5 Sep 1996 Ministerial Statement 2487

THURSDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 1996 Mr BORBIDGE: They would have trouble organising special effects for the honourable member! The agreement with Silicon Graphics will Mr SPEAKER (Hon. N. J. Turner, Nicklin) see it licence local cooperative multimedia read prayers and took the chair at 9.30 a.m. centre QANTM to run the works and training centre facilities. CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMISSION Mr Beattie interjected. Report Mr BORBIDGE: I will charge. We will Mr SPEAKER: I have to advise the make it a fundraiser. House that today I received from the The training centre will enable people chairperson of the Criminal Justice from across the Asia-Pacific to learn the best Commission a report on police watch-houses from the best. We hope to see around 1,400 in Queensland. students go through the program each year. This training facility should see Queensland develop a world-class skills core which will act PETITION as a catalyst for the establishment of new The Clerk announced the receipt of the multimedia enterprises as well as attracting following petition— considerable business to the State. The works centre will make Queensland an even better proposition for both local and international film Abortion Law and television productions. At the moment, From Mr Carroll (212 signatories) much of what is shot in Queensland is taken requesting the House to tighten statute laws overseas for post-production. With the Silicon by amendment to prohibit termination of Graphics works centre here, we should be able pregnancies and to ensure the police and to keep a great deal of those dollars in other Government agencies enforce Queensland. anti-abortion laws now and in the future. In winning this agreement from Petition received. competitors such as Victoria, the Queensland Government has secured one of the most important investments in our State in recent MINISTERIAL STATEMENT years. The film industry in Queensland Silicon Graphics currently generates around $130m in Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers investments annually, is attracting increased Paradise—Premier) (9.32 a.m.), by leave: investment, foreign exchange earnings and During my recent visit to the United States, I creating jobs for Queenslanders. Already we finalised details of an agreement which has boast the best range of film services in the the potential to put Queensland at the country. Companies such as the Australian forefront of film and television production in Film and Television Academy, Oscar winner the Asia-Pacific. The agreement will see the Peter Frampton and his make-up company establishment of a Silicon Graphics works and John Cox's Creature Creations have all centre and studio training centre in set up shop here. Queensland. My colleague the Minister for Although we have already made inroads Tourism, Small Business and Industry, Bruce into international markets, the competition is Davidson, and his department have worked tough and getting tougher. Countries such as tirelessly to ensure that Queensland won Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and parts of these facilities. western Europe have all recognised the value The company Silicon Graphics may not of attracting major film productions, and their yet be a household name in Australia but its Governments are responding with significant work is familiar to most of us. Silicon Graphics' financial inducements. The Silicon Graphics computer wizardry was behind the special agreement ensures that Queensland remains effects in such blockbuster films as very, very competitive. Independence Day, Twister and Toy Story. US Business Week magazine described Silicon MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Graphics as "the most magical computer company on the planet". Estimates Committees Mr Beattie: You were a star in Toy Hon. J. M. SHELDON (Caloundra— Story; I remember it well. Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for 2488 Ministerial Statement 5 Sep 1996

The Arts) (9.36 a.m.), by leave: I wish to table Party did not and would not do when it was in in the House a document which further Government—even though it had six years in enhances the Estimates committee process, which to do it. This commitment is evidenced to which this Government has already shown by our adoption of all of the committee's its commitment. On 8 August 1996, the recommendations, and it will continue in the Premier announced to the House that the future. Government had accepted without qualification all recommendations of the select committee on procedural review on the MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Estimates committee process. The review Shared Family Care Week recommended that Government ensure that all departments used the same internal rules Hon K. R. LINGARD (Beaudesert— for compilation of the Estimates committee Minister for Families, Youth and Community document, the Ministerial Program Care) (9.38 a.m.), by leave: I am pleased to Statements. The Government today takes this remind the Parliament that tomorrow, Friday, recommendation one step further by providing marks the commencement of Shared Family to the House a copy of the requirements Care Week in this State. Shared family care is formulated by Treasury this year for the the community-based fostering of children. Ministerial Program Statements. These are children who need care and protection for many and varied reasons. The Further, the select committee week provides an excellent opportunity to pay recommended that Government guidelines on tribute to the carers and their families who fulfil performance reporting be tabled with the State this essential role in our society. Budget. In Opposition, the coalition was particularly concerned about the quality of Last month, I as Minister announced to performance reporting to Parliament through this Parliament a remodelling of the Foster the Estimates committees. Government Care Program. The main objective of this guidelines on performance reporting were not restructuring was to ensure a stronger available at the time of the release of the community involvement with a host of select committee's report. At that time, improvements which we intend to introduce in departments were well advanced in their the near future. In short, it was patently preparation of the Ministerial Program obvious that shared family care schemes Statements for the 1996-97 Budget, and the deserved a better system rather than just Government decided that to impose new merely an adequate system. Moves are guidelines after work had commenced was already under way on a number of these inappropriate. However, a set of clear improvements. The improvements have been instructions was provided to all departments widely circulated around the relevant agencies for performance reporting in the Ministerial and organisations associated with shared Program Statements. For the information of family care. the House, and in particular members of Shared family care providers play a vital Estimates committees, I table those role which often is virtually unrecognised for instructions now. the greater part of the year. Unfortunately, up Work has already commenced to ensure until now the financial support for providers that Government guidelines on performance has been limited, but this Government intends reporting are available in adequate time for to address this issue in the current Budget. the preparation of the 1997-98 Ministerial Shared Family Care Week is therefore a Program Statements. I will table those significant week when we, as a society, can guidelines at the time of the 1997-98 Budget. collectively show our thanks to the people and Once again, this Government is leading the their families who fill this void for so many way in enhancing the scrutiny of Parliament young lives. My department plays an over the activities of Government departments important bridging role between Government, and furthering the cause of parliamentary the department and the community in an reform. I would like to add my thanks to those important partnership. At the moment, both of the Premier to the members of the select non-Government agencies and area offices committee on procedural review for the effort recruit, assess, train and support care that went into producing their report. providers. I believe that the non-Government This Government is committed to sector is well equipped to understand and restoring the confidence of the Queensland address particular areas within the overall public in the parliamentary process by concept of shared family care. enhancing the scrutiny of the affairs of This Government funds a total of 23 Government. That is something that the Labor agencies and programs, including six schemes 5 Sep 1996 Ministerial Statement 2489 specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait as poker machines and casinos. There is a Islander families. We are confident that distinct possibility that at the end of the 1996- building a strong base within the local 97 financial year this aggressive competition communities will reduce any potential for for the gambling dollar will erode the TAB's duplication of services. At the same time, revenue base and, as a result, we may see a there will be improved efficiency and lower distribution to race clubs for prize money effectiveness of services provided by and incentives and also fewer funds available community-based agencies. Combined with for capital works to the industry through the intensive training and support, it will also lead Racing Development Fund. to retention of experienced care providers and The response to this dilemma is an attract more carers to look after children in ongoing and pro-active push to win back crisis. loyalty to the industry and TAB market share. The role of foster care parents is critical in For example, plans to establish Queensland's the success of shared family care programs, second casino TAB at the Reef Hotel in Cairns and this Government will again acknowledge have recently been given the go-ahead, and their untiring and sustained support in the the new facility is expected to be on line and coming Budget. I therefore urge honourable fully operational by the end of this month. members to help wherever possible in their The first casino TAB, which recently respective electorates in the promotion of opened in Brisbane's Treasury Casino, Shared Family Care Week and the very comfortably exceeded all turnover worthwhile activity which it recognises. expectations and I am confident that this new facility in Cairns will also enjoy immediate success. The casino TAB will be highly visible MINISTERIAL STATEMENT to casino patrons and positions the TAB to Racing Development Fund capture valuable revenue that would otherwise Hon. T. R. COOPER (Crows Nest— be lost to the Queensland racing industry. At Minister for Police and Corrective Services and the same time, the casino views the TAB Minister for Racing) (9.41 a.m.), by leave: The facility as complementary to its operation, and racing industry in Queensland has been enables it to offer patrons a broader product limping along as a result of the debt ridden range. As TAB turnover can be directly linked and cash-poor legacy of the Goss Labor to radio coverage of racing, it is also important administration. Not only was the Racing that the TAB continue to expand the 4TAB Development Fund utterly depleted as a result service. I am informed that an agreement has of the previous Government's seven-month recently been reached to extend the 4TAB spending orgy—which ground the fund into service to Winton, Longreach, Blackall, virtual oblivion—but the industry was also left Barcaldine and Tambo—and other in a state of total demoralisation, lacking vision opportunities to pursue broader radio and direction. coverage through the Australian Broadcasting Authority will be followed up as new licences The financial state of the Racing become available. Development Fund is of extreme concern and the impact of Labor's cash raids will take years Labor's most poisonous legacy has been to rectify. In the past four years we have seen the crisis of confidence being experienced by the RDF saddled with the recurrent funding virtually all sectors of the industry. The projects—and the political horse-trading—of mainstays of the industry, namely, owners, the previous Government. Many of these punters, bookies and the clubs themselves, projects were prize money based and their feel that their needs and interests have been ill-advised and ill-fated inclusion as RDF overlooked by an out-of-touch administration. projects has placed a severe strain on this The challenge that this Government is fund. Suspicions about cronyism and mates' determined to meet is one of restoring deals in terms of RDF distributions were rife in confidence in the future and viability of racing. the industry, which had a destabilising and It is vital to ensure not only that race meetings demoralising effect. are viable but also that they provide entertaining and competitive events to satisfy One of the most important challenges for punters and lure the crowds back to the tracks. both this Government and the industry is to It is critical then to have an increased effectively manage the distribution of TAB grassroots focus on the needs of the industry, funds to the industry. It is recognised that we including harness racing and greyhound are entering a period of low financial growth for racing, with a greater emphasis on, and the TAB brought about by aggressive support for, the regions and regional race competition from other forms of gambling such clubs. 2490 Ministerial Statement 5 Sep 1996

One initiative that I am pleased to support Commission's management of investigative and which received its first run at the gates last processes. night is night racing. Not only is the Before I consider these Toowoomba Turf Club and Toowoomba City recommendations, I have, quite properly, Council mounting the first night racing event in referred the report and its recommendations to Queensland; it is an Australian first that is the Health Rights Commissioner to allow him being relayed to 11 nations. This type of and commission staff the opportunity to pioneering effort puts Queensland racing in respond to the report. This will ensure that the national and international spotlight. I have natural justice is afforded to all relevant reiterated consistently that the industry must parties. In addition, I have asked the be both bold and innovative in its packaging commissioner to provide me with a report and marketing of race events if it is to win back specifically addressing each of the issues support from the general public. This includes raised by the council in its report and targeting and marketing racing events to identifying how the commissioner intends to migrant communities—for example, Chinese implement the council's recommendations. I New Year race meets which appeal not only to have asked the commissioner to provide this that community but also to the broader report by 16 September 1996. population as well. Because of the ongoing involvement of The harness racing industry is currently the CJC in this matter, I provided the CJC with enjoying a renewed surge of interest. a copy of the council's report on the same day Investments in Queensland harness events in that I received that report. I do not wish to 1995-96 increased by 20.3 per cent. This feat prejudice any possible future criminal is attributable to improved promotion and proceedings arising from the Health Rights exposure of the sport on community television. Commission report. In addition, I consider it Despite the long-term damage wrought by appropriate to provide the commissioner with Labor, the Queensland racing industry can the opportunity to respond to the council's have a bright future if it is managed properly report as well as awaiting the CJC's response and peopled by racing devotees with a solid to the council's report. It is, however, my grasp of grassroots issues coupled with a intention ultimately to table both reports in this genuine drive and vision for success. As House. Minister for Racing, I will be pleased to provide Finally, I seek to assure the House that whatever practical support I possibly can to my priority is to ensure that the important role achieve that goal. of the Health Rights Commission in relation to the independent resolution of health service MINISTERIAL STATEMENT complaints is not diminished. In addition, despite the concerns raised about the Baillie Henderson Hospital investigative processes, the allegations raised Hon. M. J. HORAN (Toowoomba by the Health Rights Commission in its report South—Minister for Health) (9.46 a.m.), by on the Baillie Henderson Hospital are being leave: I wish to provide the House with a taken seriously and my department is currently progress report regarding the Health Rights considering strategies to overcome Commission investigation of the Baillie deficiencies in patient/hospital management. Henderson Hospital at Toowoomba. As I reported to the House on 8 August 1996, the final report of the Health Rights Commission MINISTERIAL STATEMENT was received in June this year and was Trade Visit to Indonesia subsequently provided to the Criminal Justice Hon. D. J. SLACK (Burnett—Minister Commission for its consideration. I am still for Economic Development and Trade and awaiting the CJC's response to this report. Minister Assisting the Premier) (9.49 p.m.), by I also previously reported that I had asked leave: Together with the Minister for Primary the Health Rights Advisory Council to advise Industries, Trevor Perrett, I was proud to lead me regarding the investigative processes used a delegation of 12 Queensland business by the Health Rights Commission in its representatives to one of Queensland's most investigation of the Baillie Henderson Hospital significant and emerging trading partners. The as a consequence of complaints by staff, the five-day program to Jakarta and Central Java official visitors and the unions. On 29 August was packed with 13 meetings, briefings, 1996, the council reported to me on this seminars and business receptions. These matter. It has made a number of included meetings with five of Indonesia's top recommendations for the Health Rights level national Ministers. Our visit identified 5 Sep 1996 Ministerial Statement 2491 opportunities to dramatically increase the The team has also been very active to export of Queensland live cattle and sugar, as ensure the seamless transition of services, well as our expertise in sugar industry especially in the regions. In particular infrastructure, food production, reference to the regions—I am delighted to telecommunications and port development. inform members of the House that, as a result Coming close after a similarly successful of the amalgamation, services in regional trade mission to Malaysia, I am convinced that Queensland will improve. Some regional Government-led delegations have a significant centres, such as Gladstone, Maryborough, benefit in opening doors to overseas Bundaberg and Mount Isa, which have been Governments and business which, without the without dedicated QSBC offices, will now have participation of the Queensland Government, their own small business advisers working out would remain closed—much to the detriment of the department's office. of Queensland's international trade. I am also Negotiations are also proceeding with the glad to report that Queensland's relationship Queensland Chamber of Commerce and with our Sister State of Central Java is on Industry to conduct a pilot program to deliver track. We were able to reassure our partners in training for sound business management Central Java of our commitment to the Sister practices to small businesses, specifically in State relationship. We are also committed to the area of planning and marketing. A full identifying new ways for Queensland and information campaign for the public has also Central Java to lift investment and business to commenced. This includes— the mutual advantage of both parties. posters detailing the changes have been I report that relations between Indonesia placed in all QSBC offices; and Queensland are the best that they have telephone on-hold messages inform ever been. I seek leave to table a full report on callers of all changes; and the visit. media releases and advertisements are Leave granted. detailing specific changes in each region. Let me say at this point that I commend MINISTERIAL STATEMENT the acting general manager of the QSBC, Mr Michael Jackson, and his staff for their Queensland Small Business professionalism and efforts during this Corporation process. Never at any time have I had the Hon. B. W. DAVIDSON (Noosa— need to question the enthusiasm and Minister for Tourism, Small Business and commitment of QSBC staff to deliver services Industry) (9.50 a.m.), by leave: I would like to to the small business community. I would also inform the House of the achievements of the like to add, for the benefit of the members Queensland Small Business Corporation opposite, that throughout this entire process transition team, who have met weekly since we have been in constant communication with my announcement on 24 June to integrate the Queensland Audit Office, the Australian the QSBC into my department. Action teams Taxation Office and the public service union to have been formed and are looking at issues ensure all relevant decisions have met with such as human resources, finance and audit, their approval. I need not remind the last client service, administration and marketing. couple of Labor Small Business Ministers who The 23 new positions in the department received scathing reports from the have been internally advertised within the Queensland Audit Office about its financial QSBC, and applications have closed. These administration. But this Government has done positions should be filled in the coming weeks. all in its power to ensure the needs of the staff In the meantime, workshops have been held of the QSBC and the small-business people of for all QSBC staff on job interviewing, Queensland have been met. application writing, superannuation and taxation. As well, senior officers of the QSBC MINISTERIAL STATEMENT and my department have held teleconferences with all QSBC regional and Workplace Health and Safety head offices. Separation packages for Hon. S. SANTORO (Clayfield—Minister approximately 25 positions have been for Training and Industrial Relations) prepared, and funding for these packages will (9.53 a.m.), by leave: On 18 August, I be drawn from existing QSBC funds. These announced a major operational review of packages will be offered to all permanent Queensland's workplace health and safety QSBC staff who are leaving, including base- program. The report of the Commission of level administration staff. Inquiry into Workers' Compensation and 2492 Ministerial Statement 5 Sep 1996

Related Matters in Queensland calls for the compliance with workplace health and safety State's workplace health and safety legislation and standards. The steering group performance to be upgraded, and the will be chaired by the Director-General of the Government has been happy to heed that call Department of Training and Industrial in the interests of the health and safety of Relations, Col Thatcher, and includes— Queensland's 1.5 million workers. John Hodges, Executive Director of the Mr Kennedy said on page 94 of his Division of Workplace Health and Safety; report— Gary Chaplin, Acting Director of Inspection "Workplace health and safety needs and Advisory Services, Division of to be restrengthened and re-focussed on Workplace Health and Safety; its key preventative and regulatory roles." Clive Bubb, General Manager of the The significance of workplace health and Queensland Chamber of Commerce; safety for Queensland has been highlighted John Christian, Safety and Training by the Kennedy inquiry and the 1995 Coordinator of the Australian Building and Commonwealth Government's Industry Construction Employees and Builders Commission report called "Work Health and Labourers Federal (Qld) Union of Safety". Employees; Improvements in health and safety John Grauf, councillor for the Housing practices are being reflected in the reduction in Industry Association; workplace injuries that have occurred since the first Workplace Health and Safety Act was Ken Horrigan, State General Manager for introduced in 1989. However, I am sure that all the National Safety Council of Australia honourable members would agree that room Queensland Division; and still remains for significant improvement. The Margaret Cook, the president of the recent Industry Commission report estimated Safety Institute of Australia, Queensland the annual total cost of work-related injury and Division. disease to injured workers, their employers Members would be aware that Mr and the broad Australian community at more Kennedy recommended that Mr Des Knight than $20 billion a year. Queensland's share of conduct the review, but Mr Knight is that was estimated at $3.5 billion. unavailable, owing to his appointment as The Kennedy report highlights some chairman of the implementation task force for areas for improvement, both in industry's the Kennedy reforms. Accordingly, an commitment to health and safety and in independent external consultant will be Government's enforcement of health and appointed to undertake the review. I would like safety laws. The Kennedy inquiry also rejected to assure all members and the people of a proposal to amalgamate the Division of Queensland that, as occurred with the Workplace Health and Safety and the Workers Kennedy inquiry, the review will be open, Compensation Board, concluding that independent and consultative. amalgamation would risk workplace health and In conclusion, Queenslanders deserve the safety taking a secondary role without strong best possible targeting, delivery and ownership or focus. enforcement of our workplace health and The review will find ways to improve safety program, and the Government is acting Queensland's workplace health and safety on Mr Kennedy's advice that there needs to performance by focusing on two key areas: be an urgent review of the program. The firstly, the prevention of workplace injury and review will ensure that this aim is achieved. illness; and, secondly, the enforcement of workplace health and safety laws. The terms of reference call for a review of the delivery of MINISTERIAL STATEMENT the workplace health and safety programs, Housing Ministers Conference, Darwin particularly in the light of world best practice in Hon. R. T. CONNOR (Nerang— the field of workplace health and safety. I am Minister for Public Works and Housing) seeking recommendations from the review on (9.57 a.m.), by leave: I draw the attention of how to change work practices as well as the the House to the upcoming Housing Ministers culture and attitudes of the community. The Conference to be held in Darwin later this changes will bring greater emphasis on month. The meeting is looming as a fight with prevention at the workplace. the Commonwealth over its planned reforms The terms of reference also call for to the Commonwealth/State Housing recommendations on how to improve Agreement, and at the centre of the stoush 5 Sep 1996 Ministerial Statement 2493 will be the future of housing for disabled subsidies, low income earners will be forced to people in Queensland. In my view, special rent in only a few areas. The subsidies should consideration for housing the disabled is non- be giving people choice, not creating ghettos. negotiable. Federal capital funding for it must Similarly, there is not a strong market be retained. I can assure the House that I will demand to build housing in many rural areas not be the only Minister with the gloves off and, unless the Government can continue to over Canberra's plans for the fund community housing, low income country Commonwealth/State Housing Agreement. people could be forced to move away from the Like me, other State Housing Ministers have bush to find a home. I can assure the House I expressed many concerns about the will be pushing hard for the changes at the proposals. Housing Ministers Conference to ensure the Under the Commonwealth's proposal, best results for public housing tenants, low capital works grants to the States for public income earners and for Queensland. housing construction will be wound back substantially in favour of the Commonwealth paying subsidies directly to public and private MINISTERIAL STATEMENT low income tenants. The special needs of Waste Tracking disabled people need to be the No. 1 priority. There is a good reason for this. Private owners Hon. B. G. LITTLEPROUD (Western will not shoulder the cost of modifying houses Downs—Minister for Environment) (10 a.m.), for people in wheelchairs nor any other by leave: One of this Government's main disability, nor should they have to. The environmental priorities for the next 12 months Commonwealth has already exempted will be the development of an environmental Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing protection policy for waste and the from the capital works cuts, and this should development of an appropriate waste tracking also be extended to housing for the disabled. system. One of the recommendations of the ministerial advisory committee that reviewed The Federal Social Security Minister, the regulatory and licensing provisions of the Jocelyn Newman, recently made a number of Environmental Protection Act was that "positive" statements, but the States needed introduction of a Statewide tracking system be much more detail before their fears could be held in abeyance until an EPP on waste substantially allayed. While I have strong management is in place. The development of reservations over some areas of sweeping this EPP is already under way. changes proposed by the Commonwealth, I am encouraged by recent statements made Any environmental protection policy by the Federal Minister. In a letter to the editor developed to monitor and manage waste of the Melbourne Age newspaper about two disposal in a responsible and practical way weeks ago, the Federal Minister gave an must take into account the need to keep track absolute commitment that public housing of noxious and potentially harmful wastes, and tenants would not be disadvantaged under to dispose of them appropriately and safely. the new arrangements. She also stated that An important proposal in this process is to the Commonwealth is committed to ensuring establish a waste tracking system that ensures that they pay no more than 25 per cent of that waste leaving its point of generation their income on housing. I welcome the always reaches an approved waste disposal Commonwealth's assurance that existing facility. A draft regulation on waste tracking public housing tenants will not be was released earlier this year for comment and disadvantaged by the changes, but my key review. concerns are still to be addressed. I will be I have asked the Department of making my views and concerns very plain at Environment to examine the feasibility of the meeting of all State and Federal Housing introducing a waste tracking system in the Ministers in Darwin from 19 September. south-east Queensland region initially as a I supported the principle of the matter of priority. The implementation of the Commonwealth's reforms but believed three waste tracking system will ensure complete major issues must to be taken into account, control of the transport and disposal of wastes, namely, the need to ensure a supply of and will require the licensing of those housing for the disabled; the varying private entrusted with the transportation of hazardous sector rents between areas; and the need for wastes. It will also help prevent illegal community housing, particularly in rural and dumping. The tracking system will allow the remote areas. Rents on the private market Department of Environment to deal with vary from one area to the next. Unless this is offenders under existing environmental taken into account when setting the rent protection legislation. 2494 Personal Explanation 5 Sep 1996

Once in place, and once appropriate facilities. The people of Queensland and the facilities have been constructed to deal with environment will be the long-term beneficiaries hazardous waste, it will ensure that waste is of such a system. sent only to approved facilities for treatment. It will allow that transport and treatment to be monitored at every step in the process. The PERSONAL EXPLANATION introduction of a waste tracking system will Regional Arts Development Fund create greater awareness of the type of waste generated in Queensland and of the Hon. M. J. FOLEY (Yeronga) strategies proposed to deal with them. (10.04 a.m.), by leave: I have been misrepresented by the Arts Minister in two A waste tracking system when introduced respects. In answer to a Dorothy Dixer from a will allow waste producers to know with Government backbencher in question time certainty where their waste has gone and, yesterday, the Arts Minister implied that I had more importantly, it will leave the people of falsely claimed in an article in the Gladstone Queensland in no doubt that their Observer of 21 August 1996 to have been environment is being protected from the contacted by the Gladstone Dance Festival harmful effects of inappropriately treated or Association and, further, that I had falsely stored hazardous materials. Waste claimed in the article that that association had management systems are in place in other argued for increased funding through the States, and a part system is in place in Regional Arts Development Fund. Brisbane. The systems of tracking in place do work, but they do not work well outside The truth is that the Gladstone Dance controlled landfill areas. The system being Festival Association had indeed argued the developed will address that issue. case for increased RADF funding to none other than the Arts Minister herself in a letter The department is presently conducting dated 5 August 1996. The association had trials of satellite tracking of hazardous waste sent me a copy of that letter, together with a movement which may help solve the problems covering letter addressed to me as shadow associated with dumping at unmanned Minister. Many regional arts groups and local dumps. This global positioning system would government councils have done likewise in overcome the concerns of rural councils. Our view of widespread concern over the Minister's strategy of having waste generators dealing handling of regional arts funding. directly with waste treaters will also help facilitate an effective waste tracking system. In its letter to the Arts Minister, the association stated— In the longer term it may be necessary for the Government not only to provide the "The RADF is vitally important for our appropriate policy direction, but also to community so Associations such as ours facilitate provision of holding sites for can exist and be of important benefit to hazardous wastes so that waste can be safely our children and for their future. stored until appropriate treatment strategies Therefore, the RADF funding needs to be and facilities can be developed. We are in accord with the demands of our already investigating new treatment systems community and should be increased so that the secure landfill at Gurulmundi can accordingly in keeping with the review of be closed. 94/95 and in line with commitment from local government." Any system of waste management must have regard for all stages of the waste cycle. The Arts Minister would have received the We will establish an integrated system of association's letter almost a month ago. In waste management which will, in a practical suggesting to the House yesterday that the and responsible way, demonstrate this association had no current concern about Government's continuing determination to RADF funding, the Minister has either wilfully protect and preserve our environment for the misled the House or has simply not bothered benefit of this and future generations. Such a to read correspondence to her from an system will reduce the number of sites important regional arts group. No wonder presently being used for the dumping of regional arts groups are worried about the multiple types of hazardous wastes and Minister's antics. I seek leave to table the should, in the longer term, help reduce the letters and have them incorporated in Hansard for all the world to see the folly of this Minister. costs of treating hazardous waste by directing all hazardous wastes by type to purpose-built Leave granted. 5 Sep 1996 Private Members' Statements 2495

GLADSTONE DANCE FESTIVAL NOTICE OF MOTION ASSOCIATION INC. Privatisation of Government Services PO Box 265 GLADSTONE. 4680 and Public Enterprises The Honourable Matt Foley MLA Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader Shadow Minister for Justice and The Arts of the Opposition) (10.06 a.m.): I give notice Moorvale Lane that I will move— 183 Beaudesert Road "That this Parliament notes that— MAROOKA Q 4105 Dear Mr Foley (1) the State Budget will be presented using the traditional cash basis; and Please find attached a copy of the letter sent to Joan Sheldon in support of the RADF. (2) the State Budget papers will show that the State Budget for 1995-96 Yours sincerely was in surplus by any measure. (Sgd) It also notes that Queensland is receiving Lin Thornton more money this year from the Federal for and on behalf of the GLADSTONE DANCE Government than last year in financial FESTIVAL COMMITTEE assistance grants and hospital payments. GLADSTONE DANCE FESTIVAL Therefore, this Parliament instructs the ASSOCIATION INC. PO Box 265 Treasurer to abandon her plans to GLADSTONE. 4680 privatise Government services and public enterprises." 5 August 1996 The Honourable Joan Sheldon Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for the PRIVATE MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Arts Confidence of Queensland Small GPO Box 611 BRISBANE Q 4001 Business Dear Mrs Sheldon Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader I am writing on behalf of our Association in of the Opposition) (10.07 a.m.): Queensland support of the Regional Arts and Development business has a crisis of confidence in this Fund Committee. Government. I table for the information of the For the past 3 years we have staged a Dance House the report from the Yellow Pages Small Festival for our 200 plus local Dance Students. Business Index for August. The Treasurer This Festival is held over a 2 day weekend at a would be well aware of that index because in local school venue. The Dancers compete for Opposition she referred to it on a regular Trophies, Medals and Certificates and are basis. That survey of small business shows judged by an invited guest Adjudicator. that, in relation to growth, in New South As you may appreciate, a venture of this nature Wales, confidence is 15 per cent; Victoria, 21 requires adequate funds and while we receive per cent; South Australia, 15 per cent; donations from families and business houses, without the support of the RADF this venture Western Australia, 29 per cent; and in would rely heavily on parents contributions and Queensland, 14 per cent. Queensland has the in this economic climate would not be at all worst mainland performance in Australia. possible. When it comes to perceptions by small The grant we receive from the RADF covers the business about a recession, the index shows Adjudicator fees which is one of our largest that in New South Wales it is 15 per cent; expenses. Victoria, 16 per cent; South Australia, 15 per The RADF is vitally important for our community cent; Western Australia, 17 per cent; and so Associations such as ours can exist and be Tasmania, 7 per cent. Is Queensland worse or of important benefit to our children and for their future. Therefore, the RADF funding needs to better? What do honourable members think? be in accord with the demands of our In Queensland, the perception is 22 per cent. community and should be increased That is an indictment of the Government's accordingly in keeping with the review of 94/95 performance. That is what the business and in line with commitment from local community says about the Government and I Government. table that document. Yours sincerely I also table a transcript of an interview of (Sgd) Clive Bubb with Cathy Border in which he says Lin Thornton that the general feeling is that the Queensland for and on behalf of the GLADSTONE DANCE conservatives have been slow getting started FESTIVAL COMMITTEE in Government. He said that it is time some of 2496 Private Members' Statements 5 Sep 1996 the non-performers in the ministerial ranks Road. That will shorten delays for locals at that started performing. He said that the point when they travel down the road to local unfortunate fact for Queensland is that the shops. Queensland economy has been Although a few local property owners underperforming the national economy for whose properties were either wholly or partly some months. When he is asked to talk about acquired faced all the usual anxieties and who is performing, he does not even name pressures with resumptions, I understand that the Treasurer. Does he name the Premier? compensation arrangements have now been No, he does not name the Premier either. The settled. I was able to speak with many of coalition's mate Clive Bubb does not believe those people, along with many tenants who the Premier is performing. Who is the one were affected, when I visited their homes as National Minister performing? He says that it is part of my doorknocking program. Doug Slack. Time expired. Time expired.

Bingham Implementation Committee; Capalaba Bypass Police Numbers Mr CARROLL (Mansfield) (10.09 a.m.) Mr BARTON (Waterford) (10.12 a.m.): The Capalaba bypass around the congested This morning at 11.30 Police Minister Cooper commercial area of Capalaba, avoiding seven will announce the implementation committee signalised intersections and the entry access for the Bingham report. This announcement to two major shopping centres, is nearing will result in a waste of public funds which completion in the eastern part of my electorate should be spent on additional operational of Mansfield. That $23m bypass has been police. More police on the beat—that is what provided in three stages, with the third and the communities throughout this State are final stage currently under construction by demanding and, despite the promises of the Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd for Police Minister, they are not receiving it. This Queensland Transport. State needs more police, not another The first stage between Redland Bay unnecessary committee to line the pockets of Road and Finucane Road was constructed by a high-priced QC. the developers of Capalaba Park Shopping There is no doubt that the committee will Centre as a condition of development and was comprise Sir Max Bingham, Sir Bruce Watson completed in 1993. The second stage and Jill Bolen. Sir Max Bingham's committee between Mount Cotton Road and Redland will usurp the roles of the CJC and the Police Bay Road was constructed by Queensland Commissioner. This State expends $22m on Transport and was completed in 1994. The the CJC, and one of its major roles is reform of final stage is due for completion in April 1997. the Police Service in conjunction with the That stage includes twin bridges over Tingalpa Commissioner for Police under their respective Creek and across the Mount Gravatt-Capalaba statutes, the Criminal Justice Act and the Road close to its western end, plus a grade- Police Service Administration Act. Sir Max separated interchange at the north-western Bingham's committee will become an end where the bypass joins with Old Cleveland expensive Clayton's CJC. It has no statutory Road near Aldis Street. Those roadworks are backing and will report to the Government, not taking place within the Koala Coast to this Parliament. conservation area. A study is continuing to Funds should be used to provide for determine the effects upon the local koala additional police on the beat. Throughout the population. However, that population is State, the communities and the police small—less than 12, I am told—and the themselves are demanding that. I will give a effects are not expected to be great. few examples of problems that have occurred The bypass has my full support, as well as only in the past week or two. At the that of all other local MLAs, the Redland Shire Woodlands Shopping Centre in Townsville, Council, the Brisbane City Council and the after the Police Service under this Minister community in general. Occasionally, property closed the police shopfront at that shopping owners in that south-east corner of the centre, shops have been smashed. Also, electorate of Mansfield feel that they are Townsville is experiencing watch-house neglected, but these Stage 3 roadworks overcrowding. In Mackay, there have been should keep much of that through traffic away brawls because there are not adequate from the busy intersection of Mount numbers of police. In Hervey Bay, the police Gravatt-Capalaba Road and Old Cleveland themselves are telling the community and the 5 Sep 1996 Private Members' Statements 2497

Opposition that they cannot meet the needs waiting for surgery. Doctors and patients were of the community because they do not have ringing the Opposition to complain about the adequate numbers. In Logan and Beenleigh Minister's wild claims that he has reduced in my electorate, police are about to go on waiting times for surgery. Examples at the strike if they do not get additional police as a Gold Coast Hospital alone blow the Minister's matter of urgency. At the same time, this so-called reductions right out of the water. Police Minister is cutting back the intake of Let us have a look at what the Minister police recruits. calls "outstanding achievement". One Time expired. gentleman saw his doctor at the beginning of June this year when he was told that he needed urgent cataract surgery. He was told Driver Training that he would have to wait seven months just Mr STEPHAN (Gympie) (10.14 a.m.): I for an appointment and a further 12 months follow on from the comments I made earlier for surgery. Someone at the Gold Coast this week about enhancing driver Hospital candidly told him that he would end management in Queensland. Again, I will tell up waiting three years. He is very keen to have the House some of the approaches towards the truth told after hearing what the Minister road safety that are required and which should has had to say in the media recently. be followed. This gentleman decided to try the Tweed It is interesting to note the current Heads Hospital—the one that the Minister is approach to driver training management and always blaming for putting pressure on Gold the community's perceptions of driver Coast health services. The Tweed got him an management. Focus group interviews have appointment within a week and he is booked been conducted and they have provided an in for his eye surgery on 20 November—a overview of the perceptions of a selected five-month wait only. This is what the Minister number of Queensland motorists concerning is lampooning. That is what one could say is the current approaches to driver management. outstanding for elective surgery—not the For example, those interviews revealed that Minister's two-year to three-year wait. road safety is a concern, along with other The Minister's Surgery on Time scheme health risks, but it is less of a concern than the could be described as "surgery next time or perceived growth of violence in the some time". For urgent Category 1 operations, community. Good driving is largely a reflection doctors on the coast have been told that, just of attitude and involves concentration, being to see a specialist, patients have to wait two to prepared for the actions of others and road three months and for surgery for urgent hernia conditions, respect for and courteous attitudes operations at least six to 12 months. towards others, knowledge of the road law and vehicle control skills. "Driver efficiency" is a Let us have a look at how the Minister is concept of little meaning and relevance to coming up with his rubbery figures. He has drivers. The term triggered responses that been operating on the lists; not on the focused on fuel efficiency rather than driving patients. The only improvement at the PA efficiency. Hospital has come not because of increases in surgery throughput but because of screening There is a perception among drivers that, letters designed to remove patients from the despite all the driver management innovations list. They have moved them from Category 1 that have occurred over the years, general waiting lists to Category 2 and Category 3 driver standards have deteriorated. Despite waiting lists, which have blown out as a result. the level of resources devoted to driver This is what Mr Horan calls "reprioritisation". At management, such as policing and education the Prince Charles Hospital, they are not about the legal system, drivers believe that the allowed to put anyone on Category 1. system could produce better and safer drivers. Time expired. In relation to driver training, there is a strong perception among the participants—— Time expired. Kinka Beach; School Cleaners Hon. V. P. LESTER (Keppel) (10.18 a.m.): I am very happy to announce Hospital Waiting Lists that the draft deal in relation to what to do with Mrs EDMOND (Mount Coot-tha) Kinka Beach was completed—pretty well on (10.16 a.m.): Yesterday the Health Minister's time—in early August. The next move is grandstanding about waiting lists caused great Monday, when people from the Department of distress and unnecessary concern to families Environment, the Livingstone Shire and I sit 2498 Private Members' Statements 5 Sep 1996 down and work out the options regarding what Ms SPENCE: This plan to close Kirwan to do about Kinka Beach. I thank the Minister not only leaves north Queensland without for the Environment and I thank the Premier essential health services but also leaves the for coming along and having a look at it. He, region from Mackay to New Guinea and west too, has taken a great deal of interest in the to Mount Isa totally without public gynaecology matter. and obstetric services, as well as oncology The Labor Party Government stands services. condemned for having done nothing. Mr Horan's actions have placed the lives Mr Welford interjected. of mothers and their babies at risk by failing to listen to the needs of staff and patients at the Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the hospital. Mr Horan's refusal to respond to member for Everton under Standing Order concerns raised by these doctors was the last 123A. straw for medical staff at the Kirwan Hospital Mr LESTER: Now this Government is and a very sad indictment on the Minister's doing something. That is what is important. In understanding of the difficulties Queensland addition, I suggest that the Government has faces in recruiting specialists to regional areas. done well and showed a lot of commonsense Staff at the Kirwan Hospital have been in coming up with a deal for the cleaners. I under enormous pressure thanks to Mr congratulate the Government on showing Horan's inaction. To be totally frank, I am not compassion. It has worked out a deal with the surprised that it has come to this because Mr unions. The reason it has done this is that the Horan has displayed total ignorance of the former Labor Government mucked up the Bill issues specific to the Townsville region and he that it introduced in the House and all of the has ignored the issues of concern to cleaners were coming to see me Queensland women who want access to the wondering—— best possible obstetric and gynaecological Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for services. Keppel! There is a Bill before the House in To be fair to the dedicated hospital staff relation to the cleaners. I would prefer the at the coalface and to the patients and member not to speak to it. expectant mothers, the Minister should be Mr LESTER: I congratulate the giving clear assurances that he will adequately Government also on its moves at Emu Park to fund women's health services and address establish the position of a second police shortages of medical staff in regional officer. That means that the Government is Queensland. Once again, we have seen the caring and trying to do something for law and heavy-handed approach of Mr Horan's order in Emu Park. That is a deal that I office—— appreciate. It did not happen under the Labor Time expired. Party. Time expired. Spanner Crab Industry Kirwan Women's Hospital Mr GRICE (Broadwater) (10.22 a.m.): On 6 August I informed members of the Ms SPENCE (Mount Gravatt) House of the problems involved with the (10.20 a.m.): The Health Minister's plan to closure of the spanner crab season and how it close down maternity and obstetric services will impact on fishers living on the Gold Coast. currently provided at the Kirwan Women's Today I commend the Minister for Primary Hospital in Townsville is another blow for Industries, Fisheries and Forestry, the regional women and their families. This plan Honourable Trevor Perrett, for his decision to follows hot on the heels of Mr Horan's decision reopen the spanner crab fishery from 9 in May to deny funding to employ a highly September for a period of four weeks. As I qualified female gynaecologist who was lined explained last month, the original decision by up to take a specialist post at Kirwan. As a the Queensland Fisheries Management result, everyone except the neonatologist, that Authority to close the spanner crab season is, all four specialist doctors at Kirwan, have failed to take into account many of the fishers said, "Enough is enough" and resigned en in the south east who have not yet begun their masse. season. This most recent decision will enable Mr T. B. Sullivan interjected. them to protect their export markets. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the It bears noting that the problem member for Chermside under Standing Order associated with the spanner crab industry 123A. arose as a result of the former Government's 5 Sep 1996 Private Members' Statements 2499 decision to implement a competitive total Tropics Management Authority and bring it allowable catch quota of 2,000 tonnes. As under the control of the Minister and the history around the world has shown, a National Party Government. competitive quota promotes a gold-rush Let us look at the history of the mentality within fisheries. As predicted, this Government's actions against the Wet Tropics 2,000 tonne limit was reached much earlier Management Authority over the last few than expected and proved to be a failure in months. Firstly, it discontinued the previous fisheries management. Labor Government's capital funding of the Those opposite must never be allowed to Wet Tropics Authority. Then it revoked our forget that this whole sorry mess was brought initiative to refurbish the old courthouse as a about while they were in office. At stake is a visitor and interpretative centre for the Queensland industry worth an estimated thousands of tourists who visit the area. That $25m in export markets to Asian countries. resulted in the collapse of the $6.7m Wet This compelling fact seems to have been Tropics Capital Works Program which had the totally lost on the former Labor Government support of nine local governments, and and highlights its incompetence. included the loss of $2m of Commonwealth Had the then Labor Minister for Primary regional development funding. Industries acted responsibly in this regard, the The Government has failed to replace the coalition Government would not have to clean yet to be named chair of the Wet Tropics up the mess. This serves to reaffirm that those Management Authority, despite the Minister's who now sit on the Opposition benches—and failed attempt to try to appoint Jim Chapman deservedly so—cannot be trusted to act in the as chair, even though Mr Chapman is well interests of the Queensland public, nor can known for his anti-World Heritage views. Now they ever be trusted in public office. Once that Senator Hill has had the good sense to again they have shown themselves to be reject this sinister plan, which other anti-World failures when it comes to public administration. Heritage campaigners does the Minister intend It took five years for Labor to make a mess of to nominate to the Wet Tropics Management the spanner crab industry and place our entire Authority before he closes it down or export industry at risk. It took less than one undermines it by cutting its funding? month for the coalition Government to fix up Last week's National Party hit list included the mess left behind by Labor. the chief executive of the Wet Tropics My thanks go to the Minister for Primary Management Authority, Peter Hitchcock. The Industries, Trevor Perrett, for having the Minister has reacted to the proposals of the courage to resolve this issue and get our Minister for Mines and Energy that the Wet industry back on track. I am also encouraged Tropics Management Authority is impossible to by the assurance from the Minister that his do business with. Next week in the department is moving quickly to ensure the Government's Budget we will see massive future of the spanner crab industry in giving a funding cuts to the Wet Tropics Management more market-focussed direction. Authority. Time expired. Time expired.

Wet Tropics Management Authority Kangaroos Mr WELFORD (Everton) (10.24 a.m.): Mr ELLIOTT (Cunningham) The days of the Wet Tropics Management (10.26 a.m.): Today I raise the subject of Authority and the protection of our World kangaroos and, in particular, the possibility for Heritage rainforests are duly numbered. The a foundation being set up because of Environment Minister has adopted the widespread interest in this subject, particularly approach of the Minister for Mines and Energy from overseas. The people who are totally to the Wet Tropics Management Authority, opposed to all harvesting of kangaroos are, namely, a dangerous and pernicious plan to unfortunately, ill advised and impractical lock up the World Heritage areas. because the program is supported by all State Today I want to reveal that the Minister conservation groups who understand the has written to his Federal counterpart, Senator harvesting program and who understand that Hill, proposing the State Government's plans it is a scientifically based and backed program for the Wet Tropics area and the management evolving out of research from the National authority, and setting out the State Parks and Wildlife Service dating to the late Government's options. The Government's seventies and early eighties. The people who preferred option is to close down the Wet oppose the harvesting program are putting 2500 Questions Without Notice 5 Sep 1996 tremendous pressure on the whole destroy the fittings in a room. The frustration commercial chain of the harvesting operation. felt by staff over these issues boiled over into I think it would be a very wise move to industrial action and the nurses walked off the investigate the setting up of a foundation job. which called on funds from people—many of I know that the Health Minister would whom belong to very well-intentioned overseas have us believe that everything is rosy in the groups—who wish to preserve the 50-odd Health Department and that the nurses adore types of macropods that inhabit this country. him. Clearly, that is not the case in The suggestion is that this foundation would Rockhampton where this is the second time create an open-range environment where all that nurses have walked off the job over the macropods could be looked after and where Minister's continued mismanagement of his those that are endangered could be department. I am told that it will not be long protected. For example, places such as that at before they do it again as staff are continually Taunton have already been established to pushed to the wall by a shortage in the look after animals such as the bridled nailtail number of staff and a lack of management wallaby. It is important that we go through a within the hospital. Until the bed numbers are process which shows the world that we are redressed in Rockhampton, I warn the Minister interested in our kangaroos and that we wish that he is as popular as the proverbial in to ensure that all kangaroos are protected. Rockhampton. The Minister only comes to Time expired. Rockhampton for the good news. If he comes up for the bad news, we will see how he gets on. Rockhampton Base Hospital Mr Horan: What about the $1.8m? Psychiatric Facility Mr SCHWARTEN: I am pleased that Mr SCHWARTEN (Rockhampton) the Minister raised that, because no-one is (10.28 a.m.): On 15 August I was invited to convinced of it. No money has yet seen the attend the opening of the new psychiatric light of day. facility at the Rockhampton Base Hospital. I Time expired. thank the Minister for Health, Mr Horan, for the invitation to attend and for the fact that he gave credit to the Labor Government for the QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE construction of this facility. Unfortunately, that Suncorp/Metway Merger is where praise for the Minister ends. Mr BEATTIE (10.30 a.m.): I direct a Naturally, the official opening was question to the Treasurer. Yesterday accompanied by all the fanfare and media afternoon, the Opposition was successful in hype that is normally associated with such saving 66 Bank of Queensland branches and occasions. However, the truth is that this 530 Queensland jobs by amending the proved nothing short of a political stunt with Suncorp/Metway merger facilitation Bill so that grave consequences for the workers and the shareholders of the Bank of Queensland patients in that establishment. The fact is that, could have their say about whether Metway in a desperate attempt to get some favourable should take over the Bank of Queensland. I media, the Minister for Health brought forward ask: will the Treasurer now respond to the the opening. He paid no heed to the advice Bank of Queensland's formal proposal to buy he received from his department that the back its shares so that the Government's project was not ready for opening. Indeed, the holding is reduced to 15 per cent, a level departmental advice which was ignored which the Treasurer herself has identified as proved correct. appropriate for Government? Will she allow For a start, staffing of the unit was not the mums and dads who hold shares in the finalised. The QNU had been involved in Bank of Queensland to obtain higher lengthy discussions with the Health dividends by letting the bank buy back its Department and there was no agreement over shares? staffing levels. Consequently, the unit opened Mrs SHELDON: I thank the member for without proper or safe levels of staffing. his question, ill conceived as it was. The fact of Secondly, the final inspection of the the matter is that the State Government has facility had not been carried out by Q-Build. always given the option to the majority There were a number of ongoing maintenance shareholders in the Bank of Queensland to issues which had not been concluded. This have their say. meant that staff had to use screwdrivers to Mr Beattie: No, to buy back their open doors and that a patient was able to shares. 5 Sep 1996 Questions Without Notice 2501

Mrs SHELDON: The Leader of the prepared to not look after the interests of the Opposition asked the question; I will give the taxpayers. After all, we are the trustee of the answer. It was the board that decided it would taxpayers. The Leader of the Opposition not call the Bank of Queensland shareholders would know that we must act in the interests of together to vote. But that is up to it. I guess the minority shareholder—the taxpayers of the shareholders will have their say in the end. Queensland. The fact of the matter is that the Queensland Government, as trustee for the Government Borrowing taxpayers of this State, has to make sure that it gets the best value for any asset the State Mr BEATTIE: In directing a second holds in trust for taxpayers. I refer to the large question to the Treasurer, I refer to her shareholding in the Bank of Queensland held statement to the Conservative Club on 19 by Suncorp. We, as a Government, do not March 1996 that the Queensland Government hold that shareholding; the shares were would not borrow for recurrent expenditure bought by Suncorp. and, further, that borrowing will be restricted to infrastructure projects and only to the extent Mr Elder: They got in over their head. that the projects are able to service the debt. I Mrs SHELDON: Suncorp made a very ask: does she stand by those views and do good investment. Is the honourable member they reflect her current thinking? saying that Suncorp's investment in the Bank Mrs SHELDON: Yes, I do stand by of Queensland was unwarranted? Suncorp those views. The Leader of the Opposition will bought those shares because it thought it was find in the Budget that that is exactly what we a good investment. Suncorp's large have done. The Leader of the Opposition, shareholding in the Bank of Queensland has when he was the failed Minister for Health, helped the Bank of Queensland to sell itself in was quite happy to use capital moneys to fill in this State, given that the Government has the hole created by the recurrent blow-out. We such a strong investment in it. know that. Two things that were said on a number of Mr Horan: Thirty-four million. occasions yesterday afternoon need to be corrected. Obviously, either the Leader of the Mrs SHELDON: That is exactly what the Opposition was not in this place, was not Minister for Health has been saying regularly. listening or did not want to be informed. The It was $34m at that time. The Leader of the Government's door was open to anyone from Opposition was prepared to drop $34m in the Bank of Queensland who wanted to speak capital moneys into the hole created by the with us. I tabled in this House a letter in which I blow-out in recurrent expenditure. requested the chairman to call a meeting of Mr Beattie interjected. the board so that it could express its concerns to me, as the Treasurer. The Bank of Mrs SHELDON: That can be proved. Queensland never did that. I do not know The fact of the matter is that we believe in whether the chairman did not call the board that philosophy. In fact, that was the together or whether the board decided that it philosophy expressed by the former Treasurer. did not want to see me. The fact that the We are quite happy to carry on that board never came to see me or answer my philosophy, and it will be fulfilled, as the request and the fact that it never really gave Leader of the Opposition will see, in the its shareholders a chance to vote on the coming Budget. proposal by the Government seems to me a little extraordinary. Queensland Economy; Mr C. Bubb However, the Government will look after the interests of the taxpayers and make sure Mr SPRINGBORG: In directing a that the maximum value for the taxpayers is question to the Premier, I refer to the claim always achieved by the Government. The this morning by the Leader of the Opposition share price offered by the Bank of that the Queensland economy was faltering Queensland to the Government for its shares and, in particular, I refer to the Leader of the was not adequate, and financial experts have Opposition's reference to comments of Clive told us that we could stand to be questioned Bubb. I ask: can the Premier outline to the had we sold our shareholding to the Bank of House the true position in relation to Mr Queensland board for the price it offered. At Bubb's comments? all times, we have been looking after the Mr BORBIDGE: In reply to the interests of the taxpayers. I am a little honourable member—what we are seeing surprised that the Leader of the Opposition is again is another example of the selective—— 2502 Questions Without Notice 5 Sep 1996

Mr Beattie: Why don't you tell us about Mr BORBIDGE: I am happy to table the Yellow Pages as well? this. He then goes on in respect of workers' Mr BORBIDGE: Does the Opposition compensation, stating— not want to talk about Clive Bubb anymore? I ". . . but I think that the one thing that am delighted to talk about what Clive Bubb business doesn't want to see is rapid said, because I am sure that honourable increase in premium costs again. We've members on both sides of this House may suffered about a 50% increase in have got somewhat of an incorrect impression premium costs over about the last three from the blatant misrepresentation that we years and we now want to see premiums heard from the Leader of the Opposition this settle down and remain at reasonable morning. levels so we can go ahead and employ Let us start with Mr Bubb's observations people and get on with the job." on the economy. He said— Who increased the premiums? The previous "Well, for quite a number of months, Labor Government! Mr Bubb goes on to say in fact over about the past two years that the business community "wants to see you've seen the Queensland and good stable Government". In this place, every Western Australian economy both day of the week we are seeing efforts by the outperforming the National economy quite Leader of the Opposition to destabilise the markedly." Government. The Leader of the Opposition is failing. Let us get to the core—the thrust—of He goes on to say— Mr Beattie's blatant misrepresentation of Mr "Tourism also has dropped back so I Bubb. Cathy Border asked, "Has the Borbidge guess you know, there are a number of Government been good for business?" to factors that caused it. The drought also is which Mr Bubb replied— another factor . . . there have been good "I think generally overall, I like the reasons why the Queensland economy thrust of their economic development has fallen back." through the new ministry. They created, I He was then asked about his expectations in think previously we had about four respect of the Government's program, to Ministers we talked to about economic which he replied— development and now we've got two. "I think one of the two things that are We've got Doug Slack and Bruce sitting there right now is the new Industrial Davidson and both Ministers, Mr Davidson Relations Legislation and the new certainly has concentrated on tourism. Workers Compensation changes and He's turned that around"—— both of those are being vigorously Mr Beattie: Keep reading it. opposed by certain segments within the Mr BORBIDGE: I am reading it word for community, but certainly business wants word. He continued— those two things to go ahead." ". . . but Doug Slack has been very very He then goes on to talk about the business good in looking at developing export cycle. linkages overseas which business can Mr Beattie interjected. follow through with and I think the trip to Mr BORBIDGE: The Leader of the Malaysia fairly recently, the pre-opening of Opposition should listen to this. He stated— the U.S. and the China offices which will take place shortly. Both are steps in the ". . . I think that overall the, I guess in the right direction." business community we're looking to Government to sort of fill the slow down in That is hardly a condemnation of the the business cycle." Government! He goes on to say— But then there is another question which confirms the fact that the honourable member ". . . the business cycle to turn up just cannot be trusted. Cathy says— again"— "What about . . . the conservatives, and that is what they are looking for— the Liberals and the Nationals, are you "and there are some signs that that's now finding that relationship is working (well) as taking place . . . the future looks better far as you're concerned?" and the business cycle looks like turning Mr Bubb says— up." ". . . Minister Santoro is a Liberal and he's Mr Beattie interjected. performing very well and you know, we 5 Sep 1996 Questions Without Notice 2503

understand the problems he's got with The Premier cannot treat this Parliament with workers compensation and industrial contempt. He is required, like everyone else, relations." to withdraw that statement. Mr Bubb goes on to say—and I finish it off with Mr Elder interjected. this direct quote from him— Mr SPEAKER: Order! I thank the "So we've got a mix of Liberal and member for his learned advice. I ask first that National Party members working very well the member for Capalaba withdraw the remark and you've got the Treasurer herself that he made to the Premier. who's a Liberal member and so as far as Mr Elder: What, in calling him a liar? business is concerned, there appears to be no conflict between the two Coalition Mr SPEAKER: Order! I wish it to be members and it seems to be working fairly withdrawn, and I have asked the Premier to well." withdraw whatever the member for Capalaba found offensive. The matter then rests there This is another example from the Leader and the Premier will go on with his answer, of the Opposition of what he is so good at. We and I will run the House. saw the blatant misrepresentation yesterday in regard to a so-called hit list that I signed five Mr ELDER: I withdraw. and a half years ago. Let us talk about that Mr BORBIDGE: If the honourable misrepresentation. That was in fact a letter to member finds those comments offensive, then the then chairman of EARC in respect of of course I withdraw. I make the point, though, cronyism under the Labor Government—some that a person who was present at that of the most disgraceful and shocking cronyism conference has contacted the Government that we have witnessed in this place for some and has made that allegation. If the Deputy time. In his great revelation, the master of Leader of the Opposition wishes to deny it in deceit opposite said that 16 of the 75 people this place, then clearly that is his business. have moved or been sacked. Unless I have What we are seeing is massive hypocrisy my arithmetic wrong, 59 are still there, and and duplicity. The Deputy Leader of the that equates to 80 per cent still being Opposition, as the chair of Labor's transition to there—80 per cent! This is typical of the deceit Government committee, has been going and the duplicity of honourable members around the State telling people who he is opposite. going to get rid of. And he has the audacity If we want to talk about hit lists—I am also and the cheek to talk about hit lists! advised that the Deputy Leader of the Mr ELDER: I rise to a point of order. I do Opposition addressed the Public Transport not go around this State doing that. Again, the Union State conference on 2 August 1996 Premier is lying to the Parliament, and I ask and made comments that may be of interest him to withdraw. to members of this House. One of the comments that Mr Elder made to the PTU Mr SPEAKER: Order! Does the Premier was— withdraw the remark that the member found offensive? "If Wayne Goss had won, I would have sacked at least half the QR board, Mr BORBIDGE: Yes, I do. the CEO and some managers." Mr SPEAKER: I ask the member for That is what Mr Elder told the Public Transport Capalaba again to withdraw the word "lying". I Union. Caught out again! do not want to hear it again. Mr ELDER: I rise to a point of order. Mr ELDER: I withdraw. That is untrue, and I ask for it to be withdrawn. Mr BORBIDGE: What we have time Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for and time again in this place are examples of Capalaba wishes the Premier to withdraw. the duplicity, the deceit and the dishonesty of honourable members opposite. What they Mr BORBIDGE: I will have to accept the claimed yesterday to be a hit list was a letter to advice that someone who was at the the chairman of EARC asking for an conference and who contacted the investigation into claims of the cronyism which Government was misled. was running rampant under the Labor Mr BEATTIE: I rise to a point of order. Government. Today, the Leader of the Mr Speaker, I draw your attention to Standing Opposition sought to deliberately misrepresent Orders. Like everyone else, the Premier is the comments of Mr Clive Bubb of the QCCI. subject to the Standing Orders of this The credibility of members opposite is Parliament. A withdrawal has been sought. nosediving day by day. This was some alleged 2504 Questions Without Notice 5 Sep 1996 hit list! It is 80 per cent unsuccessful after we shares. I ask: can the Treasurer inform the have been in Government for seven months. House whether the events described by the It is so old that some of the people on it have Opposition Leader were correct and what probably died! The credibility of the Opposition effect, if any, they have had on the market? speaks for itself. Mrs SHELDON: I see that the Leader of the Opposition is about to leave the Speeding Incident Involving Treasurer Chamber. Wait a minute—he has sat down. I Mr MACKENROTH: I refer the thought that he may not want to listen to a bit Treasurer to her recent brush with the law of truth for a change. while driving between Caloundra and Brisbane In the House yesterday, we saw a when police at a radar trap stopped her disgraceful performance by the Leader of the ministerial car for speeding. I ask the Opposition when he tried to talk down Metway Treasurer: is it a fact that her vehicle was Bank and the value of its shares. That was a clocked travelling well in excess of the legal deliberate attempt by the Leader of the speed limit? Can she explain why no speeding Opposition to interfere in the market. I can ticket was issued after her personal police assure him that that has not gone over very bodyguard, travelling with her in the car, had a well in the market. quiet word to the police constable? Mr BEATTIE: I rise to a point of order. I Mrs SHELDON: I am very pleased that find those remarks offensive. They are untrue the member opposite is so interested in the and I seek them to be withdrawn because, affairs of State and what we should be unlike the Treasurer, I do not believe that debating in this House! With their poverty of there is one law for me and another law for the any real input, members opposite have to rest of the community. descend to the personal level. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of Being a former Minister, the member the Opposition finds some remark offensive. I would well know that Ministers do not drive ask the Deputy Premier to withdraw. their own cars. I do not have the remotest idea Mrs SHELDON: Mr Speaker, I will leave what was clocked up by any radar. Yes, on the that to your judgment, but as I continue with road between Brisbane and Caloundra our car my answer the Leader of the Opposition will and a number of others were pulled over. My see that he did—— driver got out; so did my personal policeman, against whom the member seems to be An Opposition member: Withdraw. casting aspersions in this House. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I heard the Mr Mackenroth: No. Deputy Premier and Treasurer withdraw. I can Mrs SHELDON: Yes, the member is. hardly hear for the noise. I will ask for order for He is not here to defend himself, so I will the last time. defend him. I did not get out of the car. I do Mr Beattie: Withdraw. not know what transpired. My driver got back Mrs SHELDON: I did withdraw, but I am in, and so did my personal policeman. prepared to do it again. The member is Mr Livingstone: 130. obviously finding it hard to hear, as well as Mrs SHELDON: The member seems to finding it hard to tell the truth. know a lot about it. Does he have a direct link Mr Beattie interjected. to the police computer, as the former Minister Mr SPEAKER: Order! I thought I made did to the computer in Russell Cooper's office? it clear before that I heard the Deputy Premier It seems as though that is still the case. and Treasurer withdraw. Did the member hear I think I have adequately answered the my voice then? question. If there were any improprieties—— Mr Beattie: I did not. Mr Mackenroth: It's a matter of propriety. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member will hear my voice now. Mrs SHELDON: Excuse me! If there were any improprieties, I am very happy to Mrs SHELDON: The Leader of the hear from the Commissioner of Police. Opposition made allegations in this House regarding Metway shares. The parcel of Metway shares to which the member referred Metway Shares was one parcel that was traded yesterday. It Mr ELLIOTT: I refer the Treasurer to was a sale by an institution and it was yesterday's comments by the Leader of the snapped up by eager buyers, as he will see. Opposition regarding trading in Metway Metway shares ended 4c up at $4.70 a share. 5 Sep 1996 Questions Without Notice 2505

On a time/value for money basis, that is about would have established the accurate the same as the $4.80 offered to be paid by position. Regards, Tim Crommelin." the Government in November. I wish to read into Hansard a letter addressed Contrary to the Leader of the Opposition's to me from Mr Crommelin. The letter states— misleading comments, Metway shareholders "I was faxed a copy of Peter Beattie's are not bailing out, and I know that he is sorry press release last night. It was sent to me to hear that. In fact, yesterday's events show a by Rob Whiddon from his office. I was high degree of confidence that the merger will appalled by its inaccuracy and the proceed and will be successful. I know that the misleading impression it attempted to Leader of the Opposition has been trying to create. No attempt was made by Peter sink this new financial institution by spreading Beattie or his staff to contact me about negative misinformation around the State. the comments in his release. Apart from all his best efforts to talk down Queensland, this bank will go along very well. Contrary to his comments 'Metway shareholders are bailing out' the share By way of clarification, I would like to price yesterday closed at $4.70, up 4c quote a few people, because both Metway from the previous day with strong buying and Morgans stockbroker Tim Crommelin, who support which continued throughout the the Leader of the Opposition also maligned in day. There was more buying support than this House, would like their good names selling. defended, and I am happy to do that. I quote Metway Public Affairs Manager Cliff Dawson's Our company, Morgan Stockbroking comments in today's Australian, as he has Limited, along with the rest of the broking asked that the comments be repeated. Mr financial community strongly support the Dawson said— merger of Queensland's financial "The sales related to one institution institutions which will give all adjusting its portfolio and the shares were Queenslanders the opportunity to directly snapped up, indicating if anything the own shares in what will be Australia's fifth strength of our shares and the demand largest banking financial institution. for them." The concept of Governments I would also like to quote from a fax that was transferring ownership of assets to the sent to the office of the Leader of the public, staff and customers has proven Opposition by Tim Crommelin from Morgans extremely successful with recent yesterday afternoon in which he says as selldowns of Commonwealth Bank, GIO, follows— BankWest, SGIO, TABCORP, Qantas to mention a few. "Thank you for the fax. It was sent to me earlier this afternoon . . ." With respect to the insurance sector the massive customer and policy holder Mr Beattie interjected. support for National Mutual (announced Mrs SHELDON: This was sent to the yesterday) is another example of public Leader of the Opposition. support for well-run financial institutions." Mr Beattie: No, I sent it to him. The letter continues, and I would ask the Mrs SHELDON: I am reading Mr Leader of the Opposition to listen to this— Crommelin's fax to the Leader of the "It is extremely disappointing that Opposition. If the member is querying the Peter Beattie fails to understand the authenticity of this, I suggest that he contact economic rationale of Government's Mr Crommelin. The fax says—— divesting assets in favour of the public Mr Beattie interjected. which his Federal colleagues have so readily embraced in the past as Mrs SHELDON: The top of the fax says evidenced by the sale of CBA and "Dear Rob", and I understand that he is a staff Qantas. member of the Leader of the Opposition. The fax states— May I also say how disappointed we "Thank you for the fax. It was sent to are that he chose to use Morgans name in such a misleading and ill informed me earlier this afternoon by the press." manner. It was not sent by the Leader of the Opposition's office. It goes on— Yours sincerely, "It is a pity the impression it gives is MORGAN STOCKBROKING LIMITED so inaccurate. A simple quick phone call Tim Crommelin" 2506 Questions Without Notice 5 Sep 1996

National Party movement that it represents the views of Mr ELDER: I refer the Deputy Premier Queensland workers? and Treasurer to an article in the Sunshine Mr SANTORO: I thank the honourable Coast Daily on 19 July 1990 in which she was member for his question because I know that quoted as saying— the question results from many "The National Party candidate has representations that have been made to the been reading Alice in Wonderland if he honourable member by his constituents, believed the (National) Party was particularly the business community, that the corruption free." unions do not represent the majority of opinion within the community. I want to say in all That party was then under the leadership of sincerity, particularly to members opposite, Mr Cooper and Mr Borbidge. that the coalition Government is not anti Mrs Sheldon: What was the date? union. That statement is justified by the fact Mr ELDER: I will repeat the question. I that right across the State, unions clearly refer the Liberal Leader to an article in the acknowledge that they have access and a Sunshine Coast Daily on 19 July 1990 in which genuine level of consultation with she was quoted as saying— Government. "The National Party candidate has Mr Borbidge interjected. been reading Alice in Wonderland if he Mr SANTORO: As the Premier says, believed the (National) Party was yesterday a significant group of union leaders corruption free." had an hour-long meeting and afternoon tea That party was then under the leadership of with three Ministers. Those union leaders Mr Cooper and Mr Borbidge. I ask: with the stated that they were extremely impressed return of the Nationals to Government, has with the degree of access that this anything happened in the last six months to Government, and particularly its senior change the Treasurer's mind? Ministers, affords to the union movement. I Mrs SHELDON: I was not even a know that it absolutely annoys the hell out of member of this Parliament when I said that. I those opposite to see the people who pull wonder whether we could hear a few quotes their strings say that they are getting from various Labor candidates. meaningful access to the Government and that they are making a contribution to what the Mr Borbidge: It's taken him six years to Government is doing. ask this. Mrs Edmond interjected. Mrs SHELDON: It has taken him six years to write a question, but it is Thursday Mr SANTORO: The mouth from the and they are pretty desperate. The fact of the mount cannot help herself. She attacked me matter is that when one looks at the strength when I was on the other side; she now attacks of the coalition, which I helped engineer with the Health Minister. She cannot help herself. the present leader of the Government, Rob Why does she not sit there and listen? Why Borbidge, it shows the commitment that both does she not take note of the SPSFQ? the Liberals and the Nationals have to each Mr Borbidge: She's making a big other. It also shows the commitment of the impression—her leader thought she was the people of this State that after six years of shadow Minister for Education. misrule by the Labor Government, in July 54 per cent of them were prepared to elect—and Mr SANTORO: Absolutely. As it they reinforced it in Mundingburra—the continues to ignore the opinion of its union coalition Government. supporters and the members of the community, the Labor Party will become more The Labor Party's big problem is that it irrelevant. sees the Liberals and the Nationals working so closely together and it is worrying them. We Let us have a look at union membership will continue to work closely together and we across Australia, particularly in Queensland. will beat those opposite every time. Honourable members may be interested to know that from August 1990 to August 1995, trade union membership declined by 7.8 per Union Membership cent from 40.5 per cent to 32.7 per cent. That Mr CARROLL: I ask the Minister for in itself is not bad. But what makes it worse is Training and Industrial Relations to outline to that, in the same period, the total number of the House the true facts in relation to union Australian employees increased from 6.5 membership in view of claims by the union million to 6.9 million. So we have an increasing 5 Sep 1996 Questions Without Notice 2507 work force but a decreasing membership. It not make statements that they and the union cannot even keep up with the rate of increase. movement represent majority opinion. It is not In Queensland the story is much worse. In on, and the figures prove it. Queensland for the same period union membership declined from 38.5 per cent to School-based Management; Education 33.8 per cent, while the number of employees Department Restructure in the work force went from 1.06 million to 1.3 million. They are the facts about union Mr BREDHAUER: I direct a question to membership, and they are the facts that the Minister for Education and the "Minister for clearly undermine the claim by union members School Cleaners". I refer to the Minister's and union leaders that they represent the recent Cabinet submission on school-based majority of the work force. management and the proposed restructure of the Education Department. In particular, I refer Let us have a look at what the Labor to Treasury briefings which indicate that this leaders—Labor Party Prime Ministers and restructure will be cost neutral, with the union leaders—have said about the union additional resourcing required at school level movement. On 10 October 1992, the ACTU to be met from savings achieved by the Secretary, Bill Kelty, described union power Minister's now-failed privatisation agenda. I structures as irrelevant. On 30 September ask: will the Minister now admit that the funds 1994, the former Prime Minister said that the he said would be saved by contracting unions must become more useful to the Government services are earmarked for workers of Australia. In August last year, the bureaucratic tasks forced on schools and not new champion of the union movement, the to employ more teachers or aircondition north President of the ACTU, Jennie George, made Queensland schools or for the benefit of public that the union movement was not even students, as he and his Government have relevant to union members when she stated fraudulently claimed? Is it not true that the that the first thing that she would do as the Premier's decision to roll the Minister's ACTU president was to get back in touch with submission to Cabinet and the joint party room the rank-and-file membership. has not only undermined his credibility as a As I said at the beginning, I do not wish to Minister but left school-based management in be portrayed in any way as a union basher, a shambles? because I am not. But what I do state in this Mr QUINN: It is well known that, for quite Parliament is this: that coalition Governments some time, the Department of Education has across Queensland and Australia will be the been moving to devolve decision making from saviours of the union movement, because central office and regional offices to the what our industrial relations laws are going to schools. That has put a question mark over force the union movement and the ALP the roles of head office and regional offices. opposite to do is to get back to their As every public servant and teacher would grassroots, which obviously is deserting them realise, when one takes administrative tasks in droves. Once they start again assuming from the head office and regional offices and their responsibilities as people who claim to be gives them to schools, it requires a rethink of genuine representatives of the workers—— what is going on. No decisions have been Mr Braddy: No workers' compensation made—— laws, no industrial relations laws. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I did allow the Mr SANTORO: The honourable question. I allowed a lot of latitude. I member can ask me a question about prevented the member for Keppel from raising workers' compensation, if he wishes to. Where the issue of cleaners because there is a Bill are his questions on workers' compensation? before the House. I am allowing latitude, but I If he asks the questions, we will answer them. do not want to hear interjections and debate The problem with members opposite is about the cleaners. I allow the question with that they have lost the true significance of the latitude. representative ideal. The true significance of Mr QUINN: No decisions have been the representative ideal is that one has to made with respect to what administrative represent people in this place. Of course, model will be put in place, what are the roles people who are not being represented in this of the various regions and the central office, place, either by former union people or people and so on. When we move towards a more who have come from the traditional base of concrete model of school-based the ALP, are deserting them in droves. That is management, we will then be in a better the real story. So members opposite should position to resolve those particular issues. 2508 Questions Without Notice 5 Sep 1996

With regard to the issue of the savings Opposition Racing spokesman was. He could that were to be made with the move to have come up in my car. We could have got a privatise school cleaning services—those pair that way, and it would have been useful to decisions have yet to be made, because the both of us. savings to be made in that respect will not be Last night's meeting in Toowoomba was apparent in this Budget; they are future significant because it was the first night racing savings, and they will be rolled up into future meeting in Australia. I want to give a years. commendation to those people at the Mr Bredhauer: Does this mean you're Toowoomba Turf Club who had the foresight flush with funds? and the courage, quite frankly, to take that on. Mr QUINN: No, we are not exactly flush They did it in 1992 with twilight racing, when with funds. I think the honourable member will the first meeting was held in Toowoomba. see that this time in the Budget there will be a They have been pretty innovative. That is healthy increase in Education funding. exactly what race clubs have to be these days if they are going to make a success of it. The gambling dollar is diminishing, and it is getting Night Race Meeting, Toowoomba very difficult to keep the Racing Development Mr HEALY: I ask the Minister for Police Fund funding race meetings unless they can and Corrective Services and Minister for do something out of the ordinary. Something Racing: will he outline further details of another out of the ordinary was done last night. It was outstanding innovation for Queensland racing extremely successful, and commendations as witnessed last night in Toowoomba? need to be given all round. Night racing will lift the number of people through the gate—the Mr COOPER: I thank the honourable punters. It will also lift the number of people member for Toowoomba North for the who actually get interested in racing and keep question. that interest going. It is not only of interest in Mr Palaszczuk interjected. this country; it is of national and international Mr COOPER: It was. Where was the interest, as I will outline. member? Could he not get a pair? The Toowoomba began its twilight meetings in Opposition Racing spokesman was not there, 1992. The concerted effort that has been put either. in not only by the Toowoomba Turf Club but Mr Palaszczuk: I was enjoying also the Toowoomba City Council and many Parliament. other sponsors who are heavily involved there Mr COOPER: Oh, right—enjoying has increased the club's annual turnover to Parliament! I am glad someone does. $15m. That is an absolutely creditable effort. Toowoomba is the first cab off the rank. I thank the honourable member for the Another night meeting will be held on New question, because it was a very significant Year's Eve, which I reckon will be a beauty. It night. will involve other countries, which is ideal, An Opposition member: Did you go because with night meetings we can target up in the helicopter? countries in nearby time zones. Interstate clubs are also interested. Representatives Mr COOPER: No, I drove. I wish I had from the Moonie Valley Race Club in Victoria the helicopter. and the Sydney Turf Club were there last Mr Mackenroth: Did you observe the night. They obviously have their eye on the speed limits? ball; they want to be in it. Mr COOPER: Absolutely. Well, I think I The longer-term expectation is to have a did, anyway. I was not even driving. Mrs tri-State night racing circuit so that we can Sheldon was not driving, either. capitalise on South East Asia. Last night's Mr SPEAKER: Order! meeting was televised on Sky Channel into 11 Mr COOPER: Let us get back to racing. South East Asian countries. That is very That is what it was all about. I know that the significant because of the enormous interest in honourable member for Toowoomba North racing over there. The huge population and would like an answer to his question. wealth of those countries will help racing in Queensland and Australia enormously. If we Mr SPEAKER: Order! Some people will do not get on that tram, we are stupid. We be hang-gliding in a minute. can congratulate the Toowoomba Turf Club on Mr COOPER: It was a good night. I was its initiative. That sort of exposure is a great night's racing. I wondered where the invaluable, not just to Toowoomba but also to 5 Sep 1996 Questions Without Notice 2509 the industry as a whole. The industry has to officers of my department to immediately get out there and market itself. There needs to investigate whether or not that is true. If it is, I be a re-evaluation and rethink of way that the am quite sure that they will take the industry packages and markets itself, because appropriate action. we are entering a new era of aggression for the gambling dollar. I commend the Toowoomba Turf Club for its lateral, innovative Public Sector Management thinking. That will cause clubs in this State and Commission other States to become interested. As long as Mr GRICE: I ask the Honourable the we take the initiative and work together—so Premier: can he advise the House what that we are not competing against each improvements have been made by the other—and capitalise on the South East Asian Government to overcome inefficiencies in markets, racing can look forward to a healthy Labor's Public Sector Management future. However, right now it is at the Commission? crossroads. Mr BORBIDGE: In reply to the A crowd of 4,000 people and punters honourable member, and without reference to were at the meeting last night, which was any legislation that may be before the House, exceptionally good for a Wednesday night. changes have been made in relation to Toowoomba can get pretty cold, but last night Labor's Public Sector Management the temperature was good. The sort of Commission which, over a period of years, innovation that we saw last night is a particularly during the reign of Dr Coaldrake, landmark. It reached a goal that was set, and struck enormous fear into public servants from will do the racing industry around this nation one end of Queensland to the other. an enormous amount of good. I am pleased to report that the successor to the PSMC has been able to achieve a 38 Hepatitis A; MacGregor Schools per cent reduction in total staff to do the same job. Staff numbers are down from 72 to 52. Mr PALASZCZUK: I refer the Minister The newly created Office of the Public Service for Education to a statutory declaration that I has 46 permanent staff, 6 temporary project have provided him sworn by Mr Scott officers and only five SES positions. That Zackeresen, which I seek leave to table. compares with 10 SES positions under Labor. Leave granted. The administrative reforms that have been put Mr PALASZCZUK: That statutory in place in line with our policy commitments declaration records that the member for have led to a reduction of 38 per cent in total Greenslopes said in respect of school cleaners staff and a halving of the number of SES contracting hepatitis A— positions. I think that it is fair to say that "There's only one school in this area relations between the public sector unions and that's had to worry about hep A, and you the successor to the PSMC are far better than know which one it was? . . . MacGregor." has been the case in this State for a long, long time, particularly during the reign of terror I ask: is the Minister aware of a hepatitis A of the PSMC under the previous Labor problem at MacGregor State School or Government. MacGregor State High School? If so, what action is the Minister taking to protect school children and cleaners? Does the Minister Training and Employment Programs agree with the member for Greenslopes' Mr BRADDY: I refer the Minister for offensive and racist assertion that at Training and Industrial Relations to a review of MacGregor that disease was carried by his department's training and employment "Aborigines and Asians"? programs conducted recently by Mr Des Fooks Mr QUINN: I will answer the last part of and his recommendations that the Minister the question first. Obviously, I am not aware of scrap a number of State programs, including the private conversations between the those conducted through Training, member for Greenslopes and his constituents Employment Queensland, which employs over or groups who come to see him. I believe that 100 staff in 19 regional centres and which in this institution is not the place to test the 1994-95 assisted over 7,000 young veracity of those particular comments. unemployed individuals and provided over Whether they are true or untrue, they are not $2.5m in grants to 58 organisations for 173 necessarily reflected in Government policy. community employment projects. With respect to the question about I ask: what guarantee will the Minister give hepatitis A in one of the schools, I will ask the 100 staff in those programs across 2510 Questions Without Notice 5 Sep 1996

Queensland that he will not carry out the facing the problem today, one which it is trying recommendation and that their jobs are safe to solve for the members opposite. so that the young and unemployed will not be That is relatively good news for those abandoned in Queensland as they have been members, because I could embarrass them by by Senator Vanstone and the Minister's saying that, under their administration, the rate Federal colleagues? of youth unemployment reached 34.8 per Mr SANTORO: I would like to thank the cent—and that figure relates only to that which honourable member opposite for his third can be measured and not to the real rate, the question in seven months. When I am asked hidden rate, in some regions, including the a question such as that from the honourable region of the honourable member for member opposite, my first reaction is to Bundaberg who writes constantly to me—as respond to the effrontery of it. The members he should because he is seeking to represent opposite are the people who condemned the views of his constituents—asking what I hundreds, even thousands of people to the am going to do for the long-term unemployed unemployment scrap heap. However, the people in his electorate. I do not send back a honourable member deserves a better answer political answer and say, "I am trying to fix up than that, so I will deal with the question. the problem that you left behind for us." We will do our best. The honourable member opposite talks about a solution to the long-term If members look at the rate of unemployment problem that he left behind as unemployment when those people opposite a Minister of the former Government. He talks took Government in December 1989, they about solutions to the unemployment problem would see that the unemployment rate was generally. This Government is doing more 6.7 per cent. When they left Government, the than its predecessor to address the issues of unemployment rate was 8.8 per cent. During unemployment, and particularly to remove the the term of the Labor Government, the inhibitions that the former Government put in unemployment rate actually reached a the face of industry—particularly small maximum of 11.1 per cent. They are the real business—in terms of its ability to create facts and figures that, as members and employment. Ministers of the Government, we are trying to deal with. We are trying to fix up the problems I will refer to a few of the Government's left to us by the Labor Party. initiatives to deal with unemployment. I will answer the question specifically for Mr Braddy interjected. the honourable member—he should know but, Mr SANTORO: I will deal very obviously, seven months in Opposition has specifically with the honourable member's definitely deadened his brain to the processes question, but first I will inform the House, of government. The honourable member particularly the newer members, those in the should appreciate that Budgets are formulated public gallery and those in the media gallery, and Budgets will be delivered. When the of the former Government's record in terms of Treasurer delivers her Budget on Tuesday, 10 long-term unemployment. I know that that is September, there will be very much good not what the member opposite particularly news for those young people in Queensland wants to hear, but he will hear it anyway. He who need to be trained to be put into real—— has asked me a question and I will answer it in Mr Braddy: One hundred staff. a way that may not please the member Mr SANTORO: The member talks about particularly, but I always speak the truth. staff. He asks what we are going to do for the I will tell the House what happened to the long-term unemployed. I am telling him what youth labour market under the ALP. "Youth" is the Government is going to do. It is going to defined as people who are 15 years old to 19 introduce industrial relations policies that are years old. In December 1989, the going to amend unfair dismissal laws which, at unemployment rate within that category was the moment, discourage the employment of 18.5 per cent. In February 1996, when the the young, long-term unemployed. The members opposite left Government, it was Government is reforming the training system 26.3 per cent. That is an increase of 7.8 per so that it can deliver to industry. The member cent between December 1989 and February can walk away; I know that he does not like to 1996. The fault laid with Labor Governments. hear the answer, but he is going to cop it. This It laid with their inflexible training systems, Government is fixing up the training system of inflexible industrial relations policies and big- Queensland so that it actually matches the taxing policies. That is why the coalition is output of TAFE training—— 5 Sep 1996 Questions Without Notice 2511

Mrs Edmond interjected. bit to talk it up. We all know that if the Mr SANTORO: There she is, the mouth economy is going well, there are more jobs from the mount—the former Minister whom and there is confidence in the community. TAFE Queensland rarely saw. She rarely That is what we need in this State. Instead, we talked to her staff. It took her months to get have a negative, harping, whingeing Leader of out to the provinces and country areas to put the Opposition continually talking down the her imprimatur on the map. Thank God she State and talking down the State's economy. did not get a chance to put it on in any definitive way. Police Numbers This Government is addressing the issue of long-term unemployment. In terms of the Mr LIVINGSTONE: I refer the Minister specific budgetary provisions, I am sure that for Police to his statement reported in the honourable members will be very pleased with Queensland Times on 12 January 1995 that what the Honourable Treasurer will tell them Ipswich is 90 police short, and I ask: what next Tuesday. additional resources has he allocated to Ipswich or is Ipswich still, in his words, 90 police short? Yellow Pages Small Business Index Mr COOPER: Does the member want Survey me to do a bit of pork-barrelling? That is more Mrs GAMIN: I ask the Deputy Premier his line. Why did not he fix it up when Labor and Treasurer: can she provide any further was in Government? The member is talking information about the August 1996 edition of about January 1995. Who was in Government the Yellow Pages Small Business Index then? Who was in Government in January Survey referred to by the Leader of the 1995? Does the member know? He probably Opposition this morning? does not even know who the Police Minister Mrs SHELDON: I can, with pleasure. I was in January 1995. Did the member ask the thank the member for her very timely question. Police Minister then to get some police for his What we see is yet another example of the area? No, because the Labor Government Leader of the Opposition trying to mislead this was cutting police numbers. For those two House and the people of Queensland. years from June 1993 to June 1995—— Indeed, this morning we saw it when he was Mr Livingstone: You promised 90 trying to misquote Mr Bubb's words; then we police. Where are they? saw it with the inconceivable, ridiculous misinformation that he has been trying to Mr COOPER: In those two years the circulate about lists of public servants; and Labor Government's Budget was almost $1 then we saw it when he tried to misconstrue billion and police numbers fell by 79. That is the information that was in the Yellow Pages. why the member did not get more police for his area—because that lot opposite were Mr Beattie interjected. cutting their numbers. Now this Government is Mrs SHELDON: No. Because of the left with the job of building up the numbers. way in which the Leader of the Opposition was Guess what: this Government will start to build misrepresenting the situation, the Yellow them up. My oath we will. A bit later on the Pages sent a fax so that I can correct some of member will see the numbers starting to those misrepresentations. I have the draft increase. Yellow Pages for August, which has just been If the member had ever bothered to read sent to me. the 10-year plan, he would have read about I would like to say that the coalition has an increase in police numbers over and above achieved exactly the same net result as Labor what that lot opposite had promised in this did in August 1995. However, the good news coming year. He would have read also about is that expectations for sales value are the an academy opening in north Queensland highest for a year, plus 44 per cent. May I add that will start to train police officers. There will also that the same is true for profitability, which be a constant flow of police as well as civilians is plus 33 per cent. Those two factors— going through that academy. expectations for sales value and expectation I have some time, so I might give the for profitability—are what really triggers an member a bit more of a run-down. economy. So I say that, in future, instead of the Opposition members interjected. Leader of the Opposition trying to talk down Mr COOPER: Mr Speaker, they can just the economy of Queensland, he should do his chat among themselves. 2512 Privilege 5 Sep 1996

Mr SPEAKER: Order! We have had a Mr COOPER: Yes, they did, and little bit of a play. Now we will listen to what the members opposite have to wear the blame for Minister has to say. that. However, this Government's job is to get Mr COOPER: I will take members those numbers up, and that is exactly what it opposite through some police numbers. I think intends to do. This Government is not going to that is important because of the complaints extend favouritism to the member for Ipswich; about those numbers. However, members it is going to look at the police numbers should bear in mind that this Government had throughout the State. Did the member know to start behind the eight ball because those that police numbers are a bit short out at people opposite had let police numbers run Mount Isa, too? Yes, they are; the poor devils. down. In the six years that Labor was in Police numbers are also short up north. Government, the budget increased by about Opposition members interjected. 70 per cent. However, do members know the Mr SPEAKER: Order! Unfortunately for percentage by which police numbers some members on both sides of the House, increased? Twenty per cent! So what did some people in the public gallery may come members opposite do with all the money? from their electorates. I ask for some order. Why did they not get some more recruits? This Thank you. Government knows the score. It knows that it has to get police numbers up, and that is Mr COOPER: As I said, Ipswich is exactly what it is going to do. important, but so are the rest of the police districts throughout the State. All of those Mr Livingstone: How many for Ipswich? police districts have to be taken into account. You promised 90 for Ipswich. When will we get It is the job of the Police Commissioner to them? It was your promise. When will we get distribute police officers to districts as and them? when they become available. Mr COOPER: The Government has As I have said, this Government's job is to endorsed the Queensland Police Service produce the numbers, and produce the planning document titled "Towards the 21st numbers it will. There is no question about Century". It is committed to an additional that. Of course, where those officers go will be increase in police numbers of 1,360 over the up to the Police Commissioner and his 10-year plan. Under this Government, the administration. That is his job, and that is the number of police will increase by 2,780 to a way it is going to be. total of 9,100 by the year 2005. There will also be an increase of 795 civilian staff, of which I believe that members opposite are 215 will be allocated to additional civilian demonstrating incredible hypocrisy by even positions with the remaining 580 being used to dreaming of criticising those on this side of the civilianise current police positions. Parliament when they had six years in which to fix this problem and they let police numbers What we will see—even from the figures fall constantly while budgets went up. What that I know about at this stage—is a net did members do with the money? Why did increase of 139 police officers during this they not provide the extra police numbers? coming year. That will be achieved by a further They could have done it, they should have 84 police positions being civilianised. So that done it, but they did not do it. takes us up to an increase of about 223— much, much more than members opposite Mr SPEAKER: Order! Time has expired. ever dreamed of getting. So we will be on a roll of having police coming through. PRIVILEGE Although Ipswich is important and Mr T. Crommelin members opposite should have delivered but did not—— Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader of the Opposition) (11.30 a.m.): I rise on a Mr Livingstone: You were the one who matter of privilege suddenly arising. In relation made the claim. You were the one who made to comments made by the Treasurer, I advise the promise. the House that I made no attempt to Mr COOPER: The Labor Government misrepresent the position of Mr Crommelin or had six years in which to do this. During those to influence the market. I simply queried his six years, in almost every police district across current position on the merger in light of the the State police numbers fell. substantial trade undertaken by his firm and the briefing on Metway provided to Mr Livingstone: Rubbish! stockbrokers the previous evening. 5 Sep 1996 Privilege 2513

While 1.3 million shares were traded at PRIVILEGE $4.66 or $4.67, only 2,000 shares were traded Mr T. Crommelin at a price of $4.70 at the very end of the trading period of the day. That was a market Hon. J. M. SHELDON (Caloundra— activity; the market was active. It had nothing Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for to do with anything I said. I would ask if $4.70 The Arts) (11.33 a.m.): I rise on a matter of was the discounted price of the Government's privilege. For the benefit of the House I would offer—— like to table the letter from Tim Crommelin of Morgans stockbrokers which very clearly sets Mr BORBIDGE: I rise to a point of outs his concerns. I do not think the few order. What we are seeing under the guise of weasel words from the Leader of the privilege is an ongoing attempt by the Leader Opposition in any way absolves him from his of the Opposition to sabotage this particular sin. proposal. Mr BEATTIE: This is the very nature of my matter of privilege. Why doesn't the PRIVILEGE Premier tell the truth for the very first time in Statements by Premier his life? Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba—Deputy Mr SPEAKER: Order! I am allowing Leader of the Opposition) (11.34 a.m.): I rise some latitude. I do not want this to be a on a matter of privilege. This morning the debate. The Leader of the Opposition Premier misled the House in relation to my informed me that he would like to raise a short comments to the Public Transport Union matter of privilege and I have given him that branch meeting, as he did yesterday in right, which he has. relation to my comments to the Bus and Mr BEATTIE: I am simply trying to Coach Drivers Association. I table a letter from clearly set on the record that the Mr Trevor Campbell, who chaired the meeting. continuing—— The letter states— A Government member interjected. "I wish to state that as President of Mr BEATTIE: The matter of privilege I the Public Transport Union, Queensland am responding to relates to a matter suddenly Branch, I chaired the meeting of Branch arising where—— Council which was addressed by Deputy Opposition leader Jim Elder on Friday 2nd A Government member interjected. August, 1996. At no time did the Deputy Mr BEATTIE: Is the honourable Opposition leader refer to the dismissal of member the Speaker? Does he mind? I am the Chief Executive of Queensland Rail or simply seeking to do here, as a matter of the Queensland Railway Board by himself privilege—— or anyone else. Mrs SHELDON: I rise to a point of I have spoken to other delegates order. I will certainly be guided by your ruling, who where in attendance and they have Mr Speaker, on this. This is a personal no recollection whatsoever of such explanation; it is not a matter of privilege. The statement/s. member is trying to bring this in under a matter I state without hesitation that I am of privilege. He had all of question time to prepared to sign a statutory declaration to debate the issue. I ask for your ruling, Mr this effect. Speaker. Yours faithfully" Mr SPEAKER: I thank the Deputy Premier. I am allowing it, but I ask the Leader That letter is signed by Trevor Campbell. of the Opposition to complete the matter of That confirms once again that the Premier privilege which he said would be short. has misled the House, that he is prepared to Mr BEATTIE: Indeed, it would have use blatant, barefaced untruths to cover a been completed by now had I not been smear on purported hearsay. He probably interrupted. I am simply indicating to the does not genuinely believe it, but he is House that the allegations made by the prepared to smear, anyway. Treasurer in relation to what I sought to do in the House yesterday are simply dishonest, PRIVILEGE untrue and are not substantiated by the facts. We will remain an effective Opposition and Statements by Premier alternative Government and will not be Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers intimidated by the Premier. Paradise—Premier) (11.35 a.m.): I rise on a 2514 Queensland Building Services Authority Amendment Bill 5 Sep 1996 matter of privilege. I wish to read into the AYES, 42—Ardill, Barton, Beattie, Bird, Bligh, record a letter that I have received from a Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Campbell, Cunningham, person present at that meeting. It states— D'Arcy, De Lacy, Dollin, Edmond, Elder, Foley, Gibbs, Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, McElligott, McGrady, "Jim Elder addressed the WTU State Mackenroth, Milliner, Mulherin, Nunn, Nuttall, Conference on 2/8/96 and made Palaszczuk, Pearce, Purcell, Roberts, Robertson, comments"—— Rose, Schwarten, Smith, Spence, Sullivan J. H., Mr BEATTIE: I rise to a point of order. Welford, Wells, Woodgate Tellers: Livingstone, Sullivan T. B. Mr Speaker, I draw your attention to the fact that I was prevented from completing what NOES, 42—Baumann, Beanland, Borbidge, Connor, was a relatively short statement in courtesy to Cooper, Davidson, Elliott, FitzGerald, Gamin, Gilmore, Goss J. N., Grice, Harper, Healy, Hegarty, you. Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Laming, Lester, Lingard, Mr SPEAKER: No point of order. Littleproud, McCauley, Malone, Mitchell, Perrett, Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, Mr Beattie: Are you going to let him Stephan, Stoneman, Tanti, Veivers, Warwick, read the full thing into Hansard? Watson, Wilson, Woolmer Tellers: Springborg, Mr SPEAKER: I said that there was no Carroll point of order. The Premier can rise on a Pair: Fouras, Radke. matter of privilege arising, as I gave the The numbers being equal, Mr Speaker Leader of the Opposition and the Deputy cast his vote with the Noes. Leader of the Opposition the privilege of so doing. I will listen to the matter of privilege Resolved in the negative. arising. Mr BORBIDGE: This is a very short QUEENSLAND BUILDING SERVICES letter and it says volumes about the Deputy AUTHORITY AMENDMENT BILL Leader of the Opposition. According to the Hon. R. T. CONNOR (Nerang— letter, Mr Elder said— Minister for Public Works and Housing) "(A) That woman Joan Sheldon, I (11.42 a.m.), by leave, without notice: I love attacking her; (B) If Wayne Goss had move— won, I would have sacked at least half of "That leave be granted to bring in a the QR board, the CEO and some Bill for an Act to amend the Queensland managers; and (C) We lost because we Building Services Authority Act 1991." did not listen to the people." Motion agreed to. Mr ELDER: I ask for that letter to be tabled. The Premier has read from a letter purporting hearsay. I move that that letter be First Reading tabled. The Premier is ripping it in half! He has Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and ripped it in half! I move that that letter be Bill, on motion of Mr Connor, read a first time. tabled. Mr BEATTIE: I second that motion. Second Reading Mr SPEAKER: Order! It can be moved that it be tabled. Let it be placed upon the Hon. R. T. CONNOR (Nerang— table of the House. Minister for Public Works and Housing) (11.43 a.m.): I move— Mr ELDER: What we saw this "That the Bill be now read a second morning—— time." Mr SPEAKER: There can be no debate This Bill is the first significant result to flow on a motion to table a document. The from the Scurr inquiry into payments within the question has to be put. building and construction industry. The Question—That the motion be agreed chairman of that inquiry has recommended to—put; and the House divided— this amending legislation be dealt with as a In division— matter of urgency. He has done so in advance of presenting his final report to the Mr Braddy interjected. Government. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the The amendment is necessary to restore member for Kedron that unparliamentary to subcontractors in the commercial residential language will not be allowed. I warn other sector a level of security of payment they had members, too. until 1991. It will be a significant step forward 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2515 in securing payments for those involved in the industry involving commercial construction will building industry. It will close a loophole which be better able to secure their payments. was inherent in the Queensland Building These changes will create an overlap in Services Authority Act 1991. It will reintroduce jurisdiction. That overlap will be between the the Subcontractors' Charges Act 1974 to Queensland Building Tribunal and the commercial residential construction. jurisdiction of the courts. The amendment also Last October, the Supreme Court of provides that, where there are proceedings to Queensland made a decision in a case enforce a charge under the Subcontractors' involving construction of the Admiralty Towers Charges Act 1974, the case must be moved apartment building. The decision ruled invalid to a court. This means that if a subcontractor a claim made by a subcontractor under the elects to commence proceedings to enforce a Subcontractors' Charges Act 1974. The claim charge, any related proceedings by the was for a charge against monies payable to subcontractor before the tribunal must be the principal contractor for subcontracted work. referred to a court for determination. The court found that the work was "domestic The amending legislation will better building work" even though it was purely protect about 25,000 subcontractors right commercial in character. across-the-board for the types of residential The ruling relied on section 110 of the building work I have outlined. To give Queensland Building Services Authority Act subcontractors maximum protection the Bill 1991. This section provides that the provides for the amendment to take effect Subcontractors' Charges Act 1974 does not from today. I intend, following passage of this apply to domestic building work. The Supreme amending legislation, to instruct the QBSA to Court decision therefore confirmed that section initiate a special marketing campaign 110 of the Queensland Building Services throughout Queensland. Its aim will be to Authority Act 1991 denies a claim under the inform subcontractors, and the building Subcontractors' Charges Act 1974 to a industry generally, of their rights as a result of subcontractor who carries out building work on these amendments. I commend this Bill to the commercial premises if those premises are of House. a residential nature. Debate, on motion of Ms Bligh, This amending legislation will enhance adjourned. security of payment by restoring the right to make a claim under the Subcontractors' PUBLIC SERVICE BILL Charges Act 1974 to subcontractors in the commercial residential sector. The Second Reading amendments will not allow subcontractors Debate resumed from 4 September (see recourse to the Subcontractors' Charges Act p. 2468). 1974 concerning building work on individual Hon. M. J. FOLEY (Yeronga) detached houses and duplexes carried out for (11.48 a.m.), continuing: I have a sense of individual consumers. To do so could embroil deja vu. This is the third time that I have risen the normal consumer in litigation. This will to speak to the Bill in the second-reading mean, however, that recourse to the Act will debate. I shall recapitulate certain key be restored for apartment blocks, townhouses, criticisms of this Bill. Firstly, it compromises the hotels, units and similar commercial projects independence of statutory office holders. including houses and duplexes being built for Secondly, it excludes the jurisdiction of the commercial developers. Supreme Court by an excessively wide The Subcontractors' Charges Act 1974 exclusion of judicial review. Thirdly, it poses has the important advantage of providing a problems with respect to the requirement for a security to a subcontractor who has validly referendum for amendment to the Constitution lodged a charge. In the case of bankruptcy or Act. liquidation of a contractor a charge under the I have already dealt with the compromise Subcontractors' Charges Act 1974 makes a of the independence of statutory office holders contractor a secured creditor under the and noted the Premier's original rejection of Bankruptcy Act and the Corporations Law. The this argument, only to be followed by his security provided by the Subcontractors' backflip and his concession that a number of Charges Act 1974 is greater than that statutory offices would be exempted by way of available to potential claimants through the amendment. But in the material which the Queensland Building Tribunal. Simply, Premier furnished to the Scrutiny of Legislation subcontractors in the domestic building Committee it is plain that a wide range of 2516 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 bodies will not have the benefit of that republican form of government has been protection but will have the benefit of the brought about contrary to the protection only of a regulation, which, as I constitution." indicated yesterday, is no protection at all. It In earlier passages, Mr Bjelke-Petersen, as he would seem that that will include at least the then was, rejected what he saw as attempts following: the Aboriginal Land Tribunal, the for a socialist republic. There were then Anti-discrimination Commissioners and subsequent amendments to the Constitution Anti-discrimination Tribunal, the Queensland Act. The Government should clarify the matter Community Corrections Board, the Health by way of a declaration in the Supreme Court Rights Commissioner, the Legal Aid before urging this course of action upon this Commissioners, the Public Defender and the Parliament. Queensland Building Tribunal. Those are all examples of the sorts of bodies that should The change in the Courier-Mail editorial's properly be independent. tone is based not upon the lack of objections to this Bill but upon the volleys of abuse that With respect to judicial review, in its most have been heaped upon that newspaper. The recent Alert Digest No. 7, the Scrutiny of Bill has been a bad exercise in law making. It Legislation Committee reiterates its concern. has been characterised by abuse by the The provisions of the relevant clause are Premier of critics of the Bill. drawn very widely indeed, and it would require very compelling reasons for judicial review to Time expired. be excluded. No such compelling reasons Mr SPRINGBORG (Warwick) have been given other than the matters to (11.54 a.m.): In rising to contribute to the which I referred yesterday. debate on the Public Service Bill, I want to join I turn to the question of the Constitution with the State Public Services Federation of Act amendment. Essentially the Government Queensland in supporting this initiative of the adopts a "trust me" approach. It asks the Government. Despite all the huffing and Parliament to pass the Bill and then wait for puffing from the Opposition and the Courier- the Government to make a determination Mail, the indisputable fact is that the union about which course to adopt and indicates representing the vast majority of Queensland that the repeal of section 14(1) of the public servants has worked cooperatively with Constitution Act shall remain unproclaimed. the Government in producing legislation that That is an unsatisfactory course of action to will serve this State well. The member for urge upon the Parliament. The Electoral and South Brisbane and her cohorts, despite all of Administrative Review Commission identified in their verbal wrangling and ALP-style its August 1993 report a course of action, negotiation, were unable to shift the SPSFQ namely, bringing before the Supreme Court of from its responsible and cooperative Queensland an action for a declaration, and approach. May I say that this union has from one might have expected that the the outset operated to advance the interests Government would do that before asking this of its members, rather than trying to advance Parliament to pass this legislation. the interests of the ALP. At least Gordon Rennie and other senior officials of the union The legislation rests upon a purported have learnt the hard lessons of the past six entrenchment in 1977 when the then National years; that is, irrespective of who is in power, Party and Liberal coalition was determined to the union is there to look after its paid-up seek to entrench certain aspects of the membership, not ideological baggage carriers Constitution as part of its desire to enshrine and career political animals from the Australian the Queen of Queensland and to resist what it Labor Party. saw as the spectre of Whitlam. Indeed, the then Premier, Mr Bjelke-Petersen, observed It is no wonder that the SPSFQ has not on 7 December 1976 in Hansard— jumped into bed with the Opposition on this Bill. Anyone reading the leading Opposition "To entrench the present system, the speech, namely, that given by the member for Bill provides that none of its clauses can South Brisbane on 8 August, would have be altered by Parliament unless the Bill is been struck by the lightweight nature of the first presented to the people by way of contribution. It is clear that the member for referendum as prescribed in the Bill. South Brisbane either has not read the Bill or The requirement of entrenchment is does not understand it. In her speech she also itself entrenched so that the made a number of errors as to the applicability guarantee cannot be undone, such as of the removal of term appointment provisions has been done in other parts of the to various offices and bodies. In some cases it Commonwealth of Nations where a is clear that she misunderstands what a term 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2517 appointment is and, in others, that she has and livelihoods of individuals, and any not read the legislation creating the office or scope for corruption of their body in question; for, if she had, she would independence should be avoided. Those have realised that at least one quasi judicial bodies are numerous but they include, for body she claims is under threat is already example, the Medical Board of subject to immediate and arbitrary removal Queensland, the Child Care Review under legislation the Labor Party introduced. Tribunal and the Board of Teacher It is in the public interest that a few home Registration." truths be placed on the public record and that I think all honourable members would share the sorts of inaccurate and misleading claims those sentiments. All of us, whatever our made by the member for South Brisbane be political affiliation, recognise the important exposed for what they are. Firstly, the member work that these bodies either perform or have for South Brisbane complained that the the capacity to perform. But when one looks at Commissioner for Consumer Affairs would be the legislation establishing these bodies, some subject to arbitrary removal under Part 8. If the startling facts emerge—startling because it member for South Brisbane had read the Fair appears either that the member for South Trading Act, she would have realised that the Brisbane has ignored the legislation or, even commissioner need not be appointed for a worse, did not understand it. limited term. Commissioners are public servants who are appointed to that position The first cab off the rank is the Medical either on a full-time basis or co-jointly with Board. The legislation establishing the board— another position that they hold. The Fair the Medical Act—was in fact introduced by the Trading Act is absolutely silent on any duration then Forgan Smith Labor Government in of the commissioner's appointment. In other 1939. Any honourable member who bothers words, the commissioner is not required to be to read the 1939 Act will note that the appointed for a fixed term. From my provision dealing with removal of members of investigations, I understand that the current the board has remained basically unchanged Commissioner for Consumer Affairs was not to this day. Attention is drawn to section 8 (4) appointed for a fixed term. which provides that the board members can be removed by the Governor in Council. There In even simpler language for the is no limitation placed on the Governor in Opposition, the Commissioner for Consumer Council. A summary dismissal power has Affairs is not required to be appointed for a existed since 1939. For a body having such term. The current commissioner is not a term significance for the Labor Party, it is interesting appointee. Part 8 does not apply to the to note that Labor did nothing in its six years in current commissioner. The current Government to improve the security of tenure commissioner cannot be removed by Part 8. I of these members. So on strike one the hope that the Opposition now understands the member for South Brisbane had a miss hit. situation, because anyone reading the Act could have worked that one out. By the way, The second cab was the Child Care one does not have to be a Rumpole of the Review Tribunal. The tribunal was invested Bailey to have reached that simple legal with wide powers and potentially has an conclusion. I only hope that the member for important role to play. However, when one South Brisbane was not relying on the usual reads the Child Care Act 1991—which, by the standard of expert legal advice from the way, was introduced by the previous member member for Yeronga for that one. for South Brisbane and ideological soul mate to the Opposition spokesperson—one sees After stumbling on this office, the member that the Governor in Council is granted an for South Brisbane then proceeded to claim unqualified power to terminate the that the Medical Board of Queensland, the appointment of the chairperson of the tribunal Child Care Review Tribunal and the Board of or a member of the approved panel. In other Teacher Registration would be at risk. Let me words, the very tribunal which the Opposition quote her— claims is so important, and which should be "Thirdly, it affects those bodies which able to operate free of political influence, was relate to particular industries which created under a Labor statute which allowed exercise important regulatory or the Governor in Council to sack its members at supervisory powers that must be any time and without restriction. So, yes, this exercised free from political influence. Government concurs with the member for While not as high profile as some of the South Brisbane that any scope for the other affected bodies, those officers can corruption of the independence of this tribunal have a significant influence over the lives is to be deplored. 2518 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996

However, instead of looking at Part 8 of licence; or the allotment or apportionment of the Public Service Bill, the members opposite liability for payment, or entitlement to refund, should look at section 48 of the Child Care Act of a fee in respect of a licence or permit. At and they should ask the former Premier, the least one member of this tribunal must be a former member for South Brisbane and those former Supreme or District Court judge, or a members of the Labor Cabinet who approved person who has engaged in legal practice for this Act in 1991 why they were prepared to at least five years. place a political axe over the head of this During the 1993-94 financial year, 87 body. Second strike out for the member for appeals to this tribunal were lodged and last South Brisbane. year 60 were lodged. Yet despite the Last, but for the purposes of this important role that this tribunal performs, contribution not least, comes the Board of section 18 of the Liquor Act provides that— Teacher Registration. Unfortunately for the "The Governor in Council may revoke honourable member for South Brisbane, the appointment of a member of the section 14 of the Education (Teacher tribunal by notice signed by the Minister Registration) Act provides— and given to the member." "The Governor in Council may at any Honourable members will note that no reasons time before the expiration of the period for need be given and that the power is couched which a member of the Board was in absolute terms. In short, tribunal members, appointed remove such member from his who can be appointed for up to three years, or her membership by notification can be summarily dismissed. If this is not a published in the Gazette." case of potential corruption of independence In other words, there is already power in the of a quasi-judicial body, I do not know what is. Act to remove board members at any time However, there is still more to come. The and for whatever reason the Governor in Racing Appeals Authority under the Racing Council determines. The Government of the and Betting Act—which, once again, is a day would not have to rely on Part 8 of the legislative creation of the member for Public Service Bill, because the power already Wolston—is couched in exactly the same exists under the primary legislation. So strike terms. three and the member for South Brisbane is Mr Smith: The former member for out. May I suggest that she does a little more Wolston. homework and uses less dramatic language. In common with all other honourable members Mr SPRINGBORG: The former who were present, the Premier would have member for Wolston, who is now the member noticed the full impact of the member for for Bundamba. This authority, which must South Brisbane's wet lettuce attack, which of contain a former Supreme or District Court course missed. judge or a legal practitioner of not less than five years' standing, is subject to the right of This is not the end, however, of Labor's the Governor in Council to remove a member shabby legislative history. at any time. I repeat: a member of this quasi- Mr FitzGerald: There's more? judicial body can be removed without the giving of reasons at any time. Mr SPRINGBORG: Yes, there is more. It sounds like a Demtel advertisement. There This authority, by the way, is described in are two other quasi-judicial bodies not the annual report of the department as being mentioned by the member for South Brisbane "independent". It heard 27 appeals in the who were subject to Labor's legislative king-hit. 1993-94 financial year and 38 last year. So The first body worthy of mention is the Liquor once again, by stealth and by carefully Appeals Tribunal established under the Liquor covering its legislative tracks, the Labor Party Act introduced by the member for Wolston. has accepted the proposition that so-called This body performs an extremely important independent tribunals should be subject to the role, including hearing appeals from decisions right of the Governor in Council to dismiss of the chief executive in relation to: the grant members, without qualification, at any time or refusal of a licence or permit or the renewal during their term. of an extended hours permit; the specification The Premier has made it clear that under of conditions in a licence or permit; the this Bill quasi-judicial bodies will not be subject cancellation or suspension or surrender of a to Part 8, and this will be achieved by means licence or permit; the grant or refusal of an of an exempting regulation. So it is grossly authorisation; the assessment, reassessment hypocritical for the Labor Party to stand up in or imposition of a fee payable in respect of a this Chamber, and in public, and say that this 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2519

Bill represents a dramatic shift away from the significant backdown by this Premier—and in independence of various offices and quasi- the short time that he has been Premier he judicial offices. Clearly, the Labor Party has not has been a part of many—since he became been backward in legislatively king-hitting Premier. In the Opposition's view, the Bill is still statutory office holders, and in his recent badly flawed. The Premier has only turned the contribution the member for Lockyer pointed sow's ear into a bigger sow's ear. We will move to at least 20 individual instances of legislation many amendments in an attempt to make this introduced by Labor since 1990 doing this. Bill less unacceptable. It could never be totally That list, by the way, is not exhaustive. There acceptable to the Opposition. are almost certainly other examples, but the The Bill is in direct conflict with the list highlights the philosophy guiding the Labor coalition's policy statements on the Public Party's opposition to statutory office holders Service—another broken promise. The when they were in Government. coalition's policy says— In conclusion, I must say that this point "The coalition acknowledges that the was eloquently made by none other than the large-scale use of contracts within the member for Murrumba in the Grievance public service has led to an unacceptable debate on 8 August. After the member for level of politicisation to the detriment of Lockyer pointed out that the member for objective and impartial advice to Murrumba had legislatively king-hit the Dispute Government. Centres Resolution Council, the member for Murrumba intervened and claimed that this To this end employment contracts was quite in order because the council was a within the public service will be reviewed policy advisory panel. He said— with a view"— "It is perfectly in accord with and this is the key part— Westminster principles and perfectly "to restoring a more permanent career consistent with the doctrine of the structure across Government separation of powers for Ministers to be Departments." able to determine who provides them with policy advice. It is in fact un-Westminster if Ms Bligh: Does this Bill do that? they cannot." Mr BEATTIE: Of course it does not. In short, the member for Murrumba agrees How more dramatically than that could an with the principle underlying Part 8. He quite Opposition betray its commitment to the correctly states that it is the right of the people of this State? This was the Premier Government of the day to determine the who said that he had a contract with the composition of statutory bodies giving it people of Queensland and that, if it was advice. He goes even further. He would breached, let him be thrown out. That breach suggest that it would be contrary to alone is sufficient for him and his motley crew Westminster principles for the Government of to be thrown out. It is a clear and unequivocal the day not to have the power to dismiss breach of their election commitment. Yet the advisers as the Government sees fit. It is good Premier is introducing this flawed legislation that at least one member of the Opposition which provides for contract-based employment supports Part 8 and recognises that the throughout the SES and makes it possible for principles underlying this part are in contracts to be introduced at any level of the accordance with, and in fact implement, the service. So there is a difference between what traditional Westminster principles of was said and what was delivered. It is a Government. continuation of this Government's The Borbidge Government will not be mealy-mouthed approach to its public sacking quasi-judicial office holders in the way commitments. It is the slick half-line. This Labor legislated to enable that to occur. I Premier is the master of the half-truth, the support the Bill and congratulate the Premier master of the slick line, and the master of the on what will turn out to be one of the most Richard Nixon approach to politics. Yet the important and reforming measures this Government does not have a mandate for this Assembly has debated over the past few aspect of its legislation. Did the Government years. put this to the people of Queensland? No, it did not. So there is no mandate for what it is Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader doing. of the Opposition) (12.09 p.m.): The Premier's Office has admitted that significant parts of Mr Borbidge interjected. this Bill have been rewritten, and so they Mr BEATTIE: The Premier well knows should have been. This has been the most that this was a commitment he breached. He 2520 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 can squawk all he likes, but this is a clear when he was the Deputy Leader of the breach of a commitment. It is not an area Opposition, that he has been part of a—— where there is no policy. He had a policy and Mr FitzGerald: Cronies. he breached it. If the Government has a mandate at all, it is a mandate not to Mr BEATTIE: The honourable member introduce contracts. says, "Cronies", does he? Let us look at what the then Deputy Leader of the Opposition Mr FitzGerald interjected. said. He attacked Judy Carne because she Mr BEATTIE: The member should not was in some way associated with Peter give me that. Carne—her husband. He attacked Imelda The Government went to the people and Bradley because she was in some way said one thing and then came in here and did associated with Gerard Bradley—they were another. The member for Lockyer is an honest married. That was Judy Carne's only sin—they man—one of the few on that side of the were married. Yet this Premier thinks there is House. He would know that he cannot go to something wrong with that. the people and say one thing and then deliver Look at Gerard Bradley—at the head of another. People in the community are sick of the hit list! The Government sacked Gerard politicians who tell lies. This whole Bill is about Bradley and put some ideological person in a lie—a lie to the people of charge of Treasury so that Joan Sheldon Queensland—because the Government is could run roughshod over the lot of them, doing today what it said it would not do. It is a which is what happened. What happened to lie. When the opportunity comes, the people Gerard Bradley, the person whom this will be reminded of that. Government did not think was suitable to head The SPSFQ, the union that covers many Treasury? Why does the Premier not deal with of these members, has written to the Premier that issue in this debate? Gerard Bradley has and myself seeking an undertaking in relation now been appointed to head Treasury in to hit lists. In relation to this Bill, the union's South Australia at almost double the pay. So letter states— the Liberal Government in South Australia "The Union writes in regard to recent thought he was sufficiently good enough to be media reports relating to Public Service appointed to head an equivalent department 'hit lists'. in South Australia, but not this Premier; he had his hit list. Gerard Bradley was not good . . . enough for this Premier. He was on the hit list The lists are an unjustifiable attack because the Premier wanted some ideological on the career, professional and general person running Treasury—a hardliner—who interests of Public Servants. The Union would follow an ideological commitment. The seeks a commitment from you that should Premier did not want a professional public your Party be returned to office"— servant to continue the hard work. Not one which we will shortly— Government member will deal with Gerard Bradley in this debate, because they know "such lists will not be produced or will not that they have Gerard Bradley's blood on their be used in any manner to disadvantage hands. They know that a Liberal Government Public Servants." in another State thought he was good enough I table that letter, and I give that clear to pick up. commitment in the record of this Parliament. The behaviour of the Premier and other The commitment given by me today and on key Ministers in this matter in relation to the previous occasions by the Opposition preparation and the execution of hit lists has spokesperson on these matters, Anna Bligh, is been nothing short of deceitful. The Premier very clear. We will return to the merit-based has certainly held a smoking gun at the heads selection process that was instituted under a of key public servants in this State. Those hit Labor Government, which is a fair and lists contain allegations that are not only appropriate way to promote public servants. I untrue but they attack people's personal lives. am pleased to give that commitment along It is not just an attack on their professional with the shadow Minister. standards, their competence and their ability While I am talking about these secret hit to do their job; one of the lists even refers to lists, which have effectively destabilised the somebody's personal life. It does not get any Public Service—this Premier had the audacity smuttier than that. If that is the standard of in this House today to deny that he has not this Government, then it will be condemned in been involved in preparing lists. It is very clear the eyes of the electorate for behaving in that from the list that he sent to EARC in 1991, way. I table that letter from the SPSFQ, and I 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2521 do it in such a way as to make certain that it is other leader who demonstrated that level of in the record. incompetence, who demonstrated that he is The Premier claims to be the champion of not up to the task of being Premier, would parliamentary principle, yet his actions this have been driven out of office by now. Even morning were the worst example of behaviour after the alarm bells started ringing, he seen in this House in years. To support his continued to insist that there was nothing claim about the Deputy Leader of the wrong with the Bill. He has the same problem Opposition and what he said in Mackay, he that honourable members saw the Deputy purported to read from a document or letter Premier have in relation to the Metway super sent to him by someone who was in the bank deal: they do not understand the Mackay audience. The Premier read a few legislation that they bring into this House. They lines from the letter and gave no details of are simply captives of the Doug McTaggarts of who signed it. There is no address or date. this world. They are captives of their advisers Everyone in this House—all the people in the who, in common with Frank Jackson, spend gallery and all the media gallery—saw him most of their time trying to intimidate the ripping off the top of the letter or document. Courier-Mail. That is their modus operandi. For about a week, the Premier dismissed Ms Bligh: Disgraceful. critics as either ill-informed or politically Mr BEATTIE: It is not only disgraceful, it motivated. is unparliamentary and it is not befitting Ms Bligh: I think the Premier had not behaviour of a Premier. He showed by his read this document. behaviour in this Parliament today that he is not fit to be the Premier of this State. He Mr BEATTIE: I am sure that the ripped off the distinguishing marks. He tried to Premier had not read it. If he had, he did not destroy evidence. It is therefore a useless understand it; although he does sign document. It bears no witness now because documents that he does not understand, as the Premier ripped the top off it. The Premier the Carruthers inquiry has already heard. of this State was asked to table something This Bill has turned out to be one of the from which he was reading—a document he major examples of how he is not up to the claimed supported his case—yet he would not task of being Premier. He sought enormous table it. He even rejected a request from powers for himself. Even the Director of Public reasonable people in this House to table it. It Prosecutions could have been sacked. In his is a tissue of untruths. It is outrageous, it is second-reading speech he said that there was unparliamentary, and the behaviour of the low morale in the Public Service. He is right Premier is unbecoming. about that. This Government promised no Mr T. B. Sullivan: And while the purges; it promised no major changes. They Parliament itself was dividing on the issue, he were some of the commitments of the Premier wanted to try to tear it up. when he was Leader of the Opposition. However, what did he do? He had a Mr BEATTIE: Indeed. He attempted to bloodbath. hide the lies that he was telling this House. It is The Premier has demonstrated over and proof positive that the Deputy Leader of the over again that his promises are only made to Opposition was behaving appropriately. There be broken. His word is worth nothing. He signs has been an attempt by the Premier and the documents that he does not understand and Deputy Premier to simply denigrate us in a to which he does not have any commitment. very personal way for cheap political purposes. He ordered cuts of $300m to departmental I have to say that, after the Premier's budgets, slashing hundreds of jobs. Hit lists behaviour here today, he is not fit to be the contain the names of decent, hard-working Premier of this State. His behaviour condemns him in the eyes of the Parliament and all the public servants. In his second-reading speech, people of Queensland. the Premier said that the Government had a vision for the future of the Public Service. The This Public Service Bill was designed to only vision many public servants have is of the be a triumph for the Premier. It was due to be dole queue. That is this Government's legacy. the Premier's most important Bill so far. But Ms Bligh: Another hundred this like almost everything else he has touched morning. since February, it has been an unmitigated disaster. He has humiliated himself, his party Mr BEATTIE: Indeed, another hundred and the coalition by introducing a fatally flawed this morning. Bill into this House. By and large, the media He talked of merit and equity. That is the have been kind to him on this matter. Any same man who had presided over the 2522 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 appointments of cronies to positions that had That is what this Government has set out to not been advertised. Everybody knows that. It do. is referred to by the business community, the This Bill would have enabled the National Public Service and people in the community Party Premier to return to the days when a generally. What has the Premier done to the National Party Premier did not have to worry Public Service? He has brought in Dad's army about what a CJC misconduct tribunal might to run the Public Service in Queensland, which decide or say. This Bill allowed a misconduct is why nobody can get a decent decision out tribunal to be instantly sacked. Clause 110 in of them. That is why, as the Yellow Pages Part 8 allowed for instant dismissal without Small Business Index shows, business reason, striking at the very heart of the confidence has simply disappeared. The concept of the separation of powers and Premier is the man who created an SES 3 job undermining the fundamental independence for Wendy Armstrong and appointed her of the justice system. More than 200 without advertising the position. That is his independent commissioners, tribunals and standard. That is real fair! That is the way he statutory boards were placed in that untenable operates. position. This Bill gave the Premier carte blanche to sack independent office holders such as the Clause 116 of the Bill further provided that Director of Public Prosecutions, and it allowed the Government's action in sacking an office the Government to place public servants on holder could not be called into question in a contracts with no minimum wages or leave court of law. What arrogance! The Premier entitlements. Any Premier who had any introduced that into the Parliament! The Bill understanding of a commitment to public stated— policy could never have introduced a Bill "A decision . . . cannot be containing those measures. He is a man of challenged, appealed against, reviewed, straw; a hollow man who has no quashed, set aside, or called in question understanding or commitment to public policy. in another way under the Judicial Review In general, this Bill was both a portent of Act 1991." where this Government wanted to take That shows that the Premier is not up to the Queensland, and a reminder of the autocratic task. It shows that the Premier is manipulated past that we suffered when Bjelke-Petersen trampled over the rights of anybody who by the backroom boys and girls, because he expressed a different view or who wanted a did not understand what he was doing. If he decent day's pay for a decent day's work. It is did, then he is not fit to hold the office of the overwhelming philosophy of a conservative Premier. party that our yesterdays were the good old The Bill also sought to exclude contracted days and that everything should be done to public servants from any rights to appeal to preserve or return to that lifestyle, no matter the Industrial Relations Commission if they are what advances may be made. The problem sacked. This was a most extraordinary assault with the Nationals is that what they consider to on the wages, conditions and rights of all be the good old days, to which they have Queensland public sector workers. It gave promised to return, were corrupt days. I say to unfettered power to the Public Service the people of Queensland, "Help me make Commissioner and the Industrial Relations certain that Queensland doesn't return to the Minister to undercut conditions in all awards for corrupt old days of the past." Only the public sector workers simply by issuing a alternative Government offers a corruption-free directive or regulation. future. The tragedy for Queensland is that the future to which this Government is steering us Led by the Opposition, respected so determinedly is exactly the same as the community leaders, academics and the experience we left behind us in the media, there was a huge outcry against Mr corruption-riddled 1980s. Minister Littleproud Borbidge and his disgraceful Bill. The CJC went on record on 2 October 1990, as a earned the Premier's wrath by pointing out member of the National Party front bench to that the Bill involved "some grave risks for the say— criminal justice system". As a result, the commission is now the subject of an inquiry "Members of the Opposition"— and its very future is under attack. The who were members of the National Party and Chairman of the Criminal Justice Commission Liberal Party— was so unhappy with the legislation that, "have memories that are long enough to despite past criticism of him for taking a public ensure that things will be put back the stance on a political matter, he too spoke out. way they were." The Director of Public Prosecutions was so 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2523 unhappy with the legislation that he took the expressing disbelief and astonishment at unusual step of going public about his revelations that the Bill proposed to amend dissatisfaction. Former National Crime the Queensland Constitution in ways that Authority head, Tom Sherman, was unhappy could only be achieved through a referendum. with the legislation because, he said, it had a The doctor was quoted as saying that he lack of rationality. National President of the could not imagine advisers not telling the Council for Civil Liberties, Terry O'Gorman, said Government that any amendment of section categorically that the legislation would open 53 of the Constitution Act requires a the door for the return of corruption. The ACTU referendum. He claimed that, even if this Bill is pointed out that not only was the Bill full of agreed to by the Legislative Assembly, it will flaws but also that no union or public sector have no effect whatsoever. Then the paper employee had sighted the Bill until it was quoted another so-called expert, this time the tabled in Parliament. The Queensland Bar present Leader of the Opposition, who Association joined the fray. precipitously relied upon that misguided Mr Borbidge was forced into yet another criticism of the proposed amendment of the backdown and he had to take the Bill back to Constitution Act to continue his impolite the drawing board. Unfortunately, the ridicule of the Queensland Government. Once Parliamentary Counsel who was directed to again, that shows that the Leader of the draft the original legislation was no longer Opposition shoots off his mouth without there to add his expertise to the redrawn Bill. getting all the facts. He was so disgusted with what had happened Far from embarrassing the Government, that he had resigned. The Bill was introduced the Leader of the Opposition has highlighted into the House on 25 July and the Chairman his ignorance of the Constitution. It is a pity of the Scrutiny of Legislation Committee wrote that he did not take counsel from his to the Premier on 5 August seeking his colleague the honourable member for response to concerns. However, it was not Yeronga for, if he did that, he would have kept until Monday of this week that the Premier his mouth closed and distanced himself from responded with his changes. the curious intervention of Dr Ratnapala. The Premier of this State is guilty of introducing legislation that is not befitting the Mr Foley: Why don't you go to the Supreme Court as EARC recommended? position of the Premier. What he and this Government are seeking to do is to turn back Mr CARROLL: I will come to that. The the clock to the way things were in the corrupt, Courier-Mail has now distanced itself from Dr manipulative, political past, which Ratnapala. David Solomon wrote that the Queenslanders rejected in 1989. We will Premier had— provide Queensland with a corruption-free "Demolished an argument by a future. I ask Queenslanders to join with us to University of Queensland lawyer that the make certain that, at the next election, we get Public Service Bill was unconstitutional." rid of this rabble so that it cannot turn back to the corruption of the past, so that it cannot The editorial of the Courier-Mail of 8 August turn back to the ways that it handled issues or went on to add— manipulate the CJC in the way that it has "We disagree with University of sought to do. Corruption is in the National Queensland law deputy dean Suri Party's genes. They cannot help themselves; it Ratnapala that the Bill is constitutionally is hereditary. Every time they are given office, flawed." they betray the people. One wonders why, if the Courier-Mail thought Time expired. that the half-baked analysis of this so-called Mr CARROLL (Mansfield) (12.29 p.m.): I expert was so without substance, it put it on speak in favour of the Public Service Bill. I the front page with a banner headline. By its want to express my concern at the way the own admission, the Courier-Mail's lead story media, and the Courier-Mail in particular, have was nothing other than a furphy designed to reported on this Bill. Too often in recent years confuse the public and undermine this the press have focussed on negative and legislation. pessimistic slants on only some of the many At the very least, the authors of that newsworthy items. This includes misleading article need to reconsider their approach to headlines. The low point came in the Courier- journalism because their efforts on this story Mail of 7 August, with the heading "PS Bill were pathetic at best. As for Dr Ratnapala, I flawed: expert". The paper quoted a so-called prescribe an immediate sabbatical, and during constitutional expert, Dr Suri Ratnapala, as that time he might read a book on introductory 2524 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 constitutional law. Now I have grave fears "Report on the Review of the Elections Act every time we see something in the Courier- and Related Matters", which was released in Mail which refers to a person as an "expert". December 1991. In that part of the report The way this paper summarily dumped poor dealing with the appointment of polling old Dr Ratnapala is the equivalent of the kiss officials, the commission made the following of death in his game. points— To set this matter totally straight, I still "3.47 In Queensland at present the think that this House deserves at least some Act requires Returning Officers, their rational discussion on the proposal to repeal Deputies and Assistants, and Electoral section 14(1). The first point that needs to be Registrars to be appointed by the made is that the proposed repeal of section Governor in Council. The Commission is 14(1) of the Constitution Act and the of the opinion that the Queensland amendment of section 53 were expressly and Electoral Commission should have the clearly dealt with by the Premier in his second- power to appoint persons to all those reading speech. Any person who bothered to positions as is the case in other States. read that speech would have been left in no The submissions from the Department of doubt as to the reasons why this action was the Premier, Economic and Trade being taken and the legality of it. For the Development, the ALP and the National information of honourable members, section Party agreed that the authority to appoint 14(1) provides as follows— electoral officials should reside with the "The appointment of all public offices Electoral Commissioner. under the Government of the colony 3.48 The Commission has sought hereafter to become vacant or to be legal advice from the Crown Solicitor as to created whether such offices be salaried whether the responsibility for appointing or not shall be vested in the Governor in those officers could be transferred to the Council with the exception of the QEC. The advice given was that the appointments of the officers liable to retire Crown Solicitor was of the opinion that it from office on political grounds which was likely that Returning Officers and appointments shall be vested in the Electoral Registrars would not be Governor alone provided always that this considered as 'minor' appointments and enactment shall not extend to minor therefore should still be appointed by the appointments which by Act of the Governor in Council because of the Legislature or by order of the Governor in requirements of section 14 of the Council may be vested in heads of Constitution Act." departments or other officers or persons Attached as Appendix D to this EARC within the colony." report was the opinion of the Crown Solicitor. It That provision was purported to be is dated 20 September 1991 and is directed to entrenched in the Constitution in 1977 by Mr Tom Sherman, then Chair of EARC. The virtue of section 53. In this context, then Crown Solicitor makes a number of "entrenched" means that it cannot be interesting and important points. Firstly, as to amended or repealed without following the so- the entrenchment of a provision such as called "manner and form" requirements that section 14 elsewhere in Australia, he stated— section 53 requires. In this case, section 53 "My researches have been requires the holding of a referendum. extensive, but have not turned up much Honourable members may be aware that the helpful authority on the point, probably 1977 amendments were designed by the then because so far as I am aware, no other Government to safeguard the position of the Australian jurisdiction has attempted to Governor from any attempt to introduce a entrench such a provision." republican form of government at the State level without recourse to the people. In other words, Queensland is unique in purporting to entrench a provision such as this. Honourable members will by now have It should be said that this should come as no recognised that the problem with section 14 is surprise because, on its face, section 14 has that it requires that all but so-called "minor" absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the appointments be made by the Governor in Constitution, powers or procedure of the Council. What is or is not a "minor" Queensland Parliament. It is only if a provision appointment is a matter of grave doubt. was so related that it could have been The problem that section 14 can cause entrenched in 1977 pursuant to the then was highlighted by the Electoral and fundamental law on this area, namely, the Administrative Review Commission in its Colonial Laws Validity Act. 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2525

After dealing with the Australian cases of "had not"—been validly entrenched. I might what may or may not be "minor" appointments add that the Crown Solicitor then went on to within section 14, the Crown Solicitor stated say that the Government should test any further— purported repeal by means of a declaration in "It seems that whilst there would be the Supreme Court. many offices which would clearly come Then just two years later EARC, in its within the first part of section 14 and "Report on Consolidation and Review of the appointments to them could only be Queensland Constitution", again dealt with made by the Executive Council, and section 14. It quoted one Government conversely many others which clearly department as complaining— would come within the minor office class, "Compliance with the section leads to there would also be a rather large grey administrative delays of up to 2-3 weeks area in between the two categories." caused by superfluous procedural Yes, honourable members, quite a large requirements." amount of "grey area"! Successive The commission referred to the earlier advice Governments over the last 100 years have of the Crown Solicitor and then complained had to second-guess what may or may not be that— a "minor" appointment. As the years have gone by, the number of appointments made "Nevertheless nothing has been at a departmental level has grown, but it is done to resolve the uncertainty." debatable whether the concept of "minor" has In fact, the report states that the commission changed all that much. The point is: surely it is contemplated going to the Supreme Court totally unsatisfactory that in an area as itself to challenge the entrenchment of section important as this the bona fides of 14 because it was so certain that this section appointments can potentially be left in doubt. had not been properly entrenched and so This responsible National/Liberal coalition disruptive was its effect on the Public Service. Government—and I would suggest any other The Premier has pointed out that, since then, responsible Government—has a duty to act to the Government has obtained fresh advices remove such doubt and to prevent the valid from the Crown Solicitor, the Solicitor-General appointment of persons to Public Service and Professor John Finnis. positions being challenged, or regarded as Again, all were of the view that section 14 doubtful, on purely esoteric constitutional was not properly entrenched, although, as I grounds. understand it, doubts were raised as to I turn now to the critical point, that is, whether the seeking of a declaration was the whether section 14 had been validly best course of action to follow. To avoid that entrenched in 1977. The Crown Solicitor uncertainty which the member for Yeronga provided unqualified advice. He believed that alluded to before, the Government is acting to the purported entrenchment "fails to achieve clear up the problem. Consequently, the its object" and gave two reasons, only one of Government was presented with two EARC which is relevant, namely— reports recommending reform, the unanimous advice of the most senior and respected legal "It is not a law 'respecting the experts the Crown can rely upon and the Constitution powers and procedure of the undisputed fact that the current operation of legislature' within the meaning of section section 14(1) is uncertain, potentially disruptive 5 of the Colonial Laws Validity Act 1865 or and unfair. a law 'respecting the Constitution powers or procedure of the Parliament of the Should a Government, in circumstances State' within the meaning of section 6 of such as this, sit on its hands and do nothing, the Australia Act 1986." or should it pick up the reform baton when the opportunity arises? This Government has not Later in his opinion the Crown Solicitor shirked from its responsibility and has decided refers to the confirming advice in this regard to act decisively but in a totally up-front way. received from Professor John Finnis of Oxford No-one who has read the Premier's second- University. By the way, Professor Finnis is the reading speech could say that the issues constitutional law expert retained by both of surrounding the repeal of subsection 14(1) our conservative Governments in the 1980s were not fully or fairly set out for the world to and the Goss Labor Government. see. So isn't it just a little bit curious that this So here we have it: unequivocal legal Government, in implementing an EARC advice of the Government's official legal recommendation and in acting on the advice advisers that section 14 had not—I repeat of the most senior and respected of legal 2526 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 advisers, is suddenly ambushed in the Courier- Mr BRISKEY (Cleveland) (12.44 p.m.): Mail on the off-the-cuff advice of a so-called Clause 3 of the Bill lists the first main objective constitutional expert? Clearly, the Government of the Bill as "to establish the public service as is on the right track legally, administratively an apolitical entity . . ." This is as blatantly and politically. untrue as anything I have ever read. The Bill is The Government has scrupulously about giving all power to the Executive and investigated this issue and has sought and none to the Parliament and the people of Queensland. Even more disturbing, the Bill is acted upon the best legal advice available. It about giving unlimited powers over the Public has not sat on its hands as the last Service and statutory authorities to the Government did, nor has it acted rashly and Premier. This Bill should never have been without mature reflection. For the Leader of brought before the Parliament, as is obvious the Opposition to criticise this Bill and the from the number and scope of proposed Government is not only stupid but also amendments—amendments that this House highlights just what an empty vessel is leading has not seen yet and which have been forced the Labor Party further into the shadows of upon the Premier. What a backdown! Opposition. There is no way that Wayne Goss, for example, would have made such an ill- Last year in his policy speech the Premier considered and potentially damaging said, "If we fail, then throw us out. This is our comment. contract with Queensland." The Premier has failed. In that same policy speech, he said, "It This quote once again highlights the ill- is my personal commitment to restore integrity preparedness of Peter Beattie to lead the and public faith in processes of Government." Opposition anywhere but to oblivion. This morning, he failed miserably to do that. Yesterday, he and the member for Ipswich He failed to act with integrity by refusing to lay wasted one and a half hours of the valuable upon the table of the House a document that time of the House piling up scurrilous and he had read from. He failed miserably the baseless criticisms of the Treasurer and talking State school cleaners when he said that their down the Metway merger. It is that sort of jobs would be protected and then proceeded opportunistic, negative, shameless behaviour to sack them. Through this Bill, the Premier that should be thrown out of this House. shows his lack of integrity. I return to the Bill. How embarrassing it is Through clause 13(f) the Governor in that the Leader of the Opposition was not Council, by gazette, may "abolish a even aware of the existence of the EARC department or another Government entity." recommendations that I outlined. He would Clause 21(c) defines a "government entity" not have raised such argument if he had read as— those. ". . . an agency, authority, commission, Especially embarrassing was the opening corporation, instrumentality, office, or address that the Leader of the Opposition other entity, established under an Act or gave at the recent ALP State Conference in under State authorisation for a public or which he claimed that he would support wide- State purpose." ranging constitutional reform in this State Clause 21(e) defines "government entity" as— involving a widely consultative process leading to a referendum. Mr Beattie needs to get the ". . . another entity, or part of another message—no-one worthwhile wants entity, declared under a regulation to be a constitutional reform in Queensland of the government entity." type he is suggesting. There is sufficient Hence, the Governor in Council—in other interest in a consolidation of the Queensland words, the Executive—can abolish any constitutional law, but that is already in the Government entity that it so wishes merely by hands of the parliamentary Legal, regulation. The Government does not even Constitutional and Administrative Review have to come to Parliament, to the people's Committee. If Mr Beattie's efforts on section House. It can abolish any Government entity 14 are any indication, constitutional reform by regulation. under Labor would be based on whatever any In March 1995, there were 359 listings in so-called expert quoted in the Courier-Mail is the register of statutory authorities. All of these saying. Once again, the Leader of the are Government entities as defined by this Bill. Opposition has shown himself to lack any Any one of those can be abolished by the grasp of constitutional matters and has again Governor in Council by gazette notice. Hence, exposed his leadership to the derision it any statutory authorities that do not toe the deserves. I support the Bill. Government line can, if the Bill is passed, be 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2527 done away with. The Governor in Council can "A decision about an excluded abolish the Board of Secondary School matter can not be challenged, appealed Studies, the Gaming Machine Community against, reviewed, quashed, set aside, or Benefits Committee, the National Trust of called in question in another way, under Queensland, the Royal Children's Hospital the Judicial Review Act 1991." Foundation, Suncorp Insurance and Finance In other words, this offensive Bill allows the or, in fact, any or all of the 359 statutory Government to force more public servants to authorities. So much for establishing the sign contracts. Under the provisions of this Bill, Public Service as an apolitical entity! This the contracts which are entered into will clause allows the Executive to totally politicise provide no minimum conditions for public the Public Service and abolish any servants; they will not allow public servants to Government entity that does not toe the party- be paid according to awards or any other political line. Will the proposed amendments agreements; they will not allow public servants ensure the independence of all 359 statutory to take action through the Industrial Relations authorities? If not, why not? Act, most especially for unfair dismissal; and The Supreme Court of Queensland was they will not allow public servants to challenge established by three separate Acts—the anything under the Judicial Review Act. Supreme Court Constitution Amendment Act Every right available to every other worker 1861, the Additional Judge Act of 1862 and in Queensland will not be available to public the Supreme Court Act of 1863. The Supreme servants in Queensland, who will be forced by Court is, by definition, a Government entity. this Government to sign contracts of Therefore, the Governor in Council may, by employment—contracts that will be governed gazette notice, abolish the Supreme Court of by this offensive Bill. This Bill is about a grab Queensland. The Government may say that for power by one person and one person that is absurd and that it would never do it, but alone in this State—the Premier of these clauses provide that power. This is the Queensland. If this Bill is made law, all power most blatant abuse of the doctrine of the will be removed from all Government separation of powers that this State has ever departments and responsible Ministers. In seen. The people of Queensland should ask: fact, using the term "responsible" to describe a why did the Executive want this power? Why Minister will no longer apply in Queensland. was it necessary to be forced into a backdown to change this part of the Bill? Why was the It is indeed strange that a Government power in the Bill in the first place? that supports the United Kingdom to the extent of flying its flag—a foreign flag—outside Clause 69 means that every Public the Parliament of Queensland should totally Service officer can be placed on contract ignore Westminster parliamentary traditions, merely by the commissioner directing it. All most notably the separation of powers, which conditions of employment are then governed most of its ranks knew nothing of seven years by this Bill. Once every Public Service officer is ago. It is blatantly obvious that they did not on a contract—a contract which, under this Bill, bother to find out about this longstanding has no guaranteed minimum conditions—this tradition either while they were in Opposition or outrageous Bill will exclude the contract from since they have been returned to Government any review under any other Act. For example, in Queensland. All right-thinking if a Public Service officer is dismissed or Queenslanders would have expected that their disciplined, there is no right of appeal under representatives in their Parliament would have the Industrial Relations Act. an in-depth knowledge of the traditions of the Clause 116 provides that every public Westminster system of parliamentary servant under contract—and there can be no democracy and that, even more importantly, doubt that this is the Government's ultimate they would abide by those traditions in the aim—is an excluded person. Therefore, running of this State. whatever problem a public servant might have, This offensive Bill gives extremely that public servant is excluded from seeking dangerous and extraordinary powers to the redress under the Industrial Relations Act. If Premier and removes any notion of ministerial this Bill is enacted, every Public Service officer responsibility. The Bill provides the Premier in this State will be forced to sign a contract with the power to authorise a review of a public and at a later date every Public Service sector unit. The Premier alone is given this employee will also be forced to sign a contract power. The department has no say in, and as well. Not only will they not be permitted to cannot have any input into, the review. take any action under the Industrial Relations Alarmingly, it has no right of access to the Act, clause 116(4) provides that— report, which the review delivers only to the 2528 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996

Premier. The Bill provides that the Premier is This contemptible Bill further extends the available to authorise a review of a public power of the Premier by prescribing that all sector unit. A "public sector unit" is defined as chief executives must enter into a written a department or part of a department, a Public contract of employment with the Premier. This Service office or part of a Public Service office, means that the Premier has exclusive power or another Government entity declared under to terminate any employment contract at one a regulation to be a public sector unit. Hence, month's notice. Of course, this means that simply by way of regulation—and not through there can be no independent Public Service. the Parliament of Queensland—the Premier Chief executives, regardless of their can authorise a review of any Government experience and their lifelong careers with the entity. Of course, that includes the 359 Public Service, may at any time with a month's statutory authorities listed in the register of notice be sacked by one person without any statutory authorities. reasons given or rights of appeal under Once again, the separation of powers is industrial relations laws or any other laws in being thrown out the window. There will be no Queensland. That one person is the Premier. independent statutory authority in Queensland As I have already mentioned, this if this Bill is allowed to become law. The Government purports to be a supporter of the Premier will have all of the powers available to United Kingdom and flies its flag outside him, and the Government entity will have no Parliament, but it ignores the great traditions say whatsoever. The Premier is also given the of Westminster parliamentary democracy. This power to fix the maximum number of Public Bill politicises a traditionally non-political Public Service employees who may be employed in a Service. No longer will there be any continuity department. The question may be asked: why or long-term planning available. The Public does the Premier require this power? Why Service has traditionally been made up of does the Premier want this power? What professional men and women who have about his Ministers, who are supposed to be in served Governments of all political charge of and responsible for their own persuasions without fear or favour. However, departments? Do they accept this power grab this Bill allows the Premier to sack any public by the Premier? Do they accept the Premier's servant at any time at only a month's notice. being able to ignore their decisions and simply This does not allow career public servants to override their directions to their departments? have any confidence that they will be able to Does the Premier want absolute power? It perform their duties for the Government of the appears so. day and still remain in that job when a new Government wins power. This Bill allows the Premier to ignore the Parliament, his departmental heads and his All of the people on the National Party Ministers. The changes proposed in this Bill and Liberal Party hit list who have not already totally ignore the longstanding tradition of the been sacked will be forced to sign contracts, separation of powers. In future, there will be and they will then be dismissed at one no need for Ministers. All that will be required month's notice. The title of this Bill should be is cardboard cut-outs. In many cases, the "Hit List Bill". Likewise, senior officers of cardboard cut-outs would be a vast Government entities will have no rights under improvement. The Premier will also be given this Act. They may not appeal to the the power by this Bill to direct the chief commissioner about the classification level to executive to make public servants redundant which they are appointed. They are also or redeploy them. Once again, he can ignore excluded from the jurisdiction of the Industrial the wishes of his Ministers and get rid of any Relations Act. public servant he wishes to. The Bill also Every public servant, and especially every provides that the Public Service Commissioner teacher and police officer, should take note of may delegate the commissioner's powers clause 90 of this Bill. If teachers, police officers under the appeals part of the Bill to any or any public servants refuse to be transferred, person. This allows the commissioner to their employing authority may terminate their delegate his or her substantial powers to employment. If the teachers, police officers or anyone, including the butcher, the baker or any other public servants fail to establish the candlestick-maker. As ridiculous as that reasonable grounds for refusing the transfer, sounds, it is what is provided for by this Bill. they will be sacked. There is no right of appeal Surely the Bill should prescribe to whom the to any independent authority as there rightly commissioner may delegate this power, or at should be; they will just be sacked. There is no the very least a category of persons to whom option but to accept the transfer offer if they this power may be delegated. fail to establish reasonable grounds for 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2529 refusing the transfer; they will simply be Part 8 of the Bill is another area which sacked. That is outrageous! There should be a causes great concern, and in respect of which right of appeal to some independent person or the Premier has been forced into an body. embarrassing backdown. But how far will the Clause 83 relates to the declaration of proposed amendments go? We have not interests and is highly intrusive. Under this seen them. The House has not been provide offensive clause, a chief executive of a with them. Who will be protected along with department may direct a Public Service the Director of Public Prosecutions and his employee to give a statement setting out the deputy, the Electoral Commissioner, the information required under the directive of the Solicitor-General and CJC Misconduct Tribunal commissioner about the interests of the members? Will all other statutory office employee. We all know where the holders—— commissioner gets his directives from—the Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.30 p.m. Premier. If the directive, however intrusive, is Mr BRISKEY: Before the luncheon refused, the penalty is instant dismissal. recess, I was speaking about Part 8 of the Bill, Where are the guidelines for this intrusive in relation to which the Premier has been clause? Where are the Public Service forced into an embarrassing backdown. I employees' protections against intrusive understand that there will be amendments to questioning of their private lives? The Premier this part which we have not seen as yet, but will direct his commissioner to direct public we understand that those amendments will be servants to provide information about their in the line of protecting a number of statutory political activities, union membership and who office term appointees. knows what else. There are no safeguards in this Bill whatsoever. The commissioner could The question has to be asked: will all be directed by the Premier to direct public other statutory office holders be subject to servants to provide information about their dismissal if they do not toe the Government religious beliefs, their marital situation or line? Presently the Bill provides that any anything. There is nothing within the Bill to statutory office term appointee may be stop him. If a public servant refuses to provide removed by the Governor in Council at any a statement, what then? time. This part of the Bill gives power to the Governor in Council to ignore the Act under Part 6 of the Bill is scandalous, too. The which the person was appointed and to ignore employing authority may discipline an officer if any terms provided in the appointee's contract the authority is reasonably satisfied that the of employment. There is no right of appeal officer has been guilty of misconduct. against this removal. So, if a particular Misconduct is defined as— independent commissioner or member of a "(a) disgraceful or improper conduct in an statutory body or board refuses to toe the official capacity; or Government line, he or she will be removed (b) disgraceful or improper conduct in a without reason and without recourse to the Act private capacity that reflects seriously under which they were appointed. As I said, and adversely on the public service." the Premier has been forced to amend this part of the Bill. Why was it there in the first What is "disgraceful or improper conduct in a place? Was the Premier trying to pull a swiftie private capacity"? Who decides? Will this so that he could remove those statutory office Government get Rona Joyner in to decide? I holders who would not do as they were told? would not be surprised. This clause has received wide publicity. Part 7 of the Bill provides for appeals to Most notably, the Director of Public the commissioner and sets out decisions Prosecutions has stated that it has the against which appeals may be made. potential to jeopardise the integrity of the However, a person cannot appeal against a State's legal system. The Director of Public decision if one of the parties to the appeal Prosecutions has said that he is absolutely includes the commissioner. Hence, if under stunned at the proposal, which would clause 83 the commissioner directed a Public effectively deny his office independence from Service employee to provide a statement the Government. He went on to say— setting out certain private interests of that employee and the employee refused, there "I am not prepared to see this Bill would be no appealing against that decision, passed. It is a direct threat to the proper because the commissioner was a party to the administration of criminal justice." appeal. He said further— 2530 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996

"The threat of instant dismissal is some cases, perhaps minutes—to make such that any member of the public would constructive comment about and criticism of a not see any decision made by the Director Bill, they just roll back to dredge into the past? with regards to the criminal justice process It is almost like they are having an argument or the prosecution or non-prosecution of a with another person and they want to talk person or entity as free of political about the fact that they had a snotty nose interference." when they were at school. It never ceases to After the Director of Public Prosecutions made amaze me how, when members opposite those statements, the Premier said that he have nothing to say, they rely on referring to would protect the office of the Director of an era that is long gone and that will not be Public Prosecutions under a regulation. Of back again. course, a regulation can be changed at any The Public Service Bill has been the time, and the Director of Public Prosecutions subject of a great lot of heat, but very little rightly said that this was simply not good light. In reality, it represents a great enough. He said that the safeguarding of his opportunity for the Public Service and public office had to be cemented in the legislation. sector generally, and it is recognised by the The Premier has been forced to do just that. Public Service union. It will provide the There are 359 statutory authorities whose legislative and administrative framework to independence is also put at risk by this Bill. advance the Public Service in a way which will Are they to be protected by regulations as preserve the best of traditional Westminster well? Which ones are not to be protected? values, but at the same time giving to Which are to have their independence departments the flexibility needed in a rapidly protected by a regulation—a regulation that changing world. can be changed at any time—and which are At a time when budgets are becoming to have no protection whatsoever? ever more tight and when the public is The Premier has also been forced to demanding more and more, it is absolutely protect the Electoral Commissioner. Did the essential that our Public Service has the tools Premier have him lined up for the sack if new to respond to client requirements and to boundaries were not drawn to the satisfaction employee needs. This Bill is intended to of the National Party? This Bill has an odour provide those tools and to respond to about it—an odour of the days prior to community demands. This Bill contains a Fitzgerald when the National Party was last in number of important checks and balances. It power and when electoral corruption was the is intended to provide the legal framework for order of the day. The Bill should be thrown out devolving power from the centre to the to ensure the independence of all statutory workplace, but at the same time ensuring that bodies and officers. There can be no way that there remains a safety net and a set of rules any officer's independence can be ensured and mechanisms to guarantee that best with this Bill hanging over his or her head. practice standards of conduct are maintained. These sorts of laws permit corruption to grow In balancing these various policy goals, and flourish. The Bill is about a return to there is always room for debate and pre-Fitzgerald days and to the worst excesses argument. Yet all we have heard from the of those days. Opposition has been scaremongering and On 6 August, the Premier wrote an misleading sound grabs. And this from an incredible letter to the Australian—incredible Opposition which decimated the Public Service because it was a joke. The Premier said that and reduced morale to nil, an Opposition the Bill enshrines for the first time the which mastered the art of cronyism and requirements for an apolitical public service victimisation! When I heard the Opposition and prevents political interference by Ministers spokesperson on the Public Service have the with respect to individual public servants. He is absolute cheek to say in this House in her partly correct. Ministers will have no power if speech that this Government had removed this Bill is enacted; the Premier will have leaders of integrity and replaced them with a supreme power, and he will use this power to trusted band from Dad's army, I, like most sack or intimidate public servants, officers of others who have witnessed the collapse of the statutory authorities and members of boards Public Service over the past six years, thought and commissions. it was just a sick joke. It says a lot about the mentality of Opposition members when they Time expired. start personal attacks on the calibre of the Mr GRICE (Broadwater) (2.34 p.m.): Isn't Public Service leaders who have recently been it extraordinary how when members of the appointed and who are already turning morale Opposition have only one or two seconds—in around. 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2531

Even worse was the disgraceful statement National and Liberal Parties operate. Once by the Opposition spokesperson when she again, the Labor Party, led by Mr Beattie, has said— slimed its way into this Chamber and "The same crew that was identified attempted to king-hit an innocent and totally by the Fitzgerald commission of inquiry as professional individual. It was another cowardly the corrupters of public administration in and totally misleading performance by the the 1980s are back in their cosy positions Leader of the Opposition. I hope that he has as the lap-dogs of a corrupt National Party the decency to write to Ms Armstrong Government." personally apologising for his disgraceful slur, but I think we will wait for a long time for that. I challenge the Opposition spokesperson to No doubt she and others would be rightfully name outside this coward's castle any person distressed by this misuse of parliamentary appointed to a senior leadership position in privilege. the Public Service since this Government came to power who was named in the Let me turn to another of the Opposition Fitzgerald report as a corrupter of public spokesperson's contributions. In an endeavour administration. She has slurred and slandered to criticise the Government, she suggested people with gay abandon without even the that the proposal in the Bill to amend section slightest evidence. She has misused the 14 of the Constitution Act should not have Fitzgerald report in an attempt to blacken the been brought to the Parliament before it has name of innocent and decent public servants. been resolved elsewhere. The member for She has shown her ignorance of the Fitzgerald South Brisbane said— report and her preparedness to use "Given that it is the Government that parliamentary privilege to attack those who are is seeking to bring in this clause, the onus least able to reply. All in all, it was a less than should be on the Government to have the professional performance from a novice issue clarified before it brings the matter member. before the Parliament. Failure to do so Another contribution to this debate which simply demonstrates the inability of the was as misleading as it was unprofessional Premier to plan ahead. He is simply not came from the Leader of the Opposition. up to it. He is treating the Parliament with Shortly before lunch today, he claimed that an contempt. This provision should have SES 3 position had been created in the been clarified before coming before the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and Parliament." that Wendy Armstrong had been appointed to The member for South Brisbane called in as it without that position being advertised. For support for this proposition the member for the information of the Leader of the Yeronga. So here we have it, the Opposition Opposition, I point out that this position is claiming that the Government is at fault for not unfilled. Wendy Armstrong has not been clarifying the issue before this Bill came before appointed to the position. I will say it again in the Parliament. English and perhaps the member can try to In fact, the Premier fairly and fully set out grasp it: Wendy Armstrong has not been what the Government's intentions were with appointed to that position. That position has section 14 in his second-reading speech. He not yet been advertised. The position is pointed out the complexities of the issue and currently with Cullen Egan Dell, who will said that whether the Government would seek provide professional advice to the department a declaration after the Bill was passed on the on the SES level that should be accorded it. constitutional validity of the entrenchment of Only after the position has been professionally section 14 or simply proceed with the assessed will it be advertised and then filled. commencement of the relevant provision The position will be advertised in the normal repealing subsection (1) would be dependent way. There will be normal merit and equity on the advice provided by the Crown's legal procedures. advisers. There was absolutely nothing in the Not only did the Leader of the Opposition Premier's speech indicating that the totally mislead the House about Wendy Government had not made up its mind. Armstrong but he also highlighted once again Rather, it indicated what any sensible person his abysmal ignorance of the way positions are would realise, that is, that in matters of created and filled in the Public Service. All I constitutional law a Government should rely on can say to the member for Brisbane Central is the advice of constitutional experts, not bush that he is judging people by his own conduct. lawyers such as the member for South That may have been how the ALP operated in Brisbane or, indeed, the member for Brisbane Government, but it is not the way that the Central. 2532 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996

The Premier's speech should also have Part of the 1966 English decision of Thorne v. set off the alarm bells for the member for the University of London states— South Brisbane, because if she knew anything "It is not within the province of the about the law of declaratory relief and court to expound obscure provisions in standing, she would have realised that the Acts of Parliament for use in future Premier was saying that, even after the hypothetical hostilities with hypothetical passage of this Bill, there is still debate as to opponents." whether the Crown, represented by the Attorney-General, will have the standing to The member for South Brisbane and approach the Supreme Court for declaratory members of the Opposition have suggested relief. that the Government is at fault for not obtaining an opinion judgment from the It is because the issue of section 14 is Supreme Court on the validity of the potentially so important, and the contribution entrenchment of section 14. For the by the Opposition so lacking in substance, that information of those members, this very issue it is essential that this House is provided with has been looked into carefully and appropriate some relevant information. However, while legal advice sought. I can assure the House anyone can seek a declaration, it is up to the that, if the Government thought that it was court to determine whether it will hear the reasonably open to it to have sought application. Just because a person wants to declaratory relief before this Bill was go to court does not mean that the court will introduced, it would have done so. In fact, the entertain an application. This is but one Premier will, no doubt, highlight to the House example of that doctrine the Opposition is so the legal advice the Government has received. fond of quoting, namely the separation of powers, or, namely, the independence of the In my contribution, all I wish to say is that judiciary. all of the legal avenues have been explored. The proposal to amend section 14 has been The rule the courts in both Australia and the subject of advice from the Acting Crown England have applied to hearing applications Solicitor, the Solicitor-General and Professor of this type was stated in the 1921 House of John Finnis of Oxford University. All of these Lords case, Russian Commercial and experts have expressed reservations about Industrial Bank v. British Bank for the Foreign the capacity of the Attorney-General to obtain Trade. The member for Yeronga would a declaration after this Bill is passed. However, remember that. The rule states— there is no doubt that, in the collective view of "The question must be a real and not the Crown's legal advisers, there would be a theoretical question. The person raising absolutely no chance of obtaining a it must have a real interest to raise it; he declaration before this Bill is passed. must be able to secure a proper As I pointed out, the courts are reluctant contradictor, that is to say, some one to enter into debates of a purely political kind, presently existing who has a true interest when what the litigants are seeking is, in to oppose the declaration sought." effect, the court to adjudicate on a purely For the information of honourable members, policy or political question. Opinion judgments this statement was endorsed by the High are rightly viewed with suspicion, especially Court of Australia as recently as 1992 in the when the nature of the opinion judgment is a famous decision of Ainsworth v. the Criminal matter the subject of partisan controversy and Justice Commission. As Justices Mason, when no real as distinct from potential rights Dawson, Toohey and Gaudron said— and duties are at issue or at risk. "Hence declaratory relief must be In 1956, the Privy Council warned that the directed to the determination of legal giving of what are, in effect, opinion controversies and not to answering judgments, would tend to— abstract or hypothetical questions." ". . . sap their independence and One of the leading legal textbooks on this impartiality." area of the law is De Smith's Judicial Review of Whether right or wrong, there is a deeply Administrative Action. De Smith had the ingrained view in the common law world that following to say about declaratory relief— by asking the judiciary to determine what, in "A declaration will not be awarded to effect, are hypothetical issues and issue a plaintiff or an applicant who is unable to advisory opinions could lead to the judiciary show that he is engaged with another becoming an ancillary arm of the Executive party in a controversy in which his legally Government. No doubt, that great exponent of recognised interests are directly affected." the doctrine of the separation of powers, the 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2533 member for Murrumba, would readily her. If anyone should have had issues clarified appreciate this point. before speaking in this Chamber, it was the What the Opposition is suggesting is that member for South Brisbane, who again and the courts should hear applications of this again highlighted her lack of understanding of type, and that the Government is open to everything from the meaning of "term criticism for not having marched its barristers appointments" to the capacity of people to down into the law courts complex to have its seek remedies from the courts. declaratory application determined. If only law In conclusion, I note that the member for and justice were that simple. For good or ill South Brisbane referred in her speech to the they are not, and it shows just the naivety of Chauncey Gardiner wing of this Chamber. members of the Opposition if they think that Perhaps I should suggest that she takes a his opinion was either not considered by the note out of Chauncey's book and starts Government or was rejected on policy enjoying watching—watching professionals in grounds. this House, that is. Before she opens her The truth is that this option was mouth and embarrasses herself further, she considered, debated and not proceeded with should watch parliamentarians from both sides on legal grounds based on the advices given of the House who know obviously a lot more by the Crown's legal advisers. I am fully aware than she does on how to prepare and deliver that the Electoral and Administrative Review a case. Commission recommended that the Attorney- Mrs EDMOND (Mount Coot-tha) General sought to seek a declaration on (2.49 p.m.): I rise to add my strong opposition section 14, and even suggested that, if time to this outrageous Bill. This legislation has had not been short, it may have sought this meant such wholesale condemnation from relief itself. However, nowhere in EARC's report across every responsible and knowledgeable is there any independent legal backing for this sector of the community. It is hard to know suggestion. Nowhere is it supported by legal where to start in analysing its shortcomings. It cases or any other material. It was a may be simpler to sift through the dross and recommendation in the nature of a pious hope find a few positive elements of it. Certainly it is rather than a carefully considered and not the Bill that the Premier described in his researched option. second-reading speech, although some parts This Government has done the hard of his speech are worth noting. Maybe the yards on this question. It has accepted the many amendments mooted will improve it. need for constitutional reform, it has acted Who knows? But I will speak to the Bill as it promptly in addressing the question of section was introduced into this House and the 14 and it has sought and followed expert legal intentions made clear by that Bill in the advice. It has not acted rashly or in ignorance. Premier's introductory speech. It has moved as fast as is practical in a I take this opportunity to make a few manner designed to resolve this issue points about the implications of this Bill on the decisively and at the first available opportunity. very dedicated staff working in our health In comparison, all we have from the system, some of whom remain employees of Opposition are half-baked attacks lacking in Queensland Health while others remain stuck substance, vision and any legal credibility. in limbo on a redeployment/displaced persons Earlier, I quoted the member for South list thanks to Mr Horan's incompetent handling Brisbane claiming that the Premier was not of the transition of his district health service able to plan ahead and therefore was not up regime. I make that point in recognition of the to the job. As I have demonstrated, she does fact that productivity levels in Queensland not have a clue about the law and once again Health, particularly in corporate office, are just has led with her chin. Her contribution to this as they were when Mr Horan was elected well House was a long, meandering trip down beyond his ability to the Health Ministry six memory lane. She gave a litany of complaints, months ago—at zero. Productivity levels are a collection of half correct and misleading down because the public servants dedicated interpretations, a bit of slander here and there, to delivering public health services are being endless references to the past and a total denied due process with respect to the absence of any constructive comment on corporate office restructure. Just ask anyone those parts of the Bill she did not mention. If working in the State Health Building in anyone is not up to the task, it is the member Charlotte Street; since Mr Horan arrived in this for South Brisbane. If anyone has treated this place, it has turned into a joke. Parliament with contempt by producing a half- Part of the problem lies with Mr Horan's researched and half-understood speech, it is failure, after six months in the job, to appoint a 2534 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 senior management team for the organisation. Mrs EDMOND: It has every bit to do Most people cannot believe that the Minister is with the Public Service. presiding over a bureaucracy which no longer FitzGerald's recommendation regarding contains any policy and health planning the location and size of the hospitals is systems with branch status recognition. In less undoubtedly a polite reference to the gross than six months Mr Horan has taken pork-barrelling governing the Minister's top Queensland's health system back six years to priorities to build four new hospitals in coalition the days when white elephant hospitals in electorates—totally unfunded, like every other coalition electorates or nominally marginal coalition election promise. But the Minister has seats were the orders of the day. There is no informed the Opposition that he will not be longer any decent policy or planning taking up these unnecessary framework upon which to manage future recommendations at all. That is the very directions in Queensland's public health Commission of Audit that the coalition has system. Queensland Health is once again the been praising to the hilt. butt of jokes in health circles in the southern States, as it was when Labor came to power in Not surprisingly, of all the 1989 to reform the sector and bring health recommendations contained in the audit which services in Queensland into the modern era, have very serious ramifications for the Public and just as it was when I was working in the Service, the only recommendations that the health sector. Minister wants to take up relate to what is surely Stage 1 in the privatisation of public The coalition's very own Commission of hospitals in this State. The Minister has Audit picked this up and made jumped at the chance to break yet another recommendations accordingly. Vince promise that the coalition would not FitzGerald recommended the following after contemplate any privatisation of public reviewing certain aspects of Mr Horan's hospitals because it was not in its policy. His bungled restructure of Queensland Health. I guarantees about protecting existing public refer to recommendation 9.1, page two, hospitals from the privatisation process are chapter nine, which states— about as good as Mr Quinn's and Premier "To prepare Queensland's hospital Borbidge's word not to sack school cleaners in system for the future, an independent the name of privatisation. health service planning body composed Mr HORAN: I rise to a point of order. I of eminent people drawn from outside thought this was the Public Service Bill, not a government should be established for a health Bill debating hospitals. limited period to make recommendations Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Laming): on inter alia: Order! which organisational unit/s should Mrs EDMOND: These people are have responsibility for funding of members of the Public Service who have been public health services; left in limbo by the Minister's inaction and by the appropriateness of the structure this Bill. and geographical boundaries for Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I will District Health Services for allow the member to continue, but she will competitive service delivery; and come back to the Bill shortly. principles for the location and size of Mrs EDMOND: The Minister is backing hospitals." certain of the doctors in the public sector at That is something novel for members the Gold Coast Hospital who have publicly opposite. admitted that they do not believe that public patients should be allowed to be treated in Clearly, FitzGerald's audit was unable to private hospital facilities. But, of course, it is identify that any of this basic planning work okay to have private patients treated in public had been undertaken as part of the Minister's facilities when it suits. Meanwhile, the waiting district health service restructure, but found times for surgery have blown out. plenty of evidence of poor health planning. The other part of the problem for the The only reason a Government would have for public sector in Health under Mr Horan's dismantling proper health planning procedures management lies in the politicisation of the within its health administration would be to Health bureaucracy under the Minister's satisfy favours for coalition mates. direction and the climate of fear which has Mr Horan: What has this got to do with permeated the system from the administrative the Public Service Bill? level right through to the health professionals 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2535 working in the public hospitals. It is an open Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, on the secret that the real reason behind the Gold Coast, from Prince Charles and PA. Minister's defeat in Cabinet over senior Mr CARROLL: I rise to a point of order. appointments for Queensland Health was The matter for debate this afternoon is the more to do with his incompetent handling of Public Service Bill. We have heard very his portfolio responsibilities with respect to learned speeches from members preceding staffing issues than it was to do with leaked the member presently speaking, but the names of imminent appointments some member presently speaking has not focused months ago. on the topic at all. It is widely accepted that the Premier Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! This wanted the Office of the Public Service to matter has been brought up before. more closely scrutinise the staffing reorganisation and insisted that staffing Mrs EDMOND: And in almost every arrangements and conditions of service for second paragraph I have related this Bill to the public servants would have to follow the Public Service and, in particular, the Public Premier's abhorrent Public Service Bill—that is Service in Queensland Health. This is of great right, the Bill which the Premier told us he interest to the people in the Public Service in would die in a ditch for, but which he has now Queensland Health who are being treated so reworked to try to save face and salvage what poorly at this stage. Mr Deputy Speaker, I ask little credibility he has left. Unfortunately, the for your tolerance. I have almost finished this Minister and the Premier's handiwork in these particular section, then I will be dealing with human resource matters have dealt a doubly the Premier and his treatment of public unjust blow to many hundreds of public servants. servants in Health who have a long history of Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! My excellent policy and administrative advice to ruling is that debate on public waiting lists is Governments of all persuasions. The staff not a part of this Bill and I would ask the have been done over in relation to the offering honourable member to bring her remarks back of voluntary redundancies, position to the Bill or I will be forced to ask her to take designation reviews and their legitimate claim her seat. to positions which they have performed well Mrs EDMOND: It is not just me who and without favour for many years. knows about the Minister's creative accounting These are just some of the antics of a on the staffing numbers and its so-called Government that is not only stuck in the capital works blow-outs. Staff in his mind-set of the bad old days but also department know the truth—the ones he has consistently incompetent at public sector been weeding out systematically simply for management. In Queensland Health one having some ethics and regard for proper needs only to glance at the large number of health planning procedures and analysis. The positions which have been spilled and the irony of all his threats to offer up to 200 VERs small number of those positions which have only a few months back and his foolish claims subsequently been opened up for an open when in Opposition to cut back the size of the merit selection process to see that something bureaucracy in Health is that, after spilling all quite abhorrent is going on. The way the the positions and announcing the newly corporate office restructure in Queensland created positions in the restructure, there is Health has been conducted is an absolute actually a surplus of at least 89 positions for disgrace in terms of due process to ensure redeployees! That is because there was no fairness and equity for public servants right bulging bureaucracy under the former Labor from the word go. I have no doubt that this administration. That stupid allegation was yet Public Service Bill will give the Minister the another of the Minister's fantasies. Under chance to fudge the designation classifications Labor, the bureaucracy took up less than 2 in another attempt to produce rubbery figures per cent of the total State Budget. on reductions in staff numbers—just like his What is factual is that when the Premier waiting list reductions for surgery, which got introduced this Bill the first time, in a blown out of the water in today's Courier-Mail. disgraceful attempt to ram through what could It is not just me who knows about the only be described as a return to the moonlight creative accounting that has been going on in State, we did not hear the Minister opposite Health in relation to waiting lists; it is the speaking up to defend the integrity and patients, the hospital staff and some wise independence of statutory officers attached to journalists around this place. I add to that that his portfolio, such as the Health Rights I have had calls from medical professionals in Commissioner and the Executive Officer of the 2536 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996

Queensland Nursing Council—or anyone else This Bill is a contradiction of the Premier's for that matter. There was not a word to second-reading speech, which was page after protect the integrity of the dedicated public page of meaningless platitudes that sound like health work force. The only thing he sees fit to good motherhood statements which, comment on is his political ambitions and his unfortunately, are not reflected in the actual growing number of dodgy figures on waiting Bill. While the Premier argues that he is lists and most of the other serious issues in improving working conditions and freeing up public health. career paths for public servants on one hand, In his second-reading speech, the with the other he is presiding over the most Premier accused the previous Labor blatant politicisation of the Public Service ever Government of being committed to due seen in Australia, enabling wholesale use of processes in the Public Service. I hope he is contracts in both public service and public right. I believe that we were committed to due sector, and that means hospitals and nursing process to ensure fairness and equity and care, and also increasing the appalling climate promotion on merit and the right of employees of fear that now pervades the entire Public to appeal against decisions that affect their Service as I have never seen before. It leaves very livelihood. No-one will accuse the Premier me wondering whether, yet again, the Premier of being committed to overseeing an honest, has signed off important papers without fair, equitable Public Service appointed on reading them. Will he never learn? merit and protected by judicial review, appeal Before 1989, I received numerous calls mechanisms and the Industrial Court. from public servants who wanted to tell me of The Premier also criticised the previous their frustration with a system that meant only Labor Government for a philosophy of National Party members could aspire to top centralised control when, in the very legislation jobs and that mainstream career public he is introducing, he is sweeping away servants were overlooked constantly for ministerial responsibility so that the Premier— promotions. They argued then for a change of not even Cabinet—takes full control right down a drastic level, to introduce the systems that to determining the number of clerks on each other States already had—judicial review, floor. I can fully understand the Premier's lack appointment on merit, equal opportunity, FOI of confidence in his Ministers. One just has to and appeal mechanisms, and that is what follow their bumblings and inept handling since they got. the change of Government to understand the Yes, there were some dissatisfied reasons for this unprecedented grab for customers, some who missed out on power—even to sympathise. But surely this is promotion, but the major complaints were the greatest act of centralisation we have ever about the pace of change. The fact that seen in Queensland since Federation. If the Queensland had to catch up with 20 years of member is not to have ministerial change in five years was too much. I responsibility, why have Ministers? Why not go understand the problem some public servants the whole autocratic way and have a single had moving at that pace. I find change head of State? Why not save the taxpayers a stimulating and the very thing that makes work fortune by dismissing his pack of bumbling exciting and interesting, but I know many fools and their hangers on if the Premier does people do find it easier to avoid change and not believe them to be able to be minimally challenge and I have heard their concerns, competent and able to be responsible? their call for a slackening of the pace of Should we not address all questions in the change. However, I have not heard them House to the Premier as he oversees, calling for a return to the bad old days, when overrides and overrules all ministerial the green card was king and corruption ruled, departments, as we have seen this week? when talent was replaced with bullyboys and Mr McGrady: And overturns decisions. apprehension of change was replaced with Mrs EDMOND: And overturns decisions wholesale fear of retribution. by Ministers. We have seen that very few are Hidden away under "Miscellaneous" is able to answer questions on their department, clause 116, which did not rate even a mention but deliver up the same tired old vitriol to every in the Premier's second-reading speech. It question every day with no recourse to fact or allows for the dismissal of a statutory office information. However, this House should note holder without reason, review or appeal. As a that, when things go awry, it is not the Premier former head of the NCA and former EARC who dashes to the fore demanding to take full commissioner, Commissioner Tom Sherman responsibility. No, it is "Quick! Where's the said— bunny? Where's the scapegoat? Where's "Surely if you are going to remove Russell? He'll usually fall over for the Premier." someone from public office, you should 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2537

have a good reason and you should have seriously concerned at the level of interference a reason you can articulate and defend." and the lack of independence this Bill I agree. Surely that is the least that senior attempts to formalise. public office holders should have: a right to a Today, by his actions, we have seen yet reason for their dismissal that stands up to a again the sheer contempt that the Premier review. As I go through the pages of officers holds for the Parliament of Queensland, for deliberately established to be independent in the people of Queensland. Given the chance their functioning—in order to remove any of proving to the House that he was not lying, perception of conflict of interest, or he chose not to—obviously he could not prove Government ability to pressure or threaten—I it and his behaviour will go down on record as have to ask what earthly reason there can be clearly showing that he is not worthy of being to proceed down this legislative path unless it Premier, even if his bullying of the Courier-Mail is to remove the very restraints, the oversights has reduced its rightful criticism of him and his that prevent corruption, and once again allow Government in recent times. Queensland to be the corruption capital of Clause 13 raises other serious questions Australia. about the intent and integrity of this minority Honourable members should consider the Government and seems to be another bodies affected in the Department of outrageous attempt to undermine the Health—the Health Rights Commission and independence of statutory authorities without the Health Rights Advisory Council, the Chief any explanation or identified need for this Health Officer, all the various health heavy-handed approach. practitioner boards, the medical boards, the I have pages more of contempt for this Nurses Professional Conduct Committee and Bill and criticism that I could provide to the the Radiology Advisory Council. Dozens of House, but I am running out of time. Mr officers are threatened with the removal of Deputy Speaker, I put to you: where are the their rights in a blatant attempt to intimidate traditions of Westminster now? Are they only them, and that is just in the Health area of to be seen in the physical accoutrements and interest. How convenient it will be for trappings of this place? Is the importance of Government to sack an independent electoral the separation of powers dismissed so easily? commissioner in order to obtain the boundaries it wants before the next election. Time expired. How convenient to be able to sack an Mr HARPER (Mount Ommaney) independent Director of Public Prosecutions (3.10 p.m.): At the outset, let me say that over before things get just too embarrassing. How the last few minutes I have been amazed to convenient to put such pressure of the Health hear the previous speaker, the member for Rights Commissioner while sitting on his report Mount Coot-tha, talk about centralisation and from the Minister's own electorate—a report point the finger at this Government. Over the that could be dynamite. How convenient to be last six years before entering this House I able to put such pressure on pushy vice- observed the Labor Government, and I well chancellors who have been perhaps a tad too know from talking to many public servants the outspoken in their criticisms of the cuts to worries that they had about centralisation. The university funding and increase in HECS fees previous Government was notorious for its use that will so disadvantage our young people of the Office of the Cabinet to dictate even to and especially those from country areas about Ministers and for the Premier having central whom, it seems, members opposite do not control of everything. That was its style of care and whom they have abandoned. Government. Now we have the example of the In answering the storm of protest at this member for Mount Coot-tha pointing the finger Bill, the Premier said that some of those areas at this Government when it is trying to bring could be protected by regulation—presumably the public sector back onto an even scale. It is only when public outcry demands it and forces incredible, to say the least. it to be the case—and that it is unlikely to be The Opposition has been making much of used. What sort of an argument is that? If the Premier changing his mind on this Bill. I legislation is not intended to be used, it should personally believe that that shows that the not be there. If those changes are not to Premier is a person who is prepared to listen enable political pressure and manipulation to to reasoned and rational argument and take come to bear on those office holders, then it that into account. The Opposition seems to can be only a case of change for change's have forgotten that the Leader of the House, sake without good reason. However, I believe in his speech to this Bill, foreshadowed that every commentator and critic is right to be changes. It seems to me that the Opposition 2538 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 wants it both ways—it wants to have two bob For example, if these standards did not apply, each way—and have a win on either side. nurses would be deprived of merit selection Opposition members are critical if the processes, the right to appeal to the Government does not make the changes that Commissioner of Equity or even the ability to they and others have talked about and be given a voluntary early retirement package. pointed out, yet when the Government does They would be deprived of all of those things. make changes, Opposition members are still So the Opposition should know that if the critical. They are never satisfied. All they want Bill did not apply to nurses or other public to do is grizzle and try to score cheap political sector employees, a raft of rights and points. entitlements would have been lost. This Bill In speaking to the Public Service Bill, I was designed specifically to preserve those firstly congratulate the Premier on moving so rights and to protect those workers. Moreover, quickly to restore morale and certainty to the no other provision in the Bill automatically Queensland Public Service, which had been applies to public sector employees. The Bill will rocked so badly by six years of Labor apply only to those workers if they are brought mismanagement. I can guarantee that from in by a regulation. That is always subject to talking to many of the public servants in my approval by this House. Despite their own electorate and far and wide. They were scaremongering—and they are at it always ready to tell me about the problems again—there is absolutely no other way that and worries that they had, the uncertainties of any public sector employees will be subject to tenure and the uncertainties of the control that the Bill; not by directions, guidelines or any dictated to them. This Bill updates the law. other mechanism that the Opposition or However, at the same time it goes a long way anybody else may care to speculate about. towards restoring the traditional concepts of a So I say to the member for Mount Coot- Westminster public service. tha that it was incumbent on her to inform It is no accident that the union both the nurses she led and the public that representing the State's public servants has she tried to get her message over to—which not come out attacking the Bill. Instead, it has was wrong—that if the Bill did not apply to been working cooperatively behind the scenes those workers, they would be far worse off. Did on legislation that it basically supports— she tell them that their rights for which they something that the members opposite seem have fought would have been lost? Those to fail to notice. In marked contrast, we had people who are naive enough to think that the the spectacle of the member for Mount Coot- opposition to this Bill was soundly based would tha leading some nurses on a march to the find it curious and wonder why people would Executive Building. That is typical of the Labor demonstrate against their own rights and Party's beat-up of this Bill—trying to find entitlements. However, it is obvious to problems when there are none, and trying to anybody following this debate that, in fact, this score points because they know that they are was just another example of Labor's blatant on the back-pedal. misinformation campaign, because it is It is appropriate to point out to the House grasping at straws trying to claw its way back. that the Public Sector Management It has to use falsehoods to do so. Commission Act is already drafted in such a I want to deal in particular with one aspect wide manner as to apply to nurses and others of the Bill, namely, contract employment. As employed in the public sector. It did not get its the Premier has explained already, over time title, the "Public Sector Management this Bill will allow the progressive introduction of Commission Act", for nothing. For the contract employment for SES officers. The information of the Opposition I point out that, SES 1 level will be phased out and officers for the purposes of this legislation, regional who previously would have been appointed to health authorities are already units of the SES 1 level will instead be appointed as senior public sector. Since 9 December 1991, various officers. However, those officers will be PSMC standards on subjects such as employed on a tenured basis. As at 30 June recruitment and selection, performance 1995, of the 510 SES officers some 222, or planning and review, grievance procedures, 43.5 per cent, were SES 1 officers. In short, fair treatment of employees and training and the introduction of contracts for SES 2 and development have applied to these higher positions will affect only a little over one- authorities. This Bill continues the operation of half of all SES positions. Importantly, the Bill those standards so that nurses and other contains a specific provision that protects the public sector employees continue to receive entitlements of existing SES 1 officers and the protection that these standards provide. ensures that other current SES officers will not 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2539 be forced to sign contracts but will instead under those contracts, and it leaves the matter remain tenured. solely to the discretion and whim of the The Premier pointed out that the Government of the day. We have not heard introduction of contract SES employment is that from the members opposite, who used now completed in all other Australian that provision over the six years when they jurisdictions that have an SES level other than were in Government. No, they would not own Queensland and the Commonwealth. Even up to that. What did the Labor Party do about the British Government proposes to introduce this when it was in power? For a start, it did not a contract-based SES. Unfortunately, the repeal the section. In fact, it relied upon it ACTU and the member for South Brisbane increasingly. The stories are legion. During this have come out with the scare tactics—which is time, where were all the unions? Why were typical—that this Bill will allow open slather they not ensuring that such broad powers contract employment and that contracted were modified or clarified? Once again, it is employees will be excluded from appealing to just part of the double standards that have the Queensland Industrial Relations marked the debate on this Bill, as we have Commission. come to expect. The General Secretary of the ACTU, John What are the terms and conditions which Thompson, was quoted as saying that the Bill govern persons currently caught by section would enable every employee to be put on a 19? Under section 20 it is provided that the contract with no minimum conditions such as conditions of employment in such contract holiday pay and sick pay and other positions— entitlements. It is amazing how short the ". . . shall not be subject to any industrial memories of those people are. Let us deal award or industrial agreement or any with the legislation Labor introduced and which determination or rule of an industrial continues to govern the SES. Firstly, I refer the tribunal." House to section 15C of the Public Service That is fairly clear, even for members opposite. Management and Employment Act 1988. It Perhaps they have not referred to that section provides— previously. "Awards and industrial agreements Right now we have legislative open do not apply to senior executives." slather; right now contract employment on a That is very clear. In other words, SES officers grand scale could be introduced. Moreover, no right now do not have their terms and existing contracted Public Service officer conditions governed by awards. Yet we have currently has the right to seek a determination not heard that from the members opposite. or ruling from the Queensland Industrial One might ask, "How are their terms and Relations Commission. From reading the conditions determined?" That question is papers, time and time again one would think answered by section 15C, which provides— that somehow this Bill was taking rights away "Senior executives are employed on from public servants, whereas in fact, in most such terms and conditions, not provided respects, either the status quo is maintained for by this Act or any other Act, as are or it is significantly improved. Members prescribed." opposite hate to admit that the Bill will put right a lot of their wrongs. What are the current provisions regarding contract employment? If one goes to section However, from reading the newspapers 19(3) one finds that the following provision and listening to the whingeing of the appears— Opposition, one would think that this Bill represented a break from the past, that it was "The Governor in Council may, by unprecedented and contained grave risks for order in council, declare any office or class the Public Service. What rubbish! In fact, this of office, other than that of chief Bill clarifies the law and contains protections executive, to be an office or class of office which are not currently present. If honourable to which appointment shall be made on a members turn to clause 34, they will see that, contract basis." for the first time, the Public Service In other words, right now the Governor in Commissioner is given the specific power to Council has the power to declare, in effect, issue directives and guidelines about contracts almost all of the Public Service to be of employment for Public Service employees. employed on a contract basis. The current In other words, rather than leave the terms legislation does not limit that power, it does and conditions of contract employees up to not contain any safeguards for workers, it does the Government, the Bill ensures that the not require that award conditions be respected Public Service Commissioner will be able to 2540 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 issue sectorwide guidelines which will promote Earlier this year, the very same Public a level playing field and a transparent process. Sector Management Commission issued a Are Opposition members afraid that, if they booklet giving a statistical summary of the ever come back to power, the process will be SES for 1995. This booklet outlines the transparent and they will not be able to following trends: as at 30 June 1993, the manipulate it? By this means the Public percentage of contract SES positions was 5.7; Service will be far less able to be politically by 30 June 1994, this had increased to 7.2 manipulated. Why will they not admit that? per cent; and by 30 June 1995, it had further Let me repeat—one of the main planks of increased to 10.2 per cent. In short, in the this Bill is to get away from temporary contract space of just two years the percentage of employment in the Public Service and to instil contract SES personnel had increased by 100 a sense of purpose and direction in agencies per cent, until, by the middle of last year, more which has been lacking for a long time. The than 1 in 10 of all SES officers were already Bill will strengthen tenured employment and, placed on contracts. That occurred under the outside the ranks of the SES, should result in Labor regime and those facts and figures less reliance on temporary staff and contract come out of its own reports. Surely members employment. Under the Bill, chief executives opposite will not dispute that. They must face will be able to set the number of staff and up to and answer for those figures. What the levels in their departments. In the past, staff Labor Party has done by stealth and without levels were rigidly prescribed from the centre. protections or a clear strategy it has the Earlier, the member for Mount Coot-tha spoke effrontery to criticise this Government for doing about centralisation. It existed for six and a in an orderly, principled and transparent half years. To get around the rigidity of the manner. Labor members always claim that system, various evasive mechanisms were they want transparent and accountable used, including appointing, sometimes on a Government, but when we bring that in they wholesale basis, temporary staff. growl because they know that they have been caught out once more. While the employment of temporary staff got around the staff ceilings imposed by the In the remaining time I want to correct a Government, it resulted in the progressive few inaccuracies about the Bill which I have undermining of tenure in most Government read in the press. In the Courier-Mail of 1 departments. It was, to use a phrase, the August, David Solomon claimed— "temporisation" of the Public Service. That "Contracts are likely to extend to certainly did not help the morale of the many senior officers in new public service ranks hundreds of public servants from all levels which will be created to replace the lowest whom I have talked to over the past six years. level of the senior executive service." They were not happy with the system and they did not know where they stood or what the In fact, the Premier has made it absolutely future held. clear that officers appointed to this new category will be on a tenured basis. The very Ironically, I do not think even the Labor point of quarantining the SES 1 level from Party intended this; it was just that its contract employment was to make it legislation and mode of operation were overly absolutely and totally clear that the career prescriptive and totally stifling of all initiative. path of tenured public servants would extend Yet Opposition members now have the hide to right up to and include the SES 1 level. Mr talk about centralisation. Of course, a cynic Solomon's claim is without foundation and could say that it did not harm Wayne Goss' may have caused unnecessary concern and repeated claims that the actual number of confusion. It needs to be rectified forthwith. Of public servants had not increased under his course, members opposite do not care about rule. We could always forget about the causing concern and confusion in the temporary employee positions! community, as long as they score their cheap Before concluding on this point, I think it and shoddy points. would be of interest to the House to compare Mr Carroll: It's not very nice. how Labor approached the issue of contract SES employment. On 24 June 1994 at the Mr HARPER: No, it is not very nice and I Fulbright Symposium on Public Sector Reform, think Opposition members should remember Peter Coaldrake, then head of the PSMC, that when they are making such claims, rather proclaimed that the Queensland Government than upsetting people and subjecting them to did not favour contract employment for the a lot of heartache and worry. SES, as its main objective was to instil a set of I wish to clarify Mr Solomon's claim that traditional values in the Public Service. the power of the Premier over the Public 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2541

Service has been dramatically increased. In Westminster about facilitating the purging of this regard, he commented that chief holders of quasi-judicial offices? executives would only be appointed after I will deal with each of those points in entering into a contract with the Premier. What series. First, I will deal with the manner in Mr Solomon failed to point out is that since which this Bill introduces wholesale an contracts were introduced for chief executives American system of presidential administration in 1988, all such contracts have invariably as distinct from the Westminster system with been signed by the Premier, as representative which we are familiar. Clause 28 states that of the Crown, and the chief executive. The the Premier can require the chief executive to provision in the Public Service Bill naming the report directly to him. Clause 29 states that he Premier simply recognises the existing can review via an authorised person various constitutional practice. activities of the chief executive in each Even more importantly, Mr Solomon failed department. Clause 30 states that he can fix to point out that, although the contract is the numbers in a department. Clause 31 between the Premier and the chief executive, states that he can sack or transfer without the terms of the contract must be approved by reference to the Minister. Clauses 32 to 38 the Governor in Council and the appointment describe the powers of the commissioner, who of chief executives is also made by the under clause 39 has a contract with the Governor in Council. In other words, all the Premier and therefore will be the Premier's Premier does is sign a document already creature. Indeed, all CEOs will be the determined by the Governor in Council for a Premier's creature as a result of these person already appointed by the Governor in arrangements. They will report to him and they Council. It is the performance of an executive will be administered by a Public Service act, rather than the performance of a policy Commissioner who will be in his thrall, and the function. That is worth noting. I would have Premier, not their Minister, will be the other thought that someone with David Solomon's party to their contract. background would have appreciated this. Mr Nunn: Sounds like Joh. The Bill will revitalise the Public Service Mr WELLS: It will be like that, except and provide it with the guidance, the flexibility that it will be done with the force of law. and the protections which it needs. Heaven The Cabinet, which approved this Bill, sold knows, they were needed after six and a half out its own ministerial responsibility. This years of Labor rule. The complaints that the Cabinet voted to hamstring itself. Its chief Labor Party have raised lack substance and executive officers will be on the phone to the are intended to divert attention away from the Premier any time they think they can ingratiate current woeful state of the Public Service themselves by doing so. Ministerial statute book which it presided over for six and government will be replaced by presidential a half years. I think that it can be fairly said government. The Premier will cease to be the that the low morale of the Public Service was first among equals. He will be the taskmaster, one of the key reasons for the Labor Party paymaster and ringmaster of every Minister's losing Government. I have great pleasure in right-hand man or woman. Any Ministers who wholeheartedly supporting the Bill. want to implement a policy will have to do so Hon. D. M. WELLS (Murrumba) by going through their chief executive, but (3.29 p.m.): If I was not so convinced that the they will only therefore be able to do that honourable member who has just spoken is a through the agency of someone else's sincere man, I would be able to say something creature—the Premier's creature. worse than I am about to say. What I will say In those circumstances the provision that is that this sincere man is engaged in a the chief executive is subject to the directions massive self-deception. For anybody to stand of the Minister rings hollow indeed. The truth in this place and say that this Bill immortalises of the matter is that every chief executive will the Westminster system, such a person must have a hotline to the Premier. Any time chief be under the most massive self-deception executives think that some advantage might imaginable, because what is so Westminster be gained by making a call, they will do so, about destroying ministerial responsibility and and ministerial government will become replacing it with a presidential style of nugatory. Taking the argument a little further, Government? What is so Westminster about when there is a change of Government, why diminishing the rights of individuals? What is would an incoming Premier want to keep the so Westminster about concentrating power in hand-picked men and women of his the hands of the Executive? What is so predecessor anymore than an American 2542 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996

President would want to keep the hand-picked wheel gets unnecessarily reinvented with every men and women of his predecessor? change of Government. This Bill Dr Watson: It happens in the US institutionalises a system whereby there will be system. People have served under both a complete change of personnel every time Republican and Democratic presidencies. there is an election, and for that reason what we have is something which is very, very Mr WELLS: I thank the honourable un-Westminster indeed. member for his very helpful interjection. By his pointing out that that sometimes happens, he Honourable members opposite keep gives me the opportunity to point out how rare saying that this is a very Westminster Bill, but it is that it does ever happen. The rule under a they are kidding themselves. It is not Westminster system is that we have continuity. Westminster, either, to reduce the rights of The rule under the American system stipulates individuals. Schedule 2 of the Judicial Review discontinuity. What this Bill does is Act of 1991 states that a decision on institutionalise discontinuity. The people who circumstances relating to a particular person will be put into these positions will not be the can found the basis for a statement of people who have worked their way up through reasons except in relation to appointments. the department to the top. Even if they have Part 7 of the Schedule states— had departmental experience, they will be—— "Decisions in relation to personnel Mr Harper interjected. management (including recruitment, training, promotion and organisation) in Mr WELLS: I am sorry to interrupt the relation to— honourable member. (a) the State Public Service . . ." Mr Harper: Did you ever complain about are excluded from judicial review— your former Premier's iron-fisted control when you were a Minister? I don't recall hearing you "other than a decision relating publicly do so. to, and having regard to the particular characteristics of, or Mr WELLS: What the Government is other circumstances relating to, talking about is bringing the force of the law a particular person." behind a system which will enable a presidential-style set of appointments to be In other words, the law, as set out in the made each and every time there is a change Judicial Review Act, is that with respect to of Government. Each and every time there is dismissals, transfers, redeployments, a change of Government there will be a promotions and so forth, judicial review is general clean-out. Why would the incoming available. This Bill will delete that. The capacity Premier want to use these people? Even if of Ministers or their senior bureaucrats to get they have had departmental experience, they rid of people by giving them an unacceptable will be seen to be the creatures of the former transfer is therefore effectively undermined by Premier. They will not be departmental men the Judicial Review Act. That capacity is and women; they will be the Premier's men reinstated by the Public Service Bill. and women. The Westminster tradition of an I draw the attention of honourable independent Public Service receives its members to clause 116 of the Bill, which deathblow in this Bill. states— In moving from the Westminster tradition "In this section— we forfeit certain very major advantages. We 'excluded matter' means— lose the advantage of stability. There will be major reorganisations with every incoming (a) a decision to appoint, or not Government. There will be enormous loss of to appoint, a person under experience and memory. One of the this Act or as a statutory advantages of a neutral Public Service is that office holder . . ." those who make a career in it can bring to the Then it goes on to say that "excluded matter" service of each successive Government the is matter that cannot be dealt with under accumulated experience of a lifetime. During judicial review. Clause 116 excludes decisions my time as Minister—and about which the to appoint or not to appoint. Honourable honourable member is so keen to have me members who have looked at the Bill reminisce—I recall frequently being grateful superficially—and that would include all that I had available to me people whose honourable members opposite—would think memories of the Public Service stretched back that that was the same sort of provision as to the 1940s. The disadvantage in having a that contained in the Judicial Review Act. It is constant succession of new brooms is that the not, because of a sneaky little trick that we find 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2543 in the Schedule. On page 158 of the Bill, or under State authorisation for under Schedule 3, which is headed a public or State purpose . . ." "Dictionary", "appoint" is defined as Any other entity established under an Act meaning— includes anything. So what have here is a "(a) for a person who is not already good old Henry VIII clause—a clause which an officer—employ the person enables the Executive Council to abolish as an officer; or whatever it wishes but one which enables it to (b) for an officer—promote, transfer do so without recourse to Parliament— or redeploy the officer." something which enables Executive Council to abolish anything that it likes. This clause of this So "promote, transfer or redeploy" is now part Bill would enable Executive Council to abolish of the meaning of "appoint" by force of the the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal or Dictionary at the end of the Bill, and by force the District Court, or anything else that it felt of clause 116 "a decision to appoint, or not to like abolishing just as the mood happened to appoint" is excluded from judicial review. take it at the time. Therefore, the decision to redeploy, transfer or promote is also excluded from judicial review. There has been some correspondence This is a sneaky little trick which robs between the Scrutiny of Legislation Committee thousands of people of the right to judicial and the Premier with respect to this matter. review. The committee referred to this breathtaking piece of legislative chicanery and said— The introduction of the type of protection contained in the present Judicial Review Act "The Committee assumes that this is was a recommendation of the Fitzgerald an oversight and requests that the commission of inquiry. What this Bill does is Premier and Parliament consider a turn back the clock to the pre-Fitzgerald era. It suitable amendment." enables public servants to be bullied and The Scrutiny of Legislation Committee intimidated. It enables threats to be hung over received this immortal prose from the their heads. It allows the further politicisation of Premier— the Public Service by allowing the "The Committee is incorrect in reinstatement of the good old National Party assuming that the drafting is an oversight tools of purge and scourge. or that it was the Government's intention There is nothing very Westminster about to rely on clause 13(f) to abolish any a grab for power or about an attempt to Government entity established under a concentrate the power into the hands of the separate Act." Executive arm of Government. There is It is nice to know that the Government did not nothing very Westminster about a proposal to intend to use this provision to abolish allow Government by Executive decree, and creatures of statute. It is nice to know and to yet with amazing hubris this is what this Bill be assured that the Premier had no intention does. It is breathtaking the extent to which of using this power to undo the work of this these people are prepared to come into this Parliament. It is nice to have that assurance, House and offer us provisions such as clause but it would be nicer for the Premier not to 13(f), which states— have the power. "The Governor in Council may, by The Premier goes on to say—quoting, he gazette notice— says, some legal advice from Parliamentary . . . Counsel—that as a matter of commonsense it is virtually impossible to conceive that a court (f) abolish a department or another would allow clause 13 to be interpreted in this government entity." way. That might very well be so. If the What is a Government entity? A proposal was to abolish the Supreme Court Government entity is to be found identified on and that matter came before the Supreme page 20 of the Bill, clause 21, which states— Court, it is very unlikely indeed that the "An entity is a 'government entity' if it Supreme Court would agree that the is— Parliament had the power to do that. But why should it have to go to court? Why should (a) a department . . . such an issue have to be litigated? The (c) an agency, authority, Premier says that he has advice, but only commission, corporation, preliminary advice, from the Crown Solicitor—it instrumentality, office, or other is not written advice, we are told—that this entity, established under an Act would apply only to selected statutory bodies. 2544 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996

We see the words "preliminary Crown Solicitor sitting in a Cabinet meeting without any advice" on page 2 of the Premier's letter to the reference, without any compulsion to return to Scrutiny of Legislation Committee. the wellsprings from which they got their According to the Premier's own legal original mandate. If the Government does advice, this clause would have the capacity to that, it takes a step on the way to tyranny. enable Executive Council to abolish by The Scrutiny of Legislation Committee Executive decree creatures of statute— said that it was concerned with the Governor in statutory bodies. It is little comfort to know that Council's non-reviewable power to remove a the Crown Solicitor's preliminary advice is that term appointee from a statutory office and perhaps it covers only some statutory bodies. that— We have an undertaking that to put the matter "Furthermore, the Committee is beyond doubt the Premier proposes to move concerned that the grounds for such an amendment to clause 16 during the removal are not specified within the Bill." Committee stage of the debate. That will be The Premier wrote back— interesting, but the only useful amendment to this audacious piece of legislation is to delete "Your Committee can be assured it is it altogether. not the intention of the Government to in any way limit the independence of or the It is not terribly Westminster to give authority of quasi judicial bodies or of oneself the power to conduct major purges of persons who play a critical role in the body statutory office holders. The honourable politic of the State." member for South Brisbane has dealt with this These fine assurances are all very well, and in some detail already, and I will not duplicate we appreciate the Premier's fine assurances, what she had to say if I can avoid it. I would but what the people of this State really want is like, however, to give it respectful emphasis, for the Government not to have the power to because what we have here is a degree of meddle in these things. We are not worried audacity which is almost breathtaking. It is about the Government's good intentions, and perfectly true that in an earlier debate I said when we legislate in a Parliament, we do not and I meant and it was correct, as honourable legislate for good intentions. What we legislate members opposite have quoted me as saying, for is the distribution of powers, and to that it is appropriate for the Government to be distribute powers by concentrating them in the able to have advisory boards of its own hands of unaccountable Executive choosing. Advisory boards, however, are one Government—an Executive Government that thing, and quasi-judicial positions are another. is more and more by this Bill capable of ruling What we have here is a Government which, by Executive decree, and then with an iron according to the letter that the Premier sent to hand—is not good public policy; it is not a step the Scrutiny of Legislation Committee, wants in the direction of greater democracy, and it is to have its undoubted right to have boards not a step in the direction of Westminster. and committees in which it can repose its trust, achieving that result by giving itself a broad, The honourable members who have said sweeping, general power to get rid of any that this Bill institutionalises Westminster office holders in any statutory body principles are fooling themselves. They are whatsoever, without any discrimination believing propaganda which has been fed to whatsoever as to whether they are violating them. They are mouthing platitudes. There is the doctrine of the separation of powers, by nothing at all Westminster about destroying attacking the tenure of a judicial or quasi- ministerial Government and replacing it with a judicial office holder. presidential system; there is nothing at all Westminster about attacking the rights of The correct way to go about this kind of individuals; there is nothing at all Westminster procedure, if the Government wants to do it, is about concentrating power in the hands of to go about it piecemeal. If the Government Executive Government and fostering believes that it is appropriate for it to have the government by Executive decree; and there is capacity to remove members of this board or nothing at all Westminster about instituting that board or some other board, then it should provisions that will allow a purge of statutory bring in a miscellaneous statutes amendment office holders who are in the business of Bill that will have that effect. Do it up front. Do dealing with the rights of citizens who come it in front of the Parliament. Do not do it by before them. This Bill is not Westminster. This giving this power to Executive Council. Do not Bill is not sound. This Bill is not even allow the State to be governed by Executive democratic. This Bill is a step in the wrong decree. Do not allow the rights of the people direction, and I urge honourable members to to be tampered with by a group of people oppose it. 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2545

Mr HEALY (Toowoomba North) ". . . the holder of an office under an Act (3.49 p.m.): There is no doubt that almost all that provides the holder may or must be of the legislation that this House debates removed from office following an address leaves room for improvement. It is for that or resolution of the Legislative Assembly." reason that this House is here, and the As all honourable members would be aware, democratic process is valued by all members. all of these office holders can be removed The time between the introduction of from office only by Parliament. Anyone having legislation and the debate on Bills gives all even a basic understanding of both this honourable members and the community the legislation and these offices would know that opportunity to carefully consider what is being Part 8 of this Bill does not apply to them. proposed. I would not rise here today and say that the Public Service Bill is flawless. In fact, This is but one example of the debate on when the Committee deals with each clause of this Bill going off the rails, thanks particularly to the legislation, the Premier will be moving a members opposite. Of course, there are many series of amendments. These amendments other examples. One needs only to read the are designed to improve the legislation and lead article in the Courier-Mail of 7 August reflect this Government's commitment to 1996 by Phil Dickie and Peter Morley to see consultation and carefully weighing the pros an equally incorrect statement. The article and cons of submissions received. states— I welcome robust debate on legislation "The Bill has come under intense and issues of community concern. There is no criticism, particularly over provisions doubt that all of us benefit from the free providing for the removal of statutory market of ideas and the give and take officers without reason and without regard inherent in a healthy democracy. However, to the employment agreements or other what I have been surprised, disappointed and legislation. As the Bill is currently drafted, not a little concerned about with this Bill has these could include such officers as the been the histrionic opposition from various so- Auditor General, the Director of called experts, and the misleading nature of Prosecutions or the Chairman or many of the criticisms. Commissioners of the Criminal Justice Commission." Far from having a healthy and robust debate on this Bill, what we have witnessed For the information of both Mr Dickie and Mr has been a free-for-all, with the Labor Party Morley, I point out that the Bill does not allow and the Courier-Mail in particular putting either the Auditor-General or commissioners of forward a host of incorrect and misleading the CJC to be removed. I would like to know criticisms. That sort of criticism is not limited to how these gentlemen came to such an the press and our political opponents. I can incorrect conclusion. It is obvious that they got understand that journalists often have to rely this line either from a bush lawyer or someone on the quick grab and the views of experts. So who deliberately set them up. with this Bill it is interesting to look at the Unfortunately, there is more. An article in performance of the opinion makers, for it is the Australian Financial Review of 6 August clear that in many respects their performance titled "Qld public service reforms stir industrial has been found wanting. tumult" also carried the incorrect line that Part One example that I draw to the attention 8 could be used against the CJC. As I have of the House is contained in an article which pointed out, both the Chairman of the CJC appeared in the Weekend Independent by Dr and CJC commissioners are specifically Paul Reynolds titled "Public Service Move is exempted from Part 8. The only aspect of the 'Dishonourable'". Dr Reynolds claimed that the CJC that is subject to Part 8 is misconduct Ombudsman, the Auditor-General and the tribunals, and this matter will be rectified during Chairman of the CJC were under threat. Of the Committee stage. Is it any wonder that so course, he was referring to Part 8 of the Bill. much criticism and concern has been directed He said— towards the press for its substandard coverage of this Bill? "The intention of the legislation would seem to be to remove legislative Today, I want to deal specifically with the protection from these officials." scaremongering centred on clause 13 (f). Clause 13 gives to the Governor in Council What is worrying about this statement is that power to establish, amalgamate, divide, anyone bothering to read the Bill would see name, abolish or add to departments and that clause 109 (3) (a) specifically excludes Government entities. Subclause (f) gives to from Part 8— the Governor in Council the power to abolish a 2546 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 department or another Government entity. I will provide a little bit of history for the "Government entity" is given a very wide benefit of these members and other so-called definition in clause 21, and I understand that experts. Lesson one in this brief overview of the Premier will be considerably narrowing its the Bill is that it was primarily drafted by none scope by means of an amendment during the other than the then Parliamentary Counsel, Mr Committee stage. John Leahy. We all remember him. However, all manner of accusations were Ms Bligh: That's what you tell us. made about this clause, and what terrible things the Government could do with this Mr HEALY: Members of the Opposition power. In the Bulletin magazine of 20 August regularly sing his praises. In the spirit of bi- the member for Murrumba was quoted as partisanship I am prepared to acknowledge his saying— expertise. I would go further and say that a man in his position, with his knowledge and his "Let your imagination run riot. They understanding of statutory drafting, would be could abolish the Supreme Court by one in whom a department could repose full executive decree—you wouldn't require trust. Even further, I would suggest that a an Act of Parliament." department ignoring his advice on a At least the member for Murrumba was not fundamental drafting issue would have to alone in letting his imagination run riot. Firstly, have very solid grounds for doing so. we had that objective and fair commentator on Lesson two: when Mr Leahy was drafting this Bill, David Solomon, in a Courier-Mail lead article of 10 August titled "A Bill under siege". the Bill, the issue arose as to the effect of Like our learned former Attorney-General, he clause 13(f). The Office of Parliamentary said— Counsel gave the Office of the Public Service the following advice— "An alarmist might suggest this provision could even be used to abolish "Is this clause satisfactory as the Court of Appeal, or some other judicial revised? You should note that, although body. As the Brisbane City Council the clause is very broadly expressed, it recognised in the past few days, all of should not be relied on to override the Queensland's local government bodies effect of other Acts. For example, an could fall into this class of organisation." authority established under an Act could not be abolished under this clause." The Courier-Mail editorial of 8 August got onto the bandwagon. It quoted the Scrutiny of I hope that honourable members opposite Legislation Committee report which claimed heard that—"an authority established under that this subclause would allow the an Act could not be abolished under this Government to abolish a body established by clause." That was the expert advice given by statute and said that it must have been an John Leahy. To the editorial writer of the oversight. The editorial writer then made this Courier-Mail who snidely suggested that if it snide comment— was an oversight, it was a kind construction, I "The committee puts a kind would say that it was far from being an construction on this, assuming it was an oversight. Perhaps the only kind construction oversight." one can give was that the Government relied on the explicit advice of the then Finally, the member for South Brisbane Parliamentary Counsel. swung into action in her speech to this House when she said— If the member for Murrumba wants to let his imagination run riot, he might like to "As I have outlined before, the consider why the Parliamentary Counsel gave Governor in Council can abolish the Office of the Public Service advice which Government entities such as local he now suggests is so patently wrong. Is the councils, universities, and let us think big, member for Murrumba accusing Mr Leahy of Supreme Courts, not to mention the sloppy drafting and giving bad advice to the CJC." Government? As we can all see, this clause So here we have one member of the was drafted by the Office of Parliamentary Opposition letting his imagination run riot and Counsel. The issue of whether statutory another thinking big. It is a pity that neither of bodies could be abolished was considered these erstwhile experts bothered to look into and clear and unmistakable advice was given the matter a little further. If they had, they by that office during the drafting process—long would not have been making—to quote David before this issue became one of public Solomon—alarmist statements. debate—that this clause could not be used in 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2547 the manner suggested by the member for saying that the selective statutory Murrumba. interpretation used by the Opposition and Let me move on to lesson three. In a alleged experts on this Bill has been pathetic, letter dated 12 August from the Deputy to say the least. I hope for the sake of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Office of the people of Queensland that the Opposition lifts Public Service, further explicit advice was its game, otherwise we will have politics by fear provided on the effect of this clause. That and misleading information, which is in letter states— nobody's interests. "Your specific concern is whether it I commend the Premier and the could be interpreted as providing a power Government for introducing the Public Service to abolish a particular Government entity Bill, which, despite all of the whingeing by the that is established by an Act. In my Opposition, stands as one of the most opinion the clause does not provide that progressive measures introduced into power." Parliament in recent times. The Deputy Parliamentary Counsel went on to Mr SCHWARTEN (Rockhampton) point out that on any reasonable statutory (4 p.m.): Listening to some of the speeches interpretation, clause 13 could not be read in from members on the Government side of the the way suggested by the Opposition. He House, which were obviously written by the even said— Premier's office, brings to mind the Old Testament story of Lot and his wife. Lot and "As a matter of common sense it is his wife, when ordered out of Sodom—if my virtually impossible that a court would memory serves me right in this matter—were allow clause 13 to be construed in a way told not to look back. But poor old Mrs Lot, that would permit scores of other Acts to who apparently did not have a name, could be effectively demolished by a minor not help herself; she had to look back and, of instrument under a law the main effect of course, she turned into a pillar of salt. I think which concerns the administration of the that some Government members will end up public service and the management and as pillars of salt, in the same way as the employment of public service employees." nameless Mrs Lot did. There is no doubt in my Members will note that the Deputy mind—having just brushed up on my trusty Parliamentary Counsel refers to Fitzgerald report—that it is evident in this Bill commonsense, which is a commodity sadly that this Government has every intention of lacking in the contribution to this debate of looking back, just as Mrs Lot did. Government members of the Opposition. members cannot help themselves, just as Mrs Let me place on the public record the Lot could not. advice consistently given to the Government Pages 138 and 139 of the Fitzgerald by the Parliamentary Counsel's Office. That report carried with them a great deal of advice has been that clause 13 will not permit warning about this very sort of legislation. The the Governor in Council to abolish any entity report mentions in some detail the activities of created by statute. It does not matter whether certain sections of the Justice Department at the entity is the Supreme Court or a minor that time. It says— statutory body; all of these creations of statute "If the Justice Department had been stand above and beyond the reach of clause competent and professional during the 13. last two decades, it could not have failed There is no doubt that a contrary point of to observe the problems in Queensland's view could be advanced, but that is not the political and criminal justice systems. issue. The issue is whether the Government There are no indications that the had a hidden agenda with clause 13 or Justice Department persistently sought to whether it sleepwalked into trouble. On both draw those problems or their ramifications issues the facts are clear. The Government did to the Government's attention, or that it not want the power to abolish statutorily provided advice related to the need, and created bodies by means of a Gazette notice the appropriate methods, to counteract under clause 13, and the advice given the problems. throughout the drafting process by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel was that it could not. . . . The Premier will be dealing with this In the aftermath of this report's clause in a manner which will prevent any release, present and former Justice further alarmist and mischievous press grabs Department personnel, who are steeped by the Opposition. However, I conclude by in attitudes which have contributed to the 2548 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996

current problems, may well try to reassert way—contrary to what has been said in this their influence and regain control of the place. It is a disgrace that those people who agenda for reform." were widely condemned in the Fitzgerald Nothing could be more spot-on than that. report are now back in business and trying to implement, via the back door, the Jacksonian My experience in this place leads me to system of Government in this State. For the believe that the people who are behind this benefit of those members who do not know are an adviser, Mr John Sosso, and Mr Kevin what that system is, I point out that it is the Martin. Their hands are right through this. This American system dating back to the early is a get-square Bill. This is about getting rid of nineteenth century whereby the president the political enemies of the National and takes all. In other words, all the president's Liberal Parties in this State who are in the appointees come and go when the president Public Service. It is about the hit lists that have comes and goes. been so strenuously denied in the last couple of days. When this lot came to Government, Those who would preach to us about the those very people in the transition section Westminster system obviously have no idea were there with their grubby hands on it whatsoever what that system entails. If one knocking off the decent public servants in this takes the trouble to study the British system State. one finds that the level of permanency in the British public sector is something of which they It is interesting to note that both those are very proud. In fact, working in a ministerial particular public servants did very well out of office is regarded as a means towards the former Government. We did not purge promotion. Being an adviser to a Minister is them because of their political backgrounds. In regarded as something that is pretty at least one case there was a promotion—on important. They, too, are public servants and two occasions, as I recall it—and in the other they do not come and go as the Government case there was salary retention when that goes—unlike our system here. gentleman, Mr Martin, failed to get the nod for the Parliamentary Counsel's position. He then We are talking here of getting rid of the went over on salary maintenance to head up upper levels of the public sector—to put them the Public Trust Office. The truth is that both of on contract—so that, at the whim of the those people, who have well-known political Government of the day, they can be got rid of. affiliations that are opposite to those of the There is no doubt in my mind that that is what Labor Party, survived and prospered under our the Government intends by this legislation. Government. There is no doubt in my mind that the amendments which the Government was But what did this Government do when it forced to introduce were the last thing that it got the chance? It was responsible for getting wanted to do. It went through Cabinet. All the rid of those people who have now gone to wise heads around the Cabinet table nodded other States. I refer to Gerard Bradley, Leo and said, "Yes, that is the way we want to go." Keliher and others. We are now exporting our The advice that the Government had received talent to southern States. We paid a lot of from those squirrels who were already in the money for those people to be educated in this department and had been ticking off people's State. Dr Keliher is one who comes to mind. names was, "This is the way we will get people On a Bjelke-Petersen or Queensland like John Leahy. The only way we can get Government scholarship, he got a doctorate statutory appointments such as the Director of from the London School of Economics. I do Public Prosecutions"—whose name was also not know how much that cost. He also was on a hit list—"is to push a Bill through the good enough to write speeches for the now House." I can imagine the conversation in the Premier, Mr Borbidge. In fact, on one occasion Cabinet room at that time. that I know of, he was rewarded with a trip to So do not let us hear any more nonsense an IT conference in Amsterdam because he about how we are talking about the did such a splendid job. Westminster system. The Government should But the people I mentioned before who at least have the decency and the honesty to drew up the hit list had the knives out. Within a say, "Look, what we are about is that the top day's notice of the Government changing, levels of the public sector should be political they were getting together at the Executive appointees and they should come and go Building to get rid of those people. The when the Government goes." If the shabby way in which that was done makes me Government wants to take that view—it is the wonder just how those people really think. How Government, it can take that view, but it would they feel if we had treated them in that should at least be honest about it. But it will way? We certainly did not treat them in that rue the day that it did that. 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2549

One of the good things about the In the pre-written speeches of the Queensland Public Service is that a lot of members opposite, I have noticed a number people join it to make a career out of it. If they of vitriolic attacks against the member for think that that career is going to be truncated South Brisbane, the Leader of the Opposition at about an AO8 level, clearly they will be and anybody else on this side of the House looking elsewhere to develop a career path. who dares to speak. They will stay with us for a few years, get some Ms Bligh: Against the Bar Association, skills, and then go out into private enterprise. the Law Society. As a result of that, we will not attract the best people for the jobs. I believe that what we are Mr SCHWARTEN: Yes, against the Bar seeing here via this Bill is nothing short of an Association and anybody else who has been critical of this whole charade. attempt to reduce the competency of the Queensland Public Service. I am particularly Ms Bligh: They certainly can't take perturbed, not just because there will be a criticism. truncating of permanency in the public sector Mr SCHWARTEN: I am certain that at a level that I believe is way too low but, they cannot take criticism. I know that they more importantly, I believe that the issue of cannot write speeches either, because I have the responsibility of the CEOs is fraught with all seen the steady flow of advisers coming in sorts of dangers. and out of the door of the Chamber. They I would not like to be the Minister who has race to their laptops and type out a speech in CEOs virtually under the direct control of the big print for the members opposite to read. I Premier. Where does that leave a Minister and dare say that, after I resume my seat, it will be my turn to cop it. I reserve my right during the his ministerial responsibility for those CEOs Committee stage to comment on what the who in turn have responsibility to run departments? In my view that presents advisers have had a member opposite say Ministers with some problems when it comes about me. I know how the system works, to accountability. Ministerial responsibility is probably better than anybody does. I am not about running the department. This Bill saying anything that is new in this place. At least members opposite could be honest transfers the running of the department away about it. When the big-print speeches come in from the Minister and places it directly at the through the door, they could say, "Well, really, Premier's doorstep. these are not my words, member for Earlier I heard somebody talk about the Rockhampton. I really don't mean to say all Office of the Cabinet model. This Bill will these nasty things about you. Somebody in establish the Office of the Premier model, in the Premier's Office rattled them up for me at which the Premier pulls the reins and tells a moment's notice." I have to say that CEOs what they will do. If one watches that whoever is typing them up is doing a pretty wonderful British comedy Yes, Minister, one good job, because they seem to be getting will see how the system works when CEOs are them out pretty quickly. directly responsible to the secretary of the With that hilarity aside, this Bill has some Cabinet. Those are the sorts of situations that worrying aspects as we go from a very stable will arise. Obviously, there will be a head and productive public sector in this State to a honcho who will emerge as the leader of the political overarching of the public sector. The CEOs who will be directly responsible to the result of the politicisation of the upper Premier and who will be used as the wood- echelons of departments will be that the and-water Joey to spread the message to the Government will have in place people who will other CEOs. The Minister will get to know provide it with the advice that it wants to hear. about it some time later. I do not believe that it I know that public servants belong to all augurs well for good government to have that manner of parties. Some are truly apolitical. sort of model. I believe that that will put When I was in Government I always accepted Ministers in the position of all care and no that. When I worked for Tom Burns, I received responsibility. Perhaps it is the Government's very good, proper advice from various people aim to remove the accountability aspect from whom I knew did not have a Labor bone in a Minister of the Crown so that Ministers can their bodies. Sometimes I did not like that say, "The CEO or the department did this and advice; nevertheless, it was spot-on advice, the department is actually responsible to the which was based on a balanced view about Premier, so you had better take it up with what was best for the State. When we switch him." I do not think that makes for good to a model that asks "What is best for the government. Executive, i.e., the politician? What does that 2550 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 politician really want to hear?" we will have should be ashamed of the way in which they some problems. treated that individual. One great distinguishing feature of the Others, including Reed, were treated public sector in this State is that it has hitherto similarly. Those people reached their positions given advice fearlessly; in other words, it has on merit after a long period, especially Keliher, told its Ministers what will be the who started off his career as a base-grade consequences of the Ministers' actions. Those clerk and worked his way up through studying officers have told the Ministers things that at night. After the passage of this Bill there will often they did not want to hear. However, be no incentive for anybody to do that again. those officers were protected by tenure and Officers will stay at the lower levels of the they were also protected by the notion that public sector in the tenured positions and the independent advice is the province of the Government will drag in its mates, who will Public Service. control the upper echelons of the public sector I honestly believe that the Government is and its policy-making decisions. creating a rod for its own back. If the Premier If I were the members opposite, I would surrounds himself with a lot of clones, people be very, very cautious about continuing down who think as he does, people who belong to this path. They may think that they will be in the same party as he does—— Government for a long period. That may be Ms Bligh: Are there many people like the case. Who knows? If they are, they will be that? around long enough to benefit from this folly. It is folly in the extreme to suggest that the Mr SCHWARTEN: There are enough Government can get rid of—as it attempted to people around, albeit some of them are in do—statutory appointees, who have to be their mid-seventies. Some of the quality independent of the Executive, and try to people who served the former Labor politicise the upper echelons of departments. Government and who had served the National The Government will rue the day that it did Party Government for a long period prior to that. Labor taking office were replaced with dottery old jokes. The Government will rue the day Mr Stoneman: You are going to have that it did that. This Bill did not come about by to wash your mouth out after this. accident. It comes hot on the heels of the Mr SCHWARTEN: I am willing to bet greatest purge in the public sector in living the honourable member that that is what memory and the shabbiest treatment—— happens. Does he want to have a bet? Mr FitzGerald: Oh, come on! Mr Stoneman: You just think back to Mr SCHWARTEN: It is true. Members where it was before. opposite can say what they like. The way Dr Mr SCHWARTEN: I remember what the Keliher was sacked is something of which the Public Service was like under the member's members opposite should be ashamed. They lot, when teachers were transferred because sent a pimply faced kid of 16 years of age they were Labor Party members. The member wearing bike pants to hand Dr Keliher his for Burdekin was a part of the Government dismissal notice. That bloke had served in the under which people were not promoted Public Service for 28 years. Can members because they were knocked off in Cabinet. I opposite tell me that that is a fair and decent remember all the things that were done. Does thing to do? He could not even front the the honourable member recall the green and Minister; the Minister was unavailable. The gold pass? Does he remember the time in the Minister did not make the charge, of course; it Education Department when applicants who was made by the Premier's Office. Probably listed one of their interests as "membership of one of the people about whom I spoke the National Party" would receive jobs over before—one who was promoted under Dr people who were Labor supporters? The Keliher—was the one who did it. Members member for Burdekin should not talk. He was opposite should not start sticking their heads the bloke who tried to have me shifted from up and saying that they acted properly and Hughenden. I remember him well. appropriately when they threw out on the Mr Bredhauer: When he was the street a bloke with his qualifications and Primary Industries Minister you had to show experience—a person who had worked longer your green and gold pass. for conservative Governments in this State than he had for Labor Governments—simply Mr SCHWARTEN: Exactly. because they put him on a hit list. I think that A Government member: Give us a was absolutely shameful. Members opposite name. 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2551

Mr SCHWARTEN: Him! He is the one and one that enables hardworking public who did it. He tried to have me shifted when I servants to get on with their work without being was in Hughenden. He gave me a nice old trapped and burdened by unnecessary bath among the members of the National bureaucracy and red tape. That is what this Bill Party of the day. I could start on a few more seeks to provide. members opposite if they want to continue to The Public Service Bill replaces the Public sit there like Snow White pretending that none Service Management and Employment Act of that happened. Politicisation of 1988 and the Public Sector Management departments was turned into an art form under Commission Act 1990. In 1988 when the the members opposite. With this Bill, the Public Service Management and Employment Government would give legislative approval to Act was introduced by the previous National doing what it used to do behind closed doors. Party Government, it was widely regarded as Time expired. the most progressive piece of Public Service Miss SIMPSON (Maroochydore) employment legislation in the country and it (4.21 p.m.): I welcome this opportunity to provided the model which other jurisdictions participate in the debate on the Public Service used in updating their own Public Service Acts. Bill 1996. Firstly, I make some comments Over the intervening years, much has about the amazing things that the member for changed in the operating requirements of the Murrumba said earlier when he attempted to Public Service to the point at which that Act backtrack and justify himself on the issue of has well outlived its time. The advent of term appointments. In his speech, the commercialisation, the various changes in the member made it absolutely clear that systems of industrial relations and the Governments have the right to determine increasing demand for devolution of authority which statutory office holders can provide and accountability are but a few examples of them with advice and can terminate their the developments that have emerged over services at any time. However, I say to the this time, all of which need to be honourable member that surely the Dispute accommodated by the prevailing Public Resolution Centres Council, which he Service employment legislation. established, was a breach of the separation of powers. By the member's own admission, he It is in point of fact an indictment of the has established a policy advisory board which Goss Labor Government that the Public he could sack at any time and then by law Service Management and Employment Act require that the Chief Stipendiary Magistrate, was allowed to continue virtually unaltered or another Stipendiary Magistrate, be a throughout the six years of its administration member of it. In other words, the member when the Public Service was crying out for an introduced legislation requiring a member of Act more in keeping with its requirements. the judiciary to sit on a policy advisory board, Rather than amend or replace that Act with an which he could then sack at any time. The Act more in tune with the requirements of a member introduced legislation severely contemporary Public Service, the Goss impairing the independence of the Chief Government introduced the draconian Public Stipendiary Magistrate by drawing that office Sector Management Commission Act which, into the political process. instead of transforming the system of Public Service administration, added monumental To say in defence that this council was burdens of process on to the backs of public merely a policy advisory board only servants, making it even harder for them to do compounds the member's error. The member a good job of their work. Of course, added to has admitted that he has conscripted the that came the never-ending round of reviews judiciary onto a policy advisory board, which he that even further eroded morale. could sack at his absolute discretion. If ever there was a breach of the separation of It is small wonder that the public servants powers, if ever the independence of the of Queensland contributed so willingly at the judiciary was imperilled, it was by this arrogant polls to the Goss Government's demise. misuse of ministerial power. Mr WELLS: I rise to a point of order. I However, with regard to the Public Service take exception to what the honourable Bill 1996, I say that this legislation aims at member has just said. She has misled ensuring that the Queensland Public Service is honourable members as to the nature of what able to operate in serving the needs of the I just said to the Parliament a few moments Queensland people in the most efficient way ago. I said to the Parliament that it was possible. To do that the Public Service needs appropriate for a Government which wished to a legislative framework that is value adding have the capacity to remove members from 2552 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 boards to do so by a specific statute relating to in its treatment and respect for the needs and each specific board. interests of all parties. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Laming): The appeal system provided for in Part 7 What is the member's point of order? of the Bill is a streamlined system that is Mr WELLS: I beg to complete this. It guaranteed to operate efficiently. It differs was not appropriate for them to do it by a from the current system in several important process of giving themselves a general power ways. Firstly, the Bill introduces for the first so that they could govern by Executive time a prima facie test which will require decree. The honourable member, as have appellants, in cases of appeals against successive members, is misrepresenting me promotions, to demonstrate to the Public and I would ask them to tell the truth about Service Commissioner that they have at least what I said. an arguable case. The advantages deriving from this reform include the elimination of Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There fishing expeditions and the elimination of is no point of order. frivolous appeals which, under the current Miss SIMPSON: Now the public system, almost always go to, or near, the point servants of Queensland have in place a of hearing and chew up time and precious Government that is committed to ensuring that resources. Importantly, the Bill provides for the they are able to do their jobs in a professional prima facie case to be presented orally or in way free from all the needless and wasteful writing, which ensures that equity bureaucratic constraints that the previous considerations are taken into account. Government introduced, no doubt on the Secondly, the Bill brings back into advice that it received from the cadre of existence a system of protective appeals inexperienced academics that it engaged to which can be accessed by employees who advise it on Public Service reform. have been promoted and who are appealed If one were to be charitable, one could against. The current system is seriously express the hope that the cadre had learned deficient in that an employee who is from its failed experiment and that it would not successfully appealed against automatically seek to repeat it in other places. However, has an appeal right re-established in respect when one counts the costs of that experiment of all positions that he or she had applied for in terms of the damage it caused to the and would otherwise have been eligible to efficiency of the Public Service and the harm appeal against had the original promotion not and distress it caused to so many long-serving been won. Such an arrangement creates and loyal Public Service employees, it is unacceptable uncertainty for agencies in that difficult to be that generous. My good wishes they do not know which other appointments notwithstanding, it seems that leopards never might or might not be affected until after the really do change their spots. All the evidence first appeal is heard and determined. That can points to the redoubtable Professor Coaldrake also create a cascade of uncertainty for any continuing at QUT with his crash-or-crash- number of other appointments and it is through approach to management. particularly inconvenient for agencies when I turn now to the specifics of the Bill. I movements between centres are involved. would like to highlight what I consider are The new system in no way diminishes the some particularly important reforms. I refer to rights of employees but at least brings Part 7, which is that part of the Bill that deals certainty to the situation for employees and with appeals. The coalition in its statement on agencies alike for the reason that it requires Public Service policy gave a clear commitment affected employees to make an immediate to the maintenance of an effective appeals and conscious decision about which system for Public Service employees. The appointments they wish to reserve a right of coalition recognises the important role that an appeal. Equipped with that information, effective and efficient appeals and grievance agencies can more readily get on with the resolution system can play in ensuring that the business at hand, which is providing a service Public Service is administered in an ethical to the people of Queensland. manner and that people are selected for Thirdly, the Bill makes it explicit that there promotion on their merits for the jobs in is to be no right of appeal by individual question. The Public Service Bill delivers on employees in relation to the policies, that commitment from the coalition and, in strategies, scope, resourcing or direction of a doing so, updates the system of appeals so department or the Public Service. The current that it, too, can operate in a way that is as free system failed to give proper recognition to the of process burden as possible and is balanced legitimate management prerogative of 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2553

Government and wrongly suggested to parties application to the Public Service, a narrower aggrieved by such matters that a right of focus than was previously the case with the appeal existed. This Bill removes that Public Sector Management Commission Act. uncertainty. Again, the rights of Public Service Before dealing with the detail of this employees are sufficiently protected, for a right provision, I will address the general issue of of appeal is clearly available to those eligible the role of subordinate legislation. For some employees who might be aggrieved about time in a number of Legislatures around the how a particular policy, and so on, of a country there has been growing disquiet at the department is applied or not applied in their number of subordinate instruments generated particular case. by Government officials which have significant Fourthly, the Bill requires the impact on the community, yet have not been commissioner to decide appeals by way of considered by the Parliament. Consequently, review, that is, by reviewing the decision that is Parliaments have been cautious in enacting being appealed against. The current system provisions in primary legislation which provide requires all appeals to be determined by way for subordinate legislative instruments. It is of a fresh determination on the merits of the now a more commonly held view that the case. This results in the requirement for cases Parliament should not abrogate its to be heard afresh, which is unjustifiably time responsibility to scrutinise all legislative consuming, costly and sometimes unfair as instruments that determine access to, or limits there is the potential for additional material to on, services to the community and that the be introduced that was either not available or important decision-making role should not be not used initially. In the case of promotion delegated to our public servants. This is a view appeals, this has the effect of converting the I am sure that we all hold. appeal hearing into what amounts to a second This Bill, like its predecessor, provides for review, which is both inappropriate and subordinate legislation in the form of unjustifiable. commissioner rulings. Here the use of Fifthly, the Bill deals most effectively with subordinate legislation is entirely appropriate the problem of jurisdiction shopping by as there is no capacity for the commissioner to removing the potential for appellants to have a place restrictions on the rights of citizens or to matter heard and determined by the place limits on access to Government services commissioner and then, if dissatisfied with the through exercising his powers under this Bill. outcome, take the same matter to the The commissioner's functions are to ensure Industrial Relations Commission and petition the effective operation of the Public Service. for it to be heard again on the grounds that it The holder of the commissioner's office has a is a matter of public interest. This has been a statutory responsibility to uphold the principles time-wasting, costly and unnecessary use of contained in the legislation—to ensure an resources and is dysfunctional to the workings independent and impartial Public Service of both tribunals. The Bill in no way denies serving the Government and, through it, the employees or their unions access to the Queensland community. To give effect to this Industrial Relations Commission on matters responsibility, a power to issue directives and affecting individual employees that they regard guidelines is required. In effect, the as industrial matters. However, what the Bill commissioner is performing an employer's role does require is that a choice be made by the to make decisions, not unlike decisions taken employee as to which of the two jurisdictions by employers in the private sector. However, the matter is to be heard in, in the full the commissioner's powers to make decisions knowledge that the decision is final. Simplicity, are constrained by the provisions of the balance and efficiency are the hallmarks of the legislation. revised appeals system for Public Service The Public Service Commissioner will be employees provided for in this Bill. able to issue directives and guidelines to assist Clause 34 of the Bill deals with the departments to better manage their business. capacity of the commissioner to issue rulings. This clause provides that directives must be This power replaces, in part, section 4.13 of complied with. However, guidelines are the Public Sector Management Commission intended to be a general best-practice Act 1990, which provided for the former guidance for agencies. It is the Government's commission to issue Public Sector intention that such rulings be focussed on Management Standards. These standards outcomes rather than the prescriptive, had broad application across the public sector. process-focussed standards that emerged It should be noted that the rulings referred to from the PSMC. Directives will be issued by in the Bill will, in the first instance, have way of a gazette notice and will be binding on 2554 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996

Public Service employees and other centralised appeals and grievances function; employees of public sector units to whom the the lack of flexibility for agencies in directive applies. Guidelines will provide implementation of the standards' principles; guidance to agencies and to the public sector the standards' effect of de-skilling managers units to which they apply. and human resource professionals, removing Clause 34(2) provides that the their capacity to make informed and expert commissioner may issue directives and judgements in relation to their business and guidelines about— their work force; and the dated nature of the standards. (a) conditions of employment of Public Service employees; or The Office of the Public Service maintains that the role of a central agency is to support (b) contracts of employment for Public and facilitate line agencies in achieving the Service employees; or business objectives and, simultaneously, to (c) any matter for which it is necessary or service the needs of Government. The Public convenient to make provision to Sector Management Standards issued by the ensure that the principles of Public PSMC in fact hindered agencies in their efforts Service management and to achieve their core business objectives. By employment stated in Part 3 are way of example, the previous public sector maintained across the Public Service; employment legislation contained no provision or for transferring officers across departments. (d) any matter that under this or another This meant that where an officer at level was Act is required or permitted to be not available within the department, a full merit prescribed by the commissioner by selection with its attendant lengthy directive or guideline. advertisement and costly panel selection was The current Public Sector Management prescribed by the Public Sector Management Standards will continue to apply with the Standard for recruitment and selection. This introduction of this Act, but will be phased out was a cost that agencies and the Government and replaced over time. could ill afford in terms of time and money. Public Sector Management Standards were There is to be no departure from relevant only for a small proportion of the merit-based selection and the fair treatment of public sector work force, namely, the public sector employees. From 1990 to 1995, administrative stream. The recruitment and the Public Sector Management Commission selection techniques advocated by the issued Public Sector Management Standards aforementioned standard were largely that were subordinate legislation and were intended to provide whole-of-sector, best- unsuitable for operational and technical practice frameworks for various elements of streams. human resource management. For example, Public Sector Management Standards Public Sector Management Standards focussed on process as distinct from currently provide sectorwide frameworks for outcomes, with a consequential reduction in such elements as: recruitment and selection; focus on service delivery. They were overly redeployment, redundancy and retrenchment; prescriptive in their detail. For example, the training and development; criminal convictions; Public Sector Management Standard for discipline; and position descriptions. Public recruitment and selection contains some nine Sector Management Standards contain a principles and over 50 pages of guidelines. number of principles which are mandatory and Any reading of the principles would guidelines which are intended to represent demonstrate that they did not contain a best practice. description of a principle, but, rather, were a During recent consultations between the series of mandatory process steps. Office of the Public Service and Public Service Compliance with the principles and adherence departments, a great number of concerns to the guidelines has meant that service were expressed in relation to the standards. delivery has suffered while line managers were The concerns shared by the Office of the engaged in the lengthy processes required of Public Service and departments surround: the them. Consequently, positions went unfilled for rigidity of the standards; the one size fits all much longer than necessary, and this is very nature of the standards; the focus on process important. A recent benchmarking study found as distinct from outcomes, with the that it took an average of 50.18 days to fill consequent reduction in focus on service positions in the Queensland Public Service in delivery; the inappropriate focus on process comparison to 18.85 days to fill positions in being reinforced by the activities of the the private sector. 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2555

The inappropriate focus on process has the councils, of every other university been reinforced by the activities of the throughout Queensland. centralised appeals and grievances function of Many people in the community, in the the PSMC, as previously outlined. The media and at the universities were astonished recruitment and selection standard contains a to realise the scope of the powers which this guideline stating that a vacancy for a period of Government was seeking to grab for itself 12 weeks or less may be filled by operational through Executive Council, and which could go convenience, whereas a vacancy of more than to the heart of the independence of university 12 weeks and less than 12 months must be education in the State of Queensland. I know filled by merit selection. Despite being a that many people in the universities were quite guideline, this has become known as the shocked. As I said, I was greeted with a 12-week rule. It is in fact not a rule but has degree of disbelief when I made the been repeatedly treated as such by the suggestion that the independence of the centralised appeals and grievances area of universities, through the vice-chancellors and the PSMC, which was required in its rulings to their boards, could be potentially threatened ensure consistency across the service. That and open to political interference as a result of continually frustrated agencies which had the passage of this Bill before the House. The immediate business needs to meet. The one discomfort of the vice-chancellors at that size fits all model of the standards failed to prospect was heightened by the very public take account of the diversity of the public campaign they were waging at that time sector work environment. The standards have against the budget cuts to universities in fact contributed to a stagnation of the proposed by the Federal coalition. We know internal labour market by introducing and that those budget cuts are now a reality and legitimising rigidity in the recruitment and that universities are having to live with them. selection process. There is no doubt that for the first time in The cessation of issuing public sector many years—if ever—university vice- management standards in favour of the chancellors around Australia, not just in commissioner's directives and guidelines will Queensland, were united in their criticism and reduce the rigidity in the management of the condemnation of the Federal Government and public sector. It will provide for a new emphasis the Federal Education Minister over the on outcomes rather than a rule-based proposed cutbacks, as they were at that approach and it will focus on supporting the stage, canvassed prior to the bringing down of corporate objectives of Queensland Public the Federal Budget. It was that very climate in Service agencies, resulting in an improved which university vice-chancellors, staff and client service. students of universities were campaigning Time expired. strongly against a coalition Government which Mr BREDHAUER (Cook) (4.41 p.m.): brought home in clear and stark relief to the On 2 August this year—and I am sure the vice-chancellors and other people in the Minister for Education remembers that fateful universities that this Bill placed their day—I put out a media statement to the effect employment and positions in jeopardy, and that the independence of Queensland's that the independence of positions on universities was threatened by the new State university councils and senates was potentially Government Public Service Bill. The media under threat. statement which I put out was greeted with However, as I said, I was met with some some disbelief. Having read the Bill and taken disbelief. I contacted a number of the some advice in respect of its potential university chancellors and a number of the implications for universities, I was quite vice-chancellors around Queensland and confident that the Bill in its current form did alerted them to my concerns about the threaten the appointments, as it does in relevant proposed sections of the Bill which I respect of many other statutory office holders, believed were of concern. For example, I know of university vice-chancellors. that the University of Queensland sought legal In the case of the University of advice in respect of the matter, because I was Queensland, it does threaten the provided with a copy of it. It was provided by independence and autonomy of the deputy Roger Byrom, the university's legal officer. I vice-chancellor. It is the view expressed in wish to quote some extracts from that legal some legal opinion that the Bill also potentially advice, because I think it is instructive of the affects the constitution of the Senate of the extent to which not just the people who have University of Queensland and also the been mentioned in this debate by members councils, or at least some of the members of opposite previously but the community 2556 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 generally and, in this case, the higher Government, in particular this Premier, education community are concerned about sweeping powers over public administration in the potential implications of the Bill. I will quote Queensland. It is a sinister attempt by the the legal advice in its context, because it does Premier to gather to himself the widest qualify its concerns. The legal advice states— possible spectrum of powers. It is the type of "Clause 10 describes the people to political attack on public administration in this whom the act applies. Its main focus is State that has not been witnessed for quite a 'public service officers'. University staff do number of years—I would suggest about six not fall within that group. Neither are they and a half. 'public service' employees, so even the I will read further from the legal advice. It more limited provisions applicable to the states— latter do not apply. With one exception "The other way a regulation might (the Vice-Chancellor) the Act does not render the University and its staff subject apply at all to university employees . . ." to the Act is through clauses 20 and 21. So there is clearly that exception of the Clause 21(c) brings the University within university vice-chancellor, as I hinted at in my the expression 'government entity'. Under media statement. It goes on to say— cl.20(c), a government entity may be ". . . and the only prospect of its applying declared a public sector unit. Were the in the future appears to be if a regulation government to declare this University a is made to produce that effect." public sector unit then a number of regulatory sections would apply to it and It then goes on to canvass that issue. It its staff. Realistically, it is our view of the continues— likelihood that the government might "The University is not, and never will declare the University a public sector unit be, a government department. Public that governs the extent to which we service officers are listed in Schedule 1 should be concerned that the Bill might and the University is unlike any of them become an Act and so part of the law of although it must be conceded that, since Queensland." Item 11 in the list is 'an entity declared by regulation to be a public service office' Those are obviously the areas—clauses 20 and 21—that are of most concern to the there seems no technical impediment to university. It goes on to say— the University being declared one in that way." ". . . there seems little likelihood that a So there is potential under this Bill for the University will be seen as an appropriate university to be declared a public entity. It government entity to be declared a public continues— sector unit." "I regard it as very unlikely that the As I say, the qualification is there, but the government will choose the University of power is there. It continues— Queensland (or another university for that "The specific case of the Vice- matter) as an entity suitable for Chancellor (and in this University, the declaration as a public service office." Deputy Vice-Chancellor) is affected by That is the context. He says that he considers Part 8 of the Act which deals with it unlikely. However, that capacity is in this Bill. statutory office holders. Since s.14 of the We have to ask ourselves why the University Act provides that the Government sought to give itself the power in appointment of both the Vice-Chancellor this Bill to allow it to affect the positions of vice- and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor may only chancellors in universities. Why did it want to take effect once confirmed by the give itself the power in this Bill, even if it is Governor-in-Council, their posts appear to unlikely that it will use it, to declare a university be statutory offices under cl.108 of the as a Public Service office and potentially bring Public Service Bill." all employees—all staff—of universities under Of course, if they are regarded as statutory the jurisdiction of this Bill? Even if it is just an office holders under clause 108 of the Bill that error in drafting, it is a pretty fundamental and is before the House today, then they can be serious one. However, I happen to believe that summarily dismissed—they can be dismissed it was not an error in drafting, just as I believe at any time for no reason and without recourse that most of the objectionable provisions in to judicial review or the Industrial Relations this Bill were not errors in drafting. I am very Commission. The legal advice goes on to strongly of the view that there has been a discuss the fact that the universities are in deliberate attempt in this Bill to give this negotiations with the Education Department 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2557 over redrafting of the legislation, which I am The reality is that the Minister has aware of and prepared to acknowledge, but announced that the Queensland Schools the fact is that this Bill as it stands before the Curriculum Council is going to become a House now has the capacity to affect the statutory authority. People might say that it is autonomy and the independence of unlikely that this Government will seek to universities in Queensland. It is an example of dismiss the members of the board of the the extent of the power grab of this statutory authority the Queensland Schools Government that it has been prepared to Curriculum Council. But the memories of place at risk the independence of higher people in the education community of this education in this State; that it has been State are not so fuzzy that they cannot prepared to sweep all aside in its attempt to remember with grave concern the days in the give itself the most widespread powers that it not-too-distant past when the National Party possibly can. exercised great political interference over the But the Bill does not stop there in its curriculums in Queensland schools. The impacts on education. I could talk specifically members of the education community in about a number of statutory authorities that Queensland remember well the SEMP and are established under the Education Act and MACOS debates. I do not doubt that the related Acts. This Bill provides that the chairs Minister for Education remembers those of those statutory authorities are basically debates himself. He would have been a regarded as executive directors and that the teacher in the late seventies when those members of those statutory authorities can be debates were at their peak. I would be dismissed by this Government. One of those, surprised if the member for Merrimac, the for example, is the Board of Senior Secondary Minister for Education, would not have been School Studies, another is the Tertiary one of those teachers who was concerned at Entrance Procedures Authority, and another the thought that the then National Party-led one is the Queensland Schools Curriculum coalition Government was prepared to Council. interfere in the social studies curriculum of this Mr Quinn: It is not a statutory authority. State in the way that it was planning to do. Mr BREDHAUER: But the Government The members of the education is intending to make it one. Essentially, when I community in Queensland are not so jaded released my media statement I said that the that they do not remember the days when Government was in the process of establishing Rona Joyner had a hotline directly to that body as a statutory authority. Under the Bjelke-Petersen and could seek to have books existing provisions of the Bill, when it becomes banned from Queensland schools and could an authority it will be subject to the Bill and the seek to have elements of the curriculums of Government would be able to sack its Queensland schools affected and changed so members. So the Government is giving itself that it suited her particular puritanical and the power to sack the members of a board fundamental beliefs. It strikes a tremor of fear that it has not even established yet! into members of the education community to Ms Bligh: It's the scout's motto—be think that an organisation such as the prepared. Queensland Schools Curriculum Council could Mr BREDHAUER: That is right. be subjected to the political interference, the political whims of this Government. But in Mr Quinn: You are stretching it a bit. truth, it is not just this Government they do not Mr BREDHAUER: It is not stretching it want to be able to interfere politically in the at all. The Minister has actually announced curriculum in Queensland; they do not want publicly—— any Government to have that power. They Mr Quinn: You have just about got to would not have wanted the Goss Government the limit now. to have the power to interfere politically in the Mr BREDHAUER: I think the Minister curriculum; they would not want a future has copped enough of a hiding over the last Beattie Government to have the power to few days. I would just keep my head down for interfere politically in the curriculum. They a little while if I were him. There are 6,500 certainly do not want a Borbidge Government people out there who want a piece of his to have the power to do so. scalp, and we know that there is already Mr Quinn: That can happen now under precious little of it! I would not be buying into your legislation with the Queensland too many arguments if I were the Minister; I Curriculum Council. You put that legislation would just be keeping my head down. through yourself. 2558 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996

Mr BREDHAUER: But the Government members of the Wet Tropics Management will create a circumstance in which the Premier Authority board are also affected, but we all himself has the power, through Executive know that it is absolutely no coincidence— Council, to dismiss the members of the absolutely none—that the Government wants Queensland Schools Curriculum Council, and to give itself the capacity to sack those that is a matter for grave concern. members. Mr Quinn: You can do that now under I want to turn to some of the comments your legislation. that were made by some of the members Mr BREDHAUER: I want to talk about opposite. I heard the member for Toowoomba some of the other organisations. It is quite North talk about how consultation was one of instructive—— the hallmarks of this Government and how widely it had consulted on this Bill. The Mr Quinn: Don't talk about that any Explanatory Note says— more. "The proposed new Public Service Mr BREDHAUER: The Minister has Bill has been discussed in broad terms"— been rolled by Cabinet, rolled by the Premier what does that mean? and hung out to dry. He came out on Monday afternoon and said that he still intended to Ms Bligh: Very broad terms. sack 6,500 cleaners, and then he got rolled for Mr BREDHAUER: Very broad terms. I the second time—— think they rang people and said, "We are Mr Quinn: Who got away with the going to bring in a new Public Service Bill." money? The Explanatory note continues— Mr BREDHAUER: What, $150,000 out "with all government agencies, chief of the toilet allowance? I will come back to the executives, directors of human resource Minister and the school cleaners in a minute. I management areas in agencies, the would keep my head down if I were the State Public Services Federation of Minister. He has had a shellacking over the Queensland and the Queensland last few days. The Minister should go and talk Teachers' Union. Advice from Crown Law to the cleaners. They are not thanking him or has been sought on certain aspects of his Premier. They know that those men the Bill"— betrayed them and sold them down the drain. but I would suggest not on all aspects of the Under the provisions of this legislation, the Bill. Government has the capacity to dismiss the Ms Bligh: Not enough. Land Tribunal established under the Aboriginal Mr BREDHAUER: Not enough aspects Land Act and the tribunal established under of the Bill, which is why there have been so the Aurukun Associates Agreement of 1975. It many stuff-ups. is quite astonishing and instructive to consider the range of organisations that the The reality is that when organisations Government has tried to affect with this such as the SPSFQ and the QTU were given a legislation. I have mentioned the universities. verbal briefing on this, they were never shown The Island Industries Board established under a draft of the Bill. They were never told about the Community Services (Torres Strait) Act will the offensive clauses that were in the Bill. come under the legislation. I have mentioned They were never told about the stuff that that the advisory committees established affected industrial relations. They were never under the Education (General Provisions) Act told about the stuff that affected contracts. would be subject to this legislation. The They were never told about the stuff that Government would have the capacity to sack affected the boards. They were rung up one a number of members of the boards of day and given a verbal briefing, and then they trustees of grammar schools. I am sure that are included in the Explanatory Note as having the grammar schools are not happy about been consulted. The critics of the Bill are the that. The coordinating and advisory committee very people whom the member for for the Shire of Aurukun established under the Toowoomba North claims were consulted on Local Government (Aboriginal Lands) Act the Bill, so they obviously do not feel very could be affected. The Government could happy about it. even sack the members of the poor old Raine I refer now to the Minister for Education, Island Corporation, which looks after a little and honourable members would be aware of island off the tip of Cape York Peninsula which the great success he has had with his is a turtle and bird rookery. There is no end to consultative approach with the school the list of organisations affected. Two cleaners. He tried to sack the cleaners without 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2559 consulting with the unions and he tried to In addition to these responsibilities, abolish parent and teacher representation on subsection 51(2) of the Bill specifically directs the boards. That was a failure, too. He would chief executives to be responsible for the not consult with the union over RAIS. He had number of Public Service employees to go to them on bended knee recently. employed in the department, that is Then we heard from the member for departmental employees, and the Broadwater, who was trying to tip buckets on classification levels at which departmental the Opposition spokesperson, saying that she employees are to be employed. For the first was engaging in personal attacks. The time, chief executives will have responsibility effrontery of the member for Broadwater, for determining the number and classification saying that we were engaging in personal levels of departmental employees employed in attacks! their department. No longer will that power be controlled centrally through a position-based Ms Bligh: He's never done anything like establishment system administered by that, has he? Executive Council. This change in the way that Mr BREDHAUER: Not much! The departmental employment is managed is Government's attack on the Opposition consistent with contemporary business spokesperson is a measure of how hard it has management practice and mirrors reforms been hurt by the campaign against the Bill. widely accepted and introduced into other jurisdictions. Time expired. The removal of central controls will place Ms WARWICK (Barron River) day-to-day employment responsibility at the (5.01 p.m.): I thank the House for the departmental level where it belongs. With opportunity to participate in the debate on the responsibility goes accountability. The Public Service Bill 1996. I commend the Government will provide authority to chief Government on the introduction of this Bill executives to plan, monitor and manage their which will bring the Public Service into line with departmental workforce and put in place contemporary public administration practices. accountability to Government for achieving the The Bill offers Queensland a more flexible and policy and program outcomes within budget accountable Public Service capable of better constraints. To date, chief executives have delivering services to the community. The Bill been made responsible for service delivery removes many of the inflexibilities and and program outcomes set in the budget bureaucratic processes which have impeded context. However, the use of a central chief executives in the efficient management position-based establishment control system of departmental functions. has often frustrated chief executives' ability to I intend to concentrate my comments on be responsive to changing Government aspects of provisions of the Bill which deal with policies and demands. Because this form of the responsibilities of a chief executive. More establishment control was not linked to specifically, I will refer to provisions relating to accountability through effective monitoring, powers to determine the number and departmental executives and program classification levels of Public Service managers were not fully responsible for all employees to be employed in a department. resource decisions. The broad range of responsibilities of Under the previous Public Service chief executives are clearly set down in clause Management and Employment Act 1988, 51(1) of the Bill. These responsibilities can be chief executives were restricted in their summarised as follows: defining departmental management and allocation of human goals and objectives; promoting effective, resources. The legislation required that all efficient, economical and appropriate Public Service officer positions be created or management of public resources; deciding abolished by the Governor in Council. This organisational and staffing structures for the process effectively required chief executives department; being responsive to changing and portfolio Ministers to subject their Government policies and priorities; promoting management decisions on staffing to central continuing evaluation and improvement of agency scrutiny prior to gaining Executive departmental management; implementing Council approval. policies of community access and equity to It was an unfortunate situation that a Government programs; and maintaining Minister and chief executive with the power to proper standards in the creation, keeping and allocate millions of dollars of expenditure within management of public records under the chief and across program areas in departments executive's control. could not create or abolish even the most 2560 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 junior positions in their organisation without considered inconsistent with that necessary for first obtaining Executive Council approval. This the effective, efficient, economical and was inefficient and wasteful and an appropriate performance of the department's unnecessary process burden. Under that function, the Premier, under clause 30 of the regime, poor employment practices and low Bill, may fix the maximum number of Public morale among the Government's workforce Service employees, other than senior developed as a result of the tight centralised executives, for that department. It is expected control, particularly the practice of engaging that this would be a measure of last resort. By long-term temporary wages employees to fill letting the managers manage, the traditional core Public Service positions. Government will reap real economies and Departments resorted to creating efficiencies in public administration for the supernumerary positions outside of benefit of the cost effective service delivery to establishment control. When positions were the Queensland community. abolished, departments were required to offer I want to discuss the roles of chief up establishment. For every retrenchment a executives and statutory appointees by position was required to be surrendered. In the reference to the highly inaccurate article last reporting period for July to December penned by David Solomon in his article 1996, only 44 per cent of positions were headed, "Premier gets more powers under surrendered. Departments used the remaining new Bill", which purported to highlight establishment or kept it in reserve. With full problems with the Bill. It is reassuring that in responsibility and proper accountability, this times of constant change and upheaval, there subterfuge will not be practised. is at least one constant, that is, misleading The Public Service establishment system and inaccurate lead stories in the Courier-Mail. has proven to be ineffectual in controlling the This Bill, in fact, modernises the law governing size of the public sector. I would point out that the public sector, bolsters the traditional the establishment system, which has been Westminster concepts of an apolitical, removed by this Bill, applied only to Public permanent, tenured Public Service and Service positions, which comprise some 22 per contains a number of safeguards to ensure cent of the total public sector workforce. In that the vast majority of public servants will fact, employment in the majority of the public have a stable, progressive career structure. It sector is determined by other legislation. The replaces a ramshackle collection of statutes inefficiency of the centralised establishment and regulations which Labor administered control system had been acknowledged by the which stifled morale, diminished service Opposition. As late as 1995, the previous delivery to the public and created a centralised Government introduced a workforce PSMC which regularly rode roughshod over management policy but failed to introduce the line departments and managers. necessary legislative amendments to the The Public Service Bill devolves powers Public Service Management and Employment back to line departments, managers and Act 1988 which would have provided a directors-general. Rather than centralise power delegation of Governor in Council powers to in the Premier, it in fact takes power away from chief executives to create and abolish Public his portfolio and gives it to the people who are Service positions, provided reporting serving the public direct. In this respect at requirements were met. This reporting least, the Bill "proposes massive changes to arrangement has now been finalised by the the system of government in Queensland", Office of the Public Service and this Bill does but not in the way Mr Solomon suggested. what the previous Government failed to do. This Bill gives positive effect to the need Firstly, under the Bill, chief executives are for change in the area of Public Service appointed by the Governor in Council, not the Premier. The Premier will sign a contract with employment management, and provides the the chief executive—as occurs now—but the necessary flexibility and accountability to chief Bill specifically provides that the terms of the executives in the management of contract must be approved by the Governor in departmental resources. The focus of this Council. In other words, the current Government is on accountability for achieving arrangements are continued. outcomes. Chief executives are now accountable for their workforce management Secondly, the dramatic suggestion that practices and performance. This accountability chief executives and contract SES officers will will be monitored by the Office of the Public be able to be dismissed by the giving of one Service, established under clause 32 of this month's notice should come as no surprise, Bill. In the rare event that a department is because every chief executive contract found to be adopting employment strategies executed in Queensland over the past eight 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2561 years by both conservative and Labor will be on contracts is contrary to what is in the Governments has contained clauses enabling Bill and contrary to what the Premier said in the Government to terminate the contract, Parliament. without the giving of reasons, with one Finally, the claim that the Premier will month's notice. The Bill states only what is have more control over a department than its already the practice, and has been since Minister is bizarre. Section 12 of the Public contracts were introduced. Service Management and Employment Act Thirdly, as public servants would know, and clause 54 of the Bill—so far as the previous Government purged the responsibility of departmental Ministers for bureaucracy in its first term. The upper their departments—are exactly the same. I echelons of the Public Service were repeat: they are exactly the same. Why has decimated, and it did this by redesignating Mr Solomon made the incorrect and quite positions and declaring the existing office misleading claim that, in effect, there has holders redundant. Unfortunately, those been a power grab by the Premier of the day? persons who were thrown on the scrap heap Moreover, clause 54 makes it clear for the first were entitled to next to nothing in time that a director-general must act compensation. Under this Bill, people on independently, impartially and fairly in making contracts will have their rights spelt out and, in decisions about public servants. Departmental fact, will be a lot better off. Ministers will have less authority, but only to Fourthly, Mr Solomon incorrectly claims ensure that chief executives can run their that the Premier did not mention the departments in line with the Westminster provisions about removal of statutory office principles of an independent career Public holders in his parliamentary speech. In fact, he Service without political interference. I support did, and Mr Solomon should read it again. the Bill. More importantly, though, Mr Solomon failed Ms SPENCE (Mount Gravatt) to point out that the provision dealing with (5.14 p.m.): There is no doubt that the Premier term appointments sets out a list of has made a blunder with this Bill. Indeed, it exclusions, and then refers to "the holder of would be hard to imagine any Premier of this an office declared under a regulation for this State making such a monumental blunder with section". In other words, the type of offices not his first significant piece of legislation. There is subject to these provisions can and will be no doubt that he is facing a humiliating added to in the regulations. Mr Solomon did backdown on this Bill. We are told that he will not bother to ask the Premier or his office what bring before the Parliament a whole raft of type of offices would be included. If he had, amendments forced upon him by public he would not have been able to engage in the outrage over this Bill. I am pleased that the type of scaremongering he did. Is it too much Premier is the type of person who is big to ask journalists or commentators to check enough to back down when he can see that their facts first? But what is even more he is wrong, but the people of Queensland are concerning is that Mr Solomon failed to point getting a bit tired of this Government's out that a public servant of more than five mistakes, this Government's blunders and this years' standing who loses a term appointment Government's being forced to make another has an automatic right of return to the Public about-face over one of its major policy Service. In other words, the termination of the decisions. I say to this Government, "You were term appointment triggers an automatic right put there to govern, but you're not up to it. of reversion to the mainstream Public Service. Queenslanders are getting tired of taking to Fifthly, Mr Solomon claimed that— the streets to make you see the light." From cleaners to tollway workers and public ". . . contracts are likely to extend to servants—no-one can trust this Government, senior officers in new public service ranks because they know now that it is incapable of which will be created to replace the lowest good government. level of the senior executive service." Mr Rowell: What did Mr Burns call the This is an absolutely disgraceful suggestion, firefighters again? as the Bill makes specific provision for "senior officers" who will replace the SES 1 level. The Ms SPENCE: Government members Premier said in his speech to the Parliament get really touchy whenever anyone on this that these officers will be tenured and will not side of the House stands up and gives them be on contract. The progressive abolition of the truth. I can understand members of the SES 1 positions will mean that approximately back bench being very jittery this week over 45 per cent of all SES positions will remain the performance of their Executive. I am tenured. The suggestion that senior officers prepared to put up with that kind of behaviour 2562 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 for the next 20 minutes because I do feel sorry honest—which we would want them to be—in for them. Many times this week I have looked front of the parliamentary committee. So not over there and thought that if I was a marginal only is the Government destroying the backbench member of this Government I Westminster system, it is also destroying the would not be happy. Indeed, they have not operation of the committees of this looked happy all week. Parliament. I am frightened that the people in I intend to discuss the Bill before the the Senior Executive Service will provide the House. I have read the many media Government only with the advice that it wants statements reporting the proposed changes, to hear—that there will be no-one brave but as we have not yet seen those enough to offer impartial or negative advice to amendments we can discuss only the this Government. legislation before us. That is what I intend to Earlier the member for Rockhampton said do. The intention of the Bill is clearly to give that the Government would be surrounding this Government the opportunity to make the itself with a lot of clones. Let us face it, that is entire senior level of the Public Service political what it will have. If we honestly assess the appointees. Not only does this Government situation, we would all agree that no political want to appoint its mates as directors-general, party has enough talent, enough qualified but also it wants to appoint all the top-level people, to fill all the positions of the Senior public servants itself. Executive Service in Queensland. The Labor I can see many problems associated with Party does not have it; the National Party does this type of public administration. In common not have it; clearly the Liberal Party does not with previous speakers before me, I believe have it. The members opposite will fill the that what the Government is going to do with Senior Executive Service with a lot of second- this type of system is lower the standards of rate, party-political hacks who will give the public servants in this State. I believe that Government very poor advice. Already, in its many career path public servants will not want politicisation of the Public Service it has to take a job in the Senior Executive Service of brought in many people who have no the State's Public Service knowing that, in experience in public administration and no doing so, they will be regarded as political knowledge of the morals or ethics of public appointees and their term in office will end with servants. the change of Government. Firstly, I believe Mr FitzGerald: I will give a copy of this that this system will lower the standard of to every new appointee to the Public Service. public servants. Then it will lower the career Ms SPENCE: The honourable member path of public servants in this State. Public can give them a copy of what I am about to servants who want a career in the bureaucracy say: by abolishing the system of merit-based will see that they can aspire only to a certain selection in the Public Service, the level of the bureaucracy, and it will be a much Government has sacked most of the women lower level than one they had previously in the Senior Executive Service. Under the regarded as their career path. So we will get a Labor Government, 15 per cent of the Senior lower-educated, lower-quality type of person Executive Service were women. wanting to join the Public Service in Queensland. The Government is creating a Mr FitzGerald: Have you got 34 per Public Service which will be answerable only to cent women in the House yet, or is it 35 per the Government, not the Public Service. The cent that you should have? Senior Executive Service will know that it is Ms SPENCE: The honourable member answerable to the Executive Government of does not want to hear this, because it is the this State, not the Parliament of this State. truth. I agree, 15 per cent was a pretty poor show; we should have done better than that in Having been a chair of a parliamentary committee and having served on a our six years of Government. In six months, parliamentary committee over the past six the Government has reduced that 15 per cent years, I am really concerned that, when to 2 per cent. It has removed merit-based parliamentary committees call public servants selection and employed its mates and, for the to appear before them, those public servants most part, those mates are boys. Someone will be too frightened to open their mouths to said to me earlier that this Bill is really about answer to the Parliament through the gender cleansing. parliamentary committee. They will know, Mr FitzGerald: Did you hate your father through this legislation, that their masters are or something? the Government and the Ministers of the day, Ms SPENCE: The Government is really and they will be too frightened to be open and about ridding the Senior Executive Service of 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2563 women, and any honest assessment will show constitutional impacts on the separation of the member for Lockyer that. This powers and the public administration of this Government does nothing more than mouth State. platitudes about women and families. Any fair Offices held under statute are those that examination of its performance shows that, have been considered by the Legislature to when it comes to giving women positions of exercise such important and independent power in this State, it falls far short. The discretions that those officers must be seen to member for Lockyer can sit and laugh about be independent of the political process and this, but I can tell him that the professional exercise their discretion without fear of or women in Queensland have not failed to influence by the Government of the day. notice that this Government has not put Those officers have always been protected women into senior executive positions in its from removal except for misbehaviour or other Public Service. The honourable member may serious matters. Such officers include the think that that is funny, but they do not. Director of Public Prosecutions, the Electoral Mr FitzGerald: You're the joke. Commissioner, the Commissioner for Ms SPENCE: The member for Lockyer Consumer Affairs and the Queensland Law is the joke and this Bill is the joke. Reform Commissioners. The threat of instant dismissal without reason captured in those The effect and intent of this Bill is to clauses of the Bill attacks fundamentally the reshape the face of public administration in ability of the holders of those offices to this State in ways that will make it exercise their duties independently and it unrecognisable. On any assessment of this undermines public confidence in the officers Bill, its failures fall into two camps. Firstly, the themselves. Those officers can have a Bill seeks, through a number of very significant influence over the lives and dangerous provisions, to concentrate power livelihoods of individuals, and any scope for away from the open, the public and the corruption of their independence should be accountable to the hidden, the secret and the avoided. Executive arm of government. These failures erode either the rights of the public or the I am concerned that the Commissioner for rights of the Parliament. They put the Consumer Affairs is mentioned in this Bill. That Government's first stake into the heart of the is a position that can be politicised in the separation of powers. Secondly, the Bill fashion of this Bill. That person, in common tramples on a range of industrial rights with other officers mentioned, can be currently enjoyed by employees of the public dismissed without notice and replaced with a sector. In this regard, the Bill either seeks to political appointee of the Government of the expand regulatory powers to areas currently day. I am glad that the Attorney-General and regulated by other more relevant instruments, Minister for Justice is here, because I hope he or it seeks to reduce the rights and asks the Premier to clarify in his reply the entitlements of individual employees. position of the Commissioner of Consumer Affairs. I believe that the consumer I will discuss the odious and contentious organisations in this State are very concerned provisions of clauses 110 and 116. Those over the politicisation of that position. That provisions have been the subject of significant person has enormous powers, both legal and public debate since the Bill was tabled and the civil. Frankly, it is frightening to think that this subject of much ducking and weaving by Government is considering making the Government members, most notably the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, in Premier and his Attorney-General. Those common with other positions of high authority, provisions relate to the removal of statutory one that will be filled by someone who will be office holders from office. The effect of clause merely a puppet of the Government of the 110 is that persons appointed to a statutory day. office can be removed at any time without reason by the Governor in Council despite the Having wiped out the Public Service removal provisions of the Act under which they leadership on taking up the reins of power, this were appointed. Further, clause 116 provides Government now seeks the power to do the that a decision to remove such an officer same in the statutory authorities of this State. under the Public Service Bill cannot be How frustrated the Premier must have been to repealed and cannot be challenged in any discover that there were scores of influential way, either under the Judicial Review Act or independent offices that the Parliament had in the Industrial Relations Act. The combination its wisdom put beyond his grasp. of these powers and the provisions that When I was considering the types of provide them will have drastic legal and statutory authorities that can be dismissed 2564 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 under this Public Service Bill, I noticed that the If there are any lingering doubts out there poor old Mount Gravatt Trust does not escape that the evil empire is back, the introduction of mention or authority under this Bill. This the Public Service Bill into this Parliament must Government is giving itself the power to sack remove those doubts. This Bill will surround the current members of the Mount Gravatt the Premier for a long time to come. Whether Trust. Everyone knows that the Government or not he backs down from some of its has the numbers on the board of the trust excesses, whether or not he amends it to already. All the Government's appointees are remove the things that are offensive, and in place. No-one else has a chance of a look- whether or not he is forced into more in, but that is not good enough for the humiliating backdowns by the weight of public Government. It wants the power to summarily opinion, there will be thousands who will never dismiss the members of that trust and fill the forget that, through this Bill, the Premier organisation with its own appointees at any sought to increase his own powers at the time. expense of the independence of the criminal Mr Carroll: They will be impressed to justice system of this State. Thousands will hear what you are saying. Don't you worry never forget that the Premier sought to corrupt about that. the public administration of Queensland in his quest to accrue personal power to his office. Ms SPENCE: The honourable member Finally, let us hear what some leading can take every word I am saying back to the Queenslanders have to say about this Bill. Mount Gravatt Trust, because that is the Firstly, I would like to quote the words of Mr position that its members face under this Bill. Royce Miller, the Director of Public Mr Carroll: I will let them know. Prosecutions, who said— Ms SPENCE: I hope the member for "I am not prepared to see this Bill Mansfield lets them know what I am saying passed. It is a direct threat to the proper today. I welcome that. administration of the criminal justice While the clauses relating to the removal system." of statutory officers pose the greatest difficulty, Secondly, I would like to quote the words of Mr a number of other clauses seek to concentrate Frank Clair, the Chairman of the Criminal power in ways that reduce accountability and Justice Commission, who said— transparency of Government activity. Notable "The Director of Public Prosecutions among those are the powers under clause 22 is situated at the heart of the criminal to extend the provisions of this Bill by prosecution system in this State. The regulation to the employees of Government effect of this proposed legislation is to put entities, including local governments and at risk the integrity and independence of universities. The effects of this Bill on public the system." administration are far-reaching and the concentration of powers into fewer and less Finally, I would like to quote the words of Dr accountable hands should cause alarm bells Ian Siggins, the Queensland Health Rights to ring in the minds of all Queenslanders who Commissioner, who said— remember the way that previous National "Unless you can speak with a certain Party Governments abused the trust of office degree of freedom and honesty about in its corruption of the Public Service and the what is happening to people without fear process of government. or favour, then the job becomes The claim that this Bill devolves power impossible to do." away from a central agency and into the I fear that that is what the Government is hands of the management of departments is forcing the public servants of this State absolutely hollow. This Bill devolves powers into—doing an impossible job. away from an independent statutory central Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers agency into the hands of the Premier. The Paradise—Premier) (5.32 p.m.), in reply: I authority given to the Premier by this Bill to thank all honourable members for their determine the staffing in Government contributions to the debate on the Public departments and other public sector units Service Bill. It is clear that this Bill has attracted undermines the existing powers of CEOs and quite a lot of comment: some of it constructive opens the way for ministerial interference by and accurate; much of it of a political nature the Premier into staff decisions and, most and either inaccurate or misleading. In any alarmingly in the face of the decision to sack event, no-one can say that this Bill has not all of the cleaners, into redundancy decisions been subjected to intense scrutiny. At the end in every department. of the day, whatever the motives of those 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2565 critics of the legislation, I acknowledge that it is I will also be moving an amendment to good for the community that legislation of the clause 109, adding to the list of statutory significance of this Bill be analysed, discussed exemptions the Director and Deputy Director of and debated—even vigorously debated. Public Prosecutions, the Electoral I will touch on the contributions made by Commissioner, the Solicitor-General and CJC honourable members in this debate in a misconduct tribunal members. It needs to be moment, but it is clear that there are a number put on the public record that none of those of major issues which require specific mention. offices were ever intended to be subject to Perhaps the part of the Bill that has attracted Part 8; they were all to be exempted by the most comment has been Part 8, which regulation. Any comment by any person that relates to the removal of term appointees. As this Government had an agenda to imperil the has been pointed out in this debate, Part 8 is independence of these offices is totally and based on comparable provisions in place in absolutely incorrect. both New South Wales and Victoria. The I accept that there was an appropriate major point of departure of the Queensland debate on whether a regulation was sufficient provisions is that the offices exempt from Part to protect those positions, but I reject without 8 can be added to by regulation. I want to qualification the snide and misleading place on public record the fact that this campaign run by some that any of these provision, which I reiterate is not in the offices and the officers who filled them were at Victorian and New South Wales legislation, any risk whatsoever. This was a classic was inserted specifically to enable the example of politics by fear and half-truth. Government to have the flexibility to exempt Nevertheless, to allay the fears raised, it is from Part 8 a quasi-judicial office, officers and necessary to put this issue beyond debate those having a critical, central and sensitive and to make sure that the most important role in the governance of the State. offices for the body politic are inserted in the For the information of the House, I table a legislation. By the way, that is the rationale for draft regulation that sets out those exempt which offices are included in the legislation offices which have been identified to date. The and those proposed to be exempted by list is not necessarily exhaustive. On the regulation. passage of this Bill, all departments will be Unfortunately, not all tribunals will be consulted by the Office of the Public Service to protected in this way. As honourable members determine if any further position should be have pointed out, the Racing Appeals exempted. The proposed exemptions are Tribunal, the Child Care Review Tribunal and extensive, including 10 separate tribunals the Liquor Appeals Tribunal—all Labor together with a number of important statutory creations—already have provisions in their positions such as the Parliamentary Counsel, primary legislation allowing the Government of the Public Trustee, the Health Rights the day an unlimited power to sack. So much Commissioner, the Legal Aid Commissioner for Labor's concern about protecting the and the Law Reform Commission. The judicial independence of tribunal members! regulation does not include Vice-Chancellors I thank the honourable member for of the University of Queensland, University of Murrumba for his contribution in the Southern Queensland, Central Queensland Grievances debate of 8 August, in which he University, Griffith University, James Cook correctly pointed out that it is the right of a University, Queensland University of Government to determine its policy advisers. Technology, or Sunshine Coast University. He was replying to the contribution of the Crown law advice is that none of these offices member for Lockyer in the debate in which he are term appointments and that Part 8 does pointed out that the honourable member, Mr not apply to any of those positions. If any Wells, had introduced legislation enabling the honourable member is interested in perusing unfettered removal of members of the Dispute this advice, I would be pleased to provide a Centres Resolution Council. Part 8 reflects that copy. In addition, Crown law has also advised right—subject, of course, to quasi-judicial that the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, bodies and other non-policy officers being provided that the appointment instrument appropriately exempted. So to paraphrase the does not specify a term, is also not subject to member for Murrumba, the policy underlying Part 8. As the current commissioner's Part 8, so far as it gives the Government the appointment was not limited by time—and as I right to choose its policy advisers on statutory understand it, this is the standard practice—he boards, is in accordance with basic is also not subject to Part 8. Westminster principles. 2566 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996

Mr WELLS: I rise to a point of order. I withdraw and he ought to be ashamed of have been misrepresented. That is not a himself. paraphrase at all. What I said was that it was Mr BORBIDGE: I will withdraw, but how appropriate to do it statute by statute up-front the truth hurts! so that the Parliament could make a decision rather than to adopt a general power as is The next issue requiring comment is the being done in this case. If the Honourable the coverage of the Bill—— Premier wants to claim that he has the support Mr Wells: How would the Premier know? of anything that I ever said then it is to Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point mislead—— of order. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Laming): Mr BORBIDGE: The honourable Order! The member can make his point of member has not been so active since he got clarification but he must not debate the point. I sacked. call the Premier. The next issue requiring comment is the Mr BORBIDGE: Certainly, it is in coverage of the Bill. Concern has been accordance with Labor's track record—and the expressed that the Bill's definition of member's—in that on at least 20 occasions "government entity" is too wide and extends since 1990 the Labor Government introduced the coverage of the legislation compared with legislation enabling it to sack statutory office the Public Sector Management Commission holders without qualification. The honourable Act. I acknowledge that this definition is too member for Lockyer outlined each of those 20 widely drafted and I will be rectifying this during instances. the Committee stage. However, I place on the Finally, I can assure the House that, public record the fact that it was not the policy unlike the member for Murrumba, this of the Government to extend the coverage of Government will not readily be introducing this legislation to include, for example, local legislation establishing boards providing policy authorities and universities. I bring to the advice to the Government, as was the Dispute attention of this House an extract from the Centres Resolution Council, and requiring as a drafting instructions that were forwarded to the member the Chief Stipendiary Magistrate or Parliamentary Counsel by the Office of the his nominee. I would have thought that that Public Service on 22 April. In that letter, the was a fundamental breach of the doctrine of following drafting instructions were provided— separation of powers and was potentially politicising the judiciary. "The philosophy underlying the legislation is that it is aimed at regulating Mr Wells interjected. the affairs of the public service and public Mr BORBIDGE: How hypocritical is the servants. It is not primarily a Bill aimed at member! The next issue requiring comment is regulating the public sector generally. Its the coverage of the Bill. scope is intended to be the same as the Public Service Management and Mr WELLS: That is untrue and offensive Employment Act 1988. and I ask that it be withdrawn. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: The On the other hand it is not intended to in any way alter the status quo so far honourable member asks that that comment as the coverage of the Public Sector be withdrawn. Management Commission Act 1990 is Mr BORBIDGE: I am just pointing out concerned. the difference that the honourable member applied when he was a member of the Just as PSMC Standards etc can Government—— apply to all or various parts of the public sector (as defined)—(Part 4 Division 4 Mr WELLS: I rise to a point of order. It is PSMC Act)—so it is intended that the untrue, offensive and I ask that it be Public Service Bill can also apply in certain withdrawn. respects to the same units of the public Mr Borbidge: You big sook. Why don't sector. you go home. In short it is the Government's Mr WELLS: The Honourable the intention to maintain the status quo, but Premier now has two things that I ask that he to do so by means of a statutory vehicle, withdraw. Both of them are untrue; both of the title and terminology of which is them are offensive. They are all directed to its main constituency—i.e. the unparliamentary. The Premier ought to public service." 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2567

Despite these clear and unequivocal have to say that the Government has relied on instructions, the Parliamentary Counsel drafted the professional advice given by the the Bill in a way which has raised unnecessary Parliamentary Counsel's office. In fact, the first concerns. From a purely drafting point of view, advice to the effect that this clause could not what was done was most probably be used to abolish statutory bodies was given satisfactory. It provided a wide definition, but it on 24 May by the drafters of the Bill. By the also provided that it would not have this way, despite some reports to the contrary, the coverage unless activated by a regulation. ex-Parliamentary Counsel, Mr John Leahy, Flexibility was enhanced, but coverage was played a central role in the drafting of this Bill. limited by pinpoint accuracy. Subsequent advice from the acting Crown The Parliamentary Counsel might applaud Solicitor is less strong, but he also has advised this effort, but, as we all know, there is a wider that statutory bodies independent from audience out there and it certainly did not. In departments could not be abolished by this retrospect, too much latitude was given to the clause. To quote from this advice— ex-Parliamentary Counsel, and while I am not "The Criminal Justice Commission set critical of his effort, I am sorry that better up under the Criminal Justice Act 1989 is regard was not given to the clear sentiments an example of a statutory corporation outlined in the drafting instructions. In fairness, which is quite independent from though, the current definition of "unit of the Departments of government and as such, public sector" in the Public Sector would not be able to be abolished under Management Commission Act is vague and clause 13(f) of the Bill." imprecise. Over the past six years, a number of conflicting legal advices have been provided The misleading claims peddled by the on whether or not various public sector units member for South Brisbane, the member for are or are not covered. Using this definition in Murrumba and their allies that the CJC or the the Bill would only have perpetuated this state Supreme Court could be abolished by this of uncertainty. The amendment I will be clause can now be exposed for what they moving will make it clear and beyond doubt were—without substance, and legally that the coverage of this Bill will reflect the unsound. current coverage of Public Service legislation, Mr Wells: Have you tabled that letter but in a clear and plain-English way. before? The next issue I want to comment on is Mr BORBIDGE: I have tabled it. If the the suggestion that clause 13(f) could be used member comes and reads it, he might learn to abolish statutory bodies, including the CJC something. and the Supreme Court. Both of these entities were nominated by the Opposition. As was Nevertheless, these people have already pointed out in the debate, during the drafting raised concerns in the minds of many innocent process my department was advised by the people that I am not prepared to ignore. I Parliamentary Counsel that this subclause want to restore public confidence in the could not be used to abolish a body independence of these statutory bodies which established by statute. My department relied Opposition members have shaken by their on this advice. Subsequently, the Deputy cynical and misleading scare campaign. As Parliamentary Counsel confirmed this advice, such, I will be moving an amendment to put and I table a copy of this advice dated 12 this issue totally outside the political arena. August 1996. He was of the view that it would The Opposition also criticised the Government be an absurd result to construe this paragraph for not resolving—— in the way some have suggested. Moreover, Mr WELLS: I rise to a point of order. he said— Can I get some clarification? I understood the ". . . as a matter of common sense it is Premier to say that he had tabled the advice virtually impossible to conceive that a that he was just reading from, which was the court would allow clause 13 to be Crown Solicitor's advice. Is that correct or not? construed in a way that would permit The document I have in my hand is not Crown scores of other Acts to be effectively Solicitor's advice. demolished by a minor instrument under Mr SPEAKER: Would the Premier a law the main effect of which concerns indicate what he tabled? the administration of the public Mr BORBIDGE: I have tabled three service . . ." documents whilst the member has been in Concerns were raised about this clause by and out of the Chamber. The advice that I the Scrutiny of Legislation Committee, but I referred to may well be in this document, 2568 Public Service Bill 5 Sep 1996 which is dated 30 August. I am quite happy to Mr BORBIDGE: The member is walking table that as well. I am sure that once the around the place like he is in a lost dog's honourable member has the chance to read home. the legal advice, if he is an honourable person Mr SPEAKER: The member for he will apologise to the people of Queensland Murrumba will not debate from the corridors. for the blatant scare campaign in which he has engaged. Mr BORBIDGE: The acting Crown Solicitor advises as follows— As I said, I want to restore public confidence in the independence of these "In my view, despite the special statutory bodies which Opposition members standing of the Attorney General of the have shaken by their cynical and misleading State of Queensland to seek the remedy scare campaign. As such, I will be moving an of declaration in the Supreme Court the amendment to put this issue totally outside better view is that an application for a the political arena. declaration by the Attorney-General on the legal effect of section 53 would be The Opposition also criticised the unlikely to be successful. Government for not resolving the constitutional This is so as such an application validity of the entrenchment of section 14 of would involve the Supreme Court in the Constitution before introducing the Bill. considering a hypothetical issue where After hearing the member for South Brisbane there was no dispute. There would also raise this attack in her speech, I asked that be the additional problem in that the specific Crown law advice be sought on relevant application for a declaration by whether the Supreme Court would entertain the Attorney General for the State of an application by the Attorney-General in the Queensland would not involve a absence of legislation purporting to amend section 14. The matter had earlier been the contradictor who could put a legal argument in opposition to that presented subject of discussions with the Crown's legal by the Attorney General." advisers, but I did not think that the Opposition would be silly enough to argue the matter in In other words, if this Government had the way that it has. attempted to do what the Opposition spokesperson suggested, it is unlikely that we I table a copy of the advice of the acting would have even got to first base. The Crown Solicitor—which I think is already on the Opposition's attacks on the Government on table—on this point. He advises— this issue have been both disappointing and "In my view, despite the special shallow. I am genuinely surprised that the standing of the Attorney-General of the Opposition has not welcomed what the State of Queensland to seek the remedy Government is doing. It is implementing the of declaration in the Supreme Court the spirit of an EARC recommendation and trying better view is that an application for a to modernise our Constitution. If anything declaration by the Attorney-General"—— warranted some bipartisan support, it should have been this initiative. Mr WELLS: I rise to a point of order. What the Premier is quoting from is the Another clause which has been debated document that he has already tabled, which I at length is clause 116. I will be moving have. The document that he said he would amendments to that clause during the table, which he has not tabled, was the advice Committee stage. However, those reading my of the Crown Solicitor from which he quoted response to the Scrutiny of Legislation earlier. I ask for clarification: is the Premier Committee would have seen that one of the going to table the document that he previously objects of this clause was to attempt to said he would table? maintain the status quo and not to move the goalposts. I find it more than a little ironic that Mr BORBIDGE: If I can answer it the Opposition, which when in Government succinctly so that the member can not only exempted from the requirement to understand, yes—y-e-s—it will be tabled. give reasons under the Judicial Review Act Opposition members interjected. decisions in relation to personnel management in the Public Service, Mr BORBIDGE: During the Committee stage of the debate Opposition members can appointment decisions and Police Service raise as many points of concern as they like. I decisions, now wants to criticise the am saying that I will table all the advice. Government on this clause. We all remember that when Mr Blizzard was sacked four years Mr Wells interjected. ago he was not given any reasons for that 5 Sep 1996 Public Service Bill 2569 decision. His application for reasons was Judicial Review Act itself limits the capacity of fought all the way through the Supreme Court, a person to seek relief if alternative review and the court ruled that the sacking was made rights are available. Reference can be made under his contract, not under the Police to sections 12, 13 and 14 of the Judicial Service Administration Act. So at the moment Review Act. In other words, an application for not only are appointment decisions exempted judicial review would be unlikely to be from the requirement to give reasons but also successful until a public servant has sacking decisions for officers on a contract. exhausted his review options. One of the objects of clause 116 was to So the criticism of the Bill relates more to maintain the status quo, a status quo created principle than to practical problems. and enforced by Labor in Government over Nevertheless, to allay any concerns, I will be the past six years. I recognise that clause 116 moving an amendment to ensure that tenured may have been too broadly cast and, to that public servants' rights to obtain judicial review end, the clause will be recast so that the rights are not impaired. But I repeat that, even if the of tenured public servants will in no way be Bill was not amended, the practical effect of affected. I will deal further with this issue this would be minimal. during the Committee stage. It also needs to be pointed out that in Alert Digest No. 7 there Before turning briefly to the contributions are some comments on this clause. of honourable members, I also want to place Unfortunately, in some respects the committee on record my disappointment that so much of has apparently misunderstood the law. my time and of the debate both in this House and in the public has centred on a few It is claimed in paragraph 10.8 that this second-order issues rather than on the broad clause removes a public servant's right to thrust of the legislation. I would have liked receive a statement of reasons from decision more debate on the future directions of the makers. As I just mentioned, public servants Public Service, the type of service delivery that have never had that right so far as the public increasingly wants, the need to give appointment decisions are concerned. I refer employees greater discretion at a time when the committee respectfully to clause 8 of public accountability places limitations on this, Schedule 2 of the Judicial Review Act. In addition, as clause 116 is directed at decisions the challenges of maintaining a tenured Public Service but still recruiting new blood and to appoint or not to appoint, clause 8 of providing a stable career structure for those Schedule 2 has particular relevance. I also already in the service and, finally, the role of point out to the committee that clause 8 the State as an employer of people but also implemented an EARC recommendation. As as a servant to its customers, that is, the such, I would suggest to the committee that it public. be a little more careful before it goes to print, especially before it starts criticising people for I hope that, in dealing with the immediate diluting any recommendation of the Fitzgerald political issues I mentioned earlier, none of us report. I remind the committee that the right to loses sight of the bigger picture, because this criticise is a two-edged sword. While I strongly Bill is about ensuring that the public continues support its efforts to improve the standard of to get a good quality of service, that the State legislation, I would not like to see it become a continues to be an employer with both rights tool of partisan politics, because we would all and responsibilities to its staff, and that there be the losers in the long run. is a legislative base that will give the The other criticism of the committee Queensland Public Service the capacity to appeared to be that appointment decisions survive and prosper into the future. Perhaps if affecting public servants would be exempted people such as the member for South from the general judicial review provisions. It Brisbane had been thinking big, she would should be pointed out that there have been have used her imagination to think about very few judicial review applications by public bigger issues rather than the two-bit politics servants on appointment decisions. This she played. compares with quite a number at the Because of time constraints, I will cut my Commonwealth level. The reason is twofold. comments short. There will be other matters Firstly, since the Fitzgerald inquiry we now that I will be addressing during the Committee have a comprehensive appeal structure for stage of Bill. I thank honourable members for public servants. This grievance structure has their contributions to the debate. proved workable and satisfactory. There has been no need to run off and seek costly Question—That the motion be agreed Supreme Court applications. Secondly, the to—put; and the House divided— 2570 Privatisation of Government Services and Public Enterprises 5 Sep 1996

AYES, 42—Baumann, Beanland, Borbidge, Connor, planning to put a rail corridor system through Cooper, Cunningham, Davidson, Elliott, FitzGerald, the established suburbs of Sunnybank, Gamin, Gilmore, Goss J. N., Harper, Healy, Hegarty, Mansfield, Carindale and parts of the suburb Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Laming, Lester, Lingard, of Bulimba. We have a Lands Minister who is Littleproud, McCauley, Malone, Mitchell, Perrett, unable to tell the House about the Acts that Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, Stephan, Stoneman, Tanti, Veivers, Warwick, he presides over. We have the Minister for Watson, Wilson, Woolmer Tellers: Springborg, Police and the Minister for Employment Carroll contradicting one another in defamatory ways NOES, 41—Ardill, Barton, Beattie, Bird, Bligh, in another place. If it was not so serious, Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Campbell, D'Arcy, members opposite could apply for an arts De Lacy, Dollin, Edmond, Elder, Foley, Gibbs, Goss grant to make a film about themselves. They W. K., Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, McElligott, McGrady, probably would not even get knocked back! Mackenroth, Milliner, Mulherin, Nunn, Nuttall, They could call it "Partial Recall". Is it any Palaszczuk, Purcell, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, wonder that business people give the Schwarten, Smith, Spence, Sullivan J. H., Welford, Government five out of 10 and are left with the Wells, Woodgate Tellers: Livingstone, Sullivan T. B. inevitable conclusion that this crowd are not up Pairs: Fouras, Grice; Radke, Pearce. to it! Resolved in the affirmative. It is a fact that the Treasurer will be able to frame the Queensland Budget on 10 September with money already in the bank. PRIVATISATION OF GOVERNMENT The budgetary situation does not require SERVICES AND PUBLIC increases in taxes or charges or any cuts to ENTERPRISES Government services. If the Government Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central—Leader wishes to increase taxes or charges to provide of the Opposition) (6.03 p.m.): I move— more services or to cut services for other "That this Parliament notes that— reasons, then that is its prerogative. But it has a duty to tell the public if this is the case. I (1) the State Budget will be presented emphasise that the Opposition is not, as the using the traditional cash basis; and Treasurer has wrongly asserted—she never (2) the State Budget papers will show gets anything right—advocating that she that the State Budget for 1995-96 should go out and spend the surplus. Let us was in surplus by any measure. look at the facts that the people of this State It also notes that Queensland is receiving know are true. more money this year from the Federal Fact—other States such as Victoria, Government than last year in financial Western Australia and South Australia, which assistance grants and hospital payments. are worse off than Queensland, say that the Therefore, this Parliament instructs the Federal Budget does not mean that they will Treasurer to abandon her plans to have to increase taxes or charges. Fact— privatise Government services and public Federal Budget Paper No. 3, page 24, shows enterprises." that Commonwealth general revenue assistance to Queensland will total $3,082m We really have the most extraordinary compared with $2,952m last year. While Government in Queensland at the moment. Queensland will forgo $114m of this, it will still We have a Premier who draws his inspiration leave the State $16m better off than last year. from Movie World as he drives by every day. Fact—Table 4 on page 24 of Federal Budget Most of his Ministers would feel more at home Paper No. 3 shows that the Queensland Labor in a movie than in Cabinet. We have a Government twice received less in funding Premier who cannot remember signing a from Canberra, yet it still managed to bring in document on the eve of the most important balanced State Budgets without the need for by-election he will ever face. We have a Local cuts to services or increases to taxes and Government Minister who cannot remember charges over and above the CPI. who she went to lunch with. We have a Treasurer who cannot remember asking any Fact—Peter Morley in the Courier-Mail on questions about a member of the Queensland Wednesday, 21 August said— Police Service stopping her ministerial car as it "Any disputation about the state of sped between Caloundra and Brisbane. So it the Queensland economy was put to bed is one rule for her and another rule for in a federal Budget document . . . It went everyone else in the community. on to point out that Queensland was the We have a Roads Minister who does not only State where financial assets were know where the Stretton bypass is, and is more than financial liabilities. Yesterday's 5 Sep 1996 Privatisation of Government Services and Public Enterprises 2571

Budget document confirms unequivocally against the damage which might be that the State's books are in pretty good inflicted on other States." shape, a position for which the Labor Fact—The Victorian Employers' Chamber Government deserves credit." of Commerce and Industry report of February Fact—former Bjelke-Petersen Treasury commented that the level of State debt and head Sir Leo Hielscher told a conference on the capacity of Governments to service that 1 August— debt are important indicators of the financial "Queensland has the best balance positions of State Governments. Victoria sheet of any Government in the world—it continued to have the highest level of net debt has nil net debt. As a matter of fact, it has at $31.8 billion for 1994-95. Queensland was a surplus of cash assets over liabilities . . . the joint best performer. The influential to use Vince FitzGerald's figures, chamber stated— Queensland has a balanced Budget, a "Queensland improved on its strong surplus of assets over liabilities of $51.1 financial position, recording a financial billion." surplus"— Fact—Treasury head Dr Doug McTaggart there is that word again, "surplus"— told a conference on 23 May— "of $601 per Queenslander (up from $77 ". . . it is indisputable that Queensland in the previous financial year) and a has the strongest financial position of any positive net debt servicing ratio for the first State in Australia and is among the most time." financially robust sub-national economies Fact—former Treasurer Keith De Lacy in the world . . ." announced on 15 August that Queensland That is the ideological guru who runs this would end the 1995-96 financial year with an Government. That is the ideological back underlying surplus of more than $1 billion. hand—the puppeteer who runs this Government. He is the one who is Fact—even Premier Rob Borbidge—the acknowledging the strong financial position slippery, "Tricky Dicky" Nixon figure of this that Queensland is in. place—told Parliament on 11 July— Fact—Dr Neal Ryan, senior lecturer in "The estimated National Fiscal public policy at QUT, said on 7 August— Outlook surplus"— "Almost all recent Queensland "Tricky" used the word "surplus"— Government decisions have been based "(for Queensland) is lower than the likely on the notion of a Budget deficit which actual result." does not exist. Ministers continue to Fact—even Treasurer Sheldon, so promote the myth that Queensland is in anxious to talk down the economy almost the grip of financial ruin despite financial every day for six months, was quoted in statements providing evidence that the newspapers on 15 March as admitting that the State has a large Budget surplus." Budget would end the year in surplus. In a Fact—Jon Stanford of the department of recent article in the Courier-Mail, the Treasurer economics at Queensland University said on said— 10 July that the State's operating surplus was "There is no doubt that Queensland shown in the FitzGerald audit in the table has a fundamentally sound underlying captioned "The Government of the State of financial position." Queensland Consolidated Operating Statement for 1994-95 and 1995-96". Indeed, So why has the Treasurer tried to talk down the FitzGerald audit says on page 89 of the Queensland economy? Why have the Volume 1 that the Budget is balanced. Treasurer and the Premier sought to destroy the financial reputation of this State interstate Fact—Morgans economic strategy for and overseas? They have tried to do it for very June stated— crude political purposes—so that they can ". . . we estimate that the Queensland manipulate to some ideological end the Government, in financial year 1995-96, financial agenda in this State. For the will . . . still wind up with a Public Sector Treasurer to stand up in this Parliament and Borrowing Surplus (Negative Public Sector attack the Opposition for talking about the Borrowing Requirement) of $1.080 billion economy, when she has done more to destroy or $735m more than budgeted . . . This the financial reputation in this State in the past miracle of saving will now protect six months than the recession did, is hide of Queensland Government spending the worst kind. 2572 Privatisation of Government Services and Public Enterprises 5 Sep 1996

Not just the Courier-Mail has said that being trotted out in an attempt to try to create Queensland is in a sound financial position. I a public atmosphere that would be more table an article by Shane Rodgers in the receptive to a Government that was desperate Courier-Mail on 17 August headed "No crisis in to break the spending promises it made to the state's finances", which states— Queensland electorate in July 1995. Those "Despite pre-Budget rhetoric over the spending promises were independently true state of Queensland finances, there calculated by Treasury as costing over $7 is no evidence of a crisis." billion over five years. The Maryborough Chronicle printed an article What has happened to other key coalition by Nancy Bates, which states— promises? They promised to increase the threshold exemption levels for payroll tax. The "The economy of regional last increase was the one that was legislated Queensland is reeling and much of the as a result of the last Labor Budget, effective blame can be sheeted home to the silly on 1 July. What about the phased abolition of charade being played out by Premier Rob land tax? It is convenient that that has not Borbidge and Treasurer Joan Sheldon. been adopted by this Government in recent Queensland is not going broke but they months, because it knew full well that if there are hell-bent on trying to convince the is some measure in the Budget due to be voters it has been left in a mess by the brought down next week, it will not be effective Goss Government. for another 12 months. This is a Government . . . that has made duplicity its hallmark. Most Queenslanders have been a When we see the Premier and the little sceptical about the black fiscal hole Treasurer bleating about their budgetary Mrs Sheldon suddenly discovered when position, we see desperate people attempting she became Treasurer." to spread a desperate message. The I table that for the information of the House. response they gave to the outcomes of the The Courier-Mail is not the only paper to print Premiers Conference was another example of this style of article. An important provincial that. When the Premier and the Treasurer newspaper such as the Maryborough returned, a variety of figures were paraded. Chronicle has identified this vicious attack on Did Queensland lose $180m, $190m, the Queensland economy which is having an $240m—or was it $300m? The Premier and adverse effect on Queensland business, as I Treasurer have quoted all of those figures as showed from the Yellow Pages Index this the amount lost as a result of the Premiers morning. Conference. Why is Mrs Sheldon trying to destroy the The Government's own Commission of Queensland economy? Why is she trying to Audit report claimed that $180m was lost as a destroy business confidence? Why is the result of the Premiers Conference, but they Premier trying to do that? It is for crude never had $114m of that $180m in the first political reasons. place. They were expectations, not real dollars. As the Leader of the Opposition Time expired. correctly pointed out when the Federal Budget Hon. D. J. HAMILL (Ipswich) came down, those Budget figures quite clearly (6.14 p.m.): I have pleasure in seconding the state that Queensland will receive $2,968m motion moved by the Leader of the this year in general revenue assistance, but Opposition. It is important to note a very last year we received the lesser figure of important fact in this debate, that is, that $2,952m. There is an increase. Queensland is Queensland started this fiscal year, 1996-97, receiving more dollars, and it is about time the with money in the bank. That is a fact that has Government recognised that fact. Of course, been confirmed by the statements of the the Treasurer has been running around, Treasurer of this State, the honourable talking about $250m now being lost to member for Caloundra. Queensland as a result of her coalition As the Leader of the Opposition has said, colleagues' Federal Budget. The point is that we have had months of a campaign, the Government cannot keep double spearheaded by the Premier and the counting. This Treasurer delights in double Treasurer, trying to talk down Queensland's counting to try to prove something which financial and budgetary position. It started cannot be demonstrated. It cannot be back in March, when we heard talk about demonstrated because the premise is false. underlying deficits, and on it went, week after We have not heard much from the week, month after month, with various figures Treasurer about the revenue side of the State 5 Sep 1996 Privatisation of Government Services and Public Enterprises 2573

Budget. Have we heard from the Treasurer Let us examine those commitments which how tobacco tax receipts are running far Labor started entering into. If fully ahead of projection for the Budget, how implemented, they would have had a full-year payroll tax is running ahead of projection and cost impact of $240m. Surely that would have how stamp duty receipts are running ahead of some impact on the State Budget. We must projection? The revenue side of the State add to that Labor's negotiations with the public Budget is strong, the payments from the sector unions in respect of enterprise Commonwealth are strong, and that strips bargaining Stage 2. If fully implemented, away any justification the Government has to maternity leave would have added over go and savagely wield the axe through $100m to expenditure in 1996-97. Once Government programs, through public sector again, surely a figure of $100m must be taken jobs and public sector services. This into account. Government claims that it must privatise large slabs of the State public sector because of the It is now history that Labor let the Health alleged Budget deficit. There is no deficit; it is budget run out of control in 1995-96. That will in surplus. Why do Government members not also impact on the ongoing operations of the have the honesty of their ideological health system. The mad expenditure by the convictions to say that the reason they want to now Opposition Leader in his last few days as privatise is that they do not like government; Health Minister is now legend. This morning, we heard about monopoly money. But, my they do not like the public sector and they do goodness, the way that money was being not support the legitimate role that the public spent by the Opposition Leader would leave sector plays in providing services to the people monopoly money for dead. Labor approved of Queensland. new capital projects during 1995-96 with a cost Time expired. impact of $143m in 1996-97. Once again, that Mr HARPER (Mount Ommaney) must be taken into account. Surely it must be (6.19 p.m.): Here we go again. We have heard faced up to squarely. more deception and more illusory tricks from In these circumstances it is no wonder members of the Opposition as they try to that the Commission of Audit has identified distort the true picture of the economy. Part of significant deterioration in the Budget position their motion talks about—and the previous since 1994-95. One has only to examine the speaker, the member for Ipswich, mentioned facts that are clearly set down, even in reports this—this year receiving more money from the of the previous Labor Government. They Federal Government. Of course, they did not clearly prove that. But, once again, Opposition mention the full facts or look at the position members do not want to face that; they try to properly. They know that in the last 12 pull illusionary tricks and say that everything is months, inflation has increased, as has fine when it is not. Queensland's population. Of course, we need more money to compensate for that. This resourcing and budget position is Unfortunately, Federal revenue assistance has further exacerbated by the cut in funding to not matched those needs. Why do we not the States in 1996-97 as a result of the $8 paint the full picture and mention those billion black hole deficit left by the Federal increases, too? Labor Government, which really mucked up Let us examine the real facts about what the finances of this whole country. this motion is about. It suggests that the Queensland must bear its share of that. This Government did not inherit a Budget problem will effectively reduce the funding to from Labor. Of course, that is incorrect. It is Queensland by some $250m in 1996-97. It is total and complete nonsense. The Labor no use Labor's talking about the Federal Government was in power for eight months Government passing on more money to us. following last July's election, and that has had As I said, it does not take into account inflation a major impact on the Budget position and and population rises. resourcing picture for this Government. Firstly, These major impacts on available its 1995-96 Budget was not fiscally sound and resources and the Budget position cannot be contained an underlying deficit of $185m. ignored by a responsible Government or Opposition members keep trying to back away discounted from this debate. They have to be from that fact, pretending that it did not exist faced. The Government has seriously and has no impact. Following the election, addressed these resourcing and Budget Labor entered into commitments to implement issues by thoroughly reviewing the full range of its election promises, its Budget having been previous Government initiatives and brought down a couple of months before. commitments and identifying where savings 2574 Privatisation of Government Services and Public Enterprises 5 Sep 1996 and efficiency improvements can be achieved When one compares our Budget position and without impacting on the core service delivery. our debt position with that of other States, one When the Budget is brought down next finds that we are streets ahead. Every other week, it will be shown that service delivery was State in Australia has a net debt of at least 10 slipping further and further behind under per cent of Gross State Product. In Victoria, Labor. This Government is well and truly the net debt is $18 billion. That is after they addressing that issue. This Government is flogged off the entire electricity industry in that committed to improving the value for money of State. The underlying surplus in Queensland is Government services to the benefit of both the 2 per cent of Gross State Product. No other recipients of those services and the taxpayer. State comes close to that, with most of them One has to take both groups of people into still having underlying deficits. account when considering any Government's I am not one—as has been claimed by position or any expenditure. As I said at the the Treasurer—for spending the reserve which outset, let us get away from this deception is our underlying surplus. The point we have and the illusionary tricks and face up to some made continually is that it demonstrates the of the facts that I have just outlined which will sound financial position that this Treasurer has show how hollow this motion really is. inherited. The chief economist of the ANZ Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba—Deputy Bank had it right. Recently in Rockhampton he Leader of the Opposition) (6.23 p.m.): Again said— members have heard from a Government ". . . a Treasurer could not hope to inherit backbencher who cannot read a Budget a better budget position than that which paper. If one reads Budget Paper No. 3 at the Queensland Treasurer has inherited." page 28, one sees that there is more FAGs money this year than there was for last year. It There is no financial crisis in Queensland, and is in black and white. The member cannot the Treasurer should be able to keep her dispute that. However, he does dispute what undertaking not to borrow for infrastructure may be the inflation outcome and adjustment. projects unless they can produce an income But the member cannot know that, unless he offset for that borrowing. is a crystal ball gazer. He will not have a clue Members on this side of the House find it until it comes down. difficult to see how the Government is going to Mr Harper: I said that. pay for some of its recent decisions, such as the $1.2 billion expenditure on the road Mr ELDER: I ask the member to listen. between Brisbane and the Gold Coast over He will know that in eight months' time. He the next four or five years. That amounts to cannot go around saying that there is a $20m $250m or $300m on one road each year for adjustment, because that may be the variance the next five years. That is about the total between the Premiers Conference and the amount per annum that this State spends on Budget. We just do not know. The Budget road construction throughout Queensland. papers show clearly that there is more FAGs Now we hear that the Treasurer is planning to money and more in grants from the slug Queensland taxpayers with $83m next Commonwealth this year. The Treasurer has Tuesday to pay for the Sunshine Coast toll. attempted to play down the outstanding That is exactly what the Treasurer said. That position that Queensland holds in terms of net $83m is money that should be spent on debt. By reducing debt—— building roads throughout this State—in Dr Watson: Are you predicting an Cairns, Townsville, Emerald, Toowoomba, inflation rate of zero, are you? Charleville and right throughout this State. Mr ELDER: If the member wants to At the same time as the Treasurer is participate in the debate, he should do so, compounding the problems within her own otherwise he should sit there as a little hand Budget, the Federal Government is slashing holder and let his back bench try to spending on national highway construction in accommodate him. this State. The current projects will be finished By reducing State debt by $6 billion, and John Sharp will close up shop. There is no Labor left Queensland's finances with net debt more new project construction for the people of negative $2 billion. The Treasurer says, "We in regional Queensland. The whole of should have included superannuation liabilities Queensland needs to be assured that the so that it was a true figure." No other State Gold Coast will not suck in all the State's includes superannuation liabilities; they never investment set aside for road construction. have. The exact figure is not the issue. The One of the great success stories of the issue is how it compares with other States. Queensland economy over the past decade 5 Sep 1996 Privatisation of Government Services and Public Enterprises 2575 has been the growth and development of our that the starting point was $185m in the red. ports—whether that be Brisbane, Gladstone, That was due very much to Labor's last nine Mackay, Townsville or Cairns. There has been months of financially irresponsible dealings. significant growth in trade and tremendous Labor's Health budget had run out of control. improvements in productivity and price The latest Federal budgetary position competitiveness. The benefit has been felt by shows how the Federal Government has tried the whole community in terms of jobs and the to repair the $8 billion deficit—which was left development of new industries focused in like an albatross around this country's neck by those regions that Government members Beazley—by cutting grants to this State by represent. But they will junk that for the $240m. I have heard the arguments from privatisation model—not just ports, but hospital members on the other side of the Chamber services, rail services, the TAB, Sunlover that the grant is more than this Government Holidays—— says it is. If they read Budget Paper 3A and Time expired. take inflation into account, they will see that Mr WOOLMER (Springwood) inflation is rising. When one considers (6.28 p.m.): It gives me great pleasure to rise population increases, one realises that to oppose this motion moved by the Labor Queensland is receiving $240m less than it Party. I am glad that the previous speaker should. The argument is that inflation cannot mentioned Victoria. He talked about a net be predicted. The Deputy Leader of the deficit position in Victoria of $18 billion. When Opposition is assuming an inflation rate of one looks at the Victorian model and the zero per cent. Any economy that can run on Victorian situation, one finds that the only an inflation rate of zero per cent is certainly reason the figure is $18 billion is because of one that I would like to see. the conservative Government in Victoria and What does the Budget that will be the way it has gone about managing the brought down next Tuesday hold? That State's finances—considering that it started at Budget will be one that turns this State about $24 billion or $25 billion three years around. We will see a service delivery Budget ago, thanks to the legacy of the Cain and that is back to the basics. We will see transport Kirner Governments. systems that work put in place and financed. What did we see happen in Victoria? We We will see the health system, which was saw borrowings running out of control. Before mismanaged for so long, repaired and put the election, with her hand on her heart, Mrs back into its rightful place as the best health Kirner said, "No, we are not going to borrow system in this country. We are getting all of moneys above a certain limit." What did she those things right because the Ministers of this do? She did just the opposite. I think she Government are putting in place programs borrowed double the limit she set—I think it that will deliver. was $500m. Then she borrowed $1.1 billion We are putting in place extra police, which through statutory authorities. She ran that Labor failed to do during its years in debt up and ran that State down to the point Government. We hear a lot of bleating from where it needed to be rescued from the brink the other side of the Chamber, but members by the Kennett Government. opposite were unable to deliver on their The same was occurring last year in the promises. We are restoring education dying days of the Labor Government in efficiencies. The members opposite can talk Queensland. In the space of nine months, it about school cleaners, but at the end of the took the State from a position of financial day—if the unions agree to our deal—we will surplus to that of a deficit, thanks to the have increased enormously the efficiency of mismanagement of the finances by people that system. That just shows how inefficient such as the Leader of the Opposition. Who in members opposite were and how far they their right mind would take $60m-odd out of a allowed the system to run down. portfolio's capital works expenditure and shove When the State's problems are it into recurrent expenditure to try to prop up a considered from an economic point of view, failing system? That department was failing the Commission of Audit is saying that we because he was unable to manage the have a diminishing revenue base in this State, finances at the time. yet we have a provision of services We see honourable members opposite requirement that is greater than every other posturing, saying that the State is in a State combined in terms of distance. People wonderful position, but the Commission of do not quite appreciate just how far from Audit proves that they are wrong. On an Brisbane some of our outlying areas are. I tell accrual basis, the Commission of Audit said my friends that they should realise that in 2576 Privatisation of Government Services and Public Enterprises 5 Sep 1996 downtown Brisbane they are closer to election promises. Mr Cooper went over the Melbourne than they are to Cairns. Yet the top in gazumping that promise. Queensland Government still has to run power Police Minister Cooper created the lines, train lines, highways and all the other expectation. He made the promises infrastructure provisioning services over those everywhere he went and whenever his mouth distances. We have to do that with a was open. But is he delivering? The short decreasing revenue base, so we have to find answer is: no, he is not. Is he accepting his a smarter way to obtain efficiencies and responsibility for those promises? Again: no, increase services. Honourable members will he is not. Now he is saying that that see that when the Budget is brought down. expectation is not his responsibility; it is the The vertical fiscal imbalance that was responsibility of the Police Commissioner and mentioned earlier is a problem that members senior police management. How convenient! opposite refused to tackle during the years He claims that they are inefficient and deserve that they were in Government. Compared with to be pushed out when their contracts expire other States, an imbalance exists between the because they are not delivering the promises cost of delivering the services that the that he made. It is impossible to deliver those Queensland Government has to provide promises without funding; yet funding has across the State and our State's population. It been cut back in too many of the Police is only Joan Sheldon who has been able to Service's activities since this Government approach the Federal Government and talk came to office. through these issues. Our take of the money The Minister for Police is backed up by is less than the other States when the per that champion of Queenslanders, former head of population figures are compared; Tasmanian Liberal Deputy Premier and however, our delivery costs are higher. self-appointed expensive QC, Sir Max Therefore, we have a vertical fiscal imbalance Bingham. In every letter and in every answer to address. Even this Federal Treasurer to every question from members, including the recognises that issue. We should be seeing member for Gladstone, the Police Minister some improvement in the near future. says, "It is not my responsibility; I only supply Time expired. the overall increased police numbers." Again Mr BARTON (Waterford) (6.34 p.m.) I the question must be asked: does he do that? rise to support the motion. My interest in the The answer is: no. He allowed the July police 1996-97 Budget is in seeing that the Police recruit intake of 40 to be cancelled and he Service and the Queensland Corrective accepted cuts of 20 to each of the next two Services Commission get a fair share of the intakes this year. Then he travels around the Budget. This Government must take action to State blaming the Police Commissioner for put more police on the beat. It must address that as well. What does the commissioner the serious overcrowding in prisons and have to say about that? He says, "Well, I had watch-houses. We have seen several to do it because they would not make any examples of that and not just those that are funds available to me so that that could listed in the report presented today. The occur." Government must make room for the The Townsville academy is a similar story. additional criminals that the extra police on the Where is it? What progress has been made? beat will apprehend. This Government must From all the information that is coming to us, it deliver on its promises in relation to additional appears that at this time it is still only a police. concept and very little action has occurred. We Before the July 1995 election and the have a fair-weather Minister. He is ready to February change of Government, Police claim all the credit. He promises the Minister Cooper toured this State. In every city, earth—and the moon and the sun—and then suburb, town, hamlet and country pub, Mr blames everybody else when he does not Cooper promised more police. He promised to deliver on his promises and cannot meet the personally deliver large numbers of additional expectation that he himself created. police. He promised large overall increases. He Apparently only the promises to the member promised an extra 2,780 operational police for Keppel have been met. As he indicated over the 10 years to the year 2005 to bring the this morning, his electorate has received an total of operational police to 9,100. He additional police officer at Emu Park. gazumped the Police Service's own requests In the same period, police beats, for an additional 1,420 police as well as 790 shopfronts and enhanced community civilians. That request was accepted by Labor policing—issues that have now been when it was in Government and included in its promoted in the Bingham report—have been 5 Sep 1996 Privatisation of Government Services and Public Enterprises 2577 reduced. Shopfronts have been closed and backed up by the Parliamentary Secretary, the the Government has failed to open promised accountant and member for Moggill, Dr David shopfronts and police beats. It has introduced Watson, and her learned team of economists. clusters, which have been criticised by the I am sure that the Budget will do its very best Bingham committee as being anti community to make the most of what funding we have policing. The funding must be provided in the available to the State. Budget to allow community policing to be The motion suggests that Queensland is introduced in a proper way. This Minister has not delivered on police capital works. The receiving increased funding from the State is littered with vacant blocks of land that Commonwealth in 1996-97 in both financial would have had police stations built on them assistance grants and hospital funding grants had our Government continued in office, and that, consequently, there is no budgetary including land in Ferny Grove, Cleveland and pressure from that source. That is a fallacy. Deeragun. There is no capital works freeze, Although there are increases in monetary the Government has just not been building terms, we expect substantial cuts in both real any police stations and other police capital and per capita terms in that funding from the works projects! Commonwealth. Unfortunately, we do not have the details from the Commonwealth on The Budget must unlock the funds for the specific purpose funding cuts to Queensland. necessary new police stations and Nevertheless, the Commonwealth has watch-houses and start to provide some foreshadowed a number of specific program additional police officers, so that they can get cuts in its Budget documentation, for example, out onto the beat where the public wants them the Building Better Cities Program and the to be. The Government has also cut back on Dental Program. information technology. This Budget is a crunch for the Police Service. This At this stage, we can estimate that the Government and this Police Minister are big overall Commonwealth funding, including both on promises for the Police Department and big general and specific purpose funding, has on creating an expectation, but pathetic on increased by around 1.8 per cent in monetary delivery. terms between 1995-96 and 1996-97. After allowing for inflation, that translates to a Mr CARROLL (Mansfield) (6.40 p.m.): decrease in real terms of about 1 per cent, The motion before us is a time-wasting sham. using a gross domestic product deflator. After From the opening remarks of the Opposition Leader's contribution tonight, the Opposition's further taking account of Queensland's population growth of 2.3 per cent, the overall contemptuous attitude towards the Treasurer decrease in real per capita terms is an is clear. The motion contains no mention of estimated 3.1 per cent. This is a vastly costs, which appears to presume that costs worsened position than that facing the Labor are static. We all know that costs have grown Government when it was flushed out of office and have grown far higher than any in February this year. At that time, on a no- expectation from the Commonwealth Budget. policy-change basis, Queensland was What about picking up the arrears of anticipating an overall increase in funding from performance in the public sector—in the police the Commonwealth in monetary terms of 6.6 and justice areas to name but two? What of per cent. That expectation was to cover health and hospitals, which were neglected by anticipated inflation as measured by the CPI, Labor? Queensland's population growth and The suggestion in the second paragraph increases in other program commitments such of this motion is roughly correct, but the as the Building Better Cities Program. Federal Government payments towards our State budgetary needs are only slightly higher As a result of, firstly, the Premiers than they were last year. Nevertheless, this Conference and, subsequently, the Parliament and the people of Queensland can Commonwealth Budget, Queensland is now be confident that the forthcoming State expecting reductions from those anticipated Budget will be fair, though firm. This year we funding levels of some $250m. That $250m is have seven Budget Estimates committees, a real cut and has had to be addressed in our compared with six Estimates committees last Budget. If the Opposition considers that a 1.8 year. I am sure that there will be closer per cent nominal increase in Commonwealth examination of the relevant issues. funding is adequate to meet increased costs Furthermore, Queensland can be confident of and the needs of a growing population, it the ability and interest of our Treasury team to deserves to stay in Opposition. get the Budget right. The Treasurer's Mrs Edmond: I reckon you should vote undoubted leadership and discernment is for Labor next time. 2578 Privatisation of Government Services and Public Enterprises 5 Sep 1996

Mr CARROLL: Not many will be voting 10-year program, which is largely inflated for the member next time. because of the financial commitments already The Opposition occupies the time of this given in Labor's 10-year program. House in a time-wasting debate on esoteric The Minister has brought Queensland's and vague suggestions. It is improper and health building industry to a standstill with an impertinent for an Opposition to endeavour to artificial freeze created in the capital works constrain the Treasurer in such a far-reaching area, which is totally unnecessary and manner as is proposed in this motion. I appeal irresponsible. When he stands in this House to the honourable member for Gladstone to and lists the number of projects that had see through this charade of frivolous motions actually happened in the last six months, all that we have seen coming before us in the he is listing are the projects that were started 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. session three times a week in by Labor that he was unable to stop. Thank this Parliament. The bottom line of this heavens for that! He has sold out those vexatious proposal before us tonight is the communities in an effort to preen himself for Opposition's dread of its union funds revenue the 1996-97 financial year statements. being pruned away if captive union members Many of the Health Minister's and Public Service jobs are replaced by any pronouncements show all the signs of less-unionised private sector. adhockery that bedevilled previous National The final point is this: there is no Party Governments. There has been little or wholesale plan to privatise. Labor's no thought to planning of the projects that he scaremongering is to be rejected by the promised in the election and a total lack of people of Queensland. evidence of any knowledge or expertise in his Mr Beattie: Tell the school cleaners proposals since then. Some of the Minister's that. promises are the laughing-stock of health circles, like his disgraceful proposal to close Mr CARROLL: Those people across the maternity services at the Kirwan Women's Chamber, led by that man who is trying to Hospital and put a futile accident and interject, have been crying wolf too often. emergency facility in its place along with a Mrs EDMOND (Mount Coot-tha) long-term geriatric service, which would not (6.44 p.m.): In rising to support this motion, I have the capacity to actually admit acutely ill note the comments of the previous speaker, patients. What a ridiculous notion! No wonder who extolled the virtues of the programs put they think that he is the joke of the health forward by the previous Federal Government. I service. In the meantime, he is siphoning off share with him his concern that those services from Kirwan Women's Hospital and programs have been lost. leaving women in north Queensland bereft of The Health budget should, if nothing else, all assistance. give us all the first real indication if, when, Queensland Health is once again the butt where or how the Health Capital Works of jokes interstate as it was when Labor came Program will be restarted. Many of the key to the rescue in 1989. No wonder the doctors players in the construction industry had hoped at the Gold Coast Hospital have condemned a briefing organised by the Administrative the announcement of the Robina hospital. It Services Department last week, which was will divert much-needed resources away from cancelled at the last minute, would have the Gold Coast Hospital. It is interesting to helped to clarify some aspects of future note that when Mr Horan is talking about his directions. rubbery waiting list figures, he inflates them when he is trying to argue the case for the I am personally very concerned about Robina hospital and he deflates them when uncertainty in the health building industry at he is trying to tell us how wonderful he is with present—as are, I might say, the medical his Surgery "Next" Time, as it is known by community, who actually do not believe it will patients and hospital staff. happen in the major tertiary centres. It is obvious that the Capital Works Program will I should share with honourable members not be started until the next financial year. the latest information that I have on the That will enable the Minister to falsely claim waiting lists from the PA. There are now more that there is a massive increase in the health people waiting to get on the ENT waiting list funding for building since this Government than there are people waiting to have surgery. came to power. I point out that, in the tropics, That is how we are controlling the waiting lists. delays into the wet season will blow out and The coalition's very own Commission of take those delays further. I have no doubt that Audit picked this up and made the Minister will try to announce yet another recommendations accordingly. Vince 5 Sep 1996 Privatisation of Government Services and Public Enterprises 2579

FitzGerald—this is the Dr FitzGerald whom the shadow spokeswoman for Health talked of the Treasurer quotes endlessly—made the supposed mismanagement by the Minister for following recommendations after reviewing Health. For a long time, particularly prior to the certain aspects of Mr Horan's bungled Health Minister taking over the portfolio, we restructure of Queensland Health— have known about issues such as unfunded pay rises for nurses and expenditure overruns. "To prepare Queensland's hospital I can tell the House that many people in the system for the future, an independent community—including many of my health service planning body composed constituents—are looking with a great deal of of eminent people drawn from outside enthusiasm and positiveness at what this government should be established for a State Government is doing for health. limited period to make recommendations on inter alia: An Opposition member interjected. which organisational unit/s should Mr SPRINGBORG: No, I am not, but have responsibility for funding of the former Government promised much and public health services; delivered little. When this Government promises to deliver pay rises, we make sure the appropriateness of the structure that the money is there to do it. That is the and geographical boundaries for difference between the Opposition and us. District Health Services for Many people in the community are looking at competitive service delivery; and what this Government is doing for health with principles for the location and size of a great deal of enthusiasm. Certainly in my hospitals." area, people are looking at the establishment of the district structure with a great deal of Clearly, FitzGerald's audit was unable to enthusiasm. identify any of this basic planning work that had been undertaken as part of the Minister's The honourable spokesman for Police district health service restructure but found spoke about watch-houses and related issues. plenty of evidence of poor health planning. I have had occasion to speak to an Nonetheless, there are a large number of fully acquaintance of mine from the Gold Coast funded major projects ready to go ahead as who is a solicitor. He said, "There is a positive part of Labor's 10-year rebuilding program. mood throughout the watch-houses in the They are important works with multiple benefits State because you have managed to reduce for the community and industry in the overcrowding in those watch-houses." That Queensland. These projects would help to is recognised and it is a positive legacy of the maximise the health building construction Police Minister. Those are the sorts of dollar while at the same time giving a fundamental things that the Government is much-needed boost to a very flat building doing. industry in Queensland. The Opposition will be The other day I visited Mount Isa, the looking at Mrs Sheldon's long-awaited Budget electorate of the Honourable Tony McGrady. to pick up the gaps left behind in Health. People there were talking enthusiastically Time expired. about works being started on the new gas pipeline which will run from the south-west into Mr SPRINGBORG (Warwick) Mount Isa. That pipeline will be firing Mica (6.50 p.m.): A few years ago, I remember Creek and allowing for expansion of industry. turning on the radio and listening to Rob Jolly, There is an enthusiasm in the north for the the former Treasurer of Victoria, proudly Government's allocation of tenders for two proclaim to the people of that State how new peak-load power stations. The people are healthy a financial position the State was in also looking with a great deal of enthusiasm at because it had a balance of assets over the opportunities which will prevail when gas is liabilities. At that time, it looked as though the brought from Papua New Guinea to Townsville State Government was about to lose office, and beyond. People can see that the and it did lose. Whilst I acknowledge that the Government is getting on and doing things. underlying position of the Queensland Similar enthusiasm is being experienced economy is relatively sound, the point I make over the announcement of the peak-load is that there are some problems which this power station at Oakey and the probable Government has to address. I will come to announcement, in the next year or so, of a those later in my contribution. base-load power station. Those are the sorts Firstly, I will respond to some of the points of issues which the Government is getting on made by various shadow Ministers. The with. 2580 Privatisation of Government Services and Public Enterprises 5 Sep 1996

An Opposition member interjected. a case to answer on this issue. To date, with Mr SPRINGBORG: It is outside my the exception of the first, they have all been electorate, but it is in my part of the world. strangely quiet. The last two Ministers sit on Obviously if it is going to happen it will be in the Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council and, the area of Millmerran in the electorate of the together with the two Federal Ministers, have honourable member of Cunningham, or in the the final say on what management changes electorate of the honourable member for occur on the reef. Western Downs, or further on. Those are the I find it impossible to believe that Senator sorts of things that the people are looking Hill would not at least have been in touch with enthusiastically at. his State counterpart to discuss this massive There is no doubt that on a cash basis tax hike or, more likely, to get his approval. there will be a surplus in the Budget, but the How else could the Environment Minister have Opposition cannot understand that the framed his own Budget without knowing the fundamental problem is that we cannot spend extent of the Federal Government's cuts to the the superannuation money of our State Public Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Service employees because we will end up like the funds that this new tax would generate? their Opposition mates in Victoria—the people However, what have we heard from these two that Opposition members aspire to be Ministers to date? Nothing! Zilch! The reason like—who did the same thing and ended up is plainly obvious—they can see the mess that with unfunded superannuation liabilities. their Federal counterparts have got Technically we may have a surplus, but the themselves into and they are ducking for cover point is that the money which was forthcoming in no uncertain terms. from the Commonwealth is not going to meet However, tourism operators the length of the expectation of growth in this State over the the Queensland coastline are awake to their next few years. Only recently, Queensland's compliance with this disgraceful decision and population by the year 2050 was projected to their day of reckoning is fast approaching. The be about 7.1 million people. Therefore, we few pathetic comments made so far by the need grants and revenue coming into the State Minister for Tourism have certainly not State which will at least match our future pacified these people. As reported in the expenditure. Mackay Daily Mercury, the Minister stated— That is the fundamental problem—not "I don't believe the charge will greatly only do we have the cash debt which the affect visitor numbers to the reef—I do Labor Party left, but we also have problems believe there have been ways of sharing with Commonwealth funding to the State. This the responsibility for its environmental resolution is really a nonsense resolution and protection." does not deserve the support of anybody in this House. That statement has cut no ice whatsoever with the operators who are facing ruin as a result of Mrs BIRD (Whitsunday) (6.55 p.m.): The this decision. Queensland tourism industry was dealt a savage blow in the Federal budget, with a 500 The increase, barring a backdown by the per cent increase in the reef tax, raising it from Federal Government, is due to take effect on $1 to $6. It did this without the slightest hint of 1 January next year. A timetable of that order consultation with the industry. Not since the gives those operators who have already pilots strike have Queensland's reef-based issued prices for next year and signed tourism operators been dealt such a savage contracts based on the prices no room to blow to their financial viability. Ever since the move. They will have to absorb the cost of the decision was announced, there has been higher tax or be in breach of contracts. It does outrage from Cairns to Bundaberg, from small not matter if we are talking about large or operators and major industry figures. At all small operators—the fact of the matter is that meetings, the Federal Government has been the charge is going to be more than the roundly denounced. bottom line of most companies. Many large operators were tied into fixed prices for up to Both the Federal Environment Minister, 18 months ahead through pre-arranged Senator Robert Hill, and the Queensland- contracts. If these operators are unable to based Tourism Minister, John Moore, have absorb the new tax into their ticket prices, it will been in damage control on the issue since its have to be collected as people board boats. announcement, and rightly so. However, it is That will create delays and chaos. the State Government, and particularly the Ministers for Tourism and Small Business, the This increase represents a $21m slug on Environment and Primary Industries who have Queensland tourism operators. Queensland is 5 Sep 1996 Grievances 2581 the only State which the Federal Government GRIEVANCES has singled out for this tax hike. The Port Tabling of Letter by Premier Douglas based company, Quicksilver Connections, estimates that the increased levy Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba—Deputy will cost the regions's three largest reef tour Leader of the Opposition) (7.05 p.m.): This operators—its own and the Cairns-based morning in this House we saw the disgraceful Great Adventures and Sunlover Cruises—up spectacle of a Premier who simply is just not to $1.5m each in additional taxes. Even if the up to it trying to muckrake and smear another amount of the increase was built into ticket member of this House on the flimsiest prices, it will still cost an extra $300,000 in pretence. We heard this Premier reading into commission charges alone. Costs of these Hansard a letter which he claims to have magnitudes indicate clearly that the Federal received from a delegate to a Public Transport Government has no understanding of how the Union conference, but when he was Queensland tourism industry operates. challenged to table it and to put it before the Many affected operators have wrongly Parliament he dingoed out. What did this man directed their anger at the Great Barrier Reef who is supposed to be the leader of this Marine Park Authority. They believe that the Government do when the Parliament authority wants a review of its efficiency as part considered forcing him to table this letter? He of the solution to this tax hike. Nothing could ripped part of it up and tried to pass it on be further from the truth. The authority has surreptitiously to his deputy to hide. Truly the rightly earned an international reputation for actions of a statesman! reef management at a time when other reefs This is the same Premier who yesterday around the world are deteriorating at an was at a meeting with members of the alarming rate. The target for the anger of executive of the Public Transport Union. If he affected tourism operators must be directed had any interest in the truth and was not towards the Federal Government and, I simply about scoring political points, he could predict, the State Government after next have asked them what was said at that Tuesday's State Budget. meeting. Did he? No. Of course he did not, Already, some National Party members because the truth might have got in the way of are threatening to cross the floor of Federal his chance to throw a bit of mud. When it Parliament to see this decision overturned. In comes to a choice between the truth and a the interests of fairness, this must be the result chance to throw a bit of mud, the Premier will aimed for. Fairness alone demands that throw the truth out the window every time. commercial tour operators should not have to What we saw this morning was the Premier of shoulder the entire cost of reef management this State caught out like a naughty little on their own. Private boat owners and schoolchild. recreational anglers are also heavy users of Mr Schwarten: And behaving like one, the reef. too. Time expired. Mr ELDER: And behaving like one, too. Question—That the motion be agreed What did he do? Just like a naughty little to—put; and the House divided— schoolchild, he was caught red-handed, AYES, 41—Ardill, Barton, Beattie, Bird, Bligh, blushed and put it behind his back. Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Campbell, D'Arcy, Time expired. De Lacy, Dollin, Edmond, Elder, Foley, Gibbs, Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, McElligott, McGrady, Mackenroth, Milliner, Mulherin, Nunn, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Adrian Scott Rural Journalism Purcell, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Scholarship Smith, Spence, Sullivan J. H., Welford, Wells, Woodgate Tellers: Livingstone, Sullivan T. B. Mr HEALY (Toowoomba North) NOES, 42—Baumann, Beanland, Borbidge, Connor, (7.08 p.m.): Tonight, I wish to bring to the Cooper, Cunningham, Davidson, Elliott, FitzGerald, attention of the House a wonderful concept Gamin, Gilmore, Goss J. N., Harper, Healy, Hegarty, which hopefully will assist young journalists Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Laming, Lester, Lingard, who wish to pursue a career in rural areas of Littleproud, McCauley, Malone, Mitchell, Perrett, Queensland and, in particular, those who may Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, wish to specialise in the field of rural Stephan, Stoneman, Tanti, Veivers, Warwick, journalism. Last year, one of rural radio's most Watson, Wilson, Woolmer Tellers: Springborg, respected journalists, Mr Adrian Scott, retired Carroll after a distinguished 35-year career as a rural Pairs: Fouras, Grice; Radke, Goss W. K. journalist with the ABC. Many thousands of Resolved in the negative. listeners in Toowoomba and throughout south- 2582 Grievances 5 Sep 1996 west Queensland came to rely on his excellent House a couple of examples of what I mean. coverage of rural issues and events, and I am For example, last month in this House the sure that many of my colleagues in electorates Minister for Families, Youth and Community north, south and west of Toowoomba would Care claimed in a ministerial statement that he agree that Mr Scott was a household name was launching a brand-new initiative, namely, because of his work at the ABC, which brought the Seniors Business Discounts Card. That is a to the people of south-west Queensland an blatant untruth. A press release issued by me accurate and unbiased coverage of rural when I was the Minister for Family and issues. Community Services gives the lie to that In recognition of the outstanding untruth. contribution which Adrian Scott made as a The Seniors Business Discounts Card was rural journalist, last year representatives from an initiative of the Goss Government, yet this various industry groups decided to establish a Government is claiming that it is a brand-new scholarship in his honour. A company has now initiative. Similarly, in the Sunday Mail of 25 been created and directors appointed to August the discredited Government opposite administer the scholarship. The directors are claimed to have established a "new program Ivan Vonhoff, of the Queensland Dairyfarmers to boost confidence among older women who Organisation; Jim Tyrrell, of the United fear crime". That program, called Safe and Graziers Association; Ian Macfarlane, of the Confident Living for Older Women, was Queensland Graingrowers Association; Sid established by the Goss Labor Government in Plant, from the Cattlemen's Union; Ross 1994 and was titled the Older People's Action Porter, of the DPI; Stuart Parry, of the ABC; Program. It provided hundreds of thousands and Adrian Scott. Julie Weldon serves as a of dollars to community organisations to director and as the secretary/treasurer to the improve networks for well, older people. The board. program included eight community projects The board has been seeking donations aimed at improving support networks for older towards a capital base for the project. To date, people and the establishment of six Safe and some $16,500 has been donated to the fund. Confident Living for Older Women Projects to A forecast capital base of $20,000 will be increase confidence and safety. Does that invested and the income generated used to sound familiar? fund a scholarship which will most likely be On Tuesday of this week, I asked the awarded annually by an independent selection Minister for Families, Youth and Community panel and will provide financial and other Care to explain why a section outlining ongoing support to people who want to Government concessions was deliberately become rural journalists or improve their omitted from the recently published Seniors journalism skills. Card Directory, thereby causing unnecessary Good rural journalists have a vital role to angst to senior citizens and pensioners. play in improving understanding between city Although the Minister did not answer my and country people and in conveying technical specific questions, my inquiries have revealed and industry information to farm families. This that the directories were printed at the same is an ongoing task and one which deserves time that an insert outlining the Government the support of all concerned. The Adrian Scott concessions available to cardholders was Rural Journalism Scholarship deserves support printed. How convenient is it that the to encourage young rural-orientated people to directories were supplied to outlets such as look to rural journalism as a career. I am sure it electorate offices without the inserts being will help the right people take advantage of provided? My colleagues on this side of the education and skills enhancement to develop House will testify to the many inquiries to our the professionalism needed to be effective in offices from confused cardholders who by this this important job, and I take great delight in deliberate omission have been led to believe joining with many of my parliamentary that they are no longer eligible for Government colleagues who have so far offered support to concessions. This is dishonesty by omission. the scheme. There are 50 per cent discounts off bus and train travel, 50 per cent discounts on boat registration, $8 per month—— Truth in Ministerial Statements Time expired. Mrs WOODGATE (Kurwongbah) (7.10 p.m.): Tonight, I am making a plea to Government Ministers opposite for some truth Shailer Park State School and honesty in their statements, whether in Mr HEGARTY (Redlands) (7.12 p.m.): I this House or in the media. I will give the would like to bring to the attention of the 5 Sep 1996 Grievances 2583

House the very creditable achievements of Office of Energy Management one of the primary schools in my Hon. T. McGRADY (Mount Isa) electorate—Shailer Park State School. The school's results in the areas of music, sport (7.14 p.m.): One of the great initiatives of the and academic learning support will be of Goss Labor Government was the interest to honourable members. establishment of the Office of Energy Management. This office was set up to try to The school's instrumental music program, change the culture of Queenslanders and established in 1985, is the largest primary educate them as to how they can use energy school instrumental program in the south more wisely. A prelude to the establishment of coast region. This year, 150 students, the Office of Energy Management was the representing 28 per cent of the school's setting up of the Alternative Energy Task population, are involved in the junior and Force under the chairmanship of the member senior bands and string orchestras, thanks to for Everton, Rod Welford. In setting up this the capable and enthusiastic music task force, I gave it two terms of reference: coordinator, Mr Gary Court, himself an accomplished musician. The school's senior firstly, to investigate and act upon securing band and senior strings recently won the power to remote grazing communities; and, Wynnum/Manly Eisteddfod. The senior strings secondly, to come up with a solution to were subsequently invited to play in the foyer provide power north of the Daintree. of the Performing Arts Complex on the night of Our policy was applauded not just around the finals of Fanfare '96. Queensland but indeed right around this On the sporting field, the school's Senior continent. It was applauded by all except the A soccer team was victorious in the south-east then Opposition. Knowing how popular the Queensland soccer titles. Furthermore, the policy was, in its policy document for the 1995 team has won the senior metropolitan premier State election, the then Opposition attempted trophy twice since its inception in 1970. A to take out the more popular parts of our further accomplishment was the winning of the policy and include them in its policy. Naturally, South Queensland and Border Districts Touch I welcomed this move. But today we face a Association competition. Other individual situation in which the Office of Energy student achievements in swimming, softball, Management is going to be disbanded. It is athletics and football are worthy of note, as is going to be disbanded not because it is not the school football squad's quest for the providing a service, not because it is not national titles, to be held soon. The school is functioning, but simply because it was an not reluctant to introduce new activities. This initiative of the Labor Government and, as year, school aerobics was introduced for the such, it has to disappear. first time, under the direction of one of the teachers, Lesley O'Hagan. A very creditable A document prepared by the Department second and third place were achieved by the of Minerals and Energy states quite clearly teams in the novice section in the school's that if the activities of the Office of Energy inaugural competition. Management cease after the delivery of the Budget on 10 September, the following results In the academic area, a new model for can be anticipated by the Government: group teaching children with special needs—in this case, visually impaired students—is being connection costs for the 6,000 Queensland introduced following the successful trial households not yet connected to power would involving Year 4 teacher Mr Geoff Otter and amount to approximately $171m compared one of his students, Scott Wong, who is legally with the $45m under the Household Remote blind. Mr Otter and Scott were videoed for two Area Power Scheme Grants. This additional days to show other teachers how to build a cost would presumably be paid by the relationship with other special needs students Government as a customer service obligation. to help them overcome their disabilities and to Those community service obligations, if the lead normal lives. grid connections are approved, will amount to $45m per year, each and every year. The Earlier this year, I was pleased to be document talks about the achievements in the asked to participate in the ceremony to mark properties outside of Boulia—so long ignored the induction of the school's first student council. Representatives from Years 4 to 7 and neglected by the National Party make up the council. Government. Time expired. Time expired. 2584 Grievances 5 Sep 1996

Police Minister's Visit to Cairns District case for funding to enhance new club facilities. Mrs WILSON (Mulgrave) (7.16 p.m.): This matter is being attended to on an The Minister for Police recently visited towns in ongoing basis. and around Cairns—specifically, Edmonton, Time expired. Gordonvale, Babinda and Innisfail—to meet with and talk to local police and community representatives. These meetings were Asbestos, Yeronga State High School extremely positive and productive, and I was Hon. M. J. FOLEY (Yeronga) pleased to accompany the Minister and be (7.18 p.m.): I demand that Public Works present to canvass important local law and Minister Ray Connor take immediate action to order issues, particularly police numbers, which rectify the problems of asbestos identified at were the focus of community concern and the Yeronga State High School. I am debate earlier in the year. particularly concerned about the roof of the I am pleased to report to this House that manual arts building, where debris in the the police levels in the north of the State are gutter from the roof and super-six roof operating at full capacity, with Cairns police sheeting have been identified as an asbestos currently having the highest police to problem. population ratio in Queensland. This is a As far back as 1 March, a report was significant achievement for the north and one issued in Q-Build identifying this asbestos for that residents have been appreciative of. A immediate removal. For some unexplained number of local concerns in respect of station reason, the priority for removal was staffing at Edmonton, Gordonvale and downgraded from "immediate" to "high" Babinda have also been resolved, and those priority. Minister Connor has attempted to stations are at full strength. mislead the public through his reported Discussions with community remarks in today's Courier-Mail to the effect representatives and police served to highlight that "the classification had been lifted to 'high', concerns over changeover or interim periods which meant removal". The Minister's where stations may be temporarily below par statement is false. The priority has not been when transfers in and out are taking effect. An lifted; it has been downgraded. I table the issue that arose out of a meeting I had at glossary of terms from the Q-Build asbestos Gordonvale with concerned citizens was the program, which shows quite clearly that possibility of using retired police officers to act "immediate" is the top category and "high" is a as temporary staff to fill the gaps for police lesser order of priority. who were sick or for times when police are Mr Connor's department has sat on this transferred and there is a time lag before the arrival of their replacement. As a result, the information for months. The school was not informed until 6 August 1996, and even then Minister has undertaken to investigate a the letter to the school from the regional program operating in New South Wales called manager of Q-Build stated— Volunteers in Policing, which operates very successfully. Such a program would, to my "However, it should be noted that mind, be extremely beneficial, particularly to funding for immediate removal is regional stations, where the gaps caused by presently unavailable pending the the comings and goings surrounding announcement of the 1996-97 Budget, promotions and transfers are commonplace. i.e. central funding for immediate removal At Innisfail, the Minister talked with the cannot be provided at this point in time." police and was understanding of the problems The Minister's remarks are a disgraceful faced by the new staff. During his visit, the attempt to cover up unacceptable delay in Minister also met with members of gun clubs removing asbestos from the Yeronga State and weapons retailers to discuss proposed High School. According to the Minister's own amendments to the legislation. I want to department, the classification "immediate" mention the hotline manned on weekdays means that materials have deteriorated to an from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to enable people to unserviceable condition and that potential for raise concerns relative to the gun issue. The exposure exists and, as such, should be number of that hotline is 1800 065 558. I removed as soon as practicable. encourage as many people as possible to Parents, students and staff at the make use of this service. Yeronga State High School should not have to The Minister also met with the accept this Government's penny-pinching representatives of the Gordonvale Turf Club, delays and the attendant risks to health and who were given an opportunity to put their safety. It is not sufficient for Minister Connor to 5 Sep 1996 Grievances 2585 put this on the never-never plan for removal in will be the workers in those industries and the conjunction with building maintenance or holiday-makers on the Whitsunday Islands upgrade work, as he has indicated to the and other tourist areas in the region whose Courier-Mail. This problem demands lives will be saved. It will also be the people of immediate action. As the Yeronga State High the cities and major towns in the area who will School Parents and Citizens Association need the helicopter when they get into President, Mr Jim Hawker, has observed, the trouble—towns such as Glenden, Nebo, school goes on holidays for two weeks in a Coppabella, St Lawrence, Ogmore, Moranbah fortnight's time. There is no reason why the and so on. work should not be carried out then or before. Businesses large and small now need to The Yeronga community is entitled to get behind the service to make it a success, immediate action to ensure that our students because as a community helicopter rescue and staff are not exposed to risks to their service, it is the community that not only health and safety. benefits from the service but also controls its Time expired. destiny. There is no doubt that mining companies will come to regard this new service—— Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service Time expired. Mr MALONE (Mirani) (7.20 p.m.): Many major corporations and businesses have goals Stage 2, Caboolture Hospital and mission statements which look great on Mr J. H. SULLIVAN (Caboolture) paper but have little or no bearing on the (7.22 p.m.): I have been shocked and day-to-day running of the business. However, I angered to learn of the Health Minister's am sure that the Central Queensland deceitfulness in respect of Stage 2 of Helicopter Rescue Service, based in Mackay, Caboolture Hospital. Shortly after assuming his will be very different. Its mission is to reduce ministerial position, the Minister gave mortality, reduce pain and suffering and assurances that Stage 2 would proceed on its improve the chances of survival in cases of original schedule and be completed in 1999. severe medical trauma and acute sickness in Despite the fact that the former Government central Queensland. I am sure that all had recognised the urgency of the members will agree that the service has set community's need for additional health itself a tough mission. services and had accelerated the project's Many times throughout Queensland over completion date to 1998, I was prepared to be the last few years, we have seen first-hand the charitable, to recognise the difficulty posed by invaluable work of helicopter rescue services, the circumstances of the change of both Government run and community Government, and therefore did not criticise to operated. During the floods in south-east any great extent the 12-month delay. Queensland in April and the cyclone-ravaged In recent days, however, it has come to far north in February, helicopters proved once my attention that, although Stage 2 is to again their worth in getting essential food and proceed on its 1999 completion timetable, it is resources to people most in need. no longer the 130-bed expansion that had Hundreds and perhaps thousands of been promised by the former Government. hours of hard work have gone on behind the Instead, documentation circulated to scenes to get the Central Queensland prospective tenderers indicates that the Helicopter Rescue Service up and running. It hospital is to have its bed capacity increased would be impossible to mention everyone, but by a mere 68 beds, and I am greatly there is no doubt that without the support, concerned by the suggestion that this will be financially and personally, of the local the only expansion at the hospital for at least governments in central Queensland, we would 10 years. not have a rescue helicopter in Mackay today. Caboolture is the fastest-growing region in The local sugar, mining and tourism industries Australia. The former Government's policy of have also got right behind the project and providing health services where people live have pledged financial support for the dictated that Caboolture Hospital was one of helicopter rescue service during the five-year the most important components of public contract that has been entered into. hospital development plans. Given this It is great to see so many members of Government's enthusiasm for the provision of industry willing to contribute to the community hospital facilities by the private sector—one in which they live. After all is said and done, it has to look only at their aspirations for Noosa 2586 Grievances 5 Sep 1996 to see that—I am fearful that the Horan grand of paramedic ambulance officers, who began plan for Caboolture is for an inadequate public their 12-month training course this week. hospital and to allow for the development of a Another initiative the Minister announced was private hospital, or hospitals, to provide for our that the new incentive strategy aimed at community needs. attracting ambulance officers to work in I call on the Minister to restore Caboolture isolated, rural and remote areas of the State Hospital Stage 2 as a 130-bed project and to had been finalised and that ambulance guarantee that a third stage will be built when officers should receive their extra pay in the demand for services indicate it should be coming weeks. expanded. Reduced bed numbers and stalled Time expired. building projects seem to be the basis of Mr Horan's reprioritisation of capital works projects. How many more broken promises, Mr Public Housing Waiting Lists Horan, how many more? Mr DOLLIN (Maryborough) (7.26 p.m.): I am absolutely amazed by a press release today in the Maryborough Chronicle by the Recruit Firefighters Minister for Public Works and Housing Mr MITCHELL (Charters Towers) regarding the waiting lists for public housing in (7.24 p.m.): I rise to inform the House of an Maryborough. That article, headed "Housing important achievement by the coalition on Hold", states— Government in terms of Emergency Services. "A public housing project in North This week, the Queensland Fire Service began Street Maryborough has been put on hold its latest recruit course for prospective new due to low public demands in the area. firefighters. These 56 new firefighters State Public Works and Housing commence their intensive induction course on Minister Ray Connor said yesterday Monday and will graduate in November. This construction of eight units would not record number of 56 firefighter recruits further proceed during the 1996-97 financial year emphasises the State Government's as originally planned. commitment to the Fire Service and actively addresses the firefighters' concerns. 'This project has been put on hold because of the area's relatively low public Last year, the firefighters were marching housing waiting lists,' he said. 'The wait on Parliament House on Budget day. We time for seniors units in the area is 26 have listened to their concerns and look months.' forward to an improved Queensland Fire Service. The 56 new recruits will be trained in Mr Connor said priority of three venues: Brisbane, Southport and construction had been given to areas with Toowoomba. They will be the first batch to waiting lists in excess of 42 months. come through a recruitment drive which began Mr Connor said the fact that the in January. This intake represents the first time project had been put on hold at this stage the Fire Service has trained 56 recruits at the did not mean it would not continue in the same time. Previously, the highest number of future." recruits to be trained at one time was 44. According to the Department of Public Toowoomba Fire Station is being used for Works and Housing, as at 1 September, the the first time as a base for the training of the waiting time for two-bedroom houses in recruits. Hopefully, each of the 56 recruits will Maryborough ranged from 28 months to 99 graduate later this year. We made a months; for three-bedroom houses, from 10 to pre-election promise to increase the number of 24 months; for a four-bedroom house, up to firefighters in Queensland by 135 in three 99 months; and the waiting list was 99 months years. This record intake, and further intakes and over for five-bedroom and six-bedroom of 56 trainees to come, will help meet that houses. commitment. Twenty-seven of the new The eight units which were planned for graduates are expected to be stationed in the construction were funded by the previous greater Brisbane area, a further 16 will go to Labor Government and should proceed as the Fire Service's south-western region, five to originally planned. If they do not, the central Queensland and one each to the Maryborough people have been robbed. As northern and far-northern regions. the figures I have just stated demonstrate, the Earlier this week, the Minister for Minister is far from being correct when he Emergency Services, the Honourable Mick describes Maryborough as having a low public Veivers, announced the State's second intake demand. 5 Sep 1996 Grievances 2587

I am sure that these units are now provided by the staff and volunteers of the headed for the south-east corner, or the Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre at member's own electorate. I am sure that this Smithfield. Funding for this centre is made will be the case right across Queensland, as available from the Department of Families, Labor electorates get rolled to shore up Youth and Community Care. This centre Government members in their own electorates provides a very important focus for people following the Government's stumbling from living on the Marlin Coast. Many of these disaster to disaster and from corruption to people have relocated to this area from other further corruption. This economic rationalist parts of Australia and they often find Government is putting dollars before people. It themselves in a situation without an extended is an uncaring Government. It has already family and lacking any kind of support. shown that by putting the economic line before the social impact on the lives of battling I understand this concept, because I am families. a service wife who has travelled around Australia and quite often found myself landed I ask that the Minister reverse his decision in a posting with young children and no and proceed with a project which had been support. So I recognise that this centre serves planned for and funded by the previous Labor a very valuable role. Child health nurses visit Government. The Minister should not be the centre on a weekly basis, and they have thieving the funds that are supposed to go to recently expanded this service to include an the citizens of Maryborough so that he can open clinic session and a regular new mothers pork-barrel National Party and Liberal Party group. This group meets on an informal basis seats. and is designed for first-time mothers from the What about the nine units that have sat area. This networking opportunity affords empty at Jupiter Street for the last six months these women the chance to get together and while people are on waiting lists? discuss areas of mutual interest. Time expired. The health nurses also assist with the older persons action program, by testing for blood pressure and sugar levels and by Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre providing talks and videos when requested. Ms WARWICK (Barron River) (7.28 p.m.): I would like to inform the House of Time expired. the wonderful community service which is The House adjourned at 7.30 p.m. 2588 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE The refurbishment and improvement of dwellings 417.Public Housing, Nudgee Electorate included three significant estate improvement projects undertaken during 1995/96 on public Mr ROBERTS asked the Minister for Public housing units at Kolberg Street, Ewing Street and Works and Housing (9/7/96)— Muller Road. Expenditure on these three projects With reference to public housing in the Nudgee totalled $2,288,920. electorate— Approximately $1.2 million was spent on maintenance (1) How many dwellings are currently available to of the 887 public housing units in the Nudgee public housing tenants in each category of electorate. dwelling (a) seniors units, (b) townhouses, (c) (4) I have no reason to believe tenants will be units and (d) detached houses (2, 3 bedroom, financially disadvantaged under the new interim etc.)? CSHA which commenced on 1 July 1996. I am (2) What is the projected number of dwellings supported in this stance by a statement attributed to required in each category for 1996-97 and the Prime Minister where he proposed that under the 1997-98? one year interim agreement, Commonwealth State (3) How much money has or will be allocated for (a) Housing grants to the States in 1996-97 be held at construction of new dwellings, (b) purchase of the same level as for last year. Longer term funding new d welling s or l and , ( c) arrangements proposed by the Commonwealth are refurbishment/improvements to dwellings and still subject to considerable negotiation. I have (d) maintenance for 1995-96, 1996-97 and 1997- expressed my concern publicly and in this House 98? about these longer term arrangements and I will be working hard to ensure Queensland gets the best (4) Will he guarantee that public housing tenants possible deal from the negotiations with the will not be worse off financially as a result of Commonwealth. outcomes from the current negotiations on the Commonwealth/State housing agreement? Mr Connor (9/8/96): 420.Timber Harvesting, Gladstone Region Mrs CUNNINGHAM asked the Minister for (1) There are 887 public housing dwellings available Primary Industries, Fisheries and Forestry (9/7/96)— in the Nudgee electorate. This total comprises of 241 seniors units; 343 detached houses; 22 cluster What is the status of timber harvesting and forestry homes; 187 attached houses and 94 apartments. In protection in forests surrounding Gladstone, Calliope addition to the public rental housing stock, the and Monto? Department has 10 leases to individuals in boarding Mr Perrett (9/8/96): Several large State house style accommodation. Forests in the Gladstone, Calliope and Monto region (2) It is not possible to determine how many of the are affected by Interim Management Arrangements households waiting for accommodation will be (IMAs) being developed under the umbrella of the housed as vacancies occur over the next 12 months. Greater Planning Certainty (GPC) policy. State As such it is difficult to project the number of Forests (SF) 391 Bompa (Bulburin), 54 Bania, 316 dwellings that will be required in each category. Winterbourne (Kroombit Tops), 27 Curtis Island and Timber Reserve (TR) 353 Dawes are the main Crown My practice is to supply housing to the area where native forest estates affected in the region. wait times are longest. In June 1995 the previous Government announced Given that for the year 97/98, discussions between logging moratoriums over Bulburin, Kroombit Tops, the State and Federal Governments concerning the Curtis Island and more than 90% of Bania. Harvesting form of the Commonwealth State Housing operations current in these areas at the time were Agreement are still ongoing, it is difficult to project suspended (no sales were current on Curtis Island). the number of dwellings which can be provided. These logging moratoriums have been reviewed by (3) Final allocation of funding for new construction; the Department of Natural Resources in consultation purchase of new dwellings or land; refurbishing or with the Department of Primary Industries Forestry upgrading; and maintenance of dwellings for 1996/97 and the Department of Environment. Consistent with and 1997/98 is dependent upon negotiations with the the GPC policy, it was agreed that harvesting Commonwealth Government in relation to funding operations could proceed in the areas of Bulburin under the Commonwealth State Housing Agreement and Bania which had not been identified, via a and the State's budget deliberations. previously agreed process, as "major large areas of In 1995/96, $2,077,568 was spent on construction of old growth and/or wilderness of high conservation 22 new dwellings, on land valued at $535,000. New value". This makes about 55% of Bulburin and 75% of construction targets for 1996/97 are to be finalised Bania now available for harvesting. It was further as part of the 1996/97 budget process. It is not agreed that harvesting operations in Kroombit Tops possible to provide projections for 1997/98 until the would not proceed prior to May 1998, by which time Commonwealth clarifies future funding arrangements. the status of the reserve was to be determined With regards to the purchase of new dwellings or through the comprehensive regional assessment land, expenditure amounted to $910,240 on (CRA) process. properties which settled in 1995/96. A further These draft IMAs are being considered by the Forest $778,000 was committed on properties which will Working Group, an advisory group reporting to the settle this financial year. Honourable H W T Hobbs MLA, the Minister for 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2589

Natural Resources, prior to a decision on their consequential to the holding of those implementation by the Minister. endorsements? The Government has given a commitment that Crown Mr Perrett (9/8/96): timber allocations will not be reduced in the interim (a) The Crown Solicitor has advised that the Crown as a result of the application of IMAs. Adjustments to has a legal obligation to maintain confidentiality Crown allocations may be necessary once the under the relevant deeds of settlement. allocation of forests to various uses is completed following the CRA process. (b) Accordingly, it is not possible to disclose any information in relation to the deeds of settlement. However, the ex-gratia payments made to the 434.Public Housing, Mount Gravatt Electorate relevant fishers were not uniform, but were adjusted Ms SPENCE asked the Minister for Public to take account of the individual circumstances Works and Housing (9/7/96)— relating to each of the fishers. (1) Which Department of Housing properties in the (c) The obligation of confidentiality contained in Mt Gravatt Electorate is the Government each deed of settlement precludes the provision of a planning to sell? specific answer to this question as to do so would disclose the identity of the relevant fishers. (2) What is the Government's timetable for the sale However, all the fishers concerned retained fishing of these properties? licences with a range of endorsements including the (3) How is the Government determining which following ex-pumicestone fishery carried range of properties to sell? endorsement for line fishery, crab fishery, trawl fishery and net fishery. (4) How will the sale of these properties be conducted? Mr Connor (9/8/96): 447. Mr A. Callaghan; Appointment to Library (1) The Department plans to sell a 3 bedroom house Board at Logan Road, Mt Gravatt as it is structurally Mr FOLEY asked the Deputy Premier, unsound. The structural condition of the dwelling will Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (10/7/96)— be fully disclosed to all potential purchasers. A (1) Did she apply her mind to the provisions of structural engineer's report will be attached to the Section 13(b) of the Libraries and Archives Act conditions of sale. 1988 prior to recommending to the Governo in No other housing properties have been identified for Council the appointment of Allen Callaghan to sale in the Mt Gravatt electorate. the Library Board? (2) It is expected the property will be sold as soon (2) Was any document brought into existence as possible. outlining any expression of her opinion of the (3) The Department identifies stock for disposal circumstances of Mr Callaghan's offence prior based on a number of criteria. These include: the to the appointment of Mr Callaghan; if so, will stock having reached the end of its economic life; she table such document or documents? there is no (or limited) demand for public housing for (3) Did she inform the Governor in Council of Mr a property of this type in this location; or the Callaghan's circumstance of disqualification property is considered no longer suitable to retain under Section 13 of the Libraries and Archives for public housing. Act in the documentation recommending Mr Callaghan's appointment; if so, will she table (4) The property will be offered for sale through such documentation; if not, why not? open listing with a real estate agent. (4) If she did form an opinion under Section 13(b), was she aware at the time that Mr Callaghan still 440. Commercial Fishermen, Pumicestone owed more than $40,000 misappropriated from Passage the Government? Mr J. H. SULLIVAN asked the Minister for Mrs Sheldon (9/8/96): Primary Industries, Fisheries and Forestry (9/7/96)— (1) I sought verbal advice from Departmental officers With reference to the Government payout to in relation to Section 13 (b) and other sections of the commercial fishermen excluded from Pumicestone Act prior to making my recommendation. I also Passage— sought advice on Mr Callaghan's experience as a What is (a) the name of each person who received a former Library Board member. payout, (b) the total amount received by each (2) No. person, further dissected to show (i) the amount (3) As the Honourable Member would know, the deemed to be "compensation" for exclusion between Governor requires advice in relation to the 20 October 1995 and 1 December 1995 later judged background, qualifications and suitability of all to be invalidly made, (ii) the amount deemed to be an candidates recommended for board appointments. "ex gratia" payment in relation to equipment replacement and (iii) any other amount(s) making up (4) I was advised at the time that Mr Callaghan was the individual payment and (c) the remaining paying restitution. I was also advised that should Mr endorsement held by each person including an Callaghan's appointment proceed, any remuneration indication as to areas permitted to be fished from the Library Board in relation to his meeting fees 2590 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996 etc, would be paid to the RSPCA and not to Mr as may be necessary for the effective operation of Callaghan, who is an RSPCA employee. the new Department.

463. Commonwealth Revenue Assistance and 480.Public Housing Hospital Grants Mr MACKENROTH asked the Minister for Mr HAMILL asked the Deputy Premier, Public Works and Housing (11/7/96)— Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (10/7/96)— With reference to the $50m accelerated capital works As a result of the recent Premier's Conference and program of the Housing Department— Loan Council, will Queensland receive $2,986.8m (1) To date how many properties have been from the Commonwealth in General Revenue purchased under this scheme or approved for Assistance in 1996-97 and $713.1m in base hospital purchase? grants from the Commonwealth in 1996-97? (2) What is the location of these properties, Mrs Sheldon (9/8/96): Under the real per identifying the electorate in which they are capita guarantee escalation arrangements for general located? revenue grants, Queensland expected to receive an amount of $3,101 million in 1996-97, and this figure (3) How many properties were put forward for had been factored into revenue forward estimates. approval by the department which he did not approve? The Commonwealth escalated the pool of general revenue grants in accordance with the guarantee, but (4) What is the location of these properties at the 1996 Premiers' Conference, States and (identify electorate)? Territories were told that they would be required to Mr Connor (12/8/96): make fiscal contributions back to the Commonwealth (1) As at Monday 12 August I have approved the of $619 million in 1996-97, $640 million in 1997-98 purchase of 276 units of accommodation and 38 are and $300 million in 1998-99. This transferred a large in the process of being acquired. part of the burden of the Commonwealth's deficit reduction strategy onto States and Territories. The (2) I have approved the purchase of properties in 43 cost to Queensland of these payments to the electorates. Details are in Attachment A. Commonwealth for 1996-97 will be $114.2 million. (3) The Department has submitted 16 properties to Consequently, even though general revenue funding me which I have not approved. for 1996-97 is $35.2 million greater than in 1995-96, (4) The properties I have declined have been in the the overall shortfall on the starting point for the following areas: budget is $114.2 million from general revenue grants Electorate—No. of Properties alone. An estimated $70 million decrease from the combined impact of further Commonwealth funding Aspley—1; Bulimba—1; Chatsworth—1; cuts to specific purpose payments and the Chermside—1; Clayfield—1; Currumbin—5; Commonwealth's motor vehicle sales tax measure Kurwongbah—1; Mansfield—2; Sunnybank—1; brings the anticipated reduction in the budgetary Tablelands—2 starting point from these sources to around $185 TOTAL:—16 million. ATTACHMENT A Furthermore, owing to population growth in Electorate—Units of Accommodation Queensland that is twice the national average, general revenue funding for each Queenslander in Albert—9; Archerfield—12; Aspley—5; Barron 1996-97 is expected to decrease from $890 to $881. River—8; Broadwater—37; Bulimba—11; This per capita reduction does not include the Burleigh—13; Cairns—3; Caloundra—1; effects of inflation. Capalaba—3; Chatsworth—2; Chermside—3; Cleveland—1; Cook—2; Currumbin—25; Similarly, for base hospital funding grants, the Everton—15; Gladstone—2; Greenslopes—2; Hervey majority of the expected $34.1 million increase for Bay—1; Hinchinbrook—8; Ipswich West—2; this year had been factored into the Government's Kallangur—1; Kurwongbah—5; Lytton—2; starting revenue position for consideration during the Mansfield—12; Maroochydore—1; Merrimac—7; current budget round. Mirani—1; Mooloolah—2; Mt Gravatt—2; Mulgrave—7; Murrumba—4; Nerang—21; Noosa—1; 465.Department of Public Works and Housing Nudgee—8; Redlands—1; Sandgate—5; South Brisbane—1; Southport—17; Sunnybank—8; Surfers Mr MACKENROTH asked the Minister for Paradise—2; Thuringowa—1; Yeronga—2 Public Works and Housing (10/7/96)— What delegations within his department has he TOTAL:—276 changed or amended and what are the changes? Mr Connor (9/8/96): On a progressive basis, I 491.District Health Councils am reviewing all delegations in force within the Mr McELLIGOTT asked the Minister for Department to reflect the new Department structure. Health (11/7/96)— When I am satisfied that new structures and With reference to his recent announcement accountabilities are fully in place, my Director- concerning the imminent appointment of members to General and I will consider the issue of delegations the district health councils— 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2591

(1) Will he provide details relating to the (2) Does he admit that his figure of 20 VERs procedures and processes to be utilised in the recorded in the Hansard is incorrect and admit selection of council members? that he gave the House information which he (2) How many council positions will be assigned to knew to be dubious but gave it anyway for each district health service and will these be political advantage? paid positions; if so, will he give details of (3) Is the tally on the number of VERs alone far payments proposed? greater than 20 and rising, and that the real (3) Will he provide a figure on the total recurrent figure ranges anywhere between 59 and 200? cost associated with payments anticipated for (4) Will he admit he knew he had given the House council members per each district? unreliable information on 30 April and apologise Mr Horan (9/8/96): unreservedly; if not, will he table information in (1) Selection of District Health Council members will this place to verify his initial claim? take place following an extensive recruitment Mr Horan (9/8/96): process comprising: (1) No. calling of expressions of interest, supply of information kit containing selection (2) & (3) No. The member for Cleveland is confused. criteria, application form, and terms of reference He uses the numbers from my advice to this House to interested parties, of 30 April, which related only to staff employed by the former Regions; he then tries to make some selection of members, and comparison with a figure that includes regional and recommendation of appointments to Governor Corporate Office staff numbers. On 30 April I in Council. informed the House that, with respect to Regional I will appoint members having regard to the need for staff, "we anticipate that there will be only 20 VERs", representation from the community, and the and this was true. expertise and experience necessary for the exercise However, any process which is strategic, fair to staff, of the Council's functions. and financially responsible is not perfectly (2) The Government proposes that each District predictable. Fairness is not a matter forcing people Health Council will consist of between eight and ten to confirm to some predetermined outcome. members. District Health Council members will, Forty-two (42) staff employed by the former Regions subject to their right to waive payment, receive have accepted VERs to date. There have also been remuneration and allowances as approved by the 23 acceptances by Corporate Office staff. This Governor in Council. Queensland Health will pay compares with the 93 that Labor accepted when it such remuneration on a most modest scale, which is moved to its failed regionalised system. likely to be less than that paid under the former I cannot understand the member's concern with an Government's remuneration policy. accepted process that results in staff voluntarily (3) An accurate total recurrent cost associated with exiting an organisation to the benefit of those payments to Council members per district is not concerned. possible at this stage. The estimate will vary depending on the number of members per Council, (4) No; I hope that the information provided in this the remuneration to be set, and the number of answer addresses the honourable member's meetings held by each Council. concerns. Queensland Health is likely to pay more modest remuneration than under the previous Government's 493.Private Hospitals remuneration policy. Therefore, the total annual cost of payments will be less than $6,600 per annum per Mr HAYWARD asked the Minister for Health district, not including travelling expenses. This (11/7/96)— contrasts dramatically with the total cost for With reference to the comments contained in the members of the 13 Regional Health Authorities: for "Report of the Queensland Commission of Audit" the 1994/95 financial year (the last year full year regarding the scope for improved utilisation of public figures are available) these payments were $379,802, and private hospitals— an average of $29,216 per Regional Health Authority. Will he undertake to ensure that private/not-for-profit hospitals treat public patients and end his previously 492.Queensland Health, Staffing stated opposition to such a proposal? Mr BRISKEY asked the Minister for Health Mr Horan (9/8/96): I am not opposed to the (11/7/96)— treatment of public patients by private/not-for-profit With reference to public sector job shedding hospitals. In fact, I am pleased to advise the House affecting employees of Queensland Health and the that Queensland Health has signed a $14 million, former regional health authorities— two-year contract with the Mt Olivet Private Hospital (1) Did he mislead the House on 30 April in giving to provide free services to the public. Queensland is an answer to a question from one of his very lucky to have a hospital which delivers such colleagues in this place on the subject of the professional and dedicated care. I am most happy to number of voluntary early retirements resulting see the renewal of this contract, which will see the from staff cuts approved by him for his provision of free public services in palliative care and department? specified aged care. 2592 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

495.Regional Arts Development Fund with respect to the tender process, Mr FOLEY asked the Deputy Premier, construction times and size are available Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (11/7/96)— presently. With reference to her slashing of the capital base of (2) Contrary to assertions by members of the the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) from Opposition, the Building Better School Program has $15m to $10m— not been scrapped, nor have any funds been (1) How many projects will be refused funding as a reallocated. To reiterate this commitment, I have result of her funding cut? attached, for the information of the Honourable Member, a media statement from my office. (2) Will she table the details of those arts projects throughout regional Queensland to be refused The Hall State School is programmed to have two funding as a result of her funding cut? classrooms refurbished during the 1998-99 financial year. (3) Which Queensland local government authorities will have their funding under this program (3) The refurbishment of classrooms and the reduced or denied as a result of her funding construction of shade structures at Park Avenue cut? State School have been included in the 1997-98 (4) When will the funding under RADF, expected schedule of the Building Better Schools Program. If by local government authorities in May, be required, the provision of teacher aide preparation delivered? area would be considered as part of the scope of work for the refurbishment of classrooms. Mrs Sheldon (9/8/96): (4) None. (1), (2) & (3) The Opposition Spokesman is incorrect in asserting that the capital base has been reduced from $15 million. In fact, it has never reached $15 503.Privatisation of Health Services million. The Coalition Government has not cut Mr NUNN asked the Minister for Health funding to the RADF program. Indeed, I have sent a (11/7/96)— letter to Greg Hallam, Executive Director of the Local Government Association of Queensland, confirming With reference to the Commission of Audit report our ongoing support for the program and the and its chapter devoted to health and community maintenance of the current level of funding services— ($820,000) based on a notional capital fund of $10 (1) What is his response to chapter eight (pp. million. Local government authorities were not 177-178) of the report entitled 'Which Business required to submit details of specific project details Activities Should Government Sell?' which in their 1996/97 funding bid. Queensland's local recommends, as part of a list of business units government authorities will receive funding at within departments which could be privatised, comparable levels to 1995/96 allocations. that in-patient care/ambulatory care (4) Funds will be processed in the near future. microbiology/pathology services and pharmacy services could be sold out to the private sector? 500.Schools, Rockhampton Electorate Mr SCHWARTEN asked the Minister for (2) Is the privatisation of the provisions of these Education (11/7/96)— services in the new Harvey Bay Hospital under consideration? With reference to recent announcements concerning the upgrade of schools in the Rockhampton Mr Horan (12/8/96): electorate— (1) Wherever practical, the Government will fully fund (1)(a)What type of structure will the $900000 shade and fully staff these functions. Wherever providing structure proposed for Glenmore State High these services from within our own resources is not School be, (b) what is the start and completion practical, the Coalition will look to outsourcing to date and (c) how many students will be able to guarantee that services are delivered. be accommodated within this structure? (2) In the same way, wherever practical, the (2) As the Hall State School was to receive major Government will fully fund and fully staff these upgrades under the Better Schools Program functions as they relate to the Hervey Bay Hospital. what upgrades does he intend for this school Where it is impractical to provide these services from now that that program has been scrapped? within our own resources, the Government will look (3) With the proposed removal of the older to outsourcing to guarantee service to the people of building at the Park Avenue State School what Hervey Bay. This is also the policy of the ALP, replacement shade structures and teacher aide approved by the Goss Cabinet on 8 August 1994. As preparation rooms will be provided? you well know, the policy of the Coalition in Government is, and has always been, to fully fund (4) What capital works are proposed for and fully staff the Hervey Bay Hospital. Rockhampton State High School in the 1996-97 budget? Mr Quinn (12/8/96): 504.Police Staffing, Deception Bay (1) (a) An indoor sporting facility. Mr WELLS asked the Minister for Police and (b) & (c) The final design of this facility is yet to Corrective Services and Minister for Racing be determined, and as such no further details (11/7/96)— 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2593

(1) Is the police to population staffing ratio 1:650 (1) Will consultants be used for this project? (State average), while the ratio for the (2) What methodology will be used in conducting Deception Bay Police Station is 1:1400? this survey? (2) Will he seek the advice of the Police (3) How will survey respondents be selected? Commissioner as to whether the shortage of police at Deception Bay can be remedied? (4) What is the total cost of this survey? (5) When will the survey commence? Mr Cooper (12/8/96): (6) When will the results be available? (1) No. The police/population ratio for the State is estimated to be approximately 1:518/519. Mrs Sheldon (9/8/96): The police/population ratio for the Redcliffe Police (1) The questionnaire development and fieldwork will District is estimated to be approximately 1:854. go to tender. The police/population ratio for the Deception Bay (2) The survey will consist of three stages: Police Division is estimated to be approximately background research, focus groups and in the final 1:1490. stage a questionnaire. Simple random sampling will form the core methodology. These ratios are identical to those that existed at the time of my government taking office. (3) Respondents to the survey will be selected at random. However, in determining the effectiveness of delivery of policing services there are other factors (4) No costs, other than staff costs, have been that must be considered rather than relying on incurred at this early stage. police/population ratios in isolation. (5) The background work to the survey has already commenced. The demographics and social characteristics of the population to be served, the proportion of police (6) Results from the survey will be available in mid performing operational duties, the number of 1997. specialist positions and civilian staff available to support general duties police officers, changes in 508.Visit to Japan by Deputy Premier technology, and the efficiency and effectiveness of police systems and procedures have become Mr ROBERTSON asked the Deputy Premier, increasingly important in measuring the standard of Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (11/7/96)— policing services. With reference to her recent trip to Japan and to (2) Yes. The Commissioner of Police advises that the comments made by her since her return that a Queensland Police Service constantly monitors the number of senior Japanese business people need for police numbers on a Statewide basis. expressed the view to her that a significant barrier to investing in Queensland was the absence of a major The equitable allocation of staff throughout the State financial institution's headquarters based in is based on the relative needs of districts/regions as Queensland— determined by a comparison of districts/regions on factors which are common to regions, e.g., crime (1) What meetings did she attend during her recent statistics, population measures, isolation issues, trip to Japan and with whom were these traffic incidents, etc. meetings held? The current staff allocation determined for the (2) Which senior Japanese business people Redcliffe Police District is 178 officers. The actual expressed to her the view regarding the number of officers attached to the district as at 1 absence of a headquarters of a major financial July 1996 is 178. institution in Queensland and which companies are they employed by? The authorised strength for Deception Bay Police Mrs Sheldon (9/8/96): Station is 18 officers. The actual strength is 19 officers as at 1 July 1996. (1) For information on the meetings I attended on my recent trip to Japan, I refer the Honourable Member When considering policing services provided to the to the report which I made to the Parliament on 25 Deception Bay Policing Division, the duties July 1996. performed by officers attached to district functions such as the Redcliffe District Traffic Branch, Criminal (2) It is not appropriate to disclose the names of the Investigation Branch, and others, should be taken business people with whom I had discussions. into account. Officers attached to all district That information should not become a matter for the functions perform operational duties throughout the public record, as it would be a betrayal of business Redcliffe Police District which includes Deception confidence. Bay Division. 510.Assistance for Disabled Students 505.Office of Women's Affairs, Survey Mr BREDHAUER asked the Minister for Ms SPENCE asked the Deputy Premier, Education (11/7/96)— Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (11/7/96)— With reference to the statement made in Parliament With reference to the survey of 5000 Queensland by his predecessor on 18 October 1995 detailing a women being carried out by the Office of Women's $72m package to guarantee better educational Affairs— outcomes for students with disability— 2594 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

What is the current state of implementation of this Mr Connor (9/8/96): package with specific reference to (a) the additional (1) Termination Reason—Number of Terminations 120 teachers, (b) 9056 hours/week teacher aide time, (c) 30 therapy positions, (d) 4 nursing positions, (e) Dismissal—4 the improved capital facilities, (f) appropriate staff Voluntary Early Retirement (VER)—6 training, (g) the special project in senior schooling Ill-health Retirement (employer initiated)—5 and (h) the enhanced transport assistance provided, Contract Terminated (temporary staff all funded under the package? only)—102 Mr Quinn (12/8/96): Total Terminations—117 (a), (b), (c) & (d) In the 1995-96 financial year 60 (2) Program Area—Number of Terminations teachers, over 8082 teacher aide hours per week, 15 Housing —50 therapists and four nurses have been funded to Project Services—3 provided enhanced educational provision for QPM Property Management—5 students with disabilities. Funding for an additional Q-Build—48 60 teachers and 15 therapists have been included in Sales and Distribution Services—1 the 1996-97 budget considerations for the Q-FLEET—1 Department of Education. GOPRINT—1 I would also draw the attention of the Honourable CITEC—1 Member to the fact that 974 hours of teacher aide Government Services Group—4 time planned for interpreting support to assist deaf Corporate and Executive Services—3 and hearing impaired students, has not been Total Terminations—117 provided due to a focus on note-taking. (3) 6 terminations have been as a result of voluntary (e) A planning process with regions is currently early retirements. under way to develop a consolidated capital plan to (4) provide facilities for students with disabilities. Furthermore, the Building Better Schools Program Classification Appointment Total Staff has allocated $1.7 million to improve capital facilities Level Status for students with disabilities, over the three year AO1 4 x temporary 4 period to 1997-98. AO2 1 x part-time 24 x temporary 25 (f) Professional development packages for teachers, AO3 2 x permanent teacher aides and other staff are being developed. A 7 x temporary 9 teacher package, prepared in collaboration with AO4 2 x permanent Griffith University will be available for trial in schools 5 x temporary 7 early next year. Training for teacher aides who AO5 3 x temporary 3 provide note-taking services, for students with AO6 2 x temporary 2 hearing impairment, will begin this month. AO7 2 x temporary 2 (g) A taskforce has been established to extend and Apprentice 5 x permanent 5 refine arrangements for the provision of education in CEO3 1 x permanent 1 schools for all students of a post-compulsory age, Level 1 1 x permanent 1 including those in special schools. Level 4 1 x permanent (h) New transport guidelines have been developed 32 x temporary 33 and are currently on trial in two regions. Level 5 1 x permanent 3 x temporary 4 Level 6 2 x temporary 2 511. Department of Public Works and Housing, OO2 1 x permanent Retrenchment of Staff 1 x part-time 2 OO3 2 x temporary 2 Ms BLIGH asked the Minister for Public Works OO4 1 x part time 1 and Housing (11/7/96)— OO5 1 x temporary 1 (1) How many staff of the Department of Public OO6 1 x temporary 1 Works and Housing have been terminated since PO2 4 x temporary 4 26 February 1996? PO3 7 x temporary 7 PO4 1 x temporary 1 (2) In which program areas have these terminations occurred and how many terminations have Total Terminations 117 occurred in each program area? (5) The attached spreadsheet (see Attachment 1) (3) How many terminations have been the result of identifies the staff terminations by gender and age. voluntary early redundancies? (4) What level and in what status (i.e. permanent, 515. Police Staffing, Gracemere and Mount temporary, contract, S.34 etc.) were the Morgan terminated staff employed? Mr PEARCE asked the Minister for Police and (5) What was the age and gender of each staff Corrective Services and Minister for Racing member terminated? (23/7/96)— 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2595

With reference to the current Government which, The Assistant Commissioner has referred a request when in Opposition, campaigned in the lead-up to to the Human Resource Division for review of the the 1995 State Election and the 1996 Mundingburra staff model allocation for Mount Morgan in any By-Election on law and order issues which saw the review of regional staff model allocations. signing of the Memorandum of Understanding For the period 1/1/96 to 30/6/96, compared to the between the now Minister for Police and the Police period 1/1/95 to 30/6/95, there was some increase in Union— overall reported crime at Mount Morgan. (1) Will he attend a public meeting in Gracemere in The Assistant Commissioner supports the community order to explain why a police station or, as a policing concept in addressing local problems and is minimum, a Police Beat Program cannot be aware plans exist to establish a Neighbourhood established in an effort to address escalating Watch at Mount Morgan. criminal activity in the town? (2) Will he also attend, on the same day, a public meeting in Mount Morgan so as to justify to 516. Kennedy Report; Workers Compensation residents a reduction in police numbers which Fund has seen the town move from a low crime rate Mrs CUNNINGHAM asked the Minister for locality to one of increased criminal activity? Training and Industrial Relations (23/7/96)— Mr Cooper (27/8/96): As the final form of legislation to address the (1) No. The establishment of a police beat area office Workers' Compensation Fund problems has not been at Gracemere, similar to the Toowoomba project, clarified and particularly recognising that consultation was researched and considered by Queensland is continuing on the Kennedy report implications— Police Service during 1995. What purpose will be found for the implementation Following a submission from the Assistant committee as reported by him and wouldn't their Commissioner, three Senior Constable positions work be pre-emptive of the consultation process were approved on 19 January 1996 to create three results? Beat Area Offices at North Rockhampton, Mr Santoro (22/8/96): I am continuing to Rockhampton and Gracemere. receive feedback in relation to the Kennedy Report These positions were advertised in the Queensland recommendations and the implications of the Police Gazette on 26 January 1996. recommendations. I am obviously taking very serious note of this feedback and am passing it onto the The Assistant Commissioner received supplementary Implementation Task Force. You would appreciate information from the Deputy Commissioner, that the Kennedy Report and its recommendations Executive Director, Operations, on 16 April 1996 are based on the most extensive process of concerning additional community beats at Cairns, consultation ever undertaken in relation to the Townsville and Rockhampton. The report included Workers' Compensation System of Queensland. This advice to the effect that "Until such time as priorities comes on top of the extensive and intensive debate are established and funding is clarified, the selection that took place during last year's amendments of the process in respect to the advertised vacancies Act. Mr Kennedy recommended that the Task Force should be postponed and the applicants advised be established and its work is an integral part of the accordingly." consultation process involved in implementation of Accordingly, no further action is being taken in the recommendations. relation to the Police Beat positions at regional level I hope that you would agree with me and the until further advised. Government that the time has arrived when action Planning for new police stations is undertaken by the must be quickly taken to restore the Fund to a viable Queensland Police Service Capital Works Program financial situation. However, I reiterate that the views and there are no current plans within that program I receive are being passed onto the Implementation relating to the building of a police station at Task Force for their consideration. In addition, I have Gracemere. invited major stakeholders, including the relevant However, the Assistant Commissioner is supportive Opposition Spokesperson, to be briefed by the of the establishment of community beat policing Board's Actuary who has advised governments of program at Gracemere subject to appropriate both political persuasions over recent years. resources and accommodation being available. (2) No. During 1995, Mount Morgan Station received 517.Public Service, Reductions in Staff a Model Allocation of two in a Regional Staffing Mr NUNN asked the Deputy Premier, Treasurer Model; however, having regard to policing needs in and Minister for The Arts (23/7/96)— the area and overall regional resource considerations, the Assistant Commissioner With reference to the spate of staff cuts to the public recommended an authorised strength of four in the service under the new Government— Regional Resource Plan which was approved. Will she provide the following information, in table Having regard to the regional priorities, the Assistant form, including (a) the name of the department, (b) Commissioner does not consider it appropriate that the name of the units in each department, (c) the the authorised strength of Mount Morgan be number of staff working in each unit as of 19 increased at the expense of reducing the authorised February 1996, (d) the number of staff removed from strength of any other establishment in the Region. each unit, (e) the number of staff removed from each 2596 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996 department, (f) the number of temporary staff (3) As at 30 June 1996, there were 1,026 applicants removed from each department, (g) the number of whose first preference for obtaining public housing permanent staff removed from each department, (h) was in the Mackay-Whitsunday region. This total the number of contract staff removed from each includes 149 households waiting for apartments, 30 department, (i) the total number of voluntary applicants requiring attached houses, 81 applicants redundancies taken in each department, (j) the total listed for cluster houses, 163 clients listed for duplex number of sackings from each department and (k) the units, 484 households waiting for detached houses total number of temporary, permanent and contract and 119 single people and couples requiring seniors' staff removed from all departments? units. Mrs Sheldon (22/8/96): Information on these (4) Within the Mackay-Whitsunday area, wait times matters is not collected by the Queensland Treasury for Seniors' units are between 18 and 60 months. For Department. one bedroom dwellings, 30 to 60 months; for two bedroom dwellings, 3 to 32 months; for three bedroom dwellings, 3 to 60 months; and for four or 518.Public Housing, Mackay Region more bedroom dwellings, 6 to 48 months. Mr MULHERIN asked the Minister for Public (5) It is not possible to determine how many of the Works and Housing (23/7/96)— households waiting for accommodation will be With reference to public housing administered by the housed as vacancies occur over the next 12 months. Mackay Whitsunday Area Office of the Department As such it is difficult to project the number of of Public Works and Housing— dwellings that will be required in each category. (1) How many dwellings are currently available to My practice is to supply housing to the area where public housing tenants in each category of wait times are longest. dwelling (a) apartment—dwelling containing 1 Given that for the year 97/98 and beyond, to 3 bedrooms in building of two or more discussions between the State and Federal storeys, (b) attached house or townhouse Governments concerning the form of the dwelling unit of 1 to 4 bedrooms, (c) cluster Commonwealth State Housing Agreement are still house, (d) duplex—containing 1 to 5 bedrooms, ongoing, it is difficult to project the number of (e) detached house—containing 1 to 5 dwellings which can be provided. bedrooms and (f) seniors units? (6) In 1995/96, approximately $7.25 million was (2) Where are these dwellings located in each expended on construction of new dwellings in the category? Mackay-Whitsunday region with a further $1.12 (3) How many people are currently on waiting lists million estimated expenditure on spot purchases of in each category? dwellings. A total of $832,000 was spent on land acquisition in the region. Upgrading of stock (4) What is the waiting time for each category? accounted for $461,976 with a further $1.14 million (5) What is the project number of dwellings dedicated to maintenance. required in each category for 1996/97, 1997/98 Final allocation of funding for new construction, and 1998/99? purchase of new dwellings or land, refurbishing or (6) How much money has or will be allocated for upgrading and maintenance of dwellings for 1996/97 (a) construction of new dwellings or land, and subsequent years is dependent upon (b) purchase of new dwelling or land, negotiations with the Commonwealth regarding (c) refurbishment/improvements to dwellings future funding arrangements and the State's budget and (d) maintenance for 1995/96, 1996/97, deliberations. 1997/98 and 1998/99? (7) I have no reason to believe tenants will be (7) Will he guarantee that public housing tenants financially disadvantaged under the transitional and future public housing tenants will not be Commonwealth State Housing Agreement which worse off financially as a result of outcomes of commenced on 1 July 1996. I am supported in this the current negotiations on the stance by a statement attributed to the Prime Commonwealth/State housing agreement? Minister where he proposed that under the interim agreement, Commonwealth State Housing grants to Mr Connor (22/8/96): the States in 1996-97 be held at the same level as for (1) As at 30 June 1996, there was a total of 1,278 last year. Longer term funding arrangements public housing dwellings in the area, administered by proposed by the Commonwealth are still subject to the Mackay-Whitsunday Area Office. Included in this considerable negotiation. I have expressed my total were 132 apartments, 141 attached houses, 96 concern publicly and in this House about these cluster houses, 85 duplex units, 6 dual occupancy longer term arrangements and I will be working hard units, 689 detached houses and 129 seniors' units. to ensure Queensland gets the best possible deal (2) Public housing dwellings are available in 23 from the negotiations with the Commonwealth. localities within the Mackay-Whitsunday region. These localities are Airlie Beach, Andergrove, 520.Arts Council Performances in Schools Beaconsfield, Blacks Beach, Bucasia, Cannonvale, Clermont, Dysart, Eimeo, Glenella, Mackay, Mr WELLS asked the Minister for Education Middlemount, Mirani, Moranbah, Mount Pleasant, (23/7/96)— Nabilla, Nindaroo, North Mackay, Proserpine, Sarina, With reference to his answer to my Question on Shoal Point, Slade Point and Walkerston. Notice (No. 285), in which he advised that it was his 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2597 view that it was desirable for an entry fee to be subsidise at least one performance, at the school, in charged for Arts Council events put on for schools any given year. This is in addition to Queensland Arts because "the revenue from larger schools provides Council policy which states that: the council with sufficient income to subsidise "Where cases of genuine hardship exist smaller schools and more geographically isolated principals may, at their discretion, allow families schools"— of three or more students to attend for a special (1) Is he aware that at some schools in my rate of $8.00. Principals also have the right to electorate the proportion of children attending allow any student to view a performance free of Arts Council performances is as low as 20 per charge if in their opinion they cannot afford to cent? pay admission." (2) Is he aware that the reason given in nearly all of Furthermore, schools in disadvantaged and low these cases is lack of money by the child's socio-economic areas receive additional funding, family, and that with so many unable to attend, through Commonwealth programmes, which could his advice that the school can pay is unhelpful, be allocated to subsidise performances by the because to do so is beyond the means of large Queensland Arts Council. schools in disadvantaged areas? To provide an equitable system of free admission for (3) Is he aware that collecting entry fees from all Queensland students, based on the program children in large schools to subsidise currently on offer by the Queensland Arts Council, performances in remote schools involves the taxpayers of Queensland would need to pay, collecting that subsidy in areas of economic approximately, $7,000,000.00 per year. The only disadvantage, where many of the large schools known overseas attempt to create such a system are located? occurred in Canada, where $2,000,000.00 was (4) Is he aware that, since his policy causes large provided to ensure equitable access by every child. numbers of children to stay away from these The government could not sustain this commitment performances in disadvantaged areas, he is and the eventual result was a collapse of the system. merely substituting one kind of disadvantage This collapse caused great disadvantage to students for another, by enabling geographically and artists. I do not wish to have similar disadvantaged students access to cultural circumstances jeopardising the work of the activities at the expense of economically Queensland Arts Council. disadvantaged students? In conclusion, the Honourable Member may wish to (5) Will he undertake to contact the Minister for the note that I have been advised of the fact that Arts suggesting that a new initiative application average attendance by students, at Queensland Arts be made to Treasury to obtain direct Council performances, in his electorate is in the Government funding for Arts Council vicinity of 74 per cent. performances put on for remote schools so as to end reliance on cross subsidy by 521.South East Freeway; Pollution Levels disadvantaged students? Mr ROBERTSON asked the Minister for (6) Will he now agree to ensure that all Arts Council Transport and Main Roads (23/7/96)— performances in State schools are fully funded so that children from poor families do not With reference to concerns expressed by residents experience the grief and discrimination of being in Underwood, Springwood and Rochedale that, on left behind when other students in the class are average, 100,000 vehicles pass by their homes on able to attend these cultural events? the South East Freeway everyday and that this has a detrimental effect on the community's air quality and Mr Quinn (22/8/96): health, and to the Government's proposed widening (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) & (6) It would appear that the of the South East Freeway to eight lanes which will Honourable Member has had a recent conversion to allow for an increase in the carrying capacity of this the concept of funding fully Queensland Arts road by at least 30 per cent, and the fact that many Council programmes. Investigations reveal that, residents of these suburbs will live less than 20 when Minister for the Arts, the Honourable Member metres from his proposed "Super Highway"— did not adhere to the same opinions that he is now (1) What air quality testing has been done or will be espousing, given that he supported the existing done prior to Cabinet finalising their decision to policy. widen the South East Freeway to determine As stated in my response previously, the Department existing pollution levels in the suburbs of of Education and the Queensland Arts Council Underwood, Springwood and Rochedale? recognise that there are cases where family (2) What modelling has been done or will be done circumstances can make the, $3.00 per student, cost to assess the impact in these suburbs on air of performances prohibitive. The Department and the quality levels of a further widening of the South Arts Council have policies to ensure that children are East Freeway to eight lanes and the resulting not forced to miss performances because of financial increased carrying capacity of this road? circumstances. (3) What are considered to be acceptable levels of Individual schools have the ability to make decisions air pollution in suburbs such as Underwood, regarding the funding of performances in schools. I Springwood and Rochedale and what am advised that schools of any size can opt to guidelines does the Department of Transport 2598 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

and Main Roads currently use to assess the Authority (QBSA) undertakes financial assessments impact of pollution on human health? of prospective tenderers on behalf of the (4) What assurances will he give the residents of Department. I understand the QBSA has finalised its Underwood, Springwood and Rochedale that financial assessment of the Capricornia Training his proposal to further widen the South East Company. I have approved for the Capricornia Freeway and increase its carrying capacity will Training Company Limited to be awarded the work. not result in a further deterioration in air quality levels in these suburbs? 524. Office of Women's Affairs; Queensland Mr Johnson (22/8/96): Women (1) The increase in capacity of the highway over Ms SPENCE asked the Deputy Premier, what currently exists will result in lower congestion Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (23/7/96)— levels and consequently lower pollution levels, than With reference to the newspaper Queensland would otherwise occur. Further, if the increase in Women produced by the Office of Women's capacity is done in a way that encourages higher Affairs— vehicle occupancies, then the pollution levels will be (1) What was the total cost of the first edition of reduced even further. this paper? (2) This would be an issue to be considered during (2) Were consultants used in the production of this the preparation of an Impact Management Plan as paper? part of the detailed planning stage for the upgrading of the highway. (3) How many copies of the first edition were produced? (3) Air pollution is monitored and assessed against National Standards across South-East Queensland (4) How frequently will this paper be produced? by the Department of the Environment. I have been Mrs Sheldon (22/8/96): advised that pollution levels adjacent to roadways (1) The total cost of the production, printing and have been getting progressively lower, despite distribution of first edition of Queensland Woman increasing traffic volumes, because of improved was: $11,377.45. engine design and reduced lead content in petrol. (2) The newspaper was produced inhouse by the (4) As explained in my answer to Question 1, the Office of Women's Affairs. The only consultant used increased capacity in the corridor, particularly if was a graphic artist who drew the cartoon strip at a achieved in a manner which encourages increased cost of $300. vehicle occupancy, is not expected to cause a (3) 20,000 copies of Queensland Woman were deterioration in air quality levels. printed by the Office of Women's Affairs. (4) It is anticipated that Queensland Woman will be 522.Consolidated Fund produced quarterly. Mr HAMILL asked the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (23/7/96)— 525.Timber Industry What was the accumulated cash balance of the Mr J. H. SULLIVAN asked the Minister for Consolidated Fund at the end of June 1996? Primary Industries, Fisheries and Forestry (23/7/96)— Mrs Sheldon (22/8/96): Treasury officers are With reference to his recent announcement of a finalising details of the end of year outcome and an purchase of privately owned plantation forest near announcement will be made shortly. Woodford to expand the State forest plantation area, and his announcement of an expansion to the 523.Capricorn Training Company forestry nursery at Beerburrum, both of which are designed to ensure the future of softwood Mr SCHWARTEN asked the Minister for operations in south east Queensland and as my Public Works and Housing (23/7/96)— advice is that the biggest threat to softwood (1) Is he aware that the Capricorn Training operations in Queensland is the price demanded by Company has tendered to build four houses for his department for timber when compared to his department in the Rockhampton area? interstate prices— (2) Is he also aware that the Capricorn Training Will he take action to ensure that Queensland based Company is currently undergoing serious businesses in the timber industry are not placed at a difficulty in continuing to retain and employ competitive disadvantage by comparative high staff while this company waits for the above timber prices in Queensland? tender to be let; if so, when does he intend to Mr Perrett (22/8/96): While I acknowledge let this tender and will it go to the Capricorn Queensland is a market leader in the prices it has Training Company? secured for its quality hoop and exotic pine Mr Connor (22/8/96): plantation log timber, I reject the Member for (1) Officers of my Department have advised that the Caboolture's inferences that Queensland-based Capricornia Training Company Limited has tendered businesses are placed at a disadvantage by to construct four houses in the Rockhampton area. plantation log timber prices in this State. (2) This Government is committed to entering into Although some plantation timber in Queensland is contracts with financially viable contractors. As part sold under an administered royalty, prices for the of the process, the Queensland Building Services majority of the plantation resource are set by the 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2599 market, not demanded by my department. Virtually all aware that in May 1996 every 60s and Better plantation timber is sold by an open, competitive Program received a copy of a memorandum that I tendering system in which the prospective buyers requested the Director-General to send affirming this nominate the price they are prepared to pay to Government's support for the Program. That purchase a particular resource. commitment remains and the 1996/97 State Budget Successful tenderers normally are offered sales of will include funding for the Southern Gold Coast 60s between five (5) and twenty (20) years. The sales and Better Program. Although the precise level of contracts contain provision for regular reviews of the funding for this Program has not yet been finalised, price paid. The price review provisions of the these figures will be available after the contracts allow for purchaser involvement in the announcement of the State budget. Individual 60s review process and at major price reviews the and Better Programs have already received a first purchaser normally has recourse to arbitration if they quarter payment which was based on an interim disagree with the price. budget determination and represents a downpayment upon the National-Liberal The open, competitive sales system used in Government's funding commitment. Queensland provides the fairest and most equitable means of allocating the resource to industry. This (2) Previous funding comprised $50,926 for 1995/96. market based approach is supported by the recommendations of the Resource Assessment Commission's 1992 Forest and Timber Industry 529.TAFE Funding, Bundaberg Inquiry, the 1991 Ecologically Sustainable Working Mr CAMPBELL asked the Minister for Training Group's report on Forest Use, and the National and Industrial Relations (23/7/96)— Forest Policy Statement. With reference to the high unemployment levels in The current plantation pricing and allocation system Bundaberg which is now estimated at 20 per cent— has been in use for many years now and has not (1) What special provisions are being made by the hindered the development of a large, efficient and State Government to provide employment diverse processing sector, which includes programs? companies such as CSR Timber who operate a major sawmill at Caboolture, a particleboard plant at (2) In view of the below average funding of TAFE Gympie, a doorskins plant at Bundamba and supply in Bundaberg in terms of student contact hours, large quantities of wood chip to both domestic and what special initiatives are being made for TAFE overseas buyers; Hyne & Son of Maryborough, who in Bundaberg? own and operate one of the most modern and (3) Will he initiate special training programs for efficient exotic pine sawmills in Australia and the Bundaberg? State's largest hoop pine sawmill at Imbil; Laminex (4) Will he confer with other Ministers to initiate Industries, whose medium density fibre board plant special works programs to create employment near Gympie is currently being expanded at a cost of in Bundaberg? some $100 million; Boral Hancock Plywood of Ipswich, Australia's largest plywood manufacturer; Mr Santoro (22/8/96): and numerous smaller sawmillers, plymillers, treated (1) Any special provisions will be announced in the roundtimber, pole and landscaping timber producers. context of the State budget. Of course, it is the The development of such a diverse, integrated and Commonwealth which has prime responsibility for competitive plantation forestry industry base would programs for the unemployed. My Department of not have occurred if my department's sales and Training and Industrial Relations will, through its pricing policies were inappropriate. training programs, continue to enhance the The recent expansion of the Crown plantation estate employment skills of Queenslanders. This in the Beerburrum area by this Coalition Government Government is committed to the creation of long will ensure that we have sufficient regional timber term, real and sustainable jobs in the private sector. resources to support an internationally competitive Its aim is to facilitate employment creation generated softwood processing industry in south-east through investment (both public and private sector) Queensland, now and in the future. in capital works, creating a flexible labour market through industrial reforms and workplace agreements, and appropriately skilling potential 527.60s and Better Program employees. Mrs ROSE asked the Minister for Health (2) It is not appropriate to suggest that 1996/97 (23/7/96)— funding for the Bundaberg TAFE College will be With reference to the 60s and Better Program on the below average. The level of funding will be Southern Gold Coast— dependent on the State and Commonwealth budgets (1) Will the Government continue to fund this as well as the college's success in attracting funds program in the 1996/97 budget; if so, what level under various competitive arrangements. of funding will be made available? (3) I intend seeking the advice of the Bundaberg (2) What was the level of funding provided by the TAFE College Council on the appropriateness of previous Government? local programs, after its constitution. Mr Horan (19/8/96): (4) I have already conferred with my colleague, the (1) If the Honourable Member for Currumbin had Minister for Public Works and Housing regarding the been closely following the situation, she would be Housing Industry Trade Training Program which saw 2600 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996 the construction of a substantial number of dwellings It is unacceptable to the Coalition on financial and completed in Bundaberg. Similarly, in planning the moral grounds. design of the Horticulture Facility for the Bundaberg To justify its position, the Opposition uses the TAFE College, my Department of Training and surplus identified under the GFS accounting system Industrial Relations has worked closely with the in which superannuation assets are counted but Department of Public Works and Housing. superannuation liabilities are not. Because of its failure to properly account for 531.Forestry Depot Land, Salisbury superannuation liabilities, the GFS system is an irrelevant measure of our State's capacity to cut its Mr FOLEY asked the Minister for Natural cloth and to balance the flow of revenue and Resources (23/7/96)— expenditure. Nevertheless, GFS figures are included (1) What are the Government's plans in relation to as part of an agreed format for budget presentation the forestry depot land at Evans Road, in Australia. For this reason, the 1996-97 Budget Salisbury? Papers will contain details of the Government's (2) Does the Government propose to cease using surplus and Net Financing Requirement on the the land as a forestry depot of the Department Government Finance Statistics basis. of Primary Industries; if so, does the Government intend to sell or lease the land for 533. Wahroonga Retirement Village, the purposes of erecting a plastics factory? Maryborough (3) If the Government proposes to cease using the Mr DOLLIN asked the Minister for Health land as a forestry depot, will other Government (23/7/96)— land be used to maintain native shrubs and trees including any on the endangered species With reference to cottages and units at Maryborough list? Base Hospital's Wahroonga Retirement Village which are being left vacant in spite of a very long waiting (4) Will the Government reconsider its plans for the list of Maryborough citizens who are desperately site after careful consultation with local seeking this accommodation— residents? Why is this the case and what is planned in the future (5) Is he aware of concerns among local residents for this retirement village? at the prospect of losing the "buffer zone" of Mr Horan (19/8/96): The decision not to accept the existing forestry depot and being exposed further patients at Wahroonga Retirement village was to the loss of amenity and other problems of made last year during the Labor Party's period in being adjacent to a plastics factory? office and therefore the Honourable Member's own Mr Hobbs (22/8/96): colleague and former Minister for Health, Mr Beattie 1. As the Honourable member will be aware the MLA, may be able to assist him with a more complete previous government entered into negotiations outline of the reasons for this direction. regarding the potential sale of the land. However, I As for the present circumstance, I am advised that have now determined that the site be retained. for the people of the Wide Bay area who require 2. As outlined above, it is not proposed to cease residential services, options apart from Wahroonga using the land as a forestry facility. currently include other local residential care accommodation such as Fairhaven Home for the 3. Refer to Answer 2. Aged, Groundwater Hostel, Masters Lodge, Torquay 4. Refer to Answer 2. Retirement Village and Chelsea Peace Hostel. 5. I am aware of the concerns of local residents Currently, 21 residents are accommodated at which is clearly more than can be said for the Wahroonga. However, contrary to the Honourable previous government. Member's claim that there is "a very long waiting list of Maryborough citizens who are desperately seeking this accommodation", I am advised that there 532.State Budget have in fact been only three applications for Mr De LACY asked the Deputy Premier, accommodation there since last year. Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (23/7/96)— According to my department, the taking up of With reference to State Budget Paper No. 2 1995/96 residency at the alternative sites mentioned would Table 1.2, which provides both surplus and net appear to have reduced the demand for occupancy financing requirement on a Government finance at Wahroonga and allowed the health service to statistics basis— concentrate its resources into specialised acute care. Will this detail again be provided in the 1996/97 While I cannot say what fate might have befallen the Budget Papers, i.e. both surplus and NFR details? existing residents of Wahroonga had Labor remained Mrs Sheldon (22/8/96): In Queensland, the in power, I can assure both the residents and the Labor Opposition is campaigning for the State Member for Maryborough that this government will Government to dip into superannuation reserves held continue to provide them with accommodation. for public servants to pay for budget shortfalls caused by Labor mismanagement and Federal 535.Railway Station, Fitzgibbon budget cuts. This course of action was followed by Mr NUTTALL asked the Minister for Transport the disgraced former Labor Government in Victoria. and Main Roads (23/7/96)— 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2601

With reference to the proposed train station at All members of the Queensland Police Service are Fitzgibbon— subject to a Code of Conduct and a Code of Dress (1) Does he support the decision by his and Appearance which determine standards predecessor to build a train station at expected of them. Failure to comply with either of Fitzgibbon on the Caboolture rail line between these Codes could result in disciplinary action not the Carseldine and Bald Hills Stations? only for the officer concerned, but for the officer's supervisor as well. In accordance with the Service's (2) When can local residents and commuters Code of Dress and Appearance, headdress must be expect the new station to be fully functional? worn by police, except when a member is in a police (3) Will he detail the time frame for the project? station or building, where the construction of a motor vehicle makes the wearing of headdress impractical, Mr Johnson (22/8/96): or where the circumstances do not call for the (1) This Government supports an expanded role for wearing of headdress. There would have to be passenger rail transport in South East Queensland. exceptional circumstances for an officer not to wear Proposals in the Draft Integrated Regional Transport headdress when attending the scene of an armed Plan for South East Queensland which will be hold-up. released soon for public discussion include In relation to smoking in a police vehicle, the significant upgrading of the Brisbane Suburban rail Queensland Police Service has a smoke free network as well as further expansions to serve workplace policy, placing a total ban on smoking in regional growth centres. The proposed Fitzgibbon all police establishments and vehicles. This policy Railway Station will be a part of this future upgrade. resulted from the 1988 Cabinet decision which However, priority towards the development of the endorsed a total ban on smoking in all Queensland Fitzgibbon Railway Station will depend on Government buildings. population build up and patronage demand growth. With regard to the issue of a police vehicle not (2) The proposed Fitzgibbon Railway Station is part coming to a complete stop at a red light en route to of a proposal for an overall residential/mixed an emergency, it is Service policy for the driver of a business development in the Fitzgibbon area. If the police vehicle responding to an emergency not to project proceeds, timing for the station will be drive against a red traffic control signal unless the dependant on the development of the overall vehicle's siren and flashing lights (where fitted) are project. operating, and this may only be done after first stopping to ensure entry into the intersection will not (3) As this project is dependent on the endanger other road users. residential/mixed business development mentioned in (2) above, I am unable to commit until this is It is a common misconception that the disciplinary resolved. process is all about punishment. It is, in fact, about maintaining and enhancing the reputation of the Queensland Police Service and increasing public 536.Police Service confidence in the Service as an organisation and in its members in general. Mr McELLIGOTT asked the Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Racing (23/7/96)— 537.Noise Barriers, Bulimba Electorate As morale among police officers in Mr PURCELL asked the Minister for Transport Townsville—Thuringowa is very low because of a and Main Roads (23/7/96)— perceived lack of support by the administration, (1) As the standard gauge rail line to the Port of including the fact that officers have been reported to Brisbane is now operational when will the the Criminal Justice Commission for such minor promised noise barriers be constructed in the misdemeanours as failing to wear their hat at an Bulimba Electorate to give residents some relief armed hold-up, smoking in a police vehicle, failing to from the increased noise? come to a complete stop at a red light en route to an emergency and given that a caution book is kept at (2) Will be also have his department immediately Townsville Police Station to record the details of investigate any complaints received from cautions issued to officers and that the Kirwan Police residents about the increased noise levels with Station is known as "the lazy K" in the service due to the view to putting in noise barriers to relieve the lack of active policing done there— the problem? Will he intervene to change the attitude of senior (3) Will he give serious consideration to having officers from one of criticism and punishment to one noise barriers placed along Armstrong Road, of encouragement and support, thereby lifting the Cannon Hill where residents had land resumed morale of officers on the beat? for the rail line, thereby placing them closer to the line? Mr Cooper (19/8/96): The Kirwan Police Station received the nickname "the lazy K" in 1984 (4) When will construction commence at Hemmant when it was established, because it was located on the proposed Port Road? some distance from surrounding buildings in the area (5) Will the Transport Department consider and thus resembled an American ranch house. The purchasing homes and businesses between name did not arise for the reasons inferred in Mr Lytton Road and the proposed Port Road McElligott's letter. which are not directly in the path of the road, 2602 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

but have been severely devalued as a direct (4) After I have carefully examined the Final Impact result of this proposal? Assessment Study Report and discussions with (6) What feeder roads are planned for Hemmant relevant State Departments and the Brisbane City Tingalpa Road and Lytton Road? Council have been finalised, I will be making recommendations to Government on the Port of (7) What changes if any, are planned for existing Brisbane Road. No decision has been made on roads? construction of the road. (8) Will residents be able to move around Hemmant (5) The Department of Main Roads is not empowered without obstruction? to purchase property which is not directly affected Mr Johnson (22/8/96): by a specific road reserve encroachment. The Port Road Impact Assessment Study has addressed the (1) The commissioning of the new signalling works at growing traffic demand to the Hemmant Industrial Cannon Hill on 13/14 July 1996 enabled Queensland precinct and the Port of Brisbane and determined Rail freight trains to operate along the dual gauge line that the least impact to Hemmant residents is to from Dutton Park to Murarrie. The first freight service provide an additional road facility to accommodate operated on this line on Monday, 15 July 1996. this increase. This new corridor has the advantage of Progressive signalling commissionings will be staged being provided with noise fences which will shield at Lytton Junction, Murarrie then Fisherman Islands. both noise and visual intrusion to residences. The first Queensland Rail train to run the full length (6) There are no feeder roads planned for of the new dual gauge line to the Port will occur in Hemmant-Tingalpa Road or Lytton Road as part of late August and the first standard gauge train will this current Study or road planning. operate at the end of October when the line will be fully commissioned. The commissioning of the track (7) There are no planned changes to the existing for standard gauge traffic is expected to result in roads in Hemmant. only a marginal increase in traffic in the short term. (8) If the proposed Port Road was built, residents Queensland Rail proposes to advise those residents would be able to move around Hemmant without nominated for noise barriers along the standard obstruction. gauge line about barrier location and heights in August and September. Construction is planned to commence in January 1997, following calling of 538.Scarborough State School public tenders for works and is expected to be Mr HOLLIS asked the Minister for Public completed by December 1997. A precise Works and Housing (23/7/96)— construction program has not been developed for With reference to his answer to a Question on Notice the Bulimba electorate at this stage. (No. 346) referring to the need for an electronic alarm (2) As part of the Impact Assessment Study, system for Scarborough State School, in which he extensive noise monitoring was undertaken by states that Scarborough State School is equipped specialist noise consultants, which identified with an extensive alarm system— locations along the standard gauge line where noise (1) Does he regard an alarm system with nine (9) levels from existing QR operations and future detectors covering less that a third of the predicted rail traffic exceeded the guidelines school buildings as extensive? established for railway corridor noise. It is Queensland Rail's policy to only provide noise (2) Is he aware that the installation of this system barriers at locations that exceed this criteria. was fully funded by P&C funds? QR is aware of the problems that rail noise causes for (3) When will he carry out the previous Labor residents adjoining the corridor and is undertaking a Government's commitment to full electronic wide range of other practical measures such as security at this school? welded rail, track and rollingstock maintenance Mr Connor (22/8/96): programs as well as a commitment to purchase (1) The information supplied concerning the extent quieter diesel locomotives over a ten year period, of the security system at Scarborough State School which will assist in reducing railway noise. was of a nature, which did not specify the number of (3) The residents along Armstrong Road who were detectors or the extent of the coverage. affected by a partial resumption of their property, The security system at Scarborough State School were all involved in the negotiation process with comprises detection devices located in buildings Queensland Rail and agreed to the compensation which are considered to be the highest risk buildings package. These packages compensated the on any school campus. Providing the member with residents for the loss of their land and any 'injurious the exact number of detectors at the site would in affection' arising as a result of the project, which itself have the potential to be a security risk. If the included matters such as noise and visual pollution. member would like to speak to me directly, I will As part of the resumption negotiations, Queensland inform him of the detail of the schools' alarm system. Rail also agreed to replace its standard chain wire (2) The existing system has official status, meaning security fence with a 1.8 metre high timber butted that it has passed an inspection by Q-Build. It is fence. Since this fence has been erected, I therefore monitored by State Government Security understand Queensland Rail has not received any at Department of Education expense, and maintained further noise complaints from the affected residents. by Q-Build as apart of the Asset Maintenance 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2603

Program. My department advises me that there were The Department of Education recognises the degree no records of original funding sources kept. of community and school interest in multi-age (3) A review of the risk ratings of all schools has education. Consequently, the Department believes recently been completed by Department of the report will provide support for those schools Education regional offices. This is to ensure that the currently implementing multi-age approaches, as well Security Upgrade Program continues to address as for those schools wishing to investigate multi-age areas of highest risk and therefore most need. schooling as an option within existing classroom organisational structures. The 1996/97 and 1997/98 security upgrade program is still being finalised by the Department of Eduction. The remaining recommendations in the report have Part (3) of this question is a Department of Education been noted and referred to relevant program and responsibility and should be directed to the subprogram managers. responsible Minister. The Department of Education has sent a copy of this report to all Regional Executive Directors, Assistant Executive Directors (Studies) and School Support 540.Queensland Rail Centre Co-ordinators. Furthermore, the Deputy Mr ELDER asked the Minister for Transport Director-General of Education (Curriculum) and Main Roads (23/7/96)— acknowledged, in Education Views, the publication of this report and its potential use for schools. (1) Will he be increasing the CSOs paid to Queensland Rail for low volume branch lines It should also be noted that this recognition of multi- over the next two years; if so, will this be new age grouping, as one approach that allows for money or come from savings in other flexible progression, is given within the current programs? resource allocation of the Department of Education. (2) Will the overall level of Csos be maintained or reduced during 1996/97 and 1997/98? 542.Beenleigh Station Project (3) If it is to be reduced, from what areas will those Mr BARTON asked the Minister for Transport reductions be made? and Main Roads (23/7/96)— Mr Johnson (22/8/96): With reference to the proposed, highly supported (1) The final quantum of CSOs to be paid to and much needed development known as "Beenleigh Queensland Rail for low volume branch lines over the Station", to be constructed on land adjoining the next two years has yet to be finalised, but will reflect Beenleigh Railway Station, owned by Queensland any future increases in services as well as any Railways and the Gold Coast City Council— improvements in efficiency. My Government will be (1) Has the amount of the transport infrastructure providing capital funding to meet the costs contribution required of the developer Leighton associated with the Forsayth Line, Drummond Range Properties been determined; if so, (a) what is Works, Charleville Depot and Townsville the amount, (b) how was it determined and (c) Workshops. This will not be at the expense of other when will it be payable? services. (2) When will the construction of the project be (2 & 3) The overall level of CSOs including both able to begin? passenger and freight has also yet to be finalised. In Mr Johnson (22/8/96): contrast to the previous Government's performance, it is my long term aim to see a decrease in CSOS (1) The transport infrastructure contribution required payments to be offset through greater efficiency of to offset the impact of the Beenleigh Station Queensland Rail. development now has been determined. (a) The amount of the road infrastructure contribution for Stage 1 of the development is $320,636. 541.Education, Review of Schooling (b) This amount was determined by Ove Arup, the Mr BREDHAUER asked the Minister for consultants for the Joint Venture Partner, Leighton Education (23/7/96)— Properties, based on their assessment of the impact With reference to the review of flexible schooling on the State-controlled road network and has been which was established in April 1995 to evaluate accepted by Main Roads. arrangements for flexible progression through the (c) Timing for payment is yet to be determined. early childhood years— However, it would need to be made prior to Given that the report of this review was finalised in commissioning the development for use. December 1995 can he advise the current status of (2) Timing for commencement of construction of the its recommendations? development is a matter for the proponent, subject Mr Quinn (22/8/96): The Executive to approvals from relevant authorities being in place. Management Committee, of the Department of Education, has noted the value of multi-age 544. Queensland Tourist and Travel grouping, as an approach to provide appropriate Corporation learning environments that allow for flexible progression through the early childhood years and Mrs BIRD asked the Minister for Tourism, beyond. Small Business and Industry (23/7/96)— 2604 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

With reference to an answer he gave during question Leaseholders are only able to enter into agreements time on 11 July in which he stated "The tourism about matters that do not affect the title to the land. industry in this State is pleased for the first time for The Queensland Government's views are totally in many years, following bungled appointments by the accord with the views of rural people on this issue. former Government of CEOs (of the QTTC) who had no credibility within the tourism industry in The Cape York Peninsula Land Agreement was Queensland and no support from the tourism entered into on 5 February 1996 between the Cape industry in Queensland"— York Land Council, the Peninsular Regional Council of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Will he name those to whom he was referring and Commission, the Cattlemen's Union of Australia, the provide evidence he has to support his claim the Australian Conservation Foundation and the individuals or individual involved were bungled Wilderness Society. The Agreement is stated to be appointments without credibility in the tourism the first step towards a Regional Agreement under industry? s.21 of the NTA but is silent upon whether it is Mr Davidson (22/8/96): As the Member for intended to be legally binding. The stated aims of the Whitsunday moves around Queensland and talks to Agreement include that it will provide cattlemen with people within the tourism industry she will appreciate security of their pastoral leases and Aboriginal the enormous support for Stephen Gregg's people a resolution of native title issues and access appointment and I suggest she discuss with key to areas of traditional significance on pastoral leases. people in the tourism industry whether or not A s.21 agreement is between native title holders and Stephen Gregg is not a more appropriate the government and legally authorises the appointment than previous Chief Executive Officers. government to do future acts in relation to land over which native title does or may exist. Although the 546.Cape York Land Use Agreement issue must ultimately be settled by the High Court, Mr BEATTIE asked the Premier (24/7/96)— the law as it presently stands is that native title is extinguished by the grant of a pastoral lease under With reference to the National Farmers' Federation the Land Act 1962. It follows that there are no native comprehensive response to the Federal title rights over pastoral leases, no native title Government's proposed amendments to the Native holders, and no one for the government to enter into Title Act and their agreement that voluntary land a s.21 agreement with. access agreements were an option in resolving indigenous issues in that leaseholders and Aboriginal The Agreement, in so far as it relates to lawful access groups could negotiate to establish their own terms arrangements between individual pastoralists and of access to land under question— Aborigines, is a matter for the individuals involved and does not require the State to be a party. (1) Has the National Farmers' Federation, like the Nevertheless, the Queensland Government Cattlemen's Union in Cape York, got it wrong? recognises that an agreement that expresses respect (2) Will he now acknowledge he is grossly out of and recognition of Aborigines' former position as step with current thinking in rural circles on this traditional owners of the land, although it is not issue? binding, is a genuine step in the reconciliation (3) Will he now acknowledge the Cape York Land process. Use Agreement, put together by graziers, Aboriginals and conservationists gives Cape land, uses a legal, efficient and workable 548. Workers' Compensation; Common Law solution to the differences that have existed in Claims that area for years? Ms BLIGH asked the Minister for Training and Mr Borbidge (22/8/96): The response by the Industrial Relations (24/7/96)— National Farmers' Federation (NFF) to the Federal (1) How many public sector employees made Government's proposed amendments to the Native successful workers' compensation claims during Title Act 1993 (NTA) promotes individual voluntary 1995-96? access agreements between landholders and (2) In which departments and at what levels were indigenous groups but makes it clear that such these staff employed? agreements should not confer any interest in the land title nor should there be a requirement that voluntary (3) For what injuries and illnesses were these agreements be registered under s.21 of the NTA. claims made? Further, the NFF makes it clear in its response that it (4) How many of these claims were for whole of would not expect such agreements to apply to body injuries of 15 per cent or less? pastoral leases. Indeed, the NFF expresses its (5) How many claimants are pursuing common law concern at attempts to establish statutory access claims for injuries / illnesses? rights as native title rights, noting that such a (6) How many successful common law actions situation would result in pastoralists being unable to resulted in payments to public sector operate their lease without outside interference. employees and how much was awarded in each The NFF has not "got it wrong" on voluntary land case? access agreements, indeed the NFF's views are very Mr Santoro (22/8/96): similar to those of the Queensland Government. That is that it is the Crown and not the leaseholder who is (1) In 1995/96 there were 8903 accepted claims entitled to concede any rights in relation to title. lodged by Queensland public servants. 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2605

(2) These claims were associated with 29 10—$70,905.17; 11—$47,000.16; 12—$45,086.42; Government Departments/Agencies as follows: 13—$64,344.02; 14—$70,000.00; 15—$55,614.59; Administrative Services—990; Auditor-General—5; 16—$95,946.34; 17—$91,412.77; 18—$124,988.53; DBIRD—12; Consumer Affairs—4; CJC—9; Minerals 19—$135,050.65; 20—$156,558.18; 21—$125,187.76; & Energy—28; DTIR—497; Education—1944; 22—$145,634.44; 23—$145,644.98; 24—$179,272.26; Environ. & Heritage—100; Family Svcs, A & I 25—$159,988.29; 26—$235,897.22; 27—$313,074.55 Affairs—516; Forestry—9; Goprint—1; Health—53; Housing & Local Govt—94; Justice—83; Lands—45; 549.Community Beats Parliament House—15; Police—1117; Premier's—17; Primary Industries—321; Q Fleet—3; Corrective Mr McELLIGOTT asked the Minister for Services Comm.—208; Emergency Services—90; Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Qld Elect. Comm—2; Queensland Rail—2134; Racing (24/7/96)— Tourism Sport Racing—15; Transport—572; With reference to the very successful community Treasury—18; Water Resources Comm.—1 beat model adopted by police in Toowoomba and These policies may not directly relate to current given the extreme community concern across departments as changes to some departmental Queensland about the perceived escalation in structures and areas of responsibility are currently juvenile crime— being addressed. As classification levels are not (1) Why has the Toowoomba community beat relevant to the determination of entitlement to concept not been introduced to other centres compensation, this information is not required or in Queensland? retained with the claims statistics. (2) Can we expect to see the model operating in (3) I table a list of the injuries/illnesses for these Townsville / Thuringowa; if so, when? claims. Mr Cooper (19/8/96): (4) Consistent data is not available. (1) There are two community beats in Toowoomba (5) In the 1995/96 financial year, 321 new common which both commenced in May 1993. Other beats do law claims from Government Sector employees were operate in Queensland. One operates at West End in commenced. Brisbane and was established in December 1994. (6) In the 1995/96 financial year, 27 Government Beats also operate at Leichardt and Silkstone in Sector common law claims were settled with Ipswich and both were established in January 1995. damages paid at an average cost of $95,947.65 each. I table the details of the damages paid for each claim. (2) There are no plans to establish any further community beats in the next 12 months. INJURY/ILLNESS TYPE FOR GOVERNMENT SECTOR STATUTORY CLAIMS 1995/96 Abrasions—72; Aids—2; Amputation—11; 550.Prisons Rebuilding Program Arthritis—5; Asbestosis—5; Asphyxiation—1; Mr BARTON asked the Minister for Police and Bite—89; Blister—7; Broken Medical Aid—43; Corrective Services and Minister for Racing Bruise—697; Burns—123; Bursitis—2; Cancer—5; (24/7/96)— Cardiac Unspecified—2; Carpal Tunnel With reference to the $151.5m prisons rebuilding Syndrome—49; Cerebral Haemorrhage—1; program announced on 25 March and as this Concussion—37; Contusion—32; Crush—74; decision determined that public tenders would not Cut—348; Dermatitis—36; Dislocation—51; be called for the projects involved in this program, Epicondylitis—10; Exposure—13; Femoral Hernia—1; despite strong Treasury advice that public tenders Flash Burns—9; Foreign Body—244; Fracture—444; should be called, which was ignored— Haematoma—17; Headache—9; Heart Attack—5; Heat Exhaustion—4; Industrial Deafness—482; How can the public be confident that it is getting Inguinal Hernia—60s; Laceration—353; Loss of good value for money in this program without the Sense of Smell—1; Mesothelioma—3; Multiple calling of public tenders? Injuries—115; Myocardial Infarction—1; Mr Cooper (15/8/96): A distinction must be Poisoning—27; Puncture—69; Q Fever—3; made between how centres are constructed and how Repetitive Strain Injury—5; Respiratory Disease—16; they are managed. Solar Skin Disease—13; Strain/Sprain—4401; Stress—707; Sunburn—1; Tendonitis—56; Concerning construction, it has been, and remains, Tenosynovitis—4; Thrombosis—2; Traumatic the policy of this government to submit all major Deafness—3; Tumour—3; Ulcers—4; Umbilical construction projects including correctional centres Hernia—17; Unspecified Deafness—3; Unspecified to competitive tender. Disease—12; Unspecified Hernia—3; Unspecified Concerning the operation of correctional centres, Nature—72; Viral Infection—20; Zoonotic the government will be seeking to achieve the most Unspecified—1 effective and cost efficient outcome. In this regard, GOVERNMENT SECTOR COMMON LAW CLAIMS consultations are continuing between the QCSC and SETTLED IN 1995/96 Treasury. Common law claim and damages 1—$13,735.51; 2—$5,816.45; 3—$12,572.05; 551.Service Centres, Morayfield 4—$22,770.00; 5—$75,148.20; 6—$34,000.00; Mr HAYWARD asked the Minister for 7—$27,500.00; 8—$52,684.22; 9—$85,753.86; Transport and Main Roads (24/7/96)— 2606 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

With reference to the recent conditional approval by compressors, converters etc. Because of this, major Caboolture Shire Council for the construction of works would be required to reduce the noise twin service centres on the Bruce Highway at generated from existing locomotives which are Morayfield— nearing the end of their economic life. It is a better Will an appeal be lodged by the Department of solution to purchase new locomotives which will be Transport, given they were the main objector to this designed to achieve specific noise targets that application? comply with modern standards. Mr Johnson (22/8/96): The Department has It is interesting to note that the previous Government recently been informed of Caboolture Shire did no where near enough in terms of investing in Council's decision to approve the proposed Twin new locomotives for Queensland Rail. However this Service Centres on the Bruce Highway at Government has made a commitment to purchase Burpengary. Council's conditional approval requires quieter diesel locomotives to reduce noise levels the developer to comply with the requirements of the along the Cleveland line. Because of the long lead Department of Main Roads and the Federal time required to manufacture these locomotives and Department of Transport, with respect to highway the significant capital cost involved, they will be access. introduced into service over a ten year period. The Department is currently assessing the conditions It is a shame that the previous Member for Lytton of approval issued by Caboolture Shire Council and and the Member for Bulimba did not show more is considering an appropriate position to take with concern for their residents when the decision was respect to the proposed development. taken for the rail line to the port. (2) The quieter locomotives were purchased to 552.Superannuation replace Queensland Rail's oldest diesel rollingstock Mr De LACY asked the Premier (24/7/96)— which services the region north of Rockhampton and With reference to his answer to a question on 11 includes the passage of trains through a number of July 1996 where he said that superannuation major regional centres along the coast between estimates in the National Fiscal Outlook average Rockhampton and Cairns. The quieter locomotives about $950m a year— were specifically designed to haul freight and mineral traffic for this region and cannot be used in the What are the components of this amount in relation Brisbane area without substantial track and bridge to (a) interest on investment, (b) employer strengthening, tunnel rebuilding and improving contributions and (c) payments to beneficiaries? clearances. Because of the prohibitive cost of these Mr Borbidge (12/8/96): The response on 11 works it is more desirable to invest in quieter new July related to broad estimates to indicate the overall generation diesel electric locomotives. magnitude of the figures. The NFO scenario projects a surplus of $447m on (3) Queensland Rail has undertaken extensive world average over the period 1996-97 to 1998-99. This wide research into noise reduction for diesel surplus includes a net contribution via locomotives. This research indicates, generally superannuation investments estimated to average speaking, an additional three tonnes of silencing $972m. Excluding superannuation investments, the equipment is required for noise suppression on underlying NFO position is a deficit of $524m on diesel locomotives. Because of Queensland Rail's average over the same period. The estimate of space constraints and clearances it is not feasible to $972m in superannuation investments comprises:- achieve this with the existing rollingstock and is more interest on superannuation investments of $665m, cost efficient to purchase specially designed quieter plus employer contributions of $701m, less payments rollingstock. to beneficiaries and administration costs of $394m. I would welcome more information about how to reduce diesel locomotive noise by 15 decibels for an approximate cost of $10,000. 553.Engine Noise, Cleveland Rail Line Mr PURCELL asked the Minister for Transport and Main Roads (24/7/96)— 554.Schools, Nudgee Electorate (1) Will he direct his department to commission Mr ROBERTS asked the Minister for work to reduce the noise on diesel and electric Education (24/7/96)— engines on the Cleveland line? (2) Does he know that these engines are amongst With reference to primary and secondary schools in the oldest in the fleet and that the new, quieter the Nudgee Electorate— engines are being used to haul coal on the (1) What are the enrolments or predicted country runs? enrolments for the years 1990 through to 2006? (3) Does he know that a substantial noise reduction (2) What actions has the department taken, or does of up to 15 decibels is being achieved at an it intend to take, to maintain viability of schools approximate cost of $10,000 per engine taking within the electorate? the noise from the present high 80s, low 90s to a tolerable mid-70s decibel reading? Mr Quinn (22/8/96): Mr Johnson (22/8/96): (1) With reference to primary and secondary schools (1) Noise from locomotives is generated from a in the Nudgee electorate, it is my understanding that number of sources other than the engine, such as enrolments for the years 1990 to 1996 have been: 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2607

YEAR—ENROLMENT While the award will take effect from 26 July 1996, 1990—1921 the Commission had allowed the parties 4 months to 1991—1989 fully consider the award and determine appropriate 1992—1868 classification levels for the employee positions. My 1993—1814 Department is currently developing advice on the 1994—1747 financial impact to the community services sector of 1995—1741 the award. 1996—1732 (3) As the full cost implications of the award are yet whilst predicted enrolments are expected to be: to be determined, it is difficult to assess the impact on social and community services organisations and YEAR—ENROLMENT their clients. 1997—1719 (4) The Government will determine its position when 1998—1741 the full cost impact is known. As a number of funding 1999—1771 programs administered by my Department are jointly 2000—1791 funded with the Commonwealth, it is necessary for 2001—1833 the Federal Government to be included in any 2006—1941 deliberations on this matter. The concerns of the (2) The Metropolitan East regional office maintains community organisations are acknowledged. regular monitoring of enrolments and demographic trends for all schools in the region. 557.Century Zinc Project Mr DOLLIN asked the Premier (24/7/96)— 555.Social and Community Services Award Mr MULHERIN asked the Minister for Health With reference to his often repeated claims that the (24/7/96)— State Government will be contributing a $30m package to Gulf Aboriginal communities in addition With reference to the introduction of the Social and to the $60m already committed by Century Zinc to Community Services Award as from 26 July 1996 to offset the impacts of the worlds biggest zinc mine cover workers of which 80s per cent are women— proceeding on their traditional lands— (1) Does his Government support the introduction (1) To what exact use will the $30m be directed? of this award? (2) Have they determined what financial impact this (2) Over what period will these funds be offered? award will have on community based (3) Will the Gulf communities, particularly the organisations? Waanyi people, the Carpentaria Land Council (3) Have they determined what impact this award and the United Gulf Region Aboriginal will have on service delivery to clients by Community have a say in how this money will community based organisations if recurrent be spent? funding isn't increased to offset the financial (4) Which Government department will administer implications of the introduction of the award? these funds? (4) Will the Government increase recurrent funding Mr Borbidge (12/8/96): to enable these organisations to carry out their work to the same level within the community (1) The proposed $30m will include expenditure on prior to the introduction of the award; if not, roads, a Social Impact Assessment of the North what strategy will the Government adopt to West Queensland Minerals Province, environmental ensure that clients will not be disadvantaged? regional planning processes and support for education and training initiatives for the Gulf Region. Mr Horan (19/8/96): Expenditure of between $18-$20m for the Fiery (1) On 26 June 1996 the Australian Industrial Creek/Gregory Road and a contribution of $500,000 Relations Commission made a new award to regulate towards the upgrade of the Gregory River Bridge will employment in non-government social and form a significant portion of the proposed $30m. community services in Queensland. The award was (2) The funds for Road and Bridge construction are made by consent between the Australian Services under consideration in the development of the Union (ASU) representing employees, and employer 1996/97 budget. Additional expenditure on Social groups. The employer groups were principally Infrastructure for Gulf Aboriginal Communities will be represented by the Queensland Confederation of subject to a needs analysis and the outcome of the Commerce and Industry (QCCI) and the Queensland Social Impact Assessment. Community Services Employers Association (QCSEA). The Queensland Government did not (3) Yes. All these groups will be invited to have their oppose the making of an award but would have say in how the money would best be spent. This will preferred a delayed implementation, on the basis that be done through joint meetings with representatives there had been insufficient time to make an of the Gulf communities, representatives from the assessment of the funding impact. Departments of the Premier and Cabinet, Economic (2) The Government is not a direct party to this Development and Trade, Treasury and other relevant award, but is indirectly affected to the extent that Departments. funding subsidies are provided to community based (4) The proposed allocation of $600,000 for the organisations to assist with meeting salary costs. Social Impact Assessment will be administered by 2608 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996 the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (State newspaper for the DPI logo or State crest to be Development Division). Relevant Queensland included. Government Departments and agencies will 8. Not applicable in view of answers to questions 1 administer the program funds. and 4. 9. Not applicable in view of answers to questions 1 558.Advertisement in South Burnett Times and 4 Mr NUNN asked the Minister for Primary 10. Not applicable to private advertising. Industries, Fisheries and Forestry (24/7/96)— 11. Not applicable in view of answers to questions 1 With reference to an advertisement appearing on and 4. page 8 of the South Burnett Times on 4 June 1996— 12. Not applicable in view of answers to questions 1 (1) Who paid for the advertisement? and 4. (2) What was the cost of the advertisement? (3) Did the Department of Primary Industries assist 559. Q-Fleet and Q-Build, Accommodation in in the production of the advertisement? Australian Government Centre (4) Who organised for the advertisement to be Mr MILLINER asked the Minister for Public placed in the South Burnett Times? Works and Housing (24/7/96)— (5) Did the advertisement appear anywhere else in With reference to the office space recently taken by Queensland other than his local electorate? Q Fleet and Q Build in the Australian Government (6) Was the advertisement conducted on his behalf Centre at 295 Ann Street— as the Minister for Primary Industries or as the (1) How many square metres of office space will Member for Barambah? each agency lease in the building? (7) If the advertisement is on his behalf as the (2) What increase is this figure on the previous Member for Barambah, why does the official office space used by each agency? DPI logo appear in the right-hand corner of the advertisement? (3) How much per square metre did each agency pay previously? (8) If the advertisement is on his behalf as the Minister for Primary Industries, why does it (4) How much per square metre will each agency refer to the "Coalition" and make reference to pay under the new arrangements? his Kingaroy electorate office? (5) How many staff did each agency house in the (9) If the advertisement is on his behalf as the previous accommodation? Minister for Primary Industries, why is his (6) Has there been an increase in staff at either department paying for advertising on an issue agency to justify the need for additional office for which it is not responsible? space; if so, what are the staff increases? (10) What guidelines does the Government or his (7) What increase in accommodation costs will department have in place with regards to the result from the move to the Australian use of taxpayers money to fund political Government Centre for each agency per year? advertising? (8) What are the relocation costs for each agency? (11) If departmental funds were used to pay for the (9) What other costs will be involved in the change advertisement, from which program were the of office space, e.g., new letterhead, car funds taken? parking, etc.? (12) Did he seek the approval of any other Minister (10) What is the total cost of this decision, per year, or the Premier before ordering the placement of for Queensland taxpayers? the advertisement? Mr Connor (22/8/96): Mr Perrett (23/8/96): (1) In the leased office space at 295 Ann Street, 1. The advertisement was booked to "Trevor Perrett, Q-Build will occupy 1683 square metres and Q-Fleet Glendon Street Arcade, Kingaroy" and will be paid will occupy 1163 square metres (subject to survey to for by the Member for Barambah. BOMA standards 1989 revision). NOTE: Copy of the original advertisement copy, the (2) These figures do not represent an increase on the advertisement itself and the newspaper account for it previous office space used by each agency. are attached. (3) In the previous office accommodation, both 2. In view of the answer to No 1, the answer is only agencies paid $241 per square metre per annum. of concern to the Member for Barambah. (4) Under the new arrangements, both agencies will 3. No. pay $220 per square metre per annum. 4. The Member for Barambah. (5) In the previous office accommodation, Q-build 5. No. housed 105 permanent staff, and Q-Fleet housed 78 6. Member for Barambah. permanent staff. 7. The request to the newspaper's advertising (6) There has been no increase in staff. department was to include a photograph of the (7) There is no increase in accommodation costs Member for Barambah plus the copy material in the resulting from the move to the Australian advertisement. There was no request to the Government Centre for either agency. 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2609

(8) All costs will be covered in the lease incentive Asian Art to country centres, and $560,000 for the provided by the lessor. establishment of a mineral and fossil branch of the (9) Any business-related costs resulting from the Museum at Mt Isa— change in office space will be accommodated within (1) Which of the Arts new initiatives in the 1995-96 existing operational budgets. budget have proceeded, and in those cases (10)This decision implements a component of the how much has been expended? overall Brisbane CBD accommodation strategy (2) How many have not proceeded, and for what which will not involve additional costs to the reason have those not proceeded during 1995- Queensland taxpayer. 96? Mrs Sheldon (22/8/96): 560.South East Freeway/Pacific Highway (1) All initiatives referred to were introduced during Mr D'ARCY asked the Minister for Transport 1995-96 with a total of $1.03m expended. Note that and Main Roads (24/7/96)— the figures quoted by Mr Hayward are planned With reference to the super highway— expenditure over the life of these initiatives rather than a 1995-96 budget figure. (1) What are the estimated costs of this highway on the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane The enhancement of library services for indigenous Councils? communities commenced with purchase of suitable bookstock and four country lending service libraries (2) Will he outline (a) what relocations of service were supplied computers as part of the library roads, services and other infrastructure and (b) computer initiative. The establishment of a mineral the estimated costs that are being foisted on and fossil branch of the Museum at Mt Isa has the ratepayers of these councils? occurred with local community support. The touring Mr Johnson (22/8/96): of South East Asian Art to country centres also (1) Rather than a super highway we are building a commenced during 1995-96 with dates for locations world class motorway, to be known as the Pacific finalised. The touring exhibition will continue in Motorway. North of the Logan Motorway, should a 1996-97. busway be an element of the approved plan, (2) Savings of $0.2m occurred during 1995-96 due to Brisbane City Council will be requested to contribute difficulties experienced in implementation of the funding towards it. Apart from this, no funding is development of a Far North Queensland branch and requested from Gold Coast City or Logan City for poor telecommunication networks in regional the upgrading of the highway. Queensland. Development of a Regional Art Gallery South of the Logan Motorway, Main Roads is Database commenced during 1995-96. presently undertaking an economic appraisal of the planning layouts, as part of the Impact Management Plan process. The cost of works will be documented 562.Howard State School in the Impact Management Plan and made available Mr BREDHAUER asked the Minister for to the public in mid September 1996. Education (24/7/96)— (2)(a)For the section north of the Logan Motorway, With reference to ongoing concerns which have final details of relocations of service roads, been raised by parents at Howard State School services, and other infrastructure are not known about staffing at the school— at this stage, and will be determined during the detailed design phase. South of the Logan (1) What staffing was allocated to Howard State Motorway, planning for and relocation of School at the start of the 1996 school year? service roads is currently being done. The (2) What is the current staffing at the school? nature and extent of the works will be (3) What reason has the department given for documented in the Impact Management Plan. changing the staff allocations and transferring a (b) Some relocation and reinstatement of service teacher from the school? roads and services will be necessary to (4) As the principal of the school has taken long accommodate the eight laning. The cost of service leave, would it have been better to these works will be considered part of the delay the transfer until after the principal costs to upgrade the highway. No costs of this returned at the end of term, and at least nature will be imposed on Councils. minimise disruption to the school and its students? 561.Arts Budget Mr Quinn (22/8/96): Mr WELLS asked the Deputy Premier, (1) At the commencement of the 1996 school year Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (24/7/96)— Howard State School had an allocation of: With reference to new initiatives budgeted for in the 1 principal 1995-96 budget relating to the Art Gallery, Museum and Libraries, for example, (not an exhaustive list, but 7 teachers. illustrations) $1.62m plan for enhancement of library (2) The current staffing at the school is: services for indigenous communities, $1.08m to bring country lending service libraries on line with 1 principal the computer Internet, $150,000 to tour South East 6.5 teachers 2610 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

(3) In response to this question, the Department (6) The debt will be extinguished prior to the advised that Howard State School had been staffed conclusion of the franchise period. {See also answer over-entitlement for six months. (2) above} Increased enrolments anticipated by the Principal, and based upon empirical data, did not result. 564.Blackwater Hospital Consequently a decision was made, after the school was given the opportunity to achieve enrolment Mr PEARCE asked the Minister for Health targets, or plan for the possibility of staff (24/7/96)— redeployment, to adjust the staffing entitlement. (1) Is he aware that the Blackwater Hospital does Another factor for consideration, when assessing not have the funds to carry out minor staffing adjustments at Howard State School, was maintenance works and repairs, which means the fact that a nearby school had below entitlement the hospital is being allowed to run down to the staffing. The redeployment of staff assisted a school detriment of staff and the community; if so, with a higher demonstrated staffing need. what action has been taken to rectify a (4) The Department of Education had given Howard dangerous electrical situation in the female State School six months notice of the need to patients' toilet and, among other things, to improve enrolments, or incur staffing adjustments. repair holes in the wall of the hospital kitchen, Likewise the need for additional staffing at the broken doors and guttering around the nearby school was not diminishing. building? The Department tries to minimise disruption to (2) Will he confirm or deny that Queensland Health students during periods of staffing adjustment, or will close down the hospital's laundry therefore leave. There is an inherent difficulty in balancing the removing the need to replace the hospital's competing needs of various students, schools and industrial iron? staff. Consequently it is not unlikely that some initial Mr Horan (20/8/96): disruption will regrettably occur during such periods. (1) Minor maintenance at hospitals is the I am confident that in this instance the staff involved responsibility of the facility and the relevant District will be able to deal with all the needs of students Health Service. Generally, this work forms part of the concerned. commitments built into the normal operating budgets allocated to District Health Services each year. 563.Sunshine Motorway In response to the specific problems of Blackwater Mr HAMILL asked the Minister for Transport Hospital, while the Member for Fitzroy will appreciate and Main Roads (24/7/96)— that there is a need to prioritise minor maintenance requirements and the decisions in regard to this are With reference to the Sunshine Motorway— the responsibility of the facility and the relevant (1) What was the level of debt on the motorway at District Health Service, I am informed that local the time the tolls were abolished? management has the situation in hand and necessary (2) Has this debt now been repaid? repairs will be undertaken. (3) If this debt has not been repaid, which Funding of $15,000 has also been provided from the department or agency now holds this debt? Capital Works Program as part of the priority minor (4) What is the estimated level of repayments on works package announced by this Government in this debt in 1996-97? March 1996. These funds had been allocated to repairing the roof to meet current Building Act (5) Which department or agency is responsible for requirements and the priority was established by meeting these repayments on the Sunshine local management. Motorway debt? (2) You should be aware that I have already (6) Over what period will this debt be repaid? confirmed in a statement that Blackwater Hospital will Mr Johnson (22/8/96): retain its laundry. (1) The toll on the Sunshine Motorway was removed from midnight on 8 March 1996. At 31 March 1996, the market value of debt on the facility stood at 565.Public Housing, Redcliffe Electorate $192.886 million. Mr HOLLIS asked the Minister for Public (2) The matter of funding of Sunshine Motorway Works and Housing (24/7/96)— Company Limited debt is currently under With reference to construction of public housing in consideration in a budget context. It is anticipated the Redcliffe electorate— that a decision will be announced when the State Has the "Sheldon" freeze caused the cessation of Budget is brought down. public housing construction in the Redcliffe (3) The Sunshine Motorway Company Limited. electorate; if not, will he detail current building (4) $12.6 million. projects and the projected completion of public (5) The Department of Main Roads will make housing in the Redcliffe electorate for 1996-97? payments to the Sunshine Motorway Company Mr Connor (23/8/96): There has been no Limited to enable the Company to make payments cessation of public rental housing construction in the towards the debt. {See also answer (2) above} Redcliffe electorate. 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2611

The individual projects to be included in the 1996/97 Mr Johnson (22/8/96): Capital Works Program will be determined in the (1) Property owners that might be affected have context of the 1996/97 State Budget. been advised directly by Queensland Transport/Department of Main Roads. 566.Runcorn State High School (2) Following a decision by Government on the plan Mr ROBERTSON asked the Minister for for eight laning, detailed planning and design will Emergency Services and Minister for Sport commence. Actual property requirements will be (24/7/96)— determined at that stage and resumption details can then be made available to the public. With reference to the decision by the previous Government to build a community sports facility at (3) Those properties identified to date are expected Runcorn State High School, which the P&C to be the only properties where land acquisition will Association, the Brisbane City Council and the be necessary to achieve 8 laning between the city Education Department have all committed funding and Logan Motorway. for— (4) The Government is aware of the need to make an early decision and has taken steps to consult with Is he committed to supporting this innovative and property owners and people who live within the much needed project; if so, when will work on this corridor to keep them informed of progress. Such project commence? consultation will continue throughout the detailed Mr Veivers (23/8/96): In response to the planning, design and construction phases of the specific question made by Mr Robertson, I can project. advise as follows: Yes, I am committed to building a community sports facility at the Runcorn State High School. My Department has committed an amount of 570.Counter Disaster Services Budget $580,000 towards the project. Mr SCHWARTEN asked the Minister for I have recently formalised the arrangements Emergency Services and Minister for Sport necessary to progress the construction of this (24/7/96)— facility and have advised all stakeholders With reference to a statement made in the Parliament accordingly. The Department of Public Works and on 23 July by the Acting Minister for Emergency Housing is currently preparing the design Services, Mrs McCauley, that a document indicating documentation in readiness for the calling of tenders. over $800,000 would be cut from the counter The time frame associated with the appointment of a disaster services budget had not been sighted by contractor and the commencement of actual building either the Minister or the Director-General of the works is estimated to be between three and six Department— months. Works can only occur after the tender (1) Has he now viewed that document? process is complete and approval from Executive (2) Who prepared this document? Council is gained. (3) Why was it prepared? It is anticipated that the appointment of the contractor will occur in approximately December (4) Given that it was circulated throughout 1996. Construction would commence in January Regional Queensland, what action will he take 1997 during the annual school closure. to assure regional SES units that the document has no status? (5) Will he confirm that it is not his intention to 569.South East Freeway proceed with the cuts outlined in the Ms SPENCE asked the Minister for Transport document? and Main Roads (24/7/96)— (6) Will there be any cuts in the Counter Disaster With reference to the recent letter from the budget; if so, what areas will be cut? Department of Transport sent to the people in the Mt Mr Veivers (23/8/96): Gravatt Electorate regarding their plans to widen the South East Freeway and as the letter announces that (1) The document referred to has now been viewed 70 resumptions will occur— by myself and the Director-General of the Department. (1) Will he detail the location of the properties that will be resumed? (2) The document was prepared by the previous Executive Director, Counter Disaster Services. (2) Will he give a timetable for these resumptions? (3) The document was an internal Counter Disaster (3) Will additional properties be subject to partial Services indicative budget which was prepared for resumptions? divisional managers in early June 1996. As an (4) Does he acknowledge that his failure to indicative budget, its purpose was to allow divisional announce Stage 11 of his Super Highway is managers to commence program planning for the causing unnecessary stress to the residents of financial year 1996/97. Holland Park West, Mt Gravatt and Mansfield (4) The status of the document is that of an internal who live along the freeway because they don't indicative budget only. Given the time of its release know how close the proposed widening of the (early June) the document could not possibly be freeway will bring that road to their homes? anything else. 2612 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

(5) A proposed funding cut of $201,000 in enhanced 572.Boyne Island School Regional Capability Special Funding, put forward by Mrs CUNNINGHAM asked the Minister for the previous Director-General is included in the Education (24/7/96)— document. This funding had been previously provided by the Director-General in 1994/95 and With reference to the amount of planning done by 1995/96. staff at the Boyne Island School after promises of funds for shade structures at the school— Reference to the remaining funds within the internal indicative budget as cuts is a misrepresentation of (1) Will he reconsider his about-face on funding? the facts. The facts are: (2) Will he consider a submission from the school as a matter of priority given the commitment to Approved carry over figures of unexpended safe school practices? budget funds from 1994/95 of $259,000 plus $35,000 for cadets are not budget cuts. Mr Quinn (22/8/96): A decision has not been made as yet regarding (1) I am concerned to learn that the honourable "special funding" to the ATSI Community member for Gladstone has accused me of an about Emergency Services Groups initiative. A face on the provision of shade structures at Boyne non-salary budget has not been allocated to Island State School. this initiative, pending Budget considerations. This issue is nothing more than a misrepresentation As such, the special funding provided in of what was essentially an election promise made by 1995/96 was not included in the indicative the former Premier, Wayne Goss and the failed ALP budget. candidate for Gladstone, Neil Bennett. The document also indicated a decrease in Neither the Department of Education, nor myself, National Disaster Relief Arrangements (NDRA) have ever given a commitment to provide additional funding which is provided by the shade structures at the Boyne Island State School. Commonwealth Government. Since the release Accordingly no money has ever been allocated, or of the indicative budget NDRA funding has budgeted for such a project. been increased from $100,000 to $500,000. The Labor Party had almost eight months to Notwithstanding this change, increases or implement the promises it made during the 1995 decreases reflected in the indicative budget are election. The fact that it chose to desert the people irrelevant as the Government provides disaster of Gladstone, when its candidate was defeated, funding for operational costs above any budget shows the blatantly political nature of the unfunded amount. and ill-considered promises it espoused. The $11,000 for superannuation is funded by I regret that the failure of the Labor Party, even to Treasury so any increase or decrease shown in attempt to deliver on its promises, has misled the the indicative budget is irrelevant. staff of Boyne Island State School. (6) The budget for the Counter Disaster area is (2) With more than 1,300 state schools in this State I currently under consideration. have an obligation to ensure the most efficient allocation of publicly funded resources. As the Boyne Island State School has almost 30% more 571.Public Housing, Gold Coast Region shade than its existing entitlement, I am currently Mrs ROSE asked the Minister for Public Works unable to consider, as a matter of priority, any and Housing (24/7/96)— submission from the school on this matter. With reference to properties recently purchased by his department in the Gold Coast region for public 573.Alternative Dispute Resolution Program housing— Mr BEATTIE asked the Attorney-General and (1) How many properties have been purchased Minister for Justice (25/7/96)— over the past 4 months? With reference to his slashing of funds to the (2) Will he provide a breakdown, by suburb, of Alternative Dispute Resolution Program which where the properties were purchased and the provides a mediation service for victim and offender cost of the properties purchased? conferencing introduced by the Labor Government— Mr Connor (23/8/96): (1) How does he explain his cutting of this service to victims of crime in the light of his pre- (1) As at Thursday, 25 July 1996 I have approved the election commitment to increase services to purchase of 73 homes in the Gold Coast Region. victims of crime? (2) I have approved the purchase of properties in 21 (2) Why has he failed to deliver on his pre-election suburbs for a total cost of $9,414,250.00. These promise of $1m to assist the Victims of Crime suburbs are: Association in their vital work? Arundel, Ashmore, Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Waters, Mr Beanland (26/8/96): Carrara, Coolangatta, Coombabah, Currumbin (1) The question by the Honourable Member is Waters, Elanora, Helensvale, Labrador, Merrimac, particularly intriguing as victim/offender conferencing Miami, Mudgeeraba, Nerang, Oxenford, Palm Beach, under the former Labor government was an Paradise Point, Parkwood, Robina, Southport. overwhelming failure. The community would 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2613 undoubtedly be startled at the level of resources and (1) Is his department currently reviewing the lack of action that occurred in this area under two situation involving school students standing on Labor Attorneys-General. In the 1993-94 financial buses, in particular, on roads with speed limits year, $22,500 was allocated under former above 60s kph; if not, when was the last review Attorney-General Dean Wells MLA, and for that conducted and what were the results? funding only 19 conferences were convened. This (2) If there is a current review, when does he amounts to an average cost of $1,184 per expect the results and will he provide them to conference which the community had to bear in that the Parliament? disastrous administration. In the following year, 1994-95, again under Attorney-General Dean Wells (3) Are there currently any measures being MLA, $43,000 was allocated to victim/offender undertaken to improve safety on school buses conferencing. For this almost doubled funding for children? provision only 18 conferences were held that year, one less than the previous year. The average cost Mr Johnson (22/8/96): per conference in that year was $2,389, more than (1) The issue of standees on buses will be double the previous year with less output. In te considered as part of a systematic review of school 1995-96 financial year, under former Attorney- bus routes. Department of Transport is currently General Matt Foley MLA, $133,000 was allocated. finalising guidelines for the review in accordance For this vastly increased amount to victim-offender with the recommendations of the School Transport conferencing, only 22 conferences were undertaken. Safety Consultative Committee. Under the review, This disgraceful output amounts to a cost of $6,045 hazardous routes, wherever they are and whatever per conference. Therefore, the Honourable Member the prevailing speed limit, will be prioritised on the will undoubtedly not be proud of his former basis of safety factors. government's record in relation to victim-offender conferencing. Its approach was unplanned, Wherever an issue is identified, a more detailed audit uncoordinated and conceptually ineffective. This will be undertaken. Following each audit, a number of government's approach will utilise a model which recommendations may be produced, concerning for involves implementation in an effective way and example: standees, bus characteristics, road including proper design and selection to achieve the engineering and route suitability. In the 1996-97 government's objectives. financial year, the focus of the Review would be The Honourable Member should also be aware of the school bus routes on which standees are carried in government's intention to introduce new mediation 100 km/hr zones. services into courts throughout the State. (2) Guidelines for the Bus Routes Review are (2) Should the Honourable Member refer to the currently still being drafted. The establishment of the Coalition's pre-election promises he would realise guidelines requires extensive consultation with that his question is incorrect in that the pledge was Queensland Transport and Main Roads, the Local for an additional grant of $1 million to Victims of Government Association of Queensland and other Crime services not to the Victims of Crime stakeholders in the School Transport Safety Association itself. Additional funding for these Consultative Committee. Furthermore, budget services is necessary due to the inadequate funding allocations for all areas within Transport are still that Labor provided when it was in Government. Any being determined at this point in time. Consequently, additional funding will be determined in terms of the the exact timeframe has not yet been finalised. forthcoming budgetary process. It is anticipated that the Bus Routes Review will take place over a two year period and that all resulting 574.Community Legal Centres recommendations be implemented by the end of a further two years. Regular reports will be provided Mr McELLIGOTT asked the Attorney-General on programs and there will be ongoing consultation and Minister for Justice (25/7/96)— through the School Transport Safety Consultative With reference to the Commonwealth's proposal to Committee. make funding cuts across all departments— What will be the Government's position in the event (3) At my direction, Queensland Transport is that funding is cut to the Community Legal Centres developing a comprehensive school transport safety in Queensland? program called "Safe School Travel". One component will be the Bus Routes Review. Another Mr Beanland (26/8/96): The funding of component of the program is the establishment of Community Legal Centres in Queensland has Guidelines, incorporating a safety review process, traditionally been and will continue to be a matter for which consider issues of bus safety and will make the Legal Aid Commission to determine. The funding recommendations and develop standards of use for of the Community Legal Centres will be clarified in school buses. the context of the 1996-97 budget for the Legal Aid Commission. School bus safety has improved considerably with emphasis on eliminating overloading and basic safety standards applying across the fleet. The Coalition 575.Safety on School Buses Government is committed to enhancing the good Mr ELDER asked the Minister for Transport safety record of school buses through the Safe and Main Roads (25/7/96)— School Travel program. 2614 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

576. Mount Isa/Townsville Economic (3) Have they determined what impact this award Development Zone will have on service delivery to clients by Mr McGRADY asked the Premier (25/7/96)— community-based organisations if recurrent funding isn't increased to offset the financial With reference to the Federal Government decision implications of the introduction of the award? to reduce funding to the Mount Isa Townsville Economic Development Zone by $60,000 and in (4) Will the Government increase recurrent funding view of the vital importance that this region is to the to enable these organisations to carry out their economic future of our State— work to the same level within the community prior to the introduction of the award; if not, Will the State Government meet this shortfall and what strategy will the Government adopt to demonstrate its support to this organisation and the ensure that clients will not be disadvantaged? work it is doing for the development of the North West of our State? Mrs Sheldon (22/8/96): The exact same question was put to my colleague, the Honourable Mr Borbidge (12/8/96): Regional Economic the Minister for Families, Youth and Community Care Development Organisations (REDOs) were as Question on Notice No. 458 on Wednesday, 10 established in 1994 as a Commonwealth initiative as a July 1996. I reiterate that: consequence of the Kelty and McKinsey Reports into Regional Development across Australia. The (1) On 26 June 1996 the Australian Industrial Commonwealth agreed to provide each REDO with Relations Commission made a new award to regulate up to $100,000 in their first year, up to $80,000 in the employment in non-government social and second year and up to $60,000 in the third year to community services in Queensland. The award was help offset establishment and administrative costs. It made by consent between the Australian Services is my understanding that the Commonwealth will Union (ASU) representing employees, and employer honour these payments for those REDOs which have groups. The employer groups were principally entered into contracts with the Federal Government. represented by the Queensland Confederation of It has always been the intention of the Commerce and Industry (QCCI) and the Queensland Commonwealth to only provide initial established Community Services Employers Association funding to REDOs and not ongoing funding beyond (QCSEA). The Queensland Government did not the third year. oppose the making of an award but would have REDOs are a Commonwealth initiative and the State preferred a delayed implementation, on the basis that will not be stepping into subsequently providing there had been insufficient time to make an them with block funding. REDOs have been eligible assessment of the funding impact. for project funding under the Department of Tourism, (2) The Government is not directly a party to this Small Business and Industry's Regional Economic award, but is indirectly affected to the extent that Development Scheme and they will continue to be funding subsidies are provided to community based able to apply for such funding. organisations to assist with meeting salary costs. With regard to the Honourable Member's reference While the award took effect from 26 July 1996, the to the Mount Isa Townsville Economic Zone Commission has allowed the parties 4 months to fully (MITEZ) having its funding reduced by the consider the award and determine appropriate Commonwealth by $60,000, I have advice that classification levels for the employee positions. The MITEZ applied for $60,000 to fund a cadet for two Department of Families, Youth and Community Care years under the Federal Governments regional is currently developing advice on the financial impact cadetship scheme which was a part of the to the community services sector of the award. management and skills enhancement element of the (3) As the full cost implications of the award are yet regional development program. It is not correct to to be determined, it is difficult to assess the impact say MITEZ funding is reduced by $60,000 by the on social and community services organisations and Commonwealth actions when the funding was never their clients. approved in the first place. (4) The Government will determine its position when The State Government has been supportive of the full cost impact is known. As a number of funding MITEZ and the organisation has received $10,000 programs administered by the Department of under the Regional Economic Development Program Families, Youth and Community Care are jointly to conduct a strategic plan. funded with the Commonwealth, it is necessary for the Federal Government to be included in any deliberations on this matter. The concerns of 577.Social and Community Services Award community organisations are acknowledged. Mr NUNN asked the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (25/7/96)— 578.Social and Community Services Award With reference to the introduction of the Social and Community Services Award as from 26 July 1996 to Mr MULHERIN asked the Minister for Public cover workers of which 80 per cent are women— Works and Housing (25/7/96)— (1) Does the Government support the introduction With reference to the introduction of the Social and of this award? Community Services Award as from 26 July 1996 to (2) Have they determined what financial impact this cover workers of which 80s per cent are women— award will have on community-based (1) Does the Government support the introduction organisations? of this award? 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2615

(2) Have they determined what financial impact this commitments for TIDS projects included in the award will have on community-based 1995/96-1999/2000 Roads Implementation Program organisations? will be honoured by this Government. (3) Have they determined what impact this award Further, as part of development of the current Roads will have on service delivery to clients by Implementation Program, local governments have community-based organisations if recurrent been invited to submit candidate projects for funding funding isn't increased to offset the financial under future TIDS Programs. implications of the introduction of the award? Funding approved for future TIDS projects will be (4) Will the Government increase recurrent funding announced following the State Budget. to enable these organisations to carry out their work to the same level within the community prior to the introduction of the award; if not, 581.Hospital Beds, South-east Queensland what strategy will the Government adopt to Mr T. B. SULLIVAN asked the Minister for ensure that clients will not be disadvantaged? Health (25/7/96)— Mr Connor (26/8/96): (1) What is the number of beds currently (1) The Social and Community Services Award was operational in the south-east Queensland region introduced on 26 July 1996. This award was made by from the South Coast through to the Nambour consent between the Australian Services Union region on a hospital by hospital basis, including (ASU) representing employees and various employer a brief break-down of key bed types provided groups. The employer groups were principally at all of the hospitals referred to? represented by the Queensland Confederation of (2) Will he also provide an outline on a hospital by Commerce and Industry (QCCI) and the Queensland hospital basis as requested in part (1) of this Community Services Employers Association question of the bed numbers planned for the (QCSEA). The Queensland Government is not a south-east Queensland region as a whole for party to the award. the future, in other words, his forward planning (2) Arrangements for the introduction of the award on bed allocations for this region in the medium include a four month phase-in period for the parties to short-term? to the award to determine appropriate classification Mr Horan (20/8/96): levels for employees. Wage increases are to be (1) As requested by the Member for Chermside, the staggered over an 11 month period, the first 3% of attached table contains details on available beds for any increase to be paid by the end of July 1996, the hospitals in South East Queensland as requested, second 3% by the end of December 1996 and the current as at 30 June 1996. remainder by 1 July 1997. What the requested figures don't show is the chronic (3) The full cost of the implementation of the award is under funding of health services during the period in yet to be determined. As such, it is difficult to assess office of the Honourable Member's own party. the impact on organisations and clients. (2) Unlike our Labor predecessors, the (4) Funding will be determined by the newly National-Liberal government is committed to putting established Community Grants Board. the patient first, getting the hospitals and services right, getting the management right and valuing our 579.Sunshine Motorway hospital staff. Mr FOURAS asked the Minister for Transport As a result of these goals, at the hospital level our and Main Roads (25/7/96)— emphasis is on service delivery. Will he finally inform the House exactly how the As part of new Queensland Health's Capital Works $200m debt for the Sunshine Coast Motorway will Program, work is currently under way to identify be funded? service profiles and bed needs in a number of hospitals throughout the State to the year 2006. We Mr Johnson (22/8/96): The matter of funding have already signalled a bed increase of over 100 on of Sunshine Motorway Company Limited debt is Brisbane's southside by the year 2006. currently under consideration in a budget context. It is anticipated that a decision will be announced when The Member for Chermside may rest assured that the State Budget is brought down. within budgetary constraints, the final result will be based upon the real needs of all Queenslanders. BED NUMBERS BY HOSPITAL 580. Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme Hospital Available Beds Bed Types 30/6/96 Acute Mental Mr MILLINER asked the Minister for Transport Health and Main Roads (25/7/96)— Gold Coast Hospital 548 504 44 Will he give an unequivocal commitment to continue Beaudesert Hospital 38 38 0 support for the highly successful and popular Logan Hospital 214 189 25 Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme in Princess Alexandra Hospital 881 803 78 conjunction with local authorities? Queen Elizabeth II Hospital 87 87 0 Mr Johnson (22/8/96): Yes. Local Redlands Hospital 40 40 0 governments have been assured that funding Wynnum Hospital 21 21 0 2616 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

Royal Brisbane Hospital 962 880 82 Amby-Marbango Royal Children's Hospital 168 161 7 Widening and rehabilitation works— $1.60M Royal Women's Hospital 192 192 0 The Prince Charles Hospital 517 404 113 Approved 10 May 1996 Mater Mothers' Hospital 143 143 0 Bruce Highway Mater Children's Hospital 139 139 0 Jackass-Matilda Mater Adult Hospital 255 255 0 Ipswich Hospital 310 310 0 Widening and reconstruction of two Esk Hospital 29 29 0 sections of 2.46km and 1.52km—$4.40M Boonah Hospital 30 30 0 Approved 7 May 1996 Laidley Hospital 15 15 0 Caboolture Hospital 130 130 0 Brisbane—Urban Extension Redcliffe Hospital 281 281 0 (Brisbane-Ipswich) Kilcoy Hospital 32 32 0 Logan Motorway-Goodna Creek Caloundra Hospital 38 38 0 Maleny Hospital 15 15 0 Route lighting and median barriers— Nambour Hospital 316 292 24 $0.5M TOTAL 5401 5028 373 Approved 17 June 1996 Gore Highway 582.Department of Main Roads Westbrook Mr J. H. SULLIVAN asked the Minister for Widening and rehabilitation works— Transport and Main Roads (25/7/96)— $5.8M (1) Have the extra administrative costs, such as Approved 15 May 1996 duplication of Corporate Services and Senior Executive Service salaries, of turning one Cunningham Highway Department (Transport) into two (Transport and Freestone-Eight Mile Main Roads) been kept to a minimum? Widening and rehabilitation works— (2) What establishment costs were incurred for the $2.20M new Department of Main Roads? Approved 15 May 1996 Mr Johnson (22/8/96): Funding for future National Highway projects, (1) Every effort has been made to keep approved by the Federal Minister for Transport for administrative costs arising from deamalgamation to a 1996/97-1998/99, will be announced following the minimum. For example, arrangements have been Federal Budget. established to share various corporate service activities. The formation of the two departments has required some changes to the senior executive 584.Pacific Highway structure to match the functions to be undertaken by Mrs ROSE asked the Minister for Transport each department. In addition, the functions and Main Roads (25/7/96)— previously undertaken by the South East Queensland Transit Authority are now being Will he provide an assurance that the $340m extra performed by Queensland Transport and Main required over the next four years for his eight-laning Roads. The impact of the changes is being met from of the Pacific Highway south of Beenleigh will not within existing budgets. have any adverse impact of the provision on other road programs? (2) See response (1). Mr Johnson (22/8/96): On the date this major State Government initiative was announced, and 583.Road Projects many times since, the Premier and I have personally Mr PURCELL asked the Minister for Transport reassured local governments and the community that and Main Roads (25/7/96)— the Pacific Highway project would not be done at the expense of other road priorities, particularly in Will he outline what new projects on the National rural and regional Queensland. Highway System have been formally approved for Queensland by the new Minister for Transport since The five-year Roads Implementation Program, which the new Federal Government took power? will be published after the State Budget, will provide clear proof that this Government's commitment has Mr Johnson (22/8/96): The following projects been honoured. have been formally approved by the Honourable John Sharp MP, Minister for Transport, since the Federal Coalition Government took office. 585.Train Derailments Warrego Highway Mr CAMPBELL asked the Minister for Dalby-Macalister Transport and Main Roads (25/7/96)— Widening and rehabilitation works— How many train derailments were there in $2.06M Queensland in 1995 and how many have there been Approved 10 May 1996 so far in 1996? 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2617

Mr Johnson (22/8/96): In 1995, there were 66 588.Queensland Principal Club main line train derailments and so far in 1996 there Mr J. N. GOSS asked the Minister for Police have been 38 derailments. and Corrective Services and Minister for Racing (25/7/96)— 586.Q-Link (1) Will he provide full details on an individual by Mr BRISKEY asked the Minister for Transport individual basis of all payments for meals and and Main Roads (25/7/96)— accommodation, air fares, car mileage, car hire, taxis, limousines, telephones, faxes, or any Will he outline his plans for the future of Q-Link? other expenses incurred for whatever reason Mr Johnson (22/8/96): Q-Link is a fully by members of the Committee of the integrated rail and road freight transport business. It Queensland Principal Club whether relating to remains a predominantly rail based carrier with 80s of Queensland Principal Club or regional its business on rail and the rest on road. association duties for 1993-94, 1994-95 and 1995-96 including any payments debited to the In line with this Government's policy and as a first Committee Expenses account, the account of step towards further improvement in its financial any official of the Queensland Principal Club on performance, over the next six months Q-Link will any members behalf, or to any other account in review its distribution plan. It will then expose all of the books of the Queensland Principal Club or its road operations to competition from the private any regional association? sector. This will be done through a competitive tender process. (2) Will he provide full details on an individual by individual basis of all accounts paid to or incurred by the Queensland Principal Club at 587.Dr Robinson; Cairns Base Hospital the Brisbane Hilton Hotel for the above financial Mr BREDHAUER asked the Minister for Health years and provide full details of all names under (25/7/96)— which these were incurred whether they be under the names of members of the committee With reference to the recent resignation by the ear, or officials of the Queensland Principal Club or nose and throat specialist, Dr Robinson, at the Cairns any regional association or under any other Base Hospital— name? (1) What steps has he taken as Minister to address Mr Cooper (4/9/96): the issues which have pushed Dr Robinson to tender his resignation? (1) Information requested is presented in the tabled tabular form relating to expenses of the members of (2) How long does his department estimate the Committee of the Queensland Principal Club for patients requiring ENT services in the public 1993-94, 1994-95 and 1995-96. system in Cairns will have to wait now for all types of ENT treatments as a result of Dr (2) Information requested is presented in the tabled Robinson's resignation? tabular form relating to Brisbane Hilton Hotel accounts paid or incurred by the Queensland (3) In the interests of avoiding further delays in Principal Club for 1993-94, 1994-95 and 1995-96. waiting periods for ENT services, will he give North Queenslanders a guarantee that the vacancy caused by Dr Robinson's resignation 589. Redevelopment of Craddock Street, will be filled? Holland Park (4) Does he agree with his media adviser on this Mr MACKENROTH asked the Minister for issue who told the Cairns Post (20 July) on his Public Works and Housing (25/7/96)— behalf that any calls for more funding for the With reference to his reply to a Question on Notice program would have to come from the hospital? (No. 128) from the Member for Mt Gravatt that stage (5) Will he be seeking to make available funds 1 of the re-development of Craddock St, Holland needed to continue public ENT services in Park would commence in mid-June 1996— Cairns? (1) As no work has commenced on this site, when Mr Horan (22/8/96): will it commence? (1) I am informed that Dr Robinson was a Visiting (2) Have tenders been called for the project? Medical Officer (VMO) at Cairns Base Hospital and (3) If tenders have been called, has a contract resigned for personal reasons. Matters raised by Dr been signed with the successful tenderer? Robinson on his departure are presently being addressed by the Executive of Cairns Base Hospital. Mr Connor (26/8/96): (2) Until another VMO is appointed, all urgent ENT (1) The work commenced on site on 19/8/96. cases are being referred to other centres. Waiting (2) Tenders have been called for the project. times for other cases will depend upon the success of recruiting a new specialist. (3) A Letter of Acceptance was forwarded to the successful builder on Friday, 16 August 1996. The (3) The vacancy was advertised nationally on 27 July signing of the formal contract will be undertaken 1996. Selection and recruitment will proceed as soon within the 28 day period following the issue of the as possible. Letter of Acceptance. 2618 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

591.Surgery on Time Program an accident at Moura No 2 underground mine, and to Mr HOLLIS asked the Minister for Health the recommendation under the heading (25/7/96)— "Inertisation"— With reference to his statement in this House on 11 Does Treasury intend to side-step the funding of July 1996 with respect to the "Surgery on Time equipment for inertisation of a coal mine or part of a Program"— mine by interpreting the recommendation "that the funds be made available" as meaning to provide a (1) Does he intend to implement this program in the loan to the Mines Rescue Brigade Service in Redcliffe area? preference to the actual purchase of the equipment (2) How will he implement the program when he from Consolidated Revenue? won't provide recurrent funding to staff the two Mrs Sheldon (22/8/96): new operating theatres commissioned by the previous Labor Government? The Report on an accident at Moura No 2 Underground Mine on Sunday, 7 August 1994 (the Mr Horan (20/8/96): Warden's Inquiry Report) makes two (1) Some components of the "Surgery on Time recommendations under the heading "Inertisation". Program" specifically target the ten hospitals that I assume the Honourable Member's question refers make up the Project. These project hospitals to the second recommendation, namely: account for approximately 70 per cent of surgical bed days in Queensland Public Hospitals. Redcliffe "It is further recommended that funds to be Hospital is not currently included in this group. It is made available through the Queensland planned to extend the Project to all Queensland Government in order to obtain such a system, Public Hospitals where elective surgery is a such that equipment for the inertisation of a significant component of their activity. This will coal mine or parts of a mine, with appropriately include Redcliffe Hospital. trained people and operating systems, be readily available for use in Queensland Coal Redcliffe Hospital is at present able to access special Mines. This equipment should be maintained funding to increase throughput for elective surgery and operated by the Queensland Mines Rescue through the Waiting List Backlog Program and the Service in a central location such that it can Hospital Access Bonus Pool. These funds are in the service all the mines in Queensland on a fee for form of a new initiative that provides funds over and service basis." above base budgets. The Minister for Mines and Energy, the Honourable Redcliffe Hospital is one of the hospitals targeted to Tom Gilmore MLA, and I have discussed the funding implement the new operating room management to be made available in the 1996-97 Budget, for information system which is funded through the implementation of the recommendations of the "Surgery on Time Program". Warden's Inquiry Report. Funding for the (2) The previous Labor government failed to provide implementation of this recommendation will not take for the two new operating theatres despite Redcliffe the form of a loan to the Queensland Mines Rescue having a Labor local Member. This is now being Brigade. examined in developing indicative budgets for District Health Services. 597.Metway Bank Mr D'ARCY asked the Deputy Premier, 595.Busway, Logan Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (25/7/96)— Mr ROBERTSON asked the Minister for With reference to the article she wrote for the Transport and Main Roads (25/7/96)— Courier Mail in 1995 headlined 'Big risks in state Will he provide any estimate of when construction bank' and arguing that Government involvement in work might be ready to commence on the busway to retail lending incurs unnecessary risks— Logan along the South East Freeway corridor, if Is there any risk that if Metway shareholders decide funds are allocated in the budget? to accept her offer of $4.80 a share when earlier in Mr Johnson (22/8/96): A busway is currently 1996 the shares stood at $3.10, the Queensland under active consideration for incorporation into the Government will not be able to afford to pay up to upgrading of the northern end of the Pacific $700m that may be required? Highway, north of the Gateway interchange. A final Mrs Sheldon (22/8/96): The Government will decision on the details of the Highway upgrade north not be required to fund the buy-back of any shares of the Logan Motorway is expected in the near from Metway shareholders wishing to accept the future, and that decision will include the timing of the offer of $4.80 per share. The buy-back will be funded works to be undertaken. by the issue of Exchanging Preferred Units in a listed unit trust. This means that, in effect, private investors 596.Moura Mine Disaster will be funding the buy-back. Mr PEARCE asked the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (25/7/96)— 598.Hospital Staffing With reference to the Coalition Government's public Mrs EDMOND asked the Minister for Health commitment to the implementation of the report on (25/7/96)— 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2619

What are (a) the establishment figures for nursing 600.Airlie Beach staff as of 1 March 1996 and 30 June 1996 and (b) Mrs BIRD asked the Premier (25/7/96)— the number of these positions that are unfilled at each of the above dates for the following hospitals; With reference to a proposal by the community of (i) Cairns Base Hospital, (ii) Townsville General Airlie Beach to build a beach and stinger-free lagoon Hospital, (iii) Kirwan Women's Hospital, (iv) Mackay and subsequent fundraising for the proposal (Loot Base Hospital, (v) Rockhampton Base Hospital, (vi) for Lagoon) and the concerns and division on Gladstone Base Hospital, (vii) Bundaberg Base environmental reasons— Hospital, (viii) Maryborough Base Hospital, (ix) (1) What is the Government's intention in relation to Nambour Base Hospital, (x) Royal Brisbane Hospital, this proposal? (xi) Royal Children's Hospital, (xii) Royal Women's Hospital, (xiii) The Princess Alexandra Hospital (2) What funding has the Government committed Brisbane, (xiv) The Gold Coast Hospital, (xv) The for the proposal? Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane, (xvi) Logan (3) What environmental guidelines will be Hospital and (xvii) Caboolture Hospital? enforced? Mr Horan (20/8/96): Mr Borbidge (12/8/96): (1) No comparable data are available for the specified (1) The Government will await a formal proposal and dates. However, snap shot figures as at February attendant Environmental Impact Statement before 1996 are outlined in the attached table. determining a course of action. (2) I am advised that no centralised recording of the (2) The Department of Environment is not a funding numbers of unfilled vacancies at the specified dates source for projects of this nature. Officers of the at individual facilities is maintained. Department of Environment are not aware of any NURSING FTEs AS AT FEBRUARY 1996 Government commitments in relation to funding Classification—Total Nursing Full Time Equivalents support for the proposal. Assistant in Nursing—764 (3) Relevant State legislation will be followed. A Enrolled Nurse > 21 years—2383 Section 86 approval under the Harbours Act 1955 Enrolled Nurse < 21 years—7 with appropriate conditions will only be issued if all Registered Nurse Level 1—7734 legislative requirements have been fulfilled. Similarly, Registered Nurse Level 2—2587 it is expected the Commonwealth will enforce the Registered Nurse Level 3—1191 relevant World Heritage guidelines. Registered Nurse Level 4—114 Registered Nurse Level 5—148 601.Rockhampton Base Hospital Mother Craft Trainee—1.42 Pupil Nurse—26 Mr SCHWARTEN asked the Minister for Student Nurse—16 Health (25/7/96)— Total Full Time Equivalents—14971.42 With reference to the psychiatric unit built at the Rockhampton Base Hospital by the previous Labor Government— 599.Ministerial Staff (1) When will this facility become fully operational? Ms SPENCE asked the Premier (25/7/96)— (2) What is its proposed operational budget? With reference to his response to Question on Notice (No. 354 (2))— (3) What staff numbers will be employed to run the unit? Will he provide a list of all ministerial staff for each ministerial office of his Government including (a) the (4) What is the name and designation of the head designation of each position in each ministerial of the unit? office, (b) the name of the appointee for each (5) What range of professional support and service position, and whether that appointee was selected will be available to patients at that unit? after a merit selection process and (c) the salary and Mr Horan (20/8/96): entitlements for each position? Mr Borbidge (23/8/96): No. It is disappointing (1) There will be a lead time of approximately 4-6 to see that the Honourable Member has failed to give weeks from the announcement of the State budget any consideration to the invasion of privacy of before the Psychiatric Unit at the Rockhampton Base ministerial staff that is contemplated by this question. Hospital is fully operational. This lead time will allow for recruitment, training and set-up. I am able to inform the Honourable Member that as at 20 August 1996, the total number of ministerial staff (2) Total full year operating cost proposed by was one less than the total number for the previous Queensland Health is $3.1 million—an increase of Labor government at the time of the resignation of $1.8 million over the previous full year's funding. the former Premier and the salary bands and (3) A total of 29.49 Full Time Equivalents will be conditions of employment for present ministerial staff required to run the inpatient service with the balance are similar to those offered by the previous Labor of the combined total of 54.7 FTEs used to operate Government. the outpatient service. 2620 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

602.Cooperatives, QIDC Loans 605.Capital Works Projects, Nudgee Electorate Mr HAMILL asked the Deputy Premier, Mr ROBERTS asked the Minister for Transport Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (25/7/96)— and Main Roads (25/7/96)— Which Queensland cooperatives and particularly, With reference to main roads within the Electorate of primary producer cooperatives currently have Nudgee— borrowings through the QIDC for the purpose of capital investment to maintain or expand their What minor and major capital works projects and / or businesses, and what is the total value of these improvements will be undertaken during 1996-97, loans? 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000? Mrs Sheldon (22/8/96): As at 30 June 1996, Mr Johnson (22/8/96): The 1996/97-2000/01 the total number of cooperatives with borrowings Roads Implementation Program is currently being through QIDC was fifteen and, the total amount of developed. Following the State Budget, it will be those borrowings was $76,820,631.26. published, and the information Mr Roberts is seeking will be readily available to him at that time. 603.TAFE Training and Funding In the meantime, I am able to advise that completion Mrs CUNNINGHAM asked the Minister for of works on Sandgate Sub-Arterial Road at Depot Training and Industrial Relations (25/7/96)— Road/Brann Street, Sandgate Road/Roghan Road With reference to statements that TAFE training and and a signalised pedestrian crossing at Deagon will funding would be opened to commercial occur early in 1996/97. competition— Alignment improvements and upgrade to six-laning Will he ensure that training via TAFE and funded by on Sandgate Sub-Arterial Roads, from just north of Government will be retained for core areas to ensure Zillmere Waterholes to Toombul Road, is also accessibility for everyone irrespective of their socio- expected to be undertaken. economic situation? Mr Santoro (26/8/96): Yes. TAFE Queensland 606.Commission of Audit will continue to be the major public provider of vocational education and training throughout the Mr HAYWARD asked the Deputy Premier, state. The Queensland Government is committed to Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (25/7/96)— ensuring that all Queenslanders, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to publicly With reference to the report of the Commission of funded vocational education and training through Audit in Queensland and the lack of commitment to TAFE Queensland and other providers. its recommendations by various Ministers and others Members of Parliament— Will the Treasurer refer the report to the Auditor- 604.South East Freeway/Pacific Highway General so that he can audit the documents and Mr BARTON asked the Minister for Transport report to Parliament so that Parliament can have and Main Roads (25/7/96)— some certainty about the underlying assumptions With reference to his claim that 13,000 notices have and conclusions of the report? been distributed to residents who live within 350 Mrs Sheldon (22/8/96): The Commission of metres of the South east Freeway/Pacific Highway— Audit Report is a far reaching examination of the (1) How many notices have been distributed in the challenges facing Queensland over the next 10 suburbs of Eagleby, Loganholme, Tanah Merah, years, especially in light of the budgetary concerns Slacks Creek and the town of Beenleigh? inherited from the previous Government. The (2) In what streets in those suburbs and that town, Government has already established a Commission have their residents been forwarded these of Audit Implementation Office, reporting to both the notices? Premier and myself. Not all recommendations will be (3) On what date were these notices delivered? addressed in the short term, although I expect action will be taken in the next few months to commence Mr Johnson (22/8/96): implementation of a number of the recommendations. (1) The newsletter was distributed approximately 300 The Commission of Audit Report is a report to the metres either side of the corridor between Stanley Queensland Government, with financial information in Street and the Logan Motorway. the Report already having been reviewed by Ernst & Eagleby and Beenleigh are south of the Logan Young, Chartered Accountants, including a review of Motorway and as such were outside the immediate the financial information on an accrual basis prepared area of the corridor in question. for the first time in Queensland by Queensland Treasury and Arthur Andersen & Co, Chartered It has been estimated that around 3000, 1600 and Accountants. The Government does not need to 2400 newsletters were distributed in Loganholme, refer the Report to the Auditor-General. The Tanah Merah and Slacks Creek respectively. Commissioners and Ernst & Young have done (2) The newsletters were distributed to all streets in sufficient work for Parliament to rely on the accuracy Loganholme, Slacks Creek and Tanah Merah within of the estimates provided. In addition, a Senior the area of approximately 300 metres either side of Officer from the Queensland Audit Office was the corridor. seconded to the Commission to work on the (3) The newsletters were delivered on 2-3 July 1996. accounting projects. 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2621

607.Hospital Staffing prevented from applying to the National Native Ms BLIGH asked the Minister for Health Title Tribunal for a determination under the Act (25/7/96)— if the Queensland Government fails to negotiate with the parties in good faith, in the light of the What are (a) the establishment figures for staff Federal Court's recent decision in the case of medical officers as of 1 March 1996 and 30 June Walley v. State of Western Australia? 1996 and (b) the number of these positions that are unfilled at each of the above dates for the following (3) Is he aware that such a situation could pose a hospitals; (i) Cairns Base Hospital, (ii) Townsville threat to the Century Zinc project? General Hospital, (iii) Kirwan Women’s Hospital, (iv) (4) Will he outline in detail (a) any action taken by Mackay Base Hospital, (v) Rockhampton Base his Government since the giving of notice Hospital, (vi) Gladstone Base Hospital, (vii) under the Native Title Act to negotiate in good Bundaberg Base Hospital, (viii) Maryborough Base faith with the parties, and (b) what further action Hospital, (ix) Nambour Base Hospital, (x) Royal is planned by his Government to negotiate in Brisbane Hospital, (xi) Royal Children’s Hospital, (xii) good faith with the parties? Royal Women’s Hospital, (xiii) The Princess (5) Is he aware that his recent public utterances on Alexandra Hospital Brisbane, (xiv) The Gold Coast the Century Zinc project indicate an Hospital, (xv) The Prince Charles Hospital Brisbane, unwillingness to negotiate in good faith with the (xvi) Logan Hospital and (xvii) Caboolture Hospital? parties, contrary to his Government's legal duty Mr Horan (20/8/96): Most hospitals do not under the Native Title Act? regard their staff structure as having a fixed Mr Borbidge (22/8/96): establishment, rather medical staff are employed based on need and available funding which may vary (1) The Government is fully aware of its obligations from time to time. In addition hospitals use Visiting under the Native Title Act, and in particular, the Medical Officers (VMOs) to provide much of their provisions of s.26 of that Act dealing with the "Right specialist services on a sessional basis. For the to Negotiate". It was, in fact, this Government which purposes of this request, staff medical officers have approved the issuing of the s.29 Notices. been interpreted as meaning Staff Specialists. The (2) The Government has received advice from the specific details for the requested hospitals are Native Title Group in the Crown Law Division of the provided in the attached table. Department of Justice about the procedure to be Staff Establishment Numbers and Vacancies for followed and has already held informal discussions Specialist Staff in the following Queensland Public with the President of the National Native Title Hospitals Tribunal and some parties. (3) The situation referred to will not arise because Hospital Specialist Staff Vacancies Vacancies the Queensland Government's process will be open Establishment— 1 March 30 June 1996 1996 1996 and transparent to all parties. Cairns Base 27 4 3 (4) All parties to the matter were known after the last Townsville General 53 9 6 date stipulated for the filing of claims in the Tribunal, Kirwan Women's 5 2 4 namely 5 August 1996. The Government has already Mackay Base 13 6 4 put in train a series of meetings to begin the "Right to Rockhampton Base 5 0 4 Negotiate" procedure including the receipt of written Gladstone Base 2 0 2 and oral submissions from parties. Bundaberg Base 9 2 1 Maryborough Base 7 2 0 The following claimants up to 5 August 1996 had Nambour Base 35 6 1 been identified by the National Native Title Tribunal Royal Brisbane 81 10 5 as parties: Waanyi 1 (Camping and Water Reserve), Royal Children's 27 1 1 Mornington Islanders etc (southern part of Gulf), Royal Women's 10 0 0 Willets and Chong (mine site and surrounding The Princess Pastoral Leases), Waanyi 2 (mine site), Waanyi 3 Alexandra 81.5 8 7 (western part of product pipeline corridor), The Gold Coast 33 7 5 Traditional Waanyi Elders Aboriginal Corporation The Prince Charles 37 3 3 (over and around mine site), Gkuthaarn and Kukatj Logan 17 4 0 Caboolture 11.5 1 1 People (eastern part of product pipeline corridor) and Stella Diamond (central part of product pipeline TOTAL 454 65 47 corridor). Parties are defined in the Act and in this case 608.Century Zinc Project include: the State, the company, the Carpentaria Mr FOLEY asked the Premier (25/7/96)— Land Council (ie. representative body under the Native Title Act) and the claimants. With reference to native title issues in regard to the (5) The Queensland Government has always Century Zinc project— attempted to facilitate a negotiated agreement (1) Is he aware of his Government's duty to between the parties to enable the Century project to negotiate in good faith under the provisions of proceed, whilst ensuring that indigenous and the Native Title Act with Aboriginal native title environmental concerns are met. The Government claimants and the mining company? was outside the National Native Title Tribunal (2) Is he aware that the mining company and the process because of the various judicial decisions in Aboriginal native title claimants may be Waanyi and has only had the "Right to Negotiate" 2622 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996 procedure available to it since the Tribunal was (3) Options for Bay Haven Nursing Home beds are directed by the High Court to accept the original presently under consideration. Waanyi application that is, since March 1996. The (4) No. Government will continue to negotiate in good faith with the many parties who are expected to emerge in (5) Options for disposal of the existing Hervey Bay this matter. Hospital, after transfer to the new hospital in early 1997, are under consideration. 609.Hervey Bay Hospital Mr NUNN asked the Minister for Health 610.Northpoint TAFE (6/8/96)— Mr WELLS asked the Minister for Training and With reference to staffing arrangements at the new Industrial Relations (6/8/96)— Hervey Bay Hospital— With reference to the discontinuation by the (1) Will redeployment at level be assured to all staff Queensland University of Technology of Associate currently employed at the existing Hervey Bay Diploma courses in the engineering field, and the fact Hospital; if not, what arrangements are to be that these have been taken up by the TAFE system made for the existing staff to be displaced? and also to the fact that Northpoint TAFE will cease to offer the 3 hydraulics subjects it currently offers (2) Will enrolled nurses currently working in acute as well as ceasing to offer the Engineering care of the existing Hervey Bay Hospital be apprenticeship training it currently offers— able to transfer to similar acute positions at the new hospital? (1) Is he aware that a consequence of this will be (3) What arrangements have been made for Bay that it will become necessary for students from Haven Nursing Home beds? the northside to travel all the way to the southside in order to pursue their chosen (4) Have these bed allocations been sold to the course of studies? private sector? (2) Is he aware that this will seriously (5) What plans are under way to dispose of the inconvenience students who live on the outer existing Hervey Bay Hospital after transfer to northside? the new hospital in early 1997? (3) Will he take action to redress this unfairness to Mr Horan (3/9/96): The Hervey Bay community northside students studying this discipline, can now look forward to a first-class hospital facility, particularly bearing in mind that many of them without the risk of its budget being used to bail out are attempting to raise families at the same time metropolitan hospitals, as almost occurred in the as undertaking full time work, while attending dying days of the Beattie administration. As you college four nights a week? know, the Coalition's commitment to fully staffing and fully funding the new hospital has never Mr Santoro (3/9/96): wavered: a commitment confirmed in the Recruitment (1) The consolidation of engineering apprenticeship and Transition Plan for the New Hervey Bay Hospital, courses in the metropolitan area will not result in announced by me on 14 August 1996. Specifically: students having to travel to the southside to take (1) I anticipate that the Hospital will initially open, in these courses. The Brisbane Institute of TAFE February 1997, with 60 beds, increasing to 74 and through its Gateway Campus will expand its range of then 130 by 1 July 1997. A full range of services are offerings and a large number of the apprentices from intended to be available from February, including North Point Institute have been relocated to this Accident and Emergency, Intensive Care, campus which is a short distance from North Point Anaesthetics, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, and Institute. Obstetrics and Gynaecology, on a visiting or staff Furthermore, I am pleased to inform the Honourable specialist basis. Member that hydraulic subjects will continue to be It has always been the position of the Coalition that offered at the Institute next year. The Government redeployment at level can be (and is) assured to all has provided funding for these courses to be staff employed at the Hervey Bay Hospital. maintained at the North Point Institute of TAFE. Accordingly, no redundancies will occur in the (2) I understand that this minor change in the profile transition to the new hospital. The only possible of the North Point Institute has inconvenienced a exceptions to this are some senior appointments small number of students particularly with respect to which may be subject to competition, in accordance travelling arrangements to the local Institute of TAFE. with the Public Sector Management Standard for Apprentices who were booked into places in the Staffing Options to Manage Organisational Change Institute for Semester 2 1996 have been relocated to in the Queensland Public Sector. other institutes after consultation with employers. Recruitment for the additional staff will occur over The consolidation of these courses is offset by the the remaining months of 1996. The Recruitment Plan significant growth in course offerings in high demand includes provision for seven (7) staff specialists, nine areas such as business, computing, child care and (9) sessions for visiting medical officers, and eight welfare studies. The minor adjustment in the (8) resident medical officers. Institute's profile will assist the Institute to better (2) It has always been the position of the Coalition meet the training needs of the local community. that all these nurses will be able to transfer to similar (3) I apologise for any inconvenience which students acute positions at the new hospital. may experience as a result of the consolidation of 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2623 engineering courses between North Point and Because all the widening will be all on the eastern Brisbane Institutes of TAFE. However, the outcome side of the Freeway there will be no effect on the of this consolidation will lead to a more efficient and existing bikeway which is located on the western responsive service to students and industry as well side. as maximise the quality of delivery provided. (3) There will be no land requirement from any of the caravan parks in the area. The busway will be located 611.South East Freeway/Pacific Highway within the existing Freeway Reserve and where necessary the Freeway will be reconstructed totally Mr ROBERTSON asked the Minister for towards the west to avoid any such requirement. Transport and Main Roads (6/8/96)— The distance from the edge of the proposed works With reference to his plan to upgrade the Pacific to the nearest caravan site will be 11m approximately Highway/South East Freeway and the massive (current distance from the edge of the Freeway is resumptions of land that will be required to 23m approximately). The new lanes will be bus-only accommodate his so called super highway— lanes and therefore will have significantly fewer (1) How much land will be required to be resumed vehicles than general traffic lanes. The general traffic from the grounds of the Holland Park State lanes will in general be further away from the caravan High School and how close will the South East parks than at present. Noise barriers will be provided Freeway be to the nearest classrooms at this where warranted. school once the freeway is widened? (4) No land will be required from the Eight Mile Plains (2) How much land will be required to be resumed State School for the proposed works. The from the Toohey Forest Park to accommodate northbound carriageway of the Freeway is expected his super highway and what impact will this to be widened by one lane width, 3.5m only, closer have on the bikeway linking Griffith University to the school. The nearest classroom will be in with Queensland University? excess of 70m from the edge of the nearest traffic lane. A short retaining wall may be required to ensure (3) How much land will be required from the that the cutting adjacent to the school does not have caravan parks located between Holmead Road to be widened. A noise barrier will be erected on the and the South east Freeway at eight Mile Plains Freeway boundary as part of the new works, if the and how close will his freeway now be to the warrant is met. nearest existing caravan sites? (4) How much land will be required to be resumed from the grounds of the Eight Mile Plains State 612.Office of Intellectual Disability Services School and how close will the South East Mr HOLLIS asked the Minister for Families, Freeway be to the nearest classrooms at this Youth and Community Care (6/8/96)— school once the freeway is widened? With reference to the Office of the Intellectual Mr Johnson (5/9/96): Disability Services situated at 84 Kedron Park Road, Wooloowin— (1) Firstly, I'd like to correct the Member for Sunnybank in his reference to the wording "Super As there are many residents in my electorate of Highway". The work being undertaken on this Redcliffe who rely on support from this agency, what exciting project, which will require considerably less measures has he put in place to service those people acquisition of land than the previous Government's who are now being disadvantaged by his actions in Eastern Corridor project, is to be known as the reducing staff at that centre from six employees to "Pacific Motorway". This will be a world class two employees? motorway and something of which South East Mr Lingard (15/8/96): The Office of Intellectual Queensland may be justifiably proud. Disability Services situated at 84 Kedron Park Road There will be no land required from the high school Wooloowin accommodates approximately 55 to 60 grounds for any of the options being considered. employees, and not six (6) as Mr Hollis has stated. A The busway proposal would require widening (extra number of staff from this office provide individual carriageway) by approximately 14m on the eastern support to people who live on the Redcliffe (high school) side of the freeway. Noise barriers will Peninsula, both in Alternative Living Service houses be erected as part of the project if the warrant is met. and at home. There is insufficient survey information available at I am unsure as to where Mr Hollis obtained these present to provide the distance from the edge of the figures, however I can assure him that Intellectual proposed works to the nearest classrooms, however, Disability Services will continue to provide support the distance to the boundary fence of the school will to people with an intellectual disability who live on be in the order of 20m. the Redcliffe Peninsula. (2) There is no land requirement from Toohey Forest Park west of the South East Freeway. The busway 613.Q-Fleet will pass through a small severance area of the park to the east of the Freeway bounded by Shire Road, Mr NUTTALL asked the Minister for Public the Griffith University, Mount Gravatt Campus and Works and Housing (6/8/96)— the Freeway. The busway has been routed through With reference to concerns expressed that the State this area and the University Campus to provide bus Government proposes to restrict access and access to this otherwise largely isolated facility, with participation by the general public to Public Trustee both University and Brisbane City Council support. auctions conducted on behalf of Q-Fleet— 2624 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

(1) Is it his intention to restrict the public's access Mr Cooper (27/8/96): and participation in these auctions? (1) Andrew Mark Sulka arrived in Sydney, Australia, (2) Is he prepared to guarantee ongoing access on 20 January 1981 under the name of Mark Andre. and participation by the public in these motor He applied for and was granted a permanent entry vehicle auctions? permit on arrival. It is believed Mr Sulka first moved Mr Connor (5/9/96): to Queensland from New South Wales in 1991. (1) No. (2) An informant provided information on 19 December 1995 to the Australian Federal Police, (2) There are no plans to restrict public participation. Sydney, that a John Davis who also used the name Mark Andre was on the Gold Coast and that he was 614.Rockhampton Base Hospital wanted for drug trafficking in the United States of America. Mr PEARCE asked the Minister for Health (6/8/96)— Inquiries commenced to validate this information. (1) Is it correct that the new Rockhampton On 19 July 1996 information was received from the Psychiatric Unit cannot open until after the USA to confirm that a person by that name was State Budget is brought down, due to a freeze wanted there. on funding? This matter was not brought to the attention of the (2) Have a number of hotel services staff at Queensland Police Service. Rockhampton Base Hospital been stood down (3) The Queensland Police Service has had no until after the State Budget due to a lack of involvement in this matter. funds; if so, will those staff who have been (4) The only known employment of Mr Sulka in stood down be re-employed after the budget is Queensland was as a vehicle wholesaler at released or will they join school cleaners on the Centrepoint Autos in Hinde Street, Southport. unemployment lines? (5) There is no known criminal activity by Mr Sulka. Mr Horan (4/9/96): (6) Mr Sulka used a variety of aliases, false (1) No. The Mental Health facility in Rockhampton identifications and facial surgery to avoid detection. was opened on Thursday, 15 August 1996. Its budget has already been identified and allocated and (7) Mr Sulka is being held at the Arthur Gorrie includes a $1.8 million full year increase. The Correctional Centre in Brisbane on Immigration Community/Outreach service has been operating out detention, awaiting confirmation of his identity to of the new facility for several weeks. The Inpatient allow the United States Consulate in Sydney to issue Section moved to the new facility on Monday, 12 urgent travel documents, upon which he will be August 1996. removed immediately. (2) I am advised that no such staff have been stood down. 616.Mackay City Fire Service Mr MULHERIN asked the Minister for 615.Mr M. Sulka Emergency Services and Minister for Sport (6/8/96)— Mr BARTON asked the Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Racing With reference to the recent collision between a (6/8/96)— semi-trailer fuel tanker and a car in a suburban street in Mackay— With reference to the recent arrest of a Runaway Bay resident, Mr Mark Sulka, who had been on the run (1) Is he aware that the Mackay City Fire Services from American authorities for 15 years following a are not in possession of a foam tender conviction for cocaine and racketeering offences in appliance to use in the case of flammable liquid the United States— fires? (1) How long had Mr Sulka been a resident of (2) Does he intend to upgrade Mackay City Fire Queensland, and in particular, Runaway Bay? Service appliances to include foam tender apparatus; if so, when will this upgrade occur; if (2) When did Mr Sulka first come to the attention not, why not? of Federal and State police? Mr Veivers (23/8/96): (3) What role did the Queensland Police Service play in locating, identifying and apprehending (1) I am aware that Queensland Fire Service (QFS) in Mr Sulka? Mackay does not have a specialised foam tender, as it is not common for medium urban communities to (4) What form of employment was Mr Sulka provide specialised fire engines for each type of fire involved in during his time in Queensland? that may occur. (5) Has Mr Sulka been involved in any criminal All urban fire appliances currently carry sufficient activity during his time in Queensland? foam supplies for the initial treatment of flammable (6) How did Mr Sulka remain unidentified for as liquids—that will last until back-up supplies arrive at long as he did? the scene. (7) Where is Mr Sulka currently being held or has Mackay also has a foam trailer which is taken to any he now been extradited to the United States? incident that the Officer-in-Charge determines. This 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2625 is a more operationally sound and economically With reference to withdrawals totalling $4850 made viable option than retaining a high cost, single from Suncorp Building Society account in the name function appliance. of Sherran Dingle during the period 30 March to 9 (2) I do not intend to upgrade QFS Mackay's May 1996 without Ms Dingle's knowledge or appliances to include a foam tender at the present consent— time, as I have been assured by Senior QFS (1) What investigations have been made into the Managers that the Mackay foam trailer is adequate loss of these funds and what were the results? for the district's needs—as is the foam trailer in (2) Why were no statements of account sent to Ms Rockhampton and Townsville. Dingle in relation to her account for the period QFS Mackay liaises frequently with the Mackay referred to above? Airport Fire Service who has additional stocks of (3) Is it possible for Suncorp's computer records foam available should it be required. to be manipulated to show ATM withdrawals Furthermore, local industry and sugar mills in the which were not in fact made? vicinity carry stocks of foam which can be accessed (4) If it is possible to create fictitious ATM by the QFS upon request. withdrawals to cover fraudulent activities including theft, does Suncorp have a 617. Mount Isa Riversleigh Interpretation responsibility to restore Ms Dingle's account to Centre its true position? Mr McGRADY asked the Minister for Tourism, Mrs Sheldon (5/9/96): Small Business and Industry (6/8/96)— (1) Suncorp has undertaken extensive investigations With reference to his answer to a Question from the into the loss of these funds, which have included:- Member for Charters Towers, Mr Mitchell, on 25 July (a) checking of the ATMs concerned on each day where he announced a grant of $50000 to the Mount the unauthorised withdrawals were made to Isa Riversleigh Interpretation Centre— ensure both machines balanced; Is this $50000 in addition to the previous $50000 (b) checking of the Tandem and core banking already announced? computer systems to ensure there were no Mr Davidson (15/8/96): A grant of $50,000 was errors or irregularities in the program on the approved on 22 July 1996 to the Riversleigh Fossils days when the unauthorised withdrawals were Interpretative Centre to purchase display items. This made; is the $50,000 grant highlighted in the reply to Mr (c) checking that there were no system outages on Mitchell, Member for Charters Towers, on 25 July the days the unauthorised withdrawals were 1996. There is no other commitment for $50,000 to made; the Riversleigh Fossils Interpretative Centre from the Further checking of Suncorp's computer records Department of Tourism, Small Business and Industry. show that the unauthorised withdrawals in question were carried out using the customer's card and PIN. 618.Government Computer Network Each withdrawal from the ATM was completed successfully on the first attempt with the correct Mr BEATTIE asked the Premier (6/8/96)— PIN. (1) Is the Government giving consideration to (2) Suncorp maintains that the statement of account outsourcing the State Government computer for the period referred to was in fact sent. Suncorp network; if so, have discussions taken place has checked its computer records in relation to with (a) IBM, (b) EDS and (c) any other statement runs for the cycle days relevant to the company and at what stage have these customer and there is no record of any system discussions or negotiations reached? mishap or outage. Suncorp can only conclude that (2) Who is representing the Government in those the statement for the relevant period was printed and discussions? mailed. Suncorp has received no complaints from Mr Borbidge (5/9/96): other customers who had an identical cycle date to (1) Many Departments already outsource all or part this customer, that statements were not received. of their computer network management and (3) & (4) It is not possible for Suncorp's computer operation to the Private Sector or to CITEC, a records to be manipulated to show ATM withdrawals Business Unit of the Department of Public Works which were not in fact made. There are extensive and Housing. checks and balances in the Suncorp computer (2) As CITEC is a commercial Business Unit of the system which protects data and prevents Department of Public Works and Housing, any unauthorised access. Any attempt to do so produces discussions are held with the Minister for Public exception reports to various discrete divisions of Works and Housing, the Honourable Ray Connor Suncorp (for example, Internal Audit) which would MLA, or the Director-General of that Department, Mr be actioned immediately. No such exception reports Kevin Davies. have occurred during the period in question. In addition, Suncorp has written to Ms Dingle setting out in detail the result of its investigations and stating 619.Ms S. Dingle; Suncorp Building Society that if there is any other information which may have Mr McELLIGOTT asked the Deputy Premier, a bearing on the matter, Suncorp will be happy to Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (6/8/96)— further investigate it. 2626 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

I am advised that the customer has indicated in Will he (a) give a brief description of all capital works interviews with Suncorp officers that her PIN was in planned as part of the Government's $3 billion fact disclosed to another individual. redevelopment program announced recently, (b) list all building, refurbishment, and equipment projects together with a summary of the services to be 620.Cannon Hill Sale Yards Site provided at all hospitals and community health Mr PURCELL asked the Minister for Public centres around the State, (c) provide a list of all Works and Housing (6/8/96)— capital works projects for each and every (1) What plans does the Government have for the hospital/and or region (district) in Queensland site at Cannon Hill bounded by Wynnum, contained in the Master Plan submissions provided Barrack, Lytton and Creeks Roads, formerly the to the Capital Works Branch and (d) give specific Cannon Hill Sale Yards site? details regarding commencement and completion (2) Does the Government intend to honour the dates for the Government's $114m election promise commitment given by the previous Government to build four new hospitals in four Cabinet Ministers' to develop this site for residential housing electorates and provide details of all available health under Joint Venture? planning analysis held by his department on the feasibility of the proposed Noosa, Beaudesert, (3) Is he aware that schools, shopping centres, Robina and Caloundra Hospitals? small businesses and sporting clubs in Cannon Hill and Murarrie have planned their future on Mr Horan (4/9/96): this development going ahead and that it is (a), (b), (c) Budget deliberations are incomplete, and extremely well supported by the general the 1996 State Budget has not yet been brought community? down by the Honourable the Treasurer. Accordingly, (4) Is he aware that residents of Cannon Hill and to provide a highly detailed description of the Murarrie do not want industry on this site? Coalition Hospital Capital Works Program, at this stage, would be improper. (5) What is the Government's future plans for the Joint Venture Management Group? However, I can advise the House that, at my Mr Connor (5/9/96): direction, Queensland Health has undertaken an in-depth assessment of all proposed projects. This (1) Options for the future of the site bounded by follows an independent review, by reputable Wynnum, Barrack, Lytton and Creek Roads are consultants, of the program of the Goss currently being investigated. Government. The review showed that the Program (2) The Government is not necessarily committed to was overcommitted by your now leaders, Messrs any promise made by the previous administration in Beattie and Elder, to the extent of $1.2 billion. In regard to this site. contrast, the Program now put forward addresses (3) The Government has consulted with the local both hospitals and other health care facilities, and is community. achievable, realistic and affordable. (4) The Government is aware that community Specific announcements in relation to the organisations at Murarrie and Cannon Hill oppose Queensland Health Capital Works Program will be industrial development on this site. made in the context of the State Budget. These will support both my commitment and the coalition's (5) The joint ventures management group functions commitment to upgrading and modernising have been incorporated into the Property Queensland's health infrastructure. Development Division in Project Services, a business unit within my Department. (d) As part of the planning process, Functional Planning outlining the degree of services based on a range of options, has recently commenced for health 621.Land Tax needs at Noosa, Beaudesert, Robina and Caloundra. Mr FOURAS asked the Deputy Premier, I shall inform the House of the outcome of this Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (6/8/96)— analysis, and of the progress of these important Will she honour her promise to provide at least $20m projects, as they proceed. in land tax relief this year? These new hospitals are vital social infrastructure for Mrs Sheldon (5/9/96): An element of the our high growth communities, as are Caboolture, Coalition's election campaign was a commitment in Redlands, and Logan, which will be fast-tracked relation to land tax. under the Coalition Program. Details of budgetary adjustments to any revenue Planning is also under way for a new hospital at measures, including land tax, will be outlined when Bamaga in the Labor held seat of Cook. This hospital the Budget is delivered on Tuesday. had been totally neglected by Labor in its failed rebuilding program. 622. Queensland Health, Capital Works Projects 623.Recreation Facilities, Moreton Region Mr BRISKEY asked the Minister for Health Mr ARDILL asked the Minister for Environment (6/8/96)— (6/8/96)— With reference to his reprioritised capital works What action is being taken by his department to program for Queensland's health system— open up camping facilities, picnic facilities and 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2627 access roads to locations in the scenic rim of the the management of RADF is important. This Great Dividing Range and the McPherson Range, in partnership is recognised by the Coalition view of the pressure being put on existing National Government as crucial to the success of the program Parks and recreation areas by the large influx of new and the ongoing support of regional, rural and residents to the Moreton region? remote communities throughout Queensland. Mr Littleproud (26/8/96): At present, work is under way to improve recreational facilities at Green 625. Annerley Police Station; Moorvale Mountains on Lamington National Park. In fact, as a Shopping Centre result of the complete neglect of park facilities by Labor over the period of their office, there is now a Mr FOLEY asked the Minister for Police and need to start an improvement program on a Corrective Services and Minister for Racing State-wide basis. And it is worth noting that the (6/8/96)— "large influx" of new residents to the Moreton region With reference to his previous answer regarding the continued consistently throughout the period of Annerley Police Station and the proposed police Labor, and is only now showing some signs of shop-front at the Moorvale Shopping Centre— slowing down. (1) When will the review of police services in the In regards to Green Mountains, a new Visitor Annerley district, to which he referred, be Orientation Centre at this location will provide completed? information to visitors to the park and other national parks. (2) Will he now give a categorical assurance that staffing numbers at the Annerley Police Station Upgrading works are planned for other national parks will not be downgraded? in the Scenic Rim including: (3) In view of the continued support for a police Springbrook (including Natural Bridge) National shop-front at the Moorvale Shopping Centre Park—major upgrading of walking tracks; from local residents and the local business Lamington National Park (Binna Burra community, as evidenced through the section)—upgrading of walking tracks and Moorooka Local Area Plan of the Brisbane City lookouts; Council, will he establish such a police shop- Mount Barney National Park—upgrading of front? walking tracks; and Mr Cooper (26/8/96): Main Range—upgrading of walking tracks and (1) An examination of the policing needs of the the trail head carpark at Cunningham's Gap. Annerley and Dutton Park Police Divisions has The Department of Environment is liaising with other disclosed that greater efficiency and productivity Departments and Local Government Authorities that could not be achieved by merging Annerley and manage public lands to coordinate the provision of Dutton Park Police Divisions. Consequently, the recreational access and facilities in the Scenic Rim vacant position of Senior Sergeant, Officer in area. Charge of Annerley Police Division, has been advertised in the Police Gazette. For example, a proposal is being considered for the development of a camping area on land acquired (2) There is no intention to downgrade the staff at adjacent to Mount Barney National Park. The Annerley Police Station. Department is also supportive of camping facilities (3) I reiterate my reply to Question on Notice No 120 being developed at "The Settlement" at Springbrook. by stating that the establishment of Police Beat Shopfronts is a matter for the Queensland Police 624.Regional Arts Development Fund Service and I, as the responsible Minister, will support whatever decision the Service makes Mrs CUNNINGHAM asked the Deputy concerning the Moorvale Shopping Centre at Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The Arts Moorooka. (6/8/96)— The current crime figures do not support the With reference to the disadvantages faced by rural establishment of a Police Beat Shopfront at this time. and regional arts and cultural participants— The District Officer, Oxley District, is aware of the What funding cuts are proposed to the RADF and is community's concerns as well as their support for the Government planning to alter the structure of such a Shopfront and he will continue to monitor the RADF or the current co-funding arrangements with situation. Local Government and the community? Mrs Sheldon (5/9/96): There are no funding 626. Government Departments, Capital cuts proposed for the Regional Arts Development Appropriations Fund in 1996/97. Queensland's local government authorities will receive funding at comparable levels Mr MACKENROTH asked the Deputy Premier, to 1995/96 allocations. Funds will be allocated Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (6/8/96)— immediately following the budget. With reference to funds appropriated for capital There are no plans to alter the current structure of expenditure for each department for 1995-96, the Regional Arts Development Fund. The current including the former Labor Government's $745m partnership between Local and State Government in Accelerated Capital Works Program— 2628 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

(1) What funds so appropriated for each of these (5) What is his proposal for the future of the entire departments remained unexpended at 30 June, site, what public consultation will occur with 1996? local residents and what timeframe is proposed (2) What carryovers for 1996-97 were permitted for for any redevelopment of the site? each of these departments of these (6) What budget allocations have been made to unexpended capital appropriations? repair, restore and preserve the heritage (3) Will she provide details of the unexpended buildings following recent fire damage? capital balances and carryovers for each Mr Connor (5/9/96): department? (1) A fire occurred in No. 2 Division of the Brisbane Mrs Sheldon (5/9/96): Budget Paper No. 3— Correctional Centre (Boggo Road Gaol) on the Capital Outlays, which I will table on 10 September morning of Friday 2 August 1996. The source of the as part of the Coalition Government's 1996-97 fire was some grass clippings which had been piled Budget Papers, will detail for the Honourable against the building. The fire damage is limited to the Member the 1995-96 actual expenditure and 1996-97 upper floor of one building on the site. The elements Budget allocation for major capital outlays. This will damaged by the fire include the top rows of bricks, be provided on both a statistical division and policy timber eaves & fascia, gutter, corrugated iron roof, area basis. rafters & roofing battens, ceiling joists and ripple iron With regard to the individual elements of the Labor ceiling. There is also some damage to services Government's Accelerated Capital Works Program, including electric wiring. Q-Build has installed Treasury does not have data on the carryovers tarpaulins over the roof to protect the building from relevant to the program as a whole, or individual further damage. items within the program. (2) The damage is minimal in terms of the gaol complex: the fire occurred in a building which had 628.Pay-roll Tax undergone some alteration during its history; the site remains a significant, intact group of buildings with Mr T. B. SULLIVAN asked the Deputy landmark qualities, and the only surviving gaol in Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The Arts Queensland built on the "modern" penological (6/8/96)— principles of the late 19th Century. It will be possible (1) On 3 July 1995 did the Coalition promise a to restore the building using some existing youth employment pay-roll tax rebate? components and new elements to match original (2) Will this initiative cost up to $20m to introduce? details. (3) When will this promise be implemented? (3) This question is a matter for my Ministerial colleague, the Honourable Russell Cooper MLA, Mrs Sheldon (5/9/96): The Coalition's State Minister for Police and Corrective Services and election campaign contained well reported initiatives Minister for Racing. designed to create jobs. These included adjustments to payroll tax. (4) The contract was awarded to Rosenlund Civil Contractors Pty. Ltd. on 26 July 1996. The contract I reassure you that the Coalition Government remains is of 16 weeks duration and is due for practical committed to maximising employment opportunities completion on 14 November 1996. The Contractor is by creating an environment which facilitates the established on the site. creation of genuine, long term jobs in the private sector. (5) No decision has been taken in relation to the future of the site other than demolition of Division 1. Details of revenue measures, including any payroll Extensive consultation has already taken place in tax threshold increases, will be outlined in the regard to the use of the Boggo Road site and I Budget, which I will deliver on Tuesday. would expect local community groups to be further consulted at the appropriate time. 629.Boggo Road Prison (6) The site is owned by the Queensland Corrective Ms BLIGH asked the Minister for Public Works Services Commission, and managed by the and Housing (6/8/96)— Department of Environment. With reference to the disused site of the former The Department of Environment has asked Q-Build maximum security male prison known as Boggo Road to prepare an estimate for re-roofing. This question is Prison— a matter for my Ministerial colleague, the Honourable (1) What is the extent of the damage caused by the Brian Littleproud MLA, Minister for Environment. recent fire in the heritage listed buildings on the site? 630. Public Housing, Mount Coot-tha (2) What effect will the damage have on the future Electorate of these buildings? Mrs EDMOND asked the Minister for Public (3) What plans are being made for the future of the Works and Housing (6/8/96)— women's prison, including proposals for (1) What steps are being taken to alleviate the alternative locations for the facility? extensive waiting period for State housing in (4) When will the run-down, non-heritage buildings the Mount Coot-tha Electorate for pensioners be demolished and removed from the site? and low income families? 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2629

(2) What new developments, if any, are planned for (2) The bed numbers approved for the Bundaberg (a) Petrie Terrace, (b) Paddington, (c) Milton, Health Service Hospitals are as follows: (d) Red Hill, (e) Auchenflower (f) Toowong and Hospital—Bed Numbers (g) Bardon? (a) Bundaberg—153—173# Mr Connor (5/9/96): (b) Childers—No planned change from current 22 (1) I inherited the extensive waiting periods referred to in this question. I regard the waiting list as a very (c) Gin Gin—No planned change from current 20 high priority for attention and have initiated a number # To be finalised following confirmation of of changes to improve the situation. Upon becoming rehabilitation bed requirements. Minister, I implemented a $50 million Priority Spot (3) The chairs provided in the renal dialysis units at Purchase Program with the aim of reducing the the Bundaberg Hospital are not included in the unacceptable wait lists around the State. I also Bundaberg Hospital bed numbers. introduced a case management approach for households which have been waiting more than four (4) The Mental Health Services Plan for the former years to ensure they will be housed as quickly as Wide Bay Region included a proposal to increase the possible. number of mental health beds in Bundaberg from the current 22 beds to 26 beds. Whilst that proposal has (2) For 1996/97 I have given preliminary approval to been approved in principle, the implications for proceed with two projects which will provide a total Queensland Health's Capital Works Program have of 34 apartments and attached houses in the Mount yet to be determined. Coot-tha electorate. It is not possible to provide projections beyond 1996/97 until the Commonwealth (5) A total of 12 beds has been approved for clarifies future funding arrangements. Intensive Care/High Dependency/Coronary Care purposes at Bundaberg Hospital. Of these 12 beds, three are classed specifically as Intensive Care beds. 631.Hospital Beds, Bundaberg Region Mr CAMPBELL asked the Minister for Health 632.Pay-roll Tax (6/8/96)— Mrs ROSE asked the Deputy Premier, (1) What are the total bed numbers that he has Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (6/8/96)— approved for (a) Noosa, (b) Caloundra, (c) Nambour, (d) Gympie, (e) Maryborough, and (1) Does the Coalition's State Economic (f) Hervey Bay Hospitals? Development Strategy, released on 28 June 1995, contain a promise to increase the pay-roll (2) What are the total bed numbers approved in the tax exemption threshold each year? Bundaberg Health Service Hospitals of (a) Bundaberg, (b) Childers, and (c) Gin Gin? (2) Will this initiative have a cumulative budget impact over 5 years of $43m? (3) Are the chairs provided in the renal dialysis units at the Bundaberg Hospital included in the (3) When will this promise be implemented? Bundaberg Hospital bed numbers? Mrs Sheldon (5/9/96): An element of the (4) Has he approved an increase in bed numbers at Coalition's election campaign was a commitment to Bundaberg Regional Psychiatric Unit in view of increases in the payroll tax threshold. the shortage of mental health beds in the Details of any revenue measures, including payroll region? tax threshold adjustments, will be outlined in the (5) How many intensive care beds are included in Budget, which will be announced on Tuesday. The the total bed numbers at the Bundaberg Base member will receive details of any budgetary Hospital? changes to payroll tax at that time. Mr Horan (4/9/96): (1) Work is currently under way, as part of the 633.Land Tax Coalition's Capital Works Program, to identify Mr MILLINER asked the Deputy Premier, service profiles and bed needs in a number of Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (6/8/96)— hospitals throughout the State in the year 2006. Not all hospitals are on the Capital Works Program and (1) Did the coalition in November 1994 promise to the planning process has not been finalised. The reduce land tax with a view to its abolition? following table provides the current status on bed (2) Will this initiative cost up to $20m to introduce, numbers in the respective hospitals. with the complete abolition of land tax meaning Hospital—Bed Numbers an annual revenue loss of $200m? (a) Noosa—To be finalised. (3) When will this promise be implemented? (b) Caloundra—To be finalised. Mrs Sheldon (5/9/96): One of the elements of the Coalition's election campaign was a commitment (c) Nambour—388 in relation to land tax. (d) Gympie—No planned change from current 102. Measures in relation to land tax are addressed in the (e) Maryborough—To be finalised. '96-'97 budget, which I will announce on Tuesday. The Honourable Member will receive full details of (f) Hervey Bay—130 2630 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996 the Government's intentions in relation to the budget Results which are measures of changes in at that time. General Government Net Worth (p.103), when figures for changes in Public Sector Net Worth (p. 105) were available for 1994-95 and 634.Timber Industry, Wide Bay Region estimable for 1995-96? Mr DOLLIN asked the Minister for Primary Mrs Sheldon (5/9/96): Industries, Fisheries and Forestry (6/8/96)— (1) This question confuses two basic Does he support the privatisation of forests, both concepts—stocks and flows. hardwood and pine in the Wide Bay Region and what The Commission of Audit's Statement of Assets and does he believe would be the benefits to our local Liabilities as at 30 June 1995 includes, implicitly, the industry if this were to happen and who would be the accumulated stock of earnings retained by public purchasers? enterprise. Mr Perrett (22/8/96): I am aware that the The figures shown as 'not available' on page 105 of privatisation of forestry activity raises a variety of the Commission of Audit report are flows. Note 22d complex issues. on page 117 explains that these relate to the retained However, it is not appropriate that I comment further earnings of public enterprises for 1995-96 and on this matter as the Government has set up an Audit 1994-95. These are completely different figures to Commission Implementation Office to deal with all the stock of accumulated retained earnings as at 30 recommendations arising from the Queensland June 1995. The answer to the next question explains Commission of Audit Report. why the flows of retained earnings were not included This same office reports directly to the Premier and in the report. the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The (2) The profits of public enterprises for 1995-96, Arts. which is the base year for the Commission's ten year projections, were not available simply because the year was still in progress at the time of the 636.Commission of Audit Commission of Audit. While the Commission was Mr HAMILL asked the Deputy Premier, able to develop estimates of revenues and expenses Treasurer and Minister for The Arts (6/8/96)— for general government, it is doubtful whether it would have been possible to develop a reliable With reference to media reports of a statement estimate of each public enterprise's profits. issued by Dr Vince Fitzgerald on 10 July 1996 where he stated that "retained earnings of public enterprises In any event, it should be clear that there would be were fully incorporated in the assets and net worth little point in undertaking this exercise. To argue that as at 30 June 1995" and to the Statements of Assets it should have been done is to argue that a and Liabilities on page 102 of Volume 1, where all Government should be able to milk the retained estimates related to public enterprises appear to be earnings of public enterprises to prop up its general available, thus confirming Dr Fitzgerald's statement government Budget. and I also draw her attention, however, to the Of course, the financial statements for the existence of two Operating Statements, one for comparative year, 1994-95, were available to the General Government on page 103, from which the Commission of Audit and it could have undertaken claimed deficit of $337m is drawn, and a the exercise of calculating the retained earnings of Consolidated statement on page 105, where the public enterprises for this year if there was some Deficit/Surplus entry is shown as 'not available', worthwhile reason to do so. solely due to the item 'Net operating income of To make the point very clear, I am advised that the business enterprises' also being 'not available' and largest item on the list of public enterprise retained reference to note 22d on page 117 which reveals earnings for 1994-95 that the member for Ipswich that total Public Enterprise income is not available tabled on 10 July is a sum of $183 million which is solely because estimates for 'Operating surplus the retained earnings of the Queensland Housing retained' are said to be 'not available', yet Dr Commission. This amount is the result of a capital Fitzgerald has publicly stated that estimates for grant paid by the Commonwealth to maintain the retained earnings (operating surplus) were available level of Housing Commission stock. at least for 1994-95— (3) In relation to the third question, the overall goal (1) Why are figures which are included on one of maintaining net worth is the bottom line, but it is page of the report, 'not available' for inclusion in also important how it is achieved, as the answer to another table only 3 pages further on? the previous question indicates. (2) Why did she tell Parliament on 10 July 1996 that A balanced accrual Budget means keeping the the profits of public finance enterprises were expenses of general government in line with the available to the Commission of Audit through revenues of general government, including normal Annual Reports and were detailed on pages 105 tax equivalents and commercial levels of dividends and 117 when the tables on those pages were from public enterprises. incomplete? A Government should not prop up its Budget by (3) If the first principle of fiscal responsibility is, as milking public enterprises of their retained earnings suggested by the Commission of Audit Report, or by reallocating housing grants from the the "maintenance of public sector net worth", Commonwealth—as inferred by the arguments being why has she chosen to quote Operating put by the member for Ipswich. 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2631

637.Public Housing, Nudgee Electorate Sunshine Coast local governments will be able to Mr ROBERTS asked the Minister for Public access these funds. Works and Housing (6/8/96)— (2) I am unable to comment on the likely dollar With reference to public housing in the Nudgee amount of subsidy the Council might receive until Electorate— after the 1996/97 Budget has been finalised and details of the proposal have been provided by the (1) What is the total number of public housing Council. tenants? (2) How many tenants currently pay the full market (3) When the new funding initiative is announced and rent for their dwelling? the Caloundra City Council supplies the necessary information, appropriate subsidy will be approved. (3) How many tenants currently receive (a) a full Government pension and (b) a part Government pension? 640.Rundle Shale Oil Project (4) What is the market rent for each dwelling type Mr SCHWARTEN asked the Minister for in each suburb? Environment (7/8/96)— (5) How many new dwellings (of each type) will be With reference to recent announcements by the purchased or constructed in 1996-97, 1997-98 Rundle Shale Oil Partners that this project may be and 1998-99? activated in the near future— Mr Connor (5/9/96): (1) What precise area is intended to be mined and (1) As at 30 June 1996, there were 982 tenants what is its location? residing in public rental accommodation in the (2) Are any coastal or offshore areas included? Nudgee electorate. (3) What impact studies have been carried out on (2) Twenty-five households were paying the full the proposal and are these publicly available? market rent for their accommodation. (4) What further impact studies are planned if the (3) Information provided by the tenants indicates that project is to proceed? of the 982, there were 656 receiving a pension or benefit from the Department of Social Security or the (5) Do any national, marine or conservation park Department of Veterans' Affairs as their sole source proposals exist in the area proposed to be of income. A further 135 tenants were receiving a mined? part pension or benefit. There were 191 tenants not Mr Littleproud (20/8/96): The Department of receiving a pension or benefit from the Government. Environment has been advised by the Department of (4) Market rents in the electorate range from $70.00 Mines and Energy that there are no plans for per week for seniors' units to $180.00 per week for development of the Rundle deposit at this time. five bedroom. (5) The Statewide 1996/97 Capital Works Program 641. Waste Management Branch; Unexploded for public housing is yet to be finalised as part of the Ordnances Budget process. It is not possible to provide projections for public housing beyond this point until Mrs WOODGATE asked the Minister for the Commonwealth clarifies future funding Environment (7/8/96)— arrangements. With reference to a national audit of the Department of Defence's environmental management procedures 638.Effluent Treatment, Caloundra Electorate which reports that it would take 20 years to assess the risk of about 10000 Queensland sites Mr J. H. SULLIVAN asked the Minister for contaminated by unexploded ordnance from World Local Government and Planning (6/8/96)— War II— (1) Did the Coalition on 1 July 1995 promise to (1) Has he read this report? provide funding to the Caloundra City Council to develop a cleaner alternative to the dumping (2) What approaches has he made to the Federal of treated effluent into The Passage or Minister for Defence in regard to this matter? Mooloolah River from Landsborough? (3) What role does he see for the State (2) Will this initiative cost up to $5.5m? Government in resolving this matter? (3) When will this promise be implemented? (4) What funding is he seeking in the next State Mrs McCauley (29/8/96): Budget for the UXO Section of the Waste Management Branch of the Department of (1) I am unaware of any specific promise made to Environment? Caloundra City Council on 1 July 1995 or any other time concerning this matter. (5) What staffing levels currently exist in this UXO Section and to what levels does he intend to As mentioned in the Coalition's Sunshine Coast raise this staffing in 1996-97? Policy Document, the Government will assist all local governments to upgrade their sewerage and water (6) Have there been any staff retrenchments of supply systems to environmentally acceptable temporary staff in the Contaminated Land standards by the provision of $500M in subsidies Register Section of the Waste Management over 10 years. Branch; if so, how many and at what levels? 2632 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

(7) Will he give the people of Queensland a account the financial mess inherited from Labor. guarantee that he has the resources within the Currently, the three permanent staff administering the register section to handle this problem? Register are supplemented with two temporary staff. (8) Will he give a guarantee that no further It is my intention for these two temporary positions development of these sites will occur until they to become permanent in 1996-97. are cleared of UXO contamination? (8) There has never been any intention to prevent future, safe development of sites which are Mr Littleproud (27/8/96): potentially contaminated by UXO. Procedures (1) I have not read the full national audit report on the currently in place under the Contaminated Land Act Department of Defence's performance in regard to provide for any potentially contaminated site to be managing land affected by UXO. However, I can subject to risk assessment and, based on the results, assure you that Queensland's Department of for the Department of Environment to declare the site Environment contributed significantly to the suitable for its current or proposed use. Other preparation of the report and that I have been provisions in the Act provide for land which does briefed on the report's outcomes on three occasions represent an immediate risk to the public to be since June 1996. remediated or otherwise made safe. (2) I have not yet spoken with the Minister for Defence regarding UXO contamination but I have 642.Dent Island requested the Department of Environment to maintain negotiations with Defence on the issue at a Mrs BIRD asked the Minister for Environment high level. (7/8/96)— (3) The Queensland Government's role is to have With reference to current planning to revamp legislation and administrative procedures in place to Hamilton Island Resort— provide for the safe use of affected land. (1) Are plans to construct a golf course on the nearby Dent Island part of these plans? Under the nationally recognised polluter pays principle, the State Government sees the (2) Is a world class clubhouse on Dent Island also Commonwealth being responsible for: part of these plans? identifying land that, due to its previous military (3) Are accommodation units also included in the use, could be affected by UXO; plans? indemnifying landowners and land use (4) Has the Department of Environment been managers against any injury or damage due to approached regarding these plans? UXO; and (5) Has an Environmental Impact Study been prepared for the proposal; if not, will one be funding further investigation of affected land required? and where necessary, remediation or the implementation of other risk management (6) How will run-off of sprays and fertilisers from measures such as the sign posting of affected the golf course into the surrounding Great public lands. Barrier Reef Marine Park be prevented? (4) Sufficient ongoing funding has been sought for (7) Has the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park three UXO officers to perform advisory and site Authority been approached on this matter; if so, assessment duties. Funds will also be available for what is their response? three officers who administer the Contaminated Sites (8) How will visitors to the island gain access? Register. These officers work closely with the UXO (9) Will a jetty/pontoon structure be required in the Advisers on UXO information processing. marine park? (5) One permanent Chief UXO Adviser and one (10) What consultation has occurred with the local temporary UXO Adviser are currently employed. environmental movement on the proposal? Another permanent position is currently vacant and Mr Littleproud (30/8/96): following a redesignation will be filled later this year. The temporary UXO Adviser position is being (1) Yes. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommended for permanent status in 1996-97. Staff has issued a permit to occupy for investigation working on the Register will continue. purposes to Hamilton Island West Pty Ltd to carry out investigations and studies in connection with (6) No staff were retrenched prior to the completion their proposal to develop a golf course and dates of employment contracts. A total of 11 associated facilities on Dent Island. One condition of temporary staff were employed in 1995-96 to work this permit is: on a one-off project to review and validate data on the Contaminated Sites Register. Three of the staff "The Permittee shall during the term of the left of their own accord before the end of their permit carry out a full Impact Assessment Study contracts while another four had their contracts (IAS) to the satisfaction of the Department of expire on 28 June 1996. Appointments for the Environment (DoE) and in accordance with the remaining four staff have been extended to when the guidelines to be provided by that Department." project will be completed on 13 September 1996. (2) No. (7) Resourcing of any part of Government operations (3) Yes. The permit application to DNR did include a is dependent on budget availability and overall proposal to develop environmentally sensitive Government priorities which also have to take into accommodation on Dent Island. 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2633

(4) & (5) As stated before, the proponent is required (4) The Lytton Road Bridge over the Gateway to prepare an IAS and, to date, DoE has received no Motorway at Murarrie just south of the toll plaza is formal approaches, advice and/or plans seeking quite safe, meets relevant bridge code requirements guidelines for the necessary IAS. It should be noted and is examined for conformance in the Department that in April 1993, Hamilton Island Enterprises of Main Roads' Annual Maintenance Program. submitted a draft IAS for a proposed golf course, resort and ferry development on Dent Island. The relationship of the current proposal to that contained 646.Museum Building, Gregory Terrace in the Hamilton Island Enterprises study is not Mr FOURAS asked the Minister for known. Environment (7/8/96)— (6) The need for and prevention of run-off of sprays With reference to the old museum building on and fertilisers from the golf course into the Gregory Terrace, one of Brisbane's landmark historic surrounding Great Barrier Reef Marine Park would be buildings with a rich past as both an exhibition and required to be addressed in the IAS. music hall not to mention the many years it served as (7) The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Queensland's premier museum building— advises that it has had no formal approaches on this (1) Is the building listed on the Queensland Heritage matter from Hamilton Island West Pty Ltd. Register? (8) & (9) No formal proposals have been received (2) Does he support the Goss Government's plans to from the proponent. However, the permit application refurbish the concert hall? to DNR did include a proposal to construct a ferry (3) What level of funding does he consider terminal on Titan Island with a bridge to Dent Island. necessary for this work over coming years? These islands are within the Marine Park. Mr Littleproud (20/8/96): (10) The Department of Environment is unaware of what consultation has occurred with the local (1) Yes. environmental movement on the proposal. Any IAS (2) A proposal for the refurbishment of the concert received would be available to members of the hall was considered by the Department of community, and comments received by DoE. Environment in August 1995. This proposal was regarded as causing no detriment to the cultural heritage significance of the Old Museum Building. 643.Gateway Bridge Toll; Lytton Road Bridge (3) The Minister for Public Works and Housing is the Mr PURCELL asked the Minister for Transport Minister responsible for any development which may and Main Roads (7/8/96)— take place at the Old Museum Building and is (1) When will automatic toll technology be therefore best placed to answer this question. introduced on the Gateway Bridge to enable motorists to continue on their journey without stopping and overcome the long delays they 648.Upgrading of Ingham Road, Townsville presently experience? Mr SMITH asked the Minister for Transport (2) When will more toll booths be built and the and Main Roads (7/8/96)— approaches to the Gateway Bridge widened? With reference to the long history of death and injury (3) When will the by-pass road under the existing on Ingham Road north of Mather Street, Townsville, Lytton Road Bridge be built? and the most recent fatality on 6 August— (4) Is the Lytton Road Bridge unsafe? (1) Will he immediately release the scheme agreed to by the Goss and Keating Governments to Mr Johnson (5/9/96): construct the missing link of Woolcock Street (1) Queensland Motorway Limited has been trailing, between Dalrymple Road, through Duckworth for two years, a number of intelligent transport Street to the Bohle River to divert traffic away systems for automatic toll collection for account from Ingham Road? holders. I anticipate automatic toll equipment will be (2) When will State funds be released to upgrade operational within 12 months. Ingham Road to at least a three carriageway (2) A third lane northbound and extension of the north of Mather Street in the vicinity of the Lytton Road off-ramp was constructed and opened Coca Cola factory and other industrial sites? in June 1996 and funded by Queensland Motorway (3) In view of the fact that this was formally agreed Limited. This work has alleviated the morning with the previous State Government, why has queuing peaks. this scheme not been released? A further two toll booths tentatively are programmed Mr Johnson (5/9/96): for next financial year; depending on traffic demand. (1) At this point, Queensland's 1996-97 National (3) The bypass road under the Gateway Bridge, not Highway allocation which was announced as part of the Lytton Road Bridge as referred, is required in the Federal Budget, totals $167 million. This conjunction with the BHP rezoning application with allocation provides for funding of ongoing works, Brisbane City Council for the Angliss site at Murarrie. maintenance and the new bridge at Wallaville. The timing on the road and its possible construction is dependent on town planning approvals and the The Federal Minister for Transport has not yet project schedule. announced funding allocations for major new 2634 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

National Highway projects. However, I expect he will (2) What numbers and what species are currently do so in the next few weeks and, given its high being taken from Queensland waters and for priority on the overall National Highway network, I which trade? am confident that the Federal Government will be (3) What is the value of this trade? able to make the funds available in 1996/97. I will certainly be putting the case forcefully to him. (4) What knowledge does he have of the impact Subject to the Federal Minister's approval, tenders this trade is having on these species of for the drainage and bridge works will be invited seahorses? immediately. (5) Is he satisfied that this take is sustainable; if When completed, Woolcock Street will take about not, what action is he taking to correct this? 50 per cent of the traffic off Ingham Road between (6) What controls does Fisheries place over the Mather Street and the Bohle, which will greatly harvesting of school sharks in Queensland improve traffic safety in this vicinity. Flood immunity waters? also will be improved by these works. The four-lane construction of that section of (7) What numbers of these sharks are currently Woolcock Street between Dalrymple Road and being taken from Queensland waters? Duckworth Street will be funded by the State (8) How does this catch compare with that in 1980 Government, with a contribution from Townsville from Queensland waters? City Council. The construction of this project is (9) What level of take of sharks is occurring for the scheduled to commence in August 1997 at an shark fin soup export trade from Queensland estimated cost of $7.8 million. waters? (2) The widening of Ingham Road, between Mather Street and the Bohle, is scheduled to commence in (10) Is he satisfied that this take is sustainable; if 1998, in line with the commitments of the previous not, what action is he taking to correct this? State Government. Mr Perrett (22/8/96): Once Woolcock Street is completed, the traffic 1. Many species of seahorses and their close volumes on Ingham Road will be reduced relatives the pipefish occur in Queensland coastal significantly and will allow the widening of Ingham waters. Most of these fish are associated with Road to be carried out more safely, and with less particular habitats such as reefs and seagrass areas. traffic disruption. By far the most commonly taken species is the red (3) This scheme will be released in the usual manner; and gold pipefish (Solegnathus dunckeri) which is ie. immediately prior to tenders being let, which will taken by commercial trawlers as a bycatch to prawns be consistent with the time-frame agreed by the in the offshore coastal trawl grounds. former State Government. The red and gold pipefish is used in Asian medicines. Other types of seahorses and pipefish are taken by 649.Queensland Mines Rescue Brigade commercial aquarium fish collectors, using hand Mr PEARCE asked the Minister for Mines and collecting methods. Both the commercial trawl Energy (7/8/96)— fishery and the commercial collection of aquarium What is the Department of Mines and Energy's fish are controlled by limitations on the numbers of intention with respect to the funding of the licences issued, the gears that may be used, and the Queensland Mines Rescue Brigade and what level of fishing times and areas. services will be maintained, including properly 2. The most important species by far is the red and resourced rescue stations? gold pipefish with a total annual catch of Mr Gilmore (3/9/96): Funding of the Mines approximately 750 kilograms dry weight. Rescue Brigade will form part of the Government's This equates to approximately 75,000 individual 1996/97 Budget. Details of the Brigade's 1996/97 pipefish. These are taken in the area from Lucinda in funding will be available when the Budget is the north to Hervey Bay in the south. The numbers released. of individual seahorse and pipefish taken for the There is no intention for the level of services aquarium fish trade in Queensland is very small and provided by the Mines Rescue Brigade to be the exact numbers are not recorded. reduced. 3. The value of the red and gold pipefish in Queensland is $10.00 to $15.00 per kilogram. The 653.Harvesting of Seahorses and Sharks total catch is therefore worth about $750,000 annually. Mr BEATTIE asked the Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Forestry (7/8/96)— The value of seahorses and pipefish in the aquarium With reference to scientific papers given recently to trade is much less, probably worth only a few the 2nd International Fisheries Congress held here in thousand dollars annually. Brisbane— 4. The trade in red and gold pipefish has been (1) What controls does Fisheries place over the ongoing since the mid 1970s. Current catches harvesting of seahorses of any species for appear to be stable and it is therefore felt that the export trade, the aquarium trade and the dried present level of catch is not adversely affecting the fish curio trade? long term sustainability of these fish. 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2635

5. The current fisheries for seahorses and pipefish in noted that a private company has been operating a Queensland are sustainable. Existing fishing development on a special lease at Carnarvon for management measures are adequate and appropriate some years. I have been advised of plans to extend to maintain the populations of these fish in the facilities on this lease. It also should be noted Queensland waters. that any proposals for private development in 6. School sharks are not harvested from Queensland association with National Parks will be subject to waters. They are a species harvested in the southern guidelines, a draft copy of which I have tabled states of Australia. previously in the House. Given the above, the remainder of the question is not relevant. Several species of small tropical sharks are harvested from Queensland waters. The fishery is characterised by limitations on the number of fishing 655. Department of Environment, Confiscation licences, gear restrictions and area controls. Detailed of Weapons logbook information has been provided by Mr BARTON asked the Minister for commercial fishers since 1988 of tropical shark Environment (7/8/96)— catches. With reference to recent media reports of weapons 7 & 8. In 1995, shark landings were about 600 tonne, used by the Department of Environment being an increase in production since 1989 when the total offered to gun dealers by way of exchange— catch was 170 tonnes. (1) From where did the department originally obtain 9. The shark taken in Queensland waters by these weapons, particularly the Colt AR15 semi- commercial fishers is mainly used for the "fillet" fish automatic? trade, although fins of these sharks are also kept and marketed for shark fin soup. (2) Were any of the weapons offered to the gun dealers ever confiscated from members of the 10. The shark fishery in Queensland is sustainable public by either departmental officers or police and is being monitored to assess trends, and also to officers; if so, which ones and what was the assess the need for additional management nature of the offence committed by the then constraints. owner that led to its confiscation? (3) Are any of the weapons currently in use by the 654.Carnarvon National Park; Sir Frank Moore department confiscated weapons from the Mr WELFORD asked the Minister for public as a result of either departmental or Environment (7/8/96)— police action; if so, which ones and what was the nature of the offence committed that led to With reference to his plans to allow a private each weapon's confiscation? company the right to develop and/or operate tourist facilities from within Carnarvon National Park— (4) How many, and what types of weapons are currently in use by the department? (1) Is the company headed by Sir Frank Moore? (5) What are these weapons used for and where (2) Is Sir Frank Moore a previous head of the and how are they housed? QTTC under the Bjelke-Petersen regime? (6) How many weapons are currently held by the (3) What is his association with, and interest, in the department as confiscated weapons? company? (7) Where are these weapons held and under what (4) Is this the same Sir Frank Moore who (a) storage conditions? engineered Christopher Skase's construction of (8) What weapons or ammunition was the the Mirage Resorts at Port Douglas and on the department hoping to exchange these weapons Southport Spit, (b) did everything in his power for with gun dealers? to get the beach at Shute Harbour developed as a tourist resort, (c) tried to sell off land at the (9) What fate were the weapons the department mouth of the Daintree River to tourist was exchanging likely to meet in the hands of developers, (d) tried to sell off Florence Bay on the gun dealers? Magnetic Island as a tourist resort, (e) during all (10) Was there any possibility they could have been this time, was a trustee of the National Party reconditioned and resold to the public? and (f) appeared as a witness for Leisuremark in its legal action seeking to develop the Noosa Mr Littleproud (27/8/96): north shore? (1) The Department has lawfully obtained firearms either by purchase from licensed firearms dealers or (5) Is this the same Sir Frank Moore whose by the commissioning into service of firearms seized company received preferential treatment from and forfeited under legislation (such as the now the Bjelke-Petersen Government to construct revoked Fauna Conservation Act 1974). The Colt the Transit Centre at Roma Street? AR15 semi-automatic specifically referred to was (6) What is Sir Frank Moore's present relationship purchased through the Government Stores by with the National Party? departmental research staff in approximately 1970, Mr Littleproud (20/8/96): I have no plans for use in studies of the effect of harvesting on before me to allow a private company the right to kangaroo populations. develop and/or operate tourist facilities from within (2) Thirty six of the firearms recently advertised for the Carnarvon National Park, although it should be disposal were confiscated from members of the 2636 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996 public. These confiscations were effected by either in line with the requirements of the Weapons Act departmental staff or Police officers for offences 1990. under the Fauna Conservation Act 1974 and the (10) Yes, as above. National Parks and Wildlife Act 1975. These seizures related to the taking of protected fauna without a licence, permit or authority, or using a firearm on a 656.Marketing of Wildlife by Farmers sanctuary or national park without a licence, permit or Mr NUTTALL asked the Minister for authority. Details of all firearms forfeited to the Environment (7/8/96)— Department are maintained in the records of public prosecutions and by the Queensland Police Service. With reference to media comments recently by Terry Black, Queensland University of Technology senior (3) Nineteen firearms currently in use by the lecturer in the Faculty of Business, regarding the Department were seized and forfeited under private ownership and marketing of wildlife— legislation. These confiscations were effected by either departmental staff or Police officers for (1) Does he support the right of farmers to own offences under the Fauna Conservation Act 1974 wildlife occurring on their properties and to and the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1975. These market that wildlife as and where demand exists seizures related to the taking of protected fauna under permit? without a licence, permit or authority, or using a (2) Has he had discussions since coming to firearm on a sanctuary or national park without a Government on this matter; if so, with whom licence, permit or authority. Only firearms which have and what outcomes were reached? been certified safe by a qualified armourer/gunsmith (3) Is his Special Projects Unit headed by Mr Bob are retained for departmental use. Speirs also looking at this aspect of (4) The Department currently has in its possession fundraising? 449 firearms including those recently offered for sale. They consist of a wide variety of types and calibres (4) Has there been any contact with the Northern reflecting the broad range of purposes for which Territory Government at either departmental or they are required. ministerial level on this matter? (5) The Department of Environment uses firearms for: (5) Has Northern Territory wildlife consultant Mr Graham Webb been consulted on this matter? the destruction of feral animals and animals posing a problem to life and property Mr Littleproud (27/8/96): the taking of scientific specimens as part of (1) Landholders appropriately licensed under the approved research projects Nature Conservation Act already have the right to harvest and market certain species of wildlife the sedation and capture of fauna for occurring on their properties. For example, the study/relocation/treatment kangaroo harvesting industry is founded on the the humane destruction of injured fauna, and belief that landholders and others can benefit by the the protection of officers working in areas taking of a sustainable proportion of the total frequented by dangerous fauna. population of kangaroos, while at the same time benefiting the environment by reducing grazing There is also a special collection of historic firearms pressure on the land. The recently approved used for display purposes at Fort Lytton National legislation regulating the harvest and sale of Park. protected plant species is another example whereby The firearms are used throughout the state and are landholders and others can benefit from the stored in accordance with the requirements of the presence of wildlife on their land. The private Weapons Act 1990. All officers responsible for ownership of wildlife is not necessary for the firearms are trained and accredited to one of three success of these programs, and would merely result levels of skill in firearm use and management. in the State having less control in ensuring any (6) Departmental records indicate that 55 confiscated approved wildlife harvest remains ecologically weapons are currently held (36 advertised for sustainable. disposal; 19 retained). (2) The Nature Conservation Act currently provides (7) Firearms not on issue to field staff are stored in for any person or organisation to assist in the secure facilities. For security reasons it is preferable development of a Conservation Plan allowing the that the actual site is not disclosed. sustainable utilisation of wildlife. Such a Plan would (8) To achieve a standard range of firearms as be developed around the fundamental principle of detailed in the Department's Firearm Policy, Ruger allowing wildlife to be harvested only where that stainless steel bolt action rifles of the following harvesting is ecologically sustainable and there is a specifications were sought: net conservation benefit. Ruger model K77/22RSP—.22 long rifle (3) The special projects unit of the Department of Environment is not reviewing the issue of sustainable Ruger model K77MKIIRP—.223 utilisation of wildlife. Ruger model K77MKIIRP—.308 (4) & (5) There has been no official contact with the (9) As the exchange program involved only licensed Northern Territory Government or Dr Webb gun dealers, serviceable and non-restricted firearms regarding this matter. The Department of could therefore have been resold by firearms dealers Environment is aware of Dr Webb's views on these 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2637 issues and regularly receives printed reports from the UXO area following Department of Environment Northern Territory agency responsible for wildlife discussions with some of the landowners; and, management. most recently; a request for Defence to fund remedial work on 657. Unexploded Ordnances fifteen large rural residential sites in the Tamborine/Camp Cable UXO area. Mr MILLINER asked the Minister for Environment (7/8/96)— As a result of Defence's revised reports on the Clear Mountain/Cashmere/Warner and Tamborine/Camp With reference to attempts by the previous State Cable areas issued in February 1996, just prior to the Government to get the Department of Defence to change of Government, the Department of accept its responsibilities to identify and clear areas Environment subsequently reclassified sites in these in South-East Queensland contaminated with areas. There were 337 and 506 individual land unexploded ordnance and as his Government, while parcels in these areas deleted from the Contaminated in Opposition, was very critical of these efforts— Sites Register in March and April 1996 respectively. (1) Has he had any discussions with any Federal In late June 1996, the Federal Auditor-General tabled Minister on this matter; if so, which Minister, in Parliament the report on Defence's performance in when and what was the outcome? regard to the management of land affected by UXO. (2) What discussions have occurred at That report which was cognisant of Queensland departmental level on this matter since the submissions found that Defence had been mainly change of Government? reactive in its handling of UXO issues and that (3) What results have been achieved? resources currently devoted to achieving the aims of the Commonwealth's UXO policy are inadequate, (4) How many departmental staff does he have and it included in its recommendations that Defence addressing this matter? should now allocate sufficient resources and set a (5) What funding is he seeking in the coming State timetable for the completion of its site assessment Budget for this work? work. Mr Littleproud (27/8/96): One permanent Chief UXO Adviser and one temporary UXO Adviser are currently employed. 1. No. Another permanent position is currently vacant and 2. Matters that have been discussed since the following a redesignation will be filled later this year. change of Government include: The temporary UXO Adviser position is being the level of information required in Defence recommended for permanent status in 1996-97. reports on specific areas; There are also three permanent officers who administer the Contaminated Sites Register. These limitations to the Commonwealth's claim in officers work closely with the UXO Advisers on UXO Federal Parliament in 1995 that certain information processing. landowners had already been paid compensation for their land being used by the Sufficient funding has been sought to employ the military; three UXO officers to perform advisory and site assessment duties as well as the continuation of the need for landowners to be indemnified by funding for the Register staff. Budgetary the Commonwealth against UXO related injury considerations need to take into account the mess or damage; left by Labor Governments at both State and the need for Defence to upgrade the Commonwealth levels. information it distributed through the Local Government Association of Queensland in 1991 to over 70 local governments in Queensland 658.Crabs that there was land within their boundaries that Mr NUNN asked the Minister for Environment might be affected by UXO; (7/8/96)— the need for Defence to be adequately With reference to a joint research project being resourced for more timely identification and conducted by the Scientific Assessment Unit of the assessment of potentially affected land in Environment Division of his department and the Queensland; University of Queensland in which crustaceans are a Department of Environment submission in being used to identify pollution levels along the writing in June 1996 to the Australian National Queensland coastline— Audit Office, which investigated the (1) Is it true that significant levels of both DDT and performance of the Department of Defence in Dieldrin have been found in crabs from near regard to UXO matters; agricultural areas in parts of South East the ongoing review of the Contaminated Land Queensland? Act and that some proposed amendments might (2) Which were the precise locations? influence the future work of both Defence and the Department of Environment; (3) What levels of both DDT and Dieldrin were found in the crabs? a request for Defence to conduct some further investigatory work on several large rural (4) How do these results compare to nationally residential sites in the Clear Mountain/Cashmere acceptable standards? 2638 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

(5) Are crustaceans from these areas fit for human suggested that more priority should be given to consumption; if not, what warnings have been public transport. issued to fishing interests and local residents in Brisbane City Council suggested Busways. these areas? Logan City Council suggested that the solution (6) Is it possible that run-off of these pesticides is include Busways and high occupancy vehicle still occurring in these areas? lanes and reinstatement of existing service (7) What approaches has he made to his Cabinet roads. colleagues to address this ongoing problem? VETO and New Ways Not Freeways suggested Mr Littleproud (20/8/96): upgrading the existing highway, with priority (1) Detectable concentrations of DDT and Dieldrin given to vehicles carrying multiple occupants. which were not significant in terms of risk to human Business have suggested that resumptions be health were found in the tissues of some mud crabs minimised and that service roads be reinstated. collected in early 1996 from near agricultural areas in Local residents and local members have parts of South East Queensland. suggested that noise barriers be incorporated (2) In the Brisbane River at Indooroopilly, Toowong, into the design and that people receive fair Story Bridge and Hamilton and in the Maroochy compensation for property acquisition. River at its junctions with Coolum and Eudlo Creeks. (2) We are not building an Eastern Corridor. (3) DDT was only found in the flesh of one out of ten More priority will be given to public transport. mud crabs taken from the Maroochy River and none from the Brisbane River. Dieldrin was found in all Busways and high occupancy vehicle lanes will crabs taken from the Brisbane River and the be elements of the plan. Maroochy River. The median concentration of Existing service roads will be reinstated. Dieldrin in the edible portion of those crabs was 0.001 parts per million. Noise barriers will be incorporated into the design. (4) This concentration of Dieldrin is approximately one hundredth of the allowable limit in seafood Owners will receive fair compensation for acceptable under Australian Health Guidelines. property acquired. (5) Yes. The crabs from both rivers are fit for human Resumptions will be kept to a minimum. consumption. (6) It is likely that traces of DDT and Dieldrin still 660.Lighthouses occur in run-off from these areas. Although these pesticides have been banned from use for some Mrs ROSE asked the Minister for Environment time, they are very persistent in the environment and (7/8/96)— soil residues from past use take many years to break With reference to plans by the Australian Maritime down. Safety Authority to hand over eight lighthouses (7) None. These pesticides are no longer available surplus to their requirements to the Queensland for use in Queensland and any residual contamination Government— is expected to diminish over time. (1) Which eight are they? (2) Does he intend to accept them? 659.South East Freeway (3) Will they all be retained in public ownership; if Mr ROBERTSON asked the Minister for not, what will be their fate? Transport and Main Roads (7/8/96)— (4) Which will be added to existing national parks? With reference to his plan to widen the South East (5) To which use will these be put? Freeway to eight lanes and his Ministerial Statement to the House on 24 July 1996 where he stated, "many (6) Are all covered by conservation guidelines suggestions from the public have already been drafted by the Australian Heritage Commission? incorporated in the planning for the South East (7) Will he sign these conservation deeds; if so, Freeway"— when? (1) What suggestions have been made to him and (8) What funding is he seeking to honour these by whom? deeds? (2) Which of these suggestions have been Mr Littleproud (20/8/96): incorporated in the planning for the South East (1) The eight lighthouse properties (of 37 under Freeway and what are the details? negotiation) the Honourable Member is probably Mr Johnson (5/9/96): referring to are the ones involving significant parcels (1) The people of Queensland and indeed both of land with conservation values. These are Cape national and international groups have Moreton, Double Island Point, Sandy Cape, Bustard suggested that they did not want the Eastern Head, Cape Capricorn, Cape Cleveland, Cape Corridor proposal. Bowling Green and Booby Island. All of these except Booby Island adjoin existing national parks. 50,000 people involved in the Integrated Regional Transport Plan consultations (2) Negotiations for the transfer are still continuing. 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2639

(3) If the transfer negotiations are successful, all Juvenile Aid Bureau Office being established at properties with the exception of those where the Gladstone to service the needs of the Gladstone Australian Maritime Safety Authority is seeking Police District. exclusive leasing arrangements over the total area Having regard to overall regional policing priorities, will be retained in public ownership. the Assistant Commissioner considers it is not (4) The eight properties referred to earlier and their appropriate that the proposed Juvenile Aid Bureau associated facilities, excluding the lighthouses be established at the expense of reducing other themselves, will be set aside as national parks, police functions in the Region. conservation parks or a combination of both. Several The Assistant Commissioner advises that a proposal of the other properties will also be dedicated as was placed before the Queensland Police Service's national parks. Board of Management on 11 June 1996 for an (5) Only six properties involve the transfer of increase in the staffing level of the Gladstone Police habitable accommodation. Bustard Head has been District which included the provision of additional extensively vandalised, and there is no staff for the creation of a Juvenile Aid Bureau Office accommodation at Cape Bowling Green. The draft at Gladstone. conservation deed requires the State to provide a A decision on this proposal was deferred, pending human presence at these six locations. In most cases the outcome of a state-wide review of service the properties could become a base for park staff. delivery. This is already the case at Double Island Point. Final details will depend on the outcome of transfer negotiations. 666. Police Staffing, Upper Mount Gravatt and (6) The eight properties referred to earlier are subject Holland Park Police Stations to a heritage conservation deed drafted with the Ms SPENCE asked the Minister for Police and involvement of the Australian Heritage Commission. Corrective Services and Minister for Racing (7) If the transfer negotiations are successful, I am (7/8/96)— prepared to enter into the conservation deed for the (1) What numbers of operational police officers are eight properties concerned. rostered on duty at the Upper Mount Gravatt (8) The transfer negotiations are subject to the and Holland Park Police stations for each of the Government's consideration of appropriate funding shifts? arrangements. (2) What were these numbers for each month since July 1995? 663.Banyo State High School (3) What is the number and nature of available Mr ROBERTS asked the Minister for vehicles for each shift? Education (7/8/96)— (4) What positions does he intend to civilianise at With reference to Banyo State High School and the each of these stations? desire of the Parents and Citizens Association and (5) What is the rank of each of the officers at each students for the manual arts facilities to be of these stations? upgraded— Mr Cooper (4/9/96): It should be noted that What is the time frame and program for the sale of Upper Mount Gravatt Police Station is a District school land which will provide funds for this Headquarters and that, with the exception of general necessary improvement to the school's facilities? duties personnel, officers from other organisations Mr Quinn (22/8/96): It is anticipated that the listed below operate throughout the Upper Mount finalisation of the sale of school land will occur by Gravatt District. the end of August 1996. (1) The following numbers supplied are averages for any 24 hour period since July 1995. 665.Police Staffing, Gladstone Electorate Upper Mount Gravatt Police Station: Mrs CUNNINGHAM asked the Minister for General Duties Police and Corrective Services and Minister for 6:00 am to 2:00 pm—3 Racing (7/8/96)— 7:00 am to 3:00 pm—3 With reference to the Gladstone Police District which 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm—5 endures an inequitable situation where the need for a 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm—2 Juvenile Aid Bureau is evident, yet no allocation has 10:00 pm to 6:00 am—5 been made by the regional command— Juvenile Aid Bureau Will he review this critical situation and allocate 7:00 am to 3:00 pm—1 appropriate new personnel for this bureau as a matter 8:00 am to 4:00 pm—3 of urgency? 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm—2 Mr Cooper (4/9/96): The Assistant Night work—One officer is supplied once every Commissioner, Central Police Region and District six week period to perform duty with a CIB Officer, Gladstone Police District, are supportive of a member on the regional night wireless vehicle. 2640 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

South Brisbane District South Brisbane District Traffic Branch. Traffic Branch 7:00 am to 5:00 pm—one police car and one 7:00 am to 5:00 pm—4 motorcycle for patrol and radar 10:00 am to 8:00 pm—3 10:00 am to 8:00 pm—one police car and one 2:00 pm to 12:00 am—7 motorcycle for patrol and radar 3:00 pm to 1:00 am—3 2:00 pm to 12:00 am—two police cars and two Inquiry Office motorcycles for patrol and radar 8:00 am to 4:00 pm—2 3:00 pm to 1:00 am—one heavy special 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm—2 purpose vehicle Criminal Investigation Branch South Brisbane District Inquiry Office has one 6:00 am to 2:00 pm—2 vehicle available for uniform inquiries for all shifts. 8:00 am to 4:00 pm—4 South Brisbane District Criminal Investigation Branch 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm—4 6:00 am to 2:00 pm—one unmarked car for CIB 4:00 pm to 12:00 am—2 duties 10:00 pm to 6:00 am—2 Note: The shifts and staff numbers at the South 8:00 am to 4:00 pm—two unmarked cars for Brisbane District Criminal Investigation Branch CIB duties are averages over the total period. In recent 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm—two unmarked cars for months a 1800—0200 shift has been worked on CIB duties Friday evenings by 2 personnel to ensure an 4:00 pm to 12:00 am—one unmarked car for overlapping of shifts during busy periods. CIB duties Upper Mount Gravatt Scenes of Crime 10:00 pm to 6:00 am—one unmarked car for 7:00 am to 1:00 pm—1 CIB duties 8:00 am to 4:00 pm—2 The Upper Mount Gravatt Scenes of Crime has two 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm—1 (the officer performing unmarked vehicles for all shifts this shift remains on call until the following morning) The Holland Park Police Station has one police car available for uniform patrol for all shifts. Note: These officers perform duty within the South Brisbane District but their office is (4) The process of civilianisation is being situated at the Upper Mount Gravatt Police implemented throughout the Queensland Police Station. Service, with priority being given to civilianising the positions of communications operators, roster clerks Holland Park Police Station: and property room workers. Where such positions General Duties exist at Upper Mount Gravatt and Holland Park 6:00 am to 2:00 pm—3 Police Stations, they will be considered for 7:00 am to 3:00 pm—1 civilianising as part of that process. 8:00 am to 4:00 pm—3 (5) Upper Mount. Gravatt General Duties 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm—2 4:00 pm to 12:00 pm—2 Senior Sergeant, in charge—1 10:00 pm to 6:00 am—2 Senior Sergeant, operational—1 Sergeant, operational—8 (2) Numbers of operational police have generally Senior Constables, operational—7 remained constant at all establishments listed since Constables, operational—17 July 1995. From time to time numbers have been Upper Mount. Gravatt Juvenile Aid Bureau depleted by instances of sick leave, e.g. the recent Detective Senior Sergeant, in charge 1 influenza epidemic. (includes Upper Mount Gravatt, Dutton Park & (3) The details of shifts, number of vehicles and Morningside JAB offices) outline of duties are supplied in respect of the Upper Detective Sergeant—1 Mount Gravatt police station: Detective/PC Senior Constables—4 6:00 am to 2:00 pm—one police car for uniform Detective/PC Constables—3 patrol South Brisbane District Traffic Branch 7:00 am to 3:00 pm—one police car for uniform Senior Sergeant, in charge—1 patrol Senior Sergeant, operational—1 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm—two police cars for use Sergeant—5 by uniform patrol and supervisor Senior Constables—12 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm—one police car for Constables—7 uniform patrol South Brisbane District Inquiry Office 10:00 pm to 6:00 am—two police cars for Senior Sergeant, in charge—1 uniform patrols Sergeant, supervisor—1 The Upper Mount Gravatt Juvenile Aid Bureau has Senior Constables—3 two unmarked cars for all shifts. Constables—4 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2641

South Brisbane District CIB Other issues which also have an impact on the costs Senior Sergeant, in charge—1 for rail are the rollingstock requirements, the Detective Sergeants, operational—7 servicing facilities for the rollingstock and the Detective Senior Constables—13 infrastructure maintenance facilities (equipment and PC Constables—13 depots). All these factors will influence the final costing of the railway and make it difficult for an Upper Mount. Gravatt Scenes of Crime Office accurate cost to be applied across all rail lines. Sergeant, in charge—1 The indicative construction costs for roads are: Senior Constables, operational—3 2 lane sealed road where pavement width <9.1m Constable—1 = $0.75 million/km Holland Park General Duties 3 lane sealed road where pavement width Senior Sergeant, in charge—1 <11.6m = $1 million/km Sergeant, operational—2 dual sealed carriage way with limited access = Senior Constable, operational—3 $5 million/km Constable, operational—13 6 lane sealed motorway standard = $12 million/km 668. Comparative Cost of Rail and Road Road construction costs have similar dependant Construction variables which influence the final costs and must be considered in light of the : Mr WELLS asked the Minister for Transport and Main Roads (7/8/96)— location of the road (urban/rural) (1) What is the comparative unit cost for the land acquisition costs construction of rail as against road; for example, standard of road (to meet the expected traffic how much would it cost to lay one kilometre of type and density) rail, being an extension of an existing network, topography (the number and length of tunnels, and how much would it cost to lay one bridges, cuttings) kilometre of six lane highway? environmental issues (eg. noise barriers) (2) What is the upkeep cost of rail as against road; the number of lanes for example, how much would it cost over 20 years to maintain a kilometre of rail, and how weather patterns for the area much would it cost to maintain a kilometre of six (2) The maintenance costs for road and rail are only lane highway? indicative as there are variables that influence the final costs. Mr Johnson (5/9/96): (1) The construction costs for road and rail are only Maintenance Costs indicative as there are variables that influence the Maintenance costs for both rail and road will vary final costs. significantly depending on the following influences: Construction Costs traffic type and density will increase or lower the required maintenance Railway construction costs vary from approximately $1.5 million/km for a single track, low standard railway standard of the original infrastructure in a flat remote rural environment to $40 million/km for the age of the original road or rail the additional two tracks through inner Brisbane service quality standards expected to be between Roma Street and Bowen Hills (Note: these maintained costs exclude rollingstock). The 45 kilometre railway weather patterns, extended periods of bad extension between Beenleigh and Robina is costing weather may cause increased erosion placing approximately $6 million/km for essentially a high pressure on surfaces. Different locations in standard, partially double track, electrified commuter Queensland may have higher maintenance rail link (excluding rollingstock). costs dependent on the climatic conditions for The construction costs for rail are dependent on the that year. following variables: The average annual rail infrastructure maintenance location of the rail line (urban/rural) costs in the Brisbane suburban area relating to track, land acquisition costs electrical and signalling for 1994/95 was $150,000/km stations (spacing and standard) or approximately $75,000/km of single track. For new constructions (at a higher initial infrastructure standard (to meet the expected traffic type and standards), the average cost would be reduced, density) estimated to be $40-60,000/km per track. topography (the number and length of tunnels, The average cost per year for maintaining roads in bridges, cuttings) Queensland are: environmental issues (eg. noise barriers) Urban arterial (sealed) roads—cost/km is the number of tracks and complexity of $51,111 and Total Cost/lane km is $13,025 junctions Rural arterial (sealed) roads—cost/km is $11,049 interface required with the existing network and Total Cost/lane km is $4,809 (signalling systems, train control systems) Rural arterial (unsealed) roads—cost/km is whether the rail is electrified or non-electrified. $3,258 and Total Cost/lane km is $1,629. 2642 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

Costs for maintaining and constructing the roads and 675.Victims of Crime rail lines are directly influenced by the various factors Mr FOLEY asked the Attorney-General and outlined above. These factors make it difficult for Minister for Justice (7/8/96)— specific costs per km to be made for each road or rail line as each requires specific factors to be What action has he taken to ensure the considered in determining the end cost. The costs implementation of the fundamental principles of per km listed for the construction and maintenance of justice for victims set out in the Criminal Offences roads and rail lines, provide an indicative cost based (Victims) Act 1995 by prosecutors, police and on historical data from specific projects which allow correctional authorities in their dealings with victims these estimates to be calculated. of crime? Mr Beanland (5/9/96): In answer to the question by the Honourable Member, it can be said, 670.Cattle, Declaration Process in relation to prosecutors, that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has, in the limited Mr PALASZCZUK asked the Minister for time since the Act became law in December, 1995— Primary Industries, Fisheries and Forestry (7/8/96)— (a) Conducted training for prosecutors and legal With reference to the successful introduction of the officers on the principles contained in the Act; National Vendor Declaration Scheme on 1 July, which has greatly improved the flow of slaughter (b) Further training has been carried out by Victim cattle between the States— Support staff to prosecutors upon aspects of the Act; What action is he taking to introduce State-based (c) Drafted information brochures covering various legislation to strengthen the declaration process? aspects of the prosecution process including Mr Perrett (22/8/96): The proposal to have Victim Impact Statements and Criminal Injuries Queensland Legislation to strengthen the declaration Compensation. These brochures will be process is being addressed by the Queensland Beef printed after the review of the Criminal Offence Industry Development Advisory Council. Victims Act 1995 is completed, and Industry has a strong desire for legislative action but (d) Prepared guidelines to assist staff to comply a number of questions have not been answered. with the Act. These include: During 1996/97, the Office of the Director of Public who will pay for the administration of such Prosecutions will provide— legislation; and (a) Resource material for distribution to victims; how effective will legislation be in addressing (b) Training for all Office of the Director of Public the issue? Prosecutions staff in victim related issues eg. The use of Victim Impact Statements and There is a possibility that Federal Legislation could be introduced to address this issue, and Federal (c) Increased staffing resources to respond to the Legislation may be more appropriate for what is a needs of victims of violent crimes. national issue. The vendor declaration is used throughout Australia. 676.Electricity Supply, Effect on Land-holders Officers of the Department of Primary Industries are Mr ARDILL asked the Minister for Mines and working with Commonwealth Officers on the Energy (7/8/96)— proposed Federal Legislation. What guarantee can he give that his new proposals for a "Westlink" electricity connection, involving more than an extra 100km of wiring and towers, will be 673. Underpayment of Workers, Bundaberg acceptable to land-holders affected by the new Region route, in comparison with the "Eastlink" proposal and Mr CAMPBELL asked the Minister for Training those affected by it, in view of the fact that the and Industrial Relations (7/8/96)— "Eastlink" location was decided after rejection of routes which would have caused a problem to small (1) How many complaints of underpayment of land-holdings and land-holders? workers have been made to the Bundaberg office in 1995-96? Mr Gilmore (3/9/96): Unlike Eastlink, the interconnection to the National Grid will, wherever (2) What is the amount of the payments made to possible, avoid areas of intense cultivation and small workers as a result of these complaints? land-holdings and will maximise the use of public Mr Santoro (26/8/96): land. Any affected landowners will be fully consulted in the siting of the line so that they have their say in (1) During the period 1 July 1995 to 30 June 1996 a where the line is located. total of 215 wage complaints were received at the Bundaberg Office of the District Industrial Inspector. 679.Westminster Convention (2) During the same period, an amount of $100 864.39 was recovered on behalf of employees in Mr WELLS asked the Premier (8/8/96)— respect of their complaints. A further amount of $4 Is his Government committed to the Westminster 462.35 was recovered in the Industrial Magistrates convention that a Minister who misleads the House Court. must resign? 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2643

Mr Borbidge (13/8/96): My Government will Sithe Energies has agreed with the Brisbane City apply the Westminster convention with at least the Council only to use natural gas as a primary fuel same level of vigour as the convention was applied source for its Gibson Island proposal, and to use by the Goss Labor Government. either a low-sulphur distillate oil or, if available, LPG as a backup fuel source. The use of backup fuel would be minimal. 681.Water Supply, Thuringowa Electorate While the use of distillate oil produces higher levels Mr McELLIGOTT asked the Minister for of sulphur and nitrogen oxides, its restricted use as a Natural Resources (8/8/96)— backup fuel will have a minimal impact on overall With reference to a State Government subsidy of emissions levels from the plant. $210,000 paid to the Thuringowa City Council for a In negotiations with the Brisbane City Council, Sithe reticulated water supply to the suburb of Jensen, of Energies agreed to only operate a cogeneration which only $105,000 has been applied to that facility at Gibson Island using enhanced nitrogen scheme— oxide (NO2) reduction techniques. The primary (1) What is proposed to be done with the pollutant from the plant would be NO2 with no remaining $105,000? significant sulphur oxide or particle emissions. The (2) If there is no other scheme in Thuringowa to emission rate of NO2 from the plant would be no which the funds can appropriately be applied, more than 20 g/s, and maximum ground-level can they now be used to reduce the cost to concentrations close to the plant predicted at 9.5 ratepayers of the Jensen scheme? ppb. These levels fall well within NH&MRC and other Mr Hobbs (26/8/96): I wish to point out that environmental guidelines. this "question on notice" should be forwarded to my The Sithe proposal will use the world's best emission colleague The Honourable Di McCauley Minister for control measures. Such measures will include a Local Government and Planning as the original Selective Catalytic Reduction unit and Dry Low NO2 source of funding for the Jensen reticulation combustors with water or steam injection. extension came via the then Minister for Housing, A study undertaken by an independent consultant Local Government and Planning, the Honourable Peter Best (of Katestone Scientific) has provided a Terry Mackenroth. detailed analysis of the impact of the various plant options on the Brisbane Air Shed. This report 682. Sithe Engineering; Power Station, concluded that the plant would not cause any Brisbane Region significant increases in regional NO2 or SO2 levels, and would be acceptable in terms of both the direct Mr BEATTIE asked the Minister for Mines and impact on local air quality and the influence on ozone Energy (8/8/96)— levels. With reference to the proposal by Sithe Engineering Pratt Industries recently opened a paper recycling to site a gas powered power station in the industrial mill at Gibson Island. It has been proposed that the area near the mouth of the Brisbane River— energy and steam produced from the proposed (1) Does he support this proposal? Sithe cogeneration plant could be used as a means (2) Has he met with the proponents? of reducing energy and steam costs. Pratt Industries have also indicated that if this was the case they (3) If adequate gas supplies are unavailable at the would consider developing another paper recycling time of commissioning the plant, what fuel will mill on Gibson Island. be used in the interim and for what period of time is this likely to occur? (4) What emission problems is this likely to cause? 683.Fitzroy Development Road, Middlemount (5) Once operating on gas, what levels and types, Mr PEARCE asked the Minister for Transport and levels of emissions are anticipated? and Main Roads (8/8/96)— (6) What control measures are planned to limit With reference to the Fitzroy Development Road, these emissions? north of Middlemount, which has sections of single (7) What studies have been done to assess the lane bitumen seal which pose a danger to motorists ability of the South East Queensland airshed to and school students travelling by bus to Valkyrie accept these additional emissions? State School— (8) Is there any linkage between Sithe's plans and What are the Department of Main Roads' plans with Pratt Industries' activities in this area? respect to the strengthening and widening of the Fitzroy Development Road, between Middlemount Mr Gilmore (3/9/96): Sithe Energies proposal is and the Peak Downs Highway? only one possible option for generating electricity from gas. Alternative options (both in terms of sites, Mr Johnson (5/9/96): The Roads gas supply source and owner/operators) exist and Implementation Program 1995/1996-1996/1997 and should be considered. In any event, all such indicative 1997/1998-1999/2000, provides for proposals should be tested in a competitive widening of selected sections of the single-lane environment to ensure the best outcome for Fitzroy Developmental Road in Broadsound Shire Queensland. between Middlemount and the Peak Downs Highway. The works will provide safe passing I have met with proponents from Sithe Energies. opportunities, at an estimated cost of $1.5 million 2644 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996 and currently are programmed in the latter part of the (3) When does he intend to provide the much- program. This work follows on from the recently mooted new railway station on the south side of completed $4.7 million scheme to widen the road Ross Creek? south of the Middlemount turn off. Mr Johnson (5/9/96): (1) "The closure" of the railways north yard workshop 685.Illegal Seafood Trading, Mackay Region in Townsville is in fact part of an exciting $8 million Mr MULHERIN asked the Minister for Primary upgrade of QR workshop facilities in Townsville. Industries, Fisheries and Forestry (8/8/96)— This expansion will provide upgraded facilities in the south yard and ongoing meaningful work for the staff With reference to the article which appeared in the in those facilities. This is a stark contrast to the harsh Mackay Daily Mercury of 8 August regarding illegal strategies adopted by the previous Labor seafood trading and labelling Mackay as the "black Government when they closed lines, shops and market capital of Queensland" for this activity— displaced workers and threw communities into (1) What steps are being taken to prevent trading turmoil. in illegal seafood? There are a number of options when selling probable (2) How many fisheries inspectors are based in contaminated land, and the funds which need to be Mackay? allocated will depend on the option selected. (3) How many additional fisheries inspectors will he Options may include: employ to prevent this illegal practice and, if no sale of land as "contaminated"—the price would additional inspections are to be employed, what be lowered, however the purchaser would then is the reason? be responsible for any clean-up (4) How many successful prosecutions has the remediate the site to a level necessary for a department had in 1986-87, 1987-88, 1988-89, particular land use—restrictions on future land 1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94, uses would be placed on the site 1994-95 and 1995-96? fully remediate site prior to sale—there would Mr Perrett (22/8/96): Queensland Boating and then be no restrictions (from a contaminated Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) staff routinely enforce land viewpoint) on proposed new land uses provisions of the Fisheries Act 1994 including illegal trading in seafood. The current District Officer has Therefore, the estimated cost to decontaminate the indicated that in the four (4) months he has been in site would be dependent on the future use of the the Mackay District, he has not received any land. information or reports of illegal fish trading from the (2) The north yard site contains an area of person who made the allegations to the Mackay Daily approximately 15.3 hectares of which approximately Mercury. Any information provided will be 13 hectares is scheduled to become surplus to investigated. Queensland Rail operational requirements in Mackay normally has three (3) QBFP staff. While December 1997. there is currently a vacancy in the centre, it is In anticipation of this site becoming surplus, anticipated that the District will have its full staff Queensland Rail is in the preliminary stages of complement in the near future. developing a disposal strategy based on a land use The Government has made a commitment to study that was jointly commissioned with the significantly increase Patrol funding this year. I have Townsville City Council to identify broad future uses already announced the establishment of new bases for the site. at Wondai and Longreach and additional resources The disposal strategy will be based on a feasibility and staff can be expected in the budget. This will study that takes into account the proposed land enable the Patrol to be more effective statewide in uses, the prevailing market conditions, additional policing fisheries breaches, including illegal fish Council requirements, remediation that may be sales. required, and heritage considerations. The following number of successful fisheries This process will ensure that a disposal strategy can prosecutions have occurred in Mackay since 1986: be developed that has the support of the Council 1986—17; 1987—36; 1988—23; 1989—22; 1990—20; and maximises the returns available to Queensland 1991—18; 1992—24; 1993—25; 1994—27; Rail. 1994-95—12; 1995-96—12. Current indications are that the total holding could not be readily absorbed into the local property 687.Railway Facilities, Townsville Region market and as a result the site may be required to be released on a staged basis over several years. The Mr SMITH asked the Minister for Transport balance of the site would then be leased on a short and Main Roads (8/8/96)— term basis, where possible, in the interim period. With reference to his announcement of the closure However, any change in the local property market of the railways north yard workshop— during the course of the disposal strategy would (1) What is the estimated cost to decontaminate necessitate a review of the disposal action and the site? adjustments to the strategy as appropriate. (2) How will the land be disposed of; that is, in toto (3) There is no timetable at this stage to relocate or by individual lot? Townsville station to the possible site south of Ross 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2645

Creek. Planning is proceeding to finalise road/rail Whitsunday Station: grade separation options at Boundary Street, which July 1995—20 can incorporate a station north of Boundary Street August 1995—20 adjacent to the Civic Theatre. However, constructing September 1995—20 a new station is not a high priority, particularly given October 1995—20 the recent upgrade of the existing heritage station. November 1995—20 December 1995—21 688.Police Staffing, Whitsunday Electorate January 1996—20 February 1996—21 Mrs BIRD asked the Minister for Police and March 1996—21 Corrective Services and Minister for Racing April 1996—22 (8/8/96)— May 1996—22 (1) What numbers of operational police are June 1996—22 rostered on duty at Proserpine, Cannonvale July 1996—24 (includes surplus officer) and Bowen Police stations? Bowen Station: (2) What were these numbers for each month since July 1995—17 July 1995? August 1995—19 (3) What is the number and nature of available September 1995—19 vehicles for each shift? October 1995—18 (4) What positions does he intend to civilianise at November 1995—18 each of these stations? December 1995—18 January 1996—16 (5) What is the rank of each of the officers at each February 1996—16 of these stations? March 1996—16 Mr Cooper (4/9/96): April 1996—16 May 1996—18 (1) The authorised strength for Proserpine Station June 1996—18 General Duties component is seven general duties July 1996—17. officers and is supplemented by one Mackay District Traffic Branch officer and one District Education and (3) Proserpine Station has three marked sedans. Training Officer. Whitsunday Station has two marked sedans, one The authorised strength for Whitsunday (previously unmarked sedan and one unmarked four wheel drive Cannonvale) Station General Duties component is 17 vehicle. general duties officers and is supplemented by three Bowen Station has two marked sedans, one motor Criminal Investigation Branch officers, three Water cycle, one unmarked four wheel drive vehicle and Police officers, one District Intelligence Officer. one unmarked sedan. Bowen Station has 13 general duties officers, two (4) No positions have yet been identified for Criminal Investigation Branch Officers and one civilianisation in Proserpine, Whitsunday and Bowen Scenes of Crime Officer. Two further general duties Police Stations. officers are to commence duty in September 1996. (2) The following numbers supplied are averages for (5) Proserpine Station: any 24 hour period since July 1995: Officer in Charge—1 Sergeant Proserpine Station: General duties—1 Sergeant, 2 Senior July 1995—9 Constable, 3 Constables August 1995—8 Traffic Branch—1 Senior Constable September 1995—9 October 1995—8 Whitsunday Station: November 1995—7 Officer in Charge—1 Senior Sergeant December 1995—7 January 1996—7 General duties—2 Sergeants, 4 Senior February 1996—6 Constables, 10 Constables March 1996—7 CIB—1 Detective Sergeant, 1 Detective Senior April 1996—7 Constable, 1 Plain Clothes Constable May 1996—7 June 1996—6 Water Police—1 Sergeant, 1 Senior Constable, July 1996—6. 1 Constable During the period July to October 1995, one general Bowen Station: duties officer was performing part-time duties and General Duties —1 Senior Sergeant, 2 has been included in these figures. Sergeants, 4 Senior Constables, 9 Constables During the period November 1995 to February 1996, CIB—1 Detective Sergeant, 1 Detective Senior one general duties officer was rostered for Constable non-operational duties and was not included in these figures. Scenes of Crime—1 Senior Constable 2646 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

689.Eastlink technical and economic feasibility of the revised Mr D'ARCY asked the Minister for Mines and route. Energy (8/8/96)— 3. Phase 1 of the feasibility study is complete. Phase With reference to his recent signing of an inter- 2 has commenced and is scheduled for completion Government agreement in Adelaide which will pave by January 1997. Powerlink Queensland is funding the way for a national electricity market and his the Queensland component. recommencement of a feasibility study into an 4. January 1997. interconnection along with New South Wales and the Commonwealth grid— 5. No. As outlined in 1 above, Eastlink was a "stop gap" measure whereas the interconnection to the (1) Other than for the type of connection and the National Grid is part of the strategic development of route the power takes, what is the difference Queensland's Electricity Infrastructure which will between this proposal and Eastlink? bring major long term benefits to the State. (2) How is this scheme not an "extension lead" into New South Wales as the Government described Eastlink? 694.Tourist Development of National Park (3) What are the terms of reference of the Mr BRADDY asked the Minister for feasibility study? Environment (8/8/96)— (4) What are the time frames of the feasibility study With reference to a recent media report in the and its Queensland funding component? Courier Mail in which he was reported to be (5) When will he be in a position to announce the considering an unnamed national park in actual means of power connection and the Queensland's south west for private tourist route to be followed? development in addition to Carnarvon National Park— (6) In the face of this second backflip on his part on major power issues facing this State, will he (1) Which park is being referred to? now admit Eastlink was the correct plan to (2) Which company or individuals is he talking to in follow at this time and his support of the groups regard to allowing commercial access to this opposing it was for shallow political purposes? park? Mr Gilmore (3/9/96): (3) Is he considering tourist lodge development as 1. Unlike Eastlink, the Government's proposal to well as camp ground management? interconnect to the National Grid is: (4) What segment of the tourist market is he to be completed after Queensland has targeting with this move? strengthened its generating facilities so that Mr Littleproud (27/8/96): 1. Presumably, the Queensland can enter the market on equal question refers to a proposal in relation to Girraween terms rather than from a position of weakness; National Park, but this proposal actually is for private to be completed after Queensland has land near the Park. No further details relevant to the strengthened its internal transmission network remainder of the question are available. so that existing Queensland generation plant can export power; 695.Korea Zinc; Stuart Industrial Estate being relocated to a more strategic route via the vast undeveloped coal deposits and gas Ms SPENCE asked the Minister for pipeline to facilitate development of those Environment (8/8/96)— energy resources to meet the growing With reference to Korea Zinc's purchase of a 1700 ha electricity needs not only of Southern block in the Stuart Industrial Estate, which is more Queensland but also the whole of south-east than 900 ha more land than originally proposed— Australia; (1) Are there any important environmental areas on being sited away from areas of intense this expanded area; if so, are there any plans to cultivation and small land-holdings; incorporate the "buffer" land in a conservation being sited on public land wherever practical. tenure to allow its management and ensure Eastlink was a "stop gap" measure to bring 500 MW protection of these important areas? of peaking power into Queensland in 1999 to fill the (2) What tenure is proposed and what area is being gap caused by previous procrastination on new considered? generation plant. The interconnection to the National (3) Are there any important Aboriginal Grid will enable Queensland to export 1000 MW of archaeological sites contained within this base load power to the Southern States due to a expanded area; if so, what protective measures more strategic route and the other supporting are being put in place to ensure these areas are electricity infrastructure which has been committed. not disturbed? 2. The feasibility study will be conducted in two Mr Littleproud (26/8/96): phases. The first phase, which is complete, was a joint study between Queensland, New South Wales (1) & (2) Sun Metals Corp Pty Ltd, a subsidiary and the Commonwealth on the economic feasibility company of Korea Zinc Co Pty Ltd recently of the interconnection. The second phase is the purchased Freehold Lots EP1524 (794.934 ha); EP5 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2647

(79.546 ha); and E124232 (37.63576 ha), together plans clearly show the Government's intent to with Pastoral Holding Lease No. 433 (776.9965 ha). manage these areas in accordance with their world Korea Zinc has advised that the land in excess of lot heritage status. The Government has also announced EP1524 (the site for the proposed zinc smelter) was the development of a Hinchinbrook /Cardwell bought on the basis of its use as buffer zone and as Regional Coastal Management Plan which will be a condition of purchase from the vendor who owned jointly funded and overseen by the Commonwealth. all the above land. Korea Zinc advise it is not looking This plan will guide use of adjoining areas with to use such land for any purpose associated with the particular reference to potential adverse impacts on smelter, as the additional lands consist of steep hill world heritage values. country, rendering it unsuitable for industrial In addition, this Government has worked closely with utilisation. Korea Zinc has advised Government of its the Commonwealth Government to strengthen the intention to surrender the Pastoral Lease to the provisions proposed by the previous Government to Crown to be included as part of an expanded buffer prevent unacceptable impacts on areas neighbouring zone around the smelter. the Port Hinchinbrook development. New provisions (3) Neither the Government or Korea Zinc are aware have been included through a variation to the Deed of any important Aboriginal archaeological sites of Agreement with Cardwell Properties Pty Ltd (Mr contained within the expanded area. It should be Williams) to require State and Commonwealth recognised that a significant part of EP1524 is approval for a "best practice" dredging program and proposed by Sun Metals Corp Pty Ltd to be excised for revegetation of mangroves along the foreshore in and transferred to the Crown for the purposes of areas approved to be cleared by the previous protection of known Aboriginal relics on the Government. proposed smelter site. As noted in the answer to (2) Clause 18 of the Deed of Agreement between the Questions (1) and (2), Korea Zinc has advised it has State, Cardwell Shire Council and Cardwell no intention of disturbing any land within the Properties Pty Ltd requires the preparation of an expanded area. Environmental Management Plan and specifies what will be in the plan and when those pieces of 696.Port Hinchinbrook Development information will be provided. Most of the required information relates to activities that are not required Mr WELFORD asked the Minister for to be approved at this stage i.e. insect management, Environment (8/8/96)— refuse, sewage, and a marina code of practice. With reference to his approval and support for the Other parts of the requirements under this Clause are Port Hinchinbrook development— being fulfilled progressively. (1) Is he concerned to ensure that the Clause 19 of the Deed of Agreement between the development does not impose unacceptable State, Cardwell Shire Council and Cardwell impacts on the neighbouring World Heritage Properties Pty Ltd relates to any future use of values of the strait and Hinchinbrook Island? adjacent National Parks and Marine Parks and Natural (2) What steps has he taken to require the and Cultural Heritage Sites. No proposals for the use preparation of the environmental Management of such sites have been received and hence there Plan (Clause 18) and Environmental Resource are no relevant resource management programs Management Programs (Clause 19) required by prepared. the Deed of Agreement between the developer (3) All plans, when prepared, will be available to the and the State of Queensland? public. (3) When will these plans and programs be made (4) The reports by Dr Reichelt and the Great Barrier public? Reef Marine Park Authority were prepared for the (4) Has he read the recent subsequent report by Dr Commonwealth Government as part of its Reichelt and the further report by the Great deliberations on the project. Copies of these reports Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority regarding the were provided to the Queensland Government for environmental impacts of the development; if information by the Commonwealth Government. not, why not? (5) The issues raised in the reports by Dr. Reichelt (5) What action is he taking to ensure the issues and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority are raised by these two reports are addressed? being dealt with through the Commonwealth consent (6) Will he ensure that the Hinchinbrook Regional process, other statutory approvals processes or Coastal Management Plan is in place before the under the Deed of Agreement between the State, development proceeds, as proposed by the Cardwell Shire Council and Cardwell Properties Pty previous Labor Government? Ltd. (7) Given the extensive consultation and advanced (6) The preparation of the Hinchinbrook/Cardwell stage of preparation of such a plan reached by Regional Coastal Management Plan has just been the previous Labor Government, why is he and announced and it is expected to be completed his Federal counterpart scheming to drag out before the resort is constructed and open for guests. the planning process for another two years? (7) The preparation of a Regional Coastal Mr Littleproud (27/8/96): Management Plan has a statutory consultation (1) On 12 August 1996, draft management plans were process. This process was not commenced under released for the Hinchinbrook Island and Brook, the previous Government and hence the plan could Family and Goold Islands National Parks. These draft not have been completed before development 2648 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996 proceeded as construction had already commenced (1) Will the Chair be drawn from industry, the under approvals issued by the previous Government. conservation movement, Local Government or It is the intent to have the plan completed before the his department? resort is constructed and open for guests. The (2) Will his nominated environmental Government has worked closely and cooperatively representatives come from mainstream with the Commonwealth Government on this issue. environmental groups? (3) Will the three local authority representatives be 697. Queensland Hardwood Resources; nominated by the Local Government Woodchip Export Ceiling Association? Mr BRISKEY asked the Minister for (4) Will the Local Government Association have a Environment (8/8/96)— representative on the council? With reference to the Federal Government's intention (5) Will Brisbane City Council be assured of one of to abandon the woodchip export ceiling and the the three local authority positions? application by a Queensland company, Queensland (6) Will the rural small businessperson be Hardwood Resources, for an export licence— representing any particular organisation? (1) From his position as Environment Minister does Mr Littleproud (26/8/96): he support this application by Queensland (1) It so happens that the Chair, who has been Hardwood Resources; if not, has he opposed it nominated by the Acting Director-General of the in discussions with his colleagues, the Ministers Department of Environment, represents neither for Primary Industries and Natural Resources? industry, the conservation movement, local (2) Will he guarantee the conservation of those government nor the Department. high value, old growth forests not yet (2) Whether they are members or not of "mainstream represented in the State Reserve system? environmental groups" is not relevant. However, both Mr Littleproud (27/8/96): my nominees are active members of nationally (1) The grant of export licences for woodchips and recognised environmental groups, and I am of the other Australian products is entirely the responsibility view that these groups will endorse my nominations. of the Commonwealth Government and is not linked (3) Yes. to any decision made by the Queensland (4) Yes. Environment portfolio. (5) No. However, the Local Government Association With respect to the use of wood resources of Queensland Inc., as anticipated, has nominated a generally, the Queensland Government is keen to representative of the Brisbane City Council. facilitate the profitable use of residues from timber mills. My colleague the Minister for Natural (6) No. However, the nominated person may well be Resources has asked that options be considered for a member of any of a range of rural and small the use of this material and has sought advice on the business organisations. matter from the Forest Working Group—a reference body which includes representatives of the timber 701.Coal Trains, Cleveland Rail Line industry, conservation groups and unions. Mr PURCELL asked the Minister for Transport The Government prefers that, rather than going to and Main Roads (8/8/96)— waste as is currently the case, these residues are used in ways which create local employment and (1) Will he direct that coal trains travelling through contribute to the State's economy. The Government suburban areas of Brisbane, be covered? is also committed to ensure that any use of such (2) Is he aware that thousands of people live along residues is ecologically sustainable. the Cleveland line to the Port of Brisbane? (2) The Queensland Government is meeting its (3) Will he give them a date from which coal trains commitments under the National Forest Policy will be covered? Statement, signed in 1992. It is continuing to carry (4) Is he aware that clouds of coal dust cover all out comprehensive regional assessments of forests nearby residential homes as a direct result of with view to ensuring that the conservation values of the uncovered coal causing residents great those forests are protected in a comprehensive, discomfort, dirtying their homes and adequate and representative reserve system and that necessitating regular cleaning of their houses? a secure and sustainable investment climate is (5) Will he pay for the cost to residents to have created for the timber industry. their houses cleaned? The existence of old-growth values is one of the (6) Will he instruct his department to ensure that many criteria which are taken into account. coal is hosed down prior to commencing its journey through suburban areas? 698.Environment Protection Council (7) Will he stop trains travelling all night taking coal Mr FOURAS asked the Minister for to the Port of Brisbane? Environment (8/8/96)— (8) Will he buy all houses along the Cleveland line With reference to the recently announced to the Port of Brisbane, thereby creating a composition of his Environment Protection Council— noise buffer area? 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2649

(9) Does he think a noise buffer area is a good idea directed to identifying possible solutions. Bulk for Brisbane residents along this line? acquisition of properties along the Cleveland line, or (10) Does he know if, offered a fair price, residents along all the railways throughout Queensland, is not along this line will sell their homes? an acceptable solution to this government. Mr Johnson (5/9/96): Erection of medium height noise barriers is proposed along sections of the rail corridor from Yeerongpilly, (1) My recollection may be incorrect, however, I do where rail noise exceeds the noise standards believe that the questions asked by the Member for adopted. This action should go a long way in Bulimba were never satisfactorily addressed by the reducing a pre-existing problem with rail noise. previous Labor Government. Queensland Rail has Treating the noise problem at its source is also being conveyed coal to the Port of Brisbane since the targeted, and from experience with the new early 1980s with no form of dust suppression used generation diesel locomotives now operating in north since that time. Queensland Rail transports coal on a Queensland, this method is highly encouraging. commercial basis for mining customers. Queensland Rail will not be directed to institute a system of (9) A noise buffer area would be ideal, however covering wagons that would clearly change the history has overtaken us and it is too late now to economics of its business overnight. It would also impose a buffer strip through the member's be unrealistic to expect the mining industry to pay electorate. for the covering of coal wagons when this transport (10) Buying houses along this rail corridor to solve a method has been in vogue for almost two decades. pre-existing rail noise issue is not contemplated by (2) The rail connection to the Port of Brisbane is this government. similar to other major transport routes in this state where industry, transport and residential areas 702.PCBs, Storage co-exist. Mr ARDILL asked the Minister for Environment (3) Queensland Rail does not have a program for the (8/8/96)— covering of coal wagons to the Port of Brisbane and the Government will not be directing such a solution With reference to criticism by the Coalition when in to be adopted. Opposition of the storage of PCBs in a warehouse at Rocklea— (4) Studies into the generation of dust by coal trains within the Brisbane metropolitan region have been (1) What has he done since coming to Government conducted by Queensland Rail. The evidence of to alter this situation? dust generation by coal trains is inconclusive and the (2) Does he still intend to move the material back to extent of the issue is unclear. Few concerns have New South Wales, its State of origin; if so, how been expressed by residents to Queensland Rail will he move this material and when? over the possibility of coal trains generating dust. (3) If he does not intend to relocate the material, (5)It is not intended for any payments to be made to how does he intend to deal with it? residents for house cleaning. Mr Littleproud (26/8/96): (1), (2) & (3) Another (6) Queensland Rail, which is a government owned mess inherited from Labor. corporation, not a department of transport, has evaluated several different concepts for the covering I have requested the Department of Environment to of wagon loads, including the use of water for bulk ensure that the waste PCB material is either loading such as coal. The use of water causes disposed of safely or removed to its state of origin. significant cost impacts and operational concerns to The Department's contact with the owners of the Queensland Rail. QR is unlikely to recover the costs waste PCB material has confirmed that the owners associated with any such system, and therefore, will have a contract with an interstate company to treat not be directed to implement it. and dispose of the waste. I am advised that one container has been removed from Queensland to (7) No. Every effort is made to minimise disturbance prove the capability of the treatment process. A to residents, however, limitations on track capacity, second contract with a Queensland company priority given to passenger services during daylight provides for treatment of the waste if problems were hours and the needs of providing a cost effective to arise interstate. Regular contact with the owners transport solution to sustain employment in the and the storage company will be maintained to Ipswich area and to support primary industry in the monitor progress against the contracts. Darling Downs area and generate foreign exchange for Australia, dictate the need to run transport services around the clock. The alternatives are to 703.Coalmining, Surat Basin shut down industry or to divert freight transport to Mr McGRADY asked the Minister for Mines road, both of these options are not satisfactory and Energy (8/8/96)— solutions. (8) The railway and noise associated with steam or With reference to the Premier's recent announcement diesel train operations existed prior to any property that the Government will be supporting and allowing owner purchasing adjoining land. However, the coal mining in the Surat Basin— government and Queensland Rail recognise (1) Will he explain how it is intended to transport changing community standards, particularly with the coal to the port and ship out these new coal regards to noise, and considerable effort is being resources? 2650 Questions on Notice 5 Sep 1996

(2) Does the Government intend to (a) rail the coal (4) The question by the Honourable Member is through Toowoomba, Ipswich and Brisbane particularly intriguing as victim/offender conferencing and then through the Port of Brisbane or (b) under the former Labor government was an ship the coal from the Port of Gladstone which overwhelming failure. The community would will require the building of a rail link from undoubtedly be startled at the level of resources and Wandoan to Theodore and require an lack of action that occurred in this area under two upgrading of the rail line from Theodore to Labor Attorneys-General. In the 1993-94 financial Gladstone? year, $22,500 was allocated under former (3) What alternatives to the above options will the Attorney-General Dean Wells MLA, and for that Government consider for transporting and funding only 19 conferences were convened. This shipping the coal from the Surat Basin? amounts to an average cost of $1,184 per conference which the community had to bear in that Mr Gilmore (3/9/96): disastrous administration. In the following year, (1) The Government intends to call for expressions 1994-95, again under Attorney-General Dean Wells of interest from private consortiums to offer MLA, $43,000 was allocated to victim/offender solutions and/or options for infrastructure in the conferencing. For this almost doubled funding Surat Basin. An inter-departmental committee has provision only 18 conferences were held that year, been established to formulate this call for one less than the previous year. The average cost expressions of interest and evaluate the results. per conference in that year was $2,389, more than (2) The Government does not intend to limit the double the previous year with less output. In the scope of the expressions of interest as we believe 1995-96 financial year, under former that some very innovative ideas may be generated Attorney-General Matt Foley MLA, $133,000 was from this exercise, which could provide a number of allocated. For this vastly increased amount to efficient and effective solutions for transportation of victim/offender conferencing, only 22 conferences coal to port. were undertaken. This disgraceful output amounts to a cost of $6,045 per conference. Therefore, the (3) The Government will consider any worthwhile Honourable Member will undoubtedly not be proud alternatives to those outlined in your question. of his former government's record in relation to victim/offender conferencing. Its approach was unplanned, uncoordinated and conceptually 706. Victims of Crime; Alternative Dispute ineffective. This government's approach will utilise a Resolution Program model which involves implementation in an effective Mr FOLEY asked the Attorney-General and way and including proper design and selection to Minister for Justice (8/8/96)— achieve the government's objectives. With reference to his pre-election promise when he The Honourable Member should also be aware of the was in Opposition, as set out in his media release of government's intention to introduce new mediation 10 July 1995, of "an annual additional State services into courts throughout the State. Government grant of $1m to Victims of Crime (5) No. support services"— (6) I refer the Honourable Member to my answer to (1) Why has he failed to honour this promise to question (1) above. date? (2) Does he still adhere to this promise? 708. Queensland Corrective Services (3) To which organisation or organisations will the Commission; Mr T. Lewis additional $1m grant be made? Mr BARTON asked the Minister for Police and (4) Why has he cut support services to victims of Corrective Services and Minister for Racing crime by slashing over 50 per cent from the (8/8/96)— $1.8m budget of the alternative Dispute Resolution Program which provides mediation With reference to the decision of 29 July by the services for victim/offender conferencing? Queensland Corrective Services Commission to refuse media interviews with prisoners other than in (5) Does he propose to fund the promised $1m "unusual and extenuating circumstances", a decision additional grant to victims of crime support which effectively reinforces the practice the services out of the money saved by slashing Commission put in place under the previous Labor the alternative Dispute Resolution Program? Government and which was already in place when he (6) How long will victims of crime organisations intervened directly to allow disgraced former Police have to wait before they receive additional Commissioner and convicted criminal Terry Lewis to funding from the Government? be interviewed by a media outlet— Mr Beanland (26/8/96): (1) How does the practice differ from the practice (1) The additional funding for Victims of Crime under the Labor Government? services will be determined in terms of the (2) Does he agree with the practice determined by forthcoming budgetary process. the Queensland Corrective Services (2) Refer to (1). Commission and does he accept that his direct involvement in allowing the Lewis interview was (3) This would be assessed after funds have been a gross error of political judgement and a made available. breach of the Commission's then practice? 5 Sep 1996 Questions on Notice 2651

(3) Would the boards new practice have prevented (1) Does he plan to allow logging of this State's Terry Lewis from being interviewed? oldest and most endangered native forests? Mr Cooper (21/8/96): (2) Has the decision to allow logging already been (1) Guidelines on prisoner contact with the media agreed to at a departmental officer level? were developed in 1989. Requests were considered (3) Will he assure Queenslanders that trees more by the head of the Commission's media unit. There than 200 years old will not be sacrificed for was no change to the guidelines on media access to woodchips and exported overseas only to prisoners under the previous Labour Government. return to Australia as paper? The QCSC Board considered a proposal in January 1996 to not allow interviews with prisoners "unless Mr Hobbs (26/8/96): Along with all the other they were in the interests of justice". The Board states of Australia, Queensland is a signatory to the considered that the concept of "interests of justice" National Forest Policy Statement. This agreement could be subjective in its application. The Board commits each state to identifying and protecting required the QCSC to give the issue further significant areas of old growth with high consideration and report back to Board. This matter conservation value forest. had not been resolved by the QCSC by the time of the Lewis interview. Queensland is meeting its commitments through a comprehensive regional assessment program which (2) At the time of the Lewis interview, the QCSC's is designed to identify and protect old growth with practice relating to media interviews of prisoners was high conservation value forest in a system of still under review. In the Lewis case, the Chairperson reserves. of the Board made the decision to allow the interview to proceed. An interim assessment process was conducted (3) This is a hypothetical question. Each case is a jointly by DNR, DPI and DOE. It has identified a matter for consideration at the time having regard to substantial number of areas within State Forests and the particular circumstances. Timber Reserves that, based on present knowledge, may contain major large areas of old growth and/or wilderness with known high conservation values. 713.Timber Industry These areas are excluded from native forest Mr PALASZCZUK asked the Minister for harvesting under current interim arrangements. Natural Resources (8/8/96)— The interim arrangements to exclude harvesting from With reference to the eleven areas of high areas identified as containing major large areas of old conservation value currently protected from logging growth and/or wilderness with high conservation under the Labor Government's interim management value are being implemented, at a departmental level. arrangements and given that the interim management arrangements enjoyed the support of both the timber There are no woodchips derived from native forests industry and conservation movement— exported from Queensland.

J. R. SWAN, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, QUEENSLAND—1996