Labor Party pollster, quoted a price of $106 500, whereas Reark Research Pty Ltd quoted a price of If a State election were held tomorrow which party $92 270 for the same program, a difference of some would be most likely to receive your first preference? $14000. The assessment made of the tender by Irving Saulwick is revealing: If a Federal election was held tomorrow which party would be most likely to receive your first preference? The lowest tenderer, Reark Research, is capable of conducting this work. One might have thought that opinion poll was to find out how people would vote at the next election, If they were invited to participate in the program, they but it was addressing the monitoring of attitudes to should be required not to engage in other work which conservation and the environment. could imply a conflict of interest.

There were approximately 900 pages of detailed They are one of Australia's largest independent market tabulation, which came in two volumes. One volume research companies, have an extensive and experienced actually did relate to conservation and executive staff, and have very good field work and environmental matters but the second volume computing resources. They are in my view, capable of contained a detailed cross-analysis of community conducting this work with competence and integrity. ~PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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If the government had any competence and integrity member for Bundoora, and the current Premier, the it would have given the contract to Reark Research. member for Williamstown, have much to answer for. Instead, ANOP, the ALP's pollster, headed by Rod Cameron, one of Bob Hawke's closest advisers, was This organised scam is not happening only at the given the contract despite not submitting the lowest State level. I refer to an article in the Sunday Herald of tender and despite the lowest tenderer being 28 October 1990 in which Senator Bronwyn Bishop described as competent and capable of acting with describes her attempts to undertake the same integrity. analysis of Federal Labor government funding. The article says that in many cases the government That is extraordinary, especially when one has refused to give her the results of ANOP polls regard to the amount of money the Cain and Kirner because certain departments could not find copies of governments have paid to their mates at ANOP. the reports of the surveys that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayers' money. The list I shall quote from is incomplete because the results of some of the polls conducted by ANOP are Senator Bishop said that often government hidden away in other accounts and documents in departments did not have computer print-outs of other organisations. Nevertheless, in 1984 ANOP the surveys because they were never asked far and was awarded a contract for $120 000 to conduct that on other occasions they refused to provide the attitude surveys; in 1985 it was awarded a contract questionnaires used by Rod Cameron's ANOP for $88 000 to carry out two attitude surveys. Again Research Services Pty Ltd. in 1985 it was awarded a contract for $22 000 to make a study of the State's industrial relations. In The coalition knows that the results of the surveys 1986 ANOP was awarded three contracts -one for conducted by the ANOP and other government $39 000 to carry out a survey on liquor law reform; pollsters have been given to the State and Federal one for $290 000 to carry out four attitude studies; ALP strategy committees. I ask the Premier to what and one for $22 000 to make an analysis of attitudes extent she has been involved in the construction and to education. use of the polls, and to what extent the head of her policy section, Mr Michael Consolo, has been In 1987 ANOP was awarded a contract for $359 800 involved in negotiating the precise structure of the to carry out four attitude surveys; and in 1988 it was polls with Mr Irving Saulwick. awarded a contract for $417900 to conduct four attitude surveys. In 1990 two contracts were I have placed a question on the Notice Paper which awarded - one for $106 500 to make an analysis of asks when the results of the polls were handed over community expectations about the state of Victoria's to Mr Bob Hogg and other ALP strategists. In all her economy; and another for $106 500 to conduct a public statements, the Premier has skirted around survey of the attitudes of those living in the growth the issue. corridors of Berwick, Werribee and Plenty to Victorian government services. In return for giving contracts to its pollster mates, the government has received free polling advice, In 1991 ANOP was awarded a contract for $106 500 free strategic advice and free political planning to carry out a survey on public attitudes to the advice worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from government's health system. I understand that the Mr Rod Cameron. Department of Manufacturing and Industry Development has given the company at least three Mr Seitz interjected. large contracts to study Victorians' attitudes to the manufacturing sector. Mr PERTON - The honourable member for Keilor, who is perhaps the last representative of the In all, some $1.5 million of taxpayers money has old communist left, says, "Prove it". If the Premier is been paid by the government to its ALP mates . prepared to give honest answers to my questions on despite ANOP not necessarily being the best notice she will be forced to reveal that the results of tenderer and despite its being the highest tenderer in the polls undertaken by ANOP have been given many cases. Such conduct by a government in the directly to State and Federal ALP strategy United States of America or in other countries that committees. have strict open government laws would be deemed not only illegal but criminal. The former Premier, the I have no doubt that Federal Ministers sitting around the Cabinet table have seen the results of APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 1) BILL

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polls on voting intentions conducted and paid for at information could damage the economy of Victoria. taxpayers' expense. Is that absurd or what? Is it not absurd to say that Victorians should not hear about their own Mr Seitz interjected. attitudes - on which the information has been accumulated at public expense - because somehow Mr PERTON - The honourable member for the opinions of Victorians will damage their own Keilor knows all about the corrupt misuse of public economy? moneys. It is an extraordinary matter, and if we have to take Mr Seitz interjected. it to the courts, we will do so because the government's corrupt misuse of taxpayers' money Mr PERTON - The member for Keilor, who has has to be directed to the attention of the community. been involved in one of the most corrupt misuses of I hope that ultimately those who authorised this Victorian taxpayers' money, interjects to defend the corrupt misuse of taxpayers' money will be brought Premier and her department. to justice.

This is not simply a matter of money changing Mr Seitz interjected. hands. I refer to an article in the Herald-Sun of 24 July 1991 which reports the announcement by the Mr PERTON - The honourable member for Federal Minister for Transport and Communications Keilor interjects constantly and talks about $500 000. of the appointment of Mr Rod Cameron, the head of He refers to an accusation made by the Minister for ANOP and a mate of the member for Bundoora and Manufacturing and Industry Development in the Prime Minister, to a five-year position on the another place, Mr David White, that my freedom of board of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. information (Fol) requests have cost the community The appointment is an extraordinary abuse of a $500 000. Of course there would be no need to spend government pOSition funded by the taxpayers, no a penny on FoI if the government were not so doubt made for the government's own polling secretive and corrupt. purposes. The Minister for Manufacturing and Industry I call on the Premier to disclose the nature and Development has used an imaginary figure. If one results of all of the polls conducted by ANOP and to examines the Attomey-General's own report on show what use the Labor Party has made of them. freedom of infonnation, one notes that access charges calculated by his department amount to I repeat: such conduct in the United States would be $110 000. When one considers that 20 per cent of illegal and criminal, because United States law those requests are from members of Parliament and provides that polls conducted at public expense that the Minister alleges that my requests constitute must be revealed to the public. Not only the Premier 50 per cent of those, one realises that the true cost of has been involved -- my FoI requests is about $5000; yet the Minister put out a press release saying that the cost is $SOO 000. It Mr Seitz interjected. is nonsense, it is untruthful, and it again demonstrates the government's corruption and lack The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Norris) - Order! of respect for truth. The honourable member for Keilor must cease interjecting. Victoria is in a dreadful state. The economy has never been worse. But this government continues to Mr PERTON - The Minister for Conservation misuse taxpayers' money for its own political and Environment, Steve Crabb, engaged a research purposes. organisation, Noel Pascoe and Associates, to examine public attitudes to the selling off of Debate adjourned on motion of Mr WALSH softwood pine plantations. The results of the study (Albert Park). have been denied to me despite my applying for them under freedom of information provisions. Debate adjourned until later this day.

The Minister's reason for not releasing the information on the public's opinions about the sell-off of the plantations was that the release of that APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BD.,L

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APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL Second reading and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. Debate resumed from earlier this day; motions of 2) BILL Mr ROPER (Treasurer) and Mr A. J. SHEEHAN (Minister for Finance). Order of the Day read for resumption of debate. Mr LEA (Sandringham) - The opportunity shop Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I declare that these in Sandringham shows a sign stating "food Bills are urgent Bills, and I move: donations welcome". The Citizens Advice Bureau has run out of food vouchers. The empty shop That these Bills be considered urgent Bills. windows bear mute testimony to the hard times. The fire station, which was once the proud symbol Required number of members rose indicating of Sandringham, no longer exists. The hospital has approval of motion being put. faced cuts to casualty and outpatient services for the past two years. There have been cuts to home and Motion agreed to. community care services, and the police station, which was once on the high priority list, has slipped Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I move: down the list so that it is not a priority for thiS or next financial year. That the time allotted in connection with the Bills be as follows: It has been a hard time for the people of Sandringham. It is hard being a Uberal and it is hard For the remaining stages of the Bills until 3.30 p.m. facing a government that has not changed its stance this day. and has gained momentum only in the decay of the That should allow all honourable members who economy since it has taken government. wish to do so to make a contribution. It will mean that more than 60 members will have made a It is interesting to note that the Premier has not contribution to the debate over 30 hours; that spoken in the Budget debates last year or this year. It represents a record number of members and a seems astonishing that she has not wanted to lead record time. the debate in this important area. One would think that at the end of a decade one could look to Mr STOCK DALE (Brighton) - Mr Deputy progress and development, yet there is an air of Speaker, the opposition has found it necessary to ask despondency and despair, and unemployment is on its members to restrict the amount of time for which everybody's lips. they speak in the debate in order to accommodate the time limit that the Leader of the House indicated The youth unemployment rate is up to 30 per cent. he would propose in the guillotine motion. I do not In some country towns up to 70 per cent of young propose to cut into their time still further by people are out of work. We cannot level the blame debating the matter. for that totally at the government, but we can blame it for financial mismanagement. I do not wish to list Obviously it would have been preferable if the the litany of financial disasters of the past two or debate had been allowed to run its full course. The three years and the mismanagement that have debate would have been only a little longer if the helped to create the economic downturn that this Leader of the House had been prepared not to State has experienced. invoke the guillotine. But, in the interests of allowing honourable members the opportunity to One has only to examine the small business sector to speak, although it opposes the guillotine, the note the disguised unemployment in that area. In opposition will not divide on the matter as it wishes Bay Road a number of engineering firms are the debate to proceed as speedily as possible. working four-day and three-day weeks. If the Federal Minister for Employment, Education and Motion agreed to. Training were honest he would recognise that there are more than 1.1 million people out of work in Australia because many people are working less than full time. That would raise Victoria's official unemployment rate to 14 per cent compared with i\PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No.l) BILL

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the basic level of 10 per cent that is claimed at $30 billion with 29 per cent attributable to the State present. economy.

Business investment has been falling. In the financial There has been a need for cuts in spending. A 3.9 per year before last it decreased by 20 per cent and then cent reduction has been made in the education by a staggering 36 per cent in the last financial year. portfolio, with a 1.2 per cent decrease for health, a Business confidence in Victoria is at a low ebb and 12.7 per cent increase for community services and an Victoria has had its credit rating downgraded by 11.6 per cent increase for housing. Moody's Investors Service and other international investment agencies. Victoria has the highest rate of The House will be aware that the government has business taxes in Australia and cannot compete with borrowed $300 million for redundancy packages for other States. Hardly a week goes by when industries 6200 jobs, but has consequently created an industrial do not take off to New South Wales or Queensland. backlash. Budget cuts of $150 million have been made in the transport portfolio, with an expected In a speech on the Budget it is very easy to be reduction of 2000 jobs. The government has wielded critical; it is very easy to carp and it is very hard at the axe and tried to reduce expenditure. times to be constructive and offer solutions. I was speaking to members of the rural population By the same token, public transport fares have recently and realised that the outlook for them is increased by 34 per cent in the past financial year. even gloomier than it is for the city. There is no The community services budget has increased by bright future for the rural industry in Australia. The almost $80 million. A powder keg situation was new European Community (EC) is set to be created because of kindergarten funding. A massive formalised in 1992, America is setting its face hard public protest at cutbacks to kindergartens and against imports of Australian primary industries, subsidies for kindergarten teachers has turned and we face competition from an unrealised and around that decision. very different Asian market. It means that Australia will never gain an easy market for its overseas Savings of $83 million have been delivered in the agricultural and rural exports. education portfolio by slowing the promotions for teachers in the career restructure for the AST2 There is a desperate need to create jobs, enhance job positions. The Ministry is attempting to cut its security and raise living standards. They may seem figures by 400. A $5 million resource program is like glib words, but they are aims that I am sure the designed to boost library resources for the Victorian govenunent shares with the opposition. certificate of education and $2.8 million has been found for the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Cuts have been made to the State's income earners. Board. The tourist industry in Victoria is important yet the Victorian Tourism Commission funding has been Serious shortages have been created in the T AFE cut by $2.3 million. Surely that should be boosted to area. An article in the Brisbane Courier Mail headed create extra dollars for Victoria. "Funny figures" refers to the number of available T AFE places. The Federal Minister for Employment, Agriculture has had a 1 per cent reduction; that is Education and Training, Mr Dawkins, said there had minor compared with the 40 per cent earning been a 145000 shortfall in vacancies in Australia for capacity of the rural sector. next year, with an approximate 30 000 reduction in available T AFE places in Victoria. That statistic is The govenunent can be criticised for its failure to staggering because of Victoria's industrial needs and control debt. It borrowed $2.8 billion for public future development; young people will be unable to sector deficit. My information is that Budget sector obtain training places in T AFE colleges. deficit is $1.49 billion with a $398 million departmental cut brought about because of interest The Moorabbin College of T AFE is an excellent bills, payments for superannuation and the $180 establishment but people in their hundreds cannot million subSidy for Tricontinental Corporation Ltd. be accepted there. The government must improve its The State debt has been estimated at $6400 for every economic performance. Victorian man, woman and child. The public sector bill in the past financial year increased by The Ministry of Education and Training $340 million to $3.7 billion. The total debt is set at administrative staff complement in the Rialto building in 1982 was 400 for 590 000 students; in APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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1991,2000 administrative staff catered for 526 000 More disturbingly, it will mean that admission to the students. The 500 per cent increase in administrators hospital by local residents will be even more restricted in the public sector is in contrast to the 64 000 particularly on Thursdays and Fridays when it is reduction in the number of Victorian students. What considered that the patient may need to stay over the are employees in that building actually doing? weekend and also at weekends when the beds are closed. The $5 outpatient fee in the health portfolio will hit all Victorians. Health cuts total $2.94 billion. Taxes These people will have to find services elsewhere. and charges will rise by 10 per cent - well above the government prediction of a 4 per cent inflation Mr J. F. McGrath - Be sick on Monday, Tuesday rate. The hidden taxes on gas, water and electricity and Wednesday only. will increases costs by 11.6 per cent. The relief on payroll and land tax is marginal. Mr LEA - Yes. I commend the work done by the staff at the Sandringham hospital. With 30 per cent Last year the Treasurer forecast a $139 million of the population aged over 60 years, the budget Budget surplus but that blew out to $1.1 billion. This cuts will mean much hardship in the local area. The year the Budget surplus has been estimated at $1.5 elderly and those who are unable to support ' billion - I hope that figure does not blowout themselves financially will be most affected. The proportiona tely! additional costs will impose extra burdens. Insufficient beds will be available to residents even if The Sandringham and District Memorial Hospital they have the appropriate financial resources. has done an outstanding job over time, having been established in the 1960s; it has a good reputation in When I became a member of this place in 1985 the the local community. However, its budget has been rebuilding of the Sandringham police station was a cut by 4 per cent. Hospitals in the southern region high priority for the government. That priority then have suffered budget cuts averaging 2.5 per cent, slipped and appeared to disappear off the list. with the lowest decrease being 1.8 per cent. I question the Minister for Health in the other place Last year the Sandringham community was excited about why Sandringham has been singled out. The because we were fifteenth on the list of sixteen net effect will be a privatisation of the outpatient police stations to be built. But then suddenly, just facility and an increase in the cost of before the Budget, Sandringham's name Ineals-on-wheels, thereby affecting the sick and disappeared again and three other areas were plderly. promoted. The interesting fact is that Labor Party members held the relevant seats at that time. Many people in my electorate are in need, yet the cost of each meal delivered has increased from $2.37 Forty-five policemen are working in restricted and to $3.50. That has not been offset by any pension cramped surrounds, and I am concerned that, as increase, and is serious for the elderly. with the Sandringham and District Memorial Hospital, the police station has gone backwards I have received a letter from the Administrator of the because Sandringham is a safe Liberal seat and it Sandringham and District Memorial Hospital in does not make good political sense for the which he states: government to fund it.

The Monday to Friday operation of one surgical ward The area has lost its fire station, it does not have a means that the occupancy of the ward peaks during the proper police station and hospital funding has been middle of the week and troughs at each end resulting cut causing severe financial trouble. The Moorabbin in the inefficient use of the beds. College of TAFE has a shortage of places for apprentices and for training. One course, the The hospital does not have available beds at the Associate Diploma in Business Education, offered 50 weekend because its budget was cut. It cannot places, and 500 people applied. What kind of an afford to have beds vacant because of a outcome is that for people qualified to work in that rationalisation of services. The fifteen beds that were field? closed down about five years ago have not been reopened. He states: Home and community care offers domiciliary care to people in need in the Sandringham area. They are either elderly or physically or intellectually disabled APPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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people who receive special help from the This mayor may not be the last Budget produced by Sandringham council in their own homes to enable the government. We could still be here in twelve them to be independent and to live lives that are as months but signals are being given by the Victorian nonnal as possible. Funding in this area is an people that they want a change and that they are absolute necessity for an ageing population but tired of the direction the government is taking. Sandringham has suffered greatly in this regard. A virtue of democracy is that we have the chance to 1 should like the Treasurer to reorder the change government and change direction. The government's priorities for real need because the opposition is keen to take over and become the waste of the government both economically and government, and try to right these ills and problems financially is enormous. The aged deserve that have been created, sadly, after ten years of consideration, as do people who are disadvantaged, Labor rule. and surely better could be done in the Budget than has been achieved. Mr J. F. McGRATH (Warrnambool)-I appreciate the opportunity of speaking on this year's On a brighter note, the Edward Street beach has Budget. However, I am disappointed to say that I received funding, under the Office of the Ports, for am now speaking at a time when the guillotine has cliff restoration, which was an urgent necessity, so it been moved to short-circuit the debate. We should is not all doom and gloom. 1 know people will enjoy reconsider the procedures of this House in relation the use of that facility at Sandringham beach, which to Standing Orders and debate. is a facility for all Victorians. Fifty per cent of the people visiting the beach do not live locally, and Maybe it is time that we started taking note of the come from suburbs inland in Melbourne and in the suggestions put forward by you, Mr Speaker, and country. others concerning debating times in Parliament so that we do not reach the stage where the Treasurer is The Budget is a classic case of a Labor government allocating time to individual speakers; although as with Keynesian economic theories, borrowing the Treasurer said, the time allocated this year has money and increasing the public sector to create jobs. been generous in terms of the number of people who have spoken. In contrast, the Liberal view of economics would enable wealth to be created by the development of On a Bill of major importance such as the private enterprise and the stimulation of business Appropriation Bill, we should not be denied the through the cutting of running costs and on-costs for opportunity of participating in the people's place. businesses. In this way government could pay for That is what Parliament should be, a place where the social needs of people less able to look after every elected member of the Legislative Assembly themselves, who are disadvantaged through no fault - and there are 88 of us - has an opportunity of of their own. speaking.

Recent events around the world have led to the Although the Leader of the House has clearly disintegration, particularly in Europe, of basic suggested that adequate time has been made socialism. 1 do not know tha t one could equa te the available for members to speak, what we need to economies of those countries with the Victorian think about is the utilisation of those hours so that economy - 1 am sure it is not a proper comparison everybody maximises their opportunity to speak. - but it is about time Australia had a different view, There is a lot of repetition and duplication of promoting business and wealth so that more can be content. We ought to be correcting that situation. done to alleviate suffering and poverty. We need to create jobs and full employment. Also, we ought to be thinking about the provision of a separate Budget allocation for Parliament so that During the 1950s we had periods of full employment Parliament is not beholden to executive government. and we have had tight periods through the 1960s We should not have to go to government with our when, economically, things were a bit slow. The hand out to make provisions that ought to be there 1980s was a burgeoning time with much as a right. development and inflation, and now time has come for a change. We must not forget that it is a Parliament of the people. Parliament is here to make government and opposition members accountable to the people who APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILl

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elect them. At present we are using Parliament in a If we are ever to return to being the leading State in very devious and obstructive manner, and that Australia we must address those issues. If we are needs to be stopped forthwith. ever to become the clever country, as the Prime Minister suggests, we must ensure that our lbis morning, during question time, a government educational standards allow us to be so and we must backbencher raised a point of order referring to the provide the opportunities for young people to gain sorts of issues I have been raising in this House. At the expertise to make this the clever country. last somebody has started to notice that the forums of this place are being abused. I hope that from that It has been suggested that each speaker on the recognition demonstrated by a backbencher this Budget should be allowed only 20 minutes. Time is morning, we can bring together a collective of limited and it is important that all honourable people with a common view on reviewing the members have an opportunity of participating in the operations of Parliament and restoring to it the Budget debate. credibility and the respect it deserves as the people's place. Constituents have told me that the Budget attacks them in many ways. For instance, hunting fees have I look forward to the day when we have open and risen from $7 to $40 in two years. That may not seem meaningful debate about Parliament in Victoria and like a lot of money but it is only one fee that pebple the importance of it and of the people who work in are required to pay. Another fee is the introduction Parliament and their collective responsibility. of the $40 charge for four-wheel-drive vehicles. The Minister for Conservation and Environment said The conduct of Parliament is not only your that fee would be applied to the maintenance of responsibility, Mr Speaker, but the responsibility of roads in national parks and areas frequented by members of both sides of the House. I hope what we four-wheel-drive vehicles. I wonder how the have started is an ongoing debate about the Minister justifies that? People with four-wheel-drive importance of Parliament. vehicles are not the only ones to use those roads. I do not know how the Minister intends to police it. I turn to the Budget. It was described by the shadow Treasurer as a Budget with no hope and no jobs. I am also concerned about agriculture. Under the People are crying out for encouragement and new boundaries my electorate has the largest nurturing. The honourable member for number of dairy farms in the State. Dairy farming is Sandringham spoke about the ridiculous situation in a Significant part of primary industry in Victoria. a hospital in his area - which also happens in One of the best features of government over the Warmambool - where the staff do not want to look years has been the role of the Department of at people coming in on a Thursday or a Friday Agriculture, especially in research and development because they do not want them as in-patients on and bringing farmers up to date with the technology Saturday or Sunday. It is getting to the stage where needed to maintain world competitiveness. one can go to a hospital only on Monday, Tuesday Unfortunately funding to agriculture has been or Wednesday. continually reduced and this year further funding cuts have been made. I fail to see why when the As Parliamentarians we need to reassess what we Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Federal are doing about prOViding services to the taxpayers government acknowledge that primary industry of this State who have given us their hard-earned represents 40 per cent of our export earnings. money. We must be accountable and the next Adequate resources must be maintained so that election will clearly show that people are not happy farmers who are doing well today do even better with the direction Victoria is going. They are not tomorrow and Australia can remain competitive and happy with the current deficit nor are they happy retain its share of export earnings. However, we about the declining services - and health is only have this crazy attitude of a fIat-earth policy or an one of them. even playing field. There is no such thing as an even playing field. We are tens of thousands of miles The Budget has failed the first test and that is to away from our markets and we are competing with address the issues of hope and jobs. It is devastating countries that heavily subsidise their primary to young people today to go through the various industries. education forums perhaps right through to tertiary education only to realise that their opportunities of We are removing tariffs and subsidies that will make pursuing careers of their choice are limited. it difficult for our farmers to survive. It is theoretical APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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nonsense, and I want to know from the people Mr Cole - Back on gravel roads again? responsible who will pick up the pieces after the industry falls apart. We are also decimating our Mr J. F. McGRATH -It has taken the clothing and textile industries and the car industry. honourable member for Melbourne a while to cotton We are decimating the fundamental foundations of on. I knew it would happen eventually. Until we get our economy, primary industry and manufacturing. people like him to come to the country and see what God help us if we are considering a gambling-led is happening to the roads it will be difficult to get recovery! the message through to the Cabinet. The reality is that the message is not reaching the Cabinet. Cabinet Time does not allow me to mention all the issues I is not paying attention to the issue of roads. wish to but I must mention roads about which I speak on many occasions in this House. This issue The best example I can give is the Shire of has never been addressed by the government since I Warmambool. This year it is expected to maintain its have been a member of the House. An efficient roads with 29 per cent less funding than it received network of roads is important for farmers to take last year, never mind inflation. A few years ago an their wares to ports for export around the world. organisation known as the Road Traffic AuthOrity Other people need to use roads to go about their carried out a study into the potential hazards ordinary business, and families must be able to resulting in single-vehicle accidents on rural roads. participate in holidays and excursions from the city The finding was that the number of accidents caused to the country and vice versa. by bad road shoulders is higher than the numbers of drugs and alcohol-related accidents combined. We Unfortunately under the Labor government the road all recognise the tremendous road trauma caused by funding argument is a sad one. Without going too speed and alcohol, yet the report clearly showed that far back in history, I point out that our roads were bad road shoulders are the greatest cause of built in the 1950s and 1960s. They were built with single-vehicle accidents. That is a condemning some forward thinking, but they did not statistic because the government itself commissioned comprehend the volume and size of traffic that the report but has not responded to it or acted upon would traverse those roads in the 1990s. They were it. built for single-axle trucks and trailers and a fairly small number of cars. They were built well in those The Shire of Warmambool is a classic example. All days but they were not built for today's traffic of 22 the rural mtmicipalities in my electorate have and 24-wheeler trucks and four times more cars than suffered Significant cuts. The Shire of Heytesbury, were ever projected. which is responsible for many of the roads around the beautiful Twelve Apostles coastal area, has had a The debilitation of our road network has gone cut in funding of 21 per cent. I would not know how beyond mere maintenance. In fact coming to many thousands of tourists travel those roads. Melbourne on Monday from Warmambool I Perhaps you, Mr Speaker, will go there if you are travelled on the Princes Highway, which is called able to get a few days off over Christmas. I hope you the No. 1 highway - it must be fairly important to miss the potholes. be called the No. 1 highway in Australia - yet on the way down, especially between Warmambool Let us consider the Shire of Warmambool. The shire and Colac, I was busy dodging potholes, although it president's annual report for 1991 included a graph was impossible to dodge them all. which clearly shows the state of road funding. In 1983-84 the equivalent of VIC ROADS funding to the I am a former tyre retailer and I also carried out shire represented 63.19 per cent of the shire's total front-end alignments. I checked my car before I left funding dollars; in 1989-90 it represented 44.08 per home and I will be interested to put my car over the cent. Road funding has been cut by 29 per cent. alignment machine when I go back to Warmambool to see what has happened in the meantime. Some of My opening remarks were that the roads were built the potholes I hit would have pulled the alignment in the 1950s and 1960s, and the job of maintaining out. Fortunately, I understand a bit about tyres and them for the demands of traffic is enormous. We cars so I am able to make the adjustment and it will would not be able to do it if the funding level were not cost me, but how many tens of thousands of maintained but it is deplorable that the government people do not realise what has happened? They buy is saying we must do it on less while it wastes a new set of tyres and hit a nice pothole and three or millions of dollars on a range of mickey mouse ideas six months down the track -- - and I use the government's own phrase - to APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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hopefully pump prime the economy. It has not done increase spending at a time when revenue is it very well because Victoria has record debts and declining. public liabilities. The government has made decisions to reduce The Premier has delivered her second Budget, and if spending in certain areas. This has led to she does not grace this place with her presence­ widespread unrest, particularly among the militant she has until about 3 p.m. this afternoon - we will teacher unions which put this government into have the disgraceful situation of the Premier not office and helped keep it there with substantial having spoken on her own Budget. She might not financial donations over the years. The government deliver another. This Premier has not spoken on her has broken the agreement it made with those own Budget. That will make good reading in the militant unions and the unions are upset. However, history of the Victorian Parliament. I challenge the they are not taking it out on the government; they Premier to come into this Chamber and make a are taking it out on the kids. There has been a series contribution to this debate. Her failure to do so is an of rolling strikes across Victoria as the militant acknowledgment that her policies have failed and teacher unions - the friends of the Labor that her Budget is a farce with which she does not government - take out their retribution, not on the wish to be associated. It is a disgrace. government but on the children of Victoria, the reason being that the government broke an As I said in my opening remarks, I shall confine my agreement with the unions. contribution to this debate to 20 minutes. I hope the acknowledgment this morning from the government The children did not make an agreement with the backbench of the need to consider what is unions that was later broken. I should have thought happening in Parliament is a catalyst for us to the teachers made an agreement with the kids to review Parliamentary procedures and start giving teach them and be responsible for their education. this place the credibility and respect it deserves. The teachers have broken that agreement. Until such time as honourable members on both sides of the House begin to understand and respect The piece of paper was an agreement on wages and it we will have difficulty in achieving that. conditions between the government and the teacher unions. The government has broken its agreement I hope all honourable members think seriously because of its mismanagement of the finances of the about the importance of this place in the politics of State. Teachers are upset about that. I understand Victoria and become part of the move to see the why they are upset, but they should not be surprised necessary reforms put in place so we can restore because the government has shown that it has no viability to this great building, which is the people's regard for agreements in other areas. It has also place and which is accountable to the people. broken agreements made in the community services portfolio that affect people throughout Victoria. Mr RICHARDSON (Forest Hill) - The House is considering a Budget which is bereft of hope and Why should teachers feel so hurt that the has been brought in by a government that is bereft of government has broken an agreement with them? principle. As the honourable member for The answer is, of course, that the militant teacher Warmambool pointed out, this is the second Kimer unions have a sense of ownership of the socialist Budget, and the Premier has not spoken on either of government. They raised substantial sums of money her Budgets. Indeed, we have not heard the Premier in the early 1980s to finance the Labor Party's thrust deliver many speeches at all. The only time she to government. They manned the polling booths and speaks in the Parliament is at question time, and she worked hard to undermine the previous Liberal made the occasional Ministerial statement when she government and they have maintained that support was the Minister for Education. for successive Labor governments over the period of Labor's incumbency, which is why they have this The Premier treats this place with contempt, the feeling of ownership. government treats this place with contempt and it has brought in a Budget which we can treat with What a commodity to own. Who would want the contempt. I predict that it is likely to fail by about government? It has sent the State broke. It has March or April next year. It is a phoney document. increased State debt from $11 billion when it came to Victoria is broke. The Budget contains a set of office - a debt which took 150 years to accumulate provisions which reduce spending in a number of - and blown that out to more than $30 billion. It has portfolios, yet the overall effect of the Budget is to unfunded liabilities which will stretch the debt to APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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$50 billion! It takes real talent to demonstrate that the Amalgamated Metal Workers Union. He was much financial incompetence! State Bank Victoria is perfect to fill the vacant pOSition of Minister for lost and the scandals of the Victorian Economic Ethnic Affairs. The Ministry was small and therefore Development Corporation and Tricontinental easily politicised and controlled. It was the perfect Corporation Ltd have demonstrated that money has vehicle for the AMWU and it shortly became the been thrown away. Victorians have nothing to show property of that union and allowed the union to for their $30 billion debt. The money has been lost maintain the link with the ethnic component of and the debt is increasing because the government is factory workers and to have access to the resources so financially incompetent it is borrowing money to of government. Most importantly of all, it allowed pay interest on the money which it has already the union to have a captive Minister in the Cabinet. borrowed! The Ethnic Affairs Commission became the first Ministry to be totally politicised and it remains Through all this not one of the disgraced Ministers totally politicised and the property of left-wing has acknowledged any fault; not one of them has unions. shown any sign of remorse. The former Premier, the honourable member for Bundoora, skulks around in The honourable member for Mentone then became the shadows feeling hurt because he was so badly Minister for Consumer Affairs, another perfect treated! The former Treasurer, the honourable Ministry for him. It also was small and easily member for Doveton, is feeling hurt and is taking his politicised. It was used as a vehicle for attacking valium because it was so terribly unfair the way he employers, retailers and the dreaded capitalists. The was treated! Yet these people brought Victoria to the honourable member was perfect for those jobs. state in which it now finds itself. They feel hurt! They caused the problems and they are still here, He was more perfect than others because he was still being paid and still being a burden on the incompetent and pliable. He would do what he was SOCiety which they have helped to demolish for told and could be surrounded by apparatchiks who years to come. would do the work and he would carry the messages into Cabinet. Even though the former Premier is retiring hurt, at the next election he will draw a substantial sum of The SPEAKER - Order! I caution the money and it will be the taxpayers who will be honourable member and warn him not to infringe footing the bill for that; just as they are footing the Standing Order No. 108, which reads: bill for the financial depredation of the government he led for so long. No member shall use offensive or unbecoming words in reference to any member of the House and all The Minister for Transport has not only disgraced imputations of improper motives and all personal the government but he has disgraced himself and reflections on members shall be deemed disorderly. shown himself to be totally inept at handling questions in the House. That is not surprising. It is Mr RICHARD SON - I should have thought that not surprising that he has remained a Minister for so my remarks would not be offensive to the long despite his incompetence because it is in fact honourable member because he would not only his incompetence that has been of such value to the agree with them but would approve of them. I Labor movement and the government and unions should have thought the honourable member would which control it. have regarded his relationship with the AMWU and the role he has played in Cabinet as being It should be understood that the Minister for complementary and fundamental to his performance Transport is John Halfpenny's man in the Cabinet. in this place. That is his role, a role he has always had, to act as the Amalgamated Metal Workers Union (AMWU) The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable voice in the Cabinet. When the late Jack Ginifer, who member is well aware that is not the point I was had been Minister for Ethnic Affairs, died shortly making in drawing attention to Standing Order No. after the Labor government came to office, the 108. honourable member for Mentone was chosen by the socialist left to replace him. Sitting suspended 1 p.m. until 2.2 p.m.

The reason the honourable member was chosen was Mr RICHARD SON - Before the suspension of because of his background as a functionary within the sitting I was referring to the Minister for APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Transport, who I expect to be the next Minister to election to be held so a new government could be jOin the ranks of those who have resigned in installed to commence the task of rebuilding disgrace. He will join a distinguished group of Victoria. One thing is certain: the task of rebuilding people: the previous Premier, to whom I have Victoria will not be accomplished by this Budget. already referred; the previous Treasurer, the previous Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs Or NAPTHINE (Portland) - The Budget is a and the previous Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. A bitter disappointment to all Victorians. In these former Minister for the Arts was forced out of office difficult times it has failed to provide any leadership by a factional deal with the government, which was or sense of direction to rebuild Victoria and create a pity because he was one of the few competent jobs. The Budget does nothing to help Victoria climb Ministers the government had. out of the current recession or depression largely inflicted on it by this government. The Budget offers The government has a sorry record; not only has it no jobs and no hope, and that theme has been financially destroyed Victoria but it has also steadily repeated many times by members of the opposition. destroyed itself. The government is imploding. At Unemployment in Victoria is high and the State least three Cabinet Ministers are leaking material to faces a major economic crisis. However, the Budget the press; Cabinet solidarity is so full of holes it provides more of the same irresponsible policies and looks rather like a colander! A brawl is going on does not attend to the important issues. between this government and the Federal government; certain Ministers in this government It is not as though the government does not are siding with the Hawke forces in Canberra while recognise the important issues. In his Budget speech certain other Ministers are siding with the Keating the Treasurer said: forces. The Premier is out of her depth and totally rattled, particularly during question time, which is Victoria will live within its means. Like many Victorian the only time she speaks in the House. At best, the families, we recognise that simply extending the government is treading water but it is visibly overdraft will not secure the long-term future of this sinking steadily beneath the waves. One wonders State... for how much longer it can go on. For the sake of Victoria one hopes it will not go on much longer. The Premier's June statement made it clear that this and future Budgets will concentrate on debt The Budget does not solve Victoria's problems; it management. simply adds to them. As I said at the beginning of my remarks the Budget contains cuts in certain areas They are the two major themes the Treasurer of expenditure but not in others. Essentially the cuts claimed the Budget was about. The government have been made on ideological grounds and that has would have people believe the Budget is tough and resulted in widespread disruption and distrust addresses those two issues. The Minister for Police throughout the community. Children are the victims and Emergency Services is quoted as saying: of the education budget; patients are the victims of the health budget; the disabled and disadvantaged '" the government has done the hard things and are the victims of the social services budget. pruned its Budget by $600 million, which is a very large amount and we are acting very effectively. At the end of all the calculations expenditure this year will be higher than last year. With all the pain I took note of those comments in the Budget speech that has been caused by this essentially fraudulent and said, ''That sounds like a logical approach to cut document, the result is not less expenditure but Budget expenditure and to concentrate on the more expenditure. At a time when revenues will management of debt in Victoria". However, the decline the State's funds are being spent just as reality is that the Budget does not measure up to irresponsibly in this Budget as they have been in that laudable rhetoric. Budget Paper No. 5 clearly previous Budgets. I make this confident prediction: shows that the total Budget outlays are $14 374 the Budget will not survive beyond April or May million compared with total expenditure last year of next year. At that point borrowings will increase $12844.1 million, so there has been a $1530 million even more. increase in expenditure this year. That is a strange way to live within one's means. It is a strange way to Victoria faces an uncertain future. If the government control debt. There has been an 11.9 per cent had any sense of honour it would resign and allow increase in expenditure in this Budget when the the people to decide their future. It wouJd allow an inflation rate is running at 4 per cent, so we have APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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expenditure increasing at about 2.5 times the product (GSP), whereas in Victoria it is $30.6 billion, inflation rate. We are not living within our means. or 29 per cent of GSP. The government has not cut its costs to what it can afford. The government has produced a deficit Mr J. F. McGrath - Double! Budget, so again Victoria will not reduce its debt this financial year. Dr NAPTHINE - Yes, it is almost double. The article also states that net debt per person is $3677 in Although the government talks about debt New South Wales and $6941 in Victoria. management and reducing expenditure the Budget does not deliver the goods; it actually increases debt. It is extraordinary that a government which The Treasurer said that simply extending the purports to be dealing with debt has failed to overdraft will not secure the long-term solutions for address the issue. The article states: the State. In this Budget the Treasurer will borrow an additional $1.6 billion and Victoria will go deeper Despite Victoria's far worse financial situation, total and deeper into debt. current outlays have risen faster in Victoria than NSW. Mc Nahan estimates that real recurrent outlays in NSW An article by Michael Short in the Age of 28 August will rise by 3.8 per cent this year while Victoria's states: (including redundancy payments) will rise by 7.7 per cent. NSW has been much tougher on spending growth Victoria's debt, and the cost of servicing it, will than Victoria. continue to rise this year despite two consecutive Budgets explicitly aimed at "debt management". Total That is the difference. The New South Wales debt is forecast to rise by almost $1.6 billion in 1991-92. government is prepared to deal with the hard issues and take the tough decisions. The Victorian Labor In last year's Budget, the Treasurer, Mr Roper, said: government only talks about it and will not deal "Net Budget sector debt will decline by $139 million." with it. Instead it rose by more than $1.1 billion to $15.6 billion. All my previous comments are predicated on the Although the government says it will deal with debt belief that the Budget figures are accurate. However, and that Victoria will live within its means, it has when one examines the history of Labor Budgets failed to deliver in this Budget. The problem is that over the past nine years one recognises that the under a series of Labor governments the increase in government has not got one right yet. Over the past debt has been accompanied by a significant increase couple of years the government has not got within a in interest costs. Victoria now needs 26.4 per cent of bull's roar of getting it right. State revenue to pay interest on its debt. The cost of interest now exceeds the cost of total government Last year the government forecast a Budget deficit of plans for capital works for this financial year. That is $660 million. The actual deficit was $1249 million, extraordinary. How can we spend more on interest which is a 90 per cent error. It is disgraceful that the payments than on capital works? Is it any wonder government should be 90 per cent wrong. The there is no money for new schools, new hospitals documents presented to the House in the Budget and community facilities for the people of Victoria? Papers are invariably shown in a short time to be We are spending too much on interest costs because inaccurate and are not a guide on which anyone can the government cannot control debt. rely.

Mr Richardson - And it borrows money to pay The government is not tackling debt as it should be. the interest! Over the years its figures have been shonky. The government has increased expenditure, increased Or NAPTHINE - Despite the fact that the taxation and reduced employment opportunities. government says debt management has been the What is the bottom line for Victoria? major strategy in the past two Budgets, it has borrowed more money and interest costs have An article headed "Treasury forecasts more pain" in increased. In an article in the Age of 27 September the Age of 28 August states: Glenda Korporaal compared the position of the States. Public sector net debt in New South Wales is Figures released with the State Budget reveal that the $21.5 billion, or 16.2 per cent of the gross State Victorian economy is expected to remain weaker than the national economy this financial year. APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Unemployment, job growth, inflation and economic In summary, all the Budget does is create higher growth are all forecast to be worse in Victoria than unemployment. Victoria has the highest rate of nationally. business failures. Retail sales are the lowest of any State and the CPI is higher than in any other State. That is disgraceful. Victoria is the bottom of the The Budget does nothing to address the issues that barrel in Australia, and the worst area is are vital for all Victorians; all it does is offer more of unemployment. In Victoria unemployment is now at the same economic mismanagement. It increases 10.3 per cent and exceeds the national forecast. government expenditure but does not cut costs; it creates higher interest costs, higher debts and, even Unemployment is out of control in Victoria and no increases the total taxation rate by 11 per cent. The job opportunities are being created. The worst inflation rate is about 4 per cent and the taxation rate affected are people in rural areas where is two and a half times higher than the inflation rate. unemployment is higher than it is in metropolitan areas. Young people cannot find jobs. An increasing Public authorities taxes have been increased by 26.6 number of middle-aged people are being retrenched per cent, increasing the cost of electricity, gas and and may never find meaningful work again. The water. Government income from payroll tax will be Budget has brought about huge unemployment increased by 5.7 per cent, land tax by 6.4 per cent, problems. petrol tax by 7.5 per cent, financial institutions duty by 21 per cent, debits tax by 141.1 per cent and In addition there has been a Significant increase in motor vehicle taxes by 38 per cent. business failures. An article by David McKenzie in the Age of 7 September states: The massive increase in taxes and charges will stifle Victoria, Victorian families and businesses. The Business bankruptcies in Victoria soared by more than Budget has already shown it is a failure. The 80 per cent in the six years to 1989-90, while the rate of government talks tough on priorities, on debt business insolvency rose by only 3 per cent in the rest reduction, on living within our means and setting of Australia. the scene for real job creation, but it fails absolutely to deliver on any of those matters. The government's The figures show that one in five of Australia's priorities are wrong. It has made cuts in some areas business bankruptcies occurred in Victoria ill 1983-84. but increased expenditure in other areas. I shall highlight a number of examples where the priorities So it was previously 20 per cent in Victoria. In are wrong. In agriculture, which is vital to the 1989-90, after a number of years of Labor economy of Victoria, the department has increased government, it has risen to one in three. expenditure in the corporate services and management area - the bureaucrats and fat cats­ 'The recession in this State has meant that retail sales by 30 per cent. Funding for agricultural are lagging behind those of the other States. From development and research scientists - the people in July 1990 to June 1991 retail sales increased by 2.8 the field - has been reduced by 11 per cent. Rural per cent throughout Australia but by only 1 per cent policy marketing has been decreased by 14 per cent in Victoria. Despite an inflation rate of 4 per cent and special community services decreased by 13 per retail sales are not keeping up. The people who used cent. to be residents of this State are voting with their feet. An article by Tim Colebatch in the Age of 14 The government has made an ill-conceived September states: politically motivated decision to relocate the head office of the Department of Agriculture from The exodus of people from Victoria has hit its highest Melbourne to Bendigo. That decision is not level in years. supported by employees of the department, by the Victorian Farmers Federation or any group within In the March quarter, 21 346 people left for other States the general community, yet the government will while only 15594 arrived, leaving Victoria with 5752 proceed to relocate at a cost of $5 million to $8 fewer residents. million.

People are leaving Victoria in droves because of the To pay for that ill-conceived, politically motivated lack of opportunities in this State. decision the government is sacrificing 200 research and field staff across the State. It says it is a decentralising government; it will move bureaucrats APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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from Melbourne to Bendigo but at the same time State government fmancial support for the Glenelg retrench or dismiss 200 field workers. lhat makes a regional library has dropped 10 per cent in real terms, mockery of its decision: it is politically motivated, and its committee is about to okay "dramatic and ill-conceived, stupid and will not work. severe options".

In my electorate, the pastoral research institute and In the most basic area of arts there has been a the veterinary laboratory have had an excellent reduction in funds, yet the government can find record in serving the farming community in sheep funds for the Melbourne International Festival of the health, breeding new pasture species and Arts. It was interesting to listen to the honourable agroforestry. The pastoral research institute has been member for Oakleigh praising the festival. No doubt told that ten senior scientists will be retrenched as a it is a sound and good festival, but I question where result of the Budget. lhat means the institute will the money is coming from. Who is paying for it? Has have to hand back to the research funding bodies the government got its priorities right? I doubt it. more than $500 000 -that is, funds from the The principal sponsors for the festival are the Commonwealth and rural research funds, the government of Victoria, the Gas and Fuel farmers' money. They obtained that money because Corporation; VicHealth, Qantas, State Bank Victoria, of the excellent submissions and research work they Melbourne Water, the State Electricity Commission carried out on behalf of the farming community. In and the Victorian Tourism Commission. Seven of the 1986-87 the institute received $436 000 or 25 per cent nine principal sponsors are government or of its budget from external sources. In 1991-92 it will semi-government agencies. The government does receive $1.4 million in external funds or about 50 per not have its priorities right in such hard economic cent of its budget from external sources. Its record of times to be sponsoring the Melbourne International achievement has been thrown out by the Festival of the Arts, which caters for the middle-class government and the Minister to fund the stupid idea Melbourne yuppies who can afford to pay for their of moving the head office from Melbourne to entertainment. Bendigo. Cutbacks have been made to libraries, hospital The regional veterinary laboratory has been told that funding, relieving teacher services in country six to seven employees have been put on the schools and child and maternity nurses, and there redeployment list. What the government is doing in has been a reduction of $400 000 for head lice effect is centraliSing laboratory diagnostic services at treatment programs, but at the same time the Attwood. It is making only a token decentralisation government is putting millions of dollars into gesture by going to Bendigo but, in effect, it is providing entertainment for Melbourne's yuppies. centraliSing those services. lhat is entirely wrong.

Research scientists and farmers in country Victoria I turn to the Treasurer's comments about fiscal are the ones suffering. If farmers suffer, the rest of equalisation: the community suffers. They are the productive base for the Victorian community. The government It is time to put the facts on the table and overhaul the should recognise that and abandon the head office system. Steps have been taken at the special Premiers relocation and the policy of centralising research and Conference and this government intends to vigorously diagnostic services. pursue them before the November conference.

I turn to arts. That area has changed dramatically. The Treasurer is talking about the disadvantage There has been a 24.8 per cent increase in funding in suffered by Victoria through the current funding the Budget, yet in the most basic area of arts, the system in place between the Commonwealth and the libraries, proper funding has not been provided. States. I agree with the Treasurer on that issue but he There was a deferred payment of funds to libraries has not gone far enough. Victoria must support a last year but all the government has done this year is total overhaul of the Australian taxation system. pay for what it owed last year while making no contribution to this year's municipal budget. An The Australian taxation system is complicated, article in the local Hamilton newspaper on 14 unfair and illogical. Since the Federal Labor September under the heading "Government funds government came to power the number of families down" states: living below the poverty line has increased by 56 per cent to more than 750 000. Labor is the party that pretends to be on about social justice and fairness. In APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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addition, the top 1 per cent of taxpayers presently mention the lack of genuine business being brought earn as much as the bottom 21 per cent of taxpayers, forward on behalf of the people of Victoria, is totally compared to the situation in 1983 when they earned unacceptable. only as much as the bottom 11 per cent. So, under the Federal Labor government, supported by the We had a situation this morning where four Labor government in Victoria - at least until questions were asked in half an hour and the recently - the rich have become richer and the poor Premier insisted on simply taking up time with great have become poorer. detail not pertinent to the questions put to her and, on each occasion, virtually refused to answer A major overhaul is needed of the taxation system questions. and of the way money is distributed to the States. I wholeheartedly support the introduction of a goods I canvass my concern as one who has been in and services tax (GST) as part of that overhaul. The Parliament for seven years and who attempts to look issue of tax collection and expenditure also needs to at the Parliament not as a member of a political be addressed. party but as a representative of the people of Victoria; as one who knows what can be done in We have a crazy system in Australia where the other parts of the world and who says it is time the Commonwealth collects most of the taxes and the government not only improved its budgetary States spend most of the money - a recipe for strategy but also its Parliamentary strategy. disaster in any business. In overhauling the taxation system we need to re-examine the relationship It is regrettable that the government is bringing between the Commonwealth and the States in forward very little major legislation to put before the respect of raising taxes. people's representatives. We spend our time going around in circles while the government attempts to The Budget is a disaster for Victoria: it does nothing just hold the line. It is regrettable in the short term to provide leadership or direction to guide Victoria that the government is able to continue in office out of the economic recession and does nothing to protected by the democratic process. provide employment opportunities. The Budget provides more of the same for Victorians: increased I support that process - after all we live in one of debt, increased interest costs, and increased State twelve or fifteen great democracies in the world, taxation. where we work and live by the ballot-box, have free media and a free, independent judicial system - but I should be pleased if this were the last Budget the for Victoria it means perhaps another year of greatly government was able to foist on the poor people of escalating cost in economic terms, which spills over Victoria. and is expressed in social terms.

Dr WELLS (Dromana) - Before dealing with the What is happening to Victoria's youth, to young details of the Budget I wish to comment on several families and to people in rural areas is a disaster and other matters. The first matter concerns the conduct is totally unacceptable. While the government of Parliament - I think it is appropriate because it continues in office this Budget demonstrates that reflects the results of the government's Budget. The situation will persist and grow worse. way Parliament is currently being run is a disgrace. In terms of the integrity of the Budget I wish to raise Like many other honourable members I have seen again the role of union power. A situation exists in democratic Parliaments operate in other parts of the which a number of people, not known to the people world. What is happening now in Victoria is totally of Victoria or to their Parliamentary representatives, unacceptable. When Ministers of the Crown will not exercise great power behind closed doors in the answer questions put to them in question time by State through their influence over the governmental the people's representatives, what hope is there for process of the Australian Labor Party. We know this the practice of democracy in a State like Victoria? because we have illustrations of it from two public union figures, Messrs Curran and Halfpenny, both We had the situation this week where the Minister of whom exert unacceptable power in Victoria. for Transport responded on a number of occasions by simply saying, '1 refer to my previous answer". They are not elected by the people, by any public And yet they were different questions. For that to group or by a public process; they represent a happen in the conduct of question time, not to vested, biased, sectoral interest - the trade union O\PPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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movement - and yet they take it upon themselves Or WELLS - Certainly no Premier, although and their union movement, through the Australian other members of the government have also done Council of Trade Unions, to attempt to dictate on their best to flee from this people's debate in this virtually everything that goes on in the public life of Chamber. the people of Victoria. That again spills over into Victoria's social life. That is another of the hidden So many speakers during this Budget debate have sleepers in the budgetary process, another point that produced the same figures that those figures cannot does not appear in any of the documents, and yet it pOSSibly be wrong. If they were wrong, by now the is an absolutely major factor. government would have exercised its rights and honourable members would have heard speakers on I believe it is incumbent upon the Victorian the government side attacking the case that has been Parliament to address that question and to ensure put. that the situation is changed. I know from my experience of working on committees of the The first point I make is that this Budget, just like the Parliament just what power the unions have, even previous eight Budgets of this government, is a though they are not represented on those dishonest Budget because its Estimates are so committees or in Parliament. grossly wrong as not to be allowed as error. To its credit, in recent years the government opposite has I canvass briefly the goods and services tax currently improved the reporting process by providing more under discussion in the Federal sphere of Australian information. However, each year it also makes a politics which I believe is relevant to the budgetary point of changing the categories under which many processes in Victoria. The government is using the things are placed so that it is difficult to follow a GST as an excuse to avoid addressing the really one-line explanation of a large sum of money. The major issues confronting us at this time - things overall result is a Budget that is a dishonest which Victorians could do something about. document. This year, as in all other years, its receipts are inflated. That is proven by the fact that the It is absolute nonsense for the government to be government's expectations for a particular year are making so much of the so-calied GST because the never found to be produced at the end of that year. Federal Labor government through a wholesale Always the figures go the wrong way: if they are goods tax exerts already a significant portion of the receipts, they are down; if they are expenditure, they overall effect which would occur if we had a are up. full-blown goods and services tax as is currently proposed by the Federal opposition coalition. Mc Roper - That is simply not true!

I raise this issue also because I believe it points out Or WELLS - Mr Treasurer, it is true. the hypOCrisy of the government in that, although all the details are not yet available, it has judged it and Mr Richardson (to Mr Roper) - You can't add has used its governmental power, which is the up. You don't know what you're doing! taxing power, and taxation funds of the people to attack it roundly before it has been spelt out. That is Mc Roper (to Mr Richardson) - It is a shame you a very pertinent illustration of the desperate position have not been here for all the speeches! the government finds itself in, in which it is looking for any excuse to cover up. Or WELLS - I take up the Treasurer's point. The Budget deficit forecast for 1990-91 was $660 million; I turn specifically to aspects of the Budget. I do not in fact it came in at $1249 million! The Treasurer propose to produce a lot of figures in my speech. A claims that this is the first of three Budgets that will plethora of figures presented from expert analysis of put this State into the position of the leader in the government's Budget show and establish beyond Australia. Yet the Budget forecast for this year is a doubt that the Budget is significantly flawed. deficit of $1494 million! That figure is arrived at after the government has allowed for the sale of as much Many honourable members have spoken in this real estate as it can pOSSibly sell off in Victoria, that Budget debate. They have included the leaders of is, as much as the market will stand. the parties, Parliamentary leaders, shadow Ministers, backbenchers -- The second point I make has been raised by speakers who have preceded me. I refer to the taxation and Mr Richardson - But no Premier! charges that are increased in real terms in this APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. I) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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Budget. Taxes, fees and fines are increased by consider whether such an action is a sign of a 10.4 per cent, many times the expected inflation rate competent financial manager. The answer, of course, of less than 2.9 per cent for the year. Despite that, the is that it is not! government claims to have cut expenditure and to have positioned the State to go forward! I can go on and on from there. Major areas such as hospitals and roads should be canvassed, but I shall The third point I make is that services are reduced. leave them and pick up an absolutely minute Again, previous speakers have raised the issue of illustration of the government's incompetence. I services in the agricultural area, one in which I have refer to the pediculosis control program that costs had some experience. What is happening in less than $1 million a year to maintain in the schools. agriculture is illustrative of what is happening I have checked with some of the schools and they throughout the State: the people who are assure me that they need the service. Those who productive, those at the coal face who are conduct it do a good job and they cannot be replaced producing, are the ones who are being worst by teachers who are not trained in the area. The affected. The government does not know how to government is cutting out the program to save a few manage the economy. All it does is continue to put thousand dollars. This is a sensitive area; if it gets more money into the areas of bureaucracy and out of control it will cause major problems because managerial costs. of the nature of the parasitic infestation. The government does not have the money necessary to The loss of agricultural scientists from the State is a fund a program that has run for so many years. matter for much regret. Indeed, they go into a sellers' market worldwide. They are not easy to Boundless illustrations can be found across the State come by, yet year after year this government forces of valuable services that have been cut although them to leave Victoria! they have been in place for many years.

The reduction of services is illustrated across a broad I remind honourable members of the situation that front. One need only look a t kindergartens and other pertained in 1949 when the Menzies liberal child-care services, all of which have been cut. Yet government came to power. At that time taxes were the govenunent continues to parrot on about social roaring high; production was falling; union power justice and equity! was rampant; Parliaments were emasculated; and the community was suffering grievously. The government has forced secondary students out Honourable members will know from the into the libraries of this State because they do not experience of other countries that that is the process have available to them the books that they need. socialism follows: you destroy the economy of the They must search wherever they can for information country, then you destroy the social fabric of the to fulfil the new VCE syllabus. The government just society, and then you gain control of it. That control continues to cut the amounts provided for libraries is gained either through the ballot-box if that can be each year. If this is a competent and efficient achieved or, of course, in totalitarian States, at the manager, I ask: why is it that the government of end of a gun barrel. Victoria has had to say to libraries, "Borrow your money from wherever you can and we will pay you There is no question that this State is in both your year's State government contribution at the end economic and social collapse and the only way that of the year"? That contribution should be 50 per cent will be corrected is by a change of government. but is more likely to be 30 per cent. In other words, the government does not have the money necessary I press on to my fourth major point: the State debt to pay the libraries. It forces local government to has increased in real terms and is up to $1.5 billion. fund the libraries or to act as guarantor for loans. In That figure is arrived at after selling off as much of some cases, the interest payments that have been our assets as we can. This government has made it incurred as a result of last year's late payment to an art form to pillage the economic resources of the libraries have not yet been paid! State of Victoria. It has increased taxes until really one would think it could not go any further. Over at least the past fifteen months the same thing Unfortunately it has increased taxes and charges has been happening with Roman Catholic schools. even in this Budget. They have been told to raise their funds elsewhere and that the government will pick up the tab for the The cost of government charges to the average interest component. I ask honourable members to family in Victoria in the past two years has gone up APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2)1 BILL

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by $21 per week, despite the government's pledge justice, equity or efficient management? Of course it not to increase costs to people. The cost of running a is not! car has gone up by $109 a year on average and if one happens to have a four-wheel drive vehicle the cost The media should report the figures fully to ensure has gone up by $149. In the past two years under the that the people know what the situation is. I Kirner government payroll tax has increased by 25 challenge the government to prove me wrong on per cent. Yet Victorians are being told that the those points. government is cutting costs. Next, Victoria is perhaps the most blessed State in What a lie; what a deception! It was the greatest con Australia with 3 per cent of the land mass, 25 per of the year. Charges have been increased but the cent of the population, 25 per cent of the gross debt has also increased, despite the sale of assets. domestic product, 25 per cent of rural production, a limited road system and a highly competent and The fifth point is that expenditure is biased towards experienced manufacturing industry. In the past we the administration, which will have a compounding have had the highest employment levels in Australia effect. The government has finetuned the but now we have the highest unemployment, the community in the way it will split up the economic highest inflation and the greatest debt in Australia. cake. In fact, the government should be about There are no jobs and no hope! increasing the size of the economic cake, but we do not hear anything about that from the government. There is a poster that is appearing round the country It continues to con the people by saying one thing that says: but yet the tables say quite a different thing. The media should pay closer attention to this process. The ALP is not working and nor are 1 million Australians. It is not satisfactory on one day for the media to report the bare bones of the State Budget process but The Premier has acknowledged that her government not refer to it again because throughout the rest of anticipates that soon more Victorians will be out of the year the budgetary process still applies. It is time work. She cannot talk about social justice or equity if that the media, the third leg of the democratic people do not have jobs; that is all window-dressing. process, properly represented the truth. They have done some good things, but many more things need My ninth point is that the government is repeating to be done if Victoria is to pull back from the last year's performance and is doing nothing. Tenth, economic abyss and not be further damaged. There the government is making insupportable claims and is no justification for the media easing off on the it is getting away with it. I challenge the government government. The people are entitled to know the to produce a worthwhile strategy for youth truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth unemployment, which is my eleventh point. It about the government. Currently they are not should find a way to make life better for youngsters; hearing it. The economy is suffering and the social otherwise we will reap social problems for decades fabric is suffering. Democracy is suffering because of to come. the shenanigans of the government which are not being reported to the people. In earlier times some The government has made a great deal about all messages have got through but there is still more sorts of matters but it is doing nothing. I have not that should be known. heard definite plans addressing the future losses of the textile, footwear and plastics industries and so The sixth point I raise is that the real assets of the forth. We lead Australia in these industries but they State are being reduced by the selling off and have been most affected by the current downturn. It lease-back of equipment; by delayed payments of is time the government dealt with the real economic lease-back, to a point where people do not have an issues. idea of the troubles that will be faced with by an incoming government. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Victoria effectively Seventh, unemployment is a disgrace. We are has the highest inflation level of the Australian looking at a 15 per cent unemployment rate in States. If one couples that with 7 per cent payroll tax Victoria, with 30 per cent of youth being it is easy to see what is OCcurring. unemployed across the State and 75 per cent youth unemployment in some rural areas. Is tha t social APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

Wednesday. 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 915

There are many other issues to be dealt with but I the longer this government stays in office the more shall flag one in the Dandenong, North Dandenong, difficult our choices will be. On the last page of his Berwick and Pakenham areas, which are the Budget speech the Treasurer said: heartland of the ALP. It believes it controls these areas and so it can ignore them. Under the much This Budget recognises we must live within our means vaunted Better Cities program $15 million is said to but does not forget the government's commitment to be provided for this growth corridor. There is talk the community. about conducting studies. The government has amalgamated the water boards and so it goes on. The first part of that sentence - "TItis Budget recognises we must live within our means" - The government gets away with it because those cannot hide the fact that it has taken the government matters are not being adequately reported outside nine years to see the light. Both in this House and in the House. The speeches tell the stories that people our statements to the media members of the need to know about the Kimer government, which is coalition have been telling Victorians that Labor contributing to growing youth unemployment, and governments do not know how to handle money. on which judgment will be made when the history Most members of the government have not had the books are written. experience of owning or running their own businesses. Their pay was always the same, whether The government has run its race. This ought to be its they did a good day's work or a bad day's work. last Budget. We must stomach it as long as it chooses Members on this side of the House who own their to stay in office. For goodness' sake, it should resign own businesses know that any mistakes they make and go! cost them money. Although mistakes can sometimes cost employees their jobs, the government has not Mr REYNOLDS (Gisborne) - It is my pleasure lost its job, despite all the mistakes it has made over to address some matters in the 1991-92 Budget. In the past nine years. There can be no doubt that the the Treasurer's speech there are three or four government has run its race! sentences that particularly interest me. In her June economic statement, the Premier admitted that the The percentage increase in the level of debt bears no financial problems in the public sector could not be resemblance to the 86 per cent increase in the reduced in a single year. What a profound consumer price index since 1982. It is obvious that statement! It has taken the government nine years to the State is bankrupt; but the real position will be get us in the mess we are in and it came to the discovered only after one of the larger accounting conclusion in June that it will not take only a single firms checks the State's finances - which a coalition Y('ar to address these problems. government will call for as soon as possible after the Premier dares to call an election. The Treasurer said that the Budget would be the beginning of a three-year financial plan to reduce As if things financial were not bad enough, the debt and the debt servicing ratios. We alfknow that State's rising unemployment is of grave concern. when the government came to power in 1982 the Historically Victoria has always had the lowest rate State debt stood at $11 billion. Current State debts of unemployment of any State; but during the past and liabilities add up to $55 billion, or $12 624 for twelve months we have been up with the best of every man, woman and child in Victoria. That does them. The State's level of unemployment currently not sound much if you say it quickly, but it is a lot of stands at almost 11 per cent. Whenever I hear the money if you have to pay it. The debt owed on the latest unemployment figures I think of people I government's behalf by the average Victorian family know in middle management who, after receiving a is equivalent to a $50000 mortgage. But only after golden handshake, have invested their money and nine years in power has·the government seen the are living off the interest. Those people are not need to reduce the debt. registered at the Commonwealth Employment Service as looking for labourers' jobs because they In his Budget speech the Treasurer said: are after something better. I also think of what happens when one spouse in a two-income family There are no short cuts, no easy answers and many loses his or her job, leaving the other to keep the pot difficult choices have been made. boiling. Even though such people are qualified and willing to work they are unable to find work. Members of the coalition have been saying for years that there are no short cuts and no easy answers; and APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

916 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991

I believe the real unemployment rate is much higher The first criticism related to the parking and access than 11 per cent. Many young people have returned and egress for the motor car. The second was the to school to while away their time because they have need for the government to replace the public not been able to find jobs. Although further study parkland that was taken up to build the tennis may benefit them, we cannot lose sight of the fact centre. The third was that the funding and the that they have returned to school when they would financial arrangements surrounding the funding prefer to be working. were flawed. We went to great lengths to point out these factors to the government. This Labor government must find it abhorrent that it is responsible for a rate of unemployment in excess Parking is still not very easy when there is an event of 10 per cent. What hope do our young people have at the National Tennis Centre, and it is particularly when 28.7 per cent of fifteen to nineteen-year-old difficult if there is anything happening across Swan Victorians cannot find jobs? I am fortunate that my Street at Olympic Park. It is a nightmare. Access kids, who are now in their twenties, have jobs, when around that area is impossible and when people are one in three young people cannot find work no trying to get away after the sporting events finish the matter how hard he tries. egress is still a real nightmare as well.

Many unemployed youngsters come to my The government promised that it would replace the electorate office asking, "Can you help me? I have public parkland. That has still not happened. On the these qualifications. I have work experience and a funding angle, a contract of $66.6 million blew out to part-time job during the school holidays as a some $100 million, just as one would expect with waitress. I cannot find a job. I will work at anything this government doing anything. With the - filling supermarket shelves or anything I can capitalisation of interest the debt is now in excess of find". Despite being qualified and willing to work, $130 million. The tennis centre itself makes a profit they cannot find jobs. It makes me realise that my in its operations of somewhere between $5 million generation was very lucky. and $6 million. Having been spokesman in this area for quite some time, I have said all along that we Examples abound at both Federal and State levels of needed a National Tennis Centre and a mass Labor's inability to handle money. In the past few entertainment centre and that it could be profitable, weeks we have seen many examples of a but that it could not be profitable if we had to pay government in decay. Newspapers have carried the entire interest bill for $100 million -which, as I interviews with three Cabinet Ministers about said, has now capitalised up to more than $130 leaked discussions in the Cabinet room. The Minister million. for Transport is in difficulty because of his allegedly misleading the House; and even today the Premier If the government had the foresight to put a few was forced to retract because she could not say million dollars into the National Tennis Centre when whether an employment generating project would it was throwing money away by putting green grass be established in Victoria. The government has down in Swanston Street, looking after clown reached the bottom of the barrel. It is time it went, schools in Gippsland and some of the other neat and the sooner an election is called the better. money schemes that it undertook at the time, we would not be in this position and it would not be I wish to draw to the attention of the House three costing us $144 million, which is what it will cost us facets of the portfolio that is my abiding interest, that in the end. That is big money, and even that does not of sport and recreation. I have to admit that not all mean it will solve the problems down the track. I the Budget news is bad. The government has just hope it will because the coalition will be in pledged $12 million for the National Tennis Centre power before long and we will have to do over twelve years in the hope that the centre will something. With an empty coffer it will not be easy. prove viable. Although I agree with some of the funding arrangements for the National Tennis The sport and recreation budget totals Centre I wonder why they were not made some $22.55 million. It is down a little on last year because years ago. As the lead speaker on the National the Melbourne bid' for the 1996 Olympic Games took Tennis Centre Bill some years ago I remember very quite a lot of money. Of this $22.55 million, well the three main criticisms the opposition had of $16.14 million is committed. Therefore, there is the centre. $7.58 million left to fund all the other undertakings of the department. Last year it took $9.3 million, so APPROPRIATION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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this area has to be slashed by approximately 23 per which has had its allocation reduced from $110000 cent, or $1.7 million. last year to $86 000 this year; that is a cutback of some 23 per cent. That organisation is one of the This has been done in a somewhat short-sighted most valuable organisations in the administration of fashion, although I would not exactly disagree with sport in the State. Having studied its workings the first step. There will be fifteen fewer staff, which keenly, I assure the House that it needs to be will save $500 000. This will be achieved by fostered and needs to continue. I know it will downsizing. That is one of the new buzz words that because the sport itself will pick up the tab. Sport we have. We do not say that we will reduce or lessen will benefit because it will not allow that anything; we say we will downsize it. Therefore we organisation to sink. are going to downsize the staff by fifteen; they will go through natural attrition, enhanced retirement The remainder of the $1.7 million saving will be packages, or what is termed LWOP - I do not know made up by cutting out the municipal recreation exactly that means - which I presume means leave officer subsidy scheme; it will cease as of without pay. We will lose fifteen staff, but that is 31 December this year and will then be reviewed for probably justified without any argument. future years. You can bet your socks, Sir, that it will never come back again under this government I take exception to a decrease in funding to the because the government will not have the money for Victorian Institute of Sport. It will receive $200 000 it. I have been a great advocate of the municipal less, even though it had already pruned its recreation officer subsidy scheme for a long time. requirement by several hundred thousand dollars in There are other ways of saving money in this Budget the first place. than through this scheme. Of the 210 municipalities in Victoria, 87 have employed municipal recreation The institute was promised $3 million to be up and officers who provide the base of the pyramid of running in its first year of operation, which has just sport. We must have the people at the top, the role been completed. However, because of the models and the elite for all our sports people, government's financial difficulties the institute was particularly young sports people, to aim at; but you asked to go a little more slowly and not to spend all will never get the top of the pyramid - and of the $3 million but to use as close to $2 million as "pyramid" is a bad word to be using in present possible. Two months ago the institute was told that company! - without having the base. it ought to get $2.5 million from this Budget, so it worked out a budget on that basis. Now it finds its The municipal recreation officers were able to foster budget is $2.3 million. the necessary base at the grassroots level. For the past two elections it has been opposition policy that This brand new whiz-bang idea of the the scheme should continue and should be government's -and might I say fairly, the encouraged. The decision of the government is short opposition's, too - will mean a cut in all of the sighted and is definitely contrary to its own institute's programs to the bone. It is hoped the philosophies. institute will not have to drop any of its major programs and that funding can be found in coming The municipal recreation officer was an effective years because, for the betterment of sport in Victoria, voice at the right level for all sport and recreational the Victorian Institute of Sport needs to work and be activities, even by encouraging non-participants to successful. participate. In its own reviews the government has said that the scheme was the most effective it had Further savings in the Budget will be made by ever instituted. If the scheme is to continue it will be deducting a further $SOO 000 from the funding that local government that foots the bill. goes to State sporting organisations and regional sports assemblies. This is the cheapest I have received dozens of letters from Victorian administration of sport that we could get anywhere municipalities; all find it very unfair of the in the world. Many of these people receive small government to cease funding the scheme without government grants which pay for maybe half of the any consultation taking place. At meetings of her time they put in. The rest is raised by the sport, or State and local government consultants the Premier they work on a voluntary basis. has directed that consultation must take place with local government over any funding cuts. One of the biggest cutbacks has been in the grant to the Sports Federation of Victoria, or VICSPORT, APPROPRIA TION (1991-92, No. 1) BILL and WORKS AND SERVICES (ANCILLARY PROVISIONS, 1991-92, No. 2) BILL

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It is disgraceful that the government will no longer government decision that bush nursing hospitals in fund the scheme. The government has forgotten Victoria are private hospitals the government has sport and what it provides as an asset for our not given the committee of management permission communities. Sport keeps the youth off the streets to make the hospital viable in either of two ways: to thereby resulting in less crime and vandalism. Sport open a day procedure centre where a surgeon is has an inherent health advantage. It is obvious that prepared to provide service; or to fund two public the Minister for Sport and Recreation is now beds in the bush nursing hospital. My children were winding down; he is ready to leave and is tired. born there, as were most of the young local children Therefore, the funding will not continue because he up until a few years ago; the hospital has served the has not pushed for funds as hard as he would have district well. prior to earlier Budgets when even the inflation rate was not matched. It is disappointing when one It is a short-sighted decision of the government not considers the total necessary funding would be only to allow consideration of the alternatives proposed $22.5 million. by the committee of management. A day procedure centre would cost the government not 1 cent. I wish to raise several matters regarding my electorate. The first is funding for the Calder This Budget is not one that will be remembered in Highway. I am pleased that $3.837 million was years to come. It cannot be remembered for the allocated in the 1990-91 Budget for widening and simple reason that it tells us nothing and gives us no duplication of that major State highway whereas this hope but finally it recognises that we are in financial Budget has allocated $15.3 million; that comprises difficulties. $10.1 million for the Diggers Rest bypass, $3.2 million for highway duplication from Diggers Rest It is also pertinent that this is the second Budget of to the position known as Gap Hill, with the the Kirner-Ied government but the Premier has alloca tion for the Kyneton bypass being $2 million. deigned not to come into this House and speak on either this Budget or its predecessor. Is she ashamed For a number of years tremendous pressure has been of them? exerted on the government to upgrade the Calder Highway. That work is happening reasonably Or Napthine - Yes. quickly but pressure should be maintained to ensure that the work continues. The highway should be Mr REYNOLOS - I can understand her shame. upgraded through to Bendigo, which would provide The last Budget referred to debt totalling $300 a tremendous advantage to people who live in the million but it blew out to $1.2 billion. The Premier area and beyond, perhaps at Bendigo - Swan Hill does not want to talk about it and half her Ministers and even at Kerang. Small towns along the highway will not come into the Chamber. The Minister for will develop; until now they have been forgotten Sport and Recreation was not seen, the back benches because Melbourne's suburban development has are empty and only the junior Minister for Small been predominantly to the east of the city. Business is here - and how appropriate it is that he should have that portfolio because nothing has Discussions have been held in my local community happened. about the dangers of the Sunbury-Melbourne road through the Bulla Gorge. Several months ago a I hope we can have an election in the very near well-attended public meeting attracted publicity in future and get this State back on the rails. Melbourne, including television coverage. I have asked the government and the local councils why a Motions agreed to. concrete rail about 1 metre high, shaped like an inverted T, could not be placed down the middle of Read second time. that road as happened on the Western Highway through Anthonys Cutting. It would be a short-term Passed remaining stages. answer to the problem and I cannot understand why that cannot be done.

I draw to the govenunent's attention the imminent closure of the Lancefield Bush Nursing Hospital. That establishment has been of great service to the community for decades but because of the Federal AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Wednesday, 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 919

AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY Then there is Trieden, Trifloran, and Trieflan. All of CHEMICALS BILL them are pre-emergent sprays and are available to kill off weeds such as rye grass, wild oats, the Second reading deadnettle, tree-hog weeds and so on.

Debate resumed from 9 May; motion of Mr The application of those chemicals has resulted in BAKER (Minister for Agriculture). quite Significant increases in yields in the various crops in this State, particularly through the Mr W. D. McGRATU (Lowan) - The purpose of Wimmera, the Mallee and nearby districts. In the Bill is to remove four existing pieces of difficult years it was hard to kill off these weeds in legislation relating to both agricultural chemicals the winter time but the use of these chemicals has and animal preparations. They are: the Fertilisers meant an increase of as much as four to six bags an Act 1974 and the Aerial Spraying Control Act 1966. acre in the yield of those crops. They have really It also amends the Sale of Land Act 1%2 and the paved the way for increases in productivity and Stock Diseases Act 1958. yields.

At the outset I should say that the coalition's We have particularly increased productivity in the agricultural committee took the opportunity of area of cereals, although they have done even better consulting with a number of people within the in England and Europe. They now make great use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals area including nitrate and its fertilisers, which has increased yields the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals in those countries faster than in Australia, but of Association - A veA - the Victorian Aerial course they are able to better utilise the greater Sprayers Association, the Victorian Farmers rainfall and nitrogenous fertiliser to which Federation and ICI Australia Ltd. Australian soil does not have the same response.

The disturbing theme which came through as we Virtually all of the post-emergent chemicals are spoke to these groups was that there had been no applied with a boom spray. The boom sprays range consultation with them during the drafting of the from 30 feet to 100 feet, depending on the size of the Bill and before it was ultimately brought before the operation. Then there are sprays with trade names House. The opposition gave notice of the Bill to such as Ally, Roundup CT., Sprayseed, Velparl and those groups of people, and I wonder what the Verdict 104. Once again because of the technology department is all about when it brings forward a that has gone into producing these chemicals, they major piece of legislation without the background are so selective that you can pick up one of those consUltation that I should have thought was sprays, attack a weed after it has emerged from the abSOlutely necessary. The Bill has a wide ranging ground, identify the weed, seek out the appropriate eHect right across the agricultural community and chemicals, spray it out and therefore clean the crop. for those people supplying the animal preparation and agricultural chemicals to the agricultural The chemicals give increased yield but also a purer community. crop, which is important in ensuring that the type of grain coming in is free of weeds. I shall, however, give the Department of Agriculture a pat on the back because I certainly did appreciate We then have a number of insecticides used in our the booklet it produced explaining the Bill. It cropping programs. With the emphasis now outlined what each of the clauses does and particularly on legumes and oil seed crops there is a explained them thoroughly. need to spray out various insects that attack crops, such as red leg, earth mite, eel worm and lucerne Last week I walked around my own farm and had a flea. Once again they have a good effect. A lot of look at some of the chemicals we use in our technology has gone into the production of those cropping and stock programs. First of all, we use chemicals. Aradex, which is a pre-emergent spray. There are a number of different formulations of that type of Of course, with many of the crops we grow, chemical, which principally kills off rye grass as it particularly chick peas, another chemical is needed emerges from the ground. A version of Aradex has a to inoculate the seed before it is put into the ground focus on wild oats as they emerge from the ground. and we well know that in relation to wheat the need to dress the seed and clean it before sowing is important if we are to control such things as smut AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

920 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991 and some of the other minor problems with the I have with me some of the labelling that is placed crops. on drums or containers that are supplied to farms. One is Roundup CT which is manufactured by Other chemicals are used in the storage of grain. Monsanto and the label gives extensive instructions. Some reservation has been expressed about the use If the farming community does not have safe use of of Phosboxin tablets which reduce the impact of chemicals it is perhaps because of the failure of some weevil infestation that can take place in farm farmers to read the instructions. storage. With the deregulated market more grain is now being stored on farms while farmers wait for an The label outlines the protection of the crop and appreciation of prices. They stagger their selling native and non-target plants; the protection of season over five, six or seven months in the hope of wildlife, fish and the environment; storage disposal capturing a better price on the domestic market. In and safety directions and how to administer first aid doing so they need to ensure the grain they are if someone inadvertently consumes the chemical. I supplying to food processors or flour mills is insect cannot imagine it would taste too good but that free. would not prevent a child consuming some. If an adult is aware of the first aid measures to be The other side of the farming operation relates to followed the situation need not be disastrous. sheep, cattle, pigs, horses, goats and so on and a number of veterinary products are useful. Chemicals The Roundup CT label has a bold red patch and a such as Nilvern and similar worm drenchers are waming to keep it out of the reach of children and to used to eradicate infestations that take place in read the safety directions before opening. The sheep and cattle from time to time and, to a lesser labelling of chemicals is thorough and stresses to the extent, horses, pigs and goats. users that they should make sure they read the instructions carefully so that the application of the The development of chemicals has been Significant chemicals is safe within their environment. over the years because of tolerances that are developed by parasites. Technology must be Australia has a number of chemical manufacturers continually upgrading these products to ensure that yet we import many farm chemicals. Some years ago immunity to chemicals does not occur. The Australia was self-reliant in the manufacture of these vaccination of farm animals has a high priority with chemicals. Because of our significant trade deficit most farmers. The five-in-one vaccine is now used to one wonders why Australia does not still inject lambs at marking time for pulpy kidney, black manufacture all the chemicals it requires. leg, tetanus and other diseases that can attack a flock. Is it because of work practices or inefficiencies in our Nowadays arsenical dips are no longer used for plants? Most of these companies are subsidiaries. sheep flocks. Different compounds are used, one The companies that supply the chemicals, including being a strict application of a chemical down the Du Pont (Australia) Ltd, Nufarm Ltd, Dow Coming centre of the backs of sheep that must be applied Australia Pty Ltd, Hoechst Australia Ltd, and Bayer within 24 hours after they are shorn. A growing Australia Ltd are subsidiaries of American number of sheep are showing early stages of lice and companies but have the ability to manufacture in mite infestation after shearing. That was never a Australia. My understanding is many of the problem with the old arsenical dips. However, I chemicals are imported rather than produced in understand that because of environmental problems, Australia. The Minister for Agriculture comes from especially in overseas scours, arsenical dips are no the western suburbs where the chemical plants are longer used which is a shame because it gave a full situated and I suggest to him that we are missing job twelve months protection and completely eradicated opportunities by not making our chemical plants the mites and parasites that attack animals after they more productive. are shorn. The applications available today are not as good as the arsenical dips in ensuring that the I have a number of concerns about the passage of the animals are free of parasites. Research needs to be legislation througl;t the Parliament. I understand that done in that area. the legislation was drafted about three years ago, yet it has taken all this time to come into the House. I It was once compulsory to dip sheep after shearing know it has been on the Notice Paper since the but that is no longer the case and as a result the autumn session of this year but, bearing that in Australian sheep flock is not as clean of skin mind, it seems to have taken a very long time to be parasites as the flocks of years ago. brought forward. However, we have been AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Wednesday, 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 921 safeguarded by the four principal Acts relating to bodies. It is the Federal government's intention to have agricultural chemicals. the national registration scheme in place by 1992.

It is well identified that the Federal government, AVCA endorses this approach because national under the auspices of the Minister for Primary registration will replace the need for registration Industries and Energy, the Honourable Simon provisions in the Victorian Bill. Crean, has announced through the Australian Agricultural Council the establishment of a national The Victorian Premier, Joan Kirner, was present at the registration scheme for agricultural and veterinary special Premiers Conference in October 1990 which chemicals. The initiative will replace the eight State identified the registration of agricultural and veterinary and Territory registration bodies. The Federal chemicals as an area of national standards. Yet the government hopes to have the national registration Victorian government is persisting in amending and scheme in place by July 1992. This matter is referred repealing existing legislation which will only be in to in a letter by Mr Crean. A letter from Mr Lindsay place for the next six to eight months. Showyin to Mr Amor, the Manager of the Chemical Standards Branch of the Department of Agriculture AVCA believes that the Bill should be held over and Rural Affairs in Melbourne states: pending continued discussion with all States of what the Australian Agricultural Council wishes to Thank you for the copy of this Bill and my apologies implement via national registration. At that stage the for the delayed reply. possible setting of standards, for controls over spraying of agricultural chemicals and contaminated land, stock In light of the Honourable Simon Crean's media release and agricultural produce could then logically proceed of 2 August about a national registration scheme, it is in a consistent manner in all States. our view that there is now no point at all in progressing the Victorian Bill. Once the national scheme is in place, all States will be in a position to be able to add to the new Federal We suggest that as uniformity is the name of the game, regulations if there is a need to extend any controls for adoption of the Federal situation should be of the the use of agriculture and veterinary chemicals. utmost priority. It should also be highlighted that the white paper for I agree that the adoption of the Federal situation Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill was drafted should be of the utmost priority. Likewise, the four years ago. It seems incongruous that the Minister Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Association for Agriculture, lan Baker, is introducing the Bill to of Australia Ltd (A VCA), which is the controlling Parliament after an elapsed period of four years, in the body for all agricultural and veterinary chemical light of Victoria's endorsement and involvement in the production, expresses siffiilar views in introduction of national legislation against a July 1992 correspondence to me dated 29 August 1991: deadline. AVCA does not understand the apparent need for urgency demonstrated by the Minister. AVCA remains committed in its opposition to the Victorian Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill. For these reasons I hope that AVCA can obtain the The association has kept you informed of the bases of support of the opposition to have the Bill held over. AVCA's concerns and I am writing to ask for the assistance of the opposition on this matter. It is signed by AlIen Morley, the Executive Director of AVCA. AVCA totally supports the principle of delaying the registration for the following reasons: I have further correspondence from ICI Australia, a company which has its headquarters at No. 1 Mc Simon Crean, the Federal Minister for Primary Nicholson Street. It is addressed to me and states: Industries and Energy announced through the Australian Agricultural Council the establishment of a Following useful discussions between Mc Ross Davies national registration scheme for agriculture and from your office and Ian Prince of ICI, we have had an veterinary chemicals. Victoria was one of the opportunity to study this Bill. supporters of this unanimous decision made by the Federal government and all the States. This initiative This is dated 22 May 1991. The opposition and I will replace the eight State and Territory registration brought the legislation to the attention of ICI. The letter goes on to say: AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

922 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991

We have a number of concerns about the present Bill agricultural and veterinary chemicals. This would and wish to draw your attention to those major issues appear to be necessary, particularly if sections 15 and which have potentially damaging implications for ICI 38 are not satisfactorily amended. Australia and for Victorian agriculture. We do, however, support the purpose of the Bill. Some additional detailed comments are also attached.

The Bill appears to be structurally flawed in that the We trust that these comments are of assistance to you. registration of agricultural chemicals is subject only to If it would be helpful, we would be pleased to discuss consideration by Registrar and Chief Administrator, these and related matters with you, and the relevant but veterinary chemicals are ostensibly subject to opposition committee in advance of the debate of the oversight by a board with decision making powers. Bill. Ian Douglas from A VCA is understood to be interested in briefing you as well and has indicated that This arrangement would appear to be inconsistent, he will endeavour to be in Melbourne to attend any outmoded, inefficient and unnecessary. Consideration meeting with your shadow committee which we may by a statutory board is either needed for both or for arrange. neither. We are not uncomfortable with the concept of discretion for the registrar. This is consistent with The letter is signed by Don Matthews, Manager legislation in other States. However, any referral should Stewardship, Crop Care, ICI Australia. be to a broadly based on expert statutory board as suggested below. The legislation should clearly define At that time the coalition proceeded to prepare a issues which must be referred if such a board is agreed number of amendments with the idea that it would to. support the Bill but would propose amendments concerning the control of spraying. During the past The appropriate administrative machinery is a single few months the Federal Minister for Primary statutory board covering the full scope of the Bill with Industries and Energy, Simon Crean, has indicated decision making powers if this is necessary, and on a number of occasions that he intends to put in advisory responsibilities to the Minister (not the place a national scheme. In fact, he wrote a letter Registrar I Chief Administrator). This should be dated 13 August to Mr L. Showyin, President of representative but primarily based on relevant Aerosol Association of Australia, which states: expertise. I refer to your letters of 12 June 1991 to me and to the Another major issue is that of the control of agricultural Prime Minister supporting national registration of spraying. While appropriate provision must be made agricultural and veterinary chemicals. for the protection of the community and the environment -- As you may be aware, the registration of agricultural and veterinary chemicals was identified at the special I totally agree with that - Premiers conference in October 1990 as a possible area for the achievement of national standards and the Bill provides very wide powers to the Minister regulations. Since that time the matter has been through the Governor in Council to prohibit progressed and I am pleased to be able to advise you agricultural spraying after a short period of public that the Australian Agricultural Council agreed on 2 comment and "considering" any comments received. August 1991, on a national registration scheme for This includes ground as well as aerial spraying and agricultural and veterinary chemicals. would appear to be unnecessarily intrusive and, in large measure, unjustifiably bureaucratic. I am attaching a copy of my media release announcing this decision, for the information of your association. A thorough examination of the implications on both economic and environmental grounds should be a It is proposed that a national registration scheme prerequisite and should be a requirement in the advice will be introduced by July next year. On that basis, to the Governor in Council. the coalition is not prepared to support the passage of the Bill. The coalition believes the national The final major concern is that there does not appear to registration scheme should be put in place and if be any explicit provision to appeal against or to seek an work is needed to be done to control spraying, the administrative review of decisions made by the Minister for Agriculture should then introduce Governor in Council or the Minister on matters which legislation which will be examined on its merits by may impact on manufacturers, resellers or users of the coalition. AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Wednesday, 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 923

The Minister may say that the coalition is wrong in to demonstrate that the farming community is not putting forward that argument. I remind him of opposed to appropriate codes of practice providing what he said in his media release of 28 May 1991. there is dialogue and communication. The release is entitled, "Victoria's food among the best in the world; Baker" and states: Members of the coalition have met with representatives of the aerial spraying association on Victorian food was among the cleanest and safest two or more occasions and they are well aware of produce in the world, Minister for Agriculture, Mr Ian the need for a code of practice. There have been Baker said today. instances of chemical spray hitting waterways and farm dams, wiping out fish in those areas. They Releasing the results of the latest Victorian produce understand the need for a code of practice, perhaps monitoring program, Mc Baker said that more than 99 more than anyone else, as well as the dangers of per cent of samples tested for a range of farm chemicals chemical spray drift that might hit areas other than met established standards. the identified vegetation that needs to be hit with the chemical. They are prepared to agree to a code of Mr Baker said the results proved that clean food was practice. That has already been accommodated in one of the great strengths of Victorian agriculture and existing legislation, although I have highlighted said consumers could shop with confidence knowing some areas that are causing concern. that local produce was the best in the world. Aerial spraying takes place during spring and crops I totally agree with those comments. It is an excellent are currently being sprayed. Even if the Bill were marketing tool that should be used in Asian passed today, by the time it was proclaimed much of communities to assist our horticultural and the spraying season would be well and truly over. I agricultural produce to penetrate those markets. am attempting to highlight the fact that four existing Agricultural products produced in Europe are Acts provide safeguards for the control and use of produced in a different environment because of acid agricultural chemicals. A national registration rain and other environmental problems. As I say, scheme is essential and that is why the Bill should Australia has a marketing advantage that needs to not be passed at this time. be emphasised. The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals The former Minister for Agriculture and Rural Association of Australia Ltd (A VCA) has put Affairs, Mr Barry Rowe, issued a news release dated together information outlining the number of people 21 December 1989 entitled "Restrictions on employed in registering agricultural chemicals in organochlorin pesticides" which states: each State and the registration fees that are charged: New South Wales, 13 staff and $100 for 3 years; Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Barry Rowe, Queensland, 12 staff and $81 for 3 years; Victoria, 9 today announced further restrictions on the use of staff and $760 for 3 years; South Australia, 12 staff persistent organochlorin pesticides. and $360 for 3 years; Tasmania, 3.5 staff and $300 for a new registration and $150 for the next 3 years; and Mc Rowe said as from today, the use of dieldrin is Western Australia, 4 staff and $110 a year. banned in Victoria and the use of aldrin and heptachlor will be restricted to the control of subterranean termites One wonders why there is such a difference in the in buildings. registration fee charged in Victoria. Admittedly Victoria's registration fee also includes veterinary The Minister also announced that lindane will be chemicals, but the difference is still enormous. The banned from 1 January 1990. government is imposing on Victoria's farming community a higher charge than that imposed on The farming community is not unduly upset at those the farming communities of other States. The announcements, but it demonstrates once again that registration fee is picked up by the chemical the Minister for Agriculture must be on the ball to companies, but the final cost is borne by the user - ensure that the community is free of dangerous the farming community. chemicals. The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals I can talk further about the use of agricultural Association has produced a chart showing the chemicals within the farming community, but I current steps that must be taken to register believe I have presented a comprehensive argument agricultural and veterinary chemicals. The AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

924 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991 registration application goes from the chemical employs 94 000 people. Victoria produces 22 manufacturer to the Australian Agricultural and per cent of Australian agricultural produce, so it is Veterinary Chemicals Council and then to an extremely Significant industry. Commonwealth and State Ministers, State and Territory governments and finally to a number of Agricultural and veterinary chemicals play an watchdog organisations including the National important role in the industry; over the past lOO Occupational Health and Safety Commission, the years developments in agriculture have largely been Australian Environment Council, the Council of due to those chemicals. It is important to consider Nature Conservation Ministers and the State and the way agricultural and veterinary chemicals have Territory departments of agriculture. contributed to agriculture in Australia. Many members of the community would be unaware of The proposal suggested by A VCA for an Australian their contribution to the health and welfare of registration procedure removes the need for State animals. They would not be aware of how vaccines and Territory governments to be involved in the are used to prevent distemper among domestic process. That is the logical way to go. I hope the greyhounds and farm dogs, and how other vaccines Minister has seen the sense in the argument I have are used for domestic cats. put forward on behalf of the coalition. After consultation with many people involved in this Mr Baker interjected. matter, the coalition has decided that is the right and proper way to go. Dr NAPTHINE - There is a product known as Euthatel that could be applied to the Minister for It is essential to have uniformity in regulation and Agriculture. It could certainly be applied in liberal registration of agricultural chemicals in Australia. doses to the entire frontbench of the government, Other members of the coalition will support my much of which could be self-injected. Clostridial argument, and I look forward to the Minister disease vaccines have been a boon to the welfare of accepting the argument and agreeing to lay aside his farm animals. Worm control has been responsible push for registration at a State level and introduce at for improving productivity and the health and the appropriate time any legislation necessary for welfare of our livestock. Veterinary chemicals have the national registration of agricultural chemicals. been able to control many diseases in large areas of the country. Or NAPTHINE (Portland) - I support the remarks made by the honourable member for If the Minister would only provide adequate support Lowan, who succinctly outlined the reasons the for the veterinary laboratory at Hamilton instead of coalition will not support the Bill. It is Simple: reducing staff, more could be done in discovering Australia is moving to national registration; that vaccines to control worms in sheep. It is unfortunate concept is supported by the industry, farmers and that laboratory staff who have won $600 000 in the Commonwealth and State governments. external funding for this project are being National registration should proceed as soon as undermined by having scientific staff taken away by possible and, therefore, it is totally inappropriate for the Minister under the Budget. Victoria to move in a different direction. To pursue the Bill will be a waste of time, energy and money. One has only to examine the sheep dips, and particularly jetting fluids that control flystrike in The Bill must be considered in the context of the sheep. If honourable members have seen flystrike importance of the agricultural industry and the they will be aware that it is an obviously painful importance of chemicals within that industry. I am experience for the sheep. The agricultural and sure the Minister for Agriculture is aware that, veterinary chemicals that have been invented to despite the current economic problems of the wool prevent and control flystrike have been a major boon and cereal industries, agriculture is still Victoria's in improving the health and welfare of sheep in major industry and will continue to be so. Any Australia and all over the world. economic recovery in Victoria will depend as much on agriculture as on anything else. Another Significant area assisted by agricultural and veterinary chemicals is the environment. People Victoria's agricultural industry is worth $4 billion to often regard chemicals as being by definition $5 billion a year and provides 45 per cent of harmful to the environment, but many agricultural Victoria's export income. Some 33 000 families are chemicals have provided advantages to the involved in agriculture and the industry directly AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Wednesday, 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 925 environment, particularly in the control of weeds in the products are not closely scrutinised, checked and national parks. used properly.

Mr Coleman - Which ones? We must protect the health and welfare of domestic and farm animals as well as native birds, fish and Or NAPTHINE - I am sorry, Mr Acting Speaker, plants. Legislation such as this Bill is necessary to I should not want to inadvertently mislead the ensure that our environment is protected. The House. Agricultural chemicals have the potential to people who buy the products must know they are control weeds in many of our national parks, if only effective; the labelling must clear so that people can this government were prepared to put the effort into use the preparations safely and responsibly. using them properly. Agricultural chemicals provide a major benefit to the community by controlling Legislation must also take into account the trade weeds in our cropping programs so that we can implications of how agricultural and veterinary move to minimum tillage techniques. The old chemicals are used. Australia is a major exporter of system of cultivating and recultivating land over agricultural produce and the trade implications and over made the land prone to soil erosion, to associated with such products must be controlled by hardpan and to a number of other problems. The use legislation. People overseas and within Australia of agricultural chemicals has allowed farmers to have expressed concern about arsenic in wool, introduce minimum tillage techniques and that has antibiotic and organochloride residues and growth Significantly assisted the environment in this State. promotants in meat. Although we should be concerned with the trade implications of these A fundamental area where agricultural and products we must not get these concerns out of veterinary chemicals have contributed to the kilter with reality. Some of our trading partners are well-being of the community is their use in happy to use this sort of device as a trade barrier but increasing productivity on farming land through they do so with no sound or scientific evidence. I new pasture species, the better control of weeds, question the European Community's decision to ban increased stocking rates, and the control of diseases the import of meat products from any animals that in stock. We have been able to increase stocking have been associated with hormonal growth rates without any detrimental effect on the health products because no scientific evidence is available and welfare of animals. We have increased crop to suggest that there should be legitimate concern yields and have been able to control diseases in our about these products being used in our meat. crops. When one considers the trade implications of That has increased productivity, as evidenced by the agricultural and veterinary chemicals one must fact that over the past twenty years in the southern make a decision based on sound, scientific evidence; high rainfall zone there has been an average 2.8 per not on emotional evidence and not on impositions cent increase each year compared with a 1.1 per cent placed by trade barriers by other countries. increase in the manufacturing industry. There have been Significant increases in productivity over a In attempting to attract or move into particular number of years in the agricultural sector, and markets producers may decide on farming practices agricultural and veterinary chemicals and that involve different techniques by using or not developments in this field have contributed using certain products, particularly farmers who significantly to those productivity increases. want to attract a market for organically grown Increases in productivity contribute to the economic products. However, we should not use that as an health and welfare of rural communities, which argument to impose unfair and unscientifically flows through to the whole community. based restrictions on agricultural and veterinary chemicals across the whole farming community, or Although there are major benefits to the community across the general community. from agricultural and veterinary chemicals there is also a need to have proper legislation providing for Many agricultural and veterinary chemicals are not their controlled use.We must protect the health of used only on farms. Many are used in domestic the users of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, as gardens, on the vegetable patch, on the lawn and in well as the health of consumers, their neighbours controlling weeds around the house. Local and the general community. We must express government, the Department of Conservation and concern about the environment. There is the Environment and a host of other non-farm potential for untoward effects on the environment if organisations use these products. The agricultural AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINAJ.Y CHEMICALS BILL

926 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991 and veterinary industry and the farming community Chairman of the council, Primary Industries and support the need for such legislation. They require Energy Minister, Mc Simon Crean, said the agreement simple and effective legislation. They recognise the to have a single, national authority under the need for national legislation and for national Commonwealth administration would eliminate controls. Everyone has had enough of the duplication and inconsistencies. State-by-State controls which have proven to be inefficient and difficult to police, and have been I say hear, hear to that. The media release continues: costly to the industry and to the community. "The initiative to replace the eight State and Territorial The situation has been that agricultural or veterinary bodies is an important step in micro-economic reform", chemicals that are approved in places like the United Mc Crean said. Kingdom and the United States of America have to obtain a clearance in Canberra and a clearance in ''The Commonwealth has accepted responsibility for each State before they can be registered and used. the registration of chemicals and the States and Territories will remain responsible for control of use The interjection by the honourable member for activities. Syndal that each State has different labelling requirements is relevant. That has been at the In conclusion, the media release states: expense of the industry. Because of that expense valuable products have not been brought to "It is the government's intention to have the national Australia even though they are widely used registration scheme in place by July 1992. This is an overseas. That has been to the detriment of Victoria, ambitious goal considering the complexities and extent Australia and the industries involved. of consultation involved in establishing the scheme", Mc Crean said. There is a real problem with State by State legislation. While some of those problems have been The Federal national scheme has widespread resolved over the years there are still differences support throughout the industry and the between the States which are of concern. community, and that scheme will be implemented in July 1992. Victoria should be working towards that I shall again refer slightly to the use of labels. One end. The national scheme should not be diverted by concern in the industry is that labels can often be Victoria pursuing its own course completely or difficult to read and interpret, particularly by people seemingly in contradistinction with what is in areas such as the one represented by the happening nationally. honourable member for Mildura whose electorate has a large ethnic community who are involved in Given what is happening nationally, there is no need the production of dried fruit and other industries. to proceed with the Bill at this stage. Currently Some of those people have difficulty in Victoria has adequate legislation in place to cover understanding or reading the English-language the situation until the national legislation is labels of these products. Australia should move to introduced. When that legislation is introduced an international labelling system which uses Victoria can amend its legislation in line with the pictorial symbols on labels that can be clearly national legislation to be consistent with what understood. Such a system would enable people to . happens irl other States. There is no need to waste use the products in a better way and would thus time, energy, money and effort in implementing the help the industry as a whole. Bill and distracting the industry, the department and the Minister. The coalition welcomes a national approach and also the comments of the Federal Minister for Primary Mr Baker interjected. Industries and Energy, Simon Crean, who said in a media release on 2 August 1991 under the heading, Or NAPTHINE - The Minister interjects saying "National registration scheme for agriculture and that Canberra is waiting on Victoria. Perhaps the veterinary chemicals agreed": Minister should stop pursuing the proposed legislation and get his act together to help the The Australian Agricultural Council today agreed on a national scheme to proceed. national registration scheme for agricultural and veterinary chemicals. AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Wednesday, 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 927

The current legislation in Victoria will keep the attitude towards the Bill; it will not support it and situation under control until the national scheme is will oppose it in the other place. introduced. Mr AUSTIN (Ripon) - I make clear at the outset The Department of Agriculture magazine, Rural that the coalition agrees with the principal objectives Update, winter 1991 edition states: of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill and is not opposed to the principle behind the Bill. This year's residue monitoring program carried out by My colleagues have already pointed out the position the Department of Agriculture has shown once again taken by the coalition on this legislation. that Victoria produces food which rates among the cleanest in the world. I was surprised to hear the interjections from the Minister for Agriculture, who is at the table, when More than 99 per cent of food samples tested for a he said that the Commonwealth was waiting for range of chemicals met established standards. Victoria to pass this legislation. If that is the case it was never brought to the notice of the opposition at Included in the survey were more than 3000 samples of any time during the discussions and meetings that beef, sheep, pork, goat and chicken meat, eggs, milk, took place over many weeks on this Bill. While the fruit, vegetables and grain. opposition is not opposed to the objectives and principles of the Bill it is critical of the way the That is evidence that the system is working in Minister has handled the legislation. On that score I Victoria and there is no need to fiddle with the believe the Minister still has a lot to learn. legislation and waste time and energy before the national scheme is introduced, because when it is The Minister wheels up this legislation and expects Victoria can follow. the coalition to support it. I will give him his due: whenever it was requested or required he provided Concern has been expressed about aerial spraying. I officers from his department to go through the quote from Agbriefs south-west region of July 1991 legislation with us and those officers did their best. under the heading, "Cleaner agriculture program": However, there is absolutely no doubt that the Bill is badly flawed. Aerial spraying complaints have decreased considerably indicating a more responsible approach The opposition's other criticism is that in many cases by the industry, perhaps due to our closer scrutiny. no consultation took place with interested parties, and in cases where consultation did take place it was The Victorian system is working well. I know that a not consultation with all the right people. national scheme will work better; it will be more effici~nt and stop the duplication and inconsistencies I received a letter from the President of the Victorian between States. Victoria should work towards Farmers Federation (VFF) - which was referred to implementing that national scheme. by the Deputy Leader of the National Party - expressing concern about the lack of consultation. In The coalition has adopted a responsible attitude to that letter Mr Arbuthnot said that the consultation the Bill. The Deputy Leader of the National Party had not been adequate. He said that in the case of said he was surprised when he sent copies of the the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals proposed legislation to the major manufacturers that Association of Australia there had been no they had not already seen it. That is disappointing in consultation whatever. The opposition finds it itself. I thank the Minister for the briefings his amazing that there was no consultation with an department gave the coalition. They were full and association which plays a major role in the use of comprehensive and helped the coalition to come to a chemicals in the State. ICI Australia Ltd wrote to the clear conclusion - one which is obvious to all - Deputy Leader of the National Party and said it that national registration is the way to go. The supported the purposes behind the Bill but government should not waste its time, energy, suggested that the Bill was structurally flawed. Both money and effort in implementing the proposed the VFF and lel have expressed their concerns and legislation. The Bill should be put on ice until the each has mentioned about twelve specific matters national scheme is introduced. Victoria should work they believe need to be rectified. An efficient with the States to have complementary legislation Minister would have ironed out those flaws in the introduced. The coalition has adopted a responsible proposed legislation long before it came before Parliament. AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

928 ASSEMBLY Wednesday. 2 October 1991

It is important to examine the background which Once the debate takes place at the Federal level and caused the legislation to be brought before consultation is under way amendments will be Parliament. On 2 August 1991 the Australian necessary to the Federal legislation. As a Agricultural Council agreed on a national consequence amendments will be required to the registration scheme for agricultural and veterinary Victorian legislation. It seems a waste of time and chemicals. The letter from the Federal Minister for money to be going through this process now when Primary Industries and Energy, Mc Simon Crean, to so many changes will be required later. Mc Showyin, President of the Aerosol Association of Australia - which has already been referred to - The sensible approach is to bring the two processes says in part: closer together so that they can be debated in unison. The Deputy Leader of the National Party referred to As you may be aware, the registration of agricultural the fact that we have some of the cleanest and veterinary chemicals was identified at the special agricultural products in the world. That has always Premiers Conference in October 1990 as a possible area been a matter of pride in Victoria and Australia and for the achievement of national standards and gives us a marketing advantage around the world. If regulation. Since that time the matter has been we are sensible and proceed in a practical way in progressed, and I am pleased to be able to advise you agricultural pursuits in Victoria, agriculture will that the Australian Agricultural Council agreed on 2 lead Victoria and Australia out of the current August 1991 on a national registration scheme for recession. agricultural and veterinary chemicals. The opposition wishes to keep agriculture clean and In a press release at that time Mc Crean stated to improve productivity. The opposition wishes to clearly that the Commonwealth accepted maintain that marketing edge. The opposition agrees responsibility for the registration of chemicals and with the objectives of the legislation but not with its that the States and Territories would retain timing. responsibility for the control and use of those chemicals. Mr ELDER (Ballarat North) - Ballarat has a particular interest in the Agricultural and Veterinary So, we have a clear picture of the Commonwealth Chemicals Bill as a number of air and ground taking over registration and the States taking over operators are based in the area. Firstly, I ask the the way registered chemicals are used. Minister why, in a situation where his Federal counterpart, Mc Crean, will bring in national The question that really arises from the debate is the controls, are we today debating this issue, timing of the Victorian legislation. The Minister has particularly given that when the national controls got into trouble by going off half-cocked and come in they will take precedence over anything without sufficient consultation has tried to get the done in Victoria? Bill through Parliament. It needs to be made clear that the Commonwealth's aim is to get its national Uniformity among the States on agricultural and registration scheme in place by July 1992. The veterinary chemicals should be promoted, and the Federal Minister admits that time scale is ambitious sooner we do that the better. and that there may be some difficulty in achieving that goal. He says that because he knows the Some honourable members might think I have a complexities of the issue and understands that there particular interest in aerial spraying because recent will need to be a great deal of consultation along the media coverage showed me making aeroplanes in way. Consultation is something the Minister for this House, but that is not the case! My interest in the Agriculture has failed to carry out in an appropriate Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill goes way. back a long way; I come from a fanning background and I have been up there with the pilots. The opposition believes it is inappropriate and counterproductive to be setting in concrete the Mr Baker - The trouble is that you always come control of the use of agricultural and veterinary down! chemicals before the Federallegisla tion has passed. The Federal legislation is not expected to go through Mr ELDER - Enormous differences exist Parliament for nine months and Mc Crean has said it between the New South Wales Act and what is could take longer than that. proposed by the Bill. Today everyone involved must be accountable for spraying misuse. Nobody could AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Wednesday, 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 929 have any objection to such accountability being I am concerned also about responsibility in required; wholehearted agreement exists with that undertaking aerial spraying. Quite often the concept. companies involved in the aerial spraying industry employ people on contracts to carry out the work for I refer to the off-label use of chemicals, as provided them. As a result industrial relations and common by clause 19. Applications should be made in law problems arise. writing and be signed. This will address the accountability factor to which I referred. As a result The employer, the large company, hands out the the chemicals will be able to be traced back to the contract, directing the pilot to spray over a particular batch number. They must be recorded at each stage piece of ground on a particular date. The company of use, not just at the first or final stages; that is, the has all the information about the variables, such as chemicals must be able to be traced from the the wind and whatever, and although the manufacturer to their end use. relationship is basically of a master-servant type, the pilot who is actually dropping the substance is I have read with interest articles about spray drift. It ultimately responsible if there is any spray drift or is necessary to define "spray drift". I suppose the any other problem associated with the work. key word is "injurious", but a major issue revolves around defining "drift". It is common knowledge Obviously the responsibility does lie in part with the that in treating a specific area, some spray will go pilot but consideration must be given also to outside a fence. Most farmers will attest to whether the owner or the operator is responsible as incidences of spray drift having occurred, well. The owner or operator may have given false particularly when aerial spraying has been information or sent someone out to do the job undertaken. without full information. The Bill or the regulations must define who has final responsibility and It comes down to questions of the amount of injury indicate clearly that the pilot must have and the scale of the effect. Many factors are involved unencumbered access to all the information in such definitions. available from any source so that he can make decisions as to whether he can spray a particular On the basis of discussions I have had with section of land. members of the industry, the first suggestion I make is that the definition should include "detectable but The New South Wales Act contains such a provision; not to the naked eye". Then one might consider perhaps it should be included in the Victorian including "visible but no economic damage" or legislation, either in the Bill or the regulations, "visible where there is seen to be measurable whichever is appropriate. economic damage". These matters might be considered at some future date. Pilot rating certificates also must be considered. If the course or examinations referred to in Schedule 1 Pilots must be considered, particularly those on are to be controlled and conducted by the contracts. They must keep similar records to those Department of Agriculture, the measure is an kept by the operators who keep records for two excellent one; it should not be framed in any other years after the spraying has been undertaken, so that way. If, however, the chief administrator can decide the records can be used for cross-reference. Again, on aerial operation schemes, consideration should be the issue of accountability in the industry will be given to whether the implementation of addressed through the capacity to trace back and accreditation schemes may otherwise contravene the find out where misuse of chemicals has occurred. Trade Practices Act.

The appointment of an advisory committee is to be I do not decry the underlying principles of a code of commended. It is essential that representatives of practice - today similar codes exist in many the spraying industry who are members of the industries - but the system is open to abuse, committee have recent practical experience. according to many of the people with whom I have Someone who is a chief pilot might be a good choice discussed this matter. They have indicated that the for appointment to the committee because such a system has been abused in the past. Although it person would have wide practical and recent might be said of many procedures that they have experience in the industry. That experience would been or may be abused, I invite honourable be better than the experience of someone who has members to imagine a situation in which the chief been a desk jockey in the industry for some time. administrator will grant industry accreditation and AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

930 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991 determine the conditions of granting a certificate. In that Victoria, and Australia generally, have a proud such a situation he would have no control whatever record internationally for clean product. We need to over the internal mechanisms of the industry and its capitalise on this feature. We have a natural rules could be changed at any time. I suggest that advantage over many countries. I congratulate the the administrator should administer the new Act Minister and his department for initiatives in that and leave the industry to stand alone. area. This is an important aspect of agriculture on which we should capitalise. In conclusion, I repeat that it is far better to administer this area by way of national controls; that The Bill will ensure that the product is effective for is, by promoting uniformity among the States. As I the purposes described on the label. said also, I wonder why honourable members are wasting time in debating the Bill when, as I Federal legislation is in the pipeline and it is hoped understand it, national controls will be introduced in to have it in place by July 1992. I wonder why we are the near future by the Federal Minister for Primary pushing ahead with this legislation when Federal Industries and Energy, Mr Crean. legislation will be in place in approximately eighteen months. Given that one of the purposes of the Bill is Mr MAUGHAN (Rodney) - I indicate my to create national uniformity, I should have thought support for the general thrust of the proposed the legislation would be drafted to mesh in with legislation. Nobody could be concerned at the what the Commonwealth and other States will be introduction of reasonable controls over the use of doing so that we would have truly national agricultural chemicals. legislation rather than legislative differences between the States. The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill repeals the Agricultural Chemicals Act 1958, the We have other differences of rule between the States Animal Preparations Act 1987, the Fertilizers Act such as in the meat industry. The abattoirs in this 1974, and the Aerial Spraying Control Act 1966 and State have different standards from those in New amends two other Acts. South Wales. Yesterday the abattoir at Gunbower had its throughput severely reduced, but that would The purposes of the Bill are set out in clause 1. They not have occurred if that abattoir operated in New are to impose some sort of control on the use of South Wales or South Australia. It has never agricultural chemicals and preparations used in the suffered from any health or quality problems. I use veterinary field. A need exists for some form of that as an example to illustrate the differences control over and registration of those who work in between the different States and in support of my the area. Apart from the general purpose, the argument for national uniformity. specific purposes of the Bill are: There appears to have been insufficient consultation (i) protecting the health of the general public ... with the main players involved in the legislation. It Nobody could argue with that. The next specific is desirable that all those involved have the purpose is: opportunity of expressing their points of view.

(ii) protecting the environment ... I have no argument with the need for control, Given the general community concern about although one needs to acknowledge the value of environmental issues, the only responsible thing to agricultural chemicals in this country and around do is to take some action to protect our environment. the world. It has become popular in some quarters to condemn the use of agricultural chemicals as if they The legislation will protect the health and welfare of were innately bad. I strongly reject that. Coming animals, which is important from the community's from a farming background and having been a point of view. It will ensure that preparations used practical farmer for most of my working life, I know in agricultural production are used in accordance from personal experience that most farming with the labelling and that they will have the effect communities in this country and around the world that the manufacturer claims. The Bill will provide are responsible in their use of agricultural chemicals, that quality standards are met. whether they be fertilisers, veterinary preparations or sprays to be used on crops. I strongly support the provision to protect domestic and export trade in agricultural produce and We do not give the agricultural industry credit for livestock. Earlier speakers have already pointed out responsible use of agricultural chemicals. These AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Wednesday, 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 931 chemicals have controlled disease in crops and dose. I told him that if he gave the cow 8 ounces of animals. They have enabled crop yields to be the liquid the cow would get better. increased, thus lowering the price of food products to consumers. Off he went with the medicine to treat his cow. He was also known to attend a local hostelry from time The agricultural chemical industry has played a to time. When he looked around for a container to significant role in the production of food for a give the cow the 8 fluid ounces it became clear that hungry world. Most producers are responsible, but an 8-ounce beer glass would give the proper amount of course there are some who are irresponsible and of sulphadimidine to the cow. He got the cow into who need to be controlled. the bail in order to administer the medicine, having set down the glass containing the liquid, when in I support the legislation and the necessity to have came little Tim. I have changed the names to protect strict controls on the use of aerial spraying. Aerial the innocent and to protect my professional ethics. spraying has been a boon for the cropping industry Little Tim seized the beer glass and gulped it down because it has enabled the increase of yield and it taking twenty times the dose that would be suitable has lowered the cost of production. However, there ·for a child of four years of age in one fell swoop. are irresponsible operators who need to be brought to book and that is why strict guidelines on aerial Little Tim's parents told me what had happened, sprayins are required. . and because of the possible severe consequences I told them to take him to hospital. We also need an education campaign for the general commwtity to explain the need for agricultural No sooner had little Tim arrived at casualty than a chemicals, which when used responsibly benefit the doctor rang me up and said, ''You so and so, don't commwtity. We need the second prong to educate you know about little Tim and the effects of the the farming commwtity and to impress on them the mixture?" I said that, although it was not my fault, I importance of responsible use of agricultural would come to the hospital to give them a hand. We chemicals. soon discovered that we had to pump out little Tim's stomach - no mean feat when you are In general terms I support the Bill, but I believe it is dealing with a "child who does not want the contents premature and that we should wait until the Federal of his stomach pumped out. legislation is in place before dealing with these matters in Victoria. In such circumstances the idea is to tell kids to "swallow the snake", because a long piece of hose Mr DELZOPPO (Narracan) - I shall make a has to be forced down the throat into the stomach, small contribution to the debate on the Bill, which after which a funnel is attached to the hose and deals with the use of agricultural and veterinary liquid poured in. The hose is then lowered so that medicines. I shall recount to the House how careful the contents of the stomach can be Siphoned out. we must be with these substances that can be injurious if they are not handled responsibly. Now little Tim had knocked around cowyards all his life and as a result had a very colourful vocabulary. In the 1950s when I was a young pharmacist in a He called me, the doctor and the three nurses who small country town, an old farmer came to me were holding him while the mixture was complaining about a cow with footrot. He had tried administered a number of names. all the well-known remedies and it was recommended that he should see me so that I could The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Norris) - Order! bring about a cure. I said if he gave the cow Did he know you had political aspirations? sulphadimidine 33 1/3 per cent by subcutaneous injection the cow would have a chance of recovery. Mr DELZOPPO - No, but he reflected on the heritage of us all. The point of my story is that you I told the farmer he would have to buy a syringe. He cannot be too careful when you are dealing with thought it was bad enough that he had to pay ten small children and agricultural chemic~s! shillings to buy the sulphadimidine to treat his cow, without buying a syringe. I said that I would work Or WELLS (Dromana) - It will certainly be out a dosage that he could give the cow orally. I did difficult to follow the speech of my honourable some calculations to work out how many grams per friend, which was full of merit. kilogram of body weight was necessary for an oral AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

932 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991

The coalition has made clear its intention to prevent the responsible State authorities. H they were the passing of the Bill in another place. I shall not consulted, the government's only defence would be canvass the national implications of the Agricultural to say that it decided to ignore the advice of the and Veterinary Chemicals Bill except to say that I authorities, which would also be unacceptable. agree with my colleagues that it would be nonsensical to pass the Bill when the establishment Clause 19 provides: of a national body is pending. (1) A person must not, otherwise than in accordance with a permit issued under Schedule 1, use a The nation is too often tied in knots because of preparation - differing State standards. In my years in veterinary practice I have seen far too many examples of (a) at a rate that is higher than the maximum companies having to spend large amounts of money application rate for that use, as stated on the to register the chemicals they produce in each State, label; or one by one. I am surprised that the Minister for (b) at intervals more frequent than the intervals for Agriculture has not been able to persuade his that use, as stated on the label. colleagues not to proceed with the Bill - although whether he wished to or not is another matter. In particular cases the clause would prevent veterinary surgeons from using the professional One wonders whether his colleagues doubt the judgment necessary to achieve successful outcomes. intention of the Commonwealth government to That is not acceptable in a society that gives its establish uniform standards for agricultural and professionals the facility to achieve results only they veterinary chemicals. can achieve.

The Bill should also be opposed because of its As a professional I would take exception if a Significant deficiencies, which cannot be easily government told me I could not use a drug that in corrected by amendment. The government proposes my judgment could be correctly used in certain the creation of a new standard of "maximum doses, which I would be prepared to defend before permiSSible level" as compared with the existing the board and in a court of law. For the government national standard of "maximum residue limit". The to accept an opposition amendment on the run latter is clearly the definition that is needed, whether would do nothing more than show its insincerity, one is talking about animals, plants or the soil. The which is yet another reason why I believe the Bill former definition is an easier way of approaching should not be passed. the matter. Clause 32 refers to the establishment of a very When I attended briefings on the Bill those important body, the Animal Preparations Board. responsible for its drafting were not sufficiently clear Given that the Federal Minister for Primary about its provisions. Because I left the briefing Industries and Energy has led us to believe that unable to have the issue resolved to my satisfaction I within nine months Federal legislation will be believed the government would be unable to resolve passed to establish mechanisms similar to those these and other matters in the Committee stage. contained in the clause, I wonder why the government is going to the expense of establishing a I cannot support the creation by statute of a new State Animal Preparations Board. Surely it has not standard enforceable by law which may not be decided to ignore its Federal counterpart. appropriate and which has not been adequately explained. It is unfair to expect those honourable Given that the States form part of one members who do not profess to be experts in this Commonwealth there can be no justification for the area to vote on the Bill as it stands. government's wasting the time of Parliament to set up a separate State authority. The clause could be I should be surprised if the government were to struck out, but if that were agreed to, one would agree to the amendment of clause 19 on the run question the worth of the rest of the Bill. while the Bill is between Houses. Certainly the clause, which refers to the off-label use of The difficulties raised by clause 40 have not been preparations, requires thorough investigation. adequately resolved by the government. Although I cannot speak for the coalition, I have not been able I cannot begin to understand why the government to resolve the difficulties. The clause, which concerns included such provisions in a Bill without consulting damage by spray drift, provides: AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Wednesday. 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 933

A person must not carry out agricultural spraying We need better methods. We need biological which injuriously affects - methods. They are clearly possible to achieve. This g~vemment in Victoria is doing probably nothing in (a) any plants or stock outside the target area; or ~ area and I do not think it can afford to bring in a (b) any land outside the target area so that growing Bill before the House without at least paying some plants or keeping stock on that land can be attention to and initiating some work in this area. reasonably expected to result in the contamination of the stock or of agricultural We on this earth at this time are poised for the produce derived from the plants or stock. greatest agricultural, biological and medical revolution ever in history and it revolves around a Every honourable member is aware of the problems basically simple concept, which is the purposeful caused over recent years by the contamination of placement by very sophisticated scientific means of soil by dieldrin. Cattle grazing on that contaminated genes into plants or animals which will make them, soil have ingested the chemical, which has led to the in this case, resistant to a particular pest. Indeed rejection of Australian meat exports. there will be a conference in Australia this month on this very subject and there are suggestions of That is but one illustration. I share the government's absolutely major breakthroughs from abroad in this ~oncern if, as is undoubtedly the case, that problem area. ' m part encouraged it to put this clause in. But clause 40 does not solve the problem. It does not tell us Where we spent years and years trying to breed how we will define that injury. Every farmer who wheat to make it resistant to rust, we can now do it uses aerial spraying under this proposed Act of ~ the laboratory, once we have the biological tools, Parliament could be hauled before the courts and m a matter of weeks or certainly months. There are fined very severely - 200 penalty units or 400 absolutely economic and commercial revolutions penalty units. ahead. From the point of view that it is clearly the responsibility of a democratic government to There is no reasonable defence by the government of promote research in the long term - things that in reasonable actions by the citizens at large. Would the beginning are not so clearly going to return a the gov~rnment propose that the damage be only to benefit tomorrow - government has a econo~c plants or animals or to soil used for purely ~espo.nsibility to do that sort of work or to promote econOIruc purposes, and would it ignore forests, for It. This government is not doing it, yet there are example? What definition will the government use? enormo~ benefits to be had both commercially and ec~noffilcally for us as a State and a nation in solving The problem is that these chemicals, like iOnising this very important biological and human problem. irradiatio~ co~g from nuclear plants, have a very long half-hfe m the soil and so this is a very It is no longer acceptable for large amounts of important area in modern SOCiety. chemicals to be sprayed willy-nilly around the country. They will accumulate; there is no doubt The government has not solved the problem and I, about that. Eventually they will affect the biological for one, am not willing to support a Bill which in a tree - the Homo sapiens, the human being - and hurry foists the responsibility upon the citizen who lower organisms and life forms. lhat is where it really has no defences in this matter. The accumulates. Let there be no doubt that we have government must do its job much better. dieldrin in our bodies now and that it appears in the milk that mothers feed to their babies. I turn now to something that is not in the Bill and castigate the government because I am not aware So the message is clear to the government. The that it has done anything about it. The time has well Minister responsible is a man of considerable passed when this Parliament should have some experience in this area and intellect, and I believe selective research going on into other forms of there should be something more done and said control of parasites and pests because that is clearly about it. The government could at least have said the purpose of the spray. There are so many cases, that it will give encouragement to get something proven and alleged, across Victoria, Australia and more done. It is not adequate for the government to other countries of the Western World where the come to this place and just continue to play around evidence is reliable as to cause real concern that with techniques which - and relatively speaking, spraying of chemicals is costing too high a price. I they change with the rate of scientific suspect that their use will be seen historically as advancement - one could describe as belonging to being only a narrow period of time. ADJOURNMENT

934 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991

Noah's ark and ignore advanced techniques at this The difficulty he had resulted from the fact that he point. established the rates he charges prior to the commencement of the season and he did not know Although this last point is not an adequate ground about the increased entry charges at the time. It was on which to reject the Bill, the government stands not until after his company had already started censured for ignoring it. The other reasons I have taking people into the alpine area that he was given I think are adequate to reject the Bill even contacted by representatives of the Alpine Resorts without the involvement of pending national Commission and told he would have to pay the legislation, but that pending national legislation caps higher charges. the argument off from the opposition's point of view. There has been extensive correspondence between I regret the government has wasted the Parliament's Bogong Jack Adventures and the Alpine Resorts mne by introducing this Bill. Commission about a review of the charges for the current season. In fact, the commission's response Debate adjourned on motion of Mr ROPER has been that it is not prepared to review the charges (Treasurer). and that the increased charges will apply.

Debate adjourned until next day. I should like the Minister for Tourism, who has responsibility for the Alpine Resorts Commission, to ADJOURNMENT review these increased charges, particularly as they affect Bogong Jack Adventures, bearing in mind the Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I move: lack of consultation with and the lack of information provided to Mr Stenhouse before the That the House do now adjourn. commencement of the season; if he had been consulted earlier he could have adjusted his fees for Alpine Resorts Commission charges taking people into the alpine resorts before the start of the season. Mr JASPER (Murray Valley) - I direct to the attention of the House concerns that have been This matter involves two issues, but the major issue expressed to me in a number of letters from people that Mr Stenhouse has directed to my attention is the who are concerned with the charges imposed by the lack of consultation and the fact that he has been Alpine Resorts Commission for entry into various unable to obtain an appropriate response from the alpine resorts in the high country of Victoria. Alpine Resorts Commission, which has failed to recognise the difficulties that the huge increase has At the beginning of this current season there was a crea ted for him this season. huge increase in the entry fees being charged and, although I recognise there may be some reasons for Additionally, there is a concern because he has a the increase in charges, I have a particular concern. small vehicle that seats up to ten passengers which he takes into the area; it is now regarded as a bus As a member of the Subordinate Legislation rather than an individual unit. Therefore, he pays an Subcommittee of the Legal and Constitutional entry fee for the bus as well as for the passengers. Committee I know that the subcommittee has considered the increase in those charges and queries The Minister should review the huge increases in about it have also been raised with the Minister for charges that have been of concern to Bogong Jack Tourism. Adventures and to others entering the area.

I raise for specific attention the concerns expressed Melbourne Water to me in representations from Bogong Jack Adventures, which has been operated by Andrew Mr COLEMAN (Syndal) - The matter I raise for Stenhouse for more than ten years. His company the attention of the Minister for Conservation and takes groups of people into the alpine area, and Environment concerns the formation of Melbourne particularly into the Falls Creek alpine resort. When Water and the dilemma the Minister appears to be he started taking people up there this season he facing about introducing legislation into the House found the charges for entry into the alpine resort had to codify that organisation. been increased. ADJOURNMENT

Wednesday,2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 935

One organisation anticipated to become part of area served by the Dandenong Valley and Western Melbourne Water is the Dandenong Valley and Port Authority. Western Port Authority. That is made up of local representatives in the area who were responsible for The municipalities want a clear direction from the obtaining a one-month deferral from incorporation Minister about what he anticipates doing to resolve into the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of what could be a considerable impasse. Works. They had anticipated being included in the Board of Works from 1 September last. Operations of bogus tradesmen

The Minister provided a one-month extension. Mr THOMSON (Pascoe Vale) - I ask the Councils in the area have been anticipating an Minister for Police and Emergency Services to direct announcement this week that the process has been to the attention of the Minister for Consumer Affairs completed and that the Dandenong Valley and the recurring problem of bogus tradesmen and their Western Port Authority would be brought within presence - at least until recently - in the Coburg the aegis of the MMBW. That is not the case. and Pascoe Vale areas.

When will the Minister complete the process? A Last year I received several telephone calls from legislative process is necessary if the Melbourne local residents who believed they had been ripped Water Corporation is to operate from 1 January next. off by roof repairmen operating in the Pascoe Vale The opposition suggests the Minister should area. Their victims included Mr Jack Canny, Mr consider introducing legislation to establish the Costello of Fawkner, Mrs Maddock from Coburg Melbourne Water Corporation but that the and Mrs Clarke from Pascoe Vale. They were ripped Dandenong authority be not included. That would off to the tune of $200, $450, $300 and $SO allow the Minister to contemplate further the role of respectively. the Dandenong authority - an extremely successful water catchment body. My investigations with the Minister for Consumer Affairs and with local police led me to conclude that The other question that has been dragged across this the people responsible were itinerant traders who trail is a reference to the Parliamentary Public Bodies were difficult to locate and prosecute because of Review Committee. That committee has written to a their mobile nature and the fact that they often used number of Victorian water boards seeking their bogus names, and supplied very little information to views on corporatisation. It appears that the unsuspecting victims about their operations. structure of Melbourne Water and the role of the Public Bodies Review Committee are in a sense They almost always deal in cash transactions and juxtaposed. deliberately target elderly residents. The problem appeared to diminish early this year because of the If the committee sees itself as appropriate to warm weather, which is symptomatic of the formulate a policy for the corporatisation of itinerant nature of these merchants. Victorian government enterprises, and legislation dealing with the Melbourne Water Corporation I decided that prevention was the best cure. I proceeds, the prospect is that the corporation need organised a Bogus Tradesman Awareness Day for 5 not necessarily be the structure recommended by the September last. The Minister for Police and Public Bodies Review Committee. Emergency Services kindly agreed to speak at the launch which was held at the Bob Hawke In that sense the government should make clear Community Centre. About 100 people attended. The statements about what it anticipates to be the meeting was well attended by organisations process; whether the report of the committee will be including Glenroy Uons, Oak Park Neighbourhood considered prior to debate on the Melbourne Water Watch, Newlands Senior Citizens, Pascoe Vale RSL, Corporation legislation; and whether the Coburg Greek Senior Citizens, and others. Dandenong Valley and Western Port AuthOrity should remain not under the control of the Board of However, that day was too late for one constituent Works while the corporation legislation proceeds. who received details of the campaign via the Those issues should be addressed by the excellent local media coverage, including the Coburg government to remove apprehension developing on Courier. Mr Vern Trott of Pascoe Vale had been the eastern side of Melbourne, particularly in the approached by an English-accented gentleman and his assistant. They offered to repair the cement ADJOURNMENT

936 ASSEMBLY Wednesday. 2 October 1991 capping on his roof and to supply a guarantee on the The Premier has announced an independent review work for ten years. of Mobil's plans, and while the opposition is very much in favour of the modernisation plans which Mr Trott was asked to pay $500 for less than 2 hours are envisaged, and we wish to cast no aspersion work by each person. He was not agile enough to whatsoever on Professor Michael Webber, who has climb onto the roof to check the quality of the work. been appointed to conduct the review, we would He paid the money but felt very uneasy about it. He like the Minister to come forward and advise the was given a receipt, signed ''J. Smith". He took the people of Victoria of the cost of the review both to number of the Queensland-registered white Ford the taxpayer and to the company involved. F100 utility and supplied the details to me. My electorate officer, Tony Robinson, then carried out The opposition would like to know whether or not some fine detective work. the review will lead to more or less work for the company, because it looks like a complete Mr Leigh - Could be a job for him after you duplication of the procedures which already need. to leave office. be followed.

Mr THOMSON - Absolutely. The investigation What we are concerned about is that the review is showed that the vehicle did not belong to Mr Smith living proof that the current systems are not but to a Mr Kefford. He tracked down the vehicle to working, and if we are to have this extra overlay the Apollo Gardens Caravan Park on the Hume when people want to invest in Victoria, we want to Highway at Somerton. know what it will cost the taxpayer and what it will cost the company concerned. We contacted the Derryn Hinch television program and knocked on a few caravan doors at 8.30 a.m. on Under the terms of reference for the project, the Monday-- second point refers to planning issues which are done in the normal circumstances, and to issues The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable leading to Environment Protection Authority (EPA) member should indicate what action he is seeking. works approval and licensing. These are done now as part of normal procedure. The terms of reference Mr THOMSON - Our action led to a number of also refer to technical risk assessment and dangerous satisfactory results. Firstly, a proper expose was goods storage, handling and transport regulations - made of the activities of Mr Kefford and his assistant and this is administered by the Department of and the roof repairmen were last seen a few hours Labour now - with reference also to investigating later heading in a northerly direction - in the existing transport networks including rail relocation. direction of the electorates of certain honourable It also refers to emergency response planning which members opposite! already happens now.

I ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services It appears that the whole exercise is an extra overlay and the Minister for Consumer Affairs to consider which is a total waste of money. It looks as though appropriate action that can be taken to protect we have an outdated eastern European style form of consumers, particularly the elderly, from the control where a company wishing to invest in activities of such people, who may well be in breach Altona at a time when jobs are scarce, and a of taxation regulations and even immigration company wishing to do the right thing by the regulations. Their activities need to be targeted and Victorian work force, is finding that it is being put people must be made aware of the rip-offs that can up against a new hurdle. occur. It is a new idea put forward by the government, Mobil refinery, Altona showing the community that its current planning procedures are inadequate, and in order to fix this Mr PESCOTI (Bennettswood) - I ask the inadequacy, instead of fixing the individual Treasurer to refer to the Minister for Manufacturing problems within the process, the government and Industry Development in another place, a institutes a new independent review which will cost matter regarding Mobil Oil Australia Ltd, which was more money for the taxpayer and more money for discussed this morning in question time. the company. ADJOURNMENT

Wednesday. 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 937

We are concerned that because of the way the Further to teaching young women defensive government is handling the situation, other behaviour, 1 should like to set up a program companies will be put off the idea of coming to involving young men in our area, looking at attitude Victoria because they too may have to go through and behaviour change. 1 hope the Minister for Police this additional cumbersome process. and Emergency Services will be able to advise me on people within the Police Force who may be able to Violence against women in Knox area help with this aim.

Mrs HIRSH (Wantirna) -I raise a matter for the I have already had discussions with the Knox attention of the Minister for Police and Emergency council youth work section and there is a very good Services. 1 have been concerned for some time about outreach worker involved in that area. I intend to violence against both young and older women in the speak to the Men against Rape organisation, which Knox area but particularly against young women. is playing a new role in encouraging men to say it is Recently there have been a number of violent rapes wrong to treat women in a violent manner and in the Knox area, and last week a very brutal rape of engage in either violent or sexual behaviour when a young woman took place in Upper Ferntree Gully. women do not want to be involved in it. It was very widely reported at the time. I hope the Minister will assist me, along with other Many more rapes take place than are being reported. organisations, in developing contact with the young This week the Knox police have warned women men in the Knox area, with a view to organising a about the danger of leaving hotels, discos and program which includes physical activities such as parties with men that they do not know well, and I abseiling and white water rafting, allowing them the can only reinforce that advice. opportunity of changing their behaviour and attitude. The defensive living program run by the Victoria Police has some good programs on protective Open space planning, Doncaster behaviour for young women. It teaches girls how to keep themselves safe and not get into risky Mrs WADE (Kew) -I raise a matter for the situations. While many of these violent crimes attention of the Premier and, in her absence, with the involving rape and injury are reported, another level Minister at the table, the Treasurer. I refer to the of rape takes place where a young woman will go extremely improper actions of the Minister for out on a date with a young man and end up being Planning and Housing in interfering with a planning raped. These crimes are often not reported and often matter immediately before that matter was to be the young women who have been treated in this determined by the Supreme Court. way actually feel that they are somehow to blame and they are afraid to tell their families. In my I ask the Premier to take steps to remove the previous job 1 sometimes found myself involved Minister for Planning and Housing from his office with these women, who were sometimes as young because he has plainly shown he is unfit to remain in as thirteen and fourteen years of age. that position. I also ask the Premier to take action to ensure that the government reimburses the City of At the same time I am extremely concerned about Doncaster and Templestowe for loss of an open the young men instigating these very serious crimes. space contribution of $400 000 which the Supreme Many of the young men in the Knox area are Court determined was payable by the developer of without direction and without good family support. the site concerned in the Supreme Court action and They perhaps find that family conflict at home also to reimburse the council for out-of-pocket drives them from home. A lot of alcohol is expenses incurred as a result of the Minister's action. consumed and there is not much recreation in the I shall give some background on this matter. area and perhaps not a good value base for young men. The City of Doncaster and Templestowe instituted an appeal against a decision of the Administrative These young men have access to violent videos, ..md Appeals Tribwlal given on 18 May 1990 that there all of these factors make for a lethal combination. was no open space contribution payable by the While some young people are not affected by the developer in respect of a subdivision of the videos, some are. Doncaster Inn Hotel site. On 19 August 1991, well over a year after that decision was made and immediately before the Supreme Court was about to ADJOURNMENT

938 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991 hear the case - the Supreme Court heard the case failed properly to exercise his statutory discretion on 26 August - the Minister approved a planning but also had failed to afford natural justice to the scheme, R97, which was site Specific. It applied only plaintiffs. to the site which was the subject of the Supreme Court appeal, the Doncaster Inn Hotel site, and the The Minister for Planning and Housing was amendment to the planning scheme that was Attorney-General at the time and he would be well approved by the Minister was that no contribution aware of this case. This sort of thing may happen was payable for open space in respect of that site. once by mistake but it cannot happen a second time by mistake. It is improper that it should have That was precisely the issue that was to be happened and it is a matter of extreme concern to determined by the Supreme Court within a week of the coalition. The Premier must take action to that approval. In fact the Supreme Court found in remove this Minister. If this is not done there will be favour of the City of Doncaster and Templestowe so an even greater failure than there already is in the that a contribution for open space of $400 ()()() was legal system. indeed payable. So far as I am aware no notice was given to the parties that the Minister was about to The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable approve this amendment to the planning scheme. In member's time has expired. The honourable member fact the parties had been reassured at the end of last for Warmambool has 2 minutes. year that there was no such proposal. That was at a meeting that had been held involving also the Pyramid investor Municipal Association of Victoria. Mr J. F. McGRATH (Warmambool) -I raise an I am not concerned about the planning aspect of this issue with the Treasurer and it involves a constituent case - that is a matter for the shadow Minister for of mine, Mr Gerard Carroll, whose dilemma is with Planning - but I am concerned about the conduct of the Director-General of the Department of the the Minister and I believe it justifies his removal Treasury about the Pyramid saga. Gerard Carroll is a from office. In taking the action he did in approving 61-year-old who suffers from acute Parkinson's this planning scheme he pre-empted a decision of disease. He has $23 ()()() invested with Pyramid and the Supreme Court in an appeal by the council when the letter of offer came from Pyramid Mr against the decision of the Administrative Appeals Carroll was experiencing an acute phase of his Tribunal. illness. He inadvertently put the correspondence aside and did not respond. Some time later his When parties are involved in the legal system they brother, Mr Kevin Carroll, was able to help him put incur considerable expenses. This action started in a letter together but by that time the deadline had 1989. People had gone through the appeals system. elapsed and he missed out. They obtained legal advice and had gone ahead on the basis of that legal advice and the day in court to The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable which they were entitled was pre-empted by the member's time has expired. Minister. Responses It is clear that the Minister for Planning and Housing either does not understand or is in blatant disregard Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and of the principle that the courts are to be independent Emergency Services) - The honourable member for of the executive government. It is improper for the Pascoe Vale raised the issue of bogus tradesmen, Minister to attempt to change a law that applies to a and I compliment him on the role he has played in case when that case is before the court. If a Minister bringing this to the attention of the community. It is or the government does that sort of thing people will of grave concern when people prey on members of lose faith in the legal system because people expect the community. It would appear these people move matters to be determined by the legal system and around Australia in large four-wheel-drive vehicles not pre-empted by a Minister. and caravans and engage in the same sort of activity year in and year out. The police are aware of this As the Treasurer will recall, when he was Minister activity, but I shall certainly refer the matter to them. for Planning and Environment he did something I shall also be considering preventative measures very similar and was severely criticised by the that can be introduced to ensure the community is Supreme Court for acting in disregard of the law. Mr made more aware of this activity. Justice Murphy said that the Minister had not only ADJOURNMENT

Wednesday, 2 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 939

The honourable member for Wantirna raised the The honourable member for Bennettswood raised issue of sexual violence and the need to change male the issue of the Mobil refinery for the attention of the behaviour. That is in keeping with the government's Minister for Manufacturing and Industry Violence is Ugly campaign. We need to bring the Development in another place. I shall direct his attention of males, especially young males, to the comments to the Minister's attention and seek a way in which they treat women and to their general reply. behaviour and morals. I am interested in developing further programs and the notion of getting young The honourable member for Warmambool raised a men together in groups to discuss the matter is case concerning Pyramid. That offer has expired and certainly laudable. the person concerned will have to rely on the liquidator. I do not believe anything further can be The honourable member mentioned the defensive done. I might add that more letters were lost from living program being run by the Victoria Police. I Pyramid depositors than Australia Post can ever recently allocated an extra $30 000 to widening that recollect. I shall have a look at the material but I do program, which I commend to all honourable not think anything can be done because the offer has members. The police do an outstanding job and the closed. safety and security of women in the community will be enhanced by the expansion of that program. The honourable member for Kew raised with the Premier an issue concerning. the Minister for Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - The honourable Planning and Housing and his actions under member for Murray Valley raised the issue of legislation introduced both by the Honourable Alan tourism in his area. It is really more in the north east Hunt, the current Attorney-General and me than his specific area but I shall direct that matter to concerning planning. I shall direct that matter to the the attention of the Minister for Tourism and he will attention of the Premier and the Minister for respond. Planning and Housing.

The honourable member for Syndal raised a matter Motion agreed to. relating to Melbourne Water and I shall direct that to the attention of the Minister for Conservation and House adjourned 6 p.m. Environment and ask him to reply directly. ADJOURNMENT

940 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991 QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 941

Thursday, 3 October 1991 betw~ .dep~enta1 or corporation responsibility and Ministenal responsibility. I, as Minister, have responsibility, just like the Leader of the Opposition had when he was a Minister - he had Ministerial responsibility. That is where it begins and ends. To The SPEAKER (Hon. Ken Coghill) took the chair at suggest that a Minister - any Minister - could 10.35 a.m. and read the prayer. know where the commas and full stops are or what the colour of the paper is is absolutely ludicrous.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Instead of creating this hot-air atmosphere the opposition should talk to the community and hear what people have to say about such nonsense. It is MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE absolute rot. People want the Parliament to be concerned with the issues the community faces. They want it to be concerned about jobs. If the Mr KENNETT (Leader of the Opposition) - I opposition claims to be an alternative government, address my question to the Minister for Transport what are its poliCies? Why don't you release your ~d refer him to the Gordon documents released by transport policy! him on 18 September. Will the Minister assure the House that the Gordon contract he has released is The SPEAKER - Order! I suggest the Minister the same as the contract on which the Public directs his remarks to the question and to the Chair. Transport Corporation solicitor based her handwritten advice? Mr SPYKER - What I am reflecting today in my answer to the question is that the community Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I have expects Parliament to be intelligent and to be been advised that the contract was drawn up after responsive to the issues that are raised. It does not negotiations with Mr Gordon and Mr Stoney. I find expect the Minister to know where the full stops or it quite incredible that with all the issues facing co~s ar~. If the opposition has a list of allegations transport today -- that It 15 gomg to trot out -it told the media three weeks ago that it had a list - give me the list and I Mr KENNETT (Leader of the Opposition) - On will get the information for it. a point of order, Mr Speaker, I raise the matter of relevance. The question was quite specific: will the Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) Minister assure the House that the Gordon contract - I refer the Minister for Transport to the Gordon he has released is the same contract on which the documents released by him and ask: does the PTC solicitor based her handwritten advice? contract shown to the solicitor of the Public Transport Corporation (PTC), on which she based The SPEAKER - Order! At this stage of the her advice, contain clause 5.5 of the contract he Minister's reply I do not uphold the point of order, made public? but I remind the Minister that his reply must be relevant to the question which was asked. Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - Again, as I said on the previous occasion, the contract which Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - As I was agreed to between the chief executive of the indicated, I was elaborating on the issues transport PTC and Mr Gordon - I released the contract, faces today, and I should have expected a more together with a copy of the letter from myself to the telling question. I suggest that if the opposition has acting director-general, a copy of Mr Gordon's letter, allegations - and they are scurrilous allegations in a letter from the director-general to the acting chief the main, whether they are sexual or otherwise - it executive and the legal advice. should give me the list. If the opposition has a list I shall seek the information for it. I have been advised by the PTC that with the release of the legal advice - and reference was made to Mr Kennett interjected. certain clauses in that - I would have thought that was self-explanatory. Mr SPYKER - I find it extraordinary that, although there are up to 20 000 employees in the PTC, I am supposed to know where the full stops are in every document. There is a clear distinction QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

942 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 3 October 1991

TEXTILE, CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR packages, which I was pleased to launch yesterday. INDUSTRY They also include encouragement of waterfront reform so that in fact we can ensure that imports of Mr ERNST (Bellarine) - In light of the materials and exports of goods are moved at a lower restructuring occurring in Victoria's textile, clothing cost and a determination to ensure there is assistance and footwear industry, will the Premier outline to for investment and particularly for those industries the House the steps the government is ~king to that wish to restructure. secure jobs and investment in this important industry? I am pleased to announce today that as further evidence of the government's integrated policy on Honourable members interjecting. the textile, clothing and footwear industry, Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd, which is an important and The SPEAKER - Order! It was impossible for traditional Geelong company, will be granted $100 the Chair to hear all the question and I suspect it was 000 to help secure 70 jobs at the Godfrey Hirst so for other honourable members. I ask the woollen mills in Geelong. That will enable the honourable member for Bellarine to repeat the company to put its industry together in an question and I ask all honourable members to integrated way. remain silent so the question can be heard. I have to contrast that position with the position of Mr ERNST - Thank you, Mr Speaker; obviously the Leader of the Opposition. It is getting so bad in we must have some West Coast Eagles on the other Victoria in terms of the opposition's lack of industry side! I ask the Premier whether, in light of the policy and the Leader of the Opposition's persistent restructuring occurring in Victoria's textile, clothing use of one-liners, that it is not just me who is raising and footwear industry, she will outline to the House these queries but Mr Hugh Morgan, a senior friend the steps the government is taking to secure jobs and of the Liberal Party and a senior leader of industry in investment in this important industry? Victoria.

Ms KIRNER (Premier) - It is extremely One would have to wonder whether there is a link tempting to talk about the restructuring of the between Michael Kroger and Hugh Morgan football industry but I am not sure the Leader of the regarding their view of the competency of the Opposition would be too happy about restructuring Leader of the OppOSition, but that really is not my Hawthorn out of the Grand Final! interest.

An honourable member interjected. Mr DEUOPPO (Narracan) - On a point of order, Mr Speaker, question time and answers to Ms KIRNER - It is true! The textile, clothing and questions without notice are not opportunities to footwear industry is in fact under great challenge attack the opposition. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring' because of increased competition, a loss of the Premier back to the question because her answer confidence because of the recession, and has no relevance to the question. technolOgical change. At this critical stage for the industry, it is important for the State government to The SPEAKER - Order! On the point of order, at have an overall integrated policy on what it will do this stage I am unable to relate the Premier's recent to assist the textile, clothing and footwear industry. remarks to the question asked and to government This means building on the strengths of the industry administration. I ask her to relate her remarks to the and in particular making sure that the tariff reforms, question and to government administration and to which have been created by the Federal government, that extent I uphold the point of order. do not push those industries out of business. Mr Jasper interjected. An Honourable Member - Of course they will! The SPEAKER - Order! The honourable Ms i

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 943

Ms KIRNER (Premier) - The point I was making matter that I recall in any way at all. If the is that there is a dearth of industry policy from the honourable member is making specific allegations opposition and that is a significant issue for about the sacking of the Lay Observer, he should Victorians. It is absolutely crucial for Victoria to specify them. I shall be happy to have a look at that move forward and for both the government, which and at the answer, and to discuss any other matters has an integrated policy, and the opposition, which the honourable member wants to raise with me. has one-line policies detennined from the latest polling, to have a view of what should happen to TRAMWAYS DISPUTE manufacturing industry. Mr LEIGHrON (preston) - Will the Minister for The most Significant point about what was said this Transport inform the House of the nature of the morning by Mr Hugh Morgan was not the issue of current dispute in the tramways and what action is protectionism, but that the Leader of the Opposition being taken to resolve the dispute? should get on with the job of having a total policy on industry. Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - I am sure the whole community is very concerned about the Mr DELZOPPO (Narracan) - On a further point current situation; certainly it is very concerning to of order, Mr Speaker, you have already ruled on the me. In the past twelve months a great deal of effort previous point of order that I raised regarding the has been put into the Service Now program to same breach of Standing Orders. I ask you to bring ensure that special training is given to our staff so the Premier to order. that they provide a better public transport service.

The SPEAKER - Order! On the point of order, it Our conductors have been trained to assist in the does appear to the Chair that the Premier has been tourism area to complement the extensive campaign advocating that there should be a bipartisan to maintain our W-class trams, which are an approach on this matter. If the Premier does seek to important tourist attraction for Melbourne. Members debate opposition policies she will be out of order. If on both sides of the House have been very she seeks to provide information to the House on supportive of the campaign, which the Premier and I policies which have been considered by the launched to ensure that tourists from within the government she will be in order. I do not uphold the State and from interstate and overseas have the point of order, but I ask the Premier to relate her pleasure of riding on W-c1ass trams. remarks to government responsibilities. I am concerned that industrial action has been taken Ms KIRNER (premier) - Finally, I am pleased by a small group of workers even though an initial that through the Manufacturing Council of Victoria, mass meeting of workers took place to accept the a tripartite council established by the government to government's proposal. I hold the strong view that examine integrated policies on manufacturing the taking of five single days sick leave at the one development, the government will continue to particular time without a doctor's certificate, which develop future opportunities for the textile, clothing is standard throughout the public and private and footwear industry rather than regretting the sectors, is reasonable. After the five single days, it is past. important that additional medical certificates are supplied; and I regard that proposal, which many of ANSWER TO QUESTION ON NOTICE our workers have accepted, as fair and reasonable.

Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick) - I refer the It is true that the level of sick leave taken in some Attorney-General to the answer he gave last week to areas of public transport is too high. There are a a question on notice which is recorded at page 811 of number of reasons for that; and management has Hansard relating to the former work of the Lay some responsibility in this area. The unions have Observer pursuant to the Legal Profession Practice agreed that the level of sick leave is too high, and Act and I ask: is the Attorney-General's answer their cooperation has been sought to ensure that that truthful and accurate, or is it a cover-up for the fact level is dramatically reduced. that the Lay Observer was sacked or forced out of his position? Although we were not able to reach agreement with the unions in the discussions we had last night, I am Mr KENNAN (Attorney-General) - The disappointed that a group of workers saw fit to put question of the sacking of the Lay Observer is not a picket lines on particular workshops when the QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

944 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991 tramway workers - the tramways union is Mr KENNAN - I was not the Minister well-known for its strong and militant stands - responsible in 1989, but I do know Dc McKenzie has were prepared to work. It is quite unreasonable that had a history of ill health and I have no reason to that sort of action took place, particularly following doubt that if the answer says the reason for his our discussions last night. inability to complete the report was ill health, that would be the reason. The Public Transport Corporation and I moved quickly to refer the matter to Commissioner Mr Mac1ellan - He says he is alive! Merriman for hearing this morning. I advise the House that this morning discussions are taking place Mr KENNAN - If he says he is alive, that is in private conference before Commissioner certainly a matter that would have to be taken into Merriman and that all picket lines have been lifted, account. However, I do know Dc McKenzie had a so that basic services are being provided. long history of ill health. I am relieved to hear that, as the Deputy Leader of the OppOSition has said by In some ways we are fortunate that, this being interjection, his health is not quite as bad as was school holidays, our young students have not been thought. If the reason that he could not complete his affected and, more particularly, our senior students report in 1989 was ill health, all I can say is that I am who are facing up to exams have not had additional not surprised. stress put on them. MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT EMPLOYEE We will be in private conference with the unions this morning, and I am quietly confident that the matter Mr McNAMARA (Leader of the National Party) will be resolved. Nevertheless there can be no - I refer the Minister for Transport to the Gordon resiling from the fact that the level of sick leave documents he released and I ask: is it not a fact that within the Public Transport Corporation is too high. the contract on which the Public Transport That issue is being addressed to ensure the Corporation (PTC) solicitor based her advice did not continuation of services and the excellent training contain clause 5.5, and that the Gordon letter programs in place within the public transport sector referred to in the legal advice is a different letter to attract Victorians back to public transport, which from the one the Minister released? is very important. Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - The The action of the past few days has been vendetta continues. I shall explain to the House once disappointing for most of the 20 000 workers who again that the matter of the contract was between Mc want to provide a good service and attract people Gordon and the Public Transport Corporation. I back to public transport. It is unfortunate that a have said that repeatedly and I cannot change from handful of workers has taken such action. I hope the that position. private conference before Commissioner Merriman will be successful in resolving the dispute so that Mr Kennett interjected. trams will be back on the tracks as soon as possible. Mr SPYKER - I indicated to the House that the ANSWER TO QUESTION ON NOTICE contract was a matter between Mc Gordon and the fYl'c. Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick) - Does the Attorney-General stand by the accuracy of the Mr McNamara - You discussed it with him. answer he gave to question on notice No. 957, of which I have given him a copy, recorded in Hansard? The SPEAKER - Order! The Leader of the National Party and the Leader of the Opposition Mr KENNAN (Attorney-General) - I am very should remain silent. surprised that the honourable member for Berwick has raised this matter. The answer said that Dc Mr SPYKER - I should have thought the Leader McKenzie was prevented through ill health from of the Opposition would have taken notice of what compiling a report in 1989 and that he is now was said on radio station 3A W by the State president deceased. of the liberal Party that it is about time Parliament concentrated on issues and not on people. The Mr Mac1ellan - Is he? community wants to know what the alternative government has to offer. To claim any credibility the QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Thursday,3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 945 opposition must have an alternative policy. It is CALOOLA TRAINING CENTRE extraordinary to claim that I would know who put in the commas, full stops and anything else in the Mr KENNEDY (Bendigo West) - Will the contract. Minister for Community Services advise the House of progress being made in the investigations being Mr McNamara interjected. conducted by police at the Caloola Training Centre?

The SPEAKER - Order! The Leader of the Mrs SFrCHES (Minister for Community National Party has asked his question and is defying Services) - Honourable members will be aware that the request of the Chair that he remain silent. I warn following allegations an investigation was him and I will not warn him again. I am prepared to conducted by Ms Jude Wallace, the Deputy Chair of take the appropriate action against him if he does the Law Reform Commission, into the Pleasant not observe the forms of the House. Creek Training Centre. As a result of those investigations Community Services Victoria (CSV) I also ask the Leader of the Opposition to remain employees were charged and convictions were silent while the Minister completes his reply. subsequently secured.

Mr SPYKER - My concern is that people who A CSV investigation team began inquiries into the hold very senior positions in the Public Transport Caloola Training Centre earlier this year and the Corporation (PTC) are being pilloried under cover of police received a full report from the team in June. Parliamentary privilege. As a result six CSV employees have had more than 60 charges laid against them, and police Mr Gude interjected. investigations are continuing within Caloola.

The SPEAKER - Order! The Deputy Leader of The issue of ensuring that institutions are crime free the OppOSition should also remain silent. in Victoria has been a matter this government has taken up with some fervour and some commitment, Mr SPYKER - Again, if the Leader of the and it intends to continue doing that, no matter what National Party has his list made out, I challenge him obstacles are put before it or what actions are taken to give us a copy of the allegations so I can tell you by the opposition. where the full stops and commas are, and I will get that information for you. The opposition seems to have adopted a concerted approach to ensure that whenever police I clearly indicated that when I released the contract investigations are beginning at certain institutions its naturally I had a look at it. I also said that letters members will go to the press and try to jeopardise were exchanged between me and the acting the investigations. That has occurred twice. director-general and between the acting director-general and the acting chief executive of the The first time concerned the commencement of PTC and that legal advice was sought, which was investigations into Caloola when the honourable released in the documents. member for Forest Hill went to the media and advised the public of those investigations. In spite of I have been advised by the PTC that the legal advice his actions and comments, six people have been was based on the letter from me to the acting charged with more than 60 offences. director-general, the acting director-general to Mr Walker, Mr Gordon's letter and the contract, which It is obviously the opposition's approach and have all been released. I should have assumed that concerted policy to obstruct police investigations the information that was released reflects a proper because the latest one involved the honourable sequence of events. member for Bendigo East who went on radio the other day and talked about the investigations being It is inappropriate for honourable members to use conducted at the Sandhurst Training Centre. The this place to cast asperSions on a number of people police have a hard enough job in investigating these who hold very senior positions within the Ministry matters without the opposition taking a concerted of Transport and the PTC and I challenge the Leader approach to obstruct those investigations. of the National Party to make his claims outside the House to see what reaction he will get. We intend to continue this action in the same manner that we started it. So everyone will PETITIONS

946 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 3 October 1991 understand that we intend to continue it in the same And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. way, 1 now announce to the House before we have the same sort of rot that goes on from the other side By Mr Leighton (78 signatures) that CSV investigators are continuing their inquiries into the training centres in Victoria, and they will Laid on table. extend their non-specific inquiries to Kew Training Centre and to Janefield. PAPERS

They will continue and we look forward to actual Laid on table by Clerk. results from the investigations because of the way the CSV investigation teams work alongside the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Board - police. We are not interested in mealy-mouth Report for the year 1990-91 protestations about judicial inquiries; we are interested in results, charges and convictions. Land Conservation Council - Report for the year 1990-91 PETITIONS SHOP TRADING (FURTHER The Oerk -I have received the following AMENDMENT) BILL petitions for presentation to Parliament: Introduction and first reading Clayton railway line Received from Council. To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled: Read first time on motion of Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and Emergency Services). The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Victoria asks that the government take action to: PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE Lower the railway line at both Clayton Road and Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - By leave, I move: Centre Road, Clayton to reduce delays to traffic caused by the boom barrier closure, as a matter of That this House grant leave to the Privileges urgency. Committee to meet and take evidence during the And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. sittings of the House in relation to the matter referred to the Committee on 1 October 1991 for examination and By Or Vaughan (2058 signatures) report and that Standing Order No. 208 be suspended so far as to allow the Committee to publish the Care-Force North East and Family Support evidence and documents received in its inquiry upon Program such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.

To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the By way of explanation, over recent times when the Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled: committee has had a reference before it, it has sought to meet while the House is in session and we We the undersigned citizens call on the State believe the same arrangement that applied government to reinstate the funding cut to Care-Force previously should apply for this later reference. North East arising out of the 1991 State Budget and request the previous level of Family Support Program We also agree with the actions taken in relation to funding be maintained. previous inquiries where the evidence can be made available to those directly ulVolved in the inquiry. Care-Force North East is an essential service for TItis motion does not break new ground but simply families in Preston. It is unacceptable that government carries out the current arrangements in relation to funding for this service should be cut. the previOUS matter referred to the committee during the last sessional period. We call on the MLA for Preston, Mr Michael Leighton, to present this ~tion to the Honourable Kay Setches, Motion agreed to. MP, and Parliament. APPROPRIATION MESSAGE

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 947

APPROPRIATION MESSAGE employed. by the Ministry. The Ministry is currently estimated. to be three times bigger than it needs to be Message read recommending appropriation for to provide the level of service that it provides. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (NMRB) Bill. These are not only my views but also the views of people outside the administration as well as those of MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS people within it , many of whom have spoken to the opposition because they are concerned. about what is Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) - I move: going on in that agency.

That this House condemns the government for failing The bureaucracy has become oversized and to meet its corporate mission to ensure a balance self-serving. We have an inverted pyramid, a between the rights and responsibilities of consumers top-heavy bureaucracy. The sharp end, the service and traders, tenants and landlords, in the marketplace end, is not being fulfilled. in a proper and efficient through the development and enforcement of way. More staff are employed in the Ministry but standards (including legislation) and the provision of fewer are actually involved in providing service. The information and mechanisms for resolving disputes. Ministry of Consumer Affairs has wasted. public money in disproportionately vast quantities in view When one examines the Ministry of Consumer of its size. Affairs and identifies the massive growth in the number of people employed. in the Ministry over the Over a long period I have used. the provisions of the past ten years or so, one recognises that there should freedom of information legislation to investigate the be a major improvement in the level of service and way that grants have been allocated. to consumer commitment it provides; but, in fact, the opposite is groups. I have found on innumerable occasions that the case. the processes that one would have expected. to be carried out to ensure that the Ministry met deadlines There has been a massive growth in the number of on reports and guidelines on its use of moneys have persons employed in the Ministry of Consumer not been carried out in an effective and efficient way. Affairs. Under the previous administration the number was under 200, but now apprOximately 460 I do not intend to name groups; I am not necessarily people are referred to in the Ministry's telephone blaming all the groups involved. with the Ministry directory. but it is an indictment of the administration of the Ministry that this has been allowed to occur. When that number is equated with the growth in facilities that have been made available to The average number of employees in the Ministry of employees within the agency one realises just how Consumer Affairs has increased. by at least 20 per expensive and bloated this bureaucracy is. cent each year for the past two years - another ApprOXimately 100 vehicles are currently operated example of bureaucracy gone mad! I have already by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and that means indicated the massive growth that has taken place there is a car for about every fourth employee. I am over the past ten years, and the process of expansion sure other agencies would love to be in that in the operation of the Ministry has continued. over situation, but of course they are not. That is an the past two years. indication of the way the bureaucracy has gone mad. Total outlays in 1990-91 were $36.2 million, In many ways the bureaucracy is self-disgraced representing a 13.5 per cent increase on 1989-90 from within. Recently a Minister was thrown out of outlays. office for his own poor performance, and part of that resulted from the fact that the staff running the Mr Cole - Rubbish! agency have allowed it to deteriorate to a stage where it is not providing a service and where the Mr GUDE - The honourable member for bureaucracy is self-serving and running the game. Melbourne suggests it is rubbish, but it is reflected. in The government has completely lost touch. dollar terms in the Budget and in the Ministry's annual report. Any person with his or her hand on Over the past two years under the Kirner the tiller would know that what I say is accurate. administration there has been a massive growth in the total outlays and the number of persons MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

948 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991

It is also of concern that the Ministry of Consumer will regulate". That was reflected recently in the Affairs is not philosophically dedicated to providing attempt to bring in legislation to establish a service to the public as its main aim but has a totally residential bond board which, as honourable different agenda. It walks to the beat of its own members know, was appropriately dispatched in drum and that drum is not telling it to move another place. It is of concern that Ministry services towards community service. The Ministry provides are not accessible to all parties in the marketplace. a service for specific groups within the community to which it has a philosophical attachment and, in In relation to the way the agency has been many instances, does so in a self-serving way. constructed, I know that deficiencies in its administration have been reported on recently and I Support service areas have become many times will deal with that later. The government stands larger than public service areas and seem to take condemned for having fostered and assisted that precedence over providing an actual service to process to develop. Victorians. If one examines the administrative structure set out in the Ministry's telephone There is no commitment to equity in the legislative directory one notes that a top-heavy bureaucratic programs. For instance, in the residential tenancies process is evident; it is perhaps more evident in area it is dear that tenants are given far more power relation to the total number of employees in this than landlords under the Residential Tenancies Act, agency than in any other agency I have examined for which was structured under the political bias of the sometime. current government. The government is not committed to providing a fair and level playing field Regrettably appointments in the Ministry, especially and I shall give evidence later of breaches of that Act senior appointments, are not made on the basis of that I believe are being applied by this Ministry in its experience or merit. secretive, destructive and irresponsible way.

Mr Jasper - What has ability to do with it? There has been a drift of skills away from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs because no career Mr GUDE - It does not seem to have very much structure exists and promotion is not merit based. at all to do with it under this government. Party These are not my words; these are the words of the membership is important and one need look no Victorian Public Service Association (VPSA) further than the Ministerial advisers' box to see that members working within the Ministry, and I shall in evidence today. Under current Ministry practices table documents they have prOVided to the Minister it is highly likely that the agency will be run by inept which will identify what I am saying. people with no relevant experience who do not understand what is required of them. Many members of the Ministry lack or fail to maintain public contact. This whole process of It matters little what the complexion of the self-serving has become inbred in this agency. We government of the day is; if it appoints party hacks it have had a succession of Ministers who have will inevitably run off the rails. That is part of the regarded this job either as the job on the way down, reason why the government is in trouble. There is no the job on the way out or the job where the Minister agency where that is more evident than in the is going nowhere. Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Roles of members in the Ministry are not dearly There exists in the Ministry a confrontationist defined and there are doubts about the ability of the attitude towards traders that has been developing Ministry's management to provide the special range and festering over the past few years and which is of services that is needed by the broader community. now flourishing. I have received a number of I have concerns about a whole host of areas in which complaints from traders - I know the honourable this agency is engaged. member for Murray Valley has had similar complaints - about the Ministry's approach. The If time permits I shall come back to that but I wish Ministry ought to be about fair trading and equity now to refer to concerns I have with the way the on both sides - that is, about balance. agency has been run. I shall quote from a Victorian Public Service Association letter to the then Minister The Ministry has it philosophical opposition to dated 8 November 1989 which is said to be a private self-regulation. All the way down the line we see the and confidential proposal for a VPSA meeting with approach of "government knows best, government the Minister and chief administrator. It states: MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 949

Recent correspondence and discussions with yourself load on them is intolerable. The document goes on and Patricia Faulkner have indicated your willingness to say: to meet with the association and discuss matters of concern. Staff with experience, background and skills are not being recognised for their worth and contribution to As a result of a general meeting of members held on 4 the organisation. "Friends" are being brought into the October the MeA departmental section executive was Ministry from outside causing loss of incentive and vested with the responsibility of developing a strategy lowering commitment. which would hopefully address the multitude of outstanding industrial issues that members have raised Friends of the Minister of the day and senior over a number of years. bureaucrats within the agency are being brought in to carry out the process, and they are overriding the Remember this is 1989. work of good, decent public servants who work within the agency. Further it states: Both myself and senior industrial officer, Russell Barclay, have raised with you on numerous occasions There is a tendency for ''blame'' to be shifted always to the fact that we believe active and outspoken VPSA the lowest denominator when it should reside at the members have been the target of a succession of senior top. ''The buck stops at the bottom". persons in the Ministry. The document also states: Here is this self-serving process where the political appointees are getting stuck into independent public Staff morale across the Ministry is at an all time low. servants and I find that offensive, as any decent This is believed to be a consequence of the failure of the Victorian would. The letter continues: original review, deficient senior management, staff being expected to undertake excessive workloads Such allegations have proven difficult to sustain through unrealistic expectations and few if any because of the covert and underhand methods used by prospects of recognition. these people to achieve their objectives. It is believed that the Minister is not told of the real These are strong statements being made by this state of affairs and in some instances misled as to the union. I turn to the issues and objectives contained capacity of the Ministry to fulfil demands. in an attachment to the letter: These self-serving Labor appointees have been Members believe that the MeA's service to the public causing the problem. It is taking place in many has now deteriorated considerably and that the agencies but nowhere is it more dastardly than it is Ministry is now less efficient in its delivery of service. in this Ministry. The document continues:

Hear, hear! So say all of us. Nothing has changed: Assistant directors have been in the Ministry a comparatively short time and have not come to grips A bigger bureaucracy than ever has been created in the with the staff's nor the department's requirements. form of a top-heavy inverted pyramid. They have implemented uninformed change either As I have said, the staff has increased by 20 per cent against staff advice or without consulting staff at all. in the past two years. The Ministry did not learn anything in 1988; it has continued to increase its This is another example of arrogance, and it is bureaucracy: reflected in the Kimer administration right across the board. There is an arrogance among ALP hacks Staff are accountable to more and more people at senior who are filling positions in key government level, most of whom are unfamiliar with the operations agencies. It is certainly apparent in the Ministry of and problems of the organisation. Consumer Affairs who is driving the process. U one wants evidence of that one need look only at what Does that not also go back to what I said before happened in the other place in the Parliament about the way in which employees within the yesterday. The new Minister for Consumer Affairs agency have become self-serving and out of touch called a division on the Shop Trading (Further with the public? As a consequence there are fewer Amendment) Bill on an amendment that had been people to do the work of helping the public and the MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

950 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991 agreed to by both parties in my presence some hours Through this process the Labor Party has put its earlier. friends into jobs ahead of decent public servants who are qualified and who have the capacity and The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Delzoppo) - commitment to service the community. These public Order! I advise the honourable member that he must servants are pushed aside and the cronyism process not refer to debates in the other House. takes over. The document continues:

Mr GUDE - The Minister cannot get his act ... staff lare) accountable more and more to senior right. The document states: management who are ignorant of consumer affairs.

There is a severe communication problem between the i.e. The real goal of MCA to serve the public and Corporate Management Group and their staff. establish and maintain "a fair marketplace" has been lost. MCA is becoming self-servicing and real It is hard to have any communication if one does not performance is hidden in a paper warfare. The work of talk to people. If you treat them like they are less helping the public does not get done. than decent people communication blockages will occur. That is the sort of concern that the Victorian Ministry staff are telling the management and the Public Service Association has outlined. The Minister what is going on. They are saying that there document also states: is a reduction of the knowledge base at the senior and middle management levels, that MCA staff The Ministry has taken on a large amount of new morale is being destroyed and that resources are responsibilities without the necessary resources to being divided. They say there is inappropriate make it work. The additional load falls back on the advertising of positions outside the service. same people. The briefing note from the VPSA makes an There are 100 cars in the Ministry and just over 400 allegation that reference reports on aspirants for people, so one in four people is driving around in a promotion have been altered. It is not fair to expect car, probably going to and from work. What about the Minister for Police and Emergency Services to the essential equipment and technology that would deal with this matter because he is representing a assist them to carry out a proper service on behalf of Minister in another place, but I ask that he request the people of Victoria? They have a massive budget from the Minister for Consumer Affairs details of the at their fingertips. The document continues: public servants who have not been given promotional opportunities. It is a serious allegation. Some staff perceive senior management actions as often hindering their work of helping the public. Who altered the reference reports? Are those people still in the Ministry's employment; if they are, why Hindering their work of helping the public! What a are they still there? There has been a clear disgraceful indictment of the senior management of victimisation of staff and a lack of recognition of the the Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MCA). skills necessary for the provision of good client service. Reference has also been made to service There is a raft of other criticisms that I could delivery, the inappropriate placement of resources mention but I turn to the VPSA agenda for a meeting and the fact that more and more work is with the Minister and Chief Administrator of the unproductive. Ministry of Consumer Affairs. It is headed "Personnel Practices" and it states: The VPSA says that, in contravention of the mission statement, the MeA is advocating and creating an Weighting of key selection criteria is inappropriate to imbalance to fair market principles. The association the reality of actual on-the-job requirements. gives some examples with which I agree, such as:

Recruitment of personnel who have no commitment to Residential tenancies review provides avenues of or any knowledge of Consumer Affairs either in assistance to tenants only whereas the legislative legislative knowledge or policy /procedural matters. provisions enable or compel either landlord or tenant to use Ministry services. unashamed cronyism. The union poses the question, and so do I: MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 951

Why the imbalance? Mr GUDE -It may well be, but I believe it is a petition to the Minister. We will know in due course. In part the answer is the political bias which begins with the Minister and extends to his closest personal On the second page the document states: staff and the key people within the agency. That is the reason why there is an imbalance and why the The staff of the Client Service Division whose VPSA is so concerned. signatures appear hereunder wish to make it known to you that we are no longer prepared to work with Anybody who has anything to do with the Ministry assistant director, Mary Ann Hayes. is well aware of the situation. The new Minister would do well to examine the mission statement and Since her appointment she has continually review his personal staff and some of the key demonstrated, on both a personal and professional troglodytes working within his administration. The level, that she does not possess the capacity to briefing document further states: undertake the responsibilities of the position in that:

[There is a] withdrawal of appropriate powers of She does not possess the required interpersonal inspectors to service client needs. leadership or management skills.

[and] uninformed decisions by management regarding She has an autocratic, confrontationist, and insensitive service delivery. management style.

These are all severe criticisms. The VPSA then She demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of suggests a set of reference points for a review of the issues relevant to her division. Ministry. I have received a copy of a document addressed to the Minister which was sent to me as She blames her staff for her own mistakes and shadow Minister. Kay McVie, the VPSA preSident, shortcomings. says in the document: In the interests of the staff, the Ministry, and the public This is a copy of the face sheet of a petition signed by we ask that she be immediately removed from office. the majority of the staff in the Client Service Division. Mr Mac1ellan - She sounds like a Minister in The ones who didn't sign it were scared of the action this government! that would be taken against them. The original petition is held by the VPSA. Faulkner was told about the Mr GUDE - She does. Those words are cause for problem several times but has done nothing. concem. The petition reinforces the very worst of what was said in the briefing document to which I This is a reference to the document that I mentioned referred earlier and which the VPSA presented in earlier which dates back to 1988. However, this is a 1988 to the fonner Minister -now the Treasurer­ current document from the VPSA, which operates and to Patricia Faulkner, the current director, who is within the Victorian Public Service and which is so also in France at the moment at the taxpayers' concerned about the matter that it believes it expense; she is overseas enjoying the benefits of her necessary to hold back a petition signed by its office while there is an uprising within her members who are working within a government ad minis tra tion. agency. It is so concerned about the reprisals and actions that may be taken by this left-wing driven Since 1988 there has been continual turmoil and Ministry that it believes it must withhold the concem about the way in which the administration document to protect the jobs of its members, who is meeting its mission statement. It cannot carry out are decent Victorians and who want to do nothing the service that it ought to be providing to Victorians. other than carry out their duties as outlined in the mission statement; they want to carry out their I shall examine some of the functions and issues that functions in a proper and decent way. have been directed to my attention recently. Early in 1991, in approximately February or March, Mr Mac1ellan - That procedure raises a question Mr Michael Levine, the chairman of the Residential of privilege if it is a petition to Parliament. Tenancies Tribunal, the Small Claims Tribunal and the Credit Tribunal, wrote to the director, Patricia MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

952 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991

Faulkner - who, as I said, is currently on an OECD Minister reads Hansard he will find that I did not junket in France - saying that if the government criticise that person, but I am not so generous went ahead and split the tribunals it would cost regarding the other person. approximately $1.5 million to do so. Notwithstanding that cost, Ms Faulkner went ahead Since 1986,87 per cent of Mr Levine's salary has full steam and forced the split. She wanted been met by the Residential Tenancy Fund. For Michael Levine out of the way no matter what it cost. honourable members who may not be aware what that means, the fund holds the interest paid on the Mr Mac1ellan - Because he is an independent bond money paid by tenants. The tribunal workload person. is split so that 87 per cent of the funds are directed to the arbitral area of residential tenancies and 13 per Mr GUDE - He is an independent person who cent to other areas. Mr Levine had not been doing was attempting, under difficult circumstances, to much residential-type work over that period and, in carry out the functions with which he is charged. fact, senior people in the agency had been trying to remove him from his position because he was too It is interesting to note that during this process a independent and handled his job with justice. Those journalist with one of the Sunday newspapers made senior people were pleased that he was eventually an FoI request to obtain the Levine documents. I located in another building when he was appointed understand the journalist was able to obtain those to take care of the credit division of the Ministry. documents, but honourable members have no idea about the flurry it caused. There was concern and About that time Jackie Kefford was told that she consternation among the Minister's senior advisers. could have a green-plated Commodore sedan motor It was a sight to behold! car as an additional car. She told them that she did not have a requirement for that motor vehicle and it Patricia Faulkner moved faster than the speed of is now being used as a pool car within the light, in fact, faster than the aeroplane that took her administration. The Ministry was not about to give to France. I understand Ms Faulkner, none to subtly, up the car and it is currently being driven by a obtained a letter from Mr Levine which indicated he number of officers within the Ministry. was basically happy with his new role in the credit area. The game is up! Many people know the undue An activity is being carried out within the Ministry influence and leaning that was done to force Mr which one could almost call an illegal tenancy plot. Levine to write that letter and they also know that A special unit has been established on the second Victorian taxpayers, courtesy of the left wing of the floor of 500 Bourke Street where three staff called Labor Party who are running the Ministry of tenancy advice workers operate. This unit was Consumer Affairs, are now paying an additional established approximately twelve months ago to $1.5 million to get the tribunal system working the contact tenants about their rights prior to their cases way the left wing want it to work. being heard before the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. In April this year Jackie Kefford was appointed the interim chairperson for three months - the position I indicate now that I make no criticism of the three was expected to last until August. The job people attached to that unit. 1 am told they are application closed on 7 June, but no appointment effective officers who are carrying out directions was made. It is said openly in the Ministry - I do from the highest level. The group accesses not make this accusation, nor do 1 have any confidential information from the tribunal computer particular concern about the outcome in a general system. sense - that Ms Faulkner told Jackie Kefford that if she did a good job for the next three months there The Minister for ConsumeI;' Affairs should have a would be no need for an outside appointment to that close look at this practice because section 138 of the position because she would not appoint a man to the Residential Tenancies Act makes it quite clear that job. That is the sort of thing that is going on in that this practice is a breach of the secrecy provisions of agency! the Act. That being the case it raises the question of who created the unit. I am sure it was not the current Mr Sandon interjected. Minister because it was established twelve months ago so it must have been the previous Minister for Mr GUDE -1 am not criticising the individual Consumer Affairs, the Honourable Brian Mier. At concerned and 1 made my comment carefully. If the MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Thursday. 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 953 least he must have given authority to establish the notice on the Notice Paper. This is his opportunity to unit. go and see the Minister; I will not stop him.

Who was the senior person at the agency who Approximately twelve months ago the Treasurer established the unit? The buck should not stop at the was informed that section 82 of the Residential point of the inverted pyramid. It should stop at the Tenancies Act would cause a major problem with top. In this case the buck clearly stops at the desk of the new water system proposal of the Minister for the Director of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. I Conservation and Environment. suggest to her that she should closely examine section 138 of the Residential Tenancies Act and take Mr Coleman - It is a disgrace. good legal advice, not the internal advice provided by the ever-growing legal section within her Mr GUDE - As the honourable member for ad~stration,butindependentquruified Syndal points out, it is an absolute disgrace. The proprietary legal advice because I am sure that she method of calculation is now based on a water will be told that what is occurring is illegal. measure consumption charge, which means that under the new charter arrangements landlords will The director is aware that confidential information no longer be able to charge tenants for the use of should not be given for the purpose it is being given, excess water. In other words, the landlords stand to but she has actively promoted its use. This unit is lose money. also paid from the interest accrued from tenants' bond money. The provisions of the government's mission statement are referred to specifically in my motion: The administration is in turmoil since the Mier /Trish Jones affair. The former secretary of the ... to ensure a balance between the rights and Honourable Brian Mier, the previous Minister for responsibilities of consumers and traders, tenants and Consumer Affairs, Christine Fuchshofer, who I landlords, in the marketplace through the development understand is an extremely competent person, and and enforcement of standards (including legislation) who now works at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and the provision of information and mechanisms for applied for and was granted a redundancy package resolving disputes. and payout. That may be all right in itself, but I thought that when one got a redundancy package The words "including legislation" are important. one's poSition became redundant. Ms Fuchshofer's Twelve months ago the government was informed position was declared redundant but in reality it . of the deficiencies of section 82 of the Residentiru was not redundant because she was replaced by Tenancies Act, but no change has been made to another person. It is another example of an illegal ensure any measure of decency, integrity or and improper use of taxpayers' money. propriety - call it what you will.

There is no end to the government's capacity to As a result the taxpayers of Victoria stand to lose waste taxpayers' money. Whenever one thinks one approximately $30 million in excess water charges has got to the bottom of it another case bobs up. The which under normal circumstances should have Minister for Transport, during question time, asked been paid by Housing and Construction Victoria for a list of these cases. The opposition will start a tenants, who live in houses owned by the State. The list starting with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. government is giving away money at a time when Here is an example for the Minister to inquire into the debts and liabilities of the State are in excess of and examine. I want to know the basis for the $S4 billion - and the Budget shows that that figure payment and the redundancy arrangements. is likely to increase by $4 billion in the next twelve months. Such is the administration of this State that Mr Cole - How much? the government is prepared to pour $30 million down the drain. It is absolutely disgraceful! Mr GUDE - The honourable member for Melbourne wants to know how much the payment Over the past few years there has been a deliberate was. Surely he can talk to his colleague in another running-down of dispute resolution processes place. He may even put a question on notice. It is within the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, which has evident that the honourable member is not going to taken the form of reducing the number of staff talk to the Minister so he ought to put a question on handling complaint files; imposing unrealistic constraints on the time allowed for the resolution of MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

954 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 3 October 1991 disputes; withdrawing on-the-job training; an Mr GUDE - Although many more inspectors insistence by management on the use of fonn letters have been appointed under section 63 of the rather than giving personal attention to individual Consumer Affairs Act, only eight are working in the matters; and withdrawing inspectorial functions enforcement area, the balance being managers who from the conciliation staff, thereby reducing their carry out no enforcement work at all-another effectiveness. I remember those matters being raised example of the inverted pyramid structure. by the Victorian Public Service Association in 1988! Those measures, together with the appointment of Staff employed in the Ministry's community managers with no experience or background in the education section have been instructed by the Ministry have resulted in an almost total destruction director and the client service management of the of staff morale, which is referred to in a petition Ministry - some of whom, dare I say it, have recently given to the Minister. Tenants Union of Victoria backgrounds - not to work to educate or inform landlords or agents. 1his In recent months a conciliation services study has instruction is based on the prejudiced belief that been undertaken, and I have a copy of the report. I money from the Residential Tenancies Fund should have been told by people with experience in the be spent only on educating tenants - and we have process both inside and outside the system that the seen recent examples of that! document has been used to establish an agenda to rid the Ministry of inconvenient client service work A recent survey commissioned by the government in favour of concentrating on the filling in of forms shows that it is not doing all that well with young and paper shuffling - and after reading the report I voters. The government is not doing well with am hard-pressed to disagree with their concerns. voters of any age, but it is doing an especially poor job with young voters. As a result the government At present the Ministry employs only seventeen has decided to spend $500 000 of taxpayers' money conciliators to work on the resolution of disputes for - one submission proposed the spending of $440 the whole of Victoria. Many more officers are 000 - to inform young tenants of their rights. I have employed in the Ministry's personnel and finance no quarrel with the Ministry carrying out its proper branches - another example of the inverted functions; but it is more than coincidental that soon pyramid in action. Given that only seventeen of the after receiving the report the government suddenly staff of 470 are employed to work on the resolution discovered the needs of young people. of disputes, one has to ask what productive work the other officers are doing on behalf of the people of The government has decided to launch a campaign Victoria. on 6 October that involves promotions in cinemas, the ethnic press, 4 other newspapers and 2000 trains, The other officers are predominantly involved in the as well as on country radio stations and 70 areas of personnel, accounting, computer billboards throughout the State. Young tenants will programming, policy making - and goodness also be given stickers, badges and fridge magnets as knows, the way the Ministry carries on, it is sorely in part of the campaign. need of new policies - and licensing, as well as myriad other non-productive activities. If the I directed attention to the campaign on 2 September, government is looking for opportunities for a little over a month before its planned launch. reducing staff, it should look no further than the Although I do not know whether the campaign will Ministry of Consumer Affairs. In the Premier's June be launched - some say it will and others say it will statement and in the Budget we were told that the not - we will soon see whether the new Minister for government intends to shed 10000 public sector jobs Consumer Affairs will run scared or show some over the next twelve months. It would be a good responsibility by refusing to pander to the demands idea if the Premier had a close look at the bloated of the Tenants Union. bureaucracy of the Ministry. The new Minister has said that taxpayers' money The Ministry of Consumer Affairs employs only 8 will not be used for the campaign because it will be inspectors to enforce the 22 Acts it currently funded from the interest accrued on bond moneys administers - clearly an impossible undertaking. deposited in the Residential Tenancies Fund. Again The honourable member for Melbourne is nodding we have an example of a Minister saying, '1t's not in agreement; he clearly sees that that is so. your money; don't worry about it", as though it is okay to squander other people's money Mr Cole interjected. irresponsibly - an attitude I find unacceptable and MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Thursday. 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 955 offensive. The funds would be more appropriately Monitoring inadequate for responsiveness to consumer spent on proactive programs for landlords and problems. agents. Performance indicators absent ... Because of its bias the Ministry's senior administration has chosen to ignore its legislative It is obvious that the effectiveness of the conciliation responsibility. I go back to the three-person unit to services can be improved for all service objectives. Part which I referred before. If one investigates where the 4 of the report provides a range of procedures ... grants from the Residential Tenancies Fund go one sees the bias continuing through the process. There The report condemns every area of service of the is no attempt to be fair. In any event, the Act is not Ministry. Another section of the report states: fair. SERVICE IMPROVEMENT OPTIONS The number of complaints about the telephone inquiries system is increasing. The staff of the Based on the procedures and methods already Ministry have plenty of cars in which to drive described, improvements can be implemented to the around but they cannot organise their telephone inquiry / complaint system on a number of levels. This technology. The administration should focus on the section provides three levels of options, given the public and the service ethic, but it does not have a capacity of the procedures and methods to be service ethic. integrated, as follows: Service refinement options; involving review of The management has failed to train the staff current procedural inefficiencies and further research properly and it has failed to provide proper support and minor procedural changes; services. Vast sums of public money have been spent on failed technology and the management has put in Service stream-line option; involving the inclusion of place an organisational structure guaranteed to new procedures in the current service to facilitate block staff effectiveness. service provision ...

SERVICE REFINEMENT OPTION I conclude my remarks by referring to two sections from A Review of Conciliation Seroices and Recommendations for Client Servicing Improvements, a This is a minimum service change option retaining all existing procedures, but adding refinements based on document prepared for the Ministry in March this individual procedural reviews. The development of the year. Under the heading "How the service meets its client servicing strategy has been included in this objectives", the report states: option because many procedural inefficiencies stem from the unclear role of the conciliation service in the SERVICE VIABILITY Ministry client servicing mix .

... Up to 15 per cent overlap with customer That continues the condemnation of the functions of information/inquiry services. the Ministry. I have no doubt that the administration has failed to meet its stated corporate mission. Up to 20 per cent double-handled by Small Claims Employees of the Ministry are concerned, and that is Tribunal. reflected in the material I have presented to the House today. I feel sorry for the new Minister Cost per case of service greater than alternative services because he has inherited one unholy mess. I hope he, unlike his predecessor and many of the senior staff of the Ministry, will be able to effect the changes that SERVICE EFFICIENCY are necessary, desirable and important for the people of Victoria. Up to 20 per cent of cases unacceptably long. Mr JASPER (Murray Valley) - I support the Service productivity at below 50 per cent. motion moved by the honourable member for Hawthorn. During my contribution I shall refer to Large variation in service productivity between service the Motor Car Traders Act, and I infonn the House locations '" that my family is involved, and has been since 1929, in the motor car industry in Rutherglen. SERVICE RESPONSNENESS MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

956 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991

The honourable member has highlighted the The changes implemented by the Labor government shortcomings in the management of the Ministry of have provided too much protection for some Consumer Affairs and the authorities under its consumers and for people who may not be the best control. The motion states: operators within an industry or organisation coming under the control of the Ministry of Consumer ... to ensure a balance between the rights and. Affairs. In the rental accommodation area it has been responsibilities of consumers and traders, tenants and estimated that the number of bad landlords in landlords, in the marketplace through the development Victoria may be as low as 1 per cent. Even if it is as and enforcement of standards (including legislation) high as 5 per cent the Residential Tenancies Act has and the provision of information and mechanisms for provided additional protection for tenants of people resolving disputes. who may not be the best landlords.

The key word is ''balance''; a balance must be But what about the other 95 per cent - the good achieved between the rights and responsibilities of landlords? These people have found that letting people on both sides regardless of whether they are accommodation is a difficult and even dangerous consumers, traders, tenants or landlords. As I said a occupation. The Residential Tenancies Act has upset moment ago, the honourable member for Hawthorn the balance between landlords and tenants. In fact, clearly highlighted the shortcomings of the present ''balance'' is a dirty word to the Ministry and the administration, and I shall reinforce the information government. It is important that there be a proper he has put forward. balance between the rights of all Victorians. It is no good the government talking about balance because The bureaucracy and the budget of the Ministry of it does not understand how to balance its own Consumer Affairs have increased by huge amounts. books. Since the Labor government has been in In 1981-82 the Ministry employed 104 staff and had office it has incurred huge losses and the estimate of an annual budget of $1.686 million. In 1986-87 the Victoria's debts and liabilities is $50 billion. If the Ministry employed 261 staff and its budget had government cannot balance its books it has little increased to $10.4 million. In the years of the Labor hope of balancing the rights of people in any government there has been a huge increase in the industry. money allocated to the Ministry and a steady increase in the number of employees. In referring to the Residential Tenancies Act and the way it has operated in Victoria I shall quote from I shall not quote the figures for every year, but it is some newspaper clippings and documents that will clear that there have been large increases. In 1990-91 highlight how amendments to the Act in 1986 and the Ministry employed approximately 375 staff. The subsequently have gone too far in protecting the honourable member for Hawthorn said he believed rights of tenants over the rights of landlords. Some the number was approximately 400, but I have been of the headlines of letters to the editor of the Age in given the figure of 375. When one compares that 1985 and 1986 are interesting: "1'0 good-paying with the figure for 1981-82, one finds a four-fold tenants legislation is a disaster"; "Legislation will not increase. The budget for 1990-91 was $27.6 million solve all problems of tenancy"; "Attack on tenancies compared with $1.686 million for 1981-82. This Bill"; and ''Real estate warning on Victorian tenancy financial year the Ministry's budget has increased to Act". They are examples of the comments that were $28.5 million. That highlights the concern of the made in 1985 and 1986 on the Act and the opposition parties about the huge increases in the amendments introduced into Parliament. Ministry's staff and its funding allocations. An article in the Australian of 22 February 1986 by It is important to examine how the Ministry of Rod Reader ''Recent crisis blamed on 'welfare' Consumer Affairs is funded. Generally the Ministry tenancy Bill" states: is funded by industry, by business people and by landlords. I believe the Ministry has been The blame for the tightness in Melbourne's residential overzealous in its attempt to protect consumers. rental market has been laid squarely on the proposed People purchasing and using motor vehicles have changes to Victoria's residential tenancies legislation ... been protected by the Motor Car Traders Act. The balance between tenants and landlords has moved Mr Bemie McGuane of the Residential Tenancies so far that tenants are now being overprotected. Tribunal said fears that the Bill would be a piece of Recently a constituent of mine said to me that it was welfare legislation had panicked landlords. This fear almost a dangerous occupation to become a landlord. remained. MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 957

When the proposed changes to the legislation were The Minister did not provide a reasonable response published last year the tribunal noted a vast increase in to my constituent. On the second issue of the selling 60- day notices being served on tenants as landlords of goods which had been abandoned by the tenant, moved to sell their investment properties. the Minister confinned most of the infonnation provided by my constituent. No wonder my That highlights the problems with the 1986 constituent said to me there is no point in providing legislation and the concern expressed by people rental accommodation. Why should a person associated with residential tenancies. As I said, the provide property valued at up to $200 ()()() and find amendments have changed the balance and have that he or she has no control and that the tenants brought about an imbalance between the rights of have all the rights? landlords and tenants. These legitimate concerns should be expressed in I shall quote from some of the correspondence Parliament and this motion should encourage the received by me from landlords of rental government to take action to better balance the accommodation since 1986. One of my constituents rights of landlords and tenants under the Act. wrote to the former Minister for Consumer Affairs last year: A recent article in the Sunday Age is headed ''Theophanous hits at 'callous disregard' over rental In particular I am worried about the Residential bond Bill". I support the coalition in opposing the Tenancies Tribunal, especially since having a bad Rental Bond Board Bill. Under the current experience with them as a landlord. Did you know that arrangements the interest from bond money in trust if a tenant is paying rent on time it is almost impossible accounts is paid to the Residential Tenancies Trust. to get vacant possession of the property, unless you Currently the Ministry is responsible for $27 million want to live in it yourself or sell it? U you want to live held in that trust. Surely that proves there is no need in it yourself you must not re-let for six months. for rental bond board legislation. The article states: Penalty $500. Imagine $100 000 to $200 000 tied up in a property and you are not allowed to arrange your The President of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, Mr affairs to suit yourself! Don Brindley, said yesterday he did not think the public wanted to see the government controlling I have just heard about an interesting case where a between $80 million and $100 million in a single fund. tenant left the premises, leaving behind some belongings. As the agent was unsure of the procedure, He said: '1 also believe that the public do not want to he contacted the Department of Consumer Affairs. He see $10 million spent on setting up a bond board - was advised to place an advertisement in the paper for purely another form of government regulation - with the sale of abandoned goods. (This is a specific form.) ongoing costs of up to $4 million a year implanted into The advertisement cost $200, then there is the cartage the current depressed economy of Victoria." and commission. The value of the goods is estimated under $100. Who pays? In this particular case the Some say those figures are exaggerated but it is tenant was on a special benefits pension and you know unnecessary to expend Significant funds to establish how much you would get out of him. a residential tenancies bond board. At present the operation is satisfactory. The government holds The response from the Minister was interesting: millions of dollars from the interest being paid to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs by the various estate Divisions 1 to 4, Part V of the Residential Tenancies Act agents throughout Victoria. 1980 provide for the various conditions under which a tenancy agreement can be terminated and the relevant The complaint is made by the Tenants Union of notice periods required. The landlord's right to give Victoria and the Minister that it takes some time to notice of termination is specifically provided for in have bond money returned to tenants when they Division 3. It is noted that notice periods vary leave properties. The Act provides that the bond according to the specific conditions, eg immediate must be returned within fourteen days of inspection notice can be given to vacate in the case of malicious but the complaint is that the real estate agents do not damage, whereas six months notice to vacate is inspect the properties early enough to have the bond required where there is no reason given. returned in a reasonable time. That matter is in the hands of the Ministry; it should tighten its I have attached "Renting Right - a Landlord's Pack" - procedures and the Act so properties are inspected quickly and bond money returned. MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

958 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991

Mr Gude - They are not interested in doing that. Commission cannot run its own affairs without recourse to the Minister, whose Ministry absorbs the Mr JASPER - In that Sunday Age article the revenue from the liquor industry. honourable member for Hawthorn states: It has been a mind-boggling exercise to study the Frankly, we don't trust them (the government) to Ministry of Consumer Affairs annual report and to manage this sort of money in a responsible way. extract the appropriate information to understand its control of the liquor industry, particularly in the That is the bottom line. The State is broke, and the cases I have highlighted. One must examine the government has squandered all the funds. Why reports of the liquor industry to gain an should the opposition provide $80 million to $100 understanding of the controls and operation of the million to the government to spend as it sees fit? industry, estimated to produce a $150 million Already it has interest on the bond money and the income in this financial year. I am concerned that Herald-Sun editorial has queried how that money those funds will be ultimately under the control of will be spent. It refers to the situation in New South the Minister for Consumer Affairs, and transferred Wales and Queensland where bond boards have to consolidated revenue. been operating for some years. Why change the current system which is working satisfactorily and Mr Cole interjected. effectively? Mr JASPER - I am interested in the interjection The interest on the bond money has been paid to the - what is your point? If the honourable member government; it is now holding about $27 million in wants to understand more about the liquor industry that form of revenue in the coffers of the Ministry of he should talk to the people in the commission and Consumer Affairs. talk to those involved in the industry. They will tell him about the difficulties being experienced by the I anticipate further action by the Ministry to give industry in Victoria. As I said several weeks ago in greater control to itself, and to change the balance this place, many in the industry say it is bleeding to between landlord and tenant - which will only death. exacerbate that situation. As highlighted in the motion, the opposition is concerned about I refer to the operation of the Motor Car Traders Act government interference. It does not want further in Victoria. In the mid-1970s the previous interference in the operation of agencies and government legislated to establish operational authorities under its control. guidelines for motor car traders. The controls were most effective and established high standards of The 1990 edition of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs ethics and behaviour for those involved in the annual report was tabled in Parliament in October industry, and therefore provided greater consumer last year. When will the 1991 annual report be tabled protection. Neither I nor the industry are opposed to so we can be brought up to date? such controls.

During the grievance debate two weeks ago I Over the years successive reports have been tabled expressed concern about the operation of the Liquor here. With amendments in 1986 to the Motor Car Licensing Commission and the control of the liquor Traders Act changes have brought control of the Act industry in Victoria. The commission comes under more closely within the operations of the Ministry of the control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs; it Consumer Affairs. The independence inherent in the has a separate administration but is responsible to provisions of the Act has been thwarted and the Minister. changed because now more control is exercised over the traders by the Ministry. Now no separate motor The Ministry is not in the best position to handle and car traders reports are produced to provide control the Victorian liquor industry. During that information on the operation of traders. Now the debate I highlighted the three problems existing in only way to obtain such information is to study the the industry: the difficulties that have been caused annual report of the Ministry, as I had my researcher by the economic problems facing Victoria; the do recently, and extract the relevant information. explosion in the number of licences being approved The government has tried to bury the information by the commission; and the huge impost in that had been available for those involved in the government charges which has had a detrimental industry and anyone interested, including effect on the industry. The Liquor Licensing consumers, to gain an understanding of what is MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 959 happening in that industry. The absence of separate motor car traders were paying their licence fees into reports makes it difficult for Victorians to determine a fund that would protect not only themselves and what is happening in the industry. their consumers, but also the consumers purchasing cars from unlicensed traders. Unfortunately the cost of operating the Motor Car Traders Committee has increased dramatically. No The Minister for Transport wanted everybody to be thought has been given by the government to covered by the fund whether vehicles were obtaining a balance between the consumers and purchased from a licensed motor car trader, a traders - only to bring the funds within the control backyarder or any other person. Fortunately the of the Ministry! Minister responded to representations made by the industry, and he did not proceed with that I have a large sheet of paper that is not appropriate amendment to the Act for incorporation in Hansard; it contains statistical research information. It discloses facts and figures In the mid-1970s a most effective Motor Car Traders about the committee since 1977. Committee was set up. It produced a separate report and conducted activities separate from the Ministry Mc Cole interjected. in its control of the industry. It was an effective operation but now the work of the committee is Mr JASPER - Never. I can tell the House it has performed by two statutory authorities under the been a mind-boggling exercise to examine the direct control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. reports of the motor car traders to compile this As a result, there is a huge expansion in the cost of information, but it was a more difficult task to operation and the number of people working on the extract information from the Ministry annual reports. regulation of motor car traders.

In the past the committee was effectively The government is now seeking to increase self-controlled, but now it has been drawn under the registration fees for motor car traders by a huge closer control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. amount Two years ago the fee for a licensed motor The government wants the information obtained by car trader was $254 annually. Last financial year it the committee to be included in the Ministry's was $619 and this year it has been increased to $801. annual report rather than to give the most accurate If it were not paid by 31 August the trader was not information directly to the people in the industry allowed to operate beyond the end of October; after and to consumers. that the trader had to pay a new application fee to become relicensed. This amount has increased to Some people in the motor car industry are ripping $630. It is a ridiculous situation. off the system or they are not providing the best product to the consumer. The point needs to be The research assistant at my office in Wangaratta made that this group of people is not representative has had to extract many different pages from the of licensed motor vehicle traders. In fact, the number annual report of the Ministry to make some sort of of licences revoked over the years has reduced compilation of figures relating to the regulation of dramatically and the 1990 report shows that only motor car traders,and she has done an excellent job. two out of 2300 registered motor car traders in The report should be separate and the committee Victoria lost their licences. should operate separately from the bureaucracy that has developed within the Ministry. Only about half of the motor cars sold in Victoria are handled by motor car traders; the rest are sold by Last financial year $823 000 was collected in licence "backyarders" who are not registered and licensed, fees. An amount of $7400 was collected in fines - a and these are the ones causing the problems. The minimal amount when one considers the number of greatest difficulty is unlicensed motor car traders. people involved in the industry. Interest on investments was $250 OOO-plus, which means a total Some years ago a former Minister of Consumer income of more than $1 million collected by the Affairs, now the Minister for Transport, introduced committee. amendments to the Motor Car Traders Act that would have allowed people who purchased motor Salaries and associated expenses amounted to vehicles from unlicensed traders to claim from the $274000, which was a reduction from the previous Motor Car Traders Guarantee Fund. That is year of more than $500 000, but general expenses ridiculous and would have meant that licensed increased to $780 000 in the year to 31 June 1990 MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

960 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991 compared with $325 000 the year before. It is a case people could go to licensed motor car traders and of shifting the figures around so that people do not get a good deal on their purchases of new or used understand the true costs involved. They are seeking vehicles. to bury the true figures. The Motor Car Traders Act was introduced in the The total payments to 30 June 1990 were $1.054 rnid-19705 by the Liberal government and it million. But the figures showed a cash surplus to 30 established the committee that operated effectively June 1990 of almost $27 000 - it must be right through the 19705 and 1980s, but now the remembered that we do not even have the report to committee is being drawn right under the control of 30 June 1991 - and the balance held in .the Motor the Ministry of Consumer Affairs with an explosion Car Traders Guarantee Fund was $1.705 million. in costs and charges. Despite this figure the Ministry is saying that it will increase the licence fees for motor car traders. Mr Sandon - Were they all charged the same under the Liberals? Another problem is that the fee is the same for the smallest dealer in Victoria and the largest dealer, Mr JASPER - There has been a standard licence and that anomaly needs to be corrected. The fee all the way through. regulation to increase the fees was introduced on 30 June 1991. Mr Sandon interjected.

The actual level of claims made against the Motor Mr JASPER -It was a smaller fee. Car Traders' Guarantee Fund amounted to $700 000. The level estimated the previous year was $400 000. The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Delzoppo) - Order! The Minister will not interject and the The Ministry has said that it needs to cover the honourable member for Murray Valley will address estimated costs of operation of the Motor Car the Chair. Traders Ucensing AuthOrity and the Motor Car Traders Guarantee Fund Claims Committee. Those Mc JASPER -It is interesting that the Minister functions have been expanded greatly by increases for Police and Emergency Services, who is at the in staff and increases in charges imposed on the table, should make that point; it shows he has no committee by the Ministry. The Ministry has done understanding of the operation of the Motor Car this by a simple mathematical calculation. It has Traders Act or the statutory authorities that operate said, 'There are approximately 2300 registered under it. motor car dealers in Victoria. We need to raise X number of dollars, therefore it works out at $801 for At present the Motor Car Traders Guarantee Fund each trader". stands at more than $1.7 million. I pay tribute to the former Treasurer for amending the Motor Car Therefore whether you are the smallest trader such Traders Act to make it obligatory for interest to be as my family at Rutherglen or one of the biggest paid" on money deposited in the fund. Formerly no dealerships such as Reg Hunt, the amount paid is interest was paid on the fund and the money was the same. The fee has increased from $254 two years simply held as consolidated revenue. I made ago to $801 this year. strenuous representations, as did others, to the former Treasurer to rectify that iniquitous situation. Mr Sandon -It should be more! The former Treasurer recognised that Treasury was Mr JASPER - The Minister would not holding the money under false pretences and not understand private enterprise but if he listened to paying interest; and interest has been paid since he the contribution of the honourable member for introduced amendments in 1986. In the twelve Hawthorn and my contribution, he may understand months ended 30 June 1990 some $253 000 in interest more. The Motor Car Traders Committee used to was paid on the fund. operate effectively, particularly under the chairmanship of Mc Chick Lander for its first twelve Under the previous government and the previous years. He controlled the committee and wanted to motor car traders regime there was a small licence see an industry operating effectively in Victoria. He fee payable by motor car traders and only a small saw that those who did not want to toe the industry amount was held in the fund. At that time there was line were removed from the industry and that no necessity for a differential between small and MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 961 large licensed motor car traders. The stage has now genuine belief that there are problems in the been reached where a differential is needed. The fees Ministry of Consumer Affairs, that the pendulum at present are excessive. has swung too far, and that a balance needs to be struck. We must achieve a balance between consumers and the people providing services -landlords, motor I hope a coalition government will be able to ensure car traders, people involved in the liquor industry that there is a balance between the interests of all and others. I am not suggesting that there should not parties involved. I hope the Minister will recognise be protection for consumers - no-one suggests that. that and respond accordingly. However, there is a need for a balance in order to protect the people who are genuinely operating as Mr SANDON (Minister for Police and employers in business and industry. Most people are Emergency Services) - The motion as put is genuine in what they do, what they say and how one-sided, partisan and political, and I will attempt they operate. to put the record straight on a number of issues that have been raised. I have highlighted the operations of the Motor Car Traders Licensing AuthOrity and the Motor Car Firstly, in relation to the way the Ministry of . Traders Guarantee Fund Claims Committee at some Consumer Affairs has developed, I was recently length. I have seen a change in the operation of the talking to a former member of this place, regulation of motor car traders from the 1970s and Mr lan Cathie; he was saying that as a consumer he the early 19805, through to 1986 when the appreciates the protection provided through the government changed the Act, thereby shifting the legislative changes that have been effected. balance to provide an effective situation for consumers to the detriment of people who were Significant legislative changes have taken place in genuine in their operations in particular areas­ the consumer affairs area. The previOUS speaker landlords, motor car traders or others - who are cri ticised the Ministry for being overzealous in now being attacked by the government. protecting consumers. I should think that one of the greatest attributes of a consumer affairs department The government should review the Ministry of would be that of doing its job properly and ensuring Consumer Affairs. In 1982 the agency employed 140 that it carried out its mission and achieved its people and it now employs around 400. Its budget objectives. has risen from $1.686 million to an estimated $28.5 million in the current financial year. The government has performed creditably in the consumer affairs area. There has been identification No-one denies that the government has a job to do in of a need to attack unfair practices in the providing protection for consumers, but the marketplace, establish appropriate standards, pendulum has swung too far one way and has to improve the knowledge of the public about their swing back - we must achieve a balance for all rights and responsibilities and - so that the public people. No-one will develop property or invest in can exercise those rights and responsibilities - to residential accommodation unless it is possible to provide speedy and accessible avenues for resolving achieve a return and get a balance instead of being disputes. attacked by consumers. The Ministry and the government can take great The Motor Car Traders Act has ensured that most credit for the Ministry's ability to meet the corporate motor car traders are reputable and attempt to objectives, as I will explain. provide a service at the same time as making a profit. However, the operation of the Motor Car A criticism that was levelled by speakers opposite Traders Act has now been buried in the Ministry of was the large increase in staff numbers and it was Consumer Affairs. Responsibility for motor car suggested that pOSSibly the Ministry carried some traders should be removed from that Ministry and a fat. One must take into account the machinery balance should be struck. changes of government which were not identified by the two previous speakers. The Ministry has taken The motion moved today by the honourable on increased duties and responsibilities induding: member for Hawthorn is interesting. Both the changes to the liquor licensing laws that required an honourable member for Hawthorn and I have extra 100 staff; extra tribunals attached to the introduced information into the debate in the Ministry that required extra staff; and the Aboriginal MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

962 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 3 October 1991 affairs section that also needed extra staff. The legislation that has this month been released for suggestion was made that loads and loads of staff public comment. Honourable members would be were sitting around doing nothing. That is not so aware that the Credit (Further Amendment) Act because the duties and responsibilities of the came into operation in June this year, and that again Ministry have increased enormously. reflects the Ministry's undertaking to provide appropriate legislative standards of protection. The main thrust of the motion related to the Ministry not carrying out its mission statement. It has met its With regard to the Motor Car Traders Act, I was first corporate objective which was to identify unfair interested in one aspect of the remarks of the practices in the marketplace. An example is house honourable member for Murray Valley, that fees for contracts. For most consumers the biggest purchases all motor traders, large and small, should be the in their lives are homes and it is appropriate for the same. He said that that had never been considered, Ministry to assist home owners in protecting their whereas the new Minister for Consumer Affairs has possessions. The Ministry receives many complaints already announced that he is reviewing the car from consumers and I am sure on behalf of their registration fees. constituents all honourable members have written letters about complaints and troubles associated The Travel Agents Act, the Shop Trading Act and with building and renovating houses. the Caravan Parks and Movable Dwellings Act are further evidence of the work done by the Ministry. I The House Contracts Guarantee Act was introduced know lan Cathie is supportive of the Caravan Parks in 1987. It has important provisions relating to and Movable Dwellings Act as indeed I am because seven-year guarantee contracts, contracts above we both have caravan parks adjacent to where we $3000, and the streamlining of the procedures of live. I became involved in this issue because of the owner-built homes. It also provides strict rules and absence of tenancy rights for residents in long-term guidelines for contracts for domestic building work. caravan parks and I was delighted that the The Act was amended in 1989 and 1990. From the government took action and provided those rights beginning the Ministry has responded to the for tenants. problems of unfair practices in the marketplace. I know Mr lan Cathie, a former Minister of Housing, The government and the Ministry have fulfilled their had an interest in this issue and he saw the need for commitments in providing appropriate legislative that Act. standards in all these areas and that demonstrates the shallowness of the motion before the House Some of the criticism levelled at the Act this morning today. can be seen to be shallow when one considers that a Bill amending that Act was defeated in the other The third corporate objective of the Ministry is to place. It was not a lack of will by the Ministry to improve the knowledge of the public of their rights further extend the provisions of that Act but rather and obligations as consumers, traders, landlords and political interference by the opposition. tenants. This is evident in a number of ways. One is telephone and counter inquiries. The first person to The objective of the Ministry was the establishment consider this aspect was lan Cathie when he was of appropriate standards of conduct for consumers, Minister of Housing and that has been taken up by traders, tenants and landlords through legislation the public and has led to a dramatic increase in the and codes of practice. For this a whole plethora of number of calls received. In fact the increase in the Acts have been introduced. I know Ian Cathie was past year has been 20 per cent over the previous supportive of the Rooming Houses Act that came year. The telephone is one important means of into being in 1990. That important piece of keeping in contact with the Ministry but others are legislation set out the rights and obligations of available. The Ministry now has an earlier starting rooming house owners, mortgagees and residents of time and has installed an 008 telephone line. It also rooming houses. provides a telephone service with a multilingual staff to assist people from non-English speaking The Credit Act is also an important piece of backgrounds. A telephone typewriter has been used legislation that is recognised by financial institutions to enable people with hearing impediments to use across borders. A tremendous amount of work has the service. These are dear indications of a Ministry been undertaken by consumer affairs Ministers that is making itself available to the public and is throughout Australia and I understand as late as providing access to the community in the way it July 1990 agreement was reached on the drafting of PERSONAL EXPLANATION

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 963 should. To suggest it has not been responsive to the information checked but, unfortunately, it appears community is simply not true. to be correct. It may be that one former Lay Observer was confused with another. Or McKenzie Debate interrupted. is happily able to say, as Hemingway [Editor's Note: should be Mark Twain] once did: 'The report of my Sitting suspended 1 p.m. until 2.5 p.m. death was an exaggeration". PERSONAL EXPLANATION SHOP TRADING (FURTHER AMENDMENT) BILL Mr KENNAN (Attorney-General) - In question on notice No. 957 I provided an answer which stated Second reading that the former Lay Observer, Or Ken McKenzie, was now deceased. The question related to the Lay Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I move: Observer's annual report for 1989. I was not the responsible Minister in 1989 nor at the time of the That this Bill be now read a second time. appointment of the present Lay Observer, Mrs King. Therefore, I gave the answer on the basis of In June this year the Premier outlined several key departmental advice. changes to Victoria's trading laws. This Bill reflects the government's intention to implement its policy However, I was the responsible Minister at the time which allows trading in the metropolitan area on six of Or McKenzie's appointment as Lay Observer in specific Sundays - that is: (i) the Sunday before 1985 when he replaced a former Lay Observer, Mr Easter; (ii) the Sunday before Mothers Day; (iii) the Frank Eyre. At the time of Dr McKenzie's Sunday before Fathers Day; and (iv) the last three appointment I was aware of his history of health Sundays before Christmas - and to allow up to four problems as I had to consider his physical capacity additional Sundays to be granted for trading in any for the job. When the Attorney-General's twelve-month period commencing 1 July, following Department provided me with the answer to the recommendation of a shop trading review panel question No. 957 I accepted the information that Or which will be appointed by the responsible Minister. McKenzie was dead and I was disappointed to hear of his death, although I was aware of his medical The Bill provides for application to be made by rural history. I did not question the information or seek shires and cities to the Minister for an order granting further details. Therefore, I approved the answer exemptions for the six Sundays on which general submitted to me as I had no reason to doubt it. retailing is allowed and any additional Sundays which may be granted. Under the existing I am now delighted to learn that Or McKenzie is still arrangements Saturday afternoon trading with us. I apologise to Or McKenzie -- requirements vary in the rural areas. This reflects the attitudes and needs of the particular municipality Mc Maclellan interjected. and is usually granted on the application of the municipality. Sunday exemptions for municipalities The SPEAKER - Order! Personal explanations will therefore be treated in the same manner under are normally treated with considerable respect. I ask the proposed legislation. honourable members on both sides of the House to remain silent while the Attorney-General completes Our decision has taken into account the many varied his explanation. interests on the shop trading issue and demonstrates the government's readiness to respond to the wishes Mr KENNAN - I ask the honourable member of the commwlity. for Berwick to withdraw his reference. As a result of consultation the government believes Mr MACLELLAN (Berwick) - I withdraw. that many people do not want trading every Sunday, but would appreciate the chance to shop on Mr KENNAN (Attorney-General) - I apologise Sundays at busy times of the year. We also to Or McKenzie, his family and the Parliament for acknowledge that most shop employees would not saying that he was dead when in fact he is still alive. mind working on the occasional Sunday. However, I note that the Lay Observer's report of May 1991 we are conscious of the fact that many people do not states that the Lay Observer preceding Or McKenzie, want open slather on shop trading. This government Mr Frank Eyre, is deceased. I am also having that is committed to opposing open slather. SHOP TRADING (FURTHER AMENDMENT) BILL

964 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 3 October 1991

I believe the new policy strikes the right balance and an effective deterrent to intending offenders. To it will enable extended trading around high volume encourage traders to comply with the shop trading periods for the community's convenience. It also hours provisions in the Act, the Bill provides for offers some protection to small business, particularly increases for initial and subsequent breaches of the family businesses, which will be able to compete Act. The Bill places an emphasis on the initial without their lives being taken over completely by offence and the maximum penalty has been greatly the demands of business. The Bill ensures ~t increased in this regard to attempt to stop illegal shopkeepers are not forced to open on the trading at the outset. nominated Sundays by way of conditions attached to their leases. In fact, the Bill voids any provision in Currently, hardware shops with fewer than twenty a lease or agreement that attempts to keep a shop employees may trade legally on Sundays. However, open during the extended hours. there is no precise definition of "hardware shops" in the Act, leaving only industry and community By introducing this proposed legislation the understanding as a guide. Larger shops have government recognises that Sunday is generally recently made representations to the government to regarded as a day of recreation for the community be allowed to trade on Sundays as hardware shops. and it believes the working arrangements that will It is therefore necessary to define ''hardware shops" come about through the introduction of up to ten to clarify the situation. The government Sunday trading days should be reflected in the commissioned Keith McKenzie, a retired Deputy maintenance of the current appropriate penalty rates. President of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, to conduct research and to develop a The Bill provides that, notwithstanding any definition of ''hardware shops", which this Bill provisions of the Industrial Relations Act or awards inserts in the Act. The Bill also addresses a current made under the Act, employees will not be required anomaly where hardware shops can trade on a to work on a Sunday. Sunday but paint shops cannot - accordingly the Bill amends the list of exempt shops to include paint Currently the Act provides extensive Ministerial shops. powers to grant exemptions for Sunday trading and this has resulted in ad hoc extensions to Sunday The Bill also amends the Liquor Control Act to allow trading rather than a desired planning approach. premises licensed to sell packaged liquor to open on The Bill deletes subsections (2), (3) and (4) of section the additional Sundays between the hours of 10 a.m. 8 and instead defines four purposes for which and 5 p.m. and for hotels to open on the additional municipal councils may make application for Sundays from 10 a.m. rather than 12 noon to sell exemption from the shop closing hours provisions of liquor to be taken off the premises. section 7 of the Act. To ensure that all impacts of an extension are considered, applicatiOns will be The government remains committed to finding required on a form approved by the Minister. quick and effective measures to stop illegal Sunday Existing exemptions will continue as if made under and public holiday trading. In 1990 a provision was the new section but will be able to be individually inserted in the Act to enable the government to revoked if considered necessary. obtain an order to restrain any profit seekers who are determined to break the law and trade to the Honourable members will notice that the Bill disadvantage of other law-abiding persons. The Bill changes the penalty regime for breaches of the Act. addresses some anomalies in the Act so that the Under the previous Labor and Industry Act, fines original intention can be achieved. were substantially increased. This succeeded in achieving a high level of stability and conformity Experience over the past few years has shown that with the laws. However, these high penalties did not the Act requires fine tuning in some parts and the Bill have widespread community support. seeks to address those parts in several miscellaneous amendments. The government made an earlier Consequently the Shop Trading Act 1987 reflected commitment to consider changes when broad the community's concern by substantially reducing agreement is developed between the communi ty the level of fines. While the memory of high and the various groups involved in the retail penalties was still recent, the level of compliance industry about the need for change. By introducing remained reasonably constant, 1:hatis;llJltil-~ the Bill the government is honouring that However, in the light of recent economic commitment. developments, the current fines do not appear to be ABORIGINAL LAND (TRANSFER) BILL

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 965

I commend the Bill to the House. passed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Amendment Act. Debate adjourned on motion of Mr GUDE (Hawthorn). For the information of all honourable members, it should be noted that the Wunmdjeri people are Debate adjourned until Thursday, 10 October. recognised as the Aboriginal cultural heritage custodians of the general Melbourne environs under ABORIGINAL LAND (TRANSFER) BILL the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Amendment Act 1987 Second reading to which I referred previously.

Mr RaPER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) - I By introducing this Bill, the government is further move: demonstrating its commitment to supporting Aboriginal people. That this Bill be now read a second time. The Richmond site is not just any land, because it The main purpose of the Bill is to authorise the was part of the traditional Aboriginal camping and granting of freehold title to land at Richmond, ceremonial ground around the prominent known as the circus site, to the Wunmdjeri Tribe Aboriginal corroboree tree at the Bumley oval. The Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council site has particular significance to the Wurundjeri Inc. people. It is now time for the construction of the cultural centre to go ahead on the land in Richmond Unfortunately, the last time it was considered it was and to recognise that the Wurundjeri cultural centre not supported by the opposition. I am now pleased has immense potential for tourism, education, public to be able to bring it back to the House to provide awareness and reconciliation between Aboriginal another opportunity for the opposition to and non-Aboriginal Australians. demonstrate its support for Aboriginal people generally and this proposal specifically. The The 1990 feaSibility study of the Richmond site, construction of an Aboriginal cultural centre on the commissioned by the Wurundjeri people with the fonner circus site in Richmond is an important assistance of my department, emphasised the matter for the Wurundjeri people and for Victoria's unique nature of the project and the suitability of the Aboriginal people generally. site because of its proximity to the river, river tours and walking tracks in surrounding parkland. The Victorian government is continuing its commitment to legislation which will grant The cultural centre will promote Aboriginal culture culturally significant Crown land to the Aboriginal to all Australians, as well as, importantly, community. The Victorian government previously international visitors who have an enonnous interest introduced Bills to grant title of the Framlingham in Australia's Aboriginal heritage and who regard Forest and the fonner Lake Condah Aboriginal the meeting of Aboriginal people to learn about their Mission to the relevant Aboriginal community. culture as one of their top priorities. The Wurundjeri Those Bills were blocked by the opposition in the Aboriginal cultural centre will provide a focus in Victorian Upper House and it was only after the Melbourne for these experiences. The government Victorian government asked the Commonwealth to believes it has gone as far as is reasonably possible pass the legislation through its Aboriginal Land to satisfy the concerns that were expressed when the (Lake Condah and Framlingham Forest) Act 1987 Bill was debated previously. that the land was able to be handed over. The proposed legislation is primarily about granting Similarly, the Victorian government also sought to this Crown land to the Wurundjeri people. It is a recognise the important position of Victoria's Significant gesture which is indicative of the strong Aboriginal cultural heritage by introducing a Bill to and growing public support for the recognition of that effect. This was blocked by the opposition in the Aboriginal people and their culture. The prominent Upper House, after which the government requested position of the site in Richmond, right here in that the Commonwealth government pass Melbourne, directly addresses in a public and appropriate legislation in Federal Parliament. This meaningful way the issue of reconciliation between was done in 1987 when the Federal Parliament Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY (HAWTHORN) BILL

966 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 3 October t 991

I also make the following statement under section It provides for the Hawthorn Institute of Education 85(5) of the Constitution Act 1975 about the reasons to be merged with Hawthorn Institute of Education why clause 10 alters or varies that section. Ltd, a company limited by guarantee established by the University of Melbourne. The arrangements provide the mechanism through which Hawthorn is 1. Clause 10 of the Bill provides that it is intended affiliated with the University of Melbourne where it to alter or vary section 85 of the Constitution Act will operate as an important element in the institute 1975 to the extent necessary to prevent the of education at that university. Supreme Court from awarding compensation in respect of anything done under or arising out of The University of Melbourne's institute of education the Act. was created as a result of previous amalgamations with Melbourne College of Advanced Education and 2. Clause 9 of the Bill provides that no incorporates the university's former faculty of compensation is payable in respect of anything education. As a result of the affiliation, the institute's done under or arising out of the Act. programs will be the most comprehensive in Australia extending from preschool education to 3. The Bill revokes the reservation and Crown teaching at tertiary level and ranging from associate grant of certain land, extinguishes all interests diplomas to doctoral studies. and rights over it, and authorises it to be granted to a particular Aboriginal organisation. Hawthorn Institute of Education was Originally established as a college for the preparation of 4. The reason for preventing the Supreme Court teachers for technical schools and was a constituent from awarding compensation in this case is as college of the State College of Victoria during the follows: 19705. At that time the Institute of Early Childhood Development and the State College of Victoria, Melbourne, were also constituent colleges of the To enable a clear and unencumbered grant of same system. The cooperative arrangements that the land to be made, all pre-existing interests existed between those former colleges will exist and rights in the land must be extinguished again in a different form under these new and all claims for compensation that may be arrangements. based on them must be prevented. I commend the Bill to the House as part of Hawthorn Institute of Education has expanded and continuing efforts to recognise Victoria's Aboriginal diversified its programs with particular emphasis on cultural heritage and, importantly, to continue the links with industry and technology. Among the process of reconciliation between Aboriginal and important programs it provides are an associate non-Aboriginal people. . diploma in training and development for people involved in training roles in industry. Debate adjourned on motion of Mr JOHN (Bendigo East). Hawthorn has been particularly active in prOViding access for people in isolated areas through extended Debate adjourned until Thursday, 17 Odober. campus activities, particularly ones that involve cooperative arrangements with other higher MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY education or T AFE institutions, and has developed a (HAWTHORN) BILL tertiary strand within its diploma of education course which is designed for staff in tertiary Second reading institutions. These and other programs will provide important extensions to the range of offerings in the Mr A.J. SHEEHAN (Minister for Finance) - I institute of education. move: Arrangements negotiated between the institutions That this Bill be now read a second time. have been predicated on Hawthorn retaining its capacity to meet a range of specialist needs PURPOSE OF THIS BILL including areas such as the export of education services, T AFE teacher preparation and industry The Bill represents a further important development training. The form of association which has been in the restructuring of higher education in Victoria. developed will provide for the granting of VICTORIAN CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT BOARD (AMENDMENT) BILL

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 967

University of Melbourne awards for award courses VICfORIAN CURRICULUM AND undertaken through Hawthorn while preserving ASSESSMENT BOARD (AMENDMENT) capacity for commercial activities which have been BILL an important part of Hawthorn's role. Students in award courses are already enrolled as students at Second reading the University of Melbourne as a result of affiliation arrangements made last year and will continue in Mr A. J. SHEEHAN (Minister for Finance) - I those courses. Staff will be employed by the move: Hawthorn company under existing conditions of employment and no staff will be made redundant as That this Bill be now read a second time. a result of the changes. This Bill has two main purposes. The process of planning for this affiliation has involved extensive consultation with staff and It will enhance the management structure of the students and other organisations, and working Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board and groups have provided avenues for wide preparation the representation of key sectors of the Victorian in the planning process to ensure that the interests of education community in the decision-making all parties are fully considered. processes of the board.

MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE BILL The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board Act currently provides for the chairperson of the Part 1 of the Bill sets out its purpose, provides for its board to hold office on a full-time basis and for the implementation and includes definitions. position to combine the roles of chairperson of the board and chief administrator of the office of the Part 2 of the Bill provides for transfers of the assets board. and liabilities of Hawthorn Institute of Education to the Hawthorn company and for transition The dual role is complex and quite demanding provisions for staff and students. This part also particularly given the significant increase in students provides for transfers of land and a number of other studying the VCE. It includes interacting with the related matters necessary for implementation of the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre (VfAC) to new arrangements. facilitate tertiary entrance and ensuring proper management and accountability structures is a CONCLUSION Significant task in its own right.

The Bill provides for implementation of merger In other areas of the Ministry of Education and arrangements which will result in significant Training, such as the State training system, these strengthening and diversification of the activities of roles are separated. the University of Melbourne's institute of education and for the continuing strengthening and The Minister believes the separation of the roles of development of a number of important existing Chairperson and Chief Administrator of the programs previously offered at Hawthorn Institute Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board will of Education. It is an important further step in the contribute to greater efficiency and effectiveness in restructuring of higher education in Victoria and has the delivery of the functions for which the board is strong support of the institutions, staff and students responsible. This will enable the chairperson to involved. devote his or her attention to policy issues and to the associated education debates and discussions. I commend the Bill to the House. The creation of an office of general manager of the Debate adjourned on motion of Mr HAYWARD office of the board in the role of chief administrator (Prahran). will provide for the necessary leadership in management and financial administration to enable Debate adjourned until Thursday, 17 October. the organisation to carry out its functions efficiently and effectively. The Bill provides for this separation of roles. HEALTH (INFECTIOUS DISEASES) BILL

968 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991

At a later date, it may be feasible to return to the family and personal relationships, and his or her combined full-time role for chairperson and chief future career. administrator. The Bill provides the flexibility for this to occur, if it is considered appropriate. People involved in providing health care, emergmcy and custodial services are especially at risk and are The second part of this Bill proposes to amend the well aware of the need to take appropriate constitution of the Victorian Curriculum and precautions to protect themselves from infection Assessment Board to increase the category of board membership of persons with expertise in anyone or Health care agencies and occupational groups, with more of the functions of the board from three the assistance of State and Federal advisory members to four, and thereby increase the total committees, have developed comprehensive blood membership of the board from 22 to 23 members. and body fluid precautionary measures to minimise the chances of such incidents occurring. The persons filling this category of board membership comprise the executive of the board An outstanding example of cooperation between which performs the vital role of providing expert interested parties including the Australian Medical advice to the chairperson and overseeing the Association and the union movement is the recent business of the board between meetings. publication of guidelines entitled ''Protection in Practice". Despite such precautions, it is inevitable The role of the Victorian Curriculum and that incidents involving possible exposure will Assessment Board is of vital concern to all the occasionally occur. sectors of the Victorian education community. Some, such as needles tick injuries, are accidental; Representation of the key sectors on the executive of others, such as an attack by an infected person on a the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board is member of the Police Force, are deliberate. Whatever essential to its capacity to identify issues in policy the circumstances, it is in the interests of the person development and implementation, canvass policy who may have been exposed to infection that the options and develop proposals to the board for incident be assessed with the minimum of delay to appropriate solutions. establish whether either HIV or a form of hepatitis could have been transmitted during the course of the By providing for an increase in the size of the incident. executive, the Bill will enhance the range of skills, expertise and experience available to the executive An assessment serves a number of purposes. il, for and the key education sectors. example, it appears there is a reasonable likelihood that HIV or hepatitis could have been transmitted, a I commend the Bill to the House. program of prophylactic or medical treatment should be initiated as a matter of urgency. Some Debate adjourned on motion of Mr HAYWARD treatments, such as AZT, are toxic and are therefore (Prahran>. prescribed only if the risk is a reality. If, however, the likelihood that an infection has occurred is Debate adjourned until Thursday, 17 October. remote, the assessment will avoid any wmecessary prolongation of the fears and concerns of the person HEALTH (INFECTIOUS DISEASES) BILL who may have been infected during the incident.

Second reading Transmission of HIV and certain forms of hepatitis takes place primarily through contact with the blood Mr KENNAN (Attorney-General) - I move: or body fluids of an infected person. It therefore follows that it may prove essential in the course of That this Bill be now read a second time. an assessment to determine whether the source of the blood or body fluid is a carrier. However, if he or Few experiences can be more traumatic to a member she refuses to be tested for such a disease, there are of the community than the possibility that he or she no mechanisms currently available which could be has been significantly exposed to the human used to require that person to assist. immunodeficiency virus or to certain forms of hepatitis. These diseases are debilitating. They have The purpose of the Bill is to vest in the Chief General serious consequences in terms of the person's social, Manager of Health Department Victoria a reserve HEALTH (INFECTIOUS DISEASES) BILL

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 969 capacity to order such a person to be tested for HIV effect that no action lies against a pathologist or or some forms of hepatitis, if this proves necessary. medical practitioner for reporting to the chief general manager the results of a test authorised The relevant provisions are intended to work both under the new division. ways. In other words, they could be invoked if HIV or some forms of hepatitis could have been The reasons for preventing the bringing of transmitted by a health care, emergency or custodial proceedings against pathologists or medical service worker, as well as having been transmitted practitioners who conduct tests authorised under the to such a person. new division are as follows: (a) without such a protection, pathologists and medical The use of the power will be carefully practitioners would be reluctant to conduct a test circumscribed. The chief general manager will be on a person who had not voluntarily agreed to be able to exercise his or her capacity only if the tested; and incident involves a member of one of the limited classes of persons specified in the Bill, and if the (b) because the reporting of the results of the test to the other party has agreed to be tested. The other criteria chief general manager involves a breach of patient specified in the Bill will also apply. confidentiality, there should be no doubt that a pathologist or medical practitioner who does so in The results of any tests undertaken in accordance compliance with a requirement of the Act is with an order are to be provided to the chief general immune from legal proceedings. manager. In turn, the chief general manager must The Bill deals with a matter of considerable concern provide the results, without any identifying to those involved in the provision of health care, information, to the person who may have been emergency or custodial sentences in the community infected. The person tested will also be entitled to and, in the opinion of the government, represents a the results of the test. reasonable balance between the interests and the rights of all concerned. In some cases, a blood sample will already have been taken from the person for some other purpose. I add that the opportunity is being taken to make Rather than ordering the person to be tested, the Bill two small but pressing amendments to the Health will enable the chief general manager to authorise Act. The first takes up a matter raised by several the testing of the stored serum. honourable members follOWing a court case involving the Shire of Pakenham. Its objective is to Appropriate provisiOns to protect the identity of preclude courts from awarding costs against a those tested are incorporated in the Bill. municipality under the nuisance provisions of the Act without the council having a right to be heard. I now wish to make a statement under section 85(5) of the Constitution Act 1975 of the reasons for The second is designed to enable the chief general altering or varying that section by the Health Act manager to delegate his or her powers or functions 1958 as proposed to be amended by the Health to an office rather than to a specifically identified (Infectious Diseases) Bill. officer of Health Department Victoria. This will avoid the need for existing delegations to be Clause 10 of the Bill proposes to insert into the withdrawn and fresh delegations to be issued each Health Act 1958 a new section 389A that is intended time the delegate takes leave or there is a change in to alter or vary section 85 of the Constitution Act personnel within the department. 1975 to the extent necessary to prevent the bringing before the Supreme Court of an action of a kind I commend the Bill to the House. referred to in proposed new section 12OC(1) or (2) of the Health Act 1958. Debate adjourned on motion of Dr NAPTHINE (Portland). Clause 8 of the Bill inserts a number of new sections into the Health Act 1958. Debate adjourned until Thursday, 17 October. Proposed new section 12OC(1) provides that no action lies against a pathologist or medical practitioner who conducts a test authorised under this division. Proposed new section 12OC(2) has the AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED (NMRB) BILL

970 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND The approval of the Reserve Bank of Australia for BANKING GROUP LIMITED (NMRB) the acquisition by ANZ of the National Mutual BILL Royal Bank was conditional upon the banking authorities held by National Mutual Royal Bank and Order of the Day read for resumption of debate. National Mutual Royal Savings Bank pursuant to the Banking Act 1959 being surrendered within a The ACflNG SPEAKER (Mr Shell) - Order! reasonable time. In addition, the original owners of The Speaker has examined the Bill and is of the the National Mutual Royal Bank group also wished opinion that it is a private Bill. to see within a reasonable time the cessation of the use of its name or derivatives of its name by the Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I move: ANZ-owned operation. That applies to the National Mutual Life Association and applied to the Royal That this Bill be dealt with as a public Bill. Bank of Canada. Those are the principal parties involved and, as the general supervising bank in Mr DELZOPPO (Narracan) - On a point of Australia, the Reserve Bank wishes to see the order, Mr Acting Speaker, I want to know why the transfer to the ANZ umbrella carried out within a motion has been moved. reasonable time.

Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - Over some time a An initial period for the transfer was specified but number of Bills relating to amalgamations of major that was subsequently extended until 15 November financial institutions have been debated and they 1991. The Bill has a certain degree of urgency in that have not followed the process set out for private it is desirable because of contractual arrangements Bills relating to private organisations, such as the that it be passed by 15 November. The opposition is process of advertising and so on. In this instance all not opposed to the use of this form of legislation to Parliaments in Australia will pass similar legislation bring about the merger of banks in circumstances and, as I have explained to the honourable member such as those facing the ANZ Bank and the National for Brighton, some time ago the merger resulted in Mutual Royal Bank. As honourable members will be substantial income to the State through stamp duties. aware, this procedure has been used before. It was used in the 1977 merger of the National Mutual Motion agreed to. Royal Bank Savings Bank Ltd and the National Mutual Royal Savings Bank (NSW) Ltd; it was used Second reading in the 1970 merger of the ANZ Bank and the English, Scottish and Australian Bank Ltd; it was used in the Debate resumed from 22 August; motion of Mr 1980 merger of the ANZ Bank and the Bank of ROPER (Treasurer). Adelaide; and it was used in the 1982 mergers of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Ltd with Mr STOCKDALE (Brighton) - The effect of the the National Bank of Australasia Ltd and the Bill is to merge the businesses of various banks Commercial Bank of Australia Ltd with the Bank of within the National Mutual Royal Bank group and New South Wales. the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ANZ). The opposition has canvassed opinion from In addition, this State has recently seen the merger of the banks concerned and other interested parties and State Bank Victoria with the Commonwealth Bank of is of the view that they support it. Accordingly, the Australia, which was achieved by legislation being opposition will support the Bill. passed by Parliament. There is ample precedent for the use of legislation, particularly the form of In 1990 the National Mutual Royal Bank and the legislation before the House, to accomplish the National Mutual Royal Savings Bank became merger of Australian banks. Later in my remarks I wholly~wned subsidiaries of the ANZ Bank shall refer to the nature of the Bill and the reason for following the purchase by ANZ of the issued share it not being typical of previous legislation. capital of the National Mutual Royal Bank from the Royal Bank of Canada Australia Holdings Ltd and Theoretically the desired merger could be brought the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia about in three ways: firstly, by novation; secondly, Ltd. From that time the ANZ Bank has operated the by legislation in each relevant State; and thirdly, by National Mutual Royal Bank as a wholly~wned the use of the proposed Federal Bank Integration Bill subsidiary . which is in draft form and is due to be submitted to the Federal Parliament. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED (NMRB) BILL

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 971

For various reasons it is clear that novation and the For those reasons it is clearly much better and proposed Commonwealth legislation are not consistent with past practice for legislation to be convenient; they are certainly not as convenient as introduced in the various States. As has been the course proposed by the government and the pointed out, complementary legislation will be bank. For the good reasons given to the opposition, introduced in the other States, the most important of which the Treasurer outlined to some extent in his which is New South Wales. A large proportion of second-reading speech, the opposition supports the the business of the two banking groups is conducted Bill in preference to either of the other two courses. in Victoria and in New South Wales, but there will be legislation in a number of other States to bring the Novation is a messy way of bringing about a merger two banks together. of two institutions as complex as the banks involved. It requires the submission for consent of all parties I do not propose to canvass in detail the form of the to transfer all accounts and other instruments and Bill. The Treasurer has advised me that it will be transactions. It would clearly be a time-consuming necessary for some amendments of a tidying up and irritating course not only for the banks and the nature to be proposed in the Committee stage. It staff but also for the banks' customers. One could does not appear to the opposition that they will alter easily contemplate that large numbers of the banks' the substantive issues in the Bill and, accordingly, customers would not understand the import of the the opposition will support the amendments. procedures. Less than a 100 per cent response could be expected not only because of the vagaries of the The Bill is a good deal more complex than much of mail and other forms of delivering documents but the previous legislation of the same kind, partly also because of the lack of understanding and the because of the nature of the businesses of the two difficulty of explaining to customers what is banks, partly because of the deregulation of banking involved. That procedure would be messy and in Australia, and partly because of the breakdown of extremely uncertain. the rigid separation of the functions of trading banks from savings banks which was in force when the In addition, the implications of interjurisdictional previous amalgamations took place. I need not issues arise from a bank operating in more than one canvass the details of any of those issues. State as these banks do. Although theoretically available, in a practical sense novation is not a The Treasurer made the point that there were realistic option. substantial stamp duty receipts by the State of Victoria associated with the original merger. I As I have said, the proposed Federal Bank understand some fees are involved, notwithstanding Integration Bill is in draft form. In fact, I am advised the terms of the resolution introduced by the that it is still at the "draft-in-confidence" stage. The Treasurer. I have previously asked the Treasurer to Bill is principally directed at merging what hitherto advise the House of the financial arrangements have been trading and savings bank operations associated with the Bill, particularly when a private rather than integrating the operations of what were Bill is treated as a public Bill, because Parliament in the past two discrete banking groups. There has and the people of Victoria are entitled to have put on been some suggestion that the Bills provisions the record the substance of the financial would be widened to include the integration of arrangements. I do not seek disclosure of any different banks as well as different classes of banks commerdally confidential uuormation, but I believe within the same group. However, the proposed it is appropriate that the nature of the arrangements legislation is unlikely to be passed before 15 be disclosed so that everyone can be satisfied that November. they are regular and so there is a record for the future of how each of these special pieces of private Mr Roper - Almost certain! legislation has been handled by Parliament.

Mr STOCKDALE - I must agree with the The opposition does not seek to intervene in any Treasurer that it is almost certain that the legislation way in the proceedings or to frustrate or delay them. will not be passed by 15 November. Even if the Bill It is important in the interests of the two banking were passed in that time, given the uncertainty of groups, in the interests of the Reserve Bank, in the the Parliamentary process there can be no guarantee interests of the general Australian banking that it would readily facilitate the arrangements that community, and particularly in the interests of need to be made in this State. Victorians who are customers of these two banking AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED (NMRB) BILL

972 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991 groups, that the legislation proceed as expeditiously executed, done, suffered or entered into for a purpose as is practicable, given the nature of the transactions. connected with, or arising out of, the operation or effect of this Act or of any corresponding law of another State The opposition supports the proposed legislation. or Territory."

Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I thank the honourable The ANZ bank requested the inclusion of this clause member for Brighton for his contribution and to ensure consistency with legislation in other States support. My recollection, as I mentioned to him and to ensure that once a payment in lieu of stamp yesterday, is that a fee of some $50 000 was duty and other charges has been agreed and paid no negotiated - I was not directly involved in those other duties or charges will be levied. negotiations - to cover work carried out by various officers of the Treasury on this matter. I will Its inclusion is consistent with Victorian Acts of formally provide him with that advice. Parliament passed in 1982 concerning the mergers relating to National Australia Bank and Westpac Motion agreed to. Banking Corporation respectively.

Read second time. New clause agreed to.

Committed. Schedule

Committee Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I move: 3. Schedule, in Part 1, after "Title" insert "and Clauses 1 to 24 agreed to. characteristics". Oause25 4. Schedule, after ''TB'' insert "250, 260, 480". 5. Schedule, after "TO" insert "255, 265, 485". Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I move: 6. Schedule, after '712" insert "012, 412, 512, 612, 312". 1. Clause 25, line 9, after "is" (where first occurring) insert ", or is deemed or taken to be,". 7. Schedule, after ''TA'' insert "253, 263,483". In the further examination of the Bill, not only in this 8. Schedule, after "TF" insert "275, 285, 495". State but also in other States, it has been suggested 9. Schedule, after "790" insert "280, 475, 590, 690, 290". that a potential problem may arise because clause 25 refers to land of which NMRB or NMR Savings Bank 10. Schedule, after '711" insert "311, 413, 511, 611, 211". is the registered proprietor. There may still be 11. Schedule, after "354" insert - mortgages registered in the names of banks or building societies which no longer exist. These "001,003,010,021,022,025,030,031,053,054, mortgages may be deemed by previous merger 400,401,422,453,454 legislation to be NMRB or NMR Savings Bank mortgages. In relation to these mortgages it may still 500,501,553,554 be doubtful that either NMRB or NMR Savings Bank 600,601,610,611,653 "is" the registered proprietor. 200, 201, 222, 253, 254". Amendment agreed to; amended clause agreed to; The schedule lists the assets and liabilities of the clauses 26 to 30 agreed to. NMR Savings Bank which will be invested in the ANZ Savings Bank. As now drafted, the schedule to New clause AA the Bill includes only the Victorian computer codes for each type of account. If this approach were Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I move: adopted in each jurisdiction the schedule of each Act 2. After clause 30, insert the following new clause: would differ.

11AA. Exemption from duties and other charges In the interests of unifOrmity, and to avoid any Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other possible risk of accounts or computer codes being Act or law, no tax, fee, duty, levy or charge of any kind omitted, the ANZ considers that it would be is chargeable or payable on any instrument, certificate preferable if the schedule of each Bill included, or document or in respect of any act or transaction beside each account name, all computer codes used VICTORIAN DEBT RETIREMENT FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 973 anywhere in Australia. TIlis would mean that the VICTORIAN DEBT RETIREMENT schedule to the Act in each relevant State and the FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL Australian Capital Territory would be identical. Second reading Amendments agreed to; amended schedule agreed to; preamble agreed to. Debate resumed from 29 August; motion of Mr ROPER (Treasurer). Reported to House with amendments. Mr STOCKDALE (Brighton) -TIlis short Bill is Report adopted. designed to insert into the Victorian Debt Retirement FWld Act an amendment so that the Victorian Debt Third reading Retirement Authority, according to the aims of the Bill: Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I move: ... may make submissions or recommendations or give That this Bill be now read a third time. advice to the Treasurer on the State Debt or on any other liabilities of the State. Mr STOCKDALE (Brighton) - I am indebted to the honourable member for Balwyn for drawing to With one exception to which I shall return shortly, my attention the significance of remarks I made the opposition supports the Bill. H there is anything during the second-reading debate, particularly in very clear it is that the present government needs light of one amendment made to the Bill during the advice from those with expertise originated in the Committee stage. private sector in the management of the State debt. Nothing could be clearer than the fact that this I take this opportunity of saying I have indicated amendment will serve the interests of the State if it is broadly that the opposition has endorsed in legitimately employed by the authority, the principle the use of this form of legislation to effect Treasurer and the government. bank mergers. However, I make it clear in case there is doubt in the future that, in govenunent, the It is clear that the so-called debt management coalition parties will not necessarily regard any of strategy of the present government is already an the previous Bills - and this Bill - as establishing abject failure. The one reservation I place on our any precedent about the detailed arrangements support - and of course it is not a reservation accompanying either terms of the proposed merger, sufficient to cause us to vote against the Bill, because the terms of legislation or the basis upon which we will support it - is that we do not accept as Parliament undertakes private legislation as a public legitimate the projections made by the government Bill, and that each case will need to be examined on of the future level of State debt in years after the its merits, albeit they endorse the general use of current year, as outlined in the government's legislation of this kind to make such mergers and to economic statement delivered by the Premier on avoid the extreme difficulty that will flow from 19 June 1991. using novation. The House will recall that the government It may well be that the final terms of the announced in the 1990-91 Victorian Budget that it Commonwealth's proposed bank integration was placing debt reduction at the top of its list of legislation will mean that in future it may not be priorities for financial management of the Victorian necessary for the States to Wldertake such legislation. public sector. Indeed, in that year's Budget the government allowed for the sale of $2600 million of I make it clear that as to matters of detail in the areas base assets and another $710 million worth of other I mentioned we do not regard this Bill as assets, mainly land. With the projected sale of establishing a precedent that will necessarily be $3310 million of the people's assets one would have followed in the case of any other bank merger. expected that we would at least have had a substantial reduction in the nomina1level of debt. H Motion agreed to. we are to sell $3.3 billion worth of assets the very least we could expect is that a substantial proportion Read third time. of the proceeds from the asset sales would be used to reduce debt, and that there would be an actual reduction in the level of State indebtedness. VICTORIAN DEBT RETIREMENT FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL

974 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991

Therefore, it was somewhat alarming when the appropriate measure is State debt servicing costs opposition noted that the very same Budget Papers, measured against GDP or against a State-sourced far from providing for a reduction in debt, actually revenue. On the most realistic measure, which is to provided that State debt would increase by $574 take the proportion of State-sourced revenue needed million in the 1990-91 year. We were even more to discharge the State's debt servicing obligation, alarmed as the year progressed and it became clear this year sees a massive increase in the ratio. that the target would not be met, that the proposed asset and business sales program was in tatters and A far greater proportion of what is collected each that we were facing a much higher increase in State year as State revenue is being applied simply to debt. paying interest on debt, and there is a very large increase. Indeed, as the House will be aware, in the final analysis State debt did not increase by $574 million Since the Cain government was transformed into the but actually increased by $1.5 billion. The State debt Kimer government - I say "transformed" because blew out by nearly three times the projected increase the policies are very much the same - there have in the 1990-91 State Budget. That is a particularly been two disastrous Budgets, most acutely marked alarming background against which to look at what by massive increases in debt and a huge increase in the government still adheres to and describes as its the debt servicing burden, notwithstanding the fact debt reduction strategy because in the current year that interest is being rolled over into subsequent the government is projecting that the net debt for the Budget years and a number of other measures are State public sector will increase from $28 329 million being used to defer liabilities and interest expenses to $29 911 million. That is an increase, albeit a small out of the present Budget year. one, over even the projected increase in the June economic statement. The figures I have quoted are The House will be somewhat surprised to note, then, from page 3 of Budget Paper No 2 of the 1991-92 that the government's economic statement and the Budget. Budget Papers project a decline in the ratio of debt to GDP in the next three years. One should ask: when Although we regard it as a nonsense measure the the government's debt reduction strategy actually government has consistently expressed the net debt results in an increase in debt in the first year of its of the Victorian public sector in terms of its operation by three times what was projected on proportion as a relationship with Victorian non-farm Budget day, how is it that the government can gross domestic product (GDP). The failure of the project confidently that debt will fall in the future? so-called debt reduction strategy is demonstrated perhaps most clearly in that the government Mr Maclellan - Because there will be a coalition concedes that even if this year's debt projection is government then! met, debt as a proportion of non-farm GDP will increase from 28.3 per cent last year to 29.1 per cent Mr STOCKDALE - As the honourable member by the end of 1991-92. for Berwick points out quite correctly, it is because the government will never have to honour these The government proposes a substantial increase in figures. It knows that it is propaganda, that it will the ratio of debt to GDP. The opposition does not never be tested, and that it will never have to justify accept that measure as sensible. The fact that it has the actual level of debt, were its policies to be wide support is a measure of the government's continued, against the projections it makes in 1991. propaganda more than any logic in measuring debt because those two things are not properly It is all very well for the government to project that comparable. Our non-farm GDP is a measure of debt will increase to 28 per cent of the State what we produce in any year; to measure that non-farm GDP in 1992-93 and fall to 26.5 per cent of against stock such as the stock of debt at the end of non-farm GDP in 1993-94 when it knows that an the year is nonsensical. election must be held before we reach those years; that its policies will not be continued; and that a Were we to take a reasonable measure we ought to genuine debt reduction strategy will be put in place be measuring Victoria's debt servicing burden to be by the incoming coalition government which will met from what the State produces each year against actually reduce State debt whereas the present the State's actual annual product. There are a government's debt reduction strategy has served number of measures: our State debt burden against only to increase the State debt at a faster rate than non-farm GDP or, more realistically, the most had been the case during the disastrous Cain years. VICTORIAN DEBT RETIREMENT FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 975

We place a reservation upon our endorsement of the Few things could be more appropriate than for the public management logic which underlies the Bill. architect of the destruction of Victoria's finance to We will not accept that our perfonnance in come into this House at this time, as he has just government and the perfonnance of our policies done. I refer not to one of our colleagues from the have to be measured against what are totally Federal Parliament but to the former Premier, the unrealistic measures on the basis of the honourable member for Bundoora. government's present policies. He presided over the beginnings of this process; but Whether the government's policies are to be no doubt the reason he is in the House now is that continued or not, it is clear that Victoria's net debt he wants to enjoy the fact that I am forced to say will be substantially higher next Budget year and that, as bad as his record was, as bad as the former substantially higher again in 1993-94, even when Treasurer's record was - the honourable member measured, as the government does, as a proportion for Doveton - and as bad as Or Sheehan's strategy of non-farm gross domestic product. and policies were, they pale into insignificance in comparison with what Ms Kirner and the present The government has policies which are set upon Treasurer have inflicted on our State. As bad as their further increases in the massive debt burden and record was in terms of honesty and integrity of debt overhang that it has inflicted on our State. accounting and in terms of management of this There is no evidence that the government is capable State's finances, the perfonnance of their successors of reducing the rate of increase, let alone reducing has been even worse. the level of debt in the years ahead. Finally I come to another point which concerns the The government repeatedly uses terminology like use by the government of the Victorian Debt "debt reduction strategy" and "debt management Retirement AuthOrity. The Budget Papers and public strategy". It has picked up the language that the statements of the Treasurer and other government coalition has been using for several years now, but representatives claim that the Victorian Debt there is no substance to flesh out that so-called Retirement AuthOrity has been used to reduce and strategy. retire debt so that $1000 million of State debt was retired through the authority last year and some One searches in vain through last year's Budget $250 million worth is to be retired through the Papers for any identification of the strategy that does authority this year. That is arrant nonsense. not consist simply of the fire sale of the assets of the people of Victoria. One looks in vain through the It may well be that all or some of the proceeds of the economic statement for any description of process sale of State Bank Victoria were used through the by which debt will actually be reduced, and searches debt retirement authority to actually buy up paper in vain through the 1991-92 Budget Papers for any or to otherwise retire the debt; but the reality is that description of a strategy to improve the whatever the amount of debt retired by the Victorian management of public debt in this State, or even to Debt Retirement AuthOrity, new borrowings or set out the process of reducing debt. refinancing occurred in other areas, such as another increase projected this year in State net debt of the There is nothing in the policies the government has order of $1700 million. outlined to give confidence in the figures included in the Budget and in the economic statement. Indeed, if The fact is that debt is not being retired in Victoria people are to be judged not by what they say but by and that the operation of this authority is nothing what they do, the reverse is true in this case: the more than a propaganda exercise in the hands of the Budget amply illustrates the failure of the present government. government even to begin the process of tackling the level of debt in the State - and that is based On The opposition, when in government, will not be accepting at face value the data the government wedded to the continuation of the Victorian Debt provides in relation to what is debt, because a large Retirement Fund, the Victorian Debt Retirement amount of liabilities of the State have been moved AuthOrity, or any of the personnel engaged in that off the balance sheet and moved into transactions agency. We have indicated that we will establish a which are not included as debt but which, central debt management agency responsible for nonetheless, represent liabilities that must be met by oversighting and implementing the debt reduction Victorians in the future. strategy of the incoming coalition government. AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

976 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991

A number of Victorian government agencies are AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY engaged in the areas that will be covered by the CHEMICALS BIll central debt reduction agency of the incoming government. They include: VicFin, the Treasury Second reading departments of the Melbourne Water and the State Electricity Commission, the Victorian Debt Debate resumed from 2 October; motion of Retirement Authority, the Capital Works Authority, Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture). and a range of other Victorian government agencies which have borrowing authority and which make Mr COLEMAN (Syndal) - The Bill before the borrowings and play a part in the management of House, which affects us all, comes before Parliament debt under the present government. following a considerable period of preparation by the Minister for Agriculture and his predecessor, We are not wedded to the continuation of any of and following a meeting of the Australian these agenCies in their present role or at all, and we Agricultural Council. will set about a comprehensive revamping of the management of borrowing, debt and financial At its 2 August meeting the Australian Agricultural exposures in this State. Council agreed to implement a registration scheme for agricultural and veterinary chemicals. It is with I make it clear that whatever plan is prepared - some surprise, therefore, that the opposition notes ostensibly to guide the present Treasurer - as a that the Bill cuts across and, in a sense, is juxtaposed result of the insertion of this clause into the Act, the with what was agreed on at that meeting. opposition will not accept it as a proper basis for the management of public debt and other financial As a result of discussions at that meeting it is clear exposures when it is in office. that the Commonwealth accepts the responsibility for the registration of chemicals and the States and The opposition supports the provision of the Territories will retain responsibility for the control opportunity for an authority to give advice to the and use of activities associated with chemicals, yet Treasurer - Lord knows he needs that advice if the we have before us a ten-part Bill which picks up all record of the government is any indication! - but those issues. does not endorse the general line of the advice given; nor, in particular, does it accept that continuation of Following the meeting of the Australian Agricultural the present policies of the government would allow Council one would think that legislation proposed in the debt targets in the economic statement in this this Parliament would be consistent with the year's Budget Papers to be met. agreements reached by the council. I point out that no fewer than four Parts of this Bill relate to Therefore the Victorian commwtity should view Commonwealth functions. That is why the with a healthy dose of scepticism the authority, the opposition yesterday indicated that it would be policies that ostensibly it is to implement, the claims opposing the Bill. There is a need to recognise at the the government makes for it, and the results of the State level the effect of the agreement reached at the passage of this Bill through Parliament. Australian Agricultural Council meeting that there should be a separation of powers. That is not Motion agreed to. recognised in this Bill.

Read second time. The Bill deals directly with issues that I understand were agreed on at the meeting on 2 August. Part 2 Passed remaining stages. deals with the registration of preparations, which is a function quite clearly enunciated as being a Commonwealth function. Part 3 of the Bill concerns labelling of preparations, which one would have thought followed fairly closely on the registration provision. Part 4 deals with restrictions and prohibitions on the manufacture, sale and use of preparations, and Part 5 deals with the composition of the Animal Preparations Board. AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 977

Part 6 of the Bill deals with controls over spraying of such that it does not continue to be regarded as an agricultural chemical preparations, which is a objectionable organisation in its present location. legitimate State responsibility. Part 7 deals with controls over contaminated land, stock and The Minister needs to ensure that whatever agricultural produce, and parts 8 and 9 clearly relate difficulties Nufarm is experiencing in obtaining to State responsibilities. registration are resolved in the interests of all people who depend on the products it manufactures and It should come as no surprise to the Minister that the the continued growth of agricultural production in opposition opposes the Bill. One can only wonder Australia. how the Minister, having attended that meeting, can come here today and defend a Bill which is a I again mention the Australian Agricultural and juxtaposition of the agreement reached at the Veterinary Chemicals Council meeting because it is meeting of the Australian Agricultural Council. The clear from the statement I referred to previously that Minister will have an opportunity later to tell us each of the States assumed overarching legislation how that came about. would be introduced by the Commonwealth. It is perhaps pre-emptory of Victoria to choose to It is important to recognise that in recent times the produce the model legislation rather than the agricultural chemical manufacturing industry in Commonwealth doing so and each State introducing Victoria has been the subject of scrutiny by a range complementary legislation. I imagine that some of of people. One wonders why one of the companies the negotiations may have been undertaken before in that industry, Nufarm Ltd, should today be the current Minister took office. However, the fighting for its existence. That company's ability to normal process would have been for the continue manufacturing in Victoria is under threat Commonwealth to enact legislation and for the because of the inability of the Melbourne and States to then introduce complementary legislation Metropolitan Board of Works - now Melbourne and that is what the opposition is arguing for. Water - as agent for the Environment Protection Authority, to reach agreement on the discharge The States have different requirements, quantities levels for wastes it generates. and methods of application for the use of these chemicals, and the sizes of the farms to which they I Wlderstand that agreement has been reached are applied are all different. I understand the largest between the Board of Works and Nufarm over the quantity is used by the cropping industry and levels of dioxins that are acceptable for discharge usually in the larger States of Western Australia and into the board's sewer but that there is a Queensland, those States which New South Wales fWldamental problem with the levels of furans. and Victoria continually argue against supporting. Legislation must take account of the size of The Minister has previously demonstrated an ability opera tions being undertaken, the size of the to cross the barriers and take on issues outside his productivity being attained by the use of chemicals own portfolio. I refer specifically to his attempt to and, more importantly, the nature of the application retum some rationality into the water rate dispute. I and its potential detrimental effects. hope he may again cross the barriers on this occasion and take up the issue with the Minister for In Victoria the problem of spray drift is significant Conservation and Environment to ensure that the and is more than obvious in areas where the problems causing the withholding from Nufarm of a Department of Conservation and Environment is licence to discharge are resolved in a way which will trying to establish pine and hardwood plantations. ensure, firstly, that the company continues to The department is using spray techniques to control operate in Victoria and, secondly, that it can operate indigenous species, pine needle blight and so on. in a way which meets the needs of the agricultural industry in Victoria and across Australia. An area in which you would be interested, Mr Acting Speaker, is South Gippsland where I Wlderstand that Nufarm Ltd is one of the major vociferous campaigns have been waged against the producers of agricultural chemicals in Australia, department about the use of chemical preparations particularly for broad-scale farming. The company to control pests that are jeopardising the continues to attract criticism and I have no doubt establishment of plantations in that area. With that it is doing and will continue to do all in its organisations engaged in other agricultural pursuits power to ensure that its operational conditions are close by, the responsibility for spray drift must be clearly defined. I am sure the Minister has received AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

978 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991 many representations, especially from the vineyard Faced with a problem to solve, the Minister has operators, whose industry seems to thrive best in indicated he is willing to pursue and consult on the areas that are also suitable for plantations. issues. With respect to the other legislation he ~ developing I hope he is able to put in place a Victoria has smaller areas available for use than the consultative process that addresses the issues wat larger States but that does not derogate from the Bill have emanated from the debate. because its provisions should apply throughout Australia. One of the great attributes of the previous Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs was that he Chemical manufacturers are concerned about the conducted a campaign of collecting from farms costs involved in meeting the separate requirements chemicals that were no longer required or for which of each State's legislation. The Minister is aware of the registration had elapsed. 'That program yielded the State by State problems and the complaints being considerable quantities of materials which were put made by individual manufacturers. He is also aware into safe storage. In many instances the chemicals that as late as August this year agreement was are held in the suburbs, without the knowledge of reached at the Australian Agricultural and the residents, but at least they are in a central Veterinary Chemicals Council meeting about the location and the quantities are able to be determined different responsibilities of each of the States. For and a disposal process initiated. him to press on with this Bill in those circumstances is extraordinary. Because of Victoria's current economic situation that system has been curtailed. I plead with the Minister The manufacturers' requirements are clear: they to make funds available to continue the program want legislation that is overarching and will apply to because it is clear that in areas where the campaign the manufacture and distribution of their products is not carried out sizeable quantities of agricultural in each of the States irrespective of where they are chemicals are being held in containers which are manufactured. I do not know whether the Minister leaking or no longer have labels. This presents a is pressing on with the Bill because he wants to health hazard along similar lines to those mentioned ingratiate himself with the Commonwealth Minister by you, Mc Acting Speaker, when you so eloquently for Primary Industries and Energy, Mc Crean, or described to the House last night the danger to whether he is ignorant of the facts. young children of having unmarked containers of chemicals on farms. However, by now he will have received representations from the Australian Agricultural The Minister should pursue this issue with the and Veterinary Chemicals Council, the body Environment Protection Authority which previously representing the manufacturers, which should have had responsibility for the collection and storage of been consulted on this issue but was apparently such material until its diSposal. There are still ignored. It seems the Bill was drafted in isolation, considerable quantities of these materials on fanns, and the council was advised of the existence of the and in the case of former sheep farming areas there Bill only after it was introduced and the opposition are dips that should be put in safer storage. was casting around for comments from interested parties. There was considerable publicity when the campaign was introduced and we should all be That is a severe indictment not only of the Minister cOgnisant of the dangers and ensure that but also of the department that drafted the Bill. The communities cooperate to have the chemicals agricultural industry is closely knit and is prepared brought together in a central location and disposed to work on an Australia-wide basis towards the of. implementation and application of any objective that is in the interests of the industry. Yet we find that the I turn to the labelling and measuring system which drafting of the Bill has been internalised within the is still foreign to some operators of farms. department and it receives comment from the Metrication has nO,t been readily adopted in many industry only when comment is sought by the areas and many suppliers of agricultural chemicals opposition. One hopes that when the Minister has do not ensure that people who purchase these items more experience in this portfolio he will consult on a - be they stock medicines or preparations for the broader basis than has apparently occurred in this treatment of crops or the eradication of weeds - case. have made available to them the measuring devices and equipment necessary to ensure proper AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 979 application according to the recommendations on Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I am the labels. That still requires some education. always concerned when politicians of any flavour or hue claim they are being responsible. That alarms I hope the Minister will contemplate, even at this me. A considerable number of the opposition late stage, a campaign to ensure the recommended speakers in this debate have claimed the cloak of application rates on labels are presented not only in responsibility for their remarks. Let me sprinkle a metric measurements but also in imperial few facts upon the debate thus far. The facts as I see measurements because it is clear that some farmers them relate to the main and only point in logic regard the imperial system to be the only which a series of opposition speakers have made measurement. Sometimes the understanding of the with regard to claiming validity for their proposed conversion means that the application rate is wrong. action of blocking the legislation. This issue ties in with any collection process the Minister might instigate. It is interrelated because It is true that Victoria has an excellent reputation quite often those same farmers have on their and, as the opposition graciously indicated, my properties substantial amounts of material that is predecessors played a major role in this - I claim no out of date. responsibility at all-because of their strong campaign over the past five years to clean up the This Bill covers the thread of the agreements that agricultural product. were reached at the Australian Agricultural Council. It exposes Victorian taxpayers to costs to which they Recently a sample of 1000 cases, which honourable ought not be exposed. If the Commonwealth agreed members know would satisfy Pascale's law of N, to take responsibility for the registration of produced a minor percentage of foodstuffs with chemicals, it ought not to be a cost the Victorian chemical levels outside that of World Health taxpayer should bear. If it were agreed that the Organisation (WHO) standards, so much that they States and Territories would be responsible for the would apply to a Poisson distribution on a lambda control and use of those chemicals it is acceptable test - there is nothing fishy about that! As Oorothy that the parts of the Bill that deal with those issues Parker said, "One person's fish is another person's could be implemented. poisson". Opposition members can take a great deal of comfort from those sample results. At a time when agriculture is facing a substantial downturn with a reduction in incomes of 65 per cent We have been the pacesetters and we are recognised for this financial year there is no reason for a as such. What the opposition does not know is that Minister of Agriculture to accept on behalf of we have led the way in the debates at the Victorian farmers the cost of a registration system agricultural council meetings on this issue. My that would include Australia-wide labelling. predecessors and I have been pushing hard for this. I have done so at the two meetings I have attended. The opposition will seek to introduce a Bill that contains aspects that were agreed by the Australian The opposition does not know that there was some Agricultural Council and the overarching legislation confusion at the Federal level about the way in required: the legislation complementary to the which they should go because they did not have our Commonwealth legislation. Only that way can we expertise. Other State and Federal Ministers have be satisfied that the interests of each State are indicated to me that they wanted Victoria to show accommodated and that the general agreement of the way. That is what we are proposing to do. the Australian Agricultural Council is adhered to. The presentation of this Bill so soon after there was In its fairly limited argument the opposition did not an agreed set of conditions is a display of some focus upon this opportunity. Nobody denies the arrogance. It may well be that the Minister wanted need for a national registration program for the to show his close friend Simon Crean that he could approximately 4500 agricultural and veterinary be the pacesetter. One hopes that is not the case; and chemicals that are in use, but at the same time there that the legislation was developed over a long is a suspicion that some internationally based period and that its development is overcome by the chemical companies have been dumping chemicals agreement of the council. that do not meet WHO standards, treating Australia as though it were a Third World country. Either way, it is necessary to support the comments made yesterday and I indicate that the opposition A national registration scheme is worthwhile. At the will oppose the Bill as it stands at present. two agricultural council meetings I have attended I AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

980 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 3 October 1991 have learnt that the Commonwealth has had I went out into the field with vegetable growers in a approximately five years to get this program up and couple of areas. I spoke to the Victorian Farmers running. It has been dragging the chain. I Federation (VFF) chemical group a couple of times understand the Commonwealth cannot easily and I discussed those simple propositions with achieve the projected date because of the difficulties them. One cannot be more consultative than that I in establishing an EDP system that will asked whether the Bill was workable. One old accommodate it and also establishing the rules and farmer from Gippsland said, 11 All I want to do is regulations because it did not have Victoria's grow carrots, but if I went over to my neighbour to experience in the matter. talk about it he would not want to discuss it with me". I gather there has been a feud over a couple of The Commonwealth took on board my proposition generations on a matter about which I shall not that Victoria should go ahead with this program. speak. He said, '1{ I went over the road to tell my The other States are keen that we should do so. Once neighbours that I was spraying they would be just as again we have the opportunity of showing the way. likely to stand by the fence to make sure I was carted However, the opposition will ensure that we do not off to gaol". have that opportunity and that will have serious consequences. Everyone knows that crop-dusters are never on time and they always act as though they were the Red I warn the opposition that there will be serious Baron! If this matter is dealt with through the consequences for our farming community if the Bill Federal process the opposition will have to wear it. is not passed. I have made suggestions about what should be done. I have made strong public Mr Coleman interjected. comments about the government being too intrusive in farmers' lives and have gone to some length to Mr BAKER - No, you have had your chance. I ensure that farmers were consulted about this issue. agree with the farmers and the VFF. I have been Moreover they had a rare chance to set the under Significant pressure from other interests. I prescriptions for the legislation. gave them two years to set up codes of practice so that the farmers themselves could have input. I am Mr Coleman interjected. Minister for the farmers by dear definition because rural affairs are no longer part of my portfolio. Mr BAKER - The farming community will have a second to none chance. If the opposition blocks the Honourable members interjecting. Bill it will have to wear the consequences. The farmers have had the chance to set the codes of Mr BAKER - You do not like that. I am enjoying practice without the intrusion of the government, let dealing with farmers; they are wonderful people. It alone the Federal bureaucracy. is good to be back among them, unlike a lot of the townies that we have on the other side who purport When I received the draft Bill, it was couched in to represent farming interests. I was giving them the mysticism upon further layer of mysticism that opportunity of establishing their own rules under lawyers indulge in. It was almost totally the Bill. unintelligible. I returned the draft Bill with a note asking: what will the farmers have to do? It took I have always said that farmers are natural some time for the Bill to come back to me. I do not conservationists, especially many of the farming think the draftspeople quite understood my women. It is a great credit to our farming comment. community that it has responded to the clean agricultural program. It was returned with a simple set of propositions. I thought, ''This is arcane". It appeared from the first Victoria does not have the large areas of drafting - this was the Federal view - that farmers contaminated land due to agricultural chemical would be hauled off to gaol for any minor abuse and misuse that New South Wales has, malfeasance and would be held totally accountable especially in the rice growing areas, but it does have for actions over vagaries of farming life and their some contaminated land in the crop dusting relationships with their neighbours and the practices country, particularly in the electorate of the of some aerial sprayers, over which they have little honourable member for Ballarat North. I note that control. the honourable member has spent considerable time talking to the representatives of aerial spraying AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Thursday. 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 981

companies. The government must ensure that spray I hope when the election campaign donations are drift problems do not occur in the rivers and streams called the coalition can explain to the farming of Victoria. community why it sold it down the river in the interests of chemical manufacturers because it Will The best people to work out the appropriate code of have to wear this - I shall make sure of that. practice are those in the farming community. That is the appropriate way for legislation to be drafted. House divided on motion. The farming community should be given the opportunity of enforcing a code of practice, but the The SPEAKER - Order! I appoint as tellers for opposition is denying it that opportunity. the Ayes the honourable members for Preston and Thomastown and as tellers for the Noes the The coalition will suffer because of its actions today. honourable members for Ballarat North and I cannot believe the lack of judgment shown by the Doncaster. Deputy Leader of the National Party. In their contributions during the second-reading debate not Before the tellers take their places, I shall make a one member of the opposition referred to the brief statement about the way in which the tellers farmers themselves. They referred primarily to the are to record the results of divisions. chemical manufacturers. Recent custom in this House has been that the two Honourable members opposite have been gracious tellers for the Ayes signed a list recording the names enough to admit that I have been more than open of members who vote yes and the two tellers for the and willing to provide whatever advice was Noes signed a list recording the names of members required. When the coalition chose to turn up to the who vote no. No doubt honourable members will meetings to receive the excellent advice from my see the logical inconsistency in that method. It excellent staff I was informed of the objections raised means that, for example, a member who has been by the opposition and in good faith and as part of appointed a teller for the Noes, but who has assisted the good law-making process I have catered to every in counting the number of members who vote yes is objection raised in the proposed amendments. I have in no position to verify from his own knowledge that even used the actual words used by the coalition in the list of members recorded as voting no, is correct. the proposed amendments. Accordingly, after consultation with the Standing I can only assume that the coalition has received Orders Committee, I have decided that in future correspondence from the chemical manufacturers those members who count the vote for the Ayes will and has decided to block the Bill. It has not sign the teller sheet that records the votes for the cOll§ulted the farming community in any way and I Ayes, and vice versa. can draw no other conclusion but that it is prepared to sell them down the river.

The Victorian farming community has led the Ayes,44 country in cleaning chemicals out of agriculture. By Andrianopoulos, Mr McCutcheon, Mr its own statistical analysis the coalition has Baker, Mr McOonald, Mr acknowledged we no longer use dieldrin or other Barker, Mrs Mathews,Mr dangerous chemicals. Other State Ministers for Batchelor, Mr (Teller) Noms,Mr Agriculture have said that the Victorian fanners lead Cain,Mr Pope,Mr the rest of Australia. The Ministers from New South Cole,Mr Ray,Mrs Wales and South Australia have said to me, "You go Crabb,Mr Raper,Mr ahead and we will follow the Victorian model; you Cunningham, Mr Rowe,Mr have the expertise". Oollis, Mr Sandon, Mr Emst,Mr Seitz, Mr The coalition is denjing Victorian farmers the Fordham,Mr Sercombe, Mr opportunity of exerting influence over the Garbutt, Mrs Setches, Mrs Australian farming community and it is allowing the Gavin, Mr Sheehan, Mr A. J. Federal bureaucracy which, in my experience has no Hamilton,Mr Sheehan, Mr F. P. understanding of practical circumstances, to draft Harrowfield, Mr Shell,Mr the Bill. The coalition will wear the consequences. Hill,Mrs Simmonds, Mr Hirsh,Mrs Spyker,Mr AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

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Jolly,Mr Thomson,Mr 2. Clause 4, page 4, line 11, omit "Order" and insert Kennan, Mr Trezise, Mr "notice". Kennedy, Mr Vaughan,Or 3. Clause 4, page 4, line 27, before "Agricultural" insert Kirner,Ms Walsh, Mr ''Victorian''. Leighton, Mr (Teller) Wilson,Mrs Noes, 36 4. Clause 4, page 5, line 5, omit "permissible level" and Austin, Mr McNamara, Mr insert "residue limit". Brown, Mr Maclellan, Mr 5. Clause 4, page 6, line 7, omit "permissible level" and Clark,Mr Maughan,Mr insert "residue limit". Coleman,Mr Napthine, Or Cooper,Mr Perrin, Mr 6. Clause 4, page 6, line 10, omit "permissible level" and Delzoppo, Mr Perton, Mr (Teller) insert "residue limit". Dickinson, Mr Pescott, Mr 7. Clause 4, page 10, line 9, omit "permissible level" and Elder, Mr (Teller) Plowman,Mr insert "residue limit". Gude,Mr Reynolds, Mr Hayward, Mr Richardson, Mr Amendments agreed to; amended clause agreed to; Heffeman, Mr Smith, Mr E. R. clauses 5 to 8 agreed to. Honeywood, Mr Steggall, Mr Jasper, Mr Stockdale, Mr Oause9 Kennett, Mr Tanner, Mr Lea, Mr Wade,Mrs Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I move: Leigh,Mr Wallace,Mr 8. Clause 9, after line 14, insert- McGrath, Mr J. F. Weideman, Mr McGrath, Mr W. D. Wells, Dr "(4) If the Board recommends that a preparation Pair should not be registered, or should be registered Micallef, Mr Lieberman, Mr subject to conditions other than those specified in the application, the registrar must give written notice to the applicant of the reasons for the Motion agreed to. recommendation." . Amendment agreed to; amended clause agreed to. Read second time. OauselO Committee Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I move: Clause 1 9. Clause 10, line 16, before "Before" insert "(1)". MrW. D. McGRATH (Lowan) -I shall 10. Clause ID, after line 21, insert - comment on a remark made by the Minister for Agriculture during his summary of the "(2) If the registrar refuses to register a preparation second-reading debate. He said he suspected that or registers it subject to conditions other than dangerous agricultural chemicals are being dumped those specified in the application, the registrar in this COWltry. It is not good enough for the must give to the applicant written notice of the Minister to talk about his suspicions; he either reasons for the decision.". knows or does not know. It is out of character for the Amendments agreed to; amended clause agreed to. Minister for Agriculture to make such an alarming and emotive remark. If he has concrete evidence of OauseU the dumping of dangerous chemicals he should act on it. Mr COLEMAN (Syndal) - A number of amendments have, already significantly changed the Clause agreed to; clauses 2 and 3 agreed to. way the Bill reads. I should have thought the Minister would have provided some explanation Clause 4 about the intent of the amendments. If it is not possible for him to do so, he should request that Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I move: progress be reported so that further briefings can be 1. Clause 4, page 3, line 26, after "preparation" insert u; provided to interested parties. The Minister is dearly or - (f) a fertiliser". not in a position to explain the amendments, AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 983 therefore, progress should be reported to allow composition of the board, but the Minister is not further consultation. even prepared to explain to the Committee why he wants to change it. Surely Parliament is entitled to Clause agreed to; clauses 12 to 18 agreed to. some explanation. Why has the Minister moved an amendment to change the number of people on the Clause 19 board? He has not told honourable members who will be taken off the board but honourable members Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) -I move: are supposed to accept the amendments at face value because the Minister is supposed to know 11. Clause 19, page 18, line 8, before "states" insert everything. On a number of occasions he has "specifically". demonstrated that that is not the case; the Minister is 12. Clause 19, page 18, line 9, before "manner" insert not infallible, even though he may believe he is. "particular" . Honourable members are entitled to some explanation. 13. Clause 19, page 18, line 9, before "purpose" insert "particular". Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I am Amendments agreed to; amended clause agreed to. reminded that Pascal said that man is but a weak reed, and he did not just mean the honourable Clause 20 member for Syndal!

Mr W. D. McGRATH (Lowan) - I concur with The composition of the board is largely that of the the remarks made by the honourable member for existing board except that it provides for Syndal about explanations to amendments. The representatives of the opposition's friends - the amendments that have been moved so far are minor, manufacturers of veterinary chemicals and stock but the amendments to this clause make Significant foods. At present, manufacturers are not represented alterations. I ask the Minister to explain the intent of on the board, and that is what the amendments are the amendments about. The amendments are those my staff brought back after consultation with the opposition parties. Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - The amendments allow changes to be made at any time Dr NAPTHINE (Portland) - Clause 32 (2)(f) to ensure that labels and advice notes can contain currently reads: up-to-date information. I commend the honourable member for Lowan for his remarks. The '" at least 3 and not more than 5 are selected by the amendments relate especially to holding periods, Minister. first aid and safety directions. Incorporating amendments Nos 15 and 16 the The CHAIRMAN (Mr Noms) - Order! The provision will read: honourable member for Lowan appears to be confusing clause 20 with amendment No. 20. .,. 3 are selected by the Minister.

Clause agreed to; clauses 21 to 31 agreed to. I advise the Minister to consider that wording because, as he would realise, it is poor English. The Clause 32 word "are" should also be omitted.

Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I move: The establishment of the Animal Preparations Board is the reason why the coalition will reject the Bill. 14. Clause 32, line 15, omit "at least 8 and not more than That board is being established to replace an existing 10" and insert "8". board. Appointments will be made and veterinary 15. Clause 32, page 26, line 3, omit "at least". surgeons, pharmaceutical chemists, veterinary chemical organisations and so on will have to 16. Clause 32, page 26, line 3, omit "and not more than submit a list of names to the Minister who will then 5". have to select the appointees. The board will have to Mr COLEMAN (Syndal) - This highlights the be constituted and will then have to print stationery problem. The Animal Preparations Board is at great expense. Less than nine months later, the responsible for carrying out the provisions of the board will become superfluous because of the Bill. The amendments change the numerical introduction of a national registration scheme. AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

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A lot of effort will go into establishing the board some four months ago, but further discussions which will be superseded by the national scheme. between the coalition and the agricultural That is why members of the opposition believe the community have raised new issues, contrary to what Bill is a waste of time, effort and money. The was done by the Minister, who introduced the Bill national scheme will be introduced by July 1992 and without any consultation with various interest that is why the opposition is adopting a responsible groups in the agricultural and veterinary chemicals attitude on behalf of the community and the area. industry. The Minister should not waste his time on this Bill; he should not establish a new board that The coalition has done its homework and has will become redundant in less than a year; he should discovered that if the Bill had legs to stand on the support the national scheme and then introduce amendments would be valuable and would improve appropriate Victorian legislation to fit in with that the legislation. But our process has been superseded scheme. by events at the Federal level which were outlined by the coalition in the second-reading debate, and Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I am that is why we oppose the amendments. As the willing to bet $100 with the honourable member for honourable member for Portland said, it is necessary Portland that the Animal Preparations Board will to get the national registration scheme in place and not be superseded by Federal legislation in nine then to address what is required at the State level to months. achieve effective use, control and management of agricultural chemicals and veterinary preparations The CHAIRMAN - Order! This is not the in Victoria. gaming Bill! Amendments agreed to; amended clause agreed to; Mr BAKER - Will you take the bet? clauses 33 to 35 agreed to.

Or NAPTHINE (Portland) - I take the challenge Clause 36 issued by the Minister for Agriculture as a vote of no confidence in his Federal colleague Mr Crean. The Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I move: Federal Minister for Primary Industries and Energy, 17. Clause 36, line 12, after "preparation" insert "or in his press statement, said his aim was to have the stock food". Federal body up and running by July 1992. The Victorian Minister's comments are a clear vote of no 18. Clause 36, line 14, after "preparation" insert "or confidence in his Federal colleague. He is obviously stock food". supporting his factional colleague in another place, Amendments agreed to; amended clause agreed to; Mr White, in attacking their Federal Leader. It is on clause 37 agreed to. the record that the Federal Minister said it is his government's intention to have this body up and Clause 38 running by July 1992. If the Victorian Minister for Agriculture does not believe his Federal colleague Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I move: can deliver what he says, the Victorian Minister has a responsibility to work with his Federal colleague to 19. Clause 38, line 33, omit "regulate" and insert ensure that he does keep his word and that the "control". national registration scheme, which the agricultural Amendment agreed to; amended clause agreed to; chemical industry, farmers and the whole clause 39 agreed to. community want, is up and running by July 1992 instead of wasting his own time and the time of his Clause 40 department in introducing an Animal Preparations Board in Victoria that will be superseded in less than Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I move: twelve months. 20. Clause 40, line 11, before "A" insert "(1)". Mr W. D. McGRATH (Lowan) - Earlier the 21. Clause 40, after line 20, insert - Minister said these proviSions are the result of consultations with the opposition and that is why "(2) It is a defence to a prosecution under sub-section the amendments have been introduced. I agree that (1)(a) to prove that the plants or stock have no there were ongoing discussions and consultations economic value." prior to the Bill being introduced into Parliament AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 985

Mr W. D. McGRATH (Lowan) - Amendment homework because in attempting to solve one No. 21 provides that it is a defence to a prosecution problem they have created another. if one can prove that the plants or stock have no economic value. I ask the Minister to explain his Mr AUSTIN (Ripon) - The honourable member interpretation of that amendment. for Portland has extensively referred to matters I wished to raise. Clause 40 has caused some concern Or NAPTHINE (Portland) - The Minister and among those in the industry, regardless of whether his department are making an admirable attempt to they are involved in the actual spraying operations, make some sense of the clause, but there is difficulty the farming community or the Victorian Farmers with spray drift from agricultural spraying. Federation. Honourable members must recognise ~t in this Bill agricultural spraying includes more than just aerial It must be recognised that it is impOSSible to spray spraying covered under previous legislation. The by air or on the ground without some drift control of spray drift and dealing with it is occurring. To the extent that does any damage is important. The clause states: always a matter of degree. Probably one of the worst times to spray is when there is no wind because an A person must not carry out agricultural spraying inversion is created that is often worse than what which injuriously affects- occurs when spraying with a strong south-westerly wind blowing. (a) any plants or stock outside the target area; or

(b) any land outside the target area so that growing Clause 40 is important. As the honourable member plants or keeping stock on that land can be for Portland said, the situation could arise where it reasonably expected to result in the contamination would be as sensible and practical to spray a road on of the stock or of agricultural produce derived which there is a weed problem as to spray a from the plants or stock. paddock. Others say the spraying will destroy native vegetation, or whatever. One problem existing now is if spray drift crosses a road or an adjoining paddock it may affect only road The Minister for Agriculture should examine this or pest plants, but as the Bill is worded the spray clause to arrive at a better explanation, and perhaps drift may have a beneficial rather than a detrimental to move a better amendment. effect. Mc BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I agree The Minister and his staff have tried to address any that this is a quite stimulating and vexatious issue detrimental effects by inserting amendment No. 21, for the reasons put by various honourable members. which provides a defence to a prosecution if one can Clause 40 is a new provision. It has problems that prove that the plants or stock have no economic the application of the common law to these cases has value. Unfortunately that creates another dilemma. always had. As some honourable members opposite have said, there is no simple solution. If the spray drift crosses into a neighbour's property and kills the roses in the front garden, what However, in the Aerial Spraying Control Act an happens? Although one could argue the roses have attempt has been made to establish a convention no economic value except their beauty, the person through the use of the term "injuriously affects". responsible for the spray drift should be subject to Therefore, our predecessors or antecedents in this some penalty, as provided in clause 40. I suggest place have attempted to lead cases at the margin. amendment No. 21 goes too far the other way. The problem with lawmaking is you need to Although the amendment tries to remedy an initial establish sound general rules and principles that the fault in clause 40, it creates another problem. community can easily recognise and easily pick up the distinctions about what is in and what is out. There must be some balance between the intent to Unfortunately, it is not always that Simple. penalise those responsible for spray drifts and the damage caused to something that may not have This is a case that will never be simple so the economic value, such as ornamental flowers, forests convention has to be established perhaps in the or other conservation areas. If that occurs people manner of giving it a "99" or "do not know" or "too should also be prosecuted. The amendment hard", or of saying, "At the margin we will leave the provides an escape clause that relates only to case for the courts". As a consequence of the economic value. I suggest the Minister and his discussions between my staff and the opposition department should take the Bill away and do their AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

986 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991 committee we produced another attempt to define at they should be penalised when they are spra~ or least what was "in" as to economic damage to when someone else is doing something in plants, and so on. agriculture.

Again I admit that for the reasons defined by For example, on one side of a road could be a farm honourable members that matter, too, could be that is a corporation owned by two shareholders - included in cases that are not clear cut and are say, Mr and Mrs Smith; OIl the other side of the road marginal, and left for the courts. I would be there could be what is described in this Bill as "any interested if someone has a clear-cut, other case" and the "any other case" happens to be simple-principled solution to this dilemma. Mr and Mrs Smith, the junior. The families may have decided to conduct their businesses in certain ways; Mr PESCOIT (Bennettswood) - This very perhaps both the Smith families have children; one difficult issue, which has been discussed by family may have decided perhaps earlier than the honourable members on all sides, is being looked at other to organise its affairs by becoming a largely from the point of view of what is easily seen corporation. That is entirely unfair according to the on the day or within the month when the spraying Bill and I will appreciate the Minister's comments on occurs. The government's introduction of the that aspect. expression "no economic value" creates a difficulty for someone like me who has knowledge and Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - As to experience of the forest industry - rather different the first point raised by the honourable member for from the people who raise cattle. Bennettswood, one solution to that vexatious question is to seek to find a replacement value, no If a spray affects a young animal you can argue there matter how small or how new in the stage of growth is a value on the animal because you can look at the the particular tree may be because its replacement process and the value of that animal at that time. value would have an economic worth. However, in the case of forestry you can have seedlings and small trees that for some years are of As to his second point, that had not occurred to me. I no economic value whatsoever. You cannot argue accept that what he says is correct, and that in some they have an economic value until they are about ten few cases that would apply at the margin - but years old but the spraying may occur, for example, perhaps increasingly more so - and a when the seedlings are only one or two years old. differentiation between neighbours who had formed You would be hard pressed as a forrester to say that themselves into corporations, and those who had a particular plant had any economic value. not, would be unjust.

The reason I raise the matter for the attention of the I am sure the honourable member understands that Minister is because it is a difficult problem and it is the purpose in defining "corporation" was to difficult to find a solution. I place into the process of attempt to make a distinction on behalf of one deliberation on this issue - and for the category and on behalf of the small farming family consideration of the Minister, if he is to use the that considered itself the opposite to a "corporation". expression "no economic value" - the subject of plants, and particularly forestry. He is a long way Or NAPTHINE (Portland) - In response to an from solving the problem. earlier discussion about this clause, the Minister implied that the amendments before us today The second matter I raise about clause 40 - and my resulted from discussions between the coalition and comments apply to other clauses in the Bill - his department. concerns the use within the legislation of the distinction between "corporation" and "other case". Indeed, many of the discussions we had with the I am not quite sure where this has come from departmental officers centred around clauses 40 and because I understood that corporations are equal 41. However, the Minister implied that the wording before the law in the same way as people and that a in the Bill was agreed to at those discussions, and corporation, in effect, has a life of its own in the that is not correct. same way as individuals. Coalition members raised the dilemma of deciding It is not unusual in the agricultural community for between the economic value of stock and spray drift families to spread the risk and the return from their destroying something Significant but which is of no work by forming a corporation. It seems wrong that AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS BILL

Thursday. 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 987 economic value, such as gardens, yabbies in dams, have an economic value but they have a sentimental conservation and wildlife, native plants and so on. value.

The issue was certainly raised in those discussions I take the Committee back to clause 38 which deals and the deparbnental officers were given our clear with orders prohibiting agricultural spraying. That view on it, but the Minister ought to correct the clause has been amended. It is a pity that the situation that any concurrence is being given with Minister is unable to explain each of the the words "no economic value". amendments as we go through them because the amendment to clause 38 makes it read that the Mr COLEMAN (Syndal) - The issue I raise Governor in Council may, by order, control or relates to the role of the chief administrator. It is prohibit. The word "control" has replaced the word proposed in the Minister's amendment that the chief "regulate". administrator will need to assess an economic value for whatever item is deemed to be affected by the It is one thing to regulate spraying operations but it damage by spray drift. is another thing to control them. Clause 38(1) talks about protecting susceptible plants and stock, public It is not clear from the Minister's amendments, nor is health and the environment. That covers a wide it in the Bill, whether people can appeal against the range of community activities. evaluation made by the chief administrator. Clause 40 attempts to confine the injurious effect of It seems to me that without an appeal process a the damage to a limited area: that is, any plants or considerable onus is put on the chief administrator. stock outside the target area or any land outside the The authorisation for carrying out the spraying is in target area which is affected in terms of its ability to the hands of the chief administrator. grow some stock or agricultural produce subsequently. Obviously the board has a role to play but in this instance the chief administrator will be both judge I reiterate that an appeal process is required because, and jury of the organisation applying for as the Bill stands, the chief administrator has the full authorisation. If there is any injurious effect as a onus of determining what is an economic value. result of the spraying, again, the chief administrator will have to adjudicate. That process probably needs Amendments agreed to; amended clause agreed to. some review. Oause41 The Minister indicates that that is not the case, but that is my view of it. The chief administrator has the Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I move: whole of the licensing and functioning of the 22. Clause 41, after line 29 insert - legislation. An appeal process is required. Interdepartmental issues may arise, particularly in "(4) If the chief administrator considers that the forestry activities of the Department of Conservation plants or stock have no economic value, he or and Environment. she is not required to comply with the request but must, within the prescribed period, In the event of that happening, it is important that provide a statement to that effect". the appeal process is outside the Public Service so Amendment agreed to; amended clause agreed to; that it will be clear to those who suffer the injury clauses 42 to 50 agreed to. that the matter has not been dealt with within the Public Service but, that the matter has been dealt Clause 51 with openly and publicly to the relief of aggrieved people. Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I move: The handling of complaints is a vital issue. The term 23. Clause 51, after line 30 insert - "no economic value" is very subjective. "(2) The chief administrator must not provide details under sub-section (1) unless the owner The Minister has suggested that there is perhaps a of the land has given consent in writing." case for replacement value. As the honourable member for Portland has said, many things may not ADJOURNMENT

988 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 3 October 1991

Amendment agreed to; amended clause agreed to; 27. Clause 72, line 19, after "not" insert "in". clauses 52 to 62 agreed to. Amendment agreed to; amended clause agreed to. Oause63 Oause73 Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I move: Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I move: 24. Clause 63, line 34, omit "SO" and insert ''2S0''. 28. Clause 73, line 31, after "have" insert ''been''. 25. Clause 63, page 47, line 22, omit and insert "so" Amendment agreed to; amended clause agreed to; "250". clauses 74 to 81 agreed to; schedule agreed to. Mr COLEMAN (Syndal) - The effect of the amendments in each case is to increase the penalty R.eported to House with amendments. units from 50 to 250. One would have expected the Minister to give an explanation as to what wholesale Passed remaining stages. dealers of preparations might be doing to require the penalties to be so substantially increased. ADJOURNMENT

The amendments were provided to the House just Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I move: prior to being moved and debated, and the opposition has to consider them during the debate. I lhat the House do now adjourn. suppose there is nothing unusual about that but we need an explanation of the anticipated offences that Payments to government employees the people affected by the clause are likely to commit to warrant such a substantial increase in the Mr LEIGH (Malvern) - I raise a matter for the penalties. attention of the Premier - and with a bit of luck she may actually turn up! The clause deals with the confidentiality of commercial information. A wholesale dealer may During question time on Thursday, 19 September, have information available to him which, in the the Premier said I was running a vindictive hands of somebody else, could be used campaign against her former mate in the Ministry of detrimentally. The penalties are increased Education and Training, Ms Ann Morrow. The substantially and one would hope that the Minister Premier claimed that I had been running a vendetta would explain why such a substantial increase is against Ms Morrow for some years. That is not true, necessary. but that is not the matter I wish to raise this evening.

Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - This is In relation to arrangements the government has seen as a serious matter, and for that reason the made with persons employed on contract, such as proposed increase will take the penalties to the same the payout to Mr JeH Gordon by the Minister for level as those for other major breaches of the Act. Transport and the money paid to Ms Ann Morrow, the government claims those people are public Amendments agreed to; amended clause agreed to; servants. They are not public servants: they are clause 64 agreed to. mates of the Australian Labor Party who get jobs advising Ministers what to do. Clause 65 That is what Ms Morrow did. When she was in the Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I move: municipality of Malvern she was the mayor. She was nothing more than a front for the ALP for the years 26. Clause 65, line 11, before "Agricultural" insert she was the mayor and, in my view, one of the ''Victorian''. reasons the City of Malvern has budgetary problems Amendment agreed to; amended clause agreed to; is the nonsensical policies that she and her crazy clauses 66 to 11 agreed to. mates were involved in.

Clause 72 Mrs HIRSH (Wantima) -On a point of order, Mr Speaker, the honourable member for Malvern is Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I move: casting aspersions on someone and the matter he is ADJOURNMENT

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 989 trying to raise has nothing to do with the Minister I raise this matter with the Premier because the with whom he has raised it. government must change these arrangements. It should not be appointing people such as Ms The SPEAKER - Order! I do not uphold the Morrow on five-year contracts. These people are point of order. As I understand it, the honourable political junkies of the Australian Labor Party and if member is raising the issue of contracts between the members of the government backbench could get Victorian government and people employed by the such payouts they would take them, too. Victorian government. However, his latter remarks do not appear to relate to the matter he is raising. I Bus safety ask him to confine his remarks to matters relevant to the point he is raising. Mr MAUGHAN (Rodney) - I raise for the attention of the Minister for Transport the Minister's Mr LEIGH (Malvern) - These contracting response to a review of bus safety carried out by a arrangements are wrong and it is interesting to note working party which the Minister set up in May what the current Minister for Education and 1990. The working party was convened by VIC Training said about Ms Morrow and her job with the ROADS and had representations from the Bus Ministry of Education and Training. On 1 October Proprietors Association, the Victorian Council of the Herald-Sun reports: School Organisations, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Transport, the Public Mc Pullen was then quoted as saying: "I was never Transport Corporation, the police, trade unions and quite sure what the CEO's true function was. Now the soon. position will be replaced by a policy secretariat which I think will be a more robust model ... " The terms of reference of the working party were wide ranging and were to review all aspects of bus The Minister for Education and Training is saying safety and to make recommendations on any actions tha t the job Ms Morrow did was irrelevant. She was that may be required to improve the safety of bus paid more than $100 000 a year and after a couple of passengers. This review came about because of the years in the job, because she was a mate of the horrific bus crashes in other States and the concern Premier and apart from any superannuation of many people, especially the parents of entitlements, she received $100 000 as a goodbye schoolchildren, about the safety of buses involved in payout on behalf of the State. What did she do for it? accidents. Nothing! The Minister for Education and Training said she was not relevant. In September 1990, after hearing 117 submissions from a wide range of people, the committee The same could be said about the job given by the presented an excellent report in which it made Minister for Transport to Mr Gordon. Under normal seventeen specific recommendations, including Public Service arrangements if Mr Gordon had been changing some of the design rules and strengthening a true professional public servant he would have the sides of buses to prevent penetration by other received less than $25 000; instead the good old vehicles. The committee dealt with occupant Minister gives him $95 000. protection, seating, standing and so on.

I should like to know the grounds on which the I have received representations from the Nathalia government gives out five-year contracts - I am not Secondary College seeking advice as to action the even sure they are binding contracts - to Minister proposes to take on this report. What is the Ministerial advisers and then pays them out early. Minister's response to the report and what action The government must seriously consider the type of does the government intend to take to implement contracts it is providing to Ministerial advisers. the recommendations in this report which concerns a review of bus safety in Victoria? Those contracts will not be relevant in a little while when the government is dumped. I am sure there is Juvenile traffic accident victims only one reason for these contracting arrangements: the Labor Party knows it is dead in the water. As Mr COLE (Melbourne) - I raise a matter for the many of its people as possible are getting off the attention of the Minister for Transport. Two Titanic and are taking the diamonds and cash into constituents of mine, Mr and Mrs Mainwaring, came the lifeboats. Unfortunately in this instance the to see me regarding their child who suffered severe diamonds and cash belong to the people of Victoria. head injuries and brain damage in a traffic accident ADJOURNMENT

990 ASSEMBLY Thursday. 3 October 1991 in 1987. She has returned to school and is receiving a I ask the Minister for Transport to urge the T AC to good education with the assistance of the integration change its views on the level of funding offered, to aide and her school's integration program. ensure that children who have suffered brain damage or who have been otherwise injured in car Mr and Mrs Mainwaring expressed grave concern accidents are provided with sufficient funding for that the level of assistance that had been maintained the support services needed for their education. That throughout 1988, 1989 and 1990 is to be reduced by is something that the Minister should take up 10 per cent or thereabouts in 1991 and beyond. urgently with the TAC to ensure that these children Clearly these cuts are not in the best interests of the are given proper educational opportunities. child or any child who has a disability as a result of a traffic accident. The issue the Minister should Availability of court facilities consider is: who should fund the programs for these children? Should it be the Ministry of Education and Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) - I direct to Training or the Transport Accident Commission? the attention of the Attorney-General the future Family Court of Australia jurisdiction in Geelong. I Mr and Mrs Mainwaring argue, quite rightly, that understand that with the completion of the new $34 the TAC has the responsibility. Unfortunately, the million court and police headquarters complex TAC accepts responsibility for only the first twelve Family Court matters will no longer be heard in months of schooling of children injured in motor Geelong. vehicle accidents on the ground that the education Ministry is supposed to provide those services to Approximately 150 cases are listed in the current children. Mr and Mrs Mainwaring's concern is sittings in Geelong and I ask the Attorney-General to twofold. Firstly, the T AC relies on the false premise liaise with the Federal Attorney-General about the that while the Ministry provides services of this kind availability of courtrooms so that these cases can it does not mean the TAC or insurers should not pay remain in the Geelong jurisdiction. for it. Secondly, the service that is provided is diminishing in real terms because the Ministry is not For some years, lawyers and case workers have been providing the same level of funding it was attending to these matters in Geelong. If all these providing at the time the T AC decided to relinquish cases are removed to courts in Melbourne it will cost its responsibility for the care of brain damaged a great deal for parties to attend those hearings and children after twelve months. it will also create inconvenience for them.

This matter is very serious and the question of The Geelong lawyers association has made funding from the Ministry of Education and representations to the Attorney-General. I ask that Training is ongoing. The integration of disabled he review the matter and liaise with the Federal children into schools is important and should be Attorney-General about making suitable maintained. When the T AC was established the accommodation available for the future conduct of intention was to provide compensation and for the .Family Court in Geelong. people to relinquish their common-law rights. In this case it seems the people have relinquished their Relocation of Department of Agriculture common-law rights through legislation. Had they been able to sue the driver who caused the damage Mr KENNEDY (Bendigo West) - I direct to the to their child they would have received a far larger attention of the Minister for Agriculture the sum of money under the third-party system which reaffirmation of the government's commitment to would have allowed them to provide their child the relocation in Bendigo of the headquarters of the with the necessary integration service within the Department of Agriculture and I also ask him to school without recourse to Ministry funds. indicate the present state of play of the relocation project. The T AC should stop providing services that are already being provided. However, in this case it I raise this question because of my concern about the must be agreed that.we cannot afford to stop confusion and instability that has been created by funding the integration program because it has been the comments made by the opposition on this successful. It has certainly been successful in the case subject and its apparent collusion with the Victorian of Mr and Mrs Mainwaring's daughter. Public Service Association in an attempt to frustrate the program going ahead. ADJOURNMENT

Thursday. 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 991

I was concerned to notice recently in the Bendigo as saying, ''You will keep what you have got" and Advertiser, in an excellent supplement on the growth that whatever the government has moved to of Bendigo and the enormous opportunities Bendigo will stay there. If the coalition's policy were available, comments by the National and Liberal adopted after a supposed election in October next Party leaders. Unfortunately the two Leaders made year, Bendigo would lose 100 of the 320 staff or 66 no commitments to the project. The coalition's stand per cent of the benefits of relocation - $12 million in on this matter has created such concern that an lost benefits! Obviously the project would not be W1precedented action was taken early last month viable and would be wound up. when the leaders of the five councils in the Bendigo area felt it necessary to come to Melbourne to speak I call upon the coalition to reaffirm its commitment to the Leader of the OppOSition to try to extract some to the relocation and to support government policy sort of commitment from him on the relocation on this issue, because the people of Bendigo want project or at least clarify his pOSition. the outstanding achievement notched up by Bendigo in winning the project to be consolidated by the There was so much concern in Bendigo about the project going ahead, but that obviously requires the frustrating tactics adopted by the Liberal and re-election of a Labor government. National parties that these measures had to be tmdertaken in order to determine the stance of the Lay Observer coalition on this matter. The coalition spokesman on agriculture has taken a simple stand on the matter. Mr E. R. SMITH (Glen Waverley) -1 raise for He is opposed to the relocation of the department the attention of the Premier a matter that was raised anywhere in cotmtry Victoria. The honourable at question time today by the honourable member member is opposed to having the headquarters for Berwick. It related to an answer to a question on located anywhere! notice by the Attorney-General.

The Leader of the Opposition visited Bendigo I call for an inquiry into this matter because it recently and was reported in the Bendigo Advertiser concerns again the Ron Legge case. The matter that of 18 May, refusing to give a commitment about the was raised during question time concerned the relocation. He claimed he had not yet seen the alleged death of Or McKenzie, the former Lay coalition's agriculture policy. No-one has seen it! Observer. Honourable members now know that it The Leader of the Opposition has refused has been sorted out. Or McKenzie is alive and well, point-blank to give a commitment. However, the and the Attorney-General has apologised to the coalition spokesperson for agriculture, the House. honourable member for Lowan, was reported in the Be~digo Advertiser as saying that if the relocation Firstly, the Attorney-General's Department is were not fully completed by the time the coalition obviously deliberately attempting to mislead the came to office it would not go ahead, but if it were House on the Legge case because Or McI

992 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991

The Attorney-General's Department, in relaying the Robert Hutchinson Ltd. The Minister will recall information to the Attorney-General that Or legislation passed in August 1989 that limits hen McKenzie was dead, was trying to throw me off the quotas to a maximum of 100 000 hens per producer. scent. This morning I spoke to Or McKenzie and he When the legislation was proclaimed, those few is obviously not dead. In fact, he gave me a statutory producers who at the time held over 100 000 hens declaration to the effect that he is alive, but that he were allowed to maintain existing stocks. was forced out of his position. Although in the full flush of seasonal production Secondly, it was said not only to put me off the scent quota entitlements are reduced, they are but to lead me to believe that no further action could subsequently increased when the need arises for be taken within the criminal justice system to assist increased production. Mr Hutchinson has been Mr Ron Legge. The Attorney-General's Department disadvantaged because of an anomaly in the Act that claimed Dr McKenzie was prevented from prevents him from having his maximum quota completing the report in 1989 through ill health, but returned to its August 1989 level. that is not true. Or McKenzie has told me he was well enough to put in the report, which would have I understand that the anomaly can be resolved by shown to all honourable members the injustice that the simple amending of a regulation. Mr Hutchinson has been done to Mr Legge. has the sympathy of the Egg Industry Licensing Committee and has raised the matter with the I contend that the Attorney-General's Department Ombudsman. I ask the Minister to consider the deliberately attempted to trick both the matter and to adjust the regulations under the Egg Attorney-General and me into believing that Or Industry Act so that Mr Hutchinson is not McKenzie was dead and that the matter could not be disadvantaged. proceeded with. I have taken at face value the apology the Attorney-General made at lunchtime Bank charges today. Mr SEITZ (Keilor) - I ask the Treasurer, who is In his answer to a question on notice the at the table, to direct to the attention of the Minister Attorney-General said that the 1990 report of Ms Jan for Consumer Affairs the issue of bank charges. I King, the current Lay Observer, contains an urge the new Minister to conduct a community appendix that sets out in full all of the matters education campaign for people holding small brought to her attention. I have a copy of the report savings accounts in banks. Those people must be for those honourable members who are interested. educated about how bank charges can whittle away The appendix referred to contains only tables of their small amounts of money. Although there has statistics, as does the next page, and is perhaps been some recent publicity about the matter, a large designed to brush the matter under the carpet. number of people are still unaware of how their savings can be eroded. I believe the department has deliberately attempted to put me off the scent, which makes me even more A recent letter to the Herald-Sun set out a perfect determined to ensure that justice is done. I call on example of the problem. A customer rang the bank the Premier to set up a judicial inquiry so that we to inquire about the bank charges and was told that can get to the bottom of the matter. the bank would charge $2 a month in maintenance fees. The customer had only $40 in the account and Ms Barbara Pitt has recently sent out a letter of reply over two years the customer would owe the bank stating that Mr McArdle, the solicitor, had been tried money! Banks claim there are different rules for by a jury. Mr McArdle has never been tried over the different accounts. For example, bank charges do not matter, let alone tried by a jury. The Premier should apply to children's small savings accounts. ensure that that and other matters to do with the case are the subject of a judicial inquiry at the I am concerned about accounts opened by parents or earliest opportunity. grandparents for their children or grandchildren as birthday presents and so on. It concerns me that Hen quotas money in accounts that are opened with the best of intentions will simply be lost. I urge the Minister to Mr W. D. McGRATH (Lowan) - I direct a conduct an education campaign to explain what matter to the attention of the Minister for deregulation has meant and how the banking system Agriculture on behalf of the egg producing firm of operates. ADJOURNMENT

Thursday, 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 993

Banks charge for every service they provide, but it I do not understand how, on the one hand, you can must be remembered that they make profits by rule the honourable member for South Barwon out lending out the money in their accounts. Teachers of order and, on the other hand, you can rule the must pass on the message to children to make them honourable member for Pascoe Vale in order in aware that if they do not use the small amounts of raising matters concerning the Federal financial money in their accounts the money will be used up system. How can you explain the different rulings? through bank charges. Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) - On the point The SPEAKER - Order! Before calling the of order, Mc Speaker, the matter I raised concerned Ministers to reply to the matters raised I shall refer the construction in Geelong of a new courthouse, to the matter raised by the honourable member for which comes within the jurisdiction of the South Barwon. Essentially he sought the referral of a Attorney-General. I was raising a question of the matter by the VIctorian Attorney-General to his suitability of the courthouse for the Family Court of Federal counterpart. I refer honourable members to Australia as the Federal Court currently uses rooms a ruling by Speaker Plowman on 13 March 1980 which are the responsibility of the Attorney-General. recorded in Hansard, volume 349, page 6984, which I am sorry he left the Chamber and did not pursue states: the matter.

I point out to honourable members that matters raised. The issue I raise relates to the new $34 million during questions without notice or on the debate on the complex that is nearing completion and is to be motion for the adjournment of the House must relate opened in December. I ask the Treasurer, who is at directly to the Ministerial responsibility of the State the table, to refer the issue to the Attorney-General. Minister concerned. It subverts the purpose for which time for questions without notice or debate on the The SPEAKER - Order! I do not uphold the motion for the adjournment of the House is given if point of order raised by the honourable member for that course is not followed or if Federal matters are Malvern, but given the explanation provided by the raised simply with the object of having a State Minister honourable member for South Barwon, which was refer them to the Federal Minister. not apparent from his earlier contribution on the adjournment debate, I am now prepared to admit It is probably more direct if honourable members who the matter. have Federal problems approach the Federal Minister or the Federal colleague in their particular areas In view of the circumstances that have arisen tonight directly. I ask honourable members to adhere to that I will undertake to further review the admissibility general ruling in the future, otherwise there will be a of matters associated with Federal implications on lot of talk about Federal matters which relate to the the motion for the adjournment of the sitting. Federal Parliament and not to State Parliament. Responses Accordingly, I rule that the matter raised by the honourable member for South Barwon is out of Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - I concur order. wholeheartedly with the remarks of the honourable member for Bendigo West who has been a great rod, Mr LEIG" (Malvern) - On a point of order, Mr staff and comfort to me in the progress of this Speaker, I recall a recent occasion when the matter, in direct contradistinction from the honourable member for Pascoe Vale raised the leadership of the parties opposite. I was amazed to activities of various individuals concerning financial see in the excellent supplement of last week's matters and sought to have a Minister in this House Bendigo Advertiser, beautifully illustrated, reflecting take up the matter with the Federal Minister all the artwork that can be achieved with modern responsible for corporate affairs. technology, two contributions from the Deputy Leader of the National Party and the Leader of the At that time I raised a point of order and you, Mr Opposition. For more than half a page each, neither Speaker, ruled me out of order and allowed the of them managed to mention the move of the head honourable member for Pascoe Vale to continue office of my department to Bendigo. Not one raiSing the matter on the motion for the adjournment mention! of the sitting so that it could be taken up with the Federal Minister. Worse than that, both honourable members are on record as saying that, should a cloud pass over the ADJOURNMENT

994 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 3 October 1991 sun and they be elected at some future date, they Mr BAKER - It is historic! On the second matter will move the headquarters of the department back raised by the Deputy Leader of the National Party, I to Melbourne. That has caused a significant reaction agree and I am sure the honourable member is from the constituents of the honourable member for aware because he seems to gain access to my mail- Bendigo West and the temporary honourable member for Bendigo East - and he is really in a bit Honourable members interjecting. of trouble over this. This shift, I am told by civic leaders in Bendigo, has provided one of the biggest Mr BAKER - He has an occasional friend! confidence boosts to that area at a difficult time. I have told the egg industry that, given the Do you realise that the economic consequences for a deregulation in New South Wales and its regional economy like Bendigo are estimated -- consequences for egg producers in Victoria, its representatives need to come to me with ideas about Honourable members interjecting. how they propose to handle the problem. To achieve economies of scale and to be competitive, one The SPEAKER - Order! There are far too many answer may be to have quotas allowed beyond the interjections, making the Chamber sound like a 100 000 mark. lbat is a natural consequence of rabble house, and I particularly ask honourable market forces taking effect in this industry. members on my left to remain silent. Mr ROPER (Treasurer) - I shall direct the matter Mr BAKER - They are rabble on your left; they raised by the honourable member for Malvern to the are dreadful. They are a ragtag mob! attention of the appropriate Minister.

The consequences in economic terms for a regional The honourable member for Rodney raised concerns economy are estimated at $17 million a year, and about bus safety and transport. I shall draw that about $200 million during the next twenty years matter to the attention of the Minister for Transport. with all the second and third round consequences. The honourable member for Melbourne raised a The people who are taking opposition stances on serious issue about ongoing support for children this are you and you and you - Huey, Dewey and injured in road accidents, a matter that he has Louie - and the Victorian Farmers Federation. It discussed privately with me. I am well aware of his might be a good idea to have the VFF move its concern about this matter and perhaps it is one offices back to the bush where its constituents live appropriate for the Transport Accident Commission instead of being at 20 Collins Street. It should be to be asked to reconsider. Perhaps it should examine among the farmers who actually pay for its offices. its existing policy so that it does bear some ongoing responsibility for the cost of educating and You must understand the work will proceed. Hear preparing for life those children who are unfortunate me and hear me good! I want the VPSA, the VFF, enough to suffer permanent disabilities as a result of honourable members opposite and the people of road accidents. Bendigo especially to understand that it will go ahead. We will have 100 people in Bendigo by the The honourable member for South Barwon also first week in January. The chief scientist, Dr Keith raised a matter. He is out of his seat, and I know he Steele, has been appointed; he is in my office now - would like to get back to his South Barwon seat but, in fact, he has now moved to the seat in the Chamber normally occupied by the honourable member for Mr Rope: _. He is probably waiting to see you. Malvern! He raised a matter about the Family Court of Australia sittings in Geelong. I shall draw his Mr BAKER - Yes, he is taking up his comments to the attention of the Attorney-General. appointment. The head office address from the first week in January will be Bendigo. It will signal the The honourable member for Glen Waverley raised a most Significant devolution of power away from the matter that he has referred to on numerous capital city to a major provincial city in the history of occasions in Parliament. I am aware that there is this State. certainly not universal support among members of Parliament for the position he takes. Mr W. D. McGrath interjected. ADJOURNMENT

Thursday. 3 October 1991 ASSEMBLY 995

I must say his suggestion that he sought a statutory The honourable member for Keilor raised the issue declaration from Dr McKenzie saying he is alive is a of bank charges and the fact that small accounts can unique position, and one worries about what the be wiped out by the application of those charges. I penalty would be for someone who signed such a will ask the Minister for Consumer Affairs to statutory declaration when it was not true and consider the comments he has made. correct! Motion agreed to. We are also pleased that people do read Hansard to confinn that they are still alive and that they have House adjourned 5.46 p.m. until Tuesday, 8 been misrepresented. I will direct the comments of October. the honourable member for Glen Waverley to the attention of the Attorney-General. ASSEMBLY 996 QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

997 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 1 October 1991.

Tuesday, 1 October 1991.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

The following answers to questions on notice were circulated: VEHICLES - TRANSPORT

(Question No. 467) Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) asked the Minister for Transport: In respect of each department, agency or authority within his administration, how many officers/employees are allocated motor vehicles, indicating - (a) those with or without official government number plates; (b) the position or job classifications held by these officers/employees, including the respective salary levels; (c) the makes and models of these motor vehicles; and (d) whether these officers/employees pay fringe benefits tax with respect to their private use of the motor vehicles and, in that event, the average amount of fringe benefits tax paid? Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - The answer is: Ministry of Transport:

(a) The Ministry allocated eight (8) vehicles with private number plates to Senior Executive Service (SFS) officers.

(b) Position Number of Salary Range Classification Officers $

Director-General 1 123994 SES5 2 75091 SES3 5 65344

(c) Holden Berlina (1) Nissan Skyline (1) Ford Fairmont (1) Nissan Pintara (3) Mitsubishi Magna (1) Nissan Pulsar (1) Marine Board of Victoria:

(a) The Marine Board of Victoria allocated one (1) vehicle with private number plates.

(b) Position Number of Salary Classification Officers $

Chief Administrator 64373

(c) Nissan Pintara QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 1 October 1991. ASSEMBLY 998

Grain Elevators Board: (a) The Grain Elevators Board allocated four (4) vehicles with private number plates to officers.

(b) Position Number of Salary Range Classification Officers $

General Manager 1 69661~522 SES3 3 60 555-70 134

(c) Ford Faitmont (2) Nissan Skyline (1) Holden Berlina (1)

Transport Accident Commission: (a) The commission allocated six (6) vehicles with private number plates to officers.

(b) Position Number of Salary Range Classification Officers $

Chairman 1 106533 SES3 5 60 555-70 134

(c) Ford Faitlane (1) Mitsubishi Magna (2) Nissan Pintara (2) Toyota Camry (1)

Roads Corporation: (a) The Roads Corporation allocated 28 vehicles with private number plates to officers.

(b) Position Number of Salary Range Classification Officers $

Chief Executive 98191 SES5 4 69661~522 SES4 1 64 908-75 193 SES3 22 60 555-70 134

(c) Ford Fairlane (1) Mitsubishi Magna (16) Ford Fairmont (3) Ford Falcon (1) Holden Berlina (1) Nissan Pintara (4) Holden Camita (1) Toyota Camry (1) The Roads Corporation's vehicles registered with govenunent number plates are not assigned to officers. The vehicles are pool cars which are booked out as and when requited and generally returned daily. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

999 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 1 October 1991.

Public Transport Corporation: (a) The corporation allocated 54 vehicles with private number plates; 216 vehicles with official government number plates were assigned for divisional use in fulfilling operational requirements.

(b) Position Number of Salary Range· Classification Officers $

Chief Executive 106533 SES6 2 7555~7396 SES5 5 69661-80 522 SES4 8 64 908-75193 SES3 34 60 555-70 134 SES2 1 56 513-65 437 SES 1 3 51 976-60 162 Regional Manager/Officer 15 Group Manager Upfield and Special Projects Snr Safety Officer Welfare Counsellor 2 Employee Relations Officer 2 Loss Assessor, Ranger Engineer 29 Surveyor 2 Clerk of Works 7 Insp. Rail Flaws 1 Section Mngr Mech. Gangs Road Master /Foreman 6 Foreman 38 Timber Insp. 6 Mngr Communications Super. Signal & Commun. Linesman Signal Maintenance Tech. 2 Sig. & Constc. Officer 4 Super. Power Control 1 Super. MTC Substation 1 Substation Officer 3 Mngr Workshops 3 Mngr Material Support Supply Officer Coord. Freight Freight Manager, Ballt. Market Mngr Mngr Melb. Passenger Terminal Mngr Melb. Freight Terminal Mngr Melb. Parcel Depot Ops Mngr Dynon Super. Dynon Freight Asst. Super. Dynon Sales Reps/Marketing Mngr 41 Foreman Road Motors 1 Running Gear Repairer Srn Technical Officer Project Manager 1 Locksmith 3 QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 1 October 1991. ASSEMBLY 1000

(c) Ford Fairlane (1) Ford Fairmont (5) Ford Falcon Sed (4) Ford Falcon Ute (25) Ford Falcon S/W (8) Ford Falcon P /V (1) Ford F100 (2) Holden Commodore Sed (2) Holden Commodore S/W (1) Holden Camira Sed (33) Holden Camira S/W (6) Holden Ute (1) Mitsubishi Sigma Sed (8) Mitsubishi Sigma S/W (3) Mitsubishi Magna Sed (29) Mitsubishi Magna S/W (1) Mitsubishi Colt (2) Mitsubishi Van (2) Mitsubishi Ute (1) Nissan Pintara Sed (SO) Nissan Pintara S/W (12) Nissan Bluebird Sed (3) Nissan Bluebird S/W (1) Nissan Patrol (4) Nissan S/W (1) Toyota Camry Sed (19) Toyota Camry S/W (1) Toyota Corona Sed (9) Toyota Corona S/W (7) Toyota Corolla Sed (16) Toyota S/W (1) Toyota Ute (2) Toyota Landcruiser (2) Toyota HiLux (3) Toyota HiAce (1) Toyota Dyna (1) Mazda Van (1)

A number of Victoria Transport officers are on call for duty after normal hours. Under such circumstances, these officers are assigned pool cars from the agency's fleet. In answer to part (d) of the honourable member's question, there is no liability under taxation legislation on a government employee to pay fringe benefits tax (FBT). Green private registered vehicles are allocated to SES officers as part of their remuneration packages. SES officers make a contribution towards the private use of the vehicles. The above answer includes information as at 1 January 1991 in respect of agencies within the current Transport portfolio.

MEAT INSPECTORS

(Question No. 925) Mr DICKINSON (South Barwon) asked the Minister for Agriculture: In respect of Victorian meat inspectors who were transferred to the Commonwealth meat inspection service: 1. Whether these inspectors were offered the same conditions of service as the Commonwealth meat inspectors; if not, why? QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

1001 ASSEMBLY Tuesday. 1 October 1991.

2. How many inspectors have been made redundant since transferring to the Commonwealth. indicating - (a) the redundancy packages offered to each inspector; (b) whether these packages are the same as offered to Commonwealth inspectors and, in the event that they are not, why; and (c) how the redundancy packages now being offered differ from those offered or promised at the time of transfer? 3. Whether he will ascertain and inform the House of the redundancy packages to be offered to those inspectors still in the service?

Mr BAKER (Minister for Agriculture) - The answer is: 1. The conditions of service offered to Victorian meat inspectors transferred to the Commonwealth Meat Inspection Service were the same as those applicable to Commonwealth inspectors at the time. 2. I suggest the honourable member directs his question to the responsible authority, that being the Federal Department of Primary Industries and Energy. 3. As for point 2 above.

LAKE CORANGAMITE

(Question No. 990) Mr I. W. SMITH (Polwarth) asked the Minister for Conservation and Environment: In relation to Lake Corangamite: 1. What is the current water level? 2. What is the level proposed for the lake in the future, indicating - (a) how is it proposed to control that particular level; (b) what method of compensation will be offered to farmers disadvantaged by any change in the level; (c) who will benefit from any change in the level; and (d) from what source any costs involved will be funded?

Mr CRABB (Minister for Conservation and Environment) - The answer is: 1. The water level of Lake Corangamite on 5 September 1992 was 114.87 m AHD. 2. No future operating rules have yet been determined for Lake Corangamite. However a working group is currently aiming to meet the objectives of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee report, which are to achieve a balance between: protecting farming land from inundation; allowing sufficient water to enter Lake Corangamite to reduce its salinity and to reduce the amount of water diverted to the Barwon River system; and minimising the risk of uncontrolled spills. The working group is in the process of producing an options paper which deals with the issues of: changing lake levels; compensation to farmers affected; and funding arrangements. It is intended that a public consultation process would begin by early in the New Year.

ENHANCED RESIGNATION PACKAGE - TREASURY

(Question No. 1045) Mr GUDE (Hawthorn) asked the Treasurer: In respect of each department, agency and authority within his administration: 1. How many people have accepted the enhanced resignation package as at 30 August 1991? 2. What is the total value of these payouts? 3. Will the enhanced resignation package continue to be available after 30 August 1991?

Mr A. J. SHEEHAN (Acting Treasurer) - The answer is: 1. None. 2. N/A. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Tuesday, 1 October 1991. ASSEMBLY 1002

3. No. The enhanced resignation package is available only to those officers who expressed interest as of 30 August 1991.

VI'HC GRANTS - TREASURY

(Question No. 1091) Mr PERTON (Doncaster) asked the Treasurer: In respect of each department, agency or authority within his administration, whether any grants and/or contributions have been given to the Victorian Trades Hall Council and/or its affiliates since 1 July 1990; if so - (a) what was the amount given; (b) what was the purpose of the grant and/or contribution; (c) what documentation was provided in support of the grant and/or contribution; and (d) has any report or audit been prepared in respect of the use of the grant?

Mr A. J. SHEEHAN (Acting Treasurer) - The answer is: No grants and/or contributions have been given to th Victorian Trades Hall Council and / or its affiliates.

UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

(Question No. 1104) Mr PERTON (Doncaster) asked the Treasurer: In respect of analysis by or for the Policy and Statistics Branch of the Deparbnent of Treasury - (a) whether the Policy and Statistics Branch has detailed study lies of Victorian unemployment statistics which estimates unemployment and/or unemployment rates in each post code area; and (b) if so, what are the most recent statistics in respect of each post code area?

Mr A. J. SHEEHAN (Acting Treasurer) - The answer is: (a) No. (b) Not applicable. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

1003 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 2 October 1991.

Wednesday, 2 October 1991.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

The following answers to questions on notice were circulated: PUBLIC TRANSPORT PATRONAGE

(Question No. 931) Mr COOPER (Morning ton) asked the Minister for Transport: In respect of each of the years 1989-90 and 1990-91, what were the monthly or reporting period patronage figures, by each transport mode, for the Met and V/Line, respectively?

Mr SPYKER (Minister for Transport) - The answer is: The following tables provide patronage figures for each transport mode operated by the Public Transport Corporation. In comparing the higher level of rail patronage in 1989-90 with that in 1990-91 it should be noted that a significant factor in this was the boost in patronage on rail in 1989-90 as a result of customers shifting from tram to rail due to the MetTicket dispute. PTC PATRONAGE BY MODE/MARKET

METROPOLITAN SERVICES COUNTRY SERVICES (Million Hoardings) (Million Boardings)

Periods Train Tram Covt Inter- Regional Inter- 1989-90 Bus Urban State

1 7.22 9.10 2.09 0.280 0.153 0.032 2 6.90 9.17 2.15 0.221 0.144 0.043 3 7.45 8.96 2.05 0.249 0.149 0.065 4 7.77 9.05 1.99 0.276 0.191 0.058 5 7.25 8.59 1.95 0.232 0.157 0.061 6 7.17 7.93 1.78 0.236 0.187 0.059 7 5.67 3.22 1.61 0.218 0.176 0.053 8 7.90 1.69 2.28 0.254 0.193 0.043 9 8.42 7.80 2.03 0.263 0.160 0.049 10 8.60 7.72 1.89 0.277 0.158 0.046 11 6.11' 7.50 1.82 0.284 0.187 0.042 12 7.77 7.60 1.92 0.246 0.142 0.037 13 7.38 7.30 1.70 0.271 0.143 0.046

Total 95.62 95.60 25.25 3.307 2.140 0.634 Note: The period figures have been rounded off. Accordingly, the totals for the year may not equate exactly to the sum of the periods. QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

Wednesday, 1 October 1991. ASSEMBLY 1004

PTC PATRONAGE BY MODE/MARKET

METROPOLITAN SERVICES COUNTRY SERVICES (Million Boardings) (Million Boardings)

Periods Train Tram Govt lnter- Regional Inter- 1990-91 Bus Urban State

1 1.32 1.18 1.60 0.289 0.189 0.041 2 1.05 1.44 1.65 0.264 0.156 0.038 3 1.60 1.93 1.16 0.311 0.165 0.046 4 1.81 8.03 1.16 0.286 0.115 0.044 5 1.63 1.81 1.18 0.232 0.159 0.042 6 1.26 8.71 1.96 0.234 0.201 0.048 1 5.28 1.43 1.52 0.225 0.180 0.046 8 6.16 8.50 1.81 0.294 0.112 0.039 9 1.16 9.19 2.12 0.317 0.166 0.042 10 7.59 8.18 1.18 0.239 0.149 0.037 11 8.02 8.06 1.85 0.290 0.115 0.038 12 1.24 8.93 2.09 0.240 0.135 0.029 13 1.19 8.41 2.05 0.244 0.140 0.032

Total 94.51 105.86 23.13 3.466 2.162 0.523 Note: The period figures have been rounded off. Accordingly, the totals for the year may not equate exactly to the sum of the periods.

VTHC GRANTS - SMALL BUSINESS

(Question No. 1082) Mr PERTON (Doncaster) asked the Minister for Small Business: In respect of each department, agency or authority within his administration, whether any grants and/or contributions have been given to the Victorian Trades Hall Council and/or its affiliates since 1 July 1990; if so - (a) what was the amount given; (b) what was the purpose of the grant and/or contribution; (c) what documentation was provided in support of the grant and/or contribution; and (d) has any report or audit been prepared in respect of the use of the grant?

Mr KENNAN (Minister for Major Projects) - The answer is: No grants or contributions have been made by the Major Projects Unit to the Victorian Trades Hall Council or its affiliates since 1 July 1990.

INDEX

Spring 1991-VOLS 404,405

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

(Bills are listed alphabetically under "Bills" and questions on notice are listed in numerical sequence at end of index)

A Turnbull Research Institute, 1391, 1392, 1395. European Community, 1805. (See also "Primary Abattoirs - Closures, q 178, q 421, q 422, q 424, q 485, Industries'') 1063, 1472, 1476, q 1628, q 1629, 1700, q 1713, q 1716, Air Services - Aerospace and aviation industries, q 1960. Harrison inquiry, q 425, q 593. Operations, q 819. q 660, 738. Licences, 709, 710, 1134. Meat inspectors, 1471, 1475. (See also "Primary Industries - Meat") Alcohol - Cumulative effects, 1608. Aurora House detoxification centre, 1701. Aboriginal Affairs, Office of - Former Ministerial adviser, q 3, q 4, q 6, q 8, q 10, q 65, q 66, q 68, q 121, Alpine Resorts Commission - Sale of Mount Buller q 123, q 124. sites, 764. Charges, 934.

Accident Compensation Commission - Aluminium Smelters - Portland and Point Henry, Investigations of alleged practices, q 181. WorkCare 1560. Reports, 1964. reports, 304, 601, 1210, 1423, 1966. Legal case, 1702, q 1801. (See also 'WorkCare") Aluminium Smelters of Victoria Pty Lld - Report, 1964. Accident Compensation Tribunal - WorkCare reports, 304, 601, 1423. Property investments, q 486, Ambulance Services - Along South q 488. Australian-Victorian border, 1319. At Mornington and Hastings, 1633. Accident Compensation Tribunal Appeals Board - Arbitrators, q 1797, q 1799, q 1800. AMRAD Corporation Ltd - Report, 1964. Administrative Arrangements - Orders: Nos 92 to 96, 72; No. 97, 1210. Andrianopoulos, Mr Alex (St Albans) Adoption (See "Community Services Victoria - Australian and Overseas Telecommunications Cllildren") Corporation - Headquarters, q 243. Finance - Annual financing transaction, q 1632. Aged Services - Waverley Community Health Centre and Eastern Suburbs Geriatric Centre, 11. Anne Grievances, 746. Caudle Centre, 586. Housing - Government initiatives, q 1328. Keilor City Council-Offensive telephone calls, 746. Agriculture, Department of - Disease eradication, Planning - St Albans, 746. 171, 174. Meat industry: abattoirs, q 178, q 421, q 422, q 424, q 485, 709, 710, 1134, 1471, 1472, 1475, 1476, q 1628, q 1629, 1700, q 1713, q 1716, q 1960; Harrison Animals - Desexing of cats and dogs, 304, 890, 1274. inquiry, q 425, q 593; operations, q 660, 738. Ambulance service, 828. Pit bull-terriers, 880. (See Relocation of head office, q 184, 735,990, 993. also 'Wildlife'') Upstream marketing opportunities, q 426, q 428. Centre for International Economics report, q 426, Anne Caudle Centre, 586. q 428. Funding, 706,710. Rural schemes, q 1203, q 1550. Young Farmers movement, 1264. Keith (2) INDEX

Apprentices - Training, 1605. (See also "Labour, B Department of") Aradale Psychiatric Hospital- Report, 1964. Baker, Mr I. M. J. (Sunshine) (Minister for Agriculture) Abattoir and Meat Inspection (Amendment) Bill, n, Arts, The - Government initiatives, q 245. Melbourne 145,1049. International Festival of the Arts, q 485, q 1007. Abattoirs - Operations, q 660. Licences, 710, 1145. Non-government sector, q 1418. Meat inspectors, 1475. Closures, 1476, q 1629, q 1714, q 1716, q 1960. Asbestos - In Latrobe Valley power stations, 1188. Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill, 979, 982, Attorney-General's Department - Lady Nell "Seeing 983,984,985,986,987,988. Eye" Dog School, 238, 748. Treatment of prisoner at Agriculture, Department of - Disease eradication, Pentridge Prison, 481. Standing Committee of 174. Relocation of head office, q 184,993. Attorneys-General, q 1329. Discrimination against Upstream marketing opportunities, q 426. Meat university students, 1394. Compensation for cattle industry: operations, q 660; abattoirs, q 660, 710, theft, 1395. Bodies corporate, 1540, 1544. Blood 1145, 1475, 1476, q 1629, q 1714, q 1716, q 1960. sampling of crime suspects, 1583. Director of Public Funding, 710. European Community, 1810. Prosecutions, 1587. Collingwood (Victoria Park) Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 696. Land Act, 1790, 1793. (See also "Law Courts", "Law Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union­ Reform" and "Legal Profession") Abattoir closures, q 1629, q 1714, q 1716. Auditor-General - Report on Consolidated Fund, Cattle Compensation (Amendment) Bill, 492, 585, 1210. Report on Ministerial portfolios: finance 1025. Minister's response, q 12n, q 1960, 1964; Economic Centre for International Economics - Report, q 426. and Budget Review Committee report, 1804. Powers Companion Animals Bill, 1804,2028. and resources, q 1331. Independence, 1335. Criticism Conservation and Environment, Department of - by government, 1335. Land protection responsibilities, q 246. Aurora House Detoxification Centre, 1701. Corporate Affairs Victoria - Investigation of grain trader, 350. Dairy Industry Bill, 1973. Austin, Mr T. L. (Ripon) European Community - Agricultural agreement, Abattoir and Meat Inspection (Amendment) Bill, 1810. 1031. Grievances, 1559. Abattoirs - Licences, 1140. Members - Inaugural speech of honourable member Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill, 927, 985. for Shepparton, 1559. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 631. Ministry, The -Attendance of Ministers during adjournment debate, 350. Cattle Compensation (Amendment) Bill, 1020. Points of Order - Relevancy of document, 133. Use Conservation and Environment -Quarry fees, 117. of question time, 663. Reading of speeches, 862. Smythesdale refuse disposal site, 707. Quorums, 863. Deaths - Earnest Morton, Esq., 547. Primary Industries- Gaming Machine Control Bill, 93. Egg and Poultry - Hen quotas, 994. Racing (Betting Competitions and Mixed Sports) Bill, Meat - Bovine tuberculosis, 174. Operations, q 660. 1735. Abattoirs: licences, 710, 1145; meat inspectors, Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, 1475; closures, 1476, q 1629, q 1714, q 1716, q 1960. No. 2) Bill, 631. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 696.

Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union (See "Unions") Banks - Westpac Banking Corporation, 11,61. State Bank: redundancies, q 297; NSCA loans, 719, 1065; Australian and Overseas Telecommunications Mortlake branch, 878, 883; sale, q 1270, q 1273. Corporation - Headquarters, q 243. Charges, 992. Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Sports coverage, 170, 175. Barker, Mrs A. P. (Bentleigh) Australian Defence Industries, q 886, q 889. Animals - Desexing of cats and dogs, 304, 890,1274. Australian Securities Commission - Data processing Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 848. centre, Traralgon, 347, 350. Education and Training - Ormond Primary School, 1323. Aviation (See "Air Services") Finance - Relations with Commonwealth government, q 1625. Firearms - Uniform laws, q 3. Godfrey Street Community House, 1579. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (3)

Grievances, 1579. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Law Reform - Rape legislation, q 1007. No. 2) Bill, 461. Petitions - Desexing of cats and dogs, 304, 890, 1274. Solicitors Guarantee Fund and trust accounts, 1963. Bills- Solicitors Guarantee Fund, 1963. Abattoir and Meat Inspection (Amendment) Bill - Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board Introduction and first reading, 72; second reading, (Amendment) Bill, 1279. 145, 1026; Committee, 1051; remaining stages, 1052. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Aboriginal Land (Transfer) Bill - Introduction and No. 2) Bill, 848. first reading, 890; second reading, 965, 1281; appropriation, 1015; declared a private Bill, 1281; motion to treat as public Bill agreed to, 1281; Batchelor, Mr Peter (Thomastown) second and third-reading motions agreed to by absolute majority, 1286. Budget - Employment initiatives, q 298. Administration and Probate (Amendment) Bill (No. 2) - Comparisons with other State Budgets, q 824. Committee, 1317. Consumer Affairs - Customer receipts, 589. Administrative Appeals Tribunal (Planning) Bill Finance - Auditor-General's report on Ministerial (No. 2) - Second reading, 759, 1232; Committee, portfolios, q 1960. 1242, 1250; remaining stages, 1252. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 37. Adult, Community and Further Education Bill - Grievances, 753. Appropriation, 17. Withdrawn, 304. Housing, Former Ministry of - Payment to former Adult, Community and Further Education Bill (No. 2) - departmental head, 753. Introduction and first reading, 248; second Labour, Department of -International Labour reading, 325, 1101; appropriation, 602; remaining Organisation conventions, q 1717. stages, 1115. Council amendments dealt with, 1975. Petitions - Preschool funding, 185. Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill-Second reading, 919, 976; Committee, 982; remaining Planning - Proposed petrol station in Mill Park, 292. stages, 988. Points of Order - Answers to questions without Albury-Wodonga Agreement (Amendment) Bill - notice, 888. Scope of adjournment debate, 2038. Introduction and first reading, 1972; second Preschools - Funding, 185. reading, 2017; remaining stages, 2020. Taxation - Goods and services, 589. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1 )Bill- Introduction and first reading, 187; second reading, 187, 432, 492, 562, 602,669,829,891; concurrent debate, 432; Bayside Project, q 1626. declared an urgent Bill, 899; remaining stages, 918. Audit (Amendment) Bill (No. 2) - Introduction and Bicycles - Safety helmets, 539, 542. first reading, 1804; second reading, 2026. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (NMRB) BiII- Introduction and first reading, 72; Bildstien, Mr C. S. (Mildura) second reading, 143,970; appropriation, 947; Abattoir and Meat Inspection (Amendment) Bill, Committee, 972; third reading, 973. 1037. Borrowing and Investment Powers (Port Authorities) Adult, Community and Further Education Bill Bill - Introduction and first reading, 1134; second (No. 2), 1112. reading, 1523; appropriation, 1669. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 461. BUilding Control (Further Amendment) Bil/­ Conservation and Environment - Oil spill at Introduction and first reading, 72. Merbein, 240. Cattle Compensation (Amendment) Bill- Introduction Disability Services Bill, 213. and first reading, 492; second reading, 585, 1018; appropriation, 602; remaining stages, 1026. Education and Training - Murrayville Secondary College, 59, 881. Chiropractors and Osteopaths (Amendment) Bill (No. 2) - Introduction and first reading, 1133; Environment Protection Authority - Response to oil second reading, 1216, 1910. spill, 240. Companion Animals Bill - Introduction and first European Community - Agricultural agreement, reading, 1804; second reading, 2028. 1814. Constitution (Independence of Judges and Public Officers) Gaming Machine Control Bill, 96. Bill - Second reading, 1115, 1227; second-reading Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1370. motion agreed to by absolute majority, 1231; Native Vegetation Protection Bill, 1987. Committee, 1231; third-reading motion agreed to Parks - In Mallee region, 1120. by absolute majority, 1232. Public Transport - School bus services, 59, 881. Co-operation (Credit Co-operatives) BiII- Introduction Royal Botanic Gardens Bill, 1902. and first reading, 1075; second reading, 1155, 1535, 1600; appropriation, 1335; Committee, 1600; Shop Trading (Further Amendment) Bill, 1161. remaining stages, 1604. Council amendments dealt with,1994. (4) INDEX

Corporations (Victoria) (Amendment) BilI­ Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill-Introduction and Introduction and first reading, 247; second first reading, 1075; second reading, 1183, 1213, reading, 323, 1090; remaining stages, 1101. 1359; appropriation, 1335; second·reading motion Crimes (Bribery of Members of Parliament and Public agreed to by absolute majority, 1374; Committee, Officers) Bill - Second reading, 332; Committee, 1375; third reading, 1387; third· reading motion 345. agreed to by absolute majority, 1388. Crimes (Confiscation of Profits) (Amendment) Bill - Land (Revocations and Other Matters) BilI­ Introduction and first reading, 1075; second Introduction and first reading, 1075; second reading, 1151, 1670, 1753, 1820; appropriation, reading, 1185, 1449; appropriation, 1335; second 1335; second and third·reading motions agreed to and third·reading motions agreed to by absolute by absolute majority, 1822. Council amendments: majority,1454. dealt with, 1995; agreed to by absolute majority, Land Tax (Revision> Bill - Introduction and first 1998. reading, 1134; second reading, 1277,1755; Crimes (Fraud) BiIl- Introduction and first reading, appropriation, 1669, 1773; Committee, 1773, 1779; 1275; second reading, 1356,1423. remaining stages, 1779. Crimes (Rape) Bill - Introduction and first reading, Libraries (Amendment) Bill - Introduction and first 1972; second reading, 1998; remaining stages, 2016. reading, 1804; second reading, 2030. Crimes (Year and a Day Rule) BiII- Introduction and Litter (Amendment) Bill - Introduction and first first reading, 1074; second reading, 1149, 1525; reading, 72; second reading, 146, 1052, 1075; Committee, 1532; remaining stages, 1535. Committee, 1081; remaining stages, 1090. Council Dairy Industry Bill - Introduction and first reading, amendments dealt with, 1981. 1973. Local Government (Rating) Bill - Introduction and Defamation Bill- Introduction and first reading, first reading, 669; second reading, 754, 1303; 1719; second reading, 1819. appropriation, 829; Committee, 1317, 1424; third reading, 1447. Council amendments dealt with, Disability Seroices Bill - Second reading, 205, 279; 2023. remaining stages, 291. Council amendments dealt with,1975. Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill - Council amendments: dealt with, 1017; agreed to by Education (Teachers) Bill- Introduction and first absolute majority, 1018. reading, 1719; second reading, 1976. Melbourne Lands and Market Sites Bill - Introduction Emergency Seroices Superannuation (MFBSF Transfer) and first reading, 1487; second reading, 1593, 1894; BiIl- Introduction and first reading, 492; second appropriation, 1669; second and third·reading reading, 584,1217; appropriation, 602; remaining motions agreed to by absolute majority, 1895. stages, 1218. Council amendments: dealt with, 1980; agreed to Entertainment and Modelling Industry Agents Bill - by absolute majority, 1981. Introduction and first reading, 669; second Melbourne University (Hawthorn) BiIl- Introduction reading, 758, 1218; appropriation, 829; remaining and first reading, 890; second reading, 966, 1252; stages, 1227. appropriation, 1015; third reading, 1257. Council Environment Protection (Resource Recovery) BilI­ amendment dealt with, 1893. Introduction and first reading, 1075; second Melbourne University (VCAH) BiII- Introduction and reading, 1299, 1680; remaining stages, 1700. first reading, 1719; second reading, 1977. Fair Trading (Environmental Labelling) Bill­ Melbourne Water Corporation BiIl- Introduction and Introduction and first reading, 891. first reading, 1591; second reading, 1895. Friendly Societies (Reseroe Board) BiIl-Council National Rail Corporation (Victoria) Bill - Introduction amendments dealt with, 537. and first reading, 1134; appropriation, 1670; Gamirg Machine Control BiIl- Appropriation, 17, second reading, 1520, 1869; declared an urgent 195,829; second reading, 17,73; Committee, 107, Bill, 1889; second and third·reading motions 224,248,327; second and third·reading motions agreed to by absolute majority, 1893. agreed to by absolute majority, 329. Council National Tennis Centre (Amendment) Bill - amendments: dealt with, 1015; agreed to by Introduction and first reading, 1719; second absolute majority, 1016. Council suggested reading, 1822. amendments: dealt with, 1016; agreed to by absolute majority, 1017. Native Vegetation Protection Bill-Introduction and first reading, 669; second reading, 756, 1242; Gaming Machine Control (Cross·reference) Bill - remaining stages, 1250. Council amendments dealt Introduction and first reading, 1455; second with,1982. reading, 1488; remaining stages, 1489. Parliamentary Salaries and Superannuation Health (Infectious Diseases) Bill - Received from (Amendment) Bill - Introduction and first reading, Council and first reading, 224; second reading, 1275. 968, 1455; second and third·reading motions Police (Industrial Functions) Bill- Introduction and agreed to by absolute majority, 1470. first reading, 1275; second reading, 1355, 1780; Heritage Rivers Bill-Introduction and first reading, appropriation, 1670; remaining stages, 1786. 1275; second reading, 1352. Portarlington Land Bill - Introduction and first Land (Miscellaneous) Bill-Council amendments: reading, 1133; second reading, 1214, 1719; dealt with, 1979; agreed to by absolute majority, appropriation, 1670; declared a private Bill and 1980. motion to treat as public Bill agreed to, 1719; LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (5)

second and third-reading motions agreed to by 891; appropriation, 432; concurrent debate, 432; absolute majority, 1731. declared an urgent Bill, 899; remaining stages, 918. Public Account (Further Amendment) BiIl­ Introduction and first reading, 1804; second BLF Custodian - Report No. 16,430. reading, 2024. Racing (Betting Competitions and Mixed Sports) Bill­ Boolarra - Television reception, 118. Introduction and first reading, 1134; second reading, 1215, 1731; appropriation, 1670; Bread - Cartage pennits, 295. remaining stages, 1753. Brothels - Licensing of Canterbury premises, 236. Rental Bond Board Bill - Second reading, 110, 147; Committee, 170,329. Residential Tenancies (Fund) Bill - Introduction and Brown, Mr A. J. (Gippsland West) first reading, 1488; second reading, 1595. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 571. Retail Tenancies (Rent Review) Bill- Introduction and first reading, 1972; second reading, 2020; Gaming Machine Control Bill, 100. remaining stages, 2023. Grievances, 729. Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill- Introduction Ministry, The -Statement in debate by Minister for and first reading, 1134; second reading, 1519, 1844; Transport, 729. Committee, 1865; remaining stages, 1869. Council National Rail Corporation (Victoria) Bill, 1869, 1889. amendments dealt with, 2023. Points of Order - Answers to questions without Royal Botanic Gardens Bill - Introduction and first notice, 598, 1011, 1417. Adjournment debate: reading, 1487; second reading, 1591, 1898; relevancy of remarks, 1266. Reflections on appropriation, 1670; remaining stages, 1910. honourable members, 1549. Council amendments dealt with, 1981. Privileges Committee - Report, 1663. SI/op Trading (Further Amendment) Bill- Introduction Public Transport Corporation - Employee contracts and first reading, 946; second reading, 963, 1157; and payments, q 594, q 598, 729, q 823, q 825, Committee, 1183; remaining stages, 1183. q 826, q 1204, q 1206, q 1272, q 1329, q 1412, q 1417, State Insurance Office (Sale) Bill - Second reading, q 1482, q 1552. Staff reductions, q 600, q 1071. 1276, 1489; appropriation, 1424; Committee and Occupational health and safety officer, q 1008, remaining stages, 1508. Council suggested q 1010, q 1130. Duties of driver, 1188. Financial amendment and amendments dealt with, 1780. transactions, 1263. Appointments, q 1418. Freight State Trust Corporation of Victoria (Amendment) Bill - claims unit, q 1549. Committee, 107, 195,329; remaining stages, 205. Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill, 1852. Council amendments dealt with, 1973. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Teaching Seroice (Furtller Amendment) BiIl­ No. 2) Bill, 571. Introduction and first reading, 1487; second reading, 1595, 1834; appropriation, 1670; remaining stages, 1840. Budget - Federal, q 66. Borrowings, q 242. Deficit, Transport (Car Pooling) Bill - Council amendment q 244, q 1626. Process, 279. Employment initiatives, dealt with, 2023. q 298. Projections, q 301. Comparisons with other Vermin and Noxious Weeds (Poison Baits) Bil/­ State Budgets, q 824. Monitoring, q 1011. Opposition Introduction and first reading, 1275; second policies, q 1130. Economic and Budget Review read ing, 1354. Committee reports, 1487, 1965. (See also "Economy, Victoria University of Technology (Amendment) Bill­ The" and "Finance'') Introduction and first reading, 1275; second Building Code of Australia - Amendment No. 2, reading, 1356, 1824; remaining stages, 1834. 1633. Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board (Amendment) Bill- Introduction and first reading, Bureau of Crime Statistics - Report, 491. 890; second reading, 967, 1257, 1279, 1286; appropriation, 1015; third reading, 1299. Bus Services (See ''Public Transport'') Victorian Debt Retirement Fund (Amendment) Bill­ Introduction and first reading, 248; second Business of the House - Notices of motion, 305. reading, 324, 973; remaining stages, 976. Standing Orders Committee reports, 1210, 1965. Order, 1358. Victorian Supply Seroice Bill- Introduction and first reading, 1804; second reading, 2026. Vital State Industries (Works and Seroices) Bil/ - c Introduction and first reading, 1972. Water (Elections) Bill- Introduction and first Cain, Mr John (Bundoora) reading, 1275; second reading, 1351, 1840; Deaths - Earnest Morton, Esq., 546. Major General remaining stages, 1843. Sir Rohan Delacombe, KCMG, KCVO, KBE, CB, Works and Seroices (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, 050,1710. No. 2) Bill - Introduction and first reading, 248; second reading, 324, 432, 492, 562, 602, 669, 829, Caloola Training Centre, q 9, q 945. (6) INDEX

Casinos - For Melbourne, q 4, q 593, q 823. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 508. Censorship - Film, literature and television, 171, 1392. Classification of Films and Publications Act, 1803. (See also "Violence") Coghill, Or Ken (Werribee) (See "Speaker, The (Hon. Ken Coghill)"} Centre for International Economics - Report on value adding in the agricultural sector, q 426, q 428. Cole, Mr N. D. (Melbourne) Chairman of Committees, The (Mr T. R. Norris) Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 688. Rulings and Statements - Coode Island - Fire, q 121, q 178. Debate -Scope, 1375, 1376, 1377, 1378, 1426, 1427. Grievances, 1571. Relevancy of remarks, 1384. Capacity of Melbourne City Council- Bribery allegations, 1702 Committee to discuss clause, 1385, 1386. 2042. ' Divisions - Error in list, 1447. Personal Explanations - Absence during division, Rulings and Statements as Deputy Speaker - 142l. Debate - Imputations, 644. Interjections, 735. Planning - Land in Park Street, Carlton, 157l. Relevancy of remarks, 1828, 183l. Property development in Melbourne, 1702, 2042. Distinguished Visitors, 1565. Rental Bond Board Bill, 155. Melbourne Lands and Markef Sites Bill - Absolute Tourism - Melbourne Now campaign, q 715. majority, 1895. Transport Accident Commission - Juvenile traffic accident victims, 989. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Children (See "Community Services Victoria­ No. 2) Bill, 688. Clzildren" and "Preschools")

Chiltern Water Board, 1539. Coleman, Mr C. G. (Syndal) Christmas Felicitations, 2032. Abattoir and Meat Inspection (Amendment) Bill, 1046. Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill, 976, 982, Clark, Mr R. W. (Balwyn) 983,987,988. Alpine Resorts Commission - Sale of Mount Buller Administration and Probate (Amendment) Bill sites, 764. (No. 2), 1318, 1319. Appropriation (1991-92, No. I) Bill, 647. Administrative Appeals Tribunal (Planning) Bill (No. 2), 1238. Business of the House - Notices of motion, 305. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 508. Conservation and Environment - Land protection responsibilities, q 246. Dingo farm raid, 557, 1265. Brothels - licenSing of Canterbury premises, 236. Disability Services Bill, 287. Co-operation (Credit Co-operatives) Bill, 16Ol. Heritage Rivers Bill, 1353. Crimes (Bribery of Members of Parliament and Public Officers) Bill, 337. Keith Turnbull Research Institute - Restructure 1392. ' Crimes (Confiscation of Profits) (Amendment) Bill, 1676. Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1366, 1375. Crimes (Rape) Bill, 2008. Melbourne Water - Structure, 934. Crimes (Year and a Day Rule) Bill, 1529, 1533. Melbourne Water Corporation Bill, 1895, 1898. Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1381, 1386. Native Vegetation Protection Bill, 1245. Land Tax (Revision) Bill, 1278, 1763, 1776, 1777, 1778, Ombudsman - Report on dingo farm raid, 557. 1779. Parliament House - Safety in Chamber, 1591. Law Institute of Victoria - Use of Solicitors Points of Order - Relevancy of document, 133. Guarantee Fund, 708. Quotation from current debate, 458. Reflections on Legal Profession - Solicitors Guarantee Fund, 708. Auditor-General, 1265. Relevancy of remarks, 1383, 1384. Insufficient infonnation given to allow Litter (Amendment) Bill, 1059, 1082, 1083, 1084, 1085, members to vote on motion, 1389. Scope of debate, 1086, 1087, 1088. 1427. Order of call, 1560. Local Government (Rating) Bill, 1307. Portarlington Land Bill, 1724. Points of Order - Capacity of Committee to discuss Public Transport - Syndal railway station, 347. clause, 1384. Royal Botanic Gardens Bill, 1907. Retail Tenancies (Rent Review) Bill, 2022. Statutory Rules - Disallowance, 1598. State Insurance Office (Sale) Bill, 1500. Water - Amalgamation of water boards, 62. State Trust Corporation of Victoria (Amendment) Bill, 195, 198,201,203. Wilson's Promontory Marine Park, 1122. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (7)

Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Consumer Affairs - No. 2) Bill, 647. General - National Fire and Security Pty Ltd, 62. Customer receipts, 589. Liquor industry, 751. Telephone canvassing, 879. Bogus tradesmen, 935, Collingwood Football Club - Agreement with 938. Bank charges, 992. Total Care Benefit Society Collingwood City Council, 1790, 1793. Ltd, 1064. Labelling of imported food, 1475. Commonwealth-State Relations - Disability Ministry - Performance, 947. agreement, 172, 175. Discussions between Premier and Prime Minister, q 821, q 885. Employment Coode Island - Fire, q 121, 173, q 178. strategies, q 1420. Fiscal equalisation, q 1625. (See also "Premiers Conference'') Cooper, Mr R. F. (Morning ton) Community Services Victoria - Ambulance Services - At Mornington and Hastings, Children - Intercountry adoption, 479, q 487. Foster 1633. care, 540. Single-track child protection program, Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 532. q 597. Abuse, 1422, q 1484. Protective services, 1508. Report on child protection system, q 1630. Business of the House - Notices of motion, 305. (See also "Preschools'') Community Services Victoria - Maternal and child Department - Mission of St James and St John, 345. health services, 601. Shire of Cranbourne Ministerial panel of inquiry into the death of DV, community centres, 651. 1633. Grievances, 1581. General - Community health program, 12. Labour, Department of - Lift and crane inspections, Neighbourhood House Week, 116, 119, q 300. 1581. Commonwealth-State Disability Agreement, 172, Litter (Amendment) Bill, 1056, 1082, 1083, 1085, 1086. 175. Maternal and child health services, 294, 296, Local Government (Rating) Bill, 1425, 1430, 1434, 303,430,601. Shire of Cranbourne community 1442,1448. centres, 651. Family planning services, 718. Deinstitutionalisation program, 744. Care-Force National Rail Corporation (Victoria) Bill, 1884. North East, 946. Women's refuge in Wangaratta, Petitions - Maternal and child health services, 601. 1121. Non-government welfare agencies, q 1129. Ambulance stations at Mornington and Hastings, Sandringham Community Health Coordinating 1633. Committee, 1261, 1268. Godfrey Street Planning - Proposed development at French Island, Community House, 1579. Economic and Budget 1787. Review Committee report on community service Points of Order - Withdrawal of allegations, 644. obligations, 1964. (See also "Aged Services") Absence of Treasurer during Budget debate, 670. Intellectual Disability Seroices - Caloola Training Reflections on members, 727. Reading of speeches, Centre, q 9, q 945. Staff malpractice in institutions, 728. Adjournment debate: reference to detail not 653. Moorakyne hostel, 766. Report on Aradale raised, 1193. Psychiatric Hospital, 1964. (See also Privileges Committee - Report, 1652. "Handicapped Persons'') Public Transport Corporation - Employee contracts Youtll -Government policies, 127. Homelessness, and payments, q 596. 348, 350. Protective services, 1508. Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill, 1844, 1865, Conservation and Environment - 1866. Department - Land protection responsibilities, q 246. Water (Elections) Bill, 1841. Salinity programs, q 246. Dingo farm raid, 557, WorkCare - Loopholes in legislation, 1474. 562, 1265. Relocation of head office, 735. Restructure, 1486. Transfer of railway reserves: Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Yinnar,541,543; Rushworth, 1791, 1793. No. 2) Bill, 532. General - Quarry fees, 117. Pollution of Port Phillip Bay, 171. Recycling: of paper products, 237; Corporate Affairs - Business conduct and practices, Recycle 2000 plan, q 489. Oil spill at Merbein, 240. 725. Environment Protection Authority, 240, q 1418. Altona grasslands, 590. Use of proclaimed Corporate Affairs Victoria - Investigation of grain wilderness areas, 654. Smythesdale refuse disposal trader, 349, 350. site, 707. Illegal wildlife export, q 822. Above-ground tip, Wantirna, q 1010. Sewage Corrections, Office of - Prisoners: female, q 183; at discharge at Boag's Rock, Cape Schanck, 1014. Pentridge, 481; access to telephones, q 1074. Vermin and noxious weeds, 1065, 1067. Wilson's Promontory Marine Park, 1122. Corio Bay, 1209. Goldfish ulcer disease, 1262. Lough Calvert Crabb, Mr S. M. (Knox) (Minister for Tourism, and Drainage Trust, 1262. National approach to Minister for Conservation and Environment) environmental issues, q 1482. Chiltern Water Board, 1539. Snakes in Keilor, 1542. Code of Practice Conservation and Environment - for Exploration and Rehabilitation of Exploration Sites, Department - Dingo fann raid, 562. Transfer of 1804,1822. railway reserve, Rushworth, 1793. (8) INDEX

General - Recycle 2000 plan, q 489. Illegal wildlife Deaths - Earnest Morton, Esq., 545. Major General Sir export, q 822. Above-ground tip, Wantirna, q 1010. Rohan Delacombe, KCMG, KCVO, KBE, CB, DSO, Vermin and noxious weeds, 1067. 1707. Environment Protection Authority - Performance, q 1418. Environment Protection (Resource Recovery) Bill, Delzoppo, Mr J. E. (Narracan) 1075, 1299, 1303. Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill, 931. Heritage Rivers Bill, 1275, 1352, 1354. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 691. Keith Turnbull Research Institute - Allegations of Deaths - Major General Sir Rohan Delacombe, corruption, 1395. Restructure, 1395. KCMG, KCVO, KBE, CB, DSO, 1712. Land (Miscellaneous) Bill, 1979. Education and Training - Overpayment of teacher, Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1075, 1183, 1213, 1123. 1373, 1376, 1378, 1380, 1381, 1382, 1387. Local Government (Rating) Bill, 756, 1303, 1424, 1428, Land (Revocations and Other Matters) Bill, 1075, 1430, 1438, 1439, 1442, 1443, 1444, 1448. 1185,1454. Parliament of Victoria Committee - Progress report, Litter (Amendment) Bill, 72, 146, 1081, 1083, 1084, 1964. 1085, 1086, 1087, 1088, 1089, 1090, 1982. Petitions - Preschool funding, 127, 304. Sunday Local Government (Rating) Bill, 754,756. trading, 555. Melbourne lands and Market Sites Bill, 1487, 1593, Points of Order - Questions without notice: 1980. relevancy of answers, 125,429,599,820,942,943, Melbourne Water Corporation Bill, 1591, 1896. 1202; debating, 301, 422, 428, 488, 1070, 1715; use Members - Theft from electorate office, 1395. of question time, 666; admissibility, 1419. Absence Threatening telephone calls, 1395. of Treasurer during Budget debate, 669. Motion to treat as public Bill, 970. Scope of debate, 1427. Native Vegetation Protection BiII, 669, 756, 758, 1249, Error in division list, 1447. 1987. Preschools - Funding, 127, 304. Ombudsman - Report on dingo farm raid, 562. Public Bodies Review Committee - Discussion Points of Order - Questions without notice: raising paper on corporatisation, 1333. of points of order, 665, 667; relevancy of answers, 1413, 1417, 1484, 1717; debating, 1715. Scope of Trading Hours -Sunday, 555. debate, 815, 1375, 1377, 1378. Reflections on Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, members, 816. Attendance of Ministers during No. 2) Bill, 691. adjournment debate, 1191. Relevancy of remarks, Rulings and Statements as Acting Speaker - 1376. Incorrect imputation, 1648. Debate - Relevancy of remarks, 214,1782, 1785. Portarlington Land Bill, 1133, 1214, 1719, 1730. Portarlington Land BilI- Declared a private Bill, Privileges Committee - Report, 1649. 1719. Absolute majority, 1719. Public Transport - Railway land, Rushworth, 1793. Royal Botanic Gardens BiII, 1487, 1591, 1981. Dickinson, Mr H. R. (South Barwon) Statutory Rules - Disallowance, 1598. Teaching Service (Further Amendment) Bill, 1595. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 700. Tourism -Goods and services tax, q 1957. Crimes (Rape) Bill, 2007. Vermin and Noxious Weeds (Poison Baits) Bill, 1275, Deaths - Major General Sir Rohan Delacombe, 1354. KCMG, KCVO, KBE, CB, 050, 1711. Victorian Tourism Commission -Staff, q 1799. Land (Revocations and Other Matters) Bill, 145l. Water (Elections) Bill, 1275, BSI. law Courts - Family Court, Geelong, 990. Wildlife - Illegal export, q 822. Points of Order - Adjournment debate: matters to relate to Ministerial responsibility, 993. PortarIington Land Bill, 1723. Crime (See "Victoria Police - Crime") Works and Services (AnciIlary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 700.

Cunningham, Mr D. J. (Derrimut) Distinguished Visitors, 177,421, 1547, 1565, 1588, Casinos - For Melbourne, q 823. 1625, 1707, 1953. Manufacturing and Industry Development­ Investment in public infrastructure, q 1714. Divisions - Agricultural and Veterinary Cllemicals Bill, 98l. D Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill- Motion for extension of time, 503. Dangerous Goods -Storage, q 121, 173, q 178. Crimes (Year and a Day Rule) Bill, 1534. Transport, 348. Disallowance of Statutory Rule, 1599. Caming Machine Control Bill, 252, 264, LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (9)

Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1360, 1374. Ministry - Payment to former chief executive, q 660, Local Government (Rating) Bill, 1437. q 713, 988. Melbourne Water Corporation Bill, 1898. Post-Secondary - Loddon/Campaspe College of National Rail Corporation (Victoria) Bill, 1889, 1890. TAFE,118. Native Vegetation Protection Bill, 1993. Schools, Post-Primary - Murrayville Secondary College, 59, 64, 881, 883. Jamieson Park Secondary Privileges Committee - Report, 1666. College, 174. Rutherglen High, 292. Rmtal Bond Board Bill, 169,331. Schools, Primary - St Albans East, 539. Jells Park, 588. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Yarra Park, 706. Mooroolbark East, 878. Camp No. 2) Bill - Motion for extension of time, 503. Hill, 1063. Wantirna, 1263. Ormond, 1323. Schools, Special - Montague Continuing Education Centre, 1422, 1553, 1802. Divisions Debated - Absence of member, 1421. Bells, 1422. Correction of lists, 1633. Position of member, Students - Bus services, 59, 64, 653, 656,765,768, 1893. 881,883. Transport concession cards, 240, 241. VCE rural, 1605, 1609. Teachers -Classification, 1014. Overpayment, 1123. Dollis, Mr Demetri (Richmond) Industrial agreements, 1963. Abattoirs, 1472. Casinos - For Melbourne, q 4. Elder, Mr S. N. (Ballarat North) Economy, The - Public management strategy, 322. Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill, 928. Government, The - Performance, 322. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 576. Grievances, 732. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 51. Law Reform - Uniform contempt and defamation Privileges Committee - Report, 1662. laws, q 180. Public Transport Corporation - Fraudulent Meat Industry - Camperdown abattoir, 1472. expenses claim, q 1011. Corporate plan, q 1073. Points of Order - Reading of speeches, 738. Racing (Betting Competitions and Mixed Sports) Bill, Pronunciation of word, 1204. Adjournment 1742. debate: Minister's reply, 1476. Reflections on members, 1578. Teaching Service (Further Amendment) Bill, 1838. Privileges Committee - Report, 1660. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 576. Small Business - Taxation costs, q 1205. Taxation - Goods and services, 732, q 1205. Employment (See "Labour, Department of - Employment") Driver Education Centre of Australia - Training, 63, 64. Reports, 1964. Environment (See "Conservation and Environment")

Drivers (See "Roads Corporation - General") Environment Protection Authority - Response to oil spill, 240. Performance, q 1418. Duck Hunting - Rights of shooters, 1568. Equal Opportunity - Homosexuality, 11.

E Equal Opportunity, Commissioner for - Former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, q 3, q 4, q 6, q 8, Eastside Project - Jolimont development, q 1626. q 10, q 65, q 66, q 68, q 121, q 123, q 124. Economic and Budget Review Committee - Membership, 601. Reports: Budget Estimates, 1487, Emst, Mr G. K. (Bellarine) 1965; A uditor-General's report on Ministerial portfolios, 1804; community service obligations, Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 629. 1964. Auditor-General- Powers and resources, q 1331. Major Projects - Old Treasury building, 1801. Economy, The - Federal Budget for 1991-92, q 66. State debt, q 179, q 181, q 182, q 183, q 242, q 1269, Manufacturing and Industry Development- q 1625, q 1632. Budget: deficit, q 244; projections, Textile, clothing and footwear industries, q 942. q 301. Public management strategy, 306. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Government initiatives, q 551. Commonwealth-State No. 2) Bill, 629. initiatives, q 885. Micro-economic reform, q 1954. (See also "Finance'1 Ethnic Affairs - Police raids, 1393. Education and Training - Finance - Budget cuts, 1487. European Community - Agricultural agreement, 1805. General - Integration program, 186,989,994. Apprenticeship training, 1605. (l0) INDEX

Evans, Mr B. J. (Gippsland East) Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Deaths - Major General Sir Rohan Delacombe, No. 2) Bill, 862. KCMG, KCVO, KBE, CB, DSO, 1712. Petitions - Preschool funding, 1803. Gavin, Mr P. M. (Coburg) Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill, 1865, 1867, 1869. Air S.. rvices - Aerospace and aviation industries, q Rulings and Statements as Acting Speaker - 819. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 529. Debate - Relevancy of remarks, 1857, 1858, 1863. Caloola Training Centre - Proposed closure, q 9. Economic and Budget Review Committee - Reports Extractive Industries -Quarry fees, 117. on Budget Estimates, 1487, 1965. Gaming Machine Control Bill, BO. F Law Courts - Baby M case, 1788, 1961. Manufacturing and Industry Development- Farrow Group - Pyramid Building Society bond offer, Aerospace and aviation industries, q 819. 938,939,1606,1610. Personal Explanation - Baby M case, 1961. Petitions - Sunday trading, 70, 185. Preschool Finance - Debt reduction strategy, q 179, q 182, q 183, funding, 185, 186,304. q 1269, q 1625, q 1632. Government borrowings to Preschools - Funding, 185, 186,304. finance redundancies, q 181. Budget borrowings, q 242. State Budget comparisons, q 824. Right to Life Association of Victoria, 1788, 1961. Auditor-General's report on Ministerial portfolios, State Electricity Commission - Lighting in q 1272, 1804, q 1960, 1964. Relations with Goonawarra estate, 707, 764. Commonwealth government, q 1625. Consolidated Trading Hours - Sunday, 70, 185. Fund transactions, q 1626, q 1627, q 1631. Annual Transport Accident Commission - Perfonnance, financing transactions, q 1632. q181. Firearms - Uniform laws, q 3. Urban Land Authority - Lighting in Goonawarra estate, 764. Food - Labelling, 1475. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 529.

Fordham, Mr R. C. (Footscray) Geriatric Services (See" Aged Services") Manufacturing and Industry Development - Mobil refinery, Altona, q 887. Government, The - Confidence, q 297. Performance, 306. Economic initiatives, q 551. (See also "Commonwealth-State Relations" and "Premiers Foster Care (See "Community Services Victoria - Conference") CI,i/dren") Grievances, 431, 719, 1423, 1554. G

Gambling (See "Casinos") Gude, Mr P. A. (Hawthorn) Abattoirs -Closures, q 424, q 1716. Gaming - Applications for licences, 1539. Aboriginal Affairs, Office of - Former Ministerial adviser, q 6, q 124. Accident Compensation Commission - Legal case, Garbutt, Mrs S. M. (Greensborough) 1702. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 862. Accident Compensation Tribunal- Property Arts, The - Government initiatives, q 245. investments, q 488. Corrections, Office of - Female prisoners, q 183. Accident Compensation Tribunal Appeals Board - Crimes (Rape) Bill, 2012. Arbitrators, q 1797, q 1799, q 1800. Entertainment and Modelling Industry Agents Bill, Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 607. 1224. Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union­ Environment Protection Authority - Performance, Abattoir closures, q 424, q 1716. q 1418. Business of the House - Notices of motion, 305. Melbourne Commercial College Pty Ltd, 587. Community Services Victoria - Maternal and child Petitions - Sunday trading, 669. health centres, 303. Roads Corporation - Western ring-road, 1607. Consumer Affairs, Ministry of - Performance, 947. Trading Hours - Sunday, 669. Crimes (Bribery of Members of Parliament and Public Officers) Bill, 336. Entertainment and Modelling Industry Agents Bill, 1218. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (11)

Equal Opportunity, Commissioner for - Former Petitions - Preschools: funding, 303. Milk industry Minister 'for Aboriginal Affairs, q 6, q 124. deregulation, 491. Grievances, 719. Planning - Transfer of railway land, 541. Labour, Department of - Payments to arbitrators, Preschools - Funding, 303. q 1797, q 1799, q 1800. Timber Industry - Resource recovery, 237. Law Courts -Indemnity of government employees, Total Care Benefit Society Ltd, 1064. 1702. Geelong Magistrates Court records, 2041. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Meat Industry - Abattoir closures, q 424, q 1716. No. 2) Bill, 473. Ministry, The - Former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, q 6, q 124. Role of former Treasurer in NSCA loans affair, 719, 1065. Handicapped Persons - Commonwealth-State National Safety Council of Australia - State Bank Disability Agreement, 172, 175. School and loans, 719, 1065. preschool integration program, 186. (See also Parliament - Televising of proceedings, 1213. "Community Services Victoria - Intellectual Disability Services'') Petitions - Maternal and child health centres, 303. Preschool funding, 127, 303. Points of Order - Personal explanations, 11. Harrowfield, Mr D. (Mitcham) (Minister for Small Questions without notice: length of answers, 247, J. Business) 661, 1131; tabling of documents, 550; relevancy, 657, 1006, 1009; use of ques~ion time, 663; Adult, Community and Further Education Bill debating, 714. Quorum, 863. Offensive remarks, (No. 2), 1115. 864. Reading of speeches, 864. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 679. Police (Industrial Functions) Bill, 1780. Points of Order - Hypothetical question, 1206. Portarlington Land Bill, 1727. Small Business - Taxation costs, q 1205. Retail Preschools - Funding, 127,303. tenancy at Altona Gate shopping centre, 1475. Public Transport Corporation - Employee contracts Taxation - Goods and services, q 1205. and payments, q 657, q 716, q 824, q 1007, q 1208, Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board q 1330, q 1415, q 1483, q 1550. Occupational health (Amendment) Bill, 1299. and safety officer, q 1128. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Residential Tenancies (Fund) Bill, 1597. No. 2) Bill, 679. Shop Trading (Further Amendment) Bill, 1157. State Bank Victoria - NSCA loans, 719, 1065. Vital State Industries (Works and Services) Bill, 1972. Hayward, Mr D. K. (Prahran) Westpac Banking Corporation - Statements made Animals - Ambulance service, 828. by honourable member for Wantirna, 11, 61. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 562. WorkCare Appeals Board - Appointments, q 1799, Education and Training - Teacher classifications, q 1800. 1014. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Petitions - Animal ambulance service, 828. Band 4 No. 2) Bill, 607. primary teachers, 1014. Victorian Secondary Teachers Association, 1963. Royal Botanic Gardens Bill, 1899. Guns (See "Firearms") Teaching Service (Further Amendment) Bill, 1487, 1834. H Victoria Police - Crime in Prahran, 1323. Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board Hamilton, Mr K. G. (Morwell) (Amendment) Bill, 1257. Agriculture, Department of - Rural assistance Victorian Secondary Teachers Association, 1963. schemes, q 1203. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 473. No. 2) Bill, 562. Asbestos - In Latrobe Valley power stations, 1188. Attorney-General's Department - Discrimination Hazardous Materials (See "Dangerous Goods'') against university students, 1394. Australian Securities Commission - Data processing Health - Sudden infant death syndrome, q 299. centre, Traralgon, 347. Budget cuts, 586. Aurora House detoxification Australian Timber and Allied Industries Union - centre, 1701. Paediatric services plan, 2038. (See also Resource recovery, 237. "Community Services Victoria" and "Hospitals") Boolarra - Television reception, 118. Health Computing Services Victoria - Report, 1964. Conservation and Environment - Use of proclaimed wilderness areas, 654. Goldfish ulcer disease, 1262. Dairy Industry - Deregulation, 491. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 30. (12) INDEX

Heffeman, Mc V. P. (Ivanhoe) Honeywood, Mc P. N. (Warrandyte) Abattoir and Meat Inspection (Amendment) Bill, Accident Compensation Tribunal - Property 1042. investments, q 486. Appropriation (1991-92, No. I) Bill, 852. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 617. Employment - Opportunities, 1322. Education and Training - Mooroolbark East Gaming - Applications for licences, 1539. Primary School, 878. Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1366. Environment Protection (Resource Recovery) Bill, Land Tax (Revision) Bill, 1762. 1303,1680. Local Government (Rating) Bill, 1308. Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1359, 1375, 1376, 1379, 1380, 1382, 1386. Municipalities - Rate increases, 765. Land (Revocations and Other Matters) Bill, 1449, Premiers Conference - Employment initiatives, 1322. 1451. Public Transport Corporation - Employee contracts Litter (Amendment) Bill, 1052, 1081, 1083, 1084, 1085, and payments, q 597. 1086, 1088, 1089. Rental Bond Board Bill, 159. Melbourne Lands and Market Sites Bill, 1894. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Points of Order - Answers to questions without No. 2) Bill, 852. notice, 888. Scope of debate, 1378. Relevancy of remarks, 1383. Capacity of Committee to discuss clause, 1386. Hill, Mrs J. M. (Frankston Nort~) Portarlington Land Bill, 1719. Law Reform - Standing Committee of Royal Botanic Gardens Bill, 1898. Attorneys-General, q 1329. Urban Land Authority -Selection of real estate Neighbourhood Houses - Government support, agents, 1703. q300. Veneto Trade Delegation, 1542. Petitions - Parliament station, 555. Misuse of Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, women in advertising, 1133. No. 2) Bill, 617. Public Transport - Parliament station, 555. Safety and cleanliness, q 1012. Women - AdvertiSing, 1133. Hospitals - Maffra District, 237, 1963. Ballarat Base, 294. Elmore District, 430, 478, 1014, 1963. Chiltern and District Bush Nursing, 587. Fairfield, 1133, 1633, Hirsh, Mrs C. D. (Wantirna) 1718, 1963. Koroit and District Memorial, 1210. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 636. Mordialloc-Cheltenham Community, 1473. Aradale Psychiatric, 1964. Christmas Felicitations, 2036. Conservation and Environment - Above-ground House Committee - Reports: on Budget process, 279; tip, Wantirna, q 1010. on passive smoking, 1964. Consumer Affairs - National Fire and Security Pty Ltd,62. Housing (See ''Planning and Housing - Housing") Education and Training - Wantirna Primary School, Housing, Fonner Ministry of - Payment to former 1263. department head, 753. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 73. National Fire and Security Pty Ltd, 62. Hydrotherapy - Waverley Community Health Centre and Eastern Suburbs Geriatric Centre, 11. Planning - Former police stations at Boronia and Bayswater, 1321. Points of Order -Imputations, 988. Unparliamentary remarks, 1294. Public Transport - Light rail link to Knox, 480. Knox Industrial Affairs (See ''Labour, Department of­ bus stop shelters, 881. Industrial Affairs" and "Unions") Rental Bond Board Bill, 147. Industry (See ''Manufacturing and Industry Roads Corporation - Boronia and Dorset roads Development'1 intersection, 2039. Victoria Police - Administration, q 10. Location of 24-hour stations, q 825. Violence against women, J 937, q 1797. Women - Violence, 937, q 1797. Jasper, Mc K. S. (Murray Valley) Works and Services (Ai cillary Provisions, 1991-92, Agriculture, Department of - Funding, 706. No. 2) Bill, 636. Alpine Resorts Commission - Charges, 934. Appropriation (1991-92, No. I) Bill, 869. Bicycles - Safety helmets, 539. Business of the House - Notices of motion, 305. Chiltern Water Board - Funding, 1539. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (13)

Consumer Affairs, Ministry of - Performance, 955. Jolimont - Eastside project, q 1626. Education and Training - Rutherglen High School, 292. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 74. Jolly, Mr R. A. (Doveton) Grievances, 751. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 503. Hospitals - Chiltern and District Bush Nursing, 587. Manufacturing and Industry Development - Food Legal and Constitutional Committee - Reports; processing industry, q 1201. subordinate legislation, 556, 761, 1133, 1965. Tricontinental Corporation Ltd - Bad debts, q 123. Liquor Licensing Commission - Operations of WorkCare - Performance, q 7. industry, 751. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, National Rail Corporation (Victoria) Bill, 1878. No. 2) Bill, 503. Points of Order - Answers to questions without notice, 1073. K Preschools - Funding, 59. Public Transport Corporation - Occupational health Keith Tumbull Research Institute - Allegations of and safety officer, 1073. corruption, 1391, 1395. Restructure, 1392, 1395. Roads Corporation - Hume Freeway project, 115. Shop Trading (Further Amendment) Bill, 1172. State Electricity Commission - Payment of union Kennan, Mr J. H. (Broad meadows) (Deputy Premier, officials' salaries, q 485. Attorney-General, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Major Projects) Statutory Rules - Review system, 761. Disallowance, 1597. Aboriginal Affairs, Office of - Former Ministerial Women - Refuge in Wangaratta, 1121. adviser, q 124. WorkCare- Costs to employers, 882. Administration and Probate (Amendment) Bill (No. 2), 1317, 1318. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 869. Administrative Appeals Tribunal (Planning) Bill (No. 2), 1239, 1242, 1250, 1251. Adult, Community and Further Education Bill John, Mr Michael (Bendigo East) (No. 2), 1975. Aradale Psychiatric Hospital- Report, 1964. Aboriginal Land (Transfer) Bill, 1281. Arts, The - Government initiatives, q 245. Aged Services - Anne Caudle Centre, 586. Melbourne International Festival of the Arts, Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 858. q 1007. Non-government sector, q 1419. Community Services Victoria - Attorney-General's Department - Standing Children -Intercountry adoption, 479. Foster care, Committee of Attorneys-General, q 1330. 540. Protective services, 1515. Report on child Bayside Project, q 1626. protection system, q 1630. Business of the House - Order, 1358. Intellectual Disability Seroices - Staff malpractice in Casinos - For Melbourne, 4, 823. institutions, 653. Moorakyne hostel, 766. q q Chiropractors and Osteopaths (Amendment) Bill Youtl! - Protective services, 1515. (No. 2), 1133. Education and Training - Camp Hill Primary CoLlingwood Football Club - Agreement with School, 1063. Collingwood City Council, 1793. Health - Budget cuts, 586. Collingwood (Victoria Park) Land Act, 1793. Ministerial Statements - Protective services for Constitution (Independence of Judges and Public children and young people, 1515. Officers) Bill, 1229, 1231, 1232. Petitions - Sunday trading, 827, 1132. Retail Traders Co-operation (Credit Co-operatives) Bill, 1075, 1155, Act, 828. 1600, 1601, 1603, 1604, 1995. Planning - Planning scheme amendment, Corporations (Victoria) (Amendment) Bill, 247, 323, Strathfieldsaye, 1607. 1099. Points of Order - Answers to questions without Crimes (Bribery of Members of Parliament and notice, 1485. Public Officers) Bill, 344. Royal Botanic Gardens Bill, 1909. Crimes (Confiscation of Profits) (Amendment) Bill, Trading Hours - Sunday, 827, 828, 1132. 1075, 1151, 1154, 1820, 1998. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Crimes (Fraud) Bill, 1275, 1356, 1358, 1423. No. 2) Bill, 858. Crimes (Rape) Bill, 1972, 1998,2016. Crimes (Year and a Day Rule) Bill, 1074, 1149, 1532. Joint Sittings of Parliament - Victoria University of Defamation Bill, 1719, 1819. TeChnology, 1334, 1389, 1451, 1454, 1478. Monash Disability Services Bill, 1976. University, 1334, 1389, 1451, 1454, 1478. Victorian Eastside Project - Jolimont development, q 1626. Institute of Marine Sciences, 1334, 1389, 1451, 1454, Equal Opportunity, Commissioner for - Former 1478. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, q 124. (14) INDEX

Friendly Societies (Reserve Board) Bill, 538. State Superannuation Fund - LiqUidity, q 1415. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 106, 107,225,226, 227, Trading Hours - Sunday, 827, 1013. 228,229,230,231,232,233,234,235,236,248,249, 250,251,252,253,254,255,256,257,258,259,260, 261,262,263,264,265,266,267,268,269,270,271, Kennett, Mr J. G. (Burwood) (Leader of the 272,273,274,275,276,277,279,327,1016,1017. Opposition) Gaming Machine Control (Cross-Reference) Bill, Abattoirs - Closures, q 421, q 485, q 1955. 1455,1488. Aboriginal Affairs, Office of - Fonner Ministerial Health Computing Services Victoria - Report, 1964. adviser, q 3, q 4, q 65, q 121, q 123. Health (Infectious Diseases) Bill, 224, 968, 1470. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 432. Jolimont - Eastside project, q 1626. Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union- Law Courts - Legge case, 1794. Abattoir closures, q 421, q 485, q 1955. Law Reform - Uniform contempt and defamation Australian Defence Industries, q 889. laws, q 180. Standing Committee of Budget - Borrowings, q 242. Attorneys-General, q 1330. Business of the House - Order, 1359. Lay Observer - Or K. McKenzie, q 943, q 944,963. Casinos - For Melbourne, q 593. Legge, Mr R. - Legal case, 1794. Christmas Felicitations, 2034. Libraries (Amendment) Bill, 1804. Commonwealth-State Relations - Discussions McKenzie, Or K., q 943, q 944, 963. between Premier and Prime Minister, q 821, q 885. Major Projects - Casino, q 4, q 823. Museum of Employment strategies, q 1420. Victoria at Southbank, q 67, q 1549. Proposed Crimes (Fraud) Bill, 1358. sports centre, q 552. Great Southern Stand, Melbourne Cricket Ground, q 717. Bayside and Deaths - Earnest Morton, Esq., 545. Major General Eastside projects, q 1626. Old Treasury building, Sir Rohan Delacombe, KCMG, KCVO, KBE, CB, q 1801. DSO,1708. Media - Print media ownership, q 597. Economy, The - State debt, q 242, q 1269, q 1625. Commonwealth-State initiatives, q 885. Medical Practition~rs (Amendment) Bill, 1017. Education and Training, Ministry of - Payment to Melbourne Cricket Ground - Great Southern Stand, former chief executive, q 660, q 713. q 717. Equal Opportunity, Commissioner for - Former Melbourne International Festival of the Arts, q 1007. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, q 3, q 4, q 65, Ministry, The - Former Minister for Aboriginal q 121, q 123. Affairs, q 124. Finance - Budget borrowings, q 242. Debt reduction Moomba Parade, 1609. strategy, q 1269, q 1625. Museum of Victoria -Southbank development, Grievances, 1554. q 67, q 1549. Labour, Department of - Employment initiatives, Old Treasury Building, q 1801. q 177, q 1955. Industrial action by SEC workers, Personal Explanations - Accuracy of answer to q 1953. question on notice, 963. Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1371. Points of Order - Questions without notice: Manufacturing and Industry Development - relevancy of answers, 126,300, 1955; use of Government policies, q 889. Employment question time, 662; length, 1485. Relevancy of opportunities, q 1955. remarks, 1097. Reflections on a former Meat Industry - Abattoir closures, q 421, q 485, Commissioner for Corporate Affairs, 1099. q 1955. Questions on Notice - Accuracy of answer, q 943, Melbourne University (Hawthorn) Bill, 1893. q 944, 963. Members - Resignation of honourable member for Roads Corporation -Culpable driving offences, Shepparton, 1. Naming of honourable member for 1794. Evelyn, 126. Naming of Leader of the National State Library of Victoria - Resources for rural VCE Party, 1209. students, 1609. Ministry, The - Former Minister for Aboriginal State Trust Corporation of Victoria (Amendment) Affairs, q 3, q 4, q 65, q 121, q 123. Reported Bill, 110, 195, 196, 198, 199,200,201,204,205. activities of Minister for Manufacturing and Tricontinental Royal Commission - First report, 72. Industry Development, q 819. Cabinet discussions, Victorian Health System Review - Report, 1133. q 821. Media briefings, q 885. Ministerial responsibility, q 1200, q 1420. Accountability of Minister for Transport, 1554. Ministerial advisers, Kennedy, Mr A. D. (Bendigo West) q 1713. Morton, Earnest, Esq., Late, 545. Abattoirs -Closures, q 1629. Petitions - Police services at Boronia, 1132. Agriculture, Department of - Relocation of head office, q 184,990. Planning - Land in Park Street, Carlton, 1541. Caloola Training Centre - Police investigation, q 945. Points of Order - Questions without notice: relevancy of answers, 65, 422, 554, 660, 713, 718, Petitions - Sunday trading, 827, 1013. 821,941,1481,1955; debating, 297, 299, 1202, 1328; LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (15)

length, 600; use of question time, 662; correctness, Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union­ 889; admissibility, 1205, 1207, 1327. Notice of Abattoir closures, q 421, q 422, q 425, q 485, q 1628. motion, 305. Reflection on Chair, 643. Absence of Harrison inquiry, q 593. Treasurer, 657. Ministerial responsibility, 819. Australian and Overseas Telecommunications Adjournment debate: clarification of pecuniary Corporation - Headquarters, q 243. interest, 1122; relevancy of remarks, 1122; Australian Defence Industries, q 886, q 889. reflections on members, 1189, 1190; reference to detail not raised, 1193; misrepresentation of Budget - Federal, q 66. Borrowings, q 242. Deficit, situation, 1544. Matter referred to Privileges q 245, q 1626. Employment initiatives, q 298. Committee, 1199. Admissibility of amendment, Projections, q 301. 1351. Misleading the House, 1351. Second-reading Casinos - For Melbourne, q 593. speeches, 1357. Ringing of division bells, 1374. Centre for International Economics - Report, q 428, Tabling of Privileges Committee report, 1389. q429. Casting aspersions on Parliamentary candidate, Christmas Felicitations, 2032. 1788, 1795. Position of member during division, Commonwealth-State Relations - Discussions 1890. Tabling of report, 1961. Personal between Premier and Prime Minister, q 821, q 885. explanations, 1962. Employment strategies, q 1420. Fiscal equalisation, Privileges Committee - Report, 1391. Meetings, 1552. q 1625. Public Transport Corporation - Employee contracts Conservation and Environment - National and payments, q 549, q 553, q 717, q 941, q 1005, approach to environmental issues, q 1482. q 1200, q 1202, q 1327, q 1547, 1554. Occupational Coode Island - Fire, q 121, q 179. health and safety officer, q 1069, q 1127. Chief executive, q 1481. Dandenong - Infrastructure, q 1548. Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill, 1134. Dangerous Goods - Storage, q 121, q 179. Roads Corporation - Proposed F2 freeway, 2038. Deaths - Earnest Morton, Esq., 545. Major General Royal Botanic Gardens Bill, 1903. Sir Rohan Delacombe, KCMG, KCVO, KBE, CB, 050, 1707, 1713. State Bank Victoria - Redundancies, q 297. Economy, The - Federal Budget for 1991-92, q 66. State Electricity Commission - Industrial action in State debt, q 179, q 181, q 182, q 183, q 242, q 1269, Latrobe Valley, q 1953. q 1632. Budget: deficit, q 245; projections, q 301. Victoria Police - Boronia services, 1132. Government initiatives, q 551. Women - Violence, q 1802. Commonwealth-State initiatives, q 885. Debt Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, reduction strategy, q 1625. Micro-economic No. 2) Bill, 432. reform, q 1954. Education and Training, Ministry of - Payment to former chief executive, q 660, q 713. Kilgour, Mr Donald (Shepparton) Employment - Initiatives, q 177, q 1955. Education and Training - Budget cuts, 1487. Equal Opportunity, Commissioner for - Former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, q 3, q 4, q 6, q 8, Grievances, 1557. q 10, q 65, q 67, q 68, q 69, q 121, q 123, q 124. Petitions - Funding for education, 1487. Finance - Debt reduction strategy, q 179, q 181, Shepparton Electorate, 1557. q 182, q 183, q 1269, q 1625, q 1632. Budget Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad, 1787. borrowings, q 242. Relations with Commonwealth government, q 1625. Consolidated Fund transactions, q 1626, q 1627, q 1631. Kindergartens (See "Preschools") Firearms - Uniform laws, q 3. Government, The - Confidence, q 297. Economic initiatives, q 551. Kirner, Ms J. E. (WilIiamstown) (Premier) Health - Sudden infant death syndrome, q 299. Abattoirs -Closures, q 178, q 421, q 422, q 425, Housing - Initiatives, q 1328. q 485, q 1628. Harrison inquiry, q 593. Labour, Department of - Dangerous goods, q 121, Aboriginal Affairs, Office of - Former Ministerial q 179. Employment initiatives, q 177, q 1955. adviser, q 3, q 4, q 6, q 8, q 10, q 65, q 67, q 68, q 69, Industrial action by SEC workers, q 1953, q 1954. q 121, q 123, q 124. Law Courts - Indemnity of government employees, Accident Compensation Commission - Legal case, q 1801. q 1801. Law Reform - Rape legislation, q 1007. Administrative Arrangements - Orders: Nos 92 to Manufacturing and Industry Development­ 96, n; No. 97, 1210. Department - Los Angeles office, q 184, q 489. Agriculture, Department of - Centre for International Economics report, q 428, q 429. General - Budget initiatives, q 298. Business costs, q 594. Telecom's buy-Australian policy, q 659. Air Services - Aerospace and aviation industries, Melbourne Now campaign, q 715. Aerospace and q 819. aviation industries, q 819. Government policies, Altona City Council- Planning scheme, 12, 1803. q 886, q 889. Mobil refinery, Altona, q 887. Textile, Arts, The - Melbourne International Festival of the clothing and footwear industries, q 942. Food Arts, q 486. processing industry, q 1201. Soviet fishing fleet (16) INDEX

contract, q 1414. Investment in public conventions, q 1717. Payments to arbitrators, infrastructure, q 1714. Employment opportunities, q 1797, q 1799, q 1800. q 1955. Industrial Affairs - Tramways dispute, q 943. New Meat Industry - Abattoir closures, q 178, q 421, South Wales legislation, q 1207. Enterprise q 422, q 425, q 485, q 1628. Harrison inquiry, q 425, bargaining, q 1630. State Electricity Commission, q593. Latrobe Valley, q 1953. (See also ''Unions'') Melbourne Central-Opening, q 423. Melbourne Lady Nell "Seeing Eye" Dog School-Estate of Jane Now campaign, q 715. Williamson, 238,748. Melbourne International Festival of the Arts, q 486. Law Courts - Family Court, Geelong, 990. Legge case, Members - Resignation of honourable member for 991,994, 1789, 1794. Sentences for rape convictions, Shepparton, 1. 1187. Indemnity of government employees, 1702, Ministry, The - Portfolios, 3. Former Minister for q 1801. Baby M case, 1788, 1795, 1961. Geelong Aboriginal Affairs, q 3, q 4, q 6, q 8, q 10, q 65, Magistrates Court records, 2041. q 67, q 68, q 69, q 121, q 123, q 124. Statement by Minister for Finance, q 297. Cabinet discussions, Law Institute of Victoria - Use of Solicitors q 821. Media briefings, q 885. Ministerial Guarantee Fund, 708. responsibility, q 1200, q 1274, q 1420. Ministerial advisers, q 1713. Law Reform - Uniform contempt and defamation Mobil Oil Australia Ltd, q 887. laws, q 180. Rape legislation, q 1007. Standing Committee of Attorneys-General, q 1329. Morton, Earnest, Esq., Late, 545. Payroll Tax - Reform, q 1958: Lay Observer - Dr K. McKenzie, q 943, q 944, 963, Petitions - Altona planning scheme, 12, 1803. 991,994. Planning - In Dandenong, q 1548. Altona planning scheme, 12, 1803. Points of Order - Answers to questions without Lea, Mr D. J. (Sandringham) notice, 662. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 899. Port of Melbourne - Soviet fishing fleet contract, Litter (Amendment) Bill, 1079. q 1414. Rental Bond Board Bill, 150. Premier and Cabinet, Department of the - Public Shop Trading (Further Amendment) Bill, 1168. attitudes monitoring program, q 490. Teaching Service (Further Amendment) Bill, 1836. Premiers Conference - Decisions, q 1954, q 1955, Victoria University of Technology (Amendment) Bill, q 1958. 1832. Public Transport Corporation - Employee contracts Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board and payments, q 598, q 1200, q 1201, q 1202, (Amendment) Bill, 1286. q 1204, q 1206, q 1208, q 1272, q 1274, q 1327. Financial transactions, q 1270. Chief executive, Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, q 1481. No. 2) Bill, 899. State Bank Victoria - Redundancies, q 297. Sale, q 1273. Legal and Constitutional Committee - Reports: State Data Centre, Ballarat, q 1070. Bureau of Crime Statistics, 491; subordinate State Electricity Commission - Payment of union legislation, 556, 761, 1133, 1965. officials' salaries, q 485. Industrial action in Latrobe Valley, q 1953, q 1954. Legal Profession - Solicitors Guarantee Fund, 708, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - Funding for 1962. Costs and charges, 741. research, q 299. Legge, Mr R. - Legal case, 991, 994,1789, 1794. Telecom-OTC - Buy-Australian poliCY, q 659. Tourism - Melbourne Now campaign, q 715. Victoria Police - Violence against women, q 1798. Leigh, Mr G. G. (Malvern) Women - Status, q 1127. Violence, q 1798. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 580. WorkCare -Costs to employers, q 594. Community Services Victoria - Sandringham Community Health Coordinating Committee, L 1261. Conservation and Environment - Pollution of Port Labour, Department of - Phillip Bay, 171. Employment - Initiatives, q 177,293, 1322, 1565, Crimes (Bribery of Members of Parliament and q 1955. Public Officers) Bill, 340. General- Dangerous goods, q 121,173, q 178,348. Dangerous Goods - Transport, 348. Melbourne Commercial College Pty Ltd, 587, 590. Education and Training, Ministry of - Payment to Advertisement in Toorak Times, 1062. Lift and former chief executive, 988. crane inspections, 1581. Apprenticeship training, Gaming Machine Control Bill, 40. 1605. International Labour Organisation Grievances, 1575. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (17)

Hospitals - Mordialloc-Cheltenham Community, M 1473. Local Government (Rating) Bill, 1435. McCutcheon, Mr Andrew (St Kilda) (Minister for Points of Order - Adjournment debate: Planning and Housing) admissibility of matter raised, 347; relevancy of Building Code of Australia - Amendment No. 2, reply, 350; matters to relate to Ministerial 1633. responsibility, 993; result of court action, 1122; raising of same matter, 1189; Minister's reply, Building Control (Further Amendment) Bill, 72. 1476; attendance of Ministers, 1477. Rule of sub Community Services Victoria - Moorakyne hostel, judice, 504. Reflections on members, 504, 552, 769. 1268, 1650. Use of correct titles, 506, 1572. Melbourne City Council- Bribery allegations, 1705. Reflections on opposition, 1579. Planning and Housing - Port Phillip Bay - Contaminated material, 171. Housing - Urban Land Authority, 769, 1705. Bodies Public Service - Employment contracts, 988. corporate, 1544. Political appointments, 1575. Planning - Land in Park Street, Carlton, 1544. Public Transport - Met ticket machines, 477. Property development in Melbourne, 1705. Corporation: employee contracts and payments, Grantham Green estate, 1705. Proposed 988,1575. development at French Island, 1792. Shell Australia Ltd - Dangerous chemicals Rental Bond Board Bill, 167,329. transport, 348. Residential Tenancies (Fund) Bill, 1488, 1595. Transport, Ministry of - Payment to former Urban Land Authority - Lighting in Goonawarra employee, q 552. estate, 769. Selection of real estate agents, 1705. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 580. McDonald, Mr M. J. (Whittlesea) leighton, Mr M. A. (Preston) Members - Naming of Leader of the National Party, 1209. Community Services Victoria - Community health Wildlife - Illegal export, q 822. program, 12. Care-Force North East and Family Support Program, 946. Non-government welfare agencies, q 1129. McGrath, Mr J. F. (Warrnambool) Disability Services Bill, 211. Abattoirs - Closures, 1063. Equal Opportunity - Homosexuality, 11. Accident Compensation Commission - Legal case, Health (Infectious Diseases) Bill, 1463. q 1801. Hospitals - Fairfield, 1133. Alcohol- Aurora House detoxification centre, 1701. Melbourne Central - Opening, q 423. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 902. Petitions - Equal Opportunity Act 1984, 11. Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union - Community health program, 12. Care-Force North Abattoir closures, 1063. East and Family Support Program, 946. Fairfield Hospital, 1133. Bus Services - Rationalisation of school buses, 765. Points of Order - Relevancy of remarks, 214. Scope Disability Services Bill, 205, 283. of adjournment debate, 2041. Environment Protection (Resource Recovery) Bill, State Bank Victoria - Sale, q 1270. 1696. Tram Services - Industrial dispute, q 943. Farrow Group - Pyramid Building Society bond offer, 938. Hospitals - Koroit and District Memorial, 1210. Library Services - For rural VCE students, 1605, 1609. Law Courts - Indemnity of government employees, q 1801. Ministry, The - Attendance of Ministers during Liebennan, Mr L. S. (Benambra) adjournment debate, 346, 655. Albury-Wodonga Agreement (Amendment) Bill, National Rail Corporation (Victoria) Bill, 1891. 2017. Petitions - Koroit and District Memorial Hospital, Native Vegetation Protection Bill, 1990. 1210. Points of Order - Relevancy of remarks, 422. Questions without notice: debating, 596, 660, 886, Liquor Licensing Commission - Operations of 1202,1271, 1628; length of answers, 820, 826, 888, industry, 751. 1416; relevancy, 1717. Hypothetical, 1206. Adjournment debate: calling of Ministers, 1265. local Government, Office of - Road construction Privileges Committee - Report, 1658. charges, 115. Pyramid Building SOCiety (See "Farrow Group") Racing (Betting Competitions and Mixed Sports) Bill, 1750. Rental Bond Board Bill, 110. (18) INDEX

Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill, 1849. Roads Corporation - Facilities in Shire of Kowree, Roads Corporation - Speed camera error, 1261. 668. State Bank Victoria - Mortlake branch, 878. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Victoria Police - Camperdown abattoir, 1063. No. 2) Bill, 517. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 902. Young Farmers Movement - Funding, 1264.

McGrath, Mr W. O. (Lowan) McKenzie, Or Ko, q 943, q 944, 963, 991, 994. Abattoir and Meat Inspection (Amendment) Bill, 1026, 1051, 1052. McNamara, Mr P. J. (Benalla) (Leader of the National Abattoirs - Harrison inquiry, q 593. Licences, 709, Party) 1134. Operations, 738. Meat inspectors, 1471. Closures, q 1628, q 1713, q 1960. Abattoirs - Closures, q 178, q 422. Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill, 919, 982, Aboriginal Affairs, Office of - Former Ministerial 983, 984, 985. adviser, q 3, q 65, q 69, q 121, q 124. Agriculture, Department of - Disease eradication, Accident Compensation Tribunal Appeals Board - 171. Upstream marketing opportunities, q 426. Arbitrators, q 1797. Abattoirs, 709, 1134, 1471, q 1628, q 1713, q 1960. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 445. Meat industry, 738. Young ,Farmers movement, Attorney-General's Department - Blood sampling 1264. European Community, 1805. of crime suspects, 1583. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 517. Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union- Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union­ Abattoir closures, q 178, q 422. Harrison inquiry, q 593, 738. Abattoir closures, Australian Defence Industries, q 886. q 1628, q 1713. Budget - Borrowings, q 242. Bread - Cartage permits, 295. Christmas Felicitations, 2036. Business of the House - Notices of motion, 305. Deaths - Earnest Morton, Esq., 545. Major General Cattle Compensation (Amendment) Bill, 1018. Sir Rohan Delacombe, KCMG, KCVO, KBE, CB, Centre for International Economics - Report, q 426. DSO,1709. Corporate Affairs Victoria - Investigation of grain Economy, The - State de!Jt, q 242, q 1625. trader, 349. Equal Opportunity, Commissioner for - Former Disability Services Bill, 285. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, q 3, q 65, q 69, European Community - Agricultural agreement, q 121, q 124. 1805. Finance - Budget borrowings, q 242. Debt reduction Grievances, 738. strategy, q 1625. Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1363. Government, The - Confidence, q 297. Manufacturing and Industry Development, Grievances, 722, 1583. Department of - Los Angeles office, q 184. Heritage Rivers Bill, 1354. Melbourne University (VCAH) Bill, 1979. Labour, Department of - Payments to arbitrators, Ministry, The - Ministerial responsibility, q 1274. q 1797. Industrial action by SEC workers, q 1954. National Rail Corporation (Victoria) Bill, 1889. Manufacturing and Industry Development - Native Vegetation Protection Bill, 1988. Government policies, q 886. Meat Industry - Abattoir closures, q 178, q 422. Petitions - Shire of Kowree Roads Corporation facilities, 668. Members - Resignation of honourable member for Shepparton,2. Naming of Leader of the National Points of Order - Questions without notice: length Party, 1209. of answers 247; admiSSibility, 1072; relevancy, 1960. Ministry, The - Former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, q 3, q 65, q 69, q 121, q 124. Statement by Primary Ind ustries - Minister for Finance, q 297. Statement in debate by Egg and Poultry - Hen quotas, 992. Minister for Transport, 722. Meat - Bovine tuberculosis, 171. Harrison inquiry, Morton, Earnest, Esq., Late, 545. q 593. Abattoirs: licences, 709, 1134; meat inspectors, 1471; closures, q 1628, q 1713, q 1960. Parliamentary Privilege - Alleged breach by Operations, 738. Minister for Transport, 814. Public Transport Corporation - Occupational health Points of Order - Questions without notice: relevancy of answers, 7, 125, 550, 554, 598, 658, and safety officer, q 1009, q 1069. Staff reductions, 715, 1200, 1328, 1413; use of question time, 665; q 1012. Employee contracts and payments, q 1274. debating, 1416, 1547; reading answers, 1714. Racing (Betting Competitions and Mixed Sports) Bill, Televising of proceedings, 302, 303. Scope of 1745. debate, 817. Reflections on Auditor-General, 1271. Rental Bond Board Bill, 162. Availability of document, 1421. Veracity of Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill, 1134, 1862. statement, 1638. Police (Industrial Functions) Bill, 1782. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (19)

Privileges Committee - Report, 1646. Mobil refinery, Altona, q 887, 936. Textile, clothing Public Transport Corporation - Employee contracts and footwear industries, q 942. Food processing and payments, q 550, q 554, q 596, q 598, q 658, industry, q 1201. Soviet fishing fleet contract, q 714, n2, q 819, q 825, q 941, q 944, q 1200, q 1204, q 1414. Veneto trade delegation, 1542. Investment q 1208, q 1327, q 1331, q 1413, q 1417, q 1481, in public infrastructure, q 1714. q 1547. Staff reductions, q 1006. Contract staff, q 1127. Financial transactions, q 1270. Royal Botanic Gardens Bill, 1906. Mathews, Mr C. R. T. (Oakleigh) State Electricity Commission - Industrial action in Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 829. Latrobe Valley, q 1954. Community Services VictOria - Maternal and child Victoria Police - Blood samples, 1583. health services, 430. Intercountry adoption, q 487. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Community service obligations, 1964. No. 2) Bill, 445. Deaths - Earnest Morton, Esq., 548. Economic and Budget Review Committee - Reports: Auditor-General's report on Ministerial portfolios, Maclellan, Mr R. R. C. (Berwick) 1804; community service obligations, 1964. Aboriginal Affairs, Office of - Former Ministerial Grievances, 1563. adviser, q 10, q 68. Media - Print media ownership, q 596, 1563. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 832. Museum of Victoria - Southbank development, Conservation and Environment, Department of - q 1549. Restructure, 1486. Petitions - Maternal and child health centre nurses Equal Opportunity, Commissioner for - Former and preschools, 430. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, q 10, q 68. Preschools - Funding, 430. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 257, 259, 263, 269, 270. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Lay Observer - Dr K. McKenzie, q 943, q 944. No. 2) Bill, 829. Ministry, The - Former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, q 10, q 68. Maughan, Mr N. J. (Rodney) Native Vegetation Protection Bill, 758, 1242, 1992. Personal Explanations - Interjection, 477. Abattoir and Meat Inspection (Amendment) Bill, 1035. Petitions - Department of Conservation and Environment, 1486. Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill, 930. Points of Order -Questions without notice: Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 873. relevancy of answers, 68, 657; debating, 184; use of Cattle Compensation (Amendment) Bill, 1021. question time, 666; admissibility, IOn. Tabling of Conservation and Environment - Vermin and report, 595. Imputations, 644. Offensive remarks, noxious weeds, 1065. Transfer of railway reserve, 863. Reference to Privileges Committee report, Rushworth, 1791. 1634. Consumer Affairs - Labelling of imported food, Privileges Committee - Report, 1636. 1475. Questions on Notice - Accuracy, q 943, q 944. Disability Services Bill, 208. Royal Botanic Gardens Bill, 1906. Driver Education Centre of Australia, 63. State Trust Corporation of Victoria (Amendment) Education and Training - Loddon/Campaspe Bill,110. College of T AFE, 118. Water (Elections) Bill, 1275. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 85. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1?,11-92, Health - Paediatric services plan, 2038. No. 2) Bill, 832. Hospitals - Elmore District, 430, 478,1014,1963. Petitions - Elmore District Hospital, 430,1014,1963. Mooroopna police station, 601. Major Projects -Casino, q 4, q 823. Museum of Victoria at Southbank, q 67, q 1549. Melbourne Public Transport - Student concession cards, 240. Central, q 423. Proposed sports centre, q 552. Great Bus services: safety, 989. Railway land, Southern Stand, Melbourne Cricket Ground, q 717. Rushworth,l79l. Bayside and Eastside projects, q 1626. Old Treasury Rental Bond Board Bill, 164. building, q 1801. Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill, 1861. Social Development Committee - Report on speed Manufacturing and Industry Development - limits, 1718. Department - Los Angeles office, q 184, q 489. Policy State Electricity Commission - Resale price of on imports, 590. electricity in caravan parks, 1320. General - Employment opportunities, 293, 1565, State Library of Victoria - Resources for rural VCE q 1955. Budget initiatives, q 298. Business costs, students, 1605. q 594. Telecom's buy-Australian policy, q 659. Victoria Police - Mooroopna station, 601. Melbourne Now campaign, q 715. Aerospace and aviation industries, q 819. Government policies, q 886. Australian Defence Industries, q 886, q 889. (20) INDEX

Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Ministry, The - Portfolios, 3. Former Minister for No. 2) Bill, 873. Aboriginal Affairs, q 3, q 4, q 6, q 8, q 10, q 65, q 66, q 68, q 121, q 123, q 124. Attendance of Ministers during adjournment debate, 175,346,350,483,655, Media - Print media ownership, q 596, 1563. 1477. Statement by Minister for Finance, q 297. Security of Ministerial cars, 538. Role of former Medical Panels - WorkCare reports, 1210, 1966. Treasurer in NSCA loans affair, 719. Minister for Transport: statement in debate, 722; accountability, Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (See 1554. Reported activities of Minister for "Melbourne Water") Manufacturing and Industry Development, q 819. Cabinet discussions, q 821. Media briefings, q 885. Melbourne Central - Opening, q 423. Melbourne Approval of planning scheme by Minister for Now campaign, q 715. Planning and Housing, 937. Ministerial responSibility, q 1200, q 1202, q 1204, q 1206, q 1274, Melbourne Commercial College Pty Ltd, 587,590. q 1420. Auditor-General's report on Ministerial portfolios, q 1272, 1804, q 1960, 1964. Ministerial Melbourne Cricket Ground - Great Southern Stand, advisers, q 1713. q 717. Mission of St James and St John, 345. Melbourne International Festival of the Arts, q 485, q 1007. Mobil Oil Australia Ltd - Altona refinery, q 887, 936.

Melbourne Water - Structure,.934. Rate increases, Moomba Parade, 1604, 1609. 1422. (See also ''Water'') Moorakyne Hostel, 766. Members - Resignation of honourable member for Shepparton, 1. Statements made by honourable Morton, Earnest, Esq., Late, 545. member for Wantirna, 11,61. Naming of honourable member for Evelyn, 126. Naming of Leader of the Motor Vehicles (See "Roads Corporation") National Party, 1208. Swearing in of honourable member for Shepparton, 1269. Theft from electorate Municipalities - office, 1391, 1395. Threatening telephone calls, 1391, Altona - Planning scheme, 12. 1395. Pagers, 1422. Coburg - Payment to former employee, 1121. Mental Health Services (See "Community Services Garnishee orders, 1189, 1193. Victoria - Intellectual Disability Seroices" and Cranbourne - Community centres, 651. "Health") Dandenong - Infrastructure, q 1548. General - Road construction charges, 115. Rate increases, 765, 769. Rate arrears, 1123. Micallef, Mr E. J. (Springvale) Keilor - Land rezoning, 12,60, 186, 239. Offensive Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 566. telephone calls, 746. Censorship - Classification of Films and Melbourne - Bribery allegations, 1702, 1705,2042. Publications Act, 1803. Moorabbin - Godfrey Street Community House, 157

Chiropractors and Osteopaths (Amendment) Bill Ombudsman - Report on dingo farm raid, 557, 1265. (No. 2), 1910. Disability Services Bill, 220. Overseas Projects Corporation - Report, 1964. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 81, 228, 231, 250, 254, 259,262,266,270,272,273,274. p Health (Infectious Diseases) Bill, 1455. Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1364. Parks - In Mallee region, 1120. Local Government (Rating) Bill, 1309, 1428, 1438, Parliament - Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, 1. 1441, 1442, 1446. Clerk of the Parliaments, 1. Broadcasting, teleVising Meat Industry - Harrison inquiry, q 425. and photographing of proceedings, 3, 177,302,322, Points of Order - Relevancy, 429. 1005, 1199, 1212, 1575, 1578. Deputy Clerk, 813. Portarlington Land Bill, 1n6. Mace, 1090. Reports of departments, 1804. Budget Racing (Betting Competitions and Mixed Sports) Bill, process, 1965. Standing Orders, 1965. 1746. Parliament House - Safety in Chamber, 1591. Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill, 1858, 1867. Royal Botanic Gardens Bill, 1907. Parliament of Victoria Committee - Appointment, Victoria Police -Conditions in south-western 585,651. Progress report, 1964, 1965. Membership, Victoria, 1470. 2032. Works and Services (Ancillary, Provisions, 1991-92, Parliamentary Privilege - Alleged breach by Minister No. 2) Bi1l, 907. for Transport, 813,1199,1552. Confidentiality, 1411.

PEM Australia Ltd, 590. National Fire and Security Pty Ltd, 62.

Pensioners (See 11 Aged Services'') National Road Transport Commission­ Establishment, q 1071. Perrin, Mr D. J. (Bulleen) National Safety Council of Australia - State Bank loans, 719, 1065. Farrow Group - Pyramid Building Society bond offer, 1606. Natural Resources and Environment Committee­ Gaming Machine Control Bill, 102. Membership, 431. Report on fish resource Land Tax (Revision) Bill, 1768. allocations, 1965. Litter (Amendment) Bill, 1075. Neighbourhood House Week, 116, 119, q 300. Local Government (Rating) Bill, 1312, 1429, 1433, 1440,1445. Municipalities - Road construction charges, 115. Norris, Mr T. R. (Dandenong) (See also "Chairman of Petitions - Sunday trading, 71. Preschools: Committees, The") maintenance allowance, 71, 185. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 613. Points of Order - Relevancy of document, 132. Arts, The - Melbourne International Festival of the Imputations against honourable members, 504. Arts, 485. Non-government sector, 1418. Preschools - Maintenance allowance, 71, 185. Budget - Process, 279. Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill, 1854. Censorship - Film, literature and television, 171, Roads Corporation - Templestowe Road, 541. 1392. Shop Trading (Further Amendment) Bill, 1163. Deaths - Earnest Morton, Esq., 548. State Insurance Office (Sale) Bill, 1503. Entertainment and Modelling Industry Agents Bill, Trading Hours -Sunday, 71. 1220. Youth -Government policies, 127. House Committee - Report on Budget process, 279. Housing - Bodies corporate, 1540. Museum of Victoria - Southbank development, q 67. Personal Explanations - By Mr Mac1ellan, 477. By Parliament - Reports of departments, 1804. Mr Spyker, 705, 1199. By Mr Kennan, 963. By Mr Cole, 1421. By Or Wells, 1893. By Mr Gavin, 1961. Standing Orders Committee - Reports: statutory rules, motions and rulings, 1210; general revision, 1965. Perton, Mr V. J. (Doncaster) Television - Violence and pornography, 1392. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 895. No. 2) Bill, 613. Crimes (Bribery of Members of Parliament and Public Officers) Bill, 342. o Crimes (Rape) Bill, 2015. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 45. Old Treasury Building - q 1801. Petitions - Sunday trading, 1333. (22) INDEX

Points of Order - Answers to questions without Retail Traders Act, 828. Animal ambulance service, notice, 490, 552. Reflections on members, 531. 828. Clayton railway line, 946, 1074. Care-Force Relevancy of remarks, 614. Reading of speeches, North East Family Support Program, 946. Boag·s 735. Rock, Cape Schanck sewage discharge, 1014. Band 4 Premier and Cabinet, Department of the - Public primary teachers, 1014. Police services at Boronia, attitudes monitoring program, q 490. 1132. Misuse of women in advertising, 1133. Trading Hours - Sunday, 1333. Fairfield Hospital, 1133, 1633, 1718, 1963. Corio Bay, 1209. Koroit and District Memorial Hospital, 1210. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Montague Continuing Education Centre, 1422, 1553, No. 2) Bill, 895. 1802. Sexual abuse of children, 1422. Board of Works rate increase, 1422. Department of Conservation and Environment, 1486. Funding for education, 1487. Pescott, Mr Roger (Bennettswood) Ambulance stations at Mornington and Hastings, Abattoir and Meat Inspection (Amendment) Bill, 1633. Classification of Films and Publications Act, 1044. 1803. Solicitors Guarantee Fund and trust accounts, Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill, 986. 1963. Maffra and District Hospital, 1963. Victorian Secondary Teachers Association, 1963. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 843. Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union - Planning and Housing - Financial management, 2040. Housing - Fonner Ministry of: departmental head, Business of the House - Notices of motion, 305. 753. Urban Land Authority, 764, 769, 1703, 1705. Corporations (Victoria) (AmeAdment) Bill, 1097. Government initiatives, q 1328. Bodies corporate, Employment - Initiatives, 293, 1565. 1540,1544. Environment Protection (Resource Recovery) Bill, Planning - Keilor land rezoning, 12, 186. Proposed 1699. petrol station in Mill Park, 292. St Albans, 479,746. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 57. Transfer of railway land, 541, 543,1791,1793. Subdivision of Doncaster site, 937. Fonner pOlice Grievances, 1565. stations at Boronia and Bayswater, 1321. Land in Manufacturing and Industry Development­ Park Street, Cariton, 1541, 1544, 1571. Open Space, Employment opportunities, 293, 1565. Mobil 1541, 1544, 1571. Dandenong, q 1548. Planning refinery, Altona, 936. Imports, 590. scheme amendment, Strathfieldsaye, 1607. Mobil Oil Australia Ltd, 936. Property development in Melbourne, 1702, 1705, Moomba - Parade, 1604. 2042. Grantham Green estate, 1703, 1705. Proposed development at French Island, 1787, PEM Australia Pty Ltd, 590. 1792. AItona planning scheme, 1803. Petitions - Preschool maintenance allowance, 304. Points of Order - Use of question time, 664. Reading of speeches, 862. Reflections on a fonner Plowman, Mr S. J. (Evelyn) Commissioner for Corporate Affairs, 1099. Order of call, 1560. Members - Naming of honourable member for EveJyn, 126. Preschools - Funding, 117. Maintenance allowance, 304. Mining - Code of Practice for Exploration and Rehabilitation of Exploration Sites, 1805, 1823. Retail Tenancies (Rent Review) Bill, 2021. Points of Order - Use of question time, 667. Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill, 1868. Royal Botanic Gardens Bill, 1905. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Police (See "Victoria Police'') No. 2) Bill, 843. Pollution (See "Conservation and Environment")

Petitions - Traffic signals at Lum and Ferntree Gully roads, 11. Waverley Community Health Centre and Pope, Mr N. A. (Monbulk) (Minister for Labour) Eastern Suburbs Geriatric Centre, 11. Sunday Accident Compensation Commission­ trading: general, 11, 669, 1553; non-staple items, 70; Investigations of alleged practices, q 181. Property tourist precinct, 71, 185,555,827, 1013, 1132, 1333; investments, q 486, q 488. impact, 556. Equal Opportunity Act 1984, 11. Keilor land rezoning, 12, 186. Community health program, Accident Compensation Tribunal Appeals Board - 12. Altona planning scheme, 12, 1803. Shop trading Arbitrators, q 1797, q 1799, q 1800. hours, 70. Preschools: maintenance allowance, 71, Administrative Appeals Tribunal (Planning) Bill 185,304; funding, 72, 127, 185,303,304,430, 1802; (No. 2), 759. right to ready access, 186. Disabled children: Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 670. funding, 186. Maternal and child health services, Economic and Budget Review Committee - 303, 430, 601. Desexing of cats and dogs, 304, 890, Membership, 601. 1274. Elmore District Hospital, 430,1014,1963. Milk industry deregulation, 491. Parliament station, 555. Entertainment and Modelling Industry Agents Bill, Mooroopna police station, 601. Shire of Kowree 669,758,1226. Roads Corporation facilities, 668. Bus service: Hospitals - Fairfield, 1633. Brunswick area, 718. Family planning services, 718. Labour, Department of - LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (23)

Grneral- Melbourne Commercial College Pty Ltd, Privileges Committee - Membership, 829, 1973. 590. International Labour Organisation Meetings, 946, 1552, 1669. Evidence, 946, 1669. conventions, q 1717. Payments to arbitrators, Reports, 1389, 1633. Powers, 1973. q 1797, q 1799, q 1800. Industrial Affairs - New South Wales legislation, Public Bodies Review Committee - Membership, 16. q 1207. Enterprise bargaining, q 1630. Discussion paper on corporatisation, 1333. Local Government (Rating) Bill, 1428, 1429, 1430, Public Prosecutions, Director of - Performance, 1587. 1437, 1439, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1444, 1445, 1446, 1447. Melbourne Commercial College Pty Ltd, 590. Public Service - Opportunities for women, 735. Petitions - Fairfield Hospital, 1633. Employment contracts, 988. Political appointments, Points of Order - Questions without notice: use of 1575. question time, 664; length of answer, 1416. Scope Public Transport - of debate, 1427. Relevancy of remarks, 1782, 1785. Police (Industrial Functions) Bill, 1275, 1355, 1785. Bus Seroices -School buses: Murrayville Secondary College, 59, 64, 881, 883; Keilor/Sunbury, 653, 656; Public Transport Corporation - Employee contracts rationalisation, 765, 768. In Brunswick, 718. and payments, q 1007, q 1547, q 1550. Shelters, 881, 882. Safety, 989. In Highett, 1394, Victoria University of Technology (Amendment) Bill, 1396. 1356. Corporation - Employee contracts and payments, WorkCare - Performance, q 7. q 549, q 552, q 553, q 594, q 596, q 597, q 598, q 657, WorkCare Appeals Board - Appointments, q 1799, q 658, q 714, q 716, q 717,722,729, q 819, q 823, q 1800. q 824, q 825, q 826, q 941, q 944, 988, q 1005, q 1007, Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, q 1127, q 1130, 1199, q 1200, q 1202, q 1204, q 1206, No. 2) Bill, 670. q 1208, q 1272, q 1274, q 1330, q 1412, q 1413, q 1415, q 1417, q 1420, q 1481, q 1483, q 1547, q 1550, q 1552, 1554, 1575. Staff reductions, q 600, Pornography (See "Censorship") q 1006, q 1012, q 1071, q 1327, q 1329. Occupational health and safety officer, q 1008, Port of Melbourne - Soviet fishing fleet contract, q 1009, q 1010, q 1069, q 1073, q 1127, q 1128, q 1414. q 1130, q 1483. Fraudulent expenses claim, q 1011. Corporate plan, q 1073. Overtime payments, Port Phillip Bay - Contaminated material, 171. q 1131. Duties of driver, 1188. Chief executive, q 1202, q 1481. Financial transactions, 1263, 1265, Portland Smelter Unit Trust - Report, 1964. q 1270. Appointments, q 1418.Freight claims unit, q 1549. Premier and Cabinet, Department of the - Public Fares and Freight - Student concession cards, 240, attitudes monitoring program, q 490. 241. Premiers Conference - Employment initiatives, 1322. Genera/- Budget, q 69. Railway land: Yinnar, 541, Decisions, q 1954, q 1955, q 1958. (See also 543; Rushworth, 1791, 1793. Safety and cleanliness, "Commonwealth-State Relations" and q 1012. "Government, The'') Rail Seroices - Stations: Syndal, 347; Parliament, 555. Met ticket machines, 477, 481. Light rail link to Preschool and Child Care, Office of - Funding, 655. Knox, 480, 481. Clayton line, 946, 1074. Fast rail Report, 1804. transport, 1124. Tram Seroices -Industrial dispute, q 943. Preschools - Funding, 59,72, 117, 120, 127, 185, 303, 304,430,655, 1802. Maintenance allowance, 71, 185, Pyramid Building Society (See "Farrow Group'') 304. Access to, 186. (See also "Community Services Victoria - Children") Q Primary Industries- Dairy - Deregulation, 491. Questions on Notice - Accuracy, q 943, q 944, 963. Egg and Poultry - Hen quotas, 992, 994. Fishing - Report on resource allocations, 1965. R General- Rural assistance schemes, q 1203, q 1550. Meat - Bovine tuberculosis, 171, 174, 178. Abattoirs: Racing - TAB distribution to clubs, 291, 295. Effects of closures, q 178, q 421, q 422, q 424, q 485, 1063, goods and services tax, q 427. 1472,1476, q 1628, q 1629, 1700, q 1713, q 1716, q 1960; licences, 709, 710, 1134. Inspectors, 1471, 1475. Harrison inquiry, q 425, q 593. Operations, Ray, Mrs M. E. (Box Hill) q 660, 738. Adult, Community and Further Education Bill Timber - Resource recovery, 237. (No. 2), 1109. Wlreat - Export marketing, 1543. Appropriation (1991-92, No. I) Bill, 856. Community Services Victoria - Prisons (See "Corrections, Office of") Commonwealth-State Disability Agreement, 172. (24) INDEX

Single-track child protection program, q 597. Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board Reported child abuse, 1484. (Amendment) Bill, 1299. Disability Services Bill, 217. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Hospitals - Fairfield, 1963. No. 2) Bill, 905. Petitions - Shop trading hours, 70. Sunday trading, Rulings and Statements as Acting Speaker- 71,1553. Debate - Relevancy of table, 132, 133. Imputations Points of Order - Use of question time, 667. against honourable members, 531. Trading Hours -Sunday, 70, 71,1553. Unparliamentary expressions, 620. Incorporation of material, 1230. Member to address Chair, 1880. Women -Status, q 1127. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 856. Right to Life Association of Victoria, 1788, 1795, 1961.

Road Safety (See "Roads Corporation") Recycling (See "Conservation and Environment") Roads Corporation - General - Driver education training, 63, 64. Facilities Reynolds, Mr T. C. (Gisbome) in Shire of Kowree, 668. Speed camera error, 1261. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 915. Drink-driving, 1608. Speed limits, 1718. Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad, 1787, 1793. Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Sports Culpable driving offences, 1790, 1793. coverage, 170. . Roads and Highways - Hume Freeway project, lIS, Equal Opportunity - Homosexuality, 11. 119. Templestowe Road, 541, 542. Calder Highway Gaming Machine Control Bill, 26, 231, 233, 235, 252, duplication, 766, 768. Western ring-road, 1607, 256. 1609. Proposed F2 freeway, 2038, 2043. Boronia Hospitals - Fairfield, 1718. and Dorset roads intersection, 2039. Petitions - Equal Opportunity Act 1984, 11. Signals and CrOSSings - Lum and Ferntree Gully Preschool funding, 72. Fairfield Hospital, 1718. roads, 11. Dangerous crossings, 542. Keilor-Melton Preschools - Funding, 72. Road pedestrian crOSSing, 708. Racing - TAB distribution to clubs, 291. Racing (Betting Competitions and Mixed Sports) Bill, Roper, Mr T. W. (Brunswick) (Treasurer, and Minister 1731. for Aboriginal Affairs) Sport and Recreation - ABC radio sports broadcasting, 170. Aboriginal land (Transfer) Bill, 890, 965, 1281. Totalizator Agency Board - Surplus distribution to Agriculture, Department of - Rural assistance racing clubs, 291. schemes, q 1203, q 1551. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 187, 432, 899. No. 2) Bill, 915. Audit (Amendment) Bill, 1804,2026. Auditor-General- Criticism by government, 1348 Australia and New Zealand Banking Group limih Richardson, Mr J. I. (Forest Hill) (NMRB) Bill, 72, 143,970,972,973. Aboriginal Land (Transfer) Bill, 1283. Borrowing and Investment Powers (Port Authoritit. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 905. Bill, 1134, 1523. Budget - Process, 279. Budget - Borrowings, q 242. Comparisons with other State Budgets, 824. Opposition's policy, Business of the House - Notices of motion, 305. q q 1130. Community Services Victoria - Mission of St James Chiropractors and Osteopaths (Amendment) Bill and St John, 345. Deinstitutionalisation program, 744. (No. 2), 1216. Coburg - Garnishee orders served on council, 1193. Disability Services Bill, 279. Economy, The -State debt, q 242. Education and Training - Yarra Park Primary School, q 706. Education (Teachers) Bill, 1976. Grievances, 744. Emergency Services Superannuation (MFBSF Transfer) Bill, 492, 584. House Committee - Report on Budget process, 279. Farrow Group - Pyramid Building Society bond Melbourne University (Hawthorn) Bill, 1252, 1257. offer, 939, 1610. Ministry, The - Security of Ministerial cars, 538. Finance - Budget borrowings, q 242. State Budget Mission of St James and St John, 345. comparisons, q 824. Annual financing transaction, Points of Order - Questions without notice: 1632. admissibility, 423, 595, 1551; use of question time, House Committee - Report on passive smoking, 664. Unparliamentary remarks, 1294. Capacity of 1964. Committee to discuss clause, 1384. Tabling of documents, 1484. Joint Sittings of Parliament - Victoria University of Technology, 1334. Monash University, 1334. Rental Bond Board Bill, 153. Victorian Institute of Marine Sciences, 1334. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (25)

Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1383. Rural Water Commission - Rates and charges, 652, Land Tax (Revision) Bill, 1134, 1277, 1279, 1772, 1773, 2041. 1777,1778, 1779. Lay Observer - Or K. McKenzie, 994. s Libraries (Amendment) Bill, 2030. Local Government (Rating) Bill, 2024. Sandon, Mr M. J. (Carrum) (Minister for Police and Melbourne University (Hawthorn) Bill, 1893. Emergency Services, and Minister for Corrections) Melbourne University (VCAH) Bill, 1977. Consumer Affairs - Bogus tradesmen, 938. Members - Naming of honourable member for Performance of Ministry, 961. Evelyn, 126. Naming of Leader of the National Corrections, Office of - Prisoners: female, q 183; Party, 1209. access to telephones, 1074. National Rail Corporation (Victoria) Bill, 1889. Fair Trading (Environmental Labelling) Bill, 891. Natural Resources and Environment Committee - Police (Industrial Functions) Bill, 1783. Membership, 431. Victoria Police - Parliament - Televising of proceedings, 1212. Crime - Prevention, q 599. Violence against women, Parliament of Victoria Committee - AppOintment, 939. 586,2032. General - Administration, q 10. Neighbourhood Parliamentary Salaries and Superannuation Watch, 768. Location of 24-hour stations, q 825. (Amendment) Bill, 1275. Defensive living programs, 939. Points of Order - Questions without notice: length, Women - Violence, 939. 247; debating, 1203, 1547, 1959; relevancy of answers, 1413, 1482, 1627; admissibility, 1551; reading, 1714. Televising of proceedings, 302. Schools (See ''Education and Training'') Notice of motion, 305. Rule of anticipation, 308. Incorporation of material, 496. Scope of debate, 817,818. Adjournment debate: attendance of Seitz, Mr George (Keilor) Ministers, 1191; reference to detail not raised, 1193; rule of sub judice, 1193; matters to relate to Alcohol - Cumulative effects, 1608. Minister'S portfolio, 2040. Reflections on Chair, Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 514. 1339. Tabling of Privileges Committee report, Conservation and Environment - Altona 1389. Relevancy of remarks, 1872. grasslands, 590. Privileges Committee - Membership, 829, 1973. Consumer Affairs - Telephone canvassing, 879. Meetings, 946, 1669. Evidence, 946,1669. Reports, Bank charges, 992. 1389,1633. Powers, 1973. Disability Services Bill, 281. Public Bodies Review Committee - Membership, 16. Education and Training - Jamieson Park Secondary Pyramid Building Society (See "Farrow Group'') College, 174. St Albans Primary School, 539. Bus Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill, 1519. services, 653. Roads Corporation - Proposed F2 freeway, 2042. Ethnic Affairs - Police raids, 1393. Shop Trading (Further Amendment) Bill, 963. Finance - Auditor-General's report on Ministerial State Bank Victoria - Mortlake branch, 883. Sale, portfolios, q 1272. 1270. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 42. State Insurance Office (Sale) Bill, 1276, 1506, 1508, Grievances, 741, 1585. 1780. Keilor City Council- Land rezoning, 12, 60, 186,239. State Superannuation Fund - Liquidity, 1415, 1421. Labour, Department of - Advertisement in Toorak State Trust Corporation of Victoria (Amendment) Times, 1062. Bill, 1975. Legal Profession -Costs and charges, 741. Taxation - Commonwealth-State taxing powers, Melbourne Cricket Ground - Great Southern Stand, q 425. q717. Transport Accident Commission - Juvenile traffic Melbourne International Festival of the Arts, q 1007. accident victims, 994. Municipalities - Rate arrears, 1123. Tricontinental Corporation Ltd - Bad debts, q 124. Neighbourhood House Week, 116. Universities - Victoria University of Technology, Petitions - Keilor land rezoning, 12, 186. 1334. Monash, 1334. Planning - Keilor land rezoning, 12, 186. St Albans, Victorian Debt Retirement Fund (Amendment) Bill, 479. Grantham Green estate, 1703. 248,324. Roads Corporation - Keilor-Melton Road pedestrian Victorian Institute of Marine Sciences, 1334. crossing, 708. Calder Highway duplication, 766. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Drink-rlriving, 1608. No. 2) Bill, 248, 432,899. Snakes - In Keilor, 1542. Social Security, Commonwealth Department of­ St Albans office, 1192. Rural Affairs (See "Agriculture, Department of" and "Primary Industries") Victoria Police - House raids, 1393. (26) INDEX

WorkCare - Medical appointments, 1324. Aluminium Smelters of Victoria Pty Ltd - Report, Harassment of injured worker, 1585. 1964. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, AMRAD Corporation Lld - Report, 1964. No. 2) Bill, 514. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 457. Youth - Homelessness, 348. Auditor-General - Finance Minister's response to report on Ministerial portfolios, q 1272, q 1960, 1964. Powers and resources, q 1331. Senior Citizens (See "Aged Services") Budget - Monitoring, q 1011. Driver Education Centre of Australia - Reports, 1964. Sercombe, Mr R. C. G. (Niddrie) Education (Teachers) Bill, 1719. Apprentices - Training, 1605. Finance - Auditor-General's report on Ministerial Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 622. portfolios, 1272, q 1960, 1964. Budget - Opposition policy, q 1130. Melbourne University (Hawthorn) Bill, 890, 966. Meat Industry, q 660. Melbourne University (VeAH) Bill, 1719. National Road Transport Commission - Mining - Code of Practice for Exploration and Establishment, q 1071. Rehabilitation of Exploration Sites, 1804. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Overseas Projects Corporation - Report, 1964. No. 2) Bill, 622. Planning - Transfer of railway land, 543. Points of Order - Reflections on Auditor-General, 1265. Veracity of statement, 1638. Relevancy of Setche!, Mrs K. P. (Ringwood) (Minister for remarks, 1830. Community Services) Portland Smelter Unit Trust - Report, 1964. Caloola Training Centre - Proposed closure, q 9. Public Account (Further Amendment) Bill, 1804, 2024. Police investigations, q 945. Retail Tenancies (Rent Review) .Bill, 1972,2020,2023. Community Services Victoria - Teaching Service (Further Amendment) Bill, 1487. Children - Intercountry adoption, q 487. Single-track protection program, q 597. Abuse, q 1484. Victoria University of Technology (Amendment) Bill, Protective services, 1508. Report on child 1275. protection system, q 1630. Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board Department - Ministerial panel of inquiry into death (Amendment) Bill, 890, 967. of DV, 1633. Victorian Supply Service Bill, 1804, 2026. General- Neighbourhood House Week, 119, q 300. Vistel Lld - Report, 1964. Commonwealth-State Disability Agreement, 175. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Maternal and child health services, 296. No. 2) Bill, 324, 457. Non-government welfare agencies, q 1129. Intellectual Disability Seroices - Caloola Training Centre, q 9, q 945. Sheehan, Mr F. P. (Ballarat South) Youtl, -Government policies, 140. Protective Agriculture, Department of - Rural schemes, 1550. services, 1508. European Community, 1818. Disability Services Bill, 289. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 521. Handicapped Persons - Commonwealth-State Deaths - Earnest Morton, Esq., 548. Major General Disability Agreement, 175. Sir Rohan Delacombe, KCMG, KCVO, KBE, CB, Local Government (Rating) Bill, 669. DSC, 1711. Ministerial Panel of Inquiry into the Death of DV - Economy, The - Government initiatives, q 551. Report, 1633. European Community - Agricultural agreement, Ministerial Statement - Protective services for 1818. children and young people, 1508. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 23. Neighbourhood House Week, 119, q 300. Government, The - Economic initiatives, q 551. Points of Order - Relevancy of document, 132; Hospitals - Ballarat Base, 294. relevancy of remarks, 214. RaCing (Betting Competitions and Mixed Sports) Bill, Preschool and Child Care, Office of - Report, 1804. 1737. Preschools - Funding, 120. Rural Water Commission - Rural water charges, Youth -Government policies, 140. Protective 2041. services, 1508. State Data Centre, Ballarat, q 1070. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 521. Sheehan, Mr A. J. (Northcote) (Minister for Finance) Adult, Community and Further Education Bill (No. 2), 248, 304, 325. Albury-Wodonga Agreement (Amendment) Bill, 1972,2017,2020. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (27)

Sh!ll Australia Lld - Dangerous chemicals transport, Law Courts - Legge case, 991, 1789. Sentences for 348. rap'e convictions, 1187. Lay Observer - Or K. McKenzie, 991. Legge, Mr R. - Legal case, 991, 1789. Sh~ll, Mr H. K. (Geelong) Melbourne Water - Rate increases, 1422. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 466. Petitions - Traffic signals at Lum and Ferntree Gully Corrections, Office of - Prisoners' access to roads, 11. Waverley Community Health Centre telephones, q 1074. and Eastern Suburbs Geriatric Centre, 11. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 55. Melbourne Water rate increases, 1422. Sexual Legal and Constitutional Committee - Report on abuse of children, 1422. Bureau of Crime Statistics, 491. Points of Order - Adjournment debate: attendance Shop Trading (Further Amendment) Bill, 1170. of Ministers, 175,483; matter raised must be of urgent public concern, 480. Availability of reports, Taxation - Commonwealth-State powers, q 425. 1633. Photographing of Chamber, 1575. Victoria Police - Bureau of Crime Statistics, 491. Public Prosecutions, Director of - Performance, 1587. Crime prevention, q 599. Rental Bond Board Bill, 166. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 466. Roads Corporation - Traffic signals at Lum and Ferntree Gully roads, 11. Rulings and Statements as Acting Speaker - Royal Botanic Gardens Bill, 1909. Debate - Quotation from current debate, 458. Reading of speeches, 862, 864. Offensive remarks, Victoria Police - Neighbourhood Watch, 767. Rape 863. Relevancy, 1097. Unparliamentary remarks, cases, 1187. 1294. Reflections on members, 1294. Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board (Amendment) Bill, 1296, 1299. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions. 1991-92, Shepparton Electorate, 1557. No. 2) Bill, 625.

Simmonds, Mr J. L. (Reservoir) Smith, Mr I. W. (Polwarth) Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 837. Abattoirs -Closures, 1700. Collingwood Football Club - Agreement with Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 675. Collingwood City Council, 1790. Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union- Melbourne University (Hawthorn) Bill, 1256. Abattoirs, 1700. Points of Order - Tabling of documents, 745. Conservation and Environment - Lough Calvert Drainage Trust, 1262. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 837. Deaths - Major General Sir Rohan Delacombe, KCMG, KCVO, KBE, CB, 050, 1710. Economy, The -State debt, 182. Small Business - Taxation costs, q 1205. Retail Finance - Debt reduction strategy, 182. tenancy at Altona Gate shopping centre, 1473, 1475. Consolidated Fund transactions, q 1627. (See also "Manufacturing and Industry Meat Industry - Abattoirs, 1700. Development") Petitions - Preschools: right to ready access, 186. Points of Order - Questions without notice: tabling of file, 127; relevancy of answer, 1627. Smith, Mr E. R. (Glen Waverley) Preschools - Access to, 186. Aged Services - Waverley Community Health Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Centre and Eastern Suburbs Geriatric Centre, 11. No. 2) Bill, 675. Animals - Pit bull-terriers, 880. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 625. Attorney-General's Department - Treatment of Smoking - Passive, 1964. prisoner at Pentridge Prison, 481. Compensation for cattle theft, 1395. Snakes - In Keilor, 1542. Children - Abuse, 1422. Social Development Committee - Report on speed Coode Island - Fire, 173. limits, 1718. Crimes (Confiscation of Profits) (Amendment) Bill, 1753. Social Security, Commonwealth Department of - Crimes (Rape) Bill, 2006. St Albans office, 1192. Dangerous Goods - Storage, 173. Solicitors (See ''Legal Profession'') Education and Training - Jells Park Primary School, 588. Soviet Union - Fishing fleet contract, q 1414. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 104. Grievances, 1587. (28) INDEX

Speaker, The (Hon. Ken Coghill) Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill - Absolute Aboriginal land (Transfer) Bill- Absolute majority, majority, 1359, 1374, 1387, 1388, 1389. 1281, 1286. Land (Revocations and Other Matters) Bill­ Accident Compensation Commission - WorkCare Absolute majority, 1449. reports, 1210, 1966. Medical Panels - Reports, 1210, 1966. Accident Compensation Tribunal- WorkCare Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill-Absolute reports, 304, 1423. majority, 1018. Adjournment Debate - Attendance of Ministers, Melbourne lands and Market Sites Bill - Absolute 176,483, 1477. Admissibility of matters raised, 480, majority, 1894, 1980. 993,2038,2040,2041. Relevancy of remarks, 989. Members - Resignation of honourable member for Clarification of pecuniary interest, 1122. Shepparton, 1, 3. Naming of honourable member Reflections: on members, 1189, 1190, 1266, 1268; for Evelyn, 126. Naming of Leader of the National on Auditor-General, 1265. RaiSing of same matter, Party, 1208, 1209. Swearing in of honourable 1190. Scope of points of order, 1191, 1192. member for Shepparton, 1269. Pagers, 1422. Reference to detail not raised, 1193, 1194. Calling Ministry, The - Attendance of Ministers during of Ministers, 1266. Behaviour of members, 1266, adjournment debate, 176,483, 1477. Absence of 1267, 1322, 2033. Relevancy of Ministers' Treasurer during Budget debate, 670. responses, 1476. Morton, Earnest, Esq., Late, 549. Auditor-General - Report on Consolidated Fund, National Rail Corporation (Victoria) Bill - Absolute 1210. majority, 1869, 1893. Bills - Absolute majority: required, 249, 329, 331, Parliament - Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, 1. 1016,1018,1115, 1232,1281,1286,1359,1374,1387, Broadcasting, televising and photographing of 1449, 1470, 1670, 1822, 1869, 1893, 1894, 1980, 1998; proceedings, 3, 177,302,322, 1005, 1199, 1575, not obtained, 1388, 1389. 1578. AppOintment of Deputy Clerk, 813. Mace, BlF Custodian - Report No. 16,430. 1090. Budget process, 1965. Standing Orders, 1965. Business of the House - Notices of motion, 305. Parliament House -Safety in Chamber, 1591. Christmas Felicitations, 2036. Parliament of Victoria Committee - Appointment, Clerk of the legislative Assembly, 1. 651. Constitution (Independence of Judges and Public Parliamentary Privilege - Alleged breach by Officers) Bill- Absolute majority, 1115, 1232. Minister for Transport, 813. Confidentiality, 1411. Crimes (Confiscation of Profits) (Amendment) Bill­ Privileges Committee - Report, 1391. Absolute majority, 1670, 1822, 1998. Questions without Notice - Interjections, 6, 8, 65, 67, Deaths - Earnest Morton, Esq., 549. Major General 68,124,125,126,127,182,244,299,300,301,422, Sir Rohan Delacombe, KCMG, KCVO, KBE, CB, 423,424,551,553,713,716,821,942,1071,1127, DSO,1712. 1128,1130,1270,1272,1481,1548,1552,1714,1718, Debate - Rule of anticipation, 308. Incorporation of 1798, 1957. Answers: relevancy, 7, 9, 69, 124, 125, material, 497. Interjections, 503, 505. Rule of sub 126,298,429,491,550,552,554,555,598,599,657, judice, 504. Reflections: on Chair, 504,1339; on 658,713,715,718,820,941,942,1006,1009,1011, members, 504, 727, 906, 1649, 1650; on House, 1200, 1273, 1328, 1414, 1417, 1482, 1484, 1627, 1718, 1891. Use of correct titles, 507, 1572. Relevancy of 1955, 1956, 1960; length, 247, 600,820,826,888, remarks, 615. Reading of speeches, 728, 738. 1131,1416,1485; must relate to government Behaviour of members, 769, 1199. Scope, 814, 815, administration, 943,1207,1953,1958; must 816,817, 1645. Unparliamentary expressions, 816. provide information, 1208; addressed to Chair, Matter referred to Privileges Committee, 1199, 1552; reading, 1715. Behaviour of members, 123, 1553. Admissibility of amendment, 1351. 425,554,885,889,1202,1203,1269,1328,1329, Second-reading speeches, 1357. Ringing of 1330, 1331, 1413, 1481, 1548, 1630, 1713, 1716, 1955, division bells, 1374. Information given to 1956. Unparliamentary remarks, 125,553,715. members, 1389. Order of call, 1560. Availability of Reflections on members, 184, 552, 1549. Debating, reports, 1633. Veracity of statement, 1638. Personal 297,298,299,301,422,488,596,660,714,886,1070, explanations, 1962. 1072,1128,1203,1271,1328,1332,1548,1628,1715, Delacombe, Major General Sir Rohan, KCMG, 1959, 1961. AdmiSSibility, 423, 595, 819,821, 1072, KCVO, KBE, CB, 050, late, 1712. 1205,1327,1328,1419,1547, 1551, 1628. Maybe asked only once during question time, 424, 1205. Distinguished Visitors, 177,421, 1547, 1588, 1625, Tabling of documents, 550, 595. Guidelines,. 554. 1707,1953. Scope of points of order 554,665,667, 1416. Use of Divisions - Recording results, 981. Bells, 1422. question time, 663, 665, 668. Scope, 717. Ministerial Correction of lists, 1633. Position of member, 1890. responSibility, 819. Matter referred to Privileges Gaming Machine Control Bill, 249, 329, 1016. Committee, 819. Addressed to Chair, 885. Defying Health (Infectious Diseases) Bill - Absolute ruling of Chair, 945. Use of correct titles, 1012. majority, 1470. Hypothetical, 1202, 1206. Withdrawal of remark, 1203. Framing, 1418, 1797. Availability of Joint Sittings of Parliament - Victoria UniverSity of documents, 1421. Technology, 1334, 1451, 1454. Monash University, 1334, 1451, 1454. Victorian Institute of Marine Rental Bond Board BiIl- Absolute majority, 331. Sciences, 1334, 1451, 1454. Statutory Rules - Disallowance, 1600. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (29)

Universities - Victoria University of Technology, Transport Accident Commission - Performance, 1334, 1451, 1454.~onash, 1334, 1451, 1454. 181. Graduate trainee positions, 1067. Victorian Accident Rehabilitation Council­ Transport (Car Pooling) Bill, 2023. WorkCare report, 1210. Transport, Ministry of - Budget, q 69. Victorian Institute of ~arine Sciences, 1334, 1451, Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, 1454. No. 2) Bill, 643. WorkCare - Reports, 304, 601,1210,1423, 1966. WorkCare Appeals Board - Reports, 1210, 1966. Standing Orders Committee - Reports: statutory rules, motions and rulings, 1210; general revision, Sport and Recreation - ABC radio sports 1965. broadcasting, 170, 175. Effects of goods and services tax, q 427. Proposed sports centre, q 552. State Bank Victoria (See ''Banks'') Collingwood Football Club, 1790, 1793. State Data Centre, Ballarat, q 1070.

State Electricity Commission - Payment of union Spyker, Mr P. C. (~entone) (~inister for Transport) officials' salaries, q 485. Lighting in Goonawarra Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 643. estate, 707, 764, 769. Latrobe Valley: asbestos, 1188; Bicycles - Safety helmets, 542. industrial action, q 1953. Resale price of electricity in caravan parks, 1320. Driver Education Centre of Australia, 64. Education and Training - ~urrayville Secondary State Library of Victoria - Resources for rural VCE College, 64. students, 1605, 1609. National Rail Corporation (Victoria) Bill, 1134, 1520. State Superannuation Fund - Liquidity, q 1415. National Road Transport Commission­ Establishment, q 1072. Statutory Rules - Review system, 761. Disallowance, Parliamentary Privilege - Alleged breach, 818. 1210,1597. Personal Explanations - Statement in debate, 705, 1199. Points of Order - ~atter referred to Privileges Steggall, Mr B. E. H. (Swan Hill) Committee, 819,1327. Admissibility of answer to Accident Compensation Commission - question without notice, 1072. Investigations of alleged practi~es, q 181. Privileges Committee - Report, 1644. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 640. Public Transport - Duck Hunting - Rights of shooters, 1568. BIlS Services -School buses: Murrayville Secondary Economy, The - State debt, 1632. College, 64, 883; Keilor/Sunbury, 656; rationalisation, 768. Shelters, 882. In Highett, 1396. Finance - Debt reduction strategy, 1632. Grievances, 1568. Corporation - Employee contracts and payments, q 550, q 552, q 553, q 554, q 594, q 596, q 597, q 598, Health (Infectious Diseases) Bill, 1461. q 657, q 658, q 714, q 716, q 718, q 819, q 823, q 824, Local Government (Rating) Bill, 1305, 1432, 1445. q 825, q 827, q 941, q 944, q 1005, q 1127, q 1130, Manufacturing and Industry Development, 1199, q 1327, q 1329, q 1330, q 1331, q 1412, q 1413, Department of - Los Angeles office, q 489. q 1415, q 1417, q 1418, q 1421, q 1481, q 1482, Points of Order - Questions without notice: scope, q 1483, q 1547, q 1550, q 1552. Staff reductions, 717; relevancy of answers, 1207, 1483. q 600, q 1006, q 1012, q 1071. Occupational health and safety officer, q 1008, q 1009, q 1010, q 1069, Public Transport Corporation - Employee q 1070, q 1073, q 1127, q 1128, q 1130, q 1483. contracts and payments, q 823, q 1130, q 1420, Fraudulent expenses claim, q 1011. Corporate q 1550. Occupational health and safety officer, plan, q 1073. Overtime payments, q 1131. Financial 1483. transactions, 1265. Appointments, q 1418. Freight Rural Water Commission - Rates, 652. claims unit, q 1549. Shop Trading (Further Amendment) Bill, 1166. Fares and Freight - Student concession cards, 241. Water (Elections) Bill, 1842. General- Budget, q 69. Safety and cleanliness, q 1012. Wheat Industry - Export marketing, 1543. Rail Services - Light rail link to Knox, 481. Met ticket Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, machines, 481. No. 2) Bill, 640. Tram Services -Industrial dispute, q 943. Rulings and Statements as Acting Speaker - Roads Corporation- Debate -Scope, 1872. Generai- Driver education training, 64. Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad, 1793. Roads and Highways - Hume Freeway project, 119. Stockdale, Mr A. R. (Brighton) Templestowe Road, 542. Calder Highway Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 492, 899. duplication, 768. Western ring-road, 1609. Auditor-General - Criticism of by government, 1335. Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill, 1134, 1864, 1867, 1869 2023. (30) INDEX

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited Police (Industrial Functions) Bill, 1784. (NMRB) Bill, 970, 973. Roads Corporation - Culpable driving offences, Budget - Deficit, q 244, 1626. Projections, q 301. 1790. Bus Services - In Highett, 1394. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Business of the House - Notices of motion, 305. No. 2) Bill, 469. Economy, The - State debt, q 179, q 181, q 183. Budget: deficit, q 244, 1626; projections, q 301. Public management strategy, 306. Taxation - Commonwealth-State powers, q 425. Goods and services, q 427, 589, 732, q 1205, q 1957, Emergency Services Superannuation (MFBSF 2041. Payroll, q 1958. Transfer) Bill, 1217. Finance - Debt reduction strategy, q 179, q 181, Telecom-OTC - Buy-Australian policy, q 659. q 183. Consolidated Fund transactions, 1626, 1631. Government, The - Performance, 306. Television - Change in transmission frequency, 118. Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1382. Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 170, 175. Violence and pornography, 1392, 1803. Land Tax (Revision) Bill, 1755, 1773. Payroll Tax - Reform, 1958. Textile, Clothing and Footwear (See "Manufacturing Points of Order - Inaccurate allegation, 428. and Industry Development - General") Questions without notice: relevancy of answers, 429, 662, 1273; use of question time, 667; debating, 1332, 1959, 1960. Scope of debate, 815. Thomson, Mr K. J. (Pascoe Vale) Adjournment debate: attendance of Ministers, Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 602. 1191; clarification of statement, 1193; rule of sub judice, 1193. Admissibility of amendment, 1351. Budget - Monitoring, q 1011. Capacity of Committee to discuss clause, 1385. Bus Services - In Brunswick area, 718. Absolute majority not obtained, 1387, 1388. Coburg City Council - Payment to former Insufficient information given to allow members employee, 1121, 1189. to vote on motion, 1389. Community Services Victoria - Family planning Public Transport Corporation - Overtime payments, services, 718. 1131. Conservation and Environment - Recycle 2000 plan, Shop Trading (Further Amendment) Bill, 1180. q489. State Bank Victoria - Sale, q 1273. Consumer Affairs - Bogus tradesmen, 935. State Insurance Office (Sale) Bill. 1277, 1489. Corporate Affairs - Business conduct and practices, Victorian Debt Retirement Fund (Amendment) Bill, 725. 973. Economy, The - Micro-economic reform, q 1954. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Environment Protection (Resource Recovery) Bill, No. 2) Bill, 492, 899. 1687. Grievances, 725. Petitions - Preschool funding, 430. Sunday trading, Students (See "Education and Training - Students'1 555. Bus service in Brunswick area, 718. Family Subordinate Legislation - Reports, 556, 761, 1133, planning services, 718. 1965. Points of Order - Adjournment debate: raising of same matter, 1190; reflection on member, 1190. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - Funding for Premiers Conference - Decisions, q 1954. research, q 299. Preschools - Funding, 430. Small Business - Retail tenancy at Altona Gate T shopping centre, 1473. Trading Hours - Sunday, 555. Tanner, Mr E. M. P. (Caulfield) Tricontinental Corporation Ltd - Corporate conduct Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 469. and practices, 725. Conservation and Environment - Corio Bay, 1209. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 602. Environment Protection (Resource Recovery) Bill, 1690. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 35. Total Care Benefit Society Ltd, 1064. Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1368, 1380, 1382, 1386. Totalizator Agency Board - Surplus distribution to Natural Resources and Environment Committee - racing clubs, 291, 295. Report on fish resource allocations, 1965. Tourism - Melbourne Now campaign, q 715. Petitions -Corio Bay, 1209. Victorian Tourism Commission, q 1799. Effects of Points of Order - Questions without notice: goods and services tax, q 1957. relevancy of answers, 69,300,1413; debating, 298, 1072. Reflections on members, 1266. LEGISLA TIVE ASSEMBLY (31)

Trading Hours -Sunday, 11,70,71,555,669,827, Budget - Federal, q 66. 1013, 1132, 1333, 1553. Retail, 70, 185, 556. Retail Conservation and Environment - National Traders Act, 828. approach to environmental issues, q 1482. Transport (See "Public Transport") Petitions - Clayton railway line, 946, 1074. Privileges Committee - Reports, 1389, 1390, 1633, Transport Accident Commission - Performance, 1656. Meetings, 1553. q 181. Juvenile traffic accident victims, 989, 994. Rail Services - Clayton line, 946, 1074. Graduate traine~ pOSitions, 1066, 1067. Telecom-OTC - Buy-Australian policy, q 659. Transport, Ministry of - Budget, q 69. Veneto Trade Delegation, 1542.

Trezise, Mc N. B. (Geelong North) (Minister for Sport vIe ROADS (See "Roads Corporation'') and Recreation) Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Sports Victoria Police - coverage, 175. Crime - Bureau of Crime Statistics: report, 491. National Tennis Centre (Amendment) Bill, 1719, 1822. Prevention, q 599. Violence against women, 937, Racing - TAB distribution to clubs, 295. Effects of 939, q 1797, q 1802. Rape cases, 1187. In Prahran, goods and services tax, q 427. 1323,1325. Racing (Betting Competitions ,and Mixed Sports) Bill, General - Administration, q 10. Neighbourhood. 1134,1215, 1751. Watch, 767, 768. Location of 24-hour stations, q 825. Defensive living programs, 937, 939. Sport and Recreation - ABC radio sports Camperdown abattoir, 1M3. Boronia services, broadcasting, 175. Effects of goods and services 1132. House raids, 1393. Blood. samples, 1583. tax, q 427. Staff - Conditions, 1470. Totalizator Agency Board - Surplus distribution to racing clubs, 295. Stations - Mooroopna, 601.

Victorian Accident Rehabilitation Council­ Tricontinental Corporation ltd - Bad debts, q 123. WorkCare report, 1210. Corporate conduct and practices, 725. Victorian Health System Review - Report, 1133. Tricontinental Royal Commission - First report, 72. Victorian Institute of Marine Sciences, 1334, 1389, u 1451, 1454, 1478. Victorian Tourism Commission - Staff, q 1799. Unemployment (See "Labour, Department of­ Employment") Violence - Film, literature and television, 171, 1392, 1803. Against women, 937, 939, q 1797, q 1802. Unions- Vistelltd - Report, 1964. Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union­ Abattoirs: closures, q 178, q 421, q 422, q 424, VlLine (See "Public Transport - RJzil Services'') q 485, 1063, q 1628, q 1629, 1700, q 1713, q 1716, q 1960. Harrison inquiry, q 425, q 593, 738. Financial management, 2040. w Australian Timber and Allied Industries Union - Resource recovery, 237. Wade, Mrs J. L. M. (Kew) Gtmeral - SEC: payment of union officials' salaries, Aboriginal Affairs, Office of - Former Ministerial q 485. Tramways dispute, q 943. adviser, q 8, q 66. Victorian Secondary Teachers Association - Industrial Administration and Probate (Amendment) Bill agreements, 1963. (No. 2), 1317, 1318. Administrative Appeals Tribunal (Planning) Bill Universities - Victoria University of Technology, (No. 2), 1232, 1250, 1251. 1334,1389,1451,1454, 1478. Monash, 1334,1389, Agriculture, Department of - Relocation of head 1451, 1454, 1478. Discrimination against students, office, 735. 1394. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 683. Urban land Authority - Lighting in Goonawarra Conservation and Environment, Department of - estate, 764, 769. Selection of real estate agents, 1703, Relocation of head office, 735. 1705. Constitution (Independence of Judges and Public Officers) Bill, 1116, 1227, 1231. v Co-operation (Credit Co-operatives) Bill, 1535, 1600, 1601, 1603, 1604. Vaughan, Or G. M. (Clayton) Corporations (Victoria) (Amendment) Bill, 324, 1090. (32) INDEX

Crimes (Bribery of Members of Parliament and Major Projects - Proposed sports centre, q 552. Public Officers) Bill, 332. Bayside and Eastside projects, q 1626. Crimes (Confiscation of Profits) (Amendment) Bill, Manufacturing and Industry Development - Soviet 1154, 1155, 1670. fishing fleet contract, q 1414. Crimes (Rape) Bill, 2000. Petitions - Montague Continuing Education Centre, Crimes (Year and a Day Rule) Bill, 1150, 1525, 1532, 1422, 1553, 1802. 1534. Equal Opportunity, Commissioner for - Former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, q 8, q 66. Water - Amalgamation of water boards, 62. Chiltern Water Board, 1539. (See also ''Melbourne Water") Friendly Societies (Reserve Board) Bill, 538. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 17, 107,224,225,226, 227,228,229,230,232,233,234,235,249,250,251, Weideman, Mr G. G. (Frankston South) 253,255,256,258,261,262,263,264,265,266,267, 268,269,271,273,274,275,278,327,1017. Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 891. Gaming Machine Control (Cross-reference) Bill, 1488. Attorney-General's Department - Lady Nell"Seeing Grievances, 735. Eye" Dog School,238, 748. Ministry, The - Former Minister for Aboriginal Electorate Office - Theft, 1391. Affairs, q 8, q 66. Approval of planning scheme by Gaming Machine Control Bill, 90, 225, 227, 231, 253, Minister for Planning and Housing, 937. 256. Planning - Subdivision of Doncaster site, 937. Grievances, 748. Points of Order - Questions without notice: Keith Turnbull Research Institute - Allegations of relevancy of answers, 9; debating, 1128. corruption, 1391. Reflections on a former Commissioner for Lady Nell"Seeing Eye" Dog School - Estate of Jane Corporate Affairs, 1099. Relevancy of remarks, Williamson, 238, 748. 1151. Incorporation of material, 1230. Members - Threatening telephone calls, 1391. Public Service -Opportunities for women, 735. Racing (Betting Competitions and Mixed Sports) Bill, State Trust Corporation of Victoria (Amendment) 1738. Bill, 107, 109, 195, 196, 197, 199,200,201,204. Shop Trading (Further Amendment) Bill, 1176. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - Funding for Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, research, q 299. No. 2) Bill, 891. Transport Accident Commission - Graduate trainee positions, 1066. Women - Opportunities in Public Service, 735. Wells, Dr R. J. H. (Dromana) Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Adult, Community and Further Education Bill No. 2) Bill, 683. (No. 2), 1101. Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Bill, 931. Wallace, MrT. W. (Gippsland South) Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 911. Community Services Victoria - Maternal and child Appropriation (1991-92, No. 1) Bill, 866. health: services, 294; centres, 303. Cattle Compensation (Amendment) Bill, 1025. Conservation and Environment - Sewage discharge Education and Training - School and preschool at Boag's Rock, Cape Schanck, 1014. integration program, 186. Crimes (Year and a Day Rule) Bill, 1530, 1533. Hospitals - Maffra District, 237,1963. Health (Infectious Diseases) Bill, 1466. Petitions - Disabled children: funding, 186. Maffra Land (Prince Henry's Hospital) Bill, 1361. District Hospital, 1963. Melbourne University (Hawthorn) Bill, 1253, 1893. Racing (Betting Competitions and Mixed Sports) Bill, Personal Explanations - Division result, 1893. 1734. Petitions - Maternal and child health centres, 303. Rail Services - Fast rail transport, 1124. Boag's Rock, Cape Schanck sewage discharge, Road Safety (Further Amendment) Bill, 1868. 1014. Roads Corporation - Dangerous railway crossings, Points of Order - Relevancy of document, 132. 542. Preschool and Child Care, Office of - Funding, 655. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, Privileges Committee - Report, 1666. No. 2) Bill, 866. Royal Botanic Gardens Bill, 1910. Victoria University of Technology (Amendment) Bill, Walsh, Mr R. W. (Albert Park) 1824. Education and Training -Montague Continuing Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board Education Centre, 1422, 1553, 1802. (Amendment) Bill, 1288. Gaming Machine Control Bill, 48. Works and Services (Ancillary Provisions, 1991-92, No. 2) Bill, 911. Labour, Department of -Industrial affairs legislation, q 1207. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (33)

Westpac Banking Corporation (See "Banks'') Wildlife - Illegal export, q 822.

Wilson, Mrs J. T. C. (Dandenong North) Dandenong - Infrastructure, q 1548. Petitions - Sunday trading, 11. Taxation -Goods and services, q 427, q 1957. Trading Hours -Sunday, 11. Victorian Tourism Commission -Staff, q 1799. WorkCare - Unfunded liabilities, q 594.

Wilson's Promontory Marine Park, 1122. Women - Opportunities in Public Service, 735. Violence against, 937, 939, q 1797, q 1802. Refuges, 1121. Status, q 1127. AdvertiSing, 1133. WorkCare - Performance, q 7. Reports, 304, 601,1210, 1423,1966. Costs to employers, q 594, 882. Unfunded liabilities, q 594. Medical appointments, 1324. Loopholes in legislation, 1474. Harassment of injured worker, 1585.

WorkCare Appeals Board - Reports, 1210, 1966. Appointments, q 1799, q 1800.

y

Young Fanners Movement - Funding, 1264. Youth -Government policies, 127. Homelessness, 348, 350. Protective services, 1508. (34) INDEX QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

List in numerical order of questions on notice answered during period covered by this index. Ministerial portfolios and abbreviations Aboriginal Affairs Ab Affs Agriculture Ag Arts Arts Attorney-General A-G Community Services CS Conservation and Environment C & E Corrections Corr Finance Fin Labour Lab Major Projects Maj Proj Planning and Housing P & H Police and Emergency Services P & ES Premier Prem Property and Services P & 5 Small Business SB Sport and Recrea tion 5 & R Tourism Tour Transport Trans Treasurer Treas Note: Where numbers appear twice questions duplicated in error.

Qn Subject matter Asked by Answered by Date Page No. Answered No.

431 Inspectors - Department of MrG~de Mr Pope (Lab) 29.10.91 1611 Labour 444 Vehicles - Agriculture Mr Dickinson Mr Baker (A g) 20.8.91 353 Vehicles 444 Vehicles - Agriculture Mr Dickinson Mr Baker (Ag) 10.9.91 771 467 Vehicles - Transp,'rt Mr Dickinson Mr Spyker (Trans) 1.10.91 997 480 Taxi and Car Hire - Mr Dickinson Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 9.10.91 1197 Property and Services 491 Taxi and. Car Hire - Corrections Mr Dickinson Mr Sandon (Corr) 20.8.91 353 491 Taxi and Car Hire - Corrections Mr Dickinson Mr Sandon (COrT) 10.9.91 771 503 Food Research Institute Projects Mr Austin Mr Baker (Ag) 20.8.91 353 503 Food Research Institute Projects Mr Austin Mr Baker (A g) 10.9.91 772 534 1996 Olympic Games Bid - Arts MrGude Mr Kennan (Arts) 10.9.91 772 5J8 Education and Training - MrCooper Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 20.8.91 354 Consultancies 541 Consultants - Tourism MrCooper Mr Crabb (Tour) 20.8.91 358 541 Consultants - Tourism MrCooper Mr Crabb (Tour) 10.9.91 772 546 Consultants - Major Projects MrCooper Mr Kennan (Maj Proj) 12.11.91 1933 547 Consultants - Department of MrCooper Mr Pope (Lab) 29.10.91 1611 Labour 551 Consultants - Agriculture MrCooper Mr Baker (Ag) 20.8.91 360 551 Consultants - Agriculture MrCooper Mr Baker (Ag) 10.9.91 774 554 Consultants - Community Services MrCooper Mrs Setches (CS) 10.9.91 779 5R8 Rural Water Commission - Mr Lieberrnan Mr Crabb (C & E) 20.8.91 363 Rangers LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBL Y (35)

Qn. Date Page No. Subject matter Asked by Answered by Answered No.

588 Rangers - Rural Water Mr Lieberman Mr Crabb (C & E) 10.9.91 783 Commission 620 Journalists - Agriculture MrGude Mr Baker (A g) 20.8.91 364 620 Journalists - Agriculture MrGude Mr Baker (Ag) 10.9.91 783 628 Journalists - Labour MrGude Mr Pope (Lab) 29.10.91 1617 630 Journalists - Conservation MrGude Mr Crabb (C & E) 20.8.91 364 and Environment 630 Journalists - Conservation MrGude Mr Crabb (C & E) 10.9.91 784 and Environment 644 Crown Land Rentals MrDelzoppo Mr Crabb (C & E) 21.8.91 393 644 Crown Land Rentals Mr Delzoppo Mr Crabb (C & E) 10.9.91 784 658 Retirement Counselling Seminars - Mr Perrin Mr Sandon (Corr) 20.8.91 364 Office of Corrections 658 Retirement Counselling Seminars - Mr Perrin Mr Sandon (Corr) 10.9.91 785 Office of Corrections 664 Retirement Counselling Seminars - Mr Perrin Mr Pope (Lab) 21.8.91 394 Labour 664 Retirement Counselling Seminars - MrPerrin Mr Pope (Lab) 10.9.91 785 Labour 669 Retirement Counselling Seminars - Mr Perrin Mr Baker (P & S) 20.8.91 36S Property and Services 669 Retirement Counselling Seminars - MrPerrin Mr Baker (P & S) 10.9.91 785 Property and Services 684 Sponsorships - Department of MrGude Mr Pope (Lab) 10.9.91 786 Labour 700 Employee Services - Office of MrGude Mr Sandon (Corr) 21.8.91 394 Corrections 700 Employee Services - Corrections MrGude Mr Sandon (Corr) 10.9.91 786 704 Employee Services - Department MrGude Mr Pope (Lab) 10.9.91 787 of Labour 710 Canteen Services - Ministry MrGude Mr Spyker (Trans) 20.8.91 365 of Transport 732 Intractable Wastes - Storage Mr John Mr Crabb (C & E) 20.8.91 369 in Victoria n~ lntractable Wastes - Storage MrJohn Mr Crabb (C & E) 20.8.91 370 i.n Bendigo and Central Victoria 748 Alpine Resorts Commission- MrGude Mr Crabb (Tour) 20.8.91 370 All Resort Passes 751 Crown Land Rentals Mr Lieberman Mr Crabb (C & E) 21.8.91 395 751 Crown Land Rentals Mr Lieberman Mr Crabb (C & E) 10.9.91 788 759 State Supply Service Mr Delzoppo Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 21.8.91 396 759 State Supply Service MrDeJzoppo Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 10.9.91 788 761 Consultancy to Contact Japanese Mr Perton Mr Roper (Tress) 21.8.91 397 Food Service Industry 762 Consultancy to Encourage Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 21.8.91 399 Export Opportunities 764 Consultancy on Export Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 21.8.91 400 Encouragement Program 765 Export Encouragement Program- Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 20.8.91 371 Crest Consulting 766 Government Representation Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 21.8.91 401 in China 769 Intractable and Toxic Wastes- Mr Lieberman Mr Crabb (C & E) 20.8.91 3n Storage in Victoria 770 Intractable and Toxic Wastes - Mr Lieberman Mr Crabb (C & E) 20.8.91 373 High Temperature Incinerator 787 Consultancy to Value Essendon Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 21.8.91 401 Airport (36) INDEX

Qn. Date Page No. Subject matter Asked I1y Answered I1y Answered No.

813 Employment - Department of Mr Dickinson Mr Pope (Lab) 21.8.91 402 Labour 813 Employment - Department of Mr Dickinson Mr Pope (Lab) 10.9.91 790 Labour 814 Japanese Bio-Industry Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 21.8.91 403 Development Centre 815 Officer Visit to Japan Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 21.8.91 404 817 Officer's Overseas Travel- Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 10.9.91 791 Manufacturing and Industry Development 818 Attendance at Industrial Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 21.8.91 405 Development and Research Council 819 Study into De-inking Plants MrPerton Mr Roper (Treas) 21.8.91 407 820 Officer Visit to Hong Kong Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 21.8.91 407 and China 821 Officer Visit to Japan Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 21.8.91 409 822 Overseas Trips - Manufacturing Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 21.8.91 410 and Industry Development 832 Officer Visit to Korea and Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 21.8.91 417 Hong Kong 833 Home and Community Care Mr Perrin Mrs Setches (CS) 22.10.91 1397 Program 839 Government Building Projects - Mr Dickinson Mr Spyker (Trans) 20.8.91 373 Ministry of Transport 841 Building Projects- Mr Dickinson Mrs Setches (CS) 10.9.91 793 Community Services 843 Government Building Projects - Mr Dickinson Mr Sandon (P &: ES) 20.8.91 375 Ministry for Police and Emergency Services 844 Government Building Projects - Mr Dickinson Mr Baker (Ag) 20.8.91 376 Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs 846 Government Building Projects- Mr Dickinson Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 20.8.91 378 Ministry of Education 847 Government Building Projects - Mr Dickinson Mr Pope (Lab) 20.8.91 383 Department of Labour 851 Building Projects - Local Mr Dickinson Mrs Setches (CS) 11.9.91 808 Government 853 Building Projects M r Dickinson Mr Crabb (C &: E) 21.8.91 420 Conservation and Environment 853 Building Projects - Mr Dickinson Mr Crabb (C &: E) 10.9.91 793 Conservation and Environment 856 Building Projects - Mr Dickinson Mr Roper (Treas) 10.9.91 794 ~anufacturing and Industry Development 857 Building Projects - Arts Mr Dickinson Mr Kennan (Arts) 10.9.91 799 858 Building Projects - Mr Dickinson Mr Kennan (A..c) 10.9.91 800 Attorney-General 862 Land and Building - Sale by MrColeman Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 20.8.91 384 Government 872 Special Day Off - 31 December MrGude Mr Baker (Ag) 20.8.91 384 1990 881 Special Day Off - 31 December MrGude Mr Kennan (Arts) 20.8.91 384 1990 882 Special Day Off - MrGude Mr Kennan (A..c) 10.9.91 800 Attorney..ceneral LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBL Y (37)

Qn. Date Page No. Subject matter Asked by Answered by Answered No.

883 Special Day Off - 31 December MrGude Mrs Setches (CS) 20.8.91 385 1990 886 Special Day Off - MrGude Mr Harrowfield (SB) 10.9.91 800 Small Business 888 Special Day Off - 31 December MrGude Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 20.8.91 385 1990 892 Industrial Accident - Scoresby MrGude Mr Pope (Lab) 20.8.91 385 898 Mentone Girls Secondary College MrLea Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 8.10.91 1195 915 Crime in Broadmeadows and Coburg MrGavin Mr Sandon (P &c ES) 20.8.91 386 915 Crime in Broadmeadows and Coburg MrGavin Mr Sandon (P &c ES) 10.9.91 800 916 Crime in Sunbury MrGavin Mr Sandon (P &c ES) 20.8.91 386 916 Crime in Sunbury MrGavin Mr Sandon (P & ES) 10.9.91 801 917 Australian Citizenship MrGavin Mrs Setches (CS) 20.8.91 387 Certificates - Issued in 1990 919 Complaint re Credit Check MrGude Ms Kimer (Prem) 20.8.91 388 921 Met Ticketing Survey . Mr Dickinson Mr Spyker (Trans) 10.9.91 802 923 Tourism in Geelong Area Mr Dickinson Mr Crabb (Tour) 20.8.91 388 924 Banana Alley - Cleaning Costs MrGude Mr Spyker (Trans) 20.8.91 389 925 Meat Inspectors Mr Dickinson Mr Baker (Ag) 1.10.91 1000 926 Equity and Social Justice MrGude Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 20.8.91 389 Employment Programs 927 Private Bus Services MrCooper Mr Spyker (Trans) 12.11.91 1936 928 Electoral Enrolments MrGavin Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 20.8.91 390 929 Ethnic Affairs Commission - Mr Perrin Mrs Setches (CS) 20.8.91 390 Missing Files 930 Ethnic Affairs Commissioners MrPerrin Mrs Setches (CS) 10.9.91 803 931 Public Transport Patronage MrCooper Mr Spyker (Trans) 2.10.91 1003 932 Licensed Drivers - Ethnic Mr Perrin Mrs Setches (CS) 10.9.91 803 Affairs 933 Staff - Ethnic, Municipal Mr Perrin Mrs Setches (CS) 10.9.91 803 and Community Affairs 934 Budget - EthniC, Municipal Mr Perrin Mrs Setches (CS) 11.9.91 808 and Community Affairs 935 Salaries - Ethnic A(fairs Mr Perrin Mrs Setches (CS) 10.9.91 804 936 Crane Simulator Trainer MrGude Mr Pope (Lab) 20.8.91 390 937 Government Sales - Windsor MrColeman Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 20.8.91 391 Hotel and WilIsmere Land 939 Crane Collapse MrGude Mr Pope (Lab) 21.8.91 420 939 Crane Collapse MrGude Mr Pope (Lab) 10.9.91 804 940 Office of Youth Affairs MrGude Mrs Setches (CS) 22.10.91 1397 941 James Harrison Bridge - Geelong Mr Dickinson Mr Spyker (Trans) 20.8.91 391 942 Sheerin Case - Residential Mr Pemn Mr Sandon (P &c ES) 10.9.91 805 Tenancies Tribunal 943 Sheerin Case - Residential MrPerrin Mr Sandon (P &c ES) 10.9.91 805 Tenancies Tribunal 944 Sheerin Case - Residential Mr Perrin Mr Sandon (P &c ES) 10.9.91 805 Tenancies Tribunal 946 Mentone Girls Secondary College MrLea Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 20.8.91 391 947 BASS - Operations Mr Honeywood Mr Kennan (Arts) 20.8.91 391 948 Government Sales - Bendigo MrJohn Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 20.8.91 392 Region 949 Taxi Driver Licences Mr Perton Mr Spyker (Trans) 10.9.91 806 950 ''Yarraloch'' - Proposed MrPlowman Mr McCutcheon (P &c H) 20.8.91 392 Subd ivision 952 Women's Services -Small MrHeffernan Mr Harrowfield (SB) 10.9.91 806 Business 953 Bail Conditions MrCooper Mr Sand on (P &c ES) 22.10.91 1398 954 Offences While on Bail MrCooper Mr Sandon (P &c ES) 22.10.91 1398 (38) INDEX

Qn. Date Page No. Subject matter Asked by Answered by Answered No.

955 Roadwork Funds - Doncaster- Mr Perrin Mr Spyker (Trans) 22.10.91 1398 Templestowe 957 Report of Lay Observer Mr E. R. Smith Mr Kennan (A-G) 19.9.91 811 958 Youth Guarantee Survey MrGude Mr Pope (Lab) 22.10.91 1399 959 Joint Polling Booth - Mr Perrin Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 22.10.91 1399 Doncaster and Bulleen 961 M. K. Read Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 19.9.91 811 Manufacturing and Industry Development 970 Urban Spatial Consultancy- Mr Perton Mr McCutcheon (P &t H) 8.10.91 1195 Planning and Housing 9n Holyoake Resources Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 26.11.91 2045 Education and Training 973 Reark Research Consultancy - Mr Perton Mrs Setches (CS) 12.11.91 1937 Community Services 974 Camp Scott Furphy Co.nsultancy Mr Perton Mr Crabb (C &t E) 26.11.91 2046 - Rural Water Commission 975 Gutteridge-Acil Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr Crabb (C &: E) 26.11.91 2047 Rural Water Commission 979 L. Leckie Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 12.9.91 809 Manufacturing and Industry Development 981 Read-Drummond Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr Crabb (C &: E) 26.11.91 2048 Conservation and Environment 982 Bis Shrapnel Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr Crabb (C &: E) 26.11.91 2049 Conservation and Environment 983 Binnie Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr Crabb (C &: E) 26.11.91 2050 Conservation and Environment 984 Kinhill Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr Crabb (C &: E) 22.10.91 1400 Conservation and Environment 985 Arthur Andersen Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr Crabb (C &t E) 12.11.91 1938 Rural Water Commission 988 Electoral Rolls MrGavin Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 22.10.91 1401 989 Crime in Broadmeadows, Coburg MrGavin Mr Sandon (P &: ES) 13.11.91 1947 and Sunbury 990 Lake Corangamite Mr I. W. Smith Mr Crabb (C &: E) 1.10.91 1001 994 TPF and C Consultancy - Mr Perton Mrs Setches (CS) 22.10.91 1402 Community Services 997 Speed Cameras Mr Dickinson Mr Sandon (P &: ES) 26.11.91 2051 99R Speed Cameras Mr Dickinson Mr Sandon (P &: ES) 26.11.91 2051 999 Traffic Infringement Notices Mr Dickinson Mr Sandon (P &: ES) 26.11.91 2052 1000 Driver Licence Demerit Points Mr Dickinson Mr Sand on (P &t ES) 26.11.91 2052 1005 Hay Group Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 29.10.91 1617 Treasury 10tO Nelson Parkhill Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 22.10.91 1402 Finance 1011 Nelson Parkhill Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 22.10.91 1403 Finance 1012 R. J. Nairn Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr Crabb (C &: E) 22.10.91 1404 Conservation and Environment 1017 Staff Attrition Rate - Tourism MrGude Mr Crabb (Tour) 12.11.91 1938 1021 Staff Attrition Rate - MrGude Mr Sandon (Corr) 14.11.91 1951 Corrections 1022 Staff Attrition Rate - Treasury MrGude Mr Roper (Treas) 29.10.91 1915 1024 Staff Attrition Rate- MrGude Mr Roper (Ab Affs) 14.11.91 1951 Aboriginal Affairs 1029 Staff Attrition Rate- MrGude Mrs Setches (CS) 26.11.91 2053 Community Services LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (39)

Qn. Date Page No. Subject matter Asked by Answered by Answered No.

1038 Enhanced Resignation Package - MrGude Ms Kimer (Prem) 22.10.91 1405 Premier and Cabinet 1040 Enhanced Resignation Package - MrGude Mr Crabb (Tour) 12.11.91 1939 Tourism 1043 Enhanced Resignation Package - MrGude Mr Sandon (P &: ES) 26.11.91 2053 Police and Emergency Services 1044 Enhanced Resignation Package - MrGude Mr Sandon (Corr) 14.11.91 1951 Corrections 1045 Enhanced Resignation Package - MrGude Mr A. J. Sheehan (Actg Treas) 1.10.91 1001 Treasury 1046 Enhanced Resignation Package - MrGude Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 26.11.91 2054 Finance 1049 Enhanced Resignation Package- MrGude Mr Kennan (Maj Proj) 22.10.91 1406 Major Projects 1050 Enhanced Resignation Package- MrGude Mr Roper (Ab Affs) 12.11.91 1939 Aboriginal Affairs

1053 Enhanced Resignation Package - MrGude Mr McCutcheon (P &: H) 22.10.91 1406 Planning and Housing 1054 Enhanced Resignation Package - MrGude Mr Crabb (C &: E) 22.10.91 1406 Conservation and Environment 1055 Enhanced Resignation Package - MrGude Mrs Setches (CS) 26.11.91 2054 Community Services 1057 Enhanced Resignation Package - MrGude Mr Spyker (Trans) 12.11.91 1939 Transport 1062 Enhanced ReSignation Package - MrGude Mr Kennan (Arts) 31.10.91 1623 Arts 1063 Enhanced Resignation Package - MrGude Mr Sandon (P &: ES) 26.11.91 2055 Consumer Affairs 1066 Answer to Question No. 480 Mr Dickinson Mr A. J. Sheehan (Fin) 9.10.91 1198 1076 Printing Costs - Liquor Mr Heffeman Mr Sandon (P &: ES) 22.10.91 1407 Licensing Commission 1077 Catering Services - V/Line MrGude Mr Spyker (Trans) 26.11.91 2055 1081 VTHC Grants - Arts Mr Perton Mr Kennan(Arts) 12.11.91 1940 1082 VTHC Grants - Small Business Mr Perton Mr Kennan (Maj Proj) 2.10.91 1004 1085 VTHC Grants - Agriculture Mr Perton Mr Baker (Ag) 12.11.91 1940 lOR6 VTHC Grants - Tourism Mr Perton Mr Crabb (Tour) 22.10.91 1407 1087 VTHC Grants - Conservation Mr Perton Mr Crabb (C &: E) 9.10.91 1198 and Environment 1089 VTHC Grants - Planning and Mr Perton Mr McCutcheon (P &: H) 22.10.91 1407 Housing 1091 VTHC Grants - Treasury Mr Perton Mr A. J. Sheehan (Actg Treas) 1.10.91 1002 1092 VTHC Grants - Aboriginal Affairs Mr Perton Mr Roper (Ab Affs) 12.11.91 1941 1096 VTHC Grants - Community Mr Perton Mrs Setches (CS) 26.11.91 2055 Services 1104 Unemployment Statistics Mr Perton Mr A. J. Sheehan (Actg Treas) 1.10.91 1002 1105 J. Lang Consultancy - Treasury Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 29.10.91 1619 1106 Australian Institute of Valuers Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 29.10.91 1620 Consultancy - Treasury 1107 Pinnacle Property Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 29.10.91 1621 Treasury 1125 FoI Requests - Premier and Mr Perton Ms Kimer (Prem) 22.10.91 1408 Cabinet 1128 Fol Requests - Major Projects Mr Perton Mr Kennan (Maj Proj) 12.11.91 1941 1131 FoI Requests - Agriculture Mr Perton Mr Baker (Ag) 12.11.91 1941 1132 FoI Requests - Tourism Mr Perton Mr Crabb (Tour) 12.11.91 1942 1135 FoI Requests - Planning Mr Perton Mr McCutcheon (P &: H) 22.10.91 1408 and Housing (40) INDEX

Qn. Date FPage No. Subject matter Asked by Answered by Answutd No.

1137 Fol Requests - Treasury Mr Perton Mr Roper (Treas) 29.10.91 11621 1138 Fol Requests - Aboriginal Mr Perton Mr Roper (Ab Affs) 12.11.91 11943 Affairs 1140 Fol Requests - Corrections Mr Perton Mr Sandon (Corr) 14.11.91 11952 1141 Fol Requests - Consumer Mr Perton Mr Sandon (P ~ ES) 26.11.91 22056 Affairs 1151 Closed-circuit Television on MrCooper Mr Spyker (Trans) 12.11.91 11943 Trams 1154 Pyramid Building Society MrLea Mr Roper (Treas) 26.11.91 22056 1162 Training and Self-development Mr Perton Mr Crabb (Tour) 26.11.91 22057 -Tourism 1163 Training and Self-development - MrPerton Mr Crabb (C ~ E) 22.10.91 11409 Conservation and Environment 1168 Training and Self-development- Mr Perton Mr Roper (Ab Affs) 12.11.91 11943 Aboriginal Affairs 1172 Training and Self-development - MrPerton Mrs Setches (CS) 26.11.91 2a057 Community Services 1180 Deloitte Consultancy - Planning MrPerton Mr McCutcheon (P ~ H) 13.11.91 1'1947 and Housing 1181 Ove Arup Consultancy - Planning Mr Perton Mr McCutcheon (P ~ H) 13.11.91 11948 and Housing 1182 J. and T. Walsh Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr McCutcheon (P ~ H) 26.11.91 2a057 Planning and Housing 1183 Moodie Consultancy - Mr Perton Mr McCutcheon (P & H) 12.11.91 1'1944 Planning and Housing 1187 Integrated Workforce Review- Mr Perrin Mr Sand on (P & ES) 26.11.91 2a058 Victoria Police 1190 Ministry Rental Accommodation - Mr Perrin Mr McCutcheon (P & H) 26.11.91 2a059 Doncaster and Templestowe 1195 Accommodation of Intellectually MrJohn Mrs Setches (CS) 26.11.91 21Z060 Disabled 1203 Organisation Consultants Mr Perton Mr Sandon (P ~ ES) 26.11.91 21Z060 Consultancy - Consumer Affairs 1223 Training and Self-development - Mr Perton Mr Crabb (C ~ E) 12.11.91 1<.1944 Conservation and Environment 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1