[Wednesday. 8 April 1987145 451

We are not prepared to accept the Iiegistutiute AssembIll experiment at the expense of our children. Wednesday. 8 April 1987 Your petitioners therefore pray that you will take whatever action is necessary to have the Post Release Programme located- THE SPEAKER (Mr Barnett) took the Chair at another location, and your petitoners as at 2.1 5 pm. and read prayers. in duty bound, will ever pray. The petition bears 363 signatures. I certify that ENVIRONMENT: OLD SWAN BREWERY it conforms to the Standing Orders of the Legis- Demolition: Petition lative Assembly. MR MacKINNON (Murdoch-Lecader of The SPEAKER: I direct that the petition be the Opposition) [2.1 7 pm]: I present a petition brought to the Table of the House. to the House couched in the following terms- (See petition No. 18.) To the Honourable the Speaker and ENVIRONMENT: Members of the Legislative Assembly in OLD SWAN BREWERY Parliament assembled. The petition of the Rode velopinen i: Petition under-signed respectfully showeth we pro- MR LEWIS (East Melville) [2.19 pm]: I test strongly against the proposed develop- present a petition from 98 residents of Western ment for the old Brewery and Stables sites Australia in the following terms- and urge that the buildings be demolished To: The Honourable the Speaker and and the area be converted to parkland Members of the Legislative Assembly of under the control of the King's Park the Parliament of Western Australia in Par- Board. liament assembled. Your Petitioners as in duty bound, will We the undersigned request that the Par- ever pray. liament reject the proposed development The petition contains 16 514 signatures. I cer- of the Old Swan Brewery site by Brewlech tify that it conforms to the Standing Orders of Limited. We believe the site should be the Legislative Assembly. landscaped for a public recreation area and linked to Kings Park. The SPEAKER: I direct that the petition be brought to the Table of the House. Your petitioners. therefore humbly pray that you will give this matter your earnest (See petition No. 17.) consideration and your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. PRISONERS- I certify that the petition conforms to the h1alfway House: Petition Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly. MR WATT (Albany) [2.18 pm]: I have a pet- The SPEAKER: I direct that the petition be ition addressed to the Parliament which reads brought to the Table of the House. as follows- (See petition No. 19.) To: The Honourable, the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of MINERALS the Parliament of Western Australia in. Gravel Pit: Petition Parliament assembled. MR TROY (Mundaring-Minister for We, the undersigned, desire to register Transport) 12.20 pm]: I present a petition from our strong protest at the decision to estab- 624 citizens of Western Australia which reads lish a Post Release Programme. or Halfway as follows- House, in premises at 52-54 Beaufort To: The Honourable the Speaker and Road. Albany for newly released prisoners. Members of the Legislative Assembly of While having no objection to the prin- the Parliament of Western Australia in ciple of the programme we are particularly Parliament assembled. concerned that it should be located We the undersigned citizens of Western immediately next to the Yakamia Primary Australia being residents of the Shire of School. which we consider exposes the Mundaring request that any proposal to children attending that school to unnecess- mine sand and gravel on Reserve 21940 ary risk. Portion of Lot 1531 Martin Road and 452 452[ASSEMBLY]

Portion of Lot 247 Phillips Road The banks of the Swan River provide one of M undaring Slate Forrcst No 50 be the most beautiful places in the world. If people rejected. have not read a book by George Seddon Your petitioners therefore humbly pray entitled "Swan River Landscapes". I com- that you will give this matter earnest con- mend it to them. I commend also a recent pub- sideration and your petitioners, as in duty li cation, a copy of which was given to me by a bound, will ever pray. thoughtful person at Christmas. entitled A City and its Setting-Images of Perth. Western I certify that the petition conforms to the Atustralia". by George Seddon and David Rav- Standing Orders of the Legislative Assembly. ine. Contained in the book is a magnificent The SPEAKER: I direct that the petition be photo of Mrs Rischbieth as she stood on the brought to the Table of the House. edge of the Swan River and, as this cryptic (See petit ion No. 20.) writer states. "with bunions and allF-one can imagine Mrs Rischbieth's bunions standing out which, no doubt, were due to the fashions of PARLIAMENTARY SUPERANNUATION earlier years-to make the point which graphi- FUND cally illustrates how people regard any inter- Appoflintmti~~l (If7rustee ference of the Swan River and its banks. On motion by Mr Pearce (Leader of the We have an exciting House). resolved- opportunity today to enhance the beauty of the Swan River. The way That pursuant to the provisions of the is simple: Demolish the old Swan Brewery; that Parliamentary Superannuation Act 1970. is. the buildings between the river bank, and the Legislative Assembly hereby appoints the road and create a simple passive park on the member for Collie (Mr Tom Jones) to the edge of the river. be a trustee of the Parliamentary Superannuation Fund as from this day. In 1883 a flour mill was built on the site and not long after that a brewery took its place. It is BILLS (2): INTRODUCT'ION AND FIRST interesting that this week is Heritage Week and READING it stirred the Minister for Planning to say on 1. Occupational Health. Safety and Wel- Monday, "it is important for Western Australian people to think in terms of their fare Amendment Bill." Bill introduced, on motion by Mr Peter total heritage." It is a great pity the Minister Dowding (Minister for Labour. Pro- does not practise what he preaches. ductivity and Employment), and read a first time. The people who support the demolition of 2. Acts Amendment (Protection of the the old Swan Brewery do think in terms of their Community) Bill. heritage and they understand that the Swan is a Bill introduced, on motion by Mr fundamental part of it. They see the protection Mensaros. and read a first time. and enhancement of the Swan River and its banks as a crucial part of Western Austmalia ADDRESS-IN-REPLY: FIFTH DAY and its total heritage. They believe that the Minister does not understand the importance Alot6i17 of this. He is either aesthetically ignorant or he Debate resumed from 7 April. is developmentally insensitive. MR CLARKO (Karrinyup) [2.24 pm]: The The Minister for Planning also said on prime reason that Perth has gained an inter- Monday this week, "There is a tendency for national reputation for its beauty is the Swan some people to look at their heritage on an River. In the words of someone else the Swan issue-by-issue basis with passions which some- River is -A thing of beauty: its loveliness in- times run very high." I suggest that in that creases: it will never pass into nothingness, but statement he is delivering an insult to those always will remain a bower quiet for us." people associated with the demolition of the The Swan River is essentially part of West- old brewery. The Minister fails to understand ern Australia's true heritage. Touch it. threaten that this issue is a single issue, but in a way it is it. or abuse it and many, if not most. Western a whole issue-it is a whole issue for those Australians will be upset, irritated and an- people who are concerned about the beauty of noyed. Perth and its environmental context. [Wednesday. 8 April 1987]15 453

There should be no buildings between groups in our State. A petition was presented Crawley Bay and (he Narrows Bridge. How- today which contained more than 16 000 signa- ever, there is one building only and that is this tures. I take this opportunity to commend the monstrosity which sits on the site like the ob- chairman of the committee working for this verse to a missing front tooth. The present cause. Joe Stokes. and thc others who have building created previously a great deal of been actively involved in putting the petition mixing of traffic flow on a very dangerous together and organising the several rallies stretch of road. If the new project goes ahead which have taken place. They have done a truly the traffic flow will, of course. be much greater worthwhile job for the citizens of Perth. than it has been in the past. I was born in Cottesloc, went 10 school in In addition, the timing of the project is Perth, and travelled around Mounts Bay Road wrong. It is being considered at the same time by trolleybus every school day and sometimes as the Government has set up a task force to more often. I can remember saying to my look into future management practices for the mother when I passed the old Swan Brewery Swan and Canning Rivers. The Government site that I thought the people living there ate has made this committee a eunuch. Dr pumpkin pie very frequently. I confused the Hamilton and his colleagues must feel that they smell of hops used in the brewing process with have been passed by because in the midst of all the smell of pumpkin pie. I thought the smell this the Government has made decisions which came from the house on the Perth side of the will irretrievably affect the future of the Swan complex and I could smell it each time I passed and its banks. that site. That is my first recollection of the site I ask a fundamental question: Why should. and it indicates how long I have been interested the existing brewery building be demolished? in it. There are a host of reasons but the first is that My first impression was a little distorted but it is an eyesore. It is an eyesore whether one is I always appreciated the drive around Mounts standing on the banks and looking out across Say Road and the opportunity to absorb and the river and it is an eyesore if one is in a boat enjoy the beautiful river scenery, at the bottom on the river and looking across to the banks. of the foothills of Kings Park which had been Everybody who uses the moad knows that the protected by an earlier politician. I am not old brewery is situated on an extremely hazard- talking about the brewery building: I have ous bend. This bend. which is one of two prob- always considered that to be ugly and if we lem bends in the road as one proceeds towards could remove it nothing would mar the beauty the university from the city, is a most danger- of the drive from Crawley Bay to Perth. I am ous section of road and many lives have been one of tens of thousands of Western Australian lost and injuries have been incurred from acci- citizens who have lived in Perth and have a dents. It also prevents the creation of a beauti- similar feeling of strong opposition to redevel- ful passive park on this site. opment and who want the building demolished. The Brewiech proposal could be acceptable in another location. It is not for me to make a Moving away from a small schoolboy's im- judgment about the Brewtech proposal but my pression let us look now at the responsible or- objection is to its being located on this site. In ganisations in Western Australia which are addition, it is a huge project which will cost strongly opposed to this proposal. The Kings approximately $40 million. I invite members Park Board was reported in the Sunday TIhnes and the average Joe Blow to work out how on 1 3 April 1986 as follows- many customers would be needed per week, per The Kings Park Board yesterday month, per year in order to make a quid out of launched a scathing attack on the Slate a $40 million investment. Government over a $10 million commer- It would certainly need a lot of Holdens turn- cial redevelopment plan for the old Swan ing in and out of that Australian hotel to enable Brewery. it to be profitable. The proposal to allow The article goes on to say that the board op- parking on the cliff face is questionable and I poses the commercialisation of the site and a believe it spoils the Brewtech development board member said- completely. The Government had deliberately More importantly, the most fundamental avoided the board before Cabinet planned reason for my belief that this project should be to consider the proposal at tomorrow's tossed out is the reaction from individuals and meeting; ... 454 454[ASSEMBLY]

The proposal will damage the park's ap- arise. It is a great one for talking shibboleths peara ne,: about how it supports autonomy for local Excavation for parking could perma- government. The Perth City Council town nently damage a series of shallow planning committee strongly criticised this underground streams supplying water for project and Rod Evans, the deputy chairman. the parks. lawns and gardens:. said about the Government. -They have racks in their heads." The Minister for Planning said He said that the park could be ruined. he would write to the council asking it to qual- 1 refer now to the Women's Service Guild; ify its position on the brewery issue. I ask the the president of that organisation. Dorothea Minister if he has done so and if he has Doyle. was moved to write a letter in which she received a reply. My understanding is that the pointed out how frightening it is to contem- City of Pernh has not received a formal appli- plate such a project and how dangerous this cation relating to this project. area is. She said that in future some organis- It was interesting to read an advertisement ation or Government might decide that be- which appeared in the newspaper, inserted by cause of the hazards flowing from the redevelop- the President of the Kings Park and Swan ment more of the river should be reclaimed to River Preservation Society. On behalf of the provide a safer road. organisation she strongly urged the Govern- Of the 80 public submissions made t(; the ment to reconsider and cancel the plans for the Minister for Planning. 60 favoured demolition brewery site. of the 97-year-old building. They supported What do the so-called ordinary people of landscaping the site, creating a Class "A" re- Western Australia say about the proposal? I serve. and in the main they said it should be quote from a letter which' appeared in The included within the responsibility of Kings West Australian on Monday 14 April 1986 Park. The Minister for Planning said that the when the $10 million project was being talked Government had bought this site for public about, not the $40 million project now use. How can that coexist with the $40 million planned. Madge Wishart of Cottesloe wrote- Brewlech proposal? 1t is not my idea of public use of this land. The old brewery spoils the lovely drive along Mounts Bay Road. It looks like a Another highly responsible organisation, the prison. Let National Trust, was reported in The West the area go back to its natural state or it A-ustralian on 13 February 1987 as condemning could be transformed into the proposal and describing it as a disaster. The gardens. president. Margaret Feilman. said that it Another person said that we should "remove represted a gross overdevelopment of a sensi- the eyesore and restore the foreshore", A tive area. Commenting on the $5 million the further person wrote- Government has paid for this site, a spokesman Demolish the old brewery! It looks like a from the trust said that surely this was a small carbuncle on a pretty face and it will never price to pay for the enjoyment of future gener- change. ations of this unique part of the Swan River Finally, foreshore. In his usual style. Mr Pearce said one letter read as follows- that he was disappointed at the lack of support The brewery should be knocked down. from the trust because it had not given him the Mounts Bay Road should be realigned and slightest cooperation. The trust has tried to give there should be a park on the cleared site. the Minister the right advice but he is not The editorial in The West Australian on 19 taking it. December 1986 stated that the development What about the medicos in our city? Ninety- was just too big and too commercial. The pro- one consultants at Royal Perth Hosptal. by way posal was four times as costly as the WA Devel- of a petition, stated that they considered this opment Corporation's scheme which itself was part of the road to be a deathtrap. Their widely seen to be too grand. It also pointed out spokesman. Dr Harris. said that the proposed that this proposal does not accord with the redevelopment was absurd on a road that is Government's decision to allow "only limited already congested. He said that, no matter what commercial development". peple suggest, there will be more accidents. I advise anyone who is not aware of it that What about Perth City Council? Of course the Brewtech proposal includes a boutique this Government has a great reputation for brewery. theatre-restaurant, hotel, supper club. ignoring local government whenever issues brasserie. cafe and tearooms, and extensive [Wednesday, 8 Apr1 1987145 455 food and craft stores. A suggestion has been Dr Donovan. who heads one of Perth's made by the developer that ferries will largest research firms, commented on the transport the majority of people who will at- Government's old brewery survey questions by tend this place. if that happens it will be the saying they were loaded in favour of redevelop- first lime since 1829 that the river has been a ment. That is the only group I can Find which main source of transport for the peoplc of came out in favour of this particular project. in Perth. a survey which was said by an expert in re- Transperth operates a ferry which runs from search to involve loaded questions. South Perth to Perth. That makes a loss, so I do In contrast, members will all be delighted to not know how the Government will be able to be reminded that the Scientific Society's coun- persuade the majority of people going to this cil presented the "Heritage Vandal of the particular project to come by ferry. The people Year" title to the Minister for Planning for his of Perth will not get out of their motor ears. approach to the Swan Brewery and The Parliamentary Liberal Party conducted a Swanbourne Hospital issues. very small phonathon and contacted 100 Mr MacKinnon: They made a good choice. people: 89 per cent were totally against the pro- Mr CLARKO: The West Australian stated posal. that the Police Force is against a new brewery. We live in a funny world. We find that the although naturally enough they cannot get a present Minister for Police and Emergency Ser- policeman to come out and say it; he would vices. Mr Gordon Hill. said that a proposed probably be transferred to Mt Magnet if he did. $40 million development for the old Swan In April 1986, State Cabinet agreed to pre- Brewery site might decrease the number of serve most of the buildings and allow only lim- deaths on Mounts Bay Road. He said the ited commercial development. I remind mem- proposed development might be more ben- bers of that because I do not believe a $40 eficial than straightening Mounts Bay Road million project can be called a limited commer- near the Brewery. Those who are interested in cial development. The Minister for Planning political statements should listen to this. He stated,' when interviewed on this issue over said he believed drivers would slow down 6PR radio, a very popular radio station-I be- through the built-up area. lieve it was on Christmas Eve-that the only Mr Cash: That is probably why the Police thing which will prevent the Brewtech project Union wants a top man as their Minister. going ahead is that the developers should de- cide to withdraw their application. I invite him Mr CLARKO: The Royal Automobile Club to say that is inaccurate, but I do not think it is. of Western Australia. a most respected organis- That highlights the duplicity of this Govern- ation in regard to road safety, said exactly the ment on this particular issue. opposite. [Is chief executive, Mr West, said in a newspaper article on 23 December 1986- Several members interjected. It would be irresponsible to generate Mr CLARKO: I will be very interested to see more traffic on the hazardous section of what comes out of the assessment role by the road. various Government agencis-the Swan River Management Authority, the Environmental Whom would one believe-Mr West or Mr Protection Authority, and all the others. This Hill? $5 million purchase of the old Swan Brewery The Wiest Australian conducted a survey on by the State Government was said to be to get this particular matter. It estimated it received the site for the public. If the Government can 1 500 calls, and the phones were jammed for tell me that turning it into a pub, a brewery, a several days. The Government had a survey brasserie, and all the rest of it is turning it into done of a couple of hundred people, as it did in a site for the public, then it has a different the same supecious way when it was dealing with understanding of the word "public" in that the creation of the Sorrento Marina. now called sense. the Hillarys Boat Harbour when 4000 people I support, as do most Western Australians. had already written in and said they opposed it. the simple proposition that this building be- The people in the Government's Survey mainly tween the river bank and Mounts Bay Road be came out as being in support of the Hillarys demolished and that the area regained be Boat Harbour. Most of those polled lived so far turned into a passive recreation park. That away they would not be able to get there if they would be an excellent use of the $5 million of had an Aeroflot superplane. the taxpayers' money that is being used. 456 456[ASSEMBLY]

The Government has appointed a committee Mr Pearce:, That is not true. We advertised in under Dr Hamilton to determine how the Swan The West A usralian. calling for submissions of and Canning Rivens will be managed in the interest. That is the truth. future. There is no point in that committee Mr CLARKO: The Minister said in another existing if the Government is going to duck place, despite what he said on Christmas Eve past it in the style it has been doing on this on 6PR radio, that the project will only go particular project and so many other projects in ahead with the cooperation and approval of Western Australia over the last few years. The various planning agencies and authorities. I tactic that is used by the present Government is hope it is not cooperation:, I hope it is based on something like this, and it just does not happen reason and argument as to whether the particu- on this one issue. The Government purchased lar project should go ahead. the land to protect the community interest;, that was the reason given. On 15 December 1986. the Government ap- proved the project in principle. The first comment they made is that the de- Unless the people of Western Australia rise up and con- velopment will have arts and crafts centres and tinue to impress other uses worthy of the particular buildings. on the Government that it is a One of them was, for example. that after a little bad decision, we could Find that this "in prin- while there would be a science museum created ciple" will lead to an "in fact". there. When Mr Prendergast objected 10 a sci- The Conservation Council was reported in ence museum going there, saying it would be the newspapers as being stunned by the an- better if it went to the Claremont Mental Hos- nouncement of Brewteeh. A spokesman for the pital building. the Deputy Premier came out council has said that if this project goes ahead, and strongly argued the case for having a sci- it will be a big mistake: and further, that it ence museum there. That was the first step should not be proceeded with, and that the down the track away from public usage. council would examine the matter and contact The next proposition at the start of last year the EPA in order to try to point out the was that we have a $ 10 million brewery devel- undesirability of this particular project. opment there. By the time we reached the end I said in December that this project should of the year. it was a $40 million development be totally rejected, the buildings should be project there. All the time the Government is demolished and we should create a parkland. moving down this path, as the public My proposal. the proposal of the Liberal objections grow in strength from day to day. Party and of the interest groups 1 have named, week to week, and month to month. The path and the people who have signed a petition to the Government has not reached quite yet is maintain the beauty of the Swan River is that the next stage in its approach. when the the people should be given the opportunity of Government begins to ignore. override, or by- regaining an important part of the Swan River pass the Government agencies-. and one day foreshore. It will1 never be avai lable aga in. I f we members may wake up and see an article in the are to put up a $40 million project, which morning newspaper which says the project is to Government will Find the money to acquire go ahead, and if members look at the report this site down the track? It was a magical op- which goes with it. they find it will be a portunity which came to this Government and mishmash of comments, just like the report on for a mere $5 million they got the opportunity the H-illarys Marina. to buy this piece of property and now have the If members read that report, there is nothing opportunity to demolish the building. That will in it which says this project could go ahead not happen again. Those structures were built without any fears or worries regarding the en- in the 1830s. It will turn ugliness into beauty. vironment. It does not say that at all. in fact, it We will be removing an ugly building and re- almost says the opposite. it is very important placing it with beautiful parkland. We will be for members to see the reports from the various removing a dangerous sect ion of Mounts Bay Government agencies which are charged with Road and preventing serious congestion which the job of assessing whether this project is will grow as the years go by. It will eventually worthwhile and whether it should be put on cause many problems to the people who have this particular site. I hope this is not another to enter the city of Perth this way. We spend funny deal by this Government. No tenders millions of dollars on freeways to make access were called for this project. similar to the Mid- easier into the city. If we demolish this building land abattoir project where no tenders were we will bring environmental happiness to West- called. ern Australians now and in the future. [Wednesday, 8 April I1987] 4575

I seriously urge the Minister to reconsider Point of Order this matter, take it back to Cabinet, ask it to Mr PEARCE: Some object appears io have bite the bullet, and make a statesmanlike de- been dropped or thrown from the gallery. It has cision to demolish the building. If the Govern- just missed one of my ministerial colleagues. ment does not hear the voice of the people and the many groups I have mentioned today. it The SPEAKER: Order! I feel quite sure that will be making a serious mistake. The Govern- the umbrella did fall and was not directed. ment can ignore them at their peril. Nonetheless, I point out that one of the mem- I have not got time to go into the letter writ- bers of Parliament was only very narrowly ten by the Premier to Mr Stokes with respect to missed by that object. Irrespective of the pub- this matter. I hope my leader will have time to lic's feelings of members of Parliament on deal with the gross crassness and stupidity of either side, my feelings are that I need to pro- this bureaucratic response which shows that teet them. If members of the public have any someone is quite out of touch with the matter. object that is likely to fall please ensure that it does not. Am~endment to Motion Debate Restumed I move an amend ment- Mr MacKINNON: I congratulate Mr Joe That the following words be added to Stokes and other members of his committee the motion- who have been leading the protest against the But we regret to inform Your Excel- redevelopment of the Swan Brewery site. It is a lency that in the opinion of this House pity that other groups in our community did the Government has taken the wrong not follow their lead in the manner in which course in giving approval "in prin- they have responsibly gone about objecting to ciple" to the redevelopment of the old the proposal. While the Minister may not agree Swan Brewery site for a brewery and with their point of view, I do not think he could other commerical outlets and calls on say anything except that they have conducted the Government to rescind this de- themselves in a responsible manner. cision and instead arrange to demolish the buildings betwcen the river bank The public are continuing 10 be ignored by and Mounts Bay Road and develop both the Premier and the Minister. They have that site for passive recreational pur- been misled. I refer to two newspaper extracts I poses. obtained today. The content and timing of both the articles is interesting. The first was an The SPEAKER: May I take this opportunity article from The West Australian dated 16 of welcoming to the Parliament all those people August with the heading '$5m. for old brew- who are in the Public Gallery and advise them ery" which states- it is a very important pant of our process that they have an opportunity to come and listen to The WA Government has agreed to buy the Parliament in operation. the old Swan Brewery site for $5 million and will seek public submissions on use of They must not, however, take that oppor- the property. tunity to interrupt the proceedings of the Par- liament in any way. and that includes clapping. Further on the article says- MR MacKINNON (Murdoch-Leader of Mr Pearce said the Government would the Opposition) [2.55 pm]: The degree of sin- seek public views on whether the site cerity with which the Government has should be made a park or the buildings addressed the question of the Swan Brewery renovated for public use. site and its development has never been more It is very important to remember the date of amply demonstrated than now "with the that anticle. In light of the Minister's commit- Premier of"Western Australia reading the Dailyv ment at that time, we saw an advertisement News while the debate is in progress. I predict placed in the newspaper at the expense of the he will not now participate in the debate but taxpayer on 19 November 1985 with, I assume, leave it to his henchman, the Minister f.or Plan- the full authority and support of the Govern- ning, to respond and to carry the can for him. ment. The advertisement is headed "The Old This Government has shown to the people of Swan Brewery belongs to you. .. " The impli- Western Australia nothing but contempt on cation is that it belongs to the people of West- this issue. ern Australia. I wish to quote from that adver- 458 458[ASSEM BLYJ tisement. because it is very important in terms election was in February and the subsidy ex- of the historical development of this issue. It pired in April. It was a promise of real commit- says- ment as with this statement: I repeat again the Part of Kings Park? heading "The Old Swan Brewery belongs to you. .." Public Recreation? Preserved as History? Mr Brian Burke: You will never get any- where because you are just far too nasty. ... Now we want your ideas on how it should be used. The State Government has Mr MacKINNON: I would rather debate the bought the Old Swan Brewery Site in issue than the personalities. I shall refer just to Mounts Bay Road to honour a commit- the facts. Does the Premier deny saying to the ment to the public of Western Australia. people of WA, "This interest subsidy will last What was that commitment they were referring as long as is necessary"? Of course he does not. to? It was a commitment to restore that par- Does he deny that in November 1985. prior to ticular site for the use of the public of Western the election, he organised through his Minister Australia. hence the heading "The Old Swan for an advertisement concerning the old brew- Brewery belongs to you. .. " It was one of the ery site. which had the heading "'The Old Swan only truthful comments made by the Govern- Brewery belongs to you ... Now we want your ment throughout this episode. In due course we ideas on how it should be used"*? The facts see those words are words we cannot trust. The speak for themselves. I do not need to tackle second part of the advertisement states- the man. I need only point to the facts such as The property has been acquired as a the Premier's own comments after the election possible extension to Kings Park. a place in April 1986. It was the time of the softening for public recreation or for preservation as up process. a place of historical interest. I quote from the 14 April edition of the Daili'1 There is not one word about a commercial de- Neits as follows- velopment or an office complex with a car park into, what I would call, Kings Park. There is 'Though stressing that Cabinet would not one word that it was to be a multimillion make the decision, Mr Burke said today: dollar development that would make an "My personal view is that Cabinet will existing traffic hazard worse. The third part of probably decide to retain and preserve the the advertisement states- old Swan Brewery. The Government now seeks the views of He knew all along what he intended doing. He individuals and organisat ions on the future wentI on to say- use of the buildings so that the maximum advantage may be obtaind for the com- -And I think that any commercial devel- munity. opment will be limited to that which will help pay the costs of keeping it-perhaps That adveruisenment. in retrospect, shows the the public part of it may be a museumn. total hypocrisy of this Government to the issue. As I said before, we must bear in mind the What did he say in Parliament the next day? It timing and the announcement of the advertise- would appear, as reported in an article written ment. What was the date of the last State elec- by Steven Locksley. that when asked to com- tion? It was early 1986! Interesting! This ment on the beautification development and Government was prepared to say one thing the car park. he was reported as follows- prior to the election and publicly use taxpayers' funds to express that point of view. After the ... he strongly doubted that the car park election, the situation changed. would go ahead. It is like the commitment the Premier gave The most objectionable development is the on interest rates, when he subsidised mortgage office block and car park proposed to go In interest rates. When asked prior to the election, Kings Park. The Minister can argue all about "How long will this support for home-loan the title indicating that it is not in Kings Park, owners last?" the Premier said, straight-faced but to me that part of the brewery development and without blinking. -As long as is necessary." on the Kings Park side of the road is clearly He did not put it in small print to win the part of Kings Park. If the Premier claims to be election. When did that interest rate subsidy misrepresented, let him refer to an article writ- expire? I think it was at the end of April. The ten by Peter Kennedy on 20 February 1986 [Wednesday. 8 April .1987) 4595 under the heading -Brewery row: another ten- who so ably moved the amendment, has asked, der matter". Referring to the initial proposals I will now comment on some of the points the Premier is reported as follows- made in that letter. Point (2) was as follows- The Premier. Mr Burke. said at the time The community does not regard the old that "-strictly limited development" would brewery and its stables as part of Kings help pay for maintaining and operating Park. public sections of the retained building. Who says the community do not believe that? The Premier? The M inister? What is the justifi- I would not have thought that a $40 million cation for saying that? redevelopment was a strictly limited develop- Mr Pearce: It has never been part of Kings ment. I can point to the hypocrisy of the Park. Government which, prior to the election, said one thing and then after the election did Mr MacKINNON: Why does the Premier another. say that the community does not regard the old brewery and its stables as part of Kings Park? I turn now to the latest hypocritical and Mr Pearce: The fact is that it has never been gutless approach taken by the Premier to this part of Kings Park. whole question. On 17 March he responded to Mr Stokes, whose committee met with the Mr MacKINNON: I challenge the Minister Premier early in the year asking for his views to conduct a survey, as we have done-a brief on the issue, and putting to him their views. I phone survey of people in WA-to see what will quote the totality of the Premices re- they say. I think the community does regard sponse. Two paragraphs were all the Premier the majority of that site as part of Kings Park. would give to these people who had respon- The Premier went on to say- sibly-albeit aggressively and actively-aken It has always been private land near the time to put their point of view to him on Kings Park. The Government bought the what to them and to the general community of land to obviate any unwanted private high WA is a very important public issue. Eight lines rise development that would detract from is what they got. I quote as follows- the attractiveness of the park. Dear M r Stokes. That is a very important statement to consider. The Government bought the land to obviate Following our meeting during which you any unwanted high rise development that outlined your opposition to the plans for would detract from the attractiveness of Kings redevelopment of the Brewery site, you Park. I searched through all of the Press invited Government comment on a series statements at the time of the announcement of of observations. the $5 million purchase of the land and saw not one word that referred to unwanted private As a result I asked officers in various high rise development that would detract from Government agencies for a response to the attractiveness of Kings Park. Not one word. those points and now enclose the following What led to this sudden change? Why on that information. I hope it is of assistance to day when the Government made the Purchase you. did it not make that announcement? The Premier does not even have the intestinal Mr Pearce: It was well known that its then fortitude to say to these people. "This is my owner. Vosse Goldberg. was trying to seek ap- view on this controversial development. I don't proval to build a residential tower as high as agree with you for these reasons." That is the the Kings Park escarpment. That was quality of this Premier. He lacks the gumption supported when you were in Government, and to stand and face the facts, even though he your former leader wrote to the papers and said might believe in them. He passes'the buck to that private developers should be-able to get on Government officers. with development. The attachment to his letter seems quite Mr MacKINNON: Is not the Minister the clearly to outline the Premiers views: I pre- person who stepped in and tried- sume they are his views. Certainly they are the unsuccessfully to date-to stop people building Government's views, and he is the Premier so I further high rises along the Scarborough hope he would therefore support those views. beachfront? As my colleague the member for Karrinyup. Mr Pearce: Yes. 460 460[ASSEMBLY]

Mr MacKINNON: I thought so. Is it not Let me continue to indicate to members the interesting that at the time of the purchase of ultimate in misleading information. Shirley de this property. not one statement was forth- la Hunty referred to this today on the steps of coming from the Minister who now so loudly Parliament House. Pant (4) states- says that the reason the Government bought Work has started already on making the land was to stop this private high rise devel- dangerous sections of Mounts Bay Road opment? I continue with my quote- safer. The development proposed for the brew- That is an admission that Mounts Bay Road is ery site will blend with the park and the a dangerous road, as we all know it is. Part (4) river. A grassed picnic area over the continues- proposed offlice/carpark complex will he an The proposed old brewery site develop- addition to Kings Park. ment will add to this safety programme. A moment ago the Minister said that he did not The proposal includes a median strip and believe that the stables and the rest of' the area straightening of the road near the brewery. were pant of Kings Park. However, in this The mind boggles, statement he has said that the community does The member for Karrinyup referred to Mr not regard the old brewery and stables as part West of the RAC. How can a $40 million com- of' Kings Park. But not two or three sentences mercial development from which there will further he says that the grass picnic area over need to be daily deliveries to the city because of the proposed office and car park complex will the development, and a development which is be an addition to Kings Park. He cannot have designed to attract over a quanter of a million it both ways: it is either part of Kings Park or it people a year on a site that does not generate is not. At the beginning of the paragraph the any traffic at the moment other than passing Minister says it is but later he says it is not. The traffic add to the safety programme? It is not Minister does not know what he is saying in his logical. The making of such a statement shows statements to the public. the Government's contempt for the public. I ask members to compare that Statement Part (5) states- with "The Old Swan Brewery belongs to you. The oficc/carpark design includes a Should it be part of Kings Park for public rec- concrete rampart which will greatly in- reation or preserved for history?" Why was no crease the stability of Mt Eliza in the vicin- reference made there to development for com- ity of the development. mercial purposes? Stunned silence. I have not seen any st atement by the Govern- Point (3) reads as follows- ment informing us that there is concern about Mt Eliza. It is interesting also to note that, if The Government bought the old brew- there is a problem with Mr Eliza, the Govern- ery site for the public (or $5 million to ment's answer is to support a $40 million de- prevent unacceptable private development velopment which will include a car park and of the site. office block, part of which I understand will be I put it to the Minister that what has been leased by the Government, to ensure its proposed to be developed for $40 million is commercial ity. unacceptable for the site. The member for Karrinyup has outlined the This next bit is perhaps the best part of his Opposition's attitude to this proposal in the statement, as I am a cyclist and a jogger. I amendment to the Address-in-Reply. I have quote as follows- great pleasure in supporting it. MR PEARCE (Armadale-Mimister for The plans also incorporate facilities for Planning) [3.14 pmJ: The Government does cyclists, joggers and walker which are not not support this amendment. The timing of the commercial such as toilets and showers. presentation of this amendment-which may I thought that cyclists. joggers, and walkers had have been deliberate-during Heritage Week facilities near that site right now. In fact, there may seem to be a good thing for the Oppo- are plenty of showers at Matilda Bay and on sition. but from my point of view it is a sick joke. the Esplanade which people use daily. To say IThis that the Government bought the site to make city is not much over 150 years old. facilities available to cyclists. joggers. and While the Opposition was in Government, a walkers, is hyprocrisy in the extreme. significant number of old buildings in this city [Wednesday, 8 April 19871 4616 were pulled down. Many of those buildings for the land. After much discussion I told him were of great heritage value and would have that we would pay him compensation for the had, in the future, far greater heritage value. land, but we would not pay him any compen- However, they were pulled down willy-nilly to sation for loss of profits. The net result was that make way for skyscrapers which I criticised just Mr Goldberg lost money on that site. We paid last Friday. him a price which, in our view- For all of the Opposition's interest in the Mr Court: How did he lose money? You beauty of our city and the impassioned speech always say that. He bought the site for $4 by the member for Karrinyup and his showing million and sold it for $5 million and you say us pictures from books, the fact is that the des- he lost money. ecration of the aesthetics of this city was largely Mr PEARCE: The member for Nedlands is carried out when the Opposition was in supposed to be a businessman. Government. Many buildings of great heritage value in the city were destroyed at that time. Mr Court: You are going to say he had to pay interest for the years that he owned it, aren't I understand that there are always difficulties you? in seeking to preserve the heritage values of any city which is growing and developing as our Mr PEARCE: That is right. city is. We have to have a capital city at the Mr Court: He bought it with cash for $4 centre of our State which is able to keep pace million and sold it a year later for $5 million. with she economic and social development that Even allowing for 10 per cent inflation, he still we expect of this State if we are to have a made a substantial profit. wealthy, happy, and prosperous community. Mr PEARCE: Mr Goldberg had holding However, I believe that we ought to preserve costs on that site which ran back over nearly a old buildings of historical value to she city and decade. the State- Mr Court: That is nothing to do with you. I now want to go back into the history of the brewery. When the Mr PEARCE: If those things arc taken into Swan Brewery Co Ltd on the deal. The moved to Canning Vale in 1975. it offered that consideration, he lost money site to the then Government, headed by the member for Nedlands tries to peddle around then Premier. Sir Charles Court. for $1 million. the fact that he has some sort of economic ex- pertise. H-I does not realise that any developer M r Cowan: It should have been taken up. who buys this site and has to hang on to it for a Mr PEARCE: That is exactly right. number of years before the site can be devel- Mr Stephens: And you are prepared to per- oped is owed money by the site. That is part of petuate that mistake. the development costs. Mr PEARCE: Wait a minute. The site was We did not pay him $5 million cash. We paid availabie for $1I million. The Opposition claims him Iwo annual instalments of $2.5 million. it is interested in heritage matters, but much of We made a deal which was based around $4.5 that interest has become evident only since it million-what we call net present value. has been in Opposition. Why did the Govern- Mr Court: Then you gave him shares in ment at that time not buy that site and turn it Fre manltle Gas and Coke Co Ltd. into a park as it now wants to do? Mr PEARCE: I wonder whether members When I became Minister for Planning I was notice how quickly the member for Nedlands aware that there was a proposal to develop on slides away from a point when he has lost it. He that site a residential Sower as high as the Kings asked me first how Mr Goldberg could possibly Park escarpment. We would not countenance have lost money. He then said, "Of course, he that development. I said to Mr Goldberg, who had to pay interest but we are not going to was the then owner of the site, that he would count that." If we consider the net present never get approval for that development or for value which is a term which ought to be fam- any other development -of,that type on the iliar to any businessman, we should appreciate brewery site. He said to me that if he could not that Mr Goldberg did lose money. It was not develop the site in that way he would lose our intention to send Mr Goldberg broke or money. He said that he did not think it was fair make him lose money. Our intention was to for me, as Minister for Planning, to tell him acquire the site because we felt that we could that he could not build a residential tower on not just put a planning non-approval on his site that site and that we should be prepared to when he had the expectation of getting an ap- compensate him at least for the money he paid proval from the previous Government. 462 462ASSEM BLY]

Beca use of' the ideological approach by the into a park. That has been a very recent move Liberal Party 10 these matters, when I moved in policy terms by the Opposition in response to do that, who wrote to the paper in defence of to what it saw as an opportunity to gain some Mr Goldberg's position? None other than the political capital from the matter. member for Cottesloc. He wrote a letter to the The basic proposition of the Government ed itor of Thw ei ~l7 I siraliaii in which he sa id that the Government should not be interfering was that a large out-of-scale development with the rights of developers in that way. He should not take place on that site, that if a refusal of a private development of that kind said that what we should have done was stand meant that a developer was going to lose back and let the development go ahead. That was the position of the Liberal Party in Oppo- money because we had changed the rules, we properly ought to compensate that person for a sition at that time. loss following from that change of rules. We it was never our view that that type of devel- then sought to initiate a debate about the future opment should go ahead. However, it was our of that site and the use to which it should be view that. for strong heritage reasons, the put through a range of mechanisms. The com- buildings ought to be preserved. I have the let- munity very quickly split down the middle on ter from the former Leader of the Opposition the issue:, that is to say, there were two schools in my hand. It says- of thought. There was the school of thought to The implications of your editorial ought which I personally adhere: that is. that build- to be exposed. [I said: "The Government ings of a heritage value to this State ought to be should resume the land." preserved if at all possible. From the beginning But why? Resumption will cost the State I made no secret of the fact that that was my and the taxpayer in two ways. The signifi- preference with regard to the brewery. The sec- cant cost of resumption will add to the ond school of thought consisted of a group of ever-growing burden of government-and people who wanted to see the whole thing to taxation. Every time there is a difficult bowled over and a parkiand put on the site. development decision to be made- Mr Clarko: Because the buildings do not whether it be in relation to this site. the have a heritage value: unless you are talking Scarborough foreshore. the Majestic Hotel about the stables. or others-the solution is not public pur- chase as a natural course. Mr PEARCE: The old Swan Brewery is one of the oldest breweries in the southen hemi- That means that the then Leader of the Oppo- sit ion presumably was prepared to see high-rise sphere. The building has been a part of Perth for nigh on 100 years and it is one of the few development go ahead at Scarborough. and a remaining buildings we are able to preserve massive development take place on the Majes- tic Hotel site, which we had succeeded in get- without having to incur the cost atf giving up ting the current developers to downscale dra- the kinds of developments which the matically. predecessors of the member for Karrinyup and Liberal Ministers for Planning used to approve The Leader of the Opposition in his letter of downtown. continues- The other cost of resumption to the Even though the council of the National State is lost jobs and lost tax benefits Trust on a few occasions said that the only part flowing from a useful and sensible re- of that building that had any heritage value was development. Construction jobs and per- the stables, the built environment committee of manent jobs are a necessary part of a re- the National Trust has been trying for many development project. Continuity of pay- years to get the National Trust to agree to a ment of rates. taxes and charges lessens the proposition that the whole of the brewery site be given a preservation listing. Some members overall burden. of the National Trust are very unhappy about The community is entitled to insist on a what they believe arc the reasons. why the suitable development-one that blends whole of that building was not given a National with the city, the park and the river. But Trust classification, dating back to the days private profit is not a disqualification for when development applications were before development. the Liberal-National Country Party Govern- Since the brewery controversy began, the Op- ment. Some people involved with the National position has not always taken the view that the Trust today believe that some strange backdoor brewery Site Ought to be taken over and turned deals were done during the time when develop- (Wednesday, 8 April 1987]46 463

ment applications were before that Govern- Mr Brian Burke: Why don't you listen to ment to ensure that a heritage listing was not him? He listened to you in silence. pu t on the old Swa n Brewery. Mr PEARCE: The Opposition can assert all It is never easy to balance the arguments of it likes that the majority of people are on its people on both sides of these sorts of issues. if side. However, some of us-like the member we had made the decision to bulldoze those for Karrinyup and I-have been in this place a buildings. none of the people in the Public Gal- fairly long time and we have seen lots of people lery today would be here, but others would be march up the Terrace in order to register a here in their place. Some of them would be particular point of view. I can recall being with decrying us in Heritage Week for pulling down the member for Karrinyop. the former Minister a building that has heritage value, others would for Education, when 6 000 or 7 000 people be down on the site lying in front of the bull- gathered at the front of Parliament House dozers because they would be determined to about an educational issue. Even though the protect the heritage of this building. It is a con- presentation of this petition was well stant sorrow to me that the people who feel advertised-a bit misleadingly so in that it strongly about one side or the other of a com- spelt the name of the Leader of the Opposition munity issue are unable to have any kind of wrongly twice-a disappointing handful of rational debate. People seem to throw as much people turned up to prt-sent the petition. They mud as they can on the people on the other side could not even fill up the Public Gallery of this of that argument. I am sorry that that is the House, which is not exactly the Entertainment way many of these arguments get sorted out in Centre. In terms of the capacity to demonstrate a relatively small community like ours. The support for a position by public meetings and people of Western Australia, by and large, take the like, they have never had more than about one view or another. 300 people at the jarrah log. Even then, we We need to ask what the majority of people cannot be sure that all the people gathered want done. The member for Karrinyup had there were in favour of their position because much to say about the polls that were taken. some people who turned up to the meetings However, he was very selective in what he were against their position. quoted. I had a local research group do a poll M r Clarko: Like M r Sattler. for the information of the public and the Government about what people thought of the Mr PEARCE: Mr Saltier was denied the right original redevelopment proposal. At the same to speak. A second chap who got up and tried time The Western Mail ran a front-page poll on to speak was kicked off the platform by the the issue, before the final decision was made. organ isers. [is poll showed that more people were in favour The Government gave the issue a high pro- of redeveloping that site than were in favour of file and has tried to listen to both sides of the knocking down the buildings. argument. However, what happens at some of Even as recently as last New Year's Day- the meetings? only four or five months ago when the final Mr Court: Did you go to these meetings? Brewtech proposals were approved in principle by the Government-the JDailv'i News invited Mr PEARCE: I would not have been allowed people to ring in and have their say on their to speak. That is the first thing. The second ring-in opinion page. Even though organised thing is that the motion at the First meeting was moved by Marie-Louise Wordsworth, who is but small opposition to these kinds of projects can normal ly dom inate ri ng-in sessions the wife of a Liberal member. Worse than that, because she is the coowner of the organised nature of their opposition as of the Captain Stirling Ho- tel. She could hardly be considered to be a opposed to a situation in the general com- munity where, although something may be party totally disinterested in the outcome of good, people arc not motivated to ring up or that matter. write in about it. the Dailv Neii~reioorted that The motion was seconded at that meeting by twice as many people supported the Brewtech Mrs Tina Klein, another former failed Liberal development proposal as opposed it. That is candidate who was almost personally respon- the simple fact of the matter. Where there has sible for the eviction of five mentally handi- been a statistically valid polling, it has been capped kids from a house in Bassendean, which shown that the majority of people are in favou r decision was overturned by resolute action on of the redevelopment, and that is the truth of it. the part of this Government. M r Court: Absolute nonsense! Opposition members interjected. 464 464(ASSEMBLY)

The SPEAKER: Order! Members know that I Mr Court: You did not consult them before am reluctant to slop interjections because I they came up. think they arc a very important part of the Mr PEARCE: That is not true. debate. but I will not allow interjections to the extent that they have just begun to develop. As Mr Court: They were not consulted until the Premier said only a few moments ago, the after the first rally in Kings Park. two speakers from the Opposition side who Mr PEARCE: Thai is not true. This demon- have spoken so far were heard in relative strates aga in the kind of assertion which comes silence. Members from both sides of the House from the heart but not from the evidence. I was must have an opportunity to put their points of there. I had the Kings Park Board come to see view, whether such views are agreed with or me the first time we called for submissions. not. Representatives of the Kings Park Board came Mr PEARCE: In raising these sorts of mat- to see me and we spent an hour discussing their concerns about the proposals, the need to pro- ters, I am merely pointing to the fact that there is not a lot of evidence for the proposition tect their water supply, the need to protect the put park, and all the rest of it. This is before any by the Opposition that it represents the ma- decision was made about the site. That was jority view in the community. back in 1985. There are people on that side of the argu- Mr MacKinnon: There was no proposal or ment in favour of the park who do not si ncerely quest ion. believe they represent the majority opinion. Sometimes one must question the basis on Mr PEARCE: To say that the Kings Park which these things are done. Board had not been consulted is simply not to tell the truth. I was at the meeting. If members For example. I have had a discussion with are going to try to pretend something else, it is the Kings Park Board on the question of the not the truth. Members of the Kings Park development. This was in the early days before Board are perectly aware of the truth or any decision was made. The board came to otherwise of what I say and what members op- represent its point of view. 1 was disappointed posite say. with the public comments which were made The Government believes that in moving to because the board did not reveal the fact-in protect a significant herituge site in Western I had had discussions fact it concealed it-that Australia it is doing the right thing. Secondly. with them and that the board's point of view we believe, on the best evidence available on was taken into account before a Ainal decision polls which have been taken-like the Dour, was reached. News phone-in-that we are supported by the When I expressed that point of view to the majority of people on this issue. Kings Park Board, one of the members said to That is not-to deny the rights of the minority me, "We represent the people of Western to express their view and to try to convince Australia." I feel a little like that. As a member people to the point where they ought to be the of the Government I have had to face an elec- majority. If they can do that, good luck to tion and be elected by the people of Western them. On the best judgment available to the Australia to make these kinds of decisions. I Government on this issue, the majority of said, "Who elected you?" people support the redevelopment proposal The fact of the matter is that the Kings Park which the Government is supporting Board has been appointed by the Government. We accept it is a sensitive site, and that there It has a task to do, and it should do it to the are issues of safety, traffic, and other things best of its ability and act firmly and persist- which need to be addressed in the develop- ently. If the board believes it has a particular ment. It may well be that because the first stage point to push with regard to Kings Park, it of the develpment does not propose the cark should push it. No-one is asking any questions park which has been talked about, but proposes about that. a relatively low-scale development of the whole But it is a big leap from saying. "we believe of the site, that is all that will be done for the we are right" to saying, "*We represent the ma- time being. jority of people in Western Australia on that It may well be that development never pro- issue, just because that is what we feel." I am ceeds beyond that point. But preserving those not decrying the sincerity of those people for buildings is important to this Government, It is having that view. important to this State. People will continue [Wednesday, 8 April 1987146 465 living in this State for hundreds of years. If the admitted that it did, because he referred to the matter were left to the Liberal Party and the Government's compensating the developer in various Governments which it has formed, the light of the changed rules which the none of the buildings which form part of the Government applied. Perth we all know and love would be left stand- The fact is that no rules were changed. When ing. This Government will not be a party to Mr Goldberg's interests purchased the Swan that sont of wholesale demolition, particularly Brewery site. it was a brewery. Anybody who during Heritage Week. purchased that site and who had an ounce of MR HASSELL (Cottesloc) [3.34 pm]: Mr knowledge of its history and attitudes to the Speaker- Swan River would have known that develop- menit of that site would be difficult and contro- The SPEAKER: Just a moment. Already one versial, and that no planning authority would of my members has come very close to being give approval to any development. struck with a umbrella. I did make a special request to people in the Public Gallery to en- I have no doubt it was a deliberate ploy on sure that such an event did not occur again, yet the part of the developers to put up proposals I already see an umbrella protruding at least for an I 1-storey buiding. What an absurd three quarters of its length through the railings. proposition-an I I -storey building reaching to Thank you very much. Please ensure it does the height of the escarpment at Kings Park! not happen again. When that was rejected out of hand, as the developers must have known it would be. they I want to stress upon the people in the public were then able to turn to a gullible Government gallery the importance of what I have just said. and say. "You had better conpensate us." In if one of those umbrellas comes down and it other words, they wanted the Government to has a spike on it, and hits one of my members on the head, we may very well have a dead buy back the site. member of Parliament in here. I am not pre- This Government kept harping on the fact pared to accept that responsibility. I ask once that Mr Goldberg made a loss and the Govern- again for you to be very careful with any ment had some responsibility in that matter. objects you have in your possession which may The Government had no responsibility towards find their way to the floor of this Chamber. Mr Goldberg. Mr Goldberg had made a pur- chase in 1980, or whenever itI was, in the confi- Mr HASSELL: Mr Speaker, before I deal dent expectation that he could make a profit. If with the main issue of the debate, there were he failed to make a profit, that was his concern. some things which were said by the Minister That is the essence of private enterprise. for Planning which need to be commented upon. Let me say very clearly at the outset that Mr Mensaros: There might be some risk. it is true, as the Minister said, that at the time Mr HASSELL: If he believed that there the State Government originally indicated its might be some risk, as the member for Floreat intention to purchase the old Swan Brewery has just said, he should have taken an option, site. I questioned that purchase. Insofar as the to see what development approval he could ob- Minister has quoted from the letter I wrote to tain. the newspaper at the time, in my memory he So it is just nonsense to talk about the has quoted it correctly. although I notice that Government's obligation to Mr Goldberg. It he read rather quickly and quietly the section did not have an obligation. Secondly, the fact which said that the community was entitled to of the matter is that this site was always going insist on a suitable development, one which to be sensitive in terms of any development, blended with the city, the park, and the river. and anyone involved in that who knew any- That was a key part of my letter. thing about Perth would have known it would I was questioning the Government's spend- be very difficult to redevelop in any way. ing what was then mooted to be $5 million of What the Minister for Planning did not say is taxpayers' money-which proved to be the that from the time the Government purchased amount-on purchasing a site which was sub- the land-having used the taxpayers' money. ject to normal planning and public interest con- having put the question of whether it should siderations. I did not believe that the Govern- use the taxpayers' money in that way beyond ment should be spending $5 million of tax- recall, having concluded that it was going to payers' money 10 bail out a developer who had purchase it-the Opposition has sought to have made a bad deal. That is exactly what the the Government fulfil its own commitments. Government did and exactly what the Minister and in particular its commitment to preserve 466 466[ASSEMBLY] the site for the public. And that is the import- with a replacement industrial development ant point. It is not whether somebody and, in addition, an intensive commercial de- questioned the purchase of the site at the begin- velopment which will attract traffic and do im- ning. but how the site is to be used, the pur- measurable harm. chase by the Government with the taxpayers' I want to mention three other matters very money having been made. quickly. The Minister attacked the gathering The Minister said many things which ought today, and the people who have supported [hat to be questioned in detail, but time does not gathering consistently for months:, and said the permit that. I will deal only with a couple of gathering was small. The Minister ought to those. The Minister tried to cloud the issue by know more about politics than that, because it talking about opinion polls-those that he has is my prediction that this issue will harm the taken, those that newspapers have taken, and Government immeasurably. We are not talking so on. Those that he likes he believes are stat- about a group of uninformed people who do istically valid, while he thinks there is some- not represent anybody in the community. The thing wrong with those he does net like. Government is attacking a group of people who can properly and accurately be described as But I will put it clearly to him and to the opinion leaders, informed are people, people who Government. in their absence. I note there have been moved to take part only three Government members in the House in this issue in a thoroughly responsible and lawful way because at the moment. The Premier, who really ought they represent a very strong feel ing about Perth to be here, has left, as has the Minister who has just spoken, and the fact that only three and the river, and about Kings Park, and about the direction in which the State is heading. Government members are in the House does not say much about their respect for the House So it is not a matter of simply adding up the and for this important debate. number of people who attended the demon- stration at Parliament House today. It is a mat- However. I put it to the Government very ter of measuring the quality of the argument simply and clearly: If it wants to have a totally and the quality and extent of information that valid and unquestionable opinion poll about those people represent. They arc opinion the redevelopment of the old Swan Brewery, it leaders, and the way in which the Government should hold a referendum. That will give it the is treating them is contemptible. The Govern- answer. It will give a very clear and ment wilt stiffer very considerably. None of unmistakeable answer. those people-Mr Stokes, Mrs de Ia Hunty- Mr Clarko: They probably would not want will be hurt by what Mr Pearce said. They have the answer they got. their independent lives. They will not be hurt Mr HIASSELL: No. they would not, because in a personal sense by the attacks on them be- the answer would be overwhelmingly against cause there is nothing personal in it if the de- this $40 million commercial development. velopment goes ahead. They are acting totally That is the nub of the argument. This is a out of a proper motivation, and from the depth highly intensive, very expensive commercial of their opinion, and the Government wilt suf- development. it is not a preservation of the site fer for the contempt it has displayed towards for the public: it is an operative commercial those people. development. Members should bear in mind I refer now to the attack made by the Minis- that this Government told Mr Goldberg that he ter on Mrs Wordsworth and Tina Klein. It was would not be allowed to develop that site with a very poor attack indeed by the Minister for residential accommodation. if he had been al- Planining-a contemptible attack. The Minister lowed to do so. however small was that devel- tried to attack Mrs Wordsworth on the basis opment, it would have been residential. It that because she had an interest in a hotel would have cost hundreds of thousands of dol- which has been there certainly for all of my lars to buy there, it would have been quiet. and lifetime-the Captain Stirling Hotel in Stirling the son of people who lived there would have Highway-that was her motivation. That is a been unlikely to cause any disruption. But that disgusting attack because no-one in this Parlia- concept was rejected in favour of an intensive ment. Liberal or Labor, does not know that commercial operation-a beer factory is going Mrs Wordsworth has been engaged in matters to be built there. It will be a factory. an indus- relating to the preservation of the heritage of trial development. Having waited for years to the State for years and years. And anyone, and -get rid of the industrial development on the that includes many Labor people who have side of the river, the public is now confronted visited her home in Esperance, if they knew [Wednesday, 8 April 1987146 467 nothing else. would know the extent to which Preserving the site! Not for running commer- she has gone to preserve and promote (he heri- cial development, not for building a high-rise tage of the State. So that was a very poor. ill- carpark in an office block, not for operating a informed, and bad-taste attack. beer factory, but for preserving the site for Pub- lic use! The statement went on- The Minister's attack on Tina Klein simply This could include a land swap or out- because she happened once to have been a Lib- right purchase. eral candidate is equally poor, bearing in mind that in taking the action she did as a member of In other words, be was saying to Mr Goldberg. a local council she was reflecting the views of "You will not be able to put your development her eonstituents. whom she was bound to rep- here but we might be able to swap some land resent. It was not only Liberal people on that with you somewhere else so that I can take this council who raised qluestions about what was land on behalf of the Government for the being done, although the people to whom I people of the State and you can put your home spoke-Liberal and Labor, I might say-were units on some other piece of land." Further on all genuinely concerned to find a solution. the statement says-

Having dealt with those matters concerning However, Mr Burke made it clear that the Minister, I have cut my time quite a bit; but the Government was not interested in pay- what I want to deal with really is the matter of ing an exorbitant price for the site. putting something on the record-something Mr Burke said the Perth City Council might be very important that ought to .be put on the prepared to contribute to the cost of preserving record today. I am sorry the Premier is not here the site. HeIsa id- because it relates to the Premier, and it speaks for itself. ..the Council was being paid for 11. 1 hectares of land that was presently zoned I go back to the very intention and purpose for residential purposes on Burswood of the Government's spending $5 million of the Island. and that the Council might be pre- taxpayers' money to acquire the old Swan pared to use some of these funds to assist Brewery site. I go back to 20 January 1985. and efforts to preserve the Brewery site or pay refer specifically to a Press statement issued by for the cost of developing the site far pub- the Premier of Western Australia. It is num- lic use once it had been preserved. bered P85/I 1. which presumably means Press. year 1985. No. 11, and slated as foliows- They were the Premier's words. The State Government wants to pre- Mr Cash: What was the date of the Press serve the old Swan Brewery site on River- release? side Drive for public use. Mr H-ASSELL: It was released on 20 January 1985. That was at the time the Premier Not for commercial development, but for pub- announced and received the big headlines in lic use. To continue- the SundaY Times "Burke wants to buy Old Brewery". The statement continues- The Premier. Mr Burke, said today the Minister for Planning. Mr Pearce, would Decisions about the development of' the initiate discussions with the Perth City site for public use would depend on dis- Council and the owners of the site when he cussions with the Perth City Council which returns from overseas this %vcek. would play a leading role in the develop- mrent of the management plan together with the Kings Park Board and other Mr Burke said he had already spoken. to the President of the Kings Park Board, bodies responsible for managing. the river Mrs Anne Cullity. about the proposal, and foreshore. the Lord Mayor. Mr Michael, was aware of Let us be clear. The Government now proposes the Government's interest. no role for the Perth City Council other than the town planning role and the Minister, in a He said the discussions initiated by the public statement has made it clear that because Minister for Planning would investigate the WADC is involved they get overruled. It the options for preserving the site. has no role for the Kings Park Board and no 468 468[ASSEMBLY] role for any other body responsible for the takes of other Governments, his Government is management of the foreshore. Further on the justified in doing anything it likes with that statement says- site. That was the apparent intention of what Mr Burke said the Government was he was saying. If he is going to have those keen to preserve the Old Brewery site be- standards and principles, he is giving his cause it was uniquely positioned adjacent Government licence to do anything. The big to Kings Park and on the Swan River fore- mistake is what the Government is going to do shore. The preservation of the site would with that site now that it is in possession of it. also allow attention to be paid to the The Minister had some criticism about this de- serious traffic hazard in Riverside Drive at bate being raised during Heritage Week but I the site of the old brewery. believe it is the proper time for it to be raised because it is all about the question of what Mr Court: Who is saying that'? happens to that site. We firstly have a responsi- Mr HASSELL: Premier Burke is saying that bility as a Parliament. The Minister is respon- when he said he was prepared to spend the sible as is his Government to the people of taxpayers- money to acquire the old Swan Western Australia to ensure that whatever de- Brewery site. He said he was doing it to pre- cision is made with regard to that site it is in serve the site because of the traffic problem the best interests of the heritage of Western and to make the site available for Public Use. Australia. Clearly, the question is "Do we want Mr MacKinnon: Before or after the election? to protect the Swan River. its foreshore and Kings Park? Do we want to retain the Swan Mr HASSELL: Of course the promise was Brewery building or do we want a $40 million made before the election. There was a nice Brewtech schemc?' We have to find an answer twist in the tail. Mr Burke said- to those questions. . he hoped critics, including Sir The National Party prefers to see the build- Charles Court and the Opposition, of the ing demolished and developed as public open Government's tourist development plans space for all Western Australians to use now on Burswood Island-a debilitated and de- and in the future. When I look at the old brew- graded area that would be enhanced for ery site building I do not see any aesthetic public use by its development-would qualities that impress me. I can remember go- support the Government's move to pre- ing down Jacob's Ladder as a schoolboy to go serve the Old Brewery site. to Crawley Baths-another eyesore-or down In other words, it was worth preserving. There to the boatshed to rowing training and the only is no lime left for me to continue this debate value it gave to me was, when no-one was look- but the Leader of the National Party and others ing, we would scale the walls, pinch the rubber who follow will point out what has occurred beer keg stoppers and take them home. and the fact that there has been a corruption of Mr Pearce: You will not find many architects purpose in the actions of Ihe Government in w ho will1 agree wit h t hat poi nt of v iew. changing its mind and its actions in dealing with this site. Mr COWAN: I would be delighted if the M in ister could refe r some to me. MR COWAN (Merredin-Leader of the National Party) (3-56 pm): When the Govern- Mr Pearce: The department of architecture menit First purchased the Swan Brewery site I at WAIT felt so strongly that they did an exer- think everybody in Western Australia cisc for their final year students on how they applauded its decision. There is no question would preserve those buildings. The architects that the people wanted to see the ownership of society has written to me. this valuable piece of property restored to the Mr COWAN: I would be delighted to hear public of Western Australia and they felt that from some of those people but from my point some of the mistakes made by previous of view-and certainly with my untrained Covernments were being corrected. A very eye-that building has no aesthetic or historic valuable piece of property would be returned to value whatsoever. There are no special features the people of Western Australia. It would be to that building as there are with the central used as a recreation area- Government buildings or perhaps with the I am a little disappointed in the comments Cloisters building. made by the Minister for Planning. I know he Mr Taylor: What about the special features will take my criticism on the chin. The basis of of the Palace Hotel? Beauty is in the eye of the his argument was that because of the past mis- beholder. [Wednesday. 8 April 1987)46 469

Mr COWAN: I did not mention the Palace Mr COWAN: I would be happy to bowl it Hotel as having any special features:. but if we over. are to say that beauty is in the eye of the be- Mr Pearce: You are a person of integrity in holder, as did the Minister for Health. 1 would this Parliament. I am very disappointed with ask the Minister for Lands what is so special in his eyes about the Swan Brewery building. your stance over this matter. Mr COWAN: I was disappointed in the Min- Mr Taylor: It is a lovely building with beauti- ister, so we are square. Perhaps the Minister ful brickwork. can comment on this: If the $40 million Mr COWAN: It is an ugly building. Brewteeh scheme goes ahead, other massive de- velopments will be put into place in order ot go Mr Pearce: That is what I mean. I went to a through processes of the development. meeting of the Heritage Committee and one of the members said to me. "What are you saving Mr Pearce: That is not true. that ugly old building for?", and I explained Mr COWAN: Yes, it is true. There is a car that we are talking about heritage, and that park to start with, and what about other parts means saving old buildings. It also means re- of the building? storing them to their former beauty. You should be careful about making value Mr Pearce: We have already removed half of judgments based on your own opinion. the building. The building occupied mowe than twice the area we have taken down. It is not Mr COWAN: If that particular building is to proposed to build other massive buildings on be retained, it will be a lasting memorial to the that site. fact that in the past the people of this State were prepared to site industries like that on Mr COWAN: I must have been looking at some of the most valuable foreshore area, and the wrong plan. the most valuable property, in Western Mir Pearce: You must have been, because the Australia. That is something that should never buildings which are currently there will be have been done and if we want to show the restored and the facilities referred to will all be world that *we are operating in reverse, that small and will be inside that building. instead of protecting that Valuable area of land and making it available to the public, we site Mr COWAN: I saw many other develop- our industries along the river, go ahead and menis outside. save the brewery buildings. Mr Pearce: There are no other developments I would now deal with the third part, the $40 outside. million development. I do not profess to have Mr COWAN: I saw the Car park develop- any great knowledge about this matter and ment. which is massive in itself and which some people have said to me that while they could possibly damage the very fragile escarp- accept our policy is to have the building menit area. There is no question of that;, the demolished and to have the area turned into Minister cannot deny it. public open space for people to enjoy, that could be wrong and there could be some lim- Mr Pearce: A technical working group is ited development of the site. However, a $40 dealing with that aspect. I was very worried million complex, which includes some myself about the car park because it is the most burrowing into the escarpment to create the car worrying aspect of the whole proposal, but in park, is not exactly a limited development, it is fact the proposal is to build a wall on the land a major development. I have looked at the which is owned by the brewer, not on the Brewtech scheme and as far as developments escarpment, and to Fill in between the escarp- go it is an admirable concept. provided it is ment across the top of the car park. There will somewhere else. It could be built down at be barbecue areas there: and the whole thing Gosnells or Armadale: the National Party is wilt be covered over with sand, and an escarp- quite happy for it to be taken down there. It ment will be then built on the road site. People could even be put in the Premier's own elector- will not see the car park: it will seem that all ate in Balcatta. or in .loondalup. but why put it you are looking at is the escarpment itself. there? Mr COWAN: It is artificial: it will always be Mr Pearce: Because that is where the build- artificial and the public of Western Australia ing is which has herittage value. You just want and any tourist who sees it will know it is arti- to bowl it over. ficial. 470 470[ASSEMBLY]

As far as I am concerned. we have dealt with Mr COWAN: I am very pleased the corpor- the three questions: Do we want to retain (he ation has had a minimal input into this particu- Swan River foreshore as public open space: do lar scheme. However, from my point of view we want to retain the brewery building: or do there is now only one way that the decision can we want to have a $40 million development be reversed: That is, to present this Govern- there? The policy of the National Party is to menit with an overwhelming tide of public have public open space. There might be some opinion that will prove 10 the Minister he was argument for development in that area but it wrong. It has happened in the past. would have to be very limited. However, I sus- Mr Pearce: Then today was a flop. pect that the real reason behind the Govern- meri's decision in this case is that. at the mo- Mr COWAN: No, there were 16000 signa- ment it appears that the Western Australian tures on that petition. I do not know how many Development Corporation has been looking at. signatures the Government had on its in conjunction with the Government, a lot of Fremantle railways petition when it was in Op- areas of land in the urban area of Perth which posit ion- are underutilised or underdeveloped. We have Mr Pearce: One hundred thousand. seen the Midland Abattoirs site. Heat heote. the State Engineering Works, and the Wellington M r COWAN: I point out to the M in ister that Street fruit markets, now we are seeing the just as the Fremantle railway line was one of Swan Brewery area. Perhaps I could take that those causes which contributed very much to even further and mention the Bernie's site. the defeat of the then Liberal Government, so Those areas have been looked at by the West- too will this decision of the Minister's about ern Australian Development Corporation as the Swan Brewery contribute to the demise of assets held by the Government which are not the present Government. It will be just another returning sufficient income to the Govern- nail in its coffin because once again, in the eyes ment. of the majority of the people, the Minister has Having paid $5 million for this site. I accept made a decision which is irresponsible and that it is a fairly expensive price for a piece of wrong. parkland-. nevertheless. 1 do not think we have Mr Pearce: You have no basis for saying that. to look at this on the basis of dollars alone. It may very well be that there will be better asset Mr COWAN: There are plenty of examples where public opinion has changed the attitude management and some sort of return, hut I do of not think that this should be the consideration the Government. The best is only two or three hundred yards from here-the Barracks of the Government on this very valuable area Arch. That is not a particularly aesthetically of land. pleasi ng bu ilding- Mr Pearce: The facts of the matter are this: I moved a motion and got the Cabinet to buy the Mr Pearce: The Government wanted to site- Then we called public submissions and the knock it down. WADC made a submission. Although you are Mr COWAN: I know. right in talking about the rationalisation of Government-owned facilities, in fact the Mr Pearce: Like you want to knock down the WADC participation in the brewery was the brewery. other way round. We bought the building: we Mr COWAN: Yes, I do. because it does not called for submissions and the WAUC made a have any real historical value as did the Bar- submission in conjunction with Roger Gregson racks Arch. The problem with the Barracks was and Associates Pty Ltd. and that was the win- that the whole building-was not retained and ning submission. That was the beginning of we have been left with that terribly ugly arch. their involvement. Some people might think it is all right, but I do Mr COWAN: I accept that. I am pleased not. We should have had the entire building about it because my party has stuck up for the instead of just the archway. That would have WADC on at least two or three occasions. I am had some historical sign ificance. very pleased that its input was minimal; and I am sure there is no real historical signifi- really. by saying that, the Minister is saying he cance in the brewery building. There is no has to accept full responsibility 'for this de- pride to be had in saying that in the early days cision. we were prepared to put some industries on the Mr Pearce: I do. I look upon it as accepting river foreshore. No-one has any great pride in credit rather than responsibility. being able to say that. [Wednesday, 8 April 1987147 471

If the Governmnent's decision is postponed or That is the first thing. When I originally changed it will be because of the weight of pub- expressed the view, which I thought would lie opinion. Despite the fact that the Minister have been the view of the majority of Cabinet said there was a poor crowd turnout out the initially, that it was likely that the buildings front and that it was not a big petition, the fact would be demolished and an additional piece is the wheels have started turning, and I would of parkland would be created there was a public be surprised if the momentum does not con- outcry and letters to the papers and protests tinue and gather speed, and the Government mounted by people who said the brewery build- will be forced in time to change its mind be- ing should not be demolished. So there was cause of public opinion. I hope it does because another argument. Having passed the argument the Government's initial decision to acquire about whether the site should be purchased and the land for public purposes was right, but the leaving aside the question of subsequent devel- use to which it is going to put the buildings or opment proposals, there was another argument the site is completely wrong. about whether the site should become parkland or whether the buildings should be retained. MR BRIAN BURKE (Balga-Premier) Frankly. I said to myself at the time, "What do, [4.12 pm]: I will be brief in saying that the hub people want?" of this whole situation resolves to one simple truth: No matter what decision the Govern- We had purchased the site and the argument ment makes about the old brewery site a sig- about that passed. When it was indicated it was nificant number of people will disagree with it. likely the buildings would be pulled down A significant number of people disagreed with people protested and the argument became, the original proposition that the site should be "Keep the buildings there: we have too few purchased. One was the member for Cotesloe. buildings of this vintage and they should be Other people believed at the time that it was retained." There was then the proposition that appropriate that the site be purchased and that they should be retained, in which case some there was a real danger of a development being consideration should be given to the purpose to imposed upon the site which was aesthetically. which the buildings and the site should be put. and in every other sense, unacceptable. Having passed through two arguments, and those people who protested about the prospect The member for Cottesloe can dismiss the of demolishing the buildings and found we had proposed ItI storey building as simply a fig- decided not to demolish went back to sleep. ment of someone's profit-motivated imagin- those who protested the buildings should be ation, but my understanding is that the Perth demolished came out. When we entered into City Council would have been obliged to per- the process of trying to determine how the site mit a commercial development and. in his let- should be preserved and how it might be used ter to the newspapers, the member for while minimising the cost to the taxpayer we Cottesloc said that a profit-motivated develop- became embroiled in another argument which ment should not be eliminated from consider- stretched through all sorts of absurdities and ation. wrong statements about various aspects until we reached the stage today where the Oppo- So there was argument within the com- sition has somersaulted on the issue several munity and within the Parliament about that times and presented a less than faithful reflec- first decision. Today we have confirmed the tion of the situation. fact that the member for Merredin was per- fecily happy about the first decision: he Let us get some things straight. First, we did thought we should purchase the site. call for expressions of interest and public sub- missions and ideas about how the site might be Mr Cowan: Theme might be some argument developed. It is not true to say, or at least to about the price. imply as the member for Karrinyup did, that there was no tender process or process by M r BR IA N BU RKE: Leaving aside the price. which people were able to compete for the right I am pointing to the fact that whatever decision to develop the site. was made, and there are only two possible de- cisions-to buy, or not to buy-there was con- Mr Clarko: You didn't call tenders, did you? siderahle argument and it extended to this Par- Mr BRIAN BURKE: No, that is right, but we liament where people today have confirmed did advertise extensively and anyone who that they disagreed about whether the State wanted to put in an application to develop the should have purchased the site. site could have done so. and some did. The 472 472ASSEM BLY) member set about trying to deliberately create M r Clarko: From a ha ndfulI of people. the impression that we excluded any number of Mr BRIAN BURKE: There is not many people from the development proposals. more than a handful of people present today. Mr Bradshaw: Previous statements you made Mr Clarko: Sixteen thousand people signed gave people the impression you were going to the petition. use it for a park. BURKE: I am trying to explain Mr BRIAN BURKE: That is true, there are Mr BRIAN 16 000 signatures on the petition. the process by which we reached today's situ- In any case. Opposition members may be right and I might ation. be wrong but they do not have a mortgage on My next point is that the argument about being right. They do not seem to want to admit public opinion seems to have dominated this an argument from anyone else. debate to an inordinate degree. I do not think any Government could have gone further to try Mr Cordon Hill: What about the petition in to ascertain public opinion about this matter. relation to the Perth-Fremantle railway line? That included professionally commissioned M rCla rko: M ickey M o use was on i hat1. surveys by authentic Firms of great integrity Several members interjected. which had been used by the previous Govern- ment, I understand, which reported back cer- Mr BRIAN BURKE: In any ease, the tain findings, and then, outside the ambit of Government has done more to try to ascertain government, steps were taken by news and the views of the public than any Government other organisations to establish the public view. in the past has ever tried to do about an im- We did not distort the efforts of those news- portant issue. papers and the public view has consistently I am not saying that I am confident that a big been that the site should be developed. majority of people support the Government's M r Clarko: No, that is not true. view on the matter. I think a majority do, but I do not know how big is the Mr BRIAN BURKE: As far as the Govern- majority. There is a ment is concerned, in trying to ascertain very vocal and outspoken significant minority of people who insist that there be no develop- honestly and faithfully the views of the public ment anywhere near or on the river in any we believe we have done more than should circumstances. They are the same peple who have been demanded of us. protested against the casino being sited where In addition to that it is simply not the case- it has been sited and about the H-illary's marina Mr MacKinnon: Why mislead people right which is very far from the river, but which was from the beginning in the form of that adver- mentioned by the member for Karrinyup in his tisement and make no reference to the com- speech; those people vibrate in sympathy with mercial development until after the election? the issue. The same people, although I do not Mr BRIAN BURKE: I tried to explain the see them in the gallery at the moment, protest steps through which we went in the few mo- about visits from American ships to Fremantle. ments before, and in the many minutes since, Several members interjected. of my speech during which the Leader of the Mr BRIAN BURKE: As members know the Opposition was in this House. Democrats are very strongly against visits by I am not denying that my view has changed. American vessels. Mrs Shirley de la Hunty is a Mr MacKinnon: Conveniently, after the elec- leading- tion. Mr Bradshaw: She is only one person. Mr BRIAN BURKE: The Leader of the Op- Mr BRIAN BURKE: I am saying that very position can say "conveniently" but it speaks often these same people appear in various pro- volumes about his mind. He really has a mean tests. spirit. lHe should not think that he wins public support by being as lacking in generosity as he M r Lewis: Are they all Democrats? is. I said initially that when first I contemplated Mr BRIAN BURKE: I am not saying that. I this matter, I thought the site should be open am saying that there are some people who are space and I am on public record as saying that. common to each of the protests. In addition to I said that before the advertisement appeared. that it is also the case that those people who are When I expressed that point of view and when protesting have a particular view about the way the plans to demolish the buildings were re- in which the public should be excluded from leased there was a public outcry. the use of the river, except under certain cir- [Wednesday, 8 April 1987143 473 cumnstances that suit them, and that view does listen to people and to try to accommodate not generally accord with what I perceive to be points of view that appear to us to be absol- the majority view of the public. utely incompatible. There is not much difference in the attitudes Mr Hassell: You have changed the purpose of the protest groups, whatever they are pro- for which you spent $5 million of taxpayers' testing about when it comes to entertaining op- money. position. If one goes to an ant i-nuclear protest Mr BRIAN BURKE: It is arguable that the and stands and says something that Is not in Government has changed the purpose. It is accord with what they are protesting about, he possible to say that we have changed the pur- is howled down. However, if one goes to a pro- pose from when I first passed a personal view test meeting about the old brewery site, held at about it. We have changed the purpose from the Kings Park jarrah log and he wants to ex- when we decided to keep the buildings-, we press a point of view that is in opposition to the have changed the purpose from when we de- majority view he is pushed off the stage. cided not to undertake a certain use for the Mr Hlassell: It was set up as a protest meet ing buildings. All those things are true, but the Op- for us to protest. it was not a forum at which position has changed its view about it as well. people could exchange views. Mr Hassell: I have not changed my view at Mr BRIAN BURKE: That is much the same all since you spent the money to protect it for attitude as those people who protest against all the public. Ever since you bought it for the sorts of things that the member for Cottesloc public we, on this side of the House, have con- would support, for example, nuclear weapons sistently said that having spent the money you on ships or nuclear-powered vessels visiting should do what you said you were going to do. this State. They have the same attitude and do Mr BRIAN BURKE: The truth is I have not not want to hear any opposition. If a person changed my mind since the last decision we were to attend one of the protests and wave an made, in the same way as the Opposition has Australian flag and say, "We support the al- not changed its mind. liance", what will happen? The person will be told to go away and his flag will be taken from Several members interjected. him and torn up because it is their protest Mr BRIAN BURKE: That is what the mem- meeting. ber is saying and I am glad that members op- There is a fairly common thread and while posite can see that. I have not changed my the ages and sometimes the colour of the hair, m in d since t he last dec is io n and the Oppositi on in the case of those who are fortunate to have has not changed its mind since last it changed hair, may change- it. Mr MacKinnon: There is no comparison be- Mr Clarko: That is rubbish! tween that group of people in the gallery today Mr BRIAN BURKE: It may be rubbish, but I and the group of people which Ms Valentine am trying to represent an argument and a point led to Parliament House and which was rowdy of view that deserves other than condemnation and obstructive. She had to be taken out by the by the rejoinder that it is rubbish. The Oppo- police. sit ion does not have a mortgage on every bright Mr BRIAN BURKE: I am addressing my idea that has ever been thrown to this Parlia- comments to the organ grinder-the member men t, for Cottesloc. I appreciate his point of view, An Opposition member: Neither do you. but he must understand that we have done our Mr BRIAN BURKE: I am not saying that we darndcst to try to accommodate a range of dif- ferent opinions that, in mny view, cannot be have. I have just said that I am not sure that the accommodated. They are incompatible. This public, in a big majority, supports what we are Leader of the Opposition will soon learn that doing. I think a majority does but I do not he cannot curry political favour by trying to know how big it is-it may be 55:45 or.it may jump to what is the most popular point of view be 60:40. In any ease, as far as we are con- in a particular controversy. All that will happen cerned we do not think that we could have is that people will see him hopping from foot to done any more to try to find out what people wanted to do with the State. foot as the squeakiest wheel demands the grease. As far as the Government is concerned Mr Clarko: You have had only one survey it has, in this matter, done its best to try to done. 474 474[ASSEMBLY]

Mr BRIAN BURKE: The Opposition. whcn The other point raised was that the Oppo- in Government. never had a survey done. For sition appeared to be taking an interet in this years and years it rode roughshod over people. issue only recently. Nothing could be further How can ibis Government be responsible for from the truth. I have raised the mailer in this the changed face of Perth. The Opposition was House on a number of occasions in the past in Government for all that time. Since we have two years. ever since the Government started been in Government we have saved more making noises about what it was thinking of buildings than the Opposition ever knew doing on that site. My interest stems from the existed. The Opposition, when in Government, fact that part of the brewery site is in the nmasqueraded as Whelan the Wreckers and Nedlands electorate. The other pan of the site listened to no-one. Now, in a holier than thou is in the electorate of Perth, but we do not have way, Opposition members piously mouth criti- a member for Perth at present. I am disap- cism at the Government. pointed that we are in-between members be- cause I would have liked to hear the viewpoint Several members interjected. of the member representing that electorate. For Mr BRIAN BURKE: The only thing that the anyone who is interested. I went to the Elee- previous Government did not pull down was toral Department to Find out where the bound- the General Post Office building and that was aries were. because it was owned by the Commonwealth Government. I have had considerable interest in this mat- ter for some time because many people in my All of the great heritage developments of the been initiatives of this electorate have expressed genuine concern recent decades have about what will happen to that site. They be- Government. Look at Forrest Place. came concerned about the deceit of this Mr Rushton: That was not done by you. We Government. The Premier said that at first he purchased the land for that project a tong while thought it would be public open space and then ago. the Government changed its mind to this, that or the other. Its plans are all over the place. We Mr BRIAN BURKE: Who provided the now have the distinct impression that, if the funds to do the Forrest Place redevelopment? Government is not being deceitful, at least Mr Rushton: Mainly the Commonwealth. many tricks are being played about what will happen to that site. Mr BRIAN BURKE: The Commonwealth did not. The member for Dale does not even Leaving aside many of the objections raised know the details. He ought to talk: he was the with regard to the site being used for the liquor Minister who pulled up the Perth-Fremantle industry. commonsense would not allow devel- railway. opment on that site because of the traffic prob- Mr Rushton: It was the right thing to do. lem. It Is as simple as that. On Saturdays and Sundays the picnic ground in the public open Mr BRIAN BURKE: It is just hopeless. space is very popular and the small number of Members opposite are beyond redemption. people getting their cars in and out of those MR COURT (Nedlands) [4.31 pm]: What a grounds create enough problems. If a person pathetic performance by the Premier of this wants to pull off the road to watch a yacht race State. We have come to the House today to or for some other purpose he encounters traffic debate a very important public issue and the problems. If that situation is changed to allow a best the Premier can do is to say that the pro- 450-bay car park and large-scale commercial testers today are no different from the pro- development, it will cause chaos on the road. testers encouraged by Jo - Vallentine at Fremantle for the anti-nuclear demonstrations. It has not been mentioned so far in the de- What an absolute disgrace. These people have bate that the Government has said that only taken pant in a number of public rallies which traffic coming from the Nedlarids area wilt go have been well attended and organised. They into the development. Therefore, a person tray- have shown the Government every courtesy eltin& from Perth would drive all the way to when trying to get their message across and Crawley. do a "U-turn" and drive back. they have extended that courtesy to this very Alternatively, he could drive around Kings moment. It is a weak performance for the Park and approach the development from the Premier to talk about the type of protesters Nedlands area. What nonsense. Who will build involved in this issue. a commercial development to which the ma- [Wednesday. 8 April 1987]17 475 jority of people will come from Perth with The Government had deliberately those people not being allowed to reach the site avoided the board before Cabinet planned without making that traffic run? to consider the proposal at tomorrow's No-one has mentioned traffic lights but that meeting: will be the First thing installed. As soon as the Another headline on 4 April was "Pearce brew- development is approved the Main Roads De- ery plan a sell-out, says park board" and the partment will propose that traffic lights be in- article stated- stalled and that will be the end of the road as The Kings Park Board has accused the we know it today. On the traffic question alone Minister for Planning. Mr Pearce. of this commercial redevelopment is not viable. ..selling out" on the future of the old Swan I became very suspicious when the Govern- Brewery in Mounts Bay Road. ment bought this site for $5 million and said it I do not think the Kings Park Board is a radical would return it to the public. On the Govern- body:. it is a responsible group of people who ment's track record that usually means the have done a very fine job preserving Kings exact opposite. In September 1985 1 queried Park. They are the first people the Government the plans for the old brewery site-it is not a should have consulted when making plans for recent matler-and the Minister said he the old brewery site. bought it for the taxpayers for $5 million. We have this crazy explanation that the previous Mr Peter Dowding: Why would you? owner lost money: he paid $4 million for the Mr COURT: Because it is adjacent to Kings site and sold it for $5 million and we are told Park and the board had already expressed that we must take holding costs into account. interest in a proposal. Does that mean that the value of a property The Kings Park Board thought it necessary depends on the holding costs? If the property for the Opposition to visit its members so that had been bought a year later would it then have they could be briefed on this matter: the cost $6 million? Government had not shown the board the Leaving aside that argument, the Minister courtesy of explaining what would happen to did not even visit the site before making the the site. It is an integral part of Kings Park. decision to purchase it. At that lime I said that Mr Kassell: They could not even get to see I was surprised that the Minister for Planning their own Minister. had paid $5 million of taxpayers' funds for the building before even visiting the site and Mr COURT: They certainly got to see the having plans for its future use. I would have Minister after our representations. We have thought that was a simple safeguard for the witnessed some heavy-handed tactics by both Minister before making that decision. the Premier and the Minister for Planning. They want to bulldoze this exercise through In January last year in this House I expressed and the fact that many people are concerned concern that not even the Kings Park Board about the proposal going ahead does not seem was involved in the Government's proposal. The Minister said that was not the ease. I quote to Worry them. from the Sunday Times of April 1986 in which [I is interesting that not even the members it was reported- opposite support this proposal to go ahead with The Kings Park Board yesterday the large-scale commercial isation of that site. launched a scathing attack on the State Mr Peter Dowding: Yes, they do. Government over a $10 million commer- Mr COURT: The Labor Party supports this cial redevelopment plan for the old Swan proposal? brewery. Mr Peter Dowding: The proposal that has The board which opposes been accepted by Cabinet. commercial isation of the site, held an emergency meeting on Ffiday. Mr -COURT: The members. of the- Labor Party support it? It has written to the Minister for the En- vironment. Mr Kodge, asking him to meet Mr Peter Dowding: A very large number do. the board's chairman... Mr COURT: But not all the members on the It went on to say- Minister's side support it. A board member, who is prepared to put Mr Peter Dowding: People are entitled to his position on the line to stop the pro- different opinions. In your party they may not posal. claimed: be. 476 476[ASSEMBLY]

Mr COURT: They may be. but 1 hope in this mercial discussions. I want to know whether debate the member for Subiaco does get up and the Government is too far down the track to say somet h ing. Hon. Fred McKenzie, i n writ ing call off these commercial negotiations. The to a person who had expressed concern about Government had better move quickly because the site, said- i t i s goi ng to cost a lot of people a lot of m oney I have noted your comments and wish to if at the end of the day the negotiations are advise that my preferred use for the site finally called off. was the concept proposed for that twelve Mr Cash: months ago by Dr Cohen Also, what agreements have been for the establish- reached to ment of a peace park and grove. I have date? informed the Minister for Planning. Bob Mr COURT: Yes, I would like to know what Pearce, that I am not supporting his con- agreements have been reached to date and what cept. My support is for Dr Cohen's pro- fees the WADC is charging the Government for posal. providing those services. We now have a situ- So even on the Labor side of politics, there is ation where the public does not want this de- not full support for this proposal that is taking velopment. Brewlech has been asked to build place. Many Government members would not it. We know just by simple commonisense that even have taken the time to have a look at the the proposal will not work on the site and that plans: they would not know what the develop- the end result, if the Government goes ahead ment is: they would not know- with it, will be that we can kiss good-bye to Mr Peter Dowding: We spent some time Kings Park. Why do I say Kings Park? Am I not drawing looking 81 the site. a longbow by saying it is going to cause problems with Kings Park? I will tell Mr COURT: I hope Government members members what will happen. If we build the de- have done their homework and have had a look velopment that is planned now, it will be very at what they are agreeing to. I hope the mem- popular. There will be no parking, or only very bers understand there is going to be a large car limited parking. I think we have been told only park. with an office building on top of it to 20 per cent of the people planned for would be cornplement the commercialisat ion of the old able to have car parking provided. These brewery site itself. I hope Government mem- people will go to the next easiest place to park. bers think about the traffic problems that will which will be in Kings Park. directly above the be created by it. old brewery site. If one goes to Kings Park any I want to deal with the Western Australian. day of the week, and particularly on the week- Development Corporation involvement be- ends, parking is already under pressure. It is cause the Government has said to the WADC it already difficult for the visitor and the average wants assistance in helping it decide how to go family person to find a parking spot at Kings about commercially developing this particular Park and to enjoy the beauty of that particular site. The situation now is that submissions place. were asked for, and a developer has been chosen. The developer has been told by the What will happen is what has happened in my Government that it wants to go ahead and de- own electorate with the Nedlands Park Hotel. velop the site. The Minister for Planning is When the session is busy, people park a mile quite correct when he says he accepts the re- away from that hotel and they walk. They will do sponsibility for the deal. That is quite right: it the same at Kings Park: they will park in the car is the Minister for Planning who has given the parks and walk down to the brewery site. This final go-ahead for this commercial develop- will have an immediate impact on the facilities ment. of Kings Park. I would like the Government and the members opposite to consider that particu- This developer. Brewtech. has done some lar point. very good developments in its time. but this particular site is not the place for this type of It is very pleasing to see the widespread sup- development. Brewtech now deals with the port there has been for opposing what the WADC on a commercial arrangement: there is Government has planned. It was encouraging this middle partner between the developer and today to see the National Party, a rural-based the Government. I would like to know whether party. gee up and support this proposal. It is the Government is prepared to step in and say interesting to go through the petition that was to the WADC it does not want to go ahead with presented to the House today. A large number this proposal: it will have to call off those corn- of country people have said they are concerned [Wednesday. 8 April 1987]17 477 about what the Government is proposing to do offer my full support, not only for the member because they believe that part of the foreshore for Karrinyup. but also for a large number of is just as much their concern as other people's. the citizens of the* State who object to the Early in the piece-he has stopped doing it course of action that the Government is pro- recently-the Minister for Planning took the posing in relation to the old Swan Brewery site. personal abuse approach and tried to create the The proposed development is incorrect, and impression that it was only elderly people from the Government should reverse its course of the western suburbs who were complaining action, admit it has been wrong, change direc- about this development. Even if that were tion, and have regard for the views of many right. I would not be ashamed of that. Those citizens of the State. people have as much right as anyone else in this If the Covernmcnt switches off from community. The Minister tried to create the listening to people, it will do so at the risk of its impression that they were the only people own demise in the ballot boxes in due course. I opposed to it. If the Minister had attended the reiterate that this particular old Swan Brewery three public rallies that have been held, he site is but one of a number of areas that have would have found out that was not the case. given the people of this State some concern at There was a broad cross-section of people- the course of action the Government has fol- young people, old people, country people, lowed. They are concerned at the courses of metropolitan people-who were concerned action in relation to land that is owned by the with this particular proposal. people of Western Australia and held in trusteeship by the Government of the day. I conclude by saying this decision which the Government will have to make about whether The Government has been deceptive. The to go ahead with this proposal is one of the Premier has made another appeal to the Parlia- most important, far-reaching decisions it will ment today, but we are becoming very much have to make. It might stack up as a commer- accustomed to those sorts of appeals from him. cial development, but that particular part of The Premier makes promises before elections the foreshore is very important. It is very well which are different from the policies he adopts used and very significant to all the people of after elections. Many people in the housing in- Western Australia. It cannot be locked up in a dIustry remember his undertakings to reduce rather selfish type of commercial development interest rates given prior to the last election and which creates a major traffic nightmare. I hope they are also aware of the policy he has adopted the Premier and the Minister for Planning in on interest rates since the election. particular do not become pig-headed about this We now have a similar stand taken by the matter: and do not take the attitude they have Government on the old Swan Brewery site. to bulldoze this concept through at all costs. I Another problem, which we debated last night, hope they make a statesmanslike decision and was the community concern about cronyism, say-that there is concern about it and common- where the Government tends to favour its own sense does dictate that the development of the people. There is much community disquiet on type planned cannot go on at that site. I hope this subject. The people in the community they make the necessary move to back off this reject the cronyism which is taking place and it particular project and restore this area to ill behoves the Government to continue to ig- parklands and allow the Kings Park Board to- nore the people or the State. Mr Peter Dowding: You cannot say restore it Before the Government was elected in 1983 to parklands. It has never been parklands. it paraded itself as the champion of open Government and waved a conservation and en- Mr COURT: I hope they allow the Kings vironment banner. It said it would be fair and Park Board to put together their proposal.They open to all people. However. I am the Oppo- have already explained the type of proposal they sition spokesman on environmental, land and would like. to see on the site, and it is first-class. Aboriginal affairs matters -and I would have The Opposition would like to see that type-of expected that one of the most important proposal implemented. If it were, certainly in Government speakers would be the Minister 100 or 200 years' time people will be saying,. "Thank for Environment, because he is charged with goodness that decision was made." the responsibility of administering the environ- MR BLAIKIE (Vasse) [4.47 pm]: I desire to mental nrotection legislation. Members will re- make some comments on the amendment call that the legislation was introduced last year which has been moved by the member for and was proclaimed in February this year. it Karrinyup. I concur with the amendment and gives the Minister wide and absolute powers 479 478ASSEM BLY] even over his colleagues, including the Minister way and it will be completed by the end of for Planning. The Minister for Environment April. However, the Government, not being should therefore have been here to debate this prepared to wait for the result of that review, subject because in this respect he is a most still went ahead and made its decision. The important Minister. Has the Government seen Government cannot be right on both grounds. fit in have him silenced and excused from the It should have waited for the review it asked services of the House because the subject is too for last November. embarrassing to him? Where is he? Mr Pearce: You have a project proposal and Mr Pearce: He is absent on Government that has to have an environmental manage- business. You didn't even have the courtesy to ment review, and then it goes through the plan- tell us what you were proposing to do today. I nling process. heard about it on the radio only this morning when I was driving into Parliament. If you had Mr BLAIKIE: The review set up last told us earlier that you would be discussing the November would have looked at the impact of old brewery, he could have been here. the proposal on the Swan and Canning River Mr BLAIKIE: Earlier the Leader of the basins. However, the Government cut short House told us that wc had brought on this de- any review when it announced its decision. The Government cannot have it both ways. bate because it was Heritage Week and we knew it would attract attention and because Further, before the Government made its de- there had been newspaper and radio comment cision it should have done its homework. But on the subject. The Government knew this. the Government made its decision and is now too, so I would like to know where is the Minis- telling the EPA to advise it on the impact of the ter for Environment, this Minister who has development. Notwithstanding what might be more influence in these matters than any other the EPA's reply, the Government has made its Minister, including the Premier? Under the decision. legislation introduced last year the Minister for Environment was given the power to say yes or The Government has done this on other oc- no to a project such as this-not the Minister casions and has been caught out then, too. for Planning. but the Minister for Environ- menti. Mr Pearce: Name one. Mr Pearce: The project is before the EPA Mr BLAIKIE: The Burswood Island Casino now because it called the matter in. development. In that instance the Government went ahead and agreed to the project and then Mr BLAIKIE: Correct. But any reasonable gave the EPA six weeks in which to prepare a Government which had in train these sorts of report on the impact of the development on the proposals for the old brewery site-before it rubbish dump on which the casino was to be gave its approval in principle or otherwise to located. the project-would first have gone to the EPA and said that it had proposals before it and it Irrespective of the posturing of the Minister wanted the EPA to carry out an environmental for Planning, the people are sick and tired of review on the impact on the Swan and Canning the Minister's comments and they do not be- River basins and to give the Government the lieve what he says. results of its deliberations. Having received that information the Government would then The land involved with the old Swan Brew- have had an opportunity to make an informal ery site is Crown land and -A"-class reserve: it decision. But, no. this Government put the cart is not the Government's land on which it can before the horse. It has been caught out and make in absolute determination about its fu- made its public announcement. I wrote to the ture use. The way the Government carries on Minister after the Government's announce- makes one imagine the Government believes ment and asked about an environmental re- the land is its own private parcel of land. It is view. The Minister then arranged for an en- not. It is the people's land. The Government vironmental review to be got under way. must have regard for the Parliament's view on what should happen to the land. This is one Mr Pearce: I announced it when I announced matter the Government should bring to the the project. Parliament. The amendment moved by the Mr BLAIKIE: Irrespective of what the Min- member for Karrinyup concerns a matter that ister says, the Department of Conservation and should be the responsibility of the Parliament Land Management already had a review under to determine, not the Government. [Wednesday, 8 April 1987]17 479

Last night I raised the matter of Bernies The Government itself does not own snack bar which bears an almost direct resem- anything but holds certain properties and blance to what the Government is proposing to institutions in trust for all the people. do with the Swan Brewery site. Moreover, no matter how long a govern- Mr Peter Dowding: Is it that he does not pay ment remains in power it is still trustee. his rent? not owner and only for the duration of its Mr Pearce: You want to preserve Bernies for term of office. its heritage value. yet demolish the Swan Brew- This trusteeship is one of the highly im- ery site. You have a strange sense of values. portant functions of Government, es- Mr BLAIKIE: Both of those sites happen to pecially in times like the present when the be on land which belongs to the people. it is my population is growing rapidly and increas- obligation and responsibility in this place to ing demands for public open space are in- ensure that the people's interests are protected. evitable. A petition containing some I 700 signatures No Government should be tempted to was given to me which related to Bernies snack adopt the role of profligate heir, selling or bar and I believe this "institution" should not leasing off the most valuable sections of be lost. The Minister for Works and Services the long held family estate to meet current cast aspersions on the owner of Bernies to the obligations. effect that he had not paid his rent. I suggest If each incoming Government felt free that the Minister repeat that accusation to pursue this course, how little would be outside. left in another few decades? Mr Pearce: He does not know what he is We are not the ultimate generation of talking about. Western Australians- telling the House Mr Peter Dowding: Are you I think that may be directed at the Minister for that he has paid his rent? Planning. Her letter continues- Mr BLAIKIE: Yes. This is another one of -with a right to dispose of everything those furphies which the Minister for Works and Services brings forward from time to time. from the past. He is quite willing to denigrate individuals for What is handed over from public owner- his own advantage. That is typical of the deni- ship, at this stage of our short history can gration of individuals that this Government never be recovered. not only stoops to but also delights in, whether Congratulations on your efforts to retain the information is right or wrong. The Govern- the special places for all Western ment has an absolute delight in denigrating in- Australians. dividuals. With best wishes and thanks. I received a letter today from a lady I have never met, a Mrs Dulcie Hodgson. Yours sincerely. Mr Pearce: They are probably the only (Mrs) Dulcie Hodgson people who write to you. I regard this letter as very important; in fact I Mr BLAIKIE: Strangely enough I have believe it is one of the most important letters received 30 or 40 letters on this subject. How- 1. as a member of Parliament, have ever' ever. Mrs Hodgson lives at 376 Mill Point received. I will arrange for a copy to be sent to Road, South Perth and I believe her letter. all members of Parliament because it should which I want to have incorporated in Hansard, give them a sense of direction as to what is is very important. Her letter reads as follows- their role as members of Parliament. Mrs Hodgson is saying we are only trustees for the Dear Mr Blaikie. land; we do not have the right of absolute own- I write to you as the opposition spokes- ership and if we start selling off land now, what- man on matters concerning the continuing will be left for future generations? That makes alienation of our irreplaceable river fore- a lot of sense. shores. The amendment moved by the member for The two areas under immediate threat- Karrinyup is very soundly based in my view. It the old Swan Brewery site and Bernies in is not simply a political point of view: the Mounts Bay Road are of grave concern to amendment is based on the knowledge that the thousands of Western Australians. majority of people are concerned about the de- 480 480[ASSEM BLY] velopment or this State. As far as that develop- there was no future for the old building, based ment is concerned, the people in general op- on historical or commercial grounds: it was pose the Government's move in this direction. generally thought that for reasons of safety and I thoroughly support the amendment. aesthetic advantage for the City of Perth. the building should be demolished. MR RUSHTON (Dale) 15.05 pm): I want to add a few words regarding this issue 10 those of This is another attempt by the Government my colleagues. to hog the headlines. It does it constantly and The Government firstly made an announce- its motivation is the manipulation of the public ment on this project to win the favour of the mind. 1 believe the public are now reacting people for the purposes of an election which because of the insincerity of the Government's was just around the corner. That has been the actions. normal action of this Government in respect of a number of projects. So far, the Government Firstly, the Government made the announce- has been successful in capturing the headlines. ment that the buildings on the site should be There has not been any substantiation of its removed and the site preserved for public use. utterances. In the Government's way. it has It then bought the site from the developer, Mr been a method of manipulating public opinion. Yosse Goldberg. and offered him an alternative and to a large extent it has been successful. The site in the vicinity of Beaufort and James Government's decisions have been made with Streets known as Canterbury Court. That deal one ear to the monitoring machine. It is obvi- could not be managed because part of the land ous from what we see from day to day that the was privately owned. Government has given very little attention to l wish to demonstrate to the House [he du- long-term planning. plicity of the Government's actions by citing a The Minister for Environment has just number of other decisions made in the way the entered the House: I am sure that both the old brewery site -decision was made. Constant previous speaker and I would be interested to reference has been made to the site of the hear what he has to say on this issue-that is, Burswood Island Casino being a rubbish dump the question of the old brewery site and its and therefore having no value. That is untrue possible uses. I invite the Minister for Environ- because the site is extremely valuable. The ment to be involved in this debate by putting beautification of Heirisson Island is typical of forward his point of view after the dinner what can be achieved with some effort. The break. I am sure it will be enlightening. Government's motive behind the development My adult interest in the future of the Swan of the Burswood Island Casino was one of pol- Brewery buildings dates back to my attendance itical advantage. However, that is another at Local Government Association meetings. issue. Month after month in those days the issue was We should all remember that, to develop that debated by one gentleman, the late Max Kot. who was very much involved in arguing for the site, the Government rode roughshod over the Perth removal of the brewery. That was before the City Council. It removed planning and environment requirements which will be to its brewery had come to t he end of itis lifIe from t he shame for ever. Historians will record chat time owners point of view. That gentleman argued as the most traumatic in this city's history. The that the brewery should be removed and that the road should go on the river side of the effects upon the city's development were dra- present building. However, with the removal of matic. the brewery's activities to Canning Vale it be- Another decision made without the proper comes appropriate for a firm decision to be consultation was the Anchorage development made about the site. decision at North Fremantle. The Fremantle I was also involved in the consideration of City Council's response was extremely un- what was to take place on the site as a Minister favourable. This Government has also been re- in the Court and O'Connor Governments. That sponsible for the high-rise buildings in Perth to was a very difficult decision to make, relating which the public are now reacting. The as it did to the long-term future of the land. A Minister for Planning responded by saying review was implemented involving that he would confront the Perth City Council environmentalists, planners. traffic managers over the issue. However, it is the policies of a and all other interested people as to what Labor Government that are responsible for the should take place on the site. It was found that present high-rise development of the city. [Wednesday, 8 April 1987]18 481

Mr Pearce: I did not say I would confront it. Mr RUJSHTQN: I was trying to indicate to I said I would meet with it and resolve the members that the way in which the Govern- problem amicably. ment made its decision on the old brewery site Mr RUSHTON: The Minister has said that is indicative of the other decisions it has taken previous Liberal Governments have been re- to the disadvantage of the State. It has misled sponsible for the high-rise development when the public. I gave an example of that yesterday. he knows that is wrong. The Tonkin Govern- The Government is a Government of words, ment made the decision to approve the not actions. Allendale project after an appeal was lodged I come back to the Swan Brewery site. I be- against the Perth City Council's decision. That lieve the Government made its decision on that decision lifted all regulations relating to the site for the wrong motives. It announced its height of buildings to be constructed in the city. decision just before a State election with the Approval was then given for the Palace Hotel deliberate intention of gaining politically. This development about which I asked questions all comes back to the involvement of political and was told that that would be the only build- advisers and other people behind the Govern- ing which would be allowed to reach that men t. height. The answer was obviously dishonest. I believe the public can judge this Govern- Mr Pearce: This Government has had ment for what it is. It does things for the wrong nothing to do with the latest high-rise develop- reasons. It seems that this Government's ment: the decision has been Perth City Coun- reason for making any decision is to gain politi- cil's. Is the member saying that I should intro- cally. It took away the rights of the developer of duce legislation to rescind the approval given that site who had to comply with planning and by the Perth City Council to the David Jones environment requirements for the site's devel- site developers? opment. The Government misused its power Mr RUSHTON: I am saying that the Minis- and is now putting a Government operator in ter is perpetrating a falsehood. place to commercially develop the site. The Mr Pearce: Why didn't I get support from the Government's lack of credibility in this regard Opposition with regard to the high-rise issue? is transparent and I believe the public will judge it for what it is. Mr Court: The development of the car park over the railway line is a disgrace. Amendment put and a division taken with the following result- Mr Peter Dowding: Do you know why it's there? Ayes I8 Mr Blaikie Mr MacKinnon Mr RUSHTON: It is not consistent with the Mr Bradshaw Mr Mensaros good development of our city. Mr Cash Mr Rush ton Mr Clarko Mr Schell Mr Peter Dowding: You don't understand Mr Court M r Spriggs the commercial realities of this world, obvi- Mr Cowan Mr Stephens ously. Mr H-assell Mr Tubby Mr House Mr Wat Mr RUSHTON: The Government's tactics Mr Lewis Mr Williams mislead the public. (711111) Yesterday I asked the Minister for Transport Noes 24 a question to which he replied with a political Mrs Begg Mr Tom Jones Mr Bri dge Mr Marlborough answer. Of course, the bail, News printed the Mr Bryce Mr Parker answer as he said it. It had no regard for the Mr Burkett Mr Pearce clarification that was required and the com- Mr Carr Mr D. L. Smith ments I made which showed this Government Mr Peter Dowding Mr P. J. Smith Mr Evans Mr Taylor for what it is. I was referring to the 93-year-old Dr Gallop Mr Thomas carriage chassis which was redeemed from the Mr Grill Mr Troy scrap heap and put on the Perth-Fremantle rail- M rs Henderson Mrs Watkins way run. Mr Gordon Hill Dr Watson Mr Hodge Mrs Buchanan Mr Troy: Your Government is responsible (rer') for the appalling condition of the railways. Pairs The SPEAKER: Order! I will ask for two Ayes Noies Mr Thompson Mr Wilson things to be done: First. I ask that interjectors Mr Laurance Mr Brian Burke interrupt a little less secondly, would the mem- Mr Lightfoot Mr Read ber on his feet speak to the amendment. Mr Trenorden Mr Bertram 1161 482 482[ASSEM BLY]

Amendment thus negatived. of WA Jewry Inc., Mr Doron Ur JP, CMVC, asked me to consider supporting the Council of Decorum of the Chamber WA Jewry in its attempts to recognise the MR BRIAN BURKE: Mr Speaker. with your 100th anniversary of the birth of David Ben- indulgence. I apologise to the Chair for an error Gurion who, members would be aware, was the' of mine earlier today when during the debate on first Prime Minister of the State of Israel. the Swan Brewery amendment I inadvertently turned my hack to the Chair. That fact was un- I learned as a schoolchild at Mt Lawley of the known to me. but has been pointed out to me. contribution David Ben-cjurion made to the and I extend my apologies to you. State of Israel and, along with members of the The SPEAKER: I thank the Premier for that Perth Jewish community. I believed I should apology. support their dream to see a park within the Mt Lawley or Yokine area-cerainly within the /cl ,aie (on mnon) Rmewuzd MtI Lawley electorate-named after David Ben- MR CASH (Mt Lawley) [5.29 pm]: Mr. Gurioti in recognition of the 1001h anniversary Speaker, I seek leave io continue my remarks in of his birth. respect of the Address-in-Reply at a later stage Obviously it is not easy to find a park within of this day's sitting. the City of Stirling which has not already been Leave granted. named. I approached the Mayor of the City of Debate thus adjourned. Stirling, George Strickland, and the local ward councillor, Cr Terry Tyzack. to see if they ACTS AMEN1)M ENT (ELECTORA L could give me some assistance as obviously it REFORM) BILL would have been in everyone's interest to lo- Revtorawimn in Notice IPape'r. ConcilsN A'Ivsagc' cate the park as close as possible to the existing Message fromt the Council received and read Jewish establishments in that area. notifying that it had agreed to the Assenibly's Most members would know of the Jewish request that the Bill be restored to the Notice community centre which is located in Paper. Woodrow Avenue and also the Sir Zeinan Cowan Homes for the Aged complex located on PARLIAMECNTIARY LIBRARY the corner of Cresswcll Road and Woodrow ChIOsJI'( Avenue in Yokine. After some discussion with THE SPEAKER (Mr B-arnett): I inforni the City of Stirling and a lot of support from members that last night's storm caused sonic the City Manager. Mr Ralph Fardon. it was considerable water daniage to the library. That agreed a portion of land on the corner of damage has now been cleared up. bitt I am Alexander Drive and Woodrow Avenue could advised that the electricians feel that it would be suitable for naming as the David Ben-Gurion be unsafe to turn the power on this evening. Park. Accordingly. I have directed the librarian to The matter was put to the City of Stirling close the library at 6 o'clock this evening. Its and I am pleased that the council was prepared services will not be available to members for to give its support to the project. In doing so it the balance of this evening. recognised that two former Mayors of the City [Questions taken.I of Stirling. Ron Stone who was mayor for a .Snte ,) iusendkIomi 6.00 to 7.1/5 p)mf number of years and ward councillor for Lawley Ward for 18 years. and Dr Emanuel ADDRESS-IN-REPLY: FIVI'lI DAY Stark. who was also councillor for Lawley Atot ion Ward. were both members of the Perth Jewish Debate resumed from an earlier stage of the community. There has been a very important sitting. link between the Jewish community in Perth MR CASH (Mt Lawley) [7.15 pm]: In niy and the City of Stirling and I was very pleased toooffer my support to the naming of that park. contribution to the Address-in-Reply debate I want to raise a nuniber of issues which are The Prime Minister was invited to partici- pertinent to my electorate of Mt Lawley. One is pate in the naming of the park by the Council the recent dedication by the City of Stirling ofa of WA Jewry. and to his credit he agreed tojoin park on the corner of Alexander Drive and with the Mayor of' the City of Stirling in the Woodrow Avenue. now known as David Ben- dedication of the park. and that took place on 6 .Gurion Park. This history behind this is that February this year. It was a very important some months ago the President of tlte Council occasion, not only for the City of Stirling and [Wednesday. 8 April 19871 4838 thc Perth Jewish community, but also for all The record of the Soviet Union, when it those people in the electorate of Mt Lawley comes to human rights, is, without question. who know of the support that has been given by deplorable. The situation in the Soviet Union the Jewish community to the advancement of at the moment is that those who speak out or this State over many years. who just want to support their traditions and The park that we chose was directly opposite observe the ways of their faith are prevented the Sir Zelman Cowan Homes for the Aged and from doing so. In fact. members arc probably in the very near vicinity of the Jewish Centre in aware that Hebrew teachers in the Soviet Yokine. It is also close to a reserve which the Union are vilified as soon as the authorities City of Stirling had the honour to name find out they are trying to preach their faith. I Breckler Reserve some years ago, which is do not believe enough has been said or located in Cresswell and Aldersea Roads. published about the plight of Soviet Jews. The Dianella. I want to pay tribute tonight to all reason I brought this matter to the House those members of the Council of WIA Jewry tonight is to show members that, while the who worked so hard to see that their first Prime Australian Government is prepared to impose Minister, David Ben-Gurion, was honoured on sanctions against South Africa for apartheid, the 100th anniversary of his birth. no meaningful action is being taken to try to assist the Jewish people who want to leave the During the dcdicaiion ceremony on 6 Soviet Union to live in their homeland. February 1987. which was attended by 600 people. comment was made about the life of I believe it is extremely important for the David Ben-Gurion. He became the first Prime Western Australian community, Firstly, to rec- Minister of Israel when the State was estab- ognisc the plight of those people, and, secondly, lished in 1948. He served the country in that to do something about it. They can write to the position for I5 years. It was during those cru- Soviet Embassy in Canberra to register their cial early years that the vision for which David disapproval of the way the Soviet authorities Ben-Gurion worked all his life reached its full treat Jewish people. The only offence the expression. In Israel, the world saw working- Jewish people in the Soviet Union have com- class people building their own nation on their mitted is to live there-their feet are in the own soil by dint of their own physical and in- Soviet Union. but there is no question that tellectual labour. For those of us who cherish their hearts are in their Jewish homeland. All democracy, that vision remains an inspiration they want to do is leave the Soviet Union and today. David Ben-Gurion was quoted as saying live in Israel, or in other places throughout the many years ago. "The test of democracy is free- world where they would be free to practise their dom of criticism." As Prime Minister, he faith. worked so hard to achieve that during his 15 years in that position. There are many examples of people who Another important occasion for the Jewish have been crucified and vilified by the Soviet community in Perth was held last Sunday. authorities for attempting to practise their re- again in the David Ben-Gurion Park in Yokine. ligion. To that end I refer to a document Two hundred people, including members of entitled "Focus On Soviet Jewry" dated Perth's Jewish community and the community January 1987. It mentions the various pris- at large gathered to recognise the plight of oners of Zion presently being held in the Soviet Soviet Jews who are unable to leave the Soviet Union. These people are in Soviet prison Union. The demonstration was part of a world- camps only because they expressed a desire to wide protest against Soviet anti-Semitism. live outside the Soviet Union and to make their People met at I I o'clock in that park to show homeland in Israel. Australians know that if their solidarity with the Jewish people who they want to move to another country, so long have so many problems in the Soviet Union as the other country is prepared to accept them. today. There is no question that Soviet Jews the Australian Government offers no objection. are an oppressed people. While I am not a Regrettably that is not the case in the Soviet member of the Perth Jewish community- Union. Israel has said that it is prepared to although I have represented that community on accept Soviet Jews as long as the Soviet Union both the council of the City of Stirling and in is prepared to release them. That country this Parliament for some years-I was pleased refuses to release its Jewish people because it and honoured to be asked to speak at that dem- wants to continue to persecute them in the onstration to indicate to the community the same way that other countries have persecuted plight of Soviet Jews. them over many years. 484 484[ASSEMBLY]

Tonight I want to read to the House the Not only did the Soviet authorities try to names of some prisoners of Zion who are cur- destroy him mentally by locking him up in rently held in prison camps in the Soviet various segregated areas, but they also de- Union. The names include A. Begun. N. stroyed him physically, and when and if he is Vershubsky. R. Zelichonok, Z. Zunshain, V. released he will never be able to return to his Lifshhtz. 1. Berenshtein, L. Volvovsky, Y. profession. His only mistake, if it was a mis- Zisserlis. V. Levin. A. Magarik. M. take, was to observe the Jewish traditions in Nepomniasehy, L. Shrayer. and Y. Edelshwcin. Russia. I wish to highlight the plight of one of the Last Sunday I was very pleased to be able to people whose names [ just mentioned, Alexei read a message from the Leader of the Oppo- Magarik. On Sunday last, at the protest demon- sition, Mr Barry MacKinnon. to the Council of stration in David Ben-Gurion Park in Vokine, I Western Australian Jewry giving his suppor. spoke of the plight of this person. to the protest held on that day, and to let the people in Western Australia know that the Op- He is a married man of 28 years of age and position was certainly conscious of the act of for the last three years has been a -refusnik" in solidarity they Were showing at that time. The the Soviet Union. In 1986 he was charged with message read as follows- a number of offences by the Soviet authorities and some of those offences involved the pos- I would like to congratulate the Council session of drugs. I advise members of this of WA Jewry for its untiring efforts on House that those charges were trumped up by behalf of the Jewish people of the Soviet the Soviet authorities, because they knew that Union. and in doing so offer my complete Mr Magarik was a very professional person. Hie support. was a professional Hebrew teacher and more The oppression of any group of people than that he was an artist and an accomplished on the grounds of sex, colour, race, politi- cellist. In order that he would be prevented cal beliefs or religion can not and should from observing the traditions and customs of not be tolerated in a civ ilised society. his religion he was charged on fabricated evi- dence. convicted by a court and sentenced to The record of the Soviet Union in regard three years in a prison camp. to human rights is deplorable, as demonstrated by the Soviet regime's treat- On Mr Magarik's arrival at the prison camp ment of the 400.000 Jews who wish to he was asked to spy on his fellow prisoners and leave the country. when he refused he was thrown into a special cell block known as cell 16. It is a block which Indeed, the true commitment of Mr contains incorrigible prisoners-the prisoners Gorbachev to more liberal ideals will be who are considered most brutal in the prison put to the test by his treatment of Soviet camp. Mr Magarik was physically assaulted for Jewry. and the world will watch his two weeks and was forced to undergo the pro- actions with interest. cedures for which this cell block is notorious. The Leader of the Opposition went on to The Soviet authorities knew what was going on apologise for his inability to attend the demon- and they had full knowledge of the treatment stration, but as members will understand from that was being handed out to this prisoner. that message, he expressed his total support for Mr Magarik told his wife that the experience the meeting. I also had the privilege of handing he underwent in cell block 16 was so terrible to the President of the Council of Western (hat he would rather be shot than ever return to Australian Jewry a message from Hon. John the cell block. Obviously, following the beat- Howard. the Leader ortlie lkderal Opposition, ings he received, his health worsened, aggra- who also expressed his support for their cause. vated by the fact that the Soviet authorities Some people have termed the Soviet would not allow him to work with protective authorities' actions in restricting the move- cloth ing, i ncl ud ing protecti ve gloves. ments of the Jewish people in the Soviet Union Mr Blaikie: He is a cellist. the silent holocaust of the 1980s. I remind the House that on 26 April at the Jewish centre Mr CASH: Thai is the very point. As a result in Vokine the Jewish community of Western of his treatment his hands are now covered in Australia will hold its annual commemoration callouses and sores, and as a cellist he is unable for the people who perished at the hands of the to practise his profession. Nazis during the Second World War. [Wednesday, 8 April 1987148 485

Another mattcr of importance to my elector- the purchase of' these premises. I understand ate is a problem being experienced by the Mt that he has directed the association to look for Lawley Amateur Football Club. I have been alternative premises perhaps at a cheaper price advised that the club wishes to conduct raffles than the property in Light Street. to provide funds for the various activities in which club members participate. An appli- The area of Mt Lawley is saturated in respect cation has been made to the Lotteries Com- of institutions. We have had discussions about mission. but there seems to be some delay in this in the past in this House, and it has been the issuing of permits. I am happy to hand the well recognised by the Minister for Planning Minister responsible a copy of the letter I have that the Mt Lawley area generally is received from the club in order that he will oversaturated with institutional premises. Prior ascertain a reason for the delays. If the permits to the by-election in 1984 the Government are not issued within a reasonable time the made a commitment that no more institutions season will be over and the club members will would be located in that area. I ask the Minis- not be able to participate in the activities that ter for Housing to remember that commitment have been planned this year. by the Government and to recognise that the people in Dianella do not want this type of The Mt Lawley Amateur Football Club has activity in a quiet residential street. Obviously. more than 200 junior members who participate there are alternative locations they are not each week, and as far as the Mt Lawley com- easy to find but it is incumbent on the ACRAH munity is concerned it is a matter of import- organisation, if necessary with the assistance of ance and I ask that the Minister responsible State agencies, to ensure that this group of take the necessary action to assist the club as people is located in an appropriate area. best he can. Generally the City of Stirling has nothing Another area of concern is a matter I have against institutions. However. I understand raised in this House before: that is, the activi- from my knowledge of the local authority. ties of the Association for the Care and Re- having represented the Mt Lawley area for habilitation of Alcoholics, Addicts, and Home- more than six years on that council, that it is less Persons which is located on the corner of Field and Rookwood Streets, not prepared to tolerate these sorts of insti- Mt Lawley. I tutions busting into the area before planning have mentioned in this House before that resi- approval is received from it. I am very sur- dents in the vicinity of that residence have prised that the Minister for Housing allowed been troubled by violence, noise and the unde- his department to even consider financing the sirable activities of the residents who are pant proposed purchase by ACRAH in Light Street, of the ACRAH organisation. It came to my Dianella before the City of Stirling had con- notice some two or three weeks ago that this sidered the matter and made a decision. group wanted to expand its activities and pur- chase the premises at 430 Light Street, In my recent discussions with the City of Dianella. The interesting thing was that Stirling. it has been made quite clear that Homeswest was alleged to be financing the pur- neither of the ward councillors representing chase. It surprises me that the Minister for that area would have been prepared to support Housing would allow such a deal when his own ACRAH establishing itself in that area. As the electorate adjoins Dianla-in fact, his cc- parliamentary representative of the Dianella torate takes in part of Dianella-and after he area. I have also told the residents that there is had heard me speak in the past of the problems no way in the world, given my previous experi- associated with this organisation. ence of the way ACRAH has managed its A lot of people who live in the vicinity of 430 properties and the people who live in them. Light Street, Dianella. are very upset that this that it could ever expect my support. Government would allow a State agency to This week the local newspaper carried an fund another premises for this particular group, article in which it was shown that the ACRAH bearing in mind that there was excessive noise. proposal for Dianella had been scrapped purely drunkenness, street fighting, and other intoler- because the Minister for Housing had directed able acts at the original premises at Field that funds not be applied in that area. For the Street. Mt Lawley. people who are interested in the procedure of I was pleased that as a result of the pressure this House. I was pleased that the paper was placed on the Minister for Housing and the prepared to writeup an article on page one in Government as a whole, the Minister for Hous- which it stated "Cash praises the decision of ing has directed that Homeswest not finance the Minister for Housing". I am happy at any 486 486[ASSEMBLY] stage to praise the decisions of a Minister if struct a full-sized Viking longship which he they are in the interests of the community and intended to use for the Swan River tourist will serve the long-term interests of that com- trade. munity. The longship was launched and started I now want to touch on the subject of tour- operating commercially about six months ago. ism. I have just returned from a few days in It has been operating on the Swan River, but Port Hedland where the tourism potential of Mr Carrigg has run into a major problem: he the area was pointed out to me. This Govern- has nowhere to house the ship or from where to ment and the Opposition combined could exer- operate it on a permanent basis. it has been cise their minds and create a vision of where temporarily moored at a jetty for the sea scouts the nonth west is going with regard to tourism. operation at Pelican Point. This area is under the control of the Department of Conservation Mrs Buchanan: We have already had a very and Land Management. Every time he tries to good plan. find a permanent home for his longship he runs into Government red tape. Objections have Imnnen lo Motion been raised to every place he wants to moor the Mr CASH: I am glad that the Government boat and from where he wishes to operate this already has a very good plan and it is a pity vessel. For example, his proposal has been that the people in that area do not understand knocked back because of parking problems. the plan about which the member for Pilbara and because the Department of Conservation talks. The member can get to her feet in due and Land Management said that it did not course and advise the House what it is all want a commercial operation in certain areas. about. In the meantime, in view of the time He cannot use the Barrack Street Jetty because constraints on me.!I move an amendment- it would involve taking down the mast and anyone who is familiar with the construction of That the following words be added to the mast of a Viking longship will know that the motion- that is a major exercise. But we regret to inform Your Excellency He has tried some of the private jetties avail- that in the opinion of this House the able but, for example, he could not use the new Government has neglected uts duty by not Dempster Jetty because the longship would be encouraging some important local tourist too long for that area. At the Raffles Jetty there attractions to remain in Western Australia, was no room for commercial craft. Mr Carrigg particularly after the toss of the America's has put his life savings into this Viking Cup. longship. He is a shipbuilder by trade, and he became emotionally very drained because he MR COURT (Nedlands) [7.45 pm]: I second was not able to find a permanent home for his the amendment. boat. He was constantly being pressured to The Opposition would like to raise two mat- leave the place where he had tied the boat on a ters of concern in relation to tourism projects. temporary basis. We are taking this opportunity in the Address- In this frame of mind, in sheer desperation in-Reply debate to raise this matter because because he could not find a home on the Swan one in particular has some urgency attached to River. he rang the Premier of Queensland. Sir it. and if we wait a couple of weeks until Parlia- Joh Bjelke-Petersen. ment returns, it might be too late to save this Mr Blaikie: What about the Premier of West- project. ern Australia? I appreciate the fact that the Minister for Mr COURT: It is interesting to see what Tourism is in the Chamber listening to what we happened. He explained to me the circum- have to say. The first project is the Viking stances that took place. When he rang the longship which has been operating in the Swan Premier, he did not expect to be put through. River. It may be a reasonably small tourist but he was. He was put straight through, not to project, but when members hear the story they a Minister, not to the principal private sec- will appreciate that it is quite significant. The retary. but to Sir Joh. longship is called the Jorgeti Jorgensen and it is Mrs B~eggs: Did Sir Charles Court do that owned by Mr Royce Carrigg. He came to me too? about four years ago, just after I became a member of Parliament. and explained what he Mr COURT: l am sure he did. intended to do. He outlined his plan to con- Several members interjected. [Wednesday. 8 April 1987147 487

The SPEAKER: Order! bers who are interested in yachts, and I know Mr COURT: He stated to the Premier the my sailing friend here is, I have done some problem he had in Western Australia. The homework on the Viking longship. It is a re- Premier listened to his problem and said. "Yes, niarkably modern design, even though it is we are aware of the sorts of problems you do many hundreds of years old. The Vikings had a have in Western Australia with these things." philosophy with their ships that light is right. Mr Carrigg explained to Sir Joh that lie did not and that is a very modern philosophy these want Government funding; he just wanted a days as we are moving towards very light- permanent home from which to operate this weight vessels. Viking ships used to float. They Viking longship. Sir ioh explained he was off to did not have any ballast in them. They were Japan for a few days and on his return he like great big canoes. Mr Carrigg explained to would follow the matter through. When he me that if they do flood, one can still just pump returned fromt Japan he came back to Mr them out and go off again, They float on the Carrigg and said. "Everything is organised. We third stroke. have three alternative sites that you can Mr Carrigg was going to port-hop this operate from." These were all on the Gold longship around to Queensland to its new Coast, and I will nol list the sites here. Sir Joh home on the Gold Coast. The Opposition explained the rules under which he would have would like the Government to take immediate to operate. the costs involved, the charges for action at the highest possible level to encourage at these particular locations. using the jetties Mr Carrigg to stay here, to keep this tourist He then went on with a big sell to say. -We will attraction, this Viking longship on the Sv.an put 5.1 million tourists past your longship River. every year. Queensland is fully geared up for tourism. Comec over here: we will look after Mr Rushton interjected. you. This is a man who built this ship for the Mr COURT: Yes, it is very popular. It is a Swan River tourist trade but could not find a great tourist attraction. Members all laugh permanent home for it. This is a Premier, who about the fact that this longship has to be often is ridiculed by members opposite, helping rowed sometimes. When we had the skiff the little battler. Mr Carrigg is not a big oper- championships here at Christmas. we had a ator. He has all of his life savings tied up in this couple of American tourists with us and they particular ship. He did say to me that when he saw this longship being rowed down the river. was getting this vessel surveyed here, the De- and they could not believe that people paid to partment of Marine and Harbours did help him. row the longship down the river; but that is They gave him a lot of encouragement to get a part of the attraction. School groups go out on Viking longship through survey. It would be a it. Somec people have wedding receptions on it. once in a lifetime job for the surveyor con- It is unique, and it will be a great hit on the cerned. He did pass the survey and met all of Gold Coast. those requirements. Mr Carrigg is quite prepared to pay a com- That is quite different from the Govern- mercial rent for a home for this ship. Govern- menit's own VIP vessel, the Jobhn Cur/in, which ment red tape has throttled him. No Govern- took out VIPs without any survey. ment Minister or department has been pre- A member interjected. pared to tackle this problem and sort it out to Mr COURT: I thought someone said that ensure that he does not have the continual was not the case. The Government has one set threat or pressure that he does not have a home for this longship. It seems that of rules for the general public, that if people we can look want to run a commercial charter vessel, they after the big operators, yet this person who has a fabulous tourist attraction, something that is have to meet certain survey requirements. The ideally suited to the Swan River, cannot get the Government was taking VIPS out on the John Curtin before it was , urveyed. However, that is sort of help that he requires. He is now being a distraction. Mr Carrigg did meet the Marine given that help and is going to leave the State. and Harbours requirements. The joke was that on the longship when The urgency involved is that Mr Carrigg is Cleopatra came on board, it was a good news slipping this longship today or tomorrow and and bad news story. The good news was that preparing it to sail around Australia to its new Cleopatra was on board: the bad news was she home base on the Gold Coast. For those mem- wanted to go water-skiing. 488 488[ASSEM BLYJ

This Viking longship is an absolute work of Mr Troy: Has he contacted my office and art. Mr Carrigg built the vessel himself. I be- made an effort? Has he attempted to see me? lieve all apprentice shipwrights in this State Mr COURT: I do not want to repeat it. I should be encouraged to inspect this vessel, be- have been through all of the departments he cause its workmanship is really quite remark- has gone to. I know the Minister has just come able. back into the House. I am only too willing to Mir Spriggs: How do we get to have a look at discuss it further with anyone opposite who is it? willing to help, because at the end of the day I do not care who handles it over there, I would Mr COURT: It is about to be slipped at Pier like to think we can be successful in keeping 21 and prepared for its voyage around to this great tourist attraction in Western Queensland. Australia. CALM does not want to help, does not want Mr Blaikie: Did Mr Carrigg go to any of the a commercial operator of that vessel at the Sea advisers? That may be his mistake. Scouts. yet only last week in this House it A member interjected. wanted Bernies to pay more rent in order to become more commercial, in this ease. Mr Mr COURT: Sir Job Bjelke-Petersen has Carrigg is not allowed to operate there. Mr been Premier of Queensland for a long time. Carrigg does not want any Government money. He is 76 years old, yet he was quite capable of It is quite the reverse: he wants to pay a com- sorting out this problem. mercial rent and bring money into the State by The second matter is also serious. On this providing an income-producing tourist attrac- occasion the urgency is not the same because tion. this ship will not sail out in the next few weeks. MrTroy: Did he make inquiries about a berth I refer to Auistralia /L. which was offered by Mr Alan at H-illarys? Bond to the State Government in 1984 for $2 million, which was then a very fair mar- Mr COURT: I did say it was a Swan River ket price. The State Government rejected the operation. I do not think the Marine and Har- offer. bours, Board would allow it to be used for ocean The Federal Government knew how valuable charters. this yacht was and it grabbed it;. it had a con- Mr Troy: You are raising the point he was tract signed and sealed with delivery to be within looking for a berth and was not able to procure 60 days of the last race of the recent America's one. Cup series. The yacht has just been delivered. Mir COURT: That was on the Swan River. It will now remain in Western Australia for a year or so The Minister has until the new national maritime mu- missed my point. seum is built, I think in Sydney. After that we Mr Troy: Is that not missing the fact there is will not see it here again. There are two mari- a bit of congestion there? time museumrs on the east cost that are fighting Mir COURT: I notice the Minister has just to have Australia 11 housed in their facilities. come in. I gave one of his departments a pat on The State Government did not buy it initially, the back. and I do not want to repeat every- although it had the chance, and now the Feder- thing I have just said: but in summary this al Government has bought it. operator cannot get a permanent home for his I betieve Australia 11 should be permanently Viking longship on the Swan River. and in based in Fremantle. its home port. It should sheer frustration he has contacted the never leave this State. The Minister for Tour- Queensland Premier, who has organised a ism is probably beginning to realise the great home for him. significance that Ausiratia It wilt have as a Mr Lewis: Tell the Minister what a Viking tourist attraction in years to come. At present it longship is. scems we are about to lose one of our greatest tourist attractions, one of our most famous Mr Troy: Do not worry. I am familiar with sporting assets. I have raised this subject a what a surveyor is also. number of times in recent months but have Mr COURT: I would like one of the Minis- received no response from the Government. teirs opposite, whether for Tourism or The State Government must start negotiating Transport, to see if he can move quickly to now with the Federal Government to ensure meet with Mr Carrigg to try to sort out the that lusiralia 11 remains here, otherwise it will problem and keep him here. be lost to us forever. tWednesday. 8 April 1987]18 489

We have a unique opportunity to put MrTroy: The steam paddle ship is attractive. together one of the finest maritime.museums in Mr COURT: I love that sort of thing, and the the world. When we consider great maritime Viking ship would complement it. This is what exploits we can think of Perk' Rlaton, which is the Swan River should be used for. *The still racing on the river and the ocean. We must Government must move quickly because this also remember Parr v Endeaot, which is fellow is currently preparing to move his vessel presently half-way through one of the most ex- to Queensland: in fact he is getting quite citing and remarkable ocean voyages ever excited about it now that he has heard about undertaken. Those two yachts. together with the number of tourists up there. Australia /1, would make great tourist attrac- tions in themselves. Coupled with them is the Mr D. L. Smith: Have you written to the good work being done by the museum in restor- Minister on his behalf? ing the Bataria and more Dutch wrecks which Mr COURT: I said at the beginning of my are being brought up from the ocean bed. With remarks that I was using this opportunity to these attractions, our already well-known mari- bring the matter to the attention of the Govern- time museum could be one of the greatest mari- ment. The urgency of the matter has just been time museums in the world. brought to my attention. Mr D. L. Smith: What would it cost to buy MRS BEGGS (Whitford-Minister for the three? Tourism) [8.05 pm]: I cannel comment on Mr COURT: We do not have to buy what approaches may have been made to the Australia /I because the Federal Government Ministers with responsibility for the Depart- has that. But it was bought with taxpayers' ment for Conservation and Land Management money, If the Government spoke to the right and for Marine and Harbours, but it is my people it might be able to gel Peii Batten and understanding that the owner of this tourist Parr' Endeavouir for a very fair price if it was attraction, the Viking longship, has approached known they would be kept in the State. Marine and Harbours to find some sort of home for the vessel. It is my understanding that Mr D. L. Smith: Do you speak on behalf of no appropriate jetties are available but that he the owners? was advised that the department would be Mr COURT: No, but if the Government more than willing to find him a site and have negotiated properly I am sure the owners would him construct his own jetty. want the yachts based in WA. After all, the I must emphasise. however, that at no time Government spent 3500 000 chartering the has this operator tried to contact me to say that John Cur-tin so that VIPs could view the he was having a problem in keeping a unique America's Cup races, and it spent $1.5 million tourist attraction here in WA. on the tent city at Wood man Point. Mr Court: He has been dealing continually I really appreciate the opportunity 1 have with CALM, been given in this Address-in-Reply debate to Mrs BEGGS: But if he had done his feasi- raise these two points. I do not want the State bility studies long before he constructed the to lose these two great tourist attractions. vessel, surely he would have contacted me as Australia /I is one of the world's greatest yacht- Minister for Tourism or the Tourism Com- ing draweards and it should be based in mission. Fremantle in a first-class maritime facility. The Viking longship is a great tourist project. but Mr Court: HeI personally invited you to unfortunately its owner has not been able to launch his ship. house the vessel permanently on the Swan Mrs BEGGS: He did not personally invite River and it looks as though we are about to me. I received the invitation via a third party. lose this ine tourist attraction, one on which He did not sent an official invitation and I people would love to be able to take a ride. received notification at very short notice. I was When people get to a tourist destination the'y very disappointed that I could not attend-it want a lot of activities to see and experience. was not that I did not want to. There are not many places in the world where But the member is making the very dramatic people can hop on a Viking longship and sail point that this person got on the phone and on a beautiful river. Because of this man's in- telephoned the Premier of Queensland. He ability to find a permanent home for his long- could have saved himself an STD call. There ship on the Swan River we seem likely to lose are very few phone calls that I do not accept in this tourist attraction. my ministerial office if people say that they 490 490 EMB~[ASS LY] warnt to speak to me personally. I am not constructed in Western Australia. I find this prejudging this person. and as Minister for amendment hypocritical, particularly when the Tourism I am more than happy for him to Leader of the Opposition forgot the merits of come to my office on Friday afternoon so that that particular project and used it. regardless of we can talk. I cannot understand why he would how beneficial it will be to the tourism infra- bother to ring the Queensland Premier before structure in this State. to have a crack at the he had spoken to me. I understand he has not Western Australian Development Corpor- communicated with our Premnier. ation- Mr Court: He has been dealing with a num- Mr Court: The whole thrust of what I was ber of Government departments. saying is that you look after these big projects while the little operators are being driven out. Mr Brian Burke: My phone number is in the book, and I cannot recall his ringing me. Mrs BEGGS: I am sure the member for Nedlands is aware that there are hundreds of Mr Court: The guy is going because of little opeators in this State who have received Government bureaucracy and Government de- absolutely positive and constructive assistance partments, from this Government to get their little proj- ects off the ground. The only difference be- Mrs BEGGS: Now the member is attacking tween those operators and the one the member public servants. for Nedlands has spoken about is that they had the sense to pick up the phone and talk to the Mr Court: He has been to many different Minister far Tourism. Government people and has been pressured off the river. Mr Court: I think when you hear this per- son's story directly, you will be ashamed of Mrs BEGGS: It might be that he cannot find what the different Government departments a suitable location. have done. The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Mr Court: He has been driven from Pelican Nedlands had his opportunity. Point and has taken temporary refuge at Mosman Park in the last couple of weeks. This Mrs BEGGS: Despite the problems this man person was proposing to build his own jetty to has had in respect of the tourism venture he house his vessel. The very jetty where it is now went into. I find it very surprising that prior to tied up is subject to dispute. constructing his vessel he did not ensure that hie would be able to locate it on the Swan River Mrs BEGGS: I emiphasise the point that the at a suitable jett%,. member for Nedlands made great play of the Mr Court:, What you are saying is the sont of fact that he could ring someone in Queensland: thing which drives people away-"Why didn't but he did not attempt to ring me. he do this? Why didn't he do that?" What a great achievement for a person to build single- Mr Lewis: Rather than defend a situation handedly this fantastic Viking longship. like this. why don't you say, "Let's look at it and fix it"? Mrs BEGGS: I think it is a fantastic achieve- ment, and as far as I am concerned if the mem- Mrs B3EGGS: I said I will meet him on ber for Nedlands wants to facilitate a meeting Friday afternoon in my office. between this gentleman and me, I am more than prepared to meet with him on Friday Mr Court: He has been screaming for six afternoon in my office. months. Mr Court: Don't sit down yet. What about Mr Cash: Make some positive comments. A' ust ratio W!? Mrs BEGGS: I cannot disagree about com- Mrs BEGGS: I have made positive A-ustralia 11 because the member is very ments and I will continue to make them. probably right. I also would be very pleased to I think it is very strange that the member for see :1115ira/ia 11 located in Western Australia, Mt Lawley has moved an amendment like this and .1 will discuss that matter with the Premier when only today the Government announced a to see whether he will ask the Federal Govern- $5.3 million tourist attraction, which is to be ment to consider it. [Wednesday, 8 April I19871 4919

Amendment put and a division taken with Mrs BUCKANAN: Thank you. Mr Speaker;, the following result- I appreciate your concern. Ayes 17 The Government is firmly committed to Mr Blaikie Mr Lewis finding ways and means of ensuring that the Mr Bradshaw Mr MacKinnon Mr Cash Mr Mensaros price increases on the basic necessities of life Mr Clarko M rSche I are not permitted to run riot. Since the Federal Mr Court Mr Stephens accord came into being there have been many Mr Cowan Mr Tubby calls for curbs to be placed on price increases. Mr Crane Mr Watt Mr House Mr Williams Obi'iously it is a much easier task for the aver- Mr Laurance rrelzrJ age Australian to be able to observe the Noes 23 restraint on his or her wage level than is the Mrs Beggs Mr Hodge task of being quite sure that similar checks are Mr Bcntram Mr Marlborough in fact kept on the cost of their household Mr Bryce Mr Pearce needs. The most important things to be Mr Brian Burke Mr Read Mr Burke(t MrD0. L.Smith remembered about the aims of the State Price Mr Carr Mr P.J. Smith Check scheme are, firstly, the effect that it will Mr Peter Dowding Mr Taylor have on promoting consumer awareness, and Mr Evans Mr Troy secondly, the effect it will have on the pro- Dr Gallop Mrs Watkins Mr Grill Dr Watson motion of genuine competition. I will deal with Mrs Henderson Mrs Buchanan the latter point first. Mr Gordon Hill (Tiller) it seems to be fashionable at the current time Pairs for many stores to indulge in pseudo compe- Ayes Noes tition. Mr Thompson Mr Wilson By that. I mean it is a popular practice Mr Rushton Mr Bridge for some of the stores to dangle bunches of Mr Lightfoot Mr Tom Jones half-priced carrots to attract customers through Mr H-assell Mr Parker their doors and from there on in the prices of Mr Spriggs Dr Lawrence high. That is not genu- Mr Grayden Mr Thomas ordinary lines are quite inc competition and such practices, where they Amendment thus negatived. are occurring, ought to be exposed. Debate (on mnolion) Resumed On the other point of consumer awareness, the scheme, although in its early stages, is be- MRS BUCHANAN (Pilbara) [8.08 pm): I ginning to get the message across to the general would like to take a few brief moments during public that they do have quite a powerful the Address-in-Reply to make some comments weapon. It is a weapon that we term the market on the State Government's Price Check force. Some people do not see themselves as scheme. pant of that force and they do not see it as a I welcome the establishment of the Govern- means by which, if they properly use it, they ment's Price Monitoring Unit as a sensible in- can play a key role in keeping prices down. itiative. and one which is really concrete pmoof that in a climate where wage restraipt has been It is appropriate for the Government to en- courage and assist consumers in this process by practised for some time now under the Federal way of the service it is providing through the Government's Prices and Incomes Accord, and in a climate where we are having to meet the new Price Monitoring Unit-more particularly, demands of a somewhat difficult economic by way of the information on prices which is time, the Government is Firmly committed to currently being published on a fortnightly finding ways and means- basis. The SPEAKER: Order! There is a member As we have come to expect from the Oppo- on her feet attempting to address me and other sition it has to date, as far as I am aware, made members who are interested in a matter of ex- only a number of negative and carping sorts of treme importance to her. Hansard is having criticisms about the scheme. In the main. I be- extreme difficulty trying to take dawn the de- lieve this has been done without the Ojppo- bate because between the member and Hansard sition really taking the trouble to acquaint itself a debate is going on between two other mem- with the facts about the scheme, how it bers, while on the other side of Hansard there is operates, and what it is intended it will do. another debate going on. I request members to Already it seems that some very positive re- show a bit of respect and concern for other sults have come fmom the monitoring unit. As a people in this place. matter of fact, members will have noted that in 492 492[ASSEMBLY] yesterday morning's The West Australian it was The Opposition owes it to its constituency to reported that the prices of groceries in Western support the Price Monitoring Unit as a very Australian supermarkets appear to have fallen helpful and positive way to tackle the issue of quite dramatically since the introduction of the prices. I was particularly surprised to hear the Price Check scheme: and to a lesser extent Leader of the National Party come out against there has been a fall in grocery prices in the scheme. I think that he, above any other country areas. member in this House, should be aware of the The director of the Price Monitoring Unit, concerns of country people about prices. I Canis Bailey. has indicated via a report in The thought he would have had a much greater W est Australian; that the lowest price for 50 commitment to ensuring a better deal for his common grocery lines has dropped from constituency. $93.90 in the first survey to $86.59 in the most Mr Cowan: I do not think the Price Cheek recent survey. While Miss Bailey is somewhat committee will affect country prices. I am sure reluctant to claim credit at this early stage of the store at Muntadgin will not alter its prices the scheme, there is no doubt in my mind that because of the "Carismatic" committee. the Price Check scheme has played a significant part in reducing grocery prices. The most im- Mrs BUCHANAN: I do not know whether portant point to note is that this has occurred the Leader of the National Party has carried within only a matter of one month from the out a check on the Price Check scheme. 1 have first survey results being published. Obviously. closely monitored prices and the results from to my way of thinking. Miss Bailey and her the Price Check scheme, and I am convinced it capable staff are deserving of praise far the is resulting in the reduction of prices. efficient and professional manner in which It is simply not good enough for those mem- they have collated and presented the survey bers who serve country areas to talk about and information to the general public. That is not know about the difficulties of country people in only my view, but also, I believe, the view of regard to the high cost of groceries without the general public. their having the facts and figures to solidly Although the theory advanced in today's The substantiate such statements and to demon- West Australian was that the Price Check strate the extent of the difference between scheme could prompt supermarkets to adver- country and city prices. Of course, this will be tise more and increase their prices. I cannot see an important role for the Price Monitoring how that sort of theory can be justified. There Unit which, incidentally, is now including is no indication to date that that is what has country areas in its surveys. The information happened and there is no indication that that is collated from the Price Cheek surveys will be what is about to happen. To the contrary, evi- used to make the necessary comparisons be- dence to date shows that stores have responded tween the city and the country. to the Price Check scheme by reducing prices M r Cowa n: You will1 ha ve to concede the common bas- that the on staple items contained in Price Check committee does not get to the root ket used by t he Price Check surveyors. cause of the high prices of items in the country Of course. this scheme is not only intended areas. There are freight costs and Government to provide information to the consumers and to charges to consider. collate statistics, but is also designed to deal with a wide range of matters which include Mrs BUCHANAN: That may be so. but it methods of advertising, the pricing of goods on does not mean that we should sit back and do the shelf. electronic checkout devices, and so nothing. Would the Leader of the National on. Party prefer it if we did nothing about it? The $250 000 cost of the Price Monitoring Mr Cowan: It is an exercise in futility. [I Unit has come under fire from the Opposition might work in the metropolitan area, but I and other critics. It should be pointed out that doubt it. it is of no value in the bush other than while $250000 sounds like a large amount perhaps to the large provincial areas. when quoted as a lump sum, it works out to Mrs BUCHANAN: It is not worthwhile approximately 1.5 cents per family per week, doing something for the large provincial areas? and that certainly is not a high cost by any I have two large provincial areas in my elector- means. The average Western Australian family ate. would. I feel, be quite happy to have the Price Check scheme continue as it is for the low cost Mr Cowan: What are you going to do with of 1.5 cents per week. the add-on costs? [Wednesday. 8 April 1987]49 493

Mrs BUCHANAN: The Leader of the Mrs BUCHANAN: Not as yet, to my knowl- National Party can tell the House what he edge. There is still a lot of debate going on. I would do about it later. I point out to him that discovered after receiving the minutes of a re- this scheme will produce invaluable data which cent Iron Ore Industry Consultative Council will be used by the Government in its deliber- Meeting that that matter is still under dis- ations on the needs of people in country and cussion. However, to my knowledge the tax has remote areas. and for that reason alone it gets not yet been passed on. my support. I am surprised that he does not Mr Court: So you have not had the rents support it. i ncrea sed to co mpensate for the pa ymentI of th e Mr Cowan:- No, I do not. tax? Mrs BUCHANAN: Perhaps I could try to con- Mrs BUCHANAN: Not as far as I am aware. vince the Leader of die National Party by ad- vising him that in my electorate in the north I refer also to a report in last Saturday's The west 1 have conducted some price monitoring West Australian of a study which was com- of my own. I have used that information in the missioned by one of the major supermarket past when 1 have made a number of sub- firms in this State. It was claimed that shoppers missions on behalf of the people in my elector- are now far better off'in terms of what they can ate about issues such as the need for continued purchase with their income than they were 20 reviews of the zone taxation allowance and the or 30 years ago. It should be pointed out that need for concessions on the fringe benefit tax. no-one would wish to return to an era in which They are two examples of where such infor- living standards were lower than they are mation is quite vital if a member is to put today. It should also be noted that the average forward a strong ease. wage talked about in that study was based on the average male rate, which is higher than that Mr Cowan: The sum of $250 000 for a Price' of many female and young workers. Many Check scheme will not give you information and people are still struggling to pay their food bills. facts on which to base a case to present to the The credibility of the study which was reported Federal Government. could be challenged by the fact that the neat Mr Brian Burke: That's only part of the use mathematical formula which was used did not to which she is putting it. she said. take into consideration the people who do not Mrs BUCHANAN: I would have thought *fit i nto that formulIa. that those sorts of issues, and issues that affect Another spin-off from the Prices Monitoring the rural community would have the Leader of Unit is that it gives a contact point where con- the National Party's support, and that he would sumers can go with their complaints. It is avail- welcome the provision of such data which will able for metropolitan consumers and also those be able to be used to press home the needs of in the non-metropolitan areas with the assist- his constituents. I strongly urge him to look ance of a toll-free number. The unit has more closely at this scheme and to figure out received many calls and letters seeking advice ways in which he can help it to benefit his area. or repor-ting on problems encountered while In my ease. I have already used the Price shopping. Cheek survey results to calculate the gap be- Perhaps one of the most graphic examples of tween the city and the north west. 1 am pleased the sort of ease what has been brought to the to note that since 1 expressed my concern in my unit was conveyed to me by Canis Bailey. A very first speech in this House in 1983. the gap gentleman went to his local store to purchase a has narrowed, at least for the major population favourite bottle of wine, only to find that the centres of Port Hedland and Karratha. The gap price had increased by $1.40. He contacted has decreased from 16 or 17 per cent to 12 or Price Check and an inquiry was made of the 13 per cent, which is quite a drop. That really supplier, who confirmed that the price was well interests me. and I will continue to monitor above that recommended. The gentleman took that trend with great- enthusiasm. Whenever 'his bottle of wine back to the storekeeper and the Opposition now asks me-as it quite often complained that he felt the increase was excess- does when I rise in this place-how prices in ive. The initial reaction that he got from the the Pilbara are going, I will be able to respond store was "'stiff bickies". When the cusiomer confidently that they are going very well. That advised the store manager that the matter was will give me the greatest of pleasure. being scrutinised by the unit, the price was sud- Mr Court: Have most employers in the denly dropped to the original one. In that case, Pilbara passed on the FBT somehow? it took only a mention of the fact that the mat- 494 494ASSEMBLY] ter had been referred to the Price Check people There is a need for a second high school to be to achieve the desired result. In most eases this built in Mandurah. I am sure that need will be would be sufficient to bring about the desired addressed in the very near future. The pre- result, although the Commissioner for Con- ferred site has been selected, and the school sumer Affairs has jurisdiction to intervene should be opened by 1989. when such cases are not satisfactorily resolved. Mr Bradshaw: Going back to the hospital for The justification for establishing the Prices a minute, do you know that all the Mandurah Monitoring Unit is quite clearly demonstrated patients will not fit into the Mandurah Hospi- in its success to date and in the demands being tal when it is built? placed on it for its services. It is interesting to Mr READ: Nobody is claiming that they note that of the 732 phone calls received by the will, Perhaps that is the best argument for the unit during the month, only 123 were calls to two hospitals working together to service the criticise the establishment of the unit. Just area. under I17 per cent of all callers said that they Dredging is under way in the Styx Channel. were not in favour of Price Check, so the large The channel will be 200 metres wide and just majority of callers were in favour of the price over three kilometres long. Recently a building check service by a proportion of 4:1. The display centre was opened in Halls Head. That scheme is the Government's response to a pub- represented a step forward for the builders of lic call for price restraint. I believe that it will Mandurah. They have set up a display centre so be a considerable asset to all the people of that people can view what is available to them Western Australia. I congratulate the Govern- in Mandurah. That is indeed a First for a ment on its initiative in establishing the Prices country area. Monitoring Unit. I also take personal responsibility for the I support the motion to agree to the Address- opening of a new veterinary clinic to serve the in-Reply. Mandurah area. I am very happy to admit that I was able MR READ (Mandurah) [8.36 pm): I begin to play a very large part in making my remarks on the motion to agree to the Ad- that new veterinary clinic service available to dress-in-Reply with a rundown on some of the animal lovers in Mandurah. things that are happening in Mandurah and I Mr Bradshaw: Do they have a good vet congratulate the Government on the decisions there? it has taken over the past four years with respect Mr READ: Yes there is a very good vet by to Mandurah. I know chat the Opposition is not the name of Sean Read, who will open the prac- too happy about what has been done in tice in the near future. Mandurah because it always considered it a Mr House: Does he have any elephant juice? safe Liberal seat and totally ignored Mandurah during its term of government. However, Mr READ: We do not rely on that. We rely Mandurah is now getting the recognition it de- on a dose of tender loving care and three, two. serves. one: three pants chaff, two parts oats, and one part bran. The police station and courthouse complex is When 1 first entered this Parliament I spoke under way. Anybody who has been past the in my maiden speech of my concern for the area would be aware of the work that is going image of politicians in the public eye. That on. if people travel on the Pinjarra Road they image is not improved as a result of the behav- will be able to view the beginnings of work on iour of the Opposition at the commencement the second bridge at Barraghup. There has been of this autumn session of Parliament. a change of direction with respect to the Mandurab Hospital. Much to the delight of One of the mistakes being made is that the residents of Mandurah. there will be a full-scale present Leader of the Opposition is prepared to hospital built in the town rather than just the sink to a common level. He should be concen- previously proposed long-term care wing. Re- trating more on setting the lead than copying cently. the Murray Districts Hospital Board the examples of less creditable members of the chairman was in touch with me regarding the Liberal Party. new hospital. Last night there was a meeting The lack of leadership is showing, and it is between the board and representatives from showing very clearly to everybody in this the Health Department to explain to the board House. The Opposition is very disjointed, and just what impact the Mandurah Hospital will its members are appealing to the electorate of have on the district. Western Australia in the wrong way. They con- [Wednesday. 8 April 1987)49 495 tinue to push issues ahead of policy. They want Fishermens Association said that he felt that to create divisions within the community the fishermen had been ignored for long rather than get the community working enough. If I may quote the article, it says- together. This is being achieved by deliberate C'olin Bell said he would be delighted to and completely inaccurate statenients, which help the fishermen, saying they were have been easily exposed. We have seen many -ightly irate" over their livelihood being examples of that in this place in the last two in jeopardy. days. "~The problem should have been Lel me move on to some of the things which resolved in the first instance, but the are occurring in my electorate. There is a need Government hoped it would go away. for Opposition representatives in that area to "The estuarine fishery is severely change their direction in the same way. diminishing and the Government must I would like first of all to talk about fishing in miet its commitments." he said. Mandurali. At present three fisheries compete I have looked at the matter of the estuary fish- for prawns in Mandurah. The one which is not ing having been granted an extra area, and can- causing any problems is the trawling Fishery. not understand how it can be claimed that it is which is operating some miles to the north of diminishing. Mandurah. The estuary fishery just inside the Dr Gallop: It is his definition. entrance channel has licence holders who can fish for bait Fish, crabs, and prawns. Just Mr READ: That is true. Thai is the sort of outside the estuary fishery is what we call the statement which does not help the situation at outside fishery. These licence holders hold all. If this person is really intent on being of other licences, but they also fish for prawns. assistane. first of all he should acquaint him- self with the history of the problem and with There is a conflict between the two. The estu- what is being done. Then perhaps he can make ary fishermen claini they have fished the area sonic suggestions for a solution. for a nuniber oF years and they want the Mr Bradshaw: Have you solved it yet? outside fishermen moved. However, one of the outside fishermen in particular claims that he Mr READ: I think it is a compromise sol- has fished there for a number of years, and the ution, quite obviously. The shadow Minister others have established their presence in the for Agriculture has simpty taken the side of a area. certain number of fishermen and he has de- cided that only these Fishermen can establish The previous Minister for Fisheries, who sits (hat (hey have been Fishing that area for some in front of me in this place, and the present time. 1 will make this article available to this Minister, have made great efforts to work out person if the member likes- compromises to solve the problem. As recently I have the history of the problem which goes as 12 November 1986. the present Minister back to the time when the Opposition was in met the estuarine fishermen, and as a result a Government. I will make this information decision was made to extend the boundary of available so that the shadow Minister can be the Mandurah area Fishery. An indefinite aware of the position before lie goes to the endorsement was also granted for outside boats newspaper again to make this sort of statement. to restrict their transferability. This was a compromise to make it easier for both groups I think the member For Murray-Wellington to exist together. will agree with me. I congratulate him for taking the step recently of calling a meeting of As a result of this, with three boats fishing farmcrs in his electorate. outside the channel entrance, there is room for Mr Bradshaw: A good meeting. three extra boats, and this is available to the estuarine fishermen. The only rcstriclion ap- Mr READ: I do not know anything about parently is that their boats must be under sur- that. We will talk about it in-a moment. The vey and their skippers must hold appropriate farmers should he organised so that the tickets. statement can be prepared on the State Government's environmental review to rem- I would like to draw the attention of the edy the problem in the Peel-Harvey Estuary. House to comments made in the Coastal Some of the comments made at that meeting Districts Times of 26 March this year by Hon. were completely inaccurate, and I would have C'olin Bell. MLC. The representative of the expected the niember for Murray-Wellington, 496 496[ASSEMBLY] or at least Hon. Colin Bell. to have corrected Another thing I ask the member for Murray- some of the incorrect statements which were Wellington is: Does he agree with the statement made. that some farmers feel that the Environmental Mr Bradshaw: We could not help what the Protection Act of 1986, which gave the paper said. Government power to enforce any policy on landowners, Mr READ: Did the member call the meet- was a Marxist Act which told farmers what to do? Does he agree with that? ng? Does he think it is a stupid statement? M r Bradshaw: I sure did. Mr Bradshaw: That was that person's Mr READ: Did he chair it? opinion. Mr Bradshaw: I sure did. Mr READ: Obviously the member for Mr READ: The member was the chairman of Murray-Wellington does not want to answer. the meeting. Surely to goodness he could have corrected those things, or called on the shadow Mr Bradshaw: You won't shut up long Minister for Agriculture to correct them. enough for me to answer. I would like to acquaint the House with some Mr READ: Yes or no, was it a stupid of this. It is something I do not agree with: it is statement? not substantiated. The member for Murray- Mr Bradshaw: We do not fully agree with Wellington is quoted as follows- that legislation, as you know. He said there was too much emphasis on Mr READ: So the member agrees it is a Mandurah and not enough on the farmers, Marxist Act? who put millions of dollars into the econ- omy. Mr Bradshaw: I did not say that. There is no substantiation of that. Mr READ: So he does not agree? Mr Bradshaw: Of course there is. All you Mr Bradshaw: I did not say that. hear about is Mandurah. Mr READ: The article also asked, "Who are Mr READ: I care about Mandurah and its we fighting for? The primary producer, the problems: that is correct. But I have a number fisherman or the tourist?" For goodness sake. of friends in the farming community in the can people not realise that they are all import- member's electorate, and a number of them ant to the economy of the Mandurah-Murray come to see me. I do not tell them I am not area? There is no doubt about it. People interested in their problems and that I am only involved in all walks of life would be aware of interested in Mandurah. That is a most unfair the importance of the farming industry in that statement, and it is the sort of thing which is area. divisive. Another remark came from a person who I M r Clarko: is it t rue? felt should have known better: The President of M r R EA D: Of cou rse it is not. the Murray Shire Council. He said that the Mr Bradshaw: Of course it is. problem with the estuary is caused by the broadacre farmers taking the blame for small M r R EA D: Anot her interest ing th ing was the farmers who were responsible for-and I as- statement by the Murray Shire councillor that sume this is a mnisprint-"100 the damage". I the economic viability of-the more expensive ask the Leader of the National Party whether slow-release fertilisers should be proved before he agrees with that statement. Is that a ridicu- farmers are asked to use them. I believe the lous statement? shadow Minister for Agriculture should have beetn able to say, "Hang on a minute, I am tied M r Cowan: Yes. up with farming. I am aware of what has Mr READ: It is. The Leader of the National happened. This has happened. Read the pam- Party agrees. Does the member for Murray- phlets issued by the Department of Agriculture Wellington agree? and the old Department of Conservation and Mr Bradshaw: I think it is right. Environment, and it is all explained for you." But that was not done, and the reason it was Mr READ: I just cannot find out what the not done was that the aim was to stir up feel ing. member for M urray-Wellington is saying. Does If we are going to do something positive it is he agree? absolutely ridiculous to stir up feeling that will Mr Bradshaw-. Of course I do not agree with Create stupid statements like that. it. [Wednesday. 8 AprilIl9871 4979

Mr READ: That is fair enough. It is all I Mr READ: It was not corrected in the next wanted-far the member to acknowledge that week's issue of the paper. Fancy letting a he does not agree with that statement. statement like that go through without it being A further statement, which was most corrected. And it was not corrected for one disappointing and shows a Certain amount of reason, because it suited the purpose of the bias, was that of one farmer, who said that 80 member for M urray-Well ington. per cent of the complaints about the estuary I do not want to appear as though I am pick- came from invalid pensioners and others on ing on the Opposition representatives in my the dole-so if one is on an invalid pension one area, because we generally get on fairly well:, is on the dole-who sat and sniffed the wind. but another matter I want to talk about con- That is a stupid statement. is it not? Does the cerns another Press release. The Opposition member for Murray-Wellington agree? members have no credibility, and this article. Mr Bradshaw: Yes. which appeared on 25 March 1987, shows that. Mr READ: What I am disappointed about is I will quote from it- that the member for Murray-Wellington had MLC Colin Bell said last week that he the opportunity to make the tone of that meet- was disturbed to read that Mandurah had ing a good one. such a high unemployment figure. Mr Bradshaw: You do not know what I said;, Jobless figures from a couple of weeks before you were not there. How do you know what I shot, from the manager of the Commonwealth said? That is just what the newspaper said. Employment Service, indicated that Mandurah Mr READ: The member for Murray- has an unemployment rate of about six per Wellington had a week to get back to the news- cent, well below the State average of 8.5 per paper and say he disagreed with the article and cent. The article continues- did not want 10 be associated with it. Mr Bell said since Labor came to offie Mr Bradshaw: I could not be bothered. the town's figure had shot up by 41 per Mr READ: The member had the oppor- cent. tunity. did he not? One point becomes immediately clear. The Mr Bradshaw: Of course. Mandurab CES figures cover what is termed Mr READ: We are not here to set blame on the Mandurah area, which takes in the Shircs people. The farmers did what the farmers had a of Waroona and Murray, and pant of the Shire right to do, and to the best of their knowledge it of Rockingham, as well as Mandurah. So the was the correct thing to do. As far as I am town's unemployment figure is actually wrong. concerned, nobody is allocating blame on the Does the member for Murray-Wellington agree farmers-and I would be the last person to do with that? that-but when there is that sort of meeting Mr Bradshaw: Yes. and people are trying to allocate blame- Mr READ: Good. When I read that the fig- Mr Bradshaw: The idea was that the farmers ure had shot up by 41 per cent I thought, "My put in a balanced view. God, somebody is wrong. Is it the manager of Mr READ: It does not give the meeting any the CBS. or is it the shadow Minister for credibility. The idea of the farmers' meeting Agriculture who is wrong?" So I checked. I was excellent. The member for Murray- contacted the local CES office and asked for Wellington and shadow Minister for the unemployment Figures for December 1982, Agriculture lost the opportunity to make it a 1983. 1984. 1985, and 1986; and I did some truly constructive meeting; and from the quick mathematics. Would members believe people I have spoken to, the reaction in that this is how the 41 per cent figure was Mandurah was adverse. arrived at? If anyone in Opposition wants to Mr Bradshaw: One of your mates:.made a know why the Opposit ion does not have a cred- classic comment then. ible profile in the community it is because of the way this figure was calculated. What the Mr READ: So what? If anybody from this member did was take the December 1983 num- side had made that statement, I would disagree bers of unemployed, and then the December with it. Why does the shadow Minister for 1986 numbers of unemployed, work out the Agriculture not correct it? difference between the two, put that over the Mr Bradshaw: You do not know what was original figure, and come up with a figure of 41 said at the meeting because you were not there. per cent. 498 498[ASSEMBLY]

He spoke about unemployment increasing. cision-making and says that regional offices but did not consider that no account was taken disappear under the new system. and superin- of the increase in population, the size of the tendents have lost any real decision-making work force, the employment growth. or die par- power. What does the school district superin- ticipation rate. He obviously did not know iendent do? The Ministry document says he is what he was talking about. 1 asked the CES charged with the responsibility of- officer whether he had contacted the member ensuring that the Ministry's educational to make him aware of what the figures meant. standards and policy goats arc being met in Apparently an offer was made to explain the the District's schools:, figures but it was refused, or I should say ignored. I am not too suire whether it was ensuring that resource management in refused, but it was definitely not taken up. schools is consistent with approved poli- cies and practices for facilities, personnel Thank goodness the ('easlal DIsrir limes. and Finance:, which printed the article about the jobless. assisting with professional development checked out this story and saw the absolute services, including advisory and fallacy and stupidity of how this story was consultancy services and in-service edu- arrived at. and simply did not run the article. cation (or staff: Those things tend to destroy one's credibility. The Opposition will have to do something That debunks that claim. about it. We are quite happy with the way the The Opposition document further states that Opposition is going as we have no worries the decision to give principals power to grant while they perform this way. permanency to teaching staff is opposed by the I refer to the views of the State Opposition Opposition. Members opposite feel the district regarding a programme for improvement in re- superintendent can do that, If anyone on the lation to education. Perhaps some Opposition Opposition side has had anything to do with members will claim ownership of the specific education he will be aware of who sees the document. It is so Cull of holes it would not teacher the most and who is able to judge float very long in water. whether that teacher is equipped to become a permanent teacher. Is it the principal or the Dr Gallop: It would even sink in the district superintendent? The district superin- Mandurab Estuary- tendent simply advises. The document further Mr Bradshaw: I can remember four years ago states that there is doubt about the ability of when the Premier said he would fix the estuary the dist rict su peri ntendent( to enforce his v iews. within three years. That is interesting. Mr READ: I can remember when the then Further on the document talks about the Minister came to Mandurah and laughed at the head oft-ie. I hope the Minister for Education people's concerns. Thank goodness he did be- is aware of this marvellous statement: The cause it led to the formation of a group called document says the head office, over recent Concerned Citizens of Mandurah. They gave years, has become more efficient in the purely their preferences in the 1983 election against administrative aspects of its operations. the then Government. I refer to the present This document is riddled with stupidity. It Deputy Leader of the Opposition. He laughed states that the school-based decision-making at the people of Mandurah when they group appoints the principal, and can sack the expressed their concern. He did not stick principal and siafT. That is ridiculous. Whoever around long enough to hear those concerns . He prepared this document did so with a complete simply jumped in his car and was olf. absence of knowledge. It was prepared without Immediately after that, the group known as the asking the Minister for Education any ques- Concerned Citizens of Mandurah was formed tions or for any information. The Minister has and stood a candidate against the Opposition's been accused of all sorts of rubbish, but he candidate and gave its preferences to mce. The could at least have been asked about what was man who stood against me was an ex-member going on and I am Sure he would have been of the Liberal Party. I have got the Deputy happy to tell the Opposition. Leader of the Opposition to thank for winning MR HOUSE (Katanning-Roe) [9.08 pm]: I me the seat of Mandurah. wish to refer to a few matters that concern my I refer to a couple of points in the Opposition electorate. One of the largest national parks in document which amuse me. Page 3 refers to Western Australia comes within my electorate regional offices. It talks about educational de- of Katanning-Roc. It is the Fitzgerald River [Wednesday, 8 April 1987]19 499

National Park. I was amazed to read in the Many concerns have come out of that closure Dai 'r News yesterday a small announcement that need to be addressed. The Department of that the State Government had increased the Conservation and Land Management has park by 51 000 hectares. provided access for tourists to various parts of the park to view the wildflowers. However, it Prior to Christmas I spoke to the Minister has not taken into account the fishermen who for Lands expressing my strong point of view use the park. The park contains some of the that the Crown land which adjoined the best coastal fishing in Western Australia. There Fitzgerald River National Park should be left are only two or three tracks, one to Point Ann. as Crown land so that in the future it could be and another to Quoin Head, but they stop be- opened up for farming. When I wrote. I fore they reach the coast. I believe that the stressed that I was not advocating that should department should extend the tracks another happen immediately. There was no necessity to two kilometres, certainly in the case of the make that land into an "A"-class reserve at this Point Ann road, to allow people onto the beach stage. The Minister told me the matter was where they would have access to a far greater under consideration but it would not be done fish ing area. until there had been full consultation with the Department of Conservation and Land Man- 1 am concerned that amateur fishermen are of the agement. the Department of Agriculture, the breaking the law by going through areas Mines Department, the Tourism Commission, park that they should not go through. I am anxious that that does not happen. The only the Department of Regional Development and way it will not happen in a park of that size is the North West. and the State Planning Com- with a spirit of cooperation. It will not happen mission. by using the weight of the law because there are It concerns me that the Minister did have too many tracks to be policed. They will also correspondence from the Jerramungup and not be stopped by the use of a big stick. Per- Ravensthorpe Shire Councils expressing very haps we need more cooperation and a little bit strongly a desire to meet and speak with him of flexibility by the department. before such a decision was made. I know they In particular, the department should consult also contacted the Minister for Conservation more with the user groups of the park. I am not and Land Management as well as the Minister just talking about those who want to have cer- for Lands. Yet that contact was not made by tain pants of the park set aside as wilderness either of (hose Mi nisters. I do not deny that the areas. That is not what the park should be used Fitzgerald River National Park is a magnificent for. Certainly some areas lend themselves to park. It covers some I 1000 square kilometres, being set aside as wilderness areas, but I do not and in my mind it is big enough. I do not see any believe we can lock up large areas of our State great necessity to add to it at this stage. and not allow people to have access to them. People should be allowed access on a reason- I object to the fact that consultation was not able and managed basis to view the had with the local shire councils and the local wildflowers, to camp, to go fishing, and to do all farming group in that area. 1 do not deny that the things that the park is set aside for. the Department of Conservation and Land Management should have had some input into My area of the great southern region of West- ern Australia has experienced the driest sum- that decision. These decisions have to be mer on record. It followed perhaps one of the balanced. Perhaps we should not be able to lowest winter rainfall run-off years that we make 'A"-class reserves until we go through have experienced. It is fair to say that more the same process as we do when we reclassify. We have to come before this Parliament and a water has been carted, both for stock and dom- estie services, than has ever been carted before. majority vote is taken in order that that People in areas west of Broomehill and reclassification should take place. Cranbrook have never carted water before, but Many people will be aware that access to the are doing so this year. Fitzgerald River National Park has been closed I compliment the Minister for Water Re- over the last six months because a patch of sources, Hon. Ernie Bridge. He has attacked dieback was found in the park, albeit a small this problem with a great deal of diligence, patch. Rather than risk the spread of the time, and effort. He has not allowed his depart- dieback. it was decided to close the park until ment to overrule him. He has made his own action could be taken to make the park safe. I decisions, and, in many eases, has solved the strongly support that decision. problem by taking action quickly. I appreciate 500 500[ASSEMBLY] that and I am sure the people in that area ap- last time anything was done to extend that preciate it. We appreciate particularly the fact comprehensive scheme. I suggest to the that not only the Minister for Water Resources, Government that the time has come to budget but also the Minister for Agriculture, attended for that scheme to be expanded at a certain rate a meeting in Pingrup to thrash out some of the a year. I know it costs enormous amounts of problems the people living there have with re- money. I also know that the extension of that gard to water supplies. The great majority of scheme from Katanning to Nyabing. a distance those problems have been solved. We appreci- of 30 miles, would cost about $3 million. How- ate the work that Ernie Bridge has done in that ever, the scheme has to be progressively area, but a great number of problems still need expanded to cover some of the towns that are to be addressed. currently experiencing water restrictions. I believe that, very often, this Government On the question of water resources, it really gels its priorities wrong. It has got its priorities gets under my skin that the Government cans wrong with the water resources of this State. water to an area which is 40 kilometres as the Last year $39.1 million was allocated for water crow flies from farmers currently carting water. resources in Western Australia. This year $34.8 We are grateful for that scheme. However, in million has been allocated for water resources, the lakes district around Lake Grace and an I I per cent decrease for the provision of Pingrup. 40 kilometres as the crow flies means what is a very vital commodity in agricultural a far greater distance for people who have to areas. That decrease comes at a time when we travel around the lakes. Sometimes they have hear new terminologies about real terms and to travel twice that distance. That distance increasing rates, and when all sorts of increases needs to be reduced to perhaps 25 kilometres in are being provided to other areas of the State road distance so that farmers would have to Budget. However, the Budget allocation for this travel only 50 kilometres on a round trip to cant resource, without which we cannot live in the water. Farmers in the Newdegate area who country-I am sure people in the city also can- have run out of drinking water-their closest not live without it-has been reduced. supply is Lake Grace-have to do something It is a fact that, no Matter what provision we like a 200-kilometre round trip. In other cases, make, country areas will have years of below people are carting water for 120 kilometres. average rainfall and below average run-off, and I repeat that we are very grateful for the work no matter what we do about it we will still have and effort that the Minister for Water Re- problems. We therefore have to make every sources has put into his portfolio and for the effort to use the good years to store as much help that he has given us. waler as we can. I turn for a minute to the problem of country The town of Newdegate in my electorate has school buses. In April of last year the Minister had complete restrictions on the use of water for Education set up a committee to look into for gardens for seven out of the last nine years. the country school bus system. I was particu- If the Government had applied those restric- larly disappointed that at that time he saw fit tions to any area in the city, the hue and cry of not to include any representatives of country people in that area would be so great that the people on that committee. Be that as it may, he Government would have to spend more money made the decision and told those of us who to upgrade the resources to ensure that it did inquired that the committee would hand down not happen again. a report by August of 1986 so that it could be Mr Bradshaw: Can they use hand sprinklers considered and put into practice by the begin- on gardens? ning of the 1987 school year. The Minister re- plied to a question about the committee. which HOUSE: Yes. Mr I asked him last week, by saying that the report Mr Bradshaw: That has happened in the city should be finished by July. He hopes that it will on occasions. have been considered by the end of 1987 and Mr HOUSE: But not for seven years out of that some of the recommendations may be in the last nine. That has been going on for too place by the start of the 1988 school year. I do long for the Government not to spend money not think that that is good enough. Surely it to sol ve the problem. should not take so long to compile the report: The comprehensive water supply scheme was nor should it take so long for the Minister to initiated after World War 11, using, basically, consider it. the Wellington Dam as its source. It was ex- Mr Pearce: I haven't got it yet, so I can tended progressively until 1966, which was the hardly consider it. [Wednesday, 8 April 19871 5010

Mr HOUSE: Perhaps the Minister should get who grow wool. It was also very pleasing to see the committee to speed up a bit. Iti has had 12 that this year's wheat price returned something months. like $11 a tonne more than we expected. In Mir Pearce: Changes of that kind must be those two areas in particular it must be made in school years. Bus routes cannot be acknowledged that commodity prices are starting to turn the corner. We are very grateful changed half-way through a school year. Having missed the start of the 1987 school for that, and I hope that the Federal Govern- year. it was sensible for us to work on the 1988 ment, in conjunction with the Australian Wool school year. Any budgetary implications can be Corporation, will see fit to underpin the price of wool-in other words, that the Wool Cor- worked into the forthcoming Budget. poration will lift the floor price of wool and Mr HOUSE: I accept that as being reason- allow that continued benefit to flow on to able, but I do not think there is any reason why farmers. It is wonderful to think that after per- the report could not have been finished by the haps I0 years of depressed prices the wool mar- end of 1986. ket is starting to move up. One of the most important points that needs It is clearly evident from the mood in rural to be considered by that committee is the fact areas that people are starting to think that per- that unless there are empty seats on Country haps we have hit the bottom of the trough and school buses. those buses will not take or pick we are coming very slowly up the other side of up pre-school age children. That means that in it. However, that does not overcome the prob- some areas the parents of those pre-school age 1cm of costs in country areas. In partieular, it children are having to take them by car and are' does not overcame the problem of interest rates unable to use the facility of a country school which still represent the greatest problem for bus to take their children to the nearest pre- country areas to grapple with. That applies not school. In some cases that means a round trip only to farms, but also to rural businesses. High of 50 kilometres. I am sure that these days interest rates are a direct result of Federal every parent would recognise the fact that pre- Government policy; and people in rural areas school has become an essential prerequisite for hope that the Federal Government will address year one at school. The school bus committee the problem as quickly as possible. If interest should recommend to the Minister that country rates could be reduced to about half their school buses be allowed to pick up pre-school present level we would see quite a different children. Pre-school children in country areas picture in the rural areas. should be treated in the same manner as the We need to look very closely at what we are children in years one to 12. doing with our farm produce. A succession of 1 believe that quite a case can be made out State Governments have left it to Federal for the extension of the country hostel system. Governments to look at what I would call the More and more teenage children are staying at value-added area of agricultural produce. For school longer. They have to stay at school example, we ship nearly all our wool out of longer in order to get a job. Many of their Australia in its raw product form. parents, because of the depressed conditions in Mr Peter Dowding: That is a disgrace. isn't some rural areas, cannot afford to send their i t? children to the metropolitan area to be educated. I urge the Government and the Mr HOUSE: It is an absolute disgrace. There Country High Schools Hostels Authority to i s no reason wh y we ca n not set u p factories an d look very hard at the hostel position. Where scouring works in Australia. thereby employing possible and where there are high schools, con- people and having a value-added product going sideration should be given to putting in a hostel out of Australia. system that would allow more children to stay M r Peter Dowding: Why don't we do it? at hostels and therefore stay at school longer. Mr HOUSE: I would think we have not done It is fair to say that the farm commodity it because of the cost of labour or the lack of price situation has started to turn the corner- activity of State Governments. Most of us who represent rural electorates wel- come the increased wool prices over the last Mr Peter Dowding: The cost of labour in five or six weeks. The price paid for wool is Japan or West Germany is much higher than in now somewhere around 25 per cent higher than Australia. it was this time last year. That will provide a M r HOUSE: Perhaps it isjust because of the welcome addition to the incomes of farmers inactivity of a succession of Governments. 502 502[ASSEM BLYJ

Mr Peter Dowding: And the failure of the Mr Brian Burke: What have YOU ever done? agricultural community to invest some of its What does your crew do? It went into a shotgun profits in processing. In the days of the sheep's marriage and they are still suffering-Black- back, your mob refrained from reinvesting jack McEwan, Doug Anthony-what did they their dollars:, and that's a tragedy. do? They sold you down the river. Mr HOUSE: Obviously my knowledge is not Mr HOUSE: They Were not our mob. as deep as that of the Minister, but I question that statement. Mr Brian Burke: You had a straw in your mouth. You had a big Akubra hat on and you Mr Brian Burke: You're in trouble then, be- sat in the sun for hours. cause he doesn't know anything about farming, I give you the tip. Mr HOUSE: The Premier ought to go down Mr HOUSE: I suspected that he might not, to the agricultural, areas. I will help to take him but I was just testing him a bit. In those times there. we spent all our money on developments, fenc- I would like to touch on transport in the ing, dams, and pastures. country areas. I took some notice of the speech Mr Peter Dowding: No, you didn't. You took by the member for Pilbara when she was it out in profits and you didn't reinvest. talking about the Price Watch scheme. The Leader of the National Party made Mr HOUSE: That is not so. some gen- eral comments with which I agree. Total West- Mr Brian Burke: The reason why wool has ern Transport Pty Ltd has just increased the now gone up is because the Wool Corporation freight rate into one of the country towns in my has done a good job. Wool growers put money electorate from $35 to $67 a ton ne. When I into the marketing arm, the corporation. questioned it. I was told that one of the main Mr HOUSE: That is not so. Wool is starting reasons for the price being put up was to come out of the trough now because the increased Government charges. This was an Australian dollar is so low against thie Japanese interesting reply from the Total Western yen. In real terms, the Japanese are paying no Transport manager. more for every bale of wool now t han they were if Government charges make up a great pro- two years ago. and that is a fact. portion of the cost, we should do something Mr Peter Dowding: Where were the farmers about it. We need to look at those areas and at when CSIRO developed a method for wool to the small communities, because this concerns compete with nylon and other fabrics? me greatly. The larger regional centres are ad- Mr HOUSE: That is a good question. equately served, but some of the smaller ones Mr Peter Dowding: They were prepared to are not. I accept the fact that small amounts of put their money in the bank. freight go into those areas, but we must still recognise the fact that there are people in those Mr HOUSE: No. I cannot accept that. areas who need to be served by an adequate Mr Brian Burke: They were holidaying in the system. States. Mr Peter Dowding: What is the cost of the Mr HOUSE: I do not doubt the point about system? technology being sold out of Australia. We have sold a lot of technology which we should Mr HOUSE: What is the cost of the MT T? have retained, but I honestly do not believe the Mr Peter Dowding: Do you know it? Premier should blame the farmers. Mr HOUSE: The manager tells me that there Several members interjected. is no subsidy. He tells me Total West runs at a Mr HOUSE: How many trips has the profit, but one of the reasons for the price being Premier made to the agricultural areas of West- so high is that Government charges are so high. ern Australia? Several members interjected. Mr Brian Burke: I was up there today Mr HOUSE: Where? Mr HOUSE: Members ought to check with people in their districts. Total West tells me it Mr Brian Burke: I went right through them. I is not subsidised, and that the cost is so high due flew over Ballidu. I used to know Reg Latham to Government charges. at Ballidu. He had a red ear. M r Brian Burke: Rubbish! Mr HOUSE: That is as close as the Premier ever got. Several members interjected. [Wednesday, 8 April 19871 5030

Mr HOUSE: I want to touch briefly on one I will] quote from The Ausiralian of I8 March other area which concerns me, and I am sure it 1987. in which it says that Mr Beazlcy is with- concerns the Minister for Labour. Productivity out doubt the best Minister for Defence we and Employment, because I have spoken to have had for many a year. The reason I want to him about it. I refer to the Workers' Compen- spend some time talking about this decision by sation and Assistance Amendment Bill, which the Federal Government is that I am very con- was passed by this Parliament in the last cerned that we may see this initiative session of 1986. Directors of companies are undermined by the Opposition. That is. there is now required to insure for workers' compen- a possibility of new-found growth for Western sation. Australia. guaranteed over the next 15 to 20 Mr Peter Dowding: They always were years, being placed in jeopardy because of the required to. views of the Opposition. Mr HOUSE: It now makes it clear- Obvi- Mr Lewis: What rot! ously they were not doing it. The new Act has Mr MARLBOROUGH: We will see whether regulations requiring them to do so. That is an it is rot. What I am saying is that placing half of area where I have expressed my concern to the the naval fleet in Western Australia not only Minister. Some family farming companies will changes the face of Australia's defence but also be disadvantaged by that section of the Act. will create in this State the opportunity for The Minister agreed that perhaps there would thousands of jobs, new skills, new sciences, and be some cases of people being disadvantaged. new technologies. it will be a unique oppor- This is an area which needs looking at. It is tunity that will come along perhaps only once interesting to note that the total claims in the in a lifetime. It is a guaranteed unique oppor- last financial year run at something like tunity; yet we see the Opposition parties setting $353.50 per employed person in Western out from the beginning to undermine the strat- Australia. egy that would guarantee billions of dollars be- ing spent in this MR MARLBOROUGH (Cockburn) [9.37 State. The opportunity that this State has pmJ: I take this opportunity to address myself before it to he pant of the con- to the recent decision of the Federal Govern- struction of the surface vessels worth $3.4 billion has been placed in jeopardy by the Op- ment to move the naval fleet to Western position. Australia. In doing so. I want to touch on a numberof things which have been addressed in Mr Lewis: How? the defence white paper. Mr MARLBOROUGH: Not only the oppor- First and foremost, we need to recognise that tunity to construct those vessels, but also the the defence white paper gives Western ongoing maintenance of them. The home- Australia in particular a unique opportunity for portingof those vessels in this State has already new-found growth. It guarantees over the been put injeopardy by the Opposition parties. period of the next 15 to 20 years significant Mr Cash: Explain to us how that is. growth in the defence industry which has pre- viously not been available to this State under Mr Brian Burke: Give him a chance. any other Federal Government. Mr Cash: You said that if we listened we The white paper clearly leads the way as the would learn. We have not learnt anything yet. most significant defence docunient this country Mr Brian Burke: He has been speaking for has seen since federation. It is generally ac- only five minutes. cepted as such by all the experts who follow the patterns of defence as Governments conic and The ACTING SPEAKER (Mrs Henderson): go in Canberra. It also demonstrates quite Order! clearly that in Kim Beazley, the Federal mem- Mr MARLBOROUGH: I am not as quick on ber for Swan. we have possibly the finest de- my feet as the member for Mt Lawley. We see fence Minister this nation has had the pleasure those opportunities being placed in jeopardy. to have in Canberra. That is also recognised by When we should be working together for the all the experts. benefit of this State we see already highlighted the role that the Opposition parties intend to Mr Brian Burke: There is a good article in play if given the opportunity of being in The Bulletin. Government. I only hope that those Mr MARLBOROUGH: Is there? I have not opportunities are not presented to thenm in the seen that one. near future. 504 504[ASSEMBLY]

In February this year the Federal Minister particularly to Western Australia-and we note for Defence reported in Ilansard his intentions that there has been no condemnation by the to move part of the naval fleet to Western State members of the Liberal Party in respect Australia. I will quote from that speech, which of the line taken by their Federal colleagues. appears on page 700 of the Ilansard dated 25 There has been no such attempt, either in the February 1987. It reads as follows- newspapers or in Hansard, since the day it was The report states that the development first debated in February. of Stirling for up to half the fleet would be But it gets worse. When we look at the a sensible planning objective to be position taken by the Opposition parties on achieved progressively. It is now the this move, which every other authority in the Government's intention to move half the country recognises as the most significant event fleet to Stirling. I have already announced to happen in relation to defence in this that Stirlitkg will be a major base for the nation- new submarines. The first submarine to transfer will be d-M45 Oy/r.1 which will Mr Lewis: You tell me one Western be home-ported there from September this Australian who has criticised it. year-in addition to the two destroyers already home-ported there. The report Mr MARLBOROUGH: Let us go on and see makes it clear that two Oberon submarines what has been said by the shadow Minister for and four destroyers could be based at Defence, the member for New England, when Stirling by 1990. he has the opportunity to address the Federal Minister for Defence. We subsequently found The Minister goes on. but the first interject ion out that he was working to a hidden agenda, from the member for Moreton in Queensland but this is what he said. I quote from page 703 was, and I quote. "Buying votes". That was the of Hansard. 25 February 1987- first interjection. It is an absolutely incorrect reading of the most significant decision on de- There is another aspect about this report fence made in this country. apart from the need to remain in Port Mr Lewis: You said this Opposition. Jackson and that is the extent to which a balance can now be determined in the dis- Mr Read: And you support him. tribution of the fleet between the west arnd Mr MARLBOROUGH: They are your Fed- east of Australia. I do not believe that we eral counterparts. can effectively draw a line down the Mr Lewis: You said this Opposition. middle of the fleet and say that half the ships will be here and half there. The most Mr MARLBOROUGH: Mr Donald Cam- efficient use of scarce resources is to try to eron, the member for Moreton in Quzensland, concent rate particular facilities on one side a member of the Liberal Party. accused the or the other. That does not mean that we Minister for Defence, who was making the have to home base ships permanently on most significant and substantial decision any one side or the other but major repair and Federal Government can make as it reflects on maintenance facilities need to be Western Australia's status, of simply buying concentrated. votes and pork-barrelling. But it gets even bet- ter. Mr Bcazley's reply was- That is what the shadow Minister for Defence, I would have thought that the honour- t he membe r fo r N ew Engl and, sa id in respect of able member would have approved the the white paper that addresses itself to the rational dispersal of naval units around the moving of half of the naval fleet to Western coast. Australia. Mr Lewis: Give me one example of criticism What does it say in reality? It says that the from this Opposition in this State. Come on! old argument should stand:, that we continue to You accused me. keep the naval fleet on the east coast and con- Mr MARLBOROUGH: Mr Cameron. the tinue to support the established maintenance member for Moreton in Queensland, not to be infrastructure-outdated as it may be-in put off by the Minister for Defence, states, place on the eastern seaboard. "You people are spending your money in Mr Cowan: I don't agree with him. Labor States." That was his next interjection. This is the Federal Liberal Party's total under- Mr Brian Burke: A major split in the standing of this significant move-significant National Party! [Wednesday, 8 April 1987]10 505

Mr MARLBOROUGH: In the last few weeks to have half the naval fleet stationed a few the State Leader of the National Party has miles off the Queensland coast in a position demonstrated that he does not agree with his from which it could move in order for him to Federal colleagues on a number of issues. In the have some control over what was happening in light of subsequent comments made since 25 that State. February. one can assume that the Federal shadow Minister for Defence was working to a I will now highlight what I believe to be the hidden agenda. benefit to WA of the move outlined in the de- fence white paper. I will highlight also the role This is a very serious issue, and if we put the we need to be playing-both the Government argument into simple money terms-an argu- and the Opposition-to maximise the benefits ment the Opposition likes to address itself to to this State. This issue is too big for us to lose because it thinks of itself as a good econormi.c because of our different political ideologies. manager-we can look at the consequences of doing what the Federal shadow Minister for The seats of Cockburn and Rockingham are Defence suggess-not home porting naval directly affected by this move, which represents vessels in this State. By not doing this he says it a new birth for the Kwinana strip. We would all would not be necessary for any maintenance on agree that in the last 15 years industries in the those ships to be carried out in this State. What area have declined. The industries built to meet would that mean in dollar terms to the Western the demand of the world market of the 1960s Australian economy9 and 1970s have declined as the world market We are told that home porting half the fleet has declined. With this single move we will in Cockburn Sound at the JIMIS Stirling base have the opportunity to restructure the indus- would mean the expenditure of approximately trial base of the Kwinana strip. In doing that $50 million per annum on maintenance costs we will bring to the area new skills and alone, a significant amount of which would be technologies. The possibility of building sur- spent in this State on work carried out by face vessels here, which will involve a $3.4 workers in this State. This would create a brand billion contract, is something none of us can new form of industry and technology the likes sneeze at. We need to ensure we take every step of which we have not seen before in WA. The to maximise our ability to participate. Federal National Party Leader, who is the The infrastructure that will be needed to fa- shadow Minister for Defence, says that all that cilitate the move to the west coast will be con- should be taken away from WA. and he goes on siderable to cope with the needs of 3 000 naval to spell it out quite clearly. I quote further as personnel and their families. We need to look follows- at the requirement for schools and shopping .. having vessels, if need be. home ported facilities. We have the time now to sit down on the other side, but leaving the repair and plan our moves in order that we maximise and maintenance where it can be best used all those things for the benefit of the State. in economic and industrial terms: so that we can have a better resource base from The greatest benefit will be in the area of job which to ensure that with fewer personnel opportunities, not just new jobs but the num- there is the necessary maintenance of sur- ber of jobs that will be created by such a move. face and underwater competence. I can indicate from the papers I have before me that the experts clearly believe at least 1 000 On this important issue for WA he is clear on permanent jobs will be created, and these will where he is going and where the Federal co- be directly attributable to the Navy's move alition would be heading were it to gain power here. That forecast of jobs does not include the in Canberra in the future. He would move to multiplier effect related to the total develop- undermine the proposal to bring all those re- ment of this defence strategy, such as the build- sources to WA. ing of ships, all the infrastructure necessary to The Leader of the National Party in this maintain ships, the building of port facilities, State has not said one word about the stand of and so on. I ask my colleagues in Government his Federal counterpart. to look at this need to plan for the infrastruc- Mr Cowan: We have made our position ture that will be required. clear. I have a particular concern related to the Mr MARLBOROUGH: I do not know Rockingham Technical College and the role it where. Perhaps the Leader of the Federal will play in the total scenario we have before us National Party's hidden agenda at the time was with the Navy's move to Cockburn. The skills 506 506[ASSEMBLY] that will bc required can be taught at the ment, thie whole move will be reviewed. I think Rockinghani Technical College. The Govern- this matter needs to be cleared up. If it requires ment needs to look closely at that college. the State Leader of the National Party to talk There is no doubt that, with such a move. with his Federal leader, he should do it quickly many young people wilt gain significantly because I have seen no written evidence since through apprenticeships. Job opportunities in 25 February as reported in Federal Ilansard of the Kwinana strip have declined dramatically the shadow Minister's changing his mind. One therefore assumes for young people in traditional industries. that the Federal Opposition Their ability to obtain trades and skills has still opposes the home-porting of half of the been diminished. We therefore need to begin to Navy in Western Australia. plan for those opportunities when they arise. MR SCFIELL (Mt Marshall) [ 10.05 pm): My We need to put together the infrastructure that first concern as a memiber of this House is the will be required so that the State gains the welfare of the people I represent. Unlike the maximum benefit out of such a move. people in city electorates and electorates based Six hundred new homes will be built in the in large towns, the welfare of the people in the Rockingham and Cockburn areas. That will be electorate of Mt Marshall relates directly to the a tremendous boost to an industry which has industries of grain, wool, meat, and mining. been going through somewhat of a decline. The My constituents, whether they be shopkeepers. building industry has been handed a guarantee shire employees, miners, truck drivers, or that 600 new homes will be built for the school teachers, are dependent on the success Australian Navy over a li-year period. of those industries- I wish to pay tribute to the work already Wheat growing is by far the single largest being done by the State Government. There is contributor to the economy of my electorate. no doubt that the Department of Industrial De- With this industry facing its worst downturn in velopment. under the Deputy Premier, has half a century. many areas of my electorate are played a significant role in negotiations with suffering badly, particularly the north eastern the Navy and the Department of Defence to and northern wheatbelt areas and the Yilgarn ensure that we maximnise our opportunities in area. this State. We have seen that with the facilities The employment and business stimulants presently being built for the submarine fleet at created by the booming gold industry and the the Stirling Naval Base. We have seen it by the recent upturn in the wool market are helping to Government's willingness to assist financially stabilise the situation in sonic areas. However, in the placing of a ship lifter in the Cockburn unless Governments, both Federal and State. Sound area which will maximise our lift the heavy hand of high interest rates opportunities for building vessels here and cer- and indirect taxes, any benefits from that up- tainly will maximise our opportunities to main- turn will be too thinly spread to be of any ben- lain those vessels. efi t. I pay tribute also to the progressive indus- tries that exist already in the area of Cockburn: The average farmer in my electorate has a particularly to Australian Shipbuilding Indus- debt loading 80 per cent greater than the tries (WA) Pty Ltd. [is proven track record national debt average for the industry. This demonstrates it has been able to meet the mod- means that, before meeting input costs, living expenses. and capital repayments. the farmer ern demands placed upon it to build ships. There is no doubt in my mind that we have the has to meet an interest bill in excess of $60 000 capacity to carry out all of these tasks in West- each year. ern Australia: we just need to plan our Without a substantial drop in interest rates strategies with the participation of unions and and a lowering of input costs, many producers industry. will be forced out of the industry and, in fact, The Federal Opposition. with its negative at- some already have been. This Government has titudes, has attempted to undermine the Navy's accepted the fact that a certain percentage of move to this State. When one talks to industry farmers will drop out each year. about the move, on the one hand it is excited Mr Peter Dowding: Arc you talking about about the opportunities being presented to it, marginal areas'? but on the other hand it is deeply concerned that the shadow Minister for Defence is saying Mr SCHELL: Some marginal areas are worse that if the Opposition is returned to Govern- off than others. [Wednesday, 8 Apri1 19871 5070

Mr Petcr Dowding: You would not object to Mr SCHELL: We have not at this stage, but the Government's propping up the marginal we will. This year we are seeing the first major area, would you? drop-out of farmcrs. This will continue as long Mr SCHELL: It did not ten years ago. as the economic situation continues. There are 30 per cent of farmers at risk in this State. If Mr Peter Dowding: It does now. the situation is not corrected in the immediate Mr SCHELL: Farming is a long-term indus- future, we will see 30 per cent of producers try. It has to be looked at over 20 years. drop off. There will be a corresponding drop in wheat production. Mr Peter Dowding: Do you want the tax- payer to prop up marginal farms? The areas where we will see the greatest re- duction in plantings will be the dry marginal The SPEAKER: Order! It is becoming areas which produce the best quality wheat in increasingly difficult for these debates to be this State. Thus, we will lower the quality of the recorded, heard, or even understood. wheat crop from this State which will adversely Mr SCHELL: This Government has made affect the market. token. bandaid attcmpts to solve the problem Members of this Government are well aware with interest subsidies and a few minor grai n of the highly competitivc nature of the world freight reductions through the Rural Ad- wheat market and the difficulties we will have justment and Finance Corporation. It did not in future years to regain lost markets. It will be have the courage or the foresight to see that in their interests and the interests of all interest rate subsidies of eight to I0 per cent to Australians. as well as the constituents of Mt all producers at risk and associated support in- Marshall. to see that as many grain producers dustries at risk, combined with an immediate as possible survive this crisis, firstly, by deregulation of rail freight rates and the re- extending the interest subsidies available to all moval of State fuel taxes, would stem their farmers at risk. losses. The rainfall at Mt Marshall was a lot kinder Mr Brian Burke: Have you worked out how to the farmers in 1986 than in previous years. much that eight to 10 per cent interest rate but it was generally very light giving very little subsidy to all industries as well as support in- run-off. Farmers relying on dams for water dustries at risk would cost? supplies are faced with serious shortages. Many Mr SCHELL: If the Premier listens I will tell are now canting water great distances for both him. domestic and livestock uses. The people who have never experienced water canting of this Mr Brian Burke: If we are to include this in magnitude would never realise the frustrations the Budget we have to know how much it will of this continuous costly job. Combined with cost. I presume you have done your figures. the economic problems I have outlined, life in Mr SCHELL: The wheat industry has been a these areas is becoming unbearable to many of great contributor to the Australian economy in the hardy souls that choose to live there. the past and will continue in the future, if Throughout this summer, the Water Auth- supported during this brief period of crisis by ority and shires have done a great job in keep- both our State and Federal Governments. ing supplies of water up to the off-line water Although the prices have been low, we have points and supplementing the local catchments maintained our markets in recent years with an as supplies dry up. adequate supply of wheat; but if supplies drop we will lose the markets and it will take years of Since being a member of this place. I have continually pointed out the need for a continu- negotiation to regain these markets. Members ation can gather of the development of reticulated water from that the effect on the economy supplies. I believe of this country. the Minister for Water Re- sources has come to realise the-need and has With present Government policies, supplies stated publicly he will do something about it. I will drop and acreages will be reduced because believe he is genuine, and I hope his colleagues it is becoming uneconomic to grow wheat in will listen to him. The need is particularly evi- marginal areas with the existing debt loadings. dent when touring almost anywhere in the Deserted farms in drier areas will not readily be north eastern and south eastern wheatbelt. taken up and cropped because of economics. Not only is there a shortage of water but in Mr Grill: Could I correct you? We have not many areas where water is available the quality lost markets. is seriously lacking. I refer to towns such as 508 508[ASSEM BLY]

Beneubbin and Wubin. The Water Authority is Mr SCHELL: I have not said I am totally doing its best to bring things into order. We against the fuel tax. Let me ask the Premier a certainly need to keep a watch in these areas. I question. Is it not his Government's policy, or know the Minister is doing that, and I hope he the Federal Government's policy, for cost re- has the backing of his colleagues. covery from those who use the service? I congratulate the Government on the in- .Mr Peter Dowding: Where would you replace itiation of the Harris River Dam project. I look the revenues from? forward to the Minister announcing the first Mr SCHELL: I am not talking about the stage of the Agaton waler scheme within the State. I am talking about the Federal Govern- life of this Parliament. The National Party is ment. I am talking about aviation and whether totally committed to the continuing develop- the taxes are navigation charges or fuel taxes. ment of this State's waler resources until such They are a federally imposed recovery. time as all Western Australians have a clean and plentiful supply of water. We will continue Mr~roy interjected. to pressure Governments of all colours to this Mr SCHELL: To any aircraft that does not end. use the services being paid for with these funds. I come from a large rural electorate. I am That is fair. seriously concerned at the low level of priority Mr Peter Dowding: Why? given to general aviation by our Governments. Mr SCHELL: Why not? It is the Govern- In a nation where we have little severe weather ment's policy. The Federal Government's pol- and low terrain, combined with vast distances. icy is cost recovery from the people who use the general aviation should naturally be a major service. mode of transport yet, through Government policy over the years. it has wrongly been kept Mr Peter Dowding: Where do you replace in the luxury class. The cu rrent Federal the revenue from? Rural airports and rural fa- Government intends to keep it that way. cilities have to pay more. Mr Troy: Have you read the May report? Mr SCHELL: They usually pay for them- selves by imposing their own landing charges. Mr SCHELL: I have read a summary of it. At In other words. if a fL'el tax were imposed they its meeting in Canberra. the Department of would pay double. Aviation proposed the abandonment of the cost recovery plan. movement and landing A matter of extreme concern that I have charges. and fixed air navigation charges. Thec about general aviation in this State involves the department admitted that this costly rccovery Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. package, developed following the Bosch report. Whether the cost of recovery is in the form of was unworkable and not cost effective, and landing charges or fuel tax, the extra capital should bc replaced by a fuel tax. operating expenses required will be $125 000. The RFDS's fundraising abilities are hampered I refer to a fuel tax of five cents per litre on by the current economic situation. In other all aviation gas. The Federal Government obvi- words, they believe they have exhausted their ously found fuel tax a lot easier to administer fundraising avenues. If the service is to be and collect. This means of cost recovery will be maintained at its present level, contributions kind on acro clubs and general aviation from both State and Federal Governments companies operating out of Commonwealth towards the operating capital will have to be airports and using air traffic control and flight increased in the future, unless an exemption service units regularly. It will add significantly from the cost recovery taxes is made by the to the cost of bush flying and agricultural oper- Federal Government. ation. Mr Peter Dowding: Where should that rev- I believe the Minister for Transport should enue come from? seriously look at the benefits to this unique and sparsely populated State of an unencumbered Mr SCHELL: It should come from all the general aviation policy by negotiating with his people of Australia. It is a service provided to Federal counterpart. If a fuel tax on aviation is all Australians. introduced. I am sure the State Government Several members interjected. could see the direct advantage in negotiating Mr SCHELL: We are talking specifically for an exemption for agricultural and bush op- about the RFDS. Why should not all erators. Australians pay for the service? It affiets every- Mr Peter Dowding interjected. one. [Wednesday, 8 April 19871 5090

Another aspect of the Federal Government's Mr Troy: At the same time, search and aviation policy about which the State Govern- rescue services will be far improved. ment should show concern is the announce- Mr SCHELL: l am advocating a combination menit by the Minister for Aviation that all flight of both of them. We will have the local knowl- service operations to country areas will be edge: and if the Minister knows anything about closed within five years. The Government search and rescue in the bush, he will know that plans to consolidate all out-station facilities- it is imperative. that is, country facilities-to three major centres. Brisbane. Perth. and another which is As well as removing the vital service from yet to be named, in order to provide a cost- country towns, the staff who provide it will be effective service. moved to the city. In Western Australia alone. over 100 families will be moved to Perth from With the formation of the Airways Corpor- country centres such as Kununurra, Derby, ation on I April-an independent and fully Pot Hedland. Carnarvon, Karratha, accountable enterprise replacing the civil avi- Meekatharra. Geraldton. Albany. and ation division of the Ministry of Transport- Kalgoorlie. This will further aggravate the im- the areas of flight service and air traffic control balance in population between country and will be combined. This means that the on-site city, which is becoming close to a crisis situ- personal information service, which has played ation. such an important part in the operations and safety of general aviation, will be replaced by The people of my electorate generally wel- operators who can be contacted by aircraft come any new industry that creates employ- radio or long distance telephone supplying in- menit or brings business to the communities, as formation specifically compiled for airline op- long as thcy are sure that it will not adversely erations. affect the environment. The people of the Yilgarn and surrounding shire council areas are Mr Troy: You are not suggesting where there very concerned about and are totally opposed is a technological breakdown in communi- to the proposed development of an incinerator cation- for the disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls, Mr SCHELL: We should use the benefit of commonly called PCBs, at Koolyanobbing near both-what we have achieved over the years, Southern Cross. As well as possible health plus the benefit of what is to come. If the Min- fears, the people in the area are very concerned ister for Transport would listen to what I have with the effect this disposal unit may have on to say, he will find out the reason. agricultural production in the area. In today's Mr Troy: You are not recognising that com- shaky export marketplace, this unit could be municaions- used as an excuse by overseas buyers to reject Mr SCHELL: If the Minister listens, he will produce from the area. hear how I intend to tie this in. The future economic growth of the area The operators, who have first-hand knowl- could be curtailed with people's fear of the un- edge of local conditions and the total trust of known stopping them from moving to the area. the bush pilots, have played an important role I strongly recommend to the Minister for Min- in the many emergency situations that have erals and Energy that he consider all the occurred in the bush, but they will be gone;, and alternative methods of disposing of PCBs. when a search and rescue operation or civilI Methods that come to mind are sea-going in- emergency arises, the now well organised oper- cinerators. mobile incinerators-burning PCI~s ation could become chaotic. at the place where they are stored-and the location of incinerators at remote areas. General aviaton in Australia has been very excited about the introduction of total VHF If the Minister decides to continue with his radio coverage provided by satellite communi- plans to locate the incinerator at cations. Reliable radio communtication. Koolyanobbing. he will have to allay the rears combined with a comprehensive network of of the locals and provide some very substantial flight service operations containing a wealth of answers or be prepared to receive a very strong local knowledge. has contributed so much to backlash from the local people. the services provided by general aviation and If the disposal of PCBs is as safe as we are led the RFDS. Instead, we will have a reliable to believe, why does not the Government dis- radio coverage with massive bureaucratic and pose of them at the place of storage to prevent impersonal air traffic control centres at capital the danger of leakage while being transported? city airports. Perhaps the real reason is that this Govern- 510 510[ASSEMBLY] ment is afraid of the protests of the people in Under the proposed changes to the schools these areas and considers that they will stir up division for 1987-1992, what formula will be less trouble if it is located in an area like the used for the application of school grants? Yilgarn which has a lower population. Mr Pearce: That has not yet been deter- Mr Clarko: What about the Hampton Hill mined. We will aggregate all the grants which area near Kalgoorlie? schools now get: and as we make savings at head office they will be shared among the Mr SCHELL: l am surc that the people in the schools. A formula will be settled. Yilgarn will agree to that. Mr SCHELL: Another question that has been Mr Cowan: Most of the PCBs are located in asked of me is whether schools will be required Perth or the Pilbara. to submit a budget, prepared by the school Mr SCHELL: Why not burn the PCBs where board, each year. they are Stored? Ifit is as safe as the Government Mr Pearce: No. but the school board will tells us. it will not be harmful. approve a budget and I imagine that the re- With the release of the Minister for Edu- gional office will receive a copy of it when that cation's "A Programme for Improvement" has been done. They will not receive separate concerned parents and teachers within my elec- approval by some other person. torate have voiced their concerns over who will Mr SCHELL: Another question is how a be responsible for the education of their chil- school overcomes a budget shortfall, such dren in future. shortfall being brought about by unforeseen cir- Mr Pearce: Your leader has supported that cumstances. programme. Let me tell you that before you get Mr Pearce: How does a farmer cover a stuck into it. budget shortfall brought about through unfore- seen circumstances? Mr SCHELL: The people in the Yilgarn are after the Ministers support. MrSCHELL: By takingout a mortgage. Mr Pearce: l am after your support also. Mr Pearce: Well you are not going to mort- gage any schools in Mt Mvarshall: I can tell you Mr SCHELL: The Minister will get that sup- that now. The fact is you are to keep within port if he explains to the people in the Yilgarn your budget, and you are expected to do that. If what it is all about. a school happens to burn down or if something Mr Pearce: You organise a meeting, and if I extraordinary happens, the unforeseen shortfall cannot attend I will send a senior person from will be met by some sort of central insurance my office. policy arrangement. Mr SCHELL: I wilt take the Minister up on Mr SCHELL: Is the annual school develop- his offer. nment plan to be a public document? Mr Pearce: Yes, it has to be approved by the The document voices a fine idea, but it leaves many gaps which concern people. I know school council and will be made available to that the final plan will come as a result of con- the public. sultation with relevant bodies. What I do not Mr SCHELL: What safeguards does the Edu- know is which bodies will be involved. That is cation Department intend implementing to en- what I would like to know from the Minister. sure that the annual school development plans meet established standards and goals? The Minister needs to initiate a strong PR exercise to inform all interested and involved Mr Pearce: Each of the school development people: and that is what he is going to do. plans will have to go to the district officers for each particular district. If there is any problem, Mr Pearce: Your leader has written to me the district superintendent will discuss it with complaining about the cost of the PR exercise. the school: and if there is still a problem one of Mr Cowan: [I said nothing: it was a gloss- the heavies from head office will come out. over. Mr SCHELL: Will the Education Depart- Mr SCHELL: I have outlined to the House ment ensure that the curriculum chosen by the some of the questions which are being asked of school boards fits the needs of the community? me. I know that when the Minister is ap- Mr Pearce: School boards will not have the proached he or his officers will answer those ability to vary the curriculum in a school. The questions to our satisfaction. curriculum will be centrally determined. [Wednesday, 8 Apr1 19871 5111

Mr SCHELL: I am really grateful that the Mr CRANE: I thank the Minister. I Minister can answer these questions like this. I promised him a crayfish lunch and somebody hope that he will continue to do this for my else put it on. I did not even have to pay for it. constituents through his officers. During the It was provided by the people up there, and it transition period, will additional staff be was a very rewarding exercise. required?! Mr Pearce: No. except in administrative The Minister saw at first-hand the problems areas. The report itself gives each school an that we faced, and he was prepared to do some- increased allocation For administrative support thing about them. The other day he told me from the beginning of the 1988 school year. that the problem was Fixed. Tonight he verified that that was so, I have not heard from the Mr SCHELL: The final question is whether people in Lancelin. but I am quite satisfied that the Minister will arrange briefing sessions for if the Minister says the problem is fixed it is school boards in the initial stages. fixed. Therefore. I thank the Minister very Mr Pearce: Yes, of course. much for that. Mr Stephens: Will you take a copy of this speech and send it to all Ministers so that they I know that sometimes in this place I can be get an idea of how to answer questions in ques- pretty rough on both sides of the House, but I tion time? try to be fair. In this instance, I am being fair in thanking the Minister who was as good as his Mr Pearce: I thought we could scrap question word in resolving the problem. time altogether. Mr SCHELL: During the lasi 30 minutesI Iam sure that if other Ministers and would- have touched on just a few problems in my be Ministers take a little bit of notice of what electorate. We have many more. As the various happened in this instance, this would be a bet- pieces of legislation come through this House ter State. I have always believed that Ministers over the next few months. I intend to speak on ought to be in charge of their departments. them. When someone goes off' the rails, it is the re- MR CRANE (Moore) [10.32 pmi]: It is my sponsibility of the Minister to recognise that privilege to speak on the motion to agree to the something is not being done. Too much of our Address-in-Reply. I know that most of us want time in this place is spent on having a shot at to go home, and I assure members that I will one another for purely party political purposes. not take more than 30 minutes. The last tinie I We ought to spend much more of our time had the opportunity to speak on a broad range resolving the problems and leaving politics out of issues was probably during debate on the of ii. I am quite genuine in thanking a Minister Budget last year. During my address. I took to who was as good as his word and did just that. task quite a number of Government depart- The people of Lancelin will also thank him. ments because of their ineptitude and their in- ability or unwillingness 10 resolve some of the There are many problems in rural areas and problems in my electorate. I refer specifically the previous speaker, the member for Mt to the departments involved with lands and Marshall, wotuld agree that he has only planning-those departments which had any- scratched the surface with respect to the prob- thing to do with that little bit of land that we lems facing those areas. Unfortunately I am not were trying to get put aside for the sea rescue able to elaborate tonight on those problems be- unit in Lancelin. cause I have a motion on the Notice Paper which canvasses most of the problems in the I raised this matter in the House. and I was a rural area and it would be wrong of me to little bit rough on some of those departnients. attempt to speak on those matters tonight. Suf- but not unnecessarily rough because they cer- flee it to say that I support the member for Mt - ainly deserved that treatment. I asked the Marshall in die remarks he made tonight con- Premier and the then Minister for Lands to cerning the rural industry. The problems are resolve the problem. It is incumbent on me to very real indeed, and the welfare of this State say that the then Minister for Lands was as and this nation depends entirely on our resolv- good as his word and came up to Lancelin. We ing those problems. Just as we resolved the went up there in January of this year. and the problem at Lancelin. I would hope that we as a Minister had a look at the problem and Parliament can resolve some of those serious resolved it. and heart-rending problems facing the rural in- Mr Taylor: I had a good crayfish lunch too. dustry. 512 512[ASSEMBLY)

I refer also to the problems faced by rural together. It is lime the fuel companies adopted towns. For a number of years I have been par- a more responsible attitude to the retailing of ticularly concerned about the closing of service their fuels. stations in sonic towns, in Moora in particular. I have had that concern for a number of years. In the metropolitan area one sees a prolifer- and I was greatly concerned when we were in ation of outlets along the highways-unless, of government and did nothing about it. The course, one wants to pick up fuel lace at night problem is that the fuel companies which pro- or on Saturday or Sunday-all compet ing with vide the fuel to the service stations also provide each other to the extent that some have gone a bowser or a fuel pump for people from the one step further and installed self-service facili- town who can go to the depot and buy the fuel, ties. Fuel is a volatile substance and we should often at a lower price than that for which the not permit petrol to be sold on a self-service fuel company sells the fuel to the service basis. That does not apply to diesel fuel. I have station outlets. Thai causes a problem because, seen many people light up a cigarette alongside human beings being what they are, dog will eat their vehicle when they are refuelling and it is a dog. If people can get their fuel more cheaply very danger6us habit. by going to the depot they will bypass the ser- vice stations and buy their fuel at the depot. M r Hodge: Smoking is pretty dangerous too. There are many anomalies in this world, but this particular anomaly has led to two out of Mr CRANE: That is true. I will not use self- three service stations in Moora closing down in service stations even though it may cost me an the last few weeks. It is a problem which I extra cent a litre for petrol. I have probably brought to our Government, to our Ministers; dispensed as much fuel as any member in this and it is one which. I am very sad to say. Chamber and more than most; I am not too we did lazy but I believe we have lost a service not address. which used to be provided. In the past one called in I can hardly be accused of attacking the for fuel and the tank was filled and the Government in this instance because Oppo- windscreen cleaned. How often does that hap- sition members were the first people with the pen in the metropolitan area now? Not very opportunity to do something about that and often. One has to go to the country areas to they failed. These are the problems as I see have one's windscreen cleaned. We should look them. I will not elaborate on the answers but if very seriously at this area not only because of we are to encourage people to set up businesses the dangers of petrol but also because we have and we believe in, or at least we lead people to lost employment opportunities at a time when believe that we stand for, private enterprise, we we need higher employment in Australia. should assist those companies which are endeavouring to retail to the general public. The member for Mt Marshall referred to the Minister for Water Resources and I would like I will probably be criticised for what I am to add my comments to the remarks he made. saying but it does not worry me very much. At The Minister will be visiting Bindi Bindi and my time of life I can take the criticism and Miling soon to see at First hand the problems I shake it oil'. I have often boasted, and I still do, have mentioned in this Parliament for the past that I am frightened of no man and very few 13 years. Bindi Bindi had its tO0th anniversary women. in 1974-some time ago. Many towns are not yet 100 years old and yet Bindi Bi ndi still does I would like to record my concern that the not have a water supply at the school. Its water fuel companies are squeezing the retail outlets is caught from the roof or carted from else- in some country towns out of business. The where. I can remember years ago going to Bindi Government and the Parliament should be Bindi school and carrying a water bag in the strong enough to say, "~Hang on a minute. we summertime. all need a go." I will leave it at that. I am pleased the Minister is coming to Bindi It has been of concern to me for many years Bindi to see the problems that have been faced that when a fuel company sets up a retail estab- for many years. I do not know whether he will lishment it can be guaranteed that within a be able to do anything to help. I hope that he very short space of time another outlet will can persuade the Government to adopt a more open within a distance of two or three chains. serious approach to it. but at least he has shown There may not be another fuel outlet for 50 a very keen interest in and a determination to miles in the bush but two will be located close face up to the problem. I hope he will take it [Wednesday. 8 April 19871 5131 further. After 100 years. that town should have cause during the rural recession with which we more than it has. I thank the Minister for his are faced at the moment many people cannot concern and his proposed visit. afford to do so. I am glad the Minister Car Education is in his It is appropriate during the Address-in-Reply, place in the House when I mention a general debate to refer to the Governor's Speech. I re- problem concerning school buses. This prob- fer particularly to his astounding statement. lem with school buses arises from the rural de- with which we all agree. that, "The second cline. I believe it is laid down-the Minister basic imperative is the need to restructure our may correct me if I am wrong-that a mini- economy." mum of I I students is required before a school bus service is provided. Certainly that used to That would be the understatement of the be the figure. However, in most instances that year. At least it is factual. The Governor con- figure Was allowed to run down to eight with tin ucs- the service still being providcd- With the rural This problem is simple enough to state. decline we shall have to reconsider that re- Our export earnings must be increased and quirement. Numbers are falling in country our imports reduced if we are to pay our areas and the children who are left still need to way in the world economy. be educated. The only way they can get to That is plain, simple and very sensible econ- school is by school bus and, therefore, we may need to reassess the figure. We may have to omnics. Our export earnings must be increased consider the possibility of using small buses in and our imports reduced. some instances but we cannot and must not One of the ways in which we can reduce our deny country children the opportunity of an imports is by working a little harder and a little education which they deserve and need just as more effectively in our secondary industries. surely as children living in the more populous We do not need to condemn the export indus- areas. tries:, they have been working very hard for A numbef of members of Parliament hove many years and doing their bit for the economy been school teachers and many of them hove of this country under very difficult circum- served their stints in country areas. They will stances. and they continue to do so. But they appreciate the problems of which I am talking are being overburdened with excessive tariffs and they will understand them at first hand. that have been put up in many instances by This is not a party political argumnent: the prob- Governments and politicians of all ilks who lem affects country people in OUr vast State. have not recognised that one important in- Therefore. I hope this Parliament will in some gredient: If we are to succeed we must roll up way resolve this problem so that the Minister is our sleeves and work. not continually pestered. I am one of the worst I am sure this will draw the heckles. It was offenders in bringing school bus problems to interesting to note the front page of this morn- the Minister. ing's The West Australian. "Queensland bans Mr Pearce: You would have me up there strikes". There is no doubt that the disruptive driving the bus if you could manage it. attitude of a number of the more militant Mr CRANE: No. I would not but I do bring unions is what has brought about or helped to my problems on school buses 10 the Minister. I bring about the serious situation we face today. It is an indictment on our society when am sure that although he may not be able Or wish to admit it, he appreciates my bringing Governments have to resort to the measures which the Queensland Government has found those problems to him. Whenever I have taken necessary and bring in legislation to ban a deputation to him he has listened most care- fully to the people concerned and it has been strikes. appreciated. It is a serious problem: it is not These people should recognise that while brought about by this Government or the pre- other people are putting their shoulders to the vious Government but by circumstances be- wheel, they also need to do so. Unfortunately yond our control. Something will need to be this is not the case. Over the years we have had done in the future. I am not suggesting what many disruptions. The Builders Labourers Fed- should be done: I have made a couple of eration we remember well for its great power suggestions already. However, we must at least and the number of strikes which were held over recognise that these children are entitled to be many years. It is sad when Parliament must educated. The problem cannot be solved by spend its time bringing in this legislation, but sending the children to boarding schools be- unfortunately it is necessary. 514 514ASSEMBDLY

Even if I stand alone. I am not afraid to say thing worthwhile. I know the Minister for that regrettably I must support what the Lands is very satisfied and feels rewarded as a Queensland Government is doing. If this result of the compliment I passed him tonight. country is to succeed, we will need to do like- The member for Nedlands also mentioned wise. It is very sad, but that really wraps up the /1us/rn/ia II. 1 support him on this. Australia 11 problems which were mentioned in the no doubt belongs to Western Australia. It won Governor's Address in these few words- the America's Cup for the first time in its his- This problem is simple enough to state. tory with a challenge from Western Australia. Our export earnings must be increased and While we from Western Australia did not buy our imports reduced if we are to pay our it-the Australian Commonwealth Govern- way in the world economy. ment did-it belongs to Australia; what better place to house it than Western Australia from I congratulate the Governor for putting it so whence the challenge was mounted and from succinctly. The only solution is that we must where the cup was defended this year? work, whether we are members of Parliament. We have a strong case. We on this side of the or sweeping manure off the streets-presuming House should lend our strongest support to the we still do that-or whatever we do. We must Premier and to the Government to try to per- each of us play our part and work for the re- suade the Prime Minister and the Federal Par- wards which will be forthcoming if we do. liament to leave Australia 11 in Western Tonight the member for Nedlands Australia. mentioned the Viking ship. I was pleased to We have a wonderful museum here. Western note how quickly the Minister for Tourism Australia is older in maritime history than any took up the challenge and offered to assist if other part of Australia-at least, we are led to she could in keeping this vessel in Western believe so-as a result of the early Dutch and Australia. Portuguese explorers. We have a wealth of mari- The member for Nedlands outlined how, be- time history here. cause of problems experienced with bureauc- When I was in England a few years ago I saw racy, the person who built this vessel has in the Gi'ps' AMoth the boat in which Sir Francis desperation approached the Queensland Chichester circumnavigated the world. This is Premier for assistance, and has been granted down at Greenwich. I also looked at the Cat' that assistance to take the vessel to Sark-, because that is an old clipper ship. Queensland. It would be a shame if that Viking Although my father never sailed in the Cult' ship were lost to Western Australia. Rather Sark. he knew her well and he spoke of her very than argue the point and trade insults across often. I wanted to see the Cian' Sark- in mem- the Chamber-as did happen for a little ory of what he told me of her. while-we would be better off accepting the I believe that is the place for her. No doubt offer of the Minister for Tourism. Greenwich is the real foundation of our mari- I am sure the Minister for Transport also time history. After all, it is where longitude recognised showed an interest in this matter. Those two starts. Greenwich Mean Time is Ministers, with the assistance of the Premier. throughout the world. It is steeped in maritime and perhaps the Minister for Conservation and history. Australia // ought to be left here. I Land Management-because CALM was strongly support any moves that we make in by motion or mentioned-could do precisely what the this Parliament. whether Minister for Lands did when I had a problem at otherwise, in support of the Government's ac- Lancelin. If they could do the same as he did and tion that it should be kept here. as effectively we may be able to keep that Viking In speaking of ships. I must mention the ship in Western Australia. That is all Ilam asking Leeuwin. the sail training barquentine. Many the Minister to do. years ago. in 1977. 1 first mentioned that we should have a sail training vessel. While I am Mr Peter Dowding: The former Minister for glad that we have a sail training vessel, it is easy Lands. to criticise, and I would like to make one or two Mr CRANE: The former Minister. I am not points about the Lecuwin. asking for very much. It is important that we She is a lovely vessel. I went for a sail do that. It is important for Western Australia on her in January and took the family for a and also for the Ministers themselves. Nothing sail, but I was disappointed with the way in is so rewarding as appreciation for doing some- Which she was rigged. She is a barquentine. [Wednesday. 8 April 1987J]1 515 yet she is not rigged in the traditional style. While I am criticising the Leeuwin-and this Her blocks are not traditional blocks, and. is not a criticism of the people who sail her- they ought to be. The ropes she has on her her top sails just do not set properly. We have are silver nylon, and they look most artificial.- good traditional sail makers in Western As for the boat. or whatever we would call Australia. We have Robin Hicks, who could it, on the after davits, it is a cross between have made sails for the Leeuwin which would a rowing boat and a condom. I cannot describe; have set properly. Do not take my word for it; it any better than that. I think it is a shocking ask somebody else. I am not talking about her indictment of' the person who designed the square sails; I am talking about the fore and Leenwvin that he should have that atrocity afts. and they do not set. I believe that for a strung up on the aft davits. It is a shocking traditional sailing vessel, something better than thing. It should be a proper clinker-built boat that should have been done. I am sure Len which is in traditional lines. Randell, who designed her, must at times feel very disappointed when he sees her going past Several members interjected. with those top sails flagging in the wind. Several members interjected. Mr CRANE: Members should go and have a look at it sometime and tell me if they do not Mr CRANE: If' anybody would care to take agree. I can only describe it as that. Have a look note of what I have said now, I am talking at it, Mr Speaker, and tell me if you do not about the fore and aft top sails, not the square agree with me. I went to Hobart recently on the' sails. I am sorry to be critical of' these things, Eye of the Wind, and she had a beautiful clinker- but I felt something ought to be said. built boat on her aft davits-traditional and Debate adjourned, on motion by Mr Lewis. lovely. That iswhat the Leeuwin ought to have. House adjourned at 11. 03 pin 516 516[ASSEM BLYJ

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE WA EXIM CORPORATION Liaison: I'asmoralistsand Craziers ,lssoeialion MOTOR VEHICLE LICENCE REBATES 96. Mr COURT, to the Minister for P~ensioners Agriculture: 70. Mr MENSAROS. to the Minister for What liaison activity with the Pastor- alists and Police and Emergency Services: Graziers Association was undertaken by the Western Australian (I) What are the conditions for pen- Exim Corporation and for which he sioners to receive the 50 per cent re- approved payment? bate on their car l icence fees? Mr GRILL replied: (2) After which renewal date were l icences This question has wrongly been subject to this rebate? addressed to the Minister for Agriculture. It has been referred to the (3) Has the licensing authority reminded Minister for Economic Development. licensees of the concession offered or and he will answer the question in was it up to the licensee to find out writing. that such a concession exists?

(4) Must the old age pensioner licensee- being, as a rule, not continuously alert about Government regulations and not noticing the availability of the concession and paying his or her full licence fee-forfeit the rebate or will it apply in the way of refunding half the amounL paid? MR DEN NIS CONNER Mr GORDON HILL replied: .4ustraton Nuggets: Promotion (1) A 50 per cent rebate of the licence fee 132. Mr COURT, to the Premier: will be made available on application by the registered owner of the vehicle (1) How much is Dennis Conner being and will apply to only one vehicle. paid by the Western Australian either a motor car or motor wagon Government to promote Australian with a tare weight not exceeding 3 000 Nuggets in the United States of kg. a motor propelled caravan, motor America, tourism to Western cycle, or moped. Applicants must hold Australia. and investment in Western a pensioner health benefit card PHB2 Australian industry? issued by thc Commonwealth Depart- (2) H-ow much of this cast is being borne ment of Social Security, or Veterans by the Western Australian Develop- Affairs, and receive an age pension ment Corporation. the Western under the Social Security Act or an age Australian Tourism Commission, or service pension under section 38 or a other Government departments anid wife's service pension under section authorities? 40 of the Veterans Entitlement Act 1986: Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: 0I) and (2) The arrangements made by (2) Eligible pensioners whose vehicle li- western Australian Development cence expired on or after 31 December Corporation with Mr Conner are the 1986 qualify for the rebate. commercial prerogative of the board of the corporation. it would be a (3) Yes to the first part of the poorly breach of confidence for the corpor- framed question. ation to disclose the amount being (4) The department is examining its pol- paid to Mr Conner. However, Mr icy concerning refunds in the circum- Conner is free to disclose the infor- sta ncs outlIi ned by t he member. mation if he so wishes. [Wednesday, 8 April 19871 5171

STOCK (3) Not applicable. Midland So/clyrs Budlding ('onsiniction 161. Mr LEWIS, to the Minister for WA EXIM CORPORATION Agriculture: Governoneni Instrumnentalities: Dealings (1) Has the Department of Agriculture or a Government authority authorised or 201. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for commissioned the construction of any Agriculture. The South West, and new buildings at the Midland stock Fisheries: salcyard site? (1) Has any department within his (2) If yes. what are the purposes of the administration received any invoice building or buildings, and what is the from and/or made any payment to capital cost of construction of the Exim, the Western Australian Devel- buildings? opment Corporation, or any (3) Are any other buildings proposed to associated entity? be built by any department or Govern- (2) If yes. what has been paid or is pay- ment authority under his responsi- able as at 31 March 1987? bility at the Midland stock salcyard (3) In each case, what was the payment site? fo r? (4) If yes to (3), what are the purposes of the building, and what is the proposed Mr GRILL replied: capital cost? I refer the member to the reply given Mr G R ILL repl ied: to question 193. (1) No. However, the owner of the site, Mr Peter Ellett, has allowed the WA HEALTH Meat Commission to relocate the Ku va: Importation framed and trussed structure, known as the carpentry shop, into the area 216. Mr BLAIKIE. to the Minister for being leased back by the WAMC to Health: enable the ongoing maintenance of the (1) What is the Government's policy fol- salcyard to proceed satisfactorily. This lowing newspaper reports indicating relocation required approval by both importation of kava to Western the Swan Shire Council and the State Australia for widespread sale to Abor- Planning Commission. iginal people? (2) Not really applicable. However, I have (2) Is there any control on the import- been advised by the officers of the ation of kava to Western Australia Meat Commission that the cost of re- and, if not, why not? location was approximately 120 000. (3) No. Mr TAYLOR replied: (4) Not applicable. (1) The Western Australian and Com- monwealth Ministers for Health have agreed that an epidemiological and MOTOR VEHICLE: GOVERNMENT clinical study should be conducted 6QE- 174:- Allocation into the effects of excessive kava con- 171. Mr MacKIN NON, to the Premier: sumption. The Menzies School of Health Research in the Northern Ter- (1) To which Government agency is the ritory will design and conduct vehicle 6QE-l174 allocated? the study. (2) Has authorisation been given for that vehicle to be used for private pur- - Both the Commonwealth Department poses? of Health and Department of Aborigi- nal Affairs have indicated a willing- (3) If so, what is the basis of that authoris- ness to provide funds for the study. ation? Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: (2) The introduction of controls on the importation of kava to Western (I) Water Authority of WA, Australia would be premature in light (2) No. of the study referred to in (I ) above. 518 518[ASSEMBLY]

WA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WATER RESOURCES: DAM Inrestnu'nts: Resource Projects Nonres: ('leaning 221. Mr COURT. to thc Treasurer: 231. Mr HOUSE. to the Minister for Water In what resource projects of Resources: "sign ificance" has the Western (1) When will the Water Authority of Australian Development Corporation Western Australia clean taken an investment as referred to in the silt and the 1986 annual report? collapsed roof debris from the dam known as "Neeves" in the Kent Shire? Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: (2) When will the Water Authority of The member should be aware that it is Western Australia upgrade the catch- not for me to confirm or comment on ment for Neeves Dam? statements contained in the annual re- port of the Western Australian Devel- Mr BRIDGE replied: opment Corporation, which is signcd (1) Work is being arranged as a matter of by the directors and audited by an in- priority. ternational accounting firm in accord- ance with the Companies Code. (2) The roaded catchment was regarded this financial year. and there is no I am unable to direct the Western Australian Development Corporation other work planned at present. concerning investment matters. HORTICULTURE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT Potatoes: Ct'si Nemnatode I-unding: 14-I De'velopmrent C'orporation 235. Mr WATT, to the Minister for 224. Mr COURT, to the Minister for Agriculture: Agriculture: (1) Regarding the discovery of potato cyst What funds have been provided to the nematode in the metropolitan area. Department of Agriculture by the what management plan is intended to Western Australian Development bring about its eradication? Corporation to assist with research projects? (2) Is the four-year rotation of potato crops, as recommended in the Mr GRILL replied: Marshall report, to be implemented? I am not aware of any funding by (3) Is he aware of the severe implications WADC to the Department of that would have for the Albany region Agriculture. which grows the bulk of the State's seed potatoes? MR DENNIS CONNER (4) Is he also aware of the serious effect it IPromifons: Fundinkg would have on the fledgling french 227. Mr COURT. to the Premier: fries processing industry in Albany? (1) What public funds are being paid to (5) What research is being carried out Mr Dennis Conner to advertise or to into the cause and effect of potato cyst promote Western Australia in the nematode? United States? (6) As the problem has national impli- (2) What duties is Mr Conner required to cations, has the Commonwealth been perform in exchange for funds being approached for financial assistance for provided? research? (3) Is Mr Conner required to report on his (7) (a) Will potato farmers be forced out activities and efforts to promote West- of business because of the four- ern Australia? year rotation; (4) What is the duration of any contract or arrangement with Mr Conner? (b) if yes, will the Commonwealth Government contribute to com- Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: pensate potato growers who are See my reply to question I132. forced out of the industry? [Wednesday. 8 Apr1 19871 519,

Mr GRILL replied: serious implications for our horticul- tural trade are well known and (1) The known infested land has been documented. fumigated and will not be replanted to potatoes or solantaceous crops until (6) Yes. the cyst nematode population is (7) (a) if a four-year rotation is eliminated. Options on a management introduced it may be necessary plan covering the rest of the State are for some potato farmers to change being incorporated in a position paper their crop management systems soon to be circulated for consideration and patterns of land use. The ef- by all sections of the Western fect of this on individual farm Australian horticultural industry. The business will depend on a number views of all sections will be taken into of factors such as access to ad- account in formulating a policy on ditional land for potatoes. PCN to be implemented. The policy alternative forms of production. will need to have regard to this State's and alternative sources of income horticultural trade, both interstate and available. overseas. and our obligations under If the rotation was not introduced national and international plant quar- and PCN becamec established in antine protocols. the area, farmers would, of course, face a worse situation. (2) The recommendations of Dr Marshall, including the four-year rotation for (b) No. potato crops, are included in the position paper. WA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION: (3) Yes, the consequences of a four-year CHAIRMAN rotation in Western Australia would Consuliancv: Treasurer have a substantial effect on current 252. Mr HASSELL. to the Treasurer: potato cropping patterns, for both seed and ware growers at Albany and Does the Chairman of the Western elsewhere in this State. Consultations Australian Development Corporation with the industry will continue so as to also act as a consultant to the minimise disadvantages to growers. Treasurer? traders. and consumers of potatoes Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: and other horticultural crops should this option be taken, It should be The member's question is not fully noted that the proposed rotation is a understood. If he clarifies whether he desirable crop husbandry practice for is referring to a paid consultancy or consultation as part of his potatoes. irrespective of the presence responsibilities as Chairman of the of PCN in this State. Western Australian Development (4) The introduction of a four-year ro- Corporation. I will provide the infor- tation may cause a short-term ad- mation he is seeking. justment period in the sourcing of po- tatoes for the Albany processing in- FISHERIES dustry. Abalone Poachers:- Surveillance (5) At present, rather than duplicate ex- 253. Mr HASSELL. to the Minister for pensive research, we rely on the -Fisheries: substantial research ari-experieuiceof PCN from countries such as New (1) How much money has been spent by Zealand which have had the pest for the department since I July 1986 in many years. Local research is being surveillance costs concerning abalone developed on the basis of the overseas poachers? experience, and the local knowledge (2) Is it correct that one man who had gained since the outbreak was been charged was under surveillance detected at Munster last October. The for five and a half months including causes and effects of PCN and its aircraft surveillance? 520 520[ASSEMBLY]

(3) What is the total number of people (3) Where shire councils ask for declar- who have bcen charged with abalone ations of part of their shire, only that poaching since I July 1986? part is investigated. Where part of a Mr GRILL replied: shire is serviced by the comprehensive scheme, only the part which is not (1) Fisheries officers are involved in mul- serviced is declared. The smallest unit tiple enforcement tasks. Costs of their that can be declared is a ward. activities relating to a specific species is not known. However. demands associated with the abalone fisheries WILDLIFE: KANGAROOS have increased significantly in recent Culling: Tags If/located years. 288. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Minister for (2) No. Agriculture: (3) 19 persons charged: eight charges are (1) What numberof tags were allocated to pending. Western Australia for culling kanga- roos this year? STOCK: MIDLAND SALEYARD (2) How many tags have so far been allocated? Lease (3) Were all the tags allocated last year in 264. Mr COWAN. to the Minister for Western Australia? Agriculture: Mr GRILL replied: What are the details of the new lease agreement for the Midland salcyard This question has been wrongly complex? addressed to the Minister for Agriculture. It has been referred to the Mr GRILL replied: Minister for Conservation and Land Mr Elieit of Prestige Brick has offered Management, and he will answer the the Government a minimum term of question in writing. 15 years. A copy of the lease will be made available to the Leader of the PLANNING National Party when it is in final form. Alosman Park Tea roonis: Licences 308. Mr HASSELL. to the Minister for WATER RESOURCES Transport: Shjortagcs: Shires (1) In relation to the answer to question 47 of I1987. why have the lease and licence 270. Mr COWAN. to the Minister for arrangements for the Mosman Bay Agriculture: tearooms not been completed? (1) Which shires are currently declared as (2) Is there some difficulty with the nego- water deficient? tiations, or some remaining outstand- (2) Which shires currently have only a ing disagreement between the Govern- portion of their own area declared as ment and the developers? water deficient? (3) If so. what arc those differences? (3) What is currently Government policy (4) If not, what is delaying completion of on the declaration of pant of a shire as the documentation? water deficient? (5) When will the lease and licence be Mr GRI LL repl ied: completed? (1) Shires declared water deficient as at 2 (6) Immediately they are completed, will April 87 are Kent. Woodanilling. he table copies as previously Brooniehall. and Gnowangerup. indicated? (2) Shires with a portion of the area (7) Can he assure the House that the lease declared are Westonia. Lake Grace, and licence arrangements will be Kuhin. Mukinbudin. Kondinin. Mt completed without further delay, and Marshall, and Dumbleyung. will contain all the provisions pre- [Wednesday, 8 April 1987]12 521

viously indicated by him as applicable (3) This is dependent on the Perth City to' the operations of the Mosman Bay Council, as mentioned in (1) above. tearooms? Mr TROY replied: STATE ENERGY COMMISSION ACT (1) A jetty licence has not yet been completed as a draft drawn up by Amendmnent Crown Law is currently being examined. The lease of the riverbed 353. Mr MENSAROS. to the Minister for has not been in question, and has been Mi neral s and Energy: operative since I January 1985. Now that the Western Australian Law (2) No. Society officially has condemned the (3) Not applicable. provisions of the recent amendments to the State Energy Commission Act (4) Completioni of the document is not be- where the onus of proof is reversed, is ing delayed. the Government going to introduce (5) As soon as I am satisfied that the jetty legislation to repeal these measures? licence reflects the Government's Mr PARKER replied: position. As previously stated. the lease has operated for some time. I have no record of the Law Society (6) 1 will table the licence document, as taking such a position. The Bill con- previously stated. cerned was amended during debate as a result of submissions put forward by (7) There will be no delay in tabling the the Opposition, which then supported licence upon its completion. the provision. At the time, the now Leader of the Opposition advised the MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING Committee that he believed that with the changes agreed, the Law Society PerIh ('enral Busine'ss District now supported the move. That is the 329. Mr RUSHTON, to the Minister for last I have heard of the matter. To the Transport: best of my recollection, the Law So- ciety has not approached me on any (1) Have the Government and/or the aspect of th is quest ion sin ce t hecn. Perth City Council worked out and agreed on a parking policy for the * Perth central busi ness district? HEALTH: DRUGS (2) If yes. will he table a copy of the pol- Possession:.On-tlw-Spot Finer icy? (3) If no to (1), will he please tell me when 355. Mr MENSAROS, to the Minister for * the policy will be finalised? Police and Emergency Services: MrTROY replied: Is it the policy and/or the intention of (1) No. However, I am aware that a work- the Government to follow the example ing party of officers from the Depart- set by South Australia's Labor ment of Transport, the Main Roads Government to introduce an on-the- Department. the State Planning Com- spot fines system -for use of certain mission, and the City of Perth was drugs and for possession of im- * endorsed in October 1986 by the cen- plements for using certain drugs? tral area technical- advisory com- mittee-CATAC, which has represen- M rGOR DON H ILL repl ied: tatives of Government departments. This question is a repeat of question * City of Perth departments, and the private sector. I understand it will be 69, which was wrongly addressed to the Attorney General on Wednesday. considered by the full City of Perth I April 1987. As previously advised, * Council at its next meeting. that question will be answered in (2) Not applicable. writing. 522 522[ASSEMBLY]

TRAFFIC SIGNS TRAFFIC SIGNS Ohserrance "Stop-.- Camnpaign 356- Mr MENSAROS, to the Minister for 358. Mr MENSAROS. to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services: Police and Emergency Services: (1) What is the pragmatic reason, based M1 Has there been a "campaign" within on proven experience with a consider- recent able number of cases, for having weeks or months against motor- ists who, after moving slowly up -'Stop" signs. instead of "Give Way" to a "'Stop" sign behind another vehicle, signs at some i ntersctions? do then not slop completely on (2) To-what extent do "Stop" signs reduce reaching the white line? the flow of traffic, based on the prem- ise that every motorist passing these (2) If so, when was this campaign waged signs observes the regulations? and what was its duration? Mr CORDON KILL replied: (3) What was the total aggregate amount of the fines prescribed in the infringe- (1) The installation of -Stop" signs as ment notices issued during this cam- opposed to "Give Way" signs is based paign? on the accident history of the particu- lar intersection. If the approach speed M rGOR DON H ILL replied: considered safe for speeds in excess is (1) Yes. However, of 30 kilometres per hour. a "Give not only in the manner Way" sign is installed. If the visibility indicated by the question, but all stop sign offences, distance dictates that for safety reasons the approach speed should be (2) 24 January to 24 February. less than 30 kilometres per hour. a "Slop" sign is installed so that a driver (3) There were 1 612 infringement notices may make a more thorough assess- issued during this campaign. ment of the situation before proceed- ing. ROAD (2) The effect is not able to be measured. Because signs are installed to face the Serrefus Streel: Traffic Volume minor traffic flow, any effect is 359. Mr MENSAROS, to the Minister for minim ised. Transport: (1) Is he aware that the volume of traffic on Servetus Street between the inter- TRAFFIC SIGNS sections of Shenton Road and North .'stop -: kl'd Street has built up to approximately 25 000 per day? 357. Mr MENSAROS. to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services: (2) In view of the difficulty experienced What is the justification. from the by residents, the resulting situation, point of view of proportionate equity and the proliferating traffic problems in preventing accidents, for having the created in the Mt Claremont area, and same fine. $60 with infringement no- in view of the repeated request by the tices issued against motorists who- Nedlands City Council. which was supported by the Main Roads Depart- (a) pass a '"Stop" sign with a mini- ment, is the Government going to pro- mum speed of two to three kilo- ceed with the reconstruction of metres per hour-only short of Servetus Street on the new alignment stopping dead: and as a matter of urgency? (b) exceed the speed limit by 30 kilo- Mr TROY replied: metres per hour? I refer the member to the answer to his M r GOR DON H ILL repl ied; question 162. 1have responded to the A value judgment that a modified pen- member in writing under yesterday's alty of $60 is appropriate in each ease. date. (Wednesday, 8 April I19871 5232

EDUCATION: SPECIAL SCHOOL (5) If not, when is it expected that legis- Castlereagh: Occupational Therapists lation will be amended as a consequence of the rev iew? 360. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for Health: Mr PETER DOWDING replied: (I) How many occupational therapists This question has been incorrectly were on the staff at Castlereagh School directed. The matter has been referred on I April for the years- (o the Minister for Consumer Affairs. and he will reply in writing in due (a) 1980: course. (bi 198?: (c) 1982; TRANSPORT (d) 1983:, Fare Concessions: Resview (e) 1984; 362. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for (f) 1985; Transport: (g) 1986; (1) Has the review of the overall fare con- (h) 1987? cessions policy of the State. referred to by him in question 2843 of 26 March (2) If there has been any change in that 1985. yet been completed? staffing level in recent times, what is the reason for this change? (2) If so. what was the outcome of that review? M r TAYLOR replied: (3) If not, when is it expected the review (1) (a) 1980-2 will be completed? (b) 1981-2 Mr TROY replied: (c) 1982-2 (I) Yes. (d) 1983-2 (2) A substantial body of (c) 1984-2 recommendations is under consider- (f') 1985-2 ation by Government. The recommendation to provide fares for (g) 1986-2 the escorts of isolated handicapped (h) 1987-1.5 children attending special schools has (2) 1 am advised a review of the workload already been adopted and announced. at the school has indicated that a staff (3) Not applicable. allocation of 1.5 appears adequate to meet the current service load. This will be kept under regular review. PLAN NING Strata Titles Act: Review, BUILDERS' REGISTRATION ACT 363. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for Reriewv Lands: 361. Mr MacKiNNON. to the Minister for (1) Has the Government's review o f the Works and Services: Strata Titles Act been completed? (1) Is the Builders' Registration Act cur- (2) If not. when is it anticipated it will be --- rently under review!? completed-?. (2) If so. who is carrying out that review? (3) If the review has been completed. when is it anticipated that legislation (3) When is it likely the review will be will be presented to the Parliament as completed? a consequence of that review? (4) Is the Builders' Registration Act likely to be amended during the current M r W ILSON replied: session of Parliament as a I refer the member to my reply to eonsequence of the review? question 73. 524 524[ASSEM BLYJ

MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVERS' LICENCES Mr TAYLOR replied: Card Sysjrjn This question has wrongly been 364. Mr MacKINNON. to the Minister for addressed to the Minister for Health. It has been referred to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services: Community Services, and she will (I) Is consideration being given to the in- answer the question in writing. troduction of a new plasticised card system for motor drivers' licences? (2) If so. when is it likely such a system AGED PERSONS will be introduced? Pensioners: Benefits (3) With the introduction of that card, has 367, Mr MacKINNON. to the Minister the Government given consideration representing the Minister for The Aged: to the inclusion of "'donor status" on Would the Minister please provide me drivers' licences? with the details of all current State (4) If so, what was the result of that con- Government benefits extended to sideration? aged pensioners? Mr CORDON HILL replied: M r W ILSON repl ied: (1) to (4) The member is referred to the The range of State Government ben- answers to questions 171 of 12 June efits extended to aged pensioners in 1986, and 1218 of 14 October 1986, Western Australia is extensive. These wherein he asked identical questions. benef its cover energy, water, housing. It is a matter of public knowledge that council rates, transport, and health donor stat us on drivers' licences was cover. In addition, there is introduced by the Government in discretional financial support for February 1987. disadvantaged persons and families, including aged pensioners. ROAD I have arranged for the member to be supplied with a full list of concessions Sot Sireret: Widening available for disadvantaged persons 365. Mr MacKENNON. to the Minister for and families, including aged pen- Transport: sioners, together with the eligibility (1) Will the Government be making funds criteria, information on where the City Council concessions are available, and full available to the Melville contact details. I have also arranged this year to enable it to proceed with for the member to be provided with a the widcning of South Street. east- wards from its intersection with Karel table which details, for each con- cession, State Government outlays for Avenue? the year 1980-81 to 1985-86. This (2) If not. why not? shows that over the six-year period, Mr TROY replied: State Government assistance in this area has increased by 146 per cent (1) Yes. from $32 566 000 to over $80 million (2) Not applicable. in 1985-86.

H EA LTH EDUCATION: PRIMARY SCHOOL late/lee: tail, Handicapped Children: After- West Li'nwood: Pre-pri'narv1 Enrolmnenis school Care Facilities 368. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for 366. Mr NMacKINNON, to the Minister for Education: Health: (1) How many pre-primary children are (1) How many after-school care facilities currently enrolled at the West for intellectually handicapped clhil- Lynwood Primary School? dren arc currently in existence in the (2) How many permanent classrooms are metropolitan area? located at the school to cater for these (2) Where are those facilities located? children? [Wednesday, 8 April 19871 5252

(3) Does the Government have plans to TRANSPERTH locate a further permanent pre-pri- St tike: On w-ersC Transport wary centre at the school? 371. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for (4) If so, when will that additional centre Transport: be constructed? (1) Were Transperth drivers who participated in the recent bus strike Mr PEARCE replied: transported to the stop-work meeting (1) and (2) 107 pupils are accommodated by public transport? in a permanent pit-primary centre (2) If so, who drove the buses? and a transportable pre-primary unit. (3) Who authorised the use of the buses Ifor this purpose? (3) No. Mr TROY replied: (4) Not applicable. (I) Yes. (2) Transpcrth drivers. CEMETERIES (3) The Chairman of Transperth. Mletropolitan: New' Sites MEMBER FOR PILBARA 369. Mr MacKINNON. to the Minister for Iilectorate ofiie Local Government: 372. Mr MacKINNON, to the Premier: (1) Does the Government have any site (1) When did he authorise the new elec- set aside south of the river for a torate office of the member for metropolitan cemetery? Pilbara? (2) If so. where is that site? (2) What was the total cost of the move? Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: Mr CARR replied: (1) July 1986. (I) Yes. (2) The new office, which includes facili- (2) Lots 776. 591. 769, and 770. corner ties for visiting Ministers and other Road, members, is estimated to cost Millar Road and Baldivis $39 000. Bald iv is. MINERAL MINERAL ROYALTIES Urtan iumi: AMine Sites Otisiondig'q 373. Mr MacKINNON. to the Minister for Minerals and Energy: 370. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for (1) Is uranium being mined in Western Minerals and Energy: Australia? As at 31 March 1987, what amount of (2) Ifso, where? mining royalties was outstanding and Mr PARKER replied: due to the Mines Department? (1)No. Mr PARKER replied:- (2) Not applicable. On 'the-basis of--production tecturns and projections, the department esti- EDUCATION: PRIMARY SCHOOL mates that the outstanding mining Withrop: Const niction royalties as at the end of March 1987 are in the order of $290000 out of 374. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for total receipts of about $40 million per Education: quarter. All production returns for the (1) Is the Winthrop primary school listed month of March not necessarily for consideration and construction in received at this date. this year's capital works budget? 526 526[ASSEMBLY]

(2) When will a final decision be made on ROAD when construction on the school will commence? Forrest Road: Realign ment 378. Mr MacKINNON. to the Minister for Mr PEARCE replied: Transport: (1) No. (1) Is it planned to realign Forrest Road through South Lakes? (2) Ongoing monitoring is made of all areas where enrolments are on the in- (2) If so. when is it anticipated that this crease. Facilities will be provided, as work will proceed? necessary, to service the Winthrop M r TROY repl ied: area. (1) No. (2) Not applicable. SECOND-HAND DEALERS ACT Rerielt ROAD 376- Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for Farrington Road' Speed Limit Consumer Affairs: 379. Mr MacKINNON. to the Minister for (1) Has the review of the Second-Hand Transport: Dealers Act been completed? (1) What is the speed limit for traffic in Farri ngton Road? (2) If not. when is it expected to be completed? (2) Are there any plans to reduce this limit? (3) if it has been completed, when is it likely that any changes to the Act or, (3) If so. when? regulations will be made? Mr TROY replied: Mr TAYLOR replicd: (1) 70 km/h between North Lake Road and Windelya Road: (1) No. 80 km/h between Windelya Road and (2) The review of this Act is being con- 200 metres east of' Casserly Drive; ducted by the law review unit of the 70 km/h over remaining section to Police Department as pant of a Karel Avenue. broader review of' other related legis- lation administered by the Minister (2) No. for Police and Emergency Services. (3) Not applicable. (3) Not applicable. COMMUNITY SERVICES HEALTH Child Care Centre: Leeming Denial .*k-: Amendment 380. Mr MacKINNON. to the Minister representing the Minister for Community 377. Mr MacKINNON. to the Minister for Services: Health: (1) Has a decision been made on where is it the Government's intention to the Leeming child care centre is to be amend the Dental Act to allow for the located? registration of dental therapists? (2) If not, when will a decision on its lo- eat ion be made? Mr TAYLOR replied: Mr WILSON replied: Dental therapists are registered by the Dental Board to practice under super- (1) No. vision. The Government has no inten- (2) A land search is at present being tion of amending the Dental Act to undertaken. When all available sites allow dental therapists to practice have been identified and assessed for without supervision. suitability, a decision will be made. [Wednesday. 8 April 1987]12 527

MOTOR VEHICLE LICENCE TRANSPORT Plate No. 7110-351 £;inergenci'Assistance Schemie:- Variation 385. Mr CASK, to the Minister for Police and 381. Mr MacKINNON, to the Minister for Emergency Services: Police and Emergency Services: (1) Is it intended to vary clause 47 of the (I) What were the costs involved in ad- State road transport emergency assist- vertising vehicle licenc plate No. ance scheme which clearly requires 7H0-35l? the fire service to act as lead combat (2) What was the cost of the licence plate authority in road rescue operations?. to the successful applicant? (2) If yes, will he provide the reasons for and detailIs of the proposed changes? Mr GORDON HI LL replied: Mr GORDON HILL replied: (1) $830.57. (1) There is no clause 47 in the draft of the State moad transport emergency as- (2) $8.50. sistance scheme, which has just been received by the members of the State STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE Counter Disaster Advisory Com- mittee. Rescue Operations: Role (2) Answered by (1), 383. Mr CASH, to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services: POLICE DEPARTMENT (1) Further to his reply to question 159 of 1/cart' h-aulage Section: Transfer 1987 concerning emergency services, 386. Mr CASH, to the Minister for Police and when will the matter be determined? Emergency Services: (2) Which groups or organ isations does he (1) Has consideration been given to intend to consult? transferring the function of the heavy haulage section to the Transport Com- M r GOR DON H ILL replied: mission or any other Government (I) and (2) Not yet determi ned. authority? (2) If yes. will he provide the reasons and the justification for such a decision? TECHNICAL AND FURTHER (3) Has this matter been discussed with EDUCATION the Police Union, and if so what was At Lati'k.v Apprentice Hairdressers the union's response? 384. Mr CASH, to the Minister for (4) How many officers comprise the Education: heavy haulage section? Mr GORDON HILL replied: (1) Is it intended to relocate the appren- tice hairdresser facilities currently (1) to (4) This matter is receiving con- located at the Mt Lawley Technical sideration by Government. College? HOUSING (2) if so. will he provide reasons and de- tails of the proposal? 430 Light Street, Dianella: Purchase 387. Mr CASH, to the Minister for Housing: Mr PEARCE replied: (I) Is Homeswest involved in the acqui- (I) -With,- hairdressing -training facilities sition or--funding-of:7the residential now available in each of the four property located at 430 Light Street, metropolitan residential corridors, the Dianel ia? level of enrolments at I Lawley is to (2) If so, will he provide details of be significantly reduced. However, * Homeswest's involvement? there are no Firm plans to close the Mt Lawley facility. (3) Has Homeswest been advised by the * City of Stirling that the property is (2) Not applicable. zoned low density residential R20/40, 528 528[ASSEM BLY]

that uses other than residential are not WATER POLICE permitted, and that the property is not zoned for institutional purposes? illternativeSito (4) Is Homeswest's involvement con- 390. Mr CASH, to the Minister for Police and ditional upon the property being used Emergency Services: for institutional purposes under the (t) Which other sites were considered by City of Stirling's town planning the Government prior to Harvest scheme? Road, North Fremantle being chosen M r W ILSON replied: for the site of the new water police facility? (1) No. (2) What criteria was used in the assess- (2) to (4) Not appl icable. ment of these sites? Mr GORDON HILL replied: HEALTH: HOSPITAL (1) From the sites available, five were Royral Peril,: ACar Nose and Throat HWard given serious consideration. These were- 388. Mr CASH. to the Minister for Health: Lot 363 Doepel Street, North What is the availability of beds and Fre mantle-, the waiting list in the ear nose and Lot 359 Doepel Street. North throat ward at Royal Perth Hospital? Fre mantle;, Mr TAYLOR replied: Fremantle I nner Harbour;, I am advised there is not a specific ear Lots 378 and 388 Stirling High- nose and throat ward at Royal Perth way. North Fremantle; Hospital. Sub-Lot 25. Harvest Road. North Fremantle. LAND (2) It was the recommendation of the Commissioner of Police that on his Lot 363 Doe pelStrerl, North t'remnaml.- .Irea assessment the Harvest Road site was 389. Mr CASH, to the Minister for Police and clearly the most suitable. Emergency Services: (1) What was the area of Lot 363. Doepel CONSUMER AFFAIRS Street. North Fremantle, a site for- merly intended to be the headquarters Second-hand Deaiers' Licences:, Market Stalls of the Western Australian water 394. Mr CASH, to the Minister for Police and police? Emergency Services: (2) Has the Government disposed of this (1) Do permanent swap meet sellers, per- land, and if so who is the current manenit garage sale operators, or per- owner? sons operating market stalls which sell various products, need a second-hand (3) What was the value of the land when dealers' licence? it was disposed of. and how much did the Government receive from the (2) If yes, do these operators have to dis- buyer? play their licences in accordance with (4) What is the current value of Lot 363. the appropriate Act? Doepel Street? (3) If no to (1), is the Government con- sidering requiring these people to ob- Mr GORDON HILL replied: tain a second-hand dealers' licence? The member has directed his question Mr GORDON HILL replied: to the wrong Minister. The question has been referred to the appropriate The member is referred to the answer Minister for a reply to the member in to question 291 and to the Second- writing. Hand Dealers Act. [Wednesday, 8 April 1987] 5292

NATURAL DISASTERS: CYCLONES Mr TAYLOR replied: Eiici;enci' Services. Aihordv I presume the member is referring to the St John Ambulance Association. 395. Mr CASH, to the Minister (or Police and as the brigade is a different organis- Emergency Services: ation from that referred to in she (1) What athority is vested in- substance of the question. (a) police officers:, (1) Three paid officers. (b) volunteer State Emergency Ser- (2) (a) Yes:, vice Officers, (b) two additional paid officers. during a red alert situation, particu- The additional officers were larly in respect of a cyclone emerg- provided to manage the ency? heavier case load in Kalgoorlie. In the 1985-86 (2) What actions are the police or volun- annual report of the associ- teer State Emergency Service officers ation-Kalgoorlie 1 292 able to take against persons who cases. Port Kedland 702 refuse (heir directions during a red cases. alert emergency? (3) The deployment of ambulance M rGOR DON H ILL repl ied: officers is under continuing re- (1) (a) and (b) No specific authority by view by the association, not by reason of a red alert situation. myself; and the association is without more. However, the more than capable of taking ap- Commissioner of Police has ad- propriate remedial action in re- vised me that there are a wide sponse to changing case load pat- variety of powers in Statutes terns. vested in the police to deal with a great number of situations. Any GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES HOUSING action the police may AUTHORITY subsequently take would depend largely on a particular set of cir- Port led/and eumistances. 397. Mr LEWIS, to the Minister for Housing: (2) No specific action, but it would depend (1) How many Government Employees on particular Circumstances; for ex- Housing Authority houses are in Port ample. if no action or lack of action was Hed land? likely to endanger life or property. (2) How many of these houses are cur- rently vacant? EMERGENCY SERVICES (3) What is the maximum period of vacancy of any of the existing vacant S1 Jo/rn .-hhib,,/wweAi(.-ssciation: Port led/and houses? 396. Mr CASH, to the Minister for HeIalth: (4) If there have been protracted (1) What is the current strength of the St vacancies, are these homes intended John Ambulance Brigade in Port to be let, and if so when? Hedland? Mr WILSON replied: (2) (a) Was additional support recently (I) Port Hedland 45 given to the Kalgoorlie St John South Hedlarid 183 Ambulance Brigade-, 228 (b) if so, will he -provide details and: the justification for such ad- (2) Pori Kedland 0 ditional support? South liedland 7 (3) Is he aware of concern for the need for additional support for the St John .7 Ambulance Brigade at Port Hedland. and if so what action has he taken to (3) One house has been vacant for I I assist? months. 530 530[ASSEM BLY]

(4) The houses are intended 10 be let be- means of controlling industrial fore the end of this current financial discharges and improving their year. quality over time. The major pollution load from SUPERANNUATION BOARD the combined Swan Wool Investments: "'he A nchorage" Scourers and Fremantle Steam Laundry ef'fluent discharge is 399. Mr H-ASSELL, to the Minister for contributed by the Swan Wool Environment: Scourer's effluent. (1) In connection with the Anchorage de- Over a period of many years the velopment at North Fremantle, are Swan River Management Auth- any of the industries proposed to be ority has been working closely relocated from the Anchorage site to with Swan Wool Scourers to other parts of North Premantle con- achieve a higher quality effluent. sidered to be noxious industries. or The current conditions applying environmentally sensitive or undesir- to Swan Wool Scourers' licence able? were established by the Swan (2) Given that section 3 of the public en- River Management Authority in vironmental report with respect to the December 1982. It is Swan Wool Scouring (WA) and acknowledged that the age of this Fremantle Steam Laundry Pty Ltd plant and treatment equipment. states that the quality of effluent dis- together with the difficult nature charges into the Swan River "does not of the effluent, have been impedi- conform in sonic respects to accept- ments to achieving a completely able water quality criteria"- satisfactory effuent discharge. (a) why has the Swan River Manage- However, the proposed relocation ment Authority issued a disposal and upgrading of the Swan Wool licence under the Waterways Con- Scourers' plant will provide the servation Act 1976-, opportunity for this issue to be (b) if current disposal methods are considered by the Environmental * adequate, why have State Protection Authority and Swan agencies indicated a concern to River Management Authority. modify disposal licence con- (c) The guarantee is that the new op- ditions in the event of relocation; erat ions have to comply with li- (c) what guarantees are there that the cence conditions set under the new operations will meet the cri- pr~ovisions of the Waterways Con- teria of acceptability of water servation Act 1976 and the En- quality under the Waterways vironmental Protection Act 1986. Conservation Act 1976? (3) The public enviromental report pro- (3) Is it within his knowledge that both poses that there will be an increase in the Swan Wool Scouring (WA) and effluent discharged into the river. Fremantle Steam Laundry Pty Ltd (4) The proposal is currently subject to plan to increase operations as environmental assessment by the En- disclosed in the public report, and will vironmental Protection Authority, therefore cause an increase in the ef- w hich has yet to report. fluent disposed of into the river? (4) Will this be permitted? CONSERVATION AND LAND Mr HODGE replied: MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT (I) Yet. Huses: Divediinguip (2) (a) and (b) All industrial discharges to the Swan River are required to 400. Mr RUSH-TON. to the Minister for be licensed under the provisions Conservation and Land Management: of the Waterways Conservation (1) Referring to the proposed sale of Con- Act and the Environmental Pro- servation and Land Management tection Act. Licensing is the best houses at Owellingup, will he please [Wednesday. 8 April 19871 5313

let me know the steps and procedures Mr CARR replied: which need to be taken before these Such land is rateable by virtue Of See- houses are offered to- Lion 532 of the Local Government (a) tenants: Act, although provision is made for discretionary exemption by the coun- (b) local people:, cil under subsection 12 of that section. {c) other people? (2) When is it expected the houses will be HEALTH: HOSPITAL offered for sale? Gnowaugerup: Director qf Nursing (3) Are these houses available for rental 406. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Minister for now, with the opportunity being given Health:. to the new tenants to purchase the (1) When did the inquiry into the suit- houses when they are ready for sale? ability of the director of nursing at the Mr HODGE replied: Gnowangerup Hospital commence? (1) (a) (i) Freehold titles need to be (2) (a) Has the inquiry concluded, prepared as the houses are (b) if not, when is it expected to con- currently on State forest:, clude? (i i) the area needs to be excised (3) (a) Did the inquiry meet in from State forest:, Onowangerup:, (iii) valuations obtained from the (b) if so, for how many days; Val uer General: (e) has the inquiry concluded its de- (i v) offered to tenants:, liberations in Onowangerup? (b) and (c) answered by (a). (4) How soon after the conclusion of the inquiry would he expect to make the (2) Providing the subdivision proposal is findings public? accepted by the relevant authorities, sales should proceed prior to the end Mr TAYLOR replied: of the year. (1) The inquirer was appointed on 11I November 1986. The first formal (3) No. hearing of evidence commenced on 17 March 1987. SPORT AND RECREATION (2) (a) No:, W-l Spurts Uen ire: Operating Budget (b) no definite date has yet been es- 403. Mr WATT, to the Minister representing tablished. the Minister for Sport and Recreation: (3) (a) Yes; Would the Minister please provide a (b) seven days of hearings:, copy of the proposed operating budget (c) no. for the first year of the new WA Sports No decision has been taken in this re- Centre at McGillivray Oval? (4) gard. M r W ILSON repied: Net expenditure to 30 June is OCEAN FREEWAY PTY LTD estimated at $297 000. Govearnment Assistance The 1987-88 operating budget is cur- 407. Mr LAURANCE. to the Minister for rently being framed: figures are not Transport: yet available. (1) Is the State Government providing - any direct or indirect assistance* by SPORT AND RECREATION way of Government grants or by fore- going any Government charges to Organisations.- Local Government Rates Ocean Freeway Pty Ltd? 405. Mr WATT to the Minister for Local (2) If yes, will he provide details? Government: Mr TROYV replied: Is land owned by a municipality and (I) No. leased to an incorporated nan-profit sport ing organ isation rateable? (2) Not applicable. 532 532ASSEMBLY]

ENVIRONMENT Mr BRYCE replied: Report:,ASChemw'icals Lid (1) and (2) This is an area of Federal 409. Mr LAURANCE, to the Minister for Government responsibility. Environment: (3) It is understood that the successful When is the Environmental Protec- tenderer will mount aerial patrols out tion Authority expected to report on of Broome. the SCM Chemicals Limited proposal to establish a chloride plant at TRANSPORT: AIR A ust rali nd? llusvralia-Japan: Qantas Services Mr HODGE replied: 413. Mr COURT, to the Minister for In about four weeks' time. Tourism: (t) Is she aware that Qantas will be in- creasing its air services and available PRIVATISATION seats between Japan and Australia during 1987? 411. Mr COURT. to the Premier: (2) Is she also aware that none of these additional seats will be routed into, or (1) Has the Government prepared a through. Western Australia? "1privatisation" strategy similar to that prepared by the Federal Labor (3) If so, what action is the Government Government? taking to secure better international air access to Western Australia by (2) If yes. when will this policy be Qantas or other airlines wishing to implemented? visit Western Australia? Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: Mrs BEGGS replied: (1) The Federal Government has (t) Yes. indicated the likelihood that, as in previous Budgets. it may dispose of (2) Yes. some assets. The State Government (3) The number of available seats on in- also is constantly disposing of assets ternational services to Perth has such as land and cars. Neither increased 18 per cent over the last two Government has a "~privatisation years. In that period, major new inter- strategy" such as that of the Liberal national services have been Party or Mrs Thaicher. who would introduced from, for example. Tokyo. create private monopolies out of basic Kuala Lumpur. and Bangkok. social services thereby necessitating The successful policy to promote the imposition of rafts of regulations increased and improved international to enforce socially sensitive pricing connections through Perth is being policies. maintained. (2) Not applicable. TRANSPORT A i. Perth-ToA-vo DEFENCE 414. Mr COURT. to the Minister for Coaslt Surveillance: Contrae Tourism: 412. Mr COURT. to the Minister for Defence Is she concerned at the failure by Liaison: Qantas to aggressively promote the di- (1) Is the Government satisfied with the rect air service between Tokyo and new coast watch contrct for the north Perth? of ibis Stale? Mrs BEGGS replied: (2) Was the Government approached for The present Tokyo-Perth load factor input prior to the contract being let? being in the high 70's after only one (3) Has the new company appointed year since the service began is clear made arrangements to work from evidence of the success of the pro- Western Australia? motions undertaken. [Wednesday, 8 April 19871 5333

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: H-esiern ,lusfla lion lnifiatiu'es (1) The meaning of the question is not clear. 415. Mr COURT, to the Minister for Tourism: (2) It would be impossible for me to be aware of everything that happened in (1) Does the Government still agree that Exi m. Western Australia should maintain and promote its own tourism develop- (3) Exim's audited accounts for the past ment initiatives in spite of suggestions two years show an operating profit. by the Federal Minister. Mr Brown, that State Governments sometimes TRANSPORT: AIR get in Canberra's way? Perth International Terminal: Overcrowding (2) In view of the Government's consider- 417. Mr COURT, to the Minister for able efforts to promote tourism in Tourism: Western Australia, is it intending to ensure Mr Brown is aware of the op- (1) Is she aware of overcrowding prob- position of all Western Australians to lems at the new Perth International Canberra-based tourism promotions? Terminal? (2) Have discussions been held with the Mrs BEGGS replied: Federal authorities responsible for its (1) and (2) The Australian Tourist Com- design and operation? mission is presently restructuring and (3) If yes, what is the result of these dis- it is important that the Western cussions? Australian Tourism Commission work in conjunction with the Australian Mrs BEGGS replied: Tourist Commission to ensure the (I) Yes. best possible promotion of Australia (2) and (3) Discussions are currently be- overseas with specific advantages for ing held between the relevant Federal Western Australia. and State authorities and the airlines The Western Australian Tourism to address this issue. Commission is committcd to working in co-operation with the Australian WATER RESOURCES Tourist Commission to achieve ad- Irrigation:Revenue vantages for Western Australia in specific markets. 419. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Minister for Water Resources: (1) How much revenue was collected for MR KEITH GALE providing irrigation water in the Involveiment: WA Exini Corporation Waroona, Harvey, and Collie disticts 416. Mr COURT, to the Premier: in 1985-86? (1) Before referring him to remarks (2) What was the total cost to provide the attributed to Mr Keith Gale in The service in each of the above irrigation W4est Australian of 17 March 1987, districts in 1985-86? was Mr Gale's involvement in Exim (3) What was the labour and material cost "~entirely as a result of the Premier's to provide the service in each of the i nvitat ion" as stated by M r Gale? irrigation districts in 1985-86? (2) Can he confirm that in relation to (4) What was the administration cost _..Exim's early..dealings. ecverything charged to each of the irrigation dis- that happened was with the Premier's - - tricts for 1985-86?- full encouragement", as stated by Mr Mr BRIDGE replied: Gale? Wa roo na Harvey Collie (3) Given the massive trading losses by Exim operations to date, does he still (I) 220 190 866 518 738 534 consider it appropriate that he should (2) 515 630 2401 966 1 522 236 have employed Mr Gale as a consult- (3) 173 325 564 525 496455 ant to Exim? (4) 82625 300 803 259 546 534 534(ASSEMSaLYJ

DRAINAGE (2) Not applicable. Districts (3) The review is not yet complete, and I will not pre-empt any of the likely 420. Mr BRADSH-AW, to the Minis ter for recommendations of the subsidy re- Water Resources: view by commenting on any matter. (1) How many drainage districts are there in Western Australia? (2) How much revenue was raised from HEALTH: HOSPITAL drainage charges Cur 1985-86 in each Heatpease: Closure district'! (3) What was Ihe total cost to provide 422. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Minister for drainage in each of the drainage dis- Health: tricts? (1) Has the working party on the closure (4) (a) What is the cost of labour, ma- of the Heatheote Hospital completed terials. etc.. to provide drainage the report outlining the options? in each of the districts for 1985- 86. (2) If so, is this report available to the (b) how much was attributed to public? administration charges to provide Mr TAYLOR replied: drainage in each of the districts in 1985-86? (1) No. M r BR IDGE repl ied: (2) See (I) above. (1) There are six drainage districts in Western Australia consituted under LAND the Land Drainage Act 1925. Notional Parks: Entracae Fees Albany Eusselian Harvey itoclands Mundijong waroona S z $ $ S (2) 65804 216748 141 122 89611 80426 217 942 423. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Minister for (3, 337487 535803 861962 286959 457590 482 069 Conservation and Land Management: (4) 2957120 427 665 138 353 238 239 314499 310126 (1) What revenue was collected in 1985- 41767 108138 123609 48720 85091 t111343 86 from entrance fees to national parks? (2) what revenue is anticipated from national parks in 1986-87? (3) What revenue has been collected from entrance fees to national parks this HEALTH: MENTAL financial year? PsYchiatric Hostels: Subsidies Mr HODGE replied: 421. Mr BRADSHAW. 'to the Minister for No separate record is kept of entrance Health: fees to national parks. CALM main- (1) Has the Health Department com- tains records of total national parks pleted the private psychiatric hostel revenue which includes, in addition to subsidy review? entrance fees, items such as camping fees, main roads department grants. (2) If so, what were the recoin- boat hire, and souvenir sales. mendat ions? (3) In view of the fact that the last subsidy (1) Total revenue from national increase to private psychiatric hostels parks in 1985-86-SI 058 629. was September 1976, when does he (2) Revenue anticipated in 1986- intend to increase the subsidy? 87-$] 534 000. M r TAYLOR replied: (3) Revenue from national parks to (1) No. 31 March 87-$905 480.39. [Wednesday. 8 April 19871 3353

ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY SERVICES Hbieriv'vs Managementluhorifies Algal-A Mothercraft Home and Training, 424. Mr BRADSHAW. to the Minister for Centre Review Water Resources: 427. Mr BRADSHAW. to the Minister ()Does he intend to increase the number representing the Minister for Community of waterways management authorities Services: in Western Australia? (2) If so. where? (1) Adverting to question 1552 of 1986. has the review of Ngal-A been Mr BRIDGE replied: completed? This question has wrongly been addressed to the Minister for Water (2) If so, are the findings public? Resources. It has been referred to the (3) Will Ngal-A continue to train Minister for Environment, and he will mothercrat't nurses? answer the quest ion in writing. Mr WILSON replied: HEALTH: HOSPITALS (I) Yes. P'ublic: Stats (2) No. The Minister has arranged to 425. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Minister for cuss the report with Nga I-A. Health: (3) The Minister understands from Ngal-A (I) Does he intend to close or reduce the that they are continuing to run the status of any public hospitals in West- course. ern Australia? (2) If so. which hospitals? Mr TAYLOR replied: QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE (1) Some hospitals with low occupancy arc reviewed from time to time. HEALTH (2) Not applicable. AIDS: liotnosexvual Bathhouse 32. Mr CASH, to the Ministet for Police and HEALTH Emergency Services: Drugs: Detoxvification Unit In view of the dramatic spread of the 426. Mr BRADSHAW, to the Minister for killer disease AIDS and the Federal Health: Government's anti-AIDS campaign, (1) How long has the central drug will the Minister ,assure this House detoxification unit been operating? that the Government will take all ac- (2) How many people have been lion available to it to close a-homosex- detioxified in that time? ual bathhouse establishment at 565 (3) What is the average cost per person Beaufort Street. Perth, where as many as 100 homosexuals a night indulge in per detoxification programme? homosexual activities, often with mul- (4) What rehabilitation programme is tiple sexual partners, putting them- initiated after the detoxification pro- selves and future sexual partners at gramme? grave risk of contracting and passing Mr TAYLOR replied: on AIDS? (4) Ten months. - - IvirORDONHILL replied: (2) 154. I did not hear all of the question be- (3) $3 670. including costs of other ser- cause the Opposition Whip walked in vices provided- e.g. telephone infor- front of me, but I heard the general mation services. drift of it. I suggest that if the member (4) Clients are referred to other agencies. has any particular concerns about including the William Street Drug operational matters, he should address Clinic, for ongoing management. them to the police. 536 536[ASSEMBLY]

MR LEN BRUSH Mr BRIAN BURKE: That is exactly a cor- C'laim;: Motor V-ehicle Inlsuran(ce Trust rect quote. One might ask if the Leader of the Opposition reported to 33. Mrs BUCHANAN, to the Premier: the police the fact that he had been (1) Is the Premier aware of question 143 offered stolen material. But whatever from the Leader of the Opposition? that attitude, it now appears to have (2) Is it true that the question states as vanished, because while the Leader of fact the details of a personal insurance the Opposition says those things. it claim involving Mr Len Brush and the was not long after the radio interview M V IT? that members of the Leader of the Op- position's staff were telling everybody (3) Is he aware of certain statements made by the Leader of the Opposition who would listen that I had ordered on 16 March in relation to the subject the MVIT to make a payment-their material of question 143? fabrication-and that I had gone to the trust building, demanded the M r BR IAN BU RKE repl ied: Brush file, and taken it away. I thank t he member for some notice of Mr MacKinnon: Who was that? the questions (1)1to (3). 1 am aware of the question referred to. It raises some Mr BRIAN BURKE: Tony Barker-May. very serious concerns and not the ones To be fair to most of those people, that the Leader of the Opposition was they treated it with the contempt it quite improperly trying to imply. The deserves. So the Leader of the Oppo- question deals with material arising sition said, "I had the information but from a claim by Mr Brush after a I would not -use it", yet he put ques- serious accident in 1981. It talks of tions on the Notice Paper which incor- overturned decisions, advances paid. porated the information. and approaches by officers of my de- pantment and myself. Mr MacKinnon: Subsequently. All this material, if in fact true-and Mr BRIAN BURKE: Subsequently. When certainly the improper inferences are did the Leader of the Opposition untrue-can only come from the con- change his mind and decide to use it? fidential case file held by the MVIT, Let us get to the truth. We do not have parts of which have been unashamedly to eat the whole hindquarter of this hawked around to the media for beast to tell it is tainted. A bite of the months by some members of the Op- hock is sufficient. The Leader of the posit ion. Once again this happened on Opposition confirmed a moment ago successive evenings. It affects the he would not use this information. credibility of this Leader of the Oppo- When I tell him he has used it he says, sition. 'Yes, subsequently." On 16 March. the Leader of the Oppo- Mr MacKinnon: Of course. You answered sition was asked on radio if he was the question. aware of this stolen MVIT material. Mr BRIAN BURKE: He is not so silly as He said-and this is a quote from the to use it before he denies he uses it. Leader of the Opposition- Even he would not do that. But I am "Somebody did in fact provide a copy not so sure. of that to the Opposition but I refused to use it. It was not the sort of infor- Mr Clarko: You said you changed your mation that I thought we should use mind. and so we did not." Mr BRIAN BURKE: I do change my Mr MacKin non: Exactly. mind. But why is it suddenly proper to Mr BRIAN BURKE: Exactly. Confirmed use material which it was improper to again. Then in debate on Wednesday, use before? 1 April, he again said, "I had the in- Mr MacKinnon: All I did was to ask you a formation but 1 did not use it pub- quest ion. licly." Thai is on page 89 of Hansard. Mr BRIAN BURKE: The Leader of the Is that aCorrect quote? Opposition used publicly the material Mr MacKinnon: Exactly. he said he would not use. [Wednesday, 8 April 1987]13 537

Mr MacKinnon: I said I would not release Mr BRIAN BURKE: It is a fact. The Op- it to the media and did not. position deals in rumours. He told Mr BRIAN BURKE: Were the Leader of Bob Willoughby of Channel 9. That the Opposition's questions not re- does not worry me because I did not leased to the media? Arc they kept in a go down to the MYIT and ask for Mr drawer and not printed on the Notice Brush's file-a stolen file that the Op- Paper? His credibility is in shreds. position already had. The Leader of the Opposition said he would not use Mr MacKinnon: A marvellous revelation! it publicly and later did. He named Mr BRIAN BURKE: A marvellous revel- Mr Willoughby the other evening. I do ation. He screws his shoes on. He can- not mind naming him, but I would not not get away with that sort of non- spread that vicious, untrue infor- sense here. He says whatever suits mation around just because I wanted him. He says he will not use a confi- to be Premier. dential, stolen file, and when he incor- porates information- MR TERRY BURKE Involvement: Brush Affair Mr MacKinnon: I said I would not release it to the media and I did not. 34. Mr MacKINNON. to the Premier: Mr BRIAN BURKE: The Leader of the During question time yesterday, the Premier gave the following answer- Opposition incorporated it in a ques- tion to the Parliament. I asked the police whether Terry Burke was involved in some Mr MacKinnon: To ask a question. Kewdale matter. Mr BRIAN BURKE: I hope the media is In view of that statement made by the listening. They should not report any Premier that he had in some way questions from the Leader of the Op- communicated with the police con- position about improper material. cerning a possible investigation of his Mr MacKinnon: Why not? brother's involvement in the Brush af- fair. did he on any other occasion Mr BRIAN BURKE: Because the Leader communicate with the police at any of the Opposition does not want to use level concerning investigations being it publicly. undertaken in relation to the Brush Mr MacKinnon: If I wanted to give it to affair? the media I would have given it di- Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: rectly. As has already been stated, I had pre- Mr BRIAN BURKE: The member for! viously contacted the police and asked Cottesloc was more difficult to trick them whether the rumours that they than the present Leader of the Oppo- were going to talk to him about were sit ion. true. Mr MacKinnon: To trick? Mr MacKinnon: On how many occasions? Mr BRIAN BURKE: He is tripping him- Mr BRIAN BURKE: On perhaps one or self up. Not only that. I will tell him two occasions. who his staff member was. Tony Mr MacKinnon: Perhaps on several oc- Barker-May rides like a bushranger casions. through the pages of the dictionary. Mr BRIAN BURKE: I cannot tell the He went down to the MVIT and asked Leader of the Opposition. I then rang for Mr Brush's file. the Commissioner of Police and asked Mr MalcKinnon: Who did he say that to? him whether it was true. The com missioner said to me not only was it Mr BRIAN BURKE: To a reporter. untrue but at the CIB briefing that Mr MacKinnon: Who is the reporter? morning the question had been asked and answered in the negative. I make Mr BRIAN BURKE: I will tell the Leader no apology for that. In the same way I of the Opposition the name of the re- asked the police to stop the rumours porter. lam not worried. about Terry Burke's involvement Mr Lewis: Is it a rumour? spread by the Opposition. 538 538[ASSEM BLY)

MrClarko: And by you. not having a policy on education. Mr BR IA N BU R KE: Spread by the Oppo- Where is the Opposition's education sition. The police said to mc that they policy? Where is its police policy? had had no communication except Where is its policy on agriculture? anonymous phone calls. Where are its policies on anything cx- cpi sniping. snarling, mean, vicious. I do not suppose I should concern my- contemptible criticism of people from self with telling the Leader of the Op- outside who cannot defend them- position he is making no progress on sel ves?' the matter. People do not think that an Opposition which rails to have any Mr Mensaros: That is not the answer to the constructive or positive policies is an question. alternative Government. Look at what Mr BRIAN BURKE: It may not be the happened in the first week, when the answer to the question, but it is the member for Murehison-Eyre made the answer the question deserved. Leader of the Opposition look foolish. Mr MacKinnon: I would rather have him on my team than you. ENVIRONMENT Mr BRIAN BURKE: You may rather have Iloulnan ,'Ibrol/ws him on your team than me. I do not 35. Mr P. J. SMITH. to the Minister for mind. Look at what happened yester- Conservation and Land Management: day. Look at what is happening again As the Minister would be aware, the today. The reason is that the Leader of Abrolhos Islands is a very important the Opposition will not win Govern- fishing area, particularly for the rock ment if he works on policies that do lobster fishery, and also has very high not attract support. conservation values and considerable Had he been with me at the opening of recreational and tourist potential. As a goldmine in the Murchison today the Minister would also be aware, and heard the comments about this public undertakings have been given State Government's efforts to assist in the past that conflicts between fish- the goldmining industry, notably the ing. conservation, and tourism efforts of the Minister for Minerals interests would be resolved. and Energy, and the lavish praise be- Recognising that a consultative com- ing heaped upon this Government by mittee was established in 1986 to ad- a former vice president of that branch vise on options, is the Government of thc Liberal party, he would start to going to take any further positive ac- understand. tion to resolve conflicting land use de- Mr Cash: That is the member for mands and ensure protection and Murehison-Eyre's good work in his management of the area's natural re- electorate. sources for the benefit of all interests? Mr BRIAN BURKE: And it reached the Mr HODGE replied: stage today where the member for As members will know, the Abrolhos Murchison-Eyre would have known Islands is a major natural resource of people, had I[only taken the trouble to Western Australia, and its future man- introduce him. That is what happened agement requires careful and con- today. HeI was late at the airport to sidered planning. catch the plane. then when he caught the plane he arrived after the opening The islands and surrounding waters ceremony. He walked up to the open- have high co 'nservation and scientific ing ceremony just as everyone left to value, particularly the unique coral have a cup of tea, and at that stage it reef communities and seabird nesting was like Wilfrid Vaughan Thomas sites. As well, t1;e Abroihos is the fading slowly into the west, and I left cntre of a valuable fishery and has him. high recreational and tourism values. Members opposite can disregard it if The State Government understands they like, but they know it is true. the conflicting demands on this They must do the work. It is no good unique resource and the need for a [Wednesday, 8 April 1987153 539

harmonious and balanced approach to Mr PARKER replied: the future use and management of the (1) and (2) The site was pegged by a islands. company the name of which I forget. In recognition of this, Cabinet has ap- but I think it was New Broken Hill proved the establishment of a task Metals, or Minerals, or something of force to develop a planning strategy that sort, about two or three months for the Abroihos Islands. It is to com- ago; and 1, exercising my powers prise representatives of the Depart- under section iII lAor the Mining Act, ments of Conservation and Land have disallowed the application for a Management. and Fisheries, and the mineral tenement. State Planning Commission, and is to report to Government with its plan- TOURISM COMMISSION ning strategy by 30 June 1988. Advertising Budget The task force was recommended by 37. Mr READ. to the Premier: the Abroihos Islands consultative (1) Has he had a chance to check alle- committee, which was set up in 1986 gations by the member for Karrinyup. to advise me and the Minister for reported in The West Australian Fisheries on management of the today, that the Tourism Commission's islands. The task force is the import- entire 1984 radio advertising budget ant next step in the process of had been allocated to 61'R? resolution of user conflicts at the (2) Is this correct? Abrolhos. It will develop a planning Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: strategy, based on multiple use prin- (1) and (2) I have been able to check, and ciples and a zoning plan to provide for by way of information for members I each of the primary land uses. would like to read a copy of a letter Some costs can be met out of existing that I received from Miss Cheri departmental budgets. However, an Gardiner, who was a former senior additional $70 000 is to be provided executive of 6PR. in the 1987-88 Budget for the task Mr Clarko: And a member of the Tourism force to complete its land use studies. Commission, after you appointed her, The possibility of engaging a coral reef just after you gave her the big whack management expert for the duration in the budget. of the project to assist with the prep- Mr BRIAN BURKE: We shall just hear aration of the planning strategy is also about that, shall we? being explored. Mr Clarko: You put that into The West I believe with this planning strategy Australian, because they have been on we can ensure the continuance of the to me already about this. important fishing industry, while The SPEAKER: Order! Order! securing adequate protection for the islands, nature reserves, and import- Several members interjected. ant coral reefs. The SPEAKER: Order! Order! Those two members who have just interjected may well have some points to make and I do not object to their making CHEMICALS: POLYCHLORINATED them;, I simply object to their timing. I BIPH-ENYLS find those interjections after I had cal[led for ord er ve ry ill-man nered, and Incinerat or.- Mineral Tenemnent I will not tolerate them any longer. 36. Mr COURT. to the Minister for Minerals -Mr- BRIAN BURKE: 1 will be as quick as and Energy: possible. Mr Speaker. (1) Has the site for the proposed hazard- The letter states- ous waste disposal plant at (1) The radio advertising promotion Koolyanobbing been pegged as a min- entitled Holiday WA which was eral tenement? eventually awarded to 6PR was (2) If yes. what is the current status of this first offered to 61X by Ogilvy & application? Mather Advertising. 540 540[ASSEMBLY]

(2) 61X refused to be involved in the Mr BRIAN BURKE: The member for promotion because at the time Karninyup accused her of being, they were conducting an entirely firstly, a political appointment and music format and they felt that crony. the outside broadcasts and inter- M r Clarko: I did not use t hose word s at all1. views required by the Holiday WA package would be detrimen- Mr Pearce: It was a fair implication. Yours tal to their format. was a disgraceful speech, and you got what you deserved on the radio this (3) The package proposed by Ogilvy morning. & Mather was for a year long in- volvement which involved inter- M r Clarko: I don't mind. I did not hear it, views with various tourist oper- by the way. I only heard it second- hand. I must have touched a nerve. ators, outside broadcasts from holiday destinations such as Mr BRIAN BURKE: I do not have the Geraldton, Broonme and Hlansard here, but the quotes in the Kalgoorlie etc. These outside newspaper talk about my involvement broadcasts naturally involved in- with left-wing radio, and talk quite terviews with local tourist wrongly about spending the entire ad- identities in those locations. No vertising budget. other station in the marketplace Mr MacKinnon: Is that what you claim the conducted "talk radio" and their member for Karrinyup said? formats were totally incompatible Mr BRIAN BURKE: No. I said the radio with the promotion. budget. (4) 6PR actually withdrew from the Mr MacKinnon: You said something promotion prior to the scheduled about left-wing radicals. conclusion date because the pack- age proved unprofitable for the Mr BRIAN BURKE: The Leader of the station. Opposition even put Howard Sattler in the cant. In addition to which, I am (5) The above information concern- pleased to note that all members ing the offer to 61X can be yeni- should by now have received a letter fled by Ven Goff. Managing Di- from the Chairman of the Public Ser- rector of Ogilvy & Mather. Mr vice Board, that well-known Commu- Goff advised Ms Gardiner and nist, Mr F. J. Campbell! Mr Campbell other Tourism Commissioners of has taken the unprecedented step, in the 61X situtation when the my experience, of writing to all mem- controversy first arose in 1984. bers of Parliament pointing out that (6) During the initial controversy Ms much of what Mr MacKinnon had to Gardiner solicited the opinion of say as report ed i n t his mo rn ing's Press the managers of 6KV. 6PM and was a whole lot of pap. 96FM and all stated that they would have rejected the EDUCATION: SCHOOLS proposition because of the in- trusion it would cause on success- Consultation: Parents ful music formats. 38. Mr SCHELL. to the Minister for Best Wishes, Education: (1) What steps has the Minister taken, or Cheri Gardiner. is he going to take, to involve teachers I suppose it matters not one whit to and parents in the consultations he the member for Karrinyup that he can stated would take place to formulate blackguard a woman in the way he the final plan of his programme for did. improvement of Western Australian Mr Clarko: How did I blackguard her? schools? (2) Does he intend to follow up the re- Mr BRIAN BURKE:. You accused her of lease of the booklet "A programme for allI sorts of things. improvement" with briefing sessions Mr Clarko: What did I accuse her of? for P & Cs, teachers, and other [Wednesday, 8 April 1987]14 541

involved groups. to sort out the con- I made sure that Education News. the fusion and misunderstanding already newspaper of the Education Depart- rampant throughout the State? ment. which goes to both teacher and Mr PEARCE replied: parent groups, is carrying as much in- formation about the development of (1) and (2) There is a latter-day Rip Van proposals as is possible. The formal Winkle emerging from the seat of Mt processess of consultation with Marshall because the processes to teachers and parents are done through which he refers are well under way at the two State-wide peak bodies. the present time in terms of the formal People at various levels within the consultation processes. I have set up a Education Department, including my- better schools working party with the self, are speaking at meetings, and Teachers Union. which represents answering questions in both the city teachers in the country as well as in and the country. As far as I know, the city. there is no significant area of the Mr Schell: Nothing has been done for the country which has not had a meeting people in the country. attended by one or other of these people. However, if the member for Mr PEARCE: That is not true. Mt Marshall is concerned that his Mr Cowan: What that means is that you electorate is an island of ignorance in have not heard of anything that has a State where the processes are been done. otherwise working well- Mr PEARCE: There are things that are be- Mr Cowan: Could I straighten you out on ing done. The point of view is not in- that? If all these meetings have been compatible in that things are being held, you have a situation where the done, and the member has not heard town of Trayning. 45 miles from about them. Merredin. still has to answer to The situation is that the Teachers Moora. That point has been made to Union in this State is participating in your people time and time again, and a working group to represent the ye t Trayning is still in the Moora div- teachers' point of view: and they have ision of this new break-up. No-one is their own consultative processes listening. among their members to represent Mr PEARCE: That is not the case. that point of view. I have set up the Mr Cowan: Why hasn't it been changed? same type of working group with WACCSO. which is the parent group Mr PEARCE: Firstly, the boundaries that representing parents across the State. have been established for the new They, unlike the Teachers Union, school districts are tentative bound- have a zonal form of representation. aries. Secondly. I had all the old re- In each of the areas there is a person gional superintendents responsible who is responsible. under the old boundaries. I personally sought their involvement in the draw- I speak to large and well-attended pub- ing up of new boundaries based on lic meetings around the State. their own experience of how the although many have been in the boundaries work and the ways in metropolitan area. I have also which communities relate to each attended meetings in Bunbury and other. If the member for Mt Marshall Albany. The executive director of wishes to make a point about the schools was speaking to a meeting in placement of Trayning- Geraldton last Friday. Meetings are being held around the State with very Mr Schell: I have written to you about it. senior people present. I am advising Mr PEARCE: The member for Mt all schools, by process of an infor- Marshall has never written to me mation bulletin called "Education up- about Trayning being in the wrong date". which is passing out more in- :-hool district. I have never had any formation about this to the schools. In proposition like that put by anybody. I some cases, information goes to the P get hundreds of letters a day, but I do & Cs. not recall any letter about Trayning. 542 542[ASSEMBLY]

That representation. if and when it is the view that there should be no made, will be taken into account with change to late night trading prior to all the other representations that are Easter. being made. The whole system does The view expressed by these organis- not revolve around where Trayning ations representing retailers was that fits. approximately 90 per cent of persons Mr Cowan: Of course it doesn't. I was remain in the metropolitan area over using that as an example to show you the Easter weekend, and it was that somewhere along the line there is expected that shopping would occur in a break. line with habitual patterns. Mr PEARCE: What the member for The submissions from the Retail Merredin said initially was that no- Traders Association and the WA one knows what is going on. That is Council of Retail Associations were not the truth. There is a vast array of considered and endorsed by the Retail consultative processes in action. It is a Traders Advisory and Control Com- big State and a big education system. mittee on 6 February. M r Cowan: I should have said very few The Retail Traders Association, the Council of Retail Associations, and people. the Shop Assistants and Warehouse Mr PEARCE: Many people know, but it Employees Union were advised of the obviously has not hit the member's decision on 20 March 1987. area yet. The time will come when it will. SUPERANNUATION BOARD In rest snenis: Legatlty SHOPPING 40. Mr HASSELL. to the Treasurer: Late Night Trading: Easter Tinersda 'v Has he received any advice, formal or 39. Dr GALLOP, to the Minister for Labour. informal, that any investments made Productivity and Employment: by or for the State Superannuation Board were not authorised trustee in- Is the Minister aware that the WA vestments or were not authorised Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the Superannuation and Family has called for the Government to shift Benefits Act? late night trading from the Thursday prior to Easter to Wednesday night? Mr BRIAN BURKE replied: I cannot recall any such advice, but I Mr PETER DOWDING replied: do not have a photographic memory. Yes. I am aware of the call from the If the member puts the question on Chamber of Commerce and Industry. the Notice Paper I will do my best to It would seem that once again, as in answer it. the earlier trading hours debate, the Mr Hassell: I suggest you have a look at it chamber is misrepresenting the views in view of the documents recently of the retail industry. lodged at the Corporate Affairs Dc- The Government's decision not to pariment relating to the subsidiary change late night trading prior to trust. Easier is based upon consideration of Mr BRIAN BURKE: Ilam happy to look at the views of the relevant peak retailer it. organ isat ions. On 3 December 1986. the Govern- POLICE ment wrote to the Retail Traders As- fleadligin Testing Service sociation of WA and the WA Council of Retail Associations to ask for their 41. Dr WATSON, to the Minister for Police recommendations regarding late night and Emergency Services: trading during the week preceding Has the Police Department any plans Easter. Replies from the Retail to provide a headlight testing and ad- Traders Association and the Council justment service for the public prior to of Retail Associations both expressed Easter? (Wednesday, 8 April 19871 543

Mr GORDON H ILL replied: The free service will be conducted be- The Police Department has advised tween 5 pm and 9 pm on Thursday. 9 me that as a service to the motoring April 1987, at the Mandurah Shop- public of Western Australia, the traffic ping Centre: Garden City Shopping branch will conduct headlight testing Centre. Booragoon: Phoenix Park and adjustment free of charge at a Shopping Centre; Carousel Shopping number of metropolitan shopping Centre at Cannington: and the Mid- ce ntre car parks in April. This service land Gate Shopping Centre. All ad- is being offered wilh the assistance of justments will be undertaken by the the participating shopping centres as a vehicle examiners section with the safety check prior to the Easter hol- help of the Lions Club of Western iday period. Australia.