Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 14 OCTOBER 1976

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Petition [14 OCTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 905

issue of whether or not there should be more equitable representation in Division 1 of the Albert Shire. Petition read and received.

QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE

1. LOAN MONEYS FOR WATER RETICULATION TO MAGNETIC ISLAND Mr. Ahern for Dr. Scott-Young, pursuant to notice, asked the Deputy Premier and Treasurer- ( 1) What loan moneys have been approved for the Townsville City Council for water reticulation to Magnetk Island during the last six years? (2) What contribution was provided by the Commonwealth Government?

Answers:- (!) $140,000. A further $80,000 is tentatively provided in the current finan­ cial year. The State also pays subsidy at THURSDAY, 14 OCTOBER 1976 the rate of 33t per cent on expenditure on this project. Major amounts of loan funds were raised by the council prior to Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. J. E. H. Houghton, 1970-71. Redcliffe) read prayers and took the chair (2) I have no knowledge of any Com­ a: 11 a.m. monwealth Government contribution.

PAPERS The following papers were laid on the 2. JUVENILE CRIME table:- Mr. MargillSQn for Mr. Melloy, pursuant Orders in Council under- to notice, asked the Minister for Police- State and Regional Planning and Devel­ ( 1) What is he doing about the alarming opment, Public Works Organization rise in juvenile crime? and Environmental Control Act 1971-1974. (2) As senior police officers have been reported as saying that a great deal of Ambulance Services Act 1967-1975. juvenile crime is due to lack of parental control and to family environment, what Regnlations under- social work or family counselling facilities Ambulance Services Act 1967-1975. are currently available to alleviate rising Health Act 1937-1976. juvenile crime and what plans has his department for the implementation of a The Physiotherapists Acts, 1964 to sound crime preventative scheme to keep 1965. young children out of trouble? Reports- Answers:- State Stores Board, for the year 197 5-7 6. Totalisator Administration Board of (!) Every effort is being made by the Queensland, for the year 1975-76. Police Department to prevent offences and detect offenders-of all ages. If the honourable member will refer to the annual report of the Director of Child­ PETIT1ION ren's Services, he will see that during the year ended 30 June 1976 there were Dl\'lSION 1 REPRESENTATION, ALBERT SHIRE 5,073 Children's Court appearances in Queensland, compared with 5,037 in the Mrs. KYBURZ (Salisbury) presented a previous year. petition from 1,629 electors of the Shire of Albert praying that the Parliament of (2) Whether young children become Queensland will cause a poll of all electors involved in crime and other anti-social of the Shire of Albert to be taken on the behaviour depends largely on parents, who 906 Questions Upon Notice (14 OCTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

control their environment, training and Loans and subsidies. obtained by Bris­ experience. Therefore, the primary respon­ bane for sewerage are not separately sibility for crime prevention rests within identified, other than in the backlog programme. the community at large. (3) The purpose of each project was The Police Department is actively the disposal of sewage. engaged in a programme directed towards locating juvenile offenders in an endeav­ ( 4) In 1976-77 lihere will be 139 our to redirect their energies into lawful sewerage projects by 60 local authorities. pursuits. In addition, police officers con­ Again it would be a considerable task to duct crime prevention lectures to school­ schedule these projects. Total funds children throughout the State, and the available, including carry-over from department is actively engaged in youth 1975-76 allocations, are- club work. Social workers and familv­ Debenture loans $30,723,000 counselling facilities are not provided by State ,loan and sub- the Police Department, but may be con­ sidy $23,619,000 tacted through the various offices of the Department of Children's Services. New approvals included in the above are- Debenture loans $23,000,000 State loan and sub- 3. SEWERAGE PROJECTS sidy $16,000,000 Mr. Marginson for Mr. Melloy, pursuant Commonwealth funds (70 per cent and 30 to notice, asked the Minister for Local per cent grant) expected to be available Government and Main Roads- total $1,000,000, which amount is pro­ ( 1) What sewerage projects were under­ posed to be allocated to Brisbane City taken with funds provided by the State Council-and only because I am big­ or Commonwealth in the years 1973-74, hearted. 1974-75 and 1975-76? (5) There have been no cuts in the State allocations for sewerage in 1976-77, as the (2) How much was provided to each figures given will show. The Common­ project and local authority and from what wealth allocation has been reduced from fund was the money derived? $13,500,000 in 1975-76 to $1,000,000 in (3) What was the purpose of each 1976-77. Of the 20 local authorities that project? shared in Commonwealth funds in 1975- 76, only Brisbane City Council will bene­ ( 4) What projects will be funded in fit this year. I am not prepared to specu­ 1976-77? late as to the projects that might have (5) What projects have been affected proceeded, or might have proceeded at an by the cuts in the recent Commonwealth increased rate, if more Commonwealth and State Budgets and in what way? funds had been made ava~lable. How­ ever, I do understand the seriousness of the position with the increasing cost fac­ Answers:- tor, and the urgent need for .more sewer­ age works, as I have previOusly made ( 1 and 2) The sewerage projects clear in this Chamber and elsewhere. I referred to number over 360 and it would have raised the matter with the Minister be a considerable task to identify expendi­ for Environment, Housing, and Commun­ tures on each project over a three-year ity Development (Mr. Newman) and the period. If the honourable member desires Minister assisting the Treasurer (Mr. Eric this information for particular local Robinson). I will be having a further authorities, I would be pleased to have the discussion with Mr. Robinson on this sub­ information extracted and supplied to him. ject tomorrow. The total expenditure for each of these years was-

4. AIR POLLUTION FALL-OUT FIGURES, otherL_o_c_al_A_u_t_h_or-it-ie_s than Brisbane __ ll973-74jll974-7511975-76 DARRA, 0XLEY, EAGLE FARM AND PINKENBA $ $ $ Million Million Million Debenture Loans 13-224 18·186 15·334 Mr. Marginson for Mr. Melloy, pursuant State Loan and Subsidy : : 8·754 10·846 11·778 to notice, asked the Minister for Local Gov­ Commonwealth Loans and ernment and Main Roads- Grants .. 1-300 7·678 9·790 What were the daily average fall-out i 23·278 ! 36·710 136·902 Brisbane- 1 figures at gauges at Bradford Street, Darra; Commonwealth Loans , Killarney Avenue, Darra; Kingsford Smith and Grants . . . . j 2·800 1 4·372 3·710 Drive, Eagle Farm; Eagle Farm Road, Totals .. ---u:o78 ~~4Q.612 Pinkenba, and Irwin Terrace, Oxley, for 1 1 the months of July, August and September? Questions Upon Notice (14 OCTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 907

Answer:- by continuing the compulsory X-ray cam­ paign for these conditions alone. I would The insoluble fall-out in milligrams per point out that the Commonwealth Gov­ sq m per day at the locations referred to ernment has advised that the Common­ by the honourable member was- wealth-State Tuberculosis Agreement under which the X-ray campaign is presently I July, I Aug., ll Sept., funded will terminate as at 31 December ------· 1976 1976 1976 1976.

Bradford Street, Darra .. Kiiiarney A venue, Darra Kingsford Smith Drive, m lm I z~Z Eagle Farm 2o5 113 I 111 Eagle Farm Road·, 6. RIGHT OF PATIENT TO REJECT Pinkenba .. 143 172 115 Irwin Terrace, Oxley : : I 213 356 ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATOR 'VIr. !Vi. D. Hooper, pursuant to notice, September 1976 results for Irwin Ter­ asked the Minister for Health- race, Oxley, are not yet available. The abnormally high result in Killarney Cl) Does a patient have the right to Avenue, Darra, in August 1976 resulted refuse to be attached to an artificial from a temporary plant malfunction, which respirator, if the doctor deems it necessary, depo>ited dust in the immediate vicinity without risking being discharged for refus­ of the sampling station. ing that particular treatment? (2) Does a person have the right to refuse to allow a member of his immed­ iate famil)' to be attached to an artificial respirator, without the patient risking 5. MASS RADIOGRAPHY being discharged for the refusal of that par­ Mr. :\·1. D. Hooper, pursuant to notice, ticular treatment? asked the Minister for Health- ( 1) Is mass radiography that is used Answer:- essentially for early detection of tubercu­ losis to be phased out? ( I and 2) In normal circumstances a medical practitioner would not instigate (2) Would it not be more beneficial to any treatment or procedure without the the public to continue with the scheme, coasent of the patient or a member of even though the disease is on the decline? his family. In an emergency, the doctor is obliged to instigate necessary treatment. (3) Following the compulsory X-ray In the case of a patient needing an arti­ check, are numerous persons found to be ficial respirator, that patient would be so suffering with heart conditions and lung ill I feel sure that no doctor would dis­ cancer? charge him.

AliSH'CTS:- (1) Yes, it is expected that the mass X-ray campaign as it is being conducted 7. INCREASED LOCAL AUTHORITY RATES, at present will be completed by 30 June BINGIL BAY AND MISSION BEACH 1977. It will be replaced by a selective survey of populations at risk. Included Mr. M. D. Hoopcr, pursuant to notice, in these are those persons found to have asked the Minister for Local Government positive tuberculin skin tests performed and Main Roads- during the last survey. Cl) Has his attention been drawn to (2) At the moment it is necessary to the monstrous increases in rates recently take approximately 6,000 to 8,000 X-rays levied by the J ohnstone Shire Council on to pick up one case of tuberculosis, and property owners at Bingil Bay and Mission this is proving a very costly procedure. Beach, for example, whereas an owner of I am advised that the modified scheme a vacant site of 1 rood 34 perches, fronted wii! be just as effective in case-finding by a dirt road, paid $76 as annual rates for 1975-76, he has to pay $514 for this and more economical. year? ( 3) It is true that heart conditions and lung cancer have been detected during (2) Is he fnrther aware that the John­ the mass X-ray campaign. An examin­ stone Shire Council is telling the residents ation has shown that cancer cases detected that the fault lies with this Government during the X-ray campaign have fared because of recent increases in unimproved values by the Valuer-General's Depart­ no better than those diagnosed by other ment? means. With adequate school health faci­ lities checking on congenital heart disease ( 3) In order to counteract the irrespons­ and with better facilities in provincial city ible statements in this respect by the John­ hospitals, no advantage would be gained stone Shire Council, will he indicate to 908 Questions Upon Notice [14 OcTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

that council how it can adjust its rate Creedy's department, to all organisations in the dollar on the land-owners at in (a) areas north of the Tropic of Capri­ Bingil Bay and Mission Beach so that only corn and (b) areas south of the Tropic a fair increase in rates is charged? of Capricorn?

Answers:- Answers:- (1) I am aware of substantial rate (!) Mr. Creedy was appointed on 14 increases in the seaside townships in the October 1968. At the time of his appoint­ Johnstone Shire. ment, his rate of salary was $337.90 per fortnight. His terms of appointment were: (2) I am not aware of what the John­ a probation period of 12 months, and stone Shire Council is telling its rate­ subsequent appointment under the Public payers, but I am aware that the rate Service Act. increases in the seaside townships are due basically to large increases in valuation, (2) At the time of Mr. Creedy's com­ which in turn are attributable to the high mencement of duty, one staff member, (a prices paid for land in those localities. The clerk-typist) was employed in his office. valuations are as determined by the Val­ In the same financial year, a second staff uer-General in accordance with the Val­ member (a clerk) was appointed to the uation of Land Act, and would have been office. subject to rights of objection and appeal. (3) At present there are six staff mem­ (3) There is no power in the Local bers employed in the Cultural Activities Government Act for a local authority to Office. levy a lower general rate in the dollar in (4) Mr. Creedy's present rate of salary the townships referred to than is levied is $953.60 per fortnight. No other remun­ in other towns in the shire. There is a eration is payable to him. power to levy a lower general rate on rural lands only. Also, as the period of (5) In the financial year 1969-70, the time for framing and adopting budgets total expenditure for salaries, equipment, and fixing of rates for 1976-77 has expired and incidentals of the Cultural Activities there is no way in which the budget o; Office was $24,075. rates can be altered this year. (6) In the financial year 1975-76, the I want to say to the honourable mem­ total expenditure for salaries, equipment, ber ~or Mourilyan that I am very, very and incidentals of the Cultural Activities warned about the Johnstone Shire. It Office was $92,100. has about seven or eight different bene­ (7) Statistical returns of cultural activ­ fited areas, and if that is not a hotch­ ities grants are not normally compiled in potch, I have never seen one. I am cer­ the geographical order requested. How­ tainly going to take the necessary steps ever, action will be taken to extract rele­ to overcome the problem. vant data and to forward them to the honourable member as soon as possible.

8. 1\TR. A. J. CREEDY AND DEPARTMENT OF CVL TURAL ACTIVITIES 9. CONSIDERATION FOR VICTIMS OF Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked the CRIMINALS Minister for Education and Cultural Activ­ ities- Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General- ( 1! Whe!1. was Mr. Creedy appointed With regard to his answer to my ques­ to hts positiOn, at what salary and for what term? tion on 23 September concerning the tender solicitude expressed and applied by judges (2) How many others were then on in the interests of convicted criminals, his staff? before sentence is passed, will he give the House some indication of any obliga­ (3) How many are now on his staff? tion imposed on judges, either by law or ( 4) What salary does Mr. Creedy now custom, to express and apply the same receive, including allowances? measure of tender solicitude for the victims of criminals and the relatives of those (5) What was the total cost of Mr. victims? Creedy and his department in the first complete year of operation? Answer:- (6) What was the total cost for the last complete year? In the answer to the question asked by the honourable member on 23 September (7) For the last 12 months for which 1976, an objective statement of the law was figures are readily available, how much given. The sentencing of a convicted money was granted, by or through Mr. person involves consideration of a number Questions Upon Notice [14 OcTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 909

of factors, some of which are relevant to Brisbane. No decisions have yet been the victim and some to the offender. The made, as these applications are still under object of criminal law is justice not investigation. When the investigations are vengeance. completed, the matters will be referred to the Metropolitan Transit Authority for its There is provision in the Criminal Code consideration. for the court, on the application of the victim, to order the offender to pay com­ The proprietors providing the Deception pensation for physical injury suffered by Bay services are in fact eligible to apply the victim by virtue of the offence. for assistance under the Urban Passenger Service Proprietors Assistance Act as the services come within the meaning of an "urban passenger service" under that Act. 10. SUBSIDY FOR DECEPTION BAY Bus SERVICE

Mr. Frawley, pursuant to notice, asked the 11. POLICE MISUSE OF FIELD Minister for Transport- lNTERROGA TJON REPORTS ( 1) Is he aware that the township of Deception Bay is in danger of losing a Mr. Frawley, pursuant to notice. asked the very important bus service because the ser­ :Vfinister for Police- vice has been losing money constantly? ( 1) Do police still use field interrogation (2) What assistance by way of subsidy reports? is available to enable the people of Decep­ tion Bay to retain this valuable service? (2) Is he aware that on 8 October at 8.30 p.m. in Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe, Answer:- seven youths walking along the street were stopped by police and five were (1 and 2) I am advised by the Com­ compelled to answer questions which were missioner for Transport that until recently written on field interrogation reports? a service was provided for the township of Deception Bay by Kangaroo Lines of (3) Does he not consider that com­ Caboolture, as part of its other operations pelling people to answer all the questions from Bribie Island. However, the licence on these reports is an invasion of privacy for the Bribie Island service was sold to and reeks of Gestapo tactics? another operator, who provides a feeder service from Deception Bay to connect ( 4) Are people required by law to with the through service from Bribie Island answer all the questions or to give merely to Brisbane, which follows the new high­ their names and addresses? way, bypassing Deception Bay township. (5) Is he also aware that if people This latter operator also still provides a refuse to answer these questions they are shoppers' service from Deception Bay to told by police that they will be charged Redcliffe under a separate permit. with obstruction of an officer in the course In addition there is a service authorised of his duty? between Deception Bay and Redcliffe and operated by Redcliffe-Brisbane Motor Services, connecting with their through Answers:- service to Brisbane. (1) Yes. Apart from these services, Kangaroo Lines still provide services between Cabool­ (2) No. It is usual. however, for police ture, Deception Bay and Redcliffe under to speak to groups of youths congregating another licence, catering basically for or walking in public places. This is a school-children and a weekly shoppers' crime prevention and detection technique service. adopted by law enforcement agencies throughout the world. Similar action taken The Commissioner for Transport has on the night of 12 October 1976 resulted advised me that the particular part of the in three youths being found in possession Bribie Island to Brisbane service operated of a large amount of stolen property by one proprietor, Mr. C. B. Skennar, is which had not at that time been reported under examination as he has applied to stolen. Arising from the possession of surrender his permit, which authorises his this property, the three youths have been service from Deception Bay to connect charged with breaking and entering offences. with the Bribie Island to Brisbane service. (3) Persons are asked to answer questions I am also advised that an application and are not compelled as suggested. Such has been made by Redcliffe-Brisbane Motor questioning cannot be regarded as an Services to delete other than school ser­ invasion of privacy or reeking of Gestapo vices from Deception Bay to Redcliffe and tactics. the service to Rothwell's Memorial con­ necting with their through services to (4) See answer to (3). 910 Questions Upon Notice [14 OcTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

(5) No. If the honourable member has All clerk of the court offices were advised evidence to support this claim I ask him early in September by the Justice Depart­ to supply it. ment of the new requirements. Included in the procedures was the re­ quirement that where documentation was not complete and correct, the papers 12. RESEARCH INTO POTENTIAL OF should be sent to head office for check QUEENSLAND TOURIST INDUSTRY against computer records. Instead of for­ Mr. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked the warding these transactions through the Minister for Tourism and Marine Services- clerk of the court office, reply-paid envel­ opes were provided to the clerk of the Cl) Did the Queensland Government court. This course was adopted to reduce Tourist Bureau commission a comprehen­ the work-load at clerk of the court offices sive research project to determine the and to provide a quicker service. Also, attitude of various demographic groups it is in preparation for the opening of towards Queensland as a holiday State and, regional offices, such as Cairns, which will if so, what are the details of the research not be on-line to the computer. In these carried out, the results of the research and centres, for instance, an application for the cost of the project? transfer not accompanied by a current certificate of registration will in some cir­ (2) Was the research project carried out cumstances have to be referred to Brisbane by consultants and, if so, who were they for verification of ownership before pro­ and how much did it cost? cessing. With the improved private mail service, processing will be quicker than in Answers:- double-handling through a country office. (1) Yes. Psychological research was car­ It was expected that a registration ried out to determine attitudes towards branch office would be opened in Cairns Queensland as a holiday destination and the in January 1977, However, due to pro­ results of that research, which produced tracted, but essential, industrial negoti­ a comprehensive document, were related ations still in progress, the scheduled open­ to the advertising campaign of the Queens­ ing may be deferred at least a month. land Government Tourist Bureau. (2) The study was carried out by Con­ sensus Research Pty. Ltd. and the cost was 14, SITES FOR HIGH SCHOOLS AND $15,000, which also included a post-test PRIMARY SCHOOLS WEST AND SOUTH of the advertising campaign. OF BEENLEIGH Mr. Ahem for Mr. Gibbs, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Works and Housing- 13. REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, ( 1) Is he aware of the rapid growth in CAIRNS population to the west and south of Beenleigh? Mr. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Local Government and Main (2) What forward plans are in hand to Roads- have suitable land set aside for high schools and primary schools in these areas? ( 1) Have new instructions recently been issued concerning the local payment of Answer:- motor vehicle registration fees at the Cairns Court House, and under what circum­ (1 and 2) Yes. Because of the detailed stances are these fees being refused? knowledge that the honourable member has of his electorate, he has been able to (2) Are transfers now required to be keep me fully informed on population forwarded direct to the Main Roads Depart­ growth in the Beenleigh district. Negoti­ ment, Brisbane, by post from Cairns, by ations have been commenced with a view district residents and, if so, from what date to the acquisition of land for one State did this new provision apply and were high school and three State primary the changes widely advertised? schools to meet the future educational (3) In view of the inconvenience and needs of the area. delay experienced, when will fees be received, new plates and windscreen labels issued and all transactions completed 15. DISCHARGE OF UNTREATED EFFLUENT from an issuing centre at the new Main BY SUGAR MILLS Roads Department building recently opened Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked the by the Minister in Abbott Street, Cairns? Minister for Local Government and Main Roads- Answer:- ( 1) How many sugar mills have been (1 to 3) As from 24 September 1976 a licensed under the Clean Waters Act to new simplified motor vehicle fee system run untreated mill effluent into streams, was introduced throughout Queensland. and which mills are they? Questions Upon Notice [14 OCTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 911

\2) Which of these mills are taking students and that, as a result of this, those actwn to provide efr1uent treatment to schools which have done the correct thing enable them to comply with the provisions in not releasing the results to students of the Clean Waters Act and, of those until they have been verified by the board which are not, how long have they been are finding that their students are being allowed before they must comply? disadvantaged in so far as provisional employment prospects are concerned? What (3) How many sugar mills that have has been the delay and will he take action not applied for a permit to do so are to rectify this situation? running untreated effluent into streams, and which mills are they? ( 4) Which of these mills have been Answer:- inspected by officers of the Water Quality I am aware that formal notification of Council and why have they not been pros­ approval of ratings proposed by schools ecuted for failure to apply for a permit for the Senior certificate was mailed to in accordance with the Act? schools on 7 October 1976. Exceptions to (5) What action is being taken to make this are cases where the students assess­ mills comply with the Act? ments are being further examined by the chief moderator. Answers:- It should be noted that the responsibility (!) No sugar mills have been licensed of the Board of Secondary School Studies to discharge untreated wastes to streams. is to issue Senior certificates to students All the mills which have been licensed to who have completed grade 12 studies. It discharge wastes into streams have been issues these certificates by 19 December required to provide treatment, which they each year. Consequently, Queensland are in the process of providing. Several of students receive their formal statements of the mills have chosen to dispose of their results three weeks earlier than their wastes on land, which at present does not counterparts in any other State of the require a licence under the Clean Waters Commonwealth. Act 1971-1976. Notifying schools of approvals of pro­ (2) Recent :inspections have disclosed posed distributions of ratings each semester only two unlicensed sugar mills discharg­ is another matter. The board has a respon­ ing wastes to waters. Those mills are the sibility to ensure that the standards of North Eton Co-operative Sugar Milling assessment for the Senior certificate main­ Association Ltd. and the Marian Mill Co­ tain its credibility. Chief moderators, in operative Society Ltd. carrying out their duties, devote a great (3) See answer to (1 ). deal of care and consideration to each (4 and 5) North Eton Mill was inspected school's proposal in order to ensure fair­ by an officer of the Water Quality Council ness to all. They make themselves avail­ on 17 September and 1 October 1976. This able for frequent and sometimes protracted mill does not have a licence because it pro­ consultations with school principals. posed to dispose of its wastes on land. The care taken in this respect should be Marian Mill was inspected by an offic.s:r seen as a desirable safeguard for the indi­ of the Water Quality Council on 8 July vidual student. Because all schools receive and 15 September 1976. This mill held a advice of approval distributions of ratings licence until 30 June 1976, but was late at the same time, no student is disadvan­ in lodging an application for its renewal taged. and the licence expired. Because aD application for a licence for this mill has Where information is required for em­ been lodged and is under consideration by ployment before completion of grade 12, the Water Quality Council, the present the most appropriate information can be discharge is not in breach of the Clean provided by the school. Waters Act. The question of the appro­ priate action to be taken in respect of these two companies will be decided following consideration by the Water Quality Coun­ cil of reports on the inspections referred 17. CONSERVATION OF THE BLACK PALM to. TREE Mr. Deeral, pursuant to notice, asked the 16. BOARD OF SECONDARY SCHOOL Minister for Lands, Forestry, National Parks STUDIES DELAY IN VERIFYING STUDENTS' and Wildlife Service- RESULTS In relation to a tree known as the Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked the black palm (Norbanyi Normanbyi) which Minister for Education and Cultural is confined to the tropical jungles of North Activities- Queensland, particularly the Cedar Bay Is he aware that the Board of Secondary area, and which is a comparatively rare School Studies has not yet verified the tree used primarily for making spears, results of the first semester for 1976 Senior batons and walking sticks, is he aware of 912 Questions Upon Notice [14 OCTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

the concern being expressed in Far North children living at Millbank are served by Queensland about the wanton and indis­ the Bundaberg West and Norville State criminate destruction of these beautiful Pre-school Centres. trees by squatters in the rainforests and will he give an assurance that the officers (2) Provision has been made in future of his National Parks and Wildlife Service planning for a new primary school at and the Forestry Department will do what Millbank in the next five-year period. they can to conserve the black palm?

19. CREDIT UNIONS Answer:- Mr. Jensen, pursuant to notice, asked the ! am aware that concern has been Tviinister for Justice and Attorney-General- expressed at the alleged destruction of ( 1) With reference to the recent Vic­ black palms (Norbanyi Normanbyi) by torian decision to introduce a $10,000.000 squatters in north Queensland rainforests. compulsory reserve fund for credit unions Black palm is a relatively uncommon in that State, what is the number of credit tree of the northern rainforest. However, unions registered in Queensland under the it does occur over a fairly large area, Co-operative and Other Societies Act? including the basins of the Daintree, (2) What are their total assets? Bloomfield and Amman Rivers. Though (3) How many subscribers are in credit the squatters may have used some of these unions? trees for building construction and other purposes, their impact on the availability ( 4) How much have subscribers in these of the species would be minor. unions? (5) Will the Government introduce a Much of the land on which black palm compulsory fund along the lines of the occurs is gazetted as national park, State Victorian scheme as a safeguard for sub­ forest or timber reserve and it also occurs scribers' funds? on some offshore islands. These are isolated areas, and patrols by officers of the National Parks and Wildlife Service Answers:- and the Department of Forestry are infre­ The answers to (1) to (4) are compiled quent. My officers will take all steps from statutory returns lodged with the possible to limit the destruction of black Commissioner for Corporate Affairs up to palm, more especially on national parks 30 June 1976. and areas proposed for national park (1) 85. reservation. (2) $75,696,928. I thank the honourable member for his genuine interest in the black palm and I (3) 95,925. can assure him that all steps possible will (4) $60,068,081. be taken to preserve this rare tree, which (5) A draft uniform Bill is being pre­ is ideal for making spears, batons and pared in Queensland in conjunction with walking sticks. other States in Australia. The inclusion of a contingency-type fund in this draft is a matter of policy yet to be resolved between State representatives. It might be noted, however, that the Queensland 18. PLANS FOR PRE-SCHOOL AND STATE Credit Union League Limited, of which SCHOOL AT MILLBANK the majority of credit unions are members, operates a savings protection fund with Mr. Jensen, pursuant to notice, asked the a current balance of $892,000. Minister for Education and Cultural Activities- In addition, the Co-operative and Other Societies Act 1967-1974 prescribes that a ( 1) Has his department any plans for society (which includes a credit union) shall a pre-school at Millbank in the Bundaberg transfer five per centum of the surplus city area? arising in any year from the business of the society to a capital reserve fund. (2) What forward planning is there for the building of a new primary school in this area on the land which has been reserved for the past five years? 20. INSURANCE AGAINST NATURAL DISASTERS Mr. Jensen, pursuant to notice, asked the Answers:- Deputy Premier and Treasurer- (!) Provision for pre-school facilities has ( 1) What discussions has the Govern­ been made on the Millbank primary school ment had with the Commonwealth Gov­ site. However, at this stage no detailed ernment concerning a proposal for the planning for these facilities has been under­ Commonwealth Government to back insur­ taken. The present needs of the pre-school ance against natural disasters? Questions Upon Notice (14 OCTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 913

(2) ld the Commonwealth Government in South Australia it is $30. Even if the considering introducing a scheme whereby driving fee of $5 payable in Queensland the companies involved could make a pool as part of the annual registrati0n charges arrangement with Commonwealth-backing for a vehicle is taken into account, a for natural disasters caused by cyclones, Queensland driver would need to be the floods, earthquakes and other causes involv­ sole owner of a vehicle before he would ing expensive payouts? pay the same aggregate charge as a driver in South Australia and he would still pay (3) What is the number of insurance considerably less than in New South Wales. companies in Queensland offering insurance Many licensed drivers do not, of course, against natural disasters? own their own vehicle. ( 4) What have been the claims against these insurance companies for natural disasters in Queensland over the last 10 years? 22. LIBRARY FAClLJTIES, LEJCHHARDT AND (5) What have been the increases in T!VOLI STATE SCHOOLS premiums over those last 10 years for natural disaster insurance? Mr. Ahern for Mr. Hales, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Works and Housing- Answers:- ( 1) Has any consideration been given ( 1) The Government has submitted ideas by the Government to building a free­ about natural disaster insurance to the standing library at Leichhardt State School? Commonwealth and has offered to liaise with its working party on the subject. (2) Has any provision been made for the establishment of a library facility at (2) No specified details are known. The the Tivoli State School? Commonwealth working party's report has not been made available to the Queensland Government. Answers:- (3 to 5) The information sought is not (1) Yes. It is anticipated that tenders available. Queensland no longer licenses will be invited for the work later in the general insurers in this area and premium year as the result of the honourable rates are not subject to governmental member's personal and persistent represen­ control. tations. (2) Yes. Approval is expected at an early date for the construction of a new double teaching area and the conversion 21. DRIVING LICENCE FEES of some existing accommcd~Jion to a library and staff room. Mr. Ahern for Mr. Hales, pursuant to notice, asked the Deputy Premier and Treasurer- As the Leader of the Opposition has claimed that licence fees will increase by 23. TRAFFIC FIGURES FOR ROADS IN 29 per cent in Queensland this year, CooROORA ELECTORATE what are the fees paid for a driving licence in Queensland, New South Wales Mr. Simpson, pursuant to notice, asked the and South Australia? Minister for Local Government and Main Roads- Answer:- {1) What are the latest figures for vehicles using the Bruce Highway between There will be no increase in driving Cooroy and Eumundi, Nambour and licence fees in Queensland this year and Woombye, Tanawha and the Caloundra I thank the honourable member for Ipswich turn-off, Caloundra turn-off and Bribie West for drawing attention to the fact Island turn-off, and the Bribie turn-off and that the Queensland charge remains well Burpengary, stating the period and date of below those in the States which have recording and percentage increase each Governments of the same political per­ year? suasion as the Leader of the Opposition. This is only one of many examples which (2) What are the vehicle figures for the show that Queensland charges still compare Brooloo-Kenilworth road, the Cooroy­ very favourably with those of other States. Tewantin road, the Yandina-Dunethin Rock road, the Yandina-Cooloola road, the The drivers' licence fee for a five-year Y andina-Coolum road and the Eumundi­ period in Queensland is $5; in New South Noosaville road, stating the date and the Wales it is $50 for the same period; and period of recording? 914 Questions Upon Notice [14 OCTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

Answers:- expansion of industry, particularly in decentralised areas of the State. The pro­ (1) Bruce Highway vision of fully serviced industrial estates Cooroy-Eumundi 3,181 is one such incentive. Nambour-Woombye 3,177 The honourable member will appreciate Tanawha-Caloundra that local community organisations, in­ (at Maroochy turn-off) 4,888 cluding local authorities, have an equal CJloundra-Bribie Island 7,864 responsibility with the Government to Bribie Island-Burpengary 9,663 assist in the attraction of industry to their respective areas. !2) Other Roads Brooloo-Kenilworlh 225 Cooroy-Tewantin 1,361 Yandina-Dunethin Rock 727 25. ACCIDENTS ON BRUCE HIGHWAY BETWEEN BRISBANE AND COOROY estimate Yandina-Cooloola 198 Mr. Simpson, pursuant to notice, asked the estimate Minister for Transport- Yandina-Coolum 372 What accidents have taken place on the Eumundi-N oosaville 520 Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cooroy in the years from 1970 to 1975? All figures are annual average daily volumes for I975-76. Answer:- Growth on the Bruce Highway is about 8 per cent per annum. On other roads This information is not readily available. the percentage is very variable and is not To extract it would entail pulling out all a reliable indicator. accident files for these years. The cost involved would not be warranted.

24. INDUSTRIAL ESTATE FOR COOROORA 26. UPGRADING OF OLD CLEVELAND ROAD ELECTORATE Mr. Goleby, pursuant to notice, asked the Mr. Simpson, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Local Government and Main Minister for Industrial Development, Labour Roads- Relations and Consumer Affairs- (I) What plans has the Main Roads Because of my concern at the high level Department for the upgrading of Old of unemployment in my electorate, I ask Cleveland Road between Carina and when a Government industrial estate will Capalaba? be opened in the electorate of Cooroora? (2) When will improvements to the car­ riageway of Old Cleveland Road be made? Answer:- Answers:- The Department of Commercial and ( 1) Plans have been completed for a Industrial Development has acquired an four-lane divided road from Carina to area of approximately 64 hectares close to Scrub Road. Design is partly completed Yandina Railway Station for development from Scrub Road to Belmont Road. Plan­ as a Crown industrial estate. Messrs. ning layouts have been prepared from Gary, Smallcombe and Associates, consult­ Belmont Road to Capalaba for detailed ing engineers, Maroochydore, have been design. commissioned to prepare detailed plans and specifications covering the initial (2) Work is expected to commence late deveiopmenial works. These comprise this financial year and the rate of progress road-works, drainage, water and sewer­ will depend on the level of Commonwealth age reticulation. Commencement of funding in the next Act to operate from development of the estate has been tenta­ I July 1977. tively programmed for 1977-78 subject to the availability of funds. In addition, an area of approximately 20 27 LEGISLATION TO PRESERVE hectares situated off the Eumundi Road, NATIONAL ESTATE Noosaville, was acquired by the depart­ ment in I975 for future industrial estate Mr. Marginson for Mr. Dean, pursuant purposes. to notice, asked the Minister for Local Government and Main Roads- I would add that with a view to increas­ ing employment opportunities the Govern­ ( I) Has the State Government recog­ ment provides a wide range of incentives nised the urgency of the need for legislative to encourage the establishment and/ or protection of our National Estate? Questions Upon Notice [14 OCTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 915

(2) When will preservation legislation Answers:- be introduced to bring us into line with other States? (1) I am aware of reports, which give cause for concern. Answers:- (2) Yes. A major study was conducted by the research branch of my department. (1) Yes. The purpose of this study was- (2) A deal of legislation has already been enacted by this Parliament dealing (a) To investigate grade and sex "'ith this matter; for example, the differences in alcohol and drug use, in Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act of student attitudes and in the knowledge 1967, the Fauna Conservation Act 1974 of alcohol and drugs. and the National Parks and Wildlife Act (b) To ascertain the effectiveness of 1975. drug and alcohol education pro­ grammes given to high school students in Queensland in 1974. (c) To investigate the relation of per­ 28. VITAMIN C IN DRIED AND sonal and social background variables CANNED FRUITS to the use of alcohol and drugs. JV[r. Marginson for !VIr. Dean, pursuant The results are the subject of three sep­ to notice, asked the Minister for Health- arate reports. The first report was released in July 1975 and the third in March 1976. ( 1) With reference to an article in the The second report, which deals with the "Sunday Sun" of 19 September, which effectiveness of drug and alcohol pro­ said that the Queensland Health Education grammes, is in the final stages of prepara­ Council is in the can with food processors tion. because the council claims there is no vitamin C in canned fruit, does the Queens­ (3) There is evidence of quite wide­ land Health Education Council produce spread use of alcohol by school-age child­ leaflets informing the public that dried ren. This ranges from a declared use by and canned fruits contain no vitamin C? 31.2 per cent of grade 6 children through to 83.3 per cent by grade 12 students. (2) Is this true or is it incorrect as Careful distinction should be made between claimed by the managing director of the use of alcohol by school-age children and Northgate cannery and the chief food use and abuse of alcohol in schools. There technologist for Edgells? is no evidence of use or abuse of alcohol by children while at school. Answers:- Another factor of crucial importance in the interpretation of these results concerns (1) I am advised that the Queensland the way data were obtained. The data Health Education Council produced a were obtained by students reporting on pamphlet which stated "Dried fruits and their current use. No attempt was made canned fruits contain no Vitamin C." I to verify this self-reported data. It is am further advised that the council is possible therefore that these results are revising the pamphlet. inflated owing to a tendency for respond­ (2) No individual should rely solely on ents to feel that it is acceptable to declare dried and canned fruits as a source of usage irrespective of whether or not this vitamin C. actually occurs. A report of an investiga­ tion in New South Wales reveals some­ what similar usage patterns. (4) Teachers are required to deal with the subject of the use and abuse of alco­ 29. USE OF ALCOHOL BY SCHOOL-CHILDREN hol as part of the health syllabus of the l\1r. Marginson for Mr. Dean, pursuant to primary and secondary school. To assist notice, asked the Minister for Education and teachers, advisory teachers in alcohol Cultural Activities- education have been appointed and are ( 1) Is he aware of reports of an operating throughout the State. My advice alarming incidence of drinking amongst is that Queensland is a leader in this regard. school-children? (2) Have any surveys been conducted into the use of alcohol by school-children? 30. ARMED HoLD-UPs ( 3) Is there any evidence to show that alcohol is in widespread use or abuse in Mr. Ahern for Mr. Bertoni, pursuant to our schools? notice, asked the Minister for Police- ( 4) What measures has his department ( 1) What were the numbers of armed taken to protect young children from this hold-ups in each of the last five years and drug? where and when did they occur? 916 Questions Upon Notice [14 OcTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

(2) How many deaths or serious injuries available on this private bus similar con­ resulted from these armed hold-ups? cessions to those which pensioners in urban ( 3) Are any records kept of the psy­ areas have? chological problems experienced by persons as a result of armed hold-ups? Answer:- Answers:- The Urban Passenger Service Proprie­ (1 and 2) Statistics of the kind sought tors Assistance Act does not authorise me are not kept by the Police Department to provide concessions to pensioners travel­ and are not readily available without a ling between Mossman and Cairns, whioh great deal of research. I do not propose is not an urban service within the meaning directing that that research be undertaken. of this Act. Accordingly, there could be no payment of a subsidy as compensation (3) Records of this nature are not kept for fare revenue lost by the proprietor by the Police Department. concerned if such concessions were given. Nevertheless, many proprietors of similar services do give concessions to pen­ 3!. HELICOPTERS FOR MEDICAL sioners. If the private bus operator con­ EMERGENCIES DURING THE WET SEASON IN cerned decides to do likewise, this would NORTH QUEENSLAND be approved. Mr. Tenni, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Health- ( 1) As the wet season is imminent, will helicopters be used in the Barron River 33. PAYMENT FOR VALUATION OF HOME electorate for urgent medical cases when FOR DEATH DUTIES BY SURVIVING the roads are flooded and no other suitable PENSIONER SPOUSE means of transport is available? (2) Will his department cover the cost Mr. Tenni, pursuant to notice, asked the of this urgent medical transport? Minister for Survey and Valuation- (3) Will this also apply in the Cook When a pensioner husband or wife dies electorate, where the rail ambulance used and there is joint-ownership of the home, to operate covering Chillagoe, Ootann, is the spouse forced to pay the fees of Almaden, Lappa, Petford and Dimbulah? a valuer to value the home for death duties? Answer:- (1 to 3) Where a person requires further Answer:- medical treatment at a public hospital which it not available at his local hospital, The honourable member is no doubt the Queensland Department of Health will aware that the Queensland Government meet the cost of his transportation for leads Australia in death duty reform and such treatment; subject to a means test. that death duties between husband and Normally this would be by rail, or by bus wife were abolished during the latter half if there is no suitable rail service, but of last year. As a consequence of that where urgency or the patient's medical action, the Queensland Commissioner of condition requires it, transportation would Stamp Duties no longer requires a pro­ be by air. The form of transportation perty valuation to ·be lodged where the provided is on the recommendation of whole estate passes to the widow or the medical superintendent of the local widower, as the case may be. hospital, subject to the approval of the Director-General of Health and Medical If, however, there are assets in the Services and is determined by the circum­ estate passing to other relatives or stran­ stances of the case. gers in blood, it is necessary to determine the rate of duty payable by those other The department does not assume the beneficiaries and a valuation of all assets, responsibility for transporting persons to including the matrimonial home, is the point where they first seek medical required. advice. The valuation fee is presumably an administration cost which would be paid by the executor and deducted from 32. Bus CONCESSIONS FOR PENSIONERS, the share of the residuary beneficiary, MOSSMAN-CAIRNS whoever that might be. If the widow is the residuary beneficiary, then Mr. Tenni, pursuant to notice, asked the she would be worse off by the amount of Minister for Transport- the valuation fee. If someone else is the As a private bus is the only means of residuary beneficiary, then the widow transport for pensioners travelling from would not have to bear the cost of the the Mossman Shire to Cairns, will he make valuation, either directly or indirectly. Questions Upon Notice [14 OCTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice 917

All these problems will be solved in so developments so that the relevant laws of far as the State of Queensland is con­ Queensland are observed in their entirety. cerned when death duties are abolished Naturally, if it should come to the notice on 1 January 1977. The problem will of the honourable member that there is still be there in respect of Federal estate anything underhand or illegal in this duties and the Federal Commissioner of development proposal and he can produce Taxation, over whose requirements the evidence to that effect, then the onus is Queensland Parliament has no control. on him to draw such matters to the attention of the proper authorities.

Mr. K. J. Hooper: I did that yesterday. 34. REGIONAL PASTORAL Co. AND You were caught with your pants down. MR. HARRY LONDY Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I have a copy Mr. K. J. Hooper, pursuant to notice, asked of the letter he wrote to Mr. Burns. It is the Premier- very interesting and long. (!) With reference to the Press re! ease in "The Courier-Mail" of 28 Septemrcr in which he welcomed the announcement 35. LOAN TO MR. PETER MARKOVICH BY of a $35,000,000 housing and commercial FINANCE & CoMMERCE Co-oPERATIVE SociETY LTD. project by Regional Pastoral Co., has his attention been drawn to an answer by Mr. K. J. Hooper, pursuant to notice, asked the Attorney-General on 29 September in the Minister for Justice and Attorney­ which he said that there is no record of General- the company in Queensland and that the (1) Was Peter Markovich granted a Corporate Affairs Office had to contact loan by Finance & Commerce Co-operative the New South Wales Corporate Affairs Society Ltd., is he a son-in-Jaw of a Office by telephone for details? director of Finance & Commerce whose appointment commenced on 9 January ( 2) What inquiries had he initiated on 1975 and, if so, what is the name of the this company, not known in Queensland, director? before he issued his Press statement? (2) On what date was the loan given (3) What inquiries were made to ascer­ to Peter Markovich and on what date tain the bona fides of the managing did he become a member of Finance & director, Mr. Harry Londy, who is the Commerce? same person who was involved in previous dubious real estate ventures in this State, (3) Is the director concerned also a and were the inquiries more extensive director or shareholder of Coonoona Pty. than those he made into the background Ltd., Nursing Centres of Australia (Mer­ of Mr. Wiley Fancher? maid Beach) Pty. Ltd., Investment Centres of Australia Ltd. and Nursing Centres of ( 4) Can he give an assurance that Australia Ltd., all of whom obtained mas­ traders, subcontractors and suppliers called sive loans from Great Australian Perman­ upon to supply goods and services on ent Building Society, United Savings Per­ credit to this low paid-up capital company manent Building Society and Finance & will be paid and not experience massive Commerce Co-operative Society Ltd.? losses as have occurred in previous com­ panies operated by Mr. Harry Londy? Answer:- ( 1 to 3) The information sought is not Answer:- required to be lodged in the Office of the Commissioner for Corporate Affairs and (1 to 4) From time to time people do is, therefore, not available. If the honour­ come to Queensland to establish and able member has information which would operate land development projects. How­ necessitate the investigation of this co­ ever, all such activities must, from their operative society, be should convey the outset, conform absolutely with this State's information to the Commissioner for statutory and other requirements in this Corporate Affairs, and stop playing politics. regard. I am certain the State authorities concerned will exercise the closest scrutiny Mr. K. J. Hooper~ You are still protecting over the activities of this and all similar crooks, Bill. 918 Questions Upon Notice (14 OCTOBER 1976] Questions Upon Notice

Mr. KNOX: Why doesn't the honourable approved recently by Executive Council, member put the information in the hands of that relate to the granting of permits for the pe·ople who can do the investigation? people wishing to live on vessels in certain He is saying he has it and we are saying water-ways, how many people are currently he should produce it. living in how many vessels in Queensland water-ways?

36. IssUE OF LICENCES TO TIN-DREDGING (2) What is the number of complaints COMPANIES IN NORTH QUEENSLAND FOR DREDGE PONDS received by his department regarding the noise and pollution from this floating Mr. Row, pursuant to notice, asked the population? Minister for Local Government and Main Roads- (3) What are the areas where permits Will he ensure that no licences are will be granted and what are the pro­ issued under the Clean Waters Act to tin­ hibited areas? dredging companies in North Queensland until adequate steps have been taken to ensure that the mining companies comply with adequate provisions for the storage Answers:- and drying of dredge-pond slimes and (!) No census has been taken of people for the location and damming of dredge living on board boats in Queensland and ponds in a manner that will prevent the the information sought by the honourable escape of sludge into streams and until member is not available. adequate consideration has been given by the Water Quality Council to the report (2) Complaints have mostly come from on a study carried out by the Townsville local authorities and residents in the Gold university into the use of flocculents on Coast and near North Coast areas. I am dredge-pond fluids? not able to give the honourable member an exact number as many of the com­ Answer:- plaints are telephoned and are not It is not an easy task to devise recorded. practicable control measures which will permit the dredging operations to continue Frequent complaints are received by and, at the same time, prevent any escape my Department of Harbours and Marine of sludge to streams. One solution would during Christmas holiday periods, parti­ be to close down the dredging operation, cularly from residents who live along the but this would put some 200 men out of Nerang River. work. It is necessary therefore to seek a com­ (3) Prohibited areas are canals within promise solution which will permit the meaning of "The Canals Act 1958 to dredging to continue with a reduction in 1960"; Caboolture River; Pumicestone the pollution of streams. The 'W'ater Qua­ Channel and all water-ways connected lity Council is seeking such a compromise thereto; Lake Currimundi; Bullock Creek; and the honourable member may be Hays Inlet; Eprapah Creek; Moogurrapum assured that the matters raised in his Creek; Nerang River upstream of the Gold question will be taken into account in Coast bridge, and creeks and watercourses preparing conditions for any licences that connected with the Nerang River; Tallebud­ might be granted under The Clean Waters gera Creek; Currumbin Creek; Coombabah Act 1971-1976. I may add that the Water Creek; that the part of the Coomera River Quality Council has invited the Hinchin­ adjoining the area of the City of Gold brook Shire Council to suggest conditions Coast; and Paradise Point boat harbour. which might be acceptable to that council. At the present time the only area in which a permit will be required to live on board a vessel is the Broadwater at 37. PEOPLE LIVING IN VESSELS ON Southport. The part of the Broadwater QUEENSLAND WATER-WAYS which is a boat harbour managed and Mr. Prest, pursuant to notice, asked the controiled by the Harbours Corporation Minister for Tourism and Marine Services- is excluded from the provisions of the ( 1) With reference to the new provision by-laws, as these boat harbours are con­ in the Harbour Corporation By-laws, trolled under separate by-law. Questions Upon Notice [14 0CTOBER:l976] Questions Without Notice 919

38. UPGRADING OF ROADS FOR UsE BY BULK­ have a degree in civil engineering or any MILK TRUCKS, PORT CURTIS ELECTORATE other special qualifications? (5) If a new Co-ordinator-General is Mr. Prest, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Local Government and Main to be appointed, what criteria of selection Roads- are to be used for the appointment? ( 1) Will money be made available for (6) How many positions in the State the upgrading of roads in the Port Curtis Government service carry a higher salary electorate over which bulk-milk trucks will than the Co-ordinator-General and what travel and, if so, what areas will be granted are the positions and the respective funds? salaries? (2) When will funds be made available? (7) What are the classifications and (3) Will funds be sufficient to construct salaries of (a) the Commissioner of Main all-weather roads to ensure a service to Roads, (b) the Deputy Commissioner of dairymen? Main Roads, (c) the Under Secretary, Premier's Department, (d) the Deputy Mr. HINZE: I did have discussions with Co-ordinator-General and (e) the the chairman of directors and members of Regional Co-ordinator Southern, Co­ the Board of the Port Curtis Co-operative ordinator-General's Department? Dairy Association and members of the respective councils when they indicated to Answers:- me that they were concerned because they (1 and 3) I refer the honourable member had been told that they had to go on to to page 1385 of the Queensland Govern­ bulk-milk supply. I now read the prepared ment Gazette of 14 December 1968. answers. (2) $1,460.20 per fortnight. Answers:- ( 4 and 5) I refer the honourable member (!) Yes, funds will be made available to to section 7 of the State and Regional Miriam Vale Shire, Livingstone, Calliope Planning and Development, Public Works and Fitzroy Shires. Organization and Environmental Control Act 1971-1974, which does not prescribe (2) I have sent letters to the local any particular qualifications for appoint­ anthorities concerned in the last week, ment to the office. advising them of the allocations for this year and tentative amounts for the next (6) None. two financial years. (7) In terms of salary per fortnight:­ (a) $1286.70. (3) It will provide for significant (b) $1182.90. Improvement to the existing roads and (c) $1217.00. ensure a reasonable service to the dairy­ (d) $1148.10. men. (e) $953.60.

39. CO-ORDINATOR-GENERAL QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Mr. Prest, pursuant to notice, asked the Premier- FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MEMBERS' ( 1) When is the present Co-ordinator­ CRITICISM General, Sir Charles Barton, to retire from the position? Mr. BURNS: I preface my question to the Minister for Local Government and Main (2) What is the salary of the Co­ Roads by drawing his attention to the article ordinator-General? on the front page of "The Courier-Mail" (3) How long has Sir Charles held today entitled "States 'hog' credit" and the position and what was the procedure reminding him of his answer yesterday in involved for his appointment? this Parliament. ( 4) If a new Co-ordinator-General is Is he aware that the criticism of the appointed in the New Year, will it be a Queensland Government's grandstanding by prerequisite for the new appointee to the Liberal Federal member for Petrie has 920 Questions Without Notice [14 OcTOBER 1976] Questions Without Notice now been endorsed by the Prime Minister But Jet me get back to the question. I am and the Federal Government Parliamentary very proud that I am a Minister of a Parties? State Government in Australia. This is apparently the mantle that we will have to Is he also aware that according to the continue to wear as we have in Australia report the Federal member for Petrie is a Government of the Commonwealth, which supported by other Queensland members, was originally set up by the States under namely, the Liberal member for Griffith lhe Constitution. After representatives are and the National Party member for Kennedy? elected to the Federal Parliament, they are In view of this condemnation of the down in Canberra for only a short time Queensland Government, will the Minister when the third-generation bureaucrats grab ensure that the Commonwealth Government them. As soon as they do, these bureaucrats receives fair credit for its spending in Queens­ try to indicate to the elected members that land and abandon what has been called "the the Federal Government is in fact giving headline-grabbing undeserving stance by us back our funds. members of the Queensland Government"? If this is the way that Mr. Hodges or Is today's report evidence of yet another anybody else in the Federal Parliament fracture in the already divided ranks of the wishes to refer to me or to this Government, Liberal Party in Queensland? they may continue to do so, but we will never stop fighting for the funds to which we are Mr. HINZE: Taking the last part of the justly entitled. We have been referred to question first, I am not aware of any division as one of the most prosperous States in within the Liberal Party. I see that the Deputy Australia, as has Western Australia, too. Premier of Queensland has the matter well Early in December I have to sit down with and truly under control. We have the greatest Mr. Peter Nixon and argue the case for more respect for his ability, and undoubtedly there funds for Queensland roads, which I will do will be no problem in regard to his party on behalf of this Government. So honourable in Queensland or in Australia. members opposite need not think that we are going to back down because of John An Opposition Member interjected. Hodges, Esquire, M.P., or anybody like him. All I say to these fellows is that they should Mr. HINZE: I should have asked the try to remember that the people who put honourable member the same question. Bart them into Parliament are their own con­ Lourigan lopped Jack Egerton's head off. stituents, not third-generation bureaucrats in Now Labor is trying to lop poor old Bart Canberra; and the quicker they learn it, Lourigan's head off. Who is next? Is it the better. Tommy Bums? I have some grave doubts as I look across the Chamber. Honourable members opposite can smile now, but we have been in the House a long time and QUEENSLAND TEACHERS' MASS MEETJNG AT we have seen these heads roll. Honourable WooLLOONGABBA members opposite do not smile then. Over there we have seen heads roll one after the Mr. MILLER: Is the Premier aware that other. teachers who were present at the mass meeting The Opposition did not have enough mem­ held recently at Woolloongabba are enraged bers even to send a representative out yester­ at statements attributed to Mr. Costello day to play in the annual cricket match alleging that a vote taken indicates support against a Press team. The Opposition was for strike action, when in fact it was shown not even represented, yet this game has been that the teachers were 2 to 1 against strike played between members of this House and action? Can the Premier take any action to the Press for over 100 years. The A.L.P. protect the great majority of sensible teachers deliberately rejected the invitation to play. against this continuing misrepresentation and I do not know whether it was poor old coercion by the union president? Bart Lourigan's head that the Leader of the Opposition was trying to lop off yesterday Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I can appreciate or whether it was the head of one of the the concern of the honourable member for members of his party-probably the latter. Ithaca-a concern shared by very many of And the honourable member for Bundaberg us-that the public should get the right figures is next. in relation to that ballot. I am glad that Questions Without Notice [14 OCTOBER 1976] Questions Without Notice 921 the honourable member has drawn attention Mr. I-HNZE: I thank the honourable to the correct figure. He also drew attention member for his question. to the fact that teachers themselves are Mr. Yewrlale interjected. :oncerned about it. Mr. Hll'\TZE: I believe in niceties. I am Teachers have rung me also and others not like honourable members opposite. They of my coiieagues on this matter. They have try to pop things over us at times but they :!5ked whether it is possible to have a secret do not get away with it. Let them try to ballot conducted by the Industrial Court. I put something over and see how they get on. am. quite sure that Cabinet will agree to !ne holding of such a ballot by the court I will give consideration to the erection if sufficient interest is shown by the teachers of the signs referred to by the honourable "nd there is a demand from them for it. member for Albert on the Nerang-Burleigh I give the honourable member the assurance Road. I can see immediately, of course, that the Government will also give protection that they may accentuate the problem the to any teachers who take a firm stand on honourable member referred to yesterday. this issue. We will not allow them to be If there is an increased traffic flow on that intimidated by the union or by Mr. Costello. section-which is a very great achievement of which I am extremely proud and a road which will be used by many people, partic­ ularly over the Christmas holidays-it will FREEZER DISPLAYS, JVIARK-h FooDs. GEEBUNG accentuate the problem in the township of Nerang and at the narrow bridge there. How­ Dr. LOCKWOOD: I ask the \\'linister for ever, consideration will be given to the hon­ Health: Will he arrange for his inspectors ourable member's request. to immediately inspect the freezer displays of \'[ark-It Foods, Geebung, where I purchased Whilst I am speaking on this subject, I these Birdseye brand beefburgers this morning might say that I notice in the Press this in a thawed-out condition? Will he have morning a letter from a person who com­ these beefburgers fully analysed to ascerta;n plaimd about road-hogs who travel slowly the effect of thawing on their safety as on the South-east Freeway. The signs that food? Will his officers condemn all suspect have been erected on main roads asking food in this filthy retail barn, particularly people, in whnt is in effect an educational Scott's Pizza Supreme, which are thawed, programme for a few months, to keep to Birdscre brand beefburgers, which are the left have been very successful. We thawed, and any other food covered with propose to erect similar signs on the South­ filthy grey sugar or rice? Would he expect east Freeway and other roads where they these foods to be perfect if properly stored have application. I thank those drivers, par­ or properly frozen in these stores? ticularly truck drivers, who have taken notice of the Government's request to move to the Dr. EDWARDS: I assure the honourable left of the road. member that it is the policy of the Govern­ ment to maintain the very highest health standards throughout the whole of the State, COMMUNIST-ORGANISED "A CHRISTIAN As to his concern about this particular CHALLENGE TO PEOPLE OF GooD WILL" matter-I assure him that I will have my departmental officers look into the problem, Mr. UNDSAY: I ask the Premier: With and I shall give him an answer as soon as regard to recent moves by atheistic Com­ possible. munists to infiltrate and obtain support from unsuspecting Christians through the organ­ isation of public vigils- (a) Has the Premier seen the memo SJcNs FOR NERANG-BURLEIGH RoAD signed by a certain Rhyl Hurley of 125 Mr. GIBES: I ask the Minister for Local Musgrave Road, Red Hill, on 12 October Government and Main Rouds: As the 1976 which advises his readers of a public Nerang-Burleigh Road is now completed to a vigil on Friday night, together with details high standard, will he consider having suit­ of an advertisement headed ''A Christian able signs erected at Nerang and Burleigh Challenge to People of Good Will", which drawing attention to the fctct that this road goes on to say- is an nltern:1tive route to the Nerang­ "However, the fundamental purpose of Broadbench Road? our vigil is to take a positive stand to 922 Questions Without Notice [14 OCTOBER 1976] l'Vfinisterial Statement

build a more just society. More specific­ who they are and what they are. I doubt ally we believe we must build a system whether even the Leader of the Opposition which is marked by- would support them. (1) Much more individual participa­ Opposition Members interjected. tion in the democratic process of Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: He is not game Government rather than merely vot­ to support them. ing at elections; Mr. Burns: Are you saying these Christ­ (2) A truly just sharing of wealth ian people who are holding this vigil are and power-rather than its accumula­ Communists? tion by a minority." Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: Mr. Speaker­ Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable member will come to his question. Mr. Burns: He can't read your writing, John. He can't read your writing, Mr. Mr. LINDSAY: And so on. Greenwood. (b) Could the Premier advise me, a Mr. K. J. Hooper interjected. democratically elected member of this Parliament who himself teaches two per­ Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I am inclined iods a week in an honorary capacity in a to say a little about the honourable mem­ Christian school, and who has seen Com­ ber for Archerfield, but I wish to answer this munist manifestos of the type outEned in question, which is a serious one. I want to the bunkers and indoctrination centres of warn many people who are so easily led Communist North Vietnamese battalions, and who could be influenced because there how best to alert those who believe in is talk about a prayer meeting for freedom­ God of these latest moves by atheistic ! want to ensure that they are not deceived Communists to impose their manifestos and they are not hoodwinked. That is on the citizens of Queensland? exactly what is being attempted. One of these days, if necessary, I will give a run­ Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I appreciate down of the characters-the subversive ele­ the question asked by the honourable mem­ ments in the community-who are trying to ber. It does show that he and many others deceive and mislead honest people. on this side of the House at least have a Mr. Houston: Get outside this House and very deep appreciation of what these people name them and say what you believe. are attempting to do to subvert, undermine and destroy our way of life rather than to Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: Does the hon­ protect it. I counsel many of the people ourable member for Bulimba support them? who are inclined to be deceived by these I will line every one of them up as sup­ people-these characters-to be sure they porters of this group. I challenge them to are not deceived. I would like some day, get out of it and I line them up as sup­ if the honourable member wishes, to give a porting this particular group. You can see, run-down on most of these so-caJ,led Christ­ Mr. Speaker, how silent they are. ians, their backgrounds, their association with Communists and their Left-wing ten­ Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The time allotted dencies. for questions has now expired. Mr. Houston: You've been promising us that for years. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I assume the HEALTH EDUCATION INITIATIVES honourable member for Bulimba supports them. Does he support them? Hon. L. R. EDWARDS (Ipswich-Minis­ ter for Health) (12.8 p.m.): The Queens­ Mr. Houston: You've been promising that land Government has sought to involve the for years and you've done nothing about it. people of Queensland in details of new poli­ cies and initiatives of the Government in the Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I would like field of health. I have already tabled in to know who on the Opposition side sup­ this Parliament on behalf of the Govern­ ports them. ment the new policy on the care of the Mr. Houston: State your case. intellectually handicapped and a health p

Total expenditure budgeted in this finan­ The Opposition has chosen to select words cial year for hospital operation and main­ to try to bring this fine health anc' hospital tenance as provided in the Trust and Special service in Queensland into disrepute, and Fund Estimates this financial year is 1 believe its members stand condemned today $264,100,000. This includes the operating for trying to trick Queenslanders by the costs of the Mater Public Hospital, which smart use of words. are now included in the Government accounts. The comparable provision for the previous Today I wish to outline to honourable financial year was $218,400,000 and this members the great initiatives shown by this year we see an increase of $45,700,000, or Government, and I refer to the major capital 21 per cent, which will permit services to be works programme that is being undertaken maintained at their present level and new in the health field to ensure that this facilities to be brought on line as they are Sta!e, and every section of this State, has completed. The Treasurer in his Budget has medical and hospital facilities that will service shown an increase of 87 per cent in the the people well in the last quarter of this growth in real expenditure in hospital services centmy and into the 21st century. over the past 10 years. The Queensland Government h2s under­ I want to explain that while Queensland's taken a massive building programme because free hospital system has been free at the of the extra moneys that have flowed from point of delivery, and is still so today, run­ the Commonwealth Government since it has ning such a mammoth organisation takes accepted more of the financial 0:Jrden to mammoth funds, which have had to be found provide a scheme for the rest of Australia by successive Treasurers. For Opposition that, in delivery, will compare v·i~h the pro­ critics of the Queensland hospital system to ;ressive Queensland scheme, \V hi eh has been say that suddenly from 1 October when the in operation for many years. Because of Medibank levy was introduced, the this building programme, Queens:and will $200,000,000-plus service is now for the first continue to lead the rest of the nation in time costing Queenslanders money is indeed the provision of hospital and medical facilities to make a mockery of the intelligence of for the benefit of all people. This is no the community at large. idle claim; these are the undisputed facts.

Queenslanders have been "ell aware that Let us look at the cost of delivering because we have had a so-called free hospital medical services from our hospitals. In today's system, one that today still is free to all modern medical and scientific boom period, people at the point of delivery and one costs of delivery are indeed of great concern that will continue to be free, State moneys to the Government. As a Government, we have had to be used to provide this service. are conscious of the need to ensure that we Because we have led Australia in the pro­ get the best value for every dollar spent on vision of health services to the people, it was the hospital service, and the efficient running to Queensland's decided financial advantage of our hospitals is due to the strict budget to accept the A.L.P.-initiated Medibank hos­ scrutiny that is maintained by officers of pital scheme, which was also to be financed my department. I wish to pain~ out to by a levy, for with the introduction of honourable members that the mn::ing costs the Medibank hospital scheme, the Queens­ each week for the Royal Brisbane H os pi tal land contribution to the running costs of complex, for exam'lle. now have reached in our public hospitals and health services fell excess of $1,250,000. The cost of caring from 83 per cent to 50 per cent. Thus for a patient in the public wa,·ds of the in very real terms, the State Government Royal Brisbane Hospital is $?> 1.19 a day; was able to free funds which had previously at the Royal Children's Hospi:a!, S 104 a 926 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) day; and at the Princess Aiexandra Hospital, Work is progressing on the $3,700,000 S73 a day. Another cost example is the four-storey upward extension of the hospital's Townsville Hospital, where the average cost administration unit, and this project is for the care of each patient in that hospital scheduled for completion in 1978. This year last year was $527.23. we also expect the $968,000 new dialysis unit at the hospital to be completed. h:we mentioned the major building programme that has been undertaken by It will cater for patients who have terminal the Government, and I believe that honour­ and o!her forms of renal disease. I remind able members \\ill be interested in a progress the Committee that it is now recognised report on some of the major developments that the Princess Alexandra Hospital has one that are being undertaken throughout the of the most outstanding renal units in the State by this Government for the benefit world. of all Queenslandcrs. At Atherton there is Honourable members will be aware that a two-stage project to build a new ward tenders for the site works for the new block. The first stage will have 52 beds obstetrical unit of some 230 beds at Mt. and the second stage 22 beds, together with Gravatt have been called and are currently full modern facilities. The completed cost being assessed by officers of the Works of this project will be $3,300,000, as the Department. The current estimate for this honourable member for Mulgrave would know on-line development is $20,000,000. because he has made strong representations for this project, and we anticipate the com­ The Government has guaranteed the Mater ;1letion of Stage I next year. Hospital authorities to finance the rede­ velopment of the public hospital at an At Boonah, the Government is building estimated cost of $18,000,000. a new hospital of 35 beds at the cost of 51,400,000 and this, too, is scheduled for Returning again to Brisbane's northside­ completion next year. at the Prince Charies Hospital four major Several projects are being undertaken by projects are under way, as this hospital the North Brisbane Hospitals Board, and continues to develop to a full major acute the largest of these is the completion of general hospital. I am certain that all the Block Seven project, which is to have honourable members know of the inter­ a final all-up cost of $30,000,000. It is national reputation that this hospital already planned to progressively occupy this new holds. Next year we expect to have the block during the neXct financial year. Asso­ observation ward of the neuro-psychiatric ciated with the Block Seven project is the unit completed at a cost of $1,300,000, while rehabilitation medicine department, and the this year the central chilled water station first stage of this project is scheduled for costing $636,225 is now nearing completion. completion later this year. The two-stage The major pathology block costing programme is to cost $2,200,000. $7,500,000 is under way and on schedule, At the Princess Alexandra Hospital a new and it is expected that it will be completed 90-bed psychiatric unit is being built at a in 1978. Plans have also been completed for cost of $4,900,000. This centre is in line the services building for the neuro-psychiatric with the Government's policy to break down t:nit. the community stigma associated with mental illness and mental disease and to treat the Mr. JENSEN: Mr. Row, I rise to a point acutely psychiatrically ill in the same centres o£ order. I draw your attention to the state as any other sick person, that is, in the of the Committee. There is not a quorum of acute hospitals. This project is scheduled for members to hear this important speech by completion next year. We also have a two­ thf Minister. stage project to extend the X-ray department at the hcspital. This project, again to be (Quorum formed.) completed next year, is to cost an estimated $1,600,000. Dr. EDW ARDS: Also in the metropolitan Recently I opened a new day hospital complex is the Redcliffe Hospital programme, attached to the geriatric unit at the Princess and I know that the honourable member Alexandra Hospital, and we are currently for Mmrumba is well aware of the work spending $395,000 on renovating the exist­ that is being done there. Work is under ing unit. way on the first stage of 144 beds, which Supply [14 OcTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 927

is to cost $19,700,000 and is scheduled for Another $6,000,000 development is plan­ completion in 1979. The second stage of ned at Mareeba, where the whole hospital this project will provide a further 180 beds. is to be redeveloped. We expect that the second stage of the maternity section, providing another 24 beds, At Maryborough Hospital, work on the will be completed this year at a cost of upward extension over the outpatient section $198,000. to provide operating theatre accommodation, more private beds and a dental clinic is l am mentioning bed numbers to assure expected to be completed in the middle of honourable members that the Government next year at a cost of $4,000.000. The has planned well ahead in the provision of honourable member for Maryborough has adequate numbers of both public and pri­ constantly made representations to me on vate and intermediate beds. With on-line this matter. developments in both the public hospital and private hospital sector of hospital building, At Mt. Isa, we plan to build a five-storey bed needs both in the Brisbane metropolitan extension for additional accommodation and area and in country centres will be more our current estimate for this project is than adequate. We expect the new Medibank $11,600,000. I read the comments made by scheme to make little difference in the the honourable member for Mt. Isa in his demand for the type of hospital beds, speech in this debate. I assure him that his allhough some unqualified spokesmen have representations will be taken into considera­ again tried to panic the public with mis­ tion in the financial programming of the leading statements. Health Department in the near future. Next month I will be visiting Mt. Isa as part of Returning to the Government's initiatives my pledge to visit personally all of the 134 -at Cairns Hospital, site preparation work hospitals under my administration. I have costing $737,601 is under way for the two­ already inspected over 90 hospitals. and on stage ward block complex to provide a fur­ this trip I will be returning to the Richmond ther 268 beds at an estimated cost of Hospital to perform the official opening of $18,700,000. the $1,000,000 new hospital of 14 beds. The first stage of the new 80-bed nursing home unit at Dalby costing $1,400,000 is Recently I was in Rockhampton and due for completion next year, while the opened the new $1,400,000 intellectually $212,500 new kitchen and dining room block handicapped unit, and at present planning is to commence shortly. is under way for a new medical and services block to provide 230 maternity, pediatric At Gympie Hospital, planning is being and medical beds for private, intermediate undertaken to remodel the main block to and public patients. provide 69 beds, while at Inglewood the new general block of 25 beds and kitchen and The first stage of work at the Southport dining room block costing $660,000 is due Hospital is weH under way and this project, for completion in December this year. I to be completed in 1978, is to cost visited this area with the honourable mem­ $18,600,000. I am pleased to see that the ber for Carnarvon and I know that he is honourable member for Albert is in the very keen on this development. Investiga­ Chamber. When he was a member of the tions are being made following his represen­ hospitals board he was very closely associated tations about conditions at the Goondiwindi with the planning of the programmes for Hospital. I hope to have a discussion with the Southport Hospital. Although it is him later on this matter. situated outside his electorate, I know that he retains his interest in its development. Work on the $14,000,000 maternity sec­ We expect the $1,100,000 42-bed block at tion, nurses' training school and dental clinic Thursday Island to be completed by the end at the Innisfail Hospital is also almost com­ of this year. plete. At Ipswich, in my own electorate, work is progressing on the $9,100,000 ward At Toowoomba, work on the $7,200,000 block which will provide a further 190 beds. new medical block is under way and on At Mackay, final planning is underway for line for completion in 1979. the second stage of development there to provide 140 beds at a cost of approximately At Townsville, the first stage cf the new $6,000,000. It is hoped that tenders can be child welfare and gllidance centre costing called later this year. $763,000 is due for completion eady next 928 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976} (Financial Statement) year, while planning for the redevelopment completed next year and will spearhead of the Townsville Hospital to make it an new initiatives in the care of alcoholism in 800-bed teaching hospital is well under way. the community throughout this State. I am very concerned about a decision made at Federal level concerning the deferment At the Baillie Henderson Hospital, work of the Medical School at the James Cook is almost complete on the two new ward University and as a result of which develop­ blocks, which have cost $2,000,000 and will ment of the teaching hospital complex may provide accommodation for 80 patients. be delayed through lack of finance. We will certainly be going ahead with out plans so The second stage of the Moreton Bay that, when finance is available for the Nursing Unit, which I know the members development of the university section, we for Wynnum and Rcdlands are particularly will be in a position to proceed. I shall be interested in and they have visited it with submitting to Cabinet in the near future me, is now almost complete, at a cost of details of a proposal on this important pro­ $4,750,000, and tenders have now been let ject. for the final stages of this 260-bed centre, which will be one of the most advanced Further north at Tully, plans are being nursing centres in Australia. Overseas considered for a new outpatient and admin­ people have already paid us tributes for that istration section estimated to cost $638,000. development. I know that you, Mr. Row, were very inter­ ested in this plan and you brought it to my Work is well advanced on the $1,100,000 attention when I visited the hospital with second stage of the maternal and child health you last year. centre at St. Paul's Terrace. For the benefit of the Leader of the We expect the $2,000,000 extensions at Opposition, especially, and for other hon­ the Weipa Hospital to be completed next ourable members, too, I am giving just a year, proYiding an extra 12 beds, while work brief survey of some of the capital works has begLm on the new general ward block that are being undertaken by the Health of 16 beds at the Winton Hospital costing Department. As the Treasurer mentioned in $565,000. At Yeppoon, I recently inspected his Budget speech, further cxpamion is being the work on the new 35-bed hospital, which undertaken in the fields of community med­ is to cost S 1, 700,000. icine and school dental services and indeed While I am speaking about development, in every other aspect of my department's let me briefly turn to the field administered activities. I have no doubt that honourable by the Psychiatric Service of my department. members have studied the health paper on At Wolston Park, the $4,900,000 admission school dental services that I tabled earlier and treatment centre is under construction, this session and are well aware of the tre­ providing 168 beds in a new complex. Tend­ mendous expansion taking place in this im­ ers have closed for the new hospital ward portant area of preventive health services and clinic facilities. This is estimated to throughout the whole of the State. Last Sat­ cost $2,000,000. On 5 November I will be urday I was in Townsville opening the new officially opening the therapeutic, educational training centre for dental therapists in our and recreational building at the centre. The northern area. I intend to table a health total cost for this building is almost $500,000. paper on the community medicine programme as soon as printing permits that to be done.

Honourable members will recall the open­ There are many unsung areas of ihe Health ing earlier this year of the $900,000 ward Department where the dedicated officers work for the intellectually handicapped at the Basil to provide the best possible services for our Stafford Centre. This followed the opening patients and other Queenslandas who need of the new alcoholism unit at the Wacol our services. Despite a reduction of Com­ Rehabilitation Clinic. monwealth finance in some areas, this Gov­ ernment has assured continued development. Progress is well advanced on the first of Despite the attempted denigr:ttion of our the villa complexes for the intellectually health service by a few knock,;,·s, including handicapped at Basil Stafford and these are expected to cost $1,400,000. We hope to the Leader of the Opposition, thi'> year will again see further consolidation and develop­ have this c~cupied early in the New Year. ment in our hospital and medical services. I Work on the $1,600,000 detoxication again congratulate the Treasurer on his most centre at Roma Street is expected to be progressive Budget. Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 929

Mr. PREST (Port Curtis) (12.39 p.m.): Mr. PREST: It is most disappointing that As I see the Budget, I must agr~e with the the number of Housing Commission homes Treasurer's statement that it is not one that to be constructed is to drop from 1,359 to includes an array of dramatic new initiatives. 800 for the current year. At present there Unfortunately, under the Federal Liberal­ is a long list of people waiting to rent National Country Party Government, Queens­ homes. Meanwhile they are asked to pay land has not fared as well as it did under high rents for unsuitable accommodation. the previous Labor Government. As funds They have young families, who are being were being allocated in the Federal Budget, raised under conditions that are nerve-rack­ we saw that we were receiving less for roads ing, to say the least. It is no wonder that and less for housing, after allowing for we have so many famiiy problems in our inflation. When the full rate of inflation is community. Some of the problems lead taken into account, it is seen that the allo­ not only to broken homes but to divorce. cations will do nothing at all to halt the This is what happens when people are com­ increase in unemployment in our towns and pelled to live under such conditions. If cities and nothing at all to stop the drift more commission homes were procurable, from the smaller country areas to the citi~s people would have a better family life and and the larger centres, where the cost of liv­ some happiness. ing is somewhat lower and the job oppor­ Rents in some of the Housing Commis­ tunities are perhaps a little better. sion homes in my area are as high as $61 Unfortunately, I read in the Financial a week. This is ridiculous, but families are Statement that even Government depart­ prepared to accept that level of rental in ments are not to be allowed to increase staff order to get a home in acceptable surround­ numbers, so that we must see a big increase ings where they can bring up their families. in the number of unemployed when, in nine They realise that $61 is a big cut out of weeks' time, so many school-leavers will their pay packets, but they pay it so that come onto the labour market. They face they can give their children the opportunity a bleak future and the charge made by mem­ of being raised in decent homes. Let us hope bers of this Government that they are nothing that interest rates on home-building loans but dole bludgers. No provision is made in can be lowered so that people who are on the Budget to raise the confidence of the the border-line in being able to build their private sector when Government departments own homes and are frightened by the high themselves are not allowed or are not wil­ interest rates, can obtain decent housing. ling to take on more employees. I cannot see how members of this Government can Medibank has been adopted by the Fraser continue to blame Mr. Whitlam or the Labor Government and it is going to prove to be Government for the existing circumstances. a burden on all of us. As I see it, Medibank It must be remembered that the people of will bring about a change of Government, this country were dissatisfied with the Liberal­ and not before time. What is needed is a Country Party Government in 1972 when the Government with an understanding of the Labor Government was put into power. Mr. problems of the people generally, and a Fraser cheated the Labor Government out willingness to consider special consideration of office in 1975. We have reached the for country people. Will Mr. Fraser give stage today where promises made during that back to the Queensland Government for election cannot and have not been kept. expenditure on medical care all of the money We now have record unemployment, a cost raised by the 2! per cent levy paid by all of of living that continues to rise at a high us? I see no provision ,in the Budget for rate and an inflation rate as high as it any form of medical service to people in ever was. country areas where there are no hospitals or doctors within 100 miles. Those people While having to meet the increased cost will be forced by law to pay 2.5 per cent of living, the people of Queens'and are being of their weekly wages or yearly incomes. asked to pay more for services which are If they require medical attention or hospitali­ not taken into consideration for the Con­ sation and have to travel 100 miles to obtain sumer Price Index. As we see it, the Treas­ it, they are also forced to pay their own urer said that wages did not rise to the antic­ travelling expenses, with no recompense at ipated level last year, so we can say that he all from the Government. workers of Queensland have played their part, which is more than I can say for the other I see in the Budget that money has been sections of the community that kept on made available for the building of some hos­ increasing prices. pitals, but not in western areas from which there is the biggest drift of population. I Mr. TENNI: I rise to a point of order. listened intently to the Minister for Health, The honourable member for Port Curtis is but I did not hear him say that the Budget reading his speech. I thought that this was contained anything for hospitals in Gladstone not allowed. or the Port Curtis area, which has the largest An Opposition Member: Give him a go; growth of population in Queensland. it's his first Budget speech. Nothing at all is provided for there. No Mr. Tenni: No way in the world. wonder people in those areas who are given this type of treatment by a Government The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. that says it is interested in country people Row): Order! leave them. 30 930 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

On top of this, people who live in the to the low prices for the last three years. It country are going to be hit again by the is good to see that this Government is at 15 per cent increase in rail freights and fares. last recognising that these people do need This is in addition to the 40 per cent some consideration; but consideration should increase of just 12 months ago. The 15 be given also to other sections before instead per cent will be passed on to the country of making an increase right across the people in every possible way. Electricity board. charges will have to rise again because It must be remembered that the slump the electricity boards in these areas will that hit beef producers in the last three have to pay the 15 per cent increase on years has had a marked effect on workers coal carted for power generation at their and business people in the rural ar~as. power stations. Coal carted to supply elec­ Graziers have had to pay off staff, addmg tricity for the people of Queensland attracts to unemployment. These unempl.oyed people a 15 per cent increase in freight rates but will have to pay extra for their grocenes, coal carted by the same railway system for and for their electricity, but no extra money power for the Japanese people will not will be coming in. Business people also are attract that increase, just as the 40 per cent affected as unemployment and low incomes increase imposed last year was not imposed do not allow for big spending. Yet they, on coal carted by the Queensland Railways too, must pay more for their services and to provide power for the people of Japan rail fares and freights. They cannot afford whereas we Queenslanders had the 40 per this. cent increase passed on to us in many ways. We are told to use Queensland-made goods The coal-owners should have to be the and to use the Queensland Railways, but ones to pay the increase. They are not we pay more for our goods and we pay paying a fair freight rate at all. They more for our freight than the Japanese make their hundreds of millions of dollars people who buy our minerals and use our a year profit. Part of the reason for. their railways. huge profit is that they are not paymg a I agree that we must act to reduce the fair share of freight charges. The Govern­ loss that we are told the railways made ment should come out into the open anJ in 1975-76. In view of the service the tell what the freight rate is p~r .tonne P.er Railways Department offers the rail traveller, kilometre. The only reason this IS not dis­ it is little wonder that we show a loss in closed is that it is a gift in comparis~n this section. with what Queenslanders have to pay m freight rates. One of the greatest mistakes that this Believe me, the big coal and minera~ trains Government made when it came into power do a lot of damage to the tracks and 1t takes in 1957 was to scrap the Labor Party plans a tremendous amount of time and m.o?ey to electrify the Brisbane rail system. Now, to keep these tracks in a safe con~1t10n. after 19 years it has decided to electrify Maintenance and re-laying are a contmuous that section. Unfortunately, the National­ job even in dry .times, let alone during the Liberal Party Government is just 19 years wet season, when a large number of clay behind the thinking of the Labor Party. holes appear. I would like to know the cost Just imagine the extra costs involved today! of maintaining just one kilometre of track This Government is just not interested in a year. I am quite certain that the ne.w the costs. It will increase fares beyond sections of the track that have been bmlt the capacity of the people to pay, and thus have not yet found a bottom for their this system once again will not be of any foundations. I know that two gangs of men great benefit. pump 50 tonnes of concrete a week into Unfortunately, this Government has no holes on the Moura line. That has been though at all for Queenslanders, as instanced going on for some years now, so honour!ible when I asked the Minister to consider grant­ members can imagine the cost, especially ing a rebate on freights paid by fruit and with the difficulties of finding a foundation vegetable growers in my area who use the in black soil. I believe they have to go as railways; the request fell on deaf ears. For deep as 30 ft. to find bottom. The cost of the people of my area this added cost of digging as deep as that is not hard to 15 per cent in freight rates on fruit and imagine. vegetables railed to the Brisbane market will be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Now the Premier is talking of building They have had many problems in the last a rail system from here to Western Australia. few years, and now they have to go to road What a dream! One of these days that dream transport, which they do not want to use. will end and he will realise that there are I hope the Minister will agree to receive such things as ships. I hope he comes down a deputation from the people of my area to earth for the benefit of all Queenslanders in to allow them to put their case and before we spend large amounts of money then give it serious consideration. on Fisherman Islands. Why should we spend large sums building a new port on . a tidal For the life of me I cannot see why some island when we could no doubt bmld one sections of the State have to pay increases on the central coast for a fraction of the in their freight rates while other sections are cost? The money allocated to the Fisherman exempt from them. It is true that the cattle Islands project this year will be only a drop producers have had a very bad time owing in the bucket compared to the cost before Supply (14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 931

the project is completed and the port is JHr. Newbery: Have you got too many operational. The money that other depart­ up there? ments will have to make available for road, rail and other services could be spent in Mr. PREST: No, not too many but too other areas of the State where it is neces­ few. Some years ago the Government built sary. I can see the rest of the State being a police station designed to house 18 police­ bled for funds while this port is being built. men, anc! now 30 policemen are forced to use that same accommodation, so it is If the Minister for Transport can get obvious that the station is overcrowded. The his hands on the funds, he should give some number of police in Queensland is to be consideration to the railwaymen of this State decreased by seven, despite the fact that the and their families. The upgrading of railway number of police now on duty after mid­ stations and the rebuilding of the Mt. night is inadequate to detect or prevent Morgan and Gladstone stations are long crime. I should point out to the Committee overdue. Railwaymen have to work over­ that, even though policemen in the Glad­ time and so earn a gross weekly income in stone-Port Curtis area are working under excess of the $143, which is the upper level difficulties, the detection of crime in the of the means test applied before they can area has risen. be allocated a Housing Commission home. But taxation eats into the gross wage they I am very disappointed that the Govern­ earn by working overtime, so really overtime ment has not yet acknowledged the work should not be taken into consideration when done by the Gladstone Area Social Develop­ determining their gross wages, or the means ment Board. Because the provision of funds test limit of $143 should be increased con­ has been discontinued by the Federal Gov­ siderably. ernment and the State Government has not seen fit to make funds available, the board I am very pleased that succession duty is to will cease to function on 31 December this be eliminated after 31 December, but year. unfortunately an equivalent sum will have to be found elsewhere in order to balance The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. the Budget or to provide for only a small Row): Order! There is too much audible deficit. The increase in liquor licence fees conversation in the Chamber. I ask honour­ will no doubt make up for some of the able members to desist. money lost through the elimination of suc­ cession duty. There has already been an Mr. PREST: The Gladstone Area Social increase of le in the price of all drinks Development Board employed social workers, in hotels in my area. So again those who youth workers and guidance officers, who have a bet, those who drink and those who did a wonderful job with the social and smoke have to pay additional tax. They pay cirug problems that exist in the area. As these taxes all their lives, and they miss the the Government had me believing that it money. Make no mistake, it becomes a was sincere in its attitude to tackling these costly proposition over 12 months if one problems, I was almost certain that it would does one, two or all three of those things. make funds available to enable the board So it must be consoling for those people to continue the good work it has done over who drink, smoke and gamble to know now the past three years or so. It is not yet that they will be free from tax once they too late for the Government to come to arc dead. It is some future to look forward the rescue and save the social workers to, no doubt, after a lifetime of paying tax employed by the board and, indeed, save on everything that they enjoy doing. the board itself. The Minister for Local Government and Education is a field in which there is Main Roads will find this year just another never enough money spent. However, if we year of frustration for him in his efforts can get pre-schools at the Central, West, to improve the roads in those parts of the South and Clinton State Schools in Gladstone, State outside Brisbane and the Gold Coast. I shall be very grateful. I should like to We in the country have not had a fair go know which ones will be available for the with our roads for the past 19 years, but start of the 1977 school year. I hope that we will see some improvemeQt It is pleasing to see that $1,750,000 will in the roads in the Port Curtis area after be made available for teacher housing, the Minis'ter told this Assembly on Tuesday, septic and sewerage. As I have said on 12 October that the roads he saw in the previous occasions, schools in my area still area are the worst in the State. I can assure have earth-closet toilets, and I hope that him that there are many other roads in some, or all, of them will have septic the. electorate of Port Curtis in an exactly systems or sewerage installed. I was promised similar condition, and I extend to him an that these would be installed when money invitation to inspect them. became available, and I hope that it is now The Police Force has not received the available. treatment it deserves in the Budget either. I would have liked to see provision made Our police stations are overcrowded, and for a high school at Calliope and a technical yet no provision is made in the Budget for college at Gladstone. As I have said before, additional space. Even now, the members of 239 apprentices now have to travel to Rock­ the Police Force are packed-- hampton or other centres for their seven 932 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

weeks' trammg each year, and employers Almost all of the remaining 50 per cent say that they would employ more apprentices is spent on administration costs and wages, if a college were built in Gladstone. A which means that very little is left for works college is necessary because G ladstone will and other improvements that could be made be a major industrial centre, as all honourable in the various shires and towns. members are aware, and I am almost sure Under the system that applies today those that before long there will be another boom who tell the best story to the Grants Com­ in the construction of industrial buildings mission receive the largest hand-outs. I in Gladstone. A high school at Calliope know of one city that was embarrassed by and a technical college at Gladstone were the assistance received by way of grants promised by Government members to the whilst others with a far greater need were people of Port Curtis in May this year, more or less neglected. l think the system and I hate to see promises broken, especially must be changed to give people in such when what has been promised is so urgently areas the better amenities and better stand­ required. ard of living found in the larger cities. The Department of Sport should be able I should like to point out to the Minister to make a greater contribution now that in charge of fisheries the urgent need to it is assisted by funds from the soccer pools. improve the wharf at the fish market at The department has a very important part Gladstone. This branch of the Fish Board to play, because if money is made available handles a very large amount of fish and to subsidise sporting facilities we will soon be there is considerable congestion at its wharf, able to overcome some of the problems that particularly in the prawning season. An now arise because young people do not know extension to the wharf facilities is needed what to do with their spare time. I believe for the loading and unloading of boats. The that if they had sporting facilities available decking on the wharf is in bad condition and to them, they would keep out of trouble. it needs replacing or repairing. Some of the piles supporting the decking are broken and I say very sincerely, Mr. Row, that we they, too, badly need rep~acing. A little must not allow Queensland to lose the dredging of the area where the fishing boats Commonwealth Games. We are part of the tie up would also be of great benefit to the Commonwealth, and we must support the fleet and to the fishing industry as a whole. Lord Mayor of Brisbane and assist to make the Games a success. I should now like to make some refer­ ence to a state of emergency that could My area has received quite a lot of arise in Queensland. It has been said that assistance from Mr. Leahy, and we look Queensland could be hit by a natural dis­ forward to continued support from the Depart­ aster somewhere on the central coast this ment of Sport for quite some time to come. year. Unfortunately I do not think that at Sporting organisations in my electorate are this stage this State is prepared for such an playing ball with the department. They have eventuality. It is many years since my area appreciated what Mr. Leahy has done, and was hit by a major cyclone but on that I am sure that he has appreciated the way occasion there was great devastation. Tf in which the Gladstone Sports and Parks people on some of the islands off the coast Development Committee and others have in my ,electorate had to be evacuated todav, worked within the budget he has set. no facilities are available for taking them off. There are, for example, no police Under the present system of local govern­ launches to use for their evacuation. I ment, I cannot see anything in the Budget think it would be very fitting if the Govern­ to raise the hopes of councils of shires, ment considered this possibility and made towns and cities in this State. A new formula emergency facilities available at all times. will have to be devised for the handing out Only a few days ago, during the parlia­ of money. The Grants Commission had good mentary recess, a seaman on the motor ves­ intentions. However, the council representative sel "Silver Hawk" was seriously injured at who told the best story got the most money, 9.20 a.m. off Shoalwater Bay. Although a and I agree with the honourable member military exeJCcise was about to take .place for Landsborough that some councils received in the area, and helicopters and medical a pretty raw deal in comparison with others services would certainly have been available, in this year's allocation by the State Govern­ this seaman, after falling 18 ft. onto a steel ment committee. deck, had to lie from 9.20 a.m. till 6.15 [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] p.m., when his vessel berthed at Gladstone. I am pleased to be able to say that at last Mr. PREST: Before the luncheon recess I report the injured man was making steady was speaking about the provisions made in progress, although he had serious head in­ the Budget for Iocal government and I juries and a badly broken wrist. That is not referred to the serious plight of many local good enough. People who go to sea realise authorities. In some areas people are forced that these hazards are always present and to pay up to $10 a week in rates and that it is very hard to get medical assistance charges simply to 'live in their own homes. when it is required. However, as the ship I know of some local authorities that are was so close to the Queensland coast. I do paying 50 per cent of their revenue to meet not think the man was given a fair go. interest and redemption on money borrowed Perhaps not much could have been done for over the years. the seaman at the time; but, if a doctor had Supply [14 OcTOBER 1976} (Financial Statement) 933

been put on board the boat, the rest of the inform the people in the other States of the crew would have felt much more at ease. moves we have made to arrive at a fairer Unfortunately, a doctor couJd not be taken form of taxation. on board the "Silver Hawk" until approxi­ mately 3.30 that afternoon. I sincerely hope Quite often death duties have to be paid that this Government looks at emergency at a time when people can least afford to services. pay them. Because a person does not know As I said at the outset, there is no great when he will die, he does not know when hope in this Budget. There is no hope at such a tax will be collected. As Queensland all for the unemployed. What we see is is the first State to abolish death duties, it very little progress. The people can look will reap the benefit. forward to continuing indirect taxes. The Workers' compensation has been getting only relief they will obtain will be when out of hand. I certainly welcome the move they die. to lower the premiums. Following increases in wages, the premiums had risen steeply Mr. SIMPSON (Cooroora) (2.21 p.m.): I and were becoming a real burden on employ­ congratulate the Treasurer on the introduction ers and were out of all proportion to of his first Budget in a new format. It indi­ the value of the return. At this stage cates that we have a new Treasurer and a I should like to look more deeply into this new approach to laying out the Financia'l subject. Employers have to pay a 17-!­ Statement. I could not think of a worse per cent loading for holidays. That becomes time to be trying to balance the books, part of the amount on which the premiums when an effort is being made to contain prices are paid, yet the individual is not entitled and costs, which have been escalating fol­ to workers' compensation ,if injured while he lowing what the Labor Party did to Aus­ is on holidays. I repeat that the 17-!- per tralia's economy. Through the inflation that cent loading, which represents a substantial it caused, wages increased at a greater rate proportion of a year's wages, is taken into than this country's productivity. It is no account in the assessment. This anomaly mean feat for a Treasurer to find ways of needs to be looked into with a view to containing costs while not in any way damp­ overcoming it. ening enthusiasm or the incentive to retain employment and improve production. Pay-roll tax is a counter-productive tax The abolition of all death duties, following and results in fewer people being emp:oyed. the abolition 12 months ago of spouse-to­ Its imposition falls unfairly on the employers spouse duties, will lead to the transfer of a of large numbers of people. Employers lot of capital from the public sector to the whose wages costs do not reach the exemption private sector, where the productivity that figure are fortunate, but many businesses results will be taxed. In turn, that benefits have wages costs above that figure and are the nation. Of course, taxation will be looking at cutting down their work-forces collected by the Federal Government. As to avoid the payment of this tax. Because has been said at an earlier stage by the of it, and the effect it has on raising ,;osts, Treasurer, those taxes must be returned to other employers are not expanding weir where they were collected-where the pro­ businesses. As a wise Government we should ductivity was-the State of Queensland. find alternative forms of taxation and look towards phasing out pay-roll tax and, in the The Federal Government will continue to long term, the incentive that will provide for levy duty on estates. Following the abol­ increased productivity. ition of State death duties, there will be larger amounts in estates for assessment by Tourism is an area of productivity that the Commonwealth, and a sligh!ly higher has never been properly exploited ,in Queens­ amount will be collected by it. However, land. With the wise use of our present there will still be a net gain to Queensland resources we could present for more profitably which will be available for greater invest­ what we have to sell in tourism. I believe ment. It will also prevent the loss of expert­ that with inter-departmental co-operation we ise, for death duties forced the closure of could make the State far more attractive to small businesses and rural holdings. That the tourist. An example would be for the caused productivity to decrease instead of Main Roads Department to properly sign­ increase. I believe that overtures should post destinations and not be bound by red continually be made to the Federal Govern­ tape as it is at the moment concerning towns ment for it to introduce legislation to abol­ that are just off a highway. We should ish all death duties. assist tourists as much as possible to find However, in the meantime we will gain their destination. from those people who see the advantage in Certain tourist attractions should be sign­ investing, living and retiring in Queensland posted in a standard way, as they are in and shifting businesses to Queensland. That some other States, so that people will defin­ is already happening, but it is a benefit that itely know that they are tourist attractions. we should make known. Some might say The signs should indicate clearly how the that it is a bit of a gimmick to go round people will reach the attractions. We should Australia and indicate to the rest of the provide all other information to the travel­ States the advantage of having a business ling public that will make the visit as pleas­ in Queensland or retiring here, but we should ant as possible. 934 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

We were very proud of our rest areas Coast. The lack of such a highway is along our highways. retarding commercial and industrial develop­ ment and causing a greater number of acci­ Mr. K. J. Hooper interjected. dents on the existing road. As well the Mr. SIMPSON: I have not started yet. road is strategically inept. The poor unfortunate interjector does not I believe that an approach should be even know which State he is in. made to the Federal Government to follow Mr. K. J. Hooper: You don't know. the roads commission's recommendation that You're the biggest dill in the place. there should be a doubling of the allocation to Queens:and so that these roads could be Mr. SIMPSON: From the ruddy com­ upgraded. The funds that have been phased plexion of the honourable member, if he out are those for tour.ist roads. I believe that were a thermometer, he would burst. these should be looked at on the basis that good roads encourage tourists to the area. We need more attractive rest areas on our highways throughout Queensland so that The cost of roads in Queensland is a big people will be encouraged to journey on our bugbear. With the higher incidence of rainfall roads and enjoy the State. in Queensland, it is not just a matter of Another department that could co-operate road construction being a little dearer than in this field is the National Parks and Wild­ in the southern States; in Queensland roads life Service. Many people are interested cost a great deal more. And there is a higher in seeing the attractions that it controls, incidence of bridge construction per kilo­ which are unique. The service should metre in Queensland than in southern States. arrange guided tours in these areas, and have Looking at it purely from a strategic point rangers who can in fact highlight the educa­ of view in the defence of Australia, I tional aspects of our parks so that youncr and believe our roads in the North should be old alike will enjoy the naturalness and the improved. different interesting land formations and The Budget gives an increased allocation vegetation and fauna of our State. for education, and although this increase For a small outlay in promotion in other appears, and I believe it does, to keep pace areas we will find that there will be a with inflation, as I see it there has been great reward in the number of people who no change in the direction of our education come to this State. The return is very much system. The system should be directed to a net gain in productivity. It is a·so one the more technical side of education so ~hat wi~l lead to an increase in housing and that we \Vill turn out people who will be m services and support, and those will in more readily absorbed into the work-force. turn help to overcome our unemployment. I believe those educated in the technical field show the greatest leaning towards creativity The areas served on the coast, similar to and inventiveness, which is the basis of the my electorate, have the problem of too development of most new industries and few jobs for young people when they leave small businesses. I believe it is high time school. There is a need to encoura"'e light our education system was redirected along industry, and it concerns me somewhat that those lines so that we produce more people there has been no move in the electorate who are educated for the jobs they will do of Cooroora to establish a Crown industrial rather than continue to turn out more and estate supported with the .incentives that more unemployable people who end up being are provided in other areas. a burden on the community as they draw I agree with the Minister for Industrial unemployment relief. I should have thought Development that it is a~so a responsibility that the increased allocation in the Budget of t~e local authorities to help in this regard, would have covered the maintenance of the but m my area they have been very helpful, pre-school building programme, which we and so have private individuals and chambers have come to expect. I have heard a rumour of commerce, in an endeavour to promote that the proposed pre-school in Nambour more industry to the area. will not be built and I certainly hope that this is not the case. There are 8,000 people The development of more industry will in Nambour, and they and many more people mean more jobs. And this will avoid the in the surrounding district would in fact use loss of the young people, who at the moment the proposed pre-school. At the moment have to leave these areas to obtain employ­ Nambour has no pre-school. ment. The reduction in road transport permit Mr. Akcrs interjected. fees announced by the Treasurer is in line Mr. SIMPSON: Has the honourable mem­ with the promise to phase these out over ber lost one, too? three years. Under this Budget, they are to be reduced by 50 per cent. This is going I hope the rumour is not true. There to put a greater stress on our roads and are many children in Nambour at the moment thus create a problem in that at the mom­ who are being denied the opportunity of a ent we do not have the finance to keep our pre-school education. roads in order. This concerns me greatly A new technical college is urgently needed particu'arly in view of the need to corn~ on the Sunshine Coast to provide more plete a four-lane highway to the Sunshine qualified employees for the light industries Supply [14 OcTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 935

in the area. The availability of qualified Mr. SIMPSON: The awards that are given people in the area will encourage the develop­ to the slaughtermen-- ment of more industry. The thinking at the moment is that all our young people should 1\fr. Burns: The slaughtermen deserve more than they receive now. They are not come to Brisbane. I believe that is wrong well paid. and that in fact we should be trying to keep families and communities together. We can Mr. SIMPSON: Doesn't the honourable encourage family life by providing both gentleman agree that the producer is not education and employment opportunities on getting a fair lick? the Sunshine Coast. Mr. K. J. Hooper interjected. The 15 per cent increase in rail freights this year has been a great disappointment Mr. SIMPSON: It is obvious that the to me because it affects those who can least Opposition has little idea of the problems afford to pay, those who live the greatest of rural industry. distance from Brisbane. The problems of local government have been discussed by other honourable mem­ Mr. Tenni: Wouldn't you say we have to bers who have taken part in the debate. In look at the over-all control of the Railway my opinion, shires on the coast that cater for Department and try to make it more efficient? large influxes of tourists and for many day trippers from Brisbane should receive greater Mr. SIMPSON: I quite agree. The primary consideration when allocations are made. producer is always being told that he must Shires on the Sunshine Coast are not receiv­ make his business more efficient. I believe we ing a fair share of the over-all funds at the should try to make not only the railways, moment. but all Government departments more Population figures for the various shir~s efficient. We are overtaxed. Increased taxation give some indication of how the money Is cuts down the incentive to private enterprise allocated. The Albert Shire has a population and this in turn slows down productivity of about 75,000 and an allocation of about and, indeed, the whole process of running $500,000, but it has no beaches to lC!ok a business. This eventually means that people after. The Maroochy Shire has a population are not being able to obtain the extra of about 36 000 and receives only $186,000. amenities with which to enjoy life. If taxation The Redlan'd Shire, with a population of is too high or there is inefficiency or 28,000, receives $143,000. I believe that the duplication in the public sector, incentive cost of services and wear and tear on roads wanes. That became obvious when the Labor that must be provided by the shires is not Government was in office in Canberra. being met. If the allocations are not . in­ creased the standard of roacds and services Mr. K. J. Hooper: You are not still will d~teriorate and local ratepayers will blaming them? eventually have to pick up the tab. They will not like that and will eventually move Mr. SIMPSON: Yes. It will be several somewhere else-probably farther north. years before the damage done by that socia!l­ ist Government is overcome. Very little is now being done in the field of beach protection, again because of lack of One often hears the expression "the user funds. Both the State and Commonwealth must pay". In the Railway Department it Governments should provide substantial has become necessary to increase freights, amounts of money for beach protection work. and it is now said that the user must pay. I believe that the Commonwealth Govern­ What in fact has hcuppened is that people in the department are being paid fully for their ment has a responsibility to look after the services and others outside the department real estate of the whole of Australia from a are paying very dearly. In spite of that, the strategic point of view. The State, too, has railways are still running at a loss. Although a responsibility to the whole because it is the loss increased by about $22,000,000 in the collector of State revenue from not only the last 12 months, running costs in the Rail­ Queenslanders but others who use its ser­ way Department increased by $66,000,000. vices such as tourists and those who visit Therefore, it is obvious why it is running for other reasons. at a loss. The Budget gives some incentive to bus­ iness but not to all businesses. It is hoped If it is true that the user must pay, people who eat a nice piece of steak really ought that it will have the desired effect of stimu­ to be paying, too. At the moment they are lating the economy. With the overcoming of not, because the producer is not being paid business hesitancy and the restoration of adequately for his product; in fact, he is productivHy which was lost under the Fed­ almost giving it away. eral Labor Government, the rate of inflation will decrease. The honourable member for Mr. Burns: Someone is making a dollar Port Curtis claims that the people are over­ out of beef. We didn't get much advantage taxed indirectly. He says in effect that he even when the grazier dropped the price of no longer has any joy in his grog and that his cattle. he will be broke and no benefit will flow from the removal of death duties when he Mr. Moore: The meatworkers are getting dies. He should realise that we are trying to it. reduce his intake of nicotine and alcohol so 936 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) that he will live longer, be more productive Why I say "failed prognosticators" is that and help make the State an even better place over the. last five years not one person in than it is now. the medm has been able to predict accu­ The allocation for sport is to be slightly rately what the Australian electorate was increased this year. I would have preferred going to do-not one. I cherish amongst a new formula giving encouragement more my possessions here a cutting from a national specifically to young people in sport and weekly newspaper which, about three days to. sport itself. The advantage tends to be before the Governor-General dissolved the With clubs that already have means of rais­ two Houses of Federal Parliament, made a ing finance, such as bars. Other organisations ~tatement to the effect that "Every journalist catering more for younger people, such as m Canberra is convinced that Fraser has pony clubs, do not have such resources and played his last card. It isn't now a question I believe that a new formula is needed to of, 'Can he win?' The only question is: 'How assist them. can he graciously lose?' " Every journalist in ~anberra was convinced, and every journalist Only by having an efficient State, with m Canb~rra was damned wrong, as they departments run efficiently and without dup­ are consistently wrong about us. lication, can the people be taxed at the low­ est .possible level and still provided with the Let us look at the facts because the facts services that they want, thus creating an are vastly different from the myth-very atmosphere of incentive under the free­ different indeed. Far from being strange and er:terprise system-the type of approach that backward and the odd man out, this State will allow us to go forward in Queensland. has for three decades been the bell-wether in Australian politics. We have been the Mr. PORTER (Toowong) (2.48 p.m.): In vanguard in political changes, the leader. the 10 years in which I have been in this For the last 30 years Queensland has led Assembly I have tended to use the debate Australia in recognition of major politicaJ on the Budget to draw attention to what has tre~ds. These are facts of history, facts always been a very uneasy relationship be­ which can be attes'ted by any examination tween the States and the central Govern­ of electoral records. We have consistently ment,. and certainly to draw very strong been more aware than other States of the attentiOn to, and to place heavy emphasis huge groundswells of public opinion that on, the steady erosion of State sovereigncy have been developing in the electorate. We over the years, which became quite massive have al\\ays been superior at identifying after 1972. Whilst later I shall make some early those groundswells. In plain terms, commer:ts on the Budget, I also want to what I _am saying is that, whatever Queens­ make Wider comment on the general frame land . thmks and does politically today, it is of State and national reference into which certam that the rest of Australia will do the State Budget must fit. tomorrow. I realise that some of what I say will . It is important that these things be said ~e se~n as controversial and will not be m a debate on the Budget, which charts hked .m. some quarters but I certainly believe th;: Queensland economic health inside what that It IS nec~ssary to say it and to say it I hope is a resurgent Federal system. I want now. Otherwise small but prickly problems to state clearly that the record does indeed of . the ~oment, if left alone, may grow show over 30 years the unarguable, inescap­ rapidly mto very large, ugly and unman­ able truth of what I have said. In 1946 we ageable problems. It is very fashionable in provided the only three non-Labor senators some quarters to decry Queensland. We for the whole of Australia under the system read and hear about ourselves in the Press of voting that then obtained-Queensland was a_nd on radio and television from time to able to see before the rest of Australia what t1me as the Deep North, the place that runs the !rend was. In 1949 we in Queensland ~nder dog-and-goanna rules, the State that pruvided more than half of Menzies' win­ IS ruled by the "flying peanut", the place of ning majority. We won 15 of 18 seats. coarse-gramed, crude people. In general New South Wales bad a winning margin terms there seems to be a tremendous tend­ of one seat and Victoria had a winning ency to try to present Queensland as back­ magin of seven. In plain terms again, there would not have been the Liberal victory ward .. ret~r~ed, primitive and atavistic-the of 1949 without the Queensland contribu­ real h!ll-~:nUies of Australia. The unfortun­ ate part Is that the Labor Opposition in this tion; it could not have been achieved in the State seems to be only too happy to help other States of Australia. In 1961 we saved foster that myth about our own people. The the Federal coalition Government by the skin r:et result of all this is a tendency, par­ of its teeth by pulling off a victory in ticular!':' among the media, to regard Queens­ ~oreton. Contrary to the SU!!gestion that land v.:1th a sort of ribald contempt. We It was won on a drift in Communist pre­ are dended; 'Ye are sneered at; we are laughed ferences. it was won on a failure of the at. There ;s a consistent pattern-and a Labor Party to get preferences from an v_e;y superficial pattern-from writing prac­ Independent whom Labor thought it had in its pocket. titiO~ers, pompous pundits and failed prog­ nosticators to try to pa,int us in these terms, We have performed remarkably well in to sedulously foster the notion that we are Senate elections. I say this to the Committee: a stupid, ignorant, backward, different lot. had Queensland not won six Senate seats Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 937 in 1972 and again in 1974--and it was the system. I have lamented what I have seen only State in Australia to win six out of as the steady dismantling of the federal 10-there would not have been the 1975 system and the erosion of State powers. I Federal election, and Mr. Fraser and Mr. have also used the opportunity afforded by Anthony would not now be sharing office. a Budget debate to stress what is for us Indeed, had we not achieved those electoral an essential dichotomy between federalism victories to the degree that we did, Australia and the maximisation of individual responsi­ today, I suggest, would be a republic under bility and opportunity. El Presidente Whitlam. We have defeated every socialist referendum attempt that has I have pointed out that we in Queensland, been made-and six of them were made more than any other part of Australia­ over the past three years-by the most indeed more than the rest of Australia-can ~assive majorities of all of the States except, be credited with bringing down the Whitlam m one case, Western Australia. We led monolithic edifice of socialism and central­ Australia in the final decimation of Labor ism. Therefore when we on the Government when, in the 1974 State poll, Labor came side in Queensland become concerned with back with only 11 out of 82 seats. That unilateral actions of the Federal Government was followed by the 1975 Federal poll, when in areas such as the Torres Strait border Labor won only one of 18 seats in Queens­ dispute, the Advisory Council for Inter­ land. Again we won six of the 10 Senate government Relationships, and the reappear­ positions and in fact almost achieved the ance of block grants in so many areas, it is mathematical impossibility of winning seven high time that our Federal colleagues took out of 10. Colston survived by the very skin heed. of his teeth. - As I said earlier, it will do none of us It is easy and very convenient for certain any good to ignore the problems. It is much partisan people to keep on saying that we better to face up to them and resolve them ar.e an _odd lot and that we are excessively before a cloud on the horizon now no bigger R1ght-wmg or even dangerously Right-wing. than a man's hand blows up into a major In view of that fact I become somewhat storm. This it can do. This it could do amused at this tendency of sophisticated, if we in the States, particularly the outer clever young people and also some of my own States of Queensland and Western Australia, Federal colleagues to suggest that this Gov­ feel that the fair words of federalism are not ernment is so Right-wing that we are becom­ going to be matched by the deeds. ing a millstone around the Liberal-Country I have fought over a political Efetime, Party neck. All I can say, if I can perhaps much longer than anybody else in this paraphrase Churchill, is "Some millstone! Chamber, for the preservation of a federal Some neck!" system. I think I can say that I played a What does "Right-wing" mean? Does pretty substantial role in assisting the Pre­ anybody stop to think what the term means? mier with his stances in this regard over the If it means standing for enlargement of last three years. individual freedom and reduction of repres­ GQvermnent Members: Hear, hear! sive government, if it means believing in upholding Christian standards of morality Mr. PORTER: And I am not prepared and integrity, if it implies wanting to maintain to see the essential partnership that is re­ the essential fabric of law and order, and quired by the Federal Constitution diluted if it means doing all those things that every and debilitated by any Government. I am election for 30 years and every public prepared to resist violently any moves, as opinion survey poll ever taken anywhere in violently as, say, I resisted the same moves Australia show that the overwhelming maj­ when brought in by Whitlam, if they are ority of people in Australia devoutly want now introduced by our own colleagues in -then count me as Right-wing and. proud Canberra in, perhaps, a slightly more bland to be so labelled! or polite form. If anybody thinks I am going to welcome that, all I can do is use Labels like that are merely easy ration­ Shaw's phrase from "Pygmalion" and say, alisations by which people back away from "Not bloody likely!" analysing matters of deep principle. It is much easier to project people as cut-out The highway to disaster is for anyone cardboard figures than to endeavour to really to fall into the error of believing that Can­ assess them and their beliefs. I say again berra always knows best, that all the best that the records show amply that, far from brains are congregated down there and that being oddly different or politically regressive, the solutions for problems can always be Queensland is the undisputed leader in the safest left to them. You know, if you think Australian political scene. For anyone to this way, then the vaunted federal compact disparage us or to sneer at what our voters between equals, which is what the Consti­ have done is to display an undergraduate tution provides, wLll become no more th~n arrogance towards the people and a cynical an arrangement between master and serfs. contempt for the processes of democracy. For my part, that isn't on! I certainly did not survive the Whitlam years to see the It is in this context that I want to say victory eroded by a resurgence of Canberra's something about federalism. Every year folie de grandeur, if I can put it that wav, for 10 years I have talked about the federal I often wonder whether a miasma arises in 938 Supply (14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) the mists over Lake Burley Griffin that seems be set up on the basis of 27 persons-six to affect everybody who goes to Canberra representatives of the Commonwealth, 12 so that automatically they feel superior to from the States, three from local government the rest of us, more clever, abler and wiser, and three citizens' representatives nominated and that we should all be happy to accept by the Federal Government. We, the States, their proposals and just let them be paterna­ had 44.5 per cent of the representation on listic and do what they want with us. the council. Then there was a conference A federal system for me must be truly of Ministers called in March of this year a federal system. I think it is very necessary and it was decided to change that representa­ for all of us to bear in mind what the federal tion. The Commonwealth was to have five system is meant to be. Sir Robert Menzies, representatives; the States, six; local govern­ delivering the first of an inaugmal series of ment, three; and citizens, five, making 19 lectures in Western Australia a few years in all. And the States' 44.5 per cent of ago, had this to say- membership dwindled to 31.5 per cent. "For myself, I have always believed Then, of course, the Prime Minister con­ that Australian Liberalism must be truly tacted the States and informed them that Federalist. Constitutionai changes involv­ the composition of this council v. as to be ing some alterations in the distribution of changed. And what was it to be changed powers may be made in the future; though to? Six for the Commonwealth, six for the past experience shows that the way of the States, six for local government and five amender is hard. But the vital thing about so-called citizens' representatives, making a our Constitution, and I quote the authori­ total of 23, and the States' proportion of tative words of Sir Owen Dixon in one membership was to be 26 per cent. In a fe,w of his judgments, is this:- months our proportion of membership has 'The foundation of the Constitution is come down by almost half. the conception of a Central Govern­ ment and a number of State Govern­ Now, I want to say this: I see no place ments separately organised. The Con­ in a council supposed to be dealing with stitution predicts their continued exist­ federal matters for local government repre­ ence as independent entities. Among sentatives. There is no mention of local them it distributes the powers of govern­ government in the Federal Constitution, and ing the country.'" there is no doubt that the Commonwealth v, ants local government representatives to It is very important that we recognise that be there because it will be able to dangle the Federal system requires the recognition before them the bait of direct grants, and of a compact between equal partners. If local government, desperately needing money, there is any inequality, then to that extent in my view ·n do what the money persuasion there is not true federalism. suggests. Then, of course, if the so-called Shortly, I will have the honour, with some citizens' representatives are to be appointed other members of this Parliament, of by the Commonwealth, I think we can reason­ attending in Hobart the Australian Con­ ably expect that it can count on most of stitutional Convention, which will, of their votes. For the life of me, I cannot course, be its final and its crunch session. see what possible purpose can be served by It is at this session that we will have to having so-called citizens' representatives on make final determination on a whole host a committee which is supposed to work for of matters, and if they are agreed upon the better and smoother operation of relation­ them, presumably they will go to the Federal ships between Governments. Government as recommendations for refer­ endum proposals. I want to say here and I say again what I have said here often now that I most certainly will not be giving enough: with the other six States we should my support to any amendments which are concentrate on forming a council of State deviously designed to enlarge the central Governments to deal with the Federal Gov­ Government's power. And I don't give a toss ernment. We should scrap this bastardised who speaks in favour of them! I will most proposition as of now and refuse to play certainly give no stimulus to the malevolent any further part in it. We at least have processes that Australians believe were shown the strength to take a stand and halted when they threw out last year Whit­ opt out of it, but so should the other lam's muddled men neck and crop. States, and we would then get the federal I think that a pretty good example of system back on a proper keel. A council of this distastrous Canberra inability to see State Governments is the real answer to straight on the iss11e of the federal partnership the States' dealing successfully with the central is the creation of the advisory council for Government and I can see nothing but trouble intergovernment relationships. This was sup­ for everybody if there is any proceeding posed to be designed to ease frictions between with this dreadful busin~ss of a so-called the States and the Canberra Government in advisory council in which the States are their operations together. That is the rationale, totally outgunned and totally outnumbered, but I wonder what the real purpose was. and where plainly the Commonwealth Gov­ ernment will exploit to the hilt the age-old Just let us look at this for a moment. tactic that it has used at Premiers' Con­ In February of this year it was agreed at ferences-divide and conquer. There is no a Premiers' Conference that this body should future for any of us in that sort of nonsense. Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 939

I say it will undoubtedly exacerbate the suggest to him seriously that, for his own very problems which it is supposed to ease. sake, he should get some new writers, because When the Bill setting up this committee what he gave us was a juvenile, undergrad­ reaches some sort of conclusive stage in uate approach to an economic situation. He the Federal Parliament-and it is before was peddling the Keynesian economic theories that Parliament at the moment-! hope there that have failed everywhere in the world will be enough common sense to kill it and which have now been discarded by all then and there-that it will be stillborn­ economists of any standing. In spite of but if it is not, then the Slates have to that, the honourable member peddles them do something about it. If we want the fereral here as though he has the panacea for all system to work we have to get back to first economic ills. It is a great pity he does not principles. We have to start again on a take half an hour to talk to Professor Hayek, system where both sets of partners, the central who would be able to tell him that the Government and the States, accept that there Keynesian theory of priming the pump was has to be mutual sincerity and goodwill, never meant by Keynes himself to be applied not that one set of partners can be conned in the way in which so many Governments by the other. take it to apply these days. In any case, it does not work, and the history of all West­ Let me speak about the economy. One ern countries over the last 30 years shows should not talk about a State Budget without that it does not work. at least dealing a glancing blow here. Oppo­ As I say, Mr. Kaus, it is very easy to sition members have done a great deal of talk about what should be done, about how ranting and raving about the supposed .inad­ deficiencies should be remedied. But the equacies of the Budget. They think it is Queensland stringencies, the Queensland un­ quite wrong of us to want to live within our employment, the Queensland financial prob­ means. They feel that we should go into lems are totally the products of or the prob­ deficit, that we should do the theoretical lems created for us by those tragic three experiment of providing make-work pro­ years from 1972 to 1975. I have no doubt grammes. This is always the amateur econ­ whatever that Whitlam and his men set out, omist's solution-borrow now, pay later; in their frenzy to achieve a socialist revolu­ print money now and buy back your script tion in Australia, to deliberately debauch the (maybe) some time in the never-never future. currency. They set out to practise what the Mr. Marglnson: Chalk had a deficit Bud­ Marxist-Leninist doctrine preaches-debauch get last year. What are you talking about? the currency and you have the people in your hand. That really is the core of all Mr. PORTER: Let me say to the hon­ our problems. That is where the blame for ourable member that I have never agreed unemployment really rests; that is the reason with deficit financing at any stage. At this for our disastrous level of inflation. stage, with the Federal Government des­ These puerile attempts to suggest, "Oh, it perately trying to reduce its deficit, for the was imported. Look at what is happening States to go into deficit spending is, I think, in other countries.", was always a load of ev,il in the extreme. I believe that this atti­ nonsense. Now that other countries are re­ tude of spend, spend, spend is a classic covering from inflation, we still have to example of the A.L.P.'s economic venality. carry the load of it, and the fact that it was As I said, Mr. Kaus, they want to spend; they not imported is clearly indicated by any want to kill private enterprise, stifle initiative, comparison of the situations that exist today. turn the individual into some sort of depend­ To deliberately debauch the currency and ent parasite, so that the big omnipotent cen­ encourage inflation, and produce a situation tral Government can manipulate the lot of us. in which the decent, steady, hard-working family people are grossly disadvantaged and It is very easy to demand instant economic their future imperilled and only the fast improvements, but it is impm.sible for any­ talkers, fast thinkers and spivs are advant­ one to provide them. \Ve have to remem­ aged, is a crime indeed against society. And ber that in three years the Whitlam Gov­ the Labor Pa1iy stands thoroughly indicted ernment transformed a stable, progressive of it. economy into an inflation-ridden, unemploy­ ment-haunted shambles, and a country does I point out that there is much to be done not recover from that overnight-not in one in this country and much for which recog­ month, six months, two years, or possibly nition is due in Queensland. I would hope even three years. We have a long, hard that this State will be recognised as one economic row to hoe before we get out of with a magnificent future. There was an the political morass into which these people article in the Press only recently that dealt have plunged m, and anybody who tries to with the position of Queensland and Western pretend that there is an easy way out, that Australia in terms of the provision of there are painless cures, is either a fool or a nuclear power. Nuclear power will come knave--or maybe a combination of both. to this country as surely as night follows day. It is the energy source of the future What effrontery for the Leader of the and, when it comes, the position of Queens­ Opposit~on to come into this Chamber and land will be of enormous importance. read page after page of pretentious balder­ Queensland will indeed be the leader in dash that was sheer economic nonsense! I an economic as well as a political sense. 940 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

It behoves all of us to stop downgrading to say. In the year 1944-45 the revenue our State; to stop throwing off at it; to was in the vicinity of $53,000,000 and there stop believing what people write about us. was a surplus of $1,000,000. In the year We should, instead, look at the facts and 1972-73 the surplus was $1,200,000 on a recognise ourselves for what we are-far­ returned revenue of $704,000,000. seeing, hard-working, decent, in many ways leading Australia, and with the potential to If we go through the record of our become in the very near future the greatest Treasury in the period since 1920, it is State of the Commonwealth. very evident that this type of budgeting has occurred. Those who are critical of the Trea­ surer for budgeting for either a surplus or Mr. LAMOND (Wynnum) (3.17 p.m.): In a deficit must realise that that system has addressing myself to the Financial State­ been followed for many years. ment, I extend to the Treasurer my congra­ tulations on his approach to the framing As I have said, budgeting for either a of a Budget in a difficult period when not surplus or a deficit has most certainly become only the economic structure of Queensland a way of government. A treasurer, whether but that of the whole world is experiencing he is in private enterprise or in Government, a period of readjustment. There is no must take into consideration the economic doubt that it is difficult to bring down a climate prevailing at the time. On that Budget at such a time. depends whether he budgets for a deficit or a surplus. As we know, while at the pre­ Treasurers at all levels of government and sent time Queensland has undoubted export in private enterprise have great respon­ wealth and an ability to hold her own on sibilities. Possibly Sir Gordon Chalk, who world markets, we would not be sound in recently retired from this Parliament, will our thinking if we did not realise that th.e look back on the period during which he problems or failures throughout Australia served the State so well and be relieved as a whole are reflected on each State, and that he no longer has the heavy burden thus most certainly reflected on Queensland. of the office of Treasurer on his shoulders. He served us well for many years by pro­ Queensland and Australia have emerged, ducing Budgets of forethought, encourage­ or that is my hope, from what I believe ment and efficiency, and for that he is to be to be the wilderness of unemployment and congratulated. of inflation. The journey is slow, and there is no doubt that quite a time will pass before In addition to being a person of consider­ we can take our place in the world's economy able ability the Treasurer must be capable because of that period of wilderness. An of assessing the facts put before him by improvement will occur only through work his many Treasury advisers and those from by the average Australian, the averag<:, the community who place before him matters Queenslander. Good government and time affecting various sections of the community. are the only cures for our problems. The Treasurer must be a little clairvoyant because there are so many factors that will No doubt the Treasurer considered these influence his Budget in the coming year. facts when he formulated his Budget. There is no alarming deficit; there is no sizeable It will be noted that the Treasurer has surplus brought about by increased demands budgeted for a surplus of $150,000-to be on the people. Yes, Mr. Hewitt, I do believe exact, $149,000-as at 30 June next year. this to be a responsible Budget. There was to be a deficit of $565,000 but, because there was a surplus of $715,000 last Death duty is a subject that has often year, we will in fact end up with a small sur­ been discussed here. By this Budget we are plus. The carrying forward of a surplus or a abolishing death duties from 1 January 1977 deficit has become one of the practices of and also removing gift duty. Those are Government. If we look at Queensland's two forms of taxation which, though applied Budgets over a period back to the 1920s, it in different directions, really result one from is interesting to see that deficits and sur­ the other. It is not unusual for members pluses have occurred on many occasions. In of a family wishing to avoid the problem fact, on some 27 occasions we had a deficit of taxation on death to make gifts to their and on 30, a surplus. That in itself gives descendants over a period. The time of death us an indication that, during that period of is when the greatest hardship confronts a our Government, this system of surplus and family. The size of estate has little bearing deficits most certainly has existed. on the difficulties. It is ridiculous for those 'Who oppose the abolition of death duties It is interesting to note the amount of to say that this form of taxation affects deficit or surplus over the years as compared only those in the highest income bracket with the total revenue. In the year 1931-32 or those with the larger estates. the Government's revenue was in the vicinity of $26,000,000 and a deficit of some Succession and probate duties affect prac­ $4,000,000 was budgeted for. The revenue tically all sections of our community to a returned in the year 1955-56 was about disturbing degree. They affect those people $151,000,000 with a deficit of some who have been astute enough to acquire a $3,500,000. I am making these points because reasonable standard of home and the simple I think they will bear out what I am about amenities of life such as a caravan, a boat Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 941 or a motor-car. Also they affect the people aged people of our community is very pleas­ who have had sufficient foresight to invest a ing. It is pleasing because it is a section of portion of their income during their lifetime need that for so many years possibly has in stocks, shares or bank deposits. Very not had the expertise or the funding to meet frequently and very quickly they come within it. Anyone who has visited this centre and the category of those paying both Federal has spoken to the residents who are enjoying and State death duties. There is no doubt the very modern surroundings and nursing that they affect the average person who facilities offered today would have no doubt tries to accrue some security for the present of its importance to the community. or for his old age. I am greatly interested in this because for Also in this regard we must consider the many years I have personally been involved people who have planned for the future and in work associated with the aged, and in have involved themselves in private enter­ recent years particularly I have been involved prise. Bear in mind that, in referring to in the development of a community centre "private enterprise", I am not necessarily for the aged in Wynnum which is known as speaking of people who are in business, indus­ the Waterloo Bay 50s and Over Centre. try or primary production; I am referring I am proud to say that I am the chairman, to the average young couple who are pur­ and I am most hopeful that in the early chasing their first piece of land or home. part of 1977 we will see the comp~etion of In doing so they enter the field of private this fine project, which will cost slightly in enterprise. With that purchase, they accept excess of $500,000. the responsibilities, joys and possibly the benefits of private enterprise. Too frequently The Waterloo Bay 50s and Over Centre we use the term "private enterprise". I think will be completed through subsidies from the we really mean enterprise on the part of State Government, the Federal Government those people. So when we talk of private and from funds made available by the people enterprise and the effect of the abolition of of that particular district, the service clubs death duties, we are talking about the average and sporting organisations too numerous to person who represents the majority in many mention here today. It will be erected on of the electorates of the State. a piece of ground being made available by the Brisbane City Council. To my way of The improvements in pay-roll tax, workers' thinking this is truly a monument to the compensation and land tax will be a boon involvement of all levels of government and to those in small businesses, primary pro­ people in this particular area who have seen duction, general industry and general busi­ fit to club together to establish a much­ ness and, once again, will be of assistance in needed centre. private enterprise. A previous speaker said­ and I agree with him-that pay-roll tax is The centre when completed will house a quite an incredible form of taxation because very modern Meals on Wheels section, occu­ it taxes an employer for employing people. pational therapy rooms, an auditorium, meet­ This, of course, is quite unreasonable. ing rooms, a dining-room, and other neces­ sary facilities. In the same area, I suppose like most It is pleasing to note that the Queensland other honourable members, I am disturbed Government has seen fit to subsidise such about the funding for housing. The Treas­ projects as this, and it is also pleasing to urer said that there has been no increase in me to note the expenditure on the programme! Commonwealth funds in the past two years. of works within the Health Department; There is no doubt that this will cause hard­ but I would be less than honest if I did not ship to those people who have the right say that I was disappointed that considera· to own a home. I say they have a right tion this year could not be given to the because Australia, and particularly Queens­ early stages of a hospital or an out-patients' land, holds the record for home-ownership complex within the electorate of Wynnum or, in the world. It is disturbing. The answer in fact, for the bayside area including Red­ can only come from funding-from the land Bay and the Wynnum area. There is availability of funds. no doubt that with the advent of the pro­ Today we see the re-establishment of the posed port of Brisbane, this will become a terminating building societies which were heavily populated section of our community started in the early 1950s and have been sup­ and most certainly in need of a hospital facil­ ported in funding from the various sources ity. I am hopeful that the Minister will of State Governments, insurance companies give it consideration during the year. and, ultimately, through our own Government funding from Federal sources. It is an area It is interesting to note the graphic that is causing grave concern, not only to increase in the Education Vote in Budgets people employed in the industry but to those from 1966 to the present year. It is interest­ young people and, in many cases, older ing also to note that provision has been made for some 486 additional school-teachers people who are seeking a home within our at secondary primary and pre-school levels. State. This is most certainly pleasing to me because The provision in the Budget for $2,250,000 we all know we need to increase expenditure to be spent on the Moreton Bay nursing care on school buildings. We all know that the unit to give additional comfort to those building of any school complex must have 942 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

the approval of the Minister for Education some $13,900,000. I feel very confident that before the Works Department can proceed this industry will play its part in the State's with construction, but I hope that a very economy during ,this financial year. important part of the education system, that of the maintenance and repair of school \Vhen one speaks about tourism, one must buildings, will not be overlooked in the look at Moreton Bay, which is the tourist Education Department Estimates this year. area closest to the most thickly populated Despite the incredible increase in expenditure part of the State, and realise its unlimited on education, I believe we must see an potential. It has become the playground increase in expenditure on additional school of South-east Queensland; it must be facilities and on the maintenance and repair developed and become the playground for of school buildings. visitors from other States and from overseas. I know many members could quote Money must be spent in areas adjacent examples, but it is my intention to comment to this developing tourist area. I have spoken briefly today on some shortcomings which previously to the Minister for Marine Ser­ are evident in schools in my electorate. I vices about putting sand on the foreshores want to refer particularly to ,the administra­ at Wynnum. People have said that it is tion block at the Wynnum North State a ridiculous suggestion. In my opinion, it School. A total of 950 students attend that is far from ridiculous, because Wynnum school, and the facilit,ies for staff administra­ is a township that services a population of tion are far below what I consider to be a about 60,000, and it is on the edge of this reasonable standard. For many years the playground and adjacent to a new port that staff have worked under extreme difficulties will attract tourists from all over the world. trying to uphold the high standard for which Money must be spent on the foreshores at this school is known. There is a continual Wynnum and it is not a new concept to bring need for maintenance in schools, particularly sand to an area to make it more attractive. the older schools in my electorate such as I shall continue to pursue at Federal, State the Manly State School and the Wynnum and local government level the possibility Central State School. They are :£or ever in of having sand put on the foreshores at need of maintenance. Wynnum. Of the 51 approvals for new pre-school It is disturbing to many honourable mem­ centres throughout the State I am hopeful bers to see that a section of the community that the Manly and Wondall Heights State in Queensland-fortunately, only a small Schools will be among the recipients. section-is hell-bent on destroying the exist­ ing system of law and order and democracy. To me the announcement by the Treasurer These people are setting out to destroy the of the provision of some $2,000,000 from structure of orderly control that protects the soccer pools revenue and $2,500,000 from majority. Although, as I said earlier, this Consolidated Revenue for sport is forward radical group is only small, all too frequently thinking, because anyone who has been or is it gets the ear of the Press. Possibly because involved in ,the administration of sport, and it sells newspapers, the Press give headlines particularly the extension of sport to the to the conduct of these people. In doing young, realises what a great need there is that, the Press are encouraging the radical for additional facilities. Those people who behaviour of people who are out to destroy are responsible for sport, through both not only us as a Government but also the school organisations and other responsible freedom of the Press and everything that organisations, will applaud this proposal by we, as a free-enterprise Government, believe the Treasurer. It is an area of great need. in and stand for. I have commented previously in this Assembly that, with more encouragement For that reason it is necessary that the and more financial assistance for sporting Police Force be strong and efficient, and facilities for the young, we would see less it is pleasing to see that the Treasurer has juvenile delinquency, and certainly fewer of made provision for an increase of 5.6 per our young people before the courts. cent in police numbers. As a Government, we have a responsibility to develop an effic­ Mr. K. J. Hooper: It makes men of ient Police Force and to ensure that it is them, too. supported adequately. I do not deny that in the Police Force in Queensland there Mr. LAMOND: That is true; I agree with would be some who might be referred to the honourable member for Archerfield. We as bad apples in the barrel; but. generally see dramatic results from this sort of speaking, we can be proud of the Queensland expenditure. Young people who grow up Police Force. It is the responsibility of the participating in sport learn how to co"operate Government to ensure that corruption does with their fellows. not come from outside and destroy the Police Tourism is an area which we all too Force, because corruption outside the force is just as devastating as is corruption within frequently think too little about. It is a its ranks. very 'important industry within our State, and we saw during 1975-76 an expenditure There is no doubt that the return of by the Government of some $12,250,000. policemen patrolling a beat on foot will do The estimated expenditure for 1976-77 is a great deal to prevent crime. In effect, it Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 943 is a showing of the flag in the form of a good guidance and there is a realisation at policeman's uniform on the footpath, and all levels that greatness can be achieved only this has a very sobering effect on those who by one thing-hard work. may be criminally inclined and gives encour­ agement to those who believe in law enforce­ Mr. DOUMANY (Kurilpa) (3.50 p.m.): ment. I compliment both the Minister for First, I pay my compliments to the Hon­ Police and the Treasurer on the intention to ourable the Treasurer on his first Budget. return police to the beat. I believe that it is a very sound document, a very responsible Budget. It is the sort There are many factors in the Budget of Budget that continues the tradition of which I should like to debate but I have responsible management that the coalition endeavoured to restrict myself to those mat­ Government has achieved since it took power ters that directly or indirectly affect my in 1957. It is only fitting, before one electorate. I should like to make the com­ looks at the 1976-77 Financial Statement ment that it is the responsibility of every itself, to pay tribute, first of all, to the Australian (I was about to say "good" Aus­ late Treasurer, Sir Gordon Chalk-- tralian, but most are good, anyway) to rec­ Mr. K. J. Hooper: He's not the late ognise that there is in this country at present a force that is hell-bent on plundering our Treasurer; he's the former Treasurer. democratic system. I am sure that none of Mr. DOUMANY: I stand corrected; the us, whether in Opposition or in Govern­ former Treasurer-the former Treasurer, who ment, wants to see our present system des­ did so much with the coalition Government troyed. The way of life that we have come during the 1960s to provide the impetus to to accept as part of our heritage in Aus­ development of this State that has made tralia should be jealously guarded. It is Queensland the best State in the Common­ fragile and could easily be destroyed if we wealth. do not all play our part in see·ing that that does not happen. It is no good beating about the bush. It is little use the Opposition trying to There is no doubt that unions play an refute this. Until 1957 Queensland was in important role in the structure of democ­ the doldrums. There had been practically racy. However, all too frequently today no development at all, apart from what good members of unions become tools in took place during World War H-and that the hands of radicals. I believe that the took place of necessity-and what took place average Australian is happy to do a fair in the 19th century and the beginning of day's work for a fair day's pay, but all too this century. The concept of developing frequently some people within the union and building the nation just does not exist structure, although they represent only a in the A.L.P. There is no question that all minority, take from others their right to a those massive resources-the minerals, the reasonable living. The youth of today, as brigalow lands that were opened up and the I suppose was the case in the past, are development of the sugar industry-were all inclined to look for change. Possibly all of there before. They were not hidden. They us look for change, but we cannot permit were known. However, there was no interest young people to be influenced by pressure in development; there was no interest in f(roups that are disrupting and destroying bringing these resources and assets into a their lives. productive state. M-r. K. J. Hoopcr: What about the influence It took this coalition Government to of the League of Rights on the National realise the potential of Queensland by bring­ Party? ing a philosophy of vigour and a philosophy of constructive activity to raise the level of aspiration of Queenslanders and to give Mr. LAMOND: That influence is non­ Queensland the base of economic activity existent. Whilst we of the National Party and enterprise that has led to so many people believe in law and order in the State, we deciding to make this State their home. also believe in the rights of the individual Let us not kid ourselves. The population at all levels. growth of Queensland has been attributable It is the responsibility not only of us as not only to the entry of people from other a Government but of all Queenslanders, and, countries but also to migration from the indeed, all Australians, to realise that Aus­ southern States. People have come to regard tralia is a country, and Queensland a State, Queensland as a place where there is a with a foot on the threshold of greatness. We future under the coalition Government. are a young country and we wiT! achieve the I stress that, with Sir Gordon Chalk's benefits of greatness only if we involve our­ responsible management during his term as selves in work at all levels. Unfortunately, Treasurer, there was undoubtedly a harden­ too many people are avoiding work rather ing of resolve to bring Queensland forward than trying to find it so that they can look and to give this State the best possible back and say with pride and great satisfac­ level of achievement under the circumstances. tion, "That is what I achieved today". Fort­ I pay my own personal tribute to Sir Gordon unately such people represent a minority. for his hard work, his persistence, his deter­ Australia has a great future. Queensland mination and his get-up-and-go. I am cer­ has a quite incredible future provided it has tain that the Honourable Bill Knox, as our 944 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

Treasurer, will bring the same will to succeed strategy placed some definite constraints on and determination to the task of running the Federal Treasurer when he was drawing the affairs of this State. There is no doubt up his Budget for presentation in August. that the Treasury carries a major respon­ sibility for management, because it integrates So that when we look at the Financial and co-ordinates the resources of the State Statement drawn up by our own Treasurer, as a whole. Upon its performance depends which has been tabled in this Chamber, it the over-all success or failure of the State. is most important to look at some of the background that has been provided in it. I believe it is very important in looking There is one belief that we hold, and the at the Financial Statement for 1976-77 that Treasurer has stated it from the outset. we be mindful of what has been happening lt appears at page 1 under "The Economy" at the Federal level of Government. There and reads- can be no doubt that after the three years of wild and irresponsible spending by Mr. "A dynamic, expanding economy is the Whitlam, the economic management at Fed­ mechanism by which all Queenslanders can eral level has had to take a certain course. share in the benefits from our great nat­ I shall give some figures which will indicate ural resources, past and current capital the spectacular effects of Labor Government investments, and the productive utilisa­ between 1972 and 1975. I take the 1966- tion of our skilled human resources. A 67 Consumer Price Index figure for Bris­ growing economy provides job security, a bane as the base of 100. The following wider range of future prospects, a stronger figures indicate the increases for the ensuing base for Government activities, and a sense years- of confidence in the future." 1971-72 121.6 That is a core statement in this State Budget. 1972-73 128.6 It predicates, in my opinion, everything that 1973-74 146.1 has been done by the Treasurer in determin­ 1974-75 168.7 ing the Revenue and Expenditure Estimates 1975-76 190.9 for the coming year. They indicate the fruits of three years of a I would like to point to the three major headlong rush into spending, a headlong Budget constraints that are referred to in the rush into business-bashing and a headlong Financial Statement. At page 3 one will note push on wage demand and escalation. There there is the "Commonwealth Government is no question that Mr. Clyde Cameron, as Expenditure Restraints". This undoubtedly Mr. Whitlam's first Minister for Labor, did represents a flow-on from Federal strategy his very best to promote the wage award to State strategy, and as much as we may cases that were being considered in 1973 bridle under some of these restraints that and 1974. have been imposed by Mr. Lynch and Mr. Fraser, I believe that we, as a responsible Mr. Elliott: He was totally irresponsible. Government, accept ,that much of it is nec­ essary, although we may argue-and I person­ Mr. DOUMANY: He was. So far as he ally would argue-that there is room for was concerned, it was a case of, "Get at selective relief -valve treatment here and the bosses. Every boss must be a villain." there, particularly if that relief is provided in areas which will be productive and which At the end of last year we inherited that are not necessarily wasteful in themselves. serious situation in Canberra. Therefore I believe that we must look at the philosophy That moderation concept is alluded to in that has underpinned the Federal economic the Financial Statement by the Treasurer, programme and particularly the recent Fed­ and, undoubtedly, one of the areas of nego­ eral Budget to see why the Queensland tiation that I would see our Treasurer under­ Treasurer has done things in the way he has taking with Canberra is selective moderation and to understand the reasons for the con­ over the months to come in opening up the straints at State level that have been im­ purse-strings perhaps a little faster than the posed in the Budget and why certain objec­ Federal Treasurer would want to. I believe tives and goals have been given the highest this does not in any way deny the validity priority. of the Federal Budget strategy. It does not cut across it, but it attempts to guide it and If I may summarise, there were five prin­ to give a greater or lesser velocity to where ciples underlying the Budget strategy of Mr. we believe it will be needed because of our Lynch in August. They were: to treat the local grasp of the conditions and circum­ eradication of inflation as the No. 1 priority; stances in this State. I would be disappointed to restrain Government expenditure to allow in .the Federal Treasurer if he were inclined the private sector to expand and create to ignore that type of advice and that sort jobs; to restrict the Government's tax take of request from our State Treasurer because in order to reinforce wage restraint, there is no doubt that, over all, sound man­ strengthen company profitability and boost agement must rely on that type of give business confidence; to reduce the size of and take and flexibility in budgeting as the deficit to moderate increases in the time progresses and as conditions develop, money supply; and to continue the Govern­ and we know more about what room is ment's programme of social reform. That available for us to move in. Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 945

The second constraint that is referred to regard to the future rate of inflation and in the Financial Statement is headed "Bur­ the likely trends of the revenues which we dens upon Industry". I refer to the first receive under the new tax-sharing arrange­ sentence of ,the last paragraph on page 3 ments that have been introduced by the because I believe it is a most important Federal Government. The most fundamental statement. It reads-- area in this particular constraint is undoubt­ edly the rate of inflation. In fact, the rate "The second major constraint in the of inflation is the real determinant of what formulation of the Budget has been the is happening in the economy nationally and need to ensure that impositions by the at State level. It will be the real determinant State in its revenue raising activities have of many things-interest rates, taxation the least possible detrimental effect on changes and policies-and certainly it will the ability of industry to continue to continue to determine the policies that Gov­ provide employment and on the prices of ernments, State and Federal, implement in commodities and services." their respective spheres of financial manage­ This is undoubtedly a hallmark of a Liberal­ ment. National Country Party Treasurer, because If we look at what inflation means merely he is cognisant in that statement of the in terms of salary and wages costs and fundamental importance of a viable private appreciate the massive escalation that has sector. That is what differentiates us from taken place, and continues to take place with our socialist Opposition because invariably each quarterly review, we can surely see when Labor has the reins of Government just what a critical and vitally important the last concern it has is for the viability part the control of inflation must play in of business. Business is regarded by the Government strategies in this country for at A.L.P. as a suitable milch cow when it is least the next two or three years. in production, but when it is oonvenien~ and when the inclination takes it, the ALP. Let us consider very briefly some of the likes to bash the cow around the head so changes that were effected in the Budget that it can get a feeling of satisfaction. recently brought down by our Treasurer. Dr. Lockwood: Sometimes they kill and If we look at the summary of events in terms of increases and decreases, it becomes eat it. clear trds so from 1 January 1978, a great deal to contained in those three paragraphs. I beheve hundreds and even thousands of businessmen that Mr. Knox in this Financial Statement in Queensland. It will give them the heart, is confirming that resolve. Naturally enough, the inclination and the will to expand their we are seeing that resolve confirmed in .operations, to be more ambitious in their Queensland because this Government is budgeting and forecasting and to increase responsible for Queensland. the number of people on their pay-rolls. This is the only positive way of finding jobs for We have taken an initiative in pay-roll the thousands of young people, as well as tax for the sake of the private sector because family men and women, who now have fairly we believe that to be of the highest priority. arid prospects in the private sector as a When we look at succession duty and gift result of the enormous inroads of inflation duty, we are looking at the same regard and the battering of businesses and business for the private sector. Let us not make a confidence that took place in the three years big fuss about these concessions applying of government under Mr. Whitlam. It is only to the very wealthy. More often than impossible to recover overnight from three years of battering. not the very wealthy have the means, the skil!s and the opportunities to avoid or I should now like to refer to alleviate these imposts to an enormous degree a statement made by Mr. Lynch at -almost to the. point where they do not a recent conference on the world econ­ have to pay them at all. Undoubtedly for omy organised by the London "Finan­ many small businessmen with capital invest­ cial Times", Qantas and "The Australian ment in plant, factories, stock and land­ Financial Review" and held in Sydnev. Dur­ as well as all the primary producers of ing that conference Mr. Lynch reiterated the this State, who also for the most part are Federal Government's economic strategy and, small businessmen-those duties have been in particular, he made a statement which the cause of enormous disruption at cyclical I believe is most significant for all the intervals. All that is quite apart from the knockers and particularly for Opposition unnecessary hardship and interference with members, who, now that they have no res­ privacy-with people's Jives in difficult times ponsibilities in the State and Feder~l of bereavement-that the enforcement and Governments, are pre-occupied with saying, administration of these taxes entails. "You said you would turn on the lights after 13 December. Where are the lights?" Let us make no mistake about it; death They expected the sort of thing that and gift duties have cost the State a Jot of happened to Paul of Tarsus; the light shone money to administer. Perhaps if we looked on him and he went blind for a couple of at the net result of some of our other taxes days. we would be surprised at how lean is the I propose to quote from "The Australian revenue from some sources. Financial Review" of 14 October. We have also seen a most responsive Mr. K. J. Hooper: Of this year? attitude by the Honourable the Treasurer to M!". DOUMANY: Yes. The article is the many representations that were made to headed "Lynch's Tough Line", and I shall him on workers' compensation. Certainly, read the last three paragraphs- althouoh he has not met all the requests that have been made-and I do not think that " 'There is now a common view that would have been possible in the short space control of inflation is the fundamental pre­ of time since his assumption of the office­ condition for sustained economic recovery he has reduced the minimum rates and and progressive growth in employment,' restored merit bonuses, in most cases to Mr. Lynch said. previous levels. That has meant that, for "It must be stressed, however, that many employers whose industries incur very Australia has adopted this strategy at a few claims, if any, the rate of workers' com­ later stage than other developed economies, pensation premium has. fall.en baci<: to a the majority of which are now reaping sensible level-to somethmg hke reahty. We the rewards in terms of lower inflation and know that this subject has been an enormous stronger growth. bone of contention to many business people. Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 947

It was an extra straw on their backs after Mr. DOUMANY: I am pleased that I the harvest of inflation had crushed their have put him to sleep. lives and their profits. Mr. Byrne: It's a bit over his head. Whilst I am dealing with the word "pro· fit", perhaps I should make the point that Mr. DOUMANY: Not necessarily. He is there is nothing immoral or wrong about not interested in this sort of subject matter. profit provided that the business practices I think this delineates his position and ours. being pursued conform to the law. Whilst An Honourable Member: It is absolutely I believe that some businessmen operate out­ scandalous. side the law in some of their practices and do great damage to individuals-we could Mr. DOUMANY: I do not intend to say aH cite serious cases at the present time-----­ anything scandalous. Frankly I think that the question of profit in itself in a legiti­ the Budget we are debating is a very respect­ mately run fil'm, company, partnership or able document and there is no need to in­ sole trading business is not the unclean, un­ dulge in scandal or innuendo. respectable thing that the A.L.P. would lead us to believe it is. We have also seen a further reduction in road transport fees. It is a 50 per cent Mr. McKechnie interjected. reduction from the immediate previous level and represents the second of the three instal­ Mr. DOUMANY: Without a net return ments in the phasing out process that was at the end m the pipeline, no-one will invest promised some time ago. 'We have seen an money or commit capital to risk and there increase in the exemption levels from land will not be the employment. tax imposition both for residential land­ Mr. Byrne: The ripening fruit of pro­ owners and for primary producer landowners. gress. Mr. Houston: Who is going to win after Saturday in Lockyer? Mr. DOUMANY: That is not a bad defini­ tion. Mr. DOUMANY: Mr. Miller, in answer Profit is very important. It was disregard to that pertinent question, it certainly will and contempt for profit and distrust of it not be the A.L.P. that led to the follies in Canberra between Government J\1embers: Hear, hear! 1972 and 1975-the intrinsic assumption in every policy and statement that a positive The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. net return meant that a company or a busi­ Miller): Order! ness was undoubtedly hoodwinking the public and working against the public Mr. Frawley: The coalition is going to interest. win. I am an for the enforcement of trade Mr. Houston: You're the expert. practices. Frankly I believe that a strong trade practices approach is infinitely prefer­ The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! able to price-fixing and price control. Price I ask the Committee to come to order. control interferes to an alarming degree with Mr. DOUMANY: I have every confidence the forces of supply and demand and with that if the people look at the Financial State­ the forces of resource allocation. Anyone who can hark back to the years immediately ment brought down by the Treasurer the after World War II until the Menzies­ Government will win in Lockyer because Fadden Government came to power in 1949 when we look at the over-all picture-the does not need to be reminded of the drastic balance that has been mainta,ined, the suc­ consequences of price control-the black cess that our Treasurer has achieved in market and all of the other evils such as key keeping those revenue items within reason­ money and rental arrangements. The mind able limits-then I believe we have every boggles when one remembers the profiteer­ reason for confidence in the prospects of ing that was permitted under those arrange­ the Queensland Government. ments. Government Members: Hear, hear! The real secret to securing honesty in business and to making profit respectable is Mr. DOUMANY: Undoubtedly it has been to enforce legitimate trade practices to ensure necessary to hold down and bring down cer­ that traders compete against one another but, tain of these critic:.] impositions, and to at the same time, to ensure that in doing it eliminate some of them; it has also been we do not impede unnecessarily the forces necessary to maintain the prices for services of supply and demand. They represent the offered by the Government at something like best method of directing effort, resources the rate of cost escalation. Although I am and investment in our communitv. That is sure the Treasurer has been reluctant to raise what we in free enterprise believe. That is rail fares and freights, the deficit on the rail­ what it is all about. ways' operations is a very critical item in an annual Budget in Queensland. It has been Mr. Fraw!ey: You have put the honour­ necessary, I believe, to increase these rates able member for Archerfield to sleep. by 15 per cent; but it is also very significant 948 Supply (14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

that exemptions have been granted to specific the biggest waste of money conceivable. How critical areas, in particular beef and grain. much it cost the I.A.C. to produce that There should be no objection to this type of report on culture I do not know precisely, separation of items in an economy such as but ·if it cost $500,000-and that would ours where these products are absolutely probably be a realistic estimate-and we critical to prosperity. think of what good that could have done Another very significant area of the Fin­ spread through a lot of these little organisa­ ancial Statement is in spending. Despite the tions in the community, then we see the paid rabble who want to stir up trouble for lack of perspective and priority that is so us and who said that we would denude evident in the thinking of the A.L.P. when education, education has enjoyed an increase it gets into government. of $67,600,000, which is an increase above I have a lot of respect for the I.A.C. in the $330,000,000 approximately last year. looking at strictly economic matters. I believe I believe that is a verification of this Gov­ they are doing a fairly good job in eliciting ernment's concern for education. the feelings of the whole community on Health expenditure also has been raised many issues-certainly better than the sort by a similar proportion. It is increased by of consultative councils that were asked for $45,700,000 from $220,000,000 approxim­ by some of Mr. Whitlam's advisers in late ately in the year. 1975 which would have meant a very exclusive panel of people set up outside We have an increase in Sports, Youth and many segments of the community. I think Recreation, despite a lot of negative phil­ the I.A.C. does a good job because it allows osophy that it is a luxury which can now the whole community to give evidence and be done without. In the development of have its say, but it has no place outside of youth in this State and in the nation there strictly economic issues. It is not a political can be no neglect of these activities. body and it should not be asked by any While on this subject of what we might Government to make political judgments. call non-material or intangible items, I would We have heard a lot from the Leader of like to talk very briefly of culture and the the Opposition about interest rates. I want arts. Very recently the Industries Assistance to digress onto this subject because there Commission report on culture and the arts is an enormous misconception about the was brought down. It was commissioned subject of interest rates at the moment, and by the former Prime Minister, Mr. Whitlam, statements of the sort that we get from the and if there was ever an inappropriate body Leader of the Opposition do not help to to look at culture it was the I.A.C. It is remove the ignorance that exists in the com­ remarkable that any Prime Minister could munity. have felt that the I.A.C. economists-essen­ tially number-fumblers at the best of times­ Unfortunately, the honourable member would be able to quantify the benefits and for Mackay tended to indulge in the same costs of culture and the arts. If we had set fantasy when he discussed interest rates a aside ~he "Blue Poles" exercise and the couple of days ago. He is not in the Cham­ money that was paid out to people like ber and I do not wish to criticise him, but I Germaine Greer for all sorts of purposes­ think he should have answered some of the ! will not define them in this Committee-- questions that were directed to him at the time. Mr. Powell: I think you would embarrass Mr. Powell: Do you think that there is us if you did. much difference between his philosophy and Mr. DOUMANY: Yes, I probably would. that of the A.L.P.? But most of the money spent on culture Mr. DOUMANY: No. One gets the has gone into activities of the community feeling that the honourable member for that are vital to the development of a Mackay has one foot on each side of the balanced attitude and a healthy approach to fence. living. It is tied up with quality of life just as much as good nutrition, good roads and a A Government Member interjected. healthy, attractive environment in which to live, and I would not like to think that the Mr. DOUMANY: As long as he does not various performing groups and amateur get stuck on the barbed wire-that is true. groups right throughout this State are to be I think he would make sure that the fence put in jeopardy simply because of some was a very low one. economists in Canberra, Sydney and Mel­ We come back, Mr. Miller, to the very bourne doing a few numbers exercises and kernel of the strategy that is being followed saying, "This does not pay." How on earth bv both the Federal Government and the can they expect these things to pay? State Government-that inflation is the No. Right throughout the world culture has to 1 priority. Interest rates have to be related be promoted by Governments to a substan­ to the rate of inflation, and it is absolute tial extent or it does not survive, and I fantasy-it is like "Alice in Wonderland"­ believe that it is symptomatic of the type to think that interest rates can be cut back of myopia that was absolutely rife in the to about 5 or 6 per cent, which is what Whitlam Government that they gave that they used to be, and still have inflation brief to the I.A.C. That would have to be running at about 12 per cent or more. That Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 949 is not possible. Who is going to deposit interest rate for borrowing of money by money, who is going to lend money, at permanent building societies from passbook those rates when the rate of inflation is holders. I am a little concerned because about 12 per cent? A person would be much only a week after this legislation was passed better off filling a warehouse with durable the Federal Government increased the bond goods, holding them for 12 months and then rate to attract funds because it has to raise selling them. more money. This is one area that has to I asked the honourable member for be watched. The last thing we want to see Mackay where he invested his money, is the diversion of money away from perman­ because he wanted interest rates cut arbit­ ent building societies as they make a very rarily. Someone has to provide the funds important contribution to home-ownership. I to lend out, unless we are going to have a am sure that the Minister for Works and totalitarian State in which funds are com­ Housing will look closely at interest rates and mandeered, in which we say to people, "You protect the interests of our own home seekers will deposit 'x' proportion of your income by ensuring that sufficient funds will flow to in these funds." Unless we want that sort building societies. of totalitarian dictatorship-and we do not In conclusion-I feel there is every reason want it under any circumstances-interest to be confident of the future of Queensland rates cannot be cut arbitrarily. If they are, and of Australia. The resources, skills and money will have to be taken out of the expertise that were here five years ago are public purse and given away, and there is still here. What has to be married to them a limit to how frequently that can be done, is confidence and a belief in the future. particularly in difficult times such as these. It is not very easy to do that after three years of irresponsibility, wrecking and squan­ The other reason why interest rates must dering at national level. But it will be done, be realistic is that there is a capital market. and the Budget brought down by the Treas­ The Government bids for money in that urer will help to get it done. It is a Budget capital market, as does the private sector. based on the belief that there is a future All sorts of companies and institutions are for Queensland and for Australia. It is a bidding for money in that market. It is not Budget that sees the need to re-establish possible to set a general rate of interest economic conditions and people's attitudes so below the ruling market unless a dictatorial as to restore the development and growth policy is applied. This is demonstrated in that was so effectively fostered and sustained the interest rates in our building societies. earlier in this Government's history in this I am sure that the Minister for Works and State as well as by the coalition Govern­ Housing, who is now in the Chamber, will ments at national level prior to the advent agree that it would not be possible to bring of Mr. Whitlam. those rates down artificially to a point sub­ stantially below the ruling interest rates The job can be done, but it will take unless the Government dipped into the public faith and hard work. What we want to see purse and paid out the difference. is a display of the same beliefs and attitudes in many other quarters, particularly the trade One cannot make bricks out of straw, but union movement. I hope to see these beliefs unfortunately the Leader of the Opposition shared and displayed throughout the com­ continues to believe in that method. He munity, and without delay, because there is wants interest rates reduced-and it is a a great deal of work and achievement await­ very popular message-and at the same time ing us in this great country of ours. he and his colleagues in Canberra are criticis­ ing the Federal Government and saying that Dr. LOCKWOOD (Toowoomba North) it should maintain a massive deficit and con­ (4.46 p.m.): I should like to congratulate tinue what was being done over the previous the Treasurer and his departmental officers three years. The bigger the deficit, the on a sound and carefully prepared Budget. more money that has to be raised on the It continues the coalition Government's line open market by the Federal Government. in that it favours neither the country nor The more money that the Federal Govern­ the cities. It seeks to do its best to see that ment has to raise on the open market by both sectors of the community are allowed loans, the more it has to bid for it, and to continue to function and to expand. the more it bids for money, the greater Once again the Treasurer of the State has becomes the pressure on interest rates. Make had to cope with the very real problem of no mistake about it-the tight control on inflation. deficits being displayed by Mr. Lynch and by our own Treasurer is vital if interest rates If we cast our minds back to the 197 5-7 6 are to be controlled. The necessity for Budget, we remember that Sir Gordon Chalk Governments to go out and raise money had to contend with increased wages and on the open market is one of the prime increased capital costs amounting to causes of high interest rates. $160,000,000. That imposition on the State was caused by the irresponsible financial I have one concern and I shall express it measures of the Federal Labor Government because it is a matter that we have to con­ and the irresponsible action of the unions sider seriously. Quite recently the Minister which caused a tremendous wage and infla­ for Works and Housing introduced legislation tionary spiral. Sir Gordon had not antici­ which foreshadowed a cut-back in the pated that. Of course, he had much exper- 950 Supply [14 OcTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) ience in dealing with inflation; but who could newspapers and some of the parliamentary have believed that a State such as Queens­ debates of a year or two ago to learn the land would have to find an additional state that this country was in before he was $160,000,000 to cope with the effects of the elected to the Senate. wantonness of the Labor Party and the Queensland has protected jobs better than Left-wing unions? This year our Treasurer any other State. We have seen in this has to provide only $83,500,000 to cater State an increase in population when another for increased wages resulting from inflation. State-the Labor State of South Australia­ That Sir Gordon Chalk ended the year has suffered a shrinkage of population. It with a surplus showed that he did in fact has achieved zero population growth not by cope with the inflation and was able to very birth control, but by exporting workers. criticaEy predict its effect. Although it was only a very small surplus of $714,000-- A Government Member: They are glad to go. Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I rise to a point of order. I draw your attention, Mr. Miller, Dr. LOCKWOOD: They are leaving South to the state of the Committee. Australia and going to better places such as Queensland. (Quorum formed.) I am particularly pleased to see that from Dr. LOCKWOOD: Although Sir Gordon now on the Works Department will be Chalk managed to achieve a surplus of allocated funds on a monthly basis. We $714,000, the Federal Labor Government are all aware of the embarrassment to this managed to wreck the finances of this country Government and of the extreme upset caused and shackle it with a $4,000 million deficit. to State Works Department employees who, On the one hand a responsible Liberal Party every May and June, faced the prospect of Treasurer in Queensland managed a small insecurity of employment as the dwindling surplus while, on the other, Australia was funds dried up under Federal Labor Gov­ shackled by a Federal Labor Government ernment policies. These men were left with with such a huge debt. As a result of the no jobs because there was no money to irresponsible spending by the Labor Govern· pay them. I hope that the State Govern­ ment, it was necessary for it to sneak over­ ment will be able to plan not on a year-to­ seas, approaching Arabs and trying to borrow year basis, but for two or three years ahead $4,000 million to allow this great country so that these jobs will continue on a year­ to continue for another year. lf that loan in-year-out basis and not be subjected to a had eventuated, Australia would have been stop-go policy every year in the tight last shackled to overseas payments for 20 or quarter of the financial year when money 30 years-just to pay for the irresponsible has been running out. policies inflicted on Australia in a time of It is curious that in a time of unemploy­ peace. ment there are 2,800 jobs vacant in the Queensland's public servants, of course, are Public Service. It behoves all of those people extremely grateful to the Government for its who say they are genuinely interested in efforts and its sound financing, since it has seeking employment to see that they are enabled all of them to stay in their jobs. qualified to do the work. There are plenty They have not had to suffer like their fellows of opportunities in Queensland for people in commerce and industry, a great many of with any sort of qualifications at all above whom have experienced shorter working those of the unskilled worker. weeks and a lack of overtime. Many have I regret that welfare housing took such even been put off work as a result of the a bashing under the Federal Labor Govern­ Labor policies that affected commerce and ment. The number of Queensland houses industry. Jobs dried up as inflation prevented completed dropped from 1,069 to only 800 business and industry from borrowing the while some of the pro-Labor States received money necessary to pay for much-needed generous hand-outs. Queensland has not yet replacements of machinery and business recovered. Labor discriminated against expansion. Imports flooded into the country. widows, deserted wives and pensioners in an It is curious that some new fellow in the unprecedented manner. Labor Party-Senator Mal Colston-is saying that the actions of the Liberal and National Mr. Houston: You would say anything. Parties have caused the unemployment prob­ Dr. LOCKWOOD: I would say anything lem we have today. Obviously he does not consider for one moment what his friends if it is true, and it is. in the Labor Party did before he got into The honourable member could come to the Senate. He will not acknowledge the Toowoomba and even with all of his friends, effect they had on destroying jobs, job oppor­ he would not find a place to live. Housing tunities and incentives for industry to con­ is in short supply for the reasons I have tinue in work, let alone expand. He will not previously outlined in this Chamber, includ­ consider the effects that imports, particularly ing the drift from the country areas, the from Iron Curtain countries and Commun­ expansion of Toowoomba industry, the expan­ ist China, had on factory workers whom he sion of the education services in Toowoomba, expects to vote for him. He is a very short­ particularly the Darling Downs Institute of sighted man. He needs only to read the Technology and the expansion of the Army Supply (14 OCTOBER 1976) (Financial Statement) 951 aviation services at Oakey. They have Dr. LOCKWOOD: What a lot of non­ created a need for increased housing, par­ sense, yourself! It is the truth. ticularly welfare housing. Mr. Houston: It has taken you an hour Under the Labor Government, young to do so; why don't you get on to the facts? couples who had saved for a deposit were unable to approach building societies for Dr. LOCKWOOD: The abolition of this loans because they did not have sufficient tax became an absolute necessity with the money. So these people have been turning Federal Labor Party in power because it to houses traditionally offered for rent, pur­ was determined to use this means to bank­ chasing them and then renovating them rupt industry and the farming and grazing room by room as they are able to. I hope industries in one generation. that both the Federal Government and the State Government will see their way clear Mr. Houston: What a lot of nonsense! to increase Queensland Housing Commissic:n accommodation-both houses and fiats-m Dr. LOCKWOOD: It is not a lot of rot, Toowoomba in the near future. and the honourable member knows it. He cannot live it down. Why doesn't he stand While on this subject, we should con­ up and renounce all the things that his sider the plight of the widows, deserted wives Government had going for it, including the and pensioners who are unable to get a tax that it was going to put on home house or fiat when, under one of Labor's owners? It had the Priorities Review Com­ ill-conceived schemes, up to $60,000 and mittee. Look at that one. sometimes $90,000 was spent on a home under the guise of its being Aboriginal ho~s­ Mr. Houston: That is not true, and you ing. Very often these houses were occ~pied know it. by a white official who was sympathetic to or a supporter of the Labor Party. Many Dr. LOCKWOOD: It is true and it is other houses that were built under this an embarrassment to all of the Labor mem­ scheme were found upon inspection during bers who used to be in State Parliament the first year of occupancy to be so unsafe and have gone. that they were ordered to be demolished. One generation could in fact see all the Mr. Houston: Who built them? Private farms and businesses go into the control of enterprise. a national Government. Toowoomba farmers are extremely anxious to see that Dr. LOCKWOOD: Who built them? That Toowoomba continues to grow. We saw is a very good question. The honourable nationalised-style farming go nopelessly broke member's friends in Canberra organised the at Peak Downs in this State a long time building of these houses, and I am afraid ago. We should never forget that. It would that competent local government and other never work. Nationalised farming everywhere inspectors ordered their demolition for. !he is a fiasco and tends to stifle the very protection of the people who were hvmg incentive that it is supposed to bring out. in them. It is supposed to make farming more effi­ The abolition of death duties has been cient, but it does the opposite. The venture implemented in this State, and it will attract at Peak Downs, some of the best farming increasing support as it comes more and country in this State, was an absolute fiasco. more into effect. I voted for its abolition, and it ended up a financial and economic although for Toowoomba I would rather disaster. If that is the way farms are to have seen the abolition of pay-roll tax as go in this State through death duties taking I believe that such a step would have pro­ th~ last cent out of farming, then I am vided an immediate and great incentive for afraid I must vote-and I did vote-for commerce. the abolition of death duties. I hope that We must never lose sight of the fact that no future Queensland Government or this country is in the grip of incredible National Government ever considers the taxation. Death duties, which in the absence reintroduction of this tax. I hope that it of income tax, might have been a realistic is abolished in every State in this country State tax or a national tax, have become and that the National Parliament deals with it one of those things in the category of the similarly. last straw. ¥/hen death duties can be applied If this had not been done and had Labor in such a way as to prevent the heirs of a stayed in power, I do not doubt that in two business from assuming financial control of or three years towns like Toowoomba would that business, the heirs of a farmer from have been ghost towns. Toowoomba is a assuming managerial control of the farm, town which manufactures and services a lot or the heirs of a grazier from ever assuming of farm equipment, machinery and things control of the grazing property, it is time used by the man on the land, and provides this form of tax has to be very seriously the man on the land with technical advice, looked at. We should never forget that this seed, fertiliser, transport to and fro, as tax is one of those 10 points on which the well as other essentials for daily living. Labor Party seeks to socialise this country. Not even the workers who wanted the Mr. Houston: What a lot of nonsense! Labor Party in power in Canberra would Why don't you tell the truth? tolerate the thought of seeing their home 952 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

town reduced to a ghost town by the con­ like as a result of motor-vehicle accidents,. tinuation of State death duties on top of and other severe injuries suffered in fac­ what could be added in this lot at the Federal tories. level. By abolishing death duties the I feel that what we should be looking at Queensland Government hopes to bring is a realistic wage for people who suffer people to Queensland to retire, and if it does permanent or prolonged major disability. I this it wiH have my blessing and, I assume, think any man who has a couple of days everyone else's. But it is particularly the off for a small cut would gladly forgo com­ need to protect farms and businesses from pensation if he knew that if, through some nationalisation by stealth that prompted this unforeseen accident, he lost a major part Government to abolish death duties, and I of his anatomy such as an al'm or leg and/ must, as I say, give it my whole-hearted or suffered an extremely severe injury and support. could no longer return to his former occupa­ The pay-roll tax reforms mentioned in tion or any otJher occupation, he would be the Budget will be an undoubted relief to well and truly cared for by this State. I do businessmen and those in Toowoomba well not think we are being honest about work­ and truly look for the total abolition of pay­ ers' compensation if we expect the Federal roll tax, which has been done in some areas Government eventually to pick up the re­ of Victoria well removed from the capital mainder of the bill on social security. city. Pay-roll tax has reduced some of our very largest industries to the stage where I believe in merit ·bonuses. Each and they are teetering on the brink of non-pro­ every industry should endeavour to make fitability. As I said previously, it has reduced working conditions as safe as possible-not their potential resale value to zero. They just for the dollars and cents of lost pro­ have tremendous assets, but what use are duction or money being paid out in assets if no-one will purchase them? For premiums, but for the real handicap that example, some of the large industries em­ comes to people who suffer major burns or ploying more than 100 people are looking major disasters such as amputations. Each at an annual profit level of only, say, the industry should be encouraged to do its total wages of six or 10 working men, and utmost to improve safety, and in this regard this is not good enough. the Railway Department is always looking at acoident risks, discussing them and adopt­ If profits are not increased we could see ing extremely safe procedures to protect the workers dropping out one by one as workmen, wherever possible, from the chance machines faH and cannot be replaced with of a major catastrophe. more up-to-date and modern machines cap­ able of a higher output. We will see the It is very pleasing to see that, as promised profitability of these industries falling fur­ by Sir Gordon Chalk in 1974, road transport ther and further behind and finally being fees are now only one-third of what they forced out of the market. I am, of course, were in 1974-75. I look forward to their referring to our metal and machinery-manu­ total abolition. In Toowoomba, road trans­ facturing industries and I think we could port fees have been one of the major brakes even say the same of our meatworks. on increased decentralised growth. Industries It is pkasing to see a reduction in work­ in Toowoomba have the road transport tax ers' compensation premiums and the reintro­ applied both ways-on goods to Toowoomba duction of and increase in the merit bonus and on goods from Toowoomba. That is system. Nevertheless I think that the work­ totally unjust and I am very pleased that ers of this State were dealt a sacd blow when the tax is being removed. In Brisbane, where the system was changed so that they were goods move only a short distance round the paid 100 per cent of their pay from the city, the tax does not affect people. How­ first day of an accident. While this might ever, it is a very real tax when applied to have been good for the great number of goods going to and from the country. It is a people who suffered only minor injuries great bone of contention with all truck opera­ such as strains, cuts, etc., it took a huge tors, and the sooner it goes the better it amount of money out of the S.G.I.O. pool will be for the State and the sooner there and we saw a tremendous increase-a 100 will be decentralised growth. Queensland per cent increase in the first year-in the leads vhe way 'in decentralised growth. It is number of claims. really the only Australian State that has any­ thing to show outside the capital city by I put it to working people that instead of way of oommerce, industries and townships. having this insurance for minor injuries, Having served the people living 1in the nor­ they would be far better off having a realistk thern and western parts of the State as I insurance for those major injuries which can have, I believe that any discriminatory taxes keep a man out of work for a great many on freight should be removed once and for years, although perh<~Jps not pel'manently. all and their reintroduction never considered. I refer to those very severe conditions such as back injuries which might require open There might be some complaints about surgery or the removal of discs, major freight rates being increased by 15 per cent. burns (which might prevent the person Last year members were complaining not affected from ever again wearing normal about t:he final increase of 40 per cent but clothing or returning to his former emplov­ about the very suddenness of the increase. ment), major fractures caused by penetrat­ Many transport arrangements were revolu­ ing injuries in sawmills, amputations and the tionised as a result of that sudden increase. Supply [14 OcTOBER 19761 (Financial Statement) 953

I said then-and I still believe it-that h is A new deaf unit is nearing completion in better to have a realistic freight rate pub­ Toowoomba. The Department of Works and lished yearly and, if need be, reviewed the Department of Education are to be quarterly. If a service costs so much, that is congratulated for the parts that they have the figure which should be stated. If the played in its erection. State has to modify that to meet a parti­ It is very pleasing to see that mining will cular need, it can publish that fact and give once again be able to play its part in the charity where charity is needed. decentralised growth of this State. It suffered In this instance, representations to the severely as a result of a discriminatory tax Treasurer were considered on true coalition introduced by one of Labor's stars, Mr. lines. The members for Cunningham, ConnDr. He introduced this tax, I am sure, Balonne and Carnarvon and I, as member to give a concession to the Wollongong for Toowoomba North, saw the Treasurer coal-fields to support his Labor seat in New and outlined to him the difficulties that were South Wales. He did it when he was a being experienced in freighting gra,in, par­ Federal Minister, not to help the nation ticularly from southern Queensland through or Queensland miners but to bolster his own Toowoomba to Pinkenba. We told him we electorate. This was the motivation behind a did not think that the industry could stand great many things done by the Labor Gov­ an increase in freight at this time. The ernment. There is no doubt that it was industry is not expecting a good yield, and a discriminatory tax but Mr. Connor did even before the ~oowoomba Carnival of not have the guts to come out in the open Flowers farmers were ploughing in crops and say, "This tax will be levied only in that were not going to provide a good yield. Queensland." He found a type of coal that The sooner they could get rid of them and was exported from Queensland but not from plant a summer crop, the better off they New South Wales and applied the tax to would be. I am pleased that the Treasurer that type of coal. considered our submission and, on true A Government Member: Shame! coalition lines, made a concession to the grain industry and the beef industry that Dr. LOCKWOOD: It was a shame. The will ensure that there will not be any increase Federal Government has reduced this tax in freight for them this year. but has not yet abolished it. That Govern­ The Treasurer's decision will, of course, ment has given strict instructions that the enable the Queensland Railways to obtain Queensland Government should not adjust business from New South Wales. For State taxes to match any reduction in Federal example, wheat from the Moree distl'ict will taxes. come through Goondiwindi on trucks, be Queensland has found a way to obtain a loaded onto Queensland railway wagons and net gain without increasing taxation. With then be transported for export through the reduction of the export levy there will Pinkenba. This is a real "plus" for Queens­ be increased production from the mines. land as a result of positive planning by the There will be new mines with new rail State Treasurer. This real help to the beef works, new ports and a great many new and grain industries has not come too soon jobs. This is just one example of the way as they are bobh facing very severe losses in which a Liberal-National coalition Govern­ in this financial year. ment works both in the State and federally. It is very pleasing to see the Public Curator It gathers more money not by increasing taxes Office in Toowoomba given increased local but by increasing job opportunities. Queens­ responsibilities. It will now provide a better land, it should be noted, will get more not service to those who have dealings. with it by charging more or by increasing taxes or in and around Toowoomba. prices but by encouraging more work. I am also pleased to see that the Govern­ I am pleased to see that there is to be ment has been able to budget for a new an increase of 20.5 per cent in spending on court-house to be completed in perhaps a education. That is considerably above the year and a half from now. The old court­ inflation rate and it indicates the Govern­ house, in v,hich I was often a witness, suf­ ment's very real concern for the education fered very greatly from the noise of the of children, and all others who seek educa­ passing traffic. In the days when it was tion, in Queensland. Education should not designed the passing traffic was probably be considered as concerning only young a vehicle or a horse only now and then. people in primary schools and high schools. Noise from the present traffic flow makes It is a continuing process. A great many it impossible for judges, juries, magistrates people have had to return to education later and all others in the room to hear the in life as jobs have changed and new oppor­ witnesses. The windows on the street side tunities have appeared. They have had to have to be opened for ventilation and this re-educate themselves and become more adapt­ allows noise to enter and echo around the able in order to make the best of their lives. building drowning out all that is bein" The Queensland Government is helping said. "' tremendously in education-from pre-school There have been many public works. con­ through primary school to high school. It tinuing in the field of education, despite assists private schools such as church schools, the difficulties produced by hail storms in and I am pleased to see that the Government Toowoomba. has increased the per-capita grant to private 954 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) schools this year. Allowances paid to some I congratulate the Honourable Mr. Knox students at tertiary institutions have been not only on the Budget itself but also on increased, and the Government is presently the excellent manner in which he presented looking at ways and means of increasing it. Clearly and concisely, he was able to the response of industry to apprenticeship explain to the Parliament and to the people in this State. The Government is ever alive of Queensland what the Budget was all to the opportunities that dedication can about. It is a good document and one that bring and the need to increase education at must please the people of Queensland. Prior all levels in all places in Queensland. We to its introduction we heard many statements have seen schools in various places in this by various so-called experts that it would be a State. I have been on a trip with the Budget of doom, a Budget that would hit Honourable Claude Wharton, and the schools the people's pockets, and so on. we saw at Jessica Point and Weipa are the Death duty and gift duty are to be equal of any to be seen in any major city. abolished as from 1 January next year. Queenslanders can take pride in what the That is an excellent move in the right direc­ Government has done for education in this tion. We are overtaxed in this country. A State. school of thought that may not be far from I am pleased that funds have been made the truth holds that we are overgoverned available for the continued development of because far too much money is being paid the new block at the Toowoomba Hospital. out by the people for the services that they Although it is not in my electorate, never­ receive. The abolition of the iniquitous theless I am pleased to see the hospital's death duty and gift duty drives one more growth. The 200-odd beds that will be nail into the coffin of taxes which affect provided by the extensions will be a mar­ people badly. vellous boon to the people of Toowoomba. It is pleasing to note that the Treasurer At times in the past it has been very difficult has been able to change and improve slightly to get people into a hospital bed, but the the conditions for small businesses by being extension will overcome those difficulties. more lenient in pay-roll tax. Of course, we The new block will be marvellous for the would like to see it abolished, too, but the people of Toowoomba and the district served Treasurer, when he is trying to balance his by the hospital. The area covered by it Budget and maintain expenditure at the extends west to the Northern Territory border present level, cannot wipe the major part and south to the New South Wales border. of his income. The Treasurer has had to The hospital perhaps serves the largest area be a bit careful there and no doubt he has of any in the Commonwealth. done an exceptionally good job. Sporting and youth clubs in this State He has also provided a benefit in workers' can look forward to increased Government compensation. A lot of people do not _regard support for junior coaching and capital this as a tax but it is a tax applied to works. It is hoped that $4,400 000 will be employers for the benefit of their employees. available to the Department' of Sport A little while ago the incentive was removed $2,000,000 of which will come from th~ so that, regardless of whether no claims. or soccer pools. Since we legislated to allow 100 claims were made for compematwn, soccer pools to be conducted in Queensland, the employer was still charged t~e same Queensland money is remaining in Queens­ premium. I am pleased and certamly the la~d. . It stopped a large flow of money to small businessman in my electorate w1ll be V1cton_a. I am very pleased to see the rapid very pleased that the incentive is being re­ expanswn of youth facilities in Toowoomba introduced. It must be emphasised that the by clubs that have received grants. lsmall businessman employs most of the people in our country and we should be All in all, I congratulate our Treasurer careful not to tax him out of business or on a very well-prepared and calculated Bud­ make his conditions so bad that he cannot get-one that has enhanced the position of continue. It is very difficult for a Govern­ Q~eensland's coalition Government. As I ment to make sure that it gives everybody a said before, the Budget has not sought to fair go. favour any section of the community. The It is with pleasure that I note also that Treasurer has done his very best. I do the education allocation has not been de­ hope that in the future we will see the con­ creased. Not many months prior to this tinued reduction of road tax and pay-roll Budget and prior to the Federal Budget, tax through the very capable and conscien­ the prophets of doom, instead of being at tious administration of the Treasury by the colleges and schools where they should have Honourable Bill Knox. been, were running up and down the streets with banners telling us that we as a Gov­ Mr. POWELL (Isis) (5.24 p.m.): The ernment intended to reduce spending on prophets of doom have been destroyed. The education to such a drastic extent that they Budget presented by the Treasurer is one would not be able to continue their studies. A that will advance Queensland for a further perusal of the Budget shows that was so 12 months in the manner in which it has much poppycock from people who no doubt been advanced since the National and Lib­ were led by others who did not know what eral Parties formed a Government in they were talking about. Once again the Queensland in 1957. prophets of doom have been discredited. Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 955

I believe that the people of Queensland not acceptable to them. I can remember such would do well to listen very carefully to statements being made as far back as 30 the statements from this Government and years ago, and when I finished Junior-the to examine them. It so happens that the present grade 10-and entered teachers' col­ enemies of the Government-and there are lege, the same things were being said about enemies of this Government-are out to students: they were unacceptable; they destroy it by innuendo, by false statements couldn't read or write, and they couldn't and by half-truths. The stage is being spell. I question the validity of much of reached when a person does not know what the criticism. to believe when he peruses the headlines in the morning newspaper. Sure, there are changes in education and certainly within the evaluation procedures The prophets of doom, in the case of and assessment procedures there have been the budgetary matters of Queensland and vast changes. It seems to be very popular to even of Australia, have been proved incor­ criticise the Radford system as instituted rect. Whilst Opposition members like to in Queensland. As a practising teacher I jump up and rant and rave and complain do not believe that there is a better system, about different things, it must be realised so long as it is implemented correctly. That that their complaints and criticisms have an is the important proviso. I do not believe for ideological basis and are not based on fact one moment that if we went back to the old or the ways in which people are bemg Scholarship, Junior and Senior examinations helped. we would turn out better students. Under These days it is popular to criticise our the correct system of continuous assess­ federal colleagues. I have seen honourable ment, provided that the assessment is done members jump to their feet and have heard correctly-and I will always add that proviso them condemn the Prime Minister, the Dep­ -the student will finish up at least as good uty Prime Minister, other Cabinet Ministers as the student under the old system and and our other Federal colleagues. I have probably better. I say that because the no intention of doing that. While perhaps pressure upon him is not as concentrated as I would have liked the Federal Government it was under the old system. to do certain things, we must be realistic; we must be patient and we must realise that It is claimed by some that the pressure three years of misdemeanour cannot be over­ is more constant today, and that is prob­ come in six months. Under the very sound ably true. The student who puts his head leadership of the Prime Minister and the down and works has to work harder and Deputy Prime Minister the Federal Govern­ more constantly under the Radford system ment is doing an excellent job. Theirs is a than he did under the old scheme of Junior difficult and thankless task. I believe that and Senior examinations. But under the from the way they are going about their old Junior and Senior system-and this was business, this country will soon be back on the whole problem with a life-or-death its feet again. If we are impatient, if we education system where there was one final cannot just wait and let them get the econ­ examination that counted-if the student omy back where it ought to be and if we felt off colour for only three critical hours, make unrealistic demands, we will not get his examination results could have reflected the economy back to where it ought to be. it in outright failure and therefore his pros­ Individuals will not quickly regain their self­ pects could have been ruined for life or, respect, and we will have a continuing alternatively, he could have had to spend decline in the quality of life. another year repeating those subjects for another three-hour go at the same examina­ The State and Federal Budgets together tion. So I very much prefer the continuous should plan for the sound future of this assessment procedure. country and people should look at them realistically. One of the problems is that employers The Government has a right to be proud do not understand the assessment procedure of its provision for a 20.7 per cent increase and the way evaluation is made. It should in expenditure on education and on the way surely be up to the Education Department in which that money will be spent. to make sure that the employers know The quality of our education has been exactly how the assessment is made, and under considerable attack throughout the if the department has done that, but has community. I wonder if those critics of not done it successfully, then it is to be; the education system, the teachers and the condemned for its failure. I, and probably quality of the students really know what they all other honourable members, have seen are talking about. I wonder how long they the publicity put out by the Education have spent studying the system of education Department on the matter, and it is extremely in Queensland. While I do not believe it difficult to follow. Most employers do not is perfect, I do not agree that it is as bad want to have to spend two or three hours as it is painted by many people. sitting down and studying an evaluation pro­ cedure in which they really have no interest. We are told by some employers that the They have an interest in it to the extent students coming onto the employment market that they want to know how they are to at the end of grade 10 or grade 12 are assess the product that comes from the 956 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) schools, and perhaps if they claim the stu­ teach effectively. Although many of the dents are being turned out in an unaccept­ teachers coming from the colleges at the able manner, then they, the employers, moment are very good, as they have been should be doing something about it. They in past years, one could hardly say that, after should be putting forward proposals to the their three years professional training at Education Department and they should also colleges of advanced education, all of them be conducting their own examinations or are as fit to teach as graduates of bygone their own evaluations to select the type of days were. student that they wish to employ. I hark back to the old pupil-teacher system, A quick look through the Estimates of under which young people, at the age of the Department of Education and Cultural 14 or 15, began teaching and had to study Activities shows that there will be a decrease at the same time. While that system was not of 107 in the number of personnel in the desirable from the teacher's point of view. secondary education section. What disturbs it certainly was desirable from a practical me most about this decrease is that it is point of view, and most of the teachers who planned for high schools and is enumerated went through that pupil-teacher system are in a number of different classifications such far better teachers. Admittedly, they had as principals, deputy principals, steno­ to work hard and study hard; but they graphers, clerk-typists and laboratory assis­ learnt how to teach, and they learnt at an tants. In all 107 fewer will be employed early age. I believe that is one of the things during 1976-1977 than in 1975-1976. I wrong with education today. However, it is wonder at the rationale of that move pleasing to note the provision for an increase because, for the life of me, I cannot under­ of 268 teachers in the primary field. stand how 107 positions can be eliminated. In guidance and special education there is I know of no school that is overstaffed to to be an increase of 35. Like many other the point where teachers are doing nothing. teachers in this State, I believe that there I know of no school which has too many are too many already in guidance and special administrative officers, stenographers, clerk­ education. There are far too few teachers typists or laboratory assistants, and I wjll in the field and too many sitting down be very disappointed if that trend is con­ attempting to plan what ought to be done. tinued over the next two or three years. In fact, it has been said that many of the I notice that there are to be three fewer teachers who gravitate to guidance and personnel in the evening classes section of special education are refugees from the class­ the secondary education section, and once room; yet they sit down there and give guid­ again I will be disappointed if that trend ance to the teachers in the classroom and is continued. In the secondary correspondem~e attempt to tell them how they should teach. section there is to be an increase of four. That is totally unacceptable to most teachers. I just wonder where those four will be I notice in the section covering guidance fitted in and where they will come from. and special education that there are to be 44 speech therapists in 1976-77. I hope In the primary education field the picture that the Department of Education can find is a little brighter. There is to be an increase that number of speech therapists and that, of 268 in the personnel described as prin­ having found them, it will send some of cipals, teachers, stenographers and clerk­ them to country areas. It is strange that typists. when provision is made for 44 speech the­ While talking about numbers let me digress rapists-and perhaps the additional 35 should to suggest we would be well advised to be put into the speech therapy section­ change our teacher education system by most of them are assigned to the big providing that, before a teacher is employed cities of Brisbane, Rockhampton and Towns­ in a secondary school or an upper tertiary ville, very few in the smaller provincial institution, he should have a turn at teach­ cities and, of course, virtually none in ing in the primary field. There are, of country areas, unless one happens to be course, arguments against that suggestion. 1 married to someone who Jives in a country call them pseudo-academic arguments. We area or a far-western area. have people in our community who believe that, if a person starts teaching as a pre­ Mr. Houston: Why do you think so many school teacher and then proceeds through children need that assistance? grades 1 to 7 and then on to high school, Mr. POWELL: Which assistance? he must be getting better as he goes along. Mr. Houston: From speech therapists. That, of course, is absolute poppycock. The Teachers' Award-State does not recognise Mr. POWELL: If the honourable mem- any difference in the type of quality of a ber goes back in history, he will find that teacher in a pre-school and a teacher of there has always been a large number of grade 12 at secondary school, nor should children in the pre-school and infant age­ it. The skills are the same: the experience group who have needed speech therapy but needed is different. have never had it. A large part of the problem in secondary Mr. Houston: I know; but what is the schools is of a disciplinary nature. If a basic problem? teacher taught in a primary school before Mr. POWELL: Probably there has been going to a secondary school, he or she might research into the basic problem, but I am learn how to control a class and how to not aware of it. I do not think that one can Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 957 point to a particular sociological or socio­ Technical and further education in Queens­ economic reason for the problem. About land is certainly advancing. Under "Techni­ 10 per cent of the population have a speech cal and Other Colleges", the number of per­ problem. If it is dealt with quickly by a sonnel attached to Brisbane technical col­ person who is trained in speech therapy and leges will increase by 77 while the number specialises in it, it can be rectified. The in country technical colleges will increase person concerned then has sufficient con­ by only 16. The number for the Technical fidence to be able to speak in pubJ.ic. Correspondence School will be decreased by 18. Here is another example of a pre­ The honourable member for Salisbury ponderance of staff being stationed in Bris­ suggests that it is lack of communication in bane whilst country centres are left out. the home. That could well be so. Children may not be talked to enough by their Bundaberg has a brand-new College of parents and perhaps they do not com­ Technical and Further Education. It is a municate enough. The honourable member very good complex indeed, of which the for Bulimba knows as well as I do that once Government should be extremely proud. a person becomes an adult, it is very impor­ But it is not being used to its fullest extent. tant that he be able to communicate and, It could be used much more for the old type having communicated, be understood. Of of adult education and I am hopeful that course, speaking is one means of commmuni­ this will happen in the future. In fact, the cation. colleges in Bundaberg and the one in Mary­ Provision has been made for additional borough could be used for first-year courses personnel in special schools and pre-schools. at a college of advanced education standard. The prophets of doom, of course, said that the Government was going to abdicate from For many years the people of the Wide the pre-school area. It will be seen from Bay area have been fighting for a college the Budget that the Treasurer has provided of advanced education. We have been told for 51 new pre-schools and 126 addirtional that the Gold Coast area has a far stronger staff for those schools. I hark back to the daim than ours. I cannot accept that. People question that I was asked earlier. If child­ living on the South Coast have a drive of ren who are not given the correct stimulation between an hour and an hour and a half in their homes are able to attend pre-schools, to Brisbane, where there are a number of there is a ~trong possibility that their pro­ CO'IIeges and two universities. The peogle blems will be overcome. The speech of Wide Bay have to leave home to attend therapist is most important in this area. similar colleges, not permanently but cer­ tainly during semesters. They have the The media services section of the Educa­ option of going to Rockhampton, Too­ tion Department has, I notice, 27 fewer woomba, Townsvil,le or Brisbane, which personnel. I do not think anyone will cry means that they have to leave their homes. very much about that. There are two very good colleges of techni­ I am very pleased to see an additional 13 cal and further education-one in Mary­ staff provided for the agricultural project borough and one in Bundaberg-and I can­ section, the section of which I was a member not see why the Education Department can­ before coming to this place. This is a sec­ not look a little further ahead and rplan to tion that needed extra staff but could never use those two colleges, certainly for first­ obtain it. It was only after a considerable year students undertaking courses at colleges amount of work in the last two years that of advanced education. As a little more additional staff were appointed to the agricul­ expertise is built up in the colleges. thev tural project section. This is the section that could be used for second and third-vear is implementing the environmental science courses. When the young people ,]eft high curriculum in schools. It is giving chHdren school they would then not have to uproot a much better outlook on rtheir environment themselves from their homes and find some­ through the environmental field study where else to live. centres that are being established through­ out the State. It is a continuing problem for country It is very pleasing to see that this section, people that their offspring, as soon as th~y under its organiser, Mr. Jack Althaus, is attain the age of 17, have to go to a brg being given extra personnel. Hopefully, it city and find somewhere to live. That is just will be able to continue to advance until not fair. Of course, in some areas of the every school in the State will be visited by State children as young as 6 and 7 have an officer of the section at least every year. to leave home to attend a school. That is At present it cannot possibly cover the not fair, either. However, in the more closely whole State. The area that I used to cover settled areas-provincial cities such as Bunda­ extended from Gympie in the south, north berg and Maryborough-it is wrong to have to Bloomsbury and west to the Northern institutions available but not used fully. If Territory border. Honourable members can it is decided that we have not either the well imagine the number of schools in that money or the inclination-and it seems to area and the amount of travelling required be the latter at the moment-to plan for to visit them. I was not able to cover any­ a college of advanced education in the Wide where near all the schools in the area. It Bav area, we should be using the technical is therefore pleasing to see an extension of coliege that is already there to help alleviate the section. 1he Droblem. 958 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

I turn now to cultural activities. From time If an artist paints a religious picture or a to time, the director (Mr. Creedy) comes landscape, surely it should look like the in for a fair bit of criticism. On behalf of darned thing it is supposed to depict. We my constituents, however, I say that I have are probably extremely fortunate that "The nothing but admiration for the man. He has Courier-Mail" is not printed in colour or done a good job for cultural activities through­ the photograph of "Blue Requiem" m'ight out the State. He has brought them out have looked worse. Fancy it winning a of the doldrums, out of the backblocks, $1,000 prize! So I question the way cul­ to the stage where cultural activities in tural activities and cultural affairs are going this State are now being looked upon by in this country. We should assist and foster the people as important and not as a cultural activities but when people start to Cinderella. get off the rails and present this type of rub­ The honourable member for Kurilpa refer­ bish, it is time to call a halt and ask them red to the I.A.C. report on the performing for some accountability. It is being asked arts. I could not agree more with what he of people in education and it is about time said. At times we wonder where all this it was asked of people who are being given money goes, which no doubt is why the money for artistic purposes. economis,ts at the I.A.C. have looked at I understand that the Estimates for Abor­ it rather carefully. However, I believe we iginal and Islanders Advancement and Fish­ must continue to advance cultural activities. eries are to be debated later this month, so We must encourage voluntary groups that at this stage, I shall confine my remarks do their best to advance cultural activities, to the section on research in the Fisheries just as we help organisations to advance Branch. This is vital because fishing is a sport in this State. very important industry. As we have little or However, it is when we come to some no research into the subject, it is not as of the activities of people in the art world important as it could be. I shall leave other who have received money-not so much the remarks on this subject until I speak in the performing arts as painting and so on­ debate on Fisheries Estimates. that we raise our eyebrows. I refer to this I am considerably worried about local morning's "Courier-Mail" and the article authority grants. Under the formula about the Blake prize for religious art, dreamed up by, I understand, somebody in which was won by Mr. David Voigt. I hope Canberra, the six shires in my electorate honourable members looked at this article. receive the following amounts- Mr. Voigt received $1,000 for a square $ painting. I do not know what it is on. Bundaberg 312,000 However, it is called "Blue Requiem". I Maryborough 312,000 think the only thing blue about it is vhe Hervey Bay 101,000 artist. I do not know about the requiem Isis 84,000 bit. He probably called it "Blue Requiem" Woongarra 110,000 because "Blue Poles" brought so much money. Woocoo 60,000 Fancy paying anyone a thousand dollars for The formula has already been explained. that thing! It does not portray anything The latest population figures are as fol­ religious, let alone merit a thousand dollar prize for religious art. lows: In 1971, Bundaberg city had 21,324 people whereas at 30 July 1976 it had 30,456 These things-"Blue Poles" and all the people. In 1971, Maryborough had 19,257 other junk that we see around the place people whereas as at 30 July 1976 it had masquerading under the name of art-leave 21,523 people. A large proportion of i.ts me cold. Although the techniques may be increase can be attributed to the change m brilliant, can you understand it, Mr. Hewitt? local authority boundaries, which made the l'm sure I can't. When I say that, I am area of Maryborough city larger than it was told that I am an ignorant idiot; that I am in 1971. Even so, the population of Bunda­ old-fashioned; that an accurate reproduction berg increased over that period by 11.5 per of something can be obtained by a photo­ cent and Maryborough by only 11.7 per graph, which is not the purpose of a painting. cent, even though it has all of the extra territory, including Tinana, down the coast Whenever I hear that argument from the to Boonooroo and part of Fraser Island. academics, of whom we have too many, I always think of Hans Christian Andersen If the grants were decided on population and his tale of the King's new clothes. and difficulty, Woocoo Shire, which had a I wonder if honourable members remember population of 491 in 1971 and 3,412 in that story, which was written somewhere 1976, should have received more. The between 1835 and 1872. So perhaps even Woocoo Shire took the part of the old then people were being duped by academic Burrum Shire with most of its problems. expertise that did not have very much loo-ic The areas I am referring to are Howard, behind it. I cannot condemn too greatly Torbanlea, Burrum Heads and Toogoom. So the attitudes of people who today are one finds the rather strange result that accepting rubbish such as "Blue Requiem" Woocoo Shire with its vast area and an and that thing called "Blue Poles" and callin" increase of 595 per cent in its population it art. If it is art, it is art of a sort of received only $60,000. I believe that is fashion. totally unfair, as is the method by which it Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 959 was calculated. I hope that the new com­ extra Housing Commission houses for the mission which is being set up will have a Bundaberg area and the Hervey Bay area. far more equitable method of distributing Bundaberg, as can be seen by the figures its funds in the future. from the Bureau of Census and Statistics, is a fast-growing city. If one takes into [Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.15 p.m.] consideration the figures for Bundaberg city and the Woongarra and Gooburrum Shires, Mr. POWELL: Before the dinner recess it will be seen that that area is growing I was saying that I was not very happy very quickly indeed. There is a tremendous about the amount received by local author­ need for housing, and some people are ities in my area out of the total grant of living in very bad situations. I must say $24,222,000 which the State Government that the Minister for Housing in this State had been given by the Federal Government has bent over backwards to assist in alleviat­ for local government generally. I gave ing the problem in Bundaberg. I hope that population figures and increases in local when the new designs of these houses which authority areas in my electorate. While I the Housing Commission is going to build believe that the Maryborough City Council is decided upon, some of them will be built certainly needs the $312,000 that it was in my electorate as well. granted and Bundaberg certainly needs the $312,000 it received, it is reasonable to Probably the only really disappointing assume, taking Maryborough as the base, feature of the Budget is the increase in rail that Bundaberg should have received more freight rates. I am very pleased to see that because of its extra size. It is reasonable to the Government has recognised the plight assume that Woocoo Shire should have of the cattle producers and not increased received more than $60,000 because of the the freight rates payable by those people, 595 per cent increase in population and the who are in dire straits. I am sick and tired increase in area as a result of changes in of people, usually our political opponents, the local authority boundary. Hervey Bay who tell us that all the graziers are rich Shire, which has now been promulgated, fellows who drive round in Mercedes, Rolls with a population of 10,303, received only Royces, and so on. They know as well $101,000, whereas the Woongarra Shire, with as anybody else that that is not so. They a population of 8,700, received $110,000. So are in dire straits and they do need assistance. the formula, if it was worked as a formula, just does not work, and it did not work It is very pleasing to see that that assist­ in this allocation. I look forward to a ance has been forthcoming, but I am very better system in the future. concerned that the fruit and vegetable growers in my electorate have not received While talking on local authority areas, I the same consideration. The grain growers with many others believe that the local have been exempted from this increase and authority should be the body to distribute I do not believe that the grain-growing indus­ unemployment benefits. The manner in which try is any less worthy than the fruit and benefits are being distributed at the moment vegetable industry in the Isis electorate. I is totally useless to the community. Many do not see why the grain growers should people who should be receiving unemploy­ receive this treatment if the fruit and vege­ ment benefits are doing so in a sort of table growers do not. If the grain growers fashion and many others who should not put up a case that the price for their product be receiving them are in fact doing so. is such that rail freights should not be I would much prefer to see the money increased, then the fruit and vegetable handed to the local authorities to be paid out growers should have received the same con­ to people for doing some work. I do not sideration. believe that the money should be just handed out and that the people should not have I have put a case to the Minister for to work for it. This has happened. Every­ Transport and the Treasurer and I know that one here knows, and everybody in the com­ they are looking at it at the moment. I munity knows, that the way it is being done hope the Railway Department will look at is not good enough. this problem as a business proposition, The Federal Government says that it can­ because there is no way in the wide world not allow the local authorities to use the that the fruit and vegetable growers in my money to employ people for even two or electorate will continue to use the railways three days of the week. I am sure that if freight rates continue to rise. They will local authorities, and certainly the six local use road transport, and as this Government authorities in my electorate, would have no believes in promoting private enterprise, it trouble at all in employing unemployed has had the sense to reduce road permit people in the electorate and handing them fees. Therefore it is reasonable to presume out the money for two or three days' work. that, if road transport is an economic pro­ This would not put any employed person out position, the fruit and vegetable growers of a job. All it would mean would be will use road transport instead of rail trans­ more equitable distribution of the money port and that, of course, will be to the and some benefit would come from it. detriment of the railways in this State. Moving on to the question of housing, I I wish to move now to primary industries am pleased that the Minister for Works and, apart from fruit and vegetables, th.e and Housing has accepted my arguments on main primary industry in my electorate IS 960 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

sugar. I bring to the notice of the Com­ are allowed to. It is quite likely that product­ mittee once again the disastrous situation that ivity in this country would increase greatly will prevail if the world price of sugar con­ if the Left-wing fools in the unions stopped tinues to drop. their ridiculous nonsense. The honourable member for Bundaberg, I again congratulate the Treasurer on whom some of the gentlemen opposite recog­ presenting an excellent Budget. I am sure nise, made a very good speech on this sub­ that it will help increase productivity in ject the other night. Unfortunately, it has Queensland and keep this State at a very not been printed, and I doubt that it has sound economic level. been printed in the Bundaberg Press either. He pointed out very clearly the problems Mr. McKECHNIE (Carnarvon) (7.27 that will arise in the sugar industry should p.m.): First, I congratulate the new Treas­ the price drop. urer (Mr. Knox) on 'the Budget that he has brought down. In my opinion, the Knox­ On 1 October the price of sugar in London Petersen combination is going to be a very was £stg.118 per ton and 8.10c per lb. on successful one and the State will benefit the New York No. 11 market. That is not immensely by having at the top two men good enough. If the price drops any lower who understand the economics of the on the world market, the sugar industry too country so well and realise the importance will be in dire straits. of finding permanent solutions to the econ­ Of course, talk of sugar leads to omic problems of the State. For too long irrigation and the importance to my elec­ various Governments have tried to present torate of the completion of the Monduran popular Budgets that have propped up the Dam. Here again we can look at the economy but provided no lasting solutions Budget and congratulate the State Govern­ to the problems of stop-go inflation that ment on its attitude and the amount of have confronted Australia since the Second money it has advanced for further works World War. on the Monduran Dam, which will eventu­ I think it is also true to say that the ally irrigate much of the Isis electorate. Petersen-Knox combination will bring about and secure solidarity in the coalition. To I notice with great pleasure that the have a successful economy in Queensland Minister for Main Roads has accepted the we need stability, and I hope that the people submissions that have been made to him in various walks of life who are trying to and that branch vehicle registration offices drive a hypothetical wedge into the coalition will be opened in Bundaberg and Mary­ will back off and give Mr. Petersen and borough in the near future. These offices Mr. Knox a chance to prove just how were well and truly needed because the successful a coalition can be. people in country areas were not being served in the way that they should be. I Other honourable members have mentioned look forward to the opening of these offices the Treasurer who retired recently, Sir in Bundaberg and Maryborough to service Gordon Chalk, and I also wish him well in my electorate and also to having other his retirement. He served Queensland for offices serve areas throughout the State. a long time and certainly deserves to enjoy a long, happy and satisfying retirement. In rounding off my remarks on the Budget, I repeat that it is a very good Budget. One thing that Governments, both State In the economic climate in which we find and Federal, must realise is that development ourselves it is a particularly good Budget needs to be encouraged, and permanent and one of which we can be very proud development will not be encouraged if larger indeed. I am very disappointed with some and larger slices of the financial cake are of the remarks that have been made by diverted to Government expenditure. That Opposition members. Probably the Leader is a self-defeating policy. Even public ser­ of the Opposition has his speech written for vants, who enjoy relative security of employ­ him from year to year, because it always ment from the Government, must realise that seems to be much the same; it has very if Governments divert a larger share of the little in it that is new. cake to public expenditure their children will not have jobs, because Government expend­ It is quite obvious that productivity must iture is largely self-defeating. It does not ?e incre.ased if the economy of the country do very much to raise the real standard of 1s to 1mprove greatly. We must reach living of a country. The standard of living the stage when we are producing more than is raised when the community works hard we are using; it is as simple as that. If and does a fair day's work for a fair day's your bank balance is only $10, Mr. Hewitt, pay in producing new goods, many of which you cannot spend more than $10. When a can be sold on the export market. Sufficient country reaches the stage of spending more recognition has never been given to those than it is earning, it is in a very poor state who supply goods for export. .and muStown of Goondiwindi was saved from week, and they will do 40 hours work if they serious damage by the levee banks that our Supply (14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 961 forefathers had the foresight to build with life in the West, which has encouraged city the help of Government subsidies. It is also voters to reject Fedeml Governments that fair to point out that at my request the try to help primary industries. Premier flew all over my electorate in the It is also fair to say that it is well known Government aircraft and landed at Stan­ to everyone that the constraints in this thorpe to meet the shire council. I think Budget were brought about by the follies of that action of the Premier assisted him con­ the previous Whitlam Government. I can siderably in putting a case to the Federal well remember when l!he Labor Government Government for money for flood relief. came to power in Canberra. vhe cry was, It is also to the shame of the media that "Give us a go." That is all they wanted. very few people in my electorate knew that "We can't undo all this mess so quickly.", the Premier thought enough of them to go they said. However, now that they are in out and have a look at the situation, because Opposition and it has been proved that they the Press had a black ban on the Premier added to the mess manyfold by their actions at that time. If the Press wants to enjoy over three years in Government, they expect its traditional freedom, it should be man Malcolm Fraser and Doug Anthony to fix it enough to report the news of this State up in six months. They did not promise in without engaging in black bans and other the election campaign t!hat they would fix senseless actions. it up in six months. They said it would take a full three years, and most people Whilst speaking about the Press, I might voted for them realising that it would take observe that it has a large influence on the a full three years. economy of the State because Press encour­ agement of development, which it can do Some people delight in condemning cuts through its reporting of events, helps to in Federal Government expenditure, but the build confidence. For far too long the Press previous Whitlam Government handed out has been in effect a sacred cow that has not money as though it were peanuts. been attacked when it has given wrong in­ Mr. Houston: To whom? formation to the people. The establishment of a Press council will, I hope, sort out Mr. McKECHNIE: In a lot of cases they some of these problems and lead to better handed it out to people who spent it reporting than there has been in the past. unwisely. They encouraged people, whether they had a job or not, to register for unem­ The whole economy of Australia has been ployment benefits. When an inquiry was caught up with the problems brought about held and it was proved that many people in by the rural depression. I read only today Queensland who were getting unemployment that Australian primary producers went into benefits were not entitled to them, the Gov­ debt to the extent of another $500,000,000 ernment did not continue the inquiry. in 1975-76. Of that sum $358,000,000 re­ presented overdraft approvals. As a matter There has been a lot of hot air in the of fact over the last 10 years overdraft media about so-called dole bludgers. I have approvals to our rural producers were even been accused of saying certain things $2,800.000. The Federal Government sub­ in my electorate. What other members of sidises secondary industry nearly as much as the Government and I have said is that, if that by way of tariff in one year. It is somebody is out of work and cannot get a therefore easy to see what is happening to job, he should receive unemployment bene­ Australia. It is suffering because it has fits-but he should be made to do some bloated, overprotected secondary industries work before he receives the benefit. Let us which receive over $2.000,000 a year in tariff see if the media can twist that. I remember protection whilst many rural industries are very clearly a statement made by the honour­ going deeper and deeper into debt. I think able member for Flinders in this place, the changing of the Government in Can­ which was quoted out of context by certain berra was a start in the endeavour to return of the media as being, "If you don't work, prosperity to rural areas; but it wiJ,J be a you shouldn't eat." What was not reported long, hard battle. was that, if they would not agree to do a small amount of work before they received I do not blame the previous Federal Labor money from unemployment benefits, then Government for all the ills of rural industry. they shouldn't eat. That is a jolly sight The present situation was developing for many years; but one reason why it has been different from the media report. coming on for many years, even with a Much has been said about the present coalition Government in Canberra, has been Federal Government's cuts in the National that Lahor politicians have repeatedly spread Sewerage Program. I think Queensland's the myth that everybody on the land is a share was reduced from something like small-t1me millionaire. As most of the voters $13,800,000 to something over $1,000,000 are in the city, various Governments have this year. What has not been said by the tended to give them a lot of hand-outs at critics is that over 50 per cent of that money the expense of the people in the countrv. is loan money. That 50 per cent The coalition parties have had to compete 1s not paid in the form of a grant with the A.L.P. for the city vote, and the What has not been said to people A.L.P. stands condemned for the influence in the West is that the Whitlam Government it has had on Australian politics over the put such constraints on the use of the last 20 years by painting a false picture of money that not one penny of it could have 31 962 Supply (14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) been spent in my electorate. Not one penny is eventua:lly creeping into government, which of it could have been spent in Balonne, is being led by Queensland. For too long Warrego or Cunningham. The Whitlam Gov­ Governments have tended at election-time to ernment did not care two hoots for the man promise the world and say that the money in the bush. Now that the Fraser Govern­ will come from some magical source. The ment is in power, local authorities in western Queensland Government has started to turn areas have more money and they can choose the other way. We have started to say that how to spend it. To my constituents, all of we will wipe out a few taxes and that if we this talk about the National Sewerage Pro­ have to wipe out a few services by doing that, gram being cut is a lot of hot air because so long as those services are not really the Honourable Gough Whitlam and his needed, I think it is a jolly good thing. crew refused to give us any of it. We were not eligible. Governments have to realise that when constituents come to them for something, Only the following areas, listed in the what they are really saying is they want to actual agreement which Whitlam forced be taxed more. If they were toild that they upon the Queensland Government, were elig­ would get what they asked for but their taxes ible: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Pine and Albert would be increased, they would think twice Shires, Townsville, Beaudesert, Redlands, about it. This Government and others Moreton, Caboolture, Ipswich, Toowoomba, have to cut their expenditure but cut it in Rockhampton, Cairns, Mackay, Bundaberg, a sensible and humane manner and ensure Mt. Isa, Maryborough, Gladstone or the that the amount of money they spend is Sunshine Coast. The western people, who spent fairly in an effort to give a decent need a sewerage system as much as any­ standard of living to all people for whom body else, were not eligible for any of that they are responsib!e, whether they live at money. the back of Cunnamulla or on the Gold Much has been said about the amount of Coast. money the Stanthorpe Shire Council received Last year I begged the Government to recently from the Austmlian Grants Com­ mission. It has to service Wallangarra, adopt this issue. I wrote to every Cabinet which does not have a sewerage system. That Minister before the Budget was planned and is one reason why that shire was worthy of I pointed out to them that industry in Aus­ receiving substantial grants. Another reason tralia was crying out for a lead and that if is that the Granite Belt is a very narrow we abolished death duties in the State Bud­ strip of country. Admittedly, it is fairly get while we still had Mr. Whitlam in highly rated but the remainder of the Stan­ power in Canberra we would have industry thorpe Shire area, in comparison to brigalow flocking to Queensland. We could have country, is very poor grazing country. Much afforded to do it last year. Abolition of of the area is national park, which is not this unjust tax has been the policy for many rateable. In addition, the Glenlyon Dam years of both the National and Liberal was built in the Stanthorpe Shire, which lost Parties and the fact that the Government a lot of rateable land because of the project, has now seen the wisdom of totally abolish­ and the shire has not derived much benefit ing it speaks volumes for the calibre of the from it as the water flows into the lngle­ members making up the coalition. Queens­ wood Shire and further downstream. land itself will benefit more than any individ­ ual, and, more importantly, the unemployed, Coundllor Rogers has been accused in too, will benefit. certain quarters of favouring his own council because he was on the commission that split The Opposition will probably say that up the money. He offered to forgo the Government could spend $20,000,000-odd some of the money in favour of an area in providing jobs for people. It could, but that got little money but he was told by in two years' time we would be in trouble other members of the commission that Stan­ again, and two years later in further trouble thorpe had a good case and he was being after we keep propping up the economy. too generous in offering to forgo it. I What we have to do is take the bit in our do not want to hear any more criticism teeth and .cut taxes so that people have some of him for that. He was my opponent at the incentives to enlarge their businesses and last election, but I will not stand by and take on employees. allow him to be condemned. I would say again to public servants that Mr. Houston: What party did he stand for? they are involved in this battle just as much as anybody in private industry because there Mr. McKECHNIE: The Liberal Party. is no guarantee that their children will get What councillor Rogers tried to do was a job in the Public Service, no matter what see that western shires-and I mean shires Government is in power, and that we have farther out than Stanthorpe-that have not to establish a viable private sector in the the facilities that are available on the coast economy so that future generations can be got a fair go to upgrade their standard of assured of a job. living. Anybody who condemns that action I have heard this silly argument about has not a very good sense of values. reducing the number of hours in a working The Government announcement in the week and so providing more jobs. That's a Budget that State death duties are to go Jot of nonsense! The reason for unem­ is a tribute to a new form of intelligence that ployment in Australia today is that business Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 963

cannot afford to employ as much labour as fighting against the imposition of that increase it would wish. If the working hours are on the fruit and vegetable industry that generally cut to under 40, more businesses they compare it with the cattle industry and will go broke. not with the grain industry. The cattle One hears about the odd business that industry was granted exemption because it makes a huge profit, and the papers play it could not afford to pay the increase. The up. They talk about the multinationals grain industry would have found it difficult making $20,000,000. They do not mention to pay the increase, but the Government the return on the investment. As I go round also would have lost revenue through its my electorate and talk to business people, I imposition. find that the great majority would sell out The big thing is that the railways found if they could get something like a reason­ the haulage of grain profitable whereas able price for their businesses. When they haulage of fruit and vegetables is not profit­ all fold up, who is going to provide jobs able, and therefore it is a matter of economics for our young people? that the Government's deficit next year would The Government's policy of phasing out have been increased had the freight rate on road permit fees is further implemented in grain been increased. So when we fight the this Budget. This is another positive step increased freight rates for fruit and vegetables towards trying to reduce the cost of living in we must be very careful to compare it with Queensland. Of course, the other side of the cattle industry and not with the grain the story is the Government's decision to industry. increase rail freight rates. All should realise One of the other problems I face in my that there was a $70,000,000 operating loss electorate, which I hope the Government can on the railways this year, and there was an­ alleviate somehow or other, is that of lack other $26,500,000 for the railway general of profitability in the tobacco industry. We debt. This makes a total loss of close to have just banned the advertising of cigarettes $100,000,000. If it had not been for the on television. On the surface it might appear profitability of hauling mineral products, to be a good thing, but-- which the A.L.P. has criticised year in and year out, we would have had a loss close to Mrs. Kyburz: It is a good thing. $130,000,000, and that would have been in­ Mr. McKECHNIE: I may agree with the tolerable. I think that we have to take a honourable member, but the thing is that the long, hard look at the railways. Naturally banning of advertising overseas has not, as there are some branch lines that could never I understand it, decreased the smoking of be expected to pay, but they have to be kept cigarettes, and what the honourable member open and we have to accept a loss on them. has to realise when she supports the Federal It should be possible to offer incentives to Government in its attitude is that, just as attract more bulk, heavy commodities to the the medical profession says smoking is harm­ railways. ful, and the Government gives in to public The Government's decision not to increase pressure and bans advertising it, so, too, grain freight rates was a particular example the medical profe&Siion says that eating of this. The Government realised that if it butter is harmful, that eating meat is harm­ imposed the 15 per cent increase on grain ful-- freight rates, the department would receive less profit from the haulage of grain and Mr. Houston: I am trying to help you. the loss would increase. I predict with some It is said that the taking of drugs is harmful degree of certainty that had the 15 per cent and you want to ban them, so where is the increase been imposed for grain freight rates, comparison? in three years' time the railways would have Mr. McKECHNIE: I will take that inter­ been hauling only half the grain carried jection in a moment, but what I am saying now. That would be just stupid business is that it is a very dangerous precedent to practice. The grain industry has suffered ban the advertising of some products which financial hardship in the past 12 months. are quite legal just because the medical The price of wheat in particular has decreased profession says the use of them might be considerably, but the grain industry is in dangerous. My reply to the former Leader nowhere near as desperate a plight as the of the Opposition is that the taking of drugs fruit and vegetable industry. is illegal and the smoking of tobacco is not. I make it very clear that the grain industry I believe that this Government has a very was not granted the exemption from this grave responsibility to do everything in its increase because it could not afford to pay power to stop the spread of drugs. I know the increase as easily as some other industries, all about the argument that the smoking of but because it would have been economic marijuana is no more harmful than the stupidity for the Government to drive 50 drinking of alcohol. I do not think anybody per cent of the grain carried by rail to road knows, but, goodness me, if the cost of transport and then have to spend money alcohol to the community in terms of human we do not have in trying to keep the roads suffering, personal hardship and loss to indus­ in order. I think the fruit and vegetable try is not enough without letting loose on industry has a very good case for exemption the community another drug, I think we have from the 15 per cent increase and I suggest an awfully silly sense of values. Western to any members who want to join me in society has tried to ban the drinking of 964 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) alcohol before, but it did not work because Australia have been cajoled, coerced and the habit was too firmly entrenched in the easily led into buying colour television sets, community. As yet the taking of drugs is which are inordinately expensive gadgets. In not firmly entrenched in the community, fact the sale of colour television sets in and if we make the penalties tough enough, Australia has been extremely high in com­ we will keep it down to a minimum, even parison with sales in other countries. though we may not stamp it out. If the Mr. Lindsay: Have you still got a 12-inch A.L.P. does not want to keep it to a black and white portable television set like minimum, I think it has muoh to answer I have? for when it next goes before the electors. In a speech in the Budget debate, I think Mrs. KYBURZ: I still have a very old it is very pertinent to point out that the black and white set that I hope will last money in the Budget comes only from the for another 15 years. If people have $800 taxpayers. If we want to prove what good or $900 to spend on colour television sets­ fellows we are, Mr. Hewitt, and promise and I consider that to be a frivolous waste­ to do more in order to become popular, they have money to spend on necessary in effect all we are saying to the people goods and services. is, "We will tax you more; you are not What are the major "goodies" in the taxed enough now." I do not agree with Budget? Of course, there are some "goodies" that. In my opinion, people are overtaxed. and a few "badies", but I am going to be Many things are being done now that very careful not to speak about the bad people probably would prefer to do them­ provisions and mention only the good ones. selves. The only reason why they ask the What is the most important provision? Government for this and that is that some The abolition of succession and gift duties. other town or district has got those things. No doubt other States will follow the lead They think, "If that town or district has being given by Queensland. There has them, we are entitled to them, too." If the already been a big influx of capital to the Government said, "We are not going to Gold Coast and clever deals have been do certain things for anybody, but we will transacted by real estate agents, who are reduce taxes", it would be one of the best always first to take advantage of any change. things that any Government ever did in this Many people have already invested money country. on the Gold Coast, and no doubt, with the I remind the Committee that $400,000,000 present depressed market prices, it is a good is provided in the Budget for education. place to invest. Although I strongly support education, I The next major "goodie" in the Budget believe that sooner or later an attempt must is the reduction in pay-roll tax. I believe be made to discover where waste is occurring that this will have a very beneficial effect in the Education Department and cut it out, throughout the community, particularly for at the same time spending as much money small businessmen. There is no doubt that as is necessary and as the community thinks many small businessmen, particularly trades­ should be spent on education. men, have been discouraged from engaging Again I say that this is a worth-while extra workers because of pay-roll tax and Budget, and probably as good a Budget as workers' compensation premiums that have could have been brought down under the to be paid for them. The easing of pay-roll present circumstances. tax will have some influence on the willing­ ness of employers, particularly small business­ Mrs. KYBURZ (Salisbury) (7.57 rp.m.): I men, to take on additional workers. I think am very pleased to take part in the debate that this concession will have particularly on this Budget, the first brought down by the desirable results, but only in the long term. new Treasurer of this State (Mr. Knox), who is a very capable gentleman. It is a Road transport permit fees have been Budget of restraint, an extraordinarily sens­ further reduced by 50 per cent. I am sure ible Budget. that that will be applauded by many hauliers in this State. This will reduce the costs Unfortunately, in the minds of the public of road transport operators by $1,200,000 the word "Budget" denotes hand-outs, so many for the balance of this year and $2,100,000 of which have been given in the past, parti­ for a full year. cularly by the Commonwealth Government. Most people seem to be interested in what I become extremely annoyed when I hear are the "goodies" in the Budget for them, screaming from certain sections of the com­ what concessions they will get, and whether munity for more hand-outs. The point their cigarettes, alcohol and other things will that I wish to make is that a Budget need be cheaper. Many people do not understand not necessarily be one of hand-outs; it can the implications of the word "Budget" and be, as this one is, a Budget of restraint. how very difficult it is to balance a budget. I feel that the Federal Government, despite all the boosting and praising that it has I think it is a pity that our economy is received, is still wasting money. I wish consumer oriented and that it will not again I had an opportunity to go through the become buoyant unless there is a resurgence Federal Budget because the money that is of consumer confidence. I cite as an being wasted on such frivolous schemes as example the fact that so many people in the Australian Assistance Plan in Victoria Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976) (Financial Statement) 965

and the trade union training school, also on State wards and caring for them in the in Victoria, is so far as I am concerned, manner in which we would wish. These money gone completely down the drain. foster parents deserve not only financial Of course, the money being spent in Vic­ remuneration but also the thanks of this toria on the Australian Assistance Plan is society, because they are doing a job that lip-tight money; it is money that is being so many State homes just cannot do. paid so that the politicians in Victoria will Allowances to jurors, witnesses and inter­ clamp their mouths shut and not criticise preters at criminal and civil proceedings are the Federal Government. The Federal Gov­ to be increased, in line with salary and ernment is just a scared, tame tiger for wage increases. In some sections of the not cutting off that money. It is absolute community there has been an outcry over waste, and that money should be spent on the fact that those who perform jury service something far more worth while. It would do not receive enough money. I know that have been better put into the western areas that is true. of Queensland where people are suffering. I now turn to some of the ways in which $12,000,000 has been poured into the Trade the Budget affects my own electorate of Union Training School at Wodonga and I Salisbury. The major ex:penditure in my find it absolutely appalling that we have to electorate over the last two years has been pay for pot-bellied trade-unionists to trot in the field of Works and Housing, where along to the school in an attempt to become the allocation has been $5.000,000. I hope educated. Only the hierarchy of the trade everybody is sitting up and listening.' because unions will be privileged to attend that that is quite a lot. Further expend1ture was school. I hope that the rest of Australia necessitated by two fires in my eleGtorate has noticed the expenditure incurred­ -the Woodridge High School administration $12,000,000! That is money down the block and, recently, the Salisbury State drain; someone has pulled out the plug. The School where six classrooms were burnt Federal Government is really closing its eyes down. ' Those fires have necessitated the to what is going on in this country. injection of $500,000. To me it is an After that little harangue, I will return absolute travesty that money of that magni­ to the State Budget because that is what tude has had to be spent on the replacement we are here to discuss. The major alloca­ of schools burnt down by young boys, who tions of expenditure which are, to my mind, have been put on only two years' pwbation. extremely beneficial are almost too num­ As the Works Department and the Education erous to mention. l will, however, refer to Department will not insure th~ir buildings some that I feel are particularly important. and will not install fire detection systems, The allowance to student teachers has been those two departments are just as guilty as increased, retrospective to 1 July. They the young lads who burnt the schools. should now shut their mouths and thank In this State we have only three homes their lucky stars because they do not earn that deal with problem adolescents. I feel it. that further expenditure in this field must Per-capita grants to non-government be considered. We have Wilson, Westbrook, schools will be increased from 1 J anuarv and Outlook in Boonah, which is a very next. Textbook allowances for students in beautiful home. ~he officers of the Education grade 9 will be equated to the grade 8 Liaison Unit in the Police Department tell grant. I feel that this expenditure is extre­ me that there is just nowhere to put these mely important, particularly for the many offenders. It is just not good enough that people on low incomes. boys of 14 and 15 can burn down between School bus operators will benefit from them, with a bottle of kerosene and a an increase in rates of payment from 1 bottle of methylated spirits, a high school November, and the allowance for the con­ administration block, causing $250,000 dam­ veyance of pupils to school by private age, and be told by the magist~ate, "Go vehicle will also be increased. This is home to mummy and be good ltttle boys, an extremely important allowance when it dears." It is just not good enough! is considered that many people have to Two primary schools are to be built in drive their children 20 or 30 kilometres to my electorate-one at Berrinba East in the nearest school. The per-capita grants to Woodridge and the other in Algester. I hope high schools will now become a general pur­ that the one in Woodridge will funnel off pose fee and that also will be increased. I pupils from two of the largest schools in hope that that money will be spent wisely my electorate--one of which has 1,600 pupils because I have seen it misused in some high and the other, 1,400. A high school is schools. to be built at Kingston at a cost of $3,000,000. I note also that the rate of subsidy for I think that someone in the Works Depart­ home nursing services is to be increased. ment has inflated the figures of some of That is a very important subsidy. There the school buildings to be constructed. I will be a substantial increase in the payments cannot see how $3,000,000 can be expended to foster parents and denominational homes on bricks and mortar for a high school. for children in care. We have had a great That does not even cover internal equipment. deal of trouble in this State finding foster I note that the Minister for Works and parents-parents who are capable of taking Housing is not in the Chamber. 966 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

At the Woodridge High School the first­ in schools where the storeroom has been year centre that is being built-and it is locked and a person has had to go on his very beautiful-is an extremely expensive knees to the deputy principal and say, "Dear attempt to bridge the gap between primary Sir can I have the key to the storeroom and secondary education; in other words, be~ause I need to use some equipment?" between a personal form of education and He would say, "No, we can't take that an impersonal form of education. Unfor­ out today. We cannot use that cassette tunately, these days secondary education is recorder today. We have only 16 of them precisely that-impersonal. It is just a case anc we do not want one of them to go of a number fronting up for various lectures out." A more careful look must be taken during the day. It is as simple as that. Until at the funding of the Education Department. we get away from this impersonal education, Recently I visited the Secondary Corres­ we will not see a smooth transition from pondence School at South Brisbane. I shoul~ primary to secondary education. like the Committee to know what a parti­ In my electorate the Queensland Teachers' cularly wonderful job the teachers are doing Union is now very strangely quiet on the there under extremely adverse conditions. issues upon which it was stirring so fervently Their accommodation is cramped, dark and about two months ago. In fact, Salisbury airless. The teachers are crammed into an was an educational hot-pot. I was told that antique building poked onto a very noisy I would be attacked left, right and centre corner in South Brisbane. They are even on the schools in my electorate. Once this putting little storerooms to use. The recent flare-up started to embroil the hez.d-teacher of that school is a man of enor­ Teachers' Union, suddenly there are no mous resources. He is determined to upgrade problems in my electorate and suddenly the the services of the school when eventually Queensland Teachers' Union is quiet. Where it is moved to a more suitable building. was the threatened strike that was forecast I do not know whether many honourable in banner headlines in my two local news­ members are aware of it, but the Secondary papers? Where are the evil conditions that Correspondence School provides courses for exist in my electorate? Where are the people all over the State of Queensland, children having lessons under stairwells? including the city of Brisbane. Many people Where are the female teachers-60 of them­ in the outlying areas of Brisbane are under­ cram.ming_ into two toilets? Suddenly every­ taking various courses and upgrading their one Is qmet. In fact I charge the Queensland education. Because of this the school deserves Teachers' Union now that, because the public all of our support. Its effect is being felt attitude in my electorate is so much against not only in the city but also in the country. it, suddenly it is so quiet. I had the occasion to meet a woman from In fact, certain parents at Kingston took Cairns who was valiantly trying to obtain up a petition to get rid of the teachers in her Senior certificate. Her husband was the Kingston school who had caused so extremely ill. In fact, he was permanently much trouble within the whole of the suburb incapacitated. She was attempting to educate and at the school. The parents were fed up herself through the Correspondence School to the teeth with them. Suddenly they were so that she could enter the work-force as quiet. an educated woman. That, indeed, is why ~he petition had a marvellous effect. I it is so important that the Secondary Cor­ beh_eve that the teac~ers are now preparing respondence School be upgraded. I believe the1r lessons-somethmg they did not ever that there are moves to relocate the entire do-;-and also are handing in their c.c.p.'s and school somewhere else on the south side the1r work books to the head-master because of the river. I hope that the new building he said, "Work, or out!" will not be a dirty little mouse hole like It is unfortunate that we do not have the present one. tl)at "out" provision in the Education Housing is a very grave problem in my Department. We are not able to get rid electorate. Unfortunately in the past, as I of teachers. Teachers who are unfortunately have said so many times here, the Housing pushed into such little niches as the corres­ Commission has been so guilty of erecting pondence school are in fact sadly forgotten shabby buildings, of lack of planning and of m our State. We should be able to sack lack of co-ordination with the local authority. teachers. We should be able to sack incom­ I am talking about the Albert Shire Council petent teachers. The sad fact is that the in particular. Now the suburbs of Wood­ mcompetent ones have a very bad blurring ridge and Kingston are very largely Housing eff~ct . on ~he good teachers, who are in the Commission area, and they are a prey to ma)onty, m our State. door-to-door salesmen. I am sure honour­ . The r_esource. equipment in most schools able members realise what I mean by that. IS a maJor capital expenditure. I do believe At last the Housing Commission is going that some schools are positively brimmina to conform to the by-laws of local govern­ with audio-visual equipment. There is s~ ment, and perhaps we will now see it making much of it that it is locked in storerooms provision for drainage and sewerage, as it ar:d there is not sufficient time in the school should. Many streets in my electorate still day, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., to use it. have those green hoses draining out on to I know that many honourable members pro­ the road all the sludge and muck from those bably won't agree with me, but I have been Housing Commission houses. The stench Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 967 is deplorable, the more so because children even brick bungalows; they are in fact Hous­ play on those streets. In fact, I am ashamed ing Commission houses which are nothing to go there. If this were allowed to continue better than three-bedroom butter boxes­ -and thank heavens it is not going to be they are not even as good as that-and allowed to-Woodridge and Kingston would charging $26,000 for those houses is to me become a blight on Brisbane and I would sheer extortion. When I rang an officer in be too ashamed to stand for Parliament the Housing Commission I was told, "Well, again. Fortunately the Housing Commission we have to pay for our future welfare hous­ has come to its senses, and I believe that ing, therefore we have to charge the people without a doubt it is because we have a who presently want to buy our houses a new Minister. price which will enable us to put more money into future building." I do not accept Now we are seeing imaginative designs in that, and I do not believe that the ones Housing Commission houses. Perhaps we making such statements are doing anything will even see cluster housing soon. Cluster housing is a very imaginative way of making but lying, and I am sick and tired of it. full use of land without undue spreading and I think it is about time we had people on overuse of resources. the front counter at the Housing Commission who in fact are educated and who know I do believe that priority should be given what goes on out in the suburbs. We do not to the maintenance of Housing Commission want 18-year-old £litterbug twits; we need Houses. Very little incentive is given to the people who have seen something of life. tenants of Housing Commission houses now Those people at the counter could perhaps to make a minor attempt to maintain their do with a little social education as well, own houses. I do not regard it as an invasion because the way people look has nothing to of the privacy of tenants of Housing Com­ do with what they are like inside. Some mission houses to have them replace their people who go into the Housing Commission own door handles or to clean their own walls are in necessitous circumstances and cannot if their chi:dren have been sick on them, or afford to be very well-dressed, but, that, of to clean any mess that they have made. course, is their own business. But to be I am quite tired of complaints that the told to get out of there because their kids Housing Commission is not doing little are scruffy and they look dirty-my, my, I things when it is the big things that it would go straight to the Press if that were is not doing. There is no doubt that more said to me. I think that will do for the money should be spent on maintenance Housing Commission. and, in fact, the Housing Commission has been most compliant, particularly with elect­ ::vir. Lindsay: Someone has to do the work rical installations. I think that that is very of the Opposition. important. Mrs. KYBURZ: I feel a little bit like an I have another gripe about the Housing active Opposition tonight. I have been wait­ Commission, and it is a very important one. ing a long time to say these things, and I I believe that certain attendants at the front think many others here feel the same way. counter at the Housing Commission office in the city are simply not telling the truth. We have seen a major increase in expen­ In some instances they ,lie to clients who go diture for the Health Department in this into the Housing Commission, and I am tired Budget. It is an increase which I welcome of ,it, because it is the State member who greatly purely and simply because at long bears the brunt of their lies. last I am getting a hospital in my electorate. The hospital is the much-mooted, the long­ There is no way that a newly married mooted, in fact the 10-year-mooted Mt. couple should be told when they go into Gravatt Hospital. As it is situated in the the Housing Commission that they will suburb of Coopers Plains, I sincerely hope it obtain a house within six months. I object will not be called the Mt. Gravatt Hospital. to having couples told that. In my electorate I have invited the public to participate in the I have deserted wives living with five naming of this hospital and we have had all children in ancient caravans in the back­ sorts of weird and wonderful suggestions yards of other people's houses, and they which I will not enumerate here. However, have been waiting for nine months or a year I can assure honourable members that it will to get a Housing Commission house. They not be the Mt. Gravatt Hospital. are willing to take one anywhere, and yet young married couples go in to the Housing Stage 1 of a new major complex to Commission and are told they will have a service the southern and western suburbs house within six months. Either they know of Brisbane is to cost $1,512,000. In fact, I someone I don't know or they are jolly well believe it is within the Health Department paying for the house. I am tired of it. that most major developments are taking place. I have some of this development in People in my electorate have been told my electorate, with the building of two that the valuations on their Housing Com­ dental clinics, both in Woodridge. They are mission houses which they now wish to particularly beautiful buildings and there is purchase under the new scheme are $26,000, no doubt that the services they provide are $27,000 and $28,000. That price is one a extremely necessary. One clinic is situated person could expect to pay for a fairly in the Woodridge North State School and decent brick bungalow, but these are not the other in the Woodridge Opportunity 968 Supply [14 OcTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

School. I do hope the people of that area through and was killed. People should have appreciate those services, which, of course, more regard for their safety than to do are free. The word "free", however, is a things like that. catchcry now, but if something is free people On Boundary Road, Coopers Plains, which will smile happily and use it. I hope that is a very busy road in an industrial area, everybody appreciates the sohool dental ser­ there are two level crossings. One is for vice. the goods and freight yard at Acacia Ridge, I also have in my electorate a community and it is a very busy crossing. The other health centre. I presume that some honour­ is for the interstate and suburban traffic, able members do not know what goes on and prolonged delays occur there. in a community health centre, but it is a The Brisbane City Council is to be corn­ co-ordinating centre for health services and mended for extending its bus services in the social welfare services. There is one such Salisbury and Acacia Ridge areas. The centre in Woodridg,e which provides a extensions will take in the new Griffith wonderful service. It is serviced by social University and provide a much-needed workers, home-care nurses and people who amenity in the area. Many people who provide psychological guidance for children. complain that they are without buses fail It is a very important asset to the com­ to use them when they are provided. Let munity. us hope, Mr. Dean, that the public will Another programme provided by the now realise that unless the extended service Health Department is the community home­ from Salisbury to Sunnybank is used. it care service. It provides help within the will be discontinued, as the Acacia Ridge home for aged and invalid people. This is service was. a very important service, particularly for I was particularly concerned to see in the frail aged in our community who are the Budget the size of the grant for tem­ not able to do their own housework, cook perance education. This is not a subject their own meals or do their own washing. that I have mentioned previously, but the They can now have someone come in and grant is only $46,500. On the other hand, do uhat work for them, and that work is paid the State's income from licence fees and for by the Health Department of the State permits for the consumption of alcohol is Government. It is a very valuable asset to $13,249,811. The discrepancy between those the community. Perhaps it is unfortunate two figures is enormous, and surely it is that not enough volunteers are available to possible to spend more than $46,500 on do the work, but it is a major innovation by temperance education out of an income of the Health Department. about $13,000,000. In the field of urban transport, there will be major expenditure on the electri­ In my opinion, it is the height of hypo­ fication of the railway system in Brisbane. crisy, when the State is gaining such a I am sure that many country members will large amount of revenue by encouraging think twice about that expenditure, and I people to drink, that we are afraid to am not sure that it will be worth while. station police outside hotel parking lots However, I am convinced that the provision because it is said to be an infringement of of parking areas at suburban railway stations so-called civil liberties. In fact, some police is worth while and that the money will be are afraid to go into hotel bars to see well spent. Work is being carried out now whether any under-aged drinking is taking in my electorate to clear the way for the place. Poor little things they are, too-big, capital expenditure on electrification. bully, beer-bellied policemen! If we will not do those things, we should not be afraid to The ghastly old railway carriages will dis­ spend more money on temperance education. appear, and I am sure that the public gen­ In the school curriculum, 15 minutes a week erally will heave a sigh of relief when is allocated for that old-fashioned subject the old cattle trucks in which they were "temperance education". That might be an expected to sit are replaced by shiny new old-fashioned term, but I believe it is a carriages. matter that must be looked at, because Perhaps the situation at the Kingston Rail­ this financial year the Health Department has way Station, where people now have to climb allocated $1,635,000 for the construction of up about 1t ft. to get into the train, will a 17-storey building with 60 beds, which be improved. It is very difficult for older will be used for the treatment of alcoholism people to board the train there, and even and as an assessment centre. It will be some younger people have difficulty. a major building and the $1,635,000 is only There are many railway crossings in my this year's allocation. I presume it will cost electorate that have caused me much con­ much more than that. cern, and I commend the Minister for Trans­ If we are spending that amount of money port for his forward thinking in attempting on the treatment of alcoholism, surely we to phase these out. Many members of the should be spending much more than $46,500 public do not take adequate care when using in treating the causes of it and in showing railway crossings. I cite as an example a people that drowning their sorrows in alco­ recent accident that occurred early in the hol is not the way to go about coping with morning at a railway crossing at Coopers their problems. Surely we should be doing Plains. Although the signal was given that more to show those who drop out at 4 a train was coming, the man tried to rush o'clock in the afternoon and drop in to their Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 969 local drinking troughs to rid themselves of duty has spread to all sections of the com­ their suburban neuroses or what-have-you munity. There may be pensioners who have that there are better things in life than only a home that has been left to them by swilling themselves to death. a parent or someone else and $80 a fortnight in income. They have to pay death duty I say this because I am particularly wor­ on the home. ried about the problem of under-age drink­ ing that has occurred in my electorate. I was notified of a case recently where a Children 13 and 14 years of age have been woman died and left her old fibro house on a cautioned in Woodridge and Kingston after 16-perch block to a daughter who was on being found literally rolling in the streets the invalid pension. The daughter got a drunk. They are getting alcohol from some­ bill for $845 for death duties, which had where and I do not believe that they are to be paid immediately. Because of the getting it aJl from their parents. I think Ministers' discretionary power, that has been they are going in cars to drive-in bottle made a charge on the property. It was shops and easily, quietly and quickly buying altered so that, when the daughter dies, the it. I feel that we must take further steps death duties will be paid. That will give to maintain the drinking age at 18; I do honourable members an indication of how not think that children of 13 and 14 years many people in the community are affected of age should have any access at all to by death duties. The average person in alcohoL the street is not aware of that. I do not think there is any tax that people know less There are many aspects of the Budget on about than death duty. If only for that which I should like to speak. However, as reason, this Budget will go down as one of the Whip has just sidled up to me, I had better wind up my speech. The Budget the greatest in the history of Queensland. does not yell out or scream from the front I turn now to another iniquitous tax, which pages about wonderful hand-outs. It is not a has been with us in Queensland for many Budget of hand-outs; it is a Budget of years-road tax. Anyone wanting to carry restraint. It is a good Budget brought down more than four tonnes of goods by road by a Government that I believe is gov­ within Queensland must obtain a permit, erning not just for city or country for which he pays a fee. Of course, that people, but in the interests of all. More and would have been done to offset the loss to more I believe that unless the lot of people the Railway Department caused by road in the country and provincial areas is im­ transport. However, it affected the business proved, and further moves are made for and industry of Queensland in a major way. decentralisation, the urban drift will con­ It affected the timber industry, because tim­ tinue. The population is slowly but surely ber from New South Wales areas such as moving towards the coast. We must do Coffs Harbour could be purchased much everything we can to keep the people in the cheaper in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast West happy and to maintain their quality than could timber from places such as Mary­ of life. borough. Because interstate transport does not require a permit fee, our western saw­ Mr. GIB"BS (Albert) (8.33 p.m.): I should mills and mills in the south-eastern part of like to pay a tribute to the recently retired Queensland were at a distinct disadvantage. Treasurer, Sir Gordon Chalk, for the work As a result, road permit fees have acted as that he did in his period in this Parliament, a deterrent to industry in Queensland. Prim­ particularly in his 10 years as Treasurer. I ary industry, the mining industry and many also congratulate the present Treasurer on others have been affected. the presentation of his first Budget. In this Budget we have made the second Quite a lot has been said about this step in the abolition of that tax. This iniq­ Budget. Although it has been knocked and uitous tax will disappear from Queensland kicked around in many ways, I believe it next year. It has taken a Jot of courage to is the greatest Budget ever brought down in abolish road permit fees and death duties. I the history of Queensland. The complete realise that the loss of revenue to the State removal of death duties from 1 January from those avenues will be great. But in 1977 is the greatest forward move made by the long term the State will benefit as a any Parliament in any State of this great result of our free-enterprise Government that nation of ours. Let no-one try to deny that has been in office since 19 57. this will be the most significant step in the They are two of the main aspects of this long term for businessmen, pensioners and Budget. A third-and perhaps this is a indeed everyone in Queensland. little disappointing-is pay-roll tax. We all By innuendo the newspapers have played know the history of that tax. It commenced up this measure as benefiting only the in 1941 under the then Commonwealth Gov­ wealthy people-the wealthy graziers. That ernment. It was in 1971, I think, that it is far from the truth. Every house in every was handed to the States as a growth tax. street throughout Australia that is worth The Queensland Government has been guilty more than $6,000 will attract some amount of increasing the tax but not keeping the of duty. With the inflation that has affected level of exemptions in line with inflationary us over the last three years, very few homes trends. However, it is pleasing to see that in Australia are worth less than $30,000 or the exemption rate will rise to $62,400 from $40,000. Because of this, the effect of death 1 January 1977, to $83,200 from 1 July 1977 970 Supply [14 OcrOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

and to $100,000 from 1 January 1978. I am I have covered some of the history of disappointed, of course, that the level was pay-roll tax. It was introduced in 1941 and not made $100,000 straight away. In these taken over by the States in 1971. When hard times for small business, it would have pay-roll tax is set at a reasonable level, it been much better to raise the exemption should be indexed so that it moves automa­ straight off to $100,000. tically according to the cost of living, wages and the other matters that have to be taken The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. into consideration. Dean): Order! There is far too much audible conversation on my right. Workers' compensation affects all types of business. In some areas it has grown out of Mr. GIBBS: Thank you, Mr. Dean. They all proportion. Perhaps we can blame infla­ are a rowdy lot tonight. tion to some degree because insurance com­ As I said, I believe the exemption should panies did not know quite where they were have been raised to $100,000. Nevertheless going and the size of their payouts. The there is an indication that the Government inflationary trend has now steadied down quite is doing something. Perhaps we may be able considerably, and I see in the Budget the good to go further in the next Budget than is news that the Government is able to cut suggested in the present Budget for the long back some of the rises in workers' compen­ term. I would like a further $100,000 sation premiums. In fact they are coming exemption to be given on a sliding scale for back to a level that is more acceptable to productive staff. By that I mean staff industry in general. However, I think that employed in actual manufacture as distinct even in respect of some of these high from management. Perhaps this would assist premium policies, such as those in the business, particularly small business, and also butchering trade, sawmilling trade and other our technical training of apprentices. I think high-risk callings, consideration should be that we will be short of technical staff so given to reducing the premiums. that perhaps we should consider allowing a Rail freights have risen, and it is a pity rebate of pay-roll tax on the wages of that it is happening in these times of inflation; apprentices. If we do not do that, we could however, when we look at the Budget and have a shortage right throughout the State, see how much the railways have lost over particularly in decentralised areas where we the past financial years, we realise that there need greater decentralisation of industry. We has to be a movement of some kind. It have to think very seriously about the future is pleasing to see that some exemptions of apprentices in our State. have been given for our primary products, Recently I visited New South Wales to see such as grain, and that consideration will what is being done down there. Youngsters be given wherever hardship occurs. Men­ are being given some technical and practical tion has been made of the fruit industry and training prior to leaving secondary school and other industries that perhaps could have before entering the work-force. I am watch­ problems from time to time through market ing this scheme with particular interest. I falls, droughts, and so on. understand that it is working and perhaps it I have mentioned death duties and suc­ should be introduced in Queensland in one cession duties. The Budget also provides form or another. for the abolition of gift duties. This was The importance of small business to an area of taxation where we were not too Queensland and to Australia is revealed by sure whether relief could be given. It is the fact that 20 per cent of people are good to see that this has been done. It employed by the Government, 33 per cent will overcome a tremendous number of prob­ by big business and 42 per cent by small lems in business today. Perhaps, the worst business. My interpretation of a small busi­ thing that can happen in a business is for ness is one in whioh all management, pro­ the manager, or husband in a husband-and­ duction, sales and day-to-day decisions are wife arrangement, to die. Many such per­ made by one or two people. If each small sons die in the 40-year age bracket. The business employed one more person, Queens­ assets that they have built up in 25 to land and Australia would have a labour 30 years of married life and in their partner­ shortage. For this reason we must give a ship are destroyed by death duties and by little more thought to small business and to duties on gifts throughout the family. The its day-to-day problems. We must look at abolition of death and gift duties is a widen­ the apprenticeship set-up much more ing of our freedom and a step in keeping with seriously than in the past. This must be the advances of our modern age when we done because of the three years of the are landing rocket ships on the moon and Whitlam Government, which enlarged the photographing Mars. I sincerely hope that problems of small business. It has always the other States of Australia will follow our had a certain amount of problems, but they lead and abolish these archaic taxes. have been enlarged by inflation, which works The fact that people are coming to Queens­ against small business in a big way. Perhaps land to invest here is just a side-effect from a business has to sell stock at $X and buy the abolition of death duties. It should never it in at $X and put it on the shelf. It be thought that encouraging people from would make no profit at all and would have other States to do this was the reason for to borrow more money at high interest to our action. I hope that the other States keep the set-up rolling. follow suit, and that the Commonwealth Supply (14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 971

Government, too, has enough intestinal for­ beds and the second stage another 300. We titude to abolish Federal succession duties. are pleased to see this hospital well under Whether it is done immediately or over a way. It will adequately cater for the area number of years, the Federal Government for some time to come, especially when the should begin this action as soon as possible or 300-bed wing is completed. The Health as soon as it overcomes some of the monetary Department is to be congratulated on this problems besetting Australia, which were cre­ development. ated in the days of Labor maladministration In his speech this morning the Minister when 10 years' money was spent in three. The for Health spelt out in some detail the easiest thing in the world is to spend some­ activities of the Health Department, its build­ body else's money when the one doing it ing programme and what it is doing for the completely disregards his responsibility to health of the people of Queensland. If we look after it. add up expenditure on education, health, We have to look very closely at future works, housing and main roads, it is realised railway freights, especially those on small par­ that a tremendous amount of money is cels. I believe that there were some problems being spent in this great State and it is with small parcel freights following the last being spread from one end of the State to increase of 40 per cent. Some parcel rates the other. Again I congratulate the Minis­ have not achieved the expected results, and ters for Health and Education on their for­ I believe that some study should be made ward planning. of the rates for these small but bulky parcels I want now to discuss the area of local to the North. government. It is good to see that for the There is another problem with sales tax first time we have a tax-sharing arrange­ on goods sent to the North or to places ment through the State to .local authorities distant from this city. Sales tax is a and that on top of that the State Government Federal Government responsibility and is a has seen fit to put aside $5,000,000 for dis­ tax paid on the last wholesale price. In tribution throughout the local authorities of the northern areas sales tax is calculated Queensland. These are grants with no strings on the price of goods plus freight charges attached and that, of course, is the type of and this has a detrimental effect on businesses money that is needed by the local authori­ in the North. ties to keep their rate structure as low as possible. I would like now to turn to the area of education. Although quite a lot of money I mentioned earlier that technical educa­ has been spent in Queensland and in par­ tion is on the increase. In fact, this year we ticular in my electorate, there is still a long will see an increase on the approved estab­ way to go before we get things to a satis­ lishment of 66 teachers or 7.5 per cent. These factory stage. There are many minor com­ proposed technical and further education plaints which I believe could be fixed fairly colleges will to some degree take the place easily. The Minister for Works and Housing of our coileges of advanced education. I and the Minister for Education are making believe there is a greater eaU for technical some progress on forward planning. I have education rather than general education, al­ asked seveml questions about this subject though we do need both. As technical and and I have had rather encouraging answers further education is expanded, I feel that it which indicate that they are in fact looking will cross slightly into the area covered by a little further forward than was the case colleges of advanced education, and I believe in the past. We are seeing a little better that when this happens we will achieve more forward planning in ,growth areas in the than we thought possible with just straight­ Albert Shire and the city of Gold Coast. out colleges of advanced education. It is pleasing that there is one in Southport. It My electorate covers a large part of that is expanding, and I believe that there will city and shire, and so I am very happy with be a further expansion soon because the the attitudes of the Ministers. I hope we can department is looking for a new site. It is purchase enough land to cater for future exciting to see the expansion of education growth and that we do not wait until we in the region. have to buy land in the middle of suburbia and then pay four times as much as we As I mentioned earlier, $40,000,000 has could get it for now. been set aside from Consolidated Revenue If this happens insufficient money is avail­ and loan funds for loans and subsidies to able for expenditure on the school buildings. local authorities. Not many people realise This state of affairs cannot continue. Quite that the subsidy on sewerage development is a number of pre-school centres are scheduled 40 per cent and that the subsidy on street to be bui,Jt in my electorate, although at and road construction is 20 per cent. This this stage I do not know precisely where is of great assistance to local authorities when they will be built. I believe that they should they are drawing up their budgets and be built in areas of fairly rapid population endeavouring to overcome the backlog of growth such as Nerang, Beenleigh, Woon­ permanent works. goolba and Coomera. In the field of sport, youth and recreation, We notice an increase in the expenditure it is pleasing to see that the soccer pools for hospitals to about $7,000,000. There is are now under way and that it is expected a hospital currently under construction in that sport will benefit by about $2,000,000. Southport. The first stage will have 350 This will supplement the existing grants and 972 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) should help the young people of Queens­ to the Albert Shire and, further south, the land greatly to develop their sporting ability. Gold Coast. It is good to see another section I hope that some of the additional revenue opened and it will not be long before another will be spent on schoolgrounds and that they is under construction. It is hoped to see the will then be shared by various sporting bodies freeway extended to the Springwood area, so that the best use can be made of the which will allow a fast flow of traffic to available facilities. the outer suburbs of Brisbane. It is also pleasing to see that in the capital The freeway is, of course, creating problems works of the Department of Health the by spilling a great volume of traffic into usual subsidies are provided for senior citi­ the four-lane highway through Springwood zens centres and homes for the aged and and Slacks Creek. There have been meetings that $2,000,000 has been set aside in the with the Minister in an attempt to overcome Budget for this purpose. At the centre the problems at some intersections of streets at Labrador, 'it is hoped to build a $60,000 with the highway. It may be possible to bleed extension. Approval has been given by the some local traffic off through service roads, State Government, and we are now awaiting which means that it will not have to enter approval of its part of the subsidy by the the highway except when absolutely necessary. Federal Government. It is hoped that this There have been many accidents on this wiH be received in the next few months so road because of the volume of traffic, which that tenders can be called and the job is constantly increasing. can get under way. In the major debenture loan allocations The new school at Slacks Creek will not for 1976-77 the Gold Coast City Council only serve that area but also assist to relieve has been given an amount of $6,600,000 the growth problem at Beenleigh, and the to borrow for sewerage works, flood mitiga­ new one at Kingston will relieve the pressure tion, street improvements, etc. That is a on schools in the Salisbury area that are considerable amount of money for a city to already overcrowded and assist many of my spend. It is, however, a city that is pro­ constituents in the Kingston area. gressing well. It is catching up on much of Funds for housing are not as great as the backlog of drainage and street works in they might be, but it is good to see that the older areas that were developed before the commissioner and the new Minister intend by-laws required subdividers to do this work. to undertake a fairly large housin·g pro­ This is, however, requiring a tremendous gramme this year. The Housing Commission amount of money. has about 400 blocks of land at Beenleigh, An amount of $2,600,000 has been allo­ so perhaps quite a number of houses will be cated for water supply augmentation in built there. The commission is now building the northern area of the Albert Shire, mainly houses in scattered areas rather than building in the electorate of Salisbury. I believe that 50 houses back to back in two streets. the Albert Shire Council has done a very Housing Commission homes are being inte­ good job in the North Albert area, if I grated in the general community and better may be permitted to generalise, in over­ types of houses are being built. At Inala coming much of the backlog of sewerage, and Woodridge it is easy to pick out Housing drainage, kerbing and channelling. There Commission houses from miles away, so are in this area libraries, administration I am pleased that there has been a change centres, a new swimming-pool and all the of attitude. other bits and pieces of local government. The Minister recently increased the loan I believe the council has done a tremendous available through the Housing Commission job in North Albert when one bears in from $18,500 to $20,000. This will give a mind the job that had to be done. Many greater incentive .to the people of Queens­ of the problems were, perhaps, created to land to become home owners, and the some degree by the Housing Commission. Minister is bending over backwards to allow That is no longer happening. The honourable people to own their own homes. member for Salisbury spoke about green hoses leading from houses and wandering across A Government Member: 7t per cent yards. That was no doubt a dreadful in1erest, too. set-up, but that no longer applies. Mr. GIBBS: Yes, 7t per cent compared I observe that the Port of Brisbane with 11 to 12 per cent charged by banks. authority has a borrowing capacity of The rate charged by building societies is $1,500,000 this year. That will get the a bit more than that again. The person authority under way. As I said in an earlier who is living in a Housing Commission house speech, this authority will have its effect all is now given the greatest opportunity to the way to the Gold Coast. It affects the become a home owner. It must be appreciated entire frontage of my electorate. It extends how desirable it is for a person to own to the Gold Coast and to other areas. It his own home as early as possible in passes through the electorate of Redlands. married life. When people have a family, it I believe that we have to make sure that is often very difficult for them to achieve the port develops with balanced growth and home-ownership. is not confined to the Brisbane area. Great progress has been made with main I think I have covered most of the points roads. The Riverside Expressway and the I wish to make. I might perhaps refer to South-east Freeway are virtually the entry one of the problems for small businesses, Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 973 namely, retention allowances for private com­ Mr. YEWDALE: I rise to a point of panies. I believe the Federal Government has order, Mr. Dean. I draw your attention to not looked closely enough at this matter. As the state of the Committee. a Government we ought to take it up and discuss it, as well as sales tax, with the The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Federal Government. Dean): Order! There is a quorum present. Tourism is also very important in Queens­ Mr. BYRNE: The honourable member land, particularly in my area. Some allow­ for Wolston is deciding, most irresponsibly, ance should be made for depreciation of to depart from the Chamber. We are all buildings used for tourism. I do not know aware of the circumstances that he is trying whose province it is, but a special award to create. I hope that the people of Queens­ should be agreed on for the tourist industry. land, if they ever read these words, will real­ There is no way in the world that the ise that this endeavour by the A.L.P. to leave tourist industry can be run on the same strict the Chamber will leave only one of their union lines as a supermarket or a boiler­ representatives here. By so doing-- making shop. It is more like farming. There Mr. Y ewdale interjected. has to be a system of flexi-time. Whether it is within the province of the State or the Mr. BYRNE: Conscience doth indeed Commonwealth, such an award must be con­ make cowards of us all, if I might add an sidered very seriously. Agreement has to be appropriate quotation from Shakespeare. obtained from the unions so that the industry I should like to return to this Jack Stan­ is run on complete fle:xci-time lines. I think away script of which I spoke. It was most the Opposition would agree with me that we inappropriately delivered by the Leader of are destroying QueenSiland's tourist industry, the Opposition. In that address there was which is so important to us, whether we are not a sing:e financial premise upon which the talking about the Gold Coast, the Barrier people of Queensland could be in any way Reef or Mt. Isa. The industry has been encouraged to vote Tom Burns or to "pledge gravely affected by the high wages paid to for the Bank on Burns Campaign". If the employees who work after a certain time. Leader of the Opposition is desirous of try­ I repeat that the abolition of succession ing to catch the interest of some of the duty and gift duty, the second step of phasing people of Queensland and of trying to make out road permit fees and the amelioration of them think that the A.L.P. has something pay-roll tax, amongst other things, have made to offer them, he has to come out with some­ this a Budget to get business in Queensland thing more than glib epithets and comments back on the road again. Perhaps we have not such as these. gone far enough in some respects, but we Of the Treasurer he said, "His is an have gone as far as we dare in one fell economic epilogue that is dull and depres­ swoop. We must continue this action. Indir­ sive, uninspiring and uncertain, predictable ectly, in conjunction with the climate that but pessimistic". No doubt honourable has been created in Canberra, it will bolster members will agree that these are very employment opportunities for those people typical words used by the Leader of the out of work and help the many school-leavers Opposition in most of his addresses in this who will come on the employment market Parliament. One would have to conclude in 1977. that they are somewhat unlike what the Leader of the Opposition puts forward and Mr. BYRNE (Belmont) (9.7 p.m.): I somewhat unlike his normal attire and think it would be appropriate for us not appearance. So he is trying to create a sham to by-pass those parsimonious comments of and trying to create for the people of Queens­ the Leader of the Opposition which were land something that he is not. I am quite delivered in the Chamber on Tuesday. If sure that they will see through that. I do affectionately refer to them as belonging to the Jack Stanaway script, I am sure I It is most important that we begin to might be easily forgiven. I draw to the ask ourselves and realise just what this script attention of honourable members that the and this performance were offering to the Leader of the Opposition on that occasion people of Queensland. It complained that appeared in the Chamber in his unusual the State Budget was taking money away attire, endeavouring to look somewhat like a from the people and not giving it back. It statesman. Despite the fact that he endeav­ complained that not enough money was being oured to look like a statesman, and some spent. It said that instead of having a dull hours later returned to his attire of sports surplus, we should indeed have a responsible coat and so on, he still tried with flamboy­ deficit. ance-a flamboyance not his own and quite No doubt this responsible deficit of which inappropriate to himself-to go through the the Leader of the Opposition spoke is the words of his prepared script. same sort of responsible deficit that the I might say the words were very well Leader of the previous Government in Can­ chosen. Their context was fair. Tonal berra was very happy to speak of. He said variation was quite good. Delivery was it would create employment opportunities, somewhat fast. But in effect the whole overcome the problems of inflation and pro­ speech was totally ineffectual. Any close vide the circumstances for economic product­ reading of that speech-- ivity in this nation. All that that deficit 974 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

provided was the exact opposite. Inflation Similarly the A.L.P. is trying to instil into rose, unemployment rose, interest rates rose the school·leavers of Queensland that six and productivity fell. Yet three years after out of every 10 of them will find themselves that time the Leader of the Opposition in without a job. That is not the case; that is this place is still unaware of the effects that not the situation that should arise. When such spending had. some people refer to a percentage of stud­ Mr. Hales: I think the A.L.P. members are ents who left school last year and who are all debits. still on the dole, they fail to realise that is a number expressed as a percentage of the Mr. BYRNE: They start searching for total number of school-leavers who originally credits by asking people to pledge by bank­ applied for Commonwealth employment. ing on Burns and by trying to gain those That is only 20 per cent of the total, and the funds by making statements such as, "The six out of 10 which the Leader of the Oppo­ conservative parties in Parliament have un­ sition speaks of is more likely to be six out fettered access to the entire resources and of 10 of 20 per cent. Of course, it is far expertise of the Public Service" and, "In better for the A.L.P. if they can distort the contrast, the (poor and pathetic) Opposition facts and figures, because then they can try depends on voluntary assistance, if and when to inspire a feeling of ill will, a feeling of it is available". I would not be surprised if doom and a feeling of fear in the people it depends on voluntary assistance if and without them realising just exactly what it when it is available, because I would expect is they are trying to say. very little assistance to be voluntarily avail­ What is the responsibility that rests in a able to it. The Opposition says, "But to be Leader of the Opposition who makes state­ effective and viable, full-time assistance is ments like these? What is there that is needed-so that in Parliamentary debate and responsible in the speech presented by the in public, Tom and his team can counter Opposition on the Budget when it offers not the distortions of the Petersen propaganda a single idea, not a sing,le premise upon machine". Apparently what we saw in the which to base any budgetary changes apart presentation of the speech of the Leader of from saying "You should have spent more the Opposition is some sample of the parlia­ money here; you should have spent more mentary debate and the public performance money here; and you should have spent of Tom and his team, if the public are pre­ more money here. You should have bud­ pared to bank on Burns and go broke. geted for a deficit", and not a single state­ Mr. Marginson: Father Christma:S-­ ment of where the funds are to come from? The Leader of the Opposition did not say Mr. BYRNE: The honourable member for where the funds would come from. He said, Wolston talks about Father Christmas. That "You should have spent more," and then reminds me of the speech I delivered on the he complained about increases in State taxes Budget last year. I referred to the eternal and charges. We eat the cake; we put it Father Christmas that Whitlam endeavoured away in the cupboard; we store it in the to be and that Hayden endeavoured to be. refrigerator; and we have still got it in the When I referred to the eternal Father Christ­ four forms. It doesn't work that wav. We mas that the Federal A.L.P. tried to be, I can have it in only one way. If the Leader pointed out that they could not keep on of the Opposition wants it in four ways, giving gifts to people, making promises, the people of Queensland can judge his walking in the dream-time and trying to responsibility. expect miracles to occur, believing that money Mr. Lane: He is never here, anyway. is going to come from somewhere or nowhere or grow on trees so that they could give the Mr. BYRNE: Unfortunately he is not here people everything they should have. That to listen to these words of wisdom. just does not work. If the honourable mem­ ber for Wolston, who looks like an eternal In an attempt to establish the basic pre­ mise of the way in which economic mis­ Father Christmas, wants to carry on those management arises from the desire to work same promises that the Federal Government on the principle of eating the cake and offered, he is barking up the wrong tree and having it, storing it, and freezing it, I should his reindeer have taken the wrong turn. like to show that the problem arises here. A The Leader of the Opposition endeavoured country cannot withstand a growth pressure also to carry on the fear tactics that he has of approximately 125 per cent in three years. been endeavouring to use on the people of If this State was to increase its expenditure Queensland; the gloom and the doom that he by a much larger amount than it did this seems to be able to put forward. It is noth­ year, and if the Federal Government had ing very inspiring but he has an article increased its expenditure by a much .greater called "Straight Talk". I do not know what percentage than it did this year, it would is straight about it because the words are impose upon the Australian community the probably the strangest part of it when same sort of absurd growth factor that the compared with the facts. We have a situa­ previous Government imposed on it for tion somewhat akin to the surveys taken by three years. It was the imposition of a the A.L.P. which show something like 67 growth factor of 20 per cent, followed by per cent of the people in favour of the 40 per cent and then a further 20 per cent, Leader of the Opposition but which are taken which created the absmd situation in which in "key" electorates. a Government tried to make industry and Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement) 975 the people, through taxation, pay for its perhaps get through to him and make him grandoise ideas. It was a Government that realise that this Budget is not, as it has been was not concerned where the money was said to be, cruel on the jobless and in effect coming from and unconcerned where it was an epilogue. I might say, incidentally, that going to. the speech of the Leader of the Opposition That just does not work. A responsible was more like an epitaph. He might begin growth factor-one that State and Federal to realise that any sensible, economic Governments should be striving to achieve­ approach must be based upon common sense, is round the 9 to 10 per cent figure. When upon how much money we have, how much the Federal Government this year decreased money we can get and how much money we its growth factor from 21 per cent to 15 can therefore spend. Money does not grow per cent, that was indeed a responsible act. on trees and it cannot be dug up out of the Similarly, the State Government's decrease ground. It has to come from somewhere. of its growth factor from 20-odd per cent It has to come from productivity. to about 18 rper cent is indeed a responsible The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. movement. It is a common-sense Budget Dean): Order! There is too much audible that has been brought forward. It is one conversation in the Chamber. in which the premises were stated and the constraints were explained. Unfortunately, Mr. Houston: The honourable member I feel, these constraints were passed off. for Belmont had better make the most of this year and a little bit of next year because The honourable member for Rockhamp­ he won't be here after that. ton pointed out in his address that there were only three options open to the Treas­ Mr. BYRNE: I might point out to the urer in framing this Budget. He said that honourable member for Bulimba that despite the first was to drastica1ly out services and his comments his seat is somewhat more the capital works programme; the second marginal than mine, and he should therefore was to increase indirect taxation; and the do a little more work in his electorate third was to introduce a new tax on per­ because fewer people voted for him in the sonal incomes. He stated quite clearly that last election than voted for me. they were the only three options that the Mr. Lane: The Leader of the Opposition Treasurer had. He said that the Treasurer is carrying that sort of burden on his back. did not choose the last two, so apparently he chose the first. Because they were the only The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! three available, the honourable member for The honourable member for Merthyr will Rockhampton says in effect, "I will criticise cease interjecting. him for whichever one he chooses. Because Mr. BYRNE: Indeed, Mr. Lane, the he chose the first, I will criticise him for burden-- that. If he had chosen any of the other two, I would have criticised him for that, The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! too." So he starts on the premise that there The honourable member will address the are only three options open. Chair. If he had been the Treasurer trying to Mr. BYRNE: Through you, Mr. Dean, bring in a Budget he would have had the I say that the burden of the Leader of the same three options, yet having been aware Opposition must be very great to carry when of those options, and despite the fact that we see a Jack Stanaway script coming for­ they were the only ones the Treasurer had ward. I might remind the Leader of the open, he criticised him and said that it was Opposition whilst he is here that whilst he not a very responsible thing for him to do. was delivering his speech and certain mem­ So the situation has to be brought back to bers of the Government were interjecting he taws and we have to realise that there were had a glib smile on his face. He realised certain Budget restraints and expenditure from time to time, tongue in cheek, that the restraints which the Treasurer had to take words he used were not words like his own; into account in the creation and establish­ that what he was saying was not really what ment of his Budget. he wanted to say; that the sincerity that The first of those restraints deals with the rested in the speech was not his sincerity; and Commonwealth Government's policy of that the whole thing was something that had restraining outlays in the public sector. been trumped up to try to get a point across Indeed, that had to be the responsible action to the public; and that unfortunately that for the Federal Government to take. If it point did not get across. If the Leader of had not taken that action it would have been the Opposition wants to keep his spot, if he continuing along the same path of economic wants the public to keep coming out and destruction its predecessors had chosen, and "banking on Burns", I might suggest to him to choose such a path as that would have now that the use of that phrase so early been totally irresponsible. means that it will be worn out by the time an election comes round. I am pleased to see that the Leader of Mr. Lane: It is a crude document, any­ the Opposition joins us at this point of the way. debate. Perhaps we might arrive at a stage where he will come to understand the Mr. BYRNE: A very crude document. He budgetary constraints within which the might begin to realise that if he wants to Treasury had to operate. We might then have a greater effect on the electorate he is 976 Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] (Financial Statement)

going to have to choose common sense and on this matter, to tell us where that double rationality and realise that money does not taxation has come about. come from nowhere and that money goes somewhere after it has been spent. Mr. Elliott: You should ask him to retract his statement. So I refer again to the budgetary con­ straints with which the Treasurer found him­ Mr. BYRNE: Of course; it goes without self confronted. The first of those deals saying that he should retract his statement. with the Commonwealth Government's If he did not do so, he would be showing policy of constraining outlays in the public even less common sense than I would expect sector and the fact that that was something him to show. which the people of Queensland and Aus­ The Treasurer had to draw up the Budget tralia voted for in the December 1975 within the confines of the constraints that election. They wanted responsibility. They I have mentioned, and it is pleasing to see did not want enormous deficit Budgets; they that he was able to provide many incentives wanted responsible Budgets. That point has for employment and also many incentives for been accepted by the Labor Premiers in productivity, which is the creator of employ­ South Australia and New South Wales and ment. That is a fact which I hope the perhaps one day it will get through to the Opposition will keep clearly in mind. Employ­ Leader of the Opposition in Queensland. ment is not tied up with how much money The public does not want to be spending the Government pays out in the dole; it money it does not have. It does not want is not tied up with how much money it Governments spending taxation money they pays out in welfare payments. Employment is have not yet collected. That is just not the tied up with the extent to which the Govern­ situation. ment creates policies and economic circum­ The second constraint upon the Treasurer stances favourable to productivity in the area was the need to impose the least possible of industry. That is what enables employment burden upon the productivity of the State. opportunities to be created. By going into The first point was that outlays in the public a deficit Budget, by increasing taxes and sector had to be restrained in order to over­ charges, we decrease the possibility of industry come the absurdities that arise in deficit being productive. We decrease the possibility budgeting. Then the Treasurer had to of national productivity and State realise that there was already the great prob­ productivity providing additional employment lem of the destruction of productivity which opportunities. had come about in that three-year period. I wish, however, to deal with two In order to overcome that, and in order sections of the Budget that affect education to provide employment and ensure the avail­ and housing in south-eastern Queensland. In ability of commodities and services, he had these two areas the Government must give to achieve a very fine balance between very careful consideration to planning for restraining expenditure and the expenditure the future. If planning is not undertaken of the funds available, at the same time now, if we do not try to create circum­ trying not to impose heavy taxation burdens stances in which private ownershi,p of homes on the public. So while there has been a can come about and in which people will decrease in expenditure in certain areas, have security in their homes, and if we it has been balanced by restraint and an do not provide now services and infrastructure endeavour not to increase State taxation in the field of technical education, in five by a large percentage or proportion. to 10 years we will be paying very dearly That means that the principle being used for it. Without further provision for technical by the Federal Government is also being education and without sufficient foresight in used by the State Government. It is this: that regard, insufficient tradesmen will be let people determine their own lives; let available to meet the demand for their them decide how they will spend their services, and this will cause further economic money rather than allow "Big Brother" tensions and inflationary pressures. Government to take it out of their pockets As to the area of housing-if greater and spend in the way that it thinks it ought attention is not paid to the provision of to be spent. private housing, housing that people are able Finally, the third constraint rests in the to say is their own, in the years to come problems arising from inflation, where revenue the Government will have to spend dead will come from, interest rates, and the new money in overcoming welfare problems tax sharing arrangements. As to the new arising from lack of security. tax sharing arrangements-! should like to Productivity is one of the essential prin­ make a further comment on what the Leader ciples of the Budget. It is seen in the relief of the Opposition has been putting to the given in pay-roll tax, probate and succession people of Queensland for many months. We duty and gift duty. have heard time and time again---JWe heard I might point out that these concessions it in the New South Wales State election have as yet had no effect, or virtually and in the by-elections in Queensland-thai none, on the Budget because they do not there is going to be double taxation. Where operate until 1 January. In the case of has that double taxation occurred? I would probate and succession duty, that will not like the responsible Leader of the Opposition, have an effect on the Budget until the fol­ who has gone out and frightened the public lowing year. Those who say that the State Supply [14 OCTOBER 1976] Railways Act Amendment Bill 977 is forgoing $25,000,000 to $30,000,000 are RAILWAYS ACT AMENDMENT BILL missing the point. When the Leader of the Opposition says that by removing pro­ INITIATION IN COMMITTEE bate and succession duty the State is losing (Mr. Kaus, Mansfield, in the chair) $25,000,000 to $30,000,000 that could have been directed to housing, he is missing the Hon. K. W. HOOPER (Greenslopes­ point because there is no such amount in Minister for Transport) (9.35 p.m.): I the Budget that could have been used for move- that purpose. The effect of that decision "That a Bill be introduced to amend the will not be felt until the next Budget. Railways Act 1914-1972 in certain par­ It was pleasing to see that the Treasurer ticulars." did not place great economic imposts on Honourable members would be aware that industry by Government taxation. When one the Queensland Government Railways is this considers transport and communications, State's biggest single business-industrial enter­ which fall within the Federal Government's prise with over 23,500 employees and an area of responsibility, it astounds me that annual revenue well in excess of that Government continues to impose on $180,000,000. the productivity of enterprises taxation bur­ dens in the form of increased charges for Despite the problems of mounting costs, telephone and postal facilities, which stretch the achievements by the Queensland Gov­ across the board and must necessarily ernment Railways in the realm of increasing increase costs and therefore prices. If postage business in recent years are most impressive. is increased by 2c, every section of every in­ I have spoken in detail about these achieve­ dustry, clerical and productive alike, has to ments and progress many times in this Cham­ pass that increased cost on to the consumer. ber and I do not intend to enlarge on these Whilst more revenue is obtained by increas­ facets today. ing postage and telecommunication rates, at The Bill merely seeks to update and the same time the rate of inflation is neces­ streamline the administrative area of the sarily increased. Queensland Railways by creating two new In the area of maintenance, I must say positions-namely, a Deputy Commissioner the Housing Commission homes in my and Secretary, and an Assistant Commis­ electorate and elsewhere are very much in sioner (Electrification). At present, the Rail­ need of greater expenditure. The present ways Act enables the Governor in Council Minister for Works and Housing has accepted to appoint a Commissioner, a Secretary, a this as a great responsibility and I am chief engineer, general managers of the happy to say that in my area 30 to 40 various divisions and other officers to assist per cent of Housing Commission homes in the in the execution of the Act as the Commis­ electorate of Belmont have been externally sioner thinks fit. There is no provision in painted in the last 20 months or so. the Act for appointment of a Deputy Com­ missioner or an Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Houston: Special treatment. although the Act does provide that in case Mr. BYRNE: I think the people in my of illness or absence of the Commissioner, electorate deserve special treatment. the Secretary, under the direction of the Minister, will have all the powers and per­ Mr. Houston: What about other elector­ form all the duties of the Commissioner. ates? This Bill proposes that the occupant of Mr. BYRNE: I do not know whether the position of Deputy Commissioner and Opposition members make submissions as Secretary perform the duties presently carried strongly to the Minister for Works and Hous­ out by the Secretary as chief executive ing as I do. I believe that maintenance of officer of the department under the Commis­ Housing Commission homes and schools is of sioner, and to act with the full powers of the very highest priority. It is because I the Commissioner in his absence. Further­ have that view that I have striven to have more, it is proposed that the new position money spent in this way. will carry the same salary classification as In essence, I say of the Budget that it at present applies to the position of Secretary. is a Budget of common sense. When the Similarly, there is a strong need for the Leader of the Opposition comes to realise creation of the second position, Assistant that the first Budget of the present Treasurer Commissioner (Electrification). With the is a Budget of common sense-one that development of the Government's plans to operates within certain constraints, has a upgrade urban public transport, especiaJiy rational approach and enables the State to electrification of the suburban network, progress in the way in which it has pro­ increasing emphasis is being placed on the gressed in the last 10 years-that realisation planning and negotiations associated with this will be for him the foundation of his under­ scheme. The recent calling of tenders for standing of economic affairs in Queensland. electric railcars, overhead wiring and signal­ When that happens, the people of Queens­ ling and communications works further land will be able to expect responsibility indicates the intensity in this area. not only from the Government but also from It is proposed that the duties of Assistant the Opposition. Commissioner (Electrification) would be all Progress reported. those presently allocated to the Electrification 978 Railways Act [14 OCTOBER 1976] Amendment Bill

Co-ordinating Manager. The position of Elec­ other, the Leader of the Opposition and trification Co-ordinating Manager was created other Opposition members have condemned in June 1975 to ensure top-level supervision these terrific losses. They have talked also of the urban electrification scheme. about the appalling conditions of the workers, The Assistant Commissioner (Electrifica­ their substandard housing. After all that, tion) would control the necessary technical a Bill is introduced to change a couple of and administrative staff to effect plans assoc­ names. iated with electrification, and would also be Personally I could not care what the authorised to issue directions, where neces­ gentlemen concerned are called. It does not sary, to heads of branches on matters con­ matter whether they are called Deputy Com­ nected with electrification. As well, he missioner and Secretary or just Secretary; would be accountable to the Deputy Com­ they will get the same money and do exactly missioner and Secretary and he would have the same work. They will have the same direct access to the Commissioner. The responsibilities as the present men. creation of this position will not mean any increase in salary; the position will carry Mr. Powell: A rose by any other name. the same salary as that of the Electrification Mr. HOUSTON: That is right. I am happy Co-ordination Manager. that one member of the Government apprec­ Honourable members will appreciate that iates what this is all about. Railway progress is taking place not only in Brisbane but also throughout the State We have been waiting for about 20 years with the massive developments in the coal for the Government to do something about and mineral industries. For efficient and electrification, which was well under way effective Railway results, this requires con­ under the Labor Government in Queensland. siderable attention and regular inspections Officers of the Railway Department were by the Commsisioner. It is also important doing the job. I suppose the change of name that Queensland's railway needs are contin­ will change the status and it might help the ually placed before the appropriate interstate gentlemen concerned, but I do not think it and Commonwealth bodies. will. I am not trying in any way to down­ Honourable members will observe, follow­ grade the gentlemen concerned but I do not ing the printing of the Bill, that as far as think that the change of name will in any the position of Assistant Commissioner is way alter their performance. Most probably concerned, there is no mention of electrifica­ it will give them extra status and extra tion in the Bill. The reason for this is that, assistance. on completion of the electrification scheme An Honourable Member interjected. it may be desirable that the Assistant Corn: ~!s.si.oner. of the day may have his respons­ Mr. HOUSTON: To be quite honest, I Ibilities directed to other areas of administra­ do not care what they are called. tion. The title "electrification" will therefore However, I am concerned about the rail­ be attached to the position by the Governor in Council. ways. I would have been happy if the Min­ ister had introduced a Bill to set up an The~e . is a definite need for a Deputy all-party committee so that we could look CommisSioner and Secretary and an Assistant into exactly what is going on in the Railway Commissioner (Electrification). I commend Department, why we are not getting more the Bill to honourable members on both trade and why we are suffering these losses. sides of the Chamber. If the charges as at 30 October 1975 are Mr. HOUSTON (Bulimba) (9.40 p.m.): taken as the base, there will have been an To be quite honest, I am astounded that at increase of 61 per cent when the 15 per this time, when the railways are in such a cent increase is applied. shocking financial position, havina suffered a Mr. Miller: How does that compare with ~70,000,000 loss last year without paying the the buses in Brisbane? Interest charges and with an estimated loss of $57,500,000 this year (after the increase Mr. HOUSTON: They are losing money. of 15 per cent is applied practically across ~he ?oard~, the Minister, while the Budget Mr. Miller: The increase? 1s still bemg debated, introduces a Bill to change a couple of titles. He is not going Mr. HOUSTON: There is a certain differ­ !O c~ange the w

Mr. Miller: Don't separate the trains from you can say to me that the railways can the buses. Jose millions of dollars and then increase expenditure, I will go he. That's what I am The TEMPORARY CHAIRtVIAN (Mr. talking about. Kaus): Order! I ask the honourable member to keep within the confines of the Bill. These are the figures-

Mr. HOUSTON: I was side-tracked, Mr. Year Profit Loss Kaus. I am very sorry indeed. I $ $ The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! 1969-70 1,950,000 1970--71 I 6,400,000 Please keep to the Bill. 1971-72 I 8,900,000 1972-73 113,900,000 Mr. HOUSTON: The honourable member 1973-74 38,600,000 for Ithaca was deliberately attempting to 1974--75 I 64,4oo,ooo side-track me. 1975-76 I I 7o,7oo,ooo 1976--77 'Estimated 57,500,000 Returning to the profits, let us look at what the situation was only about six years I ago. In fact, in each of the years 1967-68, 1968-69 and 1969-70 the Railways Depart­ This is a time when we are supposed to be getting greater returns. Mr. Kaus, I know ment made a working profit. In 1969-70 the working profit was $1,950,000. The honour­ you will correct me if I go too far on this, able member for Ithaca and others will but the point is the Government is reducing the road transport permit fee to increase recall-- again the ability of hauliers to compete Mr. Moore: You must not forget you with the railways. I believe that the major have to take into account capital cost and job the new Commissioner, or whatever he not only income over expenditure. is called, has to do is to bring patronage back to the railways. Mr. HOUSTON: I said working profit. We have heard a lot of talk about drive­ If the honourable member does not know on, drive-off, and about freight rates on what working profit is, he should ask his commodities. mate; he may be able to tell him. I remember hearing in this Assembly how Mr. EUiott: They were helping keep it the then Minister for Railways and the then there by not increasing the grain freights. Treasurer got up and said, "Isn't it great? we are making a profit out of our railways!" Mr. HOUSTON: I am not arguing about They came in here for three years and they that at all. What I am saying to you is said that. I had to agree that it was good that if that is true, as has been ascertained to see a working profit. The only thing I by the Government, it looks like the Minister hoped was that we would perhaps get a big­ has sold them a good story, that by reducing ger working profit. But it was a working pro­ the rail freights or keeping them as they fit, and no-one objected at all. That was when are the profit will be greater and the use we began to be oriented towards mineral increased. and coal as our main products. I believe that in that decision-and I am not objecting What about the old fruit grower? The to carrying minerals and coal-so much Government is not worrying very much thought, effort and expense were put into about him, or the dairy farmer, or the other that project that other projects were allowed people in the country. They have to get their to remain static and they have not improved goods from the city. This is not just a one­ over the years, as I will show as time goes way business. It is all very well for honour­ on. able members to look after their own electorates. An over-all view must be taken The fact is that after 1969-70, when we of railway operations, not just the movement had a working profit of $1,950,000, we then of grain and cattle. Many people living had a loss in 1970-71, a quite substantial in country areas are not graziers and not loss of $6,400,000. farmers. They live in the country towns they support, and they have to buy their The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! goods through the local store. Quite I am very patient but the honourable mem­ often the big fellows do not buy from ber is getting away from the motion before the local store, as everybody knows. the Committee. But, because of high rail freight rates, the small people in the country still have to Mr. HOUSTON: No, Mr. Kaus. I am pay high prices for their commodities. I afraid in this particular case I am trying have found on many trips to country areas to show that there is no need for these that one of the things people worried about great offices we are going to have, with was the cost of the ordinary commodities in the extra staff and everything else, and if the shops. Therefore as the Government 980 Railways Act [14 OCTOBER 1976] Amendment Bill is increasing fares and freights again, I ask: are good because, after all, the road trans­ how much is it going to receive in net gain? port operator is a businessman and he can­ Apparently this is something that the Gov­ not give these concessions when times are ernment has had to work out and on which bad. it is taking a punt. If the argument for a reduction in wheat freight rates that has Although the Commissioner for Railways been expounded here by National Party is paid more than the Minister for Trans­ members is sound, then is not the same port, that would be about the only case argument valid for other primary products where we have a public servant receiving which have to be carried by rail? Quite more than his ministerial head. often subsidies are given not in the form of a rebate from the railways but in the form Mr. K. W. Hooper: There are others. of a payment from the Treasury to the railways to make up the difference in charges. So actually the Railway Depart­ Mr. HOUSTON: There might be a couple ment is not receiving less; it is just a juggling of others but the Minister's departmental head earns quite a lot in excess of his salary. of figures within the Government between The Minister knows as well as I do the the Treasury and the Railway Department. history of that differentiation. It arose because it was decided that the railways were There is one thing that does worry me a business undertaking and had to be run and about which I think we have to get a without political interference, as it was bit tough. I have been told quite openly termed in those days. The position was in country areas that the railways are won­ deliberately created. It would be out of derful while people are in trouble; they order, I know, Mr. Kaus, for me to go into use them and get rebates and concessions. it, but there is quite a history behind giving But when times are really good they do the Commissioner for Railways a higher not worry about the railways; they turn to salary than the Minister for Transport. It road transport because it is much quicker. was because he was considered to be the The road transport operator is a businessman. great businessman. Surely if we were share­ He cannot afford to give people rebates or holders in a business which constantly concessions when the going is rough, so returned a massive loss, we would be asking naturally people then use the railways. I why. I say to the Minister, through you, have no fight with people receiving conces­ Mr. Kaus: let us find out why through this sions but I say to the Minister that it would Parliament by setting up an all-party com­ not be unreasonable or unfair to require mittee to investigate the railways. those who receive concessions to sign a contract. The Minister should say, "O.K., we will carry your product for this period Mr. Elliott interjected. while things are tough and give you rebates and concessions, but when things get good. Mr. HOUSTON: Yes, I have shares in when the beef market gets good, you must the railways because every time I pay taxes leave your business with us." they go towards making up the losses. Of course I have shares in the railways, and The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. a lot of my people use the railways, too. Kaus): Order! I remind the honourable member that the proposed Bill does not deal An all-party committee would cost virtu­ with freight rates; the motion is about the ally nothing, because members are already creation of new positions. receiving their parliamentary salaries. I remind the Committee that committees have Mr. HOUSTON: We are talking about been set up in other States and that the the railways. Commonwealth Government and American State Legislatures use their members to carry out investigations. I do not suggest that such The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: We are a committee should investigate whether or not. not there was anything wrong in the admin­ istration of former Governments. All I say Mr. HOUSTON: All right, Mr. Kaus, is that we should find ways and means of but the Bill says "in certain particulars". ensuring that business is returned to the Who is going to be responsible for deciding railways. whether or not this contract has to be signed? Someone has to make the decision. I am confident that the Minister's staff I believe it will be the Minister, the Com­ of 23,000, given correct leadership, will work missioner or the Deputy Commissioner who well for the Railway Department. I think will make a decision as to whether there they are working their full hours each week will be a straight-out concession or whether now, and I regret that many of them have an agreement should be drawn up so that to live and work in conditions that are behind people use the railways in good times as the times. well as in bad. If this is done, then we can at least guarantee for the railways a Mr. Miller: Would you include the Bris­ chance of making something when times bane City Council in the inquiry? Railways Act (14 OCTOBER 1976] Amendment Bill 981

Mr. HOUSTON: No. he tries to be a very good Minister, but there are many people in the Railway Depart­ Mr. Miller: Why not? ment who flout his directions. In my opinion, the proposed Bill does not Mr. HOUSTON: If the honourable mem­ go far enough. I do not think we should ber wants an inquiry into the Brisbane City simply be vesting the power of the Com­ Council, let him get up and say so. This missioner in someone else when the Com­ Parliament does not pay for the Brisbane miSSioner is away. We should be giving City Council transport system. The hon­ the Minister much more power. I should like ourable member is trying to get me into the Minister to tell me later whether or not trouble with the Chair again. I do not he wil:l consider introducing legislation to take want to pool the honourable member, Mr. power away from the Commissioner. The Kaus, but he is not sitting in his usual place. Commissioner is a very decent man. My father knows him well and there is nothing The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. personal in what I am saying. However, the Kaus): Order! fact remains that a Government is meant to govern. We get the blame when there are Mr. HOUSTON: My leader has told me increases in rail freights and when there that if the Government wishes to set up a are great losses. But the Minister has not committee of that type, we will! be very happy the power to tell the Commissioner to do to accommodate it. something without first referring to Cabinet. Mr. McKECHNIE: (Carnarvon) (9.57 Mr. Moore: We have to fix that up. p.m.): I support what the Minister is endeavouring to do in the Bill, and I was Mr. McKECHNIE: It has to be fixed disgusted by the speech made by the honour­ up. able member for Bulimba, who tried to make a great deal of political capital out of the Mr. Houston: Another fight within the so-called 61 per cent increase since 1975. Government! As you were patient with the honourable member for Bulimba, Mr. Kaus, I am sure Mr. McKECHNIE: It is no fight in the that you will also be patient with me. Government. Government members would be united to a man on this matter. All I The honourable gentleman completely want is an assurance from the Minister that ignored the fact that the Government had he will look at the possibility of goin~ kept freight increases down for many years. further than the present legislation. I do It was able to do that because, on not think that Government members would the advice of the commissioner and many mind if the Minister amended this legislation. other people, it expedited dieselisation when It is well known that we have to do it came to power in 1957. If it had pro­ something about making the railways pay. ceeded with the electrification of Brisbane We have to do something about getting more suburban services then, as the Opposition business for the railways. Some tough deci­ wanted it to, dieselisation would not have sions will have to be made and there will taken place in Queensland. The honour­ have to be a system under which if a member able member and all those whom he claims brings something to the Minister's attention to represent would still have been shovelling the Minister can go to the Railway Depart­ coal on steam locomotives and the railways ment and say, "Have this done" and have no would have been incurring very high losses argument about it. during all those years. Instead of making reasonable profits in the early years and The former Leader of the Opposition said reasonably low losses in recent years, there something about driving business to road probably would have been losses of transport. The Commissioner has to look $200,000,000 as far back as six years ago. at this, too. I think it is probably fair to say that those same road operators would The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. not have been allowed to operate under a Kaus): Order! I remind the honourable Labor Government. Labor members member that we are talking about the Com­ ignore that aspect of the matter. I am to missioner's powers. be opposed at the next election by a trans­ port operator. He would not have been allowed to operate under a Labor Govern­ Mr. McKECHNIE: I agree, Mr. Kaus, but ment. Labor members certainly have short I was answering something said by the hon­ memories. They criticise increases in rail ourable member for Bulimba. transport costs. It would be interesting Let me now turn to the Minister's proposal. to compare the cost of rail transport from The move to delegate powers of the Com­ Stanthorpe to Brisbane 20 years ago when missioner to a Deputy Commissioner is a Labor was in power with the present cost. very good one. When the Commissioner is Such a comparison would not be very encour­ away, the Minister should be able to tell aging to the Labor Party. someone to do something and know that I commend what the Minister is trying it will be done. At the moment, it is not to do but I again say, without being per­ done. The Minister is a decent bloke and sonal to the Commissioner, that the Minister 982 Railways Act Amendment Bill [14 OcTOBER 1976] Miners' Homestead, &c., Bill is not going far enough. I hope that he Although costs have escalated out of all pro­ will amend the Act at a later stage so portion, I am sure that that was the right that he, too, has a little more power. decision. There is no doubt about it in my mind. Hon. K. w. HOOPER (Greenslopes­ The honourable member for Carnarvon Minister for Transport) (10.3 p.m.), in reply: asked a very important question, and one that My old friend the honourable member for has caused me a great deal of concern since Bulimba obviously is not very well tonight; I have been in this position. That relates his voice is not the best. I should like to the powers of the Minister under the Act to remind him that there will be no increases when compared with those given to the in salary, staff or expenditure. Commissioner. It has given the Government parties some concern for a long time. Mr. Houston: Yet. Mr. Moore: We are going to fix that one Mr. K. W. HOOPER: There is no up. intention to have any increases. The purpose of the Bill is to give these people power Mr. K. W. HOOPER: As the h'Onourable to direct. At the moment, particularly in member for Windsor said, the parliamentary the area of electrification, there is not that transport committee is concerned about it. power. That is the sole reason for intro­ It has asked that the matter be considered. ducing this very minor amendment. I ask I appreciate the remarks of the honourable the honourable member not to get uptight member for Carnarvon and assure him that about it. I realise that he had to say some­ we certainly will have a look at it. The thing and, of course, it suited him to make workings of any ministerial office are import­ a few remarks about railway losses. We ant and should require that the Minister have are all concerned about them; we would complete power over his departments. We not be human if we were not. But we have deliberately built that power into the Metro­ to remember that cost increases have been politan Transit Authority Act. That is the absolutely astronomical. I am not making same type of thing that the honourable excuses; I am merely stating bare facts. member is concerned about now. I am certain tha.t my committee and I will have Mr. Houston: Would you consider an a lO'ok at it in the very near future. all-party committee? I thank the honourable members for their Mr. K. W. HOOPER: I would be happy contributions. to have a look at it. The honourable mem­ ber brought it up and I owe it to him, Motion (Mr. Hooper) agreed to. as a responsible and long-serving member, to consider his suggestion. I most certainly Resolution reported. will look at it. I certainly respect the honourable member's thoughts on this matter. FIRST READING One sensible thing the honourable member Bill presented and, on motion of Mr. did say was that we have to do something Hooper, read a first time. about getting this patronage back. Mr. Houston: On your figures. MINERS' HOMESTEAD LEASES ACT Mr. K. W. HOOPER: That is right. AMENDMENT BILL I turn now to the remarks of the honour­ SECOND READING able member for Carnarvon. I must say Hon. R. E. CAMM (Whitsunday-Minis­ that both honourable members were kind ter for Mines and Energy) (10.10 p.m.): I in their remarks, although the honourable move- member for Bulimba was a little less so. For most of his speech he was nowhere near "That the Bill be now read a second the Bill. time." I now present this BiLl to the House for the Mr. Houston: What a reflection on the second reading, but before I proceed to out­ Chair! line the Bill in detail, there are matters that I consider should be mentioned. Mr. K. W. HOOPER: He is a very lenient Temporary Chairman, and he is obviously I would reiterate that none of the pro­ extending to me some of the same leniency. posed amendments to the Act in any way affect the making of an application for or The honourable member for Carnarvon the granting of a homestead. supported the Bill. He realised that no additional costs were involved. He felt that I cannot emphasise too strongly that the the criticism revelled at electrification by proposed amendments have no bearing what­ the honourable member for Bulimba was soever on land held as miners' homesteads unwarranted. The Government opted to which is in the process of being transferred dieselise the whole of the State in preference or which is being resumed for State pur­ to electrifying a small part of the State. poses, nor do they have any bearing on the Miners' Homestead Leases [14 OcTOBER 1976] Act Amendment Bill 983 value of land held as homesteads, for rating Wivhin a period not exceeding three purposes or for the fixing of capital value months, the land may be again auctioned on which annual rental is based. with the value of improvements fixed by the warden, and there is no right of objection The Bill corrects errors in printing and in that case. in spelling. One amendment deals also with the manner of disposing of an application The majority of the provisions of the two for a miners' homestead perpetual lease new sections which I have commented on when there are any improvements on the were previously dealt with by regulation. vacant Crown land applied for. These im­ However, both the Committee of Subor­ provements remain the property of the rper­ dinate Legislation and the Solicitor-General S0'1 who previously held the area prior have advised me that these prov·isions to its forfeiture, surrender or termination. should be contained in the Act. This amendment has been proposed with A further new section, 29AB, deals with a view to introducing a fairer method of the recording of certain dealings and changes determining the value of any such improve­ of status, such as the registration of the ments, and provided that the warden, before release of a memorandum of mortgage, the recommending that a condition be imposed recording of the marriage of a female lessee, that the applicant for the lease pay the value sublessee or mortgagee, the change of name of such improvements to the apparent owner, of a lessee, sublessee or mortgagee, or the has to obtain a report and valuation of such death of a lessee, sublessee or mortgagee improvements and requires the applicant for holding as a joint tenant. From 1913 to the homestead and the apparent owner to the present, there has been no provision in lodge a valuation or claim. the Act for this to be done. These matters Subject to a new section, 12A, which it is have been dealt with administratively. proposed to introduce, the warden may fix I feel that I have covered the major points .the value of improvements even if any of of the proposed amendments and I commend the parties have not furnished a report and the Bill to the House. valuation. The first of the new sections of the Mr. BURNS (Lytton-Leader of the Act, section 12A, requires the warden to Opposition) (10.15 p.m.): The Opposition has give notice in writing to the applicant for no opposition to the Bill before the House . .the lease over vacant Crown land and also We accept the Minister's explanation that it to the apparent owner of the improvements corrects errors in printing and spelling in on the land being taken up (if there are the previous Bill and that it provides a such improvements) of the value that (subject fairer method of determining values on to objection) he intends to fix. It provides vacant Crown land offered for sale under also for time for the lodgment of notice section 17 of the Act. We also accept the of objection and for the grounds thereof. advice of the Committee of Subordinate Legislation and the Solicitor-General that The warden hears any objection and his most of the provisions of the two new decision is final. If no objection is lodged, sections were previously covered by regula­ he fixes the value of the improvements. tion. Also, we accept the assurance that the Bill does not affect the manner of The second new section, 19A, deals with making application for homesteads and the vacant Crown land offered for sale as home­ granting of them. We have no opposition steads by auction under section 17 of the to the Bill as explained. Act, which provides for notificat~on in the Queensland Government Gazette of certain land which the Minister may declare open Hon. R. E. CAMM (Whitsunday-Minister for sale and sets out the value to be paid for Mines and Energy) (10.16 p.m.), in reply: for any improvements existing on the land. I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his concurrence. Obviously he has read the Bill. It provides for the warden to give notice It is quite a simple one, just setting out the to the apparent owner of any improvements of the value to be paid therefor, for the power the mining warden has for fixing the lodgment by the person concerned of a notice value of improvements. of objection and for the time w1ithin which such notice shall be lodged. Motion (Mr. Camm) agreed to.

It provides also for the hearing by the CoMMITTEE warden of the objection, and for him to (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. W. D. determine the value of such improvements. Hewitt, Chatsworth, in the chair) His decision is final. Clauses 1 to 8, both inclusive, as read, If an objection is lodged before the adver­ agreed to. tised date of auction of land on which there are improvements, and such is upheld or the Bill reported, without amendment. warden has not given his decision, the subject land is withdrawn from auction. The House adjourned at 10.17 p.m.