22 Jun 2000 Legislative Assembly 1849

THURSDAY, 22 JUNE 2000 clear signals to industry, encouraging diversification of our energy sector towards a balanced energy mix. The past has been coal. The future, as Mr SPEAKER (Hon. R. K. Hollis, Redcliffe) the policy spells out, must be coal, gas and read prayers and took the chair at 9.30 a.m. renewables. The Government is actively pursuing the development of gas-fired power stations across the State. Cabinet will soon be GLOBAL CHALLENGE in a position to consider options to develop Mr SPEAKER: Order! I remind all gas-fired generation facilities in Townsville. We honourable members of today's launch of the have also achieved good progress in seven-day global challenge in the former negotiations with AGL/Petronas to advance Legislative Council Chamber at 12.15 p.m. I construction of the Gladstone-Townsville join the Premier and the Leader of the section of the PNG gas pipeline. Opposition in encouraging all members to I am pleased to advise the House today support the challenge and take part in today's that our energy policy has brought another launch. gas-fired power station to fruition. Later today, Energy Minister Tony McGrady, Treasurer AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORT David Hamill and I will announce Government approval for the construction of a $250m gas- Mr SPEAKER: Honourable members, I fired power station at Swanbank near Ipswich. have to report that today I received from the The 385 megawatt facility will expand the Auditor-General a report titled Audit Report existing Swanbank Power Station and form the No. 5 1999-2000 Results of Audits Performed core of a new industrial estate directly adjacent for 1998-99 as at 12 May 2000. I table the to the site. This development will attract new said report. industries to Ipswich and generate hundreds of new jobs while delivering a cleaner energy PETITION future for the region. Water (Allocation and Management) Bill As the Deputy Premier and I keep saying, From Mr Malone (200 petitioners) this is a can-do Government. Everyone else requesting the House to delay passage of the says that, too. CS Energy is the operator of Water (Allocation and Management) Bill until Swanbank and will engage in a strategic an assessment of the impacts that it will (a) alliance with Southern Energy Asia Pacific to increase the cost of water and undermine the build the new gas-fired station. Southern competitiveness of the Queensland sugar Energy is part of a major international energy industry; (b) allow for vesting of all water in the corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Crown through the control of overland flows; (c) participation of such a large international introduce further fees and allowances and red investor in this project is a huge vote of tape; (d) inflate the cost of water through confidence in the Queensland energy sector speculation and severely disadvantage high and the energy policy framework that this volume, low price commodity enterprises Government has developed. It is working. through providing for tradability of water Southern Energy also hold a licence for entitlements which do not attach to land are Kogan Creek Power Station, and as part of the investigated and not until industry is consulted alliance arrangements it will jointly determine as to these impacts. with CS Energy the time framework for the Petition received. development of the Kogan Creek project over the next 12 months. I am advised that demand for electricity may see the project on MINISTERIAL STATEMENT hold until 2007 or beyond. Cleaner Energy Strategy Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ALP) (Premier) (9.33 a.m.), by leave: On 24 European Trade Mission May, on behalf of the Cabinet, I released the Queensland Government's energy policy—the Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— first of its type in Queensland. Indeed, it is the ALP) (Premier) (9.36 a.m.), by leave: Next first energy policy in Australia to come to grips week I will be leading an eight-day trade with the sensitive environmental issues that will mission—excluding travelling time—to increasingly dominate this sector. Titled A Germany, Ireland and the UK to seek further Cleaner Energy Strategy, the policy provides opportunities for job creation in Queensland. I 1850 Legislative Assembly 22 Jun 2000 will be accompanied by Professor John Hay, make sure that we get it right and gain the Vice-Chancellor of the University of maximum benefit in terms of trade Queensland, and joined in London by John opportunities and tourist numbers. Dawson, the CEO of the Bank of Queensland, I will also be holding meetings with and David Thomas, a partner in Minter Ellison. Deutsche Bank and the director of the There are others who are considering joining Karlsruhe Synchrotron project. I am going to the trade visit. Ireland as well to meet key business and This is Queensland's year of exports, and Government leaders to see what we can learn I am determined to do everything that I can to from the country's economic miracle. Ireland increase exports and drive job creation. More was once the poor cousin of Europe. Now it is exports, of course, means more jobs. I am an economic powerhouse outpacing even confident that I will be able to make significant Germany's growth. There are great similarities announcements about major opportunities for between Ireland and Queensland. Ireland and Queensland as a result of my meetings in Queensland have almost identical populations. Europe. A major focus in Germany will be to Like Queensland, Ireland depended for ensure that Queensland is taking full decades on its agriculture. advantage of its position in the Australian Mr Schwarten: Plus there are a lot of Irish pavilion of the World Expo in Hanover. people here. Queensland has been the biggest supporter of the Australian pavilion and we are in a prime Mr BEATTIE: That is right. A lot of Irish position for huge exposure to an estimated 40 people have migrated to Queensland. That is million visitors. Members can appreciate the reflected on both sides of this House. Mike importance of this to tourism. Horan is nodding his head—he understands that—and Rob Schwarten is sitting behind me. The Borbidge Government committed $2.5m to the pavilion. We delivered on that Irish agriculture is now dwarfed by commitment. I acknowledge today, in my industry, which accounts for 39% of GDP, usual gracious way, the partnership between about 80% of exports and employs 28% of the the previous Government and the current labour force. Ireland's growth has been Government in delivering for Queensland. I averaging 8.5%. That is three times the say to the Leader of the Opposition that we European average—Germany, France, cannot be any more generous than that. Scandinavia and the UK included. Its per capita gross domestic product has grown from Mr Borbidge: Very noble. almost two-thirds of the European Union Mr BEATTIE: It is very noble. average in the 1980s to above the average Mr Elder: I reckon we got better value for now. money. The Irish Government puts its success Mr BEATTIE: Yes, we did work hard to down to social partnerships, openness to new get better value for the $2.5m, but we accept ideas, an emphasis on education and training that it was the Opposition's idea. We just and technological innovation—exactly the made their idea work. How is that? Is that a fair same themes we are pursing here. Ireland's compromise? education system ranks second in the world in terms of how it meets the needs of a Mr Borbidge interjected. competitive economy. Six out of 10 tertiary Mr BEATTIE: I acknowledge the students major in food sciences, generous remarks by the Leader of the engineering/science or business studies. The Opposition. I thank him for that. Government says the social partnerships have Expo offers us a major shop window for contributed to industrial peace, moderate our trade and tourism because the European wage increases, progressive tax reductions Union is Australia's largest trading partner with and sustained job growth. And it says that this combined two-way trade of more than $33 type of agreement has contributed hugely to billion and Germany is the world's third-largest the cost competitiveness of the modern Irish economy. That is why this Expo is so important economy. Exports now account for 75% of to our future, with changes in the coal industry national output—a figure not matched and all sorts of export opportunities for anywhere else in Europe. Queensland. We need to be there. All of this has had a dramatic effect on Queensland attracts more than 20,000 the unemployment rate. At the start of 1993, it German tourists every year. They support well was 15.7%. These figures are extraordinary. over 1,000 jobs in our tourism industry. Now it is 5.1%—despite an increase in the Queensland is on display at Expo for five overall labour force of 20%. The IMD 2000 months from 1 June to 31 October. I want to World Competitiveness rankings place Ireland 22 Jun 2000 Ministerial Statement 1851 at seventh in the world and the best country in I will meet with Cabinet Office Minister Mo the world for: real GDP growth; real growth in Mowlam regarding social policy developments. industrial production; balance of trade; I will meet with the Queen's private secretary, investment incentives; and management of Sir Robin Janvrin, regarding the Queen's visit public finances. to Queensland next year. I will meet also with Enterprise Ireland has been created by senior business and financial leaders to the Government as the country's enterprise discuss further trade opportunities. development agency. And since 1988 Ireland While the overwhelming emphasis of my has had a national agency—BioResearch appointments is on trade and job Ireland—commercialising biotechnology, which opportunities, I will also attend a handful of again is a major thrust of this Government. Centenary of Federation functions during my That is obviously why John Hay is joining us. It three days in London. But as honourable harnesses five research centres and is active members can see from the itinerary, they are in developing small to medium enterprise not the focus of this trip. I will be making a full access to international collaborative research and detailed report to Parliament on this trade and development opportunities. Irish mission. companies and consumers are spending more In conclusion, I mention that this weekend on information technology than any other my Cabinet colleagues and I will head to country in Europe. Computer jobs are Cairns for the sixth Community Cabinet expected to more than double in the six years meeting for the year. As someone who was to 2003. These achievements mirror my raised in far-north Queensland, I am delighted Government's goals. I will spend considerable to be leading my Cabinet to the region for time picking the brains of some of the key another community forum. The success of players who have helped create this miracle so these forums can be measured by the fact that we can introduce some of this Irish magic that we have 83 bookings for formal into our economy—in addition to the magic deputations for the Cairns Community Cabinet. that is already here. People appreciate the opportunity to meet face to face with those who make the Finally, I will spend three days in London. decisions. They appreciate the opportunity to The United Kingdom is a major trading partner present their concerns, ideas and aspirations. and sends more tourists to Queensland than This will the 26th Community Cabinet meeting any other European country. As honourable held since we took office two years ago—and members know, the British Olympic Team is there will be many more to come over the next training here. Among my appointments will be few decades. meetings with the following people. I will meet with the Commonwealth Secretariat to discuss arrangements for the CHOGM in Queensland. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT With more than 50 heads of Government Queensland/China Business Forum visiting Queensland next year this will promote Queensland on the world stage. We are Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba—ALP) determined to take every possible advantage (Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development and Minister for Trade) we can from CHOGM being held in (9.43 a.m.), by leave: China's entry into the Queensland next year. This is a unique World Trade Organisation and the liberalisation opportunity for this State. We have to grab it of China's trade relations with many countries, with both hands and run with it to make it the including Australia, opens up vast markets for great success it can and will be. Queensland business. Earlier this year I visited I will also be meeting with biotechnology Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan with research and financing leaders. I will meet with the purpose of promoting and discussing the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs information technology and biotech Minister, John Battle, to promote Queensland opportunities in this State. as a base for European companies moving My visit to mainland China was an eye- into Asia—a partnership that is the key to opener. The rapid change in the country, moving ahead. I will be meeting with tourism which has gone from rice fields to technology leaders to promote Queensland destinations. I parks, is staggering. Last year, China's IT will meet with Rio Tinto board members to market was worth more than $19 billion. This is discuss Comalco's expansion plans for forecast to grow to $24.5 billion this year. The Gladstone. In addition, I will meet with senior IT industry is just one example of how China is UK Treasury officials regarding public/private hurtling towards its destiny as a trade market partnership programs. leader rivalling the United States. 1852 Ministerial Statement 22 Jun 2000

That is why I wish to draw the attention of Government is to work with proponents of the House to an important upcoming event, major projects, and for the first time in this that is, the Queensland/China Business State we have a local content policy. There are Forum, which will be held in Cairns this two major projects that I wish to speak about weekend and in Brisbane at the convention today—the Tarong North Power Station and centre next Tuesday. More than 120 high- the Millmerran Power Station. One member of profile representatives from some of China's the consortium building the Tarong Power fastest growing industries have already Station is Tarong Energy, which is a registered to attend the forum, which follows Government owned corporation. The other on from two similar events held in Queensland members are Mitsuti and Co., Pacific Power, in 1996 and in Shanghai in 1997. The IHI Engineering and Toshiba International participants are largely drawn from three key Corporation. regions in China: Shanghai, which is I am pleased to tell the House that this Queensland's sister State and a very important morning the consortium building Tarong has economic centre in China; Jiangsu Province, announced that a subcontract for the civil which borders Shanghai and eastern China works at the plant has been awarded to and is China's second strongest region, Queensland company Barclay Mowlem, and producing about 10% of China's national GDP; the contracts are worth in excess of $30m. Site and Chongqing, the gateway to western contracts by the company will start this month, China, which is a focal point for the major drive meaning that later this month people who by China to draw economic growth and have benefited from the State's local content investment into the west with major policy will be starting work at Tarong. infrastructure projects. As a direct consequence of the local The forum priority areas will be industry policy, Tarong Energy has identified a biotechnology, education, IT, e-commerce and total of 116 bid packages valued at $50m that infrastructure. Already more than 150 should be subject to competitive local bids. Queensland delegates from business, These packages are currently being industry, education and local government have unbundled into smaller packages with the registered to attend, and these include express purpose of providing increased representatives from IT and multimedia opportunities for local suppliers. companies, universities and private colleges. What the forum will offer Queensland business In addition, we have been out in the field. is realistic and objective information about My department has coordinated presentations opportunities in China. The Chinese to local business in the South Burnett to tell participants are of high quality and will be able them of business opportunities arising and to assist Queensland firms coming to grips with systems for doing business on the project. We opportunities and threats associated with had 50 people at Nanango and 60 people at dealing with what is undoubtedly the emerging Kingaroy. All of them were able to see what economic superpower in the world. this Government is doing and that this Government is fair dinkum, because none of this sort of thing happened at Callide. At MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Millmerran, which I would remind honourable Local Content Policy members is technically outside of the policy, Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba—ALP) being a totally private sector funded entity, we (Deputy Premier and Minister for State have still been able to achieve more work for Development and Minister for Trade) local firms. Of the total power plant cost of (9.46 a.m.), by leave: One of the priorities of $890m so far about $290m has been this Government is to put as much work locally committed to Australian firms, while $350m is as possible into major projects. This was not open to local tender. Let me be quite clear much of an issue under the Borbidge about this. There is some work which simply Government, because there were not too cannot be performed in Australia. Although we many major projects. The only one which are strong supporters of local content, we are progressed as a result of any moves by the not in the business of driving investment Borbidge Government was Callide C. We know offshore. that the majority of the millions of dollars of Mr Seeney interjected. work that went into that project was not done Mr ELDER: This is not a matter of laying locally; the majority of it was done offshore. down a hard and fast rule or, as the member Not for the first time, members opposite for Callide probably would wish, bullying others have a record, and Queenslanders remember into toeing the line. This is a matter of hard that record. By contrast, the policy of this work, sitting down with the proponents and 22 Jun 2000 Ministerial Statement 1853 seeing what can be done locally. It is this involvement of Queenslanders. This is Government which is prepared to do the hard characteristic of the high-handed disregard for work and create more jobs for Queenslanders. Queensland arts that emanates from the In relation to Millmerran, which is a private Sydney arts elite, which dominates the sector project, let me repeat that of that Commonwealth arts bureaucracy. $890m project so far $290m has been It is high time that Queensland started to committed to Australian firms, and now a get a fair go in arts funding from the further $350m is open to local tender. Commonwealth. Queensland remains the Mr Borbidge interjected. State that receives the lowest per capita Mr ELDER: The Opposition talks; we act. funding in arts from the Australia Council. Queensland remains the State which receives Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the Attorney- the lowest per capita funding from the General. Commonwealth in terms of orchestral services. Mr Borbidge interjected. This demonstrates that that is not accidental. It demonstrates that there is a systematic neglect of Queensland and of Queensland art. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT There are two aspects of that which Australia Council; The Arts should cause all Australians deep concern. Hon. M. J. FOLEY (Yeronga—ALP) Firstly, there is the inequity of it, that is, that it (Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and is simply unfair that 3.5 million Australians Minister for The Arts) (9.49 a.m.), by leave: should receive systematically unfair treatment "Our Glad" does not seem so glad this in the manner that we do in relation to morning. Commonwealth arts funding. But the other Yesterday the Prime Minister launched a area that should cause concern to anybody strategy to increase involvement in the arts, genuinely interested in promoting the value of and I table for the benefit of honourable the arts is the cultural impoverishment which members a copy of the press release from the this sort of thinking generates. One of the Australia Council, together with the great strengths of Australian culture is its membership of a steering committee regional diversity, the fact that the world does dedicated to promoting the value of the arts not look the same in Longreach, Cloncurry and strategy. This worthy goal is one that I am sure Cairns as it does in the cafes of Double Bay. would be welcomed by all honourable Since raising this matter yesterday members of the House. evening with the Australia Council and with the The Australia Council's research report Federal Arts Minister, I am told by the general Australians and the Arts: What do the arts manager of the Australia Council that they are mean to Australians? was formally unveiled by willing to have Queenslanders nominated for the Prime Minister, and it reflected important this council. If the Prime Minister believes that research undertaken on behalf of the Australia this is the way to launch a strategy to increase Council. The Prime Minister also announced a involvement in the arts, let him come to 23-member steering committee to respond to Queensland and do it here. recommendations of the Australia Council's report. The committee is drawn from media, business, arts and sport—it includes comedian MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Greig Pickhaver, also known as H. G. Nelson, Goods and Services Tax and sportswoman Jane Flemming—to advise Hon. T. McGRADY (Mount Isa—ALP) the council on strategies to promote and (Minister for Mines and Energy and Minister expand the reach of the arts. Assisting the Deputy Premier on Regional There are 23 members of that steering Development) (9.54 a.m.), by leave: In recent committee selected by the Australia Council times there has been a growing awareness of with the aim of increasing involvement in the the severe impacts of the GST on all arts, and there is one characteristic which they Australians as the deadline draws close. This all share, one characteristic which new coalition tax will have an immediate characterises the approach to the arts adopted impact on all facets of our lives. Services such by the Australia Council in this matter, and that as electricity and gas, which are essential is that none of the 23 members of the steering services, are not exempt from this tax, and the committee live in Queensland. It is a pretty electricity and gas retailers are obliged to extraordinary way to increase involvement in charge the coalition Government's goods and the arts to revert to the Brisbane line strategy services tax of 10% on top of electricity and and abandon a commitment to the gas prices. 1854 Ministerial Statement 22 Jun 2000

The much-touted savings from the MINISTERIAL STATEMENT abolition of other taxes, such as wholesale sales tax, do not amount to much. In fact, that Road Safety Advertisement saving amounts to about 0.2%, which means Hon. S. D. BREDHAUER (Cook—ALP) that most services bills will rise by about 9.8% (Minister for Transport and Minister for Main after 1 July. This means, for example, that Roads) (9.58 a.m.), by leave: Today I will be most quarterly electricity bills will rise by about launching a new television road safety $15 to $20 every three months because of the advertisement that focuses on the dangers of coalition's GST. This GST is going to cost speeding. Excessive speed is a major people extra from the cradle to the grave. contributing factor in about 20% of fatal Increased electricity prices will affect crashes, or approximately 70 fatalities per everybody, but they will be felt particularly by year, in Queensland. Speeding also battlers, who are not trying to indulge in any contributes to numerous crashes involving luxuries but who are simply trying to go about serious injury and increases the severity of their everyday lives. Every time the kids take a crashes caused by other factors. shower the hot water will cost nearly 10% The new advertisement shows the tragic more. The expression "go and take a cold consequences of speeding by just 10 or 15 shower" will be on the tip of every parent's kilometres over the limit. The message is, tongue. Are we going to see people installing "That's too fast for the unexpected". Too many their own timers in the bathroom with mum motorists think that it is safe to drive just a little and dad ready to chase their teenagers out of above the speed limit. They may not even see the shower once their time is up? Cold baked it as speeding. They believe—falsely—that beans for lunch and cold fish and chips for their superior driving skills allow them to drive dinner could become part of the Australian fast without risking their own life or the lives of staple diet. In a cold snap it will cost 10% more their passengers. Sadly, this simply is not true. to turn the heater on. Are we going to see the There is no such thing as safe speeding. return of the old copper in the backyard—and that is no reflection on the police officers of this The New South Wales Roads and Traffic State. It will be costing nearly 10% more for Authority has allowed Queensland to use the people just to live. There are still unknowns advertisement, resulting in substantial savings involved in relation to these compulsory price in production costs. The RTA says that this rises on industry and business because of commercial resulted in 96% awareness levels downstream effects. I find it astonishing that amongst the target audience of 17 to 24 year those opposite would support this impost on old male drivers. In NSW, the percentage of the community. speeding drivers under 26 who were involved A few weeks ago we announced the first in fatal speed-related crashes dropped from increase to the State's uniform tariffs in six more than 61% in 1995 to below 38% in 1999. years. It was a reasonable, responsible Therefore, we hope to gain significant results adjustment of just 3%—an adjustment that here in Queensland. The ad is part of a ensures that our Statewide uniform tariff is $400,000 television campaign which will maintained so that people are not appear from 25 June until 20 August. This is disadvantaged by having to pay higher part of our overall Speed Management electricity prices simply because they happen Strategy. Some key success factors in the to live in Cloncurry, Cairns or indeed have the strategy which members will be familiar with privilege of living in Mount Isa rather than in include the introduction of speed cameras in Brisbane. There had been no increase for six 1997 and the adoption of a 50 km/h speed years. During those years there had been a limit in local streets in south-east Queensland total increase in the CPI of nearly 15%. In in March 1999. effect, there was a 15% reduction in electricity Estimates indicate that the Speed prices in real terms over that period. Even after Management Strategy could save as many as the tariff adjustment, our Queensland 100 lives per year. Independent research electricity tariff prices remain among the shows that reductions in the Queensland road cheapest in the country. toll in 1997 and 1998 flowed from the Those opposite tried to paint this 3% tariff introduction of speed cameras in 1997. In adjustment as a massive impost on 1998 alone, there were 81 fewer fatalities and Queenslanders. In reality it was about $1.60 a 439 fewer people hospitalised as a result of month. That is why I am amazed at the outcry the Speed Management Strategy. Most from those opposite. This GST is a disaster, recently, Queensland Transport and the and this State coalition stands condemned in Queensland Police Service have aimed to the eyes of all Queenslanders for its support of reduce speed-related crashes in Queensland it. by expanding speed camera sites onto local 22 Jun 2000 Ministerial Statement 1855 government roads to make these roads safer activity post GST. If the New Zealand as well. We are using a wider variety of experience is any guide, we can expect this to vehicles to house speed camera units. These translate into a number of business failures. initiatives will ensure the continued success of The hike in interest rates will also be a big the "anywhere, anytime" approach to speed determinant. There have been four rate rises enforcement. in the last six months. This means that home The recent year 2000 Queensland Road owners with the average Australian home loan Safety Summit, which involved local of $139,000 are now paying an extra $116 a government, community and the Queensland month in repayments. Home lending continues Government, also recommended that we to plunge and has dropped nearly 20% over investigate roll-out of the 50 km/h lower local the seven months from October 1999 to April speed limit in regional areas based on its 2000. Industry experts are claiming the rate success in south-east Queensland. This will be hikes are themselves GST related. The rate a project for Queensland Transport in the hikes are having a dual negative effect on forthcoming 12 months. Through these investor confidence and are killing off the last strategies, active enforcement and public days of the pre-GST boom for industry players. education, we aim to reduce the number of Building delays brought about by a people who die on our roads as a result of shortage of materials and skilled labour have speed. driven up prices and have stopped the flow of vital progress payments to many cash- strapped companies. The mass exodus of key MINISTERIAL STATEMENT tradespersons to Sydney to cash in on Impact of GST on Building Industry Olympic projects has compounded the Hon. J. C. SPENCE (Mount Gravatt— problem. For example, Sydney bricklayers are ALP) (Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait getting $1 a brick while in Brisbane the going Islander Policy and Minister for Women's rate is 65c. Another major factor facing the Policy and Minister for Fair Trading) industry is oversupply of new houses. Some of (10.01 a.m.), by leave: During the last sitting of the larger builders in Queensland are reported Parliament I informed the House of the to have suffered sales reductions of 40%. collapse of Designer Steel Homes, a Because everyone has, naturally enough, Queensland-based building company. The been obsessed with beating the GST, we have building and construction industry has made a witnessed an artificial boom as people brought tremendous contribution to the State's projects forward. economy and is one of Queensland's leading For the industry, this GST is a glut supply market indicators and the State's fifth largest trauma. After 1 July we will see a downtown employer. The collapse of companies such as with the new homes market oversupplied. It will Designer Steel Homes should in no way instil a take considerable time before the market and lack of confidence in the building industry. interstate migration rates absorb this glut. As As part of the Queensland Government's well, pre-existing homes will become more Better Building Reforms introduced in October attractive to investors because there will not be 1999, measures are now in place to reduce any GST attached. The new Federal first home the risk of builders falling over because they owners grants will only compound the woes of grew too big too soon and perhaps did not the building industry. These grants are likely to have a sufficient financial base from which to be taken up by people buying pre-existing manage that growth. As a result of our houses, as the market for these will take some reforms, reforms which significantly time to catch up to the GST-induced sudden strengthened the financial requirements for price hike in the new house market. licensing, Queensland builders must now link Cash flow management will be another their turnover to their net tangible assets at problem, particularly for subcontractors and each annual renewal date. There are of course also for those facing long construction delays other safeguards that will go some way who have failed to place BSA approved cost- towards offering protection to Queensland escalation clauses in contracts that span pre builders, subcontractors and consumers in the and post GST. Many clients are refusing to wake of further building collapses. honour GST payments, again posing a further While it would be reckless to destabilise strain on the home building sector, which is confidence in the State's building industry, already threatened by a significant downturn in there are indications that Designer Steel activity. There is general agreement that the Homes will not be the last company to fold in wider building industry is not well equipped to this State. Leading industry forecaster BIS deal with the GST and some sectors of the Schrapnel predicts a 20% drop in building accounting profession fear that the first few 1856 Ministerial Statement 22 Jun 2000 months of the 2001 calender year will see subscribers cannot attempt to reap the many companies in financial strife. potential rewards of e-commerce. Users I have painted a bleak picture, but at the cannot even run a web browser with anything end of the day when companies do start falling less than 28.8 kilobits per second. This is not over due to GST and other tax good enough. measures—interest rate hikes, material and Mr Stephan: What does that mean? labour shortages, a glut of new buildings, Mr PALASZCZUK: Fancy the member inflation and the fall of the Australian dollar— asking that question! The telecommunications the BSA, with its statutory insurance fund, service inquiry cannot pretend that these unlike other State schemes, will provide services are adequate for those wanting to tap affected home buyers with 100% protection into the information age. The Queensland against builder failure. This was evidenced Government believes that, within the next again last year when $11.6m was paid out and couple of years, the standard of service people 98% of claimants were fully compensated will need is broadband. This is the service level against loss. Also, the Queensland scheme required to run interactive video and, in offers rental assistance to consumers forced to technical terms, requires 200 kilobits per rent while their house is being completed. Last second. Contrast this to the fact that 55%, that but not least, any GST blow-out price is, more than half of rural Queensland, has increases over and above the original contract only 14.4 kilobits per second. Members can price will be fully reimbursed under the BSA see how much of an upgrade is required. scheme. Telstra's Customer Service Guarantee is simply not being met. We must get the message MINISTERIAL STATEMENT across to the telecommunications service inquiry that a major infrastructure upgrade is Telecommunications Inquiry necessary to enable people in rural and Hon. H. PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) remote areas to join the information age. (Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Communities) (10.07 a.m.), by leave: Today I want to address the issue of MINISTERIAL STATEMENT telecommunication services in rural and Tourism remote areas of this State. This week, the Federal Government's telecommunications Hon. M. ROSE (Currumbin—ALP) service inquiry is in Queensland. This is our (Minister for Tourism and Racing) (10.10 a.m.), chance to register the woefully inadequate by leave: Four Queensland destinations are level of services experienced west of the Great among Australia's top 10 for domestic visitor Divide. Today and tomorrow at Mount Isa the expenditure, according to the latest Bureau of inquiry will hear the concerns of our Tourism Research statistics. The Tourism Queensland Rural Ministerial Advisory Council. Expenditure by Domestic Visitors in Regional Areas Survey for 1998 found Brisbane, the There has been a lot of talk about e- Gold and Sunshine Coasts and tropical north commerce and the world wide web, but this Queensland were ranked in the top 10 regions means nothing if potential users do not have in terms of expenditure by Australians the level of service required to access these travelling within their own country. tools. The speed of transfer of data is a crucial issue. It is also one that is not addressed by In 1998 Australians spent $43 billion on Telstra's Customer Service Guarantee. It has travel within Australia, comprising $10.2 billion been estimated by the Australian on day trips and $32.8 billion on overnight Communications Authority that 30% of rural trips. Of this amount, $10.3 billion, or 24% of subscribers, compared with 5% of urban all expenditure, was spent in Queensland, subscribers, have only basic data transfer rates placing our State ahead of all but New South of 9.6 kilobits per second. This means a third Wales. This proves that the marketing of rural users are excluded from any strategies and product development initiatives meaningful Internet access because the best Queensland's tourism industry is employing they can do is send and receive short text- are hitting the mark and that we remain based email messages. On the next step up in Australia's number one holiday destination. service to 14.4 kilobits per second, 55% of The research is broken into two sections: rural subscribers, compared with 15% of urban daytrippers, that is, those who travelled in a subscribers, still do not have enough speed to round trip of at least 50 kilometres and were access the world wide web. away from home for at least four hours but not Put another way and based on current overnight; and overnight visitors, that is, those services, more than half of our rural who stayed away from home for at least one 22 Jun 2000 Budget Estimates 2000-01 1857 night at a place at least 40 kilometres from "That so much of the Standing and home. Sessional Orders be suspended as to Daytrippers spent an average of $67 per enable the Children Services Tribunal Bill day on items such as shopping, gifts and and the Commission For Children and souvenirs, fuel and food. During 1998, 7.8 Young People Bill to be introduced and million daytrippers visited Brisbane and spent passed as cognate Bills for all of their $582m, 5 million visitors travelled to the Gold stages: Coast and spent $290m and 3.8 million visitors (a) one question being put that travelled to the Sunshine Coast and spent leave be granted to bring in the $240m. The Darling Downs was also one of Bills; the most popular daytrip destinations, with 2.2 (b) one question being put in regard million visitors spending $136m. to the first readings; Fifteen million overnight visitors spent 70 (c) one question being put in regard million nights in Queensland during 1998. to the printing of the Bills; Visitors also stayed longer in Queensland than in any other region in Australia, with the (d) one question being put in regard exception of the Northern Territory. Domestic to the second readings; visitors stayed an average of five nights in (e) the consideration of the Bills Queensland during 1998 and spent around together in Committee of the $124 per night—$12 more than the national Whole House; average. Visitors to the Great Barrier Reef (f) one question being put for the area, however, spent an average $304 per Committee's report stage; and night, which is one of the highest amounts in Australia and is great news for that region's (g) one question being put for the economy. This can be attributed to the third readings and titles." region's resort-style atmosphere, with high Motion agreed to. accommodation and airfare costs. Visitors to Queensland spent an average of $584 during their stay—well above the amount spent by BUDGET ESTIMATES 2000-01 visitors to New South Wales, who spent $349 Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH (Chatsworth— per visit, and to Victoria, who spent $330 per ALP) (Leader of the House) (10.14 a.m.), by visit. leave, without notice: I move— The statistics indicate that more visitors to "That the proposed Sessional Orders Queensland spent time in regional areas for the appointment and conduct of compared with other States. Only 22% of the Estimates Committees, as circulated in tourism dollar spent by domestic visitors in the Chamber, be agreed to: viz: Queensland was spent in Brisbane, compared ESTIMATES COMMITTEE PROCESS with 42% of New South Wales spending 2000 occurring in Sydney, 58% of Victoria's spending occurring in Melbourne and 65% of Appropriation (Parliament) Bill and South Australia's spending occurring in Appropriation Bill Adelaide. This proves that regional tourism is 1. That notwithstanding anything extremely important to this State, with most contained in the Standing Rules and domestic visitors spending both more time and Orders and Sessional Orders— more money in regional areas than is the case (1) the Budget Estimates for the 2000- for almost anywhere else in Australia. 2001 financial year for the purpose of It is important that we continue to debate in the Legislative Assembly shall encourage the development of regional be in the form of an Appropriation Bill and tourism initiatives, something Tourism an Appropriation (Parliament) Bill; Queensland and the State's 14 regional tourist organisations are constantly working towards. (2) the Appropriation Bills be introduced on Tuesday, 18 July 2000 and, following the Minister's second reading speech on CHILDREN SERVICES TRIBUNAL BILL each Bill, the second reading debate on COMMISSION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG the Appropriation Bills be resumed on PEOPLE BILL Thursday, 20 July 2000; and Cognate Debate (3) the Appropriation Bills be treated as Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH (Chatsworth— cognate Bills for their following stages— ALP) (Leader of the House) (10.13 a.m.), by (a) one question being put in regard to leave, without notice: I move— the second reading; 1858 Budget Estimates 2000-01 22 Jun 2000

(b) the consideration of the Bills together ¥ Minister for Police and Corrective in Committee of the Whole House; Services (c) one question being put for the ¥ Minister for Emergency Services Committee's report stage; and Estimates Committee C (d) one question being put for the third 6. Organisational units within the portfolios reading and titles. of the following Ministers are allocated to Appointment of Committees Estimates Committee C— 2.The following estimates committees are ¥ Minister for Public Works and Minister appointed— for Housing ¥ Estimates Committee A ¥ Minister for Transport and Minister for Main Roads ¥ Estimates Committee B Estimates Committee D ¥ Estimates Committee C 7. Organisational units within the portfolios ¥ Estimates Committee D of the following Ministers are allocated to ¥ Estimates Committee E Estimates Committee D— ¥ Estimates Committee F ¥ Minister for Health ¥ Estimates Committee G ¥ Minister for Education Role of Committees Estimates Committee E 3.(1) The proposed expenditures stated in 8. The following organisational units are the Appropriation Bill and Appropriation allocated to Estimates Committee E— (Parliament) Bill are referred to the ¥ Office of the Governor estimates committees immediately after ¥ Legislative Assembly each of the Bills has been read a second time. ¥ Queensland Audit Office ¥ Parliamentary Commissioner for (2) Estimates Committees A to D are to Administrative Investigations examine and report by no later than Monday 21 August 2000 on the proposed ¥ Criminal Justice Commission expenditures for the organisational units ¥ Department of the Premier and allocated to them. Cabinet (3) Estimates Committees E to G are to ¥ Department of State Development examine and report by no later than ¥ Treasury Department Tuesday 22 August 2000 on the proposed expenditures for the ¥ Any other organisational units within organisational units allocated to them. the portfolios of the Premier, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Estimates Committee A State Development and Minister for 4. Organisational units within the portfolios Trade and the Treasurer of the following Ministers are allocated to Estimates Committee F Estimates Committee A— 9. Organisational units within the portfolios ¥ Minister for Primary Industries and of the following Ministers are allocated to Rural Communities Estimates Committee F— ¥ Minister for Families, Youth and ¥ Minister for Employment, Training Community Care and Minister for and Industrial Relations Disability Services ¥ Minister for Mines and Energy and ¥ Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Minister Assisting the Deputy Premier Strait Islander Policy and Minister for on Regional Development Women's Policy and Minister for Fair Estimates Committee G Trading 10. Organisational units within the Estimates Committee B portfolios of the following Ministers are 5. Organisational units within the portfolios allocated to Estimates Committee G— of the following Ministers are allocated to ¥ Minister for Communication and Estimates Committee B— Information, Local Government and ¥ Attorney-General and Minister for Planning and Minister for Sport Justice and Minister for The Arts ¥ Minister for Tourism and Racing 22 Jun 2000 Budget Estimates 2000-01 1859

¥ Minister for Environment and ¥ Estimates Committee A— Heritage and Minister for Natural Ms Nelson-Carr (Chair), Messrs Resources Beanland, Goss, Musgrove, Government Owned Corporations Rowell and Wellington 11.(1) A reference to the organisational ¥ Estimates Committee B— units within the portfolio of a Minister is Mr Purcell (Chair), Mr Horan, deemed to include Government Owned Mrs Lavarch, Mr Malone, Corporations reporting to the Minister. Mrs Miller, and Mr Springborg (2) In respect of Government Owned ¥ Estimates Committee C— Corporations, a member of a committee may ask any question which the Mrs Attwood (Chair), Messrs committee determines will assist it in its Dalgleish, Johnson, Laming, examination of the relevant Appropriation Lucas and Mickel Bill or otherwise assist the committee ¥ Estimates Committee D— determine whether public funds are being Ms Struthers (Chair), Messrs efficiently spent or appropriate public Feldman, Fenlon and Quinn, guarantees are being provided. Miss Simpson and Mr Sullivan Membership of Committees ¥ Estimates Committee E— 12.(1) Each estimates committee consists Ms Boyle (Chair), Hon. R of six Members of whom three are to be Borbidge, Mrs J Cunningham, nominated by the Leader of the House Messrs Kaiser and Slack and and three by the Leader of the Dr Watson Opposition. For the purpose of these ¥ Estimates Committee F— Sessional Orders, those Members nominated by the Leader of the House Mr Mulherin (Chair), Mrs E are called Government Members and Cunningham, Messrs Roberts those Members nominated by the Leader and Seeney, Mrs Sheldon and of the Opposition are called Non- Mr Wilson Government Members. ¥ Estimates Committee G— (2) The chair of each committee is to be a Mr Reeves(Chair), Messrs Healy Government Member nominated by the and Hobbs, Hon. V Lester, Leader of the House. Messrs Pearce and Pitt (3) The committee is to elect a deputy Illness or inability to attend chair, who is a Non-Government Member. 15.(1) In the case of illness or inability to Dates for Hearings attend by a member of an estimates committee, where the member is a 13. The estimates committees are to Government Member, the Leader of the meet to hear evidence in accordance with House may appoint another Member to the following schedule— attend that committee and where the ¥ Estimates Committee A—Tuesday 1 member is a Non-Government Member, August 2000 the Leader of the Opposition may appoint ¥ Estimates Committee B— another Member to attend that Wednesday 2 August 2000 committee. ¥ Estimates Committee C—Thursday 3 (2) Where a Member is appointed in August 2000 accordance with (1) above, that Member ¥ Estimates Committee D—Friday 4 has all the rights of the Member replaced. August 2000 (3) Where the member of the committee who is replaced is the chair, the Leader of ¥ Estimates Committee E—Tuesday 8 the House may appoint another Member August 2000 to be chair. ¥ Estimates Committee F— When committees may meet Wednesday 9 August 2000 16.(1) Estimates committees may meet ¥ Estimates Committee G—Thursday whether the House is sitting or adjourned. 10 August 2000 (2) Where a committee meets whilst the Committee Membership House is sitting, the meeting of the 14. Members be appointed to estimates committee must take place within the committees as follows— parliamentary precinct. 1860 Budget Estimates 2000-01 22 Jun 2000

Open hearings 22. In an estimates committee hearing 17. Hearings of an estimates committee about proposed expenditure for an are open to the public unless the organisational unit other than the committee otherwise orders. Legislative Assembly— Presiding Member (a) the responsible Minister is to be present at all times and may have 18.(1) The chair of an estimates advisers present to assist; committee presides at all committee proceedings at which the chair is present. (b) a committee member may ask the Minister questions; (2) If the chair is not present at a committee proceeding and the Leader of (c) a Member who is not a member of the House has not appointed another the estimates committee may, with person to be chair, the committee's the committee's leave, ask the deputy chair presides. Minister questions; (3) If both the chair and deputy chair of a (d) advisers may answer questions committee are not present at a committee referred to them by the Minister; and proceeding, the committee member (e) subject to the above provisions, a chosen by the committee members Member may ask any question which present at the proceeding presides. the committee determines will assist Quorum and voting at proceedings it in its examination of the Appropriation Bill . 19. At a proceeding of an estimates committee— General hearing procedure—Legislative Assembly (a) four committee members form a quorum; 23. In an estimates committee hearing about proposed expenditure for the (b) a question is decided by a majority of Legislative Assembly— the votes of the committee members present and voting; and (a) Mr Speaker is to be present at all times and may have advisers present (c) each committee member present to assist him; and has a vote on each question to be decided and, if the votes are equal, (b) a committee member may ask Mr the presiding member also has a Speaker questions; and casting vote. (c) a Member who is not a committee Sub-committees member may, with the committee's leave, ask Mr Speaker questions; 20. Estimates committees may not and delegate any of their powers to sub- committees. (d) advisers may answer questions referred them by Mr Speaker; and Opening hearing procedure (e) subject to the above provisions, a 21.(1) In an estimates committee hearing Member may ask any question which about proposed expenditure— the committee determines will assist (a) the presiding member is to call over it in its examination of the the estimates about the proposed Appropriation (Parliament) Bill. expenditure and declare the Notice of examination in detail proposed expenditure open for examination; and 24.(1) A committee may advise a Minister or Mr Speaker prior to the hearing of its (b) the presiding member is to put the intention to examine a proposed question 'That the proposed expenditure in detail. expenditure be agreed to'. (2) In response to notice of the type (2) Unless the committee determines expressed in (1) above, the Minister or Mr otherwise, the Minister or Mr Speaker may Speaker should ensure that appropriate make an opening statement lasting up to advisers are available to assist the five minutes. This may be extended with Minister or Mr Speaker to answer the committee's leave. committee questions. General hearing procedure— (3) It is a matter for the Minister or Mr organisational unit other than Legislative Speaker as to which advisers attend the Assembly hearing. 22 Jun 2000 Budget Estimates 2000-01 1861

Time for questions and answers in a Questions taken on notice at the hearing hearing and additional information 25. In an estimates committee hearing— 27.(1) A Minister or Mr Speaker may, at (a) questions must be no longer than their discretion, tell an estimates one minute; committee at the hearing that an answer (b) unless the member asking the to a question, or part of a question, asked question otherwise agrees, answers of them will be provided later to the must be no longer than three committee. minutes; (2) A Minister or Mr Speaker, at their (c) where a member agrees to an discretion, may also give the committee extension of time for an answer in additional information about an answer accordance with (b) above, further given by them or on their behalf. extensions of time must be agreed to (3) The answer or additional information— by the presiding member after every (a) is to be written; interval of two minutes has elapsed; (b) is to be given by a time decided by (d) the presiding member is to ensure the committee; the fair allocation of time available for questions and answers and ensure (c) is taken to be part of the proceedings that at least half the time available of the Parliament; for questions and answers in respect (d) may be included in a volume of of each organisational unit is additional information to be laid on allocated to Non-Government the Table of the House by the members; and committee; and (e) any time expended when (e) may be authorised for publication by committees deliberate in private is to the committee prior to the material be equally apportioned between being tabled in the House. Government and Non-Government (4) A Minister or Mr Speaker may decline Members. to answer a question in which case the Questions on notice prior to the hearings committee may report that fact in its 26.(1) Members of an estimates report. committee may, at a reasonable time Availability of Hansard and tabled prior to public hearings, put a combined documents total of twenty questions on notice to each Minister and to Mr Speaker; and 28.(1) The Chief Hansard Reporter is authorised to release the Hansard of a (2) Of the questions referred to in (1) committee hearing as it becomes above, at least ten questions are to be available, subject to any other express allocated to non-Government members. direction of the committee. (3) The Minister or Mr Speaker shall (2) Any document tabled at the hearing, provide answers to the questions referred by the leave of the committee, is deemed to in (1) above, at least twenty-four hours to be authorised for release by the prior to the hearing. committee unless the committee (4) The chair shall ensure that the expressly orders otherwise. questions referred to in (1) above, do not Power of the chair to order withdrawal of a place unreasonably onerous research disorderly Member requirements on an organisational unit and are not unnecessarily complex. 29.(1) At an estimates committee hearing, the chair may, after a warning, order any (5) Each question referred to in (1) above, Member whose conduct in their opinion is not to contain sub-parts or to in effect continues to be grossly disorderly or ask more than one question. disruptive to withdraw for a stated period. (6) The Minister or Mr Speaker may refuse to answer questions which place (2) A Member ordered to withdraw in unreasonable research requirements on accordance with (1) above shall their portfolios or are unnecessarily immediately withdraw for the stated complex. period. (7) All answers to questions on notice Committee hearing—sitting times shall be in writing unless the committee 30. Estimates committee hearings are to otherwise allows. be held within the times 8.30am and 1862 Budget Estimates 2000-01 22 Jun 2000

7.30pm on the day or days allocated. (4) One whole sitting day must elapse However, a committee shall hold no more between the committee's report being than a total of nine hours of hearings. tabled and its consideration in Committee Estimates committee must report of the Whole House. (5) The Committee of the Whole House 31.(1) An estimates committee must must complete the consideration of the make a report at the end of its reports by no later than Thursday, deliberations. 24 August 2000. (2) However, Estimates Committee E Tabling and consideration of report— must make two reports, that is, one for Appropriation (Parliament) Bill the Legislative Assembly and another for the other organisational units allocated to 35.(1) The chair of Estimates it. Committee E must lay the committee's report on the proposed expenditures (3) Reports by all estimates committees stated in the Appropriation (Parliament) may be bound and published in one or Bill on the Table of the House. more volumes. (2) To remove any doubt, it is declared Content of report that the chair of Estimates Committee E is 32.(1) An estimates committee's report deemed to have satisfied the must state whether the proposed requirements of (1) if the chair presents expenditures referred to it are agreed to. the committee's report, minutes and any other additional information with The Clerk (2) A reservation or dissenting report by a when the House is not sitting in committee member may be added to the accordance with Standing Order 201 and committee's report after it is adopted by the report is deemed to have been tabled the committee. on the date it is presented to The Clerk. Effect of failure to report (3) The report is to be received by the Legislative Assembly without debate and 33. If an estimates committee does not its consideration deferred until the report on all of the proposed expenditures consideration of the Bill in Committee of referred to it, the committee is taken to the Whole House. have made a report agreeing to the proposed expenditures that it does not (4) One whole sitting day must elapse report on. between the committee's report being tabled and its consideration in Committee Tabling and consideration of reports— of the Whole House. Appropriation Bill (5) The Committee of the Whole House 34.(1) The chair of each estimates must complete the consideration of the committee must lay their committee's report by no later than Thursday, report on the proposed expenditures 24 August 2000. stated in the Appropriation Bill on the Effect of consideration in Committee of Table of the House together with the the Whole House minutes of their committee's meetings and any other additional information 36. Consideration of an estimates which the committee agrees to table. committee's report in Committee of the Whole House is taken to be consideration (2) To remove any doubt, it is declared of the provisions of the Appropriation Bill that the chair of each estimates or Appropriation (Parliament) Bill so far as committee is deemed to have satisfied the provisions authorise the proposed the requirements of (1) if they present the expenditures referred to the estimates committee's report, minutes and any committee. other additional information with The Clerk when the House is not sitting in Procedure in Committee of the Whole accordance with Standing Order 201 and House the report is deemed to have been tabled 37. In Committee of the Whole House, for on the date it is presented to The Clerk. each estimates committee— (3) The report is to be received by the (a) the Chairman of Committees must Legislative Assembly without debate and put the question 'That the report of its consideration deferred until the be adopted'; consideration of the Bill in Committee of (b) a Member may speak for no longer the Whole House. than five minutes on the question; 22 Jun 2000 Private Members' Statements 1863

(c) in reply to the debate each Mr SPEAKER: Order! We do have a Bill responsible Minister may speak for before the House that will be debated. no longer than five minutes; and Mr MACKENROTH: Can I ask that that a (d) the debate is to continue for no check be made as to whether it is appropriate longer than sixty minutes. to debate that motion with that Bill before the House? I think we need to check that. If it is Receipt of material by nominated officers not appropriate, we will not have a motion for of the Leader of the House and Leader of tonight. the Opposition Mr KNUTH: The motion has no relevance 38. Unless a committee otherwise to the Bill. expressly orders, or a Minister or Mr Speaker has requested confidentiality, its Mr SPEAKER: Order! I will get the Clerk to research director is authorised to release have a look at it and we will come back to you. copies of the following documents as they Mr BORBIDGE: Just in case that motion become available to an officer from the falls over, I give notice that— offices of the Leader of the House and Mr MACKENROTH: If it does, we will give Leader of the Opposition— the opportunity to give notice of a motion. ¥ the committee's pre-hearing Mr BORBIDGE: Fine. questions on notice; ¥ questions taken on notice by Ministers or Mr Speaker during its PRIVATE MEMBERS' STATEMENTS hearing; Hospital Waste ¥ responses from Ministers or Mr Miss SIMPSON (Maroochydore—NPA) Speaker to the committee's pre- (10.16 a.m.): I am seeking answers from the hearing questions on notice and Health Minister about a serious and disgusting questions taken on notice during its situation in the Fraser Coast area caused by hearing; and Queensland Health penny pinching. Health Minister Wendy Edmond needs to explain ¥ additional information provided by whether she is aware of the problem of a Ministers or Mr Speaker to significant portion of untreated theatre waste supplement answers given by them, from the Maryborough and Hervey Bay or on their behalf, at the committee's Hospitals continuing to be dumped at local hearing. council tips as landfill, rather than being Application of Standing Rules and Orders autoclaved or incinerated. and practice This potentially infectious theatre waste 39.(1) The Standing Rules and Orders, has been collected and transported through Sessional Orders, other orders and Hervey Bay in normal garbage trucks, which practice of the Legislative Assembly also may leak, rather than in medical waste apply to estimates committees and to disposal vehicles. I will not outline the full array Committee of the Whole House acting of materials this involves, but it does include under these orders. blood-soaked dressings and some discarded internal organs. I understand that the material (2) However, if there is an inconsistency is dumped at local tips and, while soil may on some matter, these orders prevail." eventually be placed on top, I note with Motion agreed to. concern that wildlife, be they rats or seagulls, are obviously frequent visitors with potential to spread contagion. NOTICE OF MOTION I do not think these Fraser Coast Sugar Industry communities would find such hygiene Mr KNUTH (Burdekin—CCAQ) standards acceptable when most other (10.15 a.m.): I give notice that I will move— regional and metropolitan hospitals have theatre waste material properly disposed of. "That this Parliament instructs the Indeed, Queenslanders want to know that the Minister for Primary Industries to revoke department charged with improving public the ministerial direction implementing health is not in fact threatening public health export parity pricing in the Queensland when it looks for ways to come in on budget. sugar industry." This matter needs to be investigated and Mr MACKENROTH: That Bill is before the the practice of inappropriately dumping theatre House, I believe. waste stopped. However, there must be 1864 Private Members' Statements 22 Jun 2000 rigorous scrutiny of the waste disposal arrive at the clinic between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. contracts that Queensland Health has signed, to get a prominent position in the queue that is the standards it has or has not specified and forming outside the clinic at that time. The the monitoring of these contracts. I am calling queue quite regularly extends to some 30 to on the Health Minister to investigate the matter 40 people, and in one letter that I have and to explain how the Health Department received a resident stated that the queue was could allow public health to be threatened. some 70 people in length when he arrived some 15 minutes prior to the suggested opening time of the clinic at 7.45 a.m. Member for Clayfield I have had requests for a toilet facility to Mr KAISER (Woodridge—ALP) be made available outside the clinic for those (10.18 a.m.): The public's cynicism about elderly and incontinent patients who attend to politics and politicians is a concern to us all. have emergency treatment performed at the This cynicism is driven in part by the public's clinic and know that they have to arrive perception that we take opposing views for the sometimes at 6 a.m. or miss the call for their sake of it. For that reason it is important for us treatment. to look for opportunities to offer bipartisan support whenever possible. To my despair, I wish I could say that I am joking but, since my election I have found little opportunity tragically, I am not. I have with me a sample of to do so. many letters of complaint that I have received with respect to this service, and I will table Recently the Leader of the Liberal Party those letters with the permission of the House. said something which I thought I might be able I seek that permission now. to agree with. He described the member for Clayfield as an "ego-driven prima donna". But I Leave granted. was not going to offer my support lightly, Mr FELDMAN: These letters indicate without researching the topic further. Figuring queues of up to 70 people having to attend at that the real test would be to see how the 6 a.m. or earlier to get a prominent spot in the member for Clayfield handled praise of others, queue. They speak of being told of 33-month I turned to the Hansard debate regarding the waiting lists, of 1,668 people being on the nomination of George Brandis to the Senate. I waiting list ahead of them, being told that was shocked by what I found. rotting teeth are not a priority, and only if they In a speech supposedly about someone are in agony with toothache—and very much else that took up eight columns of Hansard, in agony—is it regarded as an emergency. one column quoted Brandis verbatim and five I am asking the Minister what she can do columns were about the member for to improve this facility, to increase the staffing, Clayfield—this speech was supposedly about to cut the waiting lists and to help these poor someone else—leaving only two columns battlers who are queuing at the service. One about his friend George. letter states— Not satisfied with a superficial study, I "I have one special complaint, there decided to look deeper. On further analysis of are no toilet facilities open in the area the speech, which was supposedly about prior to 7.45 a.m. This causes me at least someone else, I found that the member for no doubt some others some difficulty, due Clayfield used the personal pronoun "I" no to a problem I have, which causes severe fewer than 62 times. That is an average of one (incontinence). The failure to retain water "I" every 19 seconds. At last I have an issue for any great period of time is an on which I can agree with my opponents. In embarrassment. Especially when you the spirit of bipartisanship, let the record show have to queue for several hours. It then that on this issue I agree with the Leader of comes down to having to seek toilet the Liberal Party. facilities"—— Time expired. Caboolture Oral Health Clinic Mr FELDMAN (Caboolture—CCAQ) Reconciliation (10.19 a.m.): I rise in the House today to Mr REEVES (Mansfield—ALP) inform the Minister for Health of a growing (10.21 a.m.): As a person who was born and crisis at the Redcliffe and Caboolture Health bred in Brisbane, never have I been prouder to Service, in particular the Caboolture Oral be from this city than on 4 June. To have over Health Clinic. I wish to inform the Minister that 50,000 Queenslanders marching as one for it is not irregular for Caboolture and Bribie reconciliation in central Brisbane was Island residents attending the clinic to have to something that I and many others will never 22 Jun 2000 Private Members' Statements 1865 forget. It was truly the day in our history that Condamine/Balonne basin who have attended we as a city and State demonstrated that we water allocation management plan meetings have grown up. What many others have that have been held throughout the basin over thought of our State in the past will be exactly the past three days. The language used to that: their past view of Queensland. describe the Minister's plan is unparliamentary, The Saturday before, Dr Evelyn Scott in but suffice to say to Mr Welford and Mr Sydney had a simple message: will you take Beattie: thanks for the kick in the guts. They our hand? Will you share our dream? More have delivered a water allocation management than 50,000 Queenslanders overwhelmingly plan that will reduce the viability of the towns, said, "Yes, yes." The majority of marchers the businesses, the farms and the regions, were ordinary Australians with children in tow, and this Government's catchcry of "jobs, jobs, babies in strollers, the family dog, people from jobs" is now referred to as "lies, lies and more all ethnic origins, each marching for different lies". What the Premier and the Minister have reasons but a common goal: to have a nation not done is reduce the ability of those people which is unified and is big enough to say sorry to fight back, and they are and they will. for our past wrongs. I attended two meetings at St George The next day the Courier-Mail ran a story and Dirranbandi, both standing room only, and on the front page regarding the great event, they unanimously rejected the Government's and I was proud to read a quote from a retired deceitful document. The WAMP proposes to bank manager and his wife from my reduce some existing licences by 70%. Millions electorate. Lex Hutton, 74, and his wife Jean, of dollars worth of contracts have been put on 72, of Mansfield said they and their family hold, and some have been cancelled. The marched because it was time for equality for work force faces uncertainty. The WAMP was Aborigines. They said, "It is time everybody released without the essential component of a was treated equally." social and economic study being completed, a requirement of the COAG water reform This march and the one the week before process. The Minister has thrown four years of in Sydney marked the turning point in the planning down the drain because he tried to reconciliation process. It is when the people of manipulate the outcome to suit his our nation took over the process from our environmental aims. leaders. Why? Because our leaders, particularly our Federal leaders, have I will read a resolution that was carried at demonstrated their lack of heart and general a meeting in St George— desire for reconciliation. The only "Due to the total lack of integrity and disappointment for me and for many other accuracy of all phases of the current Queenslanders was that not all of our State WAMP process, including: leaders were present. Why? As the Courier- The deficiencies of the Technical Mail article said, David Watson said that he did Advisory Panel's environmental not march because he never takes part in report, marches. The article stated— The non-existence of accompanying "Thus, it appears that he has let a social and economic impact rather minor principle hide a far more assessments, important principle. One suspects the perception remains that while the Libs are The inappropriate consultative busy squabbling over three-cornered process through the community and contests, Senate vacancies and the Community Reference Panel, preselections, they are AWOL on the big- That the severity of the impacts on St ticket issues." George's community and future have 4 June will be forever remembered by me, been inexcusably underestimated, and it is something that I will be able to tell That we totally and unequivocally many people about in the future. It was the reject the Draft Water Allocation day that our city and State grew up. We took Management Plan." our indigenous friends' hands and showed that The Minister is more interested in we want to share their dreams. increasing the environmental flow for the Time expired. Greens over the New South Wales border—which, I might add, is already at high levels—than looking after Queenslanders. He Condamine/Balonne Basin WAMP is incompetent, he is anti-rural, he is anti- Mr HOBBS (Warrego—NPA) (10.23 a.m.): Queensland. I carry a message from the people of the Time expired. 1866 Private Members' Statements 22 Jun 2000

Families, Youth and Community Care In response to the announcement of Department Mrs Barbara Harwood of the Rockhampton Ms BOYLE (Cairns—ALP) (10.25 a.m.): I and District Promotion and Development was amazed to hear the member for Association as Rockhampton's Queenslander Indooroopilly, Denver Beanland, in a speech to of the Year, the Minister criticised this this House on Tuesday night, criticise the recognition of her hard work. Minister for Families, Youth and Community Mr SCHWARTEN: I rise to a point of Care, Anna Bligh, for creating a new position order. It is untrue, it is offensive and I ask that of regional director for the Cairns area in the it be withdrawn. Department of Families, Youth and Mr DAVIDSON: I will withdraw whatever Community Care. the Minister finds offensive. As for While it may have been appropriate 15 or Mrs Harwood—— 20 years ago, when Cairns was a much Mr SCHWARTEN: Just to explain to the smaller town, for Government departments to honourable member, what I find offensive is have their north Queensland headquarters in his remark that I attacked Barbara Harwood. Townsville and for Cairns Government offices That is untrue. to be subordinate to Townsville, this is no longer so, and the people of Cairns know that. Mr DAVIDSON: As for Mrs Harwood, Through rapid growth, through an increasingly whom I got to know through my time as the obviously different socioeconomic profile Minister for Tourism, she can only be between the Townsville region and the Cairns described as an extremely hardworking and region, these offices now, quite appropriately, dedicated member of the Rockhampton should report direct to Brisbane, not as community who continues to work over and subordinate offices to Townsville. above any remuneration which she receives. This is a belief also supported by Ms Andrea I am so pleased to say that, since this O'Connor, who nominated Mrs Harwood for Government was elected, at least five the award and commented that Mrs Harwood Government departments that previously had works seven days a week, puts in 500% for their reporting arrangements via Townsville Rockhampton all the time and never does have changed, and there are now regional anything by halves, a statement which I directors based in the Cairns area. My wholeheartedly support. Yet Minister compliments, therefore, to Anna Bligh for the Schwarten said that the award should have recent creation of the position of regional gone to someone in recognition of their director for the Department of Families, Youth community service rather than someone who, and Community Care in Cairns. in his words, got paid to do a job. If one were The member for Indooroopilly's criticism of to apply this very same logic of this bitter and the creation of this position, however, is the twisted Minister—— more breathtaking if members care to recall Mr SCHWARTEN: I rise to a point of that under the Borbidge Government there order. I congratulated Barbara Harwood on her was an office of that department established in appointment. I talked about awards generally. Cairns—not for the department, not for a Mr SPEAKER: There is no point of order. regional director, not in fact for any services to be delivered, but for the Parliamentary Mr DAVIDSON:—one would have to Secretary to the Minister for Families, Youth question why he has presented various awards and Community Care, who was at that time to the hardworking staff of his department Naomi Wilson. That office cost over $2,000 in during his turbulent time as Minister. rent per month in the City of Cairns. I have known Barbara Harwood for some Time expired. time. When I was Minister for Tourism, she came to Brisbane many times to see me and have meetings with me. Every time I went to Mrs B. Harwood Rockhampton, she requested meetings with Mr DAVIDSON (Noosa—LP) (10.27 a.m.): me. She has been the champion of the I wish to bring to the attention of the House yet tourism industry in Rockhampton for many, another cowardly attack on a member of the many years. She is well regarded and well general public by the Minister for Public Works respected as a tourism representative from and Minister for Housing. In yet another Rockhampton. I cannot believe that Mr demonstration of his thuggery, Minister Schwarten, as a Minister of the Government, Schwarten has come out and publicly attacked would criticise Mrs Harwood's—— the Rockhampton Queenslander of the Year. Time expired. 22 Jun 2000 Questions Without Notice 1867

Mr SPEAKER: Before commencing various stakeholders, including Agforce. Where question time, I wish to extend the sympathy is the member for Burnett? I attended an of all honourable members of this House to informal Agforce reception and I had informal the honourable member for Keppel and his discussions with the organisation on that family on the passing of his mother last occasion. Those discussions are continuing. evening. To take up the Leader of the Opposition's Honourable members: Hear, hear! question, this Government is seeking to use local committees and get local people involved in the planning process so that we can have a QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE bridge between leasehold and freehold land. Vegetation Management Act We are going to protect endangered areas Mr BORBIDGE (10.30 a.m.): I refer the and we will end up with an arrangement Premier to a promise that he made 108 days covering "of concern". It is in the planning ago to over 2,000 landholders at the Roma process and would involve local committees Cabinet meeting to amend the Vegetation and we would also have some form of Management Act to remove the "of concern" involvement from the Commonwealth. category on freehold land. As this is now the I understand that Warren Truss and fifth sitting of Parliament at which the Premier Senator Hill met on this matter recently and has had the opportunity to introduce those that the Federal Government is finally trying to amendments and fulfil his commitment, I ask: make a determination. I indicated to the Prime when does he intend to do so? Minister when we met—and I am hazy about Mr BEATTIE: In terms of the vegetation the actual date, but I think it was in management legislation, the position is simply February—that we would work on this matter this: in relation to the leasehold land in over the following six months. That period of Queensland, which covers roughly 75% of the six months has not yet expired. State, those measures already apply—not by Mr Borbidge: The amendment will still virtue of legislation but by virtue of Executive come in? Council decision. Everyone knew that. Mr BEATTIE: What I said will stand. As I I indicated at Roma that the Government said, with regard to leasehold land the position would pursue a proclamation of areas that are is clear and the measures will apply. I would endangered—which we will—but I indicated have simply preferred to have proclaimed that areas "of concern" would be dealt with "endangered" on freehold land and moved on. differently. There are some legal issues which we are Mr Borbidge interjected. currently examining. The key thing is that discussions between the Commonwealth and Mr BEATTIE: Hang on, don't get excited. the State are taking place at this time. Those You will get the answer you want. That discussions deal with a whole range of issues, legislation has not been proclaimed. The areas including funding, and will cover the areas "of "of concern" have not been proclaimed. concern". Mr Hobbs interjected. My bona fides in this matter are Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for demonstrated by the fact that the Government Warrego will allow the question to be has not proceeded to proclaim the Bill. answered. Mr Hobbs: How will it work? Mr BEATTIE: Could you just grab hold of Mr BEATTIE: If we were going to go your tongue, wrap it around your neck and ahead with the areas "of concern" we would hang on for a second, because I am about to have proclaimed the Bill. The Government's give you a serious answer. If honourable bona fides are demonstrated by the fact that members want this matter to be treated we are having ongoing discussions and we are properly, I will give them a serious answer, trying to solve this problem. We will continue to because I am as concerned about this matter deal with the stakeholders and the Federal as is anyone else. Government. The position is basically this: as honourable members know, I met with the Prime Minister and as a result of that meeting South Johnstone Sugar Mill a process was put in place whereby we would Mr BORBIDGE: I refer the Minister for have ongoing discussions. Those discussions Primary Industries to his Government's failure have been ongoing for some time. They cover to offer any meaningful assistance towards the a range of issues including funding and so on. reopening of the South Johnstone sugarmill. I The Minister and I have had meetings with also refer to the joint industry submission from 1868 Questions Without Notice 22 Jun 2000

Canegrowers, the Australian Sugarmilling the last election. They are the people that Council and the Australian Cane Farmers are apparently seeming to be raising Association for Government assistance to help concerns." struggling canefarmers survive the prolonged David Watson also said— market downturn and the extended period of inclement weather. I ask: what contribution will "And I don't believe they have a lot your Government offer in response to that of political credibility or acumen." submission? Dr Watson was talking about Santo Santoro Mr PALASZCZUK: In response to the when he said that. So, what did the Leader of honourable member's question, may I make a the Liberal Party say about Santo Santoro? He few observations? The Government's position said that Santo Santoro does not have any in relation to the issue at South Johnstone is credibility. In Webster's Dictionary the definition this: it was purely a commercial situation and it of "credibility" is "capacity for belief". In other was to be resolved in a commercial manner— words, what the Leader of the Liberal Party and it has been. said is that his party cannot believe Santo Santoro. The Liberal Party says that Santo Secondly, the Government has been Santoro is unbelievable. I have to tell working with the sugar industry in north honourable members that members on this Queensland to ensure that that industry side of the House always thought that he was remains viable. I will not go through the raft of unbelievable, particularly when he goes on measures that the Government has and on for hours and hours. Point 1 is that the implemented over the past two years because Leader of the Liberal Party says that Santo I have made those issues known to the House cannot be believed. over the past two years. However, let us look at what the word The State Government has supported the "acumen" means. The dictionary definition is submission to the Federal Government that "keenness and depth of perception, has been prepared by the industry. The discernment, or discrimination especially in submission has been put before the Federal practical matters". So, the second point made Government. My understanding is that the by the Leader of the Liberal Party is that the Federal Government is very shortly going to member for Clayfield has no practical make an announcement on the submission. understanding. In the light of what the Leader The State Government will look at the Federal of the Liberal Party has said about Santo Government's response before making any Santoro, why did he let him run the recent further decisions. debate on the training Bill? However, we are not finished. What about Liberal Party Leadership Santo? The member for Woodridge made some reference to Santo this morning. Last Mr SULLIVAN: I refer the Premier to the week, on ABC Radio the member for Clayfield less than scintillating performance of the said this— Opposition front bench over the past two years, and I ask: is he aware of any other "Also, I understand that he"— unbiased assessment of the Liberal Party front and he was referring to the member for bench? Moggill— Mr BEATTIE: I am, and I think it is "made some, you know, relatively important that the House is aware of it. Let me personal remarks at his media conference tell honourable members that I have no better about prima donnas and egos which source than the Leader of the Liberal Party clearly indicated that his regard for at least himself, Dr David Watson. I want to make it one of his parliamentary colleagues clear that, on these matters, David Watson doesn't go beyond the superficial." and I are as one. I agree totally with his Don't they love one another! If there is a love- assessment. in around, it is not in the Liberal Party. But that On ABC Radio Dr Watson said this— is not all. "I mean, the people who seem to be Yesterday, the Deputy Premier referred to concerned about the proposal being put Graham Young, who was the vice-president of forward"— the Liberals between 1994 and 1997. On his web site Mr Young states that Howard is and he was referring to three-cornered backing Watson because Santoro has contests— dumped him in favour of Costello and that "are precisely the same people that Howard now sees the whole Queensland climbed into bed with One Nation before Liberal apparatus as potentially conspiring to 22 Jun 2000 Questions Without Notice 1869 dispose of him. Further, the web site states he may have missed it. However, there was a that Santoro has dumped Howard for Costello bit of a debate about a petrol subsidy. and will tell anyone he meets in Queen Street, A Government member interjected. whether they have five minutes or not. Further, Mr BEATTIE: Yes, they missed the boat. I Mr Santoro's latest protege, Senator George just wanted to make sure that the member Brandis, is a long-time Howard enemy and a was with me. A lot of things go on. The Leader Costello booster. That is further proof that of the Liberal Party has a backbencher running there is a conspiracy against the Prime his tactical debate in this place. He is leading Minister. the debate on Bills, yet the Leader of the Liberal Party has fired him. I just wanted to Dr B. Head; Mr I. McGaw make sure that the member was up with current events. Dr WATSON: I refer the Premier to the CJC report received by his director-general on Dr Watson interjected. 22 May regarding the serious allegations of Mr SPEAKER: The member for Moggill! sexual harassment and an attempted cover-up Order! involving Public Service Commissioner Dr Brian Mr BEATTIE: Mr Speaker, the member is Head and his deputy Ian McGaw, and I ask: with me. He has caught up with the debate given that it is now a full month to the day about the petrol subsidy. since the Premier's Department received this The bottom line is that I have now report, how much longer is he going to drag received a response, as is required by law, and the chain? How much longer are Dr Head and as part of my responsibility as Premier I will Mr McGaw going to enjoy their gardening give the material provided to me by Dr Head's leave on full pay, jointly at about $6,000 a lawyers detailed and thorough consideration. week, at taxpayers' expense before he makes When I believe that I have carried out my up his mind? responsibilities properly and exercised my Mr BEATTIE: I thank the Liberal Party discretion in the way that it should be Leader for his question. I have to say that it is exercised, then I will make a decision. obviously a question that lacks political It may well be that when I read this credibility or acumen. It also seems to be one material—Parliament has been in session this of those questions that comes out of the great week—I may need more information or I may think-tank that they have, which does not need more detail. I do not know that. However, seem to be going anywhere. let me assure the member that I will make a Dr Watson: Why don't you make up your decision as soon as I can, but it will be done mind? properly. Mr BEATTIE: I will give the member the In terms of the other persons to whom the answer. The bottom line is that, if the member member has referred—I have said publicly, if knew anything about appropriate behaviour, not to the member, that it is appropriate for the he would know that when the CJC report came acting Public Service Commissioner, Dr Glyn down I had to afford Brian Head—and I have Davis, to make those decisions in relation to said this publicly—due opportunity under the that officer. They are not a matter for me; they natural justice laws to respond. I wrote to him are a matter for the acting Public Service and asked him to show cause in relation to the Commissioner, Dr Glyn Davis. material raised in the CJC report. His lawyers However, let me assure the member that responded to me—and I do not recall the this will be done as fast as it can be done exact detail—but asked for more detail and within the appropriate laws governing natural asked for more time. I gave them more time. justice. I do not believe that the Leader of the Why did I give Brian Head's lawyers more Liberal Party would want me to throw out the time? Because that is the fair and appropriate principles of natural justice. I know that, like thing to do. I have now received—and I me, deep down in the member's heart he indicated this to the media yesterday—from Dr believes that people should be given a fair go Head's lawyers a response to the material I and that they should be given natural justice. sought. I will study that over the next few days Because we are such an open and and I will make an appropriate decision. I have accountable Government, these people will be just received it. I became aware of the material given natural justice, as they should be. I think over the weekend. It may have been Friday night. I do not recall now because, as Goods and Services Tax members would know, I was engaged in Mr PURCELL: I refer the Premier to the another matter about petrol. The member may Federal Government's GST, and I ask: is the recall that there has been a bit of a debate, or GST a tax just for toffs? 1870 Questions Without Notice 22 Jun 2000

Mr BEATTIE: We all know that, even The list of items that I have just read out though the member for Bulimba is a supporter is hardly the food of toffs. As I said, scones are of the ballet and other things sensitive, he being taxed, as are roasted nuts and salted looks after the battling Queensland and nuts. The list goes on and on. Australian families. I thank him for that This GST strikes at the heart of the question. Australian family. It is anti-family, it is anti- I will let the people make a determination Australian and it is anti-Queensland. about whether the GST is a tax for toffs. The following items are GST free: antipasto platter, bagels, bottled still drinking water, focaccia, Mackay Ambulance Service Lavish bread, Italian bread, Turkish bread, cold calamari—not the cooked calamari; if it is hot, Mr MALONE: I again refer the Minister for then people pay GST and if it is not, it is Emergency Services to claims that an without GST—crabmeat, live crabs, duck eggs, ambulance officer, who was working alone at smoked eels, goose eggs—and we have a few the time, was found semiconscious in the of those opposite—turkey eggs, quail, quail Queensland Ambulance Service eggs, frogs' legs, snails, rollmops, bottled communications centre at Mackay. I ask: has salsa, herring, oysters, smoked salmon and the Minister been able to verify the type of sun-dried tomatoes. Although one would think drug that the officer was taking at the time for that those items would attract the GST, they recurring back pain, as we are told, and are all exempt from attracting the GST. whether it was obtained by prescription? Is the However, I turn now to the food that the Minister also aware of allegations of average family puts in their shopping trolley. I pornographic Internet sites being accessed by think that it is worth while outlining very some communications centre staff in Mackay? carefully where the GST is going to the What action has the Minister taken to ensure average family. The following items will attract that this does not recur? the GST: cordial, containing less than 90% by Mr ROBERTSON: I thank the honourable volume of fruit juice—and that is most member for the question. As I indicated a cordial—fruit drink, fruit juice containing less fortnight ago when the member first raised this than 90% by volume of fruit juice, flavoured matter, I was aware of the incident and had milk—kids love flavoured milk—biscuits, breads requested a full report on it. I can confirm that and buns with a sweet filling or coating, and one morning a communications officer in Christmas puddings. They are even taxing Mackay was found in a distressed state and it Christmas puddings. Nothing is sacred later came to the fore that he had been taking anymore under the GST. some drugs to manage back pain. Mr Mackenroth: What about the Lions The member's original question went to Christmas cakes? whether that caused some problems with Mr BEATTIE: And the Lions Christmas respect to coverage of ambulance cakes. The following further items will attract communications during the time that the the GST: iced buns, snack packs with biscuits, person was unconscious. The simple answer is coconut milk, cookies, crackers, frozen dinners, no, because every communications centre has dry biscuits, energy bars, iceblocks, frozen a redundancy built into the system. If an yoghurt, hot cooked chicken, lamingtons and emergency call comes in and it is not scones. We do not get anything more sacred answered within a particular number of rings, it than scones. Other items that will attract the is immediately redirected to another GST are prepared or frozen lasagne and the communications centre. good old Australian meat pie. Soft-serve ice- cream, ice-cream cones and ice-cream will I am informed that during the time that attract the GST. Our kids cannot even get an that officer was in distress only one call came ice-cream without getting whacked over the in and it was not an emergency call. At no time head by Peter Costello and John Howard's were the people of Mackay affected by some GST. The list goes on. It includes muffins, diminution of service during the incident. Since muesli bars, fruit pies and pikelets. Pikelets! that incident, I have further been informed What are we doing in this country? The list about a matter with respect to access to includes these further items: pizzas, potato various pornographic sites on the Internet. chips, sausage rolls, steamed puddings and That matter is being investigated as well. I will even vitamins. People cannot even be healthy be expecting a full report from the Ambulance under a GST. I think we should go out and tell Service Commissioner in relation to all of the everyone about that. matters raised by the honourable member. 22 Jun 2000 Questions Without Notice 1871

Goods and Services Tax Mr Braddy: A football field for a family. Mrs LAVARCH: I ask the Minister for Mr ELDER: Yes, a football field for a State Development and Minister for Trade: can family. I reckon that, of those 50 people, at he outline the views of small business on the least 25 of them would be the food tasters for Liberal Party's goods and services tax? the three of them. It is one of those BYO—"bring your own food taster"—barbies. Mr ELDER: I certainly can. I will tell This morning I read the on-line opinion from honourable members what is obvious about Graham Young, as I always do. I looked at the the Liberal Party and the National Party: they Liberal Party's web site and found out that all are all nervous. With a few more days left in of the references to the shadow portfolios held the countdown to the introduction of the GST, by members of the Liberal Party had been they are all nervous Nellie's over their own removed. Obviously, they change on a daily massive tax shake-up. basis and are not able to be kept current, so The National Party was rolled on caravan they have been removed. The site shows us parks. The Prime Minister has been trying to who is in the Liberal Party, but it does not intervene in fights between his backbenchers show us who is a frontbencher. and his frontbenchers. The only one trying to defend the tax in Queensland is the ever courageous Dr Watson. And I use the word Burdekin Bypass "courageous" in the sense that Sir Humphrey Mr KNUTH: I ask the Minister for Appleby did. Right across the State small Transport and Minister for Main Roads: in light business has been telling them that they do of the Burdekin community demonstrating not want the changes. In a small business overwhelming opposition to the proposed survey 54% responded that they believed it bypass, is he confident that the community would hurt their business' bottom line. I heard reference group is truly representative of the some interjections from members opposite wishes of the community or has it been when the Premier was speaking, but not one selected to achieve a contrived outcome? Is of them stood up and said, "We are this the reason I have been excluded from supporting it out there. We are selling it." None these meetings by Main Roads? of them is selling it. They have all gone to Mr BREDHAUER: The short answer to the ground. honourable member's question is: no. The As I said, it has created splits within the community reference group was chosen to National and Liberal Parties. The fact of the represent key stakeholders in the Ayr and matter is that no-one on the other side of the Burdekin community in relation to the House wants to defend the GST. They have investigations being undertaken in respect of not publicly defended the GST since the the bypass. In giving the honourable member $400m failed campaign was put in place. for Burdekin a bit of a history lesson, I point Mr Beattie: But it is their GST. out that the origin of the study into a bypass for the Burdekin area was a public Mr ELDER: Yes, it is their GST. announcement by the member for Dawson, The reason behind it is that they have De-Anne Kelly. Senator Grant Tambling, who been too involved in concerns within their own was the then parliamentary secretary to the parties in Queensland. We are all well aware of then Transport Minister, Mark Vaile, and Ms the activities of the member for Clayfield, who, De-Anne Kelly announced that the as Graham Young puts it, is running a party Commonwealth Government was proposing to within a party. In fact, he has a party on this fund a new bridge over the Burdekin River. weekend—a pre-GST function—at the Allan Up until that point, the Department of Border Field. John Howard has told all of his Main Roads had considered that the issue of Liberal Ministers, "Do not attend these upgrading the national highway through the functions for Santo. Santo supports Costello." Burdekin area was a medium to long-term Good old Senator George Brandis will be initiative. But given the comments by the there. Interestingly, John Herron will be there. member for Dawson and the Commonwealth John Herron must be going along to report on parliamentary secretary, we undertook that we George Brandis and Santo so that Howard would commence a study on behalf of the knows what is happening. But better than that, Commonwealth, because it is a national I have heard through the Liberal Party that highway project, to identify an appropriate only 50 people will be turning up. Only the place for a new crossing. They subsequently family members will be turning up! We can announced that the area would not only get a take a couple of tables, if they really want us new bridge but also a big bypass project. The to. Department of Main Roads took that on board 1872 Questions Without Notice 22 Jun 2000 to try to work through with the community an renewal of the area surrounding the Swanbank acceptable alternative route, because there complex. As the member for Bundamba well are congestion problems particularly in the knows, that area has seen a significant area of Brandon. There are also issues with amount of underground mining activity in the heavy traffic travelling through the centre of past. What is on the drawing board is the Ayr and in the longer term there will be issues establishment of an industrial precinct on the in relation to the town of Home Hill also. doorstep of the power station. We will see a We have been trying to work through regeneration of industrial activity in that region, these issues for some time. As I said, the and that has been very consistent with another community reference group was established to project that has taken place in the electorate provide information and advice to us from the of the honourable member—the Westfalen key stakeholders in the area, including the project. The mining precinct in Collingwood canefarming community, the local council and Park is generating significant new training and others. At all times, the Department of Main employment opportunities. Roads has been open and honest in its It really is great news for the Ipswich consultations with the local community. region, because this opportunity to produce Mr Knuth: Why am I excluded from the gas fired power does, in fact, provide the meetings? opportunity to act as a catalyst for new industries and more jobs in the region. I might Mr BREDHAUER: This happened before remind honourable members that, prior to the the honourable member was even elected to last State election, one of the key Parliament. The propensity the member has commitments that was given by the then shown to politicise this issue over recent Leader of the Opposition to the people of the months is a good reason why he should not Ipswich region was the development of a new be on a community reference group that is industrial estate in the area. We were looking trying to reach an objective decision—one that at a range of sites at that time. One of the is not politically motivated by De-Anne Kelly, areas being considered was an area at the honourable member, me or anyone else. Willowbank. The key and critical part of the We are trying to get the Department of Main proposal was the availability of cheap power. Roads to reach an objective decision on an issue raised in the first instance by the So what we see through the Swanbank E member for Dawson. We are about to go to project going ahead is the fulfilment of that key public consultation on the final route options commitment given by the Leader of the and will indicate which are the preferred of Opposition, as he then was, that his those options progressively as we go through Government would see the development of that process of community consultation. For new industrial capacity in the region. The the member to slang off at the Main Roads Swanbank E proposal, which is now going to Department is not helping. come to fruition, will also see that key commitment of new industrial capacity delivered to the people of Ipswich and West Swanbank E Power Station Moreton. As well as that, it also means a Mrs MILLER: I refer the Treasurer to this breakthrough in terms of the provision of morning's announcement that the $250m cleaner energy to not only the people of Swanbank E gas fired power station will go Ipswich, but the whole of the Brisbane airshed. ahead at Ipswich, and I ask: how will this It is a great project. decision benefit the local region? Mr HAMILL: I am sure the member for Designer Steel Homes Bundamba joins with me in expressing delight Mr LAMING: I refer the Minister for Public at this announcement. The Swanbank E Works and Minister for Housing to the non- Power Station is in the Bundamba electorate. payment of subcontractors who worked on a What it means is a significant extension of the St George public housing project contracted to life of the Swanbank complex and job security Designer Steel Homes, and I ask: as the at the complex. It also means up to 200 houses are now nearing completion, tenants additional jobs in the construction phase for are waiting to move in and subcontractors, the Swanbank E Power Station. It is also a many of whom are local St George residents, clear demonstration of the success of the are still owed over $100,000, will he make Government's energy policy announced by the arrangements to redirect rental payments Premier but a few weeks ago. made by the tenants to the subcontractors, Not only will this project be of great benefit who have not been fully paid for their labour to the Ipswich region; it will also see the and their materials, as an act of good faith? 22 Jun 2000 Questions Without Notice 1873

Mr SCHWARTEN: No, I will not. I have Steel Homes out of the prequalification bin. never heard such an absurd suggestion in all We have given these people— my days. What is the member suggesting? He Mr Laming: Why didn't you give them is saying that those tenants should pay the some of the retention? You had $65,000 but subcontractors. What an extraordinary you wouldn't give it to them. You're not fair comment! What an extraordinary suggestion! dinkum. It shows in spades how little understanding he has about the portfolio that he shadows. No Mr SCHWARTEN: Will the member shut wonder he is widely known as a joke out there up for a minute? The fact is that we have tried in the industry if he makes those sorts of and tried and tried to assist these people by suggestions. putting work their way. Mr Laming: They pay you and you pay Mr Laming interjected. the subcontractors. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for Mooloolah! Mr SCHWARTEN: I implore him to get help, to get some understanding of what is Mr SCHWARTEN: Thank God for that! going on out there in the industry. If he The fact of the matter is that those translated what he is suggesting into the subcontractors were offered work to try to help private market, not one person in this State them out. They now have claims in under would build a house. Subcontractors' Charges Act, but I doubt that the member would understand that. Mr Bredhauer: Maybe the people who ride in taxis should buy the cab. Mr SCHWARTEN: Who knows what goes Impact of GST on Private Rents through his mind. Mr ROBERTS: I refer the Minister for The fact of the matter is that this is an Public Works and Minister for Housing to issue that has been canvassed— reports that the flow-on effects of the GST on private rents have been grossly Mr Laming: You won't even pick up a underestimated, and I ask: what will be the vote in St George. impact on the public housing sector of Mr SCHWARTEN: The member opposite significant rises in the level of private rents? continues to squawk his irrelevance. Mr SCHWARTEN: I thank the honourable The fact of the matter is that this Designer member for his question and for again voicing Steel Homes issue has been around for a his concern about something that I have been good while. The point I have made before is raising for many months, that is, that we have that the local member and I became aware of now found that what I have been saying about it after the problems developed. I can never the effect of the GST on private rents is in fact understand why it is that people who have not the case. The Howard Government has been been paid—for months, in some cases—do caught out fudging the figures in this regard not put their hands up and complain about it. I and it is now widely accepted that rents in the have never been able to work that out. private sector will go up as a result of the GST. Mr Mackenroth: I was told by a builder What does that mean? Very simply it that he didn't complain about not being paid means that increasingly people will be forced because he said, "I needed the work." out of the private rental market. That is the end result. I could never understand why Mr SCHWARTEN: That is the fact of the members opposite could not grasp the point matter. I have never stated in this place or that I was trying to make, which was that, as anywhere else that I can implement a system housing costs increase, of course rents are that provides that on 100% of occasions 100% going to go up. People in the business of of people will be paid. Nobody can do that. My investing in rental housing are entitled to get a local garage bloke said to me, "If you can ever return on their money. They are not invent a system that does that, put it in for me, philanthropists; that is for certain. That too, because I am owed $15,000 by people increase in rent is simply going to put the who won't pay me." That is the grim reality in private rental market that much further out of all of this. the reach of the battlers of this State. We have bent over backwards to help As I reported to the Parliament the other these subcontractors. We have legislation day, 93,000 homes were built in Queensland which allows them to down tools when these between 1986 and 1996, and 80,000 of those sorts of problems arise. Also, as soon as we now rent for more than $150 a week, which became aware of it, we knocked Designer puts them out of the grasp of the battlers. 1874 Questions Without Notice 22 Jun 2000

Shortly, even more houses will rent for more community residents can travel to various than $150 a week. That means that fewer locations for sporting fixtures and so on, and a rental houses are available at the lower end of centre of training in health needs and the market. What is the response of the behaviour needs for men at Hope Vale? What Howard Government to that? To cut back progress has she been able to make on these money from public housing, $90m over the important issues? next three years—doing more with less! I do Ms SPENCE: I thank the honourable not know what members of the Federal member for his question and pass on my Government are thinking, but the fact of the condolences for his recent loss. matter is that we know that in Queensland 250,000 families live in after-rent poverty. That There are 32 Aboriginal and Torres Strait situation is going to worsen under the GST. If Islander communities in Queensland. In the ever we needed proof of that, here it two years that I have been the Minister I have is—private rentals will go up. About one third of probably managed to get to about 28 of them the household income is spent on rent. It is a on at least one occasion, sometimes more. I primary cost to a family. have certainly visited Wujal Wujal, but I have not made it to Hope Vale. Our response is limited by what the Federal Government has done in this regard. As the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres We have copped a double whammy. Private Strait Islander Policy, I cannot be responsible rents are going to go up, which will push more for providing all the infrastructure and facilities people out on the street. In response to that, to fix all the social and economic problems when they come knocking on the door of within my portfolio responsibility. However, I do public housing, they will find plenty of closed see the Department of Aboriginal and Torres doors. It is a disgrace that the lot opposite sit Strait Islander Policy and Development as the over there mute and absurd on this issue. lead agency. We have the responsibility of a They have never—not once—taken it to whole-of-Government coordinating role to Canberra. They have never—not once—tried ensure that departments such as Health, Main to do anything about building jobs in this Roads, Transport and Housing provide the State. They have never—not once—come to correct facilities to those communities. That is grips with what the building industry will suffer my job as Minister. I continue to make after 1 July this year. They stand condemned representations on a daily basis on behalf of for it. Whenever they start yelling out "jobs, Aboriginal and Islander communities to other jobs, jobs", they should remember that the ministerial portfolios. GST is going to take jobs, jobs, jobs out of the My department is currently working on a building industry. The fact of the matter is that 10-year partnership which we intend to release they sit there and continue to condone this soon for public consultation across behaviour. I have never heard one of them Queensland which clearly sets out the role of raise the issue of rents in the private my department as the lead agency in market—not one. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy. In future we will be proposing to cut the red tape that community people face in their contact Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal Community with bureaucracy. In order to get a simple task Centres performed, some communities have to deal Mr LESTER: Thank you, Mr Speaker, for with many Government agencies as well as your kind comments this morning and to all local councils. We believe we can do that members of the House. better by offering the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy and I ask the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Development as the lead agency to help them Strait Islander Policy and Minister for Women's get through that red tape and bureaucracy. Policy and Minister for Fair Trading: can she Certainly, if the member has particular issues advise the House whether, given her busy with respect to Hope Vale and the services schedule, she has been able to visit the Hope provided there, I am happy to get the Vale and Wujal Wujal community centres? As information and come back to the member. Minister responsible for such communities and in particular those two places, what progress has she made with the appropriate Ministers Termites; Queensland Building Services and departments in relation to the provision of Authority police stations in both locations, a new health Mrs ATTWOOD: I ask the Minister for Fair clinic at Hope Vale, improving roads leading Trading: will she outline to the House the from Cooktown to Wujal Wujal and Hope Vale, purpose and intent of today's meeting of the provision of buses to both centres so that stakeholders concerning termite infestation in 22 Jun 2000 Questions Without Notice 1875

Queensland homes? What is the role of the Police Resources Building Services Authority in protecting Mr HORAN: My question is to the Minister consumers' homes from termite damage? for Police and Corrective Services. I refer to the Ms SPENCE: The Courier-Mail ran a fairly highly successful police recruitment and sensational story today suggesting that training program put in place by the coalition 275,000 Queensland homes have been Government in 1996-98 which has delivered a sprayed with ineffective chemicals. Today, net increase in police numbers of 325 per year many Queenslanders must be worried about for the past two years. I ask: with the 650 extra the effectiveness of their chemical barriers and police at the Minister's disposal, why are there the potential for their homes to be eaten away five vacancies at Logan Police Station, three by termites. However, I think that some facts vacancies at Slacks Creek, six vacancies at need to be explained. Browns Plains and six vacancies at Beenleigh? Also, why is there no specialist drug squad in The total number of new housing Mackay? approvals since 1995—and that includes units Mr BARTON: I am pleased to see that at and duplexes and so on—is 275,000. All of least the member acknowledges that we are these houses and units should have been delivering that large increase in police treated with termite infestation chemicals numbers. When the coalition was in according to the Building Code. If the Government we saw a lot of promises for large approved chemicals have been correctly increases in police numbers but very pathetic applied and the barrier is not broken, there is delivery. The shadow Minister should know no reason to suspect that homes are likely to that the reality is that we do not have the be threatened by termite infestation. capacity in the modern era to simply say to police, "You will go to there." We advertise Certainly, the BSA has had a number of vacancies. We allow people to apply for those increases in complaints over the past five vacancies. We allow for the decision to be years regarding termites. To put this in appealed if someone gets the vacancy that perspective, in the past year the BSA received someone else believes they should have got. 5,200 dispute notifications. Some 200 of those were about termites. The year before, termite- Mr Elder: It's not like the old Russ Hinze related complaints numbered 132. The year days, is it? before that there were 64. Undoubtedly, there Mr BARTON: No, it is not like the old Russ has been an increase in the number of Hinze days of pulling out a map from the back termite-related complaints to the authority, but of the car and saying, "Where would you like it is nowhere near epidemic proportions. to go, Constable?" The BSA has been very active in The reality is that we have delivered a prosecuting shoddy operators. In fact, in the large increase in police numbers. As the past year, the authority has successfully shadow Minister knows, there are also a prosecuted three pest controllers. Most further 25 police known as retreads. These experienced police, who were recruited from recently, Terry Termite Pest Control was interstate and overseas, were sworn in last prosecuted and received a record fine of Friday. There will be another big graduation $27,000. There are five prosecutions pending. parade in early August to further boost these I notice that the article this morning suggested numbers. The reality is that police numbers that the BSA was not being tough enough on have been very substantially boosted and builders. In the past year, the BSA has given spread around the State. 74 directions against builders to rectify. If builders do not abide by those directions to All of the police stations referred to by the rectify, they will be taken to the courts as well. shadow Minister are in the South Eastern Region. I take a particular interest in that Besides that, the BSA has been very region because that is where my electorate is active in establishing this working party, which, located. Since the Beattie Government came as members know, is meeting today. It is to power, the Police Service in the South made up of industry and consumer Eastern Region has had an increase of 95 representatives. This working party will look at officers to 1 June. Even though the member the general issue of the effectiveness of the says that there are a couple of vacancies at chemical barriers that are currently required the moment, which have been advertised and under the Building Code. There is some which are in the process of being filled, there suggestion that the chemical barriers are 95 additional officers in that region alone. themselves are not the most effective way of I turn now to the Gold Coast, which is also treating termites. in the South Eastern Region. We have heard 1876 Questions Without Notice 22 Jun 2000 a fair bit about this region by a few people on months ago I was in Canada at a meeting of the other side of the House in the past couple world mining Ministers. If I closed my eyes of weeks. There are 43 additional officers on while I was listening to their contributions I the Gold Coast alone. These are the official could swear that I was back in Queensland, police statistics. As the shadow Minister should because every single mining state or country in know, this Government and I as Minister do the world has the same problem with the lack not interfere with where and how those police of exploration. There is no particular problem are allocated, because the Police Service itself here in Queensland. is the best determinant of where the priorities Mr Seeney: How can you say that? lie in terms of allocating its resources. We have provided these huge increases in police Mr McGRADY: I am saying it and I have numbers as a Government. The Commissioner said it. It is a pity that the angry member for and his senior staff determine where those Callide did not do some homework. What I am police go in the particular regions. The regional saying is true. There is an $8m program which assistant commissioner and his staff make the is currently in place in this State, financed by decisions as to which police stations they are the Queensland Government. The allocated to. department's digital company reports program is part of that $8m. The reports, which are I repeat: the South Eastern region, which submitted by holders of exploration permits, contains all of the stations referred to by the form one of the most valuable sources of member, has had an increase of 95 police information for these exploration companies. officers since this Government came to power. At the present time the department holds some 31,000 of these reports. Some 1,200 Mining Exploration new reports are submitted every year. They are available to the industry. Members of the Mr PEARCE: My question is directed to industry can come along and get that the Minister for Mines and Energy. In this age information. The original reports are held by of technology and computerisation, can the the department. Minister inform the House what his department is doing to enable the mining industry to easily Time expired. access exploration reports? Mr McGRADY: I thank the member for Goods and Services Tax the question. As everybody in the House Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM: My question understands and appreciates, the member for without notice is directed to the Treasurer. On Fitzroy comes from the mining industry and Tuesday this Parliament passed the GST and has a great knowledge of it. I am delighted to Related Matters Bill. In relation to questions inform the House that exploration of about the benefit or detriment of passing this Queensland's mineral resources will be made Bill the Treasurer stated— easier with the impending computerisation of the reports submitted by exploration "If we did not make provision for the companies to the Department of Mines and GST in relation to our various charges we Energy. would be in breach of the laws." In recent times I have set up a group from Is the intergovernmental agreement the law private enterprise consisting of people in the the Treasurer refers to? Can he clarify whether industry, or indeed consultants, who meet on a prior to the Federal Government's GST monthly basis with the senior people in my legislation being proclaimed it was necessary department at a meeting chaired by me. We for all States to pass GST related laws and discuss what we can do to help with whether, without each State putting in place its exploration in this State. When people see a own GST legislation, the new Federal tax could mine open they think the decision has been not be enacted? taken a couple of months previously. People in Mr HAMILL: Let there be no doubt that a the industry understand that before a mine goods and services tax can only be enacted gets to the production stage years of work by the Commonwealth Government. We have have been done. Of course, it all starts with not enacted a goods and services tax in exploration. Queensland; the Commonwealth Parliament The Beattie Labor Government has a has. program, costing some $8m, through which we The honourable member must are assisting private enterprise to explore. I understand that under the Australian often hear people complain about the lack of Constitution a goods and services tax can only exploration in Queensland. I have mentioned be enacted by a Federal Government. The in this Parliament before that a couple of significance of the High Court decision in 1997 22 Jun 2000 Questions Without Notice 1877 in relation to Ha and Lim was that a tax on Olympics, Student Participation goods would be deemed to be an excise. Mr WILSON: What is the Minister for Taxes and excise can only be levied by the Education doing in a practical sense to Commonwealth under the Constitution. encourage participation by State school In answer to the honourable member, the students in the events surrounding this year's goods and services tax has been enacted by Olympics? the Federal Parliament. What we needed to Mr WELLS: The honourable member has do, and what every other jurisdiction in the himself done a lot in a practical sense to country has had to do, is make certain encourage interest in sport. I had the pleasure changes to our legislation to accommodate of being introduced by the honourable that Federal law which governs us. So the member to members of the school community legislation which the House unanimously of Mitchelton State High School, who are adopted on Tuesday merely ensures that we involved in cricketing excellence and who were comply with the Federal law which governs all about to go touring to the United Kingdom. of us. It did not of itself impose a goods and services tax in Queensland. The Federal The honourable member would be Government had already done that, effective pleased to know that 16 State high schools from 1 July. have received funding to aid their participation in the events surrounding the Sydney Olympic The honourable member raised some Games. This means that 62 Years 10, 11 and matters in the debate on Tuesday. In respect 12 State high school students can participate of the issues I canvassed at that time, I said in the opening ceremony marching band that if we did not take the measures we activities or provide catering in Sydney's had—particularly with respect to the grants that Olympic Village. It is costing around $2,000 for we make available to community each student to take part in these Olympic organisations, the Government's commitment activities, with the bulk of costs being met by to grossing up grants to charities and for not- the parents in each case. for-profit organisations—community State Government grants totalling organisations would be captured by the $24,800 will be forwarded to participating Federal law. The grants that we made to those schools to assist with the transportation and organisations would be subject to GST—not accommodation costs of the students, helping because of anything we did but because of to ease this financial burden. Many schools the Federal law—and those organisations and their communities have been involved in would have to pay one-eleventh of the grant extensive fundraising, with tremendous help they received directly to the Australian from local communities. The entire community Taxation Office. has gotten behind their schools by running It is timely to reiterate the call I made the fundraising activities, which have included other day. I urge community organisations— anything from sausage sizzles to talent quests. charities and not-for-profit organisations—to I will tell honourable members which are register for the GST and obtain an ABN. If they the participating schools, because they are all are not registered for the GST we cannot over the State. They are Caloundra State High protect them in the way I have outlined with School, Dalby State High School, Gympie respect to the grants they receive. If they do State High School, Helensvale State High not have an ABN we face the other prong of School, Kenmore State High School, Kepnock this Federal tax regime: we will have to State High School, Kilcoy State High School, withhold from those organisations 48.5% of Mackay North State High School, MacGregor the grants we want to make available because State High School, Maroochydore State High the Federal law requires it. School, Nashville State High School, Nerang Mr Seeney: Time! State High School, Redbank Plains State High Mr HAMILL: I am surprised that the School, Springwood State High School, Woree member for Callide does not care about the State High School and Bundaberg State High welfare of community organisations in School. Queensland. All of the participating schools have a student or students participating in the Time expired. marching bands in the opening ceremony. Mr SPEAKER: Order! Before calling the Twenty certificate in hospitality students will member for Ferny Grove, I acknowledge the represent Bundaberg State High School at the presence in the public gallery of parents, Olympic Village as kitchen staff. They will be teachers and students from two Ipswich responsible for serving, along with others, up schools—Central State School and St Mary's. to 50,000 meals per day. Students and 1878 Witness Protection Bill 22 Jun 2000 teachers involved in the project are most "That this House opposes the excited to be working in the largest temporary introduction of injecting rooms for kitchen in the world. I am told that the students administering illicit drugs in Queensland." are very honoured to be chosen, not only because it is the Olympics but also because Bundaberg High is the only school outside of WITNESS PROTECTION BILL Sydney to be invited to provide any catering Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— expertise. ALP) (Premier) (11.31 a.m.), by leave, without Through their involvement, these students notice: I move— will obtain a greater understanding of the work "That leave be granted to bring in a ethic and help stimulate other students to Bill for an Act about witness protection in achieve high standards. Feedback from Queensland and for other purposes." students who have participated in the Olympic Motion agreed to. torch relay and other activities associated with the Olympics has been extremely positive. Students who are involved in any of the First Reading Olympic activities get the chance to experience Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and first-hand an event of a lifetime. The Beattie Bill, on motion of Mr Beattie, read a first time. Labor Government is proud to support our talented students, both on and off the sporting field. Second Reading Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time for Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— questions has expired. ALP) (Premier) (11.32 a.m.): I move— Mr SEENEY: Mr Speaker—— "That the Bill be now read a second Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time for time." questions has expired. The role of witnesses in providing assistance to law enforcement agencies and Mr SEENEY: I take a point of order. courts is essential. The need for Government When the member for Ashgrove was in the protection of certain witnesses is recognised chair he allowed a question—— worldwide, particularly in relation to witnesses Mr SPEAKER: The member will resume giving information and testimony concerning his seat. major and organised crime. Protection of Mr SEENEY: It is one rule for them and witnesses and often their families has a another rule for us. twofold purpose— it recognises the responsibility of Governments to provide protection to NOTICE OF MOTION persons who put themselves at great risk Mr SPEAKER: I refer to the notice of to their personal safety; and motion given by the member for Burdekin this it provides security and incentive to give morning. I understand that the ministerial assistance, in the absence of which such direction—— assistance may not be forthcoming. Mr Seeney interjected. In Queensland the responsibility for witness Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for protection lies with the Witness Protection Callide! That is my final warning. I understand Division of the Criminal Justice Commission in that the ministerial direction the subject of the accordance with the Criminal Justice Act 1989. motion will lapse if the Sugar Industry For some years both the Criminal Justice Amendment Bill is passed. Therefore, I Commission and the Parliamentary Criminal consider that the motion is anticipating debate Justice Committee have called for the need to on that Bill, and accordingly I rule that that overhaul current witness protection legislation. motion is out of order. I now call the The previous Government did not accede to honourable member for Maroochydore to give this request. In addition, the Commonwealth notice of a motion. Government passed the Witness Protection Act 1994 to establish the National Witness NOTICE OF MOTION Protection Program, which was supported by the Goss Labor Government at the time. This Drug Injecting Rooms program is intended to be part of a national Miss SIMPSON (Maroochydore—NPA) scheme of witness protection that draws (11.31 a.m.): I give notice that I will move— together all Australian jurisdictions. Legislative 22 Jun 2000 Witness Protection Bill 1879 implementation to meet the vision of this of their criminal history and medical, psychiatric national scheme has already taken place in all and psychological information. In addition to jurisdictions other than Tasmania and the providing this information to assist in the Northern Territory. determination of an application for protection, The current scheme of witness protection such information will also limit any opportunity in Queensland, whilst regarded as effective, for a protected witness to evade their can be criticised as lacking in three areas. The obligations to third parties. The chairperson of Witness Protection Bill addresses these the commission will be required to have regard deficiencies— to certain criteria when exercising his or her discretion to offer protection to a person. firstly, it implements the vision of the national coordinated witness protection In addition, this Bill will enable the scheme; chairperson to offer interim protection in urgent secondly, it provides the complementary circumstances whilst an assessment for full State law required before Federal protection is being carried out. Protected Government agencies will provide witnesses will be required to enter into a important Commonwealth identity protection agreement with the chairperson. documents, such as passports and tax file This formal agreement will outline the numbers, to State protected witnesses. conditions of protection and will include a The ability of the Witness Protection mandatory condition that, in the event of the Division to protect witnesses is hampered witness breaching a termination condition of because of this omission; and the agreement, the chairperson may decide to end the protection. thirdly, it augments the current inadequate witness protection provisions The current legislation does not expressly in the Criminal Justice Act 1989 to provide provide for termination of the protection. The detail, certainty and legislative backing to Criminal Justice Act 1989 states only that the the existing witness protection scheme. commission is to provide protection to those "in need of it". This means that currently the As the Witness Protection Bill is part of a chairperson may end protection pursuant to national witness protection scheme, it largely this provision. This Bill expressly provides a mirrors witness protection legislation in other discretion for the chairperson to end protection jurisdictions. It will repeal those sections of the upon the occurrence of certain events, Criminal Justice Act 1989 that currently deal including: a breach of a termination condition with witness protection and will provide a of the protection agreement; the withdrawal of comprehensive statutory basis for what is a assistance by the protected witness; or where distinct role of the commission. the chairperson considers protection is no In summary, witness protection will remain longer required. The Bill also provides for the responsibility of the Witness Protection suspension of protection for a stated period in Division within the Criminal Justice certain circumstances. Commission. This is in accordance with the Fitzgerald inquiry recommendation that a The Bill establishes a procedure for the Witness Protection Division be established as creation of new birth certificates to assist in the separate from the Queensland Police Service. re-identification of protected witnesses where The functions of the Witness Protection necessary. This process is currently not Division will be extended in two ways— available to the commission. A birth certificate is arguably the most important identity 1. The Bill allows for the provision of document that can be obtained for a protected protection to persons other than those witness as part of their protection, as it, in fact, who have actually assisted a law gives that protected witness a new identity. enforcement agency, for example, the The process for authorising the creation of a family of a witness. new birth certificate will be upon application by 2. The Bill allows for the provision of the chairperson to the independent member of services by arrangement to witness the Controlled Operations Committee protection agencies in other jurisdictions, established under the Police Powers and and the reciprocal provision of services by Responsibilities Act 2000. This procedure will those agencies to the Queensland also be open to an application from a chief Witness Protection Division. executive officer of a law enforcement agency Applicants for witness protection will be from another jurisdiction under the required to disclose to the commission certain complementary witness protection scheme. information about their personal, domestic, However, I wish to make it clear to the financial and legal obligations, including details House that only certain officers of the 1880 Witness Protection Bill 22 Jun 2000

Queensland Witness Protection Division will be court has the discretion to grant leave after authorised by the independent member to giving consideration to a number of factors. create the birth certificates, regardless of who This regime provides greater certainty to a has made the application. This will ensure the protected witness that their security will not be integrity of the Queensland Registry of Births, compromised in a situation where they are Deaths and Marriages. The effect of issuing a required to give evidence. As we know, in new birth certificate will be that for all purposes many cases in organised crime we are dealing the new identity is taken to be the person's with very ugly people and the consequences actual identity unless their former identity is can be that a witness can end up dead. At the otherwise restored by the chairperson under same time, it represents a real attempt at the legislation. This means that in some balancing the interests of the protected person instances a protected witness and their family against those of the parties in a proceeding may be given a new identity for the rest of their who may or may not, depending upon the lives. circumstances of the case, have a legitimate In practice, protected witnesses in interest in knowing the actual identity of that Queensland will be giving the evidence that person. has created the need for their protection under their true name, as this is the name under The Bill also accounts for the seriousness which the accused person, or those who of the information that could be used to present a threat to the witness, would identify compromise the security of a protected witness the witness. After this assistance has been or the integrity of the witness protection given in court it may be necessary to establish program itself in that it creates various a new identity for the witness. It is foreseeable offences including an offence for a person to that circumstances may arise some time after disclose information about the program or a the witness is given a new identity where the witness. The Bill does, however, authorise the witness is again giving evidence in chairperson to disclose a witness's former proceedings. These proceedings may be in identity and personal details in circumstances either the criminal or civil jurisdiction, and where the interests of justice require this. unrelated to the original matter (for instance, if This Bill exempts decisions taken in the protected witness is a witness to a motor respect of witness protection. This is consistent vehicle accident). In these latter proceedings, if with the approach taken in the Federal Act. the witness were required to reveal his or her The sensitive nature of witness protection former name, the witness security would be decisions is currently recognised in the Judicial compromised. Alternatively, if some type of Review Act 1991, which provides in Schedule witness anonymity was available, the witness 2 that decisions made under section 62 of the could give evidence in his or her assumed Criminal Justice Act 1999 are decisions for name. which reasons are not required to be given. In developing the Bill, my department has However, a person aggrieved by such a liaised with police and policy officers in Victoria, decision may still seek judicial review. New South Wales, South Australia and There are legitimate safety concerns with Western Australia who carry the responsibility the external review of witness protection for witness protection in those States. decisions. These concerns relate to the Discussions have highlighted some evidence that may be required in the course of inadequacy in the provisions relating to witness external review. This evidence may prejudice anonymity in those jurisdictions. This Bill is the safety of witnesses and witness protection intended to address these ambiguities rather officers and may indirectly disclose witness than simply mirror ambiguous provisions from protection methods. In a similar vein, this Bill other jurisdictions. proposes that the Freedom of Information Act This Bill provides a regime for witness 1992 should not apply to the witness anonymity not dissimilar to the South protection function of the commission. These Australian regime in that the commission are, after all, matters of life and death. chairperson must give to the court a non- If witnesses are to be truly protected and disclosure certificate in all cases where a the integrity of the witness protection program person, who has been re-identified, is or may is to be truly safeguarded, the usual be required to give evidence. It is then up to administrative law review procedures cannot the court to determine if and when it may apply. Having said that, internal levels of disclose the certificate to each of the parties. If assessment within the commission are strict there is a subsequent application by a party to and numerous. In addition, the Parliamentary hear evidence about the re-identified witness Criminal Justice Committee and the that may disclose their former identity, the Parliamentary Commissioner both have 22 Jun 2000 Justice and Other Legislation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 1881 powers to review and investigate decisions or This Bill makes amendments to 24 Acts procedures undertaken by the commission within my portfolio and one Act falling within with respect to witness protection. the portfolio of the Honourable the Premier. I This Bill provides a sound and shall outline some of the more significant comprehensive statutory basis for what is amendments to the Acts in this Bill which are acknowledged internationally as a vital the amendments to the Acts Interpretation Act resource requirement of law enforcement. It 1954, the Criminal Code, the Property Law Act must be remembered that witnesses are 1974 and the State Penalties Enforcement Act protected not just in their own interests but in 1999. the interests of the community at large. This One of the amendments to the Acts Bill is a significant attack on organised crime Interpretation Act 1954 fulfils a and its provisions are essential if we are to recommendation in the Members' Ethics and tackle organised crime head-on. I commend Parliamentary Privileges Committee's report in the Bill to the House. relation to the powers, rights and immunities of Debate, on motion of Mr Beanland, the Legislative Assembly, its committees and adjourned. members. It does this by inserting a new provision providing a legal presumption that, in the absence of an express provision to the JUSTICE AND OTHER LEGISLATION contrary, a provision in an Act is not (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) BILL inconsistent with the powers, rights and Hon. M. J. FOLEY (Yeronga—ALP) immunities of the Legislative Assembly. This (Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and amendment to the Acts Interpretation Act Minister for The Arts) (11.45 a.m.), by leave, 1954 fulfils the second part of without notice: I move— recommendation 6.2 of the committee's report—Report No. 26. "That leave be granted to bring in a Bill for an Act to make various Members should note that the committee amendments to legislation administered in part 6 of the report discussed the abrogation by the Attorney-General and Minister for of parliamentary privilege. In particular, the Justice and Minister for the Arts, and for committee stated— other purposes." "It is well established by high authority that statutes which limit or Motion agreed to. extend common law rights must be clearly expressed and unambiguous. More First Reading specifically, it is generally accepted that the common law provides that when Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and interpreting statutes, they must be Bill, on motion of Mr Foley, read a first time. construed in a manner that is favourable to parliamentary privilege. If a statute Second Reading purports to remove, or impinge on, parliamentary privilege in any way, it has Hon. M. J. FOLEY (Yeronga—ALP) been held that clear and express words (Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and will be required." Minister for The Arts) (11.46 a.m.): I move— The committee further stated that— "That the Bill be now read a second time." "... statutory confidentiality provisions exist in legislation which, it is submitted, The proposed Bill contains minor amendments incorrectly create the view that such to a number of statutes directed at curing provisions also oust the powers of anomalies, correcting minor errors, repealing Parliament and its committees to obsolete provisions and undertaking some investigate matters and call for persons, discrete law revision. documents and other things. These The Department of Justice and Attorney- matters clearly demonstrate the necessity General is responsible for the administration of for the common law presumption that over 100 statutes and, as a result, there is a express words are required to abrogate necessity for a large number of minor the powers, rights and immunities of the amendments to be made to various legislative Assembly to be specified in statute. provisions to ensure that the statutes continue The situation is exacerbated by the to operate in the manner intended. Generally, terminology of s.40A of the Constitution there are two departmental miscellaneous Act 1867 itself which provides that the provisions Bills each year. powers, privileges and immunities are only 1882 Justice and Other Legislation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 22 Jun 2000

to apply so far as they are 'not in favour of the purchaser capable of inconsistent with this Act or any other immediate registration—after stamping—in the Act'." appropriate office free from encumbrances Members should note that the Honourable the other than those set out in the transfer form. Premier introduced the Constitution However, the contract was silent in relation to Amendment Bill into Parliament on 10 whether the vendor had to prove title at November 1999 for the purpose of completion and, if so, how that was to be implementing the committee's report No. 34 done. The purchaser claimed that, at the time and thereby amending substantially section of completion, the vendor was unable to 40A of the Constitution Act 1867. demonstrate that it had good title. The Coincidentally, such an amendment also purchaser argued that the only method of implements the first part of recommendation search and verification of that title was by 6.2 of the committee's report No. 26. accessing the electronic records in the Land Titles Office. This could not occur as the Land The Premier said in his second-reading Titles Office computers were not operating on speech that this Constitution Amendment Bill the day for completion. This raised the quite "is about protecting the powers, rights and significant question as to how a vendor, with immunities of the Queensland Legislative an electronic title only, might show and make Assembly and will ensure that any changes to good title on a date for completion. those powers will be made by this House". Another significant amendment in the Bill In the end, the Court of Appeal found that relates to the removal of the offence of the vendor could not prove title at the relevant pretending to exercise witchcraft or tell fortunes time. The Court of Appeal implied a term in under section 432 of the Criminal Code. This words, not dissimilar to those used in the provision appears to be the relic of a more proposed amendment, into the contract. It is superstitious age and is now archaic and expected that this amendment shall provide outmoded. If the relevant conduct being stability to all contracting parties undertaking a targeted in this offence is essentially fraud, real property conveyance by overcoming this then it should be appropriately and sufficiently cyber problem. Hence the purpose of the covered by the fraud provisions in the Criminal proposed amendment. Code. This Bill makes amendments to the State I turn now to the proposed amendment to Penalties Enforcement Act 1999, which was the Property Law Act 1974. This amendment introduced into Parliament on 11 June 1999 emanates from a legal article written by and passed by Parliament on 25 November Professor Bill Duncan and Sharon Christensen, 1999. The State Penalties Enforcement Act a professor and senior lecturer respectively in 1999 introduces new payment options prior to the Queensland University of Technology law default, expands the available methods of school, entitled "Overcoming the problems of enforcement, shortens the time between showing and making cyber title". This article is default and enforcement and eliminates a very informative and exemplifies the important major source of looping in the system by not role that legal academics play in developing allowing fine option orders once a warrant has legal policy in this State. been issued. The Bill contains over 30 technical amendments to the State Penalties In their article, Professor Duncan and Ms Enforcement Act 1999 in order to rectify Christensen suggest that there be an process design activities which did not occur amendment to the Property Law Act 1974 with until after the statute had been passed. a view to clarifying a conveyancing situation where a purchaser without title on their own As legislators, all members would agree part cannot verify title of a vendor because that it is important to rectify governing computers in the Land Titles Office within the legislation before the new regime becomes Department of Natural Resources are operational. Honourable members will recall inoperative for any reason. that this new regime will replace the current SETONS registry and it will be responsible for The existence of this cyber problem was the collection and civil enforcement of most at the centre of the decision of the Supreme penalty amounts due and owing to the State Court of Queensland, Court of Appeal in including court ordered fines; infringement Imperial Brothers Pty Ltd v Ronim Pty Ltd notice penalties and charges; compensation or (1999) 2 Qd R 172. In that case, the contract restitution; and amounts forfeited under for sale, so far as is relevant, obliged the undertakings and recognisances. vendor to hand over at completion, in exchange for the balance of the purchase I draw members' attention to my second- price, a properly executed transfer for the land reading speech to the State Penalties 22 Jun 2000 Children Services Tribunal Bill; Commission for Children and Young People Bill 1883

Enforcement Act 1999, which compares the the protection of Queensland's children and new State penalties enforcement registry young people. model with the Opposition's once proposed When I was appointed to the Family FINDER model, which would have been less Services portfolio, I asked John Briton to cost and outcome efficient. After the passing review the Children's Commission and of this Bill and the finalisation of some Children's Services Appeals Tribunals Act 1996 significant operational resource issues, such as to identify and make recommendations to the installation of a new computer system, it is overcome the shortcomings of that Act. These planned to commence the State Penalties Bills implement the recommendations of that Enforcement Act 1999 in November 2000. I review as well as the relevant commend the Bill to the House. recommendations of the Forde inquiry into Debate, on motion of Mr Springborg, abuse of children in Queensland institutions. adjourned. The current Children's Commission was established in 1996. However, the Briton CHILDREN SERVICES TRIBUNAL BILL review and the Forde inquiry highlighted COMMISSION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG numerous deficiencies in the current PEOPLE BILL legislation. These include— Cognate Debate the commission's limited scope which only extends to services provided by Families, Hon. A. M. BLIGH (South Brisbane—ALP) Youth and Community Care Queensland; (Minister for Families, Youth and Community Care and Minister for Disability Services) the omission of investigative powers to (11.52 a.m.), by leave, without notice: I allow the commission to undertake its move— function in relation to complaints; "That leave be granted to bring in a the omission of a role for the commission Bill for an Act to establish the Children to advocate on behalf of children; Services Tribunal, to provide for the review the commission's lack of perceived by the tribunal of certain decisions about independence through its attachment to services for children, and for other Families, Youth and Community Care purposes, and a Bill for an Act to establish Queensland for administrative support; a Commission for Children and Young the limited scope of the commission's People to promote and protect the rights, official visitors; and interests and wellbeing of children in Queensland." the lack of clear procedures and powers to assist the tribunal in hearing reviews. Motion agreed to. The commission Bill and the tribunal Bill rectify these deficiencies and much more. I am proud First Reading to introduce today's Bills which set a new benchmark for best practice in legislation Bills and Explanatory Notes presented seeking to promote and protect the rights, and Bills, on motion of Ms Bligh, read a first interests and wellbeing of children and young time. people. The commission Bill provides Queensland's children and young people with Second Reading a powerful and independent advocate—a proactive one-stop shop designed to meet the Hon. A. M. BLIGH (South Brisbane—ALP) needs of all children and young people with (Minister for Families, Youth and Community particular emphasis on those who are Care and Minister for Disability Services) considered most vulnerable. (11.52 a.m.): I move— The commission will be transferred to the "That the Bills be now read a second Premier's portfolio to strengthen its time." independence. While I have a particular I am pleased to introduce the responsibility for the promotion of the interests Commission for Children and Young People of children and young people, this Bill—the commission Bill—and the Children Government recognises that their rights, Services Tribunal Bill, which I will refer to as the interests and wellbeing are matters which tribunal Bill, which represent the next phase of should be considered by all departments and reform of the child protection system in this non-Government organisations that deliver State. These Bills complement the Child services to them in one form or another. The Protection Act 1999 and are further evidence arm's length independence afforded by the of this Government's strong commitment to Premier's portfolio will also ensure that the 1884 Children Services Tribunal Bill; Commission for Children and Young People Bill 22 Jun 2000 voice of our younger citizens will be heard at listen to, and seriously consider, the the highest level of Government. concerns, views and wishes of children The commission Bill places strong and young people; emphasis on accountability in the exercise of adopt work practices that ensure the authority through adherence to natural justice commission is accessible to children and principles and the establishment of review young people; and mechanisms. It further recognises that children be sensitive to the ethnic or cultural have a right to information and to participate in identity and values of children and young planning and decision making about their lives. people, including, in particular, Aboriginal The commission Bill provides the commission and Torres Strait Islander children. with a number of ways to meet the needs of children and young people in Queensland, In accordance with recommendations of with particular emphasis on children and young the Forde inquiry, the commission's community people who are vulnerable or at risk. These visitor program has expanded and will include include— visits to children and young people residing in— advocacy; a statewide community visitor program; authorised mental health services; a formal complaints mechanism; Government and non-Government funded residential facilities including those a requirement for the commission to work for children and young people with a with service providers to enhance children disability; and and young people's participation in decision making; youth detention centres. an educative role in ensuring children and Community visitors will be required to provide young people are aware of support support to children and young people at these services; and facilities and advocate on their behalf by giving a comprehensive research function. voice to and facilitating the resolution of their concerns and grievances. The commission will have the ability to advocate for all children and young people in The commission Bill will allow community Queensland. In carrying out this function, the visitors to enter and inspect the facility, talk to commission will be able to seek assistance a child or young person who wishes to speak from advocacy organisations, service providers to the visitor and access documents held at and other organisations that may be the facility which relate to the residents or the appropriate to meet the needs of a particular operations of the facility. The Forde inquiry child or young person. recommended that the Children's Commission be given authority to investigate and resolve In carrying out its advocacy and other complaints about the provision of services to functions, the commissioner must give priority children and young people. to the needs and interests of the most vulnerable children in our society, that is, those Under the commission Bill, the children— commission will be able to receive formal complaints about services provided to children who are in, or may enter, out-of-home and young people who are under certain care or detention; orders of, or subject to intervention by, the for whom there is no appropriate person Department of Families, Youth and to act on their behalf; Community Care. This will include complaints who are not able to protect their rights, about services provided to these children by interests or wellbeing; or State Government departments, local who are disadvantaged because of a government, as well as non-Government disability, geographic isolation, organisations in receipt of Government homelessness or poverty. funding. The complaint handling function proposed for the commission seeks to Any child or young person is entitled to establish a non-adversarial and collaborative express their concerns or grievances to the means of resolving complaints about the commission. The Bill expressly states that the delivery of services to vulnerable categories of commissioner must— children and young people who are clients of consult with children and young people in the Department of Families, Youth and a way that promotes their participation in Community Care. In seeking to resolve a decision making by the commissioner, for complaint, the Commission for Children and example, by the establishment of youth Young People will have a number of advisory committees; mechanisms for dealing with the complaint 22 Jun 2000 Children Services Tribunal Bill; Commission for Children and Young People Bill 1885 available to it, including advocacy, mediation includes review rights for persons issued with and formal investigation. The complaint negative notices, including a right of review to handling provisions of the Bill are designed to the Children Services Tribunal. facilitate a child or young person's access to The Bill also provides protection for the existing resources as well as provide timely privacy of people who have been screened and appropriate services where no other through heavy penalties for breaches of appropriate entity is available to deal with the confidentiality or providing false information. In complaint. addition, the commission will develop protocols The provisions of the Bill rectify a about access to, and storage and destruction significant flaw in the current Act by putting of, confidential information. beyond doubt the capacity of the A positive notice is valid for two years from commissioner to access necessary documents the date of issue unless it is cancelled earlier, and records when investigating complaints. for example, following the reconsideration of a The new role for the commission, which has person's suitability due to a change in the attracted a good deal of public interest, is that person's criminal history. A current positive of employment screening for child-related notice is portable across child-related employment. Queensland's children and employment. young people are entitled to be cared for in a way that protects them from harm or the likely The Bill prescribes penalties for employers risk of harm. In addition, parents are entitled to who do not obtain suitability notices for their expect that persons who provide services to, employees. The Bill does not require persons and activities for, their children in child-related working in child-related employment on a one- employment are persons suitable for working off or sporadic and infrequent basis to undergo with children. Employment screening assists in a criminal history check. However, an employer ensuring the suitability of persons working in may still apply to the commissioner for a child-related employment. suitability notice for these people. In December last year, I held a meeting The penalty provisions only apply if the with peak youth recreational and sporting employer proposes to continue to employ a bodies to discuss the issue of employment person who does not have a current suitability screening in relation to child-related notice and who has carried out work at least— employment. Following from that meeting, the once a week over the course of one Children's Commissioner chaired a working month; or party comprised of industry representatives to once a fortnight over the course of two assist in the development of an appropriate months; or model for inclusion in the commission Bill. The feedback from the working party and the public once a month over the course of six during the public consultation on the Bills has months. substantially informed the employment Persons already employed or engaged in screening function in the commission Bill. child-related employment prior to the commencement of the screening laws will not The Bill provides for employment be required to undergo a criminal history screening of persons working in certain child- check. The Bill, however, allows an employer related employment as well as persons to apply for a suitability notice where the carrying on certain child-related businesses. employer knows or reasonably suspects that a Paid employees, self-employed individuals and current employee has a criminal history that volunteers are regulated under the Bill. The Bill may make the employee unsuitable for child- provides for persons who propose to employ related employment. another person, on a paid or voluntary basis, in child-related employment to apply to the There are significant penalties for persons commissioner for a suitability notice stating deemed unsuitable by the commission who whether the person is suitable for child-related subsequently apply for or start or continue in employment. A person who proposes to carry child-related employment. The Bill creates on or continue carrying on a regulated offences for anyone deemed not suitable for business is also required to apply to the child-related employment by the commissioner commissioner for a suitability notice. The Bill to seek or accept a position in child-related sets out how the commissioner is to decide the employment. Penalties increase to a application in accordance with principles of maximum of five years' imprisonment where natural justice and provides opportunities for the person has been convicted of a physical or the person to make submissions about their sexual offence against a child. criminal history or their suitability for child- This Government supports the right of related employment. The commission Bill parents to take an active interest in their 1886 Children Services Tribunal Bill; Commission for Children and Young People Bill 22 Jun 2000 children's activities. To this end, parents who The tribunal Bill clearly states that in are volunteers assisting with school-based reviews involving a child, the best interests of services and activities will be exempt from the that child is the paramount consideration. It screening requirements. In addition, parent details a range of powers and procedures volunteers with children involved in activities which the tribunal may use in ensuring it has and services provided by churches, clubs or all relevant material before it without being associations will also be exempt from required to rely solely on the evidence screening if their child is involved in the activity produced by the parties at a hearing. These or receiving the service. "inquisitorial" powers are balanced in the Bill by The Children Services Tribunal Bill 2000 requirements that the tribunal adhere to the will establish a tribunal to replace the Children's rules of procedural fairness and ensure that Services Appeals Tribunals which currently the parties have reasonable opportunities to operate under the Children's Commissioner present their cases and be heard. The Bill and Children's Services Appeals Tribunals Act requires the tribunal to ensure the parties 1996. Like the Commission for Children and understand the procedures and rulings of the Young People Bill 2000, this Bill was tribunal and to ensure its proceedings are developed following relevant conducted in a manner which is culturally recommendations of the Forde inquiry and the sensitive and is responsive to the needs of the Briton review and public consultation on an parties. exposure draft of the Bill. In accordance with The current Act makes no reference to the recommendations of the Forde inquiry and children and young people, who are frequently the Briton review, the Bill establishes the the subject of decisions appealed to the tribunal as a separate entity to the commission tribunals and does not provide any to provide it with complete independence. mechanisms to enable them to participate in appeals or to protect their interests during The current jurisdiction of the Children's proceedings. This is not consistent with the Services Appeals Tribunal is retained under principles of involvement of children and young this Bill. The tribunal will continue to have people in decision making about their care jurisdiction to review on the merits the same established in the Child Protection Act 1999. administrative decisions which are currently appealable to the existing tribunals. These The tribunal Bill addresses this failure. It decisions are— sets out principles which require the tribunal to take into account the child's views and wishes certain case plan decisions in relation to and to give children and young people the children in care, and licensing and information and assistance necessary for them approval decisions about residential care to exercise their entitlement to participate. It services and foster carers made under the also provides a number of specific means by Child Protection Act 1999; which children and young people may decisions about the fitness of persons to participate in the decision-making processes of adopt children under the Adoption of the tribunal. These provisions— Children Act 1964; and require the tribunal to give notice of a decisions about the licensing of child-care review application to all persons entitled to centres under the Child Care Act 1991. apply for review of a decision, including children; In addition, the commission Bill will authorise the tribunal to hear applications for a require the tribunal to give notices, serve review of a decision of the Commissioner for documents and explain procedures and Children and Young People to issue a notice decisions to children and young people in that a person is not suitable for child-related a manner appropriate to their age and employment. maturity; enable legal representation of young The current Act does not detail the people who have the capacity to give principles underlying the exercise of the instructions; tribunals' jurisdiction or the powers or procedures the tribunal may use in informing enable the tribunal to appoint a separate itself of relevant matters. In practice, this has representative to act in the best interests led to an overreliance on an adversarial of a child whether or not the child is a approach that has tended to lock the parties party; into conflict rather than ensuring a focus on enable access to review by children and making the best possible decision and in the young people who cannot act for best interests of the child about whom the themselves by enabling persons to apply decision was made. for review on the child or young person's 22 Jun 2000 Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 1887

behalf with the permission of the Second Reading president; Hon. R. J. WELFORD (Everton—ALP) empower the tribunal to make (Minister for Environment and Heritage and confidentiality orders protecting the Minister for Natural Resources) (12.10 p.m.): I disclosure of documents or evidence to a move— party if the release of the information is "That the Bill be now read a second likely to cause harm to a child or young time." person; The Nature Conservation and Other provide special procedures for the taking Legislation Amendment Bill 2000 represents a of evidence from children and young major step forward in this Government's people which recognises their vulnerability commitment to the protection of Queensland's and protects them from further harm; and outstanding natural estate. Achieving security enables the tribunal to appoint an for the forest industry and protecting our independent inquirer to inquire into outstanding natural heritage has been an matters relating to the child's or young important process, which started as the person's interests and welfare. regional forest agreement and is now being The inclusion of clearly articulated principles, completed as the South East Queensland powers and procedures will ensure an Forest Agreement—SEQFA—process. independent merits review process which is fair As part of the RFA process, all aspects of to the parties, expeditious and responsive to State forest and timber reserve land in south- the needs of children and young people about east Queensland were assessed. The primary whom the decisions are made. outcome was an assured timber yield over the Over 26% of Queensland's citizens are next 25 years. At the same time, there was children and young people. The more comprehensive consultation with stakeholders individuals, organisations and Governments on other important elements, such as nature support children, young people and their conservation, cultural heritage—both families, the greater each child's potential to indigenous and non-indigenous—tourism and achieve a fulfilling and responsible adulthood recreational uses, social and aesthetic values, and the more prosperous and healthier grazing interests and foliage harvesting. The communities we build. end result was an agreement welcomed by all stakeholders, an agreement that protects jobs, I am very proud to introduce these Bills. regional communities and south-east They will enhance, promote and protect the Queensland's precious native forests. rights, interests and wellbeing of all children and young people in Queensland. The Unfortunately, the Federal Government comprehensive new powers mean has consistently refused to accept the historic Queensland once again leads the nation in outcomes contained in this South East child protection reform. I commend the Bills to Queensland Forest Agreement and has not the House. contributed one cent towards its implementation. This is despite the enormous Debate, on motion of Mr Beanland, goodwill amongst stakeholders in working adjourned. towards the positive outcomes in the agreement. Despite the Commonwealth's NATURE CONSERVATION AND OTHER attitude, the introduction of this legislation is an LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL important part of that goodwill with stakeholders and provides further certainty Hon. R. J. WELFORD (Everton—ALP) about protection of the native forests identified (Minister for Environment and Heritage and for conservation in the SEQFA. Minister for Natural Resources) (12.09 p.m.), by leave, without notice: I move— This Bill provides the legislative framework to set aside around 425,000 hectares of State "That leave be granted to bring in a forest and timber reserve land as protected Bill for an Act to amend the Nature areas under the Nature Conservation Act Conservation Act 1992, and for other 1992. It is a significant step for nature purposes." conservation and nature-based recreation in Motion agreed to. Queensland. The Bill provides for the transfer of this land into a "holding tenure" of forest reserve, to give effect to the SEQFA and First Reading provide certainty. The current uses of these Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and areas can still occur, including the spectrum of Bill, on motion of Mr Welford, read a first time. current recreational use. Within the SEQFA 1888 Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 region, the protected area estate currently The management principles of forest stands at 448,000 hectares. It consists of 53 reserves reflect the future protected area national parks and 89 conservation parks, status of the land. These management including important World Heritage areas. Our principles also provide for the continuation of Government plans to almost double that figure any lawful existing use of the land, such as and, in time, produce other important icons for apiculture, foliage harvesting, recreation, the region. grazing and mining. Commercial logging is not The process of transferring the land from permitted as this use has been catered for on State forest and timber reserve to protected other land identified in the SEQFA process. area will occur in two stages. Stage 1 will However, there is one exception to the involve land identified as conservation reserve exclusion of commercial logging. Some areas in the SEQFA being dedicated to a new of plantation timber will be transferred to forest interim holding tenure to be known as "forest reserve either because of the need to provide reserve". The Bill provides for this tenure by manageable boundaries or because they are inserting a new Part 4A in the Nature surplus to requirements. If it is found Conservation Act 1992. A forest reserve will necessary to remove these plantation trees to not be a protected area for the purposes of assist in restoring the land's conservation the Act and is therefore not subject to any values, commercial logging can be undertaken particular requirement to prepare a for that purpose on a forest reserve. management plan. It merely acts as a The management principles also establish "holding" area for the land until other actions a capacity for all or part of a forest reserve to are undertaken, including conservation be designated as a proposed protected area. assessments, detailed negotiations with all The effect of such a designation will require stakeholders, indigenous land use any lease, permit or other authority issued agreements, analysis of existing uses and after the land is so designated to be consistent arrangements made for handling the extensive with the management principles for that class number of leases, licences, permits and other of protected area which the land is proposed authorities that have been issued under the to become. This provision recognises that Forestry Act 1959 or Land Act 1994. some land may remain as forest reserve for a These steps constitute the tenure considerable time before it can be dedicated allocation process—a process which will as a protected area. determine the most appropriate classes for By designating it a protected area—for these protected areas, whether that be example, a proposed national park—a national park (scientific), national park, national capacity is available to prevent the issue of park (recovery), conservation park or resources any authority that could compromise its reserve. The forest reserve tenure is subject to ultimate dedication as a national park. a five-year sunset clause, which clearly However, the designation cannot occur unless establishes its interim status and allows the area of forest reserve has been reviewed sufficient time for the allocation of tenures to and a public consultation process, as be completed. prescribed in the Bill, has been undertaken. The Bill states that the purpose of Part 4A Anyone with a concern that their interests may is "to assist the dedication of areas within be affected by the proposed designation will State forests, timber reserves and Land Act have ample opportunity to state those reserves as protected areas". Further, it states concerns, and they must be considered by the that it is Parliament's intention that "each area chief executive. In order to remove any doubt, of land dedicated as forest reserve will become the Bill states that the dedication of land as a a protected area as soon as practicable after forest reserve, or the designation of any area its dedication" subject to any revocation. A of forest reserve as a proposed protected forest reserve will be dedicated by the area, does not extinguish or affect native title Governor in Council under a regulation, and I or native title rights and interests in relation to would propose to seek the dedication of all the the land. land as soon as practicable after the Bill has In order to ensure negligible disruption to been proclaimed. While there is a clear existing users, the Bill provides for the area of intention that all forest reserve land will be forest reserve that was previously State forest dedicated as protected area, the Bill provides or timber reserve to continue to be a revocation process for land that is not administered under the provisions of the suitable. The regulation for revocation can only Forestry Act 1959 as if the land were still State be made after the Legislative Assembly has forest or timber reserve. This means that all passed a resolution requesting the Governor in leases, permits and other authorities will Council to make the revocation. continue unchanged on a forest reserve and 22 Jun 2000 Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 1889 the same management regime will prevail, park and to regenerate the cleared area. Any except for the fact that commercial logging will such action must, however, be done under the cease other than for the purpose mentioned terms of an approved regeneration plan. earlier. The Bill specifies the preparation and Under administrative arrangements, the approval procedures for such a regeneration Government agencies presently responsible plan. Those procedures include a public for day-to-day management of State forests consultation process for the draft plan. This will and timber reserves—the Department of provide all interested parties with an Natural Resources and the Department of opportunity to scrutinise the proposed recovery Primary Industries—will continue their roles. In action and respond accordingly. Resulting a similar fashion, the small area of Land Act comments must be considered by the chief reserves, primarily camping and water executive before making the plan final. If reserves, will continue to be administered immediately before an area is dedicated as a under the Land Act 1994 as if they were still national park (recovery) the land was being reserves. Any trustees appointed to those used in a way that is inconsistent with the reserves will continue in that role. In this way, management principles, the Bill in section 36 the forest reserve holding tenure does not provides the chief executive with a capacity to disrupt existing users. A realistic period of time authorise certain specified uses for the is available for the Government's commitment unexpired term of the permit under the to the development of indigenous land use Forestry Act or lease under the Land Act. agreements and for extensive negotiations However, that authority cannot be renewed. with stakeholders to take place in preparation This relates particularly to apiary permits, stock for final tenure allocation from forest reserve to grazing permits, occupation permits for service various types of protected area. facilities, sales permits for foliage harvesting The movement to protected area is Stage and leases under the Land Act. In this way, 2 and will occur progressively as resolution is existing rights can be honoured for the full reached in relation to parcels of forest reserve term of their original issue. land. The tenure allocation process has I should make special mention of one already commenced, with initial discussions industry that this provision particularly caters having taken place with certain stakeholders for. Cut plants provide significant export and indigenous groups. Many of the issues earnings for the State. Cedar Hill Orchids is a raised in the consultation phase provided for prominent company in this industry. Cedar Hill by the Bill, particularly by recreational groups, Orchids has indicated that, within a specified are matters for negotiation as part of the period of time, it would not need to harvest tenure allocation process. In concert with plant parts from the land destined for recreational stakeholder representatives, the protected area. The Bill provides for this activity Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and its to continue on a national park (recovery) for a officers are seeking to identify the range of period established in a sales permit issued recreational uses and the places where they while the land is State forest or forest reserve. occur. This will be the basis for more in-depth discussions to determine future tenure I should also point out that, while the allocations. authorities referred to above cannot be While virtually all existing recreational renewed, one category in particular could be activities presently taking place on the land considered for a new authority under a can be accommodated on one or more different section of the Act. Section 35 was classes of protected areas, the final distribution designed particularly to cater for service of certain uses will need to be carefully facilities such as communication facilities, assessed. In order to provide a wider range of navigation aids, electricity transmission grids protected area options for tenure allocation, and public water supply facilities. It is in the the Bill provides for a new class of protected public interest that such facilities be permitted area, to be known as national park (recovery). to continue. The chief executive has the This is established to cater for land that is capacity to consider authorising those uses on destined for national park status but will require a national park or national park (recovery) even significant management of natural resources though they are contrary to the management such as removal of plantation trees and principles for both classes of protected area. subsequent regeneration to restore The Bill also allows the chief executive to conservation values before it can be upgraded require an environmental impact statement for to a full national park category. This includes an interest on a protected area that is sought the capacity to remove, by commercial logging under sections 34, 35 and 38 of the Act. if appropriate, plantation timber located on the These are the sections likely to be used for 1890 Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 granting a substantial interest that may have Another matter clarified in the Bill relates an impact on the land. The EIS provisions do to authorities granted under sections 33 and not apply to uses that are already in place 35 of the repealed National Parks and Wildlife immediately before the protected area is Act 1975. These were the subject of a dedicated and authorised to continue after transitional clause, section 165, in the Nature dedication. I have referred to examples of Conservation Act 1992. However, being a such uses earlier in relation to section 36 transitional clause, it expired one year after it authorities. came into force and was not included in the The Queensland Indigenous Working current reprint of the Act. Despite its expiry, Group in its response to the consultation draft section 165 continued to apply to any authority of the Bill raised the issue of social impact granted under those sections of the repealed assessments. Depending on the Act which had not expired or been terminated. circumstances, I would see no impediment to Its application was preserved under the terms requiring such an assessment to be part of an of section 20 of the Acts Interpretation Act EIS. A process for approving codes of practice 1954. One such authority will not expire until for protected areas, forest reserves and 2049. protected wildlife is provided for in the Bill. The absence of section 165 has led to While the contents of these codes are not some confusion in certain legal matters. As a matters for subordinate legislation, they have result, the Bill reinserts the terms of section been made subject to the tabling and 165 in a new section 183. In addition, that new disallowance provisions of the Statutory section establishes that any reference to the Instruments Act 1992 as if they were Director of National Parks and Wildlife, the subordinate legislation. In this way, the codes responsible officer for the repealed Act, in can be scrutinised by Parliament to ensure relation to those authorities is taken to be a they do not contain matters of a legislative reference to the chief executive. nature. In summary, the Bill provides the Codes of practice being developed at the legislative foundation for achieving the moment will address a number of substantial conservation objectives arising out management practices and procedures that of the SEQFA. It establishes a new interim will have a bearing on the smooth transition holding tenure, forest reserve, to which all the from State forest and timber reserve to forest land identified as conservation reserve will be park and thence to protected area. The Bill transferred. It provides the framework for contains amendments to a number of sections managing forest reserves in a way that of the Act, including sections 62, 88, 89, 90, provides negligible disruption to existing users. 91 and 97, to place beyond any doubt that the It provides a realistic period for negotiations chief executive, a conservation officer, Public with stakeholders and indigenous groups Service officer or other employee of the leading up to the final tenure allocation as department acting under the chief executive's appropriate categories of protected area. authority do not require permits under these It is during that tenure allocation process sections in order to carry out their normal that the issue of no net loss of recreational duties under the Act. For example, a ranger opportunities will seek to be resolved and constructing a walking track or a picnic area on addressed. The Bill itself does not transfer any a national park is interfering with natural land to forest reserve. That will take place by resources, a matter that is covered by section regulation as soon as practicable after the Bill 62 of the Act. is proclaimed. Proclamation will occur on The proposed amendment clarifies that a assent, though section 70R, the sunset permit or other authority would not need to be clause, will not be proclaimed before a issued for such work. Similar amendments are regulation dedicates some or all of the forest included for sections dealing with taking, reserve land. keeping or using protected animals, protected The Bill proposes a new class of protected plants, threatened or rare plants, international area, national park (recovery), which wildlife and wildlife in areas of major interest particularly caters for some SEQFA issues and and critical habitat. At present, such activities provides another valuable option in the tenure by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service allocation process. Finally, the Bill addresses officers rely on the immunity provisions of codes of practice, environmental impact section 143 of the Act. Recent interpretations statements and certain powers of the chief of similar clauses in other places suggest a executive, all of which have relevance to need to place the matter beyond doubt. achieving the historic conservation outcomes 22 Jun 2000 Water Bill 1891 of the SEQFA. I commend the Bill to the complex and the community is demanding a House. smarter, more responsible and more Debate, on motion of Mr Lester, transparent way of sharing water fairly in a adjourned. sustainable way. There is already evidence that a number of river systems across the State have limited WATER BILL or no capacity to provide further allocations of Hon. R. J. WELFORD (Everton—ALP) water over and above the level of current use. (Minister for Environment and Heritage and But, unlike other States, Queensland has an Minister for Natural Resources) (12.28 p.m.), opportunity to put its primary industries on a by leave, without notice: I move— sustainable footing and avoid the huge costs "That leave be granted to bring in a of repairing degraded rivers. Bill for an Act to provide for the The Water Bill seeks to establish a sustainable management of water and planning framework for making decisions other resources, a regulatory framework about water allocation and use. It provides a for providing water and sewerage services framework for the regulation of water service and the establishment and operation of providers and establishes new governance water authorities, and for other purposes." arrangements for water authorities. In this Motion agreed to. respect, the Water Bill repeals the Water Resources Act 1989 and creates a new legislative framework for the Queensland water First Reading industry. Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and The Bill amalgamates three exposure Bill, on motion of Mr Welford, read a first time. draft Bills which have undergone comprehensive consultation throughout the State. These exposure draft Bills were— Second Reading the Water (Allocation and Management) Hon. R. J. WELFORD (Everton—ALP) Bill, now Chapter 2 of the Water Bill; (Minister for Environment and Heritage and Minister for Natural Resources) (12.28 p.m.): I the Water and Sewerage (Infrastructure move— and Services) Bill, now Chapter 3 of the Water Bill; and "That the Bill be now read a second time." the Water (Statutory Authorities) Bill, now Chapter 4 of the Water Bill. The Water Bill 2000 represents a significant milestone in water law in In recent years the Government has Queensland. This Bill ensures our laws reflect initiated a number of water allocation and modern-day practices. It is the first overhaul of management plans (WAMPs) and water our water laws for 90 years and the first time in management plans in major river catchments our State's history that the principle of across the State. These plans tell us how sustainable management of water has been much water we have and how much water is enshrined in statute. Throughout our history, currently being used and identify the water water has been our most valuable natural needs of the environment and how much resource, contributing to our economic, social water may be available for future and environmental growth and prosperity. After development. 100 years of development in Queensland, it is The Water Bill also fulfils Queensland's time to take stock of our water resources and responsibilities under the 1994 water resources ensure their sustainable management for this policy of the Council of Australian and future generations. Governments (COAG). The COAG water This legislation provides a much-needed framework has required all States to overhaul of our water laws. Under current implement a comprehensive system for water legislation there is no explicit requirement to allocation and management. ensure that sufficient water is available for the This is only the sixth time in more than health of watercourses. In addition, water 100 years that we have sat in this place to allocations can continue to be granted to the discuss in detail the future of our water. point where there is insufficient water to satisfy Parliament first discussed water in 1891 when the needs of existing licensees. As our it passed the Water Authorities Act and the population and industries expand, there is Irrigation Act. Since then we have debated the more and more demand for water. Water future of our water another four times—in allocation decisions have become more 1910, 1922, 1926 and, more recently, 1989. It 1892 Water Bill 22 Jun 2000 is appropriate to dwell briefly on aspects of member uttered concern about a reported soil previous water legislation. salinity outbreak and its impact on agriculture. The House's first attempt to conserve The Minister responded— water was the introduction of the Rights in "The salinity problems at Emerald are Water and Water Conservation and Utilisation being addressed and the reclamation of Bill in November 1910. In effect, that Bill what is really a very small area is well in sought to vest control of underground water hand." and water in watercourses in the State and to facilitate its development for the benefit of all Since then the Murray-Darling degradation has Queenslanders. While the 1910 Bill was aimed exploded as one of Australia's great at development, there was some foresight in disasters—one for which all Australians will its approach. An expert's report attached to ultimately pay a heavy price. Salinity in that Bill concluded— Queensland is no longer just a "very small area". Salinity affects more than 10,000 "Nothing will contribute more to the hectares across the State, with a further industrial development of Queensland—or 73,000 hectares considered at risk. to the social wellbeing of the people of the State—than a law which will establish The Water Bill 2000 is the most effective public control over water, and comprehensive overhaul of water legislation provide for its orderly and just distribution." since the early 1900s. In those times there was little competition for water, little impact on Those words ring true to this day. An "orderly the environment and no way to measure river and just distribution" of water is the key flows to ensure that there was sufficient water concept in Chapter 2 of the Water Bill. In his for the environment. Unfortunately, some of second-reading speech on the Water Bill of our existing policies and regulations still reflect August 1926, the Lands Minister of the day, the laws from 1910. They do not address the the Honourable Thomas Dunstan, said— problems that our water industry faces in the "All water users, public and private 21st century. The challenge has been to alike, must recognise that the economic develop a modern water law aimed at use and conservation of our natural water improving the security of supply for future are paramount." users and ensuring that future water Again, those words ring true in today's developments are sustainable while also situation. protecting the health of our rivers and catchments. After the 1926 Bill there was no major water law passed for more than 60 years until This has been one of the most the introduction of the Water Resources Act in comprehensive consultation processes ever September 1989. That Act amalgamated four undertaken in Queensland to support the Acts relating mainly to water supply and introduction of new legislation. This Water Bill irrigation. It came at a time in our State's is the culmination of 18 months' consultation history that coincided with the Fitzgerald report, with key stakeholders and the community on with the State's third Premier in 18 months and water industry issues. Draft policy papers and with a State election just around the corner. It draft exposure Bills have formed the basis of was such a calamitous time that the Water feedback from various interests across the Resources Act 1989 hardly rated a mention in State, and I wish to thank people, particularly the House. The Minister, the Honourable Don in regional Queensland, who attended our Neal, plus seven other speakers took less than many information and workshop sessions two hours to read, adjourn, resume, debate during the development of the legislation. In and pass that Bill. Yet that Bill foreshadowed particular, I thank the Water Industry Peak some issues which are now major Consultation Committee, which consisted of considerations for the Water Bill 2000. representatives from the Queensland Farmers Federation, the Local Government Association For the first time, the Parliament approved of Queensland, the Queensland Conservation the notion of licensing overland flow works in Council, the Environmental Defenders Office, declared areas on floodplains. This is a similar the Queensland Irrigators Council and the concept to the Water Bill's concept of Brisbane City Council. This group has met community-led solutions for the fair sharing of every month since late 1998 in respect of this overland flow as outlined in Chapter 2. The legislation. The contribution of these industry 1989 Bill also dealt with hazardous leaders has been invaluable in the waste/dams, introduced the new irrigation development of this Water Bill. terms of nominal and announced allocations, and initiated temporary transfers of irrigation I now turn to specific aspects of the Water water. That debate also marked the first time a Bill. Part 2 of the Water Bill promotes a new 22 Jun 2000 Water Bill 1893 planning framework for the sustainable is now industry support for the overland flow management of water throughout the State. process outlined in the legislation. There is a need to balance the interests of sustainable development on the one hand To complement water resource planning, and long-term environmental protection on the the Water Bill provides for the chief executive other. of my department to undertake ongoing monitoring and, on a regular basis, make Central to this planning framework is the relevant information available to the public. undertaking of water resource plans on a This is intended to provide users and all catchment by catchment basis. The legislation stakeholders with information regarding the envisages that these planning processes, as status of the resource and environmental much as possible, are community driven and impacts. supported by the best available scientific information. The Water Bill envisages that local Another key aspect of Chapter 2 of the governments in particular will play a key role in Water Bill is the separation of the ownership of the consultation process for the development water from land that allows for water licences of these plans. to be translated into transferable water As I recently informed honourable allocations. These allocations will be secure for members, these water resource planning the 10-year life of a water resource plan, unlike processes will result in significant benefits to current arrangements, where a licence is the State. The health of the State's surface issued between three and seven years and water and ground water resources will be can be changed or cancelled at any time. maintained and, where necessary, improved These transferable water allocations can be for current and future generations. The bought and sold—or mortgaged—as an asset introduction of more secure and better separate to the land title. Owners can sell specified water entitlements and opportunities water or, alternatively, they can buy more for trading will provide greater certainty for all water to expand or diversify an enterprise water users. This will also assist business and without having to buy more land. Where water industry to create secure and sustainable jobs in a catchment becomes fully allocated, new and increase the incentive for investment in enterprises will still need to obtain water. This water reliant industries. can now be achieved through a market system, subject to the necessary public The Water Bill includes transitional interest safeguards. This is the most efficient provisions to underpin a number of water and ecologically sustainable way of sharing a resource planning processes, in the form of limited resource. WAMPS and water management plans, already under way. In some catchments, The Water Bill will continue the water regulation of overland flow will be fundamental licensing and permit arrangements that are to the effective sustainable management of covered in the Water Resources Act 1989. In water. This is linked in to the transitional particular, these arrangements will occur in provisions. areas of the State where there is no demand In this respect, a key aspect of the for water trading or where, for resource legislation is the vesting of control of overland management reasons, trading should not flows in the State. There has been a wide occur. diversity of views as to how such control should To address community concerns about be exercised. However, it has been widely potential adverse socioeconomic impacts from acknowledged that the State needs to have water trading, the Water Bill provides for the ability to regulate overland flows in areas trading rules. These rules could provide, for where potential problems could arise. To example, limits to the volume of water that enable such controls to be exercised where may be traded. Any extension of those limits there is a community concern, the vesting of would require a public process. In this respect overland flow in the State has been necessary. the Water Bill does not seek to unduly restrict This vesting does not, in itself, mean that water trading but, rather, responds to overland flow control will be implemented. perceptions amongst regional communities Rather, the legislation proposes that decisions that potential for adverse impacts from large regarding controls of overland flow can only be trades may exist. Indeed, in response to made as part of a local planning process. advocacy from the Local Government The Water Bill includes triggers to guide Association of Queensland, the Government decisions as to whether a plan should be has undertaken to review the socioeconomic commenced. After considerable consultation impacts of water resource planning under this with industry peak groups on this issue, there legislation midway through the first phase of 1894 Water Bill 22 Jun 2000 the water resource plans, which is during and does not prescribe how providers should 2004Ð05. manage their assets or deal with their The Water Bill also responds to strong customers. Rather, the Water Bill seeks to advocacy from users that temporary trading ensure that proper processes are in place for should be encouraged by enabling it, as much the management of long-lived assets and to as possible, to occur on a decentralised basis. ensure that customers—who do not have a The concept of seasonal water assignments in choice of provider—are informed about the the Water Bill promotes this outcome. levels of service which they are entitled to receive. The Water Bill also provides a range of new enforcement measures for the industry. It is recognised that considerable work The Water Resources Act 1989 does not needs to be undertaken to develop the provide for community involvement in detailed implementation arrangements in enforcement. This Water Bill seeks to respect of Chapter 3 of the regulatory modernise the enforcement provisions by framework. The Government intends to ensure giving legal standing to any member of the that reporting processes are streamlined and community to obtain from the court an that the new regulatory regime does not enforcement order to stop an illegal activity impose an undue financial burden on councils committed against Chapter 2, which deals with and other service providers, which may have allocation and management, riverine limited resources available to them. To this protection and other matters. Whilst it is my extent, guidelines will be developed in intention that the courts generally order each consultation with the Local Government side to pay their own legal costs, the court will Association of Queensland to be in place by have the power to award costs where a case is the end of this year. brought merely for obstruction or delay or is The Government also appreciates that frivolous or vexatious. These community service providers will need time to comply with standing legal provisions are a major step the new framework. As a result, the Water Bill forward for public accountability in the includes transitional provisions, which set out a enforcement of Queensland's natural staged process for implementing the changes resources law. They are similar to those that that are based on whether a service provider is have successfully operated in the Queensland large, medium or small. The earliest planning legislation. requirement would be 1 July 2002. Some I will now turn to Chapter 3 of the Water other major elements of the new framework Bill, which deals with infrastructure and service are— provision. This section of the legislation service providers must be registered; introduces a consistent regulatory framework relevant provisions of the Sewerage and for water service providers across the State. Water Supply Act 1949 will be integrated; Fundamentally, the provision of water is an owners of hazardous dams must comply essential service undertaken as a natural with dam safety requirements; and monopoly activity. With enhanced commercialisation within the industry, there is a owners of dams built for flood mitigation need to ensure that consumer interests are purposes must comply with flood protected. Accordingly, Chapter 3 of the Water mitigation requirements. Bill proposes a regulatory framework which The Sewerage and Water Supply Act 1949 requires service providers to suitably maintain provisions included in this Water Bill generally their assets and to establish customer service relate to matters which are currently standards. The regulatory regime recognises administered by local governments. These the autonomy of local government by enabling matters are dealt with in Part 4 of Chapter 3 of councils to establish their own service the Water Bill. To ensure that local standards, provided these are publicly governments have sufficient time to deal with reported. The regime provides for the transitional arrangements for the provision of exemption of smaller service providers with water supply and sewerage services in their less than 1,000 connections, or an irrigation areas, Part 4 of Chapter 3 of the Water Bill will supplier with up to 100 users and less than only commence on proclamation, at a date 20,000 megalitres annual throughput. which will be no earlier than 31 December Essentially, the Water Bill seeks to ensure 2000. that monopoly service providers adopt long- With the passage of this Water Bill, the term maintenance programs for their assets Department of Natural Resources will become and have customer service standards in place. the regulator of the framework pertaining to The framework is primarily outcomes focused water service providers. There is a view, 22 Jun 2000 Dangerous Goods Safety Management Bill 1895 suggested by the Local Government that, where a decision is made to allocate Association of Queensland, that such water under that Act, it will be made in a regulation should be independent of my transparent way by tabling of reasons in the department. Accordingly, I have undertaken to House. review the effectiveness of my department in The Water Bill also includes transitional carrying out this role after two years. provisions for the proposed corporatisation of Chapter 4 of the Water Bill is based on State Water Projects, which is currently a the Exposure Draft Water (Statutory commercialised business unit within my Authorities) Bill and covers the establishment department. Further, the Water Bill includes and operation of public sector water consequential amendments to the Integrated authorities. It seeks to establish a governance Planning Act 1997 to ensure that works and accountability framework that will apply constructed for the taking of water or quarry consistent and appropriate accountability material are considered development in the mechanisms and governance operations framework of the Integrated Planning Act across existing and future water authorities. 1997. The opportunity has also been taken to The key elements of this part of the Water Bill amend the Integrated Planning Act 1997 and include— the Local Government Act 1993 to correct a process for categorising boards so they certain unintentional effects on local meet specific accountability requirements government planning schemes resulting from depending on size (Category 1 or 2); recent changes to the Commonwealth telecommunication laws. clear roles and responsibilities for board In closing, while there are many different members; views about water across this State, there is a the establishment of a negotiated general acceptance of the inadequacy of the performance plan between board current law and the need for change. Some members and the Minister for Natural want the changes to be more drastic. Others Resources (Category 1 boards only); want them softened. As always, striking the greater flexibility in appointing board right balance is the key to good legislation. members; Through widespread consultation, I clarification of ministerial powers; believe the Government has gone as close as humanly possible to gaining a broad streamlining of administrative procedures; consensus of opinion across the community as and to how our water needs to be managed for the a means for boards to shift to alternative benefit of this and future generations. We institutional structures if desired. have achieved this broad acceptance as a The Water Bill also tidies up some old result of intense consultation with stakeholders problems in existing legislation, for example— over the past 18 months. It was not until 1998 that the Queensland the confused accountabilities of board Government began the process of instigating members (that is, do they act in the a review of existing water legislation. Although interests of the board or those who we started well behind a number of other elected them); States in the modernisation of our water law, the lack of clarity regarding the we gained valuable experience from watching accountabilities and responsibilities of other States grapple with their own water board staff and the chief executive officer; reforms. We have learnt from that experience cumbersome and inefficient and the hindsight of others. This Bill delivers establishment processes; and on Queensland's obligations under the COAG water policy. The National Competition Council conflicts of interest for departmental staff has been consulted during the drafting of the sitting on boards. legislation, and this legislation will deliver on all The Water Bill also provides for the fronts. I commend the Bill to the House. continuation of the powers of the Co-ordinator Debate, on motion of Mr Lester, General under the State Development and adjourned. Public Works Organisation Act 1971. It is intended that this power will work in conjunction with the principles underpinning DANGEROUS GOODS SAFETY the Water Bill as a reserve power for the State MANAGEMENT BILL to allocate water for development. The State Hon. S. ROBERTSON (Sunnybank—ALP) Development and Public Works Organisation (Minister for Emergency Services) (12.50 p.m.), Act 1971 is amended by this Bill to require by leave, without notice: I move— 1896 Dangerous Goods Safety Management Bill 22 Jun 2000

"That leave be granted to bring in a the Plastics and Chemical Industries Bill for an Act about the safe Association, the Queensland Chamber of management in Queensland of the Commerce and Industry, the Australian storage and handling of hazardous Institute of Petroleum, the Australian Chemical materials, particularly dangerous goods Specialties Manufacturers' Association, the and combustible liquids, and the Australian Industry Group, the Queensland management of major hazard facilities Council of Unions and the Queensland and emergencies involving hazardous Conservation Council. materials, and for other purposes." The Bill is based on two national Motion agreed to. standards developed by the National Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER read a message Occupational Health and Safety from His Excellency the Governor Commission—the National Standard for the recommending the necessary appropriation. Control of Major Hazard Facilities and the National Standard for the Storage and Handling of Dangerous Goods. The purpose of First Reading the Bill is to protect people, property and the Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and environment from harm from hazardous Bill, on motion of Mr Robertson, read a first materials. It will be an offence to fail to control time. and store hazardous materials safely. "Hazardous materials" is a broad term that includes dangerous goods such as petrol, Second Reading many agricultural chemicals that are not Hon. S. ROBERTSON (Sunnybank—ALP) classified as dangerous goods and (Minister for Emergency Services) (12.51 p.m.): combustible liquids, such as diesel. However, I move— the main focus of the Bill is dangerous goods. "That the Bill be now read a second In general terms, the Bill is concerned with: time." major hazard facilities; smaller premises storing I rise to speak to the Dangerous Goods Safety and handling dangerous goods and Management Bill. The mismanagement of combustible liquids known as "dangerous hazardous materials can have devastating goods locations"; and the provision of an consequences. In May this year, an explosion advisory service by scientific/technical advisers, at a fireworks depot in the Netherlands killed known as "HAZMAT advisers", for the 20 people, injured another 540 and severely Emergency Services and police at damaged most buildings in the emergencies involving hazardous materials. neighbourhood. In Australia, an explosion at The Bill provides the grounds for the Esso gas facility at Longford, Victoria, in classifying a facility as a major hazard facility. September 1998 resulted in two fatalities, Two factors will generally be taken into injuries to eight people and an economic loss account: firstly, if the quantities of hazardous of more than $2 billion. materials stored or handled or likely to be The Dangerous Goods Safety stored or handled at the facility exceed a Management Bill aims to prevent these sorts threshold, which will be stated in a regulation; of tragic incidents happening here in and, secondly, if an emergency might cause Queensland. The Bill is the result of years of harm to people, property and the environment extensive consultation across Government to off-site. ensure a coordinated, integrated approach to The risk to people, property or the hazardous materials management. It is not an environment is a key factor in the classification easy task, given that Queensland's existing of major hazard facilities. For this reason, the system for regulating the storage of hazardous legislation also enables a facility with below- materials involves more than 30 relevant Acts threshold quantities of hazardous materials to and regulations, administered by 10 State be classified as a major hazard facility, if the Government departments. potential for an emergency and the risk posed The level of consultation involved in by an emergency warrant such a classification. developing the Dangerous Goods Safety At this stage, there are estimated to be Management Bill is unprecedented in this between 30 and 40 major hazard facilities in State. It has been developed by my Queensland, with about 12 of these in the department in conjunction with the dangerous Brisbane metropolitan area. A dangerous goods working group, which includes goods location is defined as a place where representatives of relevant State Government dangerous goods and combustible liquids agencies, the Local Government Association, stored or handled or likely to be stored or 22 Jun 2000 Dangerous Goods Safety Management Bill 1897 handled exceed the minimum quantities consequences; ensure the safety of the prescribed in a regulation. The thresholds for occupier and employees; record or be able to both dangerous goods locations and major demonstrate measures taken to reduce hazard facilities will be aligned with the national hazards and ensure safety; establish, maintain standards. and document emergency plans and As well as providing greater protection for procedures; review and update emergency communities near hazardous industry, the plans and procedures before modifications; legislation will ensure that these communities provide appropriate information, training and are better informed and more actively involved education to all people at major hazard in emergency management. The occupiers of facilities or dangerous goods locations; and major hazard facilities must consult with their develop, implement and maintain a safety neighbouring community when they are management system. developing emergency plans and procedures. Major hazard facility occupiers will also be They must also provide information to the required to: conduct a systematic risk community about hazards at the facility and assessment; provide information to, and the safety measures to be taken in the event consult with, the neighbouring community of an emergency. It is the first time major about the hazards of the facility and safety hazard facility occupiers have been required to measures; and prepare a safety report that consult with their local communities to this demonstrates that they have satisfied their degree. safety obligations. They are also required to The legislation also provides for the notify of major accidents and record near creation of a buffer zone, which enables the misses. area around a major hazard facility to be The Bill imposes a high level of penalties, designated a major hazard facility consultation particularly for offences with serious zone if the risk to people, property or the consequences. The maximum penalty of three environment needs to be taken into account in years' imprisonment may be imposed for a assessing development applications. A map of contravention causing multiple deaths and the area will be provided to local government, serious harm to property or the environment. and development applications for major The maximum fine for a corporation will be hazard facilities and dangerous goods $1.125m. locations in areas of sensitive land use, such In addition to covering major hazard as child care centres or disabled care facilities facilities and dangerous goods locations, the in the zone, will be referred to the Department Bill gives authorisation for an advisory service of Emergency Services. Employees at major at emergencies involving hazardous materials. hazard facilities or dangerous goods locations This HAZMAT advisory service is provided on a will also be better informed about the hazards 24-hour basis throughout Queensland. In associated with their workplace and will be Brisbane and surrounding metropolitan areas, more actively involved in emergency HAZMAT advisers are full-time officers of the management. Chemical Hazards and Emergency Under the legislation, the occupier of a Management Unit, DES and Queensland major hazard facility or dangerous goods Health Scientific Services. In regional areas, location must provide employees with the service is provided by a network of appropriate information, training and education volunteers employed in local government and so that they can carry out their responsibilities the private sector. The volunteer emergency safely. They must also consult with employees response is supported by Brisbane-based in developing, reviewing and updating HAZMAT advisers. emergency plans. The Bill gives authorised officers the The legislation will also benefit industry by power to enter a place without consent or a streamlining existing requirements for the warrant if the authorised officer reasonably storage and handling of dangerous goods and believes a dangerous situation exists and it is by reducing compliance costs for industry in urgent that the authorised officer enter it to the long term. Because the legislation is based prevent, remove or minimise the danger, or if on national standards, it will help to reduce the the entry is urgently required to investigate the costs of compliance for companies operating circumstances of a major accident or near miss in more than one State. at the place. The occupiers of major hazard facilities Dangerous goods are used everywhere. and dangerous goods locations will be There is ample evidence that, if not handled required to: reduce hazards and minimise the properly, they can cause death or severe potential for major accidents and limit their injury, as well as damage to property and the 1898 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 environment. This legislation emerges from which, after all, over a period had paid for identified community needs relating to public those assets. It has taken many years for that safety, including the need to regulate concept to become a reality. I am pleased to hazardous industry and the need for uniformity note that consultation has occurred with the in chemical safety legislation. It guards against port authorities on this issue. tragic incidents involving hazardous materials I draw members' attention to proposed such as the Netherlands fireworks explosion or section 228C of the legislation, which makes it the Longford gas explosion happening here in clear that the land in the ports is not to be Queensland. transferred to the industry, but rather just the The Bill will help to provide a more improvements to that land will be transferred. integrated approach to the regulation of That proposed section removes any hazardous materials. It recognises the doubts—and there certainly were some expertise that has developed across doubts—that ports will continue to have control Government in this area and draws on that over their own strategic port land. That was an expertise in administering the legislation. important issue that had to be dealt with in Systems will be developed to share consultation with the various affected port information and to minimise the duplication of authorities. paperwork and services. Given the I want to address briefly the issue of collaborative whole-of-Government approach shares in Sugar Terminals Limited, which is the of the Bill, its focus on safety, and the new holding company of terminals. Now that proposed simplification of existing legislation, the Government has rightly said that it will the Bill demonstrates this Government's abide by the industry's determination on the commitment to safer communities and the process of how shares are to be distributed, it creation of a Smart State. I commend the Bill is not for the Government to tell the industry to the House. who should get what shares in their own Debate, on motion of Mr Malone, assets. I understand—and no doubt the adjourned. Minister will address this issue later—that a lot Sitting suspended from 1 p.m. to of work has been undertaken by the industry in 2.30 p.m. developing this process and it takes into account a range of special circumstances. After the consultation period, the Minister SUGAR INDUSTRY AMENDMENT BILL provided an appeal mechanism for growers or Second Reading millers who feel that, in their case, the process had not been applied properly. That is entirely Resumed from 30 May (see p. 1372) appropriate and something that I am sure will Hon. K. W. HAYWARD (Kallangur—ALP) be welcomed by growers and millers. That (2.30 p.m.): The aim of the Sugar Industry means that, if it should happen that there is a Amendment Bill 2000 is to enhance the mistake made in the issue of shares to a efficiency and international competitiveness of shareholder, that shareholder will then have Queensland's sugar industry. Certainly, this Bill some recourse to action. I do not believe that demonstrates the ability of this Government to anyone would have accepted a situation in deliver on outcomes that will benefit the sugar which shares would be distributed but that industry in the long term. This debate follows there would be no way of questioning the the introduction of the Water Bill. Both this Bill application of the process. and the Water Bill will be exciting for primary I am pleased to have had the opportunity industries in Queensland. this afternoon to say a few words in support of I want to take this opportunity to speak the Sugar Industry Amendment Bill. As I said, I about bulk sugar terminals. The transfer of the think that it presents an exciting opportunity for bulk sugar terminals was a concept devised the industry. The Government is to be originally by Mr Ed Casey, who we all know congratulated on its decision to transfer the was a Primary Industries Minister in sugar terminals back to the industry. Queensland during the terms of the Goss Dr PRENZLER (Lockyer—CCAQ) Labor Government. (2.35 p.m.): The CCA will be supporting this Mr Kaiser: Pretty excitable. Bill. However, this afternoon I would like to take Mr HAYWARD: I take that interjection a little of the time of the House to discuss from the member for Woodridge, who made proposed section 28F, which relates to the comment that Ed Casey was a very ministerial directions. excitable person. He had the vision of The canegrowers and millers of this State transferring ownership back to the industry have been exploited by the Government's 22 Jun 2000 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1899 adherence to a ministerial direction to maintain infrastructure. It is for that reason that the raw parity between the selling price of raw sugar sugar industry is seeking financial assistance. destined for domestic consumption and the In August 1999 the recently formed export price. Export parity pricing SIDAC noted the following points in relation to arrangements are preventing Queensland the domestic pricing of raw sugar: firstly, both Sugar from carrying out its charter under the State and Federal Governments agreed to new sugar legislation, which states in clause accept the Sugar Industry Review Working 111 that the principal objectives of the Party's recommendation as a package; corporation are to act commercially in the secondly, acceptance of the report was based marketing of raw sugar and in the discharge of on a public benefits test; thirdly, no further its functions generally, to act competitively in reviews will be undertaken for 10 years except the pricing of sugar or its raw sugar equivalent in exceptional circumstances; fourthly, any sold to Australian customers, to enhance the major changes to the recommendations will efficiency, competitiveness and access to require another public benefits test as a markets of the Queensland sugar industry, mandatory process; and, fifthly, it is unlikely and to enhance the long-term economy of the that such a review would be limited to Queensland sugar industry and the benefits domestic pricing alone without revisiting the flowing from it to canegrowers and mill owners. whole issue of the single desk and contractual Owing to the removal of tariffs, there is no arrangements on which the public benefits test danger of savage price hikes to domestic was based. This situation will be reviewed in sugar consumers. The potential for the 2000-01. importation of cheaper sugar from overseas is I believe that the current plight of the always going to maintain downward pressure industry certainly meets the criteria of on domestic prices. All that export parity pricing "exceptional circumstances" as set out in point achieves is to ensure that there is no 3 of SIDAC's recommendations. I repeat: no opportunity for Queensland Sugar Limited to further review is to be undertaken for 10 years obtain even a small premium for sugar that is except in exceptional circumstances. This destined for domestic consumption which, at would provide a trigger for the immediate the moment, is approximately 800,000 tonnes implementation of a review. I further believe annually and is our biggest single market. that in such a review a public benefit test Even a small premium in this market would would surely demonstrate that there is deliver significant benefits to our battling cane absolutely no need for a linkage between industry. parity pricing and single desk selling. The loss I turn now to who benefits from this of the tariff combined with the implementation artificial interruption to the free market forces of parity pricing has resulted in a cost to the which are so revered by the economic raw sugar industry of almost $30m annually. rationalists. Is it the Australian housewife? No, On the other hand, the refining sector has I doubt that very much. A cent or two price rise benefited not only by this amount but also by per kilo of sugar is not going to add very much a windfall profit on domestic sales of possibly to the average weekly household budget. In $160m due to their cheaper input costs as a any event, with raw sugar at $250 per tonne result of the decline in world sugar prices. and retail refined sugar at $1,100 per tonne At the same time, there has been no there is little relevance between the two, and appreciable benefit to Australian consumers of there is certainly plenty of margin to allow the sugar or sugar products. In fact, it is somewhat refiners to absorb a small increase in the raw ironic that, whilst sugar growers are at the point sugar price. The big winners are the of bankruptcy, the price of soft drinks is dearer multinational soft drink and confectionary than the price of milk. If sugar growers are manufacturers that make enormous gains forced to accept peasant wages the customers from an artificially depressed sugar price. It should be enjoying cheap sugar and sugar seems that the economic rationalists like free products. That certainly is not happening. One markets only when it suits them. of the main reasons for this inequity is the It is ludicrous to be maintaining price distortion caused by the export parity pricing control at the growing and milling level when mechanism. the industry is in such a precarious financial position. Honourable members would be The Australian Sugar Digest carried the aware that currently farmers are selling sugar following article under the heading "Refined below their cost of production, which has Sugar $500 plus per tonne"— obvious implications for their long-term viability. "... current price for refined sugar in That raises the prospect of mill closures—and Brisbane (in 50 kg bags) is around $520 that is happening now—and the disposal of per tonne. Queensland raw sugar is 1900 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

expected this week to be available to "We are silly to think we can provide refiners at about $250 per tonne. The a lead that other nations will automatically margin available for growing the cane and follow. They will follow if it is in their milling the sugar is now less than that for people's best interest and if they will make refining and packaging it. The selling a dollar out of it. This is the only way they terms of raw sugar to Australian refiners is will follow." mandated by the Queensland Minister for I certainly agree with him on that point at least. Primary Industries. Refiners are free to We must be stupid or a soft touch if we charge whatever the naturally protected honestly believe that the rest of the world will domestic refined sugar market will bear." follow Australia's or indeed Queensland's Is it possible that there is something example. I would be the last person in this fundamentally wrong with the current pricing House to advocate the removal of tariffs. As a arrangements? There is no doubt that the matter of fact, I wonder, just like the member answer to that question is definitely yes. There for Burnett, what possessed our Federal is something radically wrong when farmers are Government to remove the tariffs it removed. being driven bankrupt yet, at the same time, Was the Minister concerned deranged or there is no benefit to the consumers. blinded by the lure of big dollars in some other As a matter of interest, I point out that at fashion? the time of these comments the retail sugar In common with other members, I price was around $1,100 per tonne. There can acknowledge that the debate on ethanol be absolutely no justification for the retention production raises its head every time there is a of export parity pricing of domestic sugar. downturn in the price of sugar. I Every analysis of the arrangements and any wholeheartedly agree that ethanol production community benefit test will comprehensively should be looked at, especially now that the show that the detrimental effect on farmers is Federal Government has flagged that it will not not offset by any benefit to the consumer or to attract that excise. I believe that we should be the community in general. taking every advantage and looking at every I urge the Minister, once this Bill receives avenue possible to provide a market for our royal assent and he reviews his obligations embattled sugar farmers. I must admit that at under section 128F, to think long and hard the moment the idea of ethanol production and, for the good of those hardworking must be rating very highly and looking very growers in the northern and southern parts of attractive to some embattled canefarmers. the State, remove export parity pricing for Interestingly, the Minister's second-reading domestic sugar and allow them to get a few speech contained the usual gems of wisdom— more dollars per tonne for their sugar. Mr Palaszczuk: What page of my speech Mr FELDMAN (Caboolture—CCAQ) was that? (2.42 p.m.): Before I reiterate what the Mr FELDMAN: It was very early in the member for Lockyer said in relation to Minister's speech, when he was speaking proposed new section 128F, I note that it was about the retention of single desk selling, reassuring to hear the honourable member for should the QSL ever fall out of the sugar Burnett's contribution to the debate on the industry's hands. Sugar Industry Amendment Bill during the last An honourable member: It went downhill sittings of Parliament. He stated— from there. "As a one-time Minister for Trade, I Mr FELDMAN: It did. He also claimed that can certainly appreciate the need for Labor was committed to, understands and countries to reduce tariffs. There is no delivers for the sugar industry. That made me question that it is in the best interests of feel warm all over. About a month ago I was Queensland and Australia to have tariff speaking to a canefarmer from the Burdekin reduction. But I do question removing who was also a scuba diver. He told me that tariffs prematurely to induce other he used to get the same feeling when he countries to do likewise. In effect, I believe urinated in his wetsuit. I am not saying that the it works the other way. Once we remove Minister had any intention, in any way, shape our tariffs we have lost our leverage on or form, of urinating on the sugar industry or other countries to remove their tariffs. I the canefarmers, and that is not the intent of strongly believe from my own experience this Bill. that, while it is the way to go, in practical terms it does not achieve the result that Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I suggest we want." that that language is unparliamentary. Another little gem from that speech was this— Mr FELDMAN: I take the point. 22 Jun 2000 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1901

From my visit to the Burdekin and the In addressing a recent sugar convention Mackay areas and from speaking with those in Cairns, the Prime Minister made the canefarmers who are doing it tough out there, observation that the industry's financial I know where my colleague the honourable problems were a direct result of a corrupt world member for Burdekin was coming from when market, and I do not disagree with him—not at he made his speech in the debate at the last all. Yet here we have the Queensland sitting and spoke passionately about how Government forcing the raw sugar industry to tough the canefarmers up there are doing it. sell at the corrupt world price under the As he said, sugar is the backbone of just pretence of export parity. What possible about every coastal town from Maryborough to justification can there be for the retention of Cairns. He said that, if the sugar industry parity pricing? Is it because the Minister is fails—and it is failing—a lot of small towns and receiving the wrong advice while thousands of communities will go broke. Those towns are struggling canefarmers are suffering because highly dependent upon how well the sugar of that advice? I think it is about time that the industry is going, how well the canefarmers are Minister actually listened to the canegrowers— doing and how much income they are bringing the grassroots, the men out there who are in. The heartache out there was the driving doing it tough in the fields and the ones who force behind the notice of motion that was put are suffering because of that export parity. forward this morning but which was ruled I implore the Minister to really rethink that invalid because of this legislation being ministerial direction. There is a need to reverse debated in the House this afternoon. that ministerial direction and remove export As at 1 March, Australian producers were parity pricing. That can be done because, as I receiving less than $200 per tonne for raw was told this morning, that is the intent of sugar. At the same time, Brazilian producers section 128F. There is an old direction under were receiving $315 per tonne for their the old Act and a new one has to be given domestic sugar. In Thailand they were under this Act. It is incumbent upon the receiving $545 per tonne. Domestic producers Minister to really think about what direction he in the USA are receiving $632 per tonne for will actually give in respect of export parity their domestic sugar. Those in Europe receive pricing. I really think it is important that that a whopping $1,090 per tonne. How can that decision is reversed when this Bill is passed. be fair? Or in the words of our old mate the now deceased Professor Julius Sumner Miller: Mr MULHERIN (Mackay—ALP) why is it so? But it is so, because of all the ill- (2.50 p.m.): I would just like to comment on conceived and inequitable arrangements some of the remarks made by the member for called export parity pricing of domestic sugar. Caboolture and the member for Lockyer in As a result of a ministerial direction from the relation to export parity pricing. I feel that, if Minister for Primary Industries, the maximum they speak to the Sugar Corporation, they will price that can be achieved for domestic sugar be advised that there is minimal price is limited to a level comparable to the export differential between export parity pricing and price. There is no opportunity to seek even a import parity pricing. Reverting to import parity small premium, which would make the pricing—the canegrowers own the largest difference between bankruptcy and survival for cooperative sugarmill in Mackay, Mackay the battling Queensland canefarmers all along Sugar—would be disadvantageous to the the eastern seaboard of Queensland. growers of Mackay who own a refinery. The parity pricing mechanism was The removal of import parity pricing has implemented to assist the refining sector. The led to massive investment in the refined sugar SIRWP review at the time identified the market in the Mackay area which is about refiners as being the sector that was in value adding to the crop so that there is a financial trouble. Their financial problems were greater return to those growers. The other caused to a large extent because of unwise thing is that we would be disadvantaging the commercial decisions that were taken to industry in Queensland because the growers in expand the refining capacity. The sugar New South Wales, who opted out of the growers are now being punished for the Queensland arrangements some years ago commercial mistakes of those refiners. Section and went into refining sugar, had an 128F discusses the ministerial price directions. advantage over Queensland refiners whilst It is imperative that the Minister, after the import parity pricing remained in Queensland. I required consultation with Queensland Sugar think it is just a load of hogwash. Limited, takes urgent steps to remove the I turn now to the Bill. The sugar industry counterproductive mechanism of export parity has been undergoing regulatory change since pricing. the deregulation of the marketing of domestic 1902 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 sugar in 1989. The Sugar Industry Act 1991, industry but, rather, only the improvements to which was introduced by my predecessor, Mr the land. Ed Casey, continued this process with the As honourable members can see, a abolition of some of the centralised number of changes to the Sugar Industry Act management and control arrangements, since 1989 have flowed over successive including the abolition of the Central Sugar Governments, both Labor and coalition, before Cane Prices Board, which had managed the finally being enshrined in legislation. However, allocation of assignments and provided for the creation of the industry owned marketing arbitration on a whole of Queensland industry company is a recent development that is basis. wholly and solely this Government's own. I A requirement of the 1991 Act was for a understand that the Minister for Primary review of the Act in 1995-96. This review was Industries personally had a significant role in handed down in November 1996 by the Sugar persuading industry leaders that this was a Industry Review Working Party. The working desirable course and that the Government was party's membership represented all in favour of it. Let no-one underestimate the stakeholders—farmers, millers, sugar magnitude of this change. consumers and the Queensland Sugar Corporation. The committee brought down 74 Since 1915 the Government has acquired key recommendations which addressed and marketed the entire sugar production of National Competition Policy issues as well as Queensland. This was done by the Sugar the need for regulation to enhance the Board until 1991 and then by the Queensland efficiency and international competitiveness of Sugar Corporation. Now, under these this great export industry. changes, industry will market its own sugar. The single desk will remain, but it will be run by The recommendations have been the people for whose benefit it will be created. addressed legislatively in three stages by This indicates how far the industry has come. It amending the 1991 Act, introducing a new is not necessary for Government statutory Sugar Act in 1999 and making further authorities to run the marketing. amendments to the 1999 Act, which we are now debating. Some of the key I want to take this opportunity to recommendations relating to import parity congratulate the Minister for Primary pricing as well as new arrangements for Industries, his staff and the working parties negotiating teams, dispute resolution and that were established on the many safeguards management of sugar quality were that have been inserted into this Bill. First, the implemented by amending the Sugar Industry Government has insisted on a number of Act 1991. Other outstanding independent directors on the board of the new recommendations were incorporated in the Queensland Sugar Limited, or QSL. At least Sugar Industry Act 1999. The three of the directors must be persons who recommendations relating to marketing and have expertise in commodity trading, finance, ownership of the terminals, which were not vesting, law or business administration. They included in the 1999 Act, are now addressed must also be independent of sugar industry by these amendments. representative bodies. This is very important for the commercial focus of the new company. My colleague and friend the honourable member for Kallangur, Mr Ken Hayward, has I know that Mackay Sugar has benefited outlined how the Bill addresses the transferring enormously from the presence of two of ownership of the bulk sugar terminals back independent directors on its board. Such to the industry. While I am on that point, I directors bring a fresh perspective which would like to remind members that this complements the intimate knowledge of the concept was devised by Mr Ed Casey, who industry directors. I am also glad to see that was the Minister for Primary Industries from the first chair of Queensland Sugar Limited 1989 to 1995. I know that Mr Casey, who is must also be independent. The chair will have now the Chair of the Mackay Port Authority, a vital role in ensuring the success of the expressed concern over ports such as Mackay company. There has been some confusion losing control over strategic port land by the about how these independent directors will be transfer of ownership. He came down here and selected. The Government does not appoint met with the Minister for Primary Industries and these independent directors. Rather, under the the two shareholding Ministers, the Minister for rules of Queensland Sugar Limited, I Transport and the Treasurer, in relation to this understand that they will be selected by the issue. As the member for Kallangur has rightly other directors. So the grower and miller pointed out, the Act makes it clear that the directors and the chief executive will have the land in the ports is not to be transferred to role of selecting the independent directors. 22 Jun 2000 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1903

Another important safeguard is that if wholeheartedly endorse the concepts. I thank QSL moves outside the control of the the Minister and commend the Bill to the Queensland sugar industry the Minister may House. direct that the vesting powers revert to the Mr BLACK (Whitsunday—CCAQ) (3 p.m.): Sugar Authority. This means that the single I thank the House for this opportunity to speak desk can be maintained, even if QSL moves to the Sugar Industry Amendment Bill. One out of our control. The Bill defines in proposed has to wonder why almost every agricultural section 128W when QSL is taken to move country in the world, with the exception of outside the control of the Queensland sugar Australia, values its primary producers and industry. These circumstances are— demonstrates that appreciation of their where its constitution is no longer contribution to the financial and social consistent with the Act, for example, if wellbeing of their country by providing them QSL does not have the minimum number with meaningful support, yet here in Australia of directors; we cannot or will not provide any protection. QSL changes its constitution dealing with We provide virtually no support and seem hell- its purpose or function without the bent on reducing that meagre amount even Minister's approval; further. Amongst OECD nations, only Turkey QSL goes into voluntary administration or provides as little support for its primary liquidation; producers as Australia, with the pathetic contribution of 6% of gross farm income. QSL no longer has the required number America provides 25% and many countries of grower or miller representatives; or contribute up to 65%. In an international QSL no longer has 75% grower/miller trading climate as biased against Australian directors or 75% grower/miller farmers as that, we still see Australian shareholding. Governments wanting to pull back even It should be clear that these safeguards are further. necessary to protect the single desk. After all, On top of all that inequity, there is a if control of this company is gained by a non- corruption built into the domestic market by Queensland entity, then we would not want it ministerial directive which disadvantages to be controlling our single desk. The Minister canegrowers and millers even further. This also has the power to make directions to impost on Queenslanders is imposed by a Queensland Sugar Limited under proposed Queensland Government. We have seen the section 128F. This really mirrors his existing terrible burden our farmers have to bear powers of direction to the Queensland Sugar because of the irresponsible policies and Corporation. atrocious economic management of the However, it is worth while noting that, in Federal coalition Government, comprised of relation to a sugar price direction, the Minister political parties who should care about primary has voluntarily inserted a provision requiring producers but do not. As was the case with him to consult with industry before making debate on the GST legislation on Tuesday, such a direction. This is a very positive move, there is not a lot we can do about Federal though I am sure consultation would have policies and legislation. But this unfair impost is occurred in any case. It certainly shows how imposed by the Queensland Government. We absurd the comments of the Opposition were can do something about this problem, and we in last year's debate on the Sugar Industry Act must. when it tried to claim that the Minister was Even Labor members, who have absolute setting himself up as the dictator of the sugar contempt for rural and regional Queensland, industry. Everything in this Bill clearly shows must realise the unfairness of this policy and, that this is not the case. In fact, this Minister even more importantly, they need to realise has done more than any other Minister to give that canefarmers, like other farmers, as well as the industry control over its own affairs. millers, employ people. If the farmers are Members will recall that last year's Sugar decimated, mills will close or scale down and Industry Act devolved significant amounts of jobs will be lost. We have heard the Premier power to the local mill areas and away from constantly try to convince us that his is a can- Brisbane. This Bill gives industry control over do Government. It is now obvious that on the their marketing and handling assets, which matter of jobs, jobs, jobs and his brave were previously owned by the Government. prediction of below 5% unemployment the This Government clearly has confidence in the Premier will have to add a letter and make it industry's ability to handle its own affairs. It is a "can't do". Yes, it is now obvious that the very mature approach to the industry. I Government, posing as a can-do Government, 1904 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 is really a can't do Government when it comes One disappointment for Queensland to jobs. sugar growers was the failure last year to have We have seen the devastation and the agriculture listed in the World Trade job losses from the RFA debacle, or the Organisation conference in Seattle. In Clayton's RFA. It is an RFA that is not an RFA Australia, the price distortion is caused by the and it will cause horrendous job losses in United States and the European Union south-east Queensland. We are about to see providing incentives for their producers to even worse calamity within the dairy industry, continue to increase production despite low and yet the Government still does not realise world prices. The outlook this year for the need to have viable primary industries to Queensland sugar producers, whilst a little have any chance of approaching full brighter in recent weeks, is difficult also employment. It never ceases to amaze me because, in the run-up to the United States how the rabid economic rationalists can be so presidential and congressional elections later selective in the application of their simplistic this year, there certainly will not be any joy ideology. The free market bandwagon is from the United States. There will not be much trotted out ad nauseam when it suits them. joy from Japan, either. But as soon as they can see a chance to put The other problem that sugarcane another dollar in a multinational's pocket, it is growers are only too well aware of is the no longer necessary to apply their beloved free problem with Brazil. Mr Tony Hannah, the market theory. head of the Economics and Statistics Division They are quick to tell us that we cannot of the International Sugar Organisation, have tariffs because they are anti-competitive. described Brazil as the alcohol bomb of the But it is quite all right to corrupt the market by global sugar market into the 21st century. The the inclusion of restrictive and anti-competitive reason for that is plain enough. When Brazil elements such as export parity pricing. The embarked on a fuel alcohol program in the mid justification must be that tariffs are evil 1970s, it planted enough sugarcane, if used because they assist the farmers, but parity for sugar, to supply virtually the whole world pricing is quite acceptable because it assists sugar market. Brazil will continue to be a major the millers. I urge the Minister to assist the sugar influence into the 21st century. A study cash-strapped growers and remove this unfair by the United States Department of Agriculture parity pricing arrangement. entitled Sugar: World Markets and Trade Mr MICKEL (Logan—ALP) (3.03 p.m.): found that in 2000-01 there would be a 6% The focus of the Sugar Industry Amendment decrease in world sugar production. Sugar Bill is to give the sugar industry ownership and produced from sugarcane will decline by 6%, control of its marketing and handling assets. whilst sugar processed from sugar beet will This Minister is continuing to make sure that decline by 8%. The outlook for the future the decision making is made where it is means that Queensland producers will have to appropriate, that is, at the local level. I have be extremely cautious. enormous faith in Queensland sugar I commend Mr Ian Ballantyne, the producers. I think they are smart enough to general manager of Canegrowers, for his know what is in their best interests. We just address in Cairns in May this year when he heard the member for Whitsunday's indicated that the present downturn for the contribution to this debate. He does not have sugarcane industry will be a catalyst for any faith in Queensland sugar producers at all. substantial change over the next few years as But we on this side of the House certainly do. they see the industry on the verge of a period That is not to say that the Bill is being of substantial change in coming to grips with introduced at a time which is easy for the harsh reality of Brazil. It may well be that Queensland sugar producers. Sure, in recent the industry has to undergo further weeks there has been a slight improvement in restructuring and further rationalisation both in world prices, but the industry itself is facing a terms of canefarms and sugarcane mills. The very difficult proposition, particularly because of huge debt problems in the South Johnstone the wet weather in the Mackay and north area are a reminder of how precarious the Burdekin growing districts. As a result of the industry can be from time to time. So it is difficulties this year, Australian production for pleasing to hear Mr Ballantyne say that the 2000-01 will decrease but exports of the sugar industry is ready and willing to make the Australian product are forecast to remain hard decisions needed to ensure that it steady. There are tough times because, until remains an efficient, low-cost producer. recently, world prices have been at historically Equally, the industry is looking at future low levels. industry strategies to undertake the great 22 Jun 2000 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1905 transformation that may still be required for a have to be faster in assessing those market modern industry. signals internationally. As members have heard previous Mr Atkins said that if Australia wants to speakers say, the industry has expanded over grow its customer base significantly it will need the past 10 years. Sugar refining is undergoing to make a great leap forward in its thinking on a period of significant change. A number of risk and downstream processing. Interestingly joint ventures have led to refining capacity enough, he said it should follow the lead of the increasing quite rapidly. Sugar Australia, a joint dairy and grain industries in investing venture between CSR and Mackay Refined overseas. As I mentioned before, there may Sugars, was formed in early 1998 and controls be a joint venture opportunity in Indonesia. I around 60% of Australian refined sugar, with know that the Minister is very interested in the Bundaberg and Harwood Manildra holding the dairy industry. I know that he is much the wiser remaining market share. Australia's sugar for all the research he did on that subject when exports increased during 1997-98. At that time he was in the shadow Ministry some years South Korea displaced Canada as the largest ago. customer. Japan is second and Malaysia is At the moment, over 70% of domestic third, while Canada has now slipped to fourth. sugar consumption is in manufactured food. It is disappointing, though, that exports to Of that, the greatest percentage is in non- China have fallen sharply. alcohol beverages, 29%; retail sales, 23%; There has been a rapid growth in sugar confectionery, 11%; others such as dairy consumption in Asia which has prompted the foods, 5%; and alcohol beverages, 7%. Since Australian industry correctly to refocus its 1938-39 an increasing proportion of sugar has marketing efforts. Despite the economic been consumed in manufactured goods—from problems experienced in the Australian 32% to 72% in 1992-93. At the same time, economy, the region accounted for over 60% refined sugar consumption has fallen to of exports during 1997-98. Recently, I had the around nine kilograms per capita per year. But honour of going to Indonesia. Whilst there is refined sugar still faces significant competition still a small sugar barrier, which I believe from glucose, syrup, starch and some grain should be removed, Indonesia still does not products which can be used in the production have, in my view, an efficient industry. There of beer. may be scope for Australian refiners to go into Even with all the changes outlined by me a joint venture arrangement with Indonesia to and other speakers, we must be mindful of the send sugar to that joint venture company. Brazilian problem and take action. Brazilian From there, it can open up to the rest of the mills refine more sugar than we do and, by world. and large, they have larger sugarcane farms As I said, the industry has undergone than we have. It is for these reasons that significant change, and those changes have these latest changes introduced by the been for the better. For example, the area of Minister are welcome in giving industry greater land sown to sugarcane was previously control over their own destiny. They come on determined by a very overregulated system. top of other changes this Minister and previous We have seen expansion right across all of Labor Ministers, particularly Ed Casey, have those areas. That is not to say that things will made to the industry which have made this a be easy for us. stronger and more outward-looking industry. I congratulate the Minister on this further set of As Phil Atkins, the general manager of changes and for having the gumption to face raw sugar marketing at CSR, said, the world is up to those difficult decisions. I commend the changing and competition is tougher. The Bill to the House. industry must continue to focus outwards for its customers and not inwards. In addressing the Mrs NITA CUNNINGHAM (Bundaberg— sugar convention in Cairns Mr Atkins gave the ALP) (3.13 p.m.): I rise to support this Sugar very sobering example of Singapore, which is Industry Amendment Bill. It is self-explanatory, a former customer whose needs had changed. commonsense legislation that seeks to He said that the marketing challenge was not enhance the efficiency and international being met and that the market in Singapore competitiveness of Queensland's export was lost. He said that it took five years after oriented sugar industry. the industry's marketers identified the Brazilian As the member for Bundaberg I am proud high pol sugar threat for the industry to make to say that my electorate is the centre of one its first trial shipment of QHP sugar, which is a of the richest sugar-growing areas in product superior to the Brazilian equivalent in Queensland. There are four sugar mills, a terms of refining capacity. In other words, we refinery, a distillery and a bulk sugar terminal in 1906 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 the immediate district. Sugar is our largest that included port authority representatives, if industry and I regularly meet with sugarcane the terminals cease to be used for raw sugar growers, millers, port authority members and handling STL will have to negotiate industry leaders. Bundaberg relies heavily on commercial leasing arrangements with the the prosperity of the sugar industry, so I have relevant ports. This is an excellent outcome a strong interest in seeing legislation in place which will be welcomed by the port authorities. that will ensure the industry's long-term The third matter in this Bill relates to prosperity. changes for cane protection and productivity As did the member for Logan, I will quote boards. The boards no longer have Canegrowers general manager, Ian compulsory levy funding and are now seeking Ballantyne, who, following the recent voluntary contributions from their local growers Australian sugar convention in Cairns, said that and mill. They have requested the ability to opt the industry must adopt new ways of improving out of being a statutory authority and become its efficiency and cutting costs if it wants to a corporate entity to make it easier to raise survive in the highly competitive export voluntary contributions. This Bill provides them environment likely to prevail over the next with that option. decade. He added— The final matter dealt with in the Bill "It was clearly evident at the involves amendments to the Primary Industries convention that many sugar producers Bodies Reform Act 1999 as sought by industry see our industry as being on the verge of itself. I note that Canegrowers has recently a significant period of substantial change. announced that its membership subscription ... drive has been extremely successful. I am sure it will continue to deliver excellent services to its I believe there is a readiness among local areas. I believe that in some areas up to growers to consider any and all ideas 98% of growers have signed authorities to mills which may help to make the industry and to deduct the Canegrowers' levy. This individual participants more internationally demonstrates that the Government's changes competitive and financially viable." in the reform Act have brought about a I have since spoken to industry leaders in positive development for Canegrowers. It Bundaberg. They also support this shows that growers have reacted positively to amendment Bill that will, among other things, the changes, and the Canegrowers replace the old Sugar Corporation with an organisation has shown that it has the industry controlled marketing company. The confidence of its members. single desk for raw sugar will now be conducted by an industry owned marketing This Bill deserves the whole-hearted company, Queensland Sugar Limited, instead support of this House. It delivers on what the of the statutory authority, the Queensland industry wants. Every one of the key Sugar Corporation. QSL will have equal grower amendments has been requested by and miller representation, plus three industry—an industry that is the lifeblood of independent members, and it will have many coastal communities in Queensland, revenue of almost $2 billion. Marketing including Bundaberg. It is in their best interests expertise which was previously based in that this sensible legislation be enacted as Sydney with CSR will be transferred to soon as possible. I congratulate the Minister Brisbane, heralding one of the most significant for bringing this amendment Bill before the changes in the sugar industry in the last 50 House after years of ongoing talks, years. consultation, discussion and negotiation. I commend the Bill to the House. This legislation will also transfer bulk sugar terminals to industry ownership. The terminals Hon. H. PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) at Brisbane, Bundaberg, Mackay, Townsville, (Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Lucinda and Cairns will be transferred to Sugar Communities) (3.18 p.m.), in reply: I thank all Terminals Ltd, a company in which growers honourable members for their contributions to and millers hold shares. STL will own the this debate because, simply, this Bill is very terminal buildings and fixed plant and important for our sugar industry. The creation equipment and will lease the land on which the of Queensland Sugar Ltd and the transfer of terminals sit from the various port authorities the bulk sugar terminals are exciting landmarks for a nominal rent for 100 years, with an option in the development of the industry. I am to renew for a further 100 years, which is immensely proud of both initiatives. tantamount to freehold. However, I am very I want to recognise the contribution of Mr pleased to see that, under the terms of the Bruce Vaughan, Chairman of the Queensland transfer agreed to by a steering committee Sugar Corporation, to the creation of the 22 Jun 2000 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1907 industry owned marketing company. Bruce natural resource use. Mr Quaba epitomised an had the vision and the commercial knowledge aspect of the cane industry that some people to see how industry running its own marketing just do not recognise: that many canegrowers could benefit the Queensland sugar industry. want to protect the environment as well as He worked tirelessly to achieve an outcome grow cane. I want to pay tribute to Mr Quaba that met the needs of all industry groups and as a great example of the very best of our which was also commercially sound. Bruce sugar industry. Vaughan's leadership has been crucial to the I want to make it clear today that if a success of this project. CPPB decides to become a non-statutory The staff of the Queensland Sugar body, the DPI will continue to have a close Corporation—and, before it, the Queensland relationship with it. Recently at a Community Sugar Board—have done a magnificent job in Cabinet meeting I met with a number of developing our industry. Now, industry itself members of the Proserpine CPPB, including takes over that function. I believe that industry Ivan Ivanoff, Chairman; Lui Raiteri, Deputy will rise to meet the challenge. I know that Chair; Gary Considine, member; Neil Judd, many fine industry identities will be on the productivity officer; and Andrew Tickle, board of the new company, and they will bring secretary. Mr Ivanoff and his team were their intimate knowledge of the industry to the concerned to maintain their good relationship table. Equally, independent directors with with the DPI. I can assure him that, regardless, commercial expertise will bring a fresh that will continue. perspective. Between the two, I am sure that The Bill also clarifies the situation relating our marketing is in safe hands. Of course, the to mill suppliers committees. Recently I was in single desk will be maintained, which is crucial Ingham to address a meeting of Herbert River for our industry. growers who expressed some concern about In relation to the stamp duty on the rumours that had been spread about the transfer of assets, can I say that I will use my validity of the mill suppliers committees. I am best endeavours to secure a refund of stamp happy to remove any doubt through this Bill. duty by the Office of State Revenue. The amendments to the Primary Industry Nonetheless, this matter must go through the Bodies Reform Act are designed to ensure appropriate channels, as I indicated in my that the local trusts of grower assets are held second-reading speech. for the benefit of those involved in canegrowing locally. These are the trusts that Some provisions of this Bill result from the hold mill suppliers committee and district Government's resolution of the issue of executive assets. compulsory statutory levies last year. This Bill makes provision for an option for cane The trustee is the Canegrowers protection and productivity boards to chart a organisation. I am sure that no-one wants to new course as non-Government bodies. This see a situation where growers who are no may assist them in raising funds now that longer in cane are also beneficiaries of these levies have ceased. This outcome was trusts. It is also worth remembering that no negotiated with industry last year in Townsville. individual grower has any interest in these I had a meeting with a number of trusts, nor any right to the distribution of any representatives of CPPBs and undertook to surplus. The trust is for the growers collectively. implement the recommendations of the Hence, no individual right is affected by this Townsville meeting. amendment. I want to pause here to pay credit to one There are amendments relating to notice of the people who came to that meeting. Ray requirements for individual contracts. I will Quaba, Chairman of the Herbert River Board, move further amendments to section 47 of the had a tremendous commitment to the sugar Sugar Industry Act at the Committee stage. I industry. Sadly, Mr Quaba passed away in mid do need to say at this stage that issues have December. Mr Quaba was committed to been raised by the Canegrowers organisation sustainable development of the sugar industry regarding the effect of individual contracts on and to constant improvement of land the bargaining power of the collective. Many of management techniques. He was integral in these issues are addressed by amendments in establishing the Herbert Resource Information this Bill. I will, however, continue to monitor the Centre as a joint project with CSR, effect of individual agreements and will move canegrowers, the Hinchinbrook Shire Council to address any abuses that may occur. and DNR. This project actually satellite The prospect of an ethanol boost to the mapped all the farms in the Herbert River sugar industry was raised in most members' district and gave information needed to plan speeches on this Bill. During the last two 1908 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 decades there have been numerous studies the knowledge base in regard to developing on the production of ethanol from sugarcane an ethanol blended fuel industry and other by-products. In the main, the required value-adding opportunities for the sugar technologies have been developed and are industry. being used. In Queensland, CSR, Bundaberg I commend this Bill to the House. Sugar and Rocky Point mill all currently produce ethanol from molasses. This ethanol Motion agreed to. is used for industrial purposes, such as paint thinner, and for human consumption, such as Committee Bundaberg Rum. Hon. H. PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) Mr Welford: Hear, hear! (Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Mr PALASZCZUK: What a wonderful Communities) in charge of the Bill. show of support for a fine Queensland Clauses 1 to 3, as read, agreed to. product! The industry has advised the Insertion of new clause— Department of Primary Industries and other agencies that an economically sustainable fuel Mr PALASZCZUK (3.27 p.m.): I move the market for ethanol is required before mills following amendment— would invest in the substantial capital required "At page 8, after line 17— to produce ethanol for that market, that is, it insert— needs to be viable even at high sugar prices. The DPI is part of a whole-of-Government 'Amendment of s 41 (Collective project on the prospect of a larger ethanol agreement—before the start of industry in Queensland. The Environmental negotiations) Protection Agency has funded a Johnstone '3A.(1) Section 41(1)— Shire Council scoping exercise to this end. insert— DPI's Chief Scientist, Dr Joe Baker, conducted a literature review and presented '(e) the day before which notices in recommendations to that project in Innisfail on relation to individual agreements are 24 May 2000 on the factors that should be required to be given to the mill encompassed in the scoping exercise. suppliers' committee for the purposes of section 47(2) and (2A).'. Some members alluded to the Commonwealth Government's announcement '(2) Section 41(4)— of 17 May 2000 that the use of ethanol for omit, insert— petroleum blending would continue to be '(4) However, the negotiating team may, legislatively exempt from the 44c per litre without giving public notice, have excise. However, it has been exempt since preliminary discussions to decide the 1994! The Queensland Government has matters mentioned in subsections (1)(d) announced a Cleaner Energy Strategy to and (e).'.'." ensure that our State realises its full economic potential and meets its environmental The Government moves an amendment obligations. Ultimately, commercial decisions to introduce a new clause 3A to the Bill that will drive the future development of an ethanol amends section 41 of the Sugar Industry Act industry. If the market and distribution 1999. Section 41 of the Act requires the economics of ethanol production for petroleum negotiating team to publish a notice in a blending prove to be encouraging, the milling newspaper no later than 28 days before companies would take advantage of the starting negotiations for a collective opportunity presented. agreement. That notice contains details of matters relating to the start of negotiations for I notice that Mr John Desmarchelier, the the collective agreement and the range of General Manager of the Australian Sugar periods the collective agreement may cover. Milling Council, is in the gallery listening to the This amendment requires that it also progress of the debate. I am quite sure he contains details of the anticipated day before would concur with the sentiments that I have which notice relating to individual agreements just expressed. are required to be given to mill suppliers If issues such as the cost-competitive committees. This information is vital to the mill production of natural gas for vehicle fuel can suppliers committees so that they know which be overcome, there would be a much-needed growers are to be covered by the collective boost to the sugar industry and regional sugar agreement they are negotiating. It is an communities. The Government is currently essential element of balancing the bargaining considering how it could further contribute to power of mills and the growers. The 22 Jun 2000 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1909 amendment also enables the negotiating the collective agreement (the team to have preliminary discussions to reach "published day"); agreement on that date. (d) for an individual agreement entered This amendment is also connected to the into after the start and before the amendments I will move to section 47 of the collective agreement is made—the Act, which are, again, designed to ensure that earlier of the following— mill suppliers committees are aware of what (i) the end of 5 days after the individual individual agreements have been entered into agreement was entered into; before they finalise their collective agreement. (ii) the published day. Amendment agreed to. '(2B) Notice must be given in relation to Clause 4— an individual agreement as required Mr PALASZCZUK (3.29 p.m.): I move the under subsection (2A)(b), (c) or (d) even if following amendments— notice in relation to the agreement has "At page 8, lines 20 to 22— already been given under any paragraph of the subsection.'.'. omit, insert— Page 9, line 1, '(2A)'— '4.(1) Section 47(2)— omit, insert— omit, insert— '(2C)'. '(2) A grower must give notice, as required At page 9, lines 12 to 14— under subsections (2A) to (2C), to the mill suppliers' committee before a collective omit, insert— agreement is made for the mill, if the '(5) Section 47(7), after 'notice of an grower— individual agreement'— (a) has entered into an individual insert— agreement with the mill owner for all ', including a prearrangement relating to or part of any period to which the it'.'." collective agreement will apply; or The Government has moved an (b) has entered into an agreement, amendment to clause 4 to ensure that at the arrangement or understanding, time the mill suppliers committee is negotiating written or unwritten, with the mill a collective agreement it is fully informed of all owner to enter an individual individual agreements that growers have agreement with the mill owner for all entered into, or which they intend to enter into. or part of any period to which the This information will allow the collective collective agreement will apply (a agreement to be negotiated with full "prearrangement"). knowledge of just which growers will be '(2A) Notice must be given as follows— covered by it, thereby assisting in providing a (a) for a prearrangement entered into balance between the negotiating powers of before the committee started the mills and the growers. This is an essential negotiating the collective agreement element of balancing the negotiating powers (the "start") if the relevant individual of millers and growers. agreement was not entered into Mr ROWELL: It is important to before the start—within 14 days after acknowledge the fact that we have had quite a the prearrangement was entered substantial change to the legislation in respect into; of independent agreements and collective (b) for an individual agreement entered agreements. I would like to refer to a section of into before the start—within 14 days the sugar industry review report. It reads in after the individual agreement was part— entered into; "The negotiating representatives for (c) for a prearrangement entered into a mill area will need to know who will be after the start and before the covered by a collective cane supplier and collective agreement is made—the processing agreement before earlier of the following— negotiations begin. Individuals who wish to opt out and who have individual (i) the end of 5 days after the agreements for all or part of their cane prearrangement was entered into; production area will need to advise the (ii) the day mentioned in the notice canegrower or mill negotiating published under section 41(1)(e) for representatives ..." 1910 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

Those words are taken from the review and formed within the collective agreement. Cane relate to a very important matter. The is delivered to certain points. elements of this legislation were based on the If a person wants to opt out of an report furnished by the review committee. It agreement at any time, the whole process of went on to say— the delivery of cane could be disrupted. I know "... as will those canegrowers who do not there has to be agreement with the mill for that wish to grow cane for all or part of the to take place. However, it certainly makes it duration of the collective agreement on all very difficult for a harvesting group to be able or some of their cane production area. to carry on in a viable manner in ensuring that Once a collective agreement has been the crop is moved. finalised, all canegrowers who are covered I am not raising this matter simply by that agreement, after taking account of because I am trying to make a political point; I the options provided in the last am doing this because I believe that there are paragraph, will be obligated to supply some difficulties associated with this matter. I cane for the duration of the agreement." do not believe that it was the intention of the With the best of intentions, the Minister made review committee to have this proposal put certain comments in relation to clause 45. into legislation. Clause 45 referred to people making individual Amendments agreed to. agreements. However, the Minister said this— Clause 4, as amended, agreed to. "Subject to this Act, a grower may, under subsection (2), enter into an Insertion of new clause— individual agreement with a mill owner at Mr ROWELL (3.38 p.m.): I move the any time." following amendment— These agreements have been put together "At page 9, after line 14— with the best of intent. It was well known that insert— growers would experience difficulties from time to time. They were provided with a let-out from 'Amendment of s 50 (Cane required to be a collective agreement and were permitted to accepted by a mill) enter an individual agreement at any time. '4A. Section 50(2)(d)— I do not want to quote the Minister's omit. remarks selectively, but we are talking about collective agreements and the ability for a 'Replacement of s 79 (Closure) grower to have an individual agreement put in '4B.Section 79— place at any time. Hansard shows that the omit, insert— Minister said— 'Closure "However, it is apparent that the Bill is not clear on this point. I believe it is the '79.(1) To close a mill, the mill owner must lack of clarity which has led to the apply to the Commissioner for permission concerns of the honourable members. I to do so. am sure that, if it was clear from the Bill '(2) The application must be made— that a grower could opt out if their (a) before 31 December immediately circumstances change, that that would before the start of the final crushing allay their fears. To clarify the policy season; or behind the Bill, I am moving this amendment which makes it clear that an (b) before a later day allowed by the individual agreement can be negotiated commissioner at any time. by growers, subject to a collective '(3) When the application is made, the mill agreement, during the term of that owner must immediately give notice of the collective agreement. I would also urge application to— millers to look favourably on growers (a) each grower whose cane production seeking such agreements. It would be in area relates to the mill (an "affected their own interests." grower"); and In essence, it sounded fine. I understand the (b) the owner of each adjacent mill. sentiment behind it. The difficulty we face is that when a collective agreement has been '(4) In deciding whether to grant put together it entails grouping. The mills to permission, the commissioner must have which the cane is delivered are directly regard to the impact of closure on involved. A number of farms are involved in affected growers, including any adverse the overall collective agreement. Groups are economic effect on the growers because 22 Jun 2000 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1911

of the necessity to transport their cane negotiating team to have a clean sheet to start with reasonable efficiency to another mill. with? The Act sets a benchmark. There will be '(5) If the mill owner closes the mill without variations in the quality of cane from district to the commissioner's permission, the owner district. There will also be variations in how mills is liable for any loss suffered by the deal with cane below 7 c.c.s. There will even affected growers because the mill is be variations from variety to variety. There will closed during the first crushing season be seasons when there is a percentage of the after the closure. crop that fails to attain 7 c.c.s. There will be other years when low sugar levels will be a '(6) The liability of the mill owner under non-event. There will be districts where low subsection (5) is subject to any sugar levels do not occur. Who would have agreement between the owner and the thought that the sugarmill on the tableland affected growers. would have had cane that would not reach 'Amendment of s 81 (Abolition of relevant 7 c.c.s.? That is exactly what happened earlier industry bodies) this season. '4C. Section 81— One of the significant factors that the insert— Government has not recognised is the production of ethanol. Low sugar content cane '(3) The closure of the closed mill does not is suited for that process. Why is this affect the continued operation of the mill Government dragging its feet on the ethanol suppliers' committee so far as it is issue? I know very well that presently the mill necessary to perform functions in relation at Harwood is looking very closely at to representing the interests of growers, developing an ethanol process. Currently it is including in relation to moving cane running a pilot program. It is being sponsored supply from the closed mill to another through some of the Federal Government's mill.'.'." greenhouse gas emission initiatives. That There are two elements to this particular process entails making ethanol out of bagasse amendment. The amendment relates to the after the sugar is extracted from the cane. I crushing of sugarcane of less than 7 c.c.s. and think that it would be very important for the the termination of mills. Clause 50 relates to Queensland industry to go down that track. I low c.c.s. cane. am a little disappointed that, although we There was a request that this matter be make some ethanol in Queensland, the deleted from the Sugar Industry Act. I can opportunity to consider this initiative has not appreciate the concerns of the Australian really been taken up by the Government. Sugar Milling Council concerning the mills The other part of the amendment relates having the right to accept cane of less than 7 to the closure of mills. The coalition has c.c.s. There have been difficulties in this area requested the introduction of this provision to over the past couple of years with regard to set down a process in the unfortunate weather conditions. Allowing a mill to accept circumstance of a mill deciding to close, or cane under 7 c.c.s. immediately creates a being forced to close. This amendment is not benchmark. The industry has a responsibility to just a reaction to what occurred with the South make good quality sugar for our export Johnstone mill. During the debate on the customers and for our domestic refineries. I Sugar Industry Bill, the coalition requested the believe that is the most important issue facing Government to consider a proposal for mill the industry. We must ensure that the sugar closures. The Government rejected that that we make is very saleable and that we can proposal. The Minister believed that the satisfy our customers. contractual arrangements made by a collective It should be possible to set parameters in agreement, and possibly individual regard to quality which do not make it agreements, were sufficient to deal with mill impractical to maintain a commercial grade of closures. sugar which is acceptable to our customers. In As I have said before, when questions are the debate on the Sugar Industry Act 1999, raised about this legislation there is a tendency the Minister indicated that this measure was for the Government to put forward changes included because it was contained in the 1991 that were not necessarily recommended by the legislation. One can look at certain aspects of Sugar Industry Review Working Party, but they previous legislation and say, "That is worth suit the Government's agenda. At other times, keeping." One can look at new legislation and when it suits it, the Government refers to the say, "Yes, we will adopt those provisions." 1991 Act. What is being proposed in this If mills are going to be permitted to crush amendment is lineball with what is contained in cane below 7 c.c.s., why not allow the the Sugar Milling Rationalisation Act 1991. For 1912 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 that reason, I expect that the amendment will cane simply because it would not be be accepted. economical for the mill to crush that cane. Suppose a collective agreement could not There must be a level below which commercial be arrived at regarding a reasonable negotiations between the parties come into procedure that would be adopted in the event play. For example, if the district average c.c.s. of a mill closure? It is possible that there may were low, growers and the mill owner could be only limited prospects of this occurring. So negotiate regarding cane below the 7 c.c.s. the growers, in good faith, hope that the crop Section 50(2)(d) does not say or mean that a will be crushed. Then suppose, through mill owner must not accept cane below the 7 financial losses, the mill is closed and there is c.c.s. The relevant words are that a mill owner no agreement that recognises the plight of the is not required to accept this cane. Growers growers? Where do they stand? would be well aware that mill owners regularly accept low c.c.s. cane. That has not been the case with the It is a matter for negotiation between the South Johnstone mill, owing to the strong growers and the mill owner. As I indicated commitment of the mill suppliers committee during the debate on the 1999 Sugar Industry and the canegrowers to keep it open, as well Bill, the 7 c.c.s. level is unchanged from the as a lot of work that was done by a number of level set in the 1991 Act. I give the assurance people, including people at the mill. Despite to the honourable member and to growers that adverse financial conditions, there was a it is still possible for collective supply determination to keep the mill open. The mill agreements to include provision to negotiate remained open. Certainly, the Federal for mills to accept low c.c.s. cane. Government backed the mill very strongly. I hope that we do not see a recurrence of such On 30 May the member for Hinchinbrook a situation. also talked about the 7 c.c.s. units in regard to the future of the ethanol industry and he It is quite important that we have some raised this issue once again this afternoon. As provisions that determine what happens when I said in my second-reading speech, currently a mill closes. The program set out in the Sugar several mills in Queensland—Plane Creek, Milling Rationalisation Act 1991 did exactly Rocky Point and Bundaberg Sugar—make that. The negotiating teams can go through a ethanol from molasses. If cane delivered has dispute resolution process. In many cases, less than 7 c.c.s. units, it is low in its that might be a satisfactory situation. However, percentage of sucrose and also low to a similar the South Johnstone people found degree in other carbohydrates. These other themselves in a very delicate position very late carbohydrates are used for ethanol production. in the piece in terms of the mill's ability to start. Therefore, regardless of end use it may not be The mill suppliers, the canegrowers and the profitable to crush the cane. Federal Government were involved. I have to acknowledge some of the work that was done This provision makes it clear that mills by the State Government in providing some cannot be compelled in negotiations or funding for a program that was considered to through arbitration to accept such cane. I am be the direction in which the mill should go. sure that no-one wants to see a situation in However, at the end of the day the Federal which mills are forced to accept cane when it is Government came up with a guarantee for the not economical to do so. It is clear that if there amount of money that was necessary for the is money in it for the mills they will continue to mill to continue. crush that cane. I am requesting that, in terms of mill In relation to the second point that the closures, something more definite is put in the honourable member raised about mill closures, legislation. I believe that the proposal that I it is quite obvious that the Opposition has have put forward in that section of clause 7 drawn this proposed amendment from the now covers that situation. repealed Sugar Industry Rationalisation Act 1991. Mr PALASZCZUK: I think that it is very important that the Government answers both Mr Rowell interjected. points that have been raised by the member Mr PALASZCZUK: The member should for Hinchinbrook. In the first instance, the hear me out. Under section 7 of that Act, a mill member moved an amendment to delete owner had to receive the permission of the proposed section 50(2)(d), which provides that Queensland Sugar Corporation before closing the miller is not required to accept cane of low a mill, and this permission had to be made by sucrose content. In the Government's opinion, 31 December of the year prior to closure. I that is not appropriate. There must be a level understand what the member is trying to do. set below which a mill owner is able to reject However, it really flies in the face of 22 Jun 2000 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1913 commercial reality. The essence of the north of the Herbert River district, going into member's proposal is that a business owner Innisfail, Tully and all of the other mills in the cannot close his or her business without northern region, there needs to be a Government permission. Really, the member rationalisation of mills. I believe that during the should pause and think about the implications next season, given the problems we have had of that. It ignores commercial reality and with the South Johnstone mill, a degree of creates a rather unwelcome precedent. rationalisation will take place and that will make the future a lot more certain for the mills up This amendment certainly would not there. It is not in anybody's interests for mills to assist the growers. In this State if a mill closes be in difficulty. A lot of what happened up the owner of the mill must be aware of his or there came about because the expansions her obligations under a cane production and that took place saw mills going into other mill supply agreement under the Act. If a mill areas to get sufficient sugar to make their owner breaches this agreement by failing to operations viable. It is unfortunate that crush cane then, as the honourable member adversity is the catalyst for these things. Were would know, ordinary legal remedies are it not for a downturn in the world market price available. If a mill cannot continue for financial and were it not for some difficult seasons, we reasons, it will close whether or not the would not have been considering Government gives it permission. So the rationalisation. growers would have the same rights against the mill as is currently the case. However, there is a need to put in place safeguards for the growers. All I am trying to I suggest that this amendment does not do is ensure that that happens, and not at the help the mills. Certainly, such a provision may expense of the mills. We simply need to set jeopardise the confidence of mills. The mills out some rules about what will happen. We may want to get finance, but not if their losses can set benchmarks in respect of sugar levels. cannot be contained because the Government However, interestingly, mills can close on the decrees that the business cannot close. I day they decide to finish the crush. This whole suggest that an amendment such as this area needs to be considered. would have actually prejudiced the negotiations at the South Johnstone mill. As I Mr MALONE: I speak in support of the said in my answer to a question asked by the shadow Minister's suggestion in relation to the Leader of the Opposition this morning, this is crushing of cane under the 7 c.c.s. level. It is the sort of matter that is best resolved understood that the negotiating teams have a commercially. I understand what the member role to play in this regard. With the season is talking about, but if the member sits down coming on, it is probable that a fair bit of cane and thinks about what I have just said he will will go below the 7 c.c.s. level. I believe in the probably come to the same conclusion as I Atherton Tableland area some consignments have. of cane have not reached the 7 c.c.s. level. I am supportive of the Minister looking again at Mr ROWELL: In spite of a lot of what is that 7 c.c.s. level. The negotiating team will said, there is a good relationship between the determine the price, and that will be by an millers and the growers, and there has to be, agreement with the mill and the growers. because it is a very competitive industry. It is Unfortunately, these things happen fairly unique because it sells all of its sugar at world quickly. A grower can be harvesting at quite a market prices. Some is sold into the domestic high c.c.s. level one day and suddenly hit rat market, but that sugar is generally priced at infested cane or cane that has been damaged world market prices. If this was good enough by frost or wet weather, which can force the back in 1991—and it has stood the test of level from 10 c.c.s or 12 c.c.s. to below 5 c.c.s. time; there have not been any major hiccups quite quickly. over the past nine years—why do we need to change it now? Agreements can be reached The unfortunate part of having an between the mill suppliers on the negotiating agreement that precludes payment for cane team and the mill owners—the people who under 7 c.c.s. is that farmers can be severely take in the cane and manufacture the disadvantaged. By that time up to 200 or 300 sugar—as to the direction in which they will go. tonnes of cane could be in bins ready to go If there is a dispute, it has to go to a dispute through the mill. Obviously, the costs of resolution team. However, there is no certainty harvesting that cane have to be paid. It is not as to the final outcome. a matter of making a subjective judgment before the cane goes in. It is fairly difficult to I am not suggesting that we will have test cane to get an indicative level of c.c.s problems in the future. In fact, in the area even as it goes over the rollers. 1914 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

It seems to me that we need something 'Insertion of new s 80A in the legislation to indicate that the cane can '4B. After section 80— be accepted. The negotiating teams will have the real say in relation to price. But without insert— there being anything in the legislation, it is far 'Continuation of mill suppliers' committee too easy for the mill owner to say, "Bad luck, for particular purpose fella. It's under 7 c.c.s.—no payment. You cop the cost of the harvesting." Most mill owners '80A.(1) On the closure of the closed mill, are very accepting. However, at the height of the mill suppliers' committee continues to the season when things are really pushed, 200 exist as provided for under subsections (2) tonnes to 300 tonnes of cane could be sitting to (4). on the track when it is found to have a low '(2) Persons entitled to establish the c.c.s. level, leading to substantial losses for committee from time to time are the farmers. I believe the negotiating team has a persons (the "previous growers") who held role. However, the acceptance of cane under 7 cane production areas— c.c.s. should be included in the legislation. (a) that related to the closed mill before Amendment negatived. it closed; and Insertion of new clause— (b) that included land from which cane is Mr PALASZCZUK (3.55 p.m.): I move the currently not being supplied to following amendment— another mill under a cane production area relating to the other mill. "At page 9, after line 14— insert— '(3) For subsection (2), it is sufficient if the committee is established from time to 'Insertion of new ch 2, pt 5, div 1A time in a way the committee considers '4A. After section 75— practicable to meet the requirements of insert— the subsection. 'Division 1A—Merging of mills '(4) The function of the committee is to help the previous growers in their 'Declaration of day a merged mill is negotiations to obtain the grant of cane recognised production areas relating to another mill '75A.(1) This section applies if works that for all or part of the land that was included are more than 1 existing mill become a in their cane production areas relating to single mill (the "merged mill") under an the closed mill. arrangement between— '(5) The function under subsection (4) (a) 1 or more owners of more than 1 includes helping the previous growers to existing mill (the "existing mills"); and negotiate arrangements for the transport (b) the mill suppliers' committees of cane. established for the existing mills. '(6) In this section— '(2) The merged mill is established as a "another mill" means— single mill for the purposes of this Act (a) a mill other than the closed mill; or from the day the gazette notice mentioned in subsection (4) is published. (b) the closed mill subsequently '(3) For the purposes of the gazette reopened under a new owner.'.'." notice, the parties to the arrangement The Government moves an amendment mentioned in subsection (1) must give to clause 4 to provide for mill mergers. This notice of the arrangement to the Minister. amendment and the others I will move relating '(4) After receiving the notice, the Minister to this matter will allow further production and must publish a gazette notice declaring processing efficiencies to be achieved at a the merged mill to be a mill for the regional level. The new Sugar Industry Act I purposes of this Act. introduced into Parliament last year included a streamlined process for the amalgamation of 'Effect of merger on cane production cane production boards. However, it left in areas place a requirement to maintain a cane '75B. From the establishment of existing production register which recorded each cane mills as a merged mill, cane production production area against each separate mill areas that immediately before the and additional requirements to transfer farms establishment related to the existing mills across mill areas in spite of the amalgamation become related to the merged mill.'. of those cane production boards. 22 Jun 2000 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1915

The proposed amendment will allow for have had to take that cane and crush it. Of the amalgamation of mills so that course, that situation was averted. But that amalgamated mill areas can truly function as a would have interrupted their delivery process. single operating unit and will deliver the most The mill suppliers in the area that was to take efficient and profitable outcomes for both the cane would have been particularly upset. growers and millers involved. Under this There is always a rush to get through the proposal, the cane production areas will relate crushing operation as quickly as possible. to the amalgamated areas rather than each As I said in the speech that I made during mill area, thereby streamlining operations. I debate on the previous sugar Bill, which is now might add that the amalgamation of mills may the Act, growers would ideally like to see cane take place only where there is unanimous crushed within about 14 weeks. However, agreement of the mills and the mill suppliers because of the cost of investment in relation to committees for those mills. mills and that type of thing, it is not practical or The Government moves an amendment realistic to do it within that particular time. That to the Bill to insert a new clause 4A, which is probably the optimum time as far as sugar amends section 81 of the Sugar Industry Act content is concerned. So there has been an 1999. I am moving this amendment at the agreement between the growers and the request of Canegrowers Ltd. Doesn't that millers to have the cane crushed within a sound nice—Canegrowers Ltd? The reasonable time, and that is probably amendment provides for the continuation of considered around 22 weeks. the mill suppliers committee of a closed mill for a period to assist growers to seek grants of We have gone to continuous crushing. To CPA at another mill. Under section 81 of the make sure that the mills get the full economy Act, at the time of a closure of a mill the cane from the equipment they have, we are now production board negotiating team established seeing that there is no spare time; they are for the closed mill ceases to exist. In addition, continuously crushing, seven days a week, for on closure of the mill the CPA attached to the the duration of the season. So if another mill closed mill would also cease to exist, leaving supply area has to be included in a particular growers with the task of seeking the grant of a area there is no capacity within the mills new CPA with another mill. It is highly desirable themselves to take additional cane due to that a body be in place to assist these growers delays caused by wet weather. Sometimes we in attempting to negotiate the grant of a CPA see rain falling for weeks on end. That certainly with another mill. The appropriate body for this disrupts the capacity of the mill to get cane off purpose is the mill suppliers committee for the in the allocated time. closed mill. If another supply group comes in, which Section 81 of the Act in general is silent could extend the crushing capacity of that mill on the fate of the mill suppliers committee of a by 25% or something like that, there is no closed mill. To overcome this problem, this capacity within that mill other than to extend amendment will continue the existence of the the season. They may start a little earlier, and former mill suppliers committee. The function we saw what happened when a mill up on the of the committee will be to assist former tablelands started early; they did not have growers of the closed mill in their application enough sugar. I think it did stop at one stage, for a grant of CPA to another mill, including but that is beside the point. The point is that any negotiations regarding the transport of their sugar levels were particularly low in an cane. I urge all honourable members to area that is well renowned for having a high support this amendment. sugar content. Mr ROWELL: This is very similar to my The clause we have here I think is quite proposed new section 81. I do not think there good. I think it is adequate. I had a quick look is a great deal of difference. I think the Minister at what the Minister has put forward. It is only has covered it in more detail. I think it is a recent development; I do not think it was in important to recognise that there are the original amendments that the Minister difficulties. When cane has to be transferred proposed to the Bill. However, I believe that it from one mill area to another, it is important does aptly cover the concern that I had that that the mill suppliers teams are in place to was displayed in my amendment to section make sure that there is minimal disruption. 81. I believe that the Minister has covered it I do not want to keep going back to the reasonably well. I can only hope that, when South Johnstone example. However, that certain mill areas have to move into other mill situation could have been very delicate. At the areas, there is some agreement between the last minute, it was thought that other mills may mill suppliers committees of each area and 1916 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 that they have some future say in how the minimise the number of people involved. It is cane is crushed in those areas. difficult to know until we actually get to that Mr PALASZCZUK: I would like to thank point, but I do not see that the Sugar Authority the honourable member for Hinchinbrook for will be doing an enormous amount of work. I his cooperation and for the manner in which think it will be a process of watching how things he has accepted the Government's go and, if something gets to the point where it amendment. needs attention—for example, if it wants to turn into a whistleblower type of organisation— Amendment agreed to. we can look at that. As I said, we see all sorts Clauses 5 to 8, as read, agreed to. of things in terms of requirements and so on. Clause 9— Mr Palaszczuk: Can I explain that to you Mr ROWELL (4.03 p.m.): I move the in a moment? following amendment— Mr ROWELL: Yes, that is fine. It is just "At page 15, lines 14 to 25, page 16, that I see so many similarities. Because one is lines 1 to 27, page 17, lines 1 to 31, page providing a marginally different function to the 18, lines 1 to 27— other, it probably would not be difficult to combine the two entities into one group under omit, insert— the commissioner. '128J. The authority consists of the Mr PALASZCZUK: I would like to explain commissioner.'." this to the honourable member. I can When I looked at the composition of the understand the reasons the honourable Queensland Sugar Corporation and the Sugar member moved this amendment. I understand Authority, I saw many similarities. I could not that, quite obviously, it is to save costs. For the help but wonder why we could not information of the Committee, I would like to amalgamate these two bodies for the sake of give an example of how this system will work. costs and workload. I believe that it is possible In the normal course of events the only to have such a body. I have used the word member appointed to the Sugar Authority will "commissioner" in my amendment because be the sugar industry commissioner. The Bill is that is the terminology that the Minister has quite clear in allowing for the commissioner used. Under this Bill the commissioner will be alone to be the authority. carrying out certain duties, such as looking This is the important bit. The only after the register for assignments. Then we circumstance in which other members would have the authority, which is the watchdog for be appointed to the authority would be if the Queensland Sugar Ltd, to make sure that single desk marketing function of QSL were to things do not go wrong there. be passed to the authority. If this occurred, it Queensland Sugar Ltd will be the would be irresponsible to leave this complex, authority that will market the sugar. We are multimillion-dollar business in the hands of just moving away from the situation we had the commissioner. The commissioner would previously, which was of a separate agency not have the necessary qualifications or disposing of the sugar from the crop. Under degree of experience to carry out that function this Bill, Queensland Sugar Ltd will do that. I alone. At that time, people with the necessary can understand why this has been done, skills would be appointed to the authority. That because the Queensland Sugar Authority will is basically the intent of that clause. be a safeguard, a watchdog; it will be there to Mr ROWELL: I realise what the Minister is make sure that things do not get out of kilter. saying. Why could the commissioner not We are talking about billions of dollars at decide to appoint those people anyway if there times; we are talking about forward selling; and was a necessity to do so, because the we are talking about a range of things that commissioner—whoever it is—is going to be QSL will be doing in relation to the disposal of the chairperson of that particular body that I the sugar that comes from the crop. We have am speaking of? That person will be the to make sure that, in the event that things do commissioner in his or her own right and also not go in the manner they should, somebody the chairperson of the Sugar Authority. So is there watching over it. under the Bill as it stands now, they will have I believe that there are similarities that dual role. I am saying that they could between both those entities in terms of assume a role at the head of the one remuneration, staffing and all those sorts of overarching type of organisation. But then if things. I truly believe that there is a capacity to there was a need for them to perform a amalgamate those two particular entities—the watchdog-type function, they can have certain commissioner and the Sugar Authority—to personnel performing those duties. Then in the 22 Jun 2000 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1917 event that something does go wrong with 'or for the merged mill' Queensland Sugar Ltd in relation to the sales, '(4) Section 161(9)(b), after 'for the mills'— for example some inconsistencies, people who have the expertise could be called in and they insert— could then administer Queensland Sugar Ltd. 'or for the merged mill'.'." Mr Palaszczuk: And those people with Amendment agreed to. the expertise who would be called in would be Clause 11, as read, agreed to. called in by the Government, not by the commission. Clause 12— Mr ROWELL: That may well be the case. Mr ROWELL (4.10 p.m.): I move the It is a watchdog situation in the initial stage. If following amendment— the Minister wants to word it that way, I do not "At page 28, after line 7— have any objection. It is a cost-saving measure insert— I am looking at, but I do not see why we need to have the duplication of the two bodies. In 'Transfer exempt from stamp duty essence, one person is performing the same '183KA. An instrument or transaction function. giving effect to the transfer of the board's Amendment negatived. assets to the replacement corporation is exempt from stamp duty under the Stamp Clause 9, as read, agreed to. Act 1894.'." Clause 10, as read, agreed to. This amendment, which deals with stamp duty, Insertion of new clause— is quite important. An enormous amount of Mr PALASZCZUK (4.10 p.m.): I move the money is being moved around with the following amendment— rearrangement within the sugar industry at the present. A number of my amendments—this "At page 22, after line 11— and my next three amendments—deal with insert— the transfer of stamp duty. While the industry 'Amendment of s 160 (Amalgamation) pays, the Government is giving some consideration to an ex gratia payment. That '10A.(1) Section 160(1), 'if a single has to occur, although I would much rather negotiating team is established for the see a straight out exemption. mills'— I know this issue was raised when the omit, insert— Bill—now the Act—was originally before the 'if— Parliament, but now we are seeing bulk sugar (a) a single negotiating team is terminals. We are also seeing Sugar Terminals established for the mills; or Ltd and one area of the QSL corporation being transferred into Queensland Sugar Ltd. (b) the mills merge into a single mill (the The restructure of a lot of bodies within the "merged mill")'. sugar industry has involved the movement of a '(2) Section 160(2)(b), after 'were lot of money. Because of this, the industry established'— should get some guarantee—and I am very insert— adamant about this—of an exemption from stamp duty. If the industry does not get those ', or the merged mill'. ex gratia payments, the industry will be 'Amendment of s 161 (Other effects of outlaying an enormous amount of money. The amalgamation) Government talks a lot about stamp duty. The '10B.(1) Section 161(8), after 'is situation has now arisen where stamp duty is established'— being charged on the GST component. I know that for a fact. I can personally vouch for it. I insert— know that a GST component had to be paid 'or the merged mill'. and stamp duty was to be paid on that GST '(2) Section 161(9), 'mentioned in section component. 160(1)'— One reason we are debating this Bill at omit, insert— this time with some urgency is the time of the year. Had this Bill not passed before the end 'established for the mill or mills for which of this month, the industry would have had to the new board is established' have paid at least $30m or more in up-front '(3) Section 161(9)(a), after 'for the mills'— GST components. Yes, the industry would insert— have received some credit inputs, but they 1918 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 have to pay the money and then get it back. Mr ROWELL: I hear very clearly what the That is why I am pleased that we are debating Minister is saying. The point is this: there is not this Bill. At the present time, the industry just one or two entities; there are a whole cannot afford to outlay $30m plus, the 10% range of them. Because of that, this is a fair GST component on the value of the asset. Of and reasonable request. There are four all the components, those ex gratia payments organisations in relation to this. As I recall are required from the Government. It is when we debated the Sugar Industry Bill in stretching the friendship to a large degree to 1999, there was only one organisation hope that the Government will pay the industry involved in an ex gratia payment. In this case, back for that stamp duty component. a lot of money is going to be spent on stamp duty. At this time the industry does not have Mr MALONE: I want to support the the capacity to spend that money and wait for shadow Minister in respect of this matter. The some time for that money to come back. The industry has gone through a very substantial industry has been waiting for a package to be change over this period. There has been a put together, which is very important. There fairly substantial transfer of assets. Because of has been some discussion on what may that, the stamp duty will amount to quite a happen with that in the future. It has to sum of money. It is certainly not in the best happen quickly, but now there is the additional interests of the industry to pay out burden of having to spend that money and considerable amounts of money at this stage. then wait for some time for it to come back. I urge the Minister to consider including this There is no guarantee as to when it will come amendment into the legislation so the industry back. Therefore, the ex gratia payment is of does not have to pay stamp duty on the some concern to the industry. transfer of assets. Question—That Mr Rowell's amendment Mr PALASZCZUK: We certainly be agreed to—put; and the Committee canvassed this issue quite widely during the divided— progress of the Sugar Industry Bill 1999. I AYES, 32—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, explained to members opposite the E. Cunningham, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Government's position. I will reiterate that Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Kingston, Knuth, Laming, position one more time. This Bill does not Lingard, Malone, Mitchell, Paff, Prenzler, Quinn, specifically provide for an exemption from Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Simpson, Slack, stamp duty with regard to the transfer of Springborg, Turner, Veivers, Watson, Wellington. assets and liabilities. It is longstanding Tellers: Hegarty, Stephan Government policy not to provide legislative NOES, 38—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, stamp duty exemptions for corporate Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, Edmond, Elder, restructuring exercises. Rather, the policy is Foley, Fouras, Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, Lavarch, that, where there is a transaction that is Mackenroth, Miller, Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson- subject to duty under the Stamp Act, then duty Carr, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Pitt, Reeves, Reynolds, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, will be assessed in the normal manner but the Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wells. Tellers: Sullivan, Government will consider the provision of what Purcell is termed ex gratia relief. Resolved in the negative. This has happened before with a number Clause 12, as read, agreed to. of primary industries restructuring exercises such as the asset transfers involved with the Clauses 13 and 14, as read, agreed to. formation of Grainco and the Australian Quality Clause 15— Egg Farms, now Sunny Queen Ltd, in the Mr ROWELL (4.26 p.m.): I move the early 1990s, the amalgamation of the various following amendment— dairy cooperatives in the late 1980s and the early 1990s and the restructuring of the "At page 34, after line 29— Tobacco Marketing Board into a cooperative in insert— 1996. The same process is to apply with the 'Transfer exempt from stamp duty present restructuring arrangements required by this Bill, as the Government has already '228HA. An instrument or transaction approved the concept of ex gratia relief for giving effect to the transfer of the transactions undertaken for the purposes of transferable BST assets to the corporation this legislation. The replacement bodies will is exempt from stamp duty under the have to make formal application to Treasury Stamp Act 1894.'." for the ex gratia repayment, but one might This amendment bears similarities to the anticipate that they will not be wasting much previous amendment moved. I do not think time in doing so. there is any point in my going over the same 22 Jun 2000 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1919 ground. We will not be dividing over this This amendment is very similar to the two amendment because it does bear similarities previous Opposition amendments moved. to the amendment moved relating to stamp Amendment negatived. duty and the ex gratia payment. I believe there should be an exemption given. Mr ROWELL: I move the following amendment— Mr MALONE: I have raised the issue of transfer of shares in a letter to the Minister. I "At page 47, after line 5— believe that a number of my constituents have insert— raised the matter with the member for Mackay 'Transfer exempt from stamp duty as well. I refer to the date on which the shares become available. As I understand it, the cut- '229FA. An instrument or transaction off date originally set for the implementation of giving effect to the transfer of the the share transfer was in December 1997. corporation's marketing assets to QSL is exempt from stamp duty under the Stamp At a later stage that date was changed to Act 1894.'." 28 April 1998. Unfortunately, a number of farmers transacted just after that time, which This amendment is very similar to the made those farmers ineligible for a share previous three Opposition amendments transfer or the acceptance of shares. Those moved. It also relates to ex gratia payments farmers feel disadvantaged by the fact that the and reflects the fact that we believe there dates were changed. As I recollect, it was should be an exemption from stamp duty. about September 1998 before it was common Amendment negatived. knowledge amongst the industry that the cut- Mr PALASZCZUK: I move the following off date was 28 April. amendments— I have raised this matter with the Minister "At page 48, lines 4 to 6— previously, so I do not know that it is necessary for me to go into detail. I certainly would like to omit, insert— get the Minister's understanding of the matter '229I.(1) Each person who, immediately as at this stage there is a considerable amount before the commencement of this of money tied up in the transfer of shares. As I section, was a member of the board of said, the farmers who were placed in that directors of the corporation goes out of position feel that they have been discriminated office on the commencement.'. against fairly severely by the change in date. I At page 48, lines 9 and 10— know that changing any date will affect others. I ask the Minister to respond to the issue I omit, insert— have raised. '229J.(1) A person employed by the Mr PALASZCZUK: The honourable corporation immediately before the member has raised this issue with me commencement of this section becomes previously. He has shown some concern for an employee of QSL on the some growers in his own electorate. I took commencement.'. those concerns on board. I sought advice. I At page 48, line 22, 'QSL day'— think the honourable member answered omit, insert— himself in his presentation here this afternoon. That is, if one is ineligible by that date then 'the commencement of this section'. one is ineligible. That is the reality. I am sorry: At page 48, line 24, 'QSL day'— that is the position that the Government is omit, insert— taking. 'the commencement of this section'." Amendment negatived. I believe these amendments are self- Mr ROWELL: I move the following explanatory. They are amendments to clauses amendment— 229I and 229J of the Bill and relate to the "At page 37, after line 24— timing of the termination of the QSC board insert— and the transfer of staff to QSL. 'Transfer exempt from stamp duty Amendments agreed to. '2280A. An instrument or transaction Clause 15, as amended, agreed to. giving effect to the transfer of the BST Clause 16— assets to STL is exempt from stamp duty Mr PALASZCZUK (4.31 p.m.): I move the under the Stamp Act 1894.'." following amendment— 1920 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

"At page 52, line 27, 'be, and to finish my comments, because I believe this always have been'— issue is quite important. I do not believe the omit, insert— Minister understands fully what I am getting at. 'include, and to always have included'." In the past mill suppliers committees were represented by the Canegrowers organisation, Clause 16 rectifies the absence of a a statutory body which actually had a fee—a transitional provision relating to the definition of levy—collected. It was a statutory requirement "mill suppliers committee" in the Sugar that that be done. Now, after three years, we Industry Act 1999. The definition in the Act have a voluntary situation in which mill refers to a committee elected by a majority of suppliers committees are responsible for growers whose cane production areas relate to negotiating a cane production agreement. a mill. That definition differed from that in the Then, of course, there is the negotiating team Sugar Industry Act 1991, which referred to mill and so on. But the fact is that there is no suppliers committees established under the requirement, after five years at least—and Primary Producers Organisation and Marketing maybe three years if the mill suppliers do not Act 1926. There was not time between the vote to extend the period of three years to five commencement of the 1999 Act and the years—to ensure that the mill suppliers commencement of negotiations for the next committees, whoever they might be, collect crushing season for a new election for mill any type of contribution. It will no longer be a suppliers committees to take place. levy because that has been ruled out. We Accordingly, the mill suppliers committees cannot collect levies. There is no mechanism previously elected under the PPOM Act have for contribution. We could have a non- continued to operate. contributing member in a collective agreement Mr ROWELL: I ask the Minister: what on behalf of whom the mill suppliers financial mechanism will pay the mill suppliers committees have to negotiate. committee in the future now that the In other words, now that we have ruled Canegrowers organisation is no longer a out the statutory requirement for contribution, statutory organisation? Who will carry out the there is a capacity under the legislation for a cost of representing all canegrowers in the five- freeloader, for want of a better term—a non- year term? That is the period that we are contributing member—to have the work done talking about. A levy is currently being taken for him in terms of negotiating agreements. from growers who are mill suppliers. What will This is one of the problems created by the occur in the future if a grower is not a member abolition of the statutory authority. Previously of Canegrowers when collective agreements everybody had to pay a levy. After three years, are to be determined? Will a mill suppliers it will be a voluntary situation. Those who committee be forced to represent a non- decide that they do not want to support contributing grower when negotiating a Canegrowers—or whatever organisation collective mill supply agreement? No provision represents the growers; there could be another for funding is contained in the Bill. What body involved—will still be part of the mechanism can we put in place to ensure that negotiation of an agreement. There will be no mill suppliers committees are funded in the mechanism for cost recovery. The future? representative body cannot say to such Mr PALASZCZUK: The short answer to growers, "You are deriving a benefit so we are the honourable member's question is that that not going to represent you." Such growers will issue will be addressed in negotiations in a be included in the collective agreement. They collective agreement, and this amendment will could stand outside Canegrowers or some allow for the contingency that growers in any other organisation that is negotiating an mill area actually establish a new mill suppliers agreement and not have to pay a damned committee before this Bill commences. thing for it. Mr ROWELL: I do not believe the Amendment agreed to. questions I raised have been answered. In the Clause 16, as amended, agreed to. past there was a levy system that enabled Canegrowers in particular to represent all Clause 17— growers. If we have a collective—— Mr PALASZCZUK (4.37 p.m.): I move the Mr Palaszczuk: The mill suppliers following amendments— committees represent all growers now. "At page 55, after line 6— Mr ROWELL: No, they do not. Who insert— contributes? There is no levy system in place. ' "industrial association" means an In the past it was Canegrowers. I just want to industrial association as defined in the 22 Jun 2000 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1921

Industrial Relations Act 1999, section Mirani. The situation is probably no different 102.'. from that of employees who are members of At page 55, after line 16— an industrial organisation. The union bargains with the employer on behalf of the employees insert— with regard to wages and conditions. There are '(aa)if— workers who are covered by awards or (i) more than 1 mill has merged into a enterprise agreements who opt out of single mill; and membership of that particular industrial organisation. I do not like seeing people (ii) after the merger, the mill suppliers' ducking the shout, but we have committees established for the Commonwealth legislation which impacts on merging mills before the merger (the that under the freedom of association "previous committees") continue to principles. If these people wanted to opt out of operate; paying— the committee consisting of the Mr Hayward: It is like being dudded on a previous committees acting jointly; shout. or'. Mr MULHERIN: As the member for At page 55, line 20, 'established Kallangur said, it is like being dudded on a for'— shout. They will take the benefits but they do omit, insert— not want to kick in. 'or (aa) established for, or relating to,'." Mr MALONE: There is quite a difference Amendment 12 is moved in response to a between the two situations. These are comment by the Scrutiny of Legislation commercial matters which involve considerable Committee. Amendment 13 moves an amounts of money. It is obvious that there are amendment to clause 17 of the Bill. This some people in the work force who ride on the amendment is related to the amendment I backs of others. Those people have an moved to clause 4 regarding the merger of the opportunity to approach their employers and mills. Amendment 14 relates to the negotiate an agreement. Unfortunately, in the amendment I have already moved to this instance of the sugar industry that is not part clause to allow a merged mill to have multiple of the deal. The legislation clearly identifies mill suppliers committees. It merely establishes that the mill suppliers committee forms the that, ordinarily, a single mill suppliers negotiating team. There will be people who will committee is established for a mill. However, in be advantaged by the negotiations. This the case of a merged mill with multiple mill situation is completely different from the suppliers committees, those committees relate analogy referred to by the member for to a mill. Mackay. Mr MALONE: The Minister has been Mr MULHERIN: In both situations the talking about mill suppliers committees being people who are negotiating are negotiating for merged. I want to return to the issue about financial outcomes. I do not see any which the shadow Minister spoke a while ago. difference. The mill suppliers committees are supposedly Mr ROWELL: There is a capacity for a representing the growers who are paying a person who does not want to be involved in a levy. The shadow Minister was making some collective agreement to enter into an individual fairly clear points in respect of that matter. agreement. That is the major difference. If There is an anomaly in the industry right now they decide not to go ahead with an individual where those who are paying a levy to the agreement, they can be part of the collective negotiating teams are subsidising those agreement and still not pay anything. The work members who are not paying the levy. The of negotiation can be done on their behalf in Minister needs to inform us as to his attitude relation to terms and conditions, sugar levels, on that matter. It is not fair. It is discriminatory. time of crushing and all sorts of commercial It is not in the best interests of the industry to arrangements. If they decide that they want to have legislation which allows people to opt out do it on an individual basis, they are at liberty of something, but nevertheless allows them to to do that. However, they can also freeload on be still represented by others in the industry people who paid for the use of a negotiating who are paying the levy. I know it is difficult, committee. but the Minister's legislation created this mess I did not hear any response from the and he should try to fix it. Minister on this particular issue. It is an Mr MULHERIN: I would like to comment important issue. I believe we will see on the remarks made by the member for dislocation in the industry. Certain things have 1922 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 to happen at certain times. There has to be not brought in on time. It had nothing to do consistency with regard to the supply and with the type of thing we are talking about delivery of cane to mills. If everyone does just here. what he wants to do, we will end up with a very Mr Palaszczuk: That legal advice on fragmented effort. The mills will be very reform was available to you when you were concerned about that situation. Some of the Minister as well. competitive advantages enjoyed by Australia's sugar industry would be lost if we had Mr ROWELL: The legal advice? everyone going out and doing their own thing. Mr Palaszczuk: That was available to you It is possible to have individual as Minister. agreements in the workplace. It is possible to Mr ROWELL: Table it and let us have a have Queensland workplace agreements and look at it. Why can I not see it now? We have Federal workplace agreements. The worker a situation that is causing some controversy in has to pay for that himself. Workers can group the industry. Why is it that we cannot have that together in a body and negotiate an legal advice? agreement. The beneficiary pays in order to Mr Palaszczuk: The industry accepted put the agreements together. the advice. The situation in the sugar industry is quite Mr ROWELL: If the Minister is not different. The body that undertakes the prepared to table the legal advice we might negotiations is the body that represents the have no option but to divide on this clause. I growers. We have gone through the Primary am not trying to make a point; I simply say that Industries Bodies Reform Bill and knocked out there has to be a sound reason why the the statutory requirements. I might point out at Minister went ahead with it. this stage that the Minister did not inform the coalition why it was necessary to introduce the Mr Palaszczuk: As a former Minister you reform Bill. He told us that there were certain should know why not. things that were commercial in confidence. I Mr ROWELL: Why will the Minister not let realise that the Opposition is not able to us see it? The other day the Minister tabled an access the information that was provided to opinion in relation to the dairy industry. I am the Government. asking the Minister to table the legal advice. We are up in the air. We do not know the A Government member interjected. rationale behind the introduction of that Bill. The Minister would not allow the coalition to be Mr ROWELL: The member opposite can involved in that matter. He would not tell us do what he likes. what it was all about. He simply said that it The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr exists. We have to take the Minister's word for Reeves): Order! Resume your seat. that. Mr SEENEY: I am amazed at what is Mr Palaszczuk: I spoke to Russell about going on here. I know that in Queensland we it. have the most incompetent Primary Industries Mr ROWELL: The Minister might have Minister in Queensland's history. We have the spoken to the member for Crows Nest about it, most incompetent Minister who has ever held but the point that I am making— the portfolio. We cannot come into this Chamber— Mr Palaszczuk: The Opposition was briefed fully. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! The member for Callide will speak through the Mr ROWELL: On the actual reasons? Chair. Mr Palaszczuk: Yes. Mr Musgrove interjected. Mr ROWELL: Will you table the reasons? The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: The I did not see them. member for Springwood will cease interjecting. Mr Palaszczuk: No. Mr SEENEY: Mr Chairman— Mr ROWELL: You are not going to table The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! the legal information that was given? You will speak through the Chair. You have Mr Palaszczuk: You, as a former been warned constantly today and the Minister, should know better than that. warnings remain in place all day. You are on Mr ROWELL: I had a situation with a mill your final warning. at Mulgrave where there was some difficulty, Mr SEENEY: As I said, I am amazed at but that was an error on the part of the what is happening this afternoon. We have previous Minister. Basically, the legislation was seen just how incompetent the Minister for 22 Jun 2000 Sugar Industry Amendment Bill 1923

Primary Industries is. He would have to be the Mr SULLIVAN: I rise to a point of order. most incompetent person in Queensland's My understanding is that, during the history to ever hold the position of Minister for Committee stage, members have to discuss Primary Industries. A number of times during the content of the clause, not the general the Committee stage of this Bill all the surrounding context. That is for the second- Opposition has required is a simple reading debate. We are getting a criticism of explanation of what is being proposed. The the Chair about how this debate is proceeding. Minister is totally unable to provide that If it is a point of order that has to be ruled explanation. We have seen an informal upon, fair enough, but this is not relevant discussion backwards and forwards across the because it does not follow the rules of debate Chamber, which would be intolerable in any which say that members have to discuss the other Parliament in Australia. It would be content of the clause. intolerable from any other Minister other than The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: I will the incompetent— confer with the Clerk. The member from Callide The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! I has to refer to the clause, not debate the ask the member from Callide what clause is he clause. In this regard, he has to relate his speaking to and the relevance to this comments to the amendments that the amendment of what he is saying. Minister has put forward. Mr SEENEY: I am supporting the shadow Mr SEENEY: I think that I have made the Minister in a request for a simple explanation point that I wanted to make, and I accept the to the clause that this Chamber is considering. ruling. I assure the Chamber that at every The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! opportunity I will continue to make that point, which is so clearly illustrated by the Mr SEENEY: We are seeking a simple— incompetent responses by the Minister for The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! Primary Industries. Unless the member can tell me to which Mr WELLINGTON: I move— clause and amendment he is speaking, he will have to resume his seat. "That the question be put." Mr SEENEY: Clause 17 is being Question put; and the Committee considered by this Chamber, as the Minister divided— would well know. The Opposition has, quite AYES, 39—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, reasonably and at length, sought an Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, Edmond, Elder, explanation. Unless we can get that Foley, Fouras, Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, Kaiser, explanation, as the shadow Minister has Lavarch, Mackenroth, Miller, Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Pitt, indicated, we will call for a division on this Reynolds, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, clause. I suggest to the Chamber that any self- Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wellington, Wells. respecting Minister for Primary Industries Tellers: Sullivan, Purcell should be able to provide the explanations NOES, 31—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, E. that have been sought. I do not think that that Cunningham, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, is an unreasonable suggestion to make. Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Kingston, Knuth, Laming, Mr Chairman, in making that suggestion, I Lingard, Malone, Mitchell, Paff, Prenzler, Quinn, am expressing my amazement at the way in Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Simpson, Slack, which you have allowed this debate to Springborg, Turner, Veivers, Watson. Tellers: degenerate into some sort of informal chat Stephan, Hegarty between the Minister and this side of the Resolved in the affirmative. Chamber and the Minister and his advisers. In Amendment agreed to. the consideration of a clause such as this, it is not unreasonable that explanations be sought Clause 17, as amended, agreed to. and it is not unreasonable that explanations Schedules 1 and 2, as read, agreed to. be given. Mr Chairman, I suggest that it is Schedule 3— evident from the Minister's response to those requests and it is evident from the Minister's Mr PALASZCZUK (5.01 p.m.): I move the reluctance to explain that he simply does not following amendment— have a clue. It is quite appropriate that that be "At page 64, lines 11 to 17— pointed out to the Chamber and it is quite omit, insert— appropriate that that be pointed out to the people of Queensland. He is the Minister for '3. Section 45(1)(a), after 'liability'— Primary Industries. He holds a portfolio area— insert— 1924 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

', including, for example, to an agent or would result in the payment of additional employee of the body'. payroll tax, and this has been rectified. '4. After section 51— Amendment agreed to. insert— Schedule 3, as amended, agreed to. 'Reimbursement of employment liabilities Bill reported, with amendments. from trust property '51A.(1) This section applies if— Third Reading (a) under section 51, a person becomes Bill, on motion of Mr Palaszczuk, by leave, an employee of the replacement read a third time. corporation; and (b) the former employer mentioned in PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND NATURAL section 51 was a secondary body of RESOURCES LEGISLATION AMENDMENT the Queensland Cane Growers' BILL Organisation. Second Reading '(2) The person is taken to be, and to Resumed from 18 May (see p. 1201). have been, employed by the replacement corporation as trustee in relation to the Mr ROWELL (Hinchinbrook—NPA) trust created under section 44 for the (5.04 p.m.): This amendment Bill addresses a secondary body's assets until— number of issues within Primary Industries. Probably the most significant is the dissolution (a) the replacement corporation decides of the Queensland Fish Management otherwise; or Authority and the subsequent establishment of (b) the employment is terminated; or the Queensland Fisheries Service. The QFMA as we now know it was established in 1994 (c) the replacement corporation ceases with the passage of the Fisheries Act 1994 to be the trustee of the trust; or with, I understand, strong support from both (d) the trust is terminated. the recreational and commercial fishing sectors '(3) The Trusts Act 1973, section 72,1 in Queensland at the time. In fact, I applies to the property subject to the trust understand that very supportive, almost from time to time for any liability of the fervent, representations were made to the replacement corporation in relation to the then Opposition spokesman for Primary employment.'.'. Industries to throw bipartisan support behind its establishment. At the time, it was argued 1 Trusts Act 1973, section 72 (Reimbursement that there was a pressing need to take the of trustee out of trust property)" politics out of fisheries; to base fisheries This is a technical amendment to section decisions on science and sound environmental 45 of the Primary Industries Bodies Reform Act management in close conjunction with the 1999. Under that Act, principal organisations industry itself. Importantly, that body had a under the PPO&M Act 1926 and the Fruit degree of autonomy. Marketing Organisation Act 1923 transfer to a The Queensland Fish Management non-statutory replacement corporation. Section Authority was set up as an independent 45 allows for the reimbursement of statutory authority to manage the fishing replacement corporations as trustees for industry in Queensland. A board comprising liabilities transferred to them from the industry, scientific and Government expertise secondary bodies. The amendment will clarify was appointed and supported by a series of that the section extends to pretransfer management committees for every fishery and employment liabilities. every region of Queensland, which also As to the amendment to Schedule 3— comprised local fishing industry representatives that item in the Bill was included at the request and other expertise. Over the years since then, of Canegrowers to rectify what it saw as an the QFMA has enjoyed mixed success. anomaly in the Primary Industries Bodies I am not wedded to the QFMA and Reform Act 1999. Under that Act, assets of certainly not to the concept of statutory secondary bodies were required to be held in authorities, and this is not entirely surprising trust by the principal bodies, but the considering the enormous and often divisive employees of those secondary bodies were issues the authority has had to deal with. To its transferred to the principal bodies. credit, the QFMA has played a valuable role in Canegrowers advised that this anomaly providing a forum for all the stakeholders to threatened the autonomy of local areas and come together and develop management 22 Jun 2000 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 1925 plans for the State's fisheries. Some meetings cannot help feeling a sense of deja vu. The between the Queensland Commercial Minister has lamented a lack of influence over Fishermen's Organisation and the recreational fisheries decisions, but he will now very much fishermen have had to be adjudicated on. have control of the levers. As such, this new Certainly, a lot of information was provided by structure will be as good as the Minister in QFMA personnel. The progress of developing charge! I think the Minister has to take this those management plans has not always seriously. Instead of an independent been optimum, but there is a range of reasons organisation being charged with the decision- to explain that. making process, to a large extent he will be at Certainly, any process that involves the helm of whatever progress the intensive consultation between parties who Queensland Fisheries Service makes for the often have divergent views is never going to people of Queensland. be completed overnight. That is a sacrifice that If the Minister is prepared to be a strong is perhaps made with the sort of structure the advocate of the industry and make the tough QFMA entailed. As I said, there have been decisions on the best scientific advice many difficult situations and many available, there should be few problems. controversial issues have been raised among However, the obvious potential for political commercial fishermen and recreational interference poses a risk that management fishermen and the general public. Inevitably, decisions could be based on little more than there has been some frustration about the vote buying exercises or populism. We have processes employed by the QFMA and some already had a taste of that when the Minister of the outcomes of its deliberations within the sacked the former QFMA board, a board fishing fraternity and obviously within the containing qualified, politically independent Minister's office, and that has led to its demise. members, and replaced it with his It is a pity that that happened. A lot of good appointments, which included a former Labor intentions were behind many of the opinions Minister and one of his own former staffers. It put forward and adjudicated on by the QFMA. is the case that there were people with a political persuasion involved in the QFMA, and However, it is worth noting that perhaps I do not think he can really deny that. We saw one of the most frustrating periods for both the it again more recently with the appointment of fishing industry and the QFMA itself has been an old Labor mate to the Fisheries Tribunal, a the past 12 months. In January I highlighted man of extremely dubious character with my concern that the fisheries review, which the questionable standing in the community. If this Minister promised would be completed and is the sort of management in store under this implemented within three months, was still new structure, sound management of the languishing on his bookshelf six months later. fisheries will be sacrificed for political The Minister has to acknowledge that this took pragmatism. a long time. That added to the frustration out there. It is only now, nearly 12 months since Once this legislation is passed, the that review was initiated, that we are finally Minister will have the levers firmly in his hands, debating this Bill to complete the restructure and the coalition and the industry will be process. watching closely to ensure that he keeps fisheries on track. Fisheries is a very important Of great concern to me is the fact that in industry right throughout this State. Whether it that time well over a dozen highly qualified is the recreation, commercial or aquaculture staff have left the QFMA in frustration and that side of the industry—or whatever it might the progress in developing a number of be—it will all come under the Minister's important management plans has ground to a jurisdiction. I know of the intensity of the halt. In January I noted also that delays in decision-making process, because there is appointing a replacement chairman and enormous sensitivity from time to time within member to the Fisheries Tribunal had led to fisheries about how and when decisions are the accumulation of more than 60 appeals. going to be made. That was very frustrating. Those vacancies occurred last August and it is a travesty that The Minister indicated that there is a the Minister's sloth-like speed in replacing strong level of support for dispensing with the them saw jobs and investment hanging in QFMA and the creation of the Queensland limbo for so long. Fisheries Service, headed by a deputy director- general of the Department of Primary Before the QFMA's inception, fisheries Industries. There is support, although I detect was under the one banner. Now that the that there is also a degree of resignation about Beattie Government has decided to abolish this restructure. I say "resignation" because the QFMA and instead form the QFS, one the structure alone will not improve the 1926 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 management of the Queensland fisheries. I The coalition will be watching closely, as I suppose it is like any legislation that we put in know that both sectors of the fishery industry place: the legislation is only as good as those will be—and we are talking about commercial people who actually operate it. If there is a and recreation—to ensure that the savings are determination to get the best out of the retained with Fisheries in the upcoming management process, then we will have a Budget. We know that the Beattie Budget is good, sound structure. Simply putting shaping up to be not so good—perhaps a legislation in place is not really the answer to shocker. I hope that the Minister has stood every concern that a sound management plan very vigilant to ensure that the restructure has will have. It certainly has a contributing factor, not been used as a smokescreen to plunder but there have to be people there who have the Fisheries budget. the capacity. I can hope only that the Minister Some related fishing issues need to be will do that. raised. The implementation of the by-catch Fisheries has a wide spectrum of interest. reduction devices during the period of the There are the tourist interests, the commercial coalition Government had a positive impact on interests in the wild, commercial interests in the operation of commercial operations. The aquaculture and there are the prospects of turtle exclusion devices were also recognised. what can happen inland as far as fisheries is The trawlers are out to improve their image so concerned. So there is a whole range of issues that they are seen as a responsible group who that are extremely important. There must be a contribute to the Queensland economy, and concerted effort to ensure a more inclusive they certainly do. and more proactive administration. It is to be John Olsen, who played a major role in hoped that the association with the the development of these devices, was management and zonal advisory committees recognised by the coalition when in will be maintained and enhanced in this new Government with a $10,000 assistance structure, as they form a valuable part of package to travel to countries of the world that advice and management required in the had adopted those devices to gauge what fishery. improvements could be made to the Up and down the coast there are a Queensland industry's initiatives. John has number of dedicated, hands-on people who done an enormous amount of work. I do not make substantial contributions to the fishing know him particularly well, but I understand industry resources in Queensland coastal that he has now become the chairman of the waters—and not just in Queensland coastal QCFO. I think that the QCFO is in good hands. waters. Those people have enormous As I said, John Olsen is responsible and he expertise and they must be utilised for the certainly thinks a lot of our fisheries and how benefit of our fisheries. We have now been sustainability and improvements can take through the process of having the Government place as far as the commercial organisation is involved in determining what happens in concerned. Generally it was found that the fisheries. We have moved away from that with developments of these devices in Queensland the introduction of the QFMA, an independent were at least as good, if not better, than those body that was funded through levies from of other fishing countries around the world. licences and all those types of things. Now, to The implementation of the vessel a large degree, the wheel has turned the full monitoring systems was also an initiative circle. carried out during the period of the coalition As I said, a restructure alone will not Government. This system had the potential to improve fisheries administration in this State. assist the determination of areas that were Such a restructure must be supported by a required to be closed and to track the fishing concerted commitment to boost resources to fleet from QFMA headquarters. If a mapping on-the-ground fisheries. As such, I would ask system is coordinated with it, it has the the Minister to give a commitment that the potential to provide the accurate location of a savings from this restructure, which should be fishing vessel. It would be a major benefit. Of considerable, will not be relinquished to the course, this matter needs to be attended to in Treasury coffers but will instead be held by the order to ensure that a vessel is fully aware of QFS and invested into restocking programs, its location. protecting fish habitats and other such on-the- One of the major advantages of the VMS ground projects. For instance, administration is to locate vessels quickly in the event of an costs soaked up nearly two-thirds of the emergency. It has become evident that this QFMA's $7.5m budget and $342,000 was has proven not to be the case, as it took spent on the office rent alone. something like 40 minutes for the signal to be 22 Jun 2000 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 1927 acknowledged from a vessel off Hervey Bay. instability in relation to keeping licences or Other trawlers have sunk off Bundaberg and replacing boats. Continuity is an important Gladstone, with similar failings of the VMS aspect of any buyback plan. systems reported. This is a serious concern. When we were in Government we did The Minister needs to do something about it. something about this. In all fairness, I do not These failings need to be addressed as a top think that the Government has done very priority. Some time in the future, as technology much simply by continuing the $5m plan that develops, travelling time for trawlers can be we put in place. I am not condemning the reduced and it may be possible to determine Government; I am simply stating the facts. the activities being carried out. This would be particularly useful and timesaving as a trawler Mr Palaszczuk: We have $10m in place may then be able to travel over sensitive areas now. with a degree of impunity. Mr ROWELL: $30m needs to be raised in The trawl industry is currently developing a a buyback plan. It would have been easier to plan to reduce effort in the East Coast Trawl continue with $5m over the past two years. Fishery. I attended a meeting in Townsville at That may have brought the industry to a more the request of the QCFO and received a equitable position in a shorter time. comprehensive four-hour briefing by Ted There are many aspects to the fishing Loveday and Alan Hansen. They have industry apart from commercial activities. certainly worked very hard on this plan. While Recreational fishing has tremendous appeal in the plan has developed over the past year, in our climate. All along the Queensland the earlier stages it caused a degree of anxiety coastline and rivers the activities of amateur amongst the trawling industry. However, it is anglers are increasing. People are coming being refined. It now appears that the here from overseas for this purpose. Whether concerns that trawlers once held are being it is line fishing in rivers and creeks or chasing addressed. Of course, with a plan as complex marlin off Cairns, we are certainly a popular as this, it will take some time, but persistence spot with amateur anglers in various fishing will prevail. A number of people within the activities. The coalition is mindful of the industry are working very hard on the trawl challenge to provide a sustainable fishing fishery plan, including the current chairman, industry both for commercial operators and John Olsen. amateur anglers. The real challenge is to get Senator Hill made demands on the that balance right and to make sure that the industry to reduce effort by 25% over the next industry is sustainable. We need to do that for five years. The industry was extremely the people who are investing money in boats concerned but has now come up with a plan to and all the other equipment that is involved. reduce that same effort in a shorter time frame We do not want to get to the point at which provided that $30m is made available, of these buyback schemes become necessary. which $10m is to be contributed by the The proper management of fisheries is a Commonwealth, which issued licences and challenge. was part of the increase in effort. That is a very Fish stocking is an integral part of important point that needs to be made. The ensuring that the resource is replenished. coalition in Government contributed $5m to a During our period in Government, I was licence buyback program. Despite all the involved in the release of fingerlings. As I posturing by this Government when it came to mentioned earlier, perhaps some of the power in June 1998, no funding has been savings from the QFMA which have been provided to continue that program. brought under the DPI umbrella could be That was an extremely important diverted into restocking rather than returning program. We should undertake buybacks those savings to Treasury. There would be gradually. However, if a lot of finance is support from Karumba to the Gold Coast for involved, it can be done in a shorter period of an increase in the restocking of the wild fishery time. I believe that change is something that is and impoundments throughout the State. If best handled slowly. People who are involved the Queensland Fisheries Service is to be a in an industry such as the fishing industry have success—as seems to be the expectation different aspirations. If, at the end of the day, according to a glossy brochure called they decide to get out, they should have the Queensland Fisheries News—we should see ability to do that rather than coming and going even greater activity by the department. in stops and starts and causing an enormous The aquaculture industry has a great deal amount of angst. To some degree, that has of potential. I am aware of a number of very happened with the plan that has been successful operations and the need to devised. We should alleviate tension and continue research to assist the industry to 1928 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 expand. One way of providing support would growing these fish. The requirements and the be to assist applicants for aquaculture expertise needed— ventures to wade through the plethora of Mr Palaszczuk: It's a great market. paperwork and for the department to take a proactive role in the establishment of new Mr ROWELL: There is no question of enterprises. I am not suggesting for one that. There is enormous potential. I know from minute that we should partner them in some my own experience that when people put in way, but there are difficulties to be faced. the ponds and put nets up—in many cases Many people who have tried to get an very costly and substantial structures have to aquaculture development under way have be erected—they have to make absolutely found it extremely difficult to meet all the certain that they will get good financial requirements. It would be tremendous if those outcomes. I hope the moves being made by people could receive more assistance. I know this Government in relation to the Queensland that the DPI offers people a great deal of Fisheries Service will be successful. If they are assistance regarding the approval process. not, it will set back an industry with the However, aquaculture developments along the prospect of being worth $1 billion in many coast are having all sorts of problems. People areas of regional Queensland and other areas who are willing to contribute considerable right throughout the State. amounts of money to these developments I acknowledge the general support of the should receive every assistance and should industry for the amendments to abolish the not be stifled by some departments which QFMA and establish the Queensland Fisheries make it hard for them. If we listen to the Service. The industry says that it is a move in Department of Environment and Heritage, life the right direction, so I cannot deny the should start at the foothills and any Government's proposal. As such, the coalition development on the shoreline or any will not oppose that aspect of the Bill. development involving aquaculture has a big However, we will maintain a watching brief on question mark over it. the QFS to ensure that the performance of it Currently, the Hinchinbrook and Cardwell and the Minister meet the expectations Shires are progressing with a coastal created in the fishing community. development plan. The locals are on guard There is a concern that, as a result of its about the possible outcome. There are focus under Labor in Queensland, the DPI is prospects of growing barramundi, cod and becoming a consumer organisation rather than coral trout in ponds. The DPI in Cairns is a primary industries agency. Buzz words such conducting a substantial program with reef as "food and fibre" are more relevant to the fish. I was pleased to hand over something like consumer than to those who shed their blood, $750,000 for additional tanks. This is an area sweat and tears to produce the primary into which funding could be productively industry's products. The renaming and channelled. The live coral trout trade has reorganising of agencies will mean nothing tremendous potential; very big prices are paid unless there is a will to achieve successful overseas for that fish. If we could grow them in outcomes. It is to be hoped that the ponds—even though that presents a few disbanding of the QFMA meets the challenges—it would be of enormous benefit expectations of the internal review and is user to Queensland, particularly our agriculture friendly. industry. I refer to the Timber Research and Other prospects in relation to inland Development Advisory Council, a former fisheries have not been well supported by this statutory body now required to change to a Labor Government. If more attention was volunteer organisation, which will become an focused on this program, it could assist in the incorporated company limited by guarantee. development of a new industry for inland The restructure of this organisation has come Queensland. Work carried out at Walkamin about as a result of the Primary Industry funded by the coalition had the potential of Bodies Reform Act, which forced primary identifying fish and crustaceans suited for industries to seek volunteer contributions. In freshwater. I notice that the member for Callide the legislation there is no mention of stamp is in the Chamber. When I was in the Callide duty relief and no reference to a commitment electorate, I saw the developments that are to provide ex gratia relief subsequent to the taking place with red claw in areas such as restructure. The amendment to the Forestry Biloela. However, this industry is becoming Act 1959 seeks to restructure the organisation. quite expensive to establish. Ponds have to be According to the Minister's second-reading built and they have to be covered because of speech, the industry requested the legislation the bird life. There is another element to to allow the restructuring following the recent 22 Jun 2000 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 1929 termination of the statutory additional point because we struggle for finances. As a stumpage charge that was used to fund former Minister, I know how difficult things are. TRADAC. I have been informed that there is a If Treasury tries to take some money away requirement for stamp duty to be paid. from Primary Industries, I will be yelling from This is just another statutory organisation the rooftops about it. Primary industries in that has been caught up in this Labor Queensland—it does not matter which Government's legislation to dump an industry—need every cent they can possibly organised industry. Yes, the industry get and as much backing as possible. I will requested the change, but it was difficult for it support the Minister when it comes to funding to do otherwise given the situation presented the needs of the wide range of industries in to it by the Minister. I am aware that the short Queensland. notice of these changes has removed financial The Opposition basically agrees with the certainty for TRADAC and has led it to having legislation. We do not have any major to cancel a number of industry programs that it problems with it. From time to time when we would normally have contributed to. I am make changes unexpected things will happen. disturbed that, despite the public protestations The best laid plans do not always come to by the Minister and his Government that they fruition. I can only hope that the expectations are committed to the future of the timber of the many people in the fishing industry in industry, their actions have undermined the particular are met. It is an enormous growth activities and promotion of our valuable timber area. It has potential. There certainly need to industry. be some caps in relation to trawling. I turn now to the repeal of the Primary Aquaculture, inland fisheries and so on could Industries Corporation Act 1992. The be worth a lot of money to Queensland. If Department of Primary Industries has been there is any way in which the department can advised that it will need to apply for an assist those industries, I think it is extremely Australian business number if it intends to important that it does so. I have made that maintain the legislation according to the case in my speech. Generally there is support Minister's second-reading speech. If this for this Bill. legislation were not repealed, a separate set of Mr LAMING (Mooloolah—LP) (5.36 p.m.): books would be required to administer the I rise to speak briefly to the Primary Industries legislation, and other administrative difficulties and Natural Resources Legislation may have been encountered. Given that the Amendment Bill and note that one of its aims policy under which the Primary Industries is the restructuring of fisheries management Corporation was established is no longer arrangements. Fisheries are of great supported, the Opposition has little difficulty importance to Queensland. Fish products and with the organisation's dissolution. A other high-quality primary products produced considerable number of assets have been for the export market provide income and, of accumulated by the corporation over a period course, jobs to Queensland. of time. Assets for State water projects, which Speaking about jobs, evidently the do not directly come under the umbrella of Premier has given up on his 5% primary industries, are worth something like $2 unemployment target. He has rushed off to billion. blame the GST, the Asian economic crisis and Mr Palaszczuk: That is the value of the the dive in the value of the Australian dollar dam. instead of identifying and capitalising on real Mr ROWELL: I know. I do not have a job creation opportunities. According to the clear differentiation of what cash it has on Courier-Mail, the Premier claims to be hand. determined to do everything he can to bring unemployment down to 5%, but he is not Mr Palaszczuk: What you have there is a doing that. pretty hurried document. We can give you a more detailed breakdown. If he were fair dinkum, he would be grabbing the 1,000 potential new jobs on offer Mr ROWELL: Perhaps we will talk about in Queensland's primary industries by giving that at the Estimates hearings. I think that is Access Queensland, a company dedicated to an appropriate place to be dealing with that this aim, a bit of real help. Instead of matter. squandering nearly half a million dollars on an I want to make sure that Queensland's advertising program about an aborted fuel tax, primary industries get every penny they he could have invested about the same deserve. I do not want to see that money amount in Access Queensland and potentially going into consolidated revenue. I make that created more than 1,000 new jobs throughout 1930 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

Queensland's regions, mainly in primary held every year on the Queen's Birthday long industry. Why do I call it an investment? weekend. This year it was very, very heavily Because the Government gets its money back patronised. There is a growing number of over a couple of years, plus interest—that is, people wanting to join in such very pleasant 1,000 jobs. What a deal! fishing activities. Honourable members do not have to take The other means by which we could my word about those 1,000 jobs. I table letters prevent the diminution of the resource is the from 11 businesspeople representing over 200 greater enforcement of bag limits. I think bag primary producer employers. They are all limits are a good idea, but I am constantly confident of this level of job creation if Access being told that there is a rort taking place with Queensland is given the level of start-up them, particularly during the banana prawn support that it needs. I have listed these job season. I believe that up to 250 boats are estimates in an attached summary, which sets fishing at any one time during the banana out their products, the anticipated job creation prawn season. In the very early hours of the and even their electorates. I strongly suggest morning—around 2 a.m.—one sees people at that Government members take a keen the Redland Bay boat ramp launching boats to interest in that summary before next week's go out on their fishing activities for the day. Community Cabinet meeting so that they can The current 10-litre bag limit can be make representations to the relevant Ministers exploited in a couple of ways. Firstly, some before their own constituents beat them to it. people de-head the prawns, and that provides Talking of representations, Access extra capacity. There is also mounting Queensland has been advised that the evidence of some people using a mother ship Premier will not have time to meet with it next arrangement. They get their bucket and drop weekend. This is disappointing and the prawns onto a mother ship—a faster boat unbelievable. I hope that the Minister for moored further out—and by this method Primary Industries intends to be more circumvent the regulations and policing. This proactive. I suggest that the Premier has been brought to the attention of the reconsider his decision in the light of the department but, unfortunately, it continues. All opportunity to create conservatively 1,000 new the recreational fishers who are doing the right jobs, many in the north. Maybe that humble thing—and I think a fair percentage of the pie he talks about is worth a second helping. population take enough for their own consumption—— Mr HEGARTY (Redlands—NPA) (5.39 p.m.): It is with pleasure that I rise to Mr Rowell: Some of the cast nets have speak to the Primary Industries and Natural got enormous capacities, haven't they? Resources Legislation Amendment Bill, Mr HEGARTY: I am coming to that. It is a because my electorate borders Moreton Bay, good point, and I will address it shortly. The the site of one of the large fishing resources majority of people—who just want enough for off the Queensland coast. Unfortunately, it is a their personal consumption or, in some cases, diminishing resource that is being fished by a just want the thrill of the activity and are happy growing number of people. The coastline of to return the fish to the water—are being the bay comprises about 3% of the overshadowed by the others, who do not have Queensland coastline but supports 30% of the any regard for the resource. They are only out recreational fishers in the State and a much for their own benefit, and they are not really smaller percentage of commercial fishers of fishing for recreational purposes. Such people around 13%. are pseudo recreational fishers and are really All the recreational fishers in my electorate doing it for commercial reasons. If we do not are constantly telling me that the bay is being start getting tough on them the bag limits will fished out. It is about time we looked at just be a laughing-stock and that will enforcing size limits and also at periodic encourage decent, law-abiding fishers to closures. I am informed that the legal size for consider adopting the same practice. bream and whiting is 23 centimetres, but we A little while ago I went down to see for could look at increasing that to 25 centimetres, myself the activities that were being reported which is the limit that most of the recreational to me. I noticed that some of those people did fishing clubs impose on their members as part not speak English. Unfortunately, I do not of their fishing competition arrangements. That speak any foreign language and I could not could result in up to 40% more fish being ask them what they were up to. I approached returned to the water. I think that would be a some Australians a little way away from them very significant input into that hard-pressed, and said, "What is going on?" I was told to finite resource. The Redlands Fishing Classic is mind my own business. They said, "Why 22 Jun 2000 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 1931 shouldn't we exploit the resource when are pretty peeved that the Department of everyone else is? You are not doing anything Primary Industries applies such scant about it, so we may as well join in. We are not resources to the elimination of this very serious getting a fair go." When the law is not applied, practice, which depletes the fish stock in and especially not applied consistently, it Moreton Bay. becomes a joke. That is the risk we run by Environmental factors also have an being lax and not putting enough effort into impact on the fish resource depleting or at fisheries policing. I understand that the black best maintaining its present level. About 70% market provides a return of about $10 a kilo for of the bay's species—including bream, prawns. It has been reported to me by some flathead, prawns and mud crabs—begin life in long-time fishers that a person can earn up to the mangroves, feeding exclusively on $40,000 a year on the black market through microbes from rotting leaf matter and that sort this pseudo recreational fishing, which in reality of sedimentation. We know that it is illegal to is a commercial operation. cut down mangroves, but it is still occurring in The other matter I want to touch upon is my electorate. In the past, undesirable the one raised by the honourable member for development has occurred around the Hinchinbrook: cast-net fishing. The foreshores where mangroves were growing. inappropriateness of that activity has been Fortunately, that has ceased. But there are still raised several times. Cast-net fishing results in the odd residents who want to provide too large a catch. It is time we banned this themselves with a better view. They do that by practice entirely. Some people get together cutting down mangroves, or at least trimming and use cast nets exclusively. Some of them them, which has a detrimental effect as well, originated from countries other than Australia, and that places long-term pressure on the and this practice may be tolerated in their ability of the fish resource to maintain present country of origin. It may be through ignorance levels. that they do it here. But, again, it is our I am aware that people caught clearing responsibility to tell them the regulations and mangroves can be fined up to $225,000. explain to them the devastating effect that Unfortunately, again, we do not have enough such fishing has on the resource. If they resources to police such offences. I realise that continue to adopt this practice, their fishing this problem overlaps with the Environment activities will have to be limited. If it means portfolio. We have to be out there protecting employing some interpreters or whatever is that fish resource, otherwise in the not-too- needed to get the message across, that is distant future it will have completely what we will have to do. disappeared. An Opposition member interjected. We granted permits to a couple of fishers Mr HEGARTY: Unfortunately, they are the in the Peel Island area to allow them to ones. I do not believe it is through ignorance; continue fishing in the Peel Island protection they have been told before. But the warnings zone. These were long-time fishers who were have to be reinforced. They are just paying lip- operating in the area before the Moreton Bay service to the warnings they are given. Once Marine Park was gazetted. Those people have the policing officer moves on, they resume been allowed to continue fishing for black their previous activity. They are literally trevally. I would like the Minister to clarify thumbing their nose at the law and our efforts something for me with regard to the recent to preserve the resource. We now have to outbreak of blue-green algae around the show them that we are serious, otherwise this Pumicestone area. I have been told by practice will be perpetuated through their someone who is considered a reasonable communities and, in due course, their authority that black trevally is one of the offspring. species of fish that eats the blue-green algae. Mr Rowell interjected. If that is the case, we should seriously look at any diminution in the numbers of black trevally Mr HEGARTY: We were making efforts in the light of containing the spread of blue- there, and that is the disappointing thing. We green algae. As honourable members know, should have been making greater inroads by blue-green algae has an effect on fishing now. There should have been a discernible resources. If the Minister would like to interject tapering off of those illegal activities, but there now— has not. They are in fact increasing. This concerns me and the large number of Mr Palaszczuk: I will talk to you later. recreational and commercial fishermen in my Mr HEGARTY: We need clarification on electorate. I have commercial fishers living in that matter. We may have to look at reducing my electorate as well. They are the ones who licences if there is serious depletion in the 1932 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 numbers of black trevally. That species will lose inspectors. Inspectors must have an increased its effectiveness if it is allowed to be fished at presence in Moreton Bay. Whilst we have the present level. uniformed inspectors in the bay, we also need The aquaculture industry is growing in my plain clothes officers in tinnies checking on electorate. It is an important industry in the people. As all honourable members know, shire and it creates employment. There are a when motorists notice a patrol car on the couple of aquaculture farms near my office. highway, they immediately reduce their speed. These farms are situated in dams a fair The same thing would happen on Moreton distance inland. They have a minimal effect on Bay in regard to fishing violations. Once a pollution of Moreton Bay. I realise that similar patrol boat was spotted, offenders would concerns have been raised about the Great dispose of their illegal catch. The fisheries Barrier Reef Marine Park. It is an important officers are so stretched that they have a industry. I hope the Minister and his minimal presence on the bay. department will closely monitor the industry, The Minister has a tough job ahead of whilst at the same time encouraging its growth him with regard to this year's budget. He will for the benefit of the local area and the State. have to allocate a fair amount of money to our The subject of the environment brings to fishery patrols. Unless we get serious about mind the problem of pollution caused by this matter, we will have very little to worry sewage being pumped into Moreton Bay. We about because this great resource will have some 20 sewerage plants emptying into disappear. Moreton Bay between Pumicestone Passage Mr SEENEY (Callide—NPA) (5.55 p.m.): I and the Gold Coast. I know that the Brisbane welcome the opportunity to make a City Council is spending money to upgrade its contribution to the Primary Industries and sewage outlets in an effort to reduce nitrogen Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill. in effluent. The State Government should This Bill deals with two portfolio areas that are seriously consider constructing a pipeline to of great concern not only to my electorate but the Lockyer district in order to enable treated also to large areas of rural and regional sewage to be used for crop growing. The Queensland. I preface my remarks by once South Australian Liberal Government has again observing that it is very disappointing to done that and it has turned a problem into a see the level of importance that these portfolio valuable resource. areas are given by the current Government. It is very disappointing to observe the I think the Brisbane City Council was performances of the Minister for Primary considering expending a sum of $200m in Industries and the Minister for Natural upgrading the city's sewerage facilities. The Resources. Lord Mayor promised that that money would be made available if the Lockyer project got off The Minister for Natural Resources in this the ground. Unfortunately, this Government Government is a zealot, and the Minister for has done absolutely nothing with regard to Primary Industries in this Government is that project. It has been languishing for years. hopeless. That is terribly disappointing to the The Minister for Natural Resources has people to whom these portfolio areas are of responsibility in this area. He needs to make a critical importance. These portfolios are of commitment to this project because, if such critical importance to their everyday life and to projects are not brought forward, they impact their businesses and their future. on all other areas of responsibility. In this This particular piece of legislation seeks to particular instance it has an impact on our amend the Fisheries Act to abolish the fishing industry. Queensland Fish Management Authority and I believe all honourable members share to facilitate new institutional arrangements my concern for our fishing industry. We have relating to fisheries within the Department of to make some very hard decisions. We must Primary Industries. Earlier this evening the enforce bag limits. We must also review the Minister suggested that I have no interest in minimum sizes of fish allowed to be caught. fishing. I can only assume that the Minister We must look at prosecuting people who has absolutely no knowledge of the extensive inland fisheries that have been developed by destroy mangroves. It is necessary that those hardworking, fish-stocking groups. Over a people face the full force of the law. We period of time, these groups have developed a cannot afford to be timid in this area. We number of very remarkable inland fisheries. cannot afford to pussyfoot around and pay lip- Those fisheries provide not only recreational service to the problem. fishing opportunities to the people who live in The main point of my contribution is a those areas, but they are attracting people plea for increased resources for fisheries from a wide range of areas. 22 Jun 2000 Drug Injecting Rooms 1933

Take, for example, the Cania Dam to feed their drug habit. There are parents who impoundment at Lake Cania at Monto. It has are watching their children's playgrounds being been stocked with a variety of fish over a turned into a deadly places because of number of years by a group of voluntary discarded needles from illicit drug use that workers. These people give their time and potentially harbour HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. effort every weekend, in some cases, to As leaders, we are motivated by the ensure that that fishery is stocked. People increasing anger and desperation of many come from Bundaberg, Gladstone, people in our community—people who want Rockhampton and other areas to fish in that answers and a better, safer future for their dam. These impoundments exist throughout children. In answering their calls, we need to my electorate and they provide fishing enunciate clearly where we stand. Are we opportunities for local people and for people going to tolerate drug abuse and simply apply from all over Queensland. the bandaid in the name of harm minimisation, It is a sad indictment on the Minister for or will we strive for a drug-free society and Primary Industries that he does not even send a very clear anti-drug message as well as realise that those activities are going on. It is a a compassionate message of rehabilitation for sad indictment on this hopeless Minister that those who are already addicted to drugs? he should comment that someone such as I, The coalition believes that we must send who represents that electorate, have no a strong message of anti-drug abuse. interest in the subject of fishing and, thus, However, that must be balanced with a have no need to make a contribution to this compassion for helping people get off drugs debate. and a recognition that drug addiction puts It is of critical importance that the Minister people in bondage. The only proven way to understands these issues because those reduce the incidence of drug overdoses is to groups depend on the Minister to ensure that get addicts drug free. their activities are properly funded in the Recently, there have been calls for current Budget negotiations that we all know Governments to introduce injecting rooms to are taking place. Tonight, I hope the Minister supposedly prevent addicts from overdosing can achieve an understanding of the important and to keep them alive. That has been role that he plays in ensuring that those allowed in New South Wales and will soon be fisheries continue. The people who work in a allowed in Victoria. In Queensland, the Labor voluntary capacity cannot do it on their own. Lord Mayor, Jim Soorley, has been a They need the same type of assistance that passionate advocate of drug injecting rooms. they have received in the past in order to At the Labor Party conference this year, Lord provide the fry and the young fish for these Mayor Jim moved a motion, seconded by fisheries. David Hinchliffe, calling for the introduction of These are put-and-take fisheries; they are so-called safe injecting rooms. The matter was not fisheries where the fish breed. Unless the not resolved but referred to a committee, Minister provides these groups with the which is to report back to a future Labor Party necessary finance, all the good work that has conference. been done over the past years will dissipate Tonight, I urge Labor Party members to and disappear. It is important that the Minister vote in favour of this motion, which would send understands that. a clear message that injecting rooms should Debate, on motion of Mr Seeney, not be sanctioned by the Government. The adjourned. State National/Liberal coalition believes that there are other solutions to the incidence of drug deaths. We strongly reject the push for DRUG INJECTING ROOMS illicit drug injecting rooms. Miss SIMPSON (Maroochydore—NPA) Injecting rooms for administering illicit (6 p.m.): I move— drugs is a bit like feeding a man on death row. "That this House opposes the The man's destiny has not been changed. introduction of injecting rooms for Injecting rooms mean that the bondage administering illicit drugs in Queensland." remains for the addict. There are worse The scourge of drugs touches every problems caused by allowing those who are sector of our community. Some people have already addicted to drugs to use these so- experienced sons and daughters or friends called safe injecting rooms. There is also the wasting their lives on mind-altering drugs. very real potential that these rooms will provide Other people have experienced their homes a safety net for those people who are not being broken into by addicts looking for cash addicts but who may experiment with drugs 1934 Drug Injecting Rooms 22 Jun 2000 and believe that they will be safe if they do Minister Wendy Edmond herself admitted that that in a so-called safe injecting room. That is when she argued against the coalition's a major concern. proposal to introduce non-reusable retractable I am morally opposed to Governments needles into the needle availability program. I sanctioning the taking of illicit mind-altering remind members that in a radio interview the drugs. However, there are also some very Health Minister said that they could not practical reasons why I believe that so-called introduce retractable needles because the safe injecting rooms do not achieve their number of needles required would soar as objective of keeping people alive, which I will people would not be able to reuse their outline. However, I also believe that in this needles. I say to the Minister that, surprise, debate I must mention some of the alternative surprise, the whole reason for this program ways forward. was to stop people sharing needles. Yet the needle availability program, on the Minister's While the abuse of drugs such as heroin own admission, is supplying needles that are or amphetamines is not as widespread as the reused by addicts and, therefore, are infecting abuse of substances such as alcohol and people. tobacco, their effect is deadly, particularly the effect of the highly addictive drug, heroin. The I reiterate the coalition's commitment to rate of infection from hepatitis C and HIV is introducing retractable needles and say that it also greater with injecting drug use and these is time that the Government got on with it and diseases in their own right have the power to not only introduced those needles into the cause agonisingly painful and slow deaths. needle availability program but also had some clear controls and aims at getting people off However, there are many reasons to drugs. Those retractable needles should also reject injecting rooms. As I have mentioned, be introduced into the mainstream health injecting rooms provide a so-called safety net service, which is where the majority of needle for non-addicts to experiment with drugs and pricks occur. The Government has to get its to provide a lure for them to enter this act together and move on this issue. There are dangerous lifestyle. Injecting rooms also a number of patents pending for those depend on the availability of drugs. The supply needles and there are also existing retractable has to be close to or actually inside the needles on the market. Let us look after not injecting room or else people will not use these only the drug users but also the health rooms. Then there is the pressure on workers. Governments to allow more and more of those rooms to be closer and closer to the people. I referred to drug addicts needing to be close to their drug source. The reality is that The myth is that drug addicts mainly most people overdose in their own homes. overdose on the streets. Actually, the majority However, if people are going to use drug of them overdose in their own homes. The injecting rooms, there has to be some other problem with injecting rooms is that of tolerance of dealers. The coalition simply will law enforcement. Police are encouraged to not tolerate that. These drug injecting facilities turn a blind eye to dealers within the vicinity, or also fail in their role to educate people about within the injecting room. After the pseudo the dangers of drug abuse, because they acceptance of dealers, the next step is for encourage addiction rather than rehabilitation. Governments to become the dealer and They send the wrong message of condoning provide the heroin in these so-called safe drug use. injecting rooms. That is often the progression In light of my comments about of the argument. At first, people say, "Let us Governments condoning drug use, I believe make sure that we keep people alive. We will that if Governments fail to have proper have injecting rooms and make sure that we rehabilitation and counselling services set up have quick backup for medical teams." Then with the aim of getting people off drugs, then they say, "We have to have a clean supply. needle availability and methadone programs We had better make sure that the will also be severely flawed. The coalition Government supplies the drugs." One believes that there needs to more argument after another leads to the situation accountability in the way in which drug and in which the Government is not only pseudo alcohol rehabilitation and detoxification sanctioning drugs but also actually pushing services are delivered. We believe that there drugs in the community. needs to be a complete review of the existing Injecting illicit substances is never without services. It is essential that Governments set risk. It is not a safe thing to do even in hygienic targets by which they can be judged. Those surroundings. Even with needle availability targets must also represent more meaningful programs, people still share needles. Health outcomes than merely adding up the number 22 Jun 2000 Drug Injecting Rooms 1935 of people who proceed through methadone services for drug abusers, rather than clinics. examine the controlled use of the drugs. I suggest that members look at the 'By permitting drug injection rooms, a Government's Budget papers that set out the government could be considered to be in performance indicators for drug and alcohol contravention of the international drug services. They are really pathetic. As I have control treaties by facilitating in, aiding outlined, when the coalition is returned to and/or abetting the commission of crimes power, it will undertake a review of those involving illegal drug possession and use services to make sure that there are clear as well as other criminal offence, including targets and programs that are aimed at drug trafficking,' it says." effectively getting people off drugs. I wish to bring to the attention of I believe that it is time that we had a honourable members just what a safe injecting report on the Naltrexone trials, which were first room is like. An article in the Australian from 5 proposed by the coalition when it was in April this year states— Government. In Western Australia, Naltrexone "The white-tiled room in the has been used in effective programs that have basement of St Paul's Church in resulted in a marked downturn in the number Rotterdam, The Netherlands, has no of overdoses from heroin. Of course, windows. Naltrexone must be taken with proper medical and social support. There are lessons to be Two men sit on chairs before a metal learned about the Naltrexone treatment, but bench fixed to the wall. where it is used appropriately it is effective. Nico Graaf is preparing his shot of This treatment gives people the hope that they cocaine. can get off drugs, get on with their lives and He takes a new syringe out of its make a difference. Ultimately, so-called safe plastic wrapping, cleans a spoon with a injecting rooms do not provide the answer. piece of cotton wool and puts the white People are still addicts. They can still go back powder on it. to their homes and overdose on drugs. Then he searches his arm for a vein Time expired. and slides in the needle. Mr SPRINGBORG (Warwick—NPA) ... (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (6.10 p.m.): I second the motion ably moved by the 'I do it for the flow,' he explains. honourable member for Maroochydore. On 24 The St Paul's injecting room has February 2000 an article in the Sydney progressed further down the harm- Morning Herald stated— minimisation road than any other. "The International Narcotics Control Addicts are provided with sterile Board has renewed its attack on equipment and a hygienic place in which Australia's planned trials of heroin safe to inject themselves as well as the injecting rooms, warning that participating opportunity to buy guaranteed-quality governments would be 'aiding in the drugs." commission of crimes' and 'facilitating illicit That taps into what the honourable member drug trafficking'. for Maroochydore said; ultimately, we will have The United Nations drugs body says guaranteed-quality drugs potentially support of the so-called shooting galleries sanctioned by the Government. The article by the NSW, Victorian and ACT continues— governments would be seen as 'a step in "Dealers are permitted in St Paul's, the direction of drug legalisation'. which adheres to the policy that drug- ... users use drugs, so the centre may as The control board entered the well help to ensure the drugs they use are Australian debate over safe injecting pure." rooms in December when the Prime It goes on to discuss what Melbourne and Minister released advice from its Sydney are doing. The article further states— chairman, Mr Antonio Martins, that the "The adjacent underground bar sells trials would be in breach of international tea, coffee, soft drinks, milk and drug conventions. sandwiches all at cost price. ... Behind the bar, the head of a man The report urges governments to with long hair is visible through a gap in increase their provision of rehabilitation the wall. 1936 Drug Injecting Rooms 22 Jun 2000

He's one of the house dealers My Government is tackling the drug appointed by the church." problem through a four-year strategic We in Queensland need to avoid at all framework called Beyond the Quick Fix. We costs the introduction of so-called safe are endeavouring to do this in a injecting rooms for illicit drugs. Tonight we comprehensive and strategic way. We are need to send a clear and unequivocal talking about human grief, family loss, trauma message to the people of Queensland that and, in some cases, about exploitation of our this Parliament is opposed to that notion. I youth by those in the drug world. note that this morning, when the honourable Based on the National Drug Strategic member for Maroochydore gave notice of this Framework, agreed by State, Territory and motion, many honourable members opposite Commonwealth Ministers, Queensland's said they were very much in agreement with framework provides realistic and supportive the sentiments contained therein. Tonight, I initiatives to be developed in cooperation with expect that when we vote on this motion the the community. Honourable members may Parliament will send the unequivocal message recall that we sat down with the Prime Minister that the people of Queensland are searching at a COAG meeting to discuss this issue, and for, and that is that we are not prepared to this was one of the outcomes. relax the war on drugs; that we are not prepared to see harm minimisation go any A key direction in our strategy is that further; and that it is an absolute anathema to lasting solutions to the drug problem will come this Parliament that we would introduce in any only from families, community groups and way, shape or form legal, safe injecting rooms Governments working together. The in which people can administer illicit drugs. Government does not condone illicit drug use, but it recognises that there will always be Over the past few years in this country we people who choose to use drugs. In order to have attempted to reduce the drug menace. protect the health of the community, we must This is very difficult. I do not think any seek to minimise the harms associated with jurisdiction around the world pretends to have illicit drug use. That is why Governments of all the answer. I do not pretend to have all of the persuasions in Australia are committed to answers and I do not think the Government programs such as the safe needle program to pretends to have all of the answers. We prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and cannot be seen to go weak on this issue. We hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Mr Speaker, you have to crack down on illegal drug use. I ask would be aware that we have increased honourable members to consider the fact that penalties in recent times for the illegal disposal all of the overseas research shows that, whilst of needles in parks and on beaches to protect there are varying degrees of support in children and the community. We know it is not communities, one thing is clear: this practice a perfect solution, but it is part of our has not led to any reduction in the overall comprehensive approach. number of drug addicts and the number of people taking drugs. At best we have seen a What is the Government doing to prevent retention of the status quo in the European drug abuse? The Government has introduced countries that have adopted this policy. programs under our Strengthening Families Tonight we should not be equivocating on our and Crime Prevention that Works Strategies to commitment to stamp out the drug menace give young people and families the tools and and our commitment to zero tolerance and skills to face the challenges in their lives, and zero acceptance of drugs. Only by sending an to help them deal with problems before they unequivocal message will we be able to garner take root. This is about developing a sense of the support, faith and commitment of community and self-esteem. It is about giving Queenslanders, who are seeking a very strong people a job and some self-worth. It is about commitment from this Parliament. an education strategy to prevent drug use. These are the long-term solutions. Time expired. Early intervention is the best way to Hon. P. D. BEATTIE (Brisbane Central— strengthen families and communities and ALP) (Premier) (6.15 p.m.): I move— reduce antisocial behaviour, such as drug "That all words after the word abuse, in the long term, and that is why the 'Queensland' be deleted and replaced Government is helping parents, friends and with 'until proposed trials in New South young people through initiatives such as the Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital School Nurse and Positive Parenting Territory are completed and have proven Programs. The School Nurse and Positive their success and enjoy widespread public Parenting Programs are key initiatives in support'." tackling the drug problem head-on. I 22 Jun 2000 Drug Injecting Rooms 1937 congratulate the Minister for Health, whose about them, but I want a long-term solution idea it was to promote the idea of school and so does my Government. nurses—a program that is being introduced Hon. W. M. EDMOND (Mount Coot-tha— and funded by the Government and which is a ALP) (Minister for Health) (6.20 p.m.): I second great success in our schools. the amendment moved by the Premier. In no What else are we doing? The way does this Government condone illicit drug Government is attacking the causes of crime use, but the reality is that, for whatever reason, and breaking the cycle of drug addiction and there are people who choose to use drugs. drug-related crime by trialling drug courts at We have a duty of care as a Government to Ipswich, Beenleigh and Southport to redirect face up to that reality and to do whatever we non-violent drug offenders from a possible jail can to protect the health of the community sentence to treatment and rehabilitation and and minimise harm from illicit drug use. We allowing police to divert people caught with 50 must do all that we can to assist people who grams or less of cannabis to assessment and use drugs to break their habit and we must do treatment rather than face criminal all that we can to support their family and proceedings. loved ones, who are innocent victims. The Attorney-General is trialling these About 4,000 people die in Queensland drug courts. We believe they are a key part of each year because of drugs. That is about the solution to breaking the drug cycle. That is 18% of all deaths. However, I must stress that what the strategy is all about. That brings me 81% of those deaths are from tobacco, 17% to Naltrexone. It is being trialled as both a from alcohol and 2.4% from illicit drugs. means of detoxification and as a relapse Queensland's opiate induced death rate is the prevention agent for inpatients who have lowest in Australia, at 11 deaths per million of detoxified from opioids. Queensland is taking population. This compares with 75 per million part in the National Drug and Alcohol Research of population for New South Wales and 49 per Centre's national evaluation of million for Victoria. pharmacotherapies for opioid dependence. So what are we as a Government doing The trials are proceeding and the evaluation about the drug problem? The parents whose will be completed next year. Naltrexone is children are locked in the grip of drug addiction available on the PBS to treat alcohol would say: not enough. The opponents of dependence and through GPs on prescription. harm minimisation measures, such as the safe Naltrexone is not a magic cure for heroin needle program, would say: too much. The addiction but one of a range of treatment State Government is pursuing a whole-of- options at which we are looking. Government approach through the Queensland Drug Strategy. We are focusing Why not trial supervised injecting rooms? on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. We are awaiting the results of the proposed Melbourne, Sydney and ACT trials. Hence my In 1998 the Government allocated an amendment tonight. Unfortunately, there is no extra $4.6m a year to the Health budget for one-size-fits-all solution for either individuals drug-related initiatives under the Crime with drug problems or communities facing Prevention that Works and Illicit Drug drug-related problems. Measures such as Strategies. These include providing $1.4m injecting rooms must command significant towards a live-in drug and alcohol withdrawal community support. Any proposal for a program for 13 to 18 year olds at the Mater supervised injecting room should not be Hospital; trialling alternative treatment, such as rushed. We need debate and close Naltrexone and buprenorphine; extending the consideration of the legal and health methadone program; training GPs to implications. administer drug detoxification treatments and illicit drug early intervention techniques; There was a resolution at the recent ALP enhancing the Alcohol and Drug Information conference which basically reflects that. The Service—ADIS—which provides 24 hour, Lord Mayor and I will negotiate and discuss seven day a week advice and support; this issue with various Government developing and implementing a departments and party units to determine an comprehensive mandatory training package approach for the future. I am worried about for workers in the safe needle program; supervised injecting rooms from the point of developing indigenous alcohol and drug view of whether they would act as a honey pot projects in Cooktown, Cape York, in attracting people, whether there would need Rockhampton and Mount Isa to curb alcohol to be more police supervision and whether that and drug-related crime and violence; and would attract more crime. Yes, I have concerns supporting prevention programs for young 1938 Drug Injecting Rooms 22 Jun 2000 people, such as the Croc Eisteddfod and can say that I would have concerns about the Rumble in the Jungle. We also have the highly duty of care of health workers when the successful parenting support programs and injecting substance is of an unknown quality youth health nurses in schools which work on and quantity. As I say, we are watching with preventing the problem before it starts. considerable interest what is happening in the Last year the member for Maroochydore other States and also developments overseas. bagged these problems as being soft little Recently Ms Malou Lindbom, a Swedish social welfare programs. This year they are the drug campaigner, was a speaker at the New main part of their drug policy. What a joke! South Wales drug summit, and I understand Miss SIMPSON: I rise to a point of order. that she is speaking in several places around Queensland. Over the past 15 years the Mrs EDMOND: We acknowledge that Swedes have been moving towards a US they are wonderful programs! They should model of zero tolerance, aiming for a drug-free support them. society. Even Ms Lindbom has said that this is Miss SIMPSON: The Minister is a goal and probably will not be reached. misleading the House. I did not bag parenting Indeed, the US is regarded as being totally programs. unsuccessful in dealing with the drug problem. Mrs EDMOND: The member said on radio There has been increased incarceration of that they were the soft little social welfare drug users, with 13 Afro-Americans to every programs that should not be funded by Health. white person jailed. Inner city heroin use has Queensland Health also provides funding to dramatically increased. non-Government— Time expired. Miss SIMPSON: I rise to a point of order. Mr BEANLAND (Indooroopilly—LP) Mrs EDMOND: It is on the record. It is on (6.25 p.m.): This evening we have heard that tape. the Premier has left the door open for illicit Miss SIMPSON: The Minister is drug injecting rooms here in Queensland. The misleading the House. I did not bag parenting Premier has simply moved an amendment programs. which adds the words "until the proposed trials of New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT are Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of complete and have proven their success". Of order. course, there is a lot of history about this. Mrs EDMOND: Queensland Health also Mr BEATTIE: I rise to a point of order. provides funding to non-Government Just so the record is clear, I also said words to organisations to provide services including the effect of "widespread community support". therapy, counselling, support, and residential It is not in the amendment— treatment and rehabilitation. The Government is watching with interest the supervised Mr BEANLAND: I am reading the injecting room trials in other States. In Victoria amendment. the proposed injecting facilities Bill is expected Mr BEATTIE: I am just telling the member to be debated in Parliament in August 2000. what I moved. The Bill closely involves local councils in developing plans for the proposed facilities Mr BEANLAND: I heard what the Premier and recognises the need to have numerous said, but I am reading the circulated sites to prevent the honey-pot effect. The New amendment, and it does not say anything South Wales Government has passed about "widespread community support". legislation and is proposing to trial one room in Mr BEATTIE: I rise to a point of order. Kings Cross. The trial is under the auspices of The member is wasting his time on this. I am the Uniting Church and is expected to start in trying to explain to him— October 2000. The ACT legislation was passed Mr BEANLAND: No, the Premier is in December 1999 and it sets up a two-year wasting my time. He is trying to put something trial run by a non-Government group in into the amendment that is not here. conjunction with the Uniting Church. It is expected to commence in October 2000. Mr BEATTIE: The amendment before the We must remember that there is no one- Chamber, in fact, has added words; it talks size-fits-all solution for either individuals with about "widespread community support". drug problems or communities facing drug- Mr BEANLAND: All I can quote is what is related problems. The message I am getting is on the paper, and I am doing that. It does not that measures such as injecting rooms must say anything about "widespread community command significant community support, and I support". 22 Jun 2000 Drug Injecting Rooms 1939

I thought that the Premier would have drug use. We have seen what has happened learnt something from Switzerland, where they with methadone. More and more people are went through this experiment. One side tried to getting methadone. I do not notice too many portray it as a great success. However, when people getting off the methadone program, the independent studies were done, it was which is supposed to be its aim. The number found to be a great failure indeed. In fact, far of people on that program continues to more people ended up being involved with increase substantially; it is not decreasing. drugs than were previously. There is no limit on that. The numbers I was listening to the Minister for Health, increase—more and more get on it—and very who talked about a couple of initiatives, such few come off the methadone program. as drug courts. That initiative came from this The International Narcotic Control Board side of the Chamber. The shadow Minister for under the United Nations is appalled at the Justice, in fact, was the member who came up idea of drug injecting rooms. Many people who with that initiative. The provision of hospital promote harm minimisation do not talk about beds for 13 to 18 year olds was started off by that. They like to mention the United Nations the former Minister for Health, Mr Mike Horan. on all other occasions, but they never mention Then, of course, there was Naltrexone. I the United Nations when it comes to this thought that the Premier or the Minister for subject. This situation will go from bad to Health would have talked about that tonight, worse. I note that the Minister denigrated the because last week New South Wales United States. The United States and Sweden announced that it was going to use are two countries doing something constructive Naltrexone, but we have heard not a word in order to achieve a drug-free society. from the people opposite. They will let New South Wales do something constructive, but This is not an easy issue. No-one is they are not doing it themselves. So again we saying that it is, Minister. Nevertheless, we are behind the eight ball. This Government is have to send a very clear message. This not doing anything constructive to get people Government is simply not sending that off drugs, but when it does do something, it is message at all. The message coming from this only after this side of the Chamber has Government is anything but clear. After all, we dragged it along. do not say that a person can have only three Let us look at some of the points about packs of cigarettes a day instead of 10. The these so-called drug injecting rooms. It is said message is clear; the message is: quit that they are safe. Of course they are not safe. smoking. That message is broadcast day in, There is no such thing as a safe injecting day out in the media, both print and electronic. room; it is a nonsense to say that. Some The message is to quit smoking, to stop people say that these sorts of people would smoking. The message relating to drink-driving suddenly be travelling long distances to go to is not to drink so many beers and then drive. these injecting rooms. However, any sort of The message is very clear: do not drink and scientific study would show that they go to the drive. nearest place they can to inject themselves Hon. T. A. BARTON (Waterford—ALP) with the drug. They carry it with them. They go (Minister for Police and Corrective Services) to a phone box, down the road, up a laneway (6.30 p.m.): I rise to speak in favour of the or wherever it might be up. They inject amendment moved by the Premier. It reflects themselves with that drug as quickly as they the Beattie Labor Government's balanced possibly can when there is that need. And it is approach to dealing with the drug problem in not once a day or once a week, depending on our society. Illicit drugs are a major cause of what drug it happens to be; heroin addicts can crime in our society, not just in terms of the inject themselves several times a day. They actual buying and selling but also in terms of need to go and get that injection straightaway. the crimes committed by addicts in order to To think that they are going to travel enormous feed their habits. However, the use of illicit distances is just another furphy and an drugs is not just a crime issue; it is also a very example of the sort of nonsense that is raised serious health issue. We must be prepared to in relation to this particular matter. When it look at innovative ways of dealing with both comes to safe injecting rooms, those people sides of this problem. The Beattie Labor will not travel long distances at all. Government has an excellent record in this We should be allocating this money for regard. Contrary to the coalition, which simply rehabilitation. Supporting continued drug use talked about a number of these initiatives, in is strongly resented. We should put money the short two years since it came to power the into rehabilitation and treatment, not into safe Beattie Labor Government has actually put a injecting rooms, which encourage continued number of programs in place. 1940 Drug Injecting Rooms 22 Jun 2000

As recently as last night, the Police rooms are the way to go. Experience Powers and Responsibilities and Other Acts elsewhere has shown that they tend to attract Amendment Act was passed with the criminals, that is, the honey-pot effect. unanimous support of this Parliament. I am Because of the nature of the problem, it is pleased that it did, because it also included essential that the Government remains open provisions empowering police to divert people minded and awaits the results of the trials possessing up to 50 grams of cannabis or less interstate. If they are successful and if there is into treatment, keeping them out of the broad community support, then we should criminal justice system. It is very important to investigate that option. But we are not rushing divert people to treatment and programs rather into it. However, as has already been outlined than simply putting them into the criminal tonight, this Government is determined to justice system and correctional centres, tackle the health and crime issues related to because frequently the community does not illicit drug use and has shown that it is get back a better person. This Government prepared to be innovative in how it approaches has also established a drug courts trial this issue. program in south-east Queensland for more I am pleased that both of my serious offenders such as those who may be departments are involved not just in the responsible for a number of break and enters enforcement of the laws of this State but also, committed to feed a drug addiction. from a health perspective, in innovative Last Wednesday, with the Attorney- programs designed to get people off drugs General, I was very pleased to attend the and into treatment. That is the most important launch of that program in my electorate of thing we can do for people in Queensland who Beenleigh. Both departments in my portfolio, have fallen into the drug trap. I am very Police and Corrective Services, are directly pleased that the Department of Corrective involved in that trial with the Department of Services has started methadone trials and Justice and Attorney-General, the Department Naltrexone trials in Queensland prisons. There of Health and Legal Aid. I want to congratulate was not even a methadone program running all involved on their enthusiasm and dedication in Queensland's correctional centres when I and acknowledge that it reflects a new level of became the Minister. Once again, there was a cooperation between agencies in dealing with lot of talk and rhetoric from the other side but this issue in a genuine attempt to try to assess absolutely no action. a whole new approach to dealing with drugs in Mr HORAN (Toowoomba South—NPA) our community. The program will be assessed (6.35 p.m.): Tonight in this debate the Labor and evaluated and, if successful, rolled out Party had a chance to say up front that it is throughout Queensland. I again stress that prepared to say no to injecting rooms. Its this is a program about which we heard a lot of amendment to the motion shows that it is rhetoric from the other side, but we did not see going to give it consideration. It is leaving the any action from them when they were in door open. In other words, at the next election Government. It has taken this Government to there is going to be a very clear difference actually deliver drug courts to Queensland, between the Labor Party and the coalition. and they are now up and running. The coalition will stand for every possible Last month at Parliament House I also attempt to achieve a drug-free society. The launched the world's first mobile drug testing Labor Party will be involved in wishy-washy vehicle. It is designed to support the drug harm minimisation and trendy Left Wing courts trial program and also to be used as a socialist trials like safe injecting rooms. I can pilot for several community correction area remember going to Health Minister's offices across the Brisbane region. It can test conferences and fighting against heroin trials for heroin, methylamphetamine, and all the other fancy ideas. The fact is that benzodiazepine, cocaine, THC and safe injecting rooms help people get stoned methadone. It allows offenders under and off their face. They are involved in an illicit community supervision and serving community and evil act. It gives them no chance at custody orders to be subjected to random rehabilitation. That will be the very clear tests in their own homes without notice. By difference between that side of the House and regularly testing offenders on a random basis, this side of the House when we go to the next we can ensure that they are complying with election. the conditions of their sentences and help to Nobody in society or in this Parliament break the drug addiction/drug-related crime disagrees about the scourge and tragedy of link. drugs and what they do to our society. In This Government has been very up front endeavouring to grapple with the problems of in saying that we do not believe that injecting drugs, there has been a mishmash and ad 22 Jun 2000 Drug Injecting Rooms 1941 hoc approach. No-one seems to really know Let it be known that we on this side of the where they are going. People say, "Oh, we House stand for a drug-free society. We have can't really deal with it. We can't really fix it. a very clear target and a very clear idea of how Therefore, we've got to teach people how to we are going to achieve it. We will move away inject safely." This allows people to inject drugs from harm minimisation and work towards a and absolutely guarantees that they will stay drug-free society. We will bring the community hooked for life. That is what we are ultimately with us. They will come with us if they are doing with needle exchange and methadone confident and understand that we know programs. Experience has told us that this exactly where we stand. sends the signal, "We can't really beat it. We Mrs LAVARCH (Kurwongbah—ALP) can't really deal with it. It's okay. Maybe you (6.40 p.m.): I know I can say with all should be doing it." We are not approaching confidence that every member of this this problem in the right way. Parliament and every member of the Governments have to have a policy so community wants the drug problem tackled that the message to every single segment of and beaten. There is not one person who the community and every single person who does not want the human misery and human works for each and every Government suffering of addiction to hard drugs brought to department involved in the fight against drugs an end. But, of course, this is much easier said is very clear. Members of this place have than done. spoken time and time again about the need Drug addiction has been and continues to for a comprehensive approach—the approach be the scourge of society. The reality is, of education, the approach of rehabilitation though, that from ancient times to today no within the health system, care and civilisation has been able to wipe out or even compassion, the approach within the police, control drug addiction. At the start of the 20th and the approach within the justice system as century a number of criminal measures, from to how we deal with those people who sell prohibiting and harshly punishing both users drugs. If the message is not black and white, and sellers, were introduced, but the problem how are we going to reduce the percentage? actually escalated throughout the century. As How are we going to set a target for a drug- we enter the 21st century health, harm free society? How are we going to achieve that minimisation and education measures have if we keep opening these doors? been added to the criminal sanctions as a way of tackling the problem. In analysing injecting rooms, they say, "Is We have to keep an open mind. Other it better to try to deal with a life-threatening more controversial ideas, such as heroin trials, disease or is it better to deal with a life- safe injecting rooms and rapid detox, are threatening addiction?" We want to get rid of being introduced in other jurisdictions addiction. I would have thought that tonight throughout the world. As these are just ideas was a chance for members to put up their and trials are under way, it will be interesting to hands and say, "No. We are not going to have hear whether they really make any difference safe injecting rooms. That is one thing that is in the fight against drugs. In the meantime, off the agenda in Queensland." If that were to Queensland has chosen not to go down this happen, everybody—the police, health path but rather has sought to implement a workers, teachers, community workers, mums multipronged whole-of-Government response and dads, aunts and uncles, local through the Beattie Government's Beyond the councils—would know where we stand. Come Quick Fix four-year strategic framework. the next election, they will know where we on this side of the House stand, because we will To demonstrate the success of this very clearly be saying no to this. approach, I would like to tell members about the achievements of the Gold Coast Alcohol, We will not put forward any minor Tobacco and Other Drugs Service, the Gold amendment such as that moved by the Coast ATODS. This service is an example of Premier, which is only the result of the recent the innovative work the Government is doing in Labor Party conference and the moves by regard to drugs. Lord Mayor Soorley and Councillor Hinchliffe to In the middle of last year the Gold Coast get the Premier to help them. As Councillor ATODS held an open day to promote its new Hinchliffe said, "We've a good salesman in the initiatives and to showcase the service's Premier. He will be a good investment in the achievements as a whole. During the open future for us." What a tragedy to hear those day the Health Minister presented the Gold sorts of words tumbling out of the mouth of a Coast ATODS with a three-year accreditation councillor! certificate. The Gold Coast's was the first 1942 Drug Injecting Rooms 22 Jun 2000 alcohol and drug service in Australia to receive and Wollongong University. Presently it is a three-year accreditation under the new participating in a national methadone CHASP standards, which are specific withdrawal trial, in cooperation with the standards for ATODS services, as opposed to National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the more generic community standards the University of New South Wales and previously used. This is not just a great Turning Point in Melbourne. This trial has been achievement; it is an outstanding funded by the Queensland Government with a achievement. $200,000 grant over two years and is The service set a benchmark in quality designed to evaluate the effectiveness of assurance by meeting 93% of these maximum buprenorphine in facilitating withdrawal from CHASP standards in full. Seven per cent were methadone. partially met. During the 18 months prior to this There is more. It is also developing a award the service had eliminated a relapse prevention program and is establishing longstanding waiting list for methadone a blood-borne virus clinic. As members can maintenance and adopted an open door see from the example of this one service, the policy throughout the service. It had integrated Gold Coast ATODS, this Government is doing outpatient detox services and methadone a great deal in the fight against drugs. maintenance at the Southside Clinic to provide Mr FELDMAN (Caboolture—CCAQ) a single location for the different treatment (6.45 p.m.): It is with pleasure that I rise to options available for opioid and other drug speak in support of the motion moved by the dependence. The one-stop model is member for Maroochydore. I know one thing: particularly important where polydrug use is Queenslanders will not support legal safe involved and where a client may want to try injecting rooms. detox before committing themselves to a I was wondering exactly how this longer-term methadone maintenance Government would twist this debate around. program. Also, the services provided a best How it did was no surprise to me. After all, this practice needle availability support program, is the same Government that introduced giving up-to-date information and educational boutique brothels to this State. It is the same material, supported by experienced Government that said that people had to be of counsellors, nurses and medical officers as good character to be a pimp in this State—to required. own and run a brothel. So it does not surprise The service implemented an in-patient me that this Government has moved an screen for the early detection of hazardous amendment and that it probably intends to alcohol and other drug use with the Gold follow the path gone down by New South Coast Hospital. It formed a dual diagnosis Wales, Victoria and the ACT—the same path team with the integrated mental health service that has failed in Sweden, Scandinavia and to provide better management of clients with Holland. Now this Government will say that the dual disabilities of drug dependence and people have to be a saint in the church to be a mental illness. The service also provides the drug dealer. That does not surprise me, but I methadone mothers and babies service to know that Queenslanders will not support it. assist methadone clients and their babies I will quote from an article written by throughout pregnancy and the antenatal Lawrie Kavanagh. To a degree he is right on period. the money. The article states— The initiatives and accolades do not stop "Not only are drug addicts a drain on there. The service's community coordinator the economy; they have vastly increased was presented with the inaugural Gold Coast Australia's serious violent crime rate to community safety award last year in finance their addiction. Their ill-gotten recognition of the pioneering work done in funds support international drug cartels. establishing the schoolies week program. This They drain police, ambulance, health and program has seen a dramatic drop in the hospital resources from far more worthy number of schoolies presenting to the causes. And closer to home they cause emergency department for alcohol and other untold misery to their families and are in drug-related matters. The Gold Coast ATODS many cases causing total breakdowns in Palm Beach is also involved in research and the home that in normal circumstances relapse prevention programs. might be the centre of living harmony. Over the past two years the Gold Coast Probably the worst of all are injuries ATODS has participated in research projects inflicted on innocent bystanders of drug with Bond University, the University of New related crime like armed hold-ups. The South Wales, the University of Queensland community threat today is compounded 22 Jun 2000 Drug Injecting Rooms 1943

by the risk of deadly disease through the Queensland would expect from a strong thoughtless disposal of the contaminated Government. The public expects the needles in most of our public parks and Government to be strong on crime. One of the beaches." worst crimes in this society is drugs and drug I agree with the Australian Christian Coalition addiction. The Government cannot go down when it states— that path at all. "Why are we going down this 'softly, Time expired. softly' approach to one section of the Dr CLARK (Barron River—ALP) community and not the other? We try to (6.50 p.m.): The debate tonight about the find ways to make life easier for the introduction of safe injecting rooms is, at its addicts with safe injecting rooms, all the core, about what kind of public policy we will harm minimisation, the free needles and commit to as a Government and as a even proposed free heroin." community. The coalition takes the view that That will be the by-product of the safe we must rid our society of drugs completely— injecting room, just like the member for the zero tolerance approach—irrespective of Warwick said. I have worked out there. I have the fact that this has never been achieved by chased down drug addicts, pushers, dealers any society at any time. By contrast, the key and manufacturers. The thing about principle underpinning Australia's drug strategy manufacturers is that the filthy drugs they since 1985 is the concept of harm produce—one of the filthiest drugs out there at minimisation, which has been so derided the moment is speed—are manufactured in tonight, but it is the one to which Queensland some of the dirtiest hovels one can imagine is committed and which, up until now, has had and made on some of the filthiest equipment bipartisan support. But clearly the coalition is one can think of. Down the path we go. signalling tonight that it seems, to me at least, to be moving away from that position to a The Government might be able to control strategy, a philosophy and a policy based on where people inject, but it will never be able to head in the sand. It is as if members opposite control what people put in their arms unless it really do not want to confront the reality in our is prepared to do the quality control itself. community. What this Government is saying to the people of Queensland is that it will be prepared to Support for the concept of harm supply and maybe even manufacture the minimisation is not to condone drug use. It is a drugs for our children. I think that is a very sad recognition of reality and it is a pragmatic indictment upon any Government that wants approach to the fact that there will always be to go down that path. As the Australian people who choose to use drugs. Drugs have Christian Coalition said, that is sending a vastly been part of every culture since the dawn of wrong message to our youth. It is actually civilisation. But it is also a recognition of the saying that it is okay to sit in a room and inject fact that we have a collective responsibility to an illegal drug, as long as the room is clean. It reduce the harm that drug users do to is like playing tiggy when we were children. I themselves and to others in our community. can see it happening out there in the streets. That responsibility also extends to doing all in How can what is wrong outside suddenly be our power to prevent young people in okay in a safe injecting room? What do addicts particular from taking drugs and becoming do: run down the road from the police, jump addicted and to support them when they into the room and say, "Bah, I'm safe"? decide they want to lead a drug-free life or to use illegal drugs in a safe manner. The wrong message is being sent to our children. That is exactly what this Government These are not band-aids, as they have is proposing. It is proposing to follow that path, been referred to by the shadow Minister. because it has indicated by the amendment Regardless of our personal views about the that it will look at the trials in Victoria, New trial of safe injecting rooms, prevention and South Wales and the ACT. The Minister for rehabilitation are subjects on which we all Police flagged that fact in his contribution agree. There is no question about that. But it when he said that it has failed overseas, but seems to me that many of the contributions in the Government will still examine what this debate from the coalition have attempted happens in other States. The Government to convey that we are at odds, when in fact knows that it will fail down there, and yet it is there are many matters on which we all agree. still not prepared to give a firm commitment in Which of the programs that have been this place that it is not prepared to accept safe discussed tonight would members opposite injecting rooms in this State. It is not prepared abandon? Which of our current approaches to follow the path that the public of under our harm minimisation drug policy would 1944 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 they abandon? Is it the PPP programs? No! Is Springborg, Stephan, Turner, Veivers, Watson, it the drug courts? No! They have proved a Wellington. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty success elsewhere, and we are trialling those. Resolved in the affirmative. Is it Naltrexone? No! Members opposite have said that we should go ahead with Naltrexone. Question—That the motion as amended Is it methadone? Would members opposite be agreed to—put; and the House divided— cease the methadone program? Would they AYES, 40—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, stop the needle availability program? No! Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, J. Cunningham, Would they stop rehabilitation programs? No! Edmond, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Hamill, Hayward, Kaiser, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, Miller, So what they are actually saying is that they Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, want more of all the things that we are Palaszczuk, Pitt, Reeves, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, currently doing. They want more rehabilitation, Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wells, as do we. They want more of the programs Wilson. Tellers: Sullivan, Purcell that will educate our young people. They want NOES, 34—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Connor, more programs such as the Rock Eisteddfod E. Cunningham, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, and Croc Eisteddfod. So where is the Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Kingston, Knuth, Laming, difference? Lingard, Malone, Mitchell, Paff, Prenzler, Quinn, It seems to me the difference is that we Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Simpson, Slack, are prepared to look rationally at every option Springborg, Stephan, Turner, Veivers, Watson, that attempts to reduce the numbers of deaths Wellington. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty of young people from drug addiction. We are Resolved in the affirmative. prepared to confront the reality in our society. Sitting suspended from 7.05 p.m. to We are prepared to rationally address this 8.30 p.m. problem and consider the best strategies. We are not about to adopt anything that does not work. We are not stupid. We are not about to PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND NATURAL do things that will damage young people's RESOURCES LEGISLATION AMENDMENT lives. So members opposite should stop the BILL rhetoric in which they have engaged tonight, which does not achieve anything, and Second Reading instead— Resumed from p. 1933. Mr Borbidge: This speech is a disgrace, Mr SEENEY (Callide—NPA) (8.30 p.m.), an absolute disgrace. continuing: As I was saying before the dinner Dr CLARK: The Opposition Leader said break, this piece of legislation, which seeks to that this is a disgrace. Where is the disgrace in amend the Fisheries Act and facilitate new outlining the programs we have that are institutional arrangements relating to fisheries working to assist drug users? Where is the within the Department of Primary Industries, disgrace in saying that we should— has particular relevance to electorates such as mine where a large number of inland Mr Borbidge: It is all about safe injecting recreational fisheries have been developed in rooms, which you are supporting. the various impoundments right throughout Dr CLARK: I am not supporting them, and central Queensland. They have been it is clear that the Opposition is trying to divide spectacularly successful. As I said, probably us on this issue. We are not supporting them. the most successful one would be the Lake Time expired. Cania impoundment. Question—That the amendment be There is a whole range of these agreed to—put; and the House divided— impoundments. I appreciate that the Minister AYES, 40—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, indicated earlier tonight that he was not aware Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, J. Cunningham, of these impoundments. I hope he can bear Edmond, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Hamill, these impoundments and the fish stocking Hayward, Kaiser, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, Miller, associations who work with them in mind when Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, budgetary negotiations are taking place. Palaszczuk, Pitt, Reeves, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wells, As well as the Cania Dam impoundment Wilson. Tellers: Sullivan, Purcell we have the Callide impoundment. Wuruma does not have much water in it at the moment NOES, 34—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Connor, but it has been surprisingly successful in the E. Cunningham, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Kingston, Knuth, Laming, growing of barramundi. A lot of people did not Lingard, Malone, Mitchell, Paff, Prenzler, Quinn, think that barramundi would grow and survive Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Simpson, Slack, so far south. 22 Jun 2000 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 1945

We have a couple of very good Dam as probably something of a trial. It moves impoundments in the South Burnett at upstream to the upper reaches to breed. It has Boondoomba and at the Bjelke-Petersen been a spectacularly successful sports fish. At Dam, both of which are close enough to the the Cania Dam impoundment, we now major population centre of Brisbane to attract conduct fly fishing contests. These contests daytrippers, weekend campers and weekend have been described by people who are visitors. The tourism that these impoundments expert in the fly fishing field as some of the have attracted, simply because they have best fly fishing competitions in Australia. That been stocked—and well stocked—with sports is a tremendous compliment to the people fish, makes a major contribution to the who have put a lot of work into developing economy of those areas. those fisheries. However, we are not concerned merely I urge the Minister to recognise the great with impoundments. At Mundubbera, the fish contribution that these inland fisheries make stocking association stocks the Burnett River and the great opportunities they provide for above Jones Weir. We have active fish people from a wide range of communities. As stocking associations on the Dawson River at the Minister rearranges the Fish Management Baralaba and Taroom. Both of those Authority within the Department of Primary associations stock fish into the weir Industries, I urge him to give this matter the impoundments of the Dawson River. Those importance it deserves. I urge the Minister to impoundments have also been very ensure that it has a place in the department so successful. that its value can be recognised. Most We always seem to find some people importantly, I urge the Minister to ensure that who put hurdles in the way. Our inland there is increasing funding for these activities. fisheries are no exception in this regard. Of As I said, these people put in a lot of work on late, it seems to be getting harder and harder their own account, but they really need some for the fish stocking associations to access the assistance from the department. I believe that necessary permits to stock different species of is only fair. fish. Something of a pedantic attitude seems There are two other issues I want to raise. to be developing within the Department of The first concerns the need for research in Primary Industries that, if the particular species order to find the most suitable species with of fish is not native to that waterway, or does which to stock these impoundments. The not naturally occur in that particular waterway, success of barramundi in the Wuruma it is virtually impossible for the association to impoundment is a good example of the fact introduce that species into the impoundment. that we do not know everything. Sometimes I urge the Minister to take a balanced we find that some of the things we have long view of this issue. I know it is an issue. I assumed turn out to be quite incorrect. recognise that mistakes have been made in It is necessary that research is undertaken the past. I guess we are all familiar with the into diseases in fish. This has, as yet, not been European carp, which developed into a major a major problem with fish in the wild but there pest species in southern waterways. We is always the possibility that it could occur. We should all be conscious of that. We should need research in relation to impounded fish also be aware of such a problem recurring. and aquaculture. I will say something more Almost without exception, the fish that are about that later on when I discuss aquaculture. introduced by the fish stocking associations Suggestions have been made that a are species that do not breed in those fishing licence should be issued for some of particular environments. I believe we must take these impoundments. I believe that that a fairly reasonable view of the likelihood of proposal has broad support in the fishing such a situation recurring. Whilst no-one would community. It certainly has broad support in suggest that we should introduce a species the communities that have benefited so much that could devastate the natural environment, from the inland impoundments. Perhaps the we should not allow that very slight risk to Minister could pursue the question of the prevent us from introducing types of sporting implementation of those licences. I can assure fish into that environment. the Minister that that action would have the I guess a good example of that is the support of the local community. saratoga in Cania Dam. Saratoga is the The other area that flows on from the spotted barramundi. It is a great sporting fish. stocked impoundments, and which will be a It did not naturally occur in the Burnett River major area of responsibility for this new group system; it naturally occurred in the Dawson within the Department of Primary Industries, is River system. It was introduced to the Cania the administration and oversight of the 1946 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 developing aquaculture industry. This is now a environments, some very unusual conditions major industry across Queensland. It is an develop. During the dinner break I spoke to important industry in my electorate. Growers at the member for Maryborough about conditions Biloela were probably some of the first people that are the result of vitamin deficiencies and to develop the red claw shellfish to a other conditions that develop in intensively commercial stage. They, too, deserve the farmed operations, the cause of which are support of the department. They, too, deserve really unknown and into which very little recognition within the department that their research has been done. So I think that, as industry is an important industry. The industry the Minister has introduced this amending deserves research funds, it deserves attention legislation that rearranges the institutions and it deserves recognition that it is important within his department, it is an opportune time and contributes a lot to the local community for him to remind the department that these and that it provides an alternative source of issues are important not only to those people income. It provides a number of people who who are directly involved but also to the are on small acreages with a viable alternative. communities in which those people live and In some cases of which I am aware it makes the economy of the State as a whole. otherwise unviable operations viable. In the short time that I have remaining to There is a need for ongoing research. It is me, I would like to refer to the second beyond question that there is more to learn objective of the Bill, which is to amend the about farming red claw. Indeed, there is more Forestry Act to enable the conversion of the to learn about farming fish species generally. Timber Research and Development Advisory In that regard, we are really just scratching the Council into a non-statutory body. I have to surface. However, in recent years there have admit that I have not heard of the Timber been major developments, and I invite the Research and Development Advisory Council. I Minister to come to central Queensland to look suspect that not many other people have at some of those operations and try to heard of it, either. However, given the debates understand the part that they play in the that have occurred in this House about the community. regional forest agreement and the absurd claims that have been made by certain Once again, hurdles are being put in the Government members that plantation forests way of people who are trying to develop those are going to provide a complete alternative to aquaculture enterprises. I think that the native forest logging in 25 years, there is planning requirements are of the one size fits certainly a huge need for research and all variety. They apply equally to the giant development within the forestry industry. corporate aquaculture operations through to However the Government amends the Forestry the small farmer who has a couple of ponds Act and however it converts the Timber and operates them very much as an add-on to Research and Development Advisory Council, an existing operation. Some of the planning the Government has to recognise that if there requirements that the department places on is any chance at all—and many people do not those small operators are certainly onerous believe that there is any chance—that the and, at times, ridiculous. plantation forests are going to develop within I think that this new group that will be the time frames that the Government has formed within the Minister's department should assumed within the RFA legislation, then there make one of its first priorities a review of those is a great need for a major commitment to planning requirements with which those small research and development in hardwood aquaculture operations are required to comply. plantation forestry. A small operation with two or three or half a For those of us who understand the bush dozen ponds has to go through the planning and those of us who understand the timber and notification requirements, advertise in the industry, it is a sick joke to hear Ministers—and paper and do all the rest. That process is I suggest that in this regard the Minister for designed for the large operations, but it places Primary Industries is just as guilty as the an intolerable burden on those small farmers Deputy Premier and other Ministers—who who are looking to develop another string to obviously have a political agenda in terms of their bow or another method of keeping their the regional forest agreement but who have small operations viable. So I urge the Minister absolutely no understanding of timber or to ensure that the group that will be formed forests stand in this House and talk about the within his department is aware of these fact that they have planted 10 hectares of planning problems. plantation here or 50 hectares of plantation There is also a need for more research. somewhere else. To be serious about this When fish species are farmed in close situation, there has to be a massive injection 22 Jun 2000 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 1947 of money into plantations. However, before we Queensland have always been pretty make that massive injection of money into the restrictive in what they take. They have always actual physical establishment of those taken only what they need. Occasionally, we plantations, there has to be a massive have what we call a prawn boil that will come injection of money into research and up in the estuaries. Everybody will take development to determine the species that are advantage of that and end up going home to be planted and where the plantations will be with a good feed of prawns. However, that is located. That has not been done. not a regular occurrence. The Government has not made the In recent years, I have been greatly connection between the politics and the reality. concerned that the QFMA has taken a very All of us in the timber communities know that. one-sided approach to the recreational fishing So, however the Minister restructures the industry, which generates a large amount of department, however he changes the names money for the Queensland economy. In my on the letterheads, if the Government is not to opinion, the recent move by the QFMA to make a complete mockery of the regional place further restrictions on bag limits for forest agreement and the approach that it has recreational reef fishermen was completely taken, I ask him to recognise the importance stupid. The QFMA admitted by their own of research and development. figures that the recreational fishermen took I suggest that the Government is probably less than 25% of the catch. The QFMA also going to make a complete mockery of it, admitted that the average reef fisherman is anyway. The targets that the Government has lucky to be able to make four trips a year. set are completely unrealistic. If those Even if a fisherman was able to catch his full plantations are going to develop at all and be legal amount, which is 30 fish per person but a available for harvesting in 25, 35 or 40 years' maximum of 10 of any species, that equates time and if they are going to have a remote to 2.5 fish per week per family. That is hardly chance of being successful, there needs to be overfishing. a major injection of research and development Given that the commercial fishing industry funds. is taking 70% of the catch, I see no justification Time expired. why the recreational fisherman is being Mr KNUTH (Burdekin—CCAQ) (8.46 p.m.): targeted. I appreciate what our commercial It gives me great pleasure to speak to the fishermen are doing, and I am not against Primary Industries and Natural Resources them at all. However, if a move is made Legislation Amendment Bill 2000. I will against one sector of an industry, it has to be comment mainly on the amendment to the justified through making a move against the Fisheries Act 1994 to incorporate the QFMA other. If there is any cutback in the catch of into the DPI. I think that is a pretty sensible recreational fishermen, there must also be a move, considering that we are used to the DPI cutback in commercial fishing. officers checking our boats. This is something that offends a lot of I disagree with what the member for north Queenslanders. I come from that area. Redlands said in his speech when he strongly We regularly fish the Great Barrier Reef. We recommended that the Government enforce have marvellous fishing opportunities. We do tighter controls on bag limits. This is one of the not have a problem with overcatching, great controversies that has split north because one of the great protectors of the Queensland from south Queensland. Although Great Barrier Reef is what we call the great the member for Redlands may think that there south-easter—the south-easterly wind which is a problem down here with the fisheries, we places limits on a lot of the recreational do not have such a problem in north fishermen who like to venture out to the reef. Queensland. Owing to the various climates We have always called the south-easterly wind and latitudes in the State, most of the Acts the great fish protector; it serves to regulate and regulations can cause conflicts between the fishing industry on the Great Barrier Reef in fisheries. north Queensland. The regulation that limits the number of Once the QFMA amalgamates with DPI, prawns that can be taken to a 10-litre bucket the emphasis should be on looking at and that limits the heads and sizes of nets restocking programs. More funding should be strongly goes against a lot of the beliefs of the made available for further scientific research fishermen in my electorate. We have never into fish-breeding programs. Over recent years had a problem with the overfishing of prawns. that field has advanced in leaps and bounds. The Moreton Bay area may have that In addition, more emphasis should be placed problem. The recreational fishermen in north on the creation of artificial reefs, which 1948 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 generate ecosystems and enable fishermen breeders. They are the ones we should be and their families to catch fish closer to the protecting. The small fish are the ones that shore, without venturing out to the Great people like to take. This is where the attitude is Barrier Reef. wrong. Last year on a visit to the Northern We should also be looking at—and I think Territory I discussed this issue with the Primary the member for Thuringowa will touch on this Industry and Fisheries Minister, Mick Palmer. issue, too—water quality, which is very The Northern Territory adopts the sensible important. A drop in water quality can change approach of creating artificial reefs wherever it an ecosystem dramatically. We have to can. Most of the Ministers up there take every continue to monitor the pollutants going into opportunity they get to fish the artificial reefs in our watercourses and oceans. That has a the area. This is a great idea. It is not harmful dramatic effect on marine ecosystems. to the environment. Provided the oil is taken I have vast experience as a fisherman. I out of the motors, car bodies and boat hulls have never been a commercial fisherman, but can be used to build artificial reefs. These I have been an assistant commercial reefs soon become fish habitats, and this fisherman. My experience tells me that a reef reduces the pressure on other natural reefs, is like a farm. Constant fishing of a reef will not such as the Great Barrier Reef. More mean that it will be fished out. Similar to a emphasis should be placed on alternatives grazing property, which can sustain only so such as this, instead of just imposing many cattle per acre, a reef can sustain only restrictions on recreational fishermen. so many fish per acre. When a fish is taken, Fishing is a family oriented and clean another fish is given a chance to survive in that sport. It generates a lot of revenue for the environment. The reef environment can economy and employs a lot of people. We sustain only so much life. The regular taking of should not just adopt the attitude of placing fish in an area will not wipe out that resource. It restrictions on the recreational fishing industry. can mean that another fish is given a chance. We should be offering more to recreational In relation to the amalgamation of the fishermen. I know money is an issue; it is QFMA with the DPI, I inform the Minister that scarce. But the Government will find that, if it the advice he is given by the QFMA is not offers something to recreational fishermen, always correct. It is good to go out to the they will be eager to contribute to programs, if grassroots fishermen to seek their ideas and they are permitted to do so. Placing restrictions support, because they are the people on them and imposing licences and bag limits participating in this recreational activity—an is definitely not the answer. Yes, we do need activity that creates a lot of jobs in this State. some restrictions. The member for Redlands said that we should be talking about greater If we keep imposing restrictions on minimum size limits. But that is not right, recreational fishermen, we will start losing jobs either. In a lot of cases, big fish do not make in this State. The recreational fishing industry for good eating. Big fish are not sought as supports boat builders, bait and tackle shops, table fish. bait collectors and even the commercial fishing industry. It supports many smaller businesses, Mr Roberts: Little fish are sweet. including, for example, those engaged in the Mr KNUTH: That is true; little fish are production of cast nets and fishing tackle. We sweet. Any Asian person will tell us that they have to remember that every time we place like to eat plate-sized fish. For example, if we further restrictions on recreational fishermen were to eat part of a coral trout weighing about we place restrictions on those small 30 pounds and then—provided we have not businesses. died of ciguatera—if we were to eat a little trout Mr Nuttall: It's about making sure that we of, say, 2.5 pounds, we would appreciate that have sustainable stock. there is a big difference in taste. Bigger is not Mr KNUTH: Yes, it is about sustainable better. stock, too, but there are alterative approaches. I consider the 58 centimetre minimum We have great technology for spawning fish limit on barramundi as being a bit too big. The such as barramundi artificially. We can put Northern Territory sets its minimum size limit at them back into the creeks and oceans faster 55 centimetres. That is much better. However, than they can reproduce naturally. We have to we should be concentrating on the maximum look at alternatives to placing further size limits for barramundi. A limit similar to the restrictions on fishermen. The Government 120 centimetre maximum size limit on should stop placing restrictions on recreational barramundi should be looked at for other fishermen and give them a fair go. They are species of fish. Fish of that size are regular not hurting fish stocks to the extent that the 22 Jun 2000 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 1949

QFMA has been led to believe. I point out to the trawl industry. The Minister should put the Minister that there are two sides to the these measures in place as soon as possible. story when it comes to fish restocking and the We certainly need rules and regulations to environment. protect this beautiful piece of Queensland and Mr TURNER (Thuringowa—IND) to protect this very important industry. But for (8.59 p.m.): I want to speak on the most the sake of the Queensland families in the important issue affecting commercial industry, those rules need to be made soon fishermen and their families. However, I will not and they need to be rules that will hold up over talk on any of the other issues that other the course of time to bring a sense of stability members have covered. I think the Minister to this very distraught industry. We need these knows all about them. people to be able to go out and get on with the job of supplying fresh seafood to the For too long the management of fisheries nation. in Queensland has been fragmented. I was a commercial fisherman who started operating I disagree entirely with the interference of many years ago under the old legislation when the Federal Government in Queensland State we had a Fish Board. Nothing has changed in fisheries. Senator Hill should look very seriously 25 years. The legislation may have changed, at his advisers, as their decisions are often the political landscape may have changed, the made on an emotional base rather than any names of the departments may have scientific base. I strongly support ridding our changed; but for the fishermen nothing has State of surplus departments, which duplicate changed. It has been years of ongoing each other and create more headaches for confusion and uncertainty, with the fishermen fishing families. being pushed from pillar to post at the whim of I have given many speeches in this politicians and bureaucrats, easily influenced House on issues that would go a long way in by media beat-ups, and every newly elected maintaining a sustainable fishing industry and Government feeling the need to make their environment if my suggestions were adopted, presence felt with more changes. It has been and I believe this Government has been a nightmare of rules being chopped and listening. I support the abolition of the QFMA changed from week to week. and its amalgamation with the DPI into a It is time for fishermen to be given single body to be called the Queensland certainty in their lives. The industry needs Fisheries Service. stability. All sections of the industry need Mrs LIZ CUNNINGHAM (Gladstone—IND) stability. The poor trawler operators are (9.02 p.m.): In rising to speak on this Bill, I suffering interference from Federal and State want to make a couple of quick comments on Governments, GBRMPA and the DPI, and the restructure of the QFMA. At the same time every environmental organisation in the there will also be a restructure of the QCFO. I lobbying business is competing for the have already spoken with the Minister on the environmental dollar by making out they are QFMA, so I will not go into any detail other saving something, and I guess they are—their than to say that in the past the work of the jobs. QFMA has often lacked credibility, particularly Today they are saving the Great Barrier more recently on the issue of the VMS and its Reef. They claim the ecosystem is slowly dying functioning. Any restructuring that will allow as bottom trawling strip mines the ocean floor. interest groups to be more equally represented What rubbish! The reef ecosystem is a robust by people who know what they are talking system. It is certainly under pressure, but it is about has to be a step in the right direction. still robust. The major threat is from the west, There has to be a continued review of the not the east. Today it is trawl, tomorrow it is east coast trawl management plan. I know that line, the next day it will be gill netting, and then years have been put into that already. they start all over again. Fisheries Because most fishermen are family fishers and management will never understand the Great are out on the water, they do not like reading Barrier Reef or the fishing industry by sitting in documentation—they are like family builders. a fancy airconditioned office. They should get The smaller operators, in particular, are very into the water, go fishing on the boats and see distressed by the plan as it currently stands, first-hand what is really going on. They should which caps the night effort which benefits the look and listen to real people who care about bigger players and not the smaller boats. the preservation of their industry. A lot is being said about putting more I have attended the trawl meetings held in constraints on commercial fisheries. I have Townsville, and most fishermen support the read a list of what they have installed over the State Government's proposal for the control of past couple of years and it is tremendous. The 1950 Primary Industries and Natural Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 constraints that they themselves have adopted Commonwealth goods and services tax will for their industry include by-catch reduction commence. devices, turtle excluders, the VMS and a host Amendment agreed to. of other closures or partial closures. They are working productively to maintain a sustainable Clause 2, as amended, agreed to. fishery. They do, however, need Clauses 3 to 7, as read, agreed to. organisations—both their own and Clause 8— Government organisations—that will genuinely listen to them and implement fair and Mr ROWELL (9.07 p.m.): I move the equitable constraints, restrictions and rules. I following amendment— commend this Bill to the House, but I also "At page 16, after line 2— commend the people whom members insert— represent, the people with whom they will be dealing. The fishers of Queensland are great 'Exemption from State taxes people and provide us with a great product. '111A.(1) Despite any other Act, State tax Hon. H. PALASZCZUK Inala—ALP) is not payable in relation to— (Minister for Primary Industries and Rural (a) a transfer of assets or liabilities; or Communities) (9.04 p.m.), in reply: I would first (b) an application or entry made, receipt like to thank all honourable members for their given, or anything else done for contributions and also for the wide-ranging acknowledging, evidencing or giving support that honourable members have effect to a transfer of assets or offered for the passage of this piece of liabilities. legislation. To save time, I intend to write to each member who has spoken here this '(2) In this section— evening. I have taken a note of their "State tax" means a fee, duty or charge contributions and the issues that they have imposed under an Act.'." raised, and I will write to them with my This amendment deals with stamp duty. I responses. believe, once again, that this organisation Motion agreed to. should be exempted from stamp duty. I believe that the proposal being put forward in other legislation by the Minister in which an ex Committee gratia payment will be made is not satisfactory. Hon. H. PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) I am moving this amendment to ensure that (Minister for Primary Industries and Rural that organisation gets due recognition for the Communities) in charge of the Bill. work that it is doing in turning it into a Clause 1, as read, agreed to. voluntary-type organisation. Mr PALASZCZUK: This issue has been Clause 2— canvassed on a number of occasions with Mr PALASZCZUK (9.06 p.m.): I move the different pieces of legislation that have passed following amendment— through this Chamber. All I can say to the "At page 6, line 7— honourable member is that what I have said to him previously stands. I do note his concerns. omit, insert— Amendment negatived. '2.(1) Part 2 and section 13 commence at 6 p.m. on 30 June 2000.'." Clause 8, as read, agreed to. The Government moves an amendment Clauses 9 to 13, as read, agreed to. that clause 2(1) be deleted and be replaced Schedule 1— with a new clause 2(1). The original subclause Mr PALASZCZUK (9.09 p.m.): I move the provided that Part 2 and section 13 of the Bill, following amendment— both of which relate to the facilitation of new fisheries management, commence on 30 June "At page 31, amendment of 2000. The new subclause (1) stipulates that Irvinebank State Treatment Works (Sale Part 2 and section 13 commence on 30 June and Operation) Act 1990, lines 7 and 8— 2000 at 6 p.m. This will ensure that the omit, insert— Queensland Fish Management Authority '1. Section 10— continues to operate until the close of business on 30 June 2000. It also ensures omit.'. that the dissolution of the authority and any The Government also moves an associated transitional processes occur before amendment to Schedule 1 to the Bill, item 1 1 July 2000, when the operation of the under the heading "Irvinebank State 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1951

Treatment Works (Sale and Operation) Act clauses and any amendments en bloc to 1990". Section 10 of the Irvinebank State be moved by the Minister in charge of the Treatment Works (Sale and Operation) Act Bill, without further amendment or 1990 provides that the chief executive of the debate." department which administers the Primary Question—That the motion be agreed Industries Corporation Act 1992 is authorised to—put; and the House divided— to grant, in accordance with that agreement, licences for water under the Water Resources In division— Act 1989. As the PIC Act will be repealed by Honourable members interjecting— the Primary Industries and Natural Resources Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Mickel): Legislation Amendment Bill 2000, it is Order! necessary to amend this section to omit the reference to the PIC Act. Mr Seeney interjected. The amendment to this section currently Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! in the Bill has the effect of authorising the chief Mr Seeney interjected. executive of the Department of Mines and Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The Energy to issue a licence under the Water honourable member for Callide! Resources Act 1989, which does not reflect the original intent of the section. It is now Mr Seeney interjected. proposed to simply omit the section. Given Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The that the PIC Act is being repealed, there is no honourable member for Callide! further need for a provision of this kind. Mr Seeney interjected. Amendment agreed to. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I warn the Schedule 1, as amended, agreed to. honourable member for Callide under Schedule 2, as read, agreed to. Standing Order 123A. AYES, 40—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, Bill reported, with amendments. Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, J. Cunningham, Edmond, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, Kaiser, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, Miller, Third Reading Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, Bill, on motion of Mr Palaszczuk, by leave, Palaszczuk, Pitt, Reeves, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, read a third time. Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wells, Wilson. Tellers: Purcell, Sullivan NOES, 35—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Connor, DAIRY INDUSTRY (IMPLEMENTATION OF E. Cunningham, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, NATIONAL ADJUSTMENT ARRANGEMENTS) Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, AMENDMENT BILL Laming, Lingard, Malone, Mitchell, Paff, Prenzler, Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Simpson, Slack, All Stages; Allocation of Time Limit Order Springborg, Stephan, Turner, Veivers, Watson, Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH (Chatsworth— Wellington. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty ALP) (Leader of the House) (9.11 p.m.), by Resolved in the affirmative. leave, without notice: I move— "That under the provisions of Standing Order 273, the Dairy Industry Second Reading (Implementation of National Adjustment Resumed from 12 April (see p. 777). Arrangements) Amendment Bill be Mr ROWELL (Hinchinbrook—NPA) declared an urgent Bill and the following (9.20 p.m.): This is an absolute disgrace, an time limits apply to enable the Bill to be absolute disgrace. It was absolutely essential passed through its remaining stages at that the three Bills pertaining to primary this day's sitting— industries to be debated after lunch had to be (a) Second reading by 11.30pm; passed by this House before 30 June, yet we (b) Report from Committee of the Whole have been allowed the minimum amount of House by 11.50pm; time to debate the Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment (c) Third reading by 11.55pm; and Arrangements) Amendment Bill. Very few (d) Title agreed by 12 midnight. speakers will have the opportunity to contribute At the times so specified, Mr Speaker to the debate. or the Chairman, as the case may be, The Queensland dairy industry is an shall put all remaining questions important industry in the State's economy. It is necessary to pass the Bill, including the fifth largest rural industry in the State with 1952 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 over 1,600 producers. The total value of milk both the international market and the benefit to the State was $720m in 1995-96 when 750 of value adding to our milk products. million litres was produced. In the 1998-99 I do not enter the debate attempting to year, 822 million litres was produced, with demonise the changes that our rural sector is market milk at 377 million litres. The industry facing. In fact, our rural sector has always has, like many other Queensland primary been at the forefront of change. Our rural industries, been caught up in deregulation of sector has always been the most the industry. The Dairy Legislative Review internationally competitive of all of our Committee, chaired by Sam Doumany, had to industries. Traditionally our rural producers and determine whether the milk marketing their representatives have grasped change arrangements in Queensland were anti- and driven it forward to the benefit of Australia. competitive. It was determined that the The question that must be asked is why industry should carry on for a limited period to Queensland dairy farmers and all those in allow it to adjust. regional Queensland reliant on this industry It is interesting to note that the committee are being confronted with such traumatic did not recommend the removal of those changes. There are essentially three factors at controls. It found that they were in the public play. I will not go into them because, interest. Committee members found that any unfortunately, I have very limited time. unilateral removal of these controls would not In 1998 the coalition supported an be in the interests of either the dairy industry amendment to the Dairy Industry Act to and the people reliant on it or the community maintain a regulated farm gate price for five overall. So, to be fair, it has long been years, until 31 December 2003. Due to the recognised that further changes needed to changes in market circumstances, particularly occur. The dairy industry also appreciates that. because the Victorian Government announced One matter that needs to be clearly spelt that it was prepared to deregulate its market out is that the pain and burden of change milk arrangement on 1 July 2000, a regulated always seem to be borne by those who are industry became difficult to sustain. That is the least able to bear it—the little people, the situation with the support that has been given family farms and businesses, the workers in in the Victorian Parliament. the small towns whose only livelihood revolves The Federal Government announced that around the one factory, and the retailers and it would end the domestic market support other small businesspeople who supply scheme, which had encouraged Victorian services to those people and who have very farmers to export, on 1 July 2000. Due to small profit margins. Professor Hilmer's theoretical philosophies, Over the past few years, despite NCP championed by Paul Keating, the Federal reviews and the like, dairy farmers have been Government under Keating adopted and confronted with poor world prices for brought into legislation the National manufactured milk products, drought Competition Policy. Financial enticement saw conditions in many parts of this State and Queensland under then Premier Wayne Goss static domestic demand. Despite all of the enthusiastically adopt this model with State hairy-chested calls for further rationalisation of legislation. Industries such as the sugar our domestic market, dairy producers face a industry and the dairy industry had to be put to global market that is inherently corrupt and far the sword for the State to receive its from being a level playing field. Time and competition payments. again Australian producers are expected to During the two years of coalition lead by example yet are confronted with trade Government in Queensland, competition barriers and unfair trading practices. payments were given to local authorities to It would be very easy for me to rail against assist shires with their development. these forces, but any sensible person with any Something like $150m was distributed. I sort of vision knows full well that we are an believe it is fair and reasonable that this export oriented economy. We have to export Government, which has brought this Bill into to live. We simply do not have the domestic the House, should also assist the dairy market that the United States and the industry, which will badly need assistance in a European Community have in order to close deregulated market. The coalition did not keep our minds or our markets. To prosper we have the blood money that was provided by to be internationally competitive. I accept that competition payments. We expect this in relation to our dairy industry we have to be Government to follow suit. I will address this conscious of the problems and prospects of issue later. 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1953

The Victorian industry, which has There are virtually no farmers happy with something like 64% of the Australian market what they face with the future of the milk and supposedly a lower cost of production, industry. The security that once provided has the ability to expand even further should stability for the industry has gone, or it certainly the market opportunities exist. Although the will be if deregulation takes place. cost of transport has to be considered, the Supermarkets are calling tenders for the long distance transport of fresh milk is being supply of milk. There is no doubt that there will carried out by Malanda Milk from the be a high level of competition, and it will be tablelands to Mount Isa and to Darwin. So interesting to read the labels to see where the long distance transport is not an issue. The milk is being packed. But what the consumer governing factor is cost. will not know is where it comes from. Customer loyalty to local producers has While restructure packages may soften been identified as a method of receiving the the impact, a substantial number of farmers support which is so critical to the industry. Dick will find it difficult to stay in the industry. It is not Smith recognised this with a survey showing certain what the industry will be like in 5 to 10 that, to a large extent, Australians will buy years' time. There are models with regard to locally produced products. Price is not the sole large mega-type dairies. There is a strong line criteria for the purchase. I feel that if we could of thought that the very large operations will identify Queensland produced milk by labelling not provide the answer to reduce costs, as it as "Queensland State of Origin", consumers they may be too big to allow the use of might support the dairy farmers of this State. pastures and feeding will take place in a At one stage I had the Minister's support for confined area. In many ways they would this, but when I asked him a related question replicate a feedlot but would require sound on notice cold water was thrown over the idea, management and hygiene practices to with every reason being given for why it could operate. Large-scale operations may not be not happen rather than every reason it could. the answer for the most efficient operations. The Minister sought the cooperation of supermarkets to have only Queensland milk I turn now to the Dairy Industry on their shelves, but this has been (Implementation of National Adjustment unsuccessful. I have seen milk bottled in Arrangements) Amendment Bill. The Bill closes Yennora in New South Wales on the shelves down entitlements—without a doubt the most in Ingham. important sections of the current Act that provided security to dairy farmers. The A lot has been said about the package entitlements provided a security which was of and the impact it will have on the Queensland great assistance when negotiating a loan to industry. There has been a definite intent on carry out improvements on a property. The the part of the Victorian industry to sell its milk entitlement will not be worth the paper it is across State borders, irrespective of the written on. It was the basis of the enterprise's deregulation package. Had not all States value, but due to the ability of suppliers decided to support the package—it needed outside the State, that security will disappear. only one State to not agree—then competition in the Queensland market would have As administration is provided in the occurred anyway, but without the financial legislation under section 99I(2) to wind up the support of the package. affairs of the Queensland Dairy Authority, with In principle, I have difficulty in supporting any of the net proceeds to be vested in the the termination of a sound, orderly marketing State and to be used for the benefit of system. I have visited a number of dairy producers—whatever that may be—there is a farming communities around the State. There role for the State Government to assist with is a great deal of uncertainty about the future the transition into the vagaries of the of many of the farms. Farmers who supply the deregulated market. Dairy Farmers Group are extremely concerned The 11c per litre on market milk collected about their new market milk quota. In many over the next eight years will mean that cases their quotas have been dramatically Queensland farmers will receive $220m or reduced with the new supply agreements. thereabouts, provided that all States remove When deregulation occurs, 50 million litres of their market milk control by 1 July 2000. Prior milk will be brought across the border by Pauls to this legislation being passed by to supply drinking milk for the Brisbane area. Queensland, processors have increased their That milk will no longer be supplied by the price to consumers over the past year by 23c. Dairy Farmers Group in Queensland. This will This occurred with increases of 6c per litre, leave Dairy Farmers' suppliers more exposed followed by 8c a litre and, not so long ago, 9c to manufactured milk prices. per litre. This made a mockery of the prospect 1954 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 of cheaper prices under a deregulated market. press statements, I understand that the While the producers of the market milk are Western Australian Minister also was receiving the same—58c per litre—for their milk supportive of additional funding for produced for drinking milk, an increase in communities that would be affected by the favour of the processing industry has seen deregulation. It is interesting to note that the incremental price increases to consumers. So amount sought by Queensland's Minister was much for cheaper milk prices under the $6m, so if Queensland can provide good, prospects of an unregulated market! The sound projects we will now receive $12m. consumers pay 23c more per litre. The farmers More is being done for the industry in will receive something like 18c per litre less Western Australia by the State Government after 1 July—a difference of 41c per litre. than is being done in Queensland. In Western While a range of claims has been made Australia, a $27m assistance package will by processors as to the need to increase the support farm and regional adjustment through price, very little has been said by the support for dairy workers and support special Queensland Government. What will the State assistance to dairy farmers themselves. There Government do to reduce the impact of is also an asset being passed over to the deregulation for dairy farmers in this State? industry worth $10m. The Dairy Industry When asked about using the national Authority and the Herd Improvement Service competition payment to assist the dairy will top up the Federal Government's package industry, the Minister responded by saying that by $37m. It must also be pointed out that the there is no $98m payment. There is no Western Australian industry is only half the size indication that any part of the windfall from the of the Queensland industry. At least that State competition payment to the State Government Government is prepared to assist its rural will be provided to soften the blow to dairy industries by offering support to the dairy industry communities. There is no national industry. competition payment being paid to There will be significant movement of milk Queensland. Minister Palaszczuk is saying that around the east coast States of Australia, and the Commonwealth Government is not even into South Australia, if deregulation providing any of its money for the concept to occurs. I understand that milk will be delivered restructure the dairy industry. It is collecting the to the Rockhampton Correctional Centre from 11c over eight years from consumers for the a South Australian supplier. This is the type of $1.74 billion package, plus an additional $45m outcome that Queensland Labor's State for the Dairy Regional Assistance Program. Purchasing Policy for Government Is the Minister aware that Governments, departments has created, yet there is an whether State or Federal, do not actually have industry and processing plant in central any money of their own? They collect it in Queensland that has the capacity to supply taxes, levies, excise and a whole range of the correctional centre on a daily basis. We will mechanisms to then provide a Budget, from see more of this ridiculous situation under a which it is decided how the funds will be spent deregulated industry. Processors will for the betterment of the community and the nationalise their operations, and in many provision of services. Generally, good cases it has been forecast that isolated Governments do not spend more than they operations will close and more centralised receive in revenue. The Beattie Government is facilities will be developed. one exception, when a deficit was created for The outcome will be the death knell of the 1999-2000 Budget. Does the Minister small communities. Processing operations, understand that the State collects money from which were the main source of employment in stamp duty, land tax and gaming machines, to the town, will go. Although the economic name but a few? The fact is that it is not the rationalists put forward the theory of Beattie Government's money; it is money that competition and reducing costs, there are the State has available to use for a whole other considerations. How much extra traffic range of matters, and the Government merely will go onto our roads as milk is moved around administers it. Australia—in some cases moving thousands of In the conservative State Government of kilometres in order to pass existing local Western Australia, the National Party Primary processors, as in the case of South Australia's Industries Minister recognised the need for a milk going to Rockhampton? Who pays for the support package to soften the impact of increased need of improving road deregulation on dairy communities. The infrastructure to conduct this trade? In a period concept of the additional $45m was not solely when we are discussing how we can reduce generated from Queensland and the the amount of carbon going into the Democrats, as we are led to believe. From atmosphere, does it make sense to carry out 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1955 the economic rationalists' theories to cater for Queensland who will have to live with the a perceived benefit? Do these people, when outcome. they sell this perceived benefit which only has One of the main intentions of the to account to a bottom line, understand the package, which is the largest rural support level of disruption it causes to small package ever, is to allow those farmers who communities? wish to exit the industry to do so with dignity. Has the cost of their assessment been The coalition—and particularly the National accurately accounted for when the use of Party members—is well aware of the public infrastructure and the unnecessary ramifications of deregulation. We understand movement of product is added up? what it means to dairy farmers who believed Governments are swallowing this hook, line that they had security with their entitlements. and sinker. Many countries around the world They are involved in a lifestyle that many are more supportive of maintaining a people would not accept—in some cases it decentralised system and are conscious of the was by choice and in many other cases it was need to avoid catering for large areas of a way of life that they inherited. It is not an population. Importantly, when we compete easy way of life being tied to a business seven against the rest of the world, our cost of days a week and having to contend with production has to be competitive. seasonal conditions. But what is happening to the domestic At the present time, most of Queensland milk market and its supply system? Should the has had good—and in some cases coalition be successful at the next State excessive—rainfall. However, there are election, there would be a range of issues that sections of the State that are facing drought could be considered by the Department of conditions. Being faced with a deregulated Primary Industries. Knowing that this marketplace will make it very difficult for some Government has run a deficit Budget, and not farmers to stay in business. I have received knowing what is in its 2000-01 Budget and phone calls from dairy farmers on the Darling how far we will be going into that Budget Downs. I attended a conference on the Darling before an election, I cannot make promises Downs on 12 May this year. that are impossible to fulfil. But I can say that I I will be moving an amendment to have will be looking for opportunities for the dairying the $98m from the national compensation communities around Queensland where the payment spent within the industry to Department of Primary Industries can be compensate for the loss of income to the end involved. I will assist in examining the of the year 2003. As I have said, the whole prospects of supply agreements Statewide idea—be it flawed or not—of exposing an with dairy farmers on a cooperative basis to industry to competition and opening up facilitate stability to processors of market milk. markets came from the economic rationalist Improving the productivity of those theories of Professor Hilmer, sponsored by farmers who want to stay in the industry will be Paul Keating, and embraced by the Labor crucial for their survival. It may be that some Party in Queensland, of which those opposite dairy farmers may decide to continue on but, are members. at the same time, look for other opportunities. The Beattie State Government has a They may look at another form of farming or responsibility to support the consequences of processing of their milk for niche markets. I what it supported in relation to the National have received phone calls from dairy farmers Competition Policy. It is fair and reasonable who are interested in looking at such initiatives, that the Government should share with the either independently or as a group. There may industry that is affected. We are all aware that be horticultural crops suited to areas where the Victorian industry was the catalyst that dairy farmers have been producing milk for a brought forward the five-year period to the end number of years. I believe it is important that of 2003. This has caught many dairy farmers Government has an understanding of the level off guard. There was a belief that the industry of support within the industry for proposals had time on its side to adjust, but that proved being put forward. not to be the case. I am aware that polls were taken in What is not understood by this various supply areas, but there was not a clear Government is that it is not like turning a tap indication of the level of support for the on and off. There is often a need for planning package by the Queensland industry across that takes years to implement, particularly the State. I requested Minister Palaszczuk to when a major change takes place. In some have this poll conducted, but my request fell cases, there are farmers who would have been on deaf ears. After all, it is the dairy farmers of ready to retire and the asset they had created 1956 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 was their superannuation. To some extent, July. Such people have demonstrated that they now have a valueless entity. They have initiative is alive and doing well in Queensland. been left with a non-productive asset. In many They are prepared to take advantage of cases they have been left with virtually whatever they can in the face of adversity. It is nothing. unfortunate that they are unable to inform the It is apparent that this Government is Minister of their aspirations. I know that on a going to provide nothing. The Government will number of occasions they have tried to ring use the spoils of the National Competition the Minister. Unfortunately, they have not Policy which it inflicted on sections of been able to get past his people. Queensland in order to assist it to balance the I think that it is extremely important that books. As a political ploy, it has been we recognise the plight of the dairy industry in opportune for the Minister to provide Queensland. We have seen a major problem misinformation about deregulation and the develop and, because of what the Victorians $1.74 billion package. have done, there has been a plea by the The dairy industry made the approach to industry throughout Australia to have the Federal Government to bring in the deregulation put in place. There is a belief that package, and the Federal Government there is no other option. I think that it is very, required all the States to support it. The very difficult for those many farmers who know Queensland Government has done this. very little other than the dairy farming that they Despite my calls for farmers to have a vote on have been involved in, in some cases for the deregulation package, the Minister refused generations. They are now in a position of the dairy farmers the right to have a voice in operating at a loss. They thought that they their future. had security for the next three and a half years. However, that is no longer the case. The Primary Industry Bodies Reform Bill, Farmers in many areas are going to suffer which was rushed through Parliament in the massive losses. People are absolutely latter part of last year, should be a clear distraught. They do not know where to turn. indication to anyone who is observing the They are frustrated. They are very concerned. performance of this Government of just where this Government is coming from with regard to The Opposition recognises the dairy deregulation. farmers' plight. They understand fully that this deregulation is not of their making. The While there was support for the divesting options for those dairy farmers are extremely of power allowing statutory bodies to become limited. For them, branching out into voluntary, the push has come at a time when alternative industries could be a way out of many industries, such as the dairy industry, are their dilemma. However, those people have uncertain of their future. been in an industry that, over a long period, A family of farmers in Nanango has been has been extremely successful in supplying very concerned about their future. These milk to Queenslanders on a daily basis. The people have spent a lifetime in the dairy system that we had was sound. There was no industry and they feel that they are not going concern about shortages of milk in to be beaten by deregulation of the industry. Queensland. However, owing to deregulation, They are spending a considerable amount of many of those farmers who have put money installing a processing plant to take everything into the industry are now facing the their daily production of between 5,000 and prospect of being no longer able to carry on in 6,000 litres of milk. There are three married that industry. Their farms and their other sons who want to remain dairy farmers. The assets are at risk. Certainly, the collateral value family will sell milk to retailers for less than $2 of their properties is decreasing at a rapid rate. per 2-litre container. They will have a red map At present the value of the market milk quota of Queensland on a white background with a is worth pretty near zero. A few carpetbaggers dot for Nanango. The family will produce a are going around paying very low prices for range of flavoured milk for sale to retailers. those quotas—something like $10 a litre. The family does not intend to stop dairy There is a hope that somewhere down the farming. They are to develop the farm and the track there may be a class action, which they processing complex into a tourist venture will capitalise on. I think that is of great where people can come and acquire an concern. understanding of how milk is produced and the The Opposition wants to make sure that process that it goes through until it reaches the this compensation package comes into being supermarkets. I understand that the slab for and that there will be money provided by the the project has been poured and the State for the dairy farmers. We have processing plant should be ready at the end of considered this $98m that has come from 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1957 national competition payments. We are whether it is legally feasible. The farmers who absolutely adamant that the growers—the met with the Premier and me this afternoon people who grow the corn, the feed and all of were concerned that the dairy Bill now being that sort of thing for the dairy farmers—and the debated will be rushed through this House farmers themselves are going to benefit from without the new plan being considered or even this $98m from those national competition investigated. The Premier assured us that, payments. I can assure the Minister that the even if the House passed the Bill tonight, that Opposition is going to be very definite about would not be the end of it. The Premier that. We are not going to see our farmers explained to the dairy representatives that in wither on the vine like so many farmers from order for the Queensland dairy farmers to be the other States have. We are going to make able to access the Federal Government's absolutely certain that if those dairy farmers compensation package, the dairy industry Bill get out, they go out with some dignity. If they must be passed. have a prospect of staying in the industry, that However, I understand that the crucial is going to happen. In that regard, I will be date for ensuring that this compensation moving an amendment during the Committee package remains available to Queensland stage. farmers is not the date that this Bill is passed Mr WELLINGTON (Nicklin—IND) in State Parliament but the date that the Bill is (9.54 p.m.): I rise to speak to the Dairy Industry proclaimed. So even though this Bill may be (Implementation of National Adjustments passed tonight—and quite clearly the Arrangements) Amendment Bill 2000. Over Government has the numbers as a result of two years ago, I attended a dairy farmers' the gag that has now been applied—all is not meeting at the Kenilworth Bowls Club. Present lost and there is still time for the Government's were more than 45 dairy farming families legal brains to evaluate the Baker plan and, if concerned about the implications of the it measures up, to take the appropriate action. deregulation of their industry. Since then, I As well, there is still time for members of the have continued to meet with dairy farmers and Australian Milk Producers Association to dairy industry representatives who have been continue to muster support for their plan desperately seeking some solution to the throughout Australia, which I understand has problems associated with the deregulation of started already. their industry. The deregulation of the dairy industry has I do not support the National Competition the potential to decimate one of our country's Policy or the deregulation of the dairy industry. major agricultural industries and cause severe However, I want to make sure that the dairy hardship in my own electorate of Nicklin. Large farmers of Queensland are not discriminated farms may survive, but the small family farms against and do not miss out on the may disappear and as a result whole compensation package offered by the Federal communities will suffer. Government. The dairy industry Bill that is before the House is not the answer to the Today, I arranged a meeting between the problems facing the Queensland dairy Queensland Premier and dairy farmers from industry. However, if all else fails, it does my electorate of Nicklin. I would like to provide our farmers with some dollars in acknowledge the contributions of Shane compensation. Paulger and Joe Herron, who today put to the Premier a plan that could be a solution to the Notwithstanding the Premier's sincere current deregulation proposals. This proposal, assurances to me and the dairy industry the Baker plan, was submitted by representatives this afternoon that his representatives of the Australian Milk Government will seriously and genuinely have Producers Association and consists of a quota this latest proposal evaluated to see whether it plan involving dairy farmers in all Australian is feasible, I will be voting against this Bill States. Because of the limited amount of time tonight to signal my protest to this Government available, I will not go into the details of the for the way in which this Bill is being pushed plan tonight but will make a copy of notes of through without allowing proper debate and the plan available to all members of this House because this Government is not contributing for their consideration if they are interested. any money towards the compensation This afternoon, the Premier assured both package. Because of the limited amount of the dairy farmers' representatives and me that time now allocated by this Government for the his Government's best legal brains will debate on this Bill, I will say no more so as to immediately assess the ramifications and allow more members of Parliament the chance implications of the Baker plan to determine to speak to this most important Bill. 1958 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

Hon. R. E. BORBIDGE (Surfers One of the avenues of action that the Paradise—NPA) (Leader of the Opposition) Opposition was going to pursue in this place (9.58 p.m.): In addressing this Bill tonight, I tonight, which is now denied to us through the remind the honourable member who preceded enforcement of the gag by the weight of me of the commitments given to him by the numbers, was to seek the adjournment of this current Premier in respect of the proper debate so that AMPA, following its meeting operations of this Parliament, for which in with the QDO, would be in a position to enter exchange the honourable member for Nicklin into negotiations and discussions with the provided the commission to the current Labor major players in the dairying industry in Government in this State. The legislation and Victoria. It is all very well for the Premier to give the manner in which it is being dealt with by glib assurances about the date of the the Parliament tonight places the Opposition in proclamation of the Bill. The Premier is saying, an almost impossible position. "Trust me." I would have thought that all of those communities—all of those farmers— This is one of the most important and would have had a greater degree of comfort if significant pieces of legislation to come before the Parliament had said, "We trust you." the House in a long time. Thousands of Queensland families and dozens of Tonight will go down in the history of the Queensland communities have their future on Queensland Parliament as a night of shame. I the line. I would have thought that, out of accept the fact that from time to time there will common decency and respect for each and be differences on matters of principle and every one of those individuals, the policy in this place. But when we deny Government would have been prepared to members the opportunity to canvass, air and allow proper debate in this place tonight on debate those differences, we prostitute our this legislation. I know that I speak for every oath of office. That is what the Government member of the Opposition when I say that we has done tonight. would have been happy to be here all of Mr Fouras: What difference does 10 tonight, all of tomorrow, all of Saturday and all minutes make? of Sunday so that we could have had a proper Mr BORBIDGE: The former Speaker, who and reasonable debate. For this despot, the occupied an office in this place where the first current Premier of Queensland, to sanction the obligation was to defend the freedom of guillotine on this legislation so that we have speech of honourable members, is the first two and a half lousy, rotten, stinking hours to member to interject to support the gagging of debate the future of one of the great industries this debate tonight. of Queensland is an affront to democracy and the Labor Party stands absolutely condemned. I believe it is a tragedy that at a time when the key players in the industry have During the course of the afternoon there arrived at some common ground the were some very significant developments. We Parliament will tonight deny them that saw for the first time representatives of AMPA common ground. All that has happened as a and representatives of the QDO sitting down result of today is that people have said, "Give together to try to find some common ground. us a bit more time." But that is not good That apparently was not good enough for the enough for Mr Beattie and his charade of Minister, the Premier and the worst Leader of consensus and negotiation. His friendly, hail- the House that this Parliament has ever seen. fellow-well-met public relations front is revealing The QDO was prepared to enter into itself day by day to be a public relations fraud. discussions with AMPA in regard to Mr Beanland: The media tart. negotiations with the dairy industry in Victoria, and there was a plea for a bit more time to see Mr BORBIDGE: As the member for what we could work out collectively as a Indooroopilly said, he is a media tart. community. What was the one thing the There were a number of matters that I industry wanted and the one thing the wished to raise in this debate tonight. I wanted Government denied it? More time! to mention the fact that the coalition Mr Horan: A bit of time. Government of Western Australia has committed $37m in State funds to supporting Mr BORBIDGE: They wanted a bit of time the dairy industry in that State, despite the fact to try to work it out. If we had to come back that the importance of the dairy industry in next week, the week after or the week after Western Australia is a mere fraction of the that, so be it. We have had special sittings of importance of the dairy industry in this State. the Parliament before to debate matters that, We know that in terms of national competition in terms of the social fabric of our society, were payments there will be $98m flowing to the of far less consequence than this. Government of Queensland. I know the 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1959

Government response, because I heard it on forgive the Minister for his lack of action in Saturday at Maleny from the Labor candidate terms of providing any State assistance for Glasshouse. She stood up at a meeting whatsoever and in terms of the total sponsored by AMPA and said, "But that is abrogation of the commitments given by the $98m that would normally go to schools, Premier to the honourable member for Nicklin hospitals or police." in exchange for the numbers to go to Mr Seeney: What a lie! Government House to get the commission from the Governor—a commitment to proper Mr BORBIDGE: It is a blatant Labor lie. debate and a commitment to respect the Madam Deputy Speaker, you were not in Parliament. this place when in the previous Parliament the Mr Seeney: What a fraud! previous National/Liberal coalition Government passed on $150m in national competition Mr BORBIDGE: What a fraud! If I were payments to local authorities in this State in the member for Nicklin, I would be alleging exchange for the implementation of National massive political fraud on the part of the Competition Policy. I and the then Treasurer member for Brisbane Central and his could have argued that that is money that Government. What the Minister and the could go to teachers, police, nurses or schools, Leader of the House have done tonight is not but we took the view that, because it was an only refuse to top up the Federal Government NCP payment relating to a particular package that the industry negotiated with the area—local government—the national Commonwealth as a result of the Victorian competition payments should be passed on. decision to deregulate— All we have asked this Government, this Mr Rowell interjected. Premier and this Minister to do is follow that precedent. How many dollars has Premier Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER (Ms Nelson- Beattie put into the dairy industry in the State Carr): Order! The member for Hinchinbrook will of Queensland? refrain from using unparliamentary language. Mr Veivers interjected. Mr ROWELL: I rise to a point of order. I just want to make the point that it is of some Mr BORBIDGE: A big zero! concern that members on the other side are Mr Horan: Just press releases. laughing about the whole scenario. Mr BORBIDGE: There have been press Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The releases and media conferences, but there is member for Hinchinbrook will resume his seat. not one lousy cent from his soon to be handed Mr BORBIDGE: Let it be a matter of down Budget of $22 billion—not one lousy record that the honourable member for cent. Yet the Western Australian Government, Springwood, standing out of order in this under Premier Court, can find $37m to assist place, was laughing in respect of the very the dairy industry in that State, which has only issues being raised here tonight. I say to the a fraction of the economic importance of the honourable member that he can wipe the dairy industry in the State of Queensland. stupid grin off his face. He may think it is Mr Veivers: And that's on top of the funny, but we do not. package. What we see tonight is the very fact that Mr BORBIDGE: That is on top of the the Government is not prepared to even package. debate its position, it is not prepared to even Tonight I say to the Minister: he and his be accountable and open to the people of colleagues are a pack of collective Judases. Queensland through this, the people's House. They have betrayed the dairy industry. They This is shown by its ramming through this have not been prepared to put their hands in legislation and restricting the right of their own pockets. They have not been honourable members in this place to have fair prepared to provide some money from the and proper debate in regard to this legislation. Treasury of Queensland. They want to pocket Mr Hegarty: I wonder if they'll be having the $98m in national competition payments country Cabinet meetings in dairy areas. because they have run the Budget of the State of Queensland so far into the red that Mr BORBIDGE: I wonder if they will be they need every cent they can accumulate. having any country Cabinet meetings in dairying areas. Mr Seeney: Broke! To give other members on my side of the Mr BORBIDGE: They are broke. House the very limited opportunity that we The dairy farmers and the communities have to contribute to this debate, I will confine that depend on them will never forget or my remarks to what I have said. I would, 1960 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 however, place on record my thanks to the have witnessed a number of retail milk price Speaker, who has indicated that he will extend rises totalling 23 cents/litre. At the same time, to me the courtesy tonight of granting approval farmers have seen their forecasted prices for for the balance of my speech to be market milk slashed from 58 cents/litre to around 40 cents/litre with every prospect there incorporated in Hansard. I seek leave to have will be further cuts. the balance of my speech incorporated in Hansard. In cases all around the dairying regions of Queensland, farmers tell me they are losing Leave granted. anything up to half their annual income. While Mr Speaker, this is one of the most significant the impact has been harsh for all farmers, no and far-reaching pieces of legislation group seems to have been harder hit than those introduced to this Parliament in recent years. It farmers in south-east Queensland who supply effectively concludes a process that was the Dairyfarmers Cooperative which has also initiated under the Goss Labor Government by lost access to a third of its traditional market. completely deregulating Queensland's dairy But, Mr Speaker, added to those losses, this industry. Bill which we now debate is set to strip farmers The warnings over deregulation that the of their market milk supply entitlements, or National Party issued during that initial debate quotas—quotas that were tradeable and back in 1993 were reiterated again in December required by Queensland law for farmers to gain 1998 when this Parliament legislated to retain access to the premium fresh milk market; quotas the farmgate price and supply management that were regarded by banks and farmers alike scheme for another 5 years. We warned that as equity, and in many cases, were effectively deregulation would only benefit the big retailers the farmers' superannuation. At the time of the and processors. We warned that farmers release of the Dairy Legislation Review Issues needed protection from the market powers of Paper in August 1997 those quotas were the few big processors and retailers. Sadly, trading at $350/litre. But even at half that value, those warnings are now coming to fruition and this Bill will strip Queensland farmers of millions we find ourselves debating another Bill to of dollars in forgone earnings. completely deregulate the dairy industry—just 18 months after voting to maintain regulation at Mr Speaker, the National Party warned about the farmgate. the impact in 1993 and again in 1998. We recognised the threat of deregulation to dairy Mr Speaker, the dairy industry is one of farmers and made a commitment to maintain the Queensland's most valuable primary industries. farmgate price and supply management Queensland's 1,650 dairy farmers and their scheme. In Opposition we have repeatedly families produce in excess of $300m worth of warned the Beattie Labor Government about product at farmgate values and the industry at deregulation and the need to protect the the wholesale level makes a contribution of interests of Queensland farmers. $750m a year. The value of that production is an essential component of Queensland's Many in the industry have acknowledged that economy—a contribution that the people of this deregulation has been on the cards for a long State all share some benefit in. But as a time and many have claimed that "deregulation decentralised industry, the dairy industry also is inevitable". Certainly, the impetus for change makes a more immediate and extremely can be traced to the launch of the Kerin Plan in significant contribution to regional communities 1986, which led to a shift in the national the length of this State. industry's focus from being a domestic supplier to one with a far greater export focus. There In areas like the Atherton Tableland, Central have been some notable export success Queensland, the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the stories, but in order to develop export markets Darling Downs and south-east Queensland the there has also been the need to boost dairy industry underpins the social and production. economic fabric of whole communities. The industry supports thousands of jobs in all those Nowhere has this been more apparent than in communities. It is an industry that supports Victoria where production has grown from 3.5 families who in turn support their local school, million litres to over 7 billion litres in that time. hospital, church, machinery dealer, corner store Now it seems that the massive growth in the and so on. So while the impact of deregulation, Victorian industry, to the point where it now as it is proposed in this Bill, will inevitably have supplies over 60% of the nation's milk, has an impact on the Queensland economy as a proved a double-edged sword to other dairying whole, the impact will be felt most sharply in States such as Queensland. those rural and regional communities and by With the demise of the Domestic Market those farmers and their families. It is those areas Support Scheme and the fluctuations in the that will be hardest hit and it is those people export market, it now seems that the Victorian who have been horribly let down by the industry is intent on moving into what it deregulation juggernaut. perceives as lucrative interstate markets. It has been acknowledged that Queensland will Victorian farmers have reportedly been told that be one of the hardest hit States. Already we this strategy will boost their dwindling bottom 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1961

lines and, still to be proven otherwise, have the Beattie Government signed embraced the opportunity of deregulation. Queensland up to deregulate. The big retailers have also relished the The Minister adopted none of those opportunity to use Victoria's low farmgate milk proposals—proposals that were aimed at prices to ratchet down the price paid in other actually doing something constructive and States and boost their margins. But the folly of providing Queensland with some influence over deregulation and the folly of the supposed its own destiny. He refused to adopt those added competition in the dairy industry once proposals despite the widespread support for deregulation occurs is that farmers will have no them amongst grassroots dairy farmers. From market power compared to the big two or three his Cabinet's decision to join with all other processors and those few big retailers. We are States and proceed with deregulation, and in already witnessing the grossly uneven balance doing so allow dairy farmers to access the in that market with the ramping up of retail Federal Government's national Dairy Industry prices and the forcing down of the farmgate Adjustment Program, he allowed Queensland price. If farmers are to have any protection from farmers less than four months to prepare. the abuse of market power by the big Mr Speaker, I have been absolutely dismayed processors and the big retailers, they will need at the attempts by the Minister and his the strength of collective negotiations. Government to duck their responsibility to the Mr Speaker I am aware that the Queensland dairy farmers, the dairying families and the Dairyfarmers Organisation is investigating the communities that depend on the dairy industry possibility of establishing a cooperative in this State. Queenslanders have grown arrangement for dairy farmers to collectively accustomed to the Beattie line that it is always negotiate the farmgate price of milk with someone else's fault. And hearing the Minister's processors. The Queensland Coalition will be speech, the theme was repeated again. He keen to lend our wholehearted support to such again tried to lay the blame for deregulation at a proposal to ensure that farmers get a fair go the feet of the Commonwealth Government. from the big processors and retailers. I also But he knows that's untrue, because at the welcome the ACCC investigation currently same time he acknowledged the real influences under way and I urge the Minister and the of the Victorian industry's decision to Beattie government to use every avenue of deregulate. influence available to them to ensure that I would have thought that an issue such as consumers and farmers are not exploited under dairy deregulation with such serious impacts for deregulation. one of our most important primary industries and for regional Queensland would have Mr Speaker, the National Party has been and enlisted a more responsible contribution from remains a staunch supporter of the dairy the Minister and his Government. I would have industry. We have long opposed deregulation thought the Beattie Government would at least and we have been on the public record many consult with grassroots dairy farmers, but it times over the years saying as much. We have didn't. And when they came to see you a few supported the examination of any feasible weeks ago, you still refused to go out and talk alternative. But we have not tried to deny the with them. changes occurring elsewhere and in this State which will have an impact on primary producers. Every other State allowed those farmers a vote And where the Beattie Government has been on deregulation and the Commonwealth's bereft of any constructive strategies to protect restructuring package except for Queensland. Queensland dairy farmers from deregulation, we Why were Queensland farmers denied the have offered them. opportunity to have their say? For months even the Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation was Over the course of the last 12 months, we have flat out getting to see you. But now, when it variously called on the Minister to— suits you to try to distance yourself from any consult grass roots dairy farmers as well involvement in this process, you try to hide as the industry organisations; behind the QDO's skirts. conduct a poll of farmers, to give them a Everybody knows the influences behind the say on the future of their industry; industry now finding itself at this point. They are no secret; they were documented in the complete an impact assessment of Doumany Review. I know industry leaders have deregulation; briefed you on them, just as they have briefed introduce State of origin labelling to allow us. Most in the industry also know full well what Queensland consumers to choose to they are. Playing politics is not going to make purchase Queensland produce; them go away and it is not going to help our dairy farmers. give dairy farmers ample time to plan their futures in announcing his Government's What has been needed, what is still needed and decision; and what the Coalition has been calling for is some decisive leadership and some positive provide a State-based assistance package strategies to ensure that our farmers are in the to supplement the national package once best position to counter the threat of 1962 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

deregulation. That is what Governments are In the Committee's opinion, the social and elected to do. But through the course of this regional impacts will be severe and will process, and especially over the last six to need to be given detailed consideration in twelve months, we have witnessed a Minister terms of any structural adjustment and Labor Government completely bereft of assistance, once deregulation occurs. any constructive strategies to counter The Committee is ... concerned at the lack deregulation or, at the very least, counter its of any compensation commitment by the impacts. Instead, we have seen a procession of appropriate State governments for loss of press releases sheeting home the blame for quota entitlement." deregulation to anyone else it possibly could and using any opportunity to play cheap Recommendation 4 of that report—a report politics at the ultimate expense of Queensland's written by a cross-parliamentary committee dairy farmers. including the Labor Party—says that regional Mr Speaker, while the claim has been made that adjustment packages for rural and regional "deregulation is inevitable", I am not sure that communities affected negatively by anyone who has taken even a slight interest in deregulation should be developed by State the future of the dairy industry fully appreciates Governments. We agree with those statements. the extent of the impact that deregulation is We cannot understand why the Beattie Labor already having on our dairy farmers. Whether Government does not. we like it or not, whether the Minister likes it or The Queensland Coalition is gravely concerned not, the Beattie Government was a party to the that unless some State support is given, our decision by all States to deregulate their farmers will be destroyed. All we ask is that this respective dairy industries.Whether the Minister Parliament and the Beattie Government likes it or not, the reality is that this legislation recognise our responsibilities to our own dairy will bring effect to this decision—not the industry and offer some realistic assistance. Commonwealth's, not the Victorian Government What we are pursuing is not unprecedented. It and not any other State's. And it is this is not outrageous. It is not unreasonable. All we legislation which excludes the payment of are pursuing is a fair go for Queensland compensation for the deregulation of the dairy farmers—the same sort of assistance that has industry. been provided to other industries when they Mr Speaker, the Coalition cannot accept that have been forced to restructure for one reason the State does not have any responsibility to or another. offer some assistance to Queensland dairy We are committed to securing such State- farmers to adjust to the implications from this based assistance for our farmers because it is Bill. The Commonwealth Government has fair, because it is just and because it is needed recognised the impact of deregulation and to its to allow our farmers a future in the dairy credit, has intervened to offer some assistance industry. to the farmers who will be hurt.Rightly or wrongly there has been criticism of that $1.74 Mr Speaker, in October last year the Premier, billion adjustment package, but I do Treasurer and Primary Industries Minister each acknowledge there was no legal compulsion on launched an attack on NCP, the National the Commonwealth to offer anything. It Competition Council and the Federal responded to a request from the Australian Government in the media. The claim was made Dairy Industry Council and introduced what is that the NCC wanted to dock Queensland claimed is the biggest package of its kind. $113m in competition payments—$15m Queensland's share will be some $220m, because the Beattie Government apparently providing Queensland farmers with an average wanted to build the St George dam and another $123,000 assistance that will be welcomed by $98m because we would not deregulate the many farmers. dairy industry. The Beattie Government never wanted to build that dam. But as big as it is, the package is no panacea for the negative impact that deregulation will The NCC confirmed as much to the irrigators at have on farmers' incomes, and nor could it be. A St George and on ABC radio on 24 February in similar show of support from our own State a report which stated— Government is essential. "... the National Competition Council says The Report of the Senate Rural and Regional the State Government can proceed with Affairs and Transport References Committee the Beardmore proposal if it can into Deregulation of the Australian Dairy demonstrate the dam is economically and Industry also reiterated the responsibilities of environmentally viable." the States on this issue. It stated— The whole exercise was another Beattie con "The impact of deregulation will be job—this time on the irrigators of St George. severely felt in most dairying communities The $15m came to Queensland, the dam was around Australia, given the flow-on effects never built and the money disappeared into the which will manifest within those Treasury coffers—no doubt to prop up the communities—the farmers themselves will ever-increasing black hole in the Beattie be affected, as will be the businesses budget. And the $98 million that Messrs Beattie, which rely on dairying. Hamill and Palaszczuk claimed to be under 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1963

threat wasn't withheld either. Another Beattie Mr Speaker, I have laboured the point that if con job—a cruel hoax on the dairy farmers. But deregulation is to proceed our farmers must be where is that money? If the State has agreed to assisted to the best of our ability. But in doing deregulate, why has it not been committed to so I do not want to discount the need, even at helping the dairy industry adjust to your this very late stage, of examining every Government's decision to deregulate? Has it possible alternative to the complete disappeared into the Treasury coffers as well? deregulation of the dairy industry. If there is an alternative for an orderly, legally achievable The dairy industry is facing such reform marketing arrangement that has the support of because of a whole range of commercial farmers, then we have a responsibility to pursue competitive forces. There is a clear case for that to the best of our ability. those competition payments to be used to assist the industry accordingly, and we have At least one alternative has been put forward in demonstrated that in the past when the former recent weeks to the current plan of Coalition Government allocated $150m to the deregulation. The Australian Milk Producers local governments to help them adjust to the Association has sought and obtained legal requirements of NCP. advice supporting an alternative model to the deregulation process proposed. I am aware that Mr Speaker, the Queensland Coalition is firmly the Beattie Government has received contrary of the view that if deregulation is to proceed, advice from the Solicitor-General, as has the then the proceeds from those competition NSW Government and the Commonwealth payments should be used to compensate Government. That presents a challenge, but if farmers for the loss of their quotas under this there is an alternative to the turmoil that will be Bill. But aside from the $98m and regardless of caused to the Queensland industry under any argument over where the money should deregulation then it deserves investigation. come from is the broader responsibility that the At meetings I have held with dairy farmers, State Government has to help our industries there has been an appeal for the State not to adjust to the impact of Government policies and rush through deregulation but instead to allow decisions. full consideration of every alternative. I There is a clear precedent for the State to acknowledge those calls and would urge that assist our dairy farmers. Past State even if this Bill is passed this sitting the Beattie Governments from both sides of the political Government should proceed with caution and divide have done so. I remind honourable with the close advice of Queensland's dairy Members of the $12m Tobacco Industry farmers. Even if the Bill is passed today, there Restructuring Scheme introduced by the then should be no headlong rush towards State and Federal Governments in 1994 to buy proclamation of it until every State is absolutely back quotas. The assistance to tobacco farmers certain of the situation that confronts them. was maintained by the former Coalition Mr Speaker, the decision faced by this Government with the implementation of another Parliament today is a most difficult one and $30m restructuring scheme. Then in the reflects the complexity and the difficulties commercial fishing industry the former Coalition surrounding this issue. This Government's Bill is Government initiated a $5m buy-back scheme a far from positive one. Thousands of to recover excess licences. More recently I Queenslander's livelihoods, their way of life and have noted the Beattie Government has now the future of their communities hinge to a great proposed another buy-back as part of the East degree on this Bill and its contents. The State Coast Trawl Management Plan, this time for Coalition acknowledges the forces that have $30m. driven the dairy industry to this point. We acknowledge the efforts of those in the I ask the Beattie Government: why is there no industry and in the Commonwealth Government buy-back proposed for milk quotas? Why has who have sought to manage an awful situation compensation for the loss of quotas been and we commend them for their efforts. But we specifically ruled out in the Minister's cannot accept that the State of Queensland has legislation? Why is the Beattie Government no role to play in this process. We cannot trying to shirk its responsibility to help dairy accept that the State of Queensland is simply farmers adjust to the implications of its an observer and cannot carry some influence to decision? carve out a future for our dairy industry. The Coalition's position is clear and has not The State Coalition calls on this Parliament and altered during the course of this issue. We the Beattie Government to accept its oppose deregulation of the dairy industry at the responsibilities to our dairy industry and dairy farmgate. We want to see every alternative communities and to play a role in securing their examined. But if at the end of the day it is to futures. Thank you, Mr Speaker. proceed, we owe it to our farmers to help them overcome the impact. The Commonwealth Mrs LAVARCH (Kurwongbah—ALP) Government has provided assistance. The (10.11 p.m.): I have been closely following the Western Australian Government has provided debate on the future of the dairy industry since assistance. All we ask is for some similar becoming the member for Kurwongbah three support from the Queensland Government. years ago. I have talked regularly with dairy 1964 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 farmers in my electorate, including Pat Rowley, sympathy for New South Wales and the President of the Queensland Dairyfarmers Queensland, and we have to understand that. Organisation, and farmers such as Greg and Even though those margins were for domestic Jenny Easlea, Joe Bradley, the Rowe family, product, it was perceived that the higher profits the Sellin family and the many other dairy from regulation were allowing Australian farmers in the Dayboro area. I have paid Cooperative Foods, which trades under the particular attention to the decisions in the name Dairy Farmers, to cross-subsidise its recent months of the Federal and Victorian manufacturing activities and win markets from Governments. I believe that there has never the Victorians. Dairy Farmers, as members are been a more extensive, wide ranging and full aware, is a cooperative based in New South debate on change and regulation than there Wales and Queensland. has been on the dairy industry. So the Victorian industry set its mind to The Queensland Dairyfarmers deregulate the national market, wipe away Organisation, or the QDO, through its local, what it saw as artificial profits for its competitors district and State level meetings, has been and move into the domestic market in strength discussing the issue of the fate of regulation with the removal of the DMS. Pat Rowley and for the past three years. The potential impacts other dairy leaders realised this two years ago of the Victorian deregulation have been and since then have been trying to prepare for discussed and considered at meeting after the worst. What has been widely known in the meeting, and many articles on the subject dairy industry is that individual State regulatory have been written in the QDO papers which all schemes which delivered higher premiums for farmers receive. fresh milk to quota holders could not prevent Pat Rowley has played a major role in this the flow of milk across State borders. Indeed, debate. In fact, I have seen papers from Pat since 1991 the Commonwealth has had legal Rowley going back to 1994 and 1995 in which advice that to attempt to maintain the he has raised the issue of the Victorian regulated systems in Queensland and New deregulation. I know that Pat has been South Wales in the face of Victorian milk committed to maintaining regulation and has flowing across borders would be done everything he can to do so. But even he, unconstitutional because of section 92 of the as a strong supporter of the regulated system, Australian Constitution. Section 92 provides came to see about two years ago that there that there must be free trade between the were forces building in Victoria that could not States. be stopped. The removal of the Domestic The implications of the entry of Victorian Market Support Scheme on 1 July 2000 would milk have also been widely discussed and remove the subsidy that encouraged Victoria understood. Victoria's temperate climate and to export its vast production rather than place it rainfall make it a much more productive on the domestic market. The processors in dairying region than Queensland. Here our Victoria were getting bigger and were tropical dairy, whilst producing a high-quality becoming players in the world market. As they product, cannot produce at the same cost as played in the world market, the competitive the Victorian producers. Hence, it has been pressures of that market were felt. widely understood that Victorian milk is The entry of the world's largest dairy produced at a much lower cost, which will be company, Parmalat, into the Australian market difficult for other States to match. with its purchase of Pauls, Queensland's The point I am making tonight is that the largest processor, also signalled that the debate we are now having is not something Australian dairy industry was to become more that has emerged from nowhere. It is not integrated with the global marketplace. something that is a surprise or that has been Globally, dairy is a fiercely competitive scene. sprung on dairy farmers. Pat Rowley and his Ironically, our most direct competitors are the organisation have been discussing these New Zealanders. However, Victoria has been changes for years. They have not attempted able to compete on that market. to hide from this reality or to pretend that it can When I travelled with the parliamentary be stopped. Rather, they have sought to delegation to Victoria in February 1999, I was cushion the impacts through the restructure told of a small Victorian processor who was package. selling cheese to Lebanon. Nonetheless, it has I can understood the concern of ordinary been these world market forces that has led dairy farmers about this change. I have a large the Victorian industry to resent the high dairy farming sector in my electorate and regulated margins of New South Wales and probably represent more dairy farmers than Queensland. In fact, Victoria has absolutely no the member for Burdekin does. It is a massive 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1965 dislocation and it will bring many unwelcome "We don't like deregulation, but we developments to the industry. What recognise it is going to happen and we disappoints me is that there is now a group want the package." called the Australian Milk Producers The AMPA is loud and noisy, but they have Association which is trying to turn back the offered no constructive suggestions and have clock. I have no doubt that its motives are come too late on to the scene. Now is the time sincere, but what it is doing is cruel. It is so for farmers to be united. Let not the AMPA cruel. It is giving false hope, and they cannot divide them. They know what is going to give that false hope. I asked where this group happen, and they know that the package is had been for the past two years since this crucial. This Bill allows Queensland to access issue was first debated. Where was its that package. It is for those reasons that the enthusiasm and anger last year when the Bill should be supported. Kennett Government announced deregulation and when the Victorian farmers voted for it? Mr HORAN (Toowoomba South—NPA) Has it not been reading the material that has (10.21 p.m.): I do not think that this House has been sent to it or attending the meetings at seen anything so cruel, callous and cowardly which this has been discussed? as the gag being applied tonight to the Dairy That group is now claiming that Industry (Implementation of National deregulation can be stopped in Queensland. Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill. We may decide not to deregulate in this State, This action has treated the dairy farmers of but we cannot stop the effects of the Victorian Queensland and all the people they support deregulation. If we do not deregulate, we will like a dirty doormat. I would have thought that lose forever the restructure package, which is the dairy industry of Queensland deserved a worth $220m to our farmers. What the AMPA bit more than a debate of two and three will not accept is that section 92 of the quarter hours last thing on a Thursday night Constitution makes a mockery of any attempt after a long week. Legislation could have been to stop the commercial forces of Victorian kept until the next session of Parliament, but deregulation. the Government did not do that. In a sly political move it has kept this legislation until We live in one country—Australia—and the end of the night. When we go to the next free trade between the States was one of the election we will make sure we tell everybody main reasons for the Federation. We cannot what the Government has done. It did the put tanks, guns and bricks and mortar at the same thing with tree clearing. It treated the Queensland border. The AMPA has advanced people like a dirty doormat. a scheme which it says can overcome section 92. The Queensland Solicitor-General, an The Government has absolute disdain for eminent lawyer who has appeared before the people in the country. It swans around with all High Court on many occasions, has advised the Labrador-like photos and all its media that the AMPA scheme will not work. releases, but when it comes to sticking up for The AMPA have been told that and yet the people it is not worth a cracker. This will go they persist in trying to convince farmers that down in history as one of the cruellest, most we can maintain our regulation and stop the callous and cowardly acts I have seen in this effects of Victorian deregulation. They Parliament. This Bill could have been dealt continue to be so cruel to the dairy farmers of with on Wednesday. But, no! The Government Queensland. It is sadly not the case. If they decided to put it up last thing on Thursday are honest, get their heads out of the sand night. and keep the industry united, it has a chance. Because of the shortage of time, I am Pat Rowley would be advocating it if it was going to get straight to the facts. Dairy possible and the Minister for Primary Industries deregulation is occurring only because the would have implemented it. We are not Victorians want to force deregulation on the proactively deregulating the dairy industry. rest of Australia. It is also occurring because of The AMPA has arrived on the scene at the cessation of the domestic marketing one minute to midnight. Where were the scheme, a scheme to which Australian dairy protests a year ago when there might have farmers have been contributing so much per been time to work out a different outcome? litre for something like 10 years in order to They cannot claim they were unaware of this forestall dairy deregulation. However, it is going issue or its consequences. The QDO has gone to be a flop for Victorian farmers. Even though to incredible lengths to inform its membership farmers in Queensland will be decimated and and seek their views. I am confident that the the industry will probably lose 50% of them, QDO represents the majority of dairy farmers in the balance will hang on by their fingernails Queensland when it says— and produce and produce and produce till the 1966 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 cows come home. They will match the dairy their heads all they like, but that $98m will be farmers from Victoria, who, once they add the only in the pockets of the Queensland State cost of cartage, will get no more for their milk Treasury and the Beattie Government than they do now. All they have done is because of the passing of this Bill tonight. If destroy a good, decent, honest rural industry, this Bill is not passed, the Government will not an industry that delivered fresh milk to the get the $98m. It is being paid out over two supermarkets at a decent price. As a result of years. When we were in Government, we this fiasco, milk at the supermarkets now costs received $153m in payments for the water and 23c a litre more than it did a year ago. sewerage deregulation of the 17 major What is going to happen to prices? We councils in Queensland, and we got that have already seen that. The previous money only because the councils had speaker castigated the dairy farmers who have deregulated their sewerage and water recently formed the AMPA. We on this side of systems. That money was rightfully theirs, and the House have a lot of time and admiration we handed it over to them. This $98m rightfully for the QDO. I have a lot of personal belongs to the dairy industry. The pain and admiration for Pat Rowley and the decades of suffering they have endured is the reason the service he has given to the dairy industry. He Government will get this $98m. has seen this coming for about 13 years. He Because the gag has been applied and says that his worst moment was two years ago this Bill will go through tonight, the Beattie when he realised that deregulation was Government is $98m better off. Those inevitable and something had to be done. opposite can go through all the pedantic Through the good fortune of having a coalition argument they like and say, "Oh, it's only Government, he was able to skilfully negotiate part of our normal money", but we know that it a $1.7 billion package, which helped some is part of the bonus moneys the Government farmers for the ensuing 18 months. will get. This $98m does not belong to the The previous speaker said that the AMPA Beattie Government. It belongs to the mums, is a Johnny-come-lately and that it just dads, kids and families in the dairy industry. It suddenly started to campaign. Why would they is dishonest and wrong not to provide it to not campaign? It was indicated to the dairy them. It is politics at its worst. What those farmers that the price would fall from about opposite are trying to do tonight is blackmail us 58c per litre to around 46c, 47c or 48c a litre into passing this legislation because of the for market milk. But what has happened? With compensation package when we know that one processor it has dropped to 42c a litre and what should go through tonight is this with another it has dropped to 40c a litre. On legislation, the compensation package and the top of that, for those farmers who supply the $98m. dairy farmers cooperative, they have lost at The situation is going to be absolutely least half of their quota. So they have lost the tragic for not only our dairy farmers but also price of their milk and they have lost the their communities. In my own town of volume of their quota. When one considers Toowoomba people in the milking machine that manufacturing milk costs about 24c a litre supply areas, in tractor sales, in seed and and seasonal milk costs about 14c or 15c a produce, in irrigation and pumping, in dairy litre, one can see the massive drop in the tankers are going to lose work. Just name it, price. That is why those people were they are going to lose jobs. Some 453 farmers devastated. That is why they formed this other make up the EDROC region of the Darling organisation. They are desperate. Can anyone Downs. They are probably going to lose a imagine having a big enterprise which owes minimum of $60,000, $70,000 or $80,000 a money and which employs four or five people, year each from their income. That is employing another family, and suddenly being something like $30m a year which will not hit with a drop in prices like this? That is the come into the Darling Downs. It has gone reason why the AMPA was formed. That is the forever. Meanwhile, everyone is paying 23c a reason so many dairy farmers were so litre more for their milk. desperate to try to do something to rescue If dairy farmers could get this $98m on their business. top of the compensation package, which is We on this side agree that it is absolutely spread over eight years—it is only 75% of what essential that the farmers receive the Federal a farmer is entitled to if they take it up front, or coalition's compensation package. We agree even if the Government spent the $98m over with that, but we do not agree with the State two years because it is to be given to it over Government not providing the $98m that it two years—it would mean renewed lifeblood received as payments under National for some of these farmers. They could either Competition Policy. Those opposite can shake continue or they could get out with dignity. If 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1967 one looks at the cost of production and at the is a greater pleasure to see the Premier here price a producer will get for their quota, some in the Chamber listening to the debate—unlike dairy farmers will just not be able to continue. the man who would be Premier, the Leader of We will see quotas slashed in half. Farmers the Opposition, who gave one of those whose quota was 900 litres per day will be academy award winning performances tonight. slashed to 400 or 450 litres. This is all as a He was playing up to the public gallery, trying result of the unforeseen aspects of to kid farmers, as he has always done, that the deregulation. Because Parmalat owns Norco in National Party is somehow in their corner. But Lismore, the Sydney market will also change. when it comes down to it, we just have to look Norco is losing their milk, yet Parmalat is taking at what the Federal coalition Government is 50 million litres of milk. That means that the doing to see that that is not the case, because Queensland dairy farmers cooperative will lose this whole process is being driven by Canberra. 50 million litres of milk market sales. When the Federal National Party is in What is crucial tonight is this $98m. The Government, what is the colour of its money Beattie Labor Government has $98m that is federally? there only because of the dairy deregulation. It Mr ROWELL: Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise to morally and rightfully belongs to the a point of order. The member is misinforming Queensland dairy farmers. We would only the House. It was not driven by— support this Bill if this money were paid out to Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Fouras): the dairy farmers of Queensland, because it is There is no point of order. Resume your seat. theirs. Before I call the member for Logan, I say to Throughout this deregulation we will honourable members that the debate tonight witness some terrible, tragic things. has been heard with very few interjections. I Honourable members should imagine having intend the rest of the debate to go that way. I an enterprise for which they have borrowed warn members that I will use the Standing heavily and for which they have worked their Orders accordingly. heart out from dawn to dusk, with their kids Mr MICKEL: Thank you for your helping them to milk and the family helping protection, Mr Deputy Speaker. Those out—they may have to put on other people to opposite do not want to hear this because work—in the mud and slush, in the cold, in the they know darned well that the Federal drought, in the flood and so on. Despite all of Government has not put in one cent to this that, because these people have worked hard, process—not one. Those opposite should tell they have made a modest profit. the people in the gallery—the farmers whom People involved in the dairy industry have they claim to represent, the ones who met with contributed to the development of good the Honourable the Premier this communities around Queensland. I refer to afternoon—that they have been so ineffectual places such as Warwick, Allora, Clifton, Oakey, that they cannot convince their colleagues to Crows Nest, Gympie, Kenilworth, Maleny and put in one cent. Those opposite should go places near Mackay, in central Queensland back and say that to their communities. and on the tablelands. The dairy industry has We have heard all this rubbish about the made Queensland, and it deserves better than debate being brought on tonight. I will tell to have a gag applied to this debate tonight honourable members the reason it has been and to have $98m of its money pocketed by brought on tonight. It is for the same reason the Beattie Government with scant regard for that those opposite could not convince their the dairy farming families of Queensland. colleagues to give them a cent. It is because There is a lot more that I want to say in we had a renegade backbencher, completely this debate, but as my colleagues all want to in defiance of the lack of leadership of the contribute I will not say any more. On behalf of member for Moggill and the member for the dairying families of Queensland, I plead for Surfers Paradise, running a training debate for this $98m, which is theirs. Deregulation is a day and a half. inevitable. The Victorian tide is coming. We Mr HORAN: Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise to have to fight it and hold it back. We could help a point of order. The member is misleading the these good, decent families of Queensland if House. Throughout the week the Government the $98m, which is theirs, were handed over to has brought in legislation that did not need to them. be brought in this week. Mr MICKEL (Logan—ALP) (10.31 p.m.): It Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There is is a pleasure to speak tonight in this debate on no point of order. Resume your seat. the Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Mr HORAN: They deliberately brought Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill. It in— 1968 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I am on shed about these communities. The poor old my feet. Resume your seat! member for Southport over there, worrying and Mr MICKEL: The pretender to the whingeing and whining a few weeks ago— leadership is trying to make up a bit of an Mr VEIVERS: Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise excuse, but the fact of the matter is that those to a point of order. I have not been whining opposite could not convince the member for and whingeing. I would like the member to Clayfield to sit down and shut up, after a day withdraw those comments. and a half, about something that those opposite were agreeing with anyway. That is Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I ask the why this debate is being brought on tonight. member to withdraw. These academy award winning performances Mr MICKEL: I absolutely withdraw, but that those opposite are going on with are an tonight I want to stoically defend National attempt to duck the real debate tonight. Those Foods, which was attacked by the member for opposite are absolutely relieved at the fact that Southport a few weeks ago. they do not have to get up and try to defend Mr Veivers: Absolutely! the Federal Government. Mr SEENEY: I rise to a point of order. I Mr MICKEL: "Absolutely", he says. Do find this blatant dishonesty offensive and I ask you know why? In a high unemployment area that it be withdrawn. such as Logan it had the audacity — Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Resume Mr Veivers interjected. your seat. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I ask the Mr SEENEY: It is dishonest— member for Logan to resume his seat. I ask the member for Logan to direct his comments Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I am on through the Chair. I ask members to stop my feet. I warn you: I am on my feet. I am not interjecting. Interjections should be relevant, going to take any more points of order that are reasonable or witty, and these interjections are as invalid as that one was. I warn members none of those things. that I will not hear points of order like that. Mr MICKEL: Thank you for your Mr MICKEL: Of course the National Party protection, Mr Deputy Speaker. does not want to hear about the success in Logan. National Foods is creating jobs in The fact of the matter is that on this issue Logan City, a place with an unemployment the members of the National Party are going rate higher than the national average. to the dogs faster than a flea. They have known darned well about this for ages. They Mr Veivers interjected. have been kidding farmers for years that this Mr MICKEL: The member for Southport was not going to happen, yet it is being driven does not like it. He does not like it because by the Federal National Party in Government. there is a Queensland company providing jobs Mr SEENEY: Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise to for people in my electorate. That is the way a point of order. this Government is delivering. That is what the Honourable the Premier and Deputy Premier Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I now are doing: providing jobs in Logan City. Those warn the member for Callide for raising an opposite do not like it because they know that invalid point of order. at a Federal level the National Party is selling Mr MICKEL: Forgive the poor little thing, them down the drain. Mr Deputy Speaker. Those opposite cannot handle it because they know that in their Mr Veivers interjected. constituencies they are on the nose. Their Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I warn the constituents know about the Benalla by- member for Southport. election and what the dairy farmers did to the Mr MICKEL: No, forgive him, Mr Deputy National Party there. That is why Opposition Speaker; I want him to stay here and enjoy members are going to jump up and down like this. Opposition members are dying to be yo-yos tonight. thrown out because when it comes time to They do not want to face the truth or the vote they will vote down a package for the consequences of their actions federally. Not Queensland Dairy Farmers Organisation and one cent have they given up federally, and not Queensland dairy farmers. That is what they one speech have we heard tonight about the are sweating on. There is no doubt about it: culpability of the Howard/Anderson they have misled the farmers all the way Government. Every member opposite knows it, through. When it comes to reform of the dairy so let us not have any more crocodile tears industry, the National Party has a heart the 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1969 size of a split pea. It is not prepared to face up speech in Hansard, as have all the other to the issues or face up to the culpability of its speakers. Federal colleagues. Leave granted. "I see the restructure package as a huge coup for the dairy industry." I know that the I see the restructure package as a huge coup members of the National Party disagree with for the dairy industry. The many people around Australia who are prepared to compromise to that comment, which was made by Mick get a national restructure have achieved what Prendergast from the Queensland Dairy other industries either didn't think of or fail to Farmers Organisation. Those opposite have achieve. I know of no other rural or urban not stood up for the Queensland Dairy industry that received a $1.75 billion package Farmers Organisation in this debate. It has when they suffered from a major change." been out there trying to carry the debate Those aren't my words; they're the words of Mr alone. Poor old Pat Rowley is out there with a Mick Prendergast, the Executive Officer for the nearly broken back from trying to drag the Queensland Dairy Farmers Organisation. industry along. Those opposite are the jokers Farmers are critical of deregulation and from who are supposed to be in his corner, Queensland farmers perspective, well they representing the dairy industry. Where have might be, because it is Queensland farmers who they been? They have been scurrying behind have a lot to lose. However, their anger at the the Federal National Party, trying to prop it up State Government is misdirected. The Minister, with a bit of the old GST but no money—not in introducing the changes to the industry 16 one cent. months ago, flagged that if circumstances changed in Victoria, then the Government Opposition members interjected. would have to change policy. The State Mr MICKEL: Listen to them scream, Government has been very consistent about because they want to be thrown out of this this over a long period. Parliament tonight rather than have to face up Victoria is the major player because the regional to and vote on this issue. That is what this milk profile presented to this year's Outlook pantomime from the Opposition is all about. Conference that of the percentage of 98-99 milk production in Australia, Victoria is 63 per The Honourable the Premier and the cent of the market; New South Wales is 12.6 Minister have been up there meeting with and Queensland is 8.1 per cent. In other words, farmers, explaining the options to them, and Queensland is the third largest in Australia but that is what it is all about. Our Queensland overwhelmed by Victoria. industry represents about 9% of the national The vote for deregulation in Victoria made it industry. The Victorian industry represents over inevitable for Queensland farmers can hold out 63%, yet the National Party would have us if they wish, but in the end they will be denying believe that, on 8%, we can somehow hide it themselves access to the $220 million all and hold back the flow. restructure package and some may go out the What members opposite will not do and door with no money at all. do not want to do tonight is say to their When Mr Rowley from the QDO first came to us Federal colleagues, "Show us the money." We with this plan understandably we were sceptical heard the contribution by the member for that he could get any money at all out of the Toowoomba South. He was an absolute failure Federal Government—especially this Federal as a Health Minister. He drove the system into Government. It was an ambitious project and what has he been able to achieve for farmers? the ground. He was bleating tonight about He won an 11c a litre package—an some more money. Last night he was saying unprecedented package which gives money to that we did not have any more money. Which all farmers. It was this aspect—money for all is it: tonight's policy or last night's policy? The farmers—that I expressed most concern only thing he can agree on is his because I couldn't see what signals farmers inconsistency. He is not consistent about would be given to leave the industry. Farmers anything. How can these poor people in the are eternal optimists and I felt that if they could gallery believe him? There they are, having reduce their debt then some who would voted solidly for the National Party for years, otherwise exit the industry would vainly try to but what has it ever done for them? It has let cling on. As Mr Rowley has indicated to me, and I now agree with him, this amount of money them down time and time again. That is why and the price indicators of where the market members opposite have been trying to avoid milk production will end up in eight years time is tonight's debate like the plague, because the a sufficient indicator for farmers to make rational Honourable the Premier has been in there decisions. outlining the options. A Report prepared for the Dairy Research and With those few short, simple words, I Development Corporation and what it found would love the opportunity to incorporate my about the package is, and I quote: 1970 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

"In the absence of a restructure package domestic market support scheme was the effects would be significant in some disadvantaging the largest component of our regions. Dairy intensive regions would industry. bear the pain of a fall in farm income while But what of individual farmers? What do they capturing very limited indirect benefits say? Let's take the case of the Hetherington flowing from a lower retail price of dairy family who have moved their dairy operations products. But regions that have few or no from Goomeri to Wheatlands in the South dairy farms would enjoy any gain from Burnett. The Hetheringtons who run a property lower dairy prices with no pain from lost in Wheatlands outside Murgon made a production." conscious decision to establish a dairy This package puts the money to where it is enterprise that can survive and thrive in a needed—in the dairy-affected areas. It gives a deregulated industry. Two years ago, faced transitional time for those farmers who wish to with what they considered undeniable evidence exit the industry to do so. At the same time it that the industry would deregulate, the family enables them to have some cash to restructure decided to sell their Goomeri dairy operation their own operations and to get on with other and shift to a property with adequate water and farming activity. Alternatively, those who want land to provide sufficient feed year round for a to remain in the industry are going to be given 500-cow milking herd. cash over the eight-year time frame to be able In the National Competition Policy Debate, to expand or upgrade their operation. National Party Members trying to use the dairy If the National Party Members in this House industry to support their arguments, have said it supported the package at the time when it really is National Competition Policy alone that needs it, they would be doing themselves and caused the contraction in dairy industry. History their constituents a huge favour. But they have suggests differently. The Queensland dairy never ever stood up for the industry; never industry was at its height in the 1930s and 40s, understood it. If you read the national when there were 33,000 dairy farmers in competition policy debates that are still going Queensland and during those years on in this House, you will read members of the Queensland produced as much product as National Party deriding the Victorians and Victoria and New South Wales combined— making all sorts of excuses instead of helping mostly cheese and butter which was exported their constituency face up to what is a very to the United Kingdom. After World War 2 the very difficult situation. industry went into decline as butter and cheese export markets collapsed and dairying families Members of the Labor Government backbench tried desperately to hang on to their dwindling went down and met with many players of the fortunes. It was a time of total industry dairy industry in Victoria last year, and we were restructuring—without this type of package. left in no doubt—no doubt whatsoever—that Victoria would vote to deregulate its industry. The dairy industry contracted as insufficient The farmer dominated cooperatives like Murray- supplies remained to keep factories viable and Goulburn indicated that they thought their best cooperatives were amalgamated into larger, chance lay in a deregulated system because more efficient units. From the 1950s right they were suffering from a regulated system. through to the 70s, the industry contracted, Just as Queensland dairy farmers fear the leaving farmers who tended to be more Victorians, it is equally true that the Victorian professional and more concentrated around industry fears for its manufacturing from local markets—the ones who exited carried the Queensland's regulated market milk prices debts with them unassisted. which causes lower returns on manufactured The other big change happened during the milk. Bjelke-Petersen years when Australia was Let me quote from the Briefing Paper prepared locked out of the European Market. That for us by the United Dairy Farmers of Victoria: decision meant a reduction in dairy farms in south-east Queensland by 38 per cent between "A high average price paid to New South 1970 and 1974, and half of those turned over to Wales and Queensland gives incorrect beef production. market signals and is leading to the And what was the Bjelke-Petersen development of a manufacturing industry Government's response during that time—the with a cost base which is uncompetitive time when the Member for Keppel and the on the world market." Member for Cunningham were in this House— The Domestic Market Support Scheme actually absolutely nothing in terms of money on the gives New Zealand a competitive advantage of table for industry restructuring or to help our approximately 5 per cent on price in our farmers. People simply turned to other things domestic market. without any financial assistance whatsoever. New Zealand has the benefit of no levy being The immediate aftermath was the Milk Quota applied on their imported product for our System which, as was explained in this House domestic market. So, with the deregulation in the 1980s, was presided over by some of the environment which began with the Kerin plan in greatest rorts in the dairy industry, while some 1987 we have arrived at the point where our farmers had access to the metropolitan market 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1971

and some didn't. These rorts were presided the regions. For example, in Toowoomba the over by leading members of the National Party cost of the factory upgrade there was $4 million organisation of the day. and I understand from media comment that they Mr Speaker, the National Party can't face up to plan to expand the cheese range that they are this debate today; can't give meaningful offering there. In Booval the company offered a support to the Queensland Dairy Farmers $31 million upgrade to the factory. In Malanda it organisation, because they can't face the was a $3 million upgrade, and it my own ghosts of the past. They aren't at peace with electorate in Logan City, National Foods which the past because they are at war with the has entered the market spent $26 million future. In the past, they offered farmers building a new factory. I put it to the House that nothing. Now they have no credible policy none of these companies would have invested alternative but a bit of rhetoric. in this sort of money if they didn't believe that the Queensland industry had a future and a Rhetoric won't secure the future for farmers— dynamic future at that. this package helps. And if you ever doubt the National Party's There are some fundamental changes going on inability to grasp what is happening with the in the Australian society at, large which is industry then I invite honourable members to having an impact on the market milk sector. For read the contribution of the member for example, overall consumption of milk Australia Southport in this House on 17 May this year. wide is quite flat. There have been major He embarked on a self-serving attack on segmentation changes associated with the National Foods because it established itself in growth of modified and new UHT milk my electorate. Amongst some of the products. The consumption of soy milk accusations he made, and I quote: "It supported products is growing strongly. The channel the building of a processing plant at Logan movement towards domestic supermarkets has without any dairy farmers supplying it." continued to the extent that supermarkets now represent 46 per cent of all milk sales. House No new milk processing company needs to brand or generic products are growing have suppliers, as the Member for Southport strongly. suggested, prior to entry to Queensland, an allocation of the Queensland Milk is But this is not to say that the industry as a administered by the Queensland Industry whole is in terminal decline. This year Australia Authority. When a licence to process is granted will pass the 11 billion litre mark in national milk by the Board of Authority, so follows supply. production. Even with deregulation, 12 billion litres is likely within three years. In the past two This situation will change in a deregulated years Australia has successfully moved its market. The fact that somebody who passes increased production into export sales by himself off publicly as "The Farmer", couldn't taking an increased share of a static world even tell the House this most basic information, market, and if you look at the figures for Asia leads you to understand why people who have you can see that in 1991-92 dairy exports to been listening to the Member for Southport Asia totalled roughly $700 million and in 98-99 now find themselves in dire financial difficulties. they will reach $1.5 billion. In other words, they He later claimed that National Foods went out have doubled in the last eight years. That's why and started to poach and pillage suppliers. I am there is every reason to be confident about this told that National Foods haven't poached or industry. pillaged any suppliers from anyone—they are It has diversified widely in the range of dairy making offers. Farmers decide whether or not products that it can now provide. But consumer they wish to take them. National Foods patterns are changing as well. There is out of informed me that not one of the producers they home and pre-prepared meal consumption signed up is from the Gold Coast, they come which will influence the future sales for the from throughout Queensland, and they have traditional dairy products. So, whilst that's a had an interest not just from National Party problem, it does open up a number of members in this House, but also from many opportunities for local firms to work to develop dairy farmers who want to supply milk to them new value-added product lines for the growing in the post-deregulation environment. food service and food ingredient sectors, and it I have been concerned about the lack of is the food ingredient sector that is one of the competition in the processing market. This was most encouraging sectors for all our food because under the Nationals QUF (Pauls, now products. Parmalat) had had a monopoly in the Brisbane Let's have a look and see what is happening on Metropolitan Area. In an area with high the Queensland scene to see if the despair of unemployment like mine, I can assure you any the National Party is actually shared by the investment like National Foods is welcome. As a industry. The overall cost for upgrades in the direct result of National Foods coming, a Queensland dairy factory and distribution bottling company was attracted and even more centres in the last few years is a total of $40 jobs have been created locally. million; $38 million of this was spent on factory Queensland dairy farmers have the absolute upgrades, while $2 million went to distribution right, should they wish, to direct their milk to centre upgrades. And it is shared throughout the processor of their choice. That processor, 1972 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

in turn, under a deregulated market sets the within the dairy industry has been going on price it will pay for fresh milk and manufacturing since the 1930s and this is the first time ever milk. that a major restructure has gone on which Should National Dairies or any other processor affects the dairy farming population where there deem to offer a difference in price, under has been money on the table. deregulated markets, why shouldn't the Dr KINGSTON (Maryborough—IND) individual dairy farmer choose the best deal (10.41 p.m.): During the past 20 years I have available to them. The Member for Southport worked in the dairy industry in six countries, was suggesting that should that occur, less milk and it was not until tonight that I learned that will be available for processing at Dairyfields and therefore employees at that factory will an industry or a State could not change its lose their jobs. But it is up to the owners of the mind and its plans because of prices that were factory to offer a good enough deal to ensure lower than anticipated. It is the first time in my loyal dairy farmers continue to supply their life that I have been to a policy meeting for an factory and therefore retain the jobs. What industry where people played politics rather does the National Party want? A better deal than thought about the people who will suffer whereby dairy farmers can hunt around for the as a result of the way this Bill is carried or not best price, or is he just trying to contract the carried. industry by saying farmers should accept any deals regardless of whether they can get a Over the past month, I have personally better one or not. He spoke in derisive terms spoken to over 200 dairy farmers in south-east about multi-nationals. But to what multinationals Queensland. I can assure this House that not does he refer? Surely not to Pauls Parmalat, one of those farmers—not one—wants which owns Dairyfields. deregulation. All the farmers I have spoken The only question marks I think we should all to—all 200—have done their budgets, and have of this is collusion by processors. they know that they will go broke under Some time ago there was a price hike. All deregulation, even with the compensation processors put up their prices simultaneously. package. All the compensation package does, The general consumer believes there was if it is added into their income side, is prolong collusion. There is a perception that the their agony for one to two years. processors colluded and it is up to the ACCC Those farmers—and some of them are in to ensure that the public is getting a fair go. the gallery tonight—prefer not to have Above all consumer choice is needed. deregulation and to go without the Consumer choice should be about market compensation package. In other words, they prices and getting the best price. In the post prefer to go down fighting if they have to, but farm gate deregulation there is already plenty of on their own terms, not on terms imposed on examples of price fluctuation. Any trip to the them by the outdated QDO, the Victorian Lockyer Valley will show you that milk now is cooperatives or this or any other Government. becoming a loss leader for consumers to encourage people to go in and buy other I realise that the problem we face today produce in the stores up there. If you go into was not conceived by our Minister or our any of the supermarkets you will see great Premier. But making the best decision in the product variation between the various interests of our Queensland dairy farmers will products. That's what post farm deregulation severely test their ability, their understanding of was meant to deliver. the industry and their support for rural I believe that the dairy industry has a great communities. But what a great chance for future in Queensland in some regional areas. In them to show their leadership, and what a the next 10 years Queensland will be the great chance to show their willingness to listen second biggest State, therefore it has an to the grassroots people and to put the expanding and growing market for market milk. It is the drive by the Victorians to protect their interests of those people first. manufactured milk at a time when they control Mr Hayward: Turn the page. over 63 per cent of the market which has forced Dr KINGSTON: I am turning the page— deregulation on our farmers. rapidly. The package—the restructure package—allows transitional arrangements and for that the Alfred Deakin must be turning in his grave Queensland Dairy Farmers Organisation tonight. At the start of Federation, Alfred deserves full credit for coming to Government Deakin uttered speeches that made the lucky with that scheme. I congratulate the Minister for country the social lighthouse of the world. He fighting the Federal Government for extra funds gave people the knowledge and the conviction for an adjustment package. that the State would be the most likely As a Government we have been reluctantly protector of individual rights against other dragged into this decision. However, I believe agencies of social coercion. In this instance, whilst it will hurt some farmers, the restructure we do not see the State standing up for its 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1973 citizens. To take that point further, the modern survivors—the efficient operators, who have State apparatus should stand between increased their investment—an investment now programs of structural adjustment and public at threat. sector reform, because those public policy- In 1998 our Queensland dairy farmers produced making institutions stand alone between $700m worth of dairy products, and employed individual citizens and market structures. 10,000 additional employees. It is important that members of this House realise that Queensland I want to make the point that the producers produce all the year, whilst Victorian Queensland industry has already been farmers produce seasonally—in the easy, more through a rationalisation process, and we have profitable months of the year; in effect lost 82% of our dairy farmers. The people we Queensland dairy farmers have subsidised the have left are the efficient survivors. Victorian industry for the last 5 years. Finally, I would like to say a little on the In NSW 83% of dairy farmers voted against dairy industry in the Netherlands. It is highly deregulation. In WA, where there was an 80% organised. It is highly reliant on exports. It has response, 66% do not want deregulation. An produced a planning paper called "Outlook on alternate and more equitable plan is currently a Diversified Future". The objectives of that are under development by farmers throughout that the income of dairy farmers and their Australia. I understand that members of that group hoped to meet with the Premier today— families has top priority; a system of import more on this plan later. levies and export subsidies and a common vision of the future dairy policy shared by the Australia has not had a trade surplus for 25 entire production chain; and regular years. Our highest trade deficit published was calculations of the income effects of European in 1998-99 at $32.4 billion. Our overseas debt is policy on farmers' incomes. around $228 billion, or $42,000 for each of Australia's 5.5 million families. Australia has In summary, I support a moratorium. I ask 13,500 dairy farms, 98% of which are family that the rest of my speech be incorporated in owned. As the third largest exporter of dairy Hansard. products in the world, our Australian dairy industry generated, export earnings of $2 billion Leave granted. in 1998-99, despite being the only dairy Thank you, Mr Speaker. The decision that we industry in the world without Government make today will impact economically on assistance. Dairying is the largest rural industry Australia, on the Australian dairy industry, the in Australia at the wholesale level with sales of rural communities which depend on dairying $7 billion. The Australian dairy industry directly throughout Australia, and on Queensland dairy employs 60,000 regional inhabitants at farm and farmers in particular. manufacturing levels. The results of the poll concerning the Mr Speaker, the decision taken from this debate attractiveness of deregulation to dairy farmers will have a great impact on the future of this in Queensland, NSW, and Western Australia industry and the future of many rural were announced yesterday. In Queensland 85% communities. Can Australia afford to decrease of those who responded do not want its exports? Can Australia afford to throw a deregulation. In the last month I have personally large majority of these 60,000 dairy workers into spoken to over 200 dairy farmers in Sth East the ranks of the unemployed and decimate Queensland, and I can assure the House that further rural communities? not one of those farmers wants deregulation. All said they would go broke under deregulation I firmly believe that we are not only debating with the compensation package added in as the deregulation of the dairy industry; we are income (and I have checked about 20 farm also debating the impacts of the philosophy of budgets) so they prefer to fight against globalisation and deregulation. Few definitive deregulation and, if necessary, go without the impact studies have been done on dairy compensation package. In other words, they deregulation. A study on the Bega Valley prefer to go down fighting, if necessary, on showed that with a 15 cents farm gate price fall, their own terms, not on terms imposed on them 81% of the farms would become unviable, and from QDO leaders, Victorian Cooperatives, or the very existence of the dependent rural governments. communities would be seriously threatened. Individual studies in the South Burnett and the The Queensland dairy industry has already Cooloola regions have shown that the undergone its process of adjustment, efficiency compensation package will delay bankruptcy by audit, and downsizing. In 1950 we had 21,000 one to two years. dairy farmers in Queensland—in 1999, we had 1,600—a 92% reduction. During the same I recognise that the problem we face today was period, the number of dairy cows has gone not conceived by the Queensland Minister, nor from 963,000 to 203,000—a 79% reduction. But our Premier, but taking the best decision in the milk production in litres has gone from 1,300 interests of our Queensland dairy farmers is million to 822 million, a reduction of only 36%. going to severely test their ability, their Thus the dairy farmers we have left are the understanding of the industry, and their support 1974 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

for rural communities. But what a great chance unemployment, of war service, and of ordinary to show their leadership! life in Australia. They practised a more Through you, Mr Speaker, I invite the member practically orientated "hands on" economic for Inala to accompany me to the Cooloola and calculus grounded in the earlier norms of Maryborough hinterland to examine the budget practical cooperation with domestic Australian predictions of the best producers. I can assure industry. the House that the consistent recommendation Following personal interviews with 215 senior arising from these budgets is to leave the executive servants Pusey concludes: (a) that industry or go bankrupt. I repeat that the the new breed of senior executive service Queensland dairy industry has already been economist has acquired a trained incapacity to rationalised and the survivors operate efficient learn from later experience; (b) that those who agribusinesses. come from the most privileged social If we allow these farmers to go into liquidation, backgrounds are likely to have the most "anti- then what will happen to their land, some of the social" policy attitudes; (c) that they may have best land in Queensland? What rural industry corralled the reformist and economically will replace dairying? Will new farmers grow orientated Hawke Labor Government into a trees and sell carbon credits? Currently, the narrowing and increasingly exclusive carbon credit market is not well developed, nor commitment to an economic rationalism that is are carbon credits highly enough valued. Will at odds with the broad thrust of the Australian the land become national parks? But already Labor Party's policies; at odds, too, with some our national parks are not maintained and are of the key redistributive "social wage" clauses in havens for animal and plant pests. My property its Accord with Australia's highly disciplined and is constantly reinfested with dingoes, pigs, and "economically responsible" trade union groundsel, and that reinfestation comes from movement that is increasingly run by talented nearby national parks and State forestry. but ambivalent econocrats in business suits; and (d) that those who are most likely to gather At the most basic level, what we are debating expertise overseas are not the people who today are the impacts of blind adherence to a need to learn how to run programs more particular economic theory—the free market effectively but rather those who want to learn theory of Milton Friedman, the WTO, the how to close them all down. OECD, the IMF and our Federal Treasury. Encapsulated, this theory postulates that Alfred Deakin, a founding father of the Governments should abdicate their roles in Australian Federal State, said in 1890: "Instead maintaining employment and the welfare of of the State being regarded any longer as an those industries that generate employment and object of hostility to the labourer, it should now leave it to market forces. This current gospel become identified with an interest in his works, replaced the interventionist theory of Keynes, and in all workers, extending to them its used to such good effect by Menzies and sympathy and protection, and watching over McEwan, and in the "steel and rye" policy of the their welfare and prosperity." Deakin uttered newly united Germany. these words when the "Lucky Country" was the social lighthouse of the world. The movement to market economics started under Prime Minister Fraser, was continued by For the first 50 years after Federation, Australia successive Labor Governments, and may have was the model social democracy of the world. intensified under the Howard regime. These were the benefits of a nation that was Irregardless of political persuasion, the political "born modern" from a knowledge and conviction rhetoric and justifications to drive the reforms that the State would be the "most likely are the same: "eliminating waste and protector of individual rights against other inefficiency", "saving the taxpayers' dollar", agencies of social coercion" and, indeed, "that "benefiting the consumer", "lean and mean" ,and the major constraints on individual liberty were so on. not public but private". Michael Pusey in "Economic Rationalism in One hundred years later, as Canberra is swept Canberra" states that this bipartisan consensus by a locust strike of economic rationalism, the is due to the new breed of economists who fate of this social experiment would seem to be have taken over the key departments in in the unfriendly grip of ideas that come instead Canberra. In general they come from wealthy from Britain and the United States—the two families, exclusive schools and a particular great "stateless societies" as Nettl once university. That particular university economics described them. curriculum has had the strongest hand in Pusey continues: "the Australian experiment and casting our current economic policies. its trials in this last quarter of the twentieth In the crucial post-war period, the Canberra century have some universal significance. In the bureaucracy was largely built on the reputation first place, these trials measure the impact of of a very small and enormously powerful modern economics on the destiny and integrity influential group of generously minded of a nation that has set great store both on the economists. They came from modest social capacity of a State to steer the private backgrounds, and had some historical memory economy and, equally, on the capacity to shape of the Great Depression, of economic crisis and and to shelter Australia's own distinctive social 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1975

democratic "labourism" in the face of external rapid economic progress for granted and pressures. worried only about the social changes that such Second, it points to the inner workings of a progress could bring. modern State apparatus and to the significance Growth was stopped in 1974 by inflation and oil that programs of "structural adjustment" and prices. For the last 30 years US productivity "public sector reform" can have on those growth has not improved and the inequality of bureaucratic and public policy making incomes has grown. Paul Kelly and an institutions that alone stand between individual impressive research team from "The Australian" citizens and market structures. have just identified that distribution gains in And third, since Australia was indeed "born Australia form a U-curve, with the very rich on modern", these trials pose questions and one side, the needy and unemployed on the perhaps even some practical answers about the other, with what remains of the now angry fate and the social meaning of modernisation, middle class at the centre and bottom of the culture and public morality in a supposedly "U". "post-modern" world. There are three main broad explanations of Paul Krugman in his best seller "Peddling productivity—technological, social and political. Prosperity—Economic Sense and Nonsense in Continuous technological progress is the main the Age of Diminishing Expectations" traces the source of productivity increase. There is a long adoption of the interventionist theory of Lord lag time between the development of a new Keynes, the rise of Friedman's market theory, technology and the resulting productivity gain. and the quite recent return of intervention in the The political reasons centre around taxation, USA and other countries whilst their politicians incentives and growth. If a Government preach a free market theory. decided to spend an additional 1% of national He starts by repeating the personal theory of income, it may be thought that it would only reincarnation of an Indian economics lecturer. have to increase tax by 1%, but this is not He told his graduate class: "if you are a good correct. Because additional tax burdens induce economist, a virtuous economist, you are at least some people to work less, the rise in tax reborn a physicist; but if you are an evil, wicked to compensate for a 1% rise in expenditure is economist, you are reborn as a sociologist." usually around 2%. Lately, political economists The reborn socialist is committed to repairing and many journalists in the USA have become the damage to communities caused by bad "supply siders". This school believes that the economists. (I guess that that implies that there demand side does not matter, and that will be an outbreak of sociologists in Canberra Governments should avoid trying to control in the future). demand. Krugman and a host of other authors have shown that the "supply siders" have Krugman says that this reincarnation belief damaged the US growth rates substantially. shows what is wrong with economists: they Those authors also illustrate the return to want a subject that is fundamentally about interventionist economic policies in many human beings to have the mathematical countries. certainty of the hard sciences. He continues that economics is harder than physics; luckily it To trace the return to interventionist policies is not as hard as sociology. we should look at support for primary production industries in the midst of the global Krugman traces the productivity slowdown in market. the USA. Depression, runaway inflation or civil war can make a country poor, but only Harry Shutt in "The Myth of Free Trade" states productivity growth can make it rich. So why that it is progressively more difficult to maintain are we currently endorsing legislation which can the fiction that world trade is governed by a only decrease productivity? In the long run, system of rules which assures the open and barring some catastrophe, the rate of growth of non-discriminatory exchange of goods and living standards in a country is almost exactly services, as it is supposed to be according to equal to the annual increase in the amount that the principles of the GATT. an average worker can produce in an hour. At Indeed, it has become clear that Governments the end of World War II, the productivity of US see less merit in adhering to the concept of workers was about 40% of what it is today. But open trade where they perceive that it is only 54% of families owned cars, only 44% manifestly damaging to their own or their owned their own houses; even in 1950, 40% of country's interests to do so, particularly when it the population lived below the considered is apparent that other countries are showing poverty line. progressively less respect for the idea of free By the early 1970s productivity had doubled. trade. The temptation to follow their example is 63% of families owned cars, there were as many all the greater once it is recognised that to do private cars as families and only 10% of families so does not necessarily entail flouting the rules lived in poverty. The USA had become a of the GATT. Thus the contrast between official middle-class nation. This growth was expected theory and official practice—between rhetoric to continue. Alvin Toffler's "Future Shock" and and reality—is becoming more blatant than Charles Reich's "Greening of America" took ever. 1976 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

Shutt concludes that the disjunction between 2. because the preliminary AMPA scheme is demand and supply in world markets seems set based on a more realistic and modern to increase to the point where it precipitates a economic framework; major world financial collapse, with potentially 3. to give our dairy farmers who have proven catastrophic consequences for rich and poor their efficiency and ability in a distorted nations alike. His study presents substantial marketplace a better chance not just of arguments that such a disaster can only be survival, but of earning a reasonable averted and stability restored if it is openly income; accepted that world trade must be to a large extent planned, instead of being left at the 4. to restore equity to the Australian industry, mercy of increasingly unfree and unfair market and stop a selfish group in Victoria forces. dictating to the whole industry. The alternate plan being developed by AMPA Mr MULHERIN (Mackay—ALP) members for the Australian dairy industry is (10.46 p.m.): I heard the Opposition Leader progressing with the philosophy that dairy waffle on in a pious manner about the sanctity production should be planned and agreed on a of this place and how dreadful it was for the fair and logical basis, and for this reason, I Government to gag this debate, but the fact of strongly recommend to the House that we give the matter is that we wasted a day and a half these farmers time to further develop their plan. while the member for Clayfield dominated Not to do this risks the destruction of the dairy debate on a training Bill that both sides of the industry certainly in Queensland, and probably Parliament supported. in Australia. Mr Lucas interjected. If we lose the Australian dairy industry we lose $2 billion in dairy exports. Our industry Mr MULHERIN: I take the interjection from achieves these exports without Government the member for Lytton. assistance. The USA dairy industry has Mr Hegarty: Well, why didn't you gag that received US$450 billion in direct support to US one? dairy producers during the years 1989 to 1999. Additionally, the US Dairy Export Incentive Mr MULHERIN: Why couldn't the member Program pays cash to exporters as bonuses, for Redlands control the member for Clayfield? allowing them to sell certain US dairy products I support this Bill. The Queensland at prices lower than the exporters' costs of Government does not support dairy acquiring them. The stated objective is to deregulation, but deregulation in Victoria is develop export markets where US products are not competitive. Allocations under this program forcing all States, including Queensland, to will fall under the Uruguay Round agreement accept it. The State Government is being from 101,000 tons to 68,000 tons. But the US forced to deregulate the Queensland dairy Government has just committed a further $19 industry to ensure that local farmers get billion to reduce the risks of primary production access to the $1.78 billion national dairy within that country. restructure package in the wake of The dairy industry in the Netherlands is highly deregulation in Victoria. organised and heavily reliant on exports. The Like all Queensland dairy farmers, the industry is intensive and is recognised as a Government wants to keep dairy regulation in significant polluter of waterways in Holland. The Queensland. In fact, the Government industry has produced a planning paper called introduced legislation to do just that in "Outlook on a Diversified Future". It contains November 1998. The Minister for Primary some objectives of interest to this debate: Industries fought against deregulation and 1. the income of dairy farmers and their tried to encourage Victoria to shelve its families has top priority; deregulation plans. But Victoria is pushing 2. a system of import levies and export ahead. When Victoria deregulates, dairy subsidies, and a common vision of the regulation will not work and, indeed, it will deny future dairy policy shared by the entire Queensland farmers access to the restructure production chain; package that they will need. 3. regular calculations of the income effects If there was a way to keep regulation of European policy on farmers' incomes, once Victoria deregulated its massive industry, etc.; we would do it and we would do it immediately. But it is not possible. The Government's priority In summary, I support a moratorium for the is to ensure that dairy farmers access the following reasons— restructure package to offset the impacts of 1. to give the AMPA group, which I think is the very low-priced Victorian milk unleashed now more representative of the grassroots onto national markets. To deny Queensland farmers, the time to further develop their dairy farmers $220m in assistance would be alternative scheme; irresponsible. 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1977

National dairy deregulation is due to start the Nationals have deceived farmers over the on 1 July. All States must deregulate their $98m. It does not exist. The only way of respective dairy industries for the restructure finding $98m is to divert it away from the package to be available. All States have given Government's normal Budget expenditure. in-principle support to accept the Federal That would mean taking money away from Government's national dairy deregulation plan. teachers, nurses and police, because that is Members opposite have called on the State what the Budget is used for. Government to pump in a $98m pot of gold in I would not support Queensland national competition payments. The National taxpayers paying twice for dairy structural Party has invented this mythical pot of gold adjustment—once through the Federal that it claims the State Government has and Government's tax on milk and a second time argues that the pot of gold should be through the Budget. I note that the Federal distributed to the farmers. There is no pot of Government is not spending any of its normal gold for the State Government at the end of Budget expenditure on dairy; instead it is the deregulation rainbow. raising a special tax to do so. After all, this is This alleged $98m in national competition the largest structural adjustment package for payments does not exist. The magical $98m is any industry ever in the history of Australia. a myth. It is a flight of fancy. It is made up. It is $220m is a very large sum of money—about a cruel joke being played by the National $130,000 for every farmer. This is the amount Party. The butt of the joke is the farmers. Only of money asked for by the industry and agreed last night the Opposition moaned that the to by the Federal Government. While the State State Government had spent all the money. is obviously using existing schemes to support Now those opposite are saying that we should farmers, there is no case for additional send the Budget into deficit and spend some taxpayer support to the dairy industry. more money. I would like to focus on what the State The National Party claims that the Government is doing to address the effects of Western Australian Government is allocating the Victorian-inspired deregulation. A wide $35m to assist the industry in Western range of State Government programs will be Australia. As everybody knows, the available to the dairy industry and communities Government in Western Australia is on the in addition to Queensland's $232m share of a nose. It is under siege and is facing a huge national dairy deregulation restructure electoral defeat and is pathetically trying to buy package. The programs and initiatives across a few votes. Farmers deserve better from the a range of State Government departments party that purports to represent them. include on-farm support, business There are only two explanations for the development grants, counselling, training and National Party's constant harping on the non- community assistance. existent $98m—either those opposite are Importantly, we have established a Dairy incompetent or they are dishonest. Perhaps Information Service to refer dairy farmers and they are incompetent, because the National others who are affected to the services Party is unable to understand available from Government as well as the Commonwealth/State financial relations. community and the private sector. The Dairy Members of the National Party do not Information Service can be contacted toll free understand that the National Competition on 13 25 23. In addition, the State Council's threat to take $98m from Government will provide the secretariat to a Queensland if it does not deregulate does not Government/industry working group to monitor mean that Queensland will get $98m if it does the impacts of dairy deregulation in deregulate. That is fallacious logic. Queensland and report back to the intergovernmental task force established by Perhaps the National Party has invented the Council of Australian Agriculture Ministers. the $98m to cover up for its shameful failure to assist the Minister for Primary Industries when Queensland Government programs and he secured from the Federal Government an initiatives include— additional $12m for rural communities affected an industry development scheme offering by deregulation. Honourable members will assistance of up to $150,000 over three remember that the National Party in years for businesses to assist businesses Queensland has done absolutely nothing by to be globally competitive, develop export way of gaining support from their Federal markets, attract investment, adopt new colleagues. It took a Labor Government to do technology, develop innovative products that. Whether it is because they are and services, and develop environmental incompetent or because they are dishonest, management plans; 1978 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

a program to assist regions to adjust to prioritised applications from local structural industry change by undertaking government authorities for subsidies and sector analysis and setting industry grant funding for infrastructure projects in priorities and strategies as well as affected communities. developing industry sector plans and These existing programs will be used by the clustering that support for existing and Queensland Government to provide help to developing industries; dairy farmers. The Department of Primary services for small business, including Industries has also made available a number offering advice on building and improving of staff full time to assist in accessing the business, consultation with business $12m for dairy communities that Queensland advisers and seminars; secured earlier this year. access to business resource centres to Recently, I visited the dairy farmers of provide specific tailored information on Eungella, in the upper reaches of the Pioneer market research, industry benchmarks, Valley. The Minister for Primary Industries industry trends, demographics, needs came with me. There are 12 farmers at assessment and access to industry- Eungella. They supply Pauls under long-term specific information; supply contracts. Their milk is processed at 15 DPI farm financial counsellors across Mackay in a factory employing 26 workers. the State to help farmers assess their Those farmers have a high proportion of their options and strategies for adjustment and production in market milk—around to help farmers access the restructure 70%—which means that with deregulation they package and other programs as well as will feel the effects. negotiations with financial institutions and The price paid for market milk is expected referral to commercial providers and to drop from 58.9c a litre to around 44c a litre. welfare services; The average return per litre for the Eungella DPI dairy extension officers based around farmers is expected to drop from 48c a litre to the State offering on-farm advice; 37c a litre. Those farmers expressed concern FarmBis grants of up to $4,000 to farm about the uncertainty of even that price. They families and operators to help them will be on contracts under which the price can access professional business advice for change every three months. The farmers said farm-related business planning; to me that the restructure package will come in very handy for them. Some will use it to retire a range of services for dairy farmers to debt. Most will hang on and keep dairying, but provide good quality information and to will look for opportunities for diversification. develop business management skills of Tourism offers such a chance. I am not sure dairy farmers with group workshops and whether many members have been up to one-to-one assistance, computer training Eungella, but let me assure them that it is a and the Queensland dairy accounting most beautiful and picturesque place. It would scheme program, which analyses the be ideal for farmstays and for day trips out of physical and financial aspects of dairy Mackay. Peter Woodland and his fellow farm performance; farmers are creatively looking at these access to assistance under the Primary opportunities. Industry Productivity Enhancement I want to make sure that the area Scheme, which is administered by the consultative committee for the Mackay region Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority, looks at using some of the $12m allocated to for farm build-up, rationalisation of Queensland under the Dairy Regional partnerships, diversification into other on- Assistance Program to assist the Eungella farm activities and on-farm development; farmers in developing tourist options for their a range of employment programs for re- area. This is a very difficult time for the dairy skilling for growth industries, community industry. With the money from the restructure activities for long-term unemployed, package and through existing Government targeted assistance for retrenched programs, I hope that dairy farmers such as workers; those at Eungella will be able to weather this a wide range of services for individuals, storm and continue producing good quality families and communities including milk for Queensland. I commend this Bill to the counselling, support services, information House. and referral, parent education, improving Dr WATSON (Moggill—LP) (Leader of the family relationships and emergency relief; Liberal Party) (10.59 p.m.): Before I get into and the debate proper on the Dairy Industry 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1979

(Implementation of National Adjustment first with the price of milk in Western Australia, Arrangements) Amendment Bill, I want to say where the transport costs push up the prices of something about remarks made in this place groceries that are produced in eastern States. by the member for Mackay and the member At the moment, there appears to be for Logan. They indulged in absolute prattle in choice on supermarket shelves, but the reality accusing members on this side of the House is that most of those brands are owned or of not being able to run the business of the controlled by one or two companies. Over the Parliament. The Government has the past few years in Queensland, we have seen a numbers. It is the Government that sets the partial deregulation of the dairy industry and agenda. The Training and Employment Bill new milk brands have come onto was concluded yesterday morning. Queensland's supermarket shelves. Despite Mr Lucas interjected. the small increase in competition with southern Mr Kaiser interjected. milk producers, we have not seen a drop in the price of milk. In fact, since June 1998, the Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves): price of milk has increased by over 15c a litre. Order! The member for Woodridge and the Although I welcomed the announcement on member for Lytton will interject from their 12 July by the major milk producer in correct seats. Queensland, Pauls, that they would drop the Dr WATSON: Since that time, we have retail price of milk by 3c a litre, I do not expect had about 14 or 15 hours of debate, including to see any further drops. four hours of debate last night when debate Mr Springborg: It is still 21c more than it on private members' Bills was postponed in was on 1 January. favour of Government Bills. That is the reality. If there is any complaint about not being able Dr WATSON: That is exactly right. In to debate this Bill properly, the fault lies wholly Brisbane, the price of a litre of milk is now and solely with the Government. Let us not $1.35, yet the farm gate price is 40c a litre and hear any more such nonsense. falling. On 1 July, the farm gate price will drop to 25c a litre. However, the retail price of milk At 9.15 tonight, the Leader of the House will come down by only 3c a litre. To me, that is moved the gag. There was no discussion not enough of a price benefit for the consumer beforehand. There was no indication that to justify the impact on the dairy farmer. possibly the other Bills could be debated within a shorter time frame. There was no indication According to the Primary Industries whatsoever that the speeches on the other Minister, this is a juggernaut that cannot be Bills could be curtailed. There was none of that stopped. Yesterday on the ABC's AM at all. We were led to believe that this Bill was program, the Minister said— going to be debated to the end. Yet at 9.15 "I believe that dairy deregulation in tonight the Leader of the House applied the Australia is inevitable, especially here in gag. What hypocrites they are! The member Queensland because of the domino for Logan and the member for Mackay cannot effects of what's happening in Victoria." get away with that kind of nonsense. Although I recognise the commercial reality of As a Liberal and as a supporter of that statement, I believe that we should slow competitive markets, I understand the benefits down and take stock. While our dairy farmers that a deregulated industry can bring. have adopted new technology and increased Deregulation can bring greater competition the quantity and quality of their milk, they have and choice for consumers. It can bring lower yet to reach price parity with their Victorian prices and better quality products. Competitive counterparts. As I said earlier, since June 1998 industries are generally more dynamic and the retail price of a litre of milk has increased better prepared to cope with technological and by just over 15c while the farm gate price has market changes than are protected industries. been falling. Although I am a supporter of competitive I see the problem of milk pricing lying markets, I am unable to support the dairy somewhere between the farm gate and the industry Bill that is before the House. I see little supermarket fridge. The only people who will benefit to the consumer or to the producer in make money from the complete deregulation this proposed deregulation of the dairy of Queensland's dairy industry will be the industry—far from it. In Victoria, where the middlemen who have been skimming the dairy industry deregulated its processing and cream off the profits for years. There is a retail sector some years ago and where the problem with any system when the wholesale bulk of the dairy industry is concentrated, the price is reduced but the retail price is price of milk is the most expensive in Australia. increased. It raises concerns about the In fact, the price of milk in that State is equal concentration of the industry between the 1980 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 farmer and the consumer. We should also try We can restructure the industry or help dairy to ensure there is competition in that sector. farmers diversify. The grass should be greener The Beattie Government appears to want on the other side of deregulation. The State to keep the $98m in competition payments. Government needs to look at choice programs The member for Mackay mentioned that such as those that were undertaken in the particular point, but forgot to mention the tobacco growing areas of the Atherton points that were made by the Opposition Tableland. Those programs assisted those spokesman, the Leader of the Opposition and tobacco growers who could no longer the member for Toowoomba South about the participate in the industry to diversify into kinds of things that the coalition did when it alternative crops. The State Government also was in Government. It passed on to local needs to look at encouraging farmers into governments the $150m in competition value-adding activities such as those of the payments in relation to local governments. The downs cotton farmer's wife who is spinning the same kind of rationale should apply in this cotton that they grow and making bedsheets. case. The Beattie Government appears to She is adding value to their products. want to keep that $98m in competition The Federal Government is offering a payments from the Federal Government rather compensation package, but the Beattie than regard it as an opportunity to help Government is yet to show the colour of its farmers who have been caught by policy money to the dairy industry. The member for changes that are outside of their control. Logan said, "Show me the money." That is I want to make the point that deregulation what we should ask this Beattie Government, does not have to mean the end of "Show me the colour of your money to help Queensland's dairy farmers' livelihoods or the the dairy industry." communities that have developed as a result The dairy industry in Queensland needs a of the dairy industry. Under the national plan for the future. The Beattie Government competition payments scheme, the Federal ought to be taking that $98m in competition Government has allocated $98m to payments and using it not to plug up Treasurer Queensland in recognition of increased Hamill's black hole—and, of course, we have competition. This allocation should be used to seen plenty of that over the past few supplement the assistance package provided weeks—but to help restructure the dairy by the Federal Government to help those industry. At the moment, the Beattie farmers who want to continue dairy farming by Government is not lifting a finger to help restructuring, or to help those who wish to do Queensland dairy farmers. It is just rushing so to diversify into other areas, be that into through this legislation to make sure that it other rural industries or commercial ventures. keeps the $98m in competition payments from That would assist communities such as the Federal Government. The Government those in Maleny, where the Cork family has has applied the gag to ensure that this debate been dairy farming for five or six is limited to late on Thursday night. This is not generations—a family that will surely be hurt the action of a Government that is concerned on 1 July when the farm gate price drops by about ordinary Queenslanders. It is not the 18c a litre. Rob Cork has done his sums and action of an honest, open accountable found that he will lose about $650,000 in Government. Of course, on this side of the capital value. That is the total value of his land, House, that is what we have come to expect dairy cattle and the milk quota. Over the life of from it, and we expect to see that in the future the Federal Government's restructure also. package, he will lose $1.9m. That is not just Mr VEIVERS (Southport—NPA) dollars; that is money spent in the small (11.06 p.m.): Tonight, we heard the member regional community of Maleny. Maleny vets will for Logan and the member for Mackay say suffer; Maleny small businesses will suffer; that there is no such thing as the $98m for the people will sell up or, worse, just shut their dairy farmers in Queensland. How peculiar that doors. People will move away. For such a on 22 July 1999 during question time none close-knit community that has been built by other than the Premier said— generations of dairy farmers—like many other "I table a copy of a letter that I have agriculture communities around written to the Prime Minister seeking his Queensland—the loss of family and friends as personal intervention to preserve the they move away to look for work will be $15m payment to Queensland for the St devastating. George dam and the $98m that this State So what can we do for Maleny and other should receive in compensation payments dairy communities throughout Queensland? in relation to the dairy industry." 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1981

That is what the Premier said. You are a lying vote for this Government. They might vote for pack of mongrels. the former One Nation members. If they have Mr Seeney interjected. a bit of sense they will vote for us or give us their second preferences. The Government Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves): does not do anything for them. It has never Order! The member for Callide! I think that it is done anything for those people. What will the highly inappropriate for those members on my Government tell the people in Maleny when left to interject on their own member. The they go broke? That $98m could have member for Southport will speak through the sustained them. What will the Government do Chair. for those little places after the dairy farmers Mr VEIVERS: I am absolutely delighted to have gone? What will the shopkeepers do? do so. I am glad to see the member for Logan back in the Chamber. His contribution was a Mr Mickel interjected. load of rot. A factory was built in his electorate Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The with taxpayers' money, and it was done so member for Logan will cease interjecting. that— Mr VEIVERS: They should get Mr MICKEL: I rise to a point of order. That themselves bailed out; that is all they are good is incorrect. They used $26m of their own for. The Government is putting up terrible stuff shareholders' money. in this place tonight. It is a pack of lies. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There is Mr MICKEL: I rise to a point of order. no point of order. The House has been warned Surely that is unparliamentary? The word "lies" about frivolous points of order. is unparliamentary. I seek a withdrawal. Mr VEIVERS: Mr Deputy Speaker, thank Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There is you for your protection. Taxpayers' money was no point of order. put into that factory so that the member for Logan could gather some votes and win his Mr VEIVERS: How many more frivolous seat. That company did not even have any points of order will we have to cop from dairy farmers to supply it. It had to go out and members opposite? Mr Deputy Speaker, you find some. better march one of them shortly. This is the sort of rot that we have had to Dr John Kingston did not have the chance put up with. Why is it that at 11 o'clock at night to say this, but he wrote a letter to the editor of we are allowed to speak? The dairy farmers Queensland Country Life and stated—and I cannot be here for this debate. Those agree with it—that deregulation of the members opposite can be present for this Australian dairy industry will mean that it will be debate, but the dairy farmers are home milking the only major dairy industry in the world their cows. The members knew that they could without Government support for dairy farmers. not be here for this debate at this time. The There is nothing from this Government. The Government would not dare hold this debate World Trade Organisation is not worth two in the middle of the day. No! The members cups of cold water. We are selling our dairy opposite are so low that they could go out produce on the world market against all of under a closed door. They are lower than a those protectionist policies, and we can do it snake's belly. quite easily given half a chance. The Premier said, "Good on you, Prime Tonight the Government applied the gag Minister. Send us the $98m. Beauty!" They so we could not debate this legislation. All of have got it and they are not going to give it to those poor guys came down to see the Leader these blokes. That money is on top of the of the Opposition and the Premier. The $220m they are receiving from the Federal Premier must have booted them out. I do not Government. know what he told them. The Minister for Mr Mickel interjected. Primary Industries cannot look me in the eye. Mr VEIVERS: This Government would not He is looking down, because he knows that he give them anything. But over in Western has been rolled well and truly. To dairy farmers Australia Richard Court is giving them an extra all throughout Queensland he will be known as $34m. the "Minister for poverty". He is a disgrace. He should resign. He has not fought for them one An honourable member interjected. bit. He has been piously answering questions Mr VEIVERS: It is giving just 400 dairy during question time and dancing around, but farmers $37m on top of the package. Up here he is all words. When he has to fight, he does we have 1,600 of them. The Government not have one bit of fight in him. He has a heart does not care one bit about them; they do not like a caraway seed. He should stand up for 1982 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000 the people up in the gallery. That is what we in Hon. K. W. HAYWARD (Kallangur—ALP) this place are supposed to do. (11.16 p.m.): Tonight I wish to take the Dr Kingston further stated that the dairy opportunity to say a few words about this Bill. industry is a major rural employer. Those dairy The Dairy Industry (Implementation of National farmers will fall over because the Government Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill is not going to give them the $98m. It is in the 2000 is very important. I can understand the coffers. Mr Hamill identified that in July 1999 a emotion that this sort of Bill can generate. We figure of $98m was set aside for the dairy have seen that tonight in this Parliament. That industry. Even the dodgy Treasurer has is something that we expect. admitted that there is $98m on top of the We have to understand what this Bill is $220m package that should be coming to the about. That was made clear by the Minister in dairy farmers of Queensland. his second-reading speech when he said that I should not take up much more time, this Bill paves the way for Queensland's because many more Opposition members participation in the National Dairy Industry wish to speak. The Deputy Leader of the Adjustment Program, which is proposed to National Party and the Independent members commence on 1 July 2000. Tonight some want to speak. We are being short-changed in members have argued that the whole process terms of speaking time, because the of deregulation should be opposed, although Government applied the gag. It was not game not everybody agreed. There is a bit of a to face the people and to debate this Bill mixed message. But it should also be openly. understood—and the Minister said this in his second-reading speech—that this is being Mr Sullivan: Let's have more on the done at the Commonwealth's insistence. We training Bill. hear silence on that point from members Mr VEIVERS: You had a chance to gag opposite. At the Commonwealth's insistence, that, but you did not have the ticker to do it. the Bill provides for the deregulation of the You were looking after your union mates. Queensland dairy industry. I have not heard Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves): The one member opposite—not even the member for Southport will address his remarks members at the back of the Chamber—say through the Chair. anything about the National Party or the Labor Party in Canberra. Mr VEIVERS: Yes. Mr Veivers interjected. I want to warn the dairy farmers around Queensland that this mob opposite will come Mr HAYWARD: I am happy to concede to out and make them all the promises in the the member for Southport— world, just as they have up to this point, but Mr PAFF: I rise to a point of order. That is they will not deliver a cracker. They are not into not correct. That has been said many times by this; those people out there do not vote for members on this side of the House. them. The Government does not care about Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There is rural Queensland or the infrastructure of those no point of order. small towns. What will happen to places such as Boonah, Beaudesert and similar places? Mr HAYWARD: I have had conversations Who will buy the tractors? What will happen? with the member in the corridor. I know his position. The corridor can be slightly different The previous speaker said that prices will from this place, as we know—as the member drop to about 27c a litre—and the average sitting next to the member for Southport knows price is about 29.5c or 29.8c right now—once and as a lot of other members know. I am deregulation comes in. I do not know too prepared to accept that the honourable many dairy farmers throughout Queensland member is sure that he has been dudded by who can sustain dairying when they will have his Commonwealth colleagues. There is no to produce milk below that price. That is what doubt about that. they are getting. Members opposite could have covered it. They could have done Mr VEIVERS: I rise to a point of order. something for them. But, no, they guillotined What the honourable member just said is a this debate. They are sitting opposite piously total fabrication. I ask that it be withdrawn. thinking that it will all go away. It will not. The Mr HAYWARD: I will withdraw it. But I will people in the bush have woken up to them. If say that he has been dudded by his they have not, members on this side of the Commonwealth colleagues. I will say it; House will have to take the message out there someone has to say it. We cannot get anyone that this Minister and this Government are not opposite to acknowledge that this Bill is here worth any salt at all. because of the Commonwealth's insistence. It 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1983 is not here for fun. It is here because the debate, there is no choice in this matter for Commonwealth insisted that it be here. It is Queensland. As I said in my second-reading here because of the lack of leadership by speech, the options are quite stark. Victoria is Howard from the Liberal Party and Anderson determined to deregulate. I think their farmers from the National Party. They have not been will end up ruing the day they voted for this. able to do anything. Before the ballot in Victoria, Minister Richard Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Reeves): Amery from New South Wales and I jointly Order! In accordance with the motion passed urged Victorian farmers to think again. They earlier this evening, I now call the Minister in did not and the die was cast. They voted 89% reply. in favour of deregulation. Opposition members interjected. With deregulation will come irresistible Hon. H. PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) commercial forces. We in Queensland cannot (Minister for Primary Industries and Rural maintain our regulated system in the face of Communities) (11.19 p.m.), in reply: I have that challenge. Neither the market nor the yielded 20 minutes of my time to allow Constitution will allow us to do so. So we are members opposite to have a chance to speak, faced with a central problem of a deregulated so they might as well give me a chance. environment, with much lower farm gate prices either with or without the national package. Mr Borbidge interjected. The payments to farmers under the national Mr Johnson interjected. restructure package will assist our producers. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I warn the There has never in our history been such a members for Surfers Paradise and Gregory. massive package of assistance for an industry facing deregulation. I trust that access to the Mr PALASZCZUK: I have listened very $220m will help ease the transition for carefully to all the contributions of honourable Queensland farmers. Of course, as has been members in this most important debate. mentioned, we already have secured an Mr Rowell interjected. additional $12m for Queensland for our rural Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The communities. member for Hinchinbrook will cease I assumed the Rural Communities interjecting. portfolio at the end of last year, but I have Mr PALASZCZUK: Once we take all the been travelling around our country towns for rhetoric out, concern for the welfare of our many years. Those towns in dairying areas will dairy farmers has been foremost in every hopefully be able to access funding to use in speech. I think it is something to be proud of dealing with the effects of deregulation. that members from both sides of the House Queensland will access $232m by accepting recognise the enormous changes that will take this package and deregulating our industry. place in the dairy industry and how these The Federal Government has made it quite changes will affect our farmers, their families clear that the package is available only on the and their communities. condition that all States deregulate their industry, and all States have said that they will Mr ROWELL: I move— do so. This legislation comes into effect only if "That the Minister's speech be that occurs. If it does not, if one State stays incorporated in Hansard so that we have out and the Federal Government withdraws more time for debate." the scheme, then we will not deregulate. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! That I want to take this chance to thank all the motion is disallowed because it is not the dairy farmers who have spoken to me or appropriate time for it. written to me on this issue. I have met them Mr PALASZCZUK: I thank all members for and I have admired their strength and spirit in their comments. If there is one theme that has dealing with this major change. The unified the debate today, it is our profound Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation has scepticism about the benefits of deregulation. been most prominent in representing the views Members will know my position on this topic. I of its members, and I thank Pat Rowley for his have made it clear on countless occasions in advice and counsel in the past 18 months. As this House and in many meetings in small halls Pat and his members well know, this is a in dairying communities around Queensland. I decision over which I have agonised and to was and still am sceptical about deregulation. I which I have come most reluctantly. am not convinced that it will deliver better Nonetheless, we have no choice. Victoria has outcomes for our farmers or our consumers. crossed the Rubicon and there is no going But, as many speakers have highlighted in this back. 1984 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

Mr Johnson interjected. the Minister's intention at this stage to delay Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I remind proclamation of the Bill? If the National Party in the member for Gregory that he has already New South Wales votes down the Bill in that been warned under Standing Order 123A. Parliament, we will not have a national agreement as is required by the Federal Mr PALASZCZUK: I am going to be very, Government. Accordingly, this would have a very interested to see the way in which the knock-on effect to each and every other State, Opposition and the people up the back of the especially if we pass this legislation here Chamber vote in relation to this piece of tonight. I would be interested in the Minister's legislation. ideas as to whether we should wait to see Mr Seeney interjected. what New South Wales is up to before we Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The proclaim this legislation. member for Callide! There is another aspect that concerns Mr PALASZCZUK: They have one choice, me. I understand that there were discussions and that choice is to support the legislation so today between either the Minister or the that this legislation is in place just in case. Premier with the AMPA and the QDO. Certain undertakings were given in the course of those Mr Healy interjected. discussions in which it was decided to get legal Mr Seeney interjected. advice on the proposals put forward. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The Accordingly, while going through this process, member for Toowoomba North! I remind the is there any concern on the Minister's part to member for Callide that he has already been make sure that this document is given due warned under Standing Order 123A. consideration and, accordingly, that there may be a delay in proclamation? I ask the Minister Mr PALASZCZUK: I commend the Bill to to comment on that. the House. Mr PALASZCZUK: The honourable Question—That the Bill be read a second member has raised two very important issues. time—put; and the House divided— The first one involves the decision that is about AYES, 40—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, to be taken in the New South Wales Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, J. Cunningham, Parliament. My understanding is that the Edmond, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Hamill, Hayward, legislation went through the Lower House. It Kaiser, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, Mickel, Miller, Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, went to the Upper House and was amended Palaszczuk, Pitt, Reeves, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, by the Opposition and has been returned to Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wells, the Lower House. At this stage, the legislation Wilson. Tellers: Sullivan, Purcell is locked in the Lower House. My NOES, 35—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Connor, understanding is that the Upper House will sit E. Cunningham, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, tomorrow. Whether the Lower House will sit Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, tomorrow, I am not too sure, but I can get that Laming, Lingard, Malone, Mitchell, Paff, Prenzler, information later. Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Simpson, Slack, However, my problem is this: if the Springborg, Stephan, Turner, Veivers, Watson, legislation does not get through the New Wellington. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty South Wales Parliament by tomorrow, my Resolved in the affirmative. understanding is that the Lower House will not sit again until after the Olympic Games, which Committee is way past the deadline. What does that mean for our dairy farmers? If one State does Hon. H. PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) not deregulate, it means simply this: under the (Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Federal Government's dairy industry Communities) in charge of the Bill. restructure package the 11c per litre levy will Clause 1, as read, agreed to. be struck on milk in supermarkets from 8 July. Clause 2— Who is going to pay for that? Are consumers going to pay the extra 11c or will I face the Mr MICKEL (11.32 p.m.): Clause 2 is the pressure of having to reduce the farm gate one that concerns us on this side of the price by 11c? Those are the issues which are Chamber. Clause 2(1) states— taxing my mind at present. "This Act commences on a day to be The reason I want this legislation to pass fixed by proclamation." through this House tonight is so we have a Given the doubts about the passage of the Bill safeguard there for our dairy farmers just in through the New South Wales Parliament, is it case. All we need to know is that the Victorian 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1985 industry is going to deregulate whether we like progress of the Committee under the gag that it or not. Once they deregulate, whether there was applied earlier this evening. is a package or whether there is not a Mr MICKEL: Mr Chairman, I rise to a point package, the forces and domino effects of that of order. I have never seen an act of greater decision in Victoria from 1 July will reverberate defiance from anybody in this Chamber than throughout Australia. That means that if we do that of the Honourable the Leader of the not pass this legislation our dairy farmers will Opposition. The Leader of the Opposition was not be able to access the $220m that will be openly flouting your ruling. made available to them through the dairy industry restructure package. That is the first The CHAIRMAN: Order! We had a thing we have to do. That is very important. frivolous point of order from the Leader of the Opposition. I allowed him to be heard. I did not The second issue that the honourable see one side of the Chamber screaming at member raised relates to the meeting between him. the Premier, the QDO and the AMPA. I believe it was a very cordial meeting. As a result of Mr Borbidge: I was speaking to the that meeting, Crown Law advice has been clause. sought urgently on the AMPA proposal. I The CHAIRMAN: You were speaking to understand that there will be a meeting which clause? I call the member for Kallangur. tomorrow afternoon when the QDO, the Mr HAYWARD: My question relates to AMPA, Crown Law solicitors, the Attorney- clause 2. I am sure that the Minister will not General and myself can go further through this take 10 minutes to answer it. proposal. I implore all honourable members to think of what is happening in New South Mr LAMING: I rise to a point of order. Is it Wales. not normal procedure to give the shadow Minister precedence, after the Minister? An honourable member interjected. The CHAIRMAN: I would be happy to. I Mr PALASZCZUK: Yes. Think of our dairy call the shadow Minister on clause 2. farmers in Queensland. We need to pass this legislation to ensure we have a safeguard for Mr ROWELL: I would like to move an our dairy farmers in Queensland. amendment to clause 16. Mr HAYWARD: I have a question The CHAIRMAN: We are dealing with following on from what the member for Logan clause 2. said about clause 2. Is the Minister saying that Mr BORBIDGE: I move that the on the evidence now he does not know when Committee proceed to clause 16. proclamation will occur? The CHAIRMAN: The motion is out of Mr BORBIDGE: I rise to a point of order. order. I call the member for Kallangur. The member for Hinchinbrook has circulated Mr HAYWARD: As I said, the answer from an amendment to clause 16 which deals with the Minister will not take 10 minutes. Basically the $98m. The Committee is to report within what I want to know is: does the Minister know 10 minutes. when the proclamation will occur? In his The CHAIRMAN: Order! There is no point second-reading speech the Minister made the of order. point that the National Dairy Industry Adjustment Program is proposed to Mr BORBIDGE: It is very clear that there commence on 1 July 2000. is a filibuster on by members of the Government to prevent a vote being taken on Mr PALASZCZUK: The honourable the allocation of the national competition member is correct in his assertion that the payments to this State. national dairy industry restructure package is to commence on 1 July. However, I must The CHAIRMAN: Order! I am on my feet. I reiterate: if not all States in Australia sign up to warn the member— the dairy industry restructure package or pass Mr BORBIDGE: Mr Chairman, this is an the legislation by the end of this month, absolute outrage. The Government members unfortunately, the dairy industry restructure are seeking to filibuster to prevent a vote being package of 11c a litre on milk will commence taken on the $98m of national competition from 8 July this year, and then I as Minister payments that belong to the industry in this have to make a decision about whether I State. We are getting dorothy dixer after reduce the farm gate price by 11c a litre with dorothy dixer addressed to the Minister in nothing at all for our dairy farmers. That is the order to try to prevent the vote being taken. problem I am faced with. I expect members We have 10 minutes in which to report the opposite to support me. 1986 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 22 Jun 2000

Mr MICKEL: I listened very carefully to the Mr BORBIDGE: Mr Chairman, I rise to a answer of the Minister— point of order. This is a deliberate attempt by Mr Elliott: You are a disgrace! That is the honourable member to prevent the what you are. It is an absolute disgrace what Committee from dividing on the $98m of you are doing tonight. national competition payments. We have fewer than five minutes before the Committee The CHAIRMAN: The member for is required to report under the gag that was Cunningham will cease interjecting. I cannot moved by the Leader of the House. We see a hear the member for Logan. I will have order. concerted effort to filibuster because the Mr MICKEL: I thank the honourable honourable members opposite do not have member for Cunningham for his diligence. the guts or the decency to face the people That was the longest speech we have ever and explain why they are putting $98m of heard him make in this Chamber! national competition payments, which should In view of the fact that this national be going to the dairy industry in this State, into agreement may fall over, is it the Minister's their pockets to fill a black hole in the Budget. intention to prevail on the Federal Government This is a blatant abuse of the Committee to immediately call all of the primary industries of the Whole House. It is being used for Ministers together to make sure that we do get Dorothy Dix questions by honourable members a national agreement? Unlike members who have totally sold out the dairy industry in opposite, it is my intention to make sure that this State. Mr Chairman, for the sake of the dairy farmers in Queensland and Australia decency I ask you to enforce the Standing actually benefit from what the Queensland Orders so that the amendment to clause 16 Dairyfarmers Organisation has called an proposed by the honourable member for historic agreement. Out of this package they Hinchinbrook, of which notice has been given, do get payments of $1.75 billion. This package can be properly debated and voted upon in stands in stark contrast to what the National the very short time that we have left. Party in Government did in 1970, when Mr MICKEL: This from the Leader of the Queensland dairy farmers were forced out of Opposition, who allowed the member for the EU. There was not one cent of Clayfield to run around for a day and a half Queensland National Party State Government holding up the proceedings of this Parliament money for the dairy farmers in Queensland. on a Bill that basically the whole Chamber That stands in sharp contrast to this package. agreed upon! That is why the member for Cunningham is so aerated and coming out with all of this Mr SANTORO: Mr Chairman, I rise to a personal abuse. point of order. I find the comments of the not- so-honourable member for Logan offensive Mr BORBIDGE: Mr Chairman, I move that and ask that they be withdrawn. clause 2 be agreed to. The CHAIRMAN: I ask the member for The CHAIRMAN: That is out of order. Logan to withdraw. Mr MICKEL: I am seeking an answer to a Mr MICKEL: The whole Parliament very serious proposition because what is at should— stake is $1.75 billion. If the New South Wales National Party is behaving as reprehensibly as The CHAIRMAN: I ask you to withdraw the National Party here in Queensland is, I unequivocally. would like to see the convening of a national Mr MICKEL: I withdraw. meeting of primary industries Ministers. That is not a difficult proposition. This is of the utmost Mr SPRINGBORG: In speaking to urgency for the Queensland industry. It clause 2, I can help the member with his bothers me not in the least that the National benign remonstrations. There is one simple Party is not interested in this. It has never way for him to fix the concerns he allegedly been interested in Queensland dairy farmers, has, that is, to adopt the same sensitivity and as it showed in 1970 when people such as the heart that the National Party in the New South member for Cunningham were running for Wales Upper House has, along with the other preselection— Independent members, and to actually move to put in place a scheme which will see some Mr BEANLAND: Mr Chairman, I rise to a sort of decent State-based compensation. point of order. I dare say that this is totally Then he will not have to come into this place irrelevant to clause 2 of the Bill. It has nothing crying crocodile tears and he will not have to whatsoever to do with clause 2 of the Bill. be worried about the scheme falling over. At Mr MICKEL: It is absolutely relevant, the end of the day, those opposite know that Mr Chairman, as you know. they have the numbers in this Parliament. The 22 Jun 2000 Dairy Industry (Implementation of National Adjustment Arrangements) Amendment Bill 1987

National Party in New South Wales has some Question—put; and the Committee concern—something those opposite are not divided— demonstrating in this Parliament. That is the AYES, 40—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, way to solve his problem. Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, J. Cunningham, Mr BORBIDGE: I move the following Edmond, Fenlon, Foley, Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, amendment— Kaiser, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, Mickel, Miller, Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, "That clause 2 be subject to the Palaszczuk, Pitt, Reeves, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, $98m of national competition payments Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wells, being made available to the dairy Wilson. Tellers: Sullivan, Purcell industry." NOES, 35—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Connor, E. Mr MACKENROTH: Mr Chairman, I rise to Cunningham, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, a point of order— Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, Laming, Lingard, Malone, Mitchell, Paff, Prenzler, The CHAIRMAN: The motion is out of Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Simpson, Slack, order. Resume your seat. Springborg, Stephan, Turner, Veivers, Watson, Mr BORBIDGE: Why is it out of order, Mr Wellington. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty Chairman? Have you been told that it is out of Resolved in the affirmative. order by the Leader of the House? The CHAIRMAN: I am told by the Clerk. I ask you to withdraw. Third Reading Mr BORBIDGE: Mr Chairman, I can move Hon. H. PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) an amendment to a clause— (Minister for Primary Industries and Rural The CHAIRMAN: Sit down. I warn you Communities) (11.59 p.m.): I move— under Standing Order 124. "That the Bill be now read a third Opposition members: You can't. time." The CHAIRMAN: I can. Question—put; and the House divided— Mr MACKENROTH: I rise to a point of AYES, 40—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, order. Mr Chairman, under the resolution Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, J. Cunningham, agreed to in the House, you must put the Edmond, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Hamill, Hayward, motion. Kaiser, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, Mickel, Miller, Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, Question—That clauses 2 to 16, as read, Palaszczuk, Pitt, Reeves, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, be agreed to—put; and the Committee Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wells, divided— Wilson. Tellers: Sullivan, Purcell AYES, 40—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, NOES, 35—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Connor, Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, J. Cunningham, E. Cunningham, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Edmond, Fenlon, Foley, Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, Kaiser, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, Mickel, Miller, Laming, Lingard, Malone, Mitchell, Paff, Prenzler, Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Simpson, Slack, Palaszczuk, Pitt, Reeves, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, Springborg, Stephan, Turner, Veivers, Watson, Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wells, Wellington. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty Wilson. Tellers: Sullivan, Purcell Resolved in the affirmative. NOES, 35—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Connor, E. Cunningham, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, Title Laming, Lingard, Malone, Mitchell, Paff, Prenzler, Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Simpson, Slack, Hon. H. PALASZCZUK (Inala—ALP) Springborg, Stephan, Turner, Veivers, Watson, (Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Wellington. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty Communities) (12.04 a.m.): I move— Resolved in the affirmative. "That the title of the Bill be agreed The CHAIRMAN: Any further divisions will to." be of two minutes' duration. Question—put; and the House divided— AYES, 40—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, Reporting of Bill Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, J. Cunningham, Mr PALASZCZUK (11.56 p.m.): Mr Edmond, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Hamill, Hayward, Kaiser, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, Mickel, Miller, Chairman, I move— Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, "That you do now leave the chair and Palaszczuk, Pitt, Reeves, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, report the Bill, without amendment, to the Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wells, House." Wilson. Tellers: Sullivan, Purcell 1988 Special Adjournment 22 Jun 2000

NOES, 35—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Connor, E. Cunningham, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, Laming, Lingard, Malone, Mitchell, Paff, Prenzler, Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Simpson, Slack, Springborg, Stephan, Turner, Veivers, Watson, Wellington. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty Resolved in the affirmative.

SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH (Chatsworth— ALP) (Minister for Communication and Information, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Sport) (12.07 a.m.): I move— "That the House, at its rising, do adjourn until 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday, 18 July 2000." Question—That the motion be agreed to—put; and the House divided— AYES, 40—Attwood, Barton, Beattie, Bligh, Boyle, Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Clark, J. Cunningham, Edmond, Fenlon, Foley, Fouras, Hamill, Hayward, Kaiser, Lavarch, Lucas, Mackenroth, Mickel, Miller, Mulherin, Musgrove, Nelson-Carr, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pitt, Reeves, Roberts, Robertson, Rose, Schwarten, Spence, Struthers, Welford, Wells, Wilson. Tellers: Sullivan, Purcell NOES, 35—Beanland, Black, Borbidge, Connor, E. Cunningham, Dalgleish, Davidson, Elliott, Feldman, Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Kingston, Knuth, Laming, Lingard, Malone, Mitchell, Paff, Prenzler, Quinn, Rowell, Santoro, Seeney, Simpson, Slack, Springborg, Stephan, Turner, Veivers, Watson, Wellington. Tellers: Baumann, Hegarty Resolved in the affirmative. The House adjourned at 12.11 a.m. (Friday).

R. G. GILES, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, QUEENSLAND—2000