Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 29 OCTOBER 1968

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Local Government Act, &c., Bill [29 OcTOBER] Questions 1013

TUESDAY, 29 OCTOBER, 1968

Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m. QUESTIONS NEW OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, BALMORAL STATE HIGH SCHOOL Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Education,- Has the Principal of Balmoral State High School made application for new accommodation for himself and staff? If so, has his request been investigated and when will the accommodation be provided?

Answer:- " A request has been received for the provision of improved office accommoda­ tion at the Balmoral State High School. This request is being considered in the Architectural Branch of the Department of Works, but no indication can be given, at present, as to when the accommodation in question will be provided."

INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER FIRE ALARMS IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS Mr. Donald for Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Works,- ( 1) As it is policy not to insure Govern­ ment buildings, will the new buildings being constructed for the Government be fitted with sprinkler fire alarms? (2) For the same reason as well as for safety purposes, will schools being built or constructed in the future have sprinkler fire alarms installed? ( 3) If the Answers to Questions (1 ) and (2) are in the negative, what is the reason? ( 4) What was the cost to the State of the Supreme Court fire and any other fires in Government buildings or schools during the last three years?

Answers:­ (1) "No." (2) "It is not proposed to install sprinkler fire alarms in these buildings." (3) "Adequate provlSlons for egress from buildings are made and fire alarms where considered to be necessary are installed." ( 4) "A system of keeping up to date valuations of buildings and their contents would serve no useful purpose and the incurring of the considerable expense that would be involved could not be justified. The cost to the State of the Supreme Court fire and any other fires in Government buildings or schools during the last three years is not known, as detailed assessments of damage were not madt.:." 1014 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

JOINT AUSTRALIAN-JAPANESE STUDY OF MARKETING OF ULTRA-HEAT-TREATED GREAT BARRIER REEF MILK Mr. Donald for Mr. O'Donnell, pursuant to (a) Mr. Lickiss, pursuant to notice, asked notice, asked The Premier,- The Premier,- With reference to the proposed joint In view of the serious impact that Australian-Japanese study of the Great Section 92 of the Commonwealth Constitu­ Barrier Reef- tion could have on the Queensland dairy (1) Why are the Japanese interested? industry, particularly in South-east (2) Why will the expense of Australian Queensland, will he reconsider the liJ?i­ participation be borne by the Common­ tations placed on the U.H.T. plant which wealth Bureau of Mineral Resources rather he recently opened for the production of than by the Department of Education and long-life milk products to enable Queens­ Science, which uses C.S.I.R.O. as its instru­ land products from this plant, locally­ ment for scientific research? owned and employing Queensland labour, to compete on favourable terms with inter­ ( 3) Does the financial method mean that state supplies presently coming on to the the study will be an assessment of mineral Queensland market? potential rather than an excursion to further knowledge in marine biology? Answer:- Answers:- "Section 92 of the Constitution is accepted for the present as an unchange­ ( 1) "The Japanese research group is able factor. It can operate for or against interested in pure scientific research in businesses trading in Queensland, as the certain marine fields. I have been advised Question infers. The application by by the Right Honourable the Prime Pauls Ice Cream & Milk Ltd. for Minister that the relevant Commonwealth authority to use its export U.H.T. plant Departments have carefully examined the to treat milk for the Brisbane market is details of the cruise and have found no still under consideration. The other point reason why it should not proceed." of issue in connection with the granting of (2) "This was a determination by the a licence to the company for the production Commonwealth Government and I am not and sale of U.H.T. milk on the Queensland aware of any particular reason governing market is one of price. The Queensland this decision." Dairymen's Organisation is seeking a price (3) "See Answer to (2)." equal to that paid for ordinary market milk supplies for pasteurisation whilst the company has not yet indicated a clear RAILWAY WOODWORKING SHOPS, intention as respects price." TOWNSVILLE Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- (b) Mr. Donald for Mr. O'Donnell, pur­ ( 1) With reference to his letter to me suant to notice, asked The Premier,- on the subject of an amenities block for With reference to his Answer to my the woodworking shops in the South Yard, Question on October 24 relative to Townsville, and his intimation therein that marketing of ultra-heat-treated milk in the shops will be closed and re-sited to which he stated, "The original application make room for improved goods-handling by Pauls Ice Cream & Milk Ltd. was for facilities, what is the approximate date of the purpose of manufacturing long-life milk the closure of the woodworking shops and for export. This was approved by the the probable site of the new? Government and an Order in Council was ( 2) Wiii he seek the opmwns of issued"- employees concerned to ensure that the ( 1) Was the original application by design and construction of the shops and Queensland United Foods Ltd. to the the installation of machinery will be such Director-General of Primary Industries, as will ensure maximum efficiency? dated March 17, 1967, for permission to erect and equip a factory at Montague Answers:- Road, South Brisbane, at an estimated ( 1) "The expansion of the Depart­ cost of $432,069 for the production of ment's Goods Yards at South Townsville ultra-heat-treated milk without any refer­ to embrace the South Yard Workshops is ence being made in that application to part of a long-term plan, and no date can either the export or the local market? be given at this stage as to when the removal of the workshops will become (2) Was the application acknowledged necessary." without comment on March 23, 1967, by the Director of Dairying? (2) "When the time arrives, the design and construction of the shops and the (3) As the Order in Council of Decem­ installation of machinery will be carried ber 21, 1967, states that the Certificate of out in such a manner as to ensure maxi­ Registration of the factory for the pro­ mum efficiency." duction of ultra-heat-treated milk shall be Questions [29 OCTOBER] Questions 1015 restricted to and endorsed for the produc­ Department's previous letter dra.wing atten­ tion and sale of ultra-heat-treated milk for tion to the provisions of the Darry Produce export beyond the State of Queensland and Acts." for no other purpose, if the Answers to ( 3) "See ( 1) and (2). An application (1) and (2) are in the affirmative, when, was made by the company on June 20, between March 17, and December 23, 1967, 1968 for authority to use its export was an application made by Q.U.F. Ltd. to U.H.T. plant for the treatment of milk manufacture U.H.T. milk for export? for sale on the local market. This applica­ tion is still under consideration. The issue ( 4) If no such application was made, of the Order in Council to permit treat­ why was the restriction imposed? ment of milk for export was designed to enable that company to proceed without Answers:- delay to the commissioning of their U.H.T. plant pending consideration of vital and ( 1) "No. The original application was complex issues relating to the likely effects dated January 26, 1967, and was acknow­ of the sale of such milk on the domestic ledged by letter dated February 1, 1967. market milk structure and, in particular, The letter of application to which the on dairy farmers' incomes. The General Honourable Member refers was forwarded Manager of Queensland United Foods Ltd., by the group engineer of the company and Mr. L. J. McCray, was fully aware of these who, it must be concluded, was unaware reasons and accepted the terms of the that an application had already been made Order in Council as a preliminary measure by the production manager of his compa.ny. designed to facilitate the early com­ Neither application set out informatron missioning of the factory. I would add that specifically in regard to the purposes for in the present circumstances of there being which the plant was to be constructed, an adequate supply of quality market milk although the second application included available to local consumers at the cheapest advice that the treated product was to be retail prices in Australia, the Government marketed as 'Long Life' under agreement has been loath to use its powers, either to with Messrs. Express Dairy Co., London. fix prices or otherwise to interfere in what The company's attention was formally is essentially a matter for the milk industry directed in the Department's letter of and the owner of the U.H.T. plant to February 1, 1967, to the need for specific settle." information under the Dairy Produce Acts as to the purpose for which the plant was (4) "See (1) and (3)." to be used. I say 'formally' as it was the general understanding of departmental USE OF OBSOLETE TEXTBOOKS IN STATE officers concerned that the U.H.T. plant SCHOOLS was intended to be used for the treatment of milk for export. In this regard, I quote Mr. Hanlon, pursuant to notice, asked The from a letter dated June 21, 1966, Minister for Education,- addressed by the company to the Queens­ ( 1) Are mathematics textbooks using land Dairymen's State Council:-'We £ s. d. currency still on issue and in use in were very sorry to learn that some of your State schools? If so, as it is now almost members had formed the impression that three years since the change-over to decimal this company's venture into the production currency, when will the practice be of Long Life Milk could in any way terminated? endanger the sales in Australia of (2) In view of apparent obsolete stock pasteurised milk. Our object in going into lists being supplied to schools, (a) what this rather costly venture is to attempt to was the date of the last amended stock procure export sales for Australian dairy list and (b) when will a list more appro­ products, in the form of whole milk instead priate to the needs of today be issued? of in the form of either butter-fat or milk powder, and we are confident that over a Answers:- period a valuable export business can be built up. Your members can be assured (1) "Yes. Departmental textbooks in that we are fully appreciative of the value Mathematics issued to schools, as in the to the industry of orderly marketing of past, contain chapters on money in the old pasteurised milk in Australia, and that we currency. As there is still much of value will do nothing to upset this. On the to both teachers and scholars in other contrary, we hope to tap entirely new chapters of the books they have been external markets which will assist in the retained until a new series is available. At sale of dairy products.' The application was the same time advice has been given to dealt with by the Department of Primary teachers on the substitution of present Industries and approved on the basis that currency in exercises set to give practice in the U.H.T. plant was intended primarily money transactions. It is expected that for export and not as a duplication of the new series of mathematics textbooks existing milk-treatment facilities." will be issued in 1969." (2) "New stock lists introduced this (2) "The application to which the year are presently on issue and have Honourable Member refers was acknow­ already been used by a large number of ledged without comment in view of the schools." 1016 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

NEW PETRIE TERRACE STATE SCHOOL have not yet been completed. When this is Mr. Hanlon, pursuant to notice, asked The done, tenders for development of the site Minister for Education,- will be invited." What is the approximate occupation date of or the target date set for the new Petrie ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO WIDOWS Terrace State School? WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN Answer:- Mr. Murray, pursuant to notice, asked The "The Department of Works has advised Minister for Health,- that plans are in course of preparation. (!) Is he aware of an allegati.on in The No indication can be given at this stage as Courier-Mail of October 25 that m the case to when the building will be ready for of widows with dependent children the occupation. The matter will be dealt with recent pension rise of $1 per week has been as expeditiously as possible." eroded by the Children's Services Depart­ ment in discontinuing payment for one child? If so, is Queensland t.he only State SECURITY LIGHTING AT STATE SCHOOLS to do so or has it been apphed umformly in all States? Mr. Hanlon, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Works,- (2) Will he clarify the matter? With reference to his statement m Answer to the Question of the Honourable Answer:- Member for Townsville South on October (! and 2) "As stated in the letter 22, that it is not the practice to provide referred to by the Hono~rable. Member, security lighting to schools and that funds Family Assistance which IS prud by the are not available for the purpose, could State as a supplement to the Common­ consideration be given to such lighting in wealth Social Service Benefits ha~ been those cases where factors exist in the siting reduced in a number of cases followmg !he of the building or suchlike which lead to recent increase in those benefits. In makmg frequent breaking and entering and conse­ these reductions the Department has quent loss, particularly of parents and followed the practice which was adopted by citizens' association property, as in the a previous Government in 1942 and has Townsville case mentioned and in Brisbane been followed ever since. This State has at locations such as Kelvin Grove State been paying a child allo":ance to widows School? and other eligible persons smce 1906. Wh~n the Commonwealth entered the Social Answer:- Service field in 1942, it was decided to "The incidence of breaking and entering continue these State paymen~s supp!e­ is not confined to hours of darkness and mentary to Commonwealt~ S?c1al Service does not follow any particular pattern as payments, relating the family mcome from regards locality or siting of buildings. all sources to a scale based on the State Consequently the provision of security Male Basic Wage. State Family Assistance lighting would not serve as a strong payments to 1 and 2 child families ha:e deterrent to damage to school buildings and not, in general, been reduced, ~ecause m to loss of property therefrom. It is not the majority of cases the total mc?~': .of proposed to install security lighting either these families is well below the eligibility at the locations requested or as a general scale based on the State Male Basic Wage. practice." However, payments to other families ~ave been affected, because they have received the greatest benefit from the Common­ LAND FOR SLIPWAY FACILITIES, wealth increase of $1 per week for the MooLOOLAH BOAT HARBOUR parent or parents, and $1 per week for Mr. Ahern, pursuant to notice, asked The each of the children. No family has been Treasurer,- reduced to the income it received prior to the Commonwealth increase and every one How much land is available adjacent to of these families has received an increase. the Mooloolah Boat Harbour for the If the Honourable Member examines the purpose of boat building and boat repair level of Social Service welfare assistance facilities, where exactly is it situated and from Commonwealth, State and other when it is expected that tenders will be sources he will see that a situation has called for the establishment of the arisen where many recipients are in a better facilities? financial position than when they were dependent on a father's earning capacity. Answer:- Owing to an ever-increasing incidence of "A !-acre waterfront site fronting the family desertion it is of paramount upstream section of the dredged basin in importance to preserve a balance between the Mooloolah River is planned for slipway the level of Social Service payments and and boat repair development. Formalities the earning capacity of the family provider. with respect to the transfer of ownership of To allow a situation to develop where the land by the Crown to the Port Authority families would be better placed financially Questions [29 OCTOBER] Questions 1017

were they to be deserted by the husband Answers:- and father would have most undesirable ( 1) "No. There is no company currently consequences. There are differing practices registered as Deans Pty. Ltd. However, in the various States, both in relation to the type of Supplementary Assistance paid a company bearing this name changed that to widows, pensioners, etc., and the basis name to SNOED Trading Co. Pty. Ltd. on of making such payments make it difficult April 11, 1967." to obtain a comparison. Some States give (2 to 8) "The Honourable Member is either little or nothing as a supplement to referred to the Office of the Registrar of Commonwealth Social Service Pensions, for example New South Wales since the Companies and Commercial Acts where recent increase in the Commonwealth rates, such information as is had by that Office has discontinued Supplementary Assistance may be obtained by him." unless there are very special circumstances. In South Australia, the only Supplementary Assistance payable is a rent allowance up ACCUMULATION OF RECREATION LEAVE to a maximum of $2 per week, when the BY POLICE OFFICERS rent paid exceeds $4. Families in receipt of Social Service Benefits in Queensland Mr. Donald for Mr. Bennett, pursuant to are still more favourably placed in relation notice, asked The Premier,- to those in any other State. The family ( 1) Are police officers allowed to income of a widow and three children, accumulate leave for periods of more than paying rent, so far as it is possible to twelve months or must they take their compare the systems in the different States leave within that period? would be as fo!lows:-Queensland, $32.50; New South Wales, $27.50; Victoria, $32.00; (2) Are there any officers who have South Australia, $29 .50; Western Aus­ accumulated leave for longer periods? If tralia, $30.50; Tasmania, $30.50. I might so, will he supply a list of their names and add that, following the decision of the particulars of the leave due to them? State ~ndustrial Commission on Friday last to mcrease the State Male Basic Wage Answers:- by .$1.35 per ':"~ek, the cases of Family Assistance recipients will need to be (!) "Yes, in accordance with Industrial reviewed again, as some may be eligible for Awards relating to police officers." increased assistance as a result of the effect (2) "Yes, but the information requested of this rise on the eligibility scale which, is not readily available and it is not pro­ as I have already indicated is related to posed to undertake the considerable man­ the State Male Basic Wage. It must also hours of work which would be required be pointed out that the Director of to collate such particulars." Children's Services may in his discretion give assistance where special circumstances or difficulties indicate a special need." POLICE BRIEF IN INDECENTLY DEALING CHARGE, INNISFAIL Mr. Hanlon for Mr. Bennett, pursuant to DEONS PTY. LTD. notice, asked The Premier,- Mr. Donald for Mr. Bennett, pursuant to (!) Was a person arrested at Innisfail notice, asked The Minister for Justice,- and charged by Constable 1/C Murray ( 1) Has his attention been drawn to the with indecently dealing? share dealings of a company known as (2) At the hearing this week, did the Deans Pty. Ltd.? defendant's solicitor, Mr. Vandeleur, admit in open court that he had a photostat copy (2) Is he able to obtain a copy of the of the police brief? list of shareholders? (3) Did Mr. Vandeleur in fact have it? ( 3) Does the value of the paid-up shareholding amount to $148,052? ( 4) Is it proper for defence counsel to have a copy of a police brief? (4) What has happened to the finance and assets of the company? (5) Who gave the copy to Mr. Vandeleur? (5) Is it able to pay out the full value of the shareholding to its shareholders? ( 6) Is Inspector Chandler responsible for the safe custody of police documents in (6) Where is Mr. O'Donnell, who was Innisfail? the company's managing director? (7) Was the charge dismissed because (7) Who was the company's accountant? the defendant's solicitor had a copy of the police brief? ( 8) Does he own any shares in the company? If so, how many and how much (8) Did the Innisfail police administra­ did he pay for them? tion "run dead" on the prosecution? 1018 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

(9) Will the whole matter of the show cause actions in the districts con­ prosecution be investigated in order to cerned for the twelve months ended ascertain if the unusual procedure followed September 30, 1968, are set out hereunder had any connection with or followed reper­ and I quote the number of show cause cussions after the withdrawal of a gaming actions finalised, the number of licences charge in Innisfail this year? suspended, and the periods of suspension for each individual district:-Brisbane Answers:­ Metropolitan Traffic District, 3,276- (1) "Yes." 2,534-1 at 2 weeks; 2,174 at 1 month; 222 at 6 weeks; 88 at 2 months; 3 at (2 to 9) "The action taken by the 10 weeks; 24 at 3 months; 9 at 4 months; police in relation to the case under review 1 at 5 months; 4 at 6 months; 3 at 7 was strictly in accordance with advice months; 2 at 8 months; 2 at 9 months; received from the Crown's legal advisers. and 1 at 5 years. Fortitude Valley District, The Honourable Member will know that 239-151-8 at 1 week; 52 at 2 weeks; it has been the practice by the Crown, in 1 at 3 weeks; 78 at 1 month; 8 at 2 months cases where there are inconsistencies in and 4 at 3 months. South Coast District, the statements of witnesses for the prosecu­ 346-179-31 at 2 weeks; 103 at 1 month; tion, for the defence solicitors to be 4 at 6 weeks; 23 at 2 months; 13 at 3 supplied with copies of these statements, months; 3 at 4 months; and 2 at 6 months. and that such practice stems from the Bundaberg District, 80-65-5 at 2 months; Privy Council decision in Mahadeo v. R., 1 at 6 weeks; and 59 at 1 month. Cairns [1936] 2 All E.R. 813." District, 108-89-2 at 1 week; 18 at 2 weeks; 46 at 1 month; 9 at 2 months; 5 at 3 months; 1 at 12 months; 4 at 3 weeks; SUSPENSION OF DRIVERS' LICENCES 2 at 6 weeks; and 2 at 4 weeks. Charleville Mr. Donald for Mr. Bromley. pursuant to District, 9-5-2 at 2 weeks; and 3 at 1 notice, asked The Premier,- month. Innisfail District, 29-26-19 at 1 month; 1 at 3 months; 5 at 2 months; ( 1) How many motorists have been and 1 at 6 months. Ipswich, 330-201- called on to show cause why their 4 at 1 week; 29 at 2 weeks; 43 at 3 weeks; licences should not be suspended or taken 71 at 1 month; 22 at 6 weeks; 14 at 2 away in each of the eighteen police dis­ months; 1 at 83 days; 9 at 3 months; 1 at tricts in the last twelve months? 94 days; 6 at 4 months; and 1 at 6 months. (2) How many motorists had their Longreach, 5-5-2 at 1 month; 2 at 2 licences suspended in the same districts in months; and 1 at 5 months. Mackay, 146 the same time and for what period were -53-36 at 1 month; 16 at 2 months; and the licences suspended? 1 at 8 months. Maryborough, 84--73- (3) What were the major breaches? 12 at 1 week; 4 at 2 weeks; 1 at 3 weeks; 46 at 1 month; 2 at 6 weeks; 4 at 2 months; ( 4) How many drivers were let off with 2 at 3 months; 1 at 6 months; and 1 at 3 a warning? years. Mount Isa District, 32-29-3 at (5) What was the number of (a) males 6 weeks; 18 at 1 month; 2 at 2 months; and and (b) females concerned? 6 at 3 months. Rockhampton District, 138-86-66 at 1 month; 1 at 6 weeks; Answers:- 12 at 2 months; 6 at 3 months; and 1 at ( 1 and 2) "The information sought by 6 months. Roma District, 22-22-2 at the Honourable Member has entailed the 2 weeks; 8 at 1 month; 9 at 3 months; preparation of a considerable amount of and 3 at 6 months. Toowoomba District, data. Figures in relation to the actual 251-223-76 at 2 weeks; 31 at 3 weeks; number of motorists who were called on 63 at 4 weeks; 9 at 6 months; 21 at 8 to show cause in the twelve months pre­ weeks; 20 at 3 months; and 3 at 4 months. ceding October 25, 1968, are not available, Townsville District, 274-268-1 at 10 but figures showing the number of show days; 35 at 2 weeks; 1 at 4 weeks; 1 at 5 cause actions finalised in the respective weeks; 13 at 6 weeks; 146 at 1 month; Police Districts for the twelve months 36 at 2 months; 19 at 3 months; 3 at 4 ended September 30, 1968, are available. months; 2 at 5 months; 4 at 6 months; Show cause actions against motorists 2 at 8 months; 3 at 9 months; and 2 at 12 residing in the Brisbane Metropolitan months. Warwick, 42-33-1 at 12 days; Traffic District are dealt with by the 1 at 2 weeks; 13 at 1 month; 1 at 36 days; District Superintendent of Traffic, Traffic 8 at 2 months; 5 at 3 months; 2 at 7 Branch, Brisbane, and he consequently months 10 days; 1 at 7 months 24 days; deals with all such cases in the Brisbane and 1 at 3 years." Police District, and in those parts of the (3) "The most prevalent breaches asso­ Fortitude Valley and South Coast Police ciated with the show cause actions under Districts which are within the Brisbane review were exceeding prescribed speed Metropolitan Traffic District. The Inspec­ limits; disobeying 'Stop' and 'Give Way' tors of Police, Fortitude Valley and South signs and traffic control light signals; Coast deal with such matters in those parts crossing double lines; failing to yield right of their Districts outside the Brisbane of way; and driving without due care and Metropolitan Traffic District. Finalised attention." Questions [29 OcTOBER] Form of Question 1019

( 4) "The number of persons who were The apparent discrepancy resulted from the considered to have shown cause in the extension of credit to almost all of the districts concerned was 1, 146." Yarrabah residents by the canteen staff (5) "(a) 5,328; (b) 83." appointed by the association, and some failures to correctly account stock. Some small part of the credit has been recovered, and there appears no alternative but to SUBSIDIES FOR SCHOOL LIBRARIES write off the shortage. The Honourable Mr. Donald for Mr. Bromley, pursuant Member will appreciate that in encouraging to notice, asked The Minister for and training Aboriginal residents to accept Education,- responsibilities of this and similar kinds, it is very necessary to allow a measure of ( 1) What subsidies were paid to libraries self-determination in administering such a in primary and secondary schools in venture and, of course, from time to time 1967-68? there may be some breakdowns. This is not (2) Will the report of the committee applicable only to Aborigines. However, on teacher education currently meeting be this should not deter the continuing exercise made available and when? of extending responsibility in practical administration, otherwise Aborigines will Answers:- never reach the desirable degree of (1) "Primary schools, $47,296.83; assimilation which is the Department's secondary schools, $31 ,719.82." policy. Since this incident, a closer measure of supervision and instruction is again (2) "It is anticipated that the report of being exercised by departmental forces, the Committee appointed to review teacher but with an Association Committee, and education will be available during 1969." after a period of settling down, it is reason­ able to expect that such controls will again be progressively withdrawn as a further PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF CANNERY step in the overall exercise of training and AGREEMENT encouragement of Aboriginal people to total participation in such business ventures Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked as well as other aspects of life. Some The Minister for Primary Industries,- factors are presently under consideration, In view of the intention to amend the and when all avenues have been fully Cannery Agreement, when will the variation explored, the overall position will be dis­ be introduced? cussed with the Welfare Association to determine the next steps to be taken." Answer:- "The amendment of the Cannery Agree­ ment is a matter in the first instance for PAPERS the Cannery Board, the Pineapple Sectional The following papers were laid on the Group Committee and the Subscribers' table, and ordered to be printed:­ Trustee who are the three parties to the Reports-· Cannery Agreement. The date nominated State Electricity Commission of Queens­ in the stabilisation proposals is December land, for the year 1967-68. 1, 1968." Commissioner for Transport, for the year 1967-68. DISCREPANCY IN YARRABAH WELFARE The following papers were laid on the ASSOCIATION FUNDS table:- Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked Orders in Council under- The Minister for Lands,- The Fisheries Acts, 1957 to 1962. Further to the Answer to my Question The Harbours Acts, 1955 to 1968. on December 6, 1967, relative to a dis­ The State Electricity Commission Acts, crepancy in Yarrabah Welfare Association 1937 to 1965. Funds, have the investigations been com­ The Southern Electric Authority of pleted? If so, will he table the findings Queensland Acts, 1952 to 1964. and indicate the Department's action in The Water Acts, 1926 to 1967. relation to the discrepancy being made The River Improvement Trust Acts, good and what change has been made in 1940 to 1965. order to avoid such irregularities in future?

Answer:- FORM OF QUESTION "Police investigations into an apparent Mr. LONERGAN (Flinders) having given discrepancy in Welfare Association Funds notice of a question- at Yarrabah have been completed and were considered by ·the Solicitor-General, who Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The hon. member indicates that under all of the circumstances is not in order in asking if a newspaper of this matter, no criminal proceedings are article is accurate. The question will have open. I do not propose to table the file. to be altered to conform to Standing Orders. 1020 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

SUPPLY for those who have but one thing, and one thing only, to sell, namely, .their labour, COMMITTEE-FINANCIAL STATEMENT­ this so-called "march to progress" has RESUMPTION OF DEBATE become a weary trudge, with an ever­ increasing number slipping behind in the race. (The Acting Chairman of Committees, Mr. Smith, Windsor, in the chair) Mr. Sullivan: Oh! Debate resumed from 24 October (see p. Mr. SHERRINGTON: The Minister for 972) on Mr. Chalk's motion- Lands says "Oh!" in his usual fashion. I "That there be granted to Her Majesty, still have about 55 minutes in which to speak, for the service of the year 1968-69, a sum and I hope that in that time I shall be able not exceeding $4,321 to defray the salary to deal very lucidly with the position of the of Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the the people who have been left behind in Governor." this weary trudge. If one looks at wage rates and the Consumer Price Index, it Mr. SHERRINGTON (Salisbury) (11.40 requires little imagination to see how many a.m.): The Treasurer, as has become the in the community are being affected by the custom of Treasurers in recent times, gave a policies of the Government and slipping descriptive title to his Budget; on this behind the rest of the people of Australia. occasion he chose to call it "Queensland's march to progress" Budget. As a matter of One finds very little evidence to validate fact, he applied this sobriquet by way of a the prodigious statement by the Treasurer short christening ceremony in the early stages that this is a march to progress. For the of his speech. Little imagination was information of hon. members, particularly required to be transported to the atmosphere those ebullient hon. members who tried to of a majestic old church, and we could well challenge me before I reached the stage imagine that we were listening to the Rev. of detailing my submissions, let me draw Chalk saying, "I christen thee .the 'March to their attention to figures released recently by Progress' Budget." the Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics in the Monthly Review of Business One has, of course, become accustomed to Statistics, No. 370, and show just how far this type of extravaganza in recent times. the worker in Queensland is slipping behind Ever since the Government came to office the national average of weekly earnings. The 12 years ago we have been "awakening like figures are- a slumbering giant", "approaching the goal of distant horizons," or "pushing ahead," as Queensland the Budget of a couple of years ago was Average average Disadvantage State weekly to named. On this occasion, we are "marching weekly Queensland to progress." We have become accustomed earmngs c1rnings to this type of extravaganza, particularly $ $ $ when it heralds the coming of a State election. Victoria 68.30 59 80 8. 50 New Souih Wal~~ 67.70 59.80 7 90 We have been entertained by this never­ Western Australia 64.30 59.80 4 50 ending stream of corny propaganda every Tasmania .. 62.90 59.80 3.10 time an election has been in the offing. Australian averag~ 65.90 59.80 6 10 No doubt if this type of speech was delivered in the sanctum sanctorum of the The Government tries to tell hon. mem­ Liberal Party, the Treasurer would be roundly bers that this is a march to progress. I ask applauded by his admirers. (I do not know the Committee to bear in mind that the if they would include the members of the average weekly earnings in Victoria, which "ginger group".) It would probably earn makes nothing like the contribution to limited comments such as "Jolly good show, Australia's export earnings that Queensland old chap" if it was delivered in a place such does, is far ahead of the average weekly as the Queensland Club. If delivered to an earnings in Queensl•and. after-dinner gathering of Government To take it a little further, I will show supporters, most likely it would be mildly how dramatic the deterioration has been applauded as a display of statesmanship. But since the Country-Liberal Government came to those who delve, and carry out research, to office and how far workers in this State into the Financial Statement, and to those who have lagged behind the national average are devoid of the starry-eyed adulation of weekly earnings. political hopefuls, it becomes about as attractive as the remnants of last evening's Queensland National party. average average . ni."clv""'"~"' Year weekly weekly to No doubt certain sections of the com­ Queensland munity are "marching to progress". Because earnmgs earnings of generous concessions and helpful aid $ $ $ 1958-59 .. 37.20 40.70 3.50 handed out on a silver platter, many of the 1959-60 .. 39.40 43.90 4.50 large monopolies that have grown in this 1967-68 58.80 64.30 5.50 State since the Government came to office Month of Jur;e·, 59.80 65.90 6.10 and many of the overseas investors who are 1968 exploiting our natural resources are, I would say, not only "marching to progress" but are Mr. Sullivan: Have you got the 1955 literally galloping on their merry way. But figures? Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1021

Mr. SHERRINGTON: I will deal with structure in previous years, there was the those, too. I am not attempting to mislead brake of price control which ensured that the the Committee; the hon. gentleman need not purchasing power of the average wage­ worry about that. earner in Queensland was greatly protected, In spite of the figures that I have read to certainly to a greater extent than it is hon. members, the Treasurer has come into today. This Government attempts to the Chamber and told us that it is a march stabilise the economy by attacking the wages to progress. It is evident, I think, that the of the workers of Queensland instead of workers of QueensJ,and are not able to keep getting to the root of the trouble by pegging up in the race that he describes as the "march to progress"; hence my reference to the the cost of living and ensuring that wages fact that it is fast becoming a weary trudge have a greater purchasing power today than for the workers of this State. Let there be they did previously. no mistake about it: the system used in com­ Mr. Armstrong: That is a lot of rubbish. piling the figures in June, 1968, was the same as the one that was in use 10 years Mr. SHERRINGTON: The hon. member, earlier. of course, can sit here and say it is a lot As I said, Government members 'and the of rubbish. He is one of the North's Treasurer claim that this is a march to affluent cane-growers and would not have progress, and the Minister for Lands said a clue about the difficulties that face the to me, "Can you produce the 1955 figures?" average worker in the community. The Let me tell the Minister for Lands that hon. member may choose to dispute what it could be claimed that Queensland has I am saying, but he cannot deny that figures always been a low-wage State but, until this show that in Australia at the present time Government came to office, we have the very some 600,000 families are on the verge of great advantage of having an effective system poverty. If the hon. member wishes to of price control in this State. say that this sort of thing is a lot of hooey I hope he can face his electors on that Mr. Walsh: That is not true; Queensland basis at the next State election. I forecast was not always a low-wage State. that the people of Queensland will not be Mr. SHERRINGTON: I am speaking in misled by the assertion that we are "march­ the long term. What I am saying is that, ing to progress". They have become aware because we had a very effective price control of just how the purchasing power of the organisation, this had a very stabilising effect average wage in Queensland has been on wages in this State. Sad to relate, how­ eroded over the last 12 years under this ever, because this Government chose to try Government. to stabilise the economy by mak·ing an attack Looking now at the cost of living and on the wage system in Queensland, choosing starting with the base figure of 100 in at the same time to completely ignore the 1952-53, Queensland's cost of living, in the cost of living, a position has been reached price indexes has now risen to a figure of today far from the position that obtained 148.8 and leads every other State in the in Labour's day, when we had effective price Commonwealth. The national average is control which assisted in retaining low 143.4, so Queensland's figure exceeds the wage rates. Not only are Queensland national average by 5.4 per cent. workers the lowest paid in the Common­ wealth today, not only are their average Mr. Miller: What are the figures for earnings lagging behind those of workers Victoria? in every other State, but in the 12 years Mr. SHERRINGTON: The hon. member of office of this Government the cost of wants the figures for Victoria. The figure for living has risen out of all proportion. The Melbourne is 145.9. That is very Government lifted price control and the cost enlightening, too. of living in this State is now at the top of the table in the Statistician's figures. In con­ Mr. Armstrong: What about New South trast to the position today, in Labour's day Wales? the workers reaped the benefit of a com­ bination of price control and wage justice. Mr. SHERRINGTON: The figure for New South Wales is 140.6. It is no use I am not denying that the Government the hon. member simply sitting there and could possibly claim that in 1955 Queensland asking questions. I have quoted figures from lagged behind other States in wage rates. Bulletin No. 47 of 1968, which is the most but at least at that time, because of an recent bulletin issued by the Commonwealth effective system of price control, the amount Bureau of Census and Statistics. It's contents paid to the wage earner was far more com­ were published in the evening Press of mensurate with the cost of living than it Wednesday, 21 August. It does not matter is today. how many questions the hon. member might Mr. Walsh: His purchasing power was ask, here in black and white the statistician much higher. shows that since the base year of 1952-53 the sharpest increase in the cost of living Mr. SHERRINGTON: That is what l has occurred in Queensland. With this com­ say. Another point I was making was that, bination of the highest cost of living and though we might have had a low wage lowest average earnings in mind, we ask: 1022 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply how can the Treasurer or any Government suburban railway fares by 25 per cent. and back-bencher say that we are "marching fares in other parts of the State by 20 per to progress"? cent. I turn now to some other statements made Mr. Miller: It is still cheap travel when by the Treasurer in his Budget. Nobody will compared with that provided by the Brisbane convince me that this Budget is not garnished City Council. with election propaganda. It is complete with photographs. I was surprised to find that Mr. SHERRINGTON: I beg your pardon? there was no picture of the Treasurer on the fly leaf. If I were asked to give a des­ Mr. Miller: It is still cheaper than criptive title to the Budget I would say travelling on the city council services. that it is nothing more than a "big-noting" Mr. SHERRINGTON: Yes, it is still Budget. It is evident that, with a State cheaper, but the Government pledged itself election in the offing, the Treasurer has to maintain cheap railway fares. Wha:t did set out to big-note the Government to the electors. This tendency to big-note itself it do as soon as it was safely entrenched all over the place is something for which in Government for another three years? It this Government has become famous during increased the railway fares by 20 and 25 per its term of office. On many occasions in cent. the past its habit of going out to the I do not need a good memory to recall public through its Public Relations officers how the Government big-noted itself on and big-noting itself has led it into many the Bill of Rights, which was suddenly embarrassing situations. withdrawn. Nobody in Queensland today, Mr. Armstrong: Well, there is no need for excep:t possibly members of the Cabinet, you to get upset about it. knows why it was withdrawn. I am sure that many Government backbenchers do not Mr. SHERRINGTON: I am not upset know why it was suddenly and mysteriously about it. withdrawn. That occurred after a great blast of propaganda from the Government Mr. Armstrong: The way you are moaning, about the introduction of a Bill of Rights. one would think you were. The Government big-noted itself on several Mr. SHERRINGTON: I am not upset, occasions only to find ,that it was placed and I am not moaning; I am simply trying in some very embarrassing situations. to bring some sanity into the ludicrous It was part of the Government's election statements that have been made by the Gov­ policy in 1966 to establish a Prices Advisory ernment from time to time, many of which Board. We were told that the Government have been expressed in the Budget. would appoint a body of experts to advise Mr. Chinchen: What are the ludicrous it on the cost of living and on prices of statements? commod~ties. The Government big-noted itself with various organisations in the city Mr. SHERRINGTON: If the hon. member over this board. When the Prices Advisory sits quietly and waits, and does not dash Board recommended the virtual retention of off somewhere to a morning-tea party, I price control in Queensland the Government will show him some ludicrous statements. stripped it of power to the extent that it Let us look at how the Government resembled a plucked "chook" because its big-noted itself on the eve of the 1966 findings were not compatible with what the State election, when the Treasurer, as Leader Government desired. of the Liberal Party, delivered his policy That was another occasion on which the speech. After castigating the Brisbane City Government big-noted itself, only to find Council for increasing fares, he said- that an expert committee established by it "The most progressive feature of our was almost totally opposed to its policy. railway policy for the next three years is Because the board did not tell the Govern­ an undertaking that we will grapple with ment what it wanted to hear the Government suburban transport. promptly lopped off the heads of its members. The Railway Department does not agree It is quite obvious that the Government with the viewpoint that metropolitan trans­ found it necessary to retreat in disarray after port fares should rise steeply, as has been several years of such propaganda. the policy inflicted on the people of Brisbane by a Labour-Party-dominated It is not long since one of the Ministers Brisbane City, Council. We therefore told us, in big-noting himself, how he stood announce over a mining monopoly by making it a term of the conditions of lease that this this is almost a melodramatic approach- monopoly had to pay part of the cost of "We therefore announce that this Gov­ the Moura railway line. But within a couple ernment will, on return to office, make of years a Bill was introduced under which every effort to maintain cheap railway the Government itself had to finance the fares." building of the line. Again the Government What was the result once the Government big-noted itself, and I believe that this was safely entrenched in the Government Budget is nothing other than a continuing benches of this Parliament? It increased process of big-noting. Supply (29 OCTOBER] Supply 1023

I have not forgotten how, in the 1966 He also said- election campaign, the Government big-noted "Governments in recent times had been itself about the new university at Mt. Gravatt getting 'hungry' and trying to squeeze too because it had an inkling that finance for much from the taxpayers. This led to it might be made available. But it was widespread evasion of taxation. left high and dry by the Commonwealth Government, like a shag on a rock, because "The public should not be bothered by finance was not available. We are still the Government requiring them to fill out awaiting the university at Mt. Gravatt which returns and then assessments which might was talked about so many years ago. yield very little. Licence fees of 216d or I have a vivid recollection of how the other fees of £1 were not worth the cost previous Treasurer complained in this of staff to handle them." Chamber-again we had the big-noting Apparently the former Treasurer's view was process-that one of the stumbling blocks divergent from that of the present Treasurer, preventing Queensland from getting its who refers to inherent higher rates of rightful share of money from the Loan taxation. Council was the inability of former Labour negotiators :to put up a sound case. He In looking :at taxation it is necessary to boasted that the new Government would study the statistics contained in the Queens­ display prowess in negotiations with the Loan land Year Book. In 1955-56 the average Council, but year after year he crept back here Queensland er was paying £27 I 101- in State from Canberra with little or nothing more than taxation and £57 I 18/- in Commonwealth the usual percentage that had been handed out taxation, so that State taxes made up 32.17 to Queensland over the years. In an per cent. of the total tax collected in 1955-56. endeavour to big-note himself, because the According to the latest figures I have been elections will probably be held in May next able to find, those for 1964-65, the average year, on this occasion the Treasurer sets Queenslander in that year paid $103.99 in out to big-note the Government by handing State taxation and $187.42 in Commonwealth back a minute proportion of the freight taxation, so that State taxes made up 35.34 increases loaded onto primary producers in per cent. of the total tax collected in that the previous two Budgets. He is very year. Therefore the Treasurer's statement generously handing back a small proportion that he inherited higher taxation rates from of the increases that were imposed a couple the Labour Government is idle. The figures of years ago. prove conclusively that the proportion of State taxation has increased by 3 per cent. Mr. Ahern: A big proportion. during the term of office of this Government. Mr. SHERRINGTON: That is a matter of In that period not only have taxes been opmwn. I shall develop that argument a increased but many new ones have also been little further later on. introduced. I say to the hon. member who wanted to challenge me on this ludicrous At this point I take issue with the Trea­ statement that there is a classic example of surer's statement-- the way in which the Treasurer has adam­ Mr. E. G. W. Wood: You will be foolish antly stated that the Government inherited if you do. higher rates of taxation. The Government has in fact taken every opportunity to Mr. SHERRINGTON: I have taken on increase taxes and also to introduce new better men than he is in my time. ones. Mr. E. G. W. Wood: He will make a fool I remind the Treasurer that the 1958 out of you. Budget provided for increased fees for the Mr. SHERRINGTON: He could not do registration of motor vehicles, and increased that to the hon. member for Logan, because taxes on liquor and betting. The 1959 that has already been accomplished. Budget increased stamp duties and duties on conveyances, transfers of shares, hire­ On page 6 of the Financial Statement the purchase agreements, insurance policies and Treasurer said- transfers of Crown leases, and imposed "1 want to say to the Committee that higher pilotage fees. A couple of years the Government's position in this matter after it came to office the Government is clear. One of the legacies which we implemented those higher charges and taxes. inherited as a Government was a higher After the election in 1961, licensing fees level in the rates of certain taxes and were increased from 4 per cent. to 6 per charges in Queensland in comparison with cent. There were also increases in turnover those operating in some other States." tax on betting and fees for drivers' licences. Apparently, when the Treasurer prepared his In 1966 rail fares payable by suburban speech he did not do his homework on what travellers were increased by 25 per cent., his predecessor had said. The former Trea­ and those of country dwellers were increased surer, back in 1957, when speaking to the by 20 per cent. There were also increases Queensland Taxpayers' Association-no in State transport fees, motor vehicle registra­ doubt he was doing his bit of big-noting­ tion fees, and the charges made on private suggested that "he was 'horrified' to find that and intermediate patients in public hospitals. some State taxes were costing more to collect It is quite apparent that at that time the than they yielded." Government was quite happy to slug the 1024 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply train traveller, despite the Treasurer's almost reverts continually to big-noting itself for melodramatic promise in his policy speech handing back a few miserable crumbs that that the Government would maintain cheaper are available· because of increased revenue suburban railway fares. His ideals were resulting from savage taxation measures and not so laudable that he would refrain from obvious under-spending from Consolidated taxing the sick by increasing hospital charges Revenue. to obtain extra finance for Consolidated Revenue. In a grandiose manner the Treasurer hands back portion of the increased freight on grain, The Treasurer also "socked" motorists raw sugar, general merchandise, wool, cotton, by introducing a new stamp duty on registra­ livestock, and logs. Does he hand back tion, and transfer of registration, of motor anything to the train travellers whom he vehicles. He also introduced stamp duty "socked", as I said, by about 25 per cent.? on workers' compensation premiums, which Does he hand anything back to the wage­ was something entirely new in the taxation earner who uses the trains as a means of field ill Queensland. By increasing charies travelling to and from his employment? for ho$pital beds and increasing taxation Not one cent of relief does he hand back by taxing workers' compensation premiums, to the people whom he taxes and who the Treasurer, far from being prepared to represent a large proportion of the corn· succour the sick and injured, took them for munity, and no relief is in sight for train a lot of suckers. The Treasurer now has travellers. If the Budget concessions on the audacity to say, purely for election livestock and timber are any indication of propaganda purposes, that the Government the Treasurer's thinking, it appears that a inherited high taxation rates from a pre­ pig or a log of wood is more entitled to vious Labour Government. As a matter a concession than is a paying passenger of fact, in the 1966 Budget the Treasurer on the railways in this State. outdid himself by increasing charges and imposing new taxation measures. I think What relief has been afforded to the the editorial in "Sunday Truth" of 2 October, motorist, in the light of the increases in 1966, is worth recording for posterity. motor vehicle taxation that have been im­ plemented by Country-Liberal Governments Under the heading "A rival now to Fadden", it says- during their long, weary 12 years in office? What concessions have been given, in the "When people think of Sir Arthur face of higher registration, driving licence Fadden ~hey immediately think of his fees and the iniquitous system of "on-the· Federal Horror Budget. Now when spot" fines that Country-Liberal Govern­ Queenslanders think of Mr. Gordon Chalk ments have been responsible for introducing? they must think of his Little Horror State Third-party and comprehensive motor vehicle Budget of last week. insurance has risen steadily, and it has now "Sir Arthur at his peak could scarcely reached a point at which the ordinary per· have improved on it, for Mr. Chalk is son in Queensland can no longer afford to squeezing every section of the community own or drive a motor vehicle. to get more 'cheeses' for his Government." A very pertinent point is that, as a result Mr. Mann: Quite true! of that increased taxation, there has been only a very insignificant increase in Queensland's Mr. SHERRII\'GTON: As my distinguished population during the 12 years o~ Country­ colleague the hon. member for Brisbane Liberal Governments. The populatiOn of the says, "Quite true!" State has increased by about 2.3 per cent. a At that time, many people in responsible year, which means that 2.3 per cent. more positions in the community were very critical. people are paying about a 3.5 per cent. Mr. Peter Bell, who could not be described, increase in taxation implemented by the by any stretch of the imagination, as a Government. However, as I said, every time Labour Party supporter, said- an election is in the offing the Government "The Budget will hit the grazing "marches to progress". industry." Let me turn now to some of the so­ Mr. Tozer, of the Australian Primary Pro­ ,called plums with which the Treasurer ducers' Union, said- sought to big-note himself in the _Budget " If our Government wants a primary now being considered by the Committee. I industry it must stop taxing it out of deal first with this statement by the existence." Treasurer- Mr. Munro, of the Queensland Taxpayers' "For State Primary and Secondary Association, said- Schools we have set aside, in addition "The tax gatherers apparently have to all other extra provisions for educa­ run riot." tion, a special sum of $2 million for the modernisation of school furniture and So it goes on! for the supply of teaching aids, sch_ool In spite of those comments, the Treasurer requisites, projectors, typewriters, duplica­ gets up in this Chamber and weeps crocodile tors and the like." tears about inheriting high taxation measures I believe that the Treasurer would have from former Labour Governments. In spite gone on saying what the Government was of all the facts about taxation that I have going to spend this sum of $2,000,000 on detailed to hon. members, the Government if he could have brought any more names Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1025

to mind. If this is not a political Budget, Turning to the standard 7th grade reader, why was it necessary for the Treasurer if any one wants a bit of enlightening to set aside a special amount? Why, in poetry in 1968, let him read this- the interest of education, could he not have "Who stuffed that white owl?" No one been happy to say that spending on educa­ spoke in the shop; tion this year would reach a certain level? The barber was busy and he couldn't But, no! With typical election propaganda stop;" he has to set aside a special amount of This is what I was taught when I was $2,000,000. at school in 1928. This is the same standard From research that I have done into this reader. Then, if anyone wants something matter, I believe that even the figures I more for this scientific, technological and have are lagging behind the up-to-date figures, enlightened age, if anyone wants some but in Queensland there are 1,170 primary enlightening reading for the children in 7th schools and 22 special primary schools. There grade, let him refer to the lesson, "The are 97 secondary schools, and I understand Chemistry of a Candle". that by next year the number will have This reading book also contains a story been increased to 101. The enrolment at entitled "The Race with the Wolves", in primary schools for 1967 was 202,713, which a servant jumps overboard so that and the enrolment at secondary schools his master can escape, and is devoured by was 77,728. These figures will increase with wolves. Surely our modern approach to the intake for the 1969 school year. If education warrants something better than that one averages these figures according to class­ type of story. rooms it will be seen that there are approxi­ mately 7,000 classrooms in the State, so The only schools that have been able to that an expenditure of $2,000,000 equals replace reading books are .those with affluent less than $8 a pupil, $280 a classroom parents and citizens' associations, which are and $1,500 a school. This is the amount able to buy new books after being granted a with which the Treasurer is going to per­ subsidy. Let me go further and say that form all sorts of miracles in modernising over the last 10 or 12 years very few teaching furniture and supplying teaching aids, school aids have been provided in Queensland State requisites, projectors, typewriters, duplicators schools with the exception of those provided and the like. He is going to do this all after the parents and citizens' associations on less than $8 a pupil. concerned had applied for subsidies. We would not mind this sort of thing if I challenge the Government, and particu­ it was not so obviously an election propa­ larly the Minister for Education, 'to tell ganda stunt. Let us look at some of the hon. members how many innovations the things that are happening in primary sohools Government has voluntarily introduced into in our education system today. Is it any our education system. Only after pressure wonder that teachers and parents sneer when was brought to bear on the Government by they hear this sort of corny propaganda certain parents and citizens' associations were coming out on election eve? some innovations introduced. Mr. Hughes: I think you are wrong in This morning the hon. member for your figures. Baroona elicited the informa:tion that not one primary school has received a mathe­ Mr. SHERRINGTON: I delve for my matics textbook containing the conversion figures. I do not get them from a kitchen to decimal currency. The Minister sought study group. Possibly the hon. member to excuse ,that anomaly by saying that great has better contacts in the Government than value is derived from retaining the old books I have, so it becomes more difficult for for a certain period, despite the fact that me to present an argument such as this. for almost three years prior to the nation's We have not the facilities in this Parlia­ conversion to decimal currency the Govern­ ment for research, and before I finish I ment, and in fact the Australian people, will have something more to say about knew tha,t the conversion would take place. information given to the Parliament. Three years were allowed to elapse, and Back in the early 1950's, a decision was not one mathematics textbook containing the made to replace the standard reader by conversion has been issued. It has become reading libraries in the various Grades in necessary for teachers to go through the the schools, but until 1964-four years ago textbooks and to make the conversion to -only grades 1, 2 and 3 had been equipped decimal currency in ink. This is how the by the Education Department with these Sta,te is "marching to progress" in education. reading libraries. As a matter of fact, in Mr. P. Wood: The Government is too one of the schools i!l my electorate, Grade mean to provide new books. 1 has 21 books of this type, Grade 2 has 15, Grade 3 has 12, and Grades 4, 5, 6 and 7, Mr. SHERRINGTON: I could not agree unless the school has a parents and citizens' more. But for the fact that I am constrained association which can purchase them on to use parliamentary language I could give subsidy-something for which I do not the Budget a more descriptive title than the believe these associations should be respon­ one I have given it. sible--or unless the parents have the finance The Government talks a lot about what at their disposal to purchase the books, are it has done for education. It says that it still using the standard grade reader. has built more schools than Labour did. 33 1026 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

and has done this and that; yet we find Government has done. They attend school that it has forgotten the bare essentials of speech nights and detail to parents what the education. Government has done for Education in Some years ago I raised in this Chamber Queensland, at the same time laughing the need to relieve parents and citizens' up their sleeves about the essentials that the associations of some of their burden in the Government is not paying for. The provision and maintenance of school-grounds. Treasurer referred to the spending of some Each high school is provided with a $2,000,000 on special buildings, but the permanent groundsman-and I am not number of temporary rooms in use has not complaining about that; I believe that it decreased, and the bare essential educational is necessary-yet primary .schools are aids are being overlooked by the provided with the services of a groundsman Government. for only half a day a week. In suburbs Mr. Porter: Where do you propose to get that contain quite a number of schools, the extra finance? such as Inala, that means that each primary school has the services of a groundsman Mr. SHERRINGTON: I will later suggest for only half a day every six or seven several avenues that could be used instead weeks. I asked why, in view of the fact of having the Government socking the that it is not possible to provide a grounds­ ordinary person in the community through man to each primary school, this Govern­ taxation. There are plenty of loopholes that ment did not adopt the Western Australian could be sealed and various avenues that system, which is to provide maintenance could be exploited, avenues in which taxa­ gangs .that travel thwughout districts and tion is not being levied on the sections of take care of school-grounds. Of course, the community that could well afford to this Government chose to throw the respon­ bear higher taxes. A close examination sibility not only for school-ground improve­ reveals that, in all its claims concerning ments but also for the purchase of many education, the Government is found wanting. teaching aids on the parents and citizens' associations. While examining the history of parents and citizens' associations, it is worth record­ If Government back-benchers want to ing in "Hansard" that school boards were challenge me on this matter, I ask them established under the State Education Act why it is that the Education Department of 1875. They were of an advisory nature will subsidise the purchase of fertiliser and their duties consisted of assisting the although it will not subsidise the provision head-teacher of the school, visiting primary of many of the teaching aids? It provides schools to see for themselves the condition subsidies only for the durable parts of the of school premises, books and so on, and Science Research Associates system, whereas trying to induce parents to send their record books have to be purchased either children to school. That position obtained by parents or by parents and citizens' associations. till 1908, when the system of school com­ mittees was instituted. Their responsibility, Mr. Aikens: Why don't you write to again, was merely of an advisory nature. school-teachers and say-- In 1934 that position still obtained. At Mr. SHERRINGTON: Why doesn't the that time the duties of a school committee hon. member for Townsville South pull his were- head in? He was shown up -the other day "(a) To take care that the school build­ by the hon. member for Tablelands. The ings are not used for any purpose or at hon. member for Townsville South talked any time not authorised by the Minister; about giving a 24-hour service to his (b) To observe and report upon the state constituents, yet he has not even got the of the school buildings and premises, and phone on. He was shown up very clearly to supervise the execution of such improve­ for what he is by the hon. member for Tablelands. ments as the Minister may authorise them to carry out; Government Members interjected. (c) To inspect periodically the Admis­ Mr. Aikens: Charlie Porter will do that sion Register, the Class Rolls, the Daily for you. Report Book, and the Time Book; but no other register or school documents; Mr. SHERRINGTON: The hon. member (d) To use their influence with parents for Toowong does not worry me. All his to induce them to send their children fangs have been pulled by the Liberal Party regularly to school; executive. (e) To report to the Minister miscon­ As I have said, the Education Department duct on the part of any members of the is quite prepared to subsidise the purchase teaching staff, and to protect teachers of fertilizer, but ·it is not prepared to sub­ from frivolous and vexatious complaints;" sidise many of the very essential teaching Over the years increased responsibility was aids that are becoming part of our modern gradually shifted on to the shoulders of education system. I would perhaps not mind parents and citizens associations, until they that if it were not for the continual big­ are now required to provide more and more noting by Government members of what the for the education of their children. Many Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1027 teaching aids are not subsidised, and ground reason why we cannot get an answer on the improvements are carried out on a subsidy Tallebudgera proposal is that it involves cer­ basis. tain Crown land which the Crown wants to Only recently I persuaded the Department dispose of. I do not believe that any answer of Education to obtain an extra 5 acres will be forthcoming this side of the next State for one of my schools. The ground was elections. totally denuded of growth and when I asked To realise what a lousy attitude this Gov­ the department if it was prepared to pay ernment adopts to some of its employees, one for the planting of grass on the oval I was has only to read the answers that I told that that would be carried out on have consistently received from the Premier a subsidy basis. It seems that no respon­ relative to Government officers who undergo sibility is accepted other than the very loose National Service training. When they resume concept of leaving the school-grounds in a duty they have to pay arrears of contribu­ usable state. tions to the superannuation fund. The total amount involved is some $4,000. In There are several other matters concerning answer to another question I was told that the Budget that I should like to raise. One the Government spent $13,500 on a "grog matter at which I express alarm is the and prawn" party at the opening of the Government's policy on the selling of Crown Moura railway line. Yet officers who resume land. Because I was concerned about this matter, on 17 September I asked a question duty after National Service training, probably honouring their obligation to their country of the Premier, as follows:- in the stinking jungles of Vietnam, are met "(1) What is the extent of Crown land in with a demand to pay their arrears of super­ the Gold Coast area and where is it annuation contributions. One officer owed located? 55c. All the thanks that he gets for his ser­ (2) How much Crown land in the area vice to his country is to be told on resuming has been disposed of in the past ten years? duty that he owes a lousy 55c. Yet the (3) In what manner has it been disposed "hawks" on the Government benches talk of? about their support for the war in Vietnam. (4) What is the total revenue obtained They are not concerned about the plight of by the Government as a result of the dis­ Government officers who are called up and posal of Crown land in the area in the give two years of their lives in the service of past ten years?" their country. This so-called grateful Govern­ ment demands that they pay these small The Premier, in reply to what I considered amounts of arrears. It would have been a to be a question on a matter of vital public fine gesture to these National Servicemen if importance, said that to obtain the informa­ the Government had paid the $4,000 that tion would entail a good deal of research and was owing by them. But not this Govern­ would require the payment of overtime to ment! It hands out concessions to mono­ several Government officers, and that he did polies and in other avenues, but, when it not feel obliged to give the information comes to these young lads who have served because the reason for which I wanted it their country, it says, "You have given a was not apparent. service to your country, but you are in A couple of days later the Minister for arrears with your contributions to the super­ Lands-I am sorry he is not in the Chamber annuation fund." at the moment-in reply to a question asked (Time expired.) by the hon. member for Flinders, said- "The Honourable Member's interest in Mr. WALSH (Bundaberg) (12.40 p.m.): improving railway service for passengers, First of all, Mr. Hooper, I think I am express­ employees and customers is well known. ing the feelings of every hon. member when Since 1958, he has made no less than 300 I say how pleased I am to see you back in representations on railway matters in his the chair after your sojourn in hospital as electorate-most of which have been the result of war injuries. We hope that you agreed to." continue to enjoy good health. Honourable Members: Hear, hear! It is shocking that Ministers of the Crown use public servants to give the hon. member Mr. W ALSH: Before I deal with general for Flinders credit for having made 300 topics, I think I might waste a minute or representations on railway matters but not to two on a report that appeared in "The extract information for a front-bench mem­ Courier-Mail" on Saturday last which con­ ber of the Opposition on Crown land that tained remarks made by a Mr. Goodman, has been sold in the Gold Coast over a num­ or Dr. Goodman, Assistant Director of ber of years. I consider that the Government External Studies at the University of has been selling land on the Gold Coast Queensland. because it returns something like ten times Mr. Aikens: They call him "Masturbation the real-estate value of other land in the Mick". He advocates to the students that Commonwealth. In spite of the persistent they indulge in masturbation. reference by the Federal Leader of the Coun­ try Party to "selling the farm", this Govern­ Mr. W ALSH: I know that the hon. mem­ ment, in an endeavour to boost revenue, is ber for Townsville South has his own way selling off Crown land. I believe that the of describing people whom he likes to put 1028 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply his knife into. I am not in a position Mr. WALSH: I do not know at what to say whether what he alleges about this stage Dr. Goodman undertakes to judge man is correct or incorrect. whether he himself is fully educated, or Mr. Aikens: Why don't you go and ask whether any member of this Assembly is some of the students? educated or uneducated. I have to concede that I had very little education and that Mr. WALSH: I shall later be putting for a good part of my early life I could forward a proposal, and I hope that the hon. member for Townsville South will fall not even see to read, but I have not done in with it. too badly under the conditions that have applied in Queensland. I have seen men Mr. Aikens: I sure will, if it's a good and women come to this Chamber virtually one. from the wilderness-men such as Theodore, Mr. WALSH: I want to be fair and McCormack, Jimmy Stopford and a host of say that I have never met this gentleman, others. They were coal-miners, farmers, if he can be described as such. timber-workers and other types of workers Mr. Aikens: You are very fortunate. who applied themselves to the task and who have had no equals in politics in this Mr. W ALSH: If I were to judge him State. and his capacity to undertake the work that he is employed to do from his remarks In my summing up, Theodore would be that are published from time to time in the best financial brain that this country the Press, I would say that he is totally has produced, and he left school at 12 years unfitted for his position. Again I emphasise, Df age and worked in :the mines at 14 years in all fairness to him, that I have not of age. Again, Ben Chifley, who went met him personally. I know that he has chug-chugging along in locomotives, smoking been round the Wide Bay region on a few his pipe, could be regarded as one of the occasions, and his remarks have been reported most successful Treasurers that the Common­ in the Press. He appears to me always wealth Government has had. to take the opportunity, at what may be described as gatherings of people who are Mr. W. D. Hewitt: He was invited to looking for a lead on worth-while matters, sit on a royal commission on banking. to deal with controversial matters. No matter what Government is in power, I do not Mr. WALSH: Exactly; by a Government think it can afford to encourage this attitude that was not of the same political colour on the part of people who enjoy enormous as he was. salaries and lucrative conditions of employ­ When I look back over the history of ment generally at the university, in the government in Australia, and particularly Government service, public administration, in Queensland, I think of Curtin and Scullin, or similar fields. and I remember the types of men from Although I do not know whether Mr. the mines who undertook leadership in times Goodman-or Dr. Goodman, as he may be of crisis, whether they resulted from war --claims to be educated, I can assure him or from economic conditions. It is only that when the products of universities have Labour Governments and Labour leaders that come to this Chamber, in my opinion they have given that leadership in times of crisis have never stood head and shoulders above under the headings that I have mentioned. the ordinary rank-and-file politician in the community. That has been my experience My proposal now is, of course, 1hat the over many years. The report in "The hon. member for Townsville South-! know Courier-Mail" of Saturday, 26 October, that he would like to have a pick at this­ appearing at page 13, under a Bundaberg and Dr. Goodman should book the City dateline, reads- Hall, or the Festival Hall, and arrange a meeting between 'the two of them, with "No organisation in society could function efficiently with such under­ no holds barred. An admission charge of educated, unqualified, unskilled, and $1 could be made to listen to the comic untrained personnel as Parliament, said opera between the two of them, and the Dr. R. D. Goodman last night. proceeds could go to the Queensland Branch of the Sub-Normal Children's Welfare "Dr. Goodman is the assis,tant director Association. The chancellor of the univer­ of the Queensland University's depart­ .sity could be asked to preside !l!t the meeting. ment of external studies." Whether or not we agree with the type of Mr. Aikens: He fell off the platform, language that the hon. member for Towns­ dead drunk. ville South employs--we all know him for his exaggeration, at times-this would be Mr. W ALSH: If Dr. Goodman is pre­ an occasion on which he and Dr. Goodman pared to agree to nhe proposal that I shall could be given an opportunity to exaggerate make later and if the hon. member for as much as they wished. I think that such Townsville South falls in with it, the hon. a gathering would be worth while, and, now member can save all his remarks for that that I have made the proposal, I hope that occasion. Dr. Goodman will agree to it. The hon. Mr. Aikens: Surely he would not say that member for Townsville South has already if he was stone sober. said that he will. Supply [29 OCTOBER) Supply 1029

To put the other side of the picture merit is that, not having had the benefit and use a more reasoned approach to the of culture he is not steeped in tradition; question, I refer hon. members to a report therefore, he is ever demolishing some that appeared in the "Bundaberg News­ tradition that has ceased to be of value Mail" of Wednesday, 16 October this year, to the community. At first a tradition may of the remarks of the principal of the serve because it means order and system Kepnock State High School at the school's but when it becomes an iron band around speech night on Tuesday, 15 October. Under the communal head to keep the brains the heading "Plea for more credit to 'average' from expanding, it should die. If it doesn't, student", the report said- it produces such curses as the caste system "A plea for more credit 1to be given of India. to the average student, particularly the "The politician should ask not to be one who is strong on reliability, respon­ judged by his words but by his deeds." sibility and cheerful co-operation, was I know that many people can be fairly made by Mr. J. R. Alien, principal of wordy without saying anything, but if Dr. Kepnock State High School, at the school's Goodman had had the same experience as Speech Night last night. many of us in this Chamber have had over "Mr. Allen stressed that the worth of the years, of meeting people and having to a student was not judged simply by his deal with their human problems, he would academic ability, but by his courteous have learned that he will never be old conduct, his willing co-operation, and his enough to be fully educated in the problems character in general." of life. I am sure that every hon. member in the Mr. W. D. Hewitt: In that sense, he has Chamber will agree with those sentiments. not started to learn. The report continued- Mr. W ALSH: That is perfectly true. In " 'It is very probable that many of the my case, I can only say that every time men and women who have responsible I go to Bundaberg I interview anything from positions in industry, commerce, science 30 to 50 people. They all have their different and government departments, and those problems-housing, domestic and income tax who shoulder mo&t of the burdens of civic problems-and I am being educated every responsibility, come within this category' day, even at my stage of life. I should hate he said." ' to think that it would be otherwise, because Again, I think every hon. member will I would then feel that I was no longer of agree. value to my constituents. To add to that, I draw the attention of Mr. Aikens: And it is an education that the Committee to what I believe is a little one cannot get from a book in the university bit of reasoned thinking in a copy of a library. letter that was read in this Chamber on 5 October, 1943. It appears in Volume 181 Mr. W ALSH: It certainly is an education of "Hansard", on page 681. I cannot read that one will never get from any book. Yet all the letter-it is a very long one-but it we have people like Dr. Goodman who, was written to me by Mr. M. R. Shannon, of after he has obtained and read some matter "Olive Downs", Nebo, a barrister, as well as in this way-in effect, he brain-sucked every­ a very well-read man and a man of world-wide body else for the material for his talk­ experience, after an attack was made on has the hide to describe the personnel in politicians in an editorial in "The Courier­ this Parliament as "unskilled and unqualified." Mail". The Press loves to do this sort of I notice that two high schools have cut thing. In the heading to his letter Mr. out their speech nights, and they cannot Shannon suggested that I might u&e my blame the politicians for this. I have taken influence and have it published in "The particular notice that it has become the Courier-Mail". Of course he did not know custom in recent times to invite university that I did not have any influence with "The groups into country areas, and many of them Courier-Mail". However, I retained the le-tter engage in controversial political matters. I and gave it to my old friend the late Dick think it should be stopped. I am glad to see Riordan, who was hon. member for Bowen that the principal of the Brisbane State at that time, to read on the Vote for the High School, even though he has not com­ Legislative Assembly. It is headed "Unkind mented on the fact that the school will Press", and I now quote from it- not be having a guest speaker, is one of the "While one may sympathise with the two principals who have made this decision. politician in his natural reaction to at Mr. Porter: The other one is from Too­ least unsympathetic reporting, the harm wong, a very enlightened electorate. it does is not to him personally. "It makes him out to be an ordinary Mr. WALSH: The other one is from everyday fellow and that is exactly his Toowong. Anybody who knows George highest recommendation. As he has to be Lockie knows that few principals in this the mouthpiece of the ordinary everyday State are his equal and none are better. men and women and children of the Before getting on to general matters affect­ community, the nearer he is to them the ing the Budget, let me mention the oft­ better does he represent them. His greatest repeated query that comes from the other 1030 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply side of the Chamber in the course of A Government Member: You've got the debates: "What has the Labour Govern­ wrong McArthur. ment done in its period of office extending over 40 years?" I know that we do not Mr. WALSH: Queensland was formerly the only State that had a system of social have to live in the past, but unfortunately services. Whereas :the other Sta,tes did not we do not seem to have many on this have unemployment insurance until the side of the Chamber who are prepared to Commonwealth Constitution was amended get up and outline the historic events of the after the 1946 referendum, Queensland has growth of social services in this State, parti­ had unemployment insurance since 1926. cularly under Labour. It has also had a system of free hospitalisa­ Do I have to remind Government tion. Both these systems were developed members, including the Premier, who has under Labour's administmtion. If the made this claim, that during Labour's 39 members of the presen:t Government desire years in office it had to face two world to take credit for having built on these wars as well as an economic crisis which great foundations, I do not blame them; although it was not brought about' by th~ however, they should give the Labour Party then anti-Labour Government, was certainly credit for the things that it did when it aggravated by its policies? When :the Labour was in power. I know that Government Party was returned to office in 1932 it was members sometimes talk about the State called upon to clean up the untidy mess butcher shops, State sawmills, and so on. that had been left in Queensland by the Do not let them forget one thriving organi­ anti-Labour forces. This applied throughout sation that was started by Labour. I refer, Australia. It is absurd for any Government of course, to ~he State Government Insurance member representing a rural electorate and Office, and to the Public Curator, too. particularly for any Country Party me~ber, I could mention many fields in which to challenge Labour's claim that it has done Labour laid the foundations for the better­ a lot for the primary industries. In the ment of conditions of industrial workers ~remier's electorate a prosperous peanut and farmers in this State. It is unrealistic mdustry has been established for some time. for responsible members of the Government How was it established? How was it able :to say that Labour has done nothing. They to mould its different elements of organisa­ are now taking advantage of the foundation ~ion and marketing so that it could develop that was laid by the Labour Government. mto one of the major industries of this If in 25 years' time members of Parliament State? The same ~hing can be asked about can point to similar legislation for which other primary industries, including the one this Government is responsible it will be with which the Deputy Leader of the Country to this Government's credit. Party is associated. He knows only too well that in the sugar industry 'the principles [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] of organisation tha:t were laid down by Mr. WALSH: We have heard much from Labour are today reflected in world hon. members opposite, and the Treasurer in conferences, which have taken place for a number of years. particular, about the tremendous develop­ ment that is taking place in Queensland Mr. McKechnie: Do you include tobacco? today, particularly in mineral development. After an examination of all the documents Mr. WALSH: Yes, I include tobacco. I available to hon. members relating to the am glad that the hon. member for Carnarvon development of our mineral resources, it mentioned the tobacco industry. Does he appears to me that much of it has been remember the encouragement given to that achieved at the expense of the taxpayers industry by :the Scullin Labour Government? rather than at the expense of the companies, Does he remember how the Lyons Govern­ which have been attracted to Queensland ment drove people out of the industry by because of its vast mineral resources. If increasing the excise on the locally produced necessary I will continue to repeat-to product and reducing the import duty on remind the Treasurer and others-that the the impo11ted product? Don't :talk to me outstanding example in Queensland of about the tobacco industry! mineral development is to be seen at Mt. Isa. At no stage did Mount Mr. Murray: You will be telling us Isa Mines Ltd. lean on Labour Governments shortly that the Labour Party brought John of the day to programme its policy of Macarthur and his few merinos out to this development. Its water supply, its housing, country. its electricity supply and the various other Mr. WALSH: I would not be silly enough things pertinent to the residential develop­ to tell hon. members tha:t, but I should say ment, apart from mineral development, were, that if every other leadership during the in the main, met from capital resources war had enjoyed the same relationship as found by the company itself. the one that existed between General The Treasurer cannot deny that, and, so McArthur and Curtin, it would have been far as I am concerned, he is wasting his a good thing. We know that Curtin had time in trying to impress me that the Govern­ 1to fight his way against Churchill and Olthers ment is doing a good job in the field of to bring our armed forces back to Australia. mineral development. If it was a matter Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1031 of taxing the people to facilitate thls develop­ reverse applies today. This Government has ment, we would have to congratulate the had increased funds available to it since Treasurer. He cannot deny that the work 1957, yet the avemge rural area is struggling undertaken by the company at Mt. Isa to get sufficient finance to provide water was carried out at the company's expense conservation in its agricultural areas, while and not at the expense of the taxpayers of at the same time, at Blackwater the Gov­ Queensland. I think the Treasurer will be ernment is tripping over itself to provide big enough to concede that, upon the a water supply for a company that is wallow­ rehabilitation of the Mt. Isa railway line, ing in millions of dollars. This is contrary the company offered to enter into an agree­ to the position at Mt. Isa. Mount Isa ment to pay freight charges that would go a Mines Ltd. spent hundreds of thousands of long way towards meeting the interest and dollars to provide its own water supply, with redemption commitments on the finance no assistance from the Government. The involved. When hon. members opposite try Treasurer is boasting that a great power­ to pinpoint what the Government is doing house will be erected in Central Queensland. today, they should not overlook the progress Mount Isa Mines Ltd. established an elec­ made at Mt. Isa. tricity supply not only for its own require­ ments but also for local consumers, and I ask the Treasurer if he can tell the at 2td. a unit, which made it the cheapest Chamber whether the concern at Gladstone electricity available. I could go on with -call it "Comalco", or whatever else we these matters to point out that the Gov­ care to; there are so many interwoven ernment is making the struggling families aliases-is likely to pay one cent. of income of this State provide these things to enable tax on any profits it makes. The Treasurer the establishment of companies that are knows the reverse to be the case. After wallowing in millions of dollars of capital. exploiting the resources of Queensland and Not long ago the Treasurer entered this processing the raw material, the product will Chamber-and I could almost hear the be sent overseas for final treatment. The tears dropping onto the floor-when an company at Gladstone will be a non-profit­ attack was being made on some of these making company, therefore it will contribute companies, and, amongst other things, he little or nothing to the tax funds of pointed out that a particular company had Australia, or Queensland. The Treasurer not paid a dividend for a limited period. need not try to lead me astray by saying This could be quite true, and I am not how much he will get out of rail freights denying it. If the accounting system of or something else, because that is "peanuts" certain interests that have overseas interests to the over-all position. identified with them is on a par with the I want to expose the story that the country system that enabled the smuggling of will get so much from this great investment thousands of dollars worth of motor-car of foreign capital in Queensland. I am parts into this country, thus defrauding the not opposed to the introduction of foreign country of revenue, the Treasurer's assertion capital, and never have been. But I should is open to question. The evidence is there. like to see something established here in Mr. Chalk: Do you have any charge the nature of permanent industry which would against the company in relation to that par­ continue to contribute to our economy as ticular incident? the years go by. As and when it suits these people-when something else intervenes Mr. WALSH: I cannot have any charge, -Moura, Blackwater and all the other places because the books and documents are not will be forgotten and we could be left at my disposal. with many white elephants. Mr. Chalk: Would you be surprised to Mr. Pilbeam: What about the alumina? know that that company was not involved? Mr. WALSH: Evidently the hon. member Mr. WALSH: When Japanese interests are has not been listening to me. I have already able to smuggle into this country through pointed out that the raw material is pro­ their subsidiaries here articles worth hundreds cessed at Gladstone by a non-profit-making and thousands of dollars, in my book they company that pays little or no income tax are "smart cookies", wherever they may be. to this country, and is then sent overseas Mr. Chalk: You are charging the Japanese for further processing. now? Mr. Pilbeam: It is a big taxpayer. Mr. WALSH: The evidence came out in Mr. WALSH: That is what the hon. the Press. member for Rockhampton South says. I Mr. Chalk: But not concerning the com­ shall leave it to the Treasurer to say pany that you made the charge against. whether he has any evidence that this com­ You have to be fair. pany will pay income tax. As I understand it, it is a non-profit-making body. Mr. W ALSH: The Treasurer is not getting The people of Queensland have much to me on a hook in this way. thank Labour Governments for in the good Mr. Chalk: You are on a hook. deeds done by Labour for the primary pro­ ducers, the introduction of ind'ustrial legisla­ Mr. WALSH: I am not. tion, and so on. If I may say so, the Mr. Chalk: Yes, you are. 1032 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. WALSH: I know companies, even Although it was bad enough in previous in this city, with Australian names and years to charge Labour Governments with identities, but the Australian components do being under Trades Hall domination, it is not form their backbone and life-blood. even worse when a senior Minister can When I read in the Press that a company dictate to the A.L.P. the type of opposition in this country has a capital of $50,000,000, that it wil! produce to legislation. Although I do not know whether the Treasurer will let no-one try to fool me that the people deny what I am saying, the circumstances attached to that company are, in the main, were very apparent to me when I saw responsible for raising that capital. representatives of the Q.C.E. here and the The fact remains that the Treasurer seems things that happened. My source of informa­ to have gone to a good deal of trouble to tion eventually indicated to me that the justify the Government's policy of providing Treasurer had a stronger influence over the concessions for companies which, in their A.L.P. in this Parliament that I thought world-wide operations, are wallowing in he had. millions of dollars of capital. It is pathetic A great deal has been said about the record to think that any Government could sell of the Government and about its record itself, and the resources of the country, to Budget. It is true that the Budget provides overseas interests. for record revenue and expenditure; but that I now wish to refer to legislation passed record will be surpassed as each year goes here some time last year concerning the con­ by and revenue and expenditure increases still tract with Arthur H. Stephens (Qld) Pty. further. However, there are a few records Ltd. This is where I have to involve the that the Treasurer does not wish to bring A.L.P. with the Treasurer. When discussing forward, and I refer particularly to the taxa­ this matter during the Budget debate last tion policy of the Country-Liberal Govern­ year, the Treasurer threw out his chest and ment and to its sources of revenue. said that this agreement had nothing to do A few years ago I put on the Government, with the Loan Council. He came back from because if its particular interest in liquor the meeting of the Loan Council with a different point of view. and gambling, the tag "grog and gambling" Government. After having had a look at the Mr. Chalk: No, I did not. It is quite revenue received by the Government from true that it has nothing to do with the liquor and betting, I have revised my opinion Loan Council. somewhat, and I am inclined now to give Mr. W ALSH: Since the Treasurer returned the Government the title of the "booze, bet and borrow" Government. from the meeting of the Loan Council, he has said that these agreements have to be Mr. Hanlon: There is only "bust" left. submitted for consideration. Mr. W ALSH: The interjection by the hon. Mr. Chalk: After they are made. member for Baroona reminds me of the days Mr. WALSH: The previous agreement was when a Labour Government under Theodore no different. sought to get foreign capital from London into this country. Hon. members will recall Mr. Chalk: It was outside the Loan that a mission was sent from Queensland to Council. prevent the Labour Government from rais­ ing money in London, and that Theodore then Mr. WALSH: Local-authority business is went to America to endeavour to raise a not part and parcel of the Financial loan. Of course, foreign capital is accepted Agreement. I am under no delusion in this with open arms today, and for a different matter. I know that there is a gentlemen's reason-a Labour Government is not in agreement on the borrowings and expenditure office. of local authorities. I could not see how the Treasurer was going to get out of that. Let me take the Financial Statement first. It consists of about 26 pages, and I suggest My main interest in this matter, however. that the Treasurer is entitled to list it as is the influence that the Treasurer had over another addition to the pictorial section of the A.L.P. on that occasion. By some means the magazine that is published by various or other, the Brisbane City Council was commercial firms and is circulating in able to make it known to the Q.C.E. that Queensland. Having had a good look at no amendment of the legislation was the Tables relating to the Financial required. The Treasurer was the one who Statement, I notice that some use­ threw the gauntlet down and said, "If any ful tables have been dropped. The Treasurer amendment to the Bill is proposed, I will said that he may review the position later, withdraw it." I know that if the Treasurer and I hope that he does. He could well attempted to do a thing like that in our time restore Table CS, showing the revenue and and we were the Opposition, I would have expenditure per head of population. I do not said, "You know what to do with the Bill; know why it was deleted. It contained a very you go your hardest". But the fact remains useful set of statistics for comparison pur­ that no amendment was moved to the Bill, poses, and I suggest that the Treasurer should although such action was expected. give consideration to its restoration. Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1033

I think it would be fair to say that, of the of the basic wage. I find that in 1957 26 pages it contains, almost a quarter of the the basic wage was approximately $24, and Financial Statement is taken up with photo­ at 30 June this year it was about $33. graphs, many of which have appeared previ­ There is, therefore, no question of costs ously in publications emanating from the having even doubled, yet the Government, Public Relations Bureau or various other from the source that I mentioned, received Government departments. In fact, in some three times as much revenue. instances the same photograph has been pub­ lished two, three or more times. I come now to revenues that have gone into the Government's coffers from various I thought that the Treasurer might have other sources and I want to make a com­ see fit to give at least a brief outline in his parison with' the amounts received from Financial Statement of the difficulties con­ similar sources in the last year of a Lahour fronting the State under the present financial Government. In 1956-57 receipts from relationship with the Commonwealth. I do licences and permits amounted to $1,766,910. not think that he need have discussed it on To the end of June, 1968, this Government a political basis; rather could he have pre­ received $4,847,639 from this source. Turn­ sented the facts of the position that has con­ ing, then, to totalisator and hetting taxes, fronted him since he took office. I should the amount received in the last year of like to have thought that the Treasurer was the Labour Government was $600,906. From doing something to see that the State's sove­ the totalisator and betting taxes alone, this reign rights in financial matters are restored Government received, to the end of June, to it. It has not any such rights at the 1968, $3,610,457. In addition, it received moment, nor is it likely to have any if the $1,560,080 from bookmakers' turnover tax, Commonwealth continues putting a strangle­ and, if I throw in for good measure the hold on the States. amount received by way of fines and for­ T do not suggest that the Budget does not feitures, the amounts were $386,242 in contain some worth-while proposals that will 1956-57 and $2,184,800 in 1967-68. The appeal to particular sections of the com­ reason I put that figure in, apart altogether munity, and the Government is quite entitled from the fact that it shows a substantial to parade those things, as previous Govern­ Increase of $1,798,558, is that a good pro­ portion of it would come as the result of ments have done, more particularly as an penalties imposed for drink-driving, so that election is to be held next year. It would be this comes into the liquor bracket-the no different from former Governments if it "booze, bet and borrow" angle. paraded the better parts of its financial activities. There is no need for me to pin­ While I am dealing with these figures, point these particular features of the Budget, I want to prove the basis of my new slogan because the Treasurer has his own band of for the Government and show how the flag-wavers on that side of the Chamber. public debt has increased. I will take the year 1932, which was the last year of Having referred to the fact that various office of the then anti-Labour Government. speakers claim that this Budget is a record In that year the public debt per head of in various respects, it would do no harm population was $238.68. After 25 years to look at the sources of revenue available of Labour Government the figure had to the Government and at how it is expended. increased by $147.69, to $386.37. Under I think it should be more the function the present Government, as is shown in of the Opposition rather than of Govern­ the documents tabled by the Treasurer, with­ ment members to see if the Government out stating the aggregate amount, the pre­ is pursuing a sound financial and economic sent figure is $621.92 per head, an increase policy. In this respect, therefore, I propose of $235.55 on the figure for the last year to make some comparisons between the pre­ of Labour's administration. In other words, sent position and the position that applied in 11 years this Government has increased under the Labour Government in 1956-57. the public debt by $235.55 per head, whereas In that year, payment by the Commonwealth over 25 years the Labour Government of tax reimbursements to Consolidated increased it by only $147.69. Revenue amounted to $56,716,180; for the year ended 30 June, 1968, the present Gov­ Mr. Porter: You are very knowledgeable ernment received from the same source on this, and you will know that this is $174,392,528. That is more than three something that is Australia-wide. There is times the amount received in the last year a Labour Government in Tasmania. under Labour. Somebody might get up and say that Mr. W ALSH: I know that all these figures there has been an increase in costs. I sup­ are related to the financial relationship pose we can talk at length about average between the Commonwealth and the States. earnings of the wage-earner and so on, but I do not think that is the point that should Mr. Porter: That is true. Good husbandry be established here. When one takes into by the State has very little to do with consideration the average wages earned, one this. must remember that that average includes overtime and all the other special payments Mr. WALSH: I think that the hon. mem­ provided for in industrial awards. But I ber for Toowom: will agree that the increase think it is fair enough to take a comparison I have mention;d is a very substantial one. 1034 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I turn now to the matter of uniform If I remember the judgment rightly, in taxation. If I were to give marks to any 1957 or 1959 the High Court drew atten­ hon. member for his contributions to the tion to section 96 of the Commonwealth debate-not that there have not been a Constitution, which I think I should read to lot of useful contributions-the two mem­ put it on record in this debate. It provides- bers whom I would single out are the hon. "During a period of ten years after members for Toowong and Baroona. It the establishment of the Commonwealth would be worth while for every hon. mem­ and thereafter until the Parliament other­ ber to read the matter that has been so wise provides, the Parliament may grant carefully prepared by the hon. member for financial assistance to any State on such Toowong and, from another point of view, terms and conditions as the Parliament the hon. member for Baroona, who carried thinks fit." out a great deal of research into the matter. That is a very simple, short clause contain­ ing an enormous power for the Common­ A widespread opinion seems to be held wealth. by people that their objection to the States' resumption of income-tax powers is that Since that judgment of the High Court, the they would be bothered with having to Commonwealth Government-in the main fill in more than one income-tax return. anti-Labour, of course-has seen to it that This is not true. For the 18 years prior every grant made to a State is brought down to the introduction of uniform taxation there by way of a separate Act of Parliament was in existence a joint Federal-State income­ and identified with that particular section tax return. The individual filled in this return which gives the Commonwealth the right to each year in the respective columns for lay down the terms and conditions under State and Federal purposes. The matter which the grant is made to the State and of a dual return does not arise, because how it shall be expended. the joint return was in existence from 1924 until 1942. Mr. Porter: That is the dagger that is plunged into the heart of Federalism. Let me have recorded in "Hansard"­ and I do not care who wants to deny Mr. W ALSH: That is perfectly true, as this-that at all times Queensland desired the hon. member has said. I entirely agree the return of its taxing powers. Some people with the sentiments he expressed, although I within the Labour Party might have said, do not entirely agree with the methods he "This is better out of our hands," but advocated to bring about relief. the general attitude was one against uniform taxation. Let me put on record that the One of the matters that must be brought unanimous decision of the six States was back into the ring is that the Commonwealth one in opposition to uniform taxation. Let should be asked to see that any moneys it be put on record also that when Victoria expended by it on capital works come from took out a writ challenging the validity of the same source of funds as do those the tax-reimbursement legislation the three expended by the States. In other words, States of Queensland, Western Australia and the surplus revenue of the Commonwealth South Australia joined with Victoria in that that is available today from the taxpayers, State's challenge. The High Court ruled on which the Commonwealth pays no against the States at that time. interest-in this way it does not increase Later, in 1950, Victoria issued another its public debt; as a matter of fact, its writ but did not pursue the matter. In public debt is continuing to decrease while 19 55 Victoria issued a new writ, and on this those of the States and local authorities con­ occasion the New South Wales Government tinue to rise-should become part of the identified itself with Victoria in challenging funds available to the Governments as a the validity of the uniform tax law. The whole, including the Commonwealth Govern­ High Court ruled unanimously that that part ment. I think that, under the Financial of the agreement which stipulated that the Agreement, it would be entitled to a share States could not collect taxation prior to of one-fifth if that formula was applied. the Commonwealth was valid. On the But, of course, no-one wants the formula, second point, which challenged the right of and that is the great difficulty. If the the individual taxpayer to pay income tax formula was operating that would be the to the State before the Commonwealth, the extent of the Commonwealth's share of the High Court ruled by a majority of four total funds available for its Works to three that it was invalid; that is, that programme. section 221 (I) (a) of the Income Tax and If we are to expect the family organisa­ Social Service Contributions Act was invalid. tion of the States and the Commonwealth That must be related not so much to the to continue on the basis as we knew it prior .peculiar pow,ers that the Commonwealth to uniform taxation, it is not right that the might have regarding its right to taxation Commonwealth should be allowed to con­ over the States, in the first place, but to the tinue spending money on capitals works, as it condition that provided for the entering into is, purely from revenue. Worse still, having agreements by the States with the Common­ taken the money from the taxpayers, it wealth. If they were to benefit by any then parcels it out in huge amounts to the grants from the Commonwealth under this States and charges them interest on it. In Jaw, they had to comply with the conditions. that respect, I have some figures indicating Supply [29 OcTOBER] Supply 1035 the tremendously increased amount that this If I continued to quote from the table Government has received from the Common­ headed "Commonwealth Payments to or For wealth since 1956-57. the States" I could show the advantageous Mr. Hnghes: You don't think that Queens­ position that South Australia still occupies land has been disadvantaged? compared with Queensland. Mr. Chalk: You were a party to that set-up Mr. W ALSH: Of course I do, for the in your time, too. reason I have stated. Our public debt is rising substantially each year and we have to raise Mr. WALSH: We were nothing of the sort. funds to pay interest on it, and the Common­ We got our share of the housing agreement wealth will see to it that this continues to money, having regard to the available trades­ the point where the States break down. men and material. I ask the Treasurer to say how much that grant has increased since Mr. Hughes: I agree with you. We should this Government came to power. The table have it interest free. does not show such a big increase. Mr. W ALSH: I do not want to get caught Mr. Chalk: You are like the dog that was up in this matter. I do not want to bring in kicked in the pants and yelled like hell. the Douglas Social Credit theory. Mr. W ALSH: I know that the Treasurer The total payments made to Queensland in does not like this. He has been preening 1956-57, the last year of the Labour Govern­ himself, claiming all these records, and his ment, amounted to $74,634,000. I want the feathers have been flopping around. But, hon. member for Kurilpa, and the hon. mem­ judging by the record of taxation and the ber for Mt. Gravatt, who will be speaking sources from which it has been raised, it shortly, to listen to this. To the end of June, appears that he gets a great deal of delight 1968, the payments amounted to in extracting money from struggling families, $223,491,000. Is it any wonder that this Gov­ workers and others in this State. ernment is able to boast, to some extent, That is the way the Treasurer has been about what it is doing. It has the funds avail­ carrying on, and his predecessor was even able. But let me point out to the Treasurer worse; he left the Treasurer with the baby, that the money has not been expended in the and he has to suckle it. No doubt the right direction. For all the Government says Treasurer will again tell the story tonight about what it is doing to provide accommo­ of how this State is going ahead. dation and facilities for school-children and school-teachers, it is going backwards, and (Time expired.) much of the money it is expending on har­ bours and other facilities for these companies Mr. CHINCHEN: (Mt. Gravatt) (2.56 that are wallowing in millions of dollars of p.m.) I should like to explain that, capital could be expended on providing decent for two reasons, it was not my intention buildings and conditions in schools and to speak in this debate. The first reason is school-grounds. that the Budget, so ably presented by the Treasurer, does not need any support; it Mr. Chalk: What money am I spending stands squarely on its own two feet as the on harbours? most magnificent Budget that Queensland has seen. That is evidenced by the weak Mr. W ALSH: The Treasurer can twist attack that the Opposition has made in an around as much as he likes, but will he deny attempt to pick holes in it. About all that that he is spending public money to build the Opposition did was explain how more houses in these areas? money could be spent, without saying where it could be obtained. The hon. member for Mr. Chalk: Are you denying the workers Salisbury said this morning, "I shall tell you the right to have houses? later where the money will come from," but he did not get round to doing that. Mr. WALSH: The example quoted here recently was a four-room house. I have My second reason is that I feel that people in my electorate who have five or debate on a matter as important as the seven children and are trying to get a rental Financial Statement should relate to the house with three rooms. The Treasurer talks Budget. What happens in this lengthy debate about Tin Can Bay. That company comes (and I think that speeches of an hour are too in and mines for rutile and so on, and in no long) is that speakers deal with parochial time it will pick up its chattels and go and matters, which is something that I have the Government will have 10 houses on its always considered bad and should not hands. Yet where do the established indus­ happen. However, on this occasion I, too, tries like the sugar industry and the foundries am going to do just that, and I do it in Bundaberg get homes for their workers? because of a matter which was raised in my electorate last week and to which I Mr. Hughes: What about migration and was not granted the opportunity to reply industrial development? through the normal medium, which is the Press. I therefore have to use this Chamber Mr. WALSH: We had to deal with these to give expression to my thoughts on what problems in our day. is, in my electorate, an important matter. 1036 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

In the Press last Monday there appeared a surely the man who is put there by the people rather strange statement which was made by to represent them should be able to say the endorsed Labour candidate for Mt. something about it. I should like to think Gravatt. The news item was headed that a situation such as this will no.t arise in "Parents' revolt fear at Kuraby State future. School". I feel that journalism has reached an all-time low if the Press accepts a state­ One person who rang me said, "Well, ment such as that from any Tom, Dick or Geoff, I can tell you that this man did not Harry and publishes it without investigation. contact me. I had nothing to do with the This article has upset many people in my whole business." I said, "Thank you very electorate-those connected with the school, much. I know ,that." He said, "Do you and the children-and what it alleges is a think he was granted this privilege"-it is lot of humbug. Here is a man endeavouring a privilege to have that large space in the to make political capital, and it is a shocking paper-"because he is a large advertiser in thing that the Press will accept a statement the paper?" I said, "A .Jot of nonsense. such as that, with its wide repercussions, That would not be right." This man is does not check it till the next day, and then, when the member responsible for the area an electrical retailer. He has full-page and wishes to make a statement, publishes not half-page ads. I said, "I would not believe a word of it. It is for this reason that I now that it is the policy of the paper to grant take the time of the Committee to express him space in the paper because he is a my thoughts on the attitude of the Press large advertiser." It will be interesting to and the gentleman whose statement was see whether this happens again. That is published. what I shall be watching for. I was in Sydney last week. I bought "The I invite hon. members to look at what Courier-Mail" when it arrived there a little this man said about a "parents' revolt". after 11 o'clock, and in it I saw the statement He said, "While calling on parents in the to which I have referred. I do not know area . . ." I doubt that very much. I know this gentleman, although I should like to many people in the area who have said, point out to him that this is not the way to "He did not call on me." I have been win friends and influence people. I made a telephone call to the chief of staff of told quite authoritatively-! believe it is "The Courier-Mail". I was told that he was correct-that the person concerned was told not available, and I asked if I could be by someone at an A.L.P. meeting about what informed when he was. At about 4 o'clock he considered were problems a:t the school, or a little later, I was connected to "The and that is where it all started. It was Courier-Mail". A girl answered the phone "jazzed up" there and then, and this is the and I said, "I would like to speak to the way it has been presented in the Press. If chief of staff of 'The Courier-Mail'." She that is what is to happen, it is pretty grim. said, "What is it about?" I explained that I was the member for Mt. Gravatt and that The gentleman concerned went on to say this article to which I have referred had that, although the school had seven grades, appeared in the paper, and that I had a there were only three classrooms and a short statement that I would like to make. temporary classroom under the building. I heard her speak to somebody, and a That is true. It is a very old school; it reporter came on the phone. He could had its 40th anniversary a few months ago. not write shorthand, and I had four ex­ I was responsible for getting a fourth teacher tensions whilst giving him a short statement at the school and for getting the additional on the matter. This did not appear in the temporary room. That temporary room Press, and it created in the minds of the could have been there earlier, but the head­ people in my area the impression that I teacher and many of the parents wanted its had not endeavoured to get in touch with arrival delayed because of the large function the paper, that I had no interest in them. they were having to celebrate the 40th Of course, people associated with the school anniversary of the school. They were know that I am interested; but people not anxious to hold such a celebration because associated with it might well have in mind they knew that a new school would be built the thought, "What is wrong with our local in another area. member?" I am taking this opportunity to The gentleman concerned does not know explain the situation. tha.t, immediately I became the member for I think it is shocking that people can do Mt. Gravatt, I personally undertook a that sort of thing-create problems in an survey of the whole area to see what the area for which they have no responsibility­ school-ground requirements were in the and that the person who has the responsibility :future. Looking to the future, this was one instance in which I realised that a need is not given the opportunity of replying. existed, and this is one of the school-grounds It is not good enough, and it should not that I was able to influence the department happen to anybody. I am not complaining to purchase. The school-grounds exist­ merely because it happened to me or because not only a site for a new primary school I am a member of the Government. It could at Kuraby but also a site for a new high happen to any member of Parliament. If an school, when that becomes necessary. The irresponsible attack is made in any area, parents and citizens' association at that Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1037 school-it is a wonderful parents and This, of course, is nonsense. People know citizens' association; it has done a terrific that these things happen, and I think it amount of work-- is rather despicable that anybody should Mr. Hinze: All parents and citizens' make political capital out of the death of associations are wonderful. a head-teacher. I think it is a shocking thing, and is something to be deplored by Mr. CHINCHEN: I agree that they are everybody. wonderful. But this one is magnificent. At Mr. Walsh: Is he campaigning against this time, with about 120 pupils at the you? school, it has developed a new oval and has arranged for the reticulation of water. Mr. CHINCHEN: Yes, definitely, if it Those things have happened, and the parents can be called a campaign, and I think know that their time for a new school is this is a shocking way to do it. coming. He went on to say- The gentleman concerned went on to say- "The school was supposed to be a four­ "The local Parents and Citizens' teacher school, but until recently had only Committee asked the Education Depart­ three teachers." ment at least to soundproof the temporary What does he mean by "it was supposed classroom, but this request was refused. to be a four-teacher school"? It was once They are now offering to pay for it a one-teacher school, then a two-teacher themselves . . . " school, then a three-teacher school, and now That is not true. Again his facts are entirely it is a four-teacher school. It is on this incorrect. sort of basis that this person is talking The part that hurts the local people is about a parents' revolt. that he went on to say that the school has He went on to say- had three different head-teachers in the last "The school has to be rebuilt on a three months. Can any decent man make site some 300 yards away, but in the political capital out of the death of a meantime the children in the area are beloved head-master? That is what has getting a raw deal." happened. Mr. Bill Klemm, who was highly I have every faith in the parents and respected by everybody in the district, was citizens' association at this school, and they head-master for many years. He was loved have not approached me on this matter. I by the children, and he died very suddenly know they would have done so if the only two or three months ago. His death position was as serious as is stated. was a great shock to people in the district. On the question of the school being This was a very happy school under his re built, if there is any reason why it will control. The Education Department imme­ not be rebuilt in the very near future, it diately had a problem, so it found a person is because of statements such as this. If who could take the school over the next a parent not connected with the school, day. He was there only as an acting head­ but with a young child due to go to school teacher until one of the usual, relieving next year, read this Press article it would head-teachers could be assigned to the make him very doubtful whether this was school. That is all that has happened. A the place to send his child. The way to head-teacher died and another man was put get the new school sooner is to have greater in there for a very short period. It was numbers attending, and all that this opponent Mr. Bannerman, from Ipswich. He filled of mine is doing is scaring people away the gap until a relieving head-teacher was from the school. This will mean that the available. These men are not just sitting school cannot justify going into new and around in a room waiting for calls such larger premises. This is what worries me, as this; they are very busy people. One and it is also worrying the parents and of them was chosen by the department to citizens' association and the people of the go to Kuraby, and he will be there until Kuraby district. This man is acting not the end of the year. in the interests of the school or the people The gentleman responsible for this allega­ but in his own political interests, and what tion should know that all major changes are he has done could result in delaying the made at the end of the school year. It provision of a new school. would be impossible to find a permanent Mr. Graham: It looks as though he got head-teacher for this school at this moment under your skin a bit. without a series of moves. There could be dozens of moves. If one person is taken Mr. CHINCHEN: It is not only my skin out to go to this school it creates a that he has got under, he has got under gap, and another one, and another, and the skin of everybody in the district with so on. This relieving head-teacher will the exception of one person, namely, the take care of the school until the end person who told him at the A.L.P. meeting of the year, when all the necessary moves to write this rubbish to make political capital. will be made. He has been ill advised. Apparently this person does not understand For the record, I should like to say these things. He goes on to say that this that not a word was printed of the state­ is one of the major problems; that this ment that I gave to "The Courier-Mail" is going to bring about a parents' revolt. on Monday, 21 October, at a little after 1038 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

4 o'clock. The newspaper did not even new primary school in the Kuraby area in say that the local member was interested the next financial year. Of course, I know in the school. It did publish an item the that the needs of that district must be con­ following day, "Kuraby school revolt is sidered together with those of the rest of tame", and that if there was a revolution, the State. it was a very quiet revolution. I must thank the newspaper for at least saying I hope that the statement that was pub­ this. But why accept scurrilous stuff like lished in the Press has not scared parents this and print it, create the problem, and in the district and will not result in a reduc­ next day say that the position was not tion of the number of school-children attend­ as stated by this gentleman. Is this the ing this school. It would be a great shame way journalism operates today-that any­ if children who would normally go to the body can make a rash statement and have Kuraby school next year attend some other it published? If this is the case, I am school. The Kuraby school has been a very extremely disappointed in our Press. happy school in the past, and I know that it will continue to be a very happy one in the I should like to read the short statement future. that I issued to "The Courier-Mail", not a word of which was published. If this gentleman is interested in education, r suggest to him that before he makes state­ It reads- ments of this nature he should make "Mr. G. T. Chinchen, M.L.A. for Mt. thorough inquiries to ensure that he knows Gravatt, said today from Sydney, where what he is talking about. His statements he was attending the International can only do harm and will do no good at Union of Building Societies and Sav­ all in helping the situation. If he were to ings Associations Congress, that he move about the area he would find that new was pleased that his opponent at the school-grounds have been provided and that next State election was looking at educa­ a new high school is being presently con­ tional matters in the Mt. Gravatt elec­ structed. In addition, of course, he would torate, as he would see striking evidence see two other high schools. When this of the improvements made by the present Government took office there was not one Government. high school in the Mt. Gravatt electorate; . "Mr. Chinchen said that he was respon­ at the beginning of the next school year there sible for the acquisition of a new primary­ will be three. school site and also a high-school site at I suggest to him that he should look Kuraby, and he was hopeful that a new further afield at the technical education that primary school would be built in the next is provided in institutes of technology and financial year. technical colleges throughout this State. He "The vacancy caused by the sudden should look at the Longreach Rural College death of the head-teacher of the Kuraby and the Agricultural College at Lawes to school, Mr. Bill Klemm, was immediately see what has happened there in the last two filled by an acting head-teacher, and a or three years. If this man is genuinely relieving head-teacher was appointed as interested in this field he will be surprised soon as possible. This gentleman told by what has happened. He will learn that in Mr. Chinchen recently that he considered this year the present Minister for Education the standard of the children at the school and Cultural Activities will be receiving quite satisfactory. $22,000,000 more than his predecessor "A permanent head-teacher will be received a year ago. In the last financial appointed at the start of the new school year the Education Department's appropria­ year when all new appointments are made. tion was 11 t per cent. higher than the one "Mr. Chinchen said the parents and for the previous year. This financial year citizens' association, in whom he had every it is almost 20 per cent. more than last confidence, had not complained to him year's. This means that over a period of two years there has been an increase of 3 1 .5 ?ut early last week two people interested m the school had mentioned some matters per cent., which shows that this Government which he had immediately taken up with is interested in education and is doing every­ the Director of Primary Education. thing humanly possible in this field within the limits of the financial resources available "Mr. Chinchen said that he would not to it. like to think that his political opponent was making political capital out of the To make statements that disturb people is sudden death of the late head-teacher." the last thing that we want. I grant that we must be critical and also analytical but we I take this opportunity, as I will have no should not consider anything in isolation. I other, of explaining the situation at the invite this gentleman to make a survey. I will Kuraby school. All of us know that things help him to do this if he wants me to, and are never perfect. I am not saying for a I think that he will be quite surprised by moment that in any of the schools in my what has been done. As I say, there is more electorate things are perfect. However, at to be done, but we can see where we are the Kuraby school we have the additional going. Everyone will agree that the new teacher and the additional temporary room, high-school standards are excellent. In the and we are hopeful that a slight increase old days there were no standards; in fact, we m enrolment will justify the erection of a virtually had no high schools. When this Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1039

Government came to office, 15,000 children me. I have therefore taken advantage of in Queensland-the select few-attended the opportunity to make a few comments State high schools, whereas today there are in this debate. 77,000 State high-school students, all accom­ modated in well-equipped, good high schools. I should now like to refer briefly to another matter. While I was absent from We know full well the improvements in Queensland last week many speeches were the design of buildings and equipment, and made in this Chamber. I have been trying the size of the school-grounds. We provide to catch up with them by reading "Hansard", 10 acres for primary schools and, if pos­ and I was interested to read the speech sible, 20 acres for high schools. Such made by the hon. member for Norman in standards did not exist previously. I have a which he referred to the need for a con­ school at Mt. Gravatt, with an enrolment of sumers' protection council. He seemed to 1,100 children, on an area of only 4t acres. be quite delighted in that this was his idea, The Government of the day was offered 37 and he pursued the matter. I should like acres, then 24; the area gradually decreased him to know that I thoroughly agree with until the Government finally settled for 4t him. I do not often agree with him, but acres. I do not think it would have had even I do so on this matter. I have a surprise that area had not one of the residents bought for him, because this matter has been con­ a string of blocks at the back of the school sidered by Government members and further which were eventually taken over. We have investigation is under way. We know full good standards today, and things are moving well that such a council operates in Victoria, well. No-one can tell me that our children and one has been operating in Denmark, are not receiving good education. and also in New Zealand, for quite some time. Its sole purpose is to help someone I know that our teachers have a big load, who feels that he has a problem that does but they are doing remarkably well. We not justify legal action. It may be a small have created some of the stresses and strains problem, but to him it is important. Such by increasing the leaving age to 15, some­ problems occur every day of the week. Any­ thing that the Labour Government failed to body who reads "Crisis Line" in "Sunday grapple with. In addition, we increased Truth" knows that people have these little the teacher-training period to two years, problems, but there is nobody to whom they which meant a loss of 1,000 teachers. We can go. The Press is doing a wonderful knew there would be stresses and strains, job in correcting these problems, because but we realised that it was necessary for there is no body or authority to whom teachers to have a two-year training period. these people can go. It should have been provided earlier, but at least we did it. We now know that it is Mr. Walsh: I was rather surprised that the essential that the training time for teachers be hon. member for Norman should identify extended to three years. That will impose himself with what the Democratic Labour further stresses, but at least we know what Party has advocated for a long time. is happening. We are providing in the Mr. CHINCHEN: All sound-thinking Budget for an additional 850 primary and people think along these lines. I am just secondary teachers, and for an increase from as amazed as the hon. member for Bundaberg 3,167 to 3,824 in the number of trainee that the hon. member for Norman should teachers. We know how this will help. We are allowing for an all-time record appoint­ adopt this attitude. ment of 2,050 teachers next January. I think that this matter is quite important. As an example, three or four weeks ago a That is what is happening, and our constituent of mine came to me with a suit political opponents should be aware of it. that had literally fallen to pieces. It was not They should not be hasty in seeking Press a very expensive suit, but he expected to get publicity or adopting scare tactics similar a year or two of wear out of it. He went to the actions of Mr. Baldwin, the president back to the place where he bought it, and the of the Teachers' Union, in referring to retailer referred him to the interstate manu­ "blackboard jungles". Such talk is shocking facturer. He contacted the manufacturer who and upsetting, and does nothing to overcome said, "The retailer sold it to you; I didn't." the problem. I welcome constructive The poor fellow was left in a quandary. He criticism because it is needed. Everyone was kicked from one to the other. He wrote should be interested in education and should to me and I referred it to the Minister for advance sound ideas, but talking about revo­ Justice. After a lengthy delay I received a lution and anarchy within our schools helps reply that he had recourse to law. This was no-one. I think the A.L.P. should take to task a $50 or $60 suit, and the cost of a law­ its members who do that and bring them into suit would be prohibitive. line with common sense and good thinking. The Labour Party should influence these This might happen to 100 or 1,000 people people to bring forward good, constructive, -nobody knows. But if these complaints sound thinking. could be registered with a particular body, such as a consumer protection council, and My main purpose in speaking was to six, 18 or 20 complaints were lodged about a explain the real position to the people I certain firm, it would be realised that that represent. I tried to have an answer pub­ firm was taking the public down. We have lished in the Press, but this was denied to nothing of this nature. It happens in hundreds 1040 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

of cases and people have to stand the loss. Mr. Carey: Do you think it would tend to For this reason it is necessary to have some increase the price of goods to the consumer? type of consumer protection body. Mr. CHINCHEN: There is no reason at Mr. J. T. Molony, Q.C., headed a British all for that to happen. I believe that 99.9 committee that investigated this matter and per cent. of firms are honest and function came up with 200-odd recommendations to in competition in an endeavour to give the Government of the day. On page 278 the best possible service to al!ow them to of the report, dealing with a consumer remain in business. That is necessary, as the protection council, he said- hon. member for Albert knows. It is there­ "The case for creating such a body rests fore necessary for a trader to have a good on the proposition that the consumer needs product, correctly priced, and to give good an independent and forceful authority to service. Otherwise his competitors will push speak and to act on his behalf." him out. Unfortunately the odd shifty person gets into business, dealing mainly in small, I thoroughly agree with that. shoddy items. He guarantees service but He went on further, in this very lengthy does not give any. What, then, does the person who has been "caught" do? He report, to say- cannot afford to go to court. If he could "Our conclusion is that a Consumer go to a body such as I and the hon. member Council should be established. We are for Norman suggest, the dealers in shoddy well aware that any addition to the articles would disappear quickly. apparatus of bureaucracy is open to cr~ti­ cism and requires a powerful case to JUStify Mr. Porter: A consumer protection council it. We have found after careful delibera­ would tend to keep prices down, because it tion that such a case exists. We were would eliminate shoddy goods. influenced by the possible needs of the future as much as by the patent require­ Mr. CHINCHEN: That is true. ments of the present; including our aware­ The Victorian law is a small piece of ness of many problems which we could legislation, but apparently it has been effect­ not sift in a reasonable time but which ive. The experience of that State is of extreme merited investigation by an authoritative interest to us, and the first two reports, body acting in the consumer interest. We in 1966 and 1967, make very interesting were also influenced by the fact that reading. They set out the types of complaint since-and we believe, in part because that have been lodged, and what it has of-our appointment a greater recognition been possible to do about them. The Council of consumer needs and a readiness to found, for instance, that because of certain respect them by positive measures things that were coming to its notice which developed in several quarters; we believe revealed weaknesses in the legislation, it that a Consumer Council would maintain was able to suggest to the Government that this stimulus. Above all we were led to the Hire-purchase Act should be changed. our conclusion by a realization, which pro­ What has been done in Victoria has been gressively developed as our inquiry pro­ advantageous to the consumer. ceeded, that the system of consumer protection we were called upon to devise It may be asked, "What is the cost of would be deficient without such a corner­ this?" In the report of the Consumers' stone as a Consumer Council alone could Protection Council, dated 24 October, 1966, provide." the chairman, Mr. Bottomley, said- "At present the Council's staff consists This is the main point. If such a body was of an administrative officer, who is secret­ established, a good deal of this unfortunate ary to the Council, a stenographer and a behaviour by certain retailers and manu­ typist. However, in order to conduct re­ facturers would disappear, because there search into consumer complaints effective­ would be a body to which people could ly, Council requires the appointment of a report. This council would give a report to second administrative officer to assist the Parliament every 12 months, and, naturally, secretary." no firm would like its name quoted in such a document. That is not a large staff; indeed it is a small staff. There are big problems here. Such a body could be only as good at the administrative I was interested to read in the Press people who constitute it. Therefore we must recently- have on it people who have great integrity " Protection body claims $6,000,000 and a certain amount of wisdom. A good deal saving to consumers. The Consumer Pro­ of damage could be done to firms and indi­ tection Council has saved the community viduals if it really got out of hand. And at least $6,000,000 for an outlay of less this could happen. It depends on the terms than $60,000 in the three years it has of reference. Certain safeguards could be been in existence. This estimate of saving provided in the legislation. This type of body to consumers was conservative." has existed for some time in other countries, No doubt many other hon. members also and an investigation in those countries could read that item. I do not know whether what identify where the problems lie, and they is stated there is correct. The figure quoted could be overcome. is probably one that the author somehow Supply (29 OCTOBER] Supply 1041 found, and he has used it to obtain a bit 2 April, 19,68, which was well before the of publicity. But there is no question that "Van Gogh" was in the Gulf of Carpentaria, there is a great need for protection. I asked the Treasurer a question. His answer Every group has some form of "together­ was that he was aware that foreign prawn­ ness" for its own protection, but the con­ ing trawlers were in the Gulf, and he went sumer is left on his own. Such a consumer on to say- protection council would be a small but "Waters in the Gulf beyond the 12- very effective body in this State, and I am mile limit are international waters and one who advocates its introduction. There must, however, be certain safeguards in no action by the Commonwealth or the its functioning. The people running it are State can alter this position." of extreme importance, and great care would On 11 July this year, a cartoon appeared have to be exercised in making information in the Press, and I thought how typical available for publication. If a complaint was it was of the Treasurer's answer. It shows registered which on investigation was shown a figure labelled "External Affairs" saying, to be unjustified, it would be wrong to have "It is not my concern, it's his". Next to details of the complaint appearing in docu­ that is a figure labelled "Queensland ments presented to Parliament. Care would Fisheries", which is pointing to a figure have to be taken to ensure that legitimate labelled "Navy". The Navy says, "It is traders were protected, and that only inform­ ation concerning those who defrauded the not my concern. It's his", and points to public in one way or another was made a figure labelled "External Territories". public. I raise this point to let the hon. External Territories is pointing to someone member for Norman know that it has been, who is not in the picture. The public and is being, considered, and I feel quite wants the answer, but the matter is still confident that ultimately the Government being passed backwards and forwards. will consider something along these lines. Reports are being received-in some instances they are second-hand~which are Mr. WALLIS-SMITH (Tablelands) (3.30 very disturbing. In fact, they are so disturb­ p.m.): I think that the financial side of the ing that I visualise-! am not a prophet, Budget has been covered very well by vari­ of course-that in the corresponding season ous hon. mem'bers on this side of the next year, unless something definite is known, Chamber, and I intend to deal mainly with not only State or Commonwealth-wide but a variety of items that I think are very internationally, as to the arrangements that important to Queensland, and very important, have been made for and the conditions in many instances, to the area that I repre­ that have been applied to Gulf waters, there sent. I intend to deal first with Govern­ will be trouble. What is the use of the ment protection in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Navy, the Air Force, any Minister of the a subject that I dealt with briefly in an Crown or any member of Parliament making earlier debate in this Chamber. statements when a ship is in the Gulf No matter where we look, we find news­ of Carpentaria and an incident could occur? paper articles relative to the Gulf area; Many big conflicts have arisen from smaller we also hear radio commentaries on the incidents than people catching prawns in subject, and I was told that there was an area that others believe is their own. a five-minute session on the Gulf area on television last night. It appears that it This is now quite a big .industry. In is becoming a very interesting area because 1945-46 only 1,760 lb. of prawns was taken, of the income it will produce and because the value being $2,800. What a different of its potential for attracting tourists from picture there was in 1965-66, when, accord­ various parts of the world. ing to the Year Book, the catch was The point that I brought to the Govern­ 6,034,000 lb., which was worth $2,185,000. ment's notice recently was the failure to It is a source of wealth that any country give protection to and to make arrange­ would be looking for. There is a very ments for the investigation of the prawning lucrative market for this delicacy and it industry, which is having rather a torrid is not only in our South-eastern area. I time at present. In my opinion, this is have information from one prawner that due principally to the fact that no planning he is sending prawns to Switzerland, where or scientific investigation has been under­ prices are high. They are a !uxmy that taken. Wherever we look these days, we that country can pay for. find references to "planning". While the demand continues we must On 1 March, 1968, a big heading appeared expect heavy competition for the trade, in the Pr,ess "New Towns in the Gulf and if it is not controlled it must mean that Area. Vast prawn-fishing project," and once these areas will be fished out Only a fort­ again the spotlight fell on Karumba. One night ago, a person from the Tableland came paragraph in that article said- back from Karumba and reported that work "In case of trouble between rival crews, was not as plentiful as it ha> been. the some sort of police patrol also will be reason being that the season was almost needed." finished. In this sense "season" means the Since that time, of course, there has been season for a particular type of prawn. trouble with the Russian trawler "Van In this instance it was the bilrnna prawn; Gogh''. Hon. members will recall that on the tiger and king prawns are :n cleeper 1042 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply waters farther out. But no survey has been I turn now to the destruction of crocodiles made and it does not appear that there and the failure of the crocodile industry in will be a survey. the Gulf of Carpentaria. The crocodile industry would be a big boon to Karumba, I have a report to the effect that the as it was at one time. A crocodile farm was Gulf deep sea prawn survey has been turned established there in 1965, but it has now down. It has been turned down because ceased to operate. One of the reasons for it will cost a little money, and because the its closure was that no protection whatsover voting potential of the Gulf of Carpentaria was afforded against foreign interests who area is not very high. Only two seats border controlled the world market for crocodile it. This charge will have to be refuted by skins. I refer to interests based in Singapore. the Treasurer and the Government, to show In the early stages the operators of the farm they are realistic in their approach. The received substantial help from the Govern­ survey was turned down because the ment, but they found that they were in com­ Government is not very interested in this petition with this group in Singapore that industry or the interests of Queensland or had the world market tied up and, therefore, Australia. They are very proud to say, "At could dictate prices, could say how skins Weipa, we are going to establish a fishing would be measured, and could, on the con­ village". That was stated in answer to a tention that all skins it imported were question by me last week. It was news to stretched, reduce the price for the skins. All me. I asked that an area of land be of these factors made it impossible for the provided at Weipa to enable people to go farm to continue to operate. there and enjoy the coast. As hon. mem­ bers know, Comalco has 1,400 square miles I have received some reports on the opera­ under its control, and a person would not tions of this farm, as have the Government want to enter that property and take the and Sir David Muir, and in the early stages risk of being summonsed for trespassing. of its operations the reports seemed to be qu.ite heartening. The operators of the farm The Treasurer and the Government will desired to expand its activities but could not say that such areas are being established, obtain finance. In one of the reports they but the product is the thing I am worried claimed that they found it impossible to about. I am concerned about the con­ establish an Australian company. servation of this product so that the take will I have here a letter from the Under Secre­ be continuous rather than seasonal, and that tary of the Premier's Department. It says- can be achieved by a system of licensing under which only a certain number of 'I am to inform you that since the early fishermen and processing factories will be days of fauna protection in Queensland allowed to operate. it has always been recognised that native animals are the property of the State and Prawning interests in Thursday Island that it is the responsibility of the State to have informed me that, wh·ereas Western utilise and conserve this heritage. How­ Australian fishermen can come to the Gulf, ever, you will no doubt appreciate the Queensland fishermen cannot go to Western State's financial resources are limited, and Australian waters because licences there are it is not always possible to allocate ade­ limited. quate funds to a particular field of activity. Hence, the implementation of fauna con­ These Gulf waters are the waters over servation measures can only proceed as fast which the Treasurer says he has no control as finances will permit." beyond the 12-mile limit. The Government can exercise control by issuing licences, and Unfortunately, finances were not available to I think to that end closer liaison between permit this to go any further. Sir David the State and Federal Governments is neces­ Muir sent up his officers, and they have sary. I know that there are loop-holes, but taken over the property that was once a close liaison would very quickly and tightly thriving crocodile farm. close some of the gaps. Mr. Sherrington: One of the former Min­ Mr. Walsh: You are not suggesting that isters in control of the Act was very helpful the State has control outside the 12-mile in this, wasn't he? limit? Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: Yes. The hon. Mr. WALUS-SMITH: No, I am not sug­ member for Wave!! was the Minister at that gesting that at all, but I am suggesting that time, and I give him credit for realising that the State and the Commonwealth should get there was a great potential in this industry. together and consider the position in the I have with me a map, which was sent Gulf of Carpentaria and all its aspects. I down by the gentleman who held this farm. am not going to compare it with the Gulf As the hon. member for Mt. Gravatt said, of Mexico, although that has been done we need ideas. This gentleman has his ideas. before. H is an area that is deemed to be In fact, he has books of them. They are territorial waters. How was it done? Some embodied in reports, but ,they fall on deaf Commonwealth statesman should be able ears. The map shows that the 300-mile to ascertain readily how that was done, so section between the Nicholson River and that Australia could follow the examples set Kendall River on the Gulf of Carpentaria in other parts of the world. could be farmed to produce $5,000,000 worth Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1043 of crocodile skin each year. This production Mr. Dewar: That is very sad. 1s far greater than that envisaged by the owner of the farm. He is a man dedicated to Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: It is. that area, and he has been in it for 12 or 14 When talking recently with Sir David years. For a man to live in that area for Muir, he also expressed his regret that this that length of time and to continue to pro­ had happened. duce that sort of evidence he must be dedi­ cated to the activities that he took on. I now intend to devote a few minutes to the timber industry. I have here the week-old He also shows that this area which is only Annual Report of the North Queensland 500 miles from Cairns, could become a won­ Sawmillers' Association. On looking through derful tourist attraction. I think that the hon. the pages I was surprised to see that we are member for Wavell, when he was the still importing large quantities of timber. Minister, realised that the area could become Queensland's imports of sawn timber in­ a major tourist resort. creased by 43 per cent. compared with 1966- ~ . wonder how ~he safari of the present 67, whilst sawn-timber imports throughout Mm1ster for Tounsm fared when it spent the Commonwealth increased by only 14 two days at Karumba. I do not know if per cent. Queensland is a State that could be many hon. members know Karumba, but doing quite a lot to overcome the inroads there are not so many places of interest of imported timbers on our markets. We that an inspection would take two days. should prepare for the future by reforestation, When the safari went to Normanton, where which I have often brought to the Minister's the Government administration centre is notice. I have urged not only that we should situated, it spent 30 minutes there. That is have plantations, but also that we should not a realistic approach to this area. plant timber on broken land and water­ The crocodile industry has been sacrificed courses. In these days many areas are being because of the paltry attention given to it by converted to improved pastures. Erosi

timber. I suggest that the Minister for Con­ entirely different from its chemical mean­ servation watch this closely because too much ing, in connection with the toll of the road. sawn timber is being imported. It has become a term that everyone under­ The report also says- stands, and it is regarded as a cure for many "Sawn timber shipped through the Port things. But it also has damaging effects, and of Cairns amounted to 2,498,152 su. ft., I wonder whether we, as law-makers, will an improvement of 17 per cent. over be sufficiently conscious of this to make some last year ..." move to call a halt. This is an improvement of 17 per cent. in our exports, yet our importation of sawn Sydney is planned to be a super-city by timber increased by 43 per cent. the year 2000. No doubt many members have read the article in today's "Courier­ The repol1t further says- Mail" to which I have referred, and I am ". . . with a total of logs and sawn not going to weary the Committee by reading timber of 2,858,394 su. ft. of which it now. It does make one realise, how­ 492,104 su. ft. were e:>eports overseas. ever, the difficulty of even conceiving what Attention of the Forestry Department has been drawn to the large traffic in logs, cities will be like in the future. Imagine and the situation is being watched closely." Sydney extending from Wollongong to New­ So the importance and danger of too much castle! Imagine Gosford a city of 500,000 traffic in log timber is realised. people! At present it is a small, pleasant sea­ side town. Some freight concessions have been allowed and the association paid a good Figures produced by the United Nations deal of attention to this matter. In his Organisation :show that this type of expansion Financial Statement the Treasurer said that is taking place in a greater degree all over there has been quite a sizeable reduction. the world. In the year 2000 the world He said that as from 1 November, 1968, a population will be 6,300 million, or four 5 per cent. reduction will be made in rail­ times the population in 1900. That means way freights on a number of articles, includ­ ing logs and sawn timber. that the world population will quadruple in 100 years, which is a rate of increase The Sawmillers' Association says- greater than that expected in Sydney. In the "The concessions made are not as effec­ advanced countries in 1950 there were tive in practice as they appear in print. 865,000,000 people. In 1975 the number The concession to Townsville in no way is estimated to be 1,170 million, and by assists the coastal or Tableland mills, and the year 2000 the estimate is 1,500 million. the Brisbane market is predominantly in In the undeveloped countries, the rate of heavy species anyway. Following a meet­ ing between the Executive Committee and growth is even faster. By the year 2000, the Department in Brisbane on 28th May, there will be 4,500 million, which represents 1968, all these submissions are being again an increase of 2.4 per cent., compared with presented." 1 per cent. in the advanced countrie-s. So the association is making again the sub­ All of those people have to be fed, or there missions it made to the department for a will be untold starvation in countries that lower freight rate. are supposed to be well advanced in scientific "The Courier-Mail" often contains good matters, such as nutritional requirements and articles on page 2, and the one in today's the number of acres necessary to keep the edition is headed "Sydney-A.D. 2000. Plan food bins full. With the population of the for a super-city." That time is only 32 world increasing at the rate of 1.6 per cent. years away, which is not very long at all. per annum-that is, by 45,000,000 a year, I have also read an article from Western or 5,000 an hour-the increase in one year Australia referring to the year 2868, which equals the net migration from Europe is another century away. between 1800 and 1950------150 years. Those I am a little concerned by both those figures come from the United Nations' articles; on the one hand, it is said that Organisation. I am not sure whether the there is an urgent need for planning every­ Government is going to argue against them; where, and, on the other, that there is an I am not interested, really, whether it is or urgent need to control some scientific activi­ not. ties. Dealing with the year 2868, Professor Because of medical skills, births have L. C. Birch, Challis Professor of Biology at increased and deaths have decreased, and, the Sydney University School of Biological as I said earlier, more food is required. Of Sciences, warned earlier this year that biology the earth's surface, one-fifth is too cold for was a force more potent than nuclear war. cropping, one-fifth is too arid, one-fifth is too This is a present-day approach to something mountainous, and one-tenth is soilless, which that could get out of control quite easily. In leaves only 30 per cent., including the tropics, looking through what Professor Birch said, I that is suitable for cultivation. On a world noticed that he stated that virtually all living basis, there are approximately 12.5 acres for organisms are now contaminated with D.D.T. each person, of which approximately 4 acres "D.D.T." has become a house word. I see are potentially cultivable and 1.2 acres are that it is even mentioned, with a meaning being cultivated. Therefore, only a quarter Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1045 of what could be cultivated is being used. the area north of it is approximately In Australia, there are 200 acres per head 32,000,000 acres in extent. The population compared with 0.17 acres per head in Japan. is 8,000 including 3,000 in the Torres Strait area and an Aboriginal population of 3,500. Mr. Smith: What does all this prove? Beef cattle numbers, according to the latest Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: The hon. member figures, as at March, 1966, were 105,000. for Windsor says, "What does all this lead Dealing with the climate, the rainfall is to?'', or something to .that effect. If he is 40 to 70 inches with high reliability. Only interested in knowing what it is leading to a very small area in South-East Queensland, he should listen. On many occasions whe~ the southern half of Victoria, south-west the hon. member rises to speak, we wonder Western Australia and the top of the where he is heading. He uses many legal Northern Territory have similar reliability. terms and gets nowhere. The temperature is always high enough for growth. The soil is almost all deficient Mr. Tucker: And bores the House. in nitrogen and phosphorous with some Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: Yes, and bores the sulphur deficiency. Development potential House. I think he is here now only because includes pastures, tropical legumes and sum­ he has to take the chair shortly. mer crops such as sorghums and fodder legumes. If two-thirds of this total area Mr. Smith: And you might then have to of 32,000,000 acres were fully developed sit down. under improved pastures, it could carry 4,500,000 cattle. As I mentioned, the cattle Mr. W ALLIS-SMITH: I think the hon. population at present is 105,000. Based on member is going to be disappointed. a price of $22.50 per 100-lb. carcass weight, The suggestion is made that the area under this would represent an industry worth cultivation should be extended from 1.2 •acres $420,000,000 annually. to 4 acres a head; that more suitable crops or varieties, or animals, should be substituted; Mr. Ahem: Are you going to tell us that water availability should be increased by how to go about it? storage, desalination and re-usage; that there should be increased fertiliser usage; a-nd that Mr. W ALLIS-SMITH: The Country Party the sea should be utilised. The Parliament member for Landsborough wants to know and the Government of Queensland will not if I am going to tell him how to go have to consider very minutely things such about it. as those, because in this State we are in the Mr. Ahern: How would you go about happy position of having plenty of room for it? some considerable time. If time permits, I shall deal with the amount of land that we Mr. W ALLIS-SMITH: I am one member have available above the 16th parallel. of this Parliament of 78. If we are going The population of the world can be fed to depend on individuals becoming magicians if we have thinking, planning, development I think we will wait a long time. A little and consideration on a world scale. Lord bit of co-operation and practical thinking Boyd Orr stated that virtually the only limit could trans~orm the Parliament into a body to food production is the amount of capital that by its laws would not allow our natural and labour that Governments are willing to wealth to be denuded, would not allow devote to it. Therefore, the problem is erosion to take place, would allow food political. He said that if all nations reduced production to be stepped up and would their defence budget by 10 per cent. and protect our industries. Tho·se are the things devoted half the savings to •a reduction in we want to do. The hon. member asks taxation and the other half to development me to tell them how to do it. In thinking by an international authority, under super­ that one person can answer all these ques­ vision of the United Nations, of the potential tions, he is really showing his immaturity. resources of the earth, the problem of under­ I am making my contribution to this Budget nourishment would be solved. Any nation debate in a way that I think can assist refusing to co-operate in this way could no the State. If the hon. member does not longer pretend that its political ideology was wish to assist the State, he is of a different designed to promote the welfare of mankind. ilk from me. The difficulty is, indeed, the deeper one of In conclusion, I should say let the public understanding of varying standards scientists look into the futur.e and let the and values, and until these are removed by graziers take up the challenge of the present widespread education and there is something and make the northern pasture revolution approaching a general standard of honesty a reality. If this was done, I am sure disinterested service, loyalty, and respect fo; there would be a vast all-round improve­ obligations, there is little hope of checking ment, not only in food production but also the inflamed nationalism that is mainly in halting the population drift. At the responsible today for denying mankind the present time there is a distinct drift from benefits that science and technology offer. country areas. From 1961 to 19>66 there I am now going to show the part that was a definite population drift from 18 the area of Cape York Peninsula north of rural areas. Insufficient thought and atten­ the 16th parallel could play in such an tion are being given to these areas that important ·project. The 16th parallel runs are so valuable not only to us, but to approximately due west from Daintree, and the world. We have 32 years to come 1046 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply to the state I have mentioned. Those are man was ostracised and cut to pieces it was United Nations' figures and they would be Alf Muller, and those three gentlemen did correct; and 32 years is not a very long the job. time. Mr. Sullivan: You have been good up I say to Government members that they till now. Why disturb the situation? should give this a lot more thought than their own parochial and district problems. Mr. THACKERAY: I say to the present Their small problems are well worth con­ Minister for Lands, "Let us not cast stones". sideration but let us be broader in our If we all dig deep enough into closets we outlook. Let us adopt a world outlook will dig up skeletons. When I was elected and make this Parliament much better than I was told to remember that. If a person it was when we entered it. digs deep enough he will find something, or, like the hon. member for Townsville South, Mr. TIIACKERAY (Rockhampton North) he can make it up; it makes no difference. (4.10 p.m.): I enter the debate, firstly, to say farewell to many of my colleagues who To Alf Muller I say-- will be retiring at the end of this year. The CHAIRMAN: Order! I remind the Among those people are the former Leader hon. member that when he refers to other of the Opposition, Mr. John Duggan, Mr. hon. members he should refer to them by Jim Donald, "Johnno" Mann, Jack Dufficy, their electorates. When he talks about Mr. Fred Graham and Peter Byrne. On the Muller he should refer to him as the hon. Government side there are Alf Muller and member for Fassifern. Eddie Beardmore. I include, too, Arthur Cob urn. Mr. JHACKERAY: I am sorry, Mr. I have grown to know these men. Some Hooper. The hon. member for Fassifern of them entered Parliament after I did. is a good friend of mine, and I thought you Bddie Beardmore certainly did. I have got would grant me that indulgence when I to know their characteristics and their good was talking about him. That is all I want and bad points. Since I have been a member, to say about it. my closest friend has been John Duggan. Eddie Beardmore is a great old guy. He He has been like a father to me. I went came into Parliament a little late in life, overseas with him in 1964, and over the and I do not think he had an opportunity years we have built up a very close friend­ to fully grasp the activities of Parliament. ship. It is a friendship that I have been However, while he was here he devoted very proud to be able to maintain. I will be himself to his parliamentary duties. I think sorry to see him retire. I think everybody that Arthur Coburn, who everyone more or will agree that he is one of the most out­ less looked on as an old school-teacher, did standing orators in this House. He has what we expected of him. not been in the best of health lately, and Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: The hon. member I wish him well in his years of retirement. for Landsborough came in early in life. The same goes to my colleague Jim Donald. He has been a tower of strength Mr. THACKERAY: He came in early, to me. Since I have been here he has been but how soon will he go out? His position the secretary of the party. could be viewed in the light of :the result of the Isis by-election. In "The Courier­ To all my other colleagues, the colourful Mail", Logan Sligo reported that there was "Johnno" Mann, Jack Dufficy, who is the a big swing against the Government in expert on land matters-- Isis. He is very conservative when writing Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: I thought the hon. his reports. When he writes such a report member for Barcoo was. for "The Courier-Mail" we do not know how far the swing will be, but the pendulum Mr. THACKERAY: He is a protege of is swinging very strongly towards the Labour Jack Dufficy. Jack is retiring and is hand­ Party candidate. If my colleague the hon. ing over the title of "expert" to the hon. member for Port Curtis, who has just member for Barcoo. I would say that Mr. returned from Isis, were to speak, he could Dufficy has trained the hon. member for report to us on his last five days there and Barcoo. Everything good that is heard from tell us how the pendulum is swinging to the hon. member for Barcoo in this Chamber Labour. today comes more or less from advice given Mr. Sullivan: I heard that he came away to him by Mr. Dufficy. from Isis very down-hearted. I pay a tribute to my colleague Peter Byrne, who also is retiring. He is the Mr. THACKERAY: He has done a expert on sugar matters. magnificent job up there. I have received phone calls from people in certain estab­ I should also like to say some good words lishments who are very happy about him. about Alf Muller. If ever a man was I refer particularly to the publicans, who crucified in this House it is Alf Muller. are not very happy about the shoddy deal Two Premiers cut his head right off. They that the Government is giving them. My were Frank Nicklin and the late Jack Pizzey. colleague is a hotel proprietor. The former Treasurer, Tom Hiley, should be included with them, too. If ever a Mr. Sullivan: What is the shoddy deal? Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1047

Mr. THACKERAY: The shoddy deal will not even provide. houses for the top that the Government is giving the hotels professors and technical officers of the Rock­ in its licensing laws. The Government hampton Institute of Technology. This is a cannot make up its mind. Many Govern­ shocking indictment of the Government. It ment members are absent and there are will build houses for the employees of flour so many proxy votes that the Government mills, steel mills and other ancillary indus­ cannot establish a definite policy. My tries, but will not build one house for a top colleague, who is well known in the liquor public servant or anyone else in Rockhamp­ trade-- ton. Those people have to fossick around for a house. The Government has not pro­ Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: He is doing vided one house. reasonably well in Gladstone, isn't he? Mr. Miller: No houses? Mr. THACKERAY: That is true. We could not ask for a better man to go into Mr. THACKERAY: Not for top public Isis and spread the gospel in the liquor trade servants in Rockhampton, or for people about this Government's attitude towards it, coming there. The. number of houses avail­ especially when the Liberal Minister, Dr. able for public servants in Rockhampton Delamothe, has been racing around telling could be counted on the fingers of one hand; some hotel proprietors that they are to get there are only five or six of them. extended hours, and this and that. Mr. Miller: How many Government houses Mr. Sullivan: Is it right that Mr. Hanson have been built in Rockhampton? spent all his time electioneering in the hotels in the Isis? Mr. THACKERAY: For rental? Mr. Miller: How many have been built Mr. THACKERAY: No. He did a door­ in the past four years? to-door canvass. When the meetings were over at night-time, in the last hour of his Mr. THACKERAY: How many have been duties, between 9 and 10 p.m., he canvassed built, and how many have been sold? the Childers hotels. On another night he went out to Appletree Creek. Mr. Miller: We encourage people to own their own homes. Mr. Sullivan: Are you sure he was not there after hours? Mr. THACKERAY: The hon. member is not going to side-track me on this issue. Mr. THACKERAY: The Minister for Lands should not say anything about hotel Mr. Miller: How many houses have been proprietors trading after hours. His cousin, built? in Rockhampton, was well known in that Mr. THACKERAY: The Government has field of activity. The funny thing about been building homes for Amagraze, and for it is that his name is Sullivan, and the only the saltworks at Bajool, which is in the difference between him and the Minister is electorate of the hon. member for Port that he claims he came from the north of Curtis. Those homes stood there for six or Ireland and the Minister claims that he 12 months before they were occupied because came from the south of Ireland. they were sublet to the saltworks people. I think I have said enough about my Because of the set-up of the Housing Com­ good colleagues in this Chamber who are mission in Rockhampton, our people had to retiring. live in caravans and drink stinking water The Treasurer called this Budget a "march from the creek. The hon. member for Ithaca to progress" Budget, but as far as we in should keep quiet. He knows nothing about Rockhampton are concerned there is no this. My colleague and old friend the hon. march to progress. We must be a little member for Port Curtis can tell him all bit parochial in these matters. In Rock­ about that. hampton 'housing is No. 1 priority and there In Rockhampton, the Government is not has been no ·housing grant for Rockhampton. building homes for top public servants or Many hon. members have raised this issue. for rental. Instead, it is building homes for For some time Rockhampton's housing needs the staff of certain business enterprises. Why have been neglected. The population increase should they be given treatment different over the past few years verifies what I am from that given to the human being who saying about Housing Commission homes in lives in Rockhampton all his life? There Rockhampton. I have not checked with the are widows, and people with four and five district inspector of housing in Rockhampton, children, looking for homes. A number of and I do not need to, because, from the homes in Rockhampton are in the high inquiries I have received, at least 50 people rental bracket-around $18 a week-and the in that city are waiting for houses. ordinary person cannot afford them. Most of I must agree with the hon. member for those homes-and there are not many of Rockhampton South in this matter. Last them-are sold, and the ordinary person is week he said that the institute of technology priced out of them. was unable to attract teachers and professors This Government is not doing anything to in certain fields because of the remuneration provide housing for the ordinary people, being offered. In addition, the Government including top public servants. All it is doing 1048 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply is ·oetting up establishments like Amagrazfr matter to which I am about to refer comes at Biloela, the saltworks at Gladstone and within his portfolio. In this area, at the top the flour mill, and providing homes for their end of Musgrave Street, a new plaza, built employees. It is a shocking indictment of by Woolworths and costing approximately this Government that it has to do this to $500 000 is to be opened in about three entice industries into the area. In addition week~' ti~1e. The population of the district is to the other assistance the Government gives increasing, and Musgrave Street is the main them, it provides homes for their employees. arterial highway to the North. It has three lanes each way, and is used by trucks, cars, I should like to ask the Minister for Works caravans boats on trailers, and all other and Housing exactly what is happening at types of' vehicle. It carries all tou~ist tral~k the Thozet Road estate in Rockhampton. I to the North, and it is also the mam artenal was there at the week-end, and I saw that it road to residential areas in North Rock­ has been burnt out by bush-fires. This is hampton. If traffic lights are needed an)_'­ magnificent land, and I should like to know where in Queensland, they are needed on this what action has been taken on it by his highway at North Rockhampton. Here one department, and what the city council is sees women with prams, and with baskets doing about reticulating water to the estate under their arms, side-stepping and almost and building roads there. Two years ago I doing ballet dances to get safely across the looked at the ring-road proposal. It is quite roadway. There are white lines on the road outstanding, but so far nothing has been done surface but half of them are not painted about it and, from what I can see, it is not clearly' and there are no advisory speed. sig~s intended to do anything. This is the best in the North Rockhampton area. If acuon IS area in Rockhampton for building purposes. not taken immediately, the Minister will have I think approximately 15 acres have been set a major accident and deaths on his hands, aside as a site for a new school, but nothing because without a shadow of a doubt some­ has been done to facilitate building homes one will be killed at Musgrave Street, North there and relieving the housing situation in Rockhampton. Rockhampton. This is a problem that is facing the Government, and it is one that About two months ago I was driving down will have to be looked at quickly in the Musgrave Street at about 7 o'clock at night. interests of the people in Rockhampton who I had my wife in the car with me, and on a are seeking land through the Housing Com­ plot in the centre of the street opposite the mission on which to build homes, and those Rex Theatre, which is on the corner of who require rental accommodation. Musgrave Street and Lucas Street, I saw a lad on a scooter. He was about eight years In Rockhampton today, particularly the old and was wearing white pants. I saw him North Rockhampton area, land values have just before I began to cross the intersection, risen to such an extent that the average and he dashed off the garden plot and began allotment in a sewered area now costs well to push the scooter across the roadway. I.t over $2,000. If the land to which I refer was luckv for me that I saw him. What had been subdivided, as was proposed two would have been the comment if I had not or three years ago, it would now be available seen him and had hit him with my car? It for young people to build homes through the would have been said, "Thackeray must have Housing Commission. The Budget contains had a few beers. He was drunk." A man no mention of this project. who was either stone cold sober or had had Another problem with which I wish to a few beers may not have seen him and may not have been able to stop in ,time, and deal is the position of "Eventide" homes in that could happen to any person in similar Queensland, particularly in Rockhampton. circumstances. It could happen to any hon. Mr. Ahern: Are you going to tell us about member in this Parliament. C.R.E.B. later? I think it is up to the Minister for Mines and Main Roads to give serious consideration Mr. THACKERA Y: That is a matter to the installation of traffic lights in the area between the member for Rockhampton South to which I have referred. I do not want to and the Deputy Leader of the Country Party, have to raise the matter in this Chamber who is the Minister for Mines, Main Roads after the Minister has blood on his hands. and Electricity. Whatever may be the dog­ Reverting to "Eventide" homes, I say to fight that they have between themselves, I the Committee that the "Eventide" home in shall be most interested to hear about it. Rockhampton has been run very satis­ I should now like to deal with the need factorily and well by the manager, Mr. for traffic lights in North Rockhampton. Taylor. My colleague the hon. member for Port Curtis will agree that Mr. Taylor has Mr. R. Jones: What about "Eventide" done an outstanding job, and I see the hon. homes? member for Callide nodding his agreement. Mr. THACKERAY: I shall start with traffic However, I believe that all hon. members will agree that extensions to "Eventide" at lights and return to "Eventide" homes later. Rockhampton, particularly the women's The Minister for Mines, Main Roads and ward, are long overdue. It is shocking that Electricity knows North Rockhampton well. members of Parliament in Central Queensland He has relatives there, and I know that the should receive letters from people who have Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1049

written to Mr. Taylor and found that there is Mr. W. D. Hewitt: That 1s the problem a delay of at least three months before they everywhere. can have their mother or some other elderly relative hospitalised. Mr. THACKERAY: I would say off the record that, on the average, the waiting list It is true, of course, that the superintendent would contain three women to one man. has to check with the Government Medical Officer, who decides whether people should Mr. Porter: That is the problem of women go to "Eventide" or to the annex at West­ outliving their husbands-the stronger sex. wood. However, the Government has not made any extensions to the women's ward at Mr. THACKERAY: Dealing with the "Eventide" since 1957, and it is a shocking Treasurer's report on schools, I notice that indictment of the Government that it is provision has been made for renovations or allowing old ladies who are pioneers of additions at only one school in Rockhampton. Queensland to be pushed aside. Some of them On several occasions I have raised the matter go to the general hospital; some have chronic of two State schools in my electorate, namely illnesses and go to Westwood. In the majority the Lake's Creek State School and the of cases, people try to keep their relatives Glenmore Road State School. The Lake's at home. Creek school is 100 years old, and it has I believe that it is our duty as legislators not been repaired for some time. It is to look at the humanitarian side of these falling down. There is no ventilation. Twelve issues. Our first and foremost duty is to months ago parents and pupils protested and care for our mothers and fathers, and the it looked as though there would be a walk-out Government is not being realistic in this of pupils until a septic system or sewerage matter. A few years ago, when the late was installed by the Rockhampton City Dr. Noble was in this Parliament, I asked Council at the instigation of the Education a question about additions to "Eventide" at Department. But no provision has yet been Rockhampton, and he said quite plainly to made for the new school that is required. me, "I do not intend to extend 'Eventide' homes anywhere in Queensland". That policy The Glenmore Road State School is a very seems to have been adhered to by the old school; it is at least 100 years old. It Government. has two rooms upstairs and one underneath. Mr. W. D. Hewitt: Who said that? All the walls are of tin, and the surrounding area is all dirt. It is in an industrial area. Mr. THACKERAY: The late Dr. Noble. Toilets are provided, but they are not satis­ If the hon. member wishes to check back factory for pupils. I would say that for through "Hansard" he will see that I asked the number of pupils at the school the inci­ such a question and received such a reply. dence of hepatitis has reached record pro­ If anyone on the Government side can tell portions. For years the people in the area me where extensions have been added to any have been asking for a new school, and it is "Eventide" home in Queensland, I will thank a genuine and sincere request. I believe him for the information. that the Regional Director of Education in Rockhampton would say that if any school Nothing has been done about extending is to be rebuilt the Glenmore State School "Eventide" in Rockhampton, in spite of the should have No. 1 priority. There is a drift fact that there is an abundance of room in of pupils to the adjoining school at Park a beautiful position, a wonderful staff with Avenue. As the area is a growing industrial a good manager, and complete co-operation and residential one, parents are not prepared from the nursing staff and male wardsmen. to send their children to a two-teacher I think it is a shocking indictment of the school. That is why the school has the low Government, which gives millionaire com­ attendance of approximately 80 pupils. It panies freight concessions and glories in should be about 150. The Education Depart­ doing so. Government members say, "We ment is quite happy to maintain the school hand out this and that. We'll ship your on its present basis because there is no need coal for $1.97 a ton", or something like to build another school. that. They go out on the hustings and boast about it. The Deputy Leader was in Isis In this election year the department intends the other day. I suppose he was giving to build new schools in electorates that are the people there a good old swansong, but not held by the Labour Party. It is clear he forgot to tell them how much he charged to everyone that this is the political "gim­ the wheat-growers and how much the cane­ mick" for the 1969 election year. If it were farmers there are going to pay for their not, the Government would have built a haulage. However, he told them what he State school at Glenmore. The Government has done for the Japs and the good old knows that it cannot beat me in the election, Yanks. so why does it not build a school there? The Mr. W. D. Hewitt: Did you say there is request is legitimate and quite above board, a waiting list for elderly women to get into and no political strings are attached to it. "Eventide"? Is it easy for elderly men to So far the Government has not found a get in? Liberal candidate for the electorate, but I believe that it will be trying to do some­ Mr. THACKERAY: Yes. thing about this matter next year. 1050 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I turn now to tourism. This matter, too, I should now like to refer to the Keppel concerns the. Minister for Main Roads. I can Sands Road. I will be quite open and say remember when the Minister's late colleague that I have a house property at Keppel and friend, Mr. Ernie Evans, was Minister for Sands. On many occasions I have asked Main Roads. He was a great old fighter the hon. member for Callide to do some­ for the North. He used to come into this thing about this road. I have said to him, Chamber, pull out a handkerchief, rub his "See what you can do about this road," but cuff across his chin, and spit out what he he said, "My hands are tied. I cannot do had to say. He used to call a spade a anything about it." That is fair enough. I spade. "Old Ernie" might have. been rough know he is honest and sincere. This road in many ways, and he might have been rough is in a shocking condition. Recently we in his early career in the sugar industry. The held a picnic at Keppel Sands which was father of the hon. member for Port Curtis attended by 500 people. Whoever graded knew him very well, and they used to knock the road should have been sacked, because around together. Mr. Evans promised the he graded heaps of gravel and sand a foot people of Central Queensland that he would high into the middle of the road, and the provide a tourist road from Rockhampton dirt side-tracks were not even graded. through the St. Lawrence district within about Keppel Sands is a pretty little seaside five years. However, he did not live to resort. About 4! miles of bitumen road see that road built. Construction of the has been provided, but another 4! miles is road was commenced, but it has come to needed to finish it so that we can have a a stop since the present Minister has occu­ scenic drive from Rockhampton to Y eppoon, pied the portfolio. I do not believe that Emu Park, Keppel Sands and back to the road is gazetted from Marlborough to Rockhampton. Wumalgi, although I can be corrected on that statement. If the Minister was sincere Keppel Sands does not have a water in this matter he would open up a road supply. That does not affect me-1 have my in the electorate of Mirani, extending from own well and pump, and a septic system­ St. Lawrence to Sarina, and from St. Law­ but it concerns everyone else who goes there. rence back to Marlborough in the electorate If a water supply could be provided I would of Callide. be quite happy to use it. The Livingstone Shire Council applied for a subsidy to help This tourist mad would shorten .the distance it to provide a water supply, but it was to Mackay and would open up 10 small told that a subsidy of only 331 per cent. shopping townships, whereas on the present would be paid. The shire council maintains highway a motorist travels through two motel that the subsidy should be 50 per cent. I areas, which are abDut lOO miles apart, and should like to know why the Government sees nothing but black soil. The coastal road decided to grant a subsidy of only 331 per ~ould go through Marlborough and Ogmore, cent. when normally a subsidy of 50 per It would bypass .the area from Wumalgi to cent. is paid. St. Lawrence, and it would then pass through What is the reason behind this? Is the Kalarka and Clairview, which is one of the Livingstone Shire Council more or less side­ prettiest spots on the Queensland coast. It stepping the issue, or is it sincere in its would go through to Westhill, Ilbilbie and representations to- the Government on the Koumala, and on to Sarina. These are the 50 per oent. subsidy issue? Many people places for which this road should be provided, in Keppel Sands have asked me how sincere to open t~e.m up and help .the people in the certain people on the council are in forging area by g1vmg them access to the markets in ahead with this 50 per cent. issue. I told Sari~a and Mackay. It would also give them that I would raise the matter. I said, tounsts an access road direct to- and from "I do not live in your electorate but I ~ockhampton. I believe it would shorten the shall certainly do this for you." That is JOurney by many miles, although I do- not why I am raising it today. know the exact number of miles that would In his Financial Statement the Treasurer be saved. The people in the area are sick and mentioned the police buildings in North tired of the lack of a good road. - Rockhampton, where theDe are five police officers looking after approximately 25,000 When the Minister for Mines and Main people. The police station, which is in the Roads attended a meeting at Carmila he main area of North Rockhampton, on the was very perturbed about the reception he corner of Musgrave and A.rrnstrong Streets, received. I should like to know exactly is a complete barn. Five pclice officers what he intends to do-whether he intends occupy one 10-ft. by 8-ft. room. By to bituminise this road or let it go and comparison, at the Etna Creek Prison Farm the accommodation is referred to as a hotel­ concentrate on the Bruce Highway. It is motel. It has tiled floors and the best of a waste of effort to spend money on the conditions, including wall basins and what­ Bruce Highway. The money should have have-you. Yet at North Rockhampton the been spent three or four years ago on the senior sergeant, sergeant and three other coast road to provide a direct route to the officers occupy a 10-ft. by 8-ft. room, North. Forget abDut the few cattle with no conveniences whatever. properties which is all that the Bruce High­ Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: He is a first-class way serves. sergeant of police. Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1051

Mr. THACKERAY: Yes, a sergeant first how many amateur net fishermen have class, a sergeant, and three other officers. licences, and I learnt that the number de­ I raised this issue two or three years ago creased from 226 in 1962-63 to 159 in 1967- and the matter was to be investigated. People 68. I also sought information on the number are told that if they go to the police and of licences for professional net fishermen take them into their confidence they will in that area, and I discovered that there be looked after. How can people in this has also been a decrease in those numbers. area discuss anything with the police when I asked the Treasurer how many approaches the office desk is no bigger than the one each year were made to him by professional I have here, which is approximately 4 or fishermen over the activities of amateur 5 feet long? They are all crammed together. net fishermen, and he said that he was not Anybody who wishes to interview the first­ aware of any. class sergeant is taken into the sergeant's private residence. That is shocking. People I then asked the Treasurer to tell me who come to see the sergeant or any of why he has taken away the licences for the constables are taken outside onto the net fishing by amateurs in Central Queens­ front lawn to be interviewed in full view land, and this is what he said in answer of members of the public who are going to a question that I asked on 17 October- past. If people want to give information "Amateur netsmen interfere with the to the police, they should be given the skilled professional units by breaking up opportunity to do so in confidence, not shoals of mullet in South Queensland pre­ while they are standing on the main thorough­ venting them reshoaling, resulting in loss fare, with buses going past and people say­ of fish." ing, "Who is getting 'hooked' now?'' Let us see what effect this has in Central This is exactly what happens at the North Queensland. The Minister for Local Govern­ Rockhampton Police Station. It is not the ment and Conservation knows a bit about sergeant first class and the other officers this; he is an old fisherman from way back. who are whining about this. I am the one Appendix B, at page 7 of the annual report who is complaining on their behalf because of the Fish Board for the year ended 30 I _have seen the shocking conditions that June, 1968, shows that for the whole of extst and exactly what is going on there. the year only 20,786 lb. of mullet was The hon. member for Mackenzie knows the received from Central Queensland, whereas shocking conditions that exist there, because in Brisbane 425,384 lb. was received. When lie knows the sergeant well. They were there is a glut here, kerosene is thrown over great footballers in the old days. Although the fish and they are burnt, or a bulldozer they might have faced each other on the digs a hole and the fish are buried. How field, they respect each other's ability to can the Treasurer talk about protecting pick a football winner. fishermen and breaking up schools of mullet when fish are destroyed in that way? It is a Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: That was a long shocking indictment of the Government that while ago. that is allowed to happen when people are Mr. THACKERAY: I know. Those are starving. the conditions at the North Rockhampton The CHAIRMAN: I hope the hon. Police Station. member is not suggesting that the Chair is I hope you have recovered from your burning the fish. illness, Mr. Hooper. I am pleased to see Mr. THACKERAY: No, Mr. Hooper, I that you are looking better. am not suggesting that. I am suggesting that Some time ago I raised in this Chamber the Minister in charge of the fishing industry in the interests of amateur net fishermen' has a finger in the pie. the matter of the fishing industry in Rock: hampton. I do not know how any Govern­ The fish most caught in the Fitzroy estuary ment could be so stupid as to withhold is barramundi. Admittedly the catch of this licences for amateur net fishermen. To­ fish is higher in Rockhampton than it is morrow I intend to present to Parliament a anywhere else. That is to be expected be­ petition, signed by over 4,000 people in cause the Fitzroy estuary is a natural breed­ Rockhampton, a few in Gladstone and a ing ground for barramundi. Last year, few in Yeppoon, protesting about the non­ 12,977 lb. of barramundi was caught. It renewal of fishing licences after 31 December was taken not only round Rockhampton in this year. The hon. members for Townsville the Fitzroy River but as far north as Wumalgi North, Cairns and Mackay, and I have and on the stations, and it was taken by both raised this issue before. ' professional fishermen and amateur net fishermen, who are allowed to take barra­ I say that the greatest injustice has been mundi under their licences. done to fishermen in my area. I asked by means of a question what research the Gov­ King fish appear in the rivers in Central ernment had done on marine life in the Queensland for about two or three weeks a estuary of the Fitzroy River. I asked who year, and 142 lb. of king fish went through were the members of the research team, what the board last year. The Minister says that were their qualifications and how long they he wishes to protect this species for the were there, and I found out that no research tourists. They will sit on the bank of the has been carried out in this area. I asked river for a long time before they catch 142 lb. 1052 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

of king fish. All the Government really wants into the air; the Navy boats have been firing to do is sell out to Craig Mostyn and the back onto the coast, and the whole area has other big companies. been lit up at night-time. As a professional As I said, 4,000 people have signed a fisherman, I am duty bound to put in $1,000 petition in Rockhampton protesting against a year." I think that is the amount, and he the Government's taking away their rights. has to take into consideration his good and The stage has been reached at which it is a bad times for his traps. The traps are question not only of black versus white but knocked down, and they get blanket weed. also of rich versus poor. The rich grow There is also the Army bombardment as ~ell richer and fatter on the front bench on the as the monsoon seasons. All these thmgs Government side and the poor grow poorer upset him. and thinner on this side of the Chamber. Getting back to the amateur net fish~rrnen, Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: What about the hon. Japanese nylon nets do not wear out m two member for Port Curtis? or three seasons; they will last forev~r. Anyone who has had anything to do With Mr. THACKERA Y: He is in training at fishing and the nylon cord that can be bought present. today knows that it is possible t~ pull a car with it; it is so strong. There Is a new Take the case of the amateur fisherman. He type of nylon float on the nets. As the can go into a shop and buy a net and there whole of the gear is made of nylon, it only is no notice on the wall to indicate what is needs a hose down and hanging up to dry the legal size. The Treasurer says that he and it will last for 20 or 30 years. Nylon does not think it is necessary to have such cord can be purchased to repair these ne.ts. a notice because each size meets the require­ They are not cheap to buy. If anyone tnes ments of a particular law. That is quite wrong. to tell me that nylon nets will wear out in two or three years, I say he has not done In reply to a question that I asked recently, any fishing at all. the Treasurer told me that I could catch mullet in a cast net. When I asked him I think it is a shocking thing for a Govern­ under which section of the Act I could do ment to take away from amateur net fisher­ that he said, "You can't catch them in a men in Rockhampton the freedom they have cast net." In my opinion, the only mullet in enjoyed, freedom that has been handed the cast net is the Treasurer; we have caught down from father to son. It has become him. He does not know anything about fish­ a heritage. They use smal_l boats not .more ing. At least the former Treasurer knew a than 16 feet long-just dones-fitted With 6- gar from a shrimp when he was baiting a h.p. Clae engines. They abide by the rules hook. laid down by the Department of Harbours and Marine, yet the Government has seen Mr. Hanson: The Treasurer is a good bite. fit to take this right away from them. Mr. THACKERAY: I realise that he is a I will conclude with that remark. I hope good bite. He has been advised by his officers that senior members in the Governme~t on this question and has not gone into all caucus will raise this issue and see that this the facts relative to amateur net fishermen regulation is revoked. at Rockhampton. They are only week-enders. Mr. GRAHAM (Mackay) (5.8 p.m.): F~rst Prosecutions under the Act have increased of all, I preface my remarks by thankm_g since the number of patrolmen at Rock­ the hon. member who has just resumed h1s hampton has increased. Those men are seat for his kindly references to me... As doing a very efficient job. In view of that, one of the older brigade who will be retmng I cannot see why the licences cannot be con­ tinued in force, especially as the report shows at the end of the term of thrs Parliament, that there is no great need for them to be I feel that I should express my thanks to revoked. There are no mullet caught on all those people who, during my quarter­ lines-the Treasurer says he is worried about century or more in this Parliament, have mullet-and very few king fish are caught on extended to me the hand of friendship a~d lines. No salmon went through the board at various times assisted me in my yarh~­ last year, according to the figures in the mentary duties and made my stay m this report. Some of the 20,000 lb. of mullet Chamber much more pleasant than it would that went through the board was caught in otherwise have been. nets, but most of it was caught in traps It has been my privilege . to serv_e under on the beachfront from Joskeleigh and M six Premiers. I entered Parhament m 1943, places further north. when the late Mr. Frank Cooper was A man named Val Briggs has a fish trap Premier. He was followed by the late Ned at Stanage Bay, but the Army exercise, Coral Hanlon, then by V. C. Gair, the ~onourable Sea, has meant that blasting has been going Frank Nicklin, the late Jack Pizzey, Mr. on in the area day and night and he has Chalk during his brief regi.me as Pre:nier, not caught even a scale of a fish in his trap. and now the present Prem1er, Mr. BJelke­ He told me, "I will not get any until there Petersen. is a change in the moon and the cycle of Naturally, in 25 years I have seen many the tides comes round again. The fis:h are changes in this Parliament. At the .end

Chamber in 1943 there are now only five the development that has taken place in the remammg. That is an indication of the 11 years that the present Government has many changes that have taken place in been in power. personnel and representation. I have also This Government has had everything seen many changes in the development of handed to it on a silver platter. I believe this great State. Before mentioning that, that in 1968 the people of Queensland, however, I pay a tribute to the electors of despite the apparent prosperity of the State, Mackay for their continued support and do not enjoy the same degree of security devotion to the policies of the Australian as they would if the Labour Party had Labour Party. I pay a tribute, also, to the control. During the 10 years of anti-Labour members of my branch of the party. They Government things have happened which. have always been loyal to the cause and to my way of thinking, are not in the active in its interests. During the ten elec­ interests of this great State of Queensland, tions that I have contested they have worked and maybe not in the interests of Australia hard and a·ssiduously towards my re-election. as a whole. There is more discontent in Queensland today because of the activities of I wish to express my thanks to the heads of the Government, despite the availability of the various Government departments with finance which, I believe, it is not handling whom I have been associated. For the ser­ to the best advantage. There is more unem­ vices given to me by officials with whom I ployment and discontent in industry, and have been in regular contact I say, "Thank concern expressed by those in employment, you." Without the assistance rendered by than ever before. I cite the hospital nursing those people, the job of parliamentarians staff, school-teachers and many other people would be made much more difficult. It is in employment. Discontent does not rest perhaps much easier for Government mem­ solely with those in employment; it is rife bers to obtain information from depart­ amongst those who suffer long periods of mental heads than it is for members of the unemployment because of the Government's Opposition. I know that when the Labour inactivity. Party was in power, during which time I I admit that the Government has made served as a Government member, I found tremendous financial gains by increasing that it was easier to obtain information from taxation. One has only to refer to the departmental heads than it is today. I am Treasurer's Financial Statement to ascertain not saying that I have been denied very much the tremendous increase in taxation in the information, but it seems that departmental Government's 10-year period of office, and heads are perhaps more apt to give con­ to see how the underdog has been taxed. As sideration to requests by Government mem­ a result of the tremendous financial intake bers than to requests by Opposition members. which the Government has gained from the I extend my appreciation to the members people, it has been able to undertake a lot of the staff of Parliament House. I thank of capital expenditure. However, when we the head messenger and his staff, who are consider the money the Government has always willing to co-operate and give assist­ had at its disposal, can we truly relate it ance. The staff of the Parliamentary Library to the industrial expansion in Queensland, give wonderful service to hon. members, and with the exception of one industry, namely, are ever-willing to meet the needs of mem­ the mining industry? Apart from that, bers when they seek information. I have Queensland fails badly in industrial expan­ seen many changes, in the Refreshment sion compared with the other States. It runs Room staff, but they are always ready to a bad last in industrial development, despite attend to the needs of the inner man. Very the fact that the Government has had a few hon. members would have cause to com­ tremendous inflow of foreign investment. plain about the service that is given to them. This may be a suitable time for me to Perhaps the most distressing feature of my make some brief references to foreign invest­ parliamentary life was the defeat of the Aus­ ment. I know that there is a divergence tralian Labour Party in 1957. Many reasons of opinion amongst the higher authorities have been advanced for its defeat. Some in the Commonwealth on this matter, and people have been accused of being disloyal I know that there is a strong difference of to the A.L.P., and some have been accused opinion amongst political parties on whether of being loyal to outside bodies. As a result the States are doing the right thing by of the split that took place within the Labour allowing a huge inflow of foreign investment. Party the present Government came into office, and in all sincerity I say that the I have here a brief reference from one of State of Queensland has not enjoyed the the newspapers, which says- same degree of prosperity under a Country­ "How to live with a giant. Liberal Government as it would have enjoyed "American investment is pouring into if Labour had been given the privilege of Australia. It would be political suicide retaining control of the Government benches, to shut it out, but there are dangers I say that because in the years preceding 1958 flowing from the increasing stake foreigners when the Labour Party went through trouble­ hold in this country. There are dangers oome times, the State progressed tremen­ which western Europe is now facing with dously, and I compare that development with regard to investment in Europe." 1054 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

These same dangers are very evident in Government's "blah-blah" about industrial Australia today. In the period of 10 years development, it is guilty of treachery against we have seen Ministers of the Crown Queensland's future. galavanting around the world, hawking Complaints are received even from support­ Queensland's assets and selling them to the ers of the Government. I read an article in highest bidder. As a result of their activities which the Minister for Mines, Main Roads we have seen a tremendous inflow of foreign and Electricity, who now occupies the front capital to Queensland. bench, defended the use of overseas capital. He said that he saw nothing wrong with Why should not this capital come into allowing the inflow of overseas capital to Queensland when the companies have been exploit our natural wealth. There was also offered such lucrative terms? A foreign the statement of the present Leader of the investor would be mad not to accept the Country Party in the Federal sphere, Right opportunities that are available in Queens­ Honourable J. McEwen, in which he raised land tod:ay to exploit our natural resources. the danger of allowing foreign capital to Will the Government extend the same con­ enter this country without some form of cessions and privileges to Australian investors governmental control. Recently the Prime who might want to develop the natural Minister was forced into taking action to resources of this great State of Queens­ prevent the Mutual Life and Citizen's Assur­ land? Could a foreign investor get better ance Co. Ltd. from failing under foreign terms than he is being offered at the control. present? I say he could not because the I therefore pose this question for the terms are out of all proportion to the Government: who owns Australia? Has any returns that Queensland will receive. Our Government the right to sell this nation raw materials-and we have many-could to obtain the use of foreign capital? Who not be given away at better bargain prices. indeed owns Australia? Is it the banks, the This Government is outdoing every other politicians, the foreign investors, or the State. It puts to shame the great com­ Australians who inherited this land? Did mercial stores in this country that every not our forebears pioneer Australia? Did week or month have sales offering bargain they not cultivate the soil and develop the prices. Y.hat is what the Queensland Gov­ nation by sweat and hardship? If this country ernment is doing. It is selling Queensland belongs to us, why are there over 1,000,000 to overseas investors at bargain prices. people living at or near poverty level in a One would think that members of the land of abundance? No-one can deny that Government are like some religious fanatics there is poverty in this country. There is an who believe that the world will end shortly. under-privileged class which is forced to live Will Queensland have these raw materials on low incomes and is denied better stand­ available in 150 years' time? Are there ards. Why should foreign interests be unlimited mw materials in Queensland that allowed to take our land? Who gives them can be worked to the extent that they are authority to do so? Nobody but the Gov­ being worked today? Even admitting that ernment. I accuse the Government of being in 100 years' time there might be a different unaware of the great dangers inherent in form of fuel, will we have coal then to selling this great land to foreign investors. feed our own industries? Will we have I am not against the development of our sufficient bauxite in 150 years' time to natural resources, and I am not against the supply Queensland industry? One wonders use of foreign capital for that purpose, but when one considers the extent that the I do say that it is the Government's right people controlling these industries today are to insist that industry be established here exploiting our raw materials. in Queensland to provide employment for the thousands who are without jobs. The Gov­ A question asked in the House about ernment cannot deny that an unemployment a week ago shows that in a short space problem exists, and one has only to look of time~peThaps in a matter of under at the publications of the Federal Govern­ three or four years-5,000,000 tons of bauxite ment on unemployment to realise how was exported from Australia. If my memory serves me correctly, when COmalco was serious it is. In my area it has given the privilege to mine bauxite, it was caused great concern for many years, thought-! thought this and so di.d many and it will cause greater concern within the other hon. members-that the bauxite would next few weeks. Because of the early term­ be used to establish an industry in Queens­ ination of the crushing season, I can see land. Admittedly we have the plant at not hundreds but over 1,000 people Gladstone that is producing alumina for unemployed in Mackay before the Christmas conversion into aluminium. But in the season. space of only a few years millions of What does unemployment bring? It brings tons of bauxite have been exported to loss of income, a lowering of standards of Japan, Germany, Holland, Argentina, living, and hardship. At Mackay even today, Nova Scatia, France, and other countries. at the hei.ght of the crushing season, there are They are gaining the advantage of getting people who are out of work, and with the material that should be preserved for the early termination of the crushing season future of this great nation. The same is a great body of workers will be unemployed. happening with our coal. Despite all the In January, 1968, there were over 1,000 Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1055

people unemployed in Mackay, and that will Let me consider for a moment the public be the situation again in January, 1969. debt for the State of Queensland. Some I ask the Government what it is going to people will say, "The Battle of Waterloo is do about it, and I can give the answer now not paid for yet, so the public debt does -nothing. The Government did nothing not matter much". However, I believe that about it previously, and it will do nothing it matters a great deal. Probably the about it in 1969. Government's greatest performance is in virtually doubling the public debt in 10 years. As I said, unemployment affects the home The public debt in 1958, according to the life of the individual. It is bad enough for figures, was $571 million. In 1968 it was a parent to be unemployed, but it is even $1,077 million. The debt per head of popu­ worse when juveniles are unemployed and lation has increased from $394.26 to $621.92. reaching a stage of frustration because they cannot get jobs. As late as yesterday a I suppose our Treasurer, with a shake of parent came to me in Mackay and asked his head, will say, "What does that matter?" if I could get a position for her daughter, He would perhaps be right if he accused me 16! years of age, who attended a commercial of not knowing much about the Financial college and had commercial qualifications. Statement, but I have enough sense to know Admittedly she had not passed the Junior that this sort of thing cannot continue. I public examination, but she had certificates know that the increasing of the public debt in commercial subjects. She could not get places greater charges upon the Government a job. A parent who is out of employment by way of sinking fund repayments, and I can get sustenance, which gives him an know that sinking fund repayments have to income of some sort; a girl of 16t cannot. be met from somewhere. Let me draw the attention of hon. mem­ The Treasurer oan smile and say, "All is bers to the figures relating to junior unem­ well because of the abundance of funds". I ployment. In February of this year, 40 per believe that, so far as Queensland is con­ cent. of juveniles in Queensland were cerned, all is not well. I have mentioned the unemployed. In earlier years the figures investment of foreign capital; I have men­ were- tioned the unemployment position; I have mentioned the discontent that exists today in Year Percentage the industries of Queensland. Within the last 1963 37 24 hours we have seen, I think, three indus­ 1964 39 trial disputes, mainly because of discontent 1965 38 within the particular industries because of the failure of the Government to give heed 1966 36 to the needs of those who are employed in It is quite logical to expect that, with a figure industry. of 40 per cent. in February, 1968, it could Where can the worker in industry obtain be higher in 1969. It is a shocking indict­ justice if Governments of the day do not give ment of the Government of the day that heed to his needs and give him some protec­ unemployment amongst juveniles is so preva­ tion? Today there is no protection of the lent in Queensland, a State that the Govern­ lower-income groups. With the removal of ment says is very rich in natural resources price control, every increase that is granted and has an abundance of wealth. by the industrial tribunals-and increases are granted only after pressure, continued agita­ The Treasurer says in his Financial State­ tion, and .the showing of industrial strength­ ment that the Government has never been is absorbed before the worker receives it so well off. If one looks at the Tables because of the failure of this Government to relating to the Financial Statement, one can reintroduce price control. To my way of ascertain just how much money this Govern­ thinking, competition does not result in ment has had. I do not claim to be an equilibrium between the cost of living and authority on finance or a financial wizard. wages. Today there are many items, especi­ On the other hand, the Treasurer sets himself ally the essential items of life, the price of up as a financial wizard, but I think he is in which should be controlled by the Govern­ fact only a bird-brained financier. In ment. 1967-68 the Government had $376,000,000 in the Consolidated Revenue Fund. It showed The position arises where the Government a surplus of $970,000 only because of the simply ignores the demands of the useful high taxation it imposed on the people of people of the community and continues to this State, together with the revenue it hand out concessions to those who support obtained from such things as the Totalisator its political philosophy. One can get proof Administration Board and licensing fees, and of this by referring to the Treasurer's own its increased allocation from the Federal Financial Statement, wherein he gives figures Government. The figures in the Consoli­ relative to land tax. Land tax has been dated Revenue Fund show that expenditure considerably reduced-and I am not entirely has increased from $178,000,000 in 1957-58 opposed to that-but although the man on to $376,000,000 in 1967-68. Despite that the land is entitled to some protection it increase, on only four occasions in 10 years should not be all one-way traffic. If con­ has the Government shown a surplus and cessions are to be handed out to some sec­ over-all it is in deficit nearly $12,000,000. tions of the community, then the Treasurer 1056 Supp~V [ASSEMBLY] Supply

and the Government should give some con­ parents and citizens' associations for political sideration to making concessions to those purposes. In my electorate some people asso­ who perhaps need them most. As I said, ciated with political parties have been using today there are sections of industry that do the parents and citizens' associations for their need protection. own political benefit. I say this advisedly, Now, let me come closer to home. I want and I am prepared to stand by what I say. to say something appertaining to my own electorate. There is talk-again this refers Recently I asked the Minister for Educa­ to the activities of foreign companies­ tion a question on this matter, because the about the building of a railway line to the chairman of the Mackay branch of the coast adjacent to Mackay for the develop­ Country Party was approached by the chair­ ment of Goonye!Ia coal. I posed a question man of the Victoria Park School Committee to the Premier the other day on a statement on the matter of providing extra school attributed to the Minister for Mines, Main accommodation at Victoria Park. If the Roads and Electricity when he spoke at the Government is going to accept representa­ opening of the Alligator Creek school. I tions from outside bodies, irrespective of understand that he was reported to have said their political colour, and ignore the demands that extra school accommodation would be and representations of local members of required in that vicinity in the near future. Parliament, it is doing the wrong thing. The In my question to the Premier I asked if the Minister for Education was very evasive­ Minister was referring to Hay Point. In I hate to say that he was telling an untruth keeping with the Government's policy, of -when he said that the representations were course, I got a very evasive reply. However, conveyed to the hon. member for Mirani I am quite convinced that the Government as a result of the approach made to the has already made its decision. chairman of the Mackay branch of the Country Party. I want to know why. The 1\lr. Chalk: How could it? trouble is that the Ministers are far too weak and gutless; they are prepared to Mr. GRAHAM: Why couldn't it? If the accept outside representations and ignore hon. Government has not made a decision on the members. It cannot be. denied that over the matter, it is handing over its authority to a years I have made representations on. beha_If foreign company. Who will decide where the of the Victoria Park School Committee m Goonyella coal is to be transported to? Will putting its needs before the Government. it be the Government of the day or a Japanese company? The matter has become a political one, Mr. Chalk: I will tell you. because the Government has been able to weed out all the supporters of the Labour Mr. GRAHAM: The Minister will tell Party and put in supporters of the Country us, in his good time, as he always does. What Party. The Government has been able to has the Government got to hide? It is aware bypass me and go direct to the chairman of of the fight that is being put up by the the Country Party. I object strongly to this Mackay Harbour Board on this matter. It course; it is not fair play. knows perfectly well that the Mackay Har­ Mr. W. D. Hewitt: Who is president of bour Board would like to see the coal trans­ the Bulimba High School Parents and ported to Mackay Harbour, which would be Citizens' Association? to the benefit of Queensland. But if the coal is transported to Hay Point who will Mr. GRAHAM: I am not concerned with derive the benefit? It will be an overseas that. company, which will finance and develop the I mention, too, the number of Ministers of project. It will dictate the terms to the the Crown who use speech nights for the Government, as other overseas companies are. doing at present. purpose of making political speeches. At. t?e Mackay High School, for example, the Mmis­ Why has not the Government let its ter for Mines and Main Roads made one decision be known? The Government says, of the best political speeches I have heard. "We believe that the State of Queensland He has a name for this sort of thing. On would be better served," and so on. The every occasion that he is on a platform he Government knows that the members of uses it to push his political barrow. These the Mackay Harbour Board have said that things should be made public, because I it would be to the board's advantage, and believe that it is not in the interests of the to the advantage of the State as a whole, public that they should be as they are. I if the railway line terminated at the Mackay will leave it at that. Harbour. To those who have used me, accused me I raise now the matter of education. I will and abused me during my long political life, not speak at length on this subject because I extend my regards. There are people in it has been extensively debated in the this Chamber, and out of it, who have helped Chamber, and when the Estimates of the me in my career. There are those who have Education Department are being considered tried to besmirch me and defeat me, and hon. members will have the opportunity of there are those who, sometimes, have perhaps speaking generally on education. However, been unscrupulous in their attacks upon me. I wish to refer particularly to the use of But I am a forgiving type of man, as I Supply [29 OcTOBER] Supply 1057

demonstrated the other day when I fell foul My first comment on the debate is simply of Mr. Speaker. I accused him of being this: that it has been particularly bereft biased and of being a bigot. I believe ,that of concerted attack by the Opposition. As Mr. Nicholson in his position as Speaker I have said on other occasions, the Gov­ sometimes oversteps the mark, but being the ernment puts its financial policy into the boss, he calls us to heel and we must obey. Budget speech, it justifies that policy, and I firmly believe that in this Chamber all men it is for the Opposition to find weaknesses should be equal and that there should be no in it, if it can. I have little doubt that line of demarcation between us. We are here on this occasion the Opposition has been to represent our constituents, and I do not caused some embarrassment. I have listened think there is one member who does not to speaker after speaker and have not yet give of his best. heard any serious criticism from members of the Opposition of the Budget that I . Admittedly the Government of ,the day have presented. Indeed, I suspect that the Will try to make capital out of a man's Opposition knows that this is really a good failings. Government members try to make Budget, one that is in the interests of this capital out of the fact that one man has not State, and because of that it is endeavouring the same fluency of tongue as someone else to give some silent approval of it. As I and sometimes we are misled by informatio~ said, there has been no serious criticism that is not always authentic. But that does of it during the de.bate. not give any Minister of the Crown or any other member of the Govern~ent a Much can be said in reply to a debate privilege ,to belittle and besmirch the good such as this. Ho,wever, practical considera­ name of other hon. members in this tions make it impossible for a Treasurer, Chamber. In my 25 years in Parliament I whoever he might be, to refer to all the have tried to give the electors of Mackay pertinent points that have been raised by the representation that I thought they were hon. members who have spoken. Con­ justly entitled to. The fact 'that I have had sequently, while I prnpose to endeavour such a long period as a member indicates to reply to most nf the major points that that they have been satisfied. There are few have been made by hon. members, if I men in any political field who can contest 10 elections and come through each one fail to comment on some points that have successfully. been raised I am certain that the Com­ mittee will appreciate that there must be Mr. Houston: Irrespective of boundaries. some limitation. Mr. GRAHAM: Yes, irrespective of The Leader of the Opposition apparently boundaries, although I have not been affected examined the Budget in detail, as is his in that way to any great extent. What has responsibility. He led the debate for the been done to my boundaries has not had Opposition. It was apparent from his remarks any effect on me. that he had few points of real criticism. In fact, to me his reply was what one I leave this thought with members of this might expect will be his policy speech in Assembly who are contesting the 1969 1969. His speech was a criticism of some election, papticularly the members of my own of the actions of the Government rather party: I Wish them well, and I am certain than of the Budget as presented. I think that when the figures go up in 1969 the that his most serious charge was this~nd Opposition will be on the other side of the I am not suggesting that these were his Chambers. exact words: that over the past two years the Government has overtaxed and under­ Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer­ spent, thus enabling the present favourable Treasurer) (5.48 p.m.), in reply: I must say Budget to be introduced. I want to examine to the Committee that I have waited through­ that position dispassionately. out the debate for the development of some firm lines of argument that clearly show In my first Budget, for the year 1966-67, I wh_at I might describe as the Opposition's introduced measures nf increased taxation. No attitude to the Budget. Treasurer likes to take such a course, especi­ ally in his first Budget. But in September, Mr. Benoott: You say that every time. 1966, I had to face the grim financial position that then existed. In the first place, there Mr. CHALK: I am not like the hon. mem­ was an accumulated deficit of some ber. I do not yap all the time. He yaps most $7,250,000 in the Consolidated Revenue of the time, and keeps on yapping. Fund. The State was still in the throes of Irrespective of the party in power, one a terrible drought and this was progressively can reasonably expect some criticism of any and adversely affecting the level of much Budget from the Opposition. Different parties of our revenue. At the same time, the have different views on priorities of work to Government, having kept a very close rein be carried out. In fact, within one's own on expenditure in the earlier drought period, party there are differing views on what should was faced with certain unavoidable additional have priority and what should be rated lower expenditure which had to be met. down. Consequently, some criticism of a What courses of action faced the Govern­ Budget is always expected when it is presented ment? It could have run further into deficit to the Parliament. without the resources to finance it; it could 34 1058 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply have retrenched essential services; or it could The hon. member made the amazing claim have increased local taxation, obviously a that the provision for loans and subsidies to politically distasteful task. But it had to local bodies showed-and I use his words­ make a choice. With an accumulated "a clear indication of the Government's lack deficit of $7,250,000 and with no sign of of intention to increase the amounts avail­ an end to the drought, the State was able to local bodies by way of loans and reaching a stage where the temporary use subsidies, and this is a very regrettable of trust funds could no longer be depended fact". Let us examine his claim. On hearing upon to supply cash for day-to-day needs. a statement like that, I can draw only one of two conclusions: either the Leader of the . The Government decided that the respon­ Opposition shows a complete inability to Sible approach was the politically distasteful examine the Budget properly, or he is one of taxation increase. I again remind guilty of gross misrepresentation. Candidly, the Committee that at that time there was I would not charge him with that, so all no sign of a break in the drought, and the that I can conclude is that he does not financial effects of the drought were com­ understand the position. pounding. As things turned out, the drought did break later that financial year and our [Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.15 p.m.] finances started to improve. Admittedly it Mr. CHALK: Before the dinner recess I was a slow improvement at firs,t, but later ,was dealing with the remarks of the Leader it was at a faster rate. Our first task was of the Opposition relative to subsidies paid to reduce the accumulated deficit. When we could see that covered, the Government took to local government. If the hon. member looks carefully at the relevant figures, he action to step up certain items of expenditure will see that the Government paid out where there had been a lag. I endeavoured $14,044,344 by way of loans and subsidies to explain this position when the Financial Statement was before the Committee. to local bodies in 1967-68, $1,959,005 coming from Cons.olidated Revenue and $12,085,339 Coming to the current year, the Govern­ from Loan Fund. This year the Estimates ment endeavoured to strike a fair balance provide for a payment to local bodies of between the competing claims of taxation $16,522,000, $1,470,000 coming from Con­ reduction and added expenditure efforts. It solidated Revenue Fund and $15,052,000 made some substantial reductions in freights from Loan Fund. The increase on last and taxation. Naturally, it did not fully cut year's expenditure is $1,007,656, or 7.17 per back the added imposts made in 1966. There cent. Queensland's Loan Council allocation were good reasons for this. If the Govern­ increased by 4.9 per cent., and Government ment had further cut back levels of taxation, assistance to local bodies increased by obviously it would have had to cut the levels 7.17 per cent. Surely that explodes the of expenditure. In consequence, much de­ argument put forward by the Leader of serving expenditure in this year's Budget the Opposition. Do these figures show a would have had to be excised. reluctance on the part of ,the Government to provide increased moneys to local I put it to the Leader of the Opposition bodies in this State by way of loans and that he should state his attitude clearly. Is subsidies? For my part, I am prepared to it his view that the Government has been leave the very obvious answer to the too generous in its expenditure levels this intelligence of each hon. member. year? If so, in what respect is the Govern­ ment too generous? In what departments Later in his speech the hon. member would the Leader of the Opposition be pre­ stated that the rate of subsidy has been pared to make cuts? Would he have substi­ reduced continually over the years that tuted some new avenues of added taxation to Country-Liberal Governments have been in make good the revenue so lost and thus office. It is true that the Government did enable the present levels of expenditure to review subsidy rates in 1958 and 1961, and be maintained? No State Government can that some reductions in rates were made. spend more money than it receives. I put These are the only general reviews of the it to the Leader of the Opposition that he scheme that have taken place in our 11 years should clearly state where his party stands of office. In my opinion, the hon. member in this matter. There is no magic formula ought to be a little more careful and check by which the Government can conjure funds the facts before making statements of that out of thin air. The matter has to be faced nature in this Chamber. On each occasion squarely. the Government found that the subsidy growth far exceeded the growth rate in its The hon. member complained that the ex­ Loan Fund allocations-for example, from pected level of rail-freight earnings this year 1956-57 to 1960-61 the subsidy costs had was only a small percentage increase on risen 58.96 per cent., and Loan Fund those of last year. He asked why the increase allocations had increased 25.45 per cent. was not higher in view of the new coal While this situation was continuing, other traffic. I feel that he has completely missed segments of the capital works programme the whole point that this year's estimate were suffering. Does the hon. member reflects the reductions in rail freight suggest that we should have cut back in announced in the Budget. The increased education buildings, forestry, irrigation, etc., returns will be up this year in spite of the to allow subsidy costs to increase out of reductions effected in other freights. proportion? Supply (29 OCTOBER] SupplY 1059

At the time of the last subsidy review which has been used for other capital pur­ in 1961, subsidy payments to local bodies poses. I think it must now be very clear to were running at the rate of $12,645,788 per the hon. member that the company has con­ annum. Despite the revised scale of subsidy tributed $14,800,000 which has been used in rate after that review, last year's subsidy governmental works expenditure. A know­ payments reached $13,656,695, and this year ledgeable appraisal of information in the it is expected that the figure will rise to tables accompanying my Budget speech would $15,697,000. have supplied this information on the use of counterpart funds. To further explain the position, I would The hon. member then found fault with the add that over the past four years the Govern­ proposal to pay a student allowance to non­ mental borrowing programme has moved State primary schools, contending that before from $73,352,000 in 1964-65 to $89,790,000 in 1968-69, an increase of 22.41 per cent. the Government made such grants it should At the same time, semi-governmental raisings have conducted an investigation into the have increased from $49,956,000 in 1964-65 activities of each school and made the pay­ to $67,490,000 in 1968-69, or by 35.1 per ment according to needs. I wonder if the cent. hon. member gave this suggestion much thought. Who, for example, in his scheme This clearly shows that our debenture of things would be the arbiter to decide that borrowing programme is growing at a faster one particular school needed less assistance rate than the governmental borrowing pro­ than another, or conversely, that one was gramme. As subsidies are paid on debenture­ worthy of greater assistance than another? financed works, it is obvious that our sub­ What sort of complicated measuring stick sidy payments are increasing at a faster rate did he have in mind? Wha.t sort of adminis­ than the loan funds from which they are pro­ trative machine had he cont,emplated to run vided. Despite this trend over the past four this arrangement, which would have bred years, the Government has continued to meet complete dissatisfaction throughout the length the increased subsidy payments to help local and breadth of the private school system in bodies in their capital works programmes. this State? This is the best scheme in Australia and is recognised as such by the local authorities The fact is that the Government saw the themselves. I believe that the Opposition is need for financial relief to these schools to out of step in its criticism of this form of ensure that all children had somewhat equal subsidy. educational opportunities. A simple measure was called for, and I trust the authorities of The hon. member became quite excited the various non-State schools to apply these about the financing of the Moura-Gladstone funds to the best educational advantage of railway. Because of what would seem to be their children, and I believe that they will. insufficient research, he came to some very mistaken conclusions. Unfortunately, on this I should also like to correct an apparent false premise he then went on to accuse me misapprehension under which the hon. of giving him an inaccurate answer on a pre­ member is labouring relative to the Trust vious occasion when I had told him that the and Special Funds. He made a particular company had contributed half the cost of point of the underspending of appropriations this line. in these funds. As he is no doubt aware, Trust Funds are established for a specific The facts briefly are these: the cost of this purpose, and the revenues available to such line was $27,500,000. The financial trans­ funds cannot be diverted for other purposes. actions involved in its construction have been Furthermore, unlike Consolidated Revenue recorded in total through the Moura Railway Fund Votes, moneys not physically spent in Project Fund, which has been fed from the a year are carried forward in the funds for Loan Fund. The company deposited in cash the purpose of the trust to the next year. with the Treasury $14,800,000 as a security These carried-forward moneys are committed deposit for the due performance of certain in many instances under firm contracts, and of its commitments under the agreement. To the fact that cheques have not been drawn secure this deposit, certain Commonwealth against the fund at 30 June means very little. inscribed stock held by the Treasury has been placed in trust-on behalf of the company Take, for example, some of the construc­ but still in the name of the Treasurer of tion funds with unspent cash balances at Queensland-to be released from the trust 30 June that he specifically mentioned. The over a period of 10 years as the deposit is unspent appropriation in the Common­ repaid to the company from the earnings of wealth-States Housing Fund represents the line, or, in the case of default by the almost exclusively commitments for Army company, without repayment to it. housing at Townsville, where contracts have been let and house construction is proceed­ All Qf this $14,800,000 deposited cash has ing at a very rapid rate but where builders been used in the over-all Government works had not reached the stage where payments programme, most of it, as it happens, through to the extent of the balance could be made. the Agricultural Bank Fund. In other words, The same type of circumstances applies to we will spend $27,500,000 out of Loan Fund the carried-forward sums in the University on the Moura-Gladstone line, but at the same Capital Works Fund and the Commonwealth time we had $14,800,000 of company cash Education Fund. A good example of the 1060 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply situation in the Moura Railway Project Fund, All in all, I should say that I believe the where

speakers on the first day of the debate. It is indicated that he knows less about the true that he spent quite a lot of time on the finances of this State than he does about $4 deposit required by the S.E.A. on elec­ law. tricity accounts. The Minister for Mines, He saw something sinister, of course-and Main Roads and Electricity has already com­ this is his usual attitude-in the steadily pletely answered him on that point. rising revenues from liquor, traffic and bet­ The hon. member for Nudgee made what ting taxes. There has of course been no I would describe as one of his usual increase in this taxation in this Budget; impromptu contributions to the debate. He nor was there during the years he men­ became. completely tangled in his criticism of tioned. Increased revenues are simply the education provisions when he claimed indicators of the prosperity in the community that the additional 850 teachers mentioned under this Government. The fact is that in the Budget would not even be sufficient there is more spending power in the pockets to match the resignations. If he would only of the people at the present time, and if take time to study the Budget he would that spending power is there, an Australian see that the 850 teachers provided for in the will not be stopped from spending it in number of primary and secondary-school staff the manner that he decides he wants to. are in addition to the current strength. In The hon. member then saw fit to attack the other words, funds have been provided for Department of Education and the instructors an expected increase in the actual numbers at the teachers' colleges. He claimed mis­ of teachers net of resignations. management, inefficiency, inadequate training The hon. member was critical also of and so on because 30 first-year students were the Government's decision to provide the dismissed at the end of last term. The facts $25 student allowance to non-State schools. are that, because of unsatisfactory examina­ Despite taunts in an endeavour to get him tion results, 31 first-year primary students to do so, he would not come out and say at Kelvin Grove were dismissed. The hon. exactly where he stood on this matter. member should not interject, because I However, I charge him now: is he in favour know. of it or is he not? That is what the Mr. Bennett interjected. electors of Nudgee want to know, and that is what the people of Queensland will want Mr. CHALK: I do not want to spill the to know on election day from the hon, whole of it. Seventeen of these who were member for Nudgee. Anyone who reads prepared to work, and who it was thought his speech will see exactly what he said. had some hope of success, were allowed I am prepared to go into the Nudgee to return this term, without allowance. They electorate and read his speech from returned on the condition that if they pass "Hansard" and my reply to it. I challenge the exams at the end of this year their him to tell the people in his electorate scholarships will be restored. exactly where he stands. How can this be construed as a reflection The hon. member spoke of improving the on the Education Department or the teachers' conditions of the nursing profession, but college instructors? Over 1,700 trainees were he could not see that the recruitment of recruited to the colleges this year, and I additional nurses and the addition of a am sure that the drop-out ratio would com­ further 100 sisters to the over-all establish­ pare favourably with like experience else­ ment numbers would do just that. where. What was the hon. member's motive in bringing forward such a spurious argument At this point, he seemed to run out of as a point of criticism of the Government? ideas. He filled in the rest of his time So far as I am concerned, he is obviously by repeating the old story we have heard clutching at straws when he does that. from him here, year in and year out, about the dental profession, and relating I very much appreciate the argument put a particular instance of an apparent over­ forward by the hon. member for Toowong sight by a doctor at the Royal Brisbane and his excellent assessment of the short­ Hospital and, in his own story, admitted comings in Commonwealth-State financial the same oversight by the complainant's relationships. I assure him-the hon. member own doctor. How in the name of heavens for Bundaberg also recognised this to-day­ can anybody take this hon. member seriously? that this whole question is a very complex one, and I am prepared to study the problem The hon. member for Carnarvon disclosed in the way in which he put it forward. a very lucid appreciation of the effects Speaking briefly to the hon. member's pro­ of the wheat freight concessions, and I posal, I will make some brief observations. thank him for that. His speech indicated As Treasurer, I must ensure that any scheme that he had done his homework in this direction. substituted for the present arrangements has regard to the differences in taxable capacity The hon. member for South Brisbane as between States. If this essential difference gave us his usual verbiage. He spent most between the States is forgotten, then Queens­ of his time rehashing police matters that land could find itself in a very unhappy had been aired and debunked weeks before. position. It might well be a case in which For his sake it may be as well that he the "haves" will have more and the "have­ did, because I say, quite candidly, that nots" will have less-and unfortunately we his brief excursion into Budget matters would be among the "have-nots". 1062 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Altogether apart from this point, there the grain industry amounts to $1,000,000 per must be an equitable base on which to start annum. The concession was applied in such a new formula, and special attention must a way that the greatest aid was given to be paid to the growth aspect of any new those with the greatest need. How, in the formula. It is equally obvious that any light of these circumstances, the hon. mem­ new State taxes must match the increasing ber can say that a $1,000,000 concession is demands of State services. an "insult" is beyond my comprehension. I The hon. member has recognised and am prepared to leave it to the electors of emphasised that the stakes are high. It is a Queensland to judge whether this substantial case of Federalism or centralism and, for concession is an insult or a very real aid my part, and for the good of all Australians, to the grain-growing industry. I stand squarely a solution which preserves Federalism in behind the Budget proposals on grain freights, the true sense must be found. I commend the and I have received enough messages of hon. member for his contribution. encouragement from growers in the Far West to lead me to believe .that the Government's The hon. member for Belmont justified new proposals are sound and have a firm additional expenditure for the Department backing within the grain-growing industry. of Aboriginal and Island Affairs. I can assure I believed in the case for decentralisation­ the hon. member that the improvement in the it was a case for decentralisation-that the welfare of these people commands a very Graingrowers' Association put to me. I high priority in the Government's thinking, believe that the Government has to assist the and our sincerity in this direction is borne needy and, quite candidly, I am not very out in our Budget proposals. concerned about the vocal greedy few. The hon. member for Mackenzie put some Of course, the hon. member side-stepped of the comments of the hon. member for the issue as far as North Queensland was Belmont on Aboriginal welfare into their concerned by ignoring the effect of general correct perspective when he compared the freight reductions on livestock, log and sawn Government's effort whh that of previous timber, fruit, and general merchandise. These Labour Governments. were all substantial concessions, and .the I appreciate the hon. member's views con­ Government is well aware of the appreciation cerning the limit of $20,000 on Agricultural of residents of the North and more remote Bank loans. However, such must be con­ areas for the rail freight concessions pro­ sidered against the total moneys available vided in the Budget. I suggest to the hon. and the total volume of advances by the member that he ought to inform himself bank. I recognise that a very strong case better on issues such as these. I know that can be made to increase this limit substant­ the commendation which the Government is ially. However, it all comes back to the receiving is an embarrassment to him, but question of available funds. In recent years it is no excuse for not informing himself. funds have been found to allow advances The hon. member for Mt. Coot-tha spoke to increase at the rate of approximately at length on the recent milk report. The $1,000,000 a year, and since 1960 the total hon. members for South Coast and Barcoo advances have more than doubled. This is also contributed their ideas on this subject. the maximum effort that can be made without The views expressed by each of them have unduly depleting funds required for other been noted, and I can only repeat that they public works and services. If we increased will be carefuly considered by the Minister the maximum load limit from $20,000, the for Primary Industries and by Cabinet before consequence would be a reduction in the any firm decisions are taken on the matter. number of loans that could be made. The The hon. member for Wynnum made an question thus resolves itself into the simple impassioned plea for a brighter railway proposition of serving a greater number of station at South Brisbane and for a more clients on a limited basis or a lesser number convenient cloak room at that station. This on a more generous basis. The hon. member is a good example of my earlier remark that can be assured, however, that the matter will different persons would place different be kept under review continuously, having emphasis and relative importance on certain regard to the availabiHty of funds for such matters. This human trait will always be purpose, and I hope that eventually I will with us, particularly where funds available be able to meet his suggestion. are less than required for all the tasks a I turn now to the comments of the hon. Government wishes to carry out. If the member for Townsville North. I have read Government had sufficient money, many of his speech, and I think it is fairly clear that these small things would be done and would he is quite satisfied with the assistance that pass without notice or comment. it is proposed to grant .to the sugar industry The Government sees the need to give high by way of rail freight and other concessions. priority to the relaying of track on the South However, in respect of the freight concessions Brisbane-Kyogle line, and substantial funds envisaged for grain-growers, he apparently are being diverted for that purpose. The adopted the views of someone else, who des- hon. member for Wynnum, however, chose cribed these concessions as an "insult". instead a new railway station at South Bris­ I must confess that I have given up trying bane and a better waiting-room. All I can to understand how the hon. memb~r's mind say to the hon. member is that I believe works. The value of freight concessions to that the Government's scale of priority is the Supply [29 OcTOBER] Supply 1063

more realistic. I, too, would like to see a to the country. I can assure the hon. mem­ brighter railway station at South Brisbane, ber that the Government is fully aware of but I cannot put it higher in priority than the relative needs in these matters. Again other railway work now in hand. it is a case of putting first things first and The hon. member for Redcliffe made quite the Government, in fixing its Budget for the a long submission on the fishing industry, year, gave full consideration to relative needs and I will certainly ask my officers to and priority of work. examine this submission in full detail. He The hon. member for Kurilpa spoke on mentioned especially prawning in the Gulf the need for the updating and standardisation of Carpentaria. I think the hon. member of textbooks at the primary and secondary will appreciate that control of this industry levels of education. I remind him that a in the Gulf presents some very real diffi­ considerable sum has been provided in this culties. These are not only practical difficul­ year's Budget as the first cost of the develop­ ties; there are also constitutional difficulties ment and printing of a new syllabus for Eng­ of some magnitude. There are very few lish and social studies and for the purchase areas bordering on the Gulf which are suit­ of new textbooks for mathematics. This able for shore-based processing stations. As work will extend over a two-year period, by the hon. member knows, the Gulf area is which time the textbooks in use will be right an isolated one and the provision of essential up to the minute. I will not attempt to services presents some problems of very discuss the hon. member's views on real substance. One example of this type standardisation, but I would suggest that of problem is that of a supply of sufficient pure water for Karumba. The Government he discuss them with the Minister for Edu­ has spent quite a deal of money endeavouring cation. If he so desires, he can develop his to provide water at a reasonable price. There argument further in the Estimates debate. are also difficulties in providing other essen­ The hon. member for Toowoomba East tial services, and in maintaining those spoke on a wide range of subjects, as has services. been his practice in this Chamber for many In addition, there are many problems of a years, but he always concludes >yit~ a light constitutional nature. Much of the fishing discourse on the delights of socmhsm. As waters of the Gulf are situated outside the he said very little in relation to the Budget, 12-mile limit. In addition, almost all the I can only conclude that his silence in this shore processing is for export, and conse­ direction signified his approval of the Budget. quently the legislative powers of the State are Mr. Bennett: You are mixed up again. You particularly limited. The Commonwealth said "Toowoomba East". Government has quite detailed regulations for the licensing of export processing works, Mr. CHALK: I meant Ipswich East. and it is very doubtful whether, as a matter of law, the State can legislate in this behalf, Mr. Bennett: You said "Toowoomba East". especially if the Commonwealth has covered Mr. CHALK: I am sorry. the field of legislation. This is a matter that is being discussed in some detail by my Mr. Bennett: You are blundering. officers with Commonwealth authorities, and I can only hope to have early answers to Mr. CHALK: The hon. member for South some of the problems. I do not propose Brisbane is the biggest blunderer who has to go blundering in. Whatever legislation is ever walked into the Chamber; but he was not brought to this Chamber will be fully con­ aame to come in when I was talking about sidered and will supply an answer to many the matter that he raised. of the problems facing the industry in this Mr. Bennett: I was here. region at present. When we were prepared to grapple, under section 92, with some of the Mr. CHALK: He was not game to inter­ problems, when we were prepared to "have ject. a go," as was the present hon. member for Mr. BENNETT: I rise to a point of order. Toowoomba West, we attempted to cover My courage has been queried by the :r..;tinis­ some of these things, but until the Common­ ter in saying that I was not game to mter­ wealth makes up its mind on what the posi­ ject. I challenge the Minister to say tion is I do not think that this Government what he wanted to say, and to be as dirty should go further in the matter. as he likes to be. The hon. member for Merthyr raised a number of matters, which I have no doubt The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. he has taken up with my ministerial col­ Smith): Order! There is no point of order. leagues. For this reason I do not propose Mr. CHALK: I want to deal now with the in the course of this debate to attempt to the assessment made by the hon. member for give any detailed answer. Landsborough of what the State's financial Similarly, the hon. member for Sandgate policies were doing for the good of the brought up several matters which we know people of Queensland. He was one hon. are close to his heart. He spoke about a member who really applied himself to the new police station at Sandgate, a boat har­ Budget, and he concentrated on matte~s that bour for Sandgate, the rebuilding of "Even­ more keenly interest him. I thank h1m for tide" and the shifting of Boggo Road gaol his contribution. 1064 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I agree with the hon. member's contention period. If the hon. member wants to that we must take all reasonable steps to criticise this fact, I am prepared to leave hold good officers in our State service. I him to his own devices. made special mention of this in the Budget He then went on to tread some really speech and outlined the measures that the dangerous ground when he attempted. to Government was taking relative to senior show how generous Labour was to educatiOn. executive and professional staff. However, In the course of his argument he had to I should not wish the hon. member to get mention the proportion of the total Con­ the problem out of perspective. As his con­ solidated Revenue Fund that Labour devoted cern was with the Department of Primary to education. This, out of his own mouth, Industries, I shall quote some statisti~s was merely 24.34 per cent. I say that his which, I .hope, will place the problem m own figures destroy the argument that he perspective. was endeavouring to make. Labour pro­ In 1967-68 the appointment of graduate vided for education a much smaller per­ staff to this department numbered 55. The centage of a much smaller cake. The hon. total loss of graduate staff during the year member cannot deny that. was 34, four of whom retired in the normal To further show up the fallacy of the course of service and four of whom were hon. member's argument, we need only turn females who resigned because of marriage. to his next conclusion. The tenor vf his There was one death, and one whose ser­ previous argument was that an insufficient vices were terminated. The voluntary resig­ portion of the total Consolidated Revenue nations, all of which are regretted, but Fund was devoted to education. He imme­ some of which, in a staff as large as the diately followed with the conclusion that one in that department, must be expected, the additional appropriations being made numbered only 24. Thus, in the year we for education were at the expense of appointed 55 new graduate staff and lost only hospitals, law and order, public safety, 24 by resignation. Taking the total number primary industries, and so on. I surely do of professional and technical officers for not have to remind the hon. member that the year 1%7-68, we appointed 201 and if a proportion of a total is increased. ~nr lost 118 by resignation, retirement and one service, then it follows that the remammg similar causes. proportion of the total available for other I deal now with the remarks of the hon. services must of necessity decrease. member for Baroona. I always regard the Mr. Hanlon: Surely hospitals and law and contributions that he makes to this debate order are not the places to get it fmm. as being of a useful nature, but on this occasion his usual cold appraisal of the Bud­ Mr. CHALK: We have the hon. member get was not there. He resorted to the use on record as saying that hospitals are more of figures and percentages, which unfortun­ important than education. ately distort the true picture and create a very wrong impression, but which may seem The hon. member then went on to criticise to give some support to the weak argument the Government's efforts in negotiations on that he put forward. the tax reimbursement formula, and once more he quoted figures. He saw S?me Let me look at the percentages that he folly in this Government's representations used in his attempt to decry the Govern­ when the 1959 financial assistance grants ment's efforts in education. He complained formula was negotiated. He complained that, in 1967-68, 29.42 per cent. of the that Queensland's proportion of the total Consolidated Revenue Fund was devoted to grant fell from 15.56 per cent. to 14.88 education, whereas this year there was an per cent., while South Australia's grant rose increase of only 1.38 per cent. of the total from 9.26 per cent. to 11.47 per cent. The earmarked for education. He went on to reason why South Australia's grant was say that in the previous year there was an increased is simple. In that year South increase of 1.79 per cent. in the Education Australia ceased to be a claimant State, and Vote, when it rose from 27.63 per cent. to its previous separate Grants Commission 29.42 per cent. In other words, on his payments were included in the total grant figures the proportion of the total Consoli­ to all States and were written into sc:uth dated Revenue Fund devoted to education Australia's entitlement. It follows that, Jf a purposes in the two years increased by 3.17 particular amount is added to the Australian per cent. total and this amount is paid to one State I will say that perhaps the hon. member only all other State percentages of the new forgot to state the obvious. In the period totat' must fall. The same position occurs this that he covered, the total Consolidated vear. Western Australia, which was formerly Revenue Fund cake increased from a claimant State, has had its separate Grants $233,291,000 to $281,357,000, and education Commission grant of $15,000,000 added both received a much bigger slice of a much to the total amount and to that State's bigger cake. On the figures that the hon. entitlement. All States except Western Aus­ member used, the amount of money made tralia have shown a decrease in the percentage available for education in this two-year of a new and higher total. The whole period increased by $22.2 million, from position is clearly shown in the Tables, a~d $64.5 million to $86.7 million, that is, an I am surprised that the hon. member did increase of 34 per cent. over this two-year not make the position more clear. Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1065

The same distortion was used in the hon. that, in Queensland, the average value of member's claim that the Labour Govern­ estates lagged badly behind that of the ment reduced State taxation during its period other more populous States. Moreover, of office from 12.7 per cent. in 1947-48 with increasing costs over the period of to 11.9 per cent. in 1956-57. This was not 11 years mentioned by the hon. member, the resuh of any changes in the rates of the collection from this source must rise even taxation by the Labour Government, as the if only to preserve the purchasing power hon. member's argument implied, but rather of the collection from that source. to a fortuitous circumstance of increasing CoJ?monwealth contributions during that I am not unsympathetic to the points penod. The total revenues increased extra­ which the hon. member made. All I ask is ordinarily because of this reason State taxa­ that he recognise the State's difficulty in tion increased normally, and a's a natural securing sufficient funds for the development consequence the State taxation percentage and services of the State. I remind him that of the total thereby declined. There is succession and probate duty has not been nothing in these figures that can give the singled out for imposts out of proportion Opposition any comfort. to those on other sources of State revenues. In any event why would the then Labour The hon. member for Port Curtis sum­ Government have worried about increasing marised the trials and problems at present State taxes out of hand when the good old being experienced in Commonwealth-States milking cow of railway freights was always financial relations. I think he did a fairly available and there for its convenience to get good job in this behalf. He defined the issues the extra money. The Committee will note very well. His solution to the problem, when that the hon. member excluded rail freights he came to it, was something of an anti­ when he was quoting these percentages. climax. His proposition was for the welding of an index to the present formula which If he felt that he had a case that Labour would allow the total financial assistance reduced State taxation, why did he not grant to rise at the same rate as Federal include all the figures and let us see the income tax. It would mean that any varia­ true picture? The reason of course is that he had no case. Had he included tion in income tax rates imposed by the in his comparison the nine rail freight Commonwealth for economic purposes, for mcreases m 10 years by Labour, and the defence or any other emergency, would reflect two increases and one reduction in 11 years itself in the revenue resources of the States. by this Government, we would have had It is, of course, clear that the needs of the the true picture under Labour. States have no relation to the cause and effect The hon. member for Logan acknowledged of many possible income tax adjustments. the merits of the Budget. He also spoke On the other hand, if the Commonwealth on a matter which I know concerns him reduced income tax as an economic measure, namely, jetties for some of the smalle; the States would find themselves with less settled islands in the southern part of money than in the previous year although Moreton Bay. The hon. member has already their costs had risen. I know that the hon. raised this matter with me, and I am having member has made a sincere approach to this it investigated. problem. It must be apparent to all hon. The hon. member for Ipswich West, I members that this problem of Common­ believe, was pleased with what the Govern­ wealth-States financial relations is not easy ment has done at Westbrook. She also of solution. recognised the added assistance to deserted The hon. member also raised a question wives. She raised some matters of accom­ regarding the use of certain Thiess Peabody modation and facilities in the House which I am sure will be considered and for which, Mitsui installations at Gladstone by I believe, there is every reason for Murphyores. I want to say to the hon. consideration. member that I know nothing of the circum­ stances of this case but I will make some The hon. member for Burnett, in speaking inqumes. However, I would remind him on succession and probate duty, compared that the wharf and loader in question were the returns from this source in 1956-57 built, and paid for, by the company, and it and in 1967-68. I am sure he will recognise that this bald comparison is not valid. Par­ seems to me that the question is one of ticular circumstances in 1967-68 produced terms and conditions of use of a privately­ abnormally high receipts, as I endeavoured owned facility by another private enterprise. to explain in my Budget speech. Hence the The remedy might thus well be in the hands figure for 1967-68 requires to be suitably of Murphyores by that company's providing discounted to give a truly comparative figure its own private facility. However, I again for a normal year. Moreover, there are other emphasise that I should like to ascertain the qualifications to such a comparison. There circumstances of the case to see if there is is the increased prosperity in the community anything in the hon. member's comments. generally which allows for the accumulation of comparatively larger estates. If the hon. The hon. member for Warwick spoke on member compares the taxable capacities of the economies of the distant grain-grower, the various States, he will at once notice the mid-inner grower and the inner grower. 1066 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

He also spoke of his fears about the estab­ population of over 20,000, New South Wales lishment of a lion park in the Beenleigh ten, Victoria five, South Australia three, area. I am sure that those views will be Western Australia two, and Tasmania two. given every consideration by the appropriate Minister. They deal with matters which are The hon. member also made a comparison outside the Budget. between Canberra and Cairns on a growth basis. His comparison is not real, because The hon. member for Cairns opened his Canberra is a case of growth stimulated by contribution to the debate with a story from the extraordinary factor that that city is the Greek mythology. He made the conclusion national capital. It is the attraction and to suit his line of argument. I can assure development of new industry that triggers the hon. member that the Government, growth in most ordinary urban communities, unlike Atalanta, will win the race next year, and the Government holds its head high on and will win it well. To win, we will not its record in that regard. have to throw down golden apples during the race. The Government has been con­ The hon. member for Rockhampton tinually passing out golden apples during its South was disturbed by, amongst other term of office. These apples have taken the things, the salary rates payable to lecturers form of a better standard of living, a better at the Capricornia Institute of Technology. educational system, great development and The staffing of institutes is a problem that an intensive policy of decentralisation. As a is being experienced by all colleges through­ Government, we stand on our record. out Australia. During the rapid develop­ He then went on and quoted long lists ment of these institutes to the standards we of statistics associated with State taxation. envisage, some staff shortages no doubt will He climaxed his views on these figures by be experienced for some years. To ensure saying that the Budget was not in the interests that salary anomalies do not aggravate this of the majority of the people of Queensland. shortage, a committee of inquiry appointed He said that little progress had been made by the Commonwealth Government and by the Government, and he charged the headed by Mr. Justice C. A. Sweeney is at Government for its failure to overcome what present examining the salary scales of lec­ he called the obstacles to progress. turers throughout Australia. The Govern­ ment is awaiting the report and recommenda­ I really do not know if the hon. member tions of that committee. was serious with this remark, or whether his The hon. member for Aubigny's main line tongue ran away with him. Surely the hon. of criticism of the Budget was the new member knows that if a State wishes to freight rates for the wheat-growers. I believe expand, and if it wishes to provide better that I have referred to that in replying to and increased services, then the Government other hon. members; I do not propose to has to find the necessary moneys for those deal with it further. purposes. And where are those moneys to come .from? The Government has no money The hon. member for Norman touched tree; It does not possess a printing press to on a wide range of subjects, and time does c_hurn out money bills. It is a simple fact of not permit me to deal with his speech in hfe that the people themselves must provide full. However, he alleged that there was a the money by way of taxation. It is up to substantial increase in the cost of living in the Government to keep rates of taxation at Queensland. As did so many of his col­ as low a level as proper expenditure demands leagues. he hung his hat on a particular will allow. It is also the Government's figure to prove his point. Of course, he was responsibility to set the tax levels. The hon. referring to the bulletin issued recently by member \;;ould, no doubt, wave a magic the Commonwealth Statistician relative to wand and mcrease expenditure while lowerino the Consumer Price Index for the September taxation. I leave it to the House to form it~ quarter. The figures in that bulletin showed own conclusion on that. that Queensland had registered the highest All the works listed in the Financial State­ percentage increase of all the Australian me~t did not happen by chance. They were States in the previous quarter. But let us mstigated and sought out by the Govern­ look at the index over the 12 months ended ment. Long-range planning hard work and September, 1968. Here we find that the tough ne?otiations were n~cessary to bring Consumer Price Index in Sydney increased these projects to fruition. Whatever charges by 1.86 per cent., Melbourne by 2.14 per the hon. member might throw at the Govern­ cent., Brisbane by 1.82 per cent., Adelaide ment, he should stay off the question of pro­ by 1.49 per cent., Perth by 2.20 per cent., gress. The plain fact is that progress has Hobart by .74 per cent., and the average of been the Government's watchword. the six State capitals by 1.89 per cent. In other words, Brisbane recorded the third The hon. member spoke of the drift of lowest increase among the States for the population to major cities. As the hon. 12-month period and its increase was below member for Toowong interjected at the time the average for the six States. So much this is a world-wide trend. However ther~ for the hon. member's argument. is a very high degree of decentralisation in The hon. member for Townsville South, Queensland. The 1966 census showed that in exposing the shortcomings in the Aus­ Queensland had 11 urban centres with a tralian Labour Party, effectively gave the Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1067 lie to the Opposition's claim of insufficient The hon. member for Salisbury attempted development in North Queensland. He very to make the case that the wage earner in ably replied to the tongue-in-cheek criticism Queensland has been put at some disadvan­ by the Opposition of this Government's tage by this Government. In doing so, he fell education record. into the same trap as his colleague, the hon. member for Norman, in using the Consumer The hon. member for lthaca recognised the Price Index figures for the September merits of the Budget proposals. Other quarter. He deduced from these figures that matters he raised have already received, or Queensland was the lowest-paid State with will in the near future receive, due con­ the highest cost of living. Before I go on, sideration. I want to stress that he very loudly and deliberately chose this ground for his attack. The hon. member for Flinders was full of praise for the Budget. He raised certain Let me point out to the hon. member that matters concerning hospitals and ambulance the index does not make a comparison of retail prices between States, and Bulletin brigades in his electorate which I feel sure No. 47 from which he was quoting, states this will receive the careful attention of my col­ very clearly on its first page. So much then league the Minister for Health. for any charge that Queensland is the State The hon. member for Mirani expressed the with the highest cost of living. What the thanks of the sugar industry for the sugar index does is compare the movement in rail-freight concessions provided in the retail prices in each capital city since 1952-53, Budget, and I thank the bon. member for taking the 1952-53 prices as the base, 100. his kindly remarks. He also raised the ques­ For various reasons, the Queensland index has risen at a greater rate than the Aus­ tion of local government finance. I do not tralian average. The Queensland index now propose to debate that issue at any length reads 148.8 against the national average of now, but I do say to him that be might 143.4. But let us turn to the average weekly well make a comparison of the relative finan­ earnings per employed male unit over the cial position of local government in all same period. In 1952-53 the average weekly States. I believe that he will find that earnings per employed male unit in Queens­ Queensland's local authorities are particularly land according to figures prepared by the same favourably treated, especially under our Bureau of Census and Statistics was $26.64. unique subsidy scheme. In 1967-68 it was $58.80. If we take the 1952-53 earnings as base 100, as was done The hon. member for Albert made some for retail prices, we find that the 1967-68 very laudatory remarks concerning my work earnings figure has improved to 220.72. in the portfolio of Treasurer. I do not expect praise for the efforts put forward. For the hon. member's information, I would point out that not only have the I have particularly noted the hon. member's average weekly earnings per employed male remarks concerning the need for further unit in Queensland increased at a far greater expenditure on small boat facilities in the rate than the increase in the retail prices Broadwater and the Nerang River. I agree index over that period but so also have the that further expenditure is desirable in these Queensland earnings increased at a greater areas; they are important areas for small rate than th01>e of all other States except craft. Unfortunately, from a Treasurer's Western Australia. point of view there is always a limit to the Before I conclude I want to deal with the amount of funds available each year in the remarks of the hon. member for Bundaberg. trust fund. The annual amount available His main theme seemed to be that the is of the order of $366,000. However, I Government was diverting funds from edu­ propose to keep the hon. member's repre­ cation and other Government services to sentations in mind and he can rest assured development. He claimed that these funds that it is the Government's earnest desire were being made available for the benefit of to see the position rectified as soon as overseas companies. possible. It is patently untrue that massive funds The hon. member for Burke made a short are being diverted away from education; the contribution to the debate in which he raised opposite is true. Massive funds are being several matters. He particularly mentioned diverted to education, and evidence of this rail freight rates to Mt. Isa and other western can be seen in any comparison that a fair towns. He said that the 5 per cent. reduction judge would care to make. provided in the Budget was not sufficient. I want to say to him that I, too, would like to I was sorry to see the hon. member join­ have been able to make a greater reduction ing with the Opposition in attempting to but this could only have been done at a "knock" the Government's efforts in the field sacrifice in some other direction. In my of industrial development. I am quite happy remarks on the speech of the hon. member to let the people of Queensland judge this for Baroona I compared the performance Government on its records in that direction. of this Government with that when Labour The hon. member for Mt. Gravatt had a was in power and I am sure that this is a local issue, which he aired with his usual comparison that the A.L.P. would prefer eloquence, and I am sure than hon. mem­ to forget. bers noted the points that he made. 1068 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Questions

The hon. member for Tablelands ranged over the industries that have been developed or could be developed in the Gulf and areas north of the 16th parallel. This matter was raised by the hon. member for Redcliffe also and I believe that I spent some time in outlining my reply to him. The hon. member for Rockhampton North made his usual contribution to the debate. It was very hard to follow, very unintelligent, and not worthy of my comment. In the concluding remarks of the hon. member for Mackay he said that he was not entirely opposed to a reduction in land tax. In other words, he means that he is not entirely opposed to it and favours some tax. Then he went on to talk about Hay Point. I say to him that the decision on where the company will send its coal is a matter entirely for the company to decide. Un~il that decision is made the Government will not be in a position to negotiate with it relative to harbour facilities. All I say is this: the Government will see that the State obtains the best possible deal. Before I conclude my remarks on the Budget, I should like to take the few minutes left to me to express one or two personal thoughts. During the years that I have been a mem­ ber of Parliament, and particularly during the years that I have been a Minister, I have been embroiled in quite a number of arguments with some hon. members. I know that this Budget is the last opportunity on which 10 members of this Chamber will have a chance to debate a Budget. I refer to Messrs. Muller, Duggan, Mann, Beard­ more, Graham, Donald, Byrne, Dufficy, Adair and Ooburn. All of those hon. mem­ bers have indicated that at the end of this Parliament they will go into retirement. I say to them that I believe that they have all endeavoured to their utmost to carry out their responsibilities as members of Parliament. As one who is now among the older mem­ bers, in years of service, I often look back on those with whom I was associated in the early days, both in the time when we on this side were in Opposition and in the time when we have been the Government of this State. I conclude my remarks on this 1968 Budget by saying to those hon. gentle­ men who will be retiring, "May you con­ tinue to enjoy good health, and may you have h81ppine'Ss in your retirement. I believe that the years of service that you have given to the State are years that you will always remember and that the State will appreciate." Honourable Members: Hear, hear! Item (Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the Governor) agreed to. Progress reported. The House adjourned at 8.31 p.m.