Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 18 OCTOBER 1966

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Questions [18 OCTOBER] Questions 905

TUESDAY, 18 OCTOBER, 1966 (4) If there is a difference in the prices of the two adjoining allotments, what is the reason? Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, (5) What is the area of the adjoining Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair block? at 11 a.m. Answers:­ AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORT (1) "(a) The land is Crown land and PUBLIC ACCOUNTS had been previously held by the Brisbane City Council under a deed of trust. It Mr. SPEAKER announced the receipt from was subsequently set aside as a Reserve the Auditor-General of his report on the for Police purposes and truncation to a public accounts of the State for the year corner reduced the area from 2 roods 1965-66. 9 perches to 2 roods 7 · 7 perches. The Ordered to be printed. total cost incurred was $183.85, covering survey fees and incidental expenses. (b) COMMONWEALTH AID, FITZROY Nil. (c) 2 roods 7·7 perches." RIVER BASIN BRIGALOW DEVELOP­ (2) "Cost of land (survey fee, &c.). MENT SCHEME $183.85; cost of building and ground REPLY OF PRIME MINISTER improvements, $34,000." (3) "I have no information concerning Mr. SPEAKER: I have to inform the House that on 23 September I forwarded such transaction." to the Right Honourable the Prime Minister (4) "See Answer to 3." the resolution agreed to by the House on (5) "See Answer to 3." 22 September relating to the Fitzroy River Basin Brigalow Development Scheme, and that I have received from him the following RAISINGS UNDER CHARITABLE reply:­ COLLECTIONS ACT "Prime Minister, Mr. Sherrington, pursuant to notice, asked "Canberra, The Minister for Justice,­ "13th October, 1966. Excluding sporting organisations and "Dear Mr. Speaker, parents and citizens' associations, what has "Thank you for your letter of been the amount raised by other organisa­ 23rd September informing me of a resolu­ tions registered under the Charitable tion passed by the Legislative Assembly Collections Act for the year ended June 30. which commended the Commonwealth 1966, and how much of this has been levied Government for its continued support of by the Government by way of permit fees, the Queensland Government's policy of taxes, &c.? decentralised development and particularly for the support the State has received Answer:­ for the implementation of its major "The amount raised by the organisations projects in regional areas. referred to for the period mentioned is "The sentiments contained in the resolu­ not ascertainable. Different such organisa­ tion were warmly appreciated by my tions have different financial years, their Government. modes of fund raising are varied and in "Yours sincerely. many instances differ one from another, "HAROLD HOLT. and the Department is not concerned with "The Honourable D. E. Nicholson, the amounts raised by the various schemes "Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, of fund raising for each financial year as "Parliament House, no Crown revenue is obtained under the "Brisbane, Queensland." Charitable Collections Act. This applies even to those associations which I referred QUESTIONS to in this Assembly on the twelfth of October last and which, although regis­ COST OF DRIVERS' LICENCE TESTING tered as charities under that Act, are not CENTRE, CooRPAROO charities in the true sense of the word. Mr. Donald for Mr. Bennett, pursuant to I might here mention that these associa­ notice, asked The Minister for Education,­ tions have never included sporting ( 1) (a) What was the total cost of organisations simply as such. As was purchase of the new Drivers' Licence indicated by me in this Assembly on the Testing Centre, Coorparoo, (b) what com­ twenty-fifth of August last, revenue is mission, if any, was paid on the purchase collected only in relation to fund raising of the centre and (c) what is its area? by the conducting of art unions. More­ over, no permit fees, as distinct from the (2) Can particulars be given to itemise application for permit fee, is collected the cost in relation to land and in respect of art unions conducted for improvements? the charities and charitable purposes set ( 3) Was the adjoining block with its forth in regulation 62 of "The Art Union improvements sold to a Mr. Uscinski for Regulations, 1965". As regards the the sum of $10,000? amount of revenue collected in relation 906 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

to the conduct of art unions, no figures are DISPOSAL OF PRODUCE FROM YARRABAH kept of moneys collected from organisa­ ABORIGINAL SETTLEMENT tions registered under the Charitable !VIr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked Collections Act, but as regards those The Minister for Education,­ organisations classified for art union pur­ poses as hospitals, youth clubs, community ( 1) Has the Aboriginal community at service funds, soldiers' and sailors' associa­ Yarrabah under instructions from the tions, and spastics, &c., associations, the Director of Aboriginal Affairs been pre­ whole proceeds raised by art unions vented from selling the produce of its amounted to $2,736,863, while the fees communal efforts on the open market in that part of the State? paid amounted to $43,208." (2) Is such produce consigned from time to time to other Governmental institutions without payment? SURVEY FEES HELD BY MINES DEPARTMENT Answer:­ Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked (1 and 2) "No. Possibly the Honourable The Minister for Mines,­ Member is not aware that at Yarrabah, as (1) How much money is at present held at other centres, the Department has by the Mines Department in survey fees encouraged community residents to develop relative to leases which are awaiting survey their own farming and other enterprises and how many leases are involved? and to dispose of their produce in their own right on the local market, to their (2) Is there any shortage of staff in the individual benefit. Some measure of survey section of the Mines Department success has been achieved and efforts are and, if so, will he take steps to provide for continuing. The Department separately more staff? maintains its own farming undertaking, the produce of which, being Government property, is disposed of in accordance with Answers:­ Departmental requirements as issue, either ( 1) "This information would involve to community residents or departmental or considerable research and cannot be pre­ other State institutions." pared in the time available. It could give a misleading picture as some very large EMPLOYEES AND LOCOMOTIVES, RAILWAY special leases are involved. Costs of the DEPARTMENT Departmental surveyors would have to be Mr. Donald for Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to computed and charged. I must point out notice, asked The Minister for Transport,­ that even though survey fees are collected by the Department, the Mining Acts place At June 30, 1952, and 1966, the onus for survey directly on the lease respectively:­ applicant. If the applicant has an ( 1) What was the number of Railway acceptable survey performed the survey employees in the following grades (a) fee deposited is refunded." drivers, (b) firemen, (c) guards, (d) shunters, (e) signalmen, (f) workshop and (2) "As is well known, private practice (g) permanent way? for surveyors is so lucrative it is difficult to retain them. Present Departmental staff (2) What was the number of loco­ comprises one senior staff surveyor. In motives (a) steam and (b) diesel? this year's Estimates I have also provided (3) What was the maximum permissible for one examiner-computer, one staff weight and length of goods trains (a) survey~r. and field party and a survey cadet. steam-drawn and (b) diesel-drawn? ~n additJ.on very costly special equipment IS provided. I would mention that Answers:­ advertisements in all States of the ( 1) "The information sought by the Commonwealth have so far failed to Honourable Member would involve a con­ attract suitable survey staff. Efforts will be siderable amount of clerical work, the maintained." expense of which is not considered justified. (2)­

" Number of Locomotives

I Diesel Steam Diesel Mechanical Electric - !_ - I 3ft. 6in. 2ft. I 3ft. 6in. 2ft. Gauge Gauge I Gauge Gauge - As at June 30, 1952 ...... 852 7 1 Nil Nil As at Jun I e 30, 1966 ...... ··I.., 576 Nil I 4 7 170" Questions [18 OCTOBER] Papers 907

(3) "(a) At June 30, 1952, two steam Department, and Mr. C. F. Sharp, City locomotives 650 tons for a length of 70 Chemist, Brisbane City Council. They units. At June 30, 1966, two steam loco­ concluded as a result of the surveys that­ motives 1,500 tons for a length of 90 ( 1) There was no significant pollution of units. (b) At June 30, 1952, there were bayside beaches north of the river mouth; no diesel electric locomotives in service. (2) There was no gross pollution of the At June 30, 1966, two diesel electric loco­ Brisbane River; (3) The river is able to motives, 2,600 tons for a length of 140 satisfactorily cope with the isolated pockets units." of contamination which do occur. The Honourable Member will recall I was INTERIM SUGAR PRICE able to make a copy of this report avail­ Mr. Armstrong, pursuant to notice, asked able to him on August 31, 1966." The Minister for Primary Industries,­ Is he in a position to inform the House and the sugar industry when it is antici­ HEALTH OFFICER, MACKAY CITY pated that the interim price of sugar will be COUNCIL increased, can he indicate the amount and Mr. Davies for l\1r. Graham, pursuant to will the extra advance be applied to all notice, asked The Minister for Health,­ No. 1 pool sugar from the 1966 season? (1) Is he aware that since the resigna­ Answer:­ tion of the Mackay City Council's Health "lt is proposed to give notice of a Bill Officer, Dr. Chenoweth, some mcnths ago dealing with this matter later today. Until the Council has been unable to fill the this legislation is dealt with by the House vacancy because of the refusal of other I am unable to make any announcement." medical practitioners in Mackay to accept the position?

POLLUTION OF BRISBANE RIVER (2) Is there any risk to the general health of the citizens of Mackay as a result Mr. Davies for Mr. Dean, pursuant to of there being no Local Authority medical notice, asked The Minister for Health,­ officer? (1) Has his attention been drawn to the report in The Courier-Mail of October 13, Answer:­ relative to the pollution of the Brisbane River from industrial and other wastes (! and 2) "When I was in Mackay which is causing great concern? recently I was informed of the resignation of Dr. Chenoweth as Medical Officer of (2) What action does he intend to take Health and the circumstances associated to remove the nuisance? with it. The citizens of Mackay are fortu­ (3) What action has been taken by his nate in that the duties of Medical Officer Departmental officers following the warning of Health are still being carried out by contained in my speech in 1964 concerning Dr. Chenoweth, but at no cost to the the pollution of the river? Council. Dr. Chenoweth is a doctor of the highest integrity who has the interests Answers:­ of the people, particularly the children, of ( 1) "I presume the Honourable Member Mackay at heart and the Honourable is referring to an unsigned Jetter in The Member can rest assured that under the Courier-Mail of October 13 in which the present circumstances every health pre­ writer expresses concern at the pollution caution is being taken and that the of the Brisbane River by the discharge of situation in Mackay, from a health point tar oil into it." of view, is no different from what obtained (2) "Action to prohibit the discharge prior to Dr. Chenoweth's formal of oil or a mixture containing oil is con­ resignation." tained in "The Pollution of Waters by Oil Act of 1960" which is not administered PAPERS by the Health Department." The following papers were laid on the (3) "In February and the following table, and ordered to be printed:­ month in 1964 investigations were carried out into the pollution of the Brisbane River Reports- at Luggage Point and its effect on the State Government Insurance Office waters of the lower reaches of the river (Queensland) for the year 1965-66. and Moreton Bay. This investigation was Director of Aboriginal and Island expanded in September, 1964, and, in Affairs for the year 1965-66. co-operation with the Brisbane City The Queensland Meat Industry Council, to cover the river from the Authority-First Annual Report. Indooroopilly Bridge to its mouth and bay­ side beaches. Samples were taken at Queensland Radium Institute for the weekly intervals to determine the nature, year 1965-66. amount, and frequency of occurrence of State Fire Services Council for the year any pollution. A joint report on the inves­ 1965-66. tigations was submitted by Dr. M. H. Commissioner of Main Roads for the Gabriel, Health Officer, State Health year 1965-66. 908 Supply [ASSEMBLY) Supply

The following papers were laid on the thinking, "What! Speak on the Budget table:­ and miss out on my opportunity to talk Orders in Council under- about my electorate and having my speech The Harbours Acts, 1955 to 1964. reported in the local paper?" The Racing and Betting Acts, 1954 to This is rather a pity from the Opposition's 1965. viewpoint because such an attitude tends to produce a rather anaemic Budget debate. The River Improvement Trust Acts, Parliament has a very important role to play 1940 to 1965. as keeper of the public purse. When intro­ Regulations under- ducing the Budget the Treasurer made this The Apprentices Act of 1964. point-and it is a very good point-of the role of the Opposition in ensuring that The Children's Services Act of 1965. Parliament keeps a tight hold on the public By-law under the Harbours Acts, 1955 purse. I should expect, in all innocence of to 1964. course, that in a Budget debate the Opposi­ Sixty-sixth Annual Report of the Bureau tion would have had a good look at the of Sugar Experiment Stations. Budget; that members of the Opposition would have attempted to analyse it and have made some real and careful tests such as FIRE BRIGADES ACTS AMENDMENT these: Is it adequate? Does it indeed cover BILL all the things that need doing in this State at this time? Is it too extravagant? Does it INITIATION try to do too much and do it in a too lavish Hon. J. D. HERBERT (Sherwood­ way? It is strange that I did not hear very Minister for Labour and Tourism): I move­ much at all about this except from a few 'That the House will, at its present hon. members. sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of After the Opposition had had a good look the Whole to consider introducing a Bill at the Budget in these terms, especially on to amend the Fire Brigades Acts, 1964 to a clear, factual basis, I would have expected 1965, in certain particulars." Opposition members then to consider its financial structure and say, "Well, now, are Motion agreed to. these methods for raising new revenues the best methods to adopt? If they are not, what SUPPLY shall we tell the Government to eliminate? COMMITTEE-FINANCIAL STATEMENT­ If we do tell the Government to eliminate RESUMPTION OF DEBATE certain things, what do we substitute in their place?'' Really, we have not had any such (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Hooper, criticism. It is true that the Opposition has Greenslopes, in the chair) jumped up and down a little-that is the sort Debate resumed from 13 October (see of thing we expect-but it was not done with p. 904) on Mr. Chalk's motion­ a great deal of fervour and enthusiasm. "That there be granted to Her Majesty, An Opposition Member: You must have for the service of the year 1966-67, a sum been out of the Chamber. not exceeding $3,700 to defray the salary Mr. PORTER: I have not been out of the of Aide-

I believe that the censure motion which the Treasurer might have been a little bolder the Opposition has introduced, more or less in his outlook. That is my only criticism as a matter of form, has no viability at all. of the Budget. It will not be sold in this Chamber and, In the debate from the Opposition there obviously, it is not being sold to t~e _larger has been a tendency, when looking at this world outside. If it were to be valid m any Budget, to attack the Federal Government. sense at all I should have expected the We know the sort of thing: we are little Opposition to tell us where the Budget fails, Orphan Annie; we do terribly; the Federal what it should be doing that it is not doing, Government does not look after us at all. or what it should drop out that it proposes This, of course, is the syndrome that I to do. If there are to be no new imposts­ pointed out in a previous debate where, in and there have been criticisms of some of an election year when the Federal Govern­ the new forms of revenue-what services are ment is a little susceptible to criticism and we to reduce? The cake cannot be cut into wants to win friends and influence people, more slices unless there is a larger cake. In all the critics decide, "Now we will put the other words, is there any suggestion from spurs in." We are seeing it happen at the the Opposition that we should reduce services present time. I have no doubt at all that such as education and hospitalisation, or any just as we are doing it in this Chamber, so of those services associated with develop­ in Parliaments of other States they are doing ment? I, for instance, am one who would exactly the same thing. They are saying, be quite happy to see a variation in emphasis. "Look how badly we are treated by Canberra. But this has not come from the Opposition. If only we did as well as Queensland, how I would be quite prepared to see less spending happy we would be." That is endemic to on a so-called free hospital system and part politics at a time of an imminent Federal of those moneys made available, say, for election. education or development. It is true that we should never be satisfied. That would have been a constructive pro­ I agree with hon. members on both sides of posal from members of the Opposition, but the Chamber that no Government should be they seem to be so attached to this sacred satisfied with what it achieves, whether in cow of a free hospital system that they are terms of the deal it makes with the Federal not prepared to look at it in any other way. Government or in terms of its own achieve­ I would not think that the Opposition at this ments. I hope that we on this side of the point of time would want to go on record as Chamber never become complacent. But recommending any severe or substantial cuts having said that, I think it is proper that we in hospitalisation, education, or the services should acknowledge just what has been done. associated with development. It is a very sad thing to see an Opposition The only contribution that has come for­ trying to create an atmosphere of gloom, ward from the other side of the Committee misery, despair, and almost depression, when has been a recommendation for deficit ,financ­ the picture is so greatly different. In this ing. This is a strange one at this stage. It year alone $2,000 million is being spent in is a sort of dire Micawber-like hope that if private and public spending north of the we put off action now something will turn up Tropic of Capricorn. in the future. For the life of me I cannot I think we should properly acknowledge understand why an Opposition conternplates the debt that we owe to the Federal Govern­ deficit financing at this point of time. The ment, not only in the provision of revenue economy is stable and sound; indeed, but but also in terms of interest on State debts, for the slight cream taken off by the drought road grants, assistance to universities, the it would be fair to say that it is buoyant. provision and maintenance of T.B. hospitals, The production growth rate and the the repairing of cyclone damage when steady growth in the gross national product necessary and, also when necessary, drought of the Commonwealth suggest that we are relief. My colleague the hon. member for in good times, sound times; certainly not a Chatsworth also mentioned other aspects of time to consider putting off balancing our Commonwealth assistance, such as beef­ Budget for another 12 months. cattle roads; the Mt. !sa-Townsville railway Mr. Mann: Whom are you trying to kid? line; the brigalow land development; the development at Weipa; research into the beef Mr. PORTER: My view is that this Budget industry; the coal-loading facilities at is a sensible one, and I have no criticism of Gladstone; and the Army camp at Towns­ it. If anything, I would say it is too ville, which will be worth no less than moderate. I believe the times are such that $20,000,000 to $22,000,000 to the North. Of the Treasurer could well have been a little course, there is also the military operation bolder. He could well have taken a bigger Barra Winga, which I have no doubt will bite out of the body politic without getting bring to Rockhampton and the area asso­ any more backlash than he has for the mild ciated with it no less than $4,000,000 to nibble he has taken. I think most intelligent, $6,000,000. They are sums of considerable thinking people recognise the urgent neces­ magnitude and reflect something that is being sity for development, and they are prepared done for this State and that, in an election to pay something towards it. I believe that year, I am quite sure ipeople outside this in this sense the electorate is streets ahead Chamber will judge faidy and impartially, of the Opposition. I would have hoped that without asking for more. 910 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

As this subject has been introduced into However, I think that the needs of practical the Budget debate, it is perhaps appropriate, politics demand that we acknowledge what as the Federal election is only five or six my colleague the hon. member for Chats­ weeks away, that I review the tremendous worth said earlier in this debate: that the development Australia has undergone in the appointments now made to the leadership past 12 to 15 years, in which Queensland has and deputy leadership of the Australian very successfully shared. Since 194 7 our Labour Party in Queensland do indeed further population has increased by 50 per cent. indicate that Labour is a Left-wing party. Critics of this country should bear in mind that no other country in the world has shown I hope that hon. members opposite will not Australia's increase in production, allied with misunderstand me when I say that. I am such an increase in population and so trying to be tactful and, after all, it is said remarkable a degree of economic stability. that tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy. So, if I say that An Opposition Member: Including North Labour is a Left-wing party, I am saying Queensland? only what many good Labour men say. I am reminded that not very long ago, in a maga­ Mr. PORTER: Yes; North Queensland is zine called "Dissent", Dr. J. F. Cairns said part of Australia. this­ "We of Labour are situated in the Australia has a record that no other politica'l spectrum next to the Communists country can equal. Our gross national and they will stand for many things for product has doubled in this period, with an which we also stand. We cannot therefore average growth rate during those years of 4t oppose those things." per cent. That is one of the best rates of growth in the world. We have 20,000 more That, of course, is not confined to the present factories and 375,000 more factory workers. day and Dr. Cairns. When the late Dr. In the rural sector, our growth has been Evatt was Federal Leader of the Australian literally .fantastic. The number of tractors in Labour Party, he said quite unequivocally, Australia has increased from 86,700 to "Labour is a left-wing party", and Mr. J. V. 295,000. Artificial fertilisers applied to Stout, then Federal Labour president, said­ pastures increased to 3,500,000 tons compared "The A.L.P. must always give its with a previous figure of 1,300,000 tons, second preferences to Communist candi­ and the area under irrigation has increased dates in front of D.L.P. or Liberal. from 1,500,000 acres to 2,900,000 acres. Those things are not very surprising, but I In the basic services one gets perhaps the do think that, when attempting to use the best reflection of over-all growth. The supply Budget to project the party's image in a of electricity throughout the Commonwealth favourable way, the Labour Party is running in this period has quadrupled. Telephones into severe trouble because of its own appoint­ have trebled in number. Motor vehicles have n1ents. _._.L\.fter all, that is the way "ve operate also trebled in number, and the number of these days. The trick is to try to project private dwellings has doubled. The ratio of a favourable image of one's own party. hospital beds to population has shown an Perhaps I should not use the word "trick". improvement of 30 per cent. Those are As a professional engaged in this, I do wonderful achievements. not think it sounds a very good word; let me say "the technique of projecting a very Mr. Lloyd: What about the means test? good image". We of the Liberal Party, in conjunction with members of the Country Mr. PORTER: I am not dealing with Party, try to project an image of ourselves as social services yet, although that is a subject parties dedicated to the full development of on which I should like to say something individual personality-a free use of every later. person's capacity. On the obverse side, we try to present the Labour Party as a backward I regret that the quality of contributions and hidebound party tied to the very flat to the debate from the Opposition side has chariot wheel of Socialism. The Australian not been the best. To some degree, it has Labour Party, on the other hand, tries to pro­ been a little impaired by recent events within ject an electoral image of itself as the party the Labour Party. In this regard, I am of the little man, the party concerned with happy to tender my congratulations to the social justice, the party committed to protect­ present Leader of the Opposition and his ing the little man against the greedy Deputy. At the same time, I express my deep exploiter; and we, of course, are the hungry personal regret that the hon. member for and willing henchmen of the greedy exploiter. Toowoomba West found it necessary to That is roughly how it goes. relinquish the office of Leader of the Opposition. I have known the hon. member I should say that in a "younging" elector­ for well over a quarter of a century. I have ate, and a much more sophisticated electorate, been involved in very tough political battles the Labour Party has the job ahead of it. with him and, in a political sense, I have The former Leader of the Opposition referred never given him any quarter. But that does to that matter in his final speech as Opposition not disguise the fact that, in a personal sense. Leader, and it is quite true that we have a I have a very deep regard for him, which I much more sophisticated electorate than we continue to hold. have ever had before. There are more and Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 911 more young people, and there are more and at its twenty-sixth conference, dropped from more young people with a high educational its then defence platform the words, "Labour standard. They do not swallow claptrap in will honour and suppont Australia's treaties the way that we used to in my generation. and defence alliances" and re·placed them They are much more discerning, much more with the ambiguous, to say the least, words, thoughful, and, therefore, much more "Australia must periodically review its informed in their judgment. defence treaties and alliances to meet new Mr. Sherrington: That is why they all circumstances as they arise." bank Commonwealth. One has ,(o look at this in the light of Mr. Calwell's 1961 policy speech, when he Mr. PORTER: If the hon. member believes advocated replanning S.E.A.T.O. not on a that they would all bank Commonwealth, let military basis, but for cultural, educational, us have competition and find out. In my opin­ medical and technical assistance. ion, any party that wants to win an election in the future has to recognise that fact. That Mr. Hanson: You will agree that Labour is where the Labour Party runs into real was in office during the war years and never trouble, because the concept of Socialism let the defence of this country down. just does not fit in with the aims, aspirations Mr. PORTER: I hope the party will be and horizons of most young people today. able to do as much for itself at the present I should say that is one of the principal time. I say that more in sorrow than in reasons why the Labour Party is in an anger. electoral trough: because the electorate, and This strange and ambivalent attitude of the particularly the younger section of it, cannot Labour Party is very clearly revealed in its be convinced other than that while Labour attitude to the coming visit of President is Socialist it will always be something of an Johnson. For a start they were not sure uneasy bedfellow with the Communists. The whether to regard it as an election gimmick, point about Socialism is that it is very whether to commend it, or whether to be difficult to distinguish where theoretical and completely against it, as Senator Keeffe was. academic Socialism leaves off and where Then quickly they changed ground and tried practical Communism takes over. Mr. to recover from what had been a tarnish on Chamberlain, who was a very eminent leader the image by saying, "No, we won't be against on the organisational side of the A.L.P., put his coming. We won't protest against it is rathe-r neatly when he said­ but we won't be glad about it." '"While the task of winning seats and finally Government is important, it should I should have thought that on the visit of only be secondary to the primary task of any head of State we would always be glad formulating policy based on Socialist to see him. That makes common sens·e to objectives." me-to be glad to see him and to have him That is interesting when we set it against seen in our country. Lenin's famous dictum: 'Through Socialism I am sorry indeed .that, as a Budget debate to Communism." This danger is well fore­ this seems to get away from finance and go seen by public citizens of all types. towards matters of general politics. In 1948 the late Archbishop Sir James Mr. Newton: You have been slanderous Duhig said at Childers­ and scurrilous. "Socialism and Communism are the two arch-enemies of peace and prosperity, with Mr. PORTER: I have been neither slan­ Socialism the more plausible and subtle derous nor scurrilous. Whatever I have said foe". Labour men have said; I have done nothing but quote what Labour men themselves have That is better said than I could say it. said about their own party. I should be I think that being Socialists puts the A.L.P. surprised if any hon. member opposite would permanently on the horns of a dilemma, not want to disown his own very eminent col­ only in social and economic terms but also leagues. in the vital sphere of national security-in the So far the Budget debate quite starkly realm of defence, foreign policy, pacts and reveals the Opposition's banked "fires". It is treaties-and this explains .the strange and difficult even to discern the embers; they are ambivalent attitude of the A.L.P. to these more like damp fires. They seem to lack a vital matters. I have no doubt whatever sense of direction or purpose. I say that the that the overwhelming majority of hon. motion of censure is a foolish one, because members opposite desperately want to be the Budget is sensible; if anything, it is too staunch Australians, but, just as a compass moderate. It is geared towards the needs of can be pulled to a lodestone, so the Socialist development, although I should like to see it party is inevitably pulled towards Communist­ engaged in an even higher gear. Most oriented policies. certainly it has been well accepted by the Mr. O'Donnell interjected. community outside this Chamber. Mr. PORTER: Let me quote quite an The Opposition censure motion is a trivial important one for the hon. member on this and rather hackneyed piece of political matter that I am now dealing with. It deals mumbo jumbo, and deserves the fate of with national security. In 1965 the A.L.P., complete rejection that most surely awaits it. 912 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Suppf)'

Mr. TUCKER (Townsville North) (1L51 The Treasurer's Budget was dull, and a,m,): The hon, member for Toowong apologetic in the telling. It was also stark, castigated us for supposedly not dealing with harsh in reality, and sectional in its applica­ the Budget, but then, for the next 25 minutes, tion. As I proceed I will show why it is he spoke on subjects completely foreign to extremely sectional. It dealt at length with the Budget, I cannot follow his reasoning at the effects of the drought on our economy, alL especially on the fact that sheep and cattle losses were very severe. It is acknowledged Mr. P. Wood: He offered nothing construc­ that they have reached almost catastrophic tive, proportions. Wool and meat are the back­ Mr. TUCKER: That is completely true, bone of our economy, and this is especially There has been no constructive criticism from so in the North. In such circumstances, we his side during the debate, If anybody needs should be taking solid and certain steps to to be castigated, it is the hon. member who protect these vital primary industries. In has just resumed his seat. Budget after Budget I have turned !O ~he Estimates for the Department of Irngatwn Before I make certain observations on the and Water Supply to see how much has been Budget and other matters I should like to allocated. Budget after Budget has disclosed refer briefly to a happening last week, namely, just how vulnerable are we in this State to the resignation of our then Leader, Mr. Jack the vagaries of the weather; but on each Duggan. I want to go on record as saying occasion althom:h I have turned hopefully to that I always had the greatest faith in him as the Esti~ates I ~have found that this depart­ Leader and a tremendous admiration for his ment has been allocated a virtual pittance. undoubted ability. This faith and admiration This year $6,500,000 has been allocated. for have not diminished because of his resigna­ irrigation projects. One would need a micro­ tion. Jack Duggan is inherently honest. The scope to find the scratch that sum would action he took proved that-if in fact it had make on the surface of the great need for to be proved. I regard him as a victim of drought mitigation and wat~r C?~servation circumstances and of peculiar law. I can projects. Such an amount IS pitiful, even understand the motivating force-the pro­ laughable, but this is not a laughing matter. tection of the future of his wife and family. I lost my father when I was 12 years old, The present Treasurer, and preceding being the eldest of six very young children Treasurers, have pointed to this vulnerable at that time. Responsibility, as I well know, part of the State's economy. When we sits very heavily on young shoulders. Want remember that some years ago the Treasurer said that the Burdekin Dam would cost and fear for the future can leave a very $200,000,000 to construct, we realis~ that the lasting impression. I will always stand by $6,500,000 allocated this year to th1s depa;t­ Jack Duggan, as I know will all my colleagues ment will have the same effect as one ram­ in the Australian Labour Party. drop in the parched areas of the West; it My new Leader, Mr. Jack Houston, the will be completely lost in this great State. hon. member for Bulimba, has my complete The sad fact is that neither the Treasurer loyalty. I want to record that I will work nor the Premier appears to be able to interest with him diligently for the return of the the Commonwealth Government in any such Australian Labour Party to the Treasury schemes for Queensland. It is very obvious benches of this State. to me-and I think it is obvious to everyone To the Treasurer, who was then also the in the Chamber-that we do not possess the Acting Premier, I say, 'Thank you for your money to construct the great schemes that words of welcome and congratulations last are so necessary if we are to look after our Thursday." I assure the Treasurer and, primary producers. The sum of $6,500.000 indeed, the whole Committee, that Mr. certainly will not construct any large scheme, Houston and I are well aware of the although it may construct some small dams. responsibilities that will devolve upon us­ To use the vernacular, we are not in the race our responsibilities to our party and to our as a State in attracting or finding the huge colleagues, and our responsibilities, as an sums necessary for these large schemes. . It Opposition, to the people of this great State is obvious that the Treasurer and the Prem1er to ensure good government. We acknowledge have been unable to convince the Common­ all this, and it makes us feel very humble wealth Government that we need this develop­ indeed. But we do not stand in awe of any ment in Queensland and the money to carry of it. It is our intention to meet every it out. challenge, not as individualists, but as a team, We have made a strong plea for members and collectivelv we will overcome whatever of the Snowy Mountains Authority to be sent might be put in our path. to Queensland, but this appeal also has fallen As usual, the sting was in the tail of the on deaf ears. So far we have been unable to Treasurer's remarks when he wished Mr. get an assurance from the Commonwealth Houston and me a very long term in our Government that these officers will be ~ent present positions. That is fair enough and I north to inquire into water conservatiOn, do not cry about it, but I draw comfort from which is so desperately needed in Queensland. the fact that, in my opinion, his occupancy of the Treasurership will go a long way Our relationship with the Commonwealth towards nullifying the wish he expressed so grows steadily worse each year. I shall use fervently last Thursday. some of the Treasurer's own words in a Supply (18 OCTOBER] Supply 913 moment to prove that statement. We have If something were being done in that seen the unsavoury spectacle of 'the Premier direction, the Government would be proud to going to Canberra begging and pleading for tell us about it. But on every occasion there more funds, and each year getting the "royal is this stonewalling, and the representatives order of the boot" from the Prime Minister. of this State in the Federal House receive We are given only just enough, particularly this wipe-off. Like every other member in for w:1ter conservation, to keep us from this Chamber, I know the answer. Nothing starving. Sir Henry Bolte and Mr. Askin is being done and the Federal Government is seem to be made of sterner stuff than our afraid to say so because that will show how leaders, who bow to the arrogance of the disinterested it is in water conservation in Commonwealth Government. this great State of ours. The only time the Federal Government Every member of the Country Party who showed any humility was after the 1961 represents a drought-ravaged area must election. I interjected and pointed that out understand and agree with what I am saying a moment ago when the hon. member for this morning. Year after year primary pro­ Toowong was speaking. For a short time ducers find themselves in the grip of drought. after the 1961 election we received In good years they work themselves to death co-operation from the Federal Government. trying to pay off the debts that have accumu­ It co-ordinated its activities with ours and lated during bad years. When that has been determined priorities for the allocation of done it is time for another drought to be funds to ensure maximum development. As experienced, and the same cycle starts all a result there was development in this State over again. There should be co-operation between 1961 and 1963, and the economy between the State and Commonwealth was stimulated. Beef roads were built, the Governments in the very vital matter of water brigalow scheme was commenced, and there conservation so that something can be done was rail"'·'Y rehabilitation. Since 1963 the on a large scale in the strategic areas of position has deteriorated, and it is now at its Queensland. lowest ebb. The Premier and the Treasurer seem unable to convince the Commonwealth shall give some examples of the Government of this great need. Why should arrogance displayed by the present Federal this State be held to ransom because the Government. As reported in Federal Prime Minister is sure that the Queensland "Hansard", Dr. Patterson .recently asked Government, which is of his political colour, when the Nogoa River irrigation project will not press demands on him? That is what would be brought into being. The answer is happening now. This Government is tell­ was­ ing the Commonwealth Government how "It is not customary to make informa­ grateful Queensland is for the pittance that tion of this type public without the prior it has been given over the years, when in agreement of the State Government con­ fact it should be pointing out to the Com­ cerned:' monwealth Government what I am saying today. Queensland is being held to ransom That was a wipe-off. because the Commonwealth Government is Then the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, apparently cocksure that the Government of Mr. Whitlam, asked a question about the this State will not make demands on it. Border Rivers project between New South In two places in the Financial Statement Wales and Queensland. The reply was­ the Treasurer highlighted the Common­ "Information of the type requested by wealth Government's miserly and cheese­ the honourable member is regarded by the paring attitude. At page 6 he said­ Commonwealth Government as confidential "However, I must repeat my earlier between itself and the State Government public expression of disappointment that concerned unless it is mutually agreed to the only aid afforded us towards the factor make the information public." of loss of revenue by drought is Again there was this arrogance and a com­ $2,750,000. As we have already lost in the plete wipe-off. These are- vital matters to vicinity of $8,000,000 from this cause and Queensland, but when questions are asked by I estimate that we shall lose a further our representatives in the Federal House $9,000,000 from the same cause in 1966-67, there is arrogance and the same pattern of I can only state that the help given in this reply. direction is totally inadequate. In con­ sequence, as Treasurer, I was left with Dr. Patterson recently asked this question­ the alternative of cutting back in works and services or of finding means of obtain­ "What is the name of each water con­ ing extra revenue." servation project located north of Brisbane for which the Queensland Government At page 8 the Treasurer said­ requested financial assistance?" "The Committee will appreciate my con­ cern that the Commonwealth Government The reply was­ was not prepared to support an increase of "Information of the type requested by more than 6 ·6 per cent. in new Loan the honourable member is regarded by the raisings for State Public Works and Commonwealth Government as con­ Housing, barely sufficient to cover rising fidential." costs and population increases, whereas 914 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

its own capital works and services financed State's education system, and the Govern­ from Consolidated Revenue are increasing ment of Queensland is forced to spend a at almost double this rate." record amount, at the expense of other Government departments, because the Com­ In both statements the Treasurer sought to monwealth Government will not assist in blame the Commonwealth Government for those fields of education. the savage sectional taxation that he was imposing on the people of Queensland. An article issued in July under the heading Although one can perhaps have some "The Commonwealth Government in Educa­ sympathy for him in his dilemma, we feel tion" said that over 31 per cent. of current that, if this is the best he and his Govern­ State revenues is devoted to education. That ment can do, they deserve the censure con­ is the average for all Australian States, and tained in the amendment so ably moved by I have no doubt that Queensland's expendi­ the Leader of the Opposition, which I am ture would approximate that figure. If it supporting today. I believe that, because of has been thought-and rightly so-that the their inability, hon. members opposite should States have not been able to cope with vacate the Treasury benches. university expenditure without equal partici­ pation by the Commonwealth Government, The Treasurer lists what he claims are how is a State such as Queensland supposed record levels of expenditure on education. to cope with much greater school expenditure? E_very responsible and thinking person recog­ Again I say that every effort should have mses the need for such increased spending. been made to force the Commonwealth I am not here to argue that matter at all; Government to meet its obvious obligations I am here to argue where the money should in this field. Because our advocates have be obtained. On perusing that list it is failed in this respect, the taxpayers of Queens­ obvious that the Government has f~iled to land, or some of them, must shoulder a grapple with the main problems in education further heavy burden. and has adopted very unsatisfactory and I referred initially to the taxation proposals stop-gap methods. It is not only I who says contained in the Budget as being sectionaf that; many people outside this Chamber are in their application. If one is unfortunate saying it. Proper teacher-training is not being enough to become ill, one immediately comes done on the scale on which it should be into the telescopic sights of the Treasurer's done, and teachers are the nucleus and the hunting rifle. Fees for private patients will basis of a system of education. rise from $7 to $10 a day-an increase of Mr. Pizzey: How many years' teacher­ 43 per cent.-and those for intermediate training did the Labour Government give? patients will rise from $6.20 to $8 a day­ One! an increase of 22 per cent. That such savage increases should be made at the expense of Mr. TUCKER: I will allow the Minister sick people, that illness should be exploited, for Education to argue that question when is an indictment of the Country-Liberal he ~resents the Estimates for his department. Government. So much for free hospitalisa­ I thn:k he had better save all his power and tion; so much for the Government's lip all h1s arguments, because I am sure he will service to free hospitalisation! If ever I have be shot down in flames the moment he rises seen anything in grave danger it is free to present his Estimates. I advise him to hospitalisation in this State. conserve his energies. Now let us look closelv at the rail fare The great need is to produce enough and freight increases to be operative from properly trained teachers in all subjects for 1 November, 1966. Country fares will rise the schools, and this is where I am sure the by 20 per cent. At the same time. freight Treasurer and the Government have made rates will be increased by an average of at an error. The Commonwealth Government least 10 ·75 per cent. The 20 per cent., 10 has helped to meet the Bill for university per cent. and 7 t per cent. increases mean an education. I stress "university education"; I average rise of almost 11 per cent. I ask have not said "tertiary education". I have the Committee today: who will be hardest noticed in each Financial Statement that the hit by these large rises? The answer, of Commonwealth Government has been pre­ course, is the people of the North, the people pared to come to the party for university of the West-people in the remote and far­ education. However, I believe that teacher­ flung areas of the State. training is part of tertiary education, and the All these people must have their commodi­ Commonwealth Government has not shown any interest in it. ties and goods railed or transported by other means hundreds, and in some cases thousands, I make this point very strongly to the of miles. This is the section of the com­ Committee: although the Commonwealth munity from whom the Treasurer will reap Government sees fit to assist fairly heavily a golden harvest. Is it any wonder. then, with university education, it has been allowed that I say that this Budget is sectional in its to go scot-free in primary and secondary application? It will fall hardest on those who education. It virtually does not assist at all can ill afford to pay such savage increases in those fields. To my way of thinking­ in fares and freights. It will add $4 or $5 to other members of the Opposition are in the cost of a trip to Brisbane from the centre accord with it-primary and secondary of the North; it will add much more if one education forms a very vital part of the has to come from the West to the coast and Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 915 then down to Brisbane; and it will also add firms, northern primary producers o~ northern greatly to the price of goods which have to people in general. The same applies to the be hauled at the higher freight rates. West and its people. The owners of motor vehicles are also I do not deny that the increase will have picked out for special attention. It would some impact on people in the metropolitan appear that the Treasurer has made up his area, but its effect on them will be small in mind that no worker should be allowed to comparison. In the country, I believe these own a car. Registration fees are to be freight and fare rises will be disastrous and increased by 8+ per cent., and 1 per cent. primary producers who, as I mentioned stamp duty is to be imposed on the consid­ before, are always battling with drought and eration on the registration of all motor living almost from hand to mouth, will vehicle transfers and on the registration of receive another kick in the pants when the all new motor vehicles. Has the Treasurer increased rates become operative. Products, ever stopped to consider what this further especially from the North and the West, will impost may do to the motor trade? be priced off the market. At the present Let us consider what a new-car buyer in time, these people are hanging on grimly by the North will face. Firstly, he will be their fingertips because competition is always required to pay a substantial freight rise on a big issue with producers in the North and the carriage of the vehicle to the North; the West, and even with those closer to the secondly, an 8+ per cent. increase in the metropolitan area. Indeed, northern and registration fee; thirdly, 1 per cent. stamp western firms, already hard put to it to kee•p duty on the consideration on the registration their heads above water, will be forced out of the vehicle. of business because of the freights on raw Mr. R. Jones: And that is on the capital materials which often have to be brought cost. hundreds of miles from the South. With these Mr. TUCKER: That is correct. heavy freights on materials coming to and going from the place of manufacture, just Mr. Hughes: You know that he gets this imagine northern and western firms trying back by way of better roads. to compete with southern firms. They will Mr. TUCKER: I wish we did get it back be unable to do so, because competition for by way of better roads. Obviously the hon. markets is already extremely keen. Con­ member has not had a look at the roads in tracts can be won or lost by a very small that part of the State. He runs down to margin. Nobody is more aware of that than Sandgate or the Gold Coast and then says, I am. "We get it back in better roads." I reject that What a mad state of affairs exists at the argument; it has no substance. At the present present time! Not long ago Army contracts time we are flat out maintaining the existing were let in Townsville and the Railway roads in the North. Along some parts of the Department offered freight cuts to southern Bruce Highway in my electorate if you do firms to bring pre-fabricated steel to Towns­ not keep your vehicle to the centre of the ville. We heard of this and made representa­ road your nearside wheels are running into tions to the Minister for Transport. We potholes. pointed out that northern firms were priced Mr. Lickiss: In your time we were flat out out of these contracts because of heavy keeping a car on the road. freight rates. Eventually he bowed to our Mr. TUCKER: These increases might not representations and granted a cut of some­ matter to the hon. member for Mt. Coot-tha, thing like 25 per cent. on the carriage of because I know that he is almost a million­ steel. A few months later, however, out aire. I am making a plea on behalf of those comes the Treasurer and foists a 20 per cent. people who are barely able to afford a car. freight rise on the same material. I say quite These rises will probably mean that many of rightly that it is a mad state of affairs when them will not be able to afford to run a car. one Minister acknowledges our representa­ It is very wrong that such sectional taxation tions and grants freight cuts and then, two should be imposed. It is completely unfair, months later, another Minister in fact reverses because a motor vehicle has become a "must" the decision and increases freight rates by to many workers. We talk about decentralisa­ 20 per cent. on already over-burdened tion-! am all for it, to a degree-but primary producers and firms. That does not decentralisation makes the ownership of a make any sense to me. It seems to smack motor vehicle very necessary. Cement of a lack of liaison between Minister and workers and others living seven miles out Minister in this Government. The Treasurer from the heart of Townsville need to own a has "bludgeoned on" another 10 to 20 per car or share the ownership of a car to take cent. them to work. This applies to workers on the Does the Government really know where Army installations and other projects. it is going so far as the northern and western Just as illness has not escaped, so also has people are concerned? Does it really worry workers' compensation come under the about the northern people and northern Treasurer's greedy eye. To say that this development? Its actions speak louder than stamp duty will be absorbed within the its words. Its actions say that it does not premium structure is to appear to be naive, care about northern development, northern but we know that the Treasurer is certainly 916 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply not naive. He knows to where these addi­ I think they are wonderful people. But l tional costs will finally trickle. They will am concerned about our country's welfare. trickle to those who cannot pass them on any I am concerned, because I think that one further. day we may wake up and suddenly find that When the Treasurer was Minister for our country does not belong to us. Transport he often said that medicine should Mr. Lee: That would be right, too. It be given in small doses. I remember his would belong to the Commas. saying that when I led a deputation to him at the Hotel Allen, in Townsville. When Mr. TUCKER: Of course, this is the old re-ferring to the closure of branch lines and song. The hon. member who has interjected railway workshops he said, "You do not take is trying to raise a smoke-screen and hide a bottle of medicine all at once; you take what is really happening. it in small doses." But today he ladles it I recently spoke to a Canadian who was out with abandon. Judging by the presenta­ flying from Townsville to Brisbane. He tion of this Budget, he appears to be prepared admitted that at present Canadians do not to give us the full bottle at once. I reiterate own their own country and do not have all that the further heavy indirect taxation is the say in what goes on there. Some people a result of his inability, and the inability of say they do, but the strings are pulled by ·the Government, to prise money from the people of other countries. None of us wants Federal Government. that to happen here. The people of Queensland thank the present Development is the responsibility of our coalition Government for nothing when they Government, not of foreigners. Like my are faced with savage and heavy taxation colleagues, I want to hold our country for imposts. They realise that the fault lies in Australians. I do not want to be one of the the Government's inability to present a good purveyors to overseas interests, whoever case for Queensland with the result that we they may be or whatever colour they may have to raise our own revenue. It is becom­ be. By this unimaginative and harsh Budget ing more and more obvious that the Queens­ the Treasurer will kill incentive when he land Government is desperate for money to should be ass1strng development. The bolster a tottering economy, and that more increases in freight rates and passenger fares and more of our primary products are being must react against those who are developing sold to foreign interests for a song. The the North and the West. It was difficult pattern is apparent at Weipa and Callide, enough for them to compete with wuthern and in many other places. In a des:Jerate interests before this Budget. When contracts attempt to raise money the Government is were let to southern firms I asked why, and prepared to sell our products for a song. was told that their tenders were lower. I At the same time it tries to fool the general shall show later why that has happened at public with the false cloak of "development", the Army base in Townsville. I went to Ayr which is placed on all these transactions. to lodge a protest about that matter. I did I do not believe that it is developme·nt to so not to disturb the meeting, but to place sell many of our primary products to before Cabinet the urgent need to do some­ overseas countries so that they can use them thing about freight rates. The Minister for for their own betterment. If we were able Transport subsequently took action in that to get up and go we should be able to regard, but it was nullified by these new manufacture the finished products in our own rises which will operate to the detriment of country. every primary producer in the North and Our heritage in this State is being slowly the West. frittered away by a Government that is On behalf of the people whom I represent, completely unable to manage .the State as it lodge a vehement protest against the should be managed. Huge slices of Cape Budget and wholeheartedly support the York are now dominated by fore-ign capital. motion of censure moved by my Leader. I see that many bon. members opposite are Mr. HOUGHT0:-.1 (Redcliffe) (12.33 p.m.): ready to interject. I know they want to put At the outset, I offer heartiest congratula­ the Opposition on the spot by saying tions to the Treasurer on the presentation of "Aren't you in favour of northern develop­ his first Budget. It has been said repeatedly ment? Are you against America? Are you in the Chamber, and I support the remarks, anti-American?" Those are the tactics used that the drought has been responsible for by the Government and its supporters to some of the adverse aspects of the Budget. cloak and cloud the issue-to raise a smoke­ To balance his Budget the Treasurer had to screen. They realise what is happening when use all the resources available to him. Any­ they allow the;;e things to happen. body could balance a budget provided he cut Mr. Hughes: Yes-development. off the legs or stopped progress and develop­ ment. At times there are deficit Budgets, and Mr. TUCKER: I do not call it develop­ there should be. But not if progress and ment; I call it the selling-out of our economy. development are to continue. I should not Development should take place under our like to think that this State's development Government. I am not anti-American, nor would be brought to a standstill because of am I opposed to development. I have in a Jack of funds. Anybody who reads the San Francisco a sister who is married to an Financial Statement and studies the Esti­ American. I know many Americans, and mates has an opportunity to examine this Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 917

Government's administration and its expendi­ what has already been achieved." The ture both in the past and as anticipated for drought has been partly responsible for many the future. The State is limited in its of the deficits that have occurred. Another resources for fund raising. The Common­ vital factor is cost of production, and this wealth Government, being the tax collector, is increased by petty stoppages that take also distributes taxpayers' funds. place from time to time. I believe that all There are a couple of matters that disturb hon. members agree that the Industrial Con­ me. The Treasurer has found it necessary to ciliation and Arbitration Commission has impose on the people of Queensland addi­ been of great assistance in the development tional taxes to balance the Budget. However, of this State. In my opinion, many of the one sees in Press reports that millions of industrial stoppages that occur from time to dollars are being spent on the development of time are of a pinpricking nature and can the city of Canberra. I do not deny the only be detrimental to the interests of the Commonwealth Government its right to spend workers. They must increase production money on Canberra, but I sincerely believe costs, and if we can get the message through that if there is to be any levelling-off in to the people who are not prepared to be expenditure it should start at the place of dis­ controlled by an arbitration system that has tribution, which is Canberra. Surely the worked very well for many years-- Federal Government could have given to Mr. Davies: Are you speaking about Queensland an additional $7,000,000 to employers? balance the State's Budget and remove the necessity for the Treasurer to impose addi­ Mr. HOUGHTON: I am speaking to tional taxes. employees and employers, and to the unions, of which the hon. member is an ardent I was alarmed when I picked up the news­ supporter. If they face their difficulties and paper this morning and found that the Com­ endeavour to overcome their problems, as monwealth Bank had made available to a has been done in other countries, we may see company $1,000,000 unsecured. This disturbs an entirely different approach to such problems me, because I have had some experience in in the future. The unions, of course, wish local authority matters and know that it is to reserve the right to strike and other impossible for local authorities to go on the principles that have played a large part in market today and raise Joan allocations protecting the welfare of employers and necessary to meet their commitments. In employees and, indeed, in developing Queens­ spite of that, the Commonwealth Bank made land. This State cannot afford to be costed available $1,000,000 unsecured. That is out of the market. something that I absolutely abhor, and I will not allow it to pass without comment whilst Rabble-rousers are causing many of the problems that Queensland is facing today, I am a member of Parliament. I am disturbed about things that from time to time place the but increases in the basic wage also affect the Treasurer in an invidious position. economy greatly. I do not deny the worker or any other citizen the right to apply for Hon. members opposite say that the Premier. wage increases. They are entitled to an the Treasurer, and officers of the Treasury inc~ease in wages if the cost of living rises, Department, should go to Canberra to press and I think all hon. members will agree that their demands on the Federal Government. in an economy such as Queensland's, in I have the utmost confidence in the ability which the standard of living is rising con­ of the Premier, the Treasurer, and Treasury tinually, wages must rise accordingly. ~~y­ officials to present a case on behalf of one who says that the standard of hvmg Queensland, but I should say that their con­ today is not as good as it was in days gone stant presence in Canberra would not carry by has not moved around the State very any weight at all. The present financial much, I should say. In my opinion, the trouble will remain as long as the Common­ standard of living enjoyed by the citizens of wealth Government is the one that "cuts this country is equal to that in any part of up the cake". The Premier and the Treasurer the world. The most difficult task is to have on many occasions gone to Canberra convince the rabble-rousers that this is so. and returned with considerable financial If we could put them on a ship and send assistance. them to under-privileged countries and let Finance is a peculiar thing, and r am at them see what conditions and standards of a loss to understand why, if a financial weak­ living are like there, I am sure they would ness develops, the State cannot immediately return to Australia singing a different hymn. seek assistance from the Commonwealth Bank It would not be a hymn of hate; it would or the Commonwealth Government. Queens­ be a song of jubilation and joy. However, land has had such a weakness during the last at the moment such people are causing 12 months; because of the drought, the problems to industry and to the Government. receipts of all Government revenue­ The Opposition has moved a censure producing departments were reduced. motion against the Government by moving The fact that the Budget deals with that the amount provided for the salary of $325,000,000 clearly indicates the extensive the Aide-de-camp to the Governor be reduced development that has been taking place in by $2. Such a motion is the tractional way Queensland, and we would be remiss if we of censuring the Government, but I believe adopted the attitude, "We are not going to that we should get away from what was proceed with further development to match done 40 years ago and bring the procedure up 918 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

to date. In those days, bon. members Mr. HOUGHTON: Absolutely. Other probably arrived at Parliament House in a countries that are backward in comparison horse and buggy, and I believe that such a with the standards that we enjoy are already motion shows a negative approach to the converting sea water for use in industrial State's problems. I do not think that the development, yet we in this country adopt Opposition's motion of censure has done any­ a pinch-penny attitude in overcoming minor thing to stimulate the minds of bon. members difficulties in the use of the large and to constructive thinking about the Financial numerous water resources available to us. Statement submitted bv the Government. Even the Treasurer would be gratified if any­ It must be disturbing to primary pro­ one could tell him where the State could ducers today to see the paucity of funds obtain more revenue, because that is the provided for the provision of water. This greatest problem confronting him. From time Government has a proud record in minor to time members of the Opposition have been water conservation schemes-those that have very vociferous about what should or should been undertaken have been very beneficial­ not be done, but they have not told the but I feel that by a stroke of the pen some­ Treasurer how he can obtain extra funds to body in authority, whether it be in the overcome the deficit. I am sure he would Commonwealth Government or the Com­ be very pleased indeed to have their assistance monwealth Bank, could charge the Treasurer on this problem. of this State with authority to expend $X million in overcoming our water problems. Mr. Davies: Change the Commonwealth As was said by the han. member for Towns­ Government in Nove~ber and it will help ville North, if we do not develop this country greatly. it will fall into the hands of other people. Mr. HOUGHTON: Don't talk to me about If we are to hold this country we must be the Commonwealth Government or the Com­ prepared to develop it. We will get develop­ monwealth Bank! It was the A.L.P. that ment only by extra taxes, extra work and sold this State out. I have said before, and extra .production. The value of any country I repeat again, that until such time as this can be judged only on its production. State has its own banking facilities we will Mr. Tucker: Extra production is the crux have difficulties in regard to loan raisings. I of the matter. If you kill that, you kill have mentioned that before but, as I have everything. also said, we now want to look to the future, not to the past. Mr. HOUGHTON: It comes back to that. The han. member for Toowong spoke We will not achieve greater production about members operating the parish pump. until we overcome the industrial lawlessness I looked at some of the statements made that is evident from time to time. I believe the other day by Opposition members and in unionism, but, along with many Queens­ I noticed that the hon. member for Barcoo landers and Australians, I am definitely said that Mrs. Jones is a good Australian. opposed to the type of industrial Ia w lessness that has been besetting the Government and Mr. O'Donnell: I have never mentioned everybody else. The hon. member has seen Mrs. Jones in my life. this with the A.L.P. Today we cannot get a power-house built simply because of the Mr. HOUGHTON: All right, if it was not grumblings, rumblings and murmurs. We the hon. member for Barcoo it was another get that sort of thing in every avenue of han. member sitting on that side. development. We get it in the railways-- One of the most important matters in a Mr. Tucker: Every time the Government State like Queensland is assistance to primary denies them their just dues. producers, and it is consequently very dis­ turbing-particularly after the State has Mr. HOUGHTON: If they are just dues experienced probably its worst drought on they should take their case to the Industrial record-that only a very small allocation has Commission. If there is anything wrong with been made in the Budget for water conser­ industrial conditions the workers can have vation, which is important not only to the recourse to the Industrial Commission. The cities but to the development of the whole Government has the same opportunity. If State. I represent a city electorate and I am we do not have faith in the arbitration very disturbed about the water facilities system the whole thing must become a that will be available to Redcliff.e in the next shambles. few years compared with what will be An Opposition Member: The parties go required. Cities such as Redcliffe, there after a big fight. Toowoomba and Townsville expand very Mr. HOUGHTON: These big fights are rapidly. They are vital centres and their started by the little bloke, who pushes the future development depends very largely on other bloke in. I am all for the worker. I the availability of water, electricity and am all for a fair go for both employer and roads. Those are the most important features employee but, in many instances, this does in the development of any locality. No city not exist today. can exist without an adequate water supply, Mr. Newton: It does not exist from your nor can primary production or any other Government's point of view. There is always industry develop. Government intervention in favour of the Mr. Muller: Water is the basis of it all. employer. Supply [18 OcTOBER] Supply 919

Mr. HOUGHTON: Not the Government, today, but that is past history. We should be the Trades Hall; that is the whole trouble. trying to improve the State for the benefit of all. The Treasurer is confronted with a deficit of $7,500,000. I think it was the Leader of Mr. Newton: We can look back to the the Opposition who said that we should have Federal credit squeezes in 1951, 1956 and balanced Budgets in times of prosperity, and 1962. that deficits should not be allowed to con­ tinue at the present time. That goes back to Mr. HOUGHTON: I have had experience my previous argument. With the exception of a party of the hon. member's political of isolated pockets there are no present signs colour in both the State and Federal spheres of poverty. Of course, there would be -I have had experience of them all-and I poverty in western parts of the State that am not prepared to surrender my beliefs in have suffered from the ravages of drought. what we on this side of the Chamber stand Unfortunately some of the people out there for. I am sure that the majority of people will never recover. I should hate to be out in Queensland and the Commonwealth there trying to establish myself in an area believe likewise. that had been drought-stricken, with the In 1965 the Financial Agreement was heavy commitment of a bank overdraft hang­ signed for the ensuing five years. It will give ing over my head. Such is the dilemma of the State progressive benefits. The recurring some of those people that they will never yearly benefit of $2,000,000 will be of major recover. benefit in carrying out capital works and It all comes back to the same old point. development. However, the formula is such I firmly believe that the Government was that it is still not satisfactory. In a State wise in seeking Commonwealth aid for the like Queensland a few dollars will not do stabilisation of the sugar industry (my only much for development. It only means that comment about the sugar industry is that I the Treasurer will have to balance the should like to see it take control of surplus Budget. It is only a book entry, and we sugar internationally) but consideration should should be able to bring in this money to be given to providing assistance for people bridge the gaps and overcome the deficiencies. in the western parts of the State, either We have heard much about the Common­ through the Agricultural Bank or the Com­ wealth Government not being generous to monwealth Bank, or in some other way. Queensland. I am sure that all hon. members will agree that it has been particularly Money to establish water supplies and generous since this Government assumed rehabilitate herds can come from anywhere, control of the Treasury benches. To cite a but the Treasurer is not Mandrake. He can­ few examples, I refer to $12.000,000 for the not puU money out of a hat. These things beef-cattle roads, the $4,500,000 for the will take place as a result of increased pro­ Fitzroy Basin brigalow development scheme, duction and increased revenue. I firmly the $500,000 for Gladstone coal, the believe that the State is just starting to get $15,000,000 for the Mount Isa railway up and go. I think members of the A.LP. rehabilitation scheme, and the $2,700.000 for will agree with that. It seems that they have the development of Weipa. An extra loan begun to realise it as they have already allocation was given to the Brisbane City brought the "Go-Go girls" into their organisa­ Council for the development of the Wynnum tion. This represents the thinking of the young sewerage scheme, and many other matters people. The A.L.P. has heen jogging along have been generously considered by the Com­ with an organisation as dead as the dodo; it monwealth Government. needs the stimulation of young thinking. It must engender thinking in the minds of its [Sitting suspended from I to 2.15 p.m.] people far different from that of the past, looking forward to the future with the Mr. HOUGHTON: I was dealing with the thoughts of the young people so as to realise generosity of the Commonwealth Government what the State has to offer. I compliment to this and other States. The Opposition has the A.L.P. I think it has learnt a lesson and claimed that the Premier, the Treasurer and now realises that it must implement the other members of this Government have been thoughts of young men with young ideas if lazy and lax in their approaches to the Com­ it is to become a party to be considered in monwealth Government, but the restllts speak this State. for themselves. They are conclusive and con­ vincing evidence of the success of this When speaking on the Budget, I do not Government. wish to look back but to look to the future. T am sure that I express the thoughts of all Mr. Davies: In what way? hon. members when I say that anything we Mr. HOUGHTON: I shall tell the hon. do in this Chamber should be for the benefit member in a moment. of the State and its children. That is what we are all here for. There is much con­ Queensland's share of funds from the Com­ structive criticism to be offered to benefit us monwealth has risen from 11· 58 per cent. a,]] and help to solve the problems of the to 12 ·65 per cent., that is, $6,500,000 extra, State. We could hark back to the clays of our for capital works in Queensland. That is a fathers and previous Governments and trace considerable sum, and is clear evidence that some of the problems that we have inherited this Government has not been lax in getting 920 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply funds from the Commonwealth. It is different Admittedly the Treasmer has been left from the treatment we received when the with no alternative but to increase charges, Australian Labour Party was in office in this which will reflect adversely particularly on State. In Redcliffe we could not get a high people in the West. school, a hospital, or one worker's home. That shows the alleged generosity of the Mr. Newton: It is a pity this was not done A.L.P. towards the workers of this State. before the election. If it had been, we People who have resided in Redcliffe for any would now be sitting on the other side of length of time will have no truck with the the Chamber. A.L.P. This Government has been responsible for great development in this State; it has Mr. HOUGHTON: If the Australian been unprecedented. The Government has not Labour Party were in power, people would been sectional in its activities. The State has not be able to live in the West. Is is been developed from Weipa to the New regrettable that rail freights have had to be South Wales border. Every fair-minded increased. After the Government has been Queenslander knows that this Government's so generous and given to the Brisbane City approach to development has awakened and Council $36,000,000 to assist in the imple­ rejuvenated the State, which lay dormant for mentation of the Wilbur Smith traffic plan, 30 years under the Australian Labour Party's it should also have a close look at the diffi­ stewardship. culty of road access to the city of Redcliffe and provide complementary and adequate The Government is to donate $36,000,000 public .transport for those who live outside to the City of Brisbane towards the cost of the metropolitan area. Whether the Govern­ implementing the Wilbur Smith plan. The ment likes it or not, there will be a reversion Redcliffe City Council had to provide its own to the electrification of the railways in the funds from its own revenue for its plan, yet metropolitan area. Although I am not a this Government is contributing $36,000,000 resident of Brisbane, I should say that if the to Brisbane. For seven years we have tried citizens want trams replaced by buses, that to have Sandgate Road widened between is their responsibility. However, le-t them Sandgate and Brisbane. Today it is the bear in mind that history has shown that in greatest shemozzle of all times, and it is every other city throughout the world where getting worse. I appeal to the Government large sums of money have been spent on the and the Brisbane City Council, whose construction of freeways, particularly Los responsibility it is, to widen that road and so Angeles, thinking is now returning to railways give the people who use it easy access to and and other forms of public transport in the from Brisbane. The Government or the central business area. Brisbane City Council should provide off­ street bus stops for the picking up and setting When the- Estimates of the Main Roads down of passengers, so that the buses will Department are before the Committee, I cease to impede the flow of traffic along a shall have something to say on constructing road of only two lanes. It is a shocking state railways in preference to pouring money of affairs at present. into the building of roads in Brisbane. I am Mr. Newton: What has your Government of the opinion that the railways should be done about it? electrified, particularly in the inner-city ring. Why should those who live at place·s such as Mr. HOUGHTON: It is a matter for the Redcliffe, Sandgate, and Strathpine, be faced Brisbane- City Council. What has the Lord with a hazardous trip each morning and M:1yor done about it? This generous Govern­ ev·~nin~ to reach and leave the metropolitan ment has handed out $36,000,000 to the area? -The construction of freeways will not Brisbane City Council. Did it give such overcome all the traffic ills. I should like assistance to Rockhampton, Townsville, to s~e the electrification of the railways, Maryborough, Redcliffe, or Toowoomba? Of using e'ther monorails above the ground or course not. Yet hon. me-mbers opposite have tubes beneath it. However, when one the audacity to sit in Opposition and say remembers the years in which nobody was that the Government has not been generous. prepared to construct a tunnel even for Undoubtedly it has been generous to the sewerage, one wonders what chance there is people in the metropolitan area. for railway construction underground. Mr. Tucker: Do you say it is a "Queen We speak of tunnels under the river and Street" Government? bridges over it. Why is it all made available in the metropolitan area? Many other places Mr. HOUGHTON: No. An extra allo­ are equally in need of assistance. The cation has been made for development in citizens of Redcliffe had to bear the cost Townsville. People in Townsville do better of providing four-lane highways and distribu­ than those at Redcliffe. However. I am tor roads on the Redcliffe Peninsula. They not complaining. If the population of an area have not had the benefit of a railway service is to be increased through defence necessity, from Brisbane to Redcliffe, perhaps because whether it be a.t Townsville, Maryborough, of a lack of foresight on the part of councils Toowoomba, Redcliffe, or anywhere else, in the past, perhaps because A.L:P. Govern­ then I have no complaint about that. but ments were in office for so many years. surely there is enough flexibility in our out­ look and thinking to plug the gaps in the State's development. Supply [18 OcTOBER] Supply 921

It is true that increased motor-vehicle wide knowledge of its problems would be registration fees will add to the costs of a prepared to give the Government all the person who owns a motor-car. I do not information it requires. deny the worker the right to own a motor­ car, a television set or any other amenity I understand that consideration is being that will improve his standard of living. But given to the establishment of a research if he has such things, it is no good his crying station at Scarborough, where many of the to the world about how much they cost him. trawlers are based. This could be a step One can own a Rolls Royce if one is pre­ in the right direction. There are many pared to pay for it. It depends what one avenues open to the Government by which wants. it can increase production in this industry and benefit the industry generally. The Mr. Newton interjected. industry is not only self-supporting but is a Mr. HOUGHTON: With good represen­ dollar-earner, and these earnings could be tation, the hon. member for Belmont would substantially increased. The crayfish indus­ have had water in his electorate years ago. try also earns dollars, as do the scallop and abalone-harvesting industries. These sea­ The Opposition has not offered any con­ foods are in great demand and their pro­ structive criticism of the Financial State­ duction can be of great advantage to this ment, and I do not think the Treasurer had country. Incidentally, those produced in any alternative to increasing certain fees and Moreton Bay are equal to any in the world, charges. I compliment him upon having but not enough of them are produced. I the wisdom, foresight and vision to con­ think the Government should have a close tinue with the development of the State. look at this matter. Turning to affairs in my own electorate, I I have a few suggestions to make, if time refer first to the prawning industry. Earlier will permit. I suggest that there should be I had a few words to say about production, an immediate investigation into fishery and if one realises that there is five times reserves, both within and outside territorial more sea than land in this world, one sees waters. At the present time some large immediately the potential of the sea. In prawn trawlers are operating in very deep Queensland, and in Australia generally, very water outside the three-mile limit. They operate in depths of 70 fathoms in order to little effort is being made to make use of get a yield. But they cannot operate in deep foods available in the sea. A survey is being water all the time because of weather con­ made of the prawning industry in the Gulf ditions, and consequently they come into the of Carpentaria, and, on looking through the Moreton Bay area and trawl there. I sug­ Estimates, I notice that there was an appro­ gest that the Government should restrict the priation of $20,000 in 1965-66 for east coast operations of these big trawlers in that area prawn research, of which only $2,605 was because, by their very size and the size of spent. The estimated expenditure this year the fishing nets they use, they are restricting is $5,000, which would barely run one trawler the breeding of prawns in the breeding areas. for 12 months. The prawners operating They rake the ground over and the prawns from the Redcliffe Peninsula are the major have no opportunity to breed, with the result that the general yield from the area suppliers from Moreton Bay, so, naturally, is restricted. I am concerned about their difficulties. In my opinion the prawning industry will fall Areas in Bramble Bay and Deception Bay by the wayside if the importation of prawns have been set aside for the preservation of is allowed to continue. A survey is being maturing prawns, but unless these areas are carried out into the tuna industry, but it controlled and regulated the large trawlers is not being done quickly enough. There will ruin the industry. Many of them are are many men in the prawning industry who owned by large property-owners in the country who invest in a trawler and put could give the Treasurer and his depart­ Bill Smith on it as skipper. Bill Smith does mental officers much more information than not worry about the industry; he probably they could receive from anyone else. knows that he will be there only for 12 Mr. Bromley: They have told them, too. months or so and he will take anything that crawls, swims or floats as long as he Mr. HOUGHTON: The only one who has can get two bob for it. told them anything is Mr. Bulcock, a former Labour Parliamentarian, and no-one would The Government should keep a close take any notice of him. He is a rabble­ watch on these hatchery areas. Overseas rouser. countries have prawning-ground reservations and nurseries. This is a most important Opposition Members interjected. aspect of the industry. If we are to pre­ The CHAIRMAN: Order! serve the industry in Moreton Bay, I think the answer is to set areas aside strictly for Mr. HOUGHTON: It is very important breeding purposes. It is done in fresh !hat assistance be given to the prawning waters, so why not in the sea waters? Pro­ mdustry. As I said, many people who have fessional men, who make their living out been in the industry for years and have a of the industry, would readily make all the 32 922 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply necessary information available to the depart­ prawning when the weather is good, and do ment or to the C.S.I.R.O. and, if acted upon, maintenance work on their boats when it is it must in the long run be of immense not good. benefit to the industry. Mr. Newton: It is a perilous job in those Mr. Davies: You are not very satisfied areas. with what the Government has done? Mr. HOUGHTON: My word it is! Those Mr. HOUGHTON: I am very satisfied who make their living from the prawning with what bas been done, but we have not industry deserve every dollar they get. I do done enough. It was this Government that not deny them their right to the 4s. 2d. a lb. acquired a landing for the prawners at they receive for fresh prawns. Admittedly Scarborough and built them a jetty; it was some of them get very big hauls with their this Government that put in boat ramps and deep-sea boats. Some of them may catch up established a Fish Board. The Government to 1,600 or 1,800 lb. a week, but in the has done that sort of thing all along the following fortnight they may not be able to seaboard. get to the grounds. The average prawner who I do not know how much hon. members is established in the industry looks after his know about the prawning industry, but moon­ equipment and affairs properly, but there are light and the tides have an effect on the others who come into the industry and kill it. catching of prawns. At certain times the Mr. Tucker: They can pay a fee and prawns move into quiet areas to breed. become master fishermen overnight. Occasionally an unscrupulous person will disorganise the whole industry by trawling Mr. HOUGHTON: Yes; that is the weak­ in these breeding areas. I have seen prawns ness in it. taken that were no bigger than a fingernail. As the boats are becoming larger and This is where the Government must regulate fishing is taking place in deeper water, it is if the industry is to survive. The person who only right to establish standards for boat is employed full-time in the industry should skippers. Not so long ago, a little runabout be given every encouragement. All too often in the bay was run down by a trawler with a skipper who is employed on a trawler does no-one at the wheel; the ship was under its not know the first thing about the vessel. own steam. There are men in the industry Either he runs it onto a reef or goes over who are not doing the right thing; they are to the hotel to get "full" without tying the a heavy liability. They get $100 or $200 a boat up, and it drifts away. The real pro­ week and take anything at all. They are not fessional men in the industry will tell you worried about the future as they will not be that their worst enemies are the gypsies in staying in the industry. These practices could the industry. They are the ones against whom be controlled if close attention was paid to we have to regulate. There are other excellent them. men employed in the industry. I do not know if all hon. members have Mr. Tucker: Are you in favour of restricted had the opportunity of a trip on a trawler. entry? If anyone cares to do so-and he does not become seasick-! should be only too happy Mr. HOUGHTON: Yes. If the Bay waters to arrange it. It would benefit every hon. are to be open we should say, "Only 100 member to see the destruction that takes boats can operate in this area." Nobody place. A lot of offal is dragged up in the should be allowed to take any yield from the trawls; it is useless for human consumption, nursery. If I had any say in it, I would but it could be used to establish a fertilizer impose the harshest of penalties. works. Protein meal is excellent for primary Having lived in the Redcliffe area all my production purposes and could be used to life, I think I can say that in future the Bay great advantage, yet the offal is shovelled waters will not yield even a jelly-fish unless overboard by the ton. Now that the prawns the Government takes some action. Every­ are starting to run, a mass of lights on 300 thing will have been taken. Control of the or 400 boats is to be seen looking across to fishing industry would be of great benefit Shorncliffe and Bribie Island at night. because, with a properly controlled industry, The Government should closely investigate the sea's potential is enormous. Most of the the matter of subsidies. At present a subsidy people in the industry subscribe to my views. is available for the fishing industry, but as If the industry cannot control itself, it behoves these people have to buy very costly equip­ the Government to protect those who depend ment I believe that either the Commonwealth upon it for a livelihood. Government or the State Government should Mr. Hughes: Would these prawners be give serious consideration to this matter. likely to transfer their operations to the Gulf Finally, I suggest the establishment of a of Carpentaria if the survey proved the school so that masters of vessels may be potential of that area? taught the intricacies of the industry and how it may be preserved, together with the Mr. HOUGHTON: Yes. I have known the necessary duties pertaining to the operation trawlers from Redcliffe to go right around to and conduct of a motor vessel. This is an Western Australia to catch prawns. They go important matter, as many of these men have to Southport, Bundaberg and Tin Can Bay. never previously been to sea. They learn The true professionals in the industry go out the hard way. In one case, a father put his Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 923 son in charge of a trawler that cost £30,000. where to turn to rehabilitate the State. It He went out into deep water, and after does not appear to have benefited from trawling for a few hours became so seasick the lesson it learnt from previous he could not raise his net. It was down all droughts. One would have thought that it night, until one of the other trawlers came would have taken precautionary measures, alongside the next morning. because it knows that droughts recur period­ Standards must be established if the indus­ ically. Every time we have a drought, try is to survive. These people could be nothing is done about it; no preparations taught something about currents and tempera­ are made to meet any future drought or tures, and given a scientific approach to the unfavourable climatic condition that we may industry. Many other things should be con­ encounter. The Treasurer blames the drought trolled for th(! benefit of the industry, almost completely for the sad condition of especially when we remember that the the State's finances. He painted the drought Tangalooma whaling base had to close down as the cause of all his budgetary troubles. because other nations went in willy-nilly and But he ignores the other side of the picture. killed whales in unprecedentedly large What is the other side of the picture? The numbers. pastoral industry has been seriously affected by the drought, and the Treasurer said that I compliment the Treasurer on the pre­ the gross value of production in that industry sentation of his Budget, even though it is fell in the last year by $29,000,000. On a little distasteful in parts. If Queensland the other hand, the Minister for Industrial is to be developed in the proper manner, Development has lauded his party and the the Budget is the correct approach. Government for the manner in which they Mr. MELLOY (Nudgee) (2.45 p.m.): I have developed the industries of the State. support the very justifiable amendment moved As soon as a drought is experienced and by the Leader of the OppO"sition. Prior pastoral revenue falls by $29,000,000 the to the delivery of the Budget, it became Treasurer's scream is, "We cannot balance apparent from the Treasurer's remarks that the Budget." it would contain measures that were not What has happened in other fields in the in the interests of this State. The Opposition, State? Mount Isa Mines Ltd. made a record therefore, has no hesitation in supporting the profit of £16,000,000 this year. I shall quote amendment. a few other industries that do not appear to have been affected by the drought, which I congratulate both our new Leader and the Government blames for all of its troubles. our new Deputy Leader. The Australian Appleton Industries Ltd. made a record profit Labour Party always finds the man to meet of $600,000; Thiess Holdings Ltd. made a the moment, and will continue to do so. record profit of $1,700,000; Pioneer Concrete The occasion has never arisen when it has (Qld.) Pty. Ltd. made a record profit of failed to provide men capable of stepping $1,700,000; Castlemaine Perkins Ltd. made into the shoes of those who preceded them. a record profit of $2,260,000. If the State Mr. Tucker: And in a democratic way. has been so badly affected by drought, how is it that these firms have been able to show Mr. MELLOY: That is so. I regret the record profits whilst the Government, which circumstances that made the change is running the biggest business in the State, necessary. Our sympathy goes out to o~r cannot handle the situation? After nine years former Leader for the situation that led of administration of the State, the Govern­ to his resignation, which meant a great loss ment is still crying poverty and misfortune, to the party. But, as ever before, the although it has had the opportunity over that Labour Party will recover and resume its period of time to do something about all the rightful place in the political life of this things that it says the Australian Labour State. Party did incorrectly when in Government. There are many unpleasant, unpalatable, In spite of everything the Government says, and, as the hon. member for Redcliffe said, Queensland today is in a far worse position distasteful features of the Budget. I shall than it ever was during the days of A.L.P. point out why that is so, and why the Budget Governments. should be amended. Throughout its history The present Government is a business­ this Government has blamed the State's man's administration. It is a Government financial plight onto drought or some other that looks for its candidates to the ranks of natural catastrophe, instead of looking at itself the industrial and business world, and the to see where it has failed to meet the situation bright boys of the Young Liberals. The and overcome the difficulties facing Queens­ Government says to the people, "Don't trust land. How many more times will the the A.L.P. We have young, capable, Government use the vagaries of our climate energetic, bright boys who will lead Queens­ to cover up its inefficiency in administering land out of the wilderness." But what has the government of Queensland, and its happened? The Government is further in the inability to plan the administration of the wilderness than it has ever been. State? It is of little point for the Govern­ Mr. Chalk: You are in the wilderness. ment to blame the drought. Droughts are no~ unusual, new, or unexpected, yet every Mr. MELLOY: The Treasurer should talk! time a drought occurs the Government is A couple of weeks ago he cried tears of caught with its pants down, not knowing blood when telling us how poor we were 924 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply and in what a shocking situation the State pastoral industry. Queensland is supposed to was because of a lack of finance. He cried be Australia's richest State in minerals, but his head off. Who is the one in the wilder­ the Government cannot take advantage of ness? He is. He admitted it, and I shall have that because of the way in which the Federal more to say about his contribution in a few Government and former Country-Liberal minutes. Governments in Queensland have sold out to The Government has paid no attention to overseas interests. the cost of living. To support that state­ In the Budget, the Treasurer set out to ment, one has only to look at what was said meet the situation in his own way. On whom the other day by Mr. J. R. James, a represen­ did he call? Despite the very high profits tative of the employers, in relation to made by Mount Isa Mines Ltd. and various unemployment in Queensland and also, other industrial enterprises, who is to be incidentally, price control. He said that called upon to foot the bill? One has only Queensland faced an unemployment rise to look at the Financial Statement to see unless restraint was exercised in the next six that. The workers are to be called upon to or 12 months over further wage and price offset the deficit by paying railway fares that increases. There an employer's representative are 25 per cent. higher, not the people who advocated control of prices and said that if would ordinarily have the cash to come to the prices-and, admittedly, wages also-were aid of the Government. Through increases not controlled, we would face further in rail fares the workers will make a very increases in unemployment in the next six or large contribution to Government revenue. 12 months. In addition, the farmers, the very people The Government has given no indication, whom members of the Country Party claim in the Budget or anywhere else, that it has to represent, are to be called upon to make any intention of establishing price control, a contribution by paying increased rail or control of any kind that would stabilise freights. The Minister estimates that this will the economy of the State and put it on a bring in an extra $8,500,000 in a full year. better footing for the next 12 months to meet This money, in the main, will be taken out the prophesied increase in unemployment. of the pockets of the farmers. Again referring to prices, the Treasurer Mr. Chalk: What about Mount Isa? said that at 30 June, 1966, meat prices were Mr. MELLOY: The Minister says, "What 15 per cent. higher than in 1965 and that this about Mount Isa?" He knows as well as I was a result of the drought. The Government do that Mount Isa Mines get concession has not given any indication that it will take rates that the ordinary farmer will not get. action to restore meat prices to their previous level when the effects of the drought are no Increased road transport fees will be longer being felt. I should like to see it take another imposition on the farmer. The action along those lines; I know it will not. Treasurer expects that an additional $750,000 will come from road transport fe-es. The Financial Statement indicates that the ground is being laid for the Budget that is Mr. Chalk interjected. to be brought down in August, 1967. It Mr. MELLOY: I should not have to speak mentions that the effects of the drought will in this Chamber for the farmers. be felt for another 12 months, which means that in August, 1967, the Treasurer will again Government Members interjected. say that drought has had a serious effect on The CHAIRMAN: Order! There is far too the State's finances. Anyone reading that much cross-firing in the Chamber. I ask statement would think that Queensland's both sides of the Committee to refrain from prosperity depended entirely upon primary it. industries. As against that, of course, the Minister for Industrial Development claims Mr. MELLOY: If the A.L.P. does not that the State is going to rise to unbelievable speak in this Chamber for the farmers they heights industrially. If what he says is correct, will not get any representation at all. We will not the development of secondary have seen debate after debate here in which industry sustain the economy of the State? all the speakers have been on this side, According to the Treasurer, apparently it will whilst Country Party members have remained not. silent. They would not speak, either because The financial position of the State will they did not know what to say or because depend largely on the way in which Queens­ they did not know how their electors would land's resources are developed. The Govern­ respond to what they did say. So, it fell to ment, of course, claims credit for the Labour Party members to speak on behalf development of bauxite at Weipa, coal at of the farmers. Moura, and various other mineral deposits. The other section of the community to be If that were true, it would be able to use the slugged are the motorists, and this section revenue from those developments. However, also contains a large number of workers. I because a very large part of the revenue is do not think any section of the community going out of the country, it cannot. With has been bashed in the past as heavily as the such tremendous assets, the Government motorists. Now the Government finds itself should be able to use the State's expanding having to put another slug on them. Extra mineral production to offset losses in the registration fees are expected by the Treasurer Supply [18 OcTOBER] Supply 925 to bring in another $3,000,000 a year. This The Treasurer concluded his Budget is to come out of the pockets of the already­ speech by saying­ overtaxed motorists, and I do not think they "We have come through rough times will thank the Government for it in the before and I am prepared to believe that coming Federal election. I think it will have Queenslanders are willing to accept a a big bearing on that election, because little 'tightening of the belt' to ens~re Government members here and in Canberra development of their State and to mam­ are all birds of a feather. I think the tain its place as the finest in which to actions of this Government will rub off on live." the Federal Government at the forthcoming Federal election. I am sure there are many people in the State who know what the Treasurer meant That is not all that is to be taken from by those remarks. Over t.he !ast f<:w years the motorist. The Treasurer has indicated they have become experts m tJghtenmg the1r that a form of stamp duty is to be imposed belts. I refer to pensioners, who constantly on motor vehicle registrations. Where is have had to tighten their belts. That sort of all this to end? Every time the Treasurer statement comes as no surprise to them. opens his mouth he "dobs" something on somebody. The reaction of the people to this Budget wHI be tremendous. I do not think it is Mr. Chalk: I will "dob" something on you, fair for the Treasurer to suggest that in a too, when I reply. State like Queensland-a State with tre­ mendous possibilities; the State that the Mr. MELLOY: The Treasurer makes an Minister for Industrial Development sa1d had onslaught on the workers of this State every developed beyond all imagination since this time he finds himself in a bit of strife. As Government has been in power-the people I pointed out, the industrial concerns in this should be asked to tighten their belts to State will not be contributing; it is the enable the Government to carry on. What workers who will have to get the Treasurer a ridiculous situation it is for the Treasurer out of his difficulties. to make such a suggestion to the people in The increase in income attributable to this time of high prosperity. How does the the new stamp duties is estimated to bring in Treasurer expect people to carry these bur­ another $750,000 a year. Over $3,000,000 dens? It will lead to more heartbreak and extra will come out of the pockets of the sorrow in the community than there has been motorists. One has only to read "The Road at any previous time in the State's history. Ahead", the R.A.C.Q. journal, to find out what the motorists, through their club, think The hon. member for Redcliffe commented of the Government in its treatment of on the generosity of the Commonwealth motorists in this State. Government to Queensland and the other States. Let us look at how generous it There are also to be fairly substantial really has been. Over the last 20 years it has increases in hospital fees for private and completely wiped out its own pub,lic deb.t, intermediate patients. In reply to a ques­ but in the same time, Queensland s public tion by me, the Minister for Health indi­ deb't has arown to the amazing figure of cated that there were only about 22 private $936,000,000. In 1949, when the Liberal­ beds occupied in the two public hospitals in Country Party Government took over the Brisbane, so that the new charges for private Treasury benches in Canberra, Queensland's patients will not be of very great moment. public debt was $277,000,000, or $246 a However, there is a considerably greater head. During the period in which the Federa'l number of intermediate beds. It was expected Liberal-Country Party Government has been that a charge would be made in public wards, in control the public debt has risen from but this has not eventuated. It will come, $246 a head to $579 a head, and, as I have however, because the increase in the cost pointed out, the Fed~ral r:ub!ic .debt has of intermediate hospitalisation will force been wiped out. That 1s an md1cat10n of the people into public wards. It will increase so-called generosity of the Federal Govern­ the number of patients in public wards, ment. It has imposed its debts on the States, which will increase the cost of running public at the same time wiping out its own debt. wards and thus increase the cost of hospital administration. I will bet my bottom dollar It is also interestina to note that in the that within six months the Government will 17 years prior to the 7tdvent of the, Menzi~s introduce a charge in public wards. Government in 1949 Queensland s public debt increased only from $238 to $246 a In the Treasurer's heartrending speech head compared with the increa~e since the other day-there were tears running 1949. It has more than doubled, nsmg from down my cheeks-- $246 a head to $579. In the nine years Mr. Chalk: You have been howling all before Labour left office in Queensland the the time you have been here. public debt increased from $24? a head t? $384, and in the nine years smce 1957 1t Mr. MELLOY: Did I ever have greater has increased from $384 a head to $579. cause to howl than after reading this It will therefore be seen that there has been Budget? I will guarantee that 90 per cent. a much greater percentage increase during of the people of Queensland are still howl­ the period in which this Government has been ing after reading it. in charge of the Treasury benches. 926 Supply [ASSEMBLY} Supply

I recently had the privilege of visiting the Plans are afoot for the development of Queensland Agricultural College and I the Serpentine area, where a good deal of have a word of praise for its principal Mr. industrial development will take place. It Britten. Tremendous developments have is high time that the Housing Commission taken place there. I should like to give a acquired land in northern suburbs suitable little sidelight on my visit. In discussing for the erection of houses when the Ser­ training at Gatton we were told that in many pentine industrial area is fully developed. cases lads who finished their cours·es went There will be tremendous industrial develop­ back to their parents' properties, but because ment there in the next five years, and unless dad had used the same methods for the last something is done there will not be sufficient 30 years the lads' new ideas could not be housing for the workers in that area. If put into practice. It is regrettable that the the Government does not act soon, land education the young fellows receive cannot be will not be available and these people will put into operation on their parents' farms. be forced to live in areas too distant from their places of employment. The Govern­ Mr. Campbell: Why not? ment should acquire lands in the Serpentine Mr. MELLOY: Because their fathers will area, and at Pinkenba and Banyo. not adapt themselves to the new methods This is an extremely disappointing Budget that the young fellows have learnt. to the workers of Queensland. The burden Mr. Campbell: That is a bit unusual. of the State's financial difficulties will fall on them rather than on those who are best Mr. MELLOY: From what I was told it able to bear it. I appeal to the Government is not unusual. I accept advice and infor­ -I suppose it is a hopeless appeal-to have mation that can be relied upon. It is regret­ another look at the burden being placed able that such a thing should occur on the people of this State generally, who because this is a wonderful institution and are already hard put to meet the cost of it gives these lads remarkable training. They living. Unless the Government introduces have every facility and the college is a credit some form of price control, an ever­ to Mr. Britten. increasing difficulty will confront our people. We also had an opportunity of visiting As I have already said, Mr. J. R. James, Bamaga, on Cape York Peninsula-we were secretary of the Queensland Employers' there previously in 1964-and we found that Federation, has pointed out that unless there there has been a tremendous improvement is some form of supervision over prices and in housing on the Aboriginal settlement and wages, there will be increased unemploy­ in what is done there. Mr. Griffin, the ~veT­ ment in Queensland within 12 months. seer at Bamaga, told me that he could not get sufficient labour to carry out all the Mr. HINZE (South Coast) (3.20 p.m.): I necessary work. He deserves a great deal of join with previous speakers on this side of praise for the work he is undertaking. He is the Chamber in conveying congratulations to only a young man, about 30 years of age. It the Treasurer on the manner in which he would be good if there were more like him presented the Budget. All members agree in charge of our Aboriginal settlements. I that it was a difficult Budget because of the do not agree that our Aborigines should be drought and possibly the after-effects of the kept in places like Bamaga, but under the strike at Mt. Isa. present circumstances we have to make them I am very pleased to see the Premier back as comfortable as we can. I hope there is in the Chamber after his visit to London on a new policy on Aborigines, who are the behalf of the State. I am pleased to see him poorer for the existing circumstances. The looking fit and well, and so virile, keen, and sooner v. e get them into the community and young, with the map of Queensland all over develop them as they should be developed his face. Obviously no-one had to ask from the better, because we are backward in our which State he came. I am pleased to see treatment of Aborigines. him back and in a position to receive next A housing problem exi·sts on the north Saturday the most powerful man who has side of Brisbane. There is a dearth of ever come to our State. rental houses available to workers. Apart from those at Lawnton, the Government I regret that the bon. member for has not made any new houses available for Toowoomba West was obliged to resign from rental in the last seven years. Admittedly the most important position of Leader of the there has been some development at Acacia Opposition. I understand his feelings very ~idge !ind InaJa, but with the extraordinary well, and I felt strongly for him when he mdustnal development occurring on the north indicated his attitude last Tuesday morning, side of Brisbane people working there are as I am sure did almost every other member foced with the problem of obtaining suitable in the Chamber. However, that is now accommodation in places such as Zillmere, history and something that we can do nothing Geebung, the mouth of the river, and Bulwer. about. Every week people come to me for assistance I should like to convey my congratulations in obtaining accommodation. Some of them to the Leader of the Opposition, the bon. are living in caravans and tents. The alter­ member for Bulimba, and to the Deputy native is to travel long distances from Acacia Leader, the hon. member for Townsville Ridge and InaJa, but they are seeking accom­ North. Unlike some of my parliamentary modation on the northern side of Brisbane. colleagues, I do not care to which party or Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 927 group a member belongs; that is entirely his procedures to try and establish a ~osition business. The bon. members to whom I have which would have been most detnmental referred have been elected to the most to its competitors. important positions of Leader and Deputy "The Cabinet's decision to maintain Leader of the Opposition, and I congratulate quotas was the right decision. The dairy them on their elevation. I am sure that on industry is an established industry with behalf of their party they will do their best tremendous investments and providing vast for the State. employment. It plays a vital role in rural I congratulate the Minister for Primary development, decentralisation and builds Industries and officers of his department on up overseas funds by exports worth the manner in which they have honoured a $120,000,000 a year. promise made to the dairying industry during "It would be unsound, therefore, and not the last State election campaign. It will be in the public interest to undermine its seen in the Financial Statement that economy." $750,000 has been appropriated this year to I subscribe wholeheartedly to the views commence a scheme for the rehabilitation of expressed by Mr. Stone. the dairying industry. In my area I can see evidence of the way in which the proposed There is one matter in Queensland to which scheme will function. Already thousands of I suggest that the Minister for Primary acres have been ploughed, cultivated, and Industries should give consideration. I refer fenced, and prepared for seeding with to the milk section of the industry in Brisbane. improved tropical legumes and grass. The Anyone associated with the industry knows scheme will be of tremendous value to how the city has been served for solll:e Queensland in a few years. I congratulate considerable time. I believe that the day IS the Minister and should like him to convey approachino- when the Minister and the to officers of his department my congratu­ Governmerrt should give consideration to lations on the way in which the Government's setting up in the city of Brisbane a co-ope:a­ promise to the dairying industry has been tive company to control fully the lll:arketn~g implemented so quickly. Although dairying and distribution of milk. I mentiOn th1s has long been regarded as a Cinderella specifically because of a report on the op~ra­ industry and one that has been dubbed tions of a company named Queensland Umted inefficient, in a short period of time it will Foods Ltd. that appeared in "The Courier­ be one with which people will be pleased to Mail" of 13 September this year. It said­ be associated. "Queensland United Foods Ltd. lifted I now wish to refer to a statement by net earnings from trading by $35,725 to Mr. H. A. Stone, the President of the Austra­ $686,705 in the year to June 30 last. but lian Dairy Farmers' Federation, Chairman of group net profit was lower at $694,371. the Australian Dairy Industry Council, and "Dividend will be maintained at 11 per President of the Primary Producers' Union of cent. with a final of 5t per cent. New South Wales, following a decision of the Government of New South Wales to renew "The latest group result, which represen!s the licence of Marrickville Holdings Ltd. to an earning rate of 14 per cent. on pmd manufacture table margarine provided they capital, compares with $786,072 in 19?5, adhere strictly to their legal quota. when the figure included a non-recurnng $63 858 dividend from a subsidiary com­ The Australian Dairy Produce Board was pan~, and $57,772 capital profit. happy to associate itself fully and whole­ heartedly with the statement made on behalf "Sales rise of the industry by Mr. Stone, which reads as follows­ "The preliminary report from the big milk and ice cream, timber, earthenware "The New South Wales Cabinet decision pipe, fishing, and rum group said earnings to renew the table margarine production from trading at $1,294,405 were up quota license of Marrickville Holdings Limited provided the Company gives an $98,025 for the year. undertaking to comply with its quota of "Tax provision increased from $545,500 2,166 tons a year will be accepted by dairy­ to $607,700, and depreciation was lower farmers in good faith. at $790,614 ($821,462). "The strict policing of this quota and the "Other income at $8,236 compared with quotas of all other manufacturers will $13,462 in the previous year. clarify a position which has been most "Directors said that although net ear!1­ unsatisfactory and confused for some years. ings increased by 5 · 5 per cent., they did The dairy industry, margarine manufac­ not reach the level originally anticipated." turers and oil seed growers will now know just where they stand. This is the important part­ "The dairy industry has appreciated the "In the clay products group the intro­ way in which other margarine manufac­ duction of rigid new industry standards turers have accepted the law and observed caused technical difficulties in the manu­ their quotas during a time when Marrick­ facture of earthenware pipes and fittings, ville was taking advantage of legal which greatly affected turnover. 928 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

"The problems had now been overcome. Treasurer introduced his Budget, namely, The re-organisation of the brick-making what are we going to do about the difficulty subsidiary at Townsville had been delayed, we find ourselves in at the present time? but this year planned output had been I have listened attentively from the com­ achieved. mencement of the debate and I can honestly "Despite successful milling and increased say that I have not heard anyone put forward sales in timber subsidiary, anticipated any constructive ideas as to what we can profits from housing construction were not do about it. It is all right to get up realised. It was necessary to write-off sub­ and blame Askin, or Bolte, or our own stantial bad debts. Treasurer; but that is not the answer. We "Markwell Fisheries operated at a loss must find ways of raising finance for the and Normanby Distillery had not reached State. The figures I have quoted indicate a profitable level. quite clearly that local authorities are right behind the eight-ball and have no possible "Directors said that despite the intensive chance of developing this State under the price competition encountered in the present conditions. My own shire, the marketing of ice cream, turnover was Albert Shire, asked for $1,200,000 for slightly greater than last year and since development. We were not over-ambitious; the close of the year the sales volume had we did not ask for anything we were not been maintained at a higher level." entitled to, but we received only $200,000. I think that is very good but the important I have been quoted as saying that the Gold feature is that the report shows the extent Coast City Council is satisfied with its alloca­ of diversification of a milk company in the tion. It receives $2,000,000. However, for city of Brisbane. It has gone into many the next 20 years $1,000,000 a year will be other types of business, and, as can be earmarked for sewerage alone. seen from the report I have just read, all the other interests are running at a loss. I want to be quite honest; I cannot see For this reason I believe that the State the answer at this stage but I believe it is would be better served by a co-operatively most important that our Government should controlled milk-bottling plant in the city strive to find an answer to the very important of Brisbane from which all the profits would question of how and where we can raise flow either to the producer or to the con­ the funds necessary to capitalise the State's sumer. I am opposed to the monopolistic potential. Three or four years ago I heard type of control in the city today. some bedtime storie·s about the advantages that would flow to the State because oil Mr. Lickiss: You know that is a com­ had been found here; however, we still cannot pletely unfair statement. balance our Budget. The fellow in Western Queensland who has been hardest hit by Mr. HINZE: I am quite sure it is not. the drought still has to subscribe a fair proportion of the funds required to balance Mr. Lickiss: Do you know the break-up of the Budget. The last thing I want to do milk handling alone? is to say these things, but there is no getting Mr. HINZE: No. away from them. Unfortunately I have not got the answers. Mr. Uckiss: I will give it to you later. Mr. Aikens: Where do you think the money should come from? Mr. HINZE: I am not at all optimistic about the future development of the State, Mr. HINZE: I have been thinking about having regard to the loan approvals for local this matter very seriously, as has everybody authorities. I have here the approvals that the else. I thought that if we are as good as we local authorities of Queensland have applied say we are as a State, we should be prepared for over the last five years and the amounts to back ourselves. I thought that perhaps we that were approved. In 1962-63 they applied should ask the Commonwealth Government for $44 ·8 million and received $28 · 5 million; to forgo some of its taxing powers, and in 1963-64 they applied for $41,000,000 and aive us the right to introduce some sort of received $28,000,000; in 1964-65 they applied §tate development tax. I was very quickly for $51· 6 million and received $30,900,000; reminded that if we did this it would have in 1965-66 they applied for $57·4 million the opposite effect to what we desire. We and received $32·8 million. In 1966-67, would never get manufacturers to come into the current year, they applied for $60·4 the State if we did something like that. million and received $36,000,000. An I am saying these things to indicate at analysis of those figures reveals a shortfall least that I am thinking about the problem; of $100,000,000 in local government borrow­ that I am prepared to give some considera­ ings in the last five years. tion to it. Although we appreciate that capital invest­ Ed. Clark came into the Gold Coast area ment in the State is increasing by leaps and made a statement that we should apply and bounds, local authority finance and to the World Bank. If it were as easy as finance for State development is lagging that I am sure the Treasurer would have far behind. That brings me to the particular done it long ago. If· there is anything in question rai·sed in the discussion that has that avenue I should like to suggest it to taken place in this Chamber since the him. Supply [18 OcTOBER] Supply 929

I should like to spend a little time deal­ Mr. Aikens: And dynamic political repre­ ing with the tourist industry and the Gold sentation. Coast. Although we talk about our famous Mr. HINZE: There is not much doubt tourist areas, the fact is that we do precious little about them. I am very pleased, there­ about that. fore, that the Government has at last recog­ Mr. Davies: Do you want poker machines nised the importance of the industry by on the South Coast? creating a portfolio of Tourism and by plan­ Mr. HINZE: No. I am strongly opposed ning to set up a Tourist Advisory Board. to poker machines. One of the first functions of the board should be to carry out an intensive survey and Most of our visitors come from Sydney, to collate the necessary facts to prove to the Melbourne and New Zealand. There are Government that this is a really important over 2,000,000 people in Sydney and Mel­ industry and that much wider recognition bourne and hon. members know the popu­ must be given to it to allow it to develop. lation of New Zealand. In the last few weeks we lost a certain amount of trade because On the Gold Coast we have everything of the overlapping of school holidays in required of a tourist area. Private enter­ Victoria and New South Wales. Previously, prise has done a magnificent job. i\.11 that we got the benefit of six weeks' school holidays we require is a leg up now and again from on the Gold Coast, but this year the loss of a the Government and we will really earn dol­ certain amount of trade was very noticeable. lars for the State. Queensland can do nothing about it, but I In the Address-in-Reply debate I indi­ mention it to indicate how our economy can cated that we believe we earn $75,000,000 be affected. a year for the State. I do not know whether I suggest to the Minister for Transport that that is true or false, but they are the figures he give serious consideration to asking the given to me. No figures have been officially Minister for Transport in New South Wales collated but it will be appreciated that the to conduct a survey and see if it is possible tourist industry on the Gold Coast is recog­ to re-introduce the scheme to build a nised throughout the world. We are fortu­ standard-gauge rail link from Murwillumbah nate in Queensland that we have the Gold through the Gold Coast to Brisbane. I am Coast to which thousands and thousands not saying that we should try to bring back of southern visitors flock year after year. what we lost, the "Southport Stinker" or Overseas visitors are coming in now. "Carey's Commuter", or whatever we might I think it is most important that we give call it, for we were not getting any service consideration to our liquor laws. It is out of those dilapidated broken-down trains. obvious that the New South Wales and The best thing to do was to close the line. I Victorian Governments have considered this am trying to build for the future. The problem. We cannot expect to attract visi­ increase in population on the Gold Coast is tors from the southern States and overseas the greatest in Queensland. It is second only if we will not permit them to drink liquor to Canberra, and surely it is sensible to give while they are dining in a restaurant after consideration to establishing a real rail ser­ 10 p.m. Overseas visitors I have met think vice in this area. No other area in Australia it is a joke. We do not want that sort of has the population and the same potential for thing to continue. I am not asking that development. I ask the Minister for Trans­ hotels be allowed to remain open until all port in all seriousness to confer with his hours, but if we are to attract the type of counterpart in New South Wales. I under­ people we need to attract to the Gold Coast stand that if we can get agreement between it is most important that the Government the States it will then be possible to ask the give consideration to relaxing the present Commonwealth for a rail subsidy. Only 82 liquor laws. miles of line would have to be built at a cost We know that the Government plans to of $25,000,000. It would be possible to introduce legislation governing night-trotting. purchase the land-or resume it whilst it is It is a wonderful sport and, if it is to be reasonably cheap-on the eastern side of the approved in Queensland, the Gold Coast highway, and possibly on the downstream side would be an admirable area for its introduc­ of the city of Brisbane where we know there tion and should be given serious considera­ is to be a tremendous build-up in industrial tion by the Government. development. To give an indication of the facilities avail­ I commend the Department of Main Roads able on the Gold Coast, I mention that onlv for the magnificent job carried out on part of last Saturday night some 700 Apexians and the South Coast road. Hon. members who their wives sat down to dinner at the Chevron drive to the Gold Coast will agree with me Hotel and had finished their meal within 1! that we have a wonderful road. However, at hours. Is there any other area in the State times I must remind the Government that we where such service could be obtained? That have traffic congestion problems. Anyone demonstrates that we have the facilities. We who goes to the Gold Coast knows that on also have good recreational facilities, an ideal the return journey traffic hold-ups occur near climate, and natural attractions. We have Pimpana and it may take some hours to get every possible thing to attract people to our back to Brisbane. We have recently increased area. We have only to be sensible about it the registration fees of motor vehicles, and it to earn more and more dollars for the State. is not right that people who want to go for a 930 Supply [ASSEMBLY) Supply

drive on a Sunday on the South Coast road freeholding unless the Government is prepared should have these traffic hold"ups. I there­ to recognise that the leaseholder is entitled fore ask the Minister, if possible, to allocate to some owner's equity. increased funds to overcome this problem. A letter I received from one person I am trying to be realistic; I say "if possible" reads­ because I know that in the west and north "The powers of the Minister under of the State there are roads without bitumen Part II, Division I, clauses 19, 20, 21, surfaces. It is a tourist area and increased 22 and 23 and particularly subclause 30 funds should be made available for this road. are quite clear. The recent alteration The hon. member for Albert suggested and addition to section 190 says, inter alia, naming the new bridge "The Gold Coast 'That where the land concerned is used Bridge". I concurred. We discussed the exclusively for the lessees own residential matter with the co-ordinating committee of use, the lessee may apply to the Land the Gold Coast City Council, and agreed it Administration Commission for rental should be named "The Gold Coast Bridge". relief' and sets out the scale of relief I should like the Minister for Main Roads, which can be given." the Treasurer, or Cabinet to finalise this "We consider this scale of relief as being matter as it is causing some concern in my most liberal. Now, Sir, we cannot see why area. The bridge will be opened before some relief cannot be given to this same Christmas and it would be appreciated if leaseholder if he wishes to freehold now. it could be given a name before then. So we respectfully suggest that section 190 I ask the Minister for Lands to consider be amend"d to include 'that any lease­ setting aside as park land an area of three holder entitled to rental relief under this or four acres on the eastern side of the section may apply to the Land Administra­ southern approach to this bridge. It is an tion Commission to have the said land ideal site for park lands. It would be made freehold, at not more than fifty per most undesirable if it were subdivided and cent. of the market value of the land as sold for residential development. at the 1st September, 1966. Payment for I ask the Minister for Main Roads to give such freeholded land shall be spread over me permission to place a sign on the road. twenty years. The Minister may at his I know the department's thought about signs discretion grant this concession-whole or on highways, that it is most important not in part to any leaseholder, irrespective of to clutter up roads with signs; but in the income, where the said land is used Gold Coast area there is such a terrific exclusively for his or her own personal build-up of population that it is desirable for residence. a sign to be erected in a sensible reasonable " 'In determining the freehold value of fashion. The Gold Coast City Council is pre­ such land consideration will be given to pared to pay for the sign, the Chamber of whether the land is in a single unit area Commerce in Coolangatta has been asking for or multi unit area or has potential com­ it for some considerable time, and the tourist mercial value.' You can see now Sir, that industry is prepared to support our proposal. this simple freeholding section will meet Therefore the department should consider our request because it will give an equity erecting a sign reading "Gold Coast City" to the limited income residential occupier so that people coming to our State will know owner. That is the Person for whom we th_ey. ar_e in quee?sland before they get are fighting. w1thm five or SIX miles of the city boundary. "We are not asking for this land devalua­ The population of the City of Gold Coast tion for the present fiat owner, or the increases from 40,000-50,000 to 140,000 owner of future fiat or commercial sites. auring the holiday period. Those figures The fiat owner can always meet increased give some indication of the density of traffic costs by increasing the rentals. on our main arterial road. I am justified "We shall be very grateful if you can therefore, in asking the Government to giv~ can arrange for us to see the Minister serious consideration to allocating more funds again and you can tell him of our thoughts for road construction in that area. on this matter, and also that we are very Conversion of land tenure on the South grateful to him for what he has done for Coast raises a real problem. Leaseholders the 'little man' leaseholder. You can tell who wish to take advantage of the Govern­ him that we have expressed our opinion ment's scheme to allow freeholding of publicly." property appreciate the Government's attitude I have another letter from a person who and intention. They know the position believes that one of the problems in the area tJJ!lder previous governments. They realise is the fact that people are not always told ·tha1 it is ~heir right to freehold over 20 years, the true position by those in the real estate 'free of mterest, and that these conditions business. Although I do not subscribe could not be bettered. They also appreciate entirely to the views contained in the letter, ·the Government's attitude to remission of this is the type of thing that people in the rentals to those in receipt of a pension. But area are saying, and I crave the attention of ·they say that the valuations in the area are the Committee whilst I read it. It states­ increaS!~g so quickly that it is not a good "Further to domestic leasehold land, I ·propo~1hon for those who have gone there find in my search for information that the tto retire to undertake the responsibilities of Real Estate people are possibly at the foot Supply (18 OCTOBER] Supply 931

of our troubles as they do not always Mr. HINZE: I think the hon. member will present leasehold land in its true light agree with me that some action is needed. when making a sale. Today, anyone can go along, pay his few "I find that they rarely have all the dollars, or whatever it is, and set himself facts of the land offered, and emphasise up in business. There is no control over him, the low prese·nt rental 'only shillings', and I believe that there should be. they say, and gloss over or do not mention re-valuation. I express my appreciation to the Minister in charge of police for making increased "One agent I quizzed had a lot of lease­ police staff available for the Surfers Paradise hold land on his books for sale, but had area. The people of the area were becoming only two cards showing the date of the end worried about hooliganism and thefts, which of the present tenure when re-valuation were getting Surfers Paradise publicity of an and reassessment of rental would take undesirable type, and they are grateful to the place. Minister for taking action. All I ask now is "You will agree that this must be that provision be made in next year's Budget rectified and you may care to place the for the establishment of a permanent police following suggestions before the Minister station at Surfers Paradise. of Land, Attorney General or whatever department is concerned. Police officers are somewhat concerned "I suggest that when leasehold land be because, after spending a good deal of time in listed for sale, a document supplied by the improving their physique, they spend about right authority, be filled out and when the two-thirds of their time punching typewriters. sale takes place, is signed by the Vendor, It seems that the day of the policeman on the Buyer and the Agent. beat has almost gone (I believe that such "In this way there could be no mis­ men did a good job) and a good deal of time representation of the facts and no is now taken up in making out reports. I subsequent complaints. understand that policemen do not like work of this type, and I think Parliament could "The document could read­ give consideration to the use of tape Description of property and area. recorders, or possibly female typistes, for such work. This would allow the men to do more Type of lease...... work outside the office. Present lands dept. valuation $. 3% of $. . is present annual rent As hon. members know, the increase in of $. population in my electorate has been greater than that in any other area in Queensland. Date of next valuation ...... month As a result, problems have arisen in the field .. year. of education. Broadbeach school, which Valuation will be based on sales of opened three or four years ago with an enrol­ comparable land in the area and rent ment of 60, now has 460 pupils; Miami High calculated at 3% of that value. School has between 800 and 900 pupils; and Next period of tenure at this rent will Southport High School has over 1,000 pupils. be I 0 years." Therefore, provision should be made in the very near future for the purchase of land in Mr. Davies: Who wrote that? the Gold Coast-South Coast area for a third high school, for a second hospital, and for a Mr. HINZE: Mr. Ted Dolby. I believe the future housing estate. I am pleased to say Real Estate Institute of Queensland to be a that the Minister for Housing has indicated to body of most honourable men. I believe that me that funds have been made available in they have made representations to have their this year's Budget for the purchase and sub­ members registered. They say that any person division of land for a housing estate on the who sells real estate, whether he be the South Coast. That is important because, as principal of a company or a salesman, should I think all hon. members know, there are as be registered. They also say that before he many workers there as there are in any other is registered he should have some education town in Australia. in real-estate law. A course now available for this purpose at the Technical College has Mr. Davies: Where would you put the been sponsored by the Real Estate Institute second hospital? of Queensland. At present all that is necessary to obtain a licence are five character Mr. HINZE: I believe it could be some­ references and the lodging of a bond with where in the Currumbin area, to serve the the State Government. I understand that in southern part of the South Coast. Victoria it is necessary to spend eight years as a sub-agent to gain experience before I suggest that consideration should be given registration is granted. to reforestation on the Springbrook Plateau. Although the area was used for dairying for Mr. Aikens: You know that there are a lot many years, large quantities of timber were of little groups with a mania for registration originally taken from it. If the Government these days. They want the protection of this could get the co-operation of farmers in Parliament without any of the responsibilities reforestation, I believe that the revenue could involved. be of great benefit to the State. 932 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I should like to refer very briefly to the Now, let us have a look at the case valuation of land on the Gold Coast and clearly and dispassionately-and again I impress upon the Committee the importance remind the Committee that I am not con­ of the area. According to the Valuer-General, cerned at his attempt to diddle the Com­ the value of the Gold Coast has increased 35 missioner of Taxation. Quite a number of times in 15 years. Prior to 1950 the valua­ people do that and I suppose quite a number tion of the area was $2,300,000; it is now get away with it, but in relation to this $80,000,000. The valuation of Townsville attempt particularly, when we read of it was 7 ·2 million dollars; it is now in newspapers, which should have a sense $40,000,000. Toowoomba was 2 ·3 million of responsibility, and in statements by people dollars; it is now $30,000,000. Therefore, it in this Chamber and outside of it, we are can be seen that the valuation of the Gold led to believe that the Commissioner of Coast has increased more than that of any Taxation was a brutal, callous, heartless, other area of the State. It is now equal unfeeling man and that if he had displayed to the total values of Toowoomba and more charity towards Mr. Duggan he may Townsville put together; it is also equal to not have been listed as a tax defaulter. the total values of Ipswich, Rockhampton Let me say-and I hope that the more and Cairns put together, and it is also equal reputable newspapers will correct the impres­ to the values of Redcliffe, Mackay, Bunda­ sion that has been created in the minds berg, Maryborough, Dalby, Warwick, of people-that the Commissioner of Taxa­ Gympie, Gladstone, Roma, Goondiwindi tion is merely an instrument of the law. and Charters Towers put together. He merely administers the taxation laws as pa-ssed by the Federal Parliament down Therefore, I believe that hon. members will the years, by both Labour and anti-Labour agree with me when I say that the Gold Governments. He is bound by those laws Coast is an area that is earning much just as anybody else is bound by the law revenue for this State by way of Land and if, in the circumstances, he had not Tax, Succession and Probate Duties, the listed the former Leader of the Opposition wonderful Tourist industry and the dairying as a tax defaulter, if he had not decided that industry which as I have indicated, will he was a trader in shares and not an investor, develop into an industry with which people he would have left himself open to a will be pleased to be associated. charge of dereliction of duty-and rightly I believe I represent a very important part so-because it is a proud boast of Taxation of this State and that when I make repre­ Commissioners-and I have had a fair sentations to the various ministers for roads, amount of dealings with them, not as a defaulter but on behalf of many of my housing, or whatever it may be, I am justified constituents-that they treat all people alike. in doing so. Both the little man and the big man feel the law just as the Commissioners think l.VIr. AIKENS (Townsville South) (4.1 the law should be interpreted, and they show p.m.): Last week we had the amazing experi­ no favour to any person. Therefore, instead ence in this Chamber of seeing the former of everybody condemning the Commissioner Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Duggan, stand of Taxation, instead of the newspapers rush­ up in the Chamber and parade himself as ing in and hitting him, I think the an honest man by disclosing taxation people of Australia should be very pleased defalcations of mammoth proportions. By indeed that we have a Commissioner of an amazing coincidence, he did this only Taxation and taxation laws that show neither a day before his name was listed on the fear nor favour to anyone. table of the Federal Parliament as a tax defaulter. His claim to be an honest man Let us face up to the facts of the case by disclosing the matter in this Chamber as they have been disclosed by the former on the previous day reminds me of a man Leader of the Opposition. He was declared who gets a girl into trouble and decides by the Commissioner of Taxation to be a to marry her just one day before the baby trader in shares. That was purely and is born, and then wants the whole world simply a primary decision which is required to acclaim him as a man of dignity and to be made by the Commissioner of Taxation; honour. nobody else can make that decision. It is obvious, of course, that the taxpayer cannot At the outset, I want to say that it is a determine whether he is a trader or an matter of complete indifference to me investor. Having all the evidence before whether the former Leader of the Opposi­ him, the Commissioner of Taxation makes tion tried to diddle the Commissioner the preliminary decision that the taxpayer­ of Taxation or whether he did not. in this case the former Leader of the Opposi­ That is a matter between him and the tion-is a trader in shares. The Commissioner Commissioner of Taxation; but I think I of Taxation was in exactly the same position speak on behalf of all the people of Queens­ as a traffic policeman who pulls a motorist land when I say that we have become up in the street and says, "I believe that heartily sick and tired of his continual you have committed a traffic offence and I whimpering and whingeing-and not only am going to give you a traffic ticket". The his own whimpering and whingeing but that motorist can accept the traffic ticket and of his lugubrious and lachrymose stooges, pay the fine or, if he thinks he is the victim both inside and outside Parliament. of heartless, brutal, callous and uncharitable Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 933 action on the part of the policeman, he can former Leader of the Opposition had to say go to every court in the land, right to the about the hon.. member for Fassifern. If Privy Council, and have the case fought out hon. members want me to do it, one of on its merits. He can have the case deter­ these days, I will go to the table, pick mined in accordance with the evidence and up "Hansard" and read it for them. the law. In this way the Commissioner of Taxation is in exactly the same position as They are the whole circumstances of the the traffic policeman. case. I want to know why the former Leader of the Opposition is continuing on If the former Leader of t.~e Opposition with his whingeing, whining, and snivelling, felt aggrieved at the action of the Com­ and why his supporters and stooges are missioner of Taxation in classifying him as doing it for him,- when all he has to do is a share trader and naming him as a tax go to court; all he has to do is to appeal in defaulter, he had the right to go to many accordance with the provisions of our tax­ places where he could have lodged an appeal ation laws. He will not go to court because and fought his case. He could have gone he knows full well that we would get a fuil to the Taxation Assessment TribunaL If disclosure not only of the money he made; dissatisfied with its decision he could have out of his mammoth share transactions but gone to the court. He could have fought of where he got the money from in the the case through the High Court and, if first place and how, on the relatively meagre necessary, before the Privy CounciL salary of a Minister at the time, he was able I believe every Queenslander should be to engage in such mammoth share specul­ told that the Commissioner of Taxation was ation. We proba,b!y might hear o.f such things not the final arbiter in the case, as has been as placement shares-shares that are set claimed by the former Leader of the Opposi­ aside in any company to be allotted by the tion and his stooges, inside this Chamber directors of that company. Those shares and outside of it. The final arbiters were can be handed out for nothing or at a very the courts of Australia in accordance with small premium and they are handed out the taxation laws of Australia, as passed by very wealthy and influential companies by Federal Governments down the years. for services rendered to them by various If the Leader of the Opposition was such people. It is not an unusual thing in the a sea-green incorruptible, such a shrinking company world for the directors of a company violet and perfumed pansy in this matter, I to make an allocation of placement shares­ want to know, and the people of Queensland say, 1,000 placement shares at lOs. or £1 each want to know, why he has not used his -to a certain person who has rendered that right of appeaL Why has he not gone to company some service, even though those the courts and said, "I challenge the decision shares are listed on the Stock Exchange at up of the Commissioner of Taxation naming me to £10 each at the time. There is nothing to as a share trader and a tax defaulter"? stop that man from immediately selling for I think I express the opinion held by most £10 the shares that he; obtained for lOs or people in Queensland when I say that he £1. has not exercised his right of appeal and I want to know where the former Leader has not gone to the courts because he of the Opposition got the money to engage knows that if the case came before the in these mammoth share speculations. Up to courts it would be heard in open court, the time of defalcation covered by his tax and all the circumstances surrounding it transactions, I am positive from my own would be published for the world to read. knowledge-and I live just as frugally as the Th:1t is why has not gone to the courts. former Leader of the Opposition-that he 11onestly and sincerely believe that there could not have done it on his parliam(:ntary are things associated with his mammoth or ministerial salary. H he wants to prove share transactions that he has every reason that I am perhaps judging him rather harshly, to hide. the·n let him lodge an appeal to one of the I want to draw the attention of the courts and have the whole case ventilated. Committee to the fact that not so very long If the Government wants this done, let it appoint a Royal Commission to go into the ago-a few years ago-the hon. member whole of the matter. It is my opinion that for Fassifern was in exactly the same posi­ tion. He was named as a tax defaulter the former Leader of the Opposition will at a time when he was much closer to make men like Tom Foley appear to be in the "throne" than was the former Leader of the rag-picker class. the Opposition, because at that time he was One thing that has sickened me and the the Deputy Leader of the Country Party. people of Townsville-and I assume that If anything had happened to the Premier to what sickens the people of Townsville will cause him to relinquish his office the hon. sicken the people of Queensland, because they member for Fassifern would almost auto­ are just ordinary citizens of the State, the matically have become the Premier of this same as are those who live elsewhere-is State. Compared with those of the former all the whingeing and howling--and I under­ Leader of the Opposition, the tax defalcations stand some of it took place today-about of the hon. member for Fassifern were in Mr. Duggan's mother being left with some the peanut class. I invite hon. members children following the death of her husband. to go to the centre table of the Chamber That is a tragic thing, but he is not the and read in printed "Hansard" what the only man to whom that has happened. There 934 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

must be thousands of men in Queensland He would disagree with Jack Egerton, but I whose mothe·rs were left with young children doubt if he would disagree with Edgar because of the death or departure of the Williams. I doubt if he would openly criticise father, the bread-winner. My father left us any article in "The Worker", any more than when I was four years of age and my sister some of the "Moscow mob" would come out was two years of age, but, I never squealed and openly disagree with any article that about that whenever I got into trouble or appeared in "The Tribune". But I have the did anything wrong. I accepted what was guts and the ability to disagree with anybody coming to me. I did not break into a howl at all at any time, and I think all hon. and argue the fact that my mother was members would agree that no-one can tie a left with three children. I did not parade knot in my tongue. my wife's various illnesses-! do not know Mrs• .Jordan interjected. that she· had any, but if she had kidney disease or diptiptis or warts on the torso, I would not Mr. AIKENS: The hon. member for bring that forward as an argument why Ipswich West interjected. I say to her in all preferential treatment should be extended charity that if she would only keep her feet on to me. What has that to do with the rest of the ground and stop lime-lighting and bring Queensland? the circumference of her cranium back to I feel very sorry for Mrs. Duggan, the wife normal proportions she would be a much of the former Leader of the Opposition, in better member than she has been up to date. whatever it is that she suffers from. Indeed, "Sunday Truth" came out and said, "What she has my deepest sympathy and condol­ would have happened if Mr. Duggan had ences. My only objecti

Mr. AIKENS: I will sav that I have the Mr. Mann: You know he has already paid guts and ability to disagree with anyone the tax and has no right of appeal now. whom I think I should disagree with. That Mr. AIKENS: If he has paid his taxation, is more than the hon. member for South it is a clear admission that everything the Brisbane can say. He may have the guts Commissioner of Taxation charged him with and he may have the ability, but I doubt is correct. It is an admission that he is a whether he would disagree with some of the tax defaulter, that he is a trader in shares, people I disagree with. He would be afraid and that he has not the guts to go to the of the repercussions. court, because he could have gone to the Mr. Walsh: He would disagree with Jack court long before he paid his tax. So that Egerton. the hon. member for Brisbane, who by the way is not exactly a blood-brother of the Mr. AIKENS: I know he would. I know former Leader of the Opposition. may be that he is not a "Moscow man", and I shall sorry that he made that interjection. That deal with that aspect of his party later on. is the point. Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 935

It does not matter whether the former by the Commissioner of Taxation, and Leader of the Opposition made a loss or a knowing that within a few months he would profit; the law of the land, which the hon. be forced to resign the Premiership and member for South Brisbane and the rest of bring his party into electoral disgrace. If us are pledged to uphold, prescribes that no he knew that-and no doubt he did-he had matter in what business a person engages, the greatest temerity to lead the Australian if he makes a profit he must declare it and Labour Party at the last State election. He pay tax on it. If a person buys and sells, had the temerity to go forth on the high­ whether it is land, or property, or shares, or ways and byways and say, "The Labour anything else, there comes a point of time Party is an honourable and decent party, when someone has to decide whether he is and I am their honourable and decent merely an investor or whether he is a trader. leader. Elect me and the Labour Party to The only person who can make-I repeat power". He did that knowing that within these words-that primary decision is the the next couple of months he would be Commissioner of Taxation. His primary publicly branded as a tax defaulter of the decision that a person is a trader and not an first magnitude. investor is, as I said, open to appeal, and any person who feels he has been dealt with With the exit of the hon. member for unjustly has the right to go to the court and Toowoomba West from the leadership of have the matter cleared up once and for all. the Parliamentary Labour Party, there fol­ lowed the most depraved and undignified I point out to members of the Australian scramble for his position that has ever taken Labour Party, who should represent the place in any political party. working class, although everybody knows they don't, that no worker can diddle the Mr. Walsh: What do you think of Mr. Commissioner of Taxation. Every penny Milliner's advice? the worker earns is shown on his group certi­ Mr. AIKENS: In reply to the hon. mem­ ficate, a duplicate of which is sent to the ber for Bundaberg, I may say that it is Taxation Department. He must pin the hard to determine where the small fry at the original of the group certificate to his Trades Hall fit into the picture. No-one income-tax return, and he must pay tax on knows better than the hon. member for every penny shown on that group certificate. Bundaberg that there is only one boss of It is only the person who does a little buying the Labour Party in Queensland today, and and selling, and a little bit of business on that is a gentleman named Jack Egerton. the side in addition to earning his salary, I suppose he graciously gave Milliner per­ who can sometimes diddle the Commissioner mission to make that statement, just as he of Taxation. gave Whitby or some other person permis­ Let us have an end to these goings-on. I sion to make a statement the other day. feel sure the hon. member for Brisbane will With the scramble going on for leader­ tell this to the former Leader of the Oppo­ ship, down came word from the Trades Hall sition in conference over a drink or two at that it was to be Tucker for Leader and a hotel, probably while they are having din­ Houston to remain as Deputy Leader. Those ner together for which I feel sure the hon. who were opposed to the "Moscow mob" member for Brisbane will pick up the chit, closed their ranks; I wonder why they did because they are so friendly. Let us have not do it before. When all is said and done, an end to all this weeping and whining and the anti-Moscow mob in the Parliamentary snivelling. Let him say, "I had a go. I Labour Party were spread all over the place missed, and I am prepared to accept my like piccaninnies' footprints on the plain. penalty", and say no more about it. But they closed their ranks and said, "Don't Mr. Mann: He has already said that. let us have a scramble for leadership. Let us get behind Pat Hanlon". The moment Mr. AIKENS: Only after he told us that happened, the "Egerton boys", to use about his wife's kidney complaint and how the vernacular used out Warrego and his mother was left to rear young children, Gregory way, got the wind up and said, and all about the Commissioner of Taxation "Tucker can't beat Hanlon. Let's go for being an uncharitable, brutal, callous oaf Houston". Even then they were in doubt of a man who did not give him a fair go because they really thought there were some and who could have been more charitable men in the Labour Party who had the and taken into account the fact that he was interests of their party at heart. They really leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party thought that there were men previously in and the coming Premier of the State. the "Moscow mob" who wanted to get the Here is something for the hon. members Labour Party back on the Treasury benches. for Brisbane and South Brisbane to think They did not realise the bitter enmity between about. Only a few months ago the hon. the two factions. member for Toowoomba West led the Whilst there is a disagreement between the Labour Party at the State election. If, by "Young Turks" back-bench members of the some strange chance, the electors had Liberal Party and those in more elevated returned the Labour Party to power, he positions in it, and disagreement between the would have accepted the office of Premier of Country Party and the Liberal Party, there is the State, knowing that the sword of plain undisguised hatred between the factions Damocles was suspended over his head of the Labour Party. It is not an uncommon 936 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

thing to hear the word "bastard" used Baroona, as its Leader. The three men to between members of one section of the whom I refer are Mr. Duggan (the hon. Labour Party and those of another section. member for Toowoomba West), Mr. O'Donnell (the hon. member for Barcoo) The hon. member for Tablelands is laugh­ and Mr. Davies (the hon. member for ing uproariously, as he usually does. I will Maryborough). I really thought they would teH the story one of these days of the two line up with the 12 who were pledged to union tickets he had when he was in the support Pat Hanlon. But we found, when Railway Department. He used to buy a the figures went up, that the hon. member union ticket in the A.R.U. as well as a for Maryborough, the hon. member for union ticket in the A.F.U.L.E. so that if Barcoo and the hon. member for the A.R.U. was in industrial strife he could Toowoomba West voted with the "Moscow say, "Now, look, I am not going to be in mob". In case there is any doubt about it, that. I am in the A.F.U.L.E.", and if the I propose to read the names of the 12 men A.F.U.L.E. was in industrial strife he could who voted for Mr. Hanlon so that their say, "I am not going to be in that. I am in names can be inscribed in the pages of the A.R.U." "Hansard" and so that those who run may I might say that such an exchange of read. pleasantries, if I may refer to them as such, occurred in the Dining Room recently Mr. Walsh: How did you become pos­ between the former Leader of the Opposi­ sessed of this information? tion and the former deputy Leader-one said "Bastard", and the other said, "Same Mr. AIKENS: Fancy the hon. member to you"-yet this is the Party that claims for Bundaberg asking me that! He came there is only mild disagreement among its into this Parliament before I did; he had a members. Well! period out of it while I was still here. Even It was really expected-frankly, although when he was a Minister of the Crown, even I was not here (I was in my electorate; and when he was the tyrannical despot of the the people knew where I was)-- Labour Party for some years, as he was, I got information about him that astonished Mr. Bennett: Were you selling tickets in him, and I think he will admit that. the sweep? Tell us what you got out of it? These are the 12 men who really want Mr. AIKENS: To be quite candid, I do to see the Labour Party back on the not know anything about the sweep to which Treasury benches and who know that the the hon. member is referring. I do not only chance they have is to put an "anti­ think the hon. member for Townsville North Moscow-mob" man in as Leader of the will deny that if the shemozzle had not party: Hanlon, Hanson, Thackeray, Lloyd, occurred in the Labour Party, he would Dufficy, Mann, Byrne, Donald, Graham, have been in Townsville with me all last Wood, Harris, and Bennett. They ~re the week, because on Tuesday, Wednesday and 12 who placed the party before the1r own Thursday nights respectively I attended personal vindictiveness. The other 14, speech nights M the Technical College, including the "old Bolshie from Barcoo", Townsville High, and Pimlico High-three in including the hon. member for Mary­ a row-on Monday night I was at a meet­ borough, and including the former Leader ing of the Townsville Choral Society, and of the Opposition, swung over to the on Friday night I assisted in the opening of "Moscow mob" to ensure the election of the a new church at Aitkenvale. That is some­ hon. member for Bulimba as Leader of the thing that the hon. member for South Labour Party in this House. Brisbane is not prepared to do. He can attend, but no-one will let him take up the Mr. Mann: What has it got to do with you'? collection. That is where I was last week. Mr. AIKENS: That is a typical interjection As I said, the shemozzle occurred in the from the Labour Party today, and they Labour Party. I really thought that at least wonder why it is that the people will not three men would place the party before trust them and will not vote for them. The their own personal vindictiveness and realise Labour Party has always exercised the right that if the Labour Party is ever going to -I give it this inalienable right-to criticise regain the Treasury benches in this any party or the workings of any party. Chamber-I am going to give them some That is all right. I would be the last to take very good advice if they have the wit to that right from it, but the moment anybody realise it and the courage to adopt it-it else says anything about the Labou_r Party, ha~ no possible chance of doing so while the its members immediately throw the1r hands Red-Trades Hall-Moscow mob are in con­ up in !he air and say, "What has it got to trol of the party, both outside and inside do with you?" It is my duty to tell the this Parliament. I really thought that at people of this State the truth, and t~e whole least three men would realise that the only truth about Parliament and everythmg con­ chance the Labour Party might have-it is nect~d with it, and while I am here I will a pretty tenuous chance, I will admit, but continue to do that. nevertheless it is a chance-of getting back onto the Treasury benches lay in the elec­ Mr. Wallis-Smith: Like the truth you told tion of Pat Hanlon, the hon. member for about me. Supply [18 OcTOBER] Supply 937

Mr. AIKENS: Anybody can bring down a five and received an over-all majority. In document when he has written it himself. 1963, when my party decided more or less to I could do that too. I will ask the hon. rest on its oars and see how good the Labour member to produce his A.R.U. or A.F.U.L.E. Party was, believe it or not the Labour ticket. All he did in the railways was to candidate defeated me in three of those six dodge industrial trouble, no matter who dyed-in-the-wool booths, but again I had an started it. The only time he took part in any industrial action was when the A.R.U. over-all majority of 180 in those six booths and the A.F.U.L.E. decided to combine in that had voted Labour since the blacks were action, and I suppose he then decided to buy bad. a ticket in the A.W.U. On the last occasion, because of the These are the men who claim, as the hon. remarks made by the hon. member for member for Brisbane claims, that I have no Townsville North after the 1963 election, right to say anything about the Labour Party. namely, "The A.L.P. in Townsville has The Labour Party has an unlimited right to Aikens by the throat and at next election say anything about me. I do not deny them we will drive him out of Parliament," my that right, because I realise something that party decided to put a little bit of effort, time the hon. member for Brisbane does not and money into the campaign. We did not realise, that is, that a man's best friend is a spend very much and we did not do very candid critic. The hon. member has not the much. As a horseman of quite some note, courage to face up to it. So I say to this Mr. Rae, you could say that we barely got hopeless, helpless, disorganised, bitter, venom­ out of an amble, we certainly did not get ous, vicious rabble masquerading as a Labour into a full gallop. When the figures went Party that if they want to become the up it was revealed that I had won the seat by Government of this State again they will have well over 4,000, and for some time I was to get the Red mob off their shoulders, both more than two to one in the lead of my inside and outside of this House. Nobody A.L.P. opponent. I think the Labour knows that better than the men in the Labour candidate beat me by nine votes in Stuart Party, but they have not the courage to face and 11 votes at the Waterside Workers' Hall. up to it. Twelve of them have, but the In those six dyed-in-the-wool Labour booths other 14 have not. on the south side I had a majority of nearly 700. If those six dyed-in-the-wool Labour Mr. Melloy: If there is any no-hoper booths on the south side constituted the speech to be made in this Chamber you will make it. whole of the electorate of Townsville South I would still be the member for that elec­ Mr. AIKENS: When a fellow is speaking torate in this Chamber. to "no-hopers" such as the hon. member for whatever electorate has the misfortune to be It is a bitter pill the Labour Party cannot represented by him, that is the thing to do. swallow that on each occasion the railway­ men, wharfies and meatworkers who live Mrs. Jordan interjected. on the south side vote for Tom Aikens in preference to a good Labour candidate like Mr. AIKENS: Here is the megacephalic Arthur Trower. In 1963 I beat him in those member for Ipswich West bellowing out once six booths by a reasonably moderate over-all more. I hope she is not again talking through number. This time, after our party spent her bonnet. a little bit of effort on the campaign, I left Now let me give the Chamber some idea him for dead. What happened in the other of what standing I have among the working booths such as Mundingburra? At that class in Townsville so that hon. members centre we won by 1,500 votes to 500; at may get some idea of whether or not I am Hermit Park we won by 1,400 to 400; at competent to make these remarks. In the Aitkenvale we won by 1,200 to 400. The 1959 redistribution, the big problem with the margins at the other booths is anybody's redistribution of seats in Townsville was business. where the dyed-in-the-wool Labour southside would go. Prior to 1959 George Keyatta When I speak of being a Labour repre­ had some of it and Colin McCathie had the sentative, I think I can claim to be a better rest. In the 1959 redistribution, when it was Labour representative than many members decided to cut Townsville into two seats, of the Australian Labour Party. If the hon. there was the problem of what to do with member for Clayfield were here, as a former six polling booths on the southside that had Federal member for that area in Townsville, voted solidly Labour since Robert Towns he would admit the lacing he used to get used to come up the creek with his cargo of there. I think the hon. member for Towns­ blackbirds. ville North will agree that the Herbert electorate will be won or lost in those six When the boundaries were finally gazetted, booths in South Townsville. I believe that, lo and behold, I had these six dyed-in-the­ as they always have done, they will again wool Labour booths in my electorate. vote Labour. They will vote for any Labour Believe it or not, in the 1960 election my candidate, except when I am the candidate opponent, Bill Edmonds, who had been opposed to Labour. politically discredited-! have nothing to say against him personally-beat me in one l\1r. Bennett: By jove, Tom, you are a of those six booths. I beat him in the other modest man! 938 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. AIKENS: One of these days I shall the years to sentence these human animals overcome my reticence and be able to make to a term of imprisonment, and with our the speech that perhaps I would desire to benevolent, and I should say mush-gutted, make. Parole Board, the moment they have served I should now like to deal with something half the sentence imposed on them they are that is of interest to all the people. I made turned loose on the community to repeat a very long telecast on this issue during the their foul deeds. last election campaign. People say to me, The figures I have had taken out show that "You are prepared to say things in Parlia­ in Australia the percentage of recidivists in ment under the privilege of Parliament that people who commit sexual offences against you are not game to say from the public children is as high as 82. I point out that a platform". Anybody who knows me knows recidivist is a person who commits the same how false that is. On this occasion I did crime two or three, or more, times. We have not bother to say anything from the public read in the newspapers, and in other sources, platform; I did not use the public platform some shocking cases concerning men v.ho during the last election campaign. The have gone to gaol for raping little children, Labour Party did, and it also and sometimes murdering them, and of their arranged for a Communist candidate being released only to rape and murder little named Bishop to run against me. He children soon afterwards. was out every afternoon for 11 weeks conducting a campaign on the street corners I am sick and tired of this sort of thing. with a big loud-speaker system, hurling all I appealed to the people, not only in Towns­ the filth and abuse in the world at me and ville South but all over Townsville, and all saying, "Don't vote for Aikens. Put Aikens people cov'ered by T.N.Q.7 (which I think last on the ballot paper. Vote for Bishop on some days can be received in Cairns, and first, Trower second, and Aikens last". extends out past Charters Towers) to support me in my plea for the castration of any The Q.C.E. decided that the second prefer­ sexual offender against a child. I know that ences of the A.L.P. were to go to the the hon. member for South Brisbane disagrees Communist candidate in preference to me. with that plea; he does not believe in the When the whole matter was exposed in the mutilation of the criminal's body. He is not northern Press and the good Labour sup­ a bit concerned about the mutilation that the porters were still reeling from the shock, criminal inflicts on the little child's body. about a fortnight later the Q.C.E., realising That does not concern him in the least. He the desperate position it was in, said it was is concerned only with protecting the all a misunderstanding and that it was giving criminal from mutilation by the surgeon's its No. 2 preferences to me. knife. Perhaps the hon. member for Townsville I came out openly on a television pro­ North can enlighten me on this point. When gramme and asked the people if they agreed the Commuist candidate's loud-speaker broke with me. If hon. members had seen the down and Bishop and his henchmen were women and children go into the booths a hurling abuse at me, the A.L.P. made its couple of days later-I made this speech on loud-speaker available to him. Whether it the Wednesday night, and polling day was did or not, he polled very strongly! As a the following Saturday-! think they would matter of fact, he got an astonishing number agree with me that the women of this State, of votes; of the 15,000 electors who almost to a woman-and I would say 70 went to the poll he got 192 votes! per cent. of the men-want to have these While many people in the A.L.P. walk human monsters castrated. in fear and trembling of the Commun­ ists, that demonstrates how strong they are Mr. Bennett: The only fallacy in that when they come face to face with opposition argument is that they did not watch you on in a strong industrial centre like Townsville, television. where there is a Communist Party secretariat and paid officials who control and master the Mr. AIKENS: The only tragedy is that big unions in the Labour electorates of someone whom I knew very well in the West, Townsville. Out of 15,000 votes the Com­ and whom I held in high regard, was not munist candidate polled a magnificent 192 castrated about 45, 46, or 47 years ago. votes! Yet hon. members opposite are scared I have papers taken out on this subject, to death of the Communists. The moment and a lot of information has been gleaned they look at them they start to get wavy at for me by many people. Many European the knees and say, "What do you want us to countries, West Germany in particular, have do? Tell us, and we will be happy to do it". faced up to the fact that there is only one I have previously raised the matter of sex cure for the sexual attacker of little children. offences against children. I am not talking There are three phases, namely, psychiatric about the ordinary rapist of adults, although treatment, brain surgery, and castration. hon. members know my viewpoint on that When I raised this question here some years subject. I am dealing now with perhaps the ago the late Dr. Noble said it was possible most loathsome and detestable animal who now for a castrated person to insert a ever lived-the man who seizes a little child synthetic testicle subcutaneously in his arm and molests, rapes and violates, and some­ or thigh and still perform the sexual act. times kills her. It has been the practice over That claim has been disproved by overseas Supply (18 OCTOBER] Supply 939 people, who claim that the desire has gone Mr. Bern1ett: Are you seeking the mutila­ even though the ability to do it is there. tion penalty for them? We hear talk about castrated people who will attack children. I have had figures Mr. AIKENS: For shop-lifters? taken out on this subject and they show that Mr. Bennett: Yes, and other types of castration has been practised in Mediterranean offenders. and other countries not for years, but for centuries. Males are castrated at birth, or at Mr. AIKENS: Why should I advocate any age at all. While it is true that many castration for shop-lifters? "W nat the hell eunuchs in those countries have obtained is the hon. member talking about? Is he positions of eminence-some have reached having another one of his spasms? I will a posiiion almost next to the sultan, or have say this: because of the way our law has become great military leaders or great been administered, and because of the Innes scholars; some have become homosexuals­ case, which is a startling case in point, the there is not one recorded instance in all reputation of the !ega] profession and the the centuries since castration has been prac­ judiciary in Queensland has never been at tised in those countries of a eunuch attacking a lower ebb. a young woman or child. That is the argu­ ment against the handful of medical prac­ Mr. BENNETT: I rise to a point of order. titioners who always rush in to protect the I do not think it is right for a case in sex criminal. progress to be referred to in such a dis­ I hope that before this session ends I shall honest fashion. have an opportunity to deal with the punish­ The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. ment that should be imposed on certain types of criminals, particularly recidivist Rae): Order! I ask the hon. member for Townsville South to refmin from mentioning rapists and others who threaten! the sanctity that case. of our women and children. Let us face the fact that these human dogs attack those who are least able to defend themselves­ Mr. AIKENS: I was not going to deal women and children. with any aspect of the case, but merely with the way it is being dragged on and on. Mr. Walsh: Do not defame the dog. Mr. Bennett interjected. Mr. AIKENS: I am glad the hon. member for Bundaberg called my attention to that Mr. AIKENS: I have the guts to get up fact. I apologise to the dogs, because dogs on a public platform and say these things, would not do what some of these so-called and if a Royal Commision was ever held human beings do. The moment a person into anything that I say e-ither in this does it, however, he has most of the Charnbe·r or out of it, I would have the psychiatrists, the psychologists, the do­ guts to go into the witness box and give gooders, and the mamby-pampy people evidence. That is more than the bon. member rushing to his aid and saying, "This for South Brisbane is prepared to do. I am poor man is not a criminal. He is not going to enlarge on this aspect of my suffering from a disease and should go into speech; I hope to have an opportunity to hospital. He should not go to gaol. He deal with it later. should receive treatment from soft-handed nurses and doctors and sit in a garden and I now refer to the statement made by Mr. look at the flowers and listen to the radio" Justice Hart. Here again I say that the and all that sort of thing. That has bee~ people are getting sick and tired of double fed to our people so long that some believe talk by judges when they discriminate it. between those whom they consider to be criminals and those whom they consider Let us face the fact that this problem not to be criminals. There is nothing must be grappled with quickly. I have accidental about drunkenness, because a man addressed many meetings here; I am address­ lifts the glass to his mouth and drinks ing three more meetings here this month. deliberately. He does not accidentally put and there are only 13 days left in this month. his foot on the accelerator. Drunken-driving I deal with this matter on every conceivable combines deliberate drinking and deliberate occasion and I am arousing public feeling driving. towards my view that the only effective treat­ ment for these people is the surgeon's knife. Mr. BENNETT: I rise to a point of order. I Mr. Bennett: What would you do with a Again think it is only right and proper shop-lifter? that on(l of our greatest instrumentalities should not be unfairly attacked under parli­ Mr. AIKENS: I am a little sympathetic mentary privilege. Neither Mr. Justice Hart to the shop-lifter. The way goods are dis­ nor any other Supreme Court judge is allowed played is an enticement to the shop-lifter. to deal with charges of drunken-driving; they The big chain stores are almost agents pro­ are matters for the inferior courts., vocateur. Of course, that still does not excuse a person who becomes a shop-lifter because, when all is said and done, they are The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. as much agents provocateur to all of us and Rae): Order! The hon. member is quite in we are not shop-lifters. order at the moment. 940 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. BENNEIT: I am saying that 1 do not Mr. AIK.ENS: The hon. member for South think Parliament should be used as a weapon Brisbane would not be here; he would be at to attack the judiciary when what is stated the court defending a criminal from the is completely untrue. Judges have· not the South or endeavouring to get some other right to deal with charges of what is com­ dubious char.acter "off the hook". monly known as drunken-driving. I may have forgotten to mention-it is very difficult to make a speech in this Chamber Mr. AIKENS: I am dealing with charges with the hon. member for South Brisbane of manslaughter, dangerous driving causing sounding off and Jimelighting and big-noting death, dangerous driving causing grievous himself all the time-that in West Germany bodily harm, and dangerous driving as a and other European countries that have result of drunken-driving. We have become adopted the three-pronged attack on sexual accustomed to the hon. member for South offenders against children, that is, psychiatric Brisbane standing up in this Chamber and treatment, brain surgery, and castration, the crawling to the judiciary in the hope of winning rate of recidivism for that offence has dropped a case now and again. If he wants to say to 2 · 3 per cent. In Australia it is 82 per these things, let him say them outside and cent.; in more-advanced, modern countries not befoul and besmirch this Chamber by that are dealing with the problem fearlessly his sycophantic and obsequious attitude. He and openly, it is 2 per cent. Is it not better could not win one more case than he does that we should do something to protect be·cause he does not get very many to conduct. women and children rather than adopt the We are sick and tired of the double talk attitude of the hon. member for South of judges who say that one man is a criminal, Brisbane that the criminal is the only person yet another (who deliberately gets drunk, who is entitled to our pity, our mercy, our drives dangerously, and kills another person compassion, and our consideration, and that and is found guilty of the serious crime of the protection of the criminal should be driving dangerously causing death) is not a our only aim? criminal but is merely guilty of negligence Mr. CAMPBELL (Aspley) (4.56 p.m.): My and consequently should not be punished as contribution to the debate may be considered if he were a criminal. as a change from the sublime to the common­ Mr. Bennett: That is a deliberate lie. No place. judge has said that. I say that quite Since I have been a member of this conscientiously. Assembiy, I cannot rem_ember a Budget debate in which the Opposition has launi;hed The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. such a colourless and ineffective attack as Rae): Order! I think the hon. member for it has during this debate. When a Treasurer South Brisbane should withdraw that increases charges, naturally they become a statement. target for criticism, but obvious criticisms such as that seem to be all that the Opposition Mr. BENNEIT: I did not call anybody a is capable of on this occasion. The comments liar; I said, "That is a deliberate lie," referring of hon. members opposite have been devoid to the claim that a judge said that a man who of constructive criticism, and one is left with deliberately gets himself intoxicated cannot the feeling that their heart is not in the be considered to be a criminal. That is debate, that perhaps they have lost the will obviously untrue. to fight. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. I realise that the Labour Party has its Rae): Order! The hon. member must with­ problems at present, but I do. not t_hink that draw his statement. the ineptness it has shown m th1s debate and which is in evidence generally stems Mr. BENNETT: If the word "lie" is from those problems. Rather do I__think offensive to your sensitivity, Mr. Rae, I shall it has been brought about by the sten!Ity of use the words, "It is a deliberate and violent thought that now pervades the Labour Party, untruth." a sterility that is the p-roduct of the mbreed­ ing that has been going on in the party for Mr. AIKENS: Now we know why the the past 10 years. As a result ?f that people are disgusted with the legal system inbreeding, the Labour Party IS an . mward­ of this State when this is the sort of thing looking party, devoid of any suggestwn of a that goes on in the courts, for which barris­ bold or positive approach to modern-day ters charge 100 guineas a day. The statement problems, and still relying on outworn and to which I refer was made in "The Courier­ class-conscious policies. Mail" by His Honour Mr. Justice Hart before he sentenced a drunken killer to a paltry The events of the past few days, with eight months' imprisonment. the change in leadership of the party, have caused considerable disquiet amongst people Mr. Bennett I challenge you to produce outside Parliament, and no doubt all of us that statement. who move in fairly wide circles have heard concern expressed by people at the gradual Mr. AIKENS: Let the hon. member come erosion of the leadership in the Labour down to my office and I shall show it to him. Party. To be specific, the public of this Mr. Bennett: You produce it to Parliament. State are bewildered because the hon. member Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 941 for Kedron was sidetracked when the position record in this country of labour-management of Leader of the Opposition was recently relations. As a company it has provided redetermined. All hon. members are aware amemtJes second to none. It has gone to that the position of Her Majesty's Leader great pains to see that the work force at of the Opposition in Parliament is a very Mt. Isa is kept contented by providing it high one, and that it should not be dealt with all the amenities one would expect with capriciously. I think it is fair to say in a suburban community. I do not say that the hon. member for Kedron has served that Mount lsa Mines Limited has done a fairly good apprenticeship as Deputy Leader this out of the goodness of its heart; for of the Opposition and there seemed to be sure there is a self-interest in it. But let general acceptance of the fact that he would no-one say that Mount Isa Mines Limited succeed to the position of Leader if circum­ is a harsh or oppressive employer. The stances changed. State is still suffering from the financial I repeat that there is complete bewilder­ results of that previom industrial trouble. ment amongst people outside because of the During the strike and after it hon. members way in which he has been relegated to a opposite were at great pains to champion minor position in his party. I think it is the cause of those who fomented and fair to say that the hon. member for Kedron initiated that dispute. I referred to this possesses the entitlement, the qualifications, matter in a speech which is reported in the ability and the experience to fulfil the "Hansard" No. 241. It is timely to remind position of leadership. It is also fair to say hon. members of the information which I that his prestige and standing in the com­ gave in the debate on 7 September, 1965, munity generally is high and the people of when I said­ Queensland are wondering why a person of "I now wish to raise a matter which his calibre has been passed over for leader­ is a sequel to the recent industrial trouble ship of the party. I have been asked on at Mt. Isa. It revolves around the recent innumerable occasions if he was passed over visit of Messrs. Egerton (President) and because of any misdemeanour on his part or Macdonald (Secretary) of the Queensland as a result of outside pressure being placed Trades and Labour Council, together with upon the party. Mr. Arnell and Mr. Devereux, who visited Mt. Isa from Friday, 13 August to Tues­ Mr.. Davies: Did you tell them that you day, 17 August last, ostensibly in con­ would be an authority? nection with re-employment of certain men Mr. CAMPBELL: No, I am not in a by Mount Isa Mines Ltd. position to tell them I am an authority but "As this matter is the subject of an I think the public of Queensland are entitled appeal to the Industrial Court, everyone to an explanation of this most amazing about­ knows that nothing can be done until face by the Labour Party. I think it calls for the appeal is determined. What then was a forthright statement from the newly elected the real reason for this visit? Reliable Leader of the Australian Labour Party, to information suggests that the reason was meet public disquiet on the matter. to endeavour to obtain from Mr. Bevan Foot, Secretary of the local Trades and Recent events in Mt. Isa, as reported in Labour Council which acted as the Dis­ the daily Press, also call for an explanation putes Committee at Mt. Isa, receipt books of the situation that is developing in that in an endeavour to find or trace the town. I think it also is something that the whereabouts of an amount of approx­ Leader of the Opposition might be expected imately £6,000 about which the Brisbane to explain. I refer to the problem that is Trades and Labour Council is very con­ developing in trade union circles there and cerned, money contributed to the Mt. Isa the endeavour that is being made to introduce Industrial Dispute Relief Fund which can­ a type of union control similar to that which not be accounted for." prevails at Broken Hill. I went on to describe the inquiries which During the past four years, hon. members union officials were making during their opposite at every opportunity endeavoured to visit to Mt. Isa in an endeavour to trace place the blame for the tragic events that this deficiency. Of course, I made certain occurred at Mt. Isa on the shoulders of references to the part that Mr. Pat Mackie members of the Government. played in this dispute which union officials Mr. Davies: There is a trade union congress had gone to Mt. Isa to investigate. All going on; what about going up and explaining of this is past history now, but the damage the situation to them? to the economy still remains. To this day no evidence has been brought forward to Mr. CAMPBELL: I appreciate such an refute the claims I made in that speech invitation and I thank the hon. member for about the inquiry which the officials of the Maryborough for obtaining it for me. In Trades and Labour Council of Queensland condemning these charges that were made when they visited Mt. Isa. Again, I improperly levelled against us, we pointed think the public is entitled to an explanation out that the trouble in Mt. Isa, resulted by the Leader of the Opposition of the not from the legislation passed in this present developments. Who would be better Chamber but from the industrial anarchy acquainted with those developments than the that had developed in that town and action Leader of the Opposition? I think the public taken against a company with a very proud is also entitled to know what personalities 942 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

are associated with these recent moves to Lord Mayoralty. A person would have to form an Industrial Council at Mt. Isa, and stretch his imagination to the limit to believe whether they are the same people who were that newspaper representatives happened to responsible for promoting the previous be on the spot coincidentally with this calamitous industrial trouble. I think it expression of goodwill. It is quite obvious fair to say that if the same evil forces are that the Lord Mayor organised this as a at work resolute steps ·should be taken to political stunt to gain further cheap publicity. nip in the bud any proposal for industrial Mr. Pizzey: Television, too. anarchy similar to that which occurred in 1963. In short, I think the public is entitled Mr. CAMPBELL: Yes, and television; the to know just who runs the show at Mt. Isa whole lot were there. So it was not a now, and also if the current developments spontaneous gesture on the part of the portend any industrial upheaval similar to Town Clerk; it was a preconceived idea of the former tragic strike. Perhaps we may the Lord Mayor who organised T.V., Press, be able to have a statement by the Leader and radio coverage of this announcement. of the Opposition or, if not by him, at lea·st by the President of the Trades and Labour Mr. Lee: The only thing that went wrong Council or some other responsible industrial was that he made the announcement when representative. Lyndon Johnson was coming. Passing from that serious problem I now Mr. CAMPBELL: I suppose he tried to wish to make some comments pertaining to outdo the prominence which the Press gave the publication in "The Telegraph" of 11 President Johnson's visit to this country. It October 1966 of a photograph of the Town is bad enough when a Town Clerk publicly Clerk of Brisbane offering his congratulations congratulates a candidate for political to Mr. Clem Jones, the Lord Mayor of honours on his decision to accept re-endorse­ Brisbane, on his decision to submit his nomi­ ment by his party, but this photograph takes nation once again as a candidate for the Lord on a more sinister aspect when it is remem­ Mayor's office in Brisbane. Let me say first bered that at past council elections the Town that I appreciate that a close bond could Clerk has acted as returning officer. have developed between the Lord Mayor and Mr. Melloy: You are not suggesting any­ the Town Clerk because of their close pro­ thing, are you? fessional association over the last six years, and that this would be only natural. It is Mr. CAMPBELL: If the Town Clerk quite possible also that the Town Clerk may occupies that position in the next few months' rather work under the present Lord Mayor time he will act in a similar capacity. than under any other incumbent who may Mr. Melloy: Are you suggesting he may succeed him. I would agree also that after be biased? the rather premature disclosure by the Lord Mayor that he was again to be a candidate Mr. CAMPBELL: I am not suggesting; for the Lord Mayoralty the Town Clerk I am stating most emphatically that the spontaneously might have wanted to wish him Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Alderman Clem well in his campaign, and I do not think any­ Jones, has placed the Town Clerk, who, we one could disagree with that. But I am bound can assume, will be the returning officer at to say that in his avid desire for publicity the next municipal elections in this city, at any cost (or perhaps it was his desire to in a most compromising position. I am aware avoid th~ public gaze on another pressing of the lack of political morality possessed problem m the Labour Party at that time) the by Mr. Jones in seeking this cheap publicity. Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Mr. Clem Jones He acted with a singular lack of propriety whether wittingly or unwittingly, has placed in this regard. The bon. member for Nudgee the Town Clerk in a most compromisin" asked me if I was making any suggestions situation by the publication of this photo~ of anything improper. An unfair-minded graph. The Town Clerk is the permanent person could draw all sorts of inferences head of the Brisbane city administration and from the fact that the leader of the Labour is expected to preserve a neutral view in political team at the next council elections political matters. As an aside, I might repeat had his photograph taken with the person that I do not think there is any room in who is to be returning officer at that elec­ ~unicipal affairs for party politics, but that tion. A parallel case, if he occupies that 1s another story. The Town Clerk is expected position just prior to the next State elec­ to preserve a neutral attitude on political tions, would be the Premier's organising a matters. photograph being taken of his being pub­ licly congratulated by the Principal Electoral Mr. Pizzey: The best method of local Officer for this State. This photograph illus­ government is obtained without politics. trates the lack of political morality pos­ Mr. CAMPBELL: I quite agree with the sessed by the Lord Mayor who would stop Minister for Education that the best local at nothing to obtain cheap political government is obtained when politics are kept notoriety. out of it. The handshake which is the sub­ I congratulate the Treasurer on his Budget ject of this photograph is not a spontaneous and on the way in which he has courageously gesture on the part of the Town Clerk in faced up to an unusual set of adverse cir­ extending his congratulations to the Lord cumstances over which he has no control. Mayor on his decision to again stand for the He has approached them with a high degree Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 943 of resolution. I repeat that he has shown reason to complain about the considerate coura<>e in that he has been prepared to stick treatment it has received from the Federal his n;ck out in order to meet a situation of Government. Although we have not been emergency. He has been prepared to run satisfied with all that we have been given, the risk of criticism by those affected by I suppose that, human nature being w~at his actions and by the public generally. He it is, that is understandable; but I thmk has been prepared to take these risks it is very unfair and incorrect to say that because he believes that to do so is in the the Federal Government has disregarded interests of the State. the interests of Queensland and withheld The hon. member for Baroona funds that it should have made available to endeavoured, by the use of smart phrases, to the State. That is the second leg of the complaint of Sir Henry Bolte and Mr. Askin, discomfort the Treasurer, particularly in his because they complain very bitterly that the reference to the recent approaches by the Federal Government, realising the problems Premiers of New South Wales and Victoria of development in far distant areas to the Commonwealth Treasurer because of of Australia and wishing to render the financial predicament of those States. No assistance to them, has made available State or Federal Treasurer faces his budgetary special grants that have become very irksome requirements at present without great and to our friends in Victoria and New South weighty problems. Although I do not pre­ Wales. I heard someone say-it was not sume to speak for the Treasurer in this in this Chamber; I cannot recall where it matter-I know that he will speak most was-that some people in Victoria think forcibly for himself-! venture to say that that Northern Australia begins at Geelong. when these matters are examined early in the That is drawing the long bow, but the New Year, and it has been agreed that they Governments of New South Wales and will be, it will be found t.hat Queensland will Victoria are very jealous of their position not have been left out m the race, as has and sometimes become rather bitter when been suggested by the hon. member for they discuss the grants that have been made, Baroona. Queensland will have a very good particularly to Queensland and Western advocate in the Treasurer. Australia, for areas that show the greatest It is interesting to consider why Sir Henry promise for the future development of Bolte and Mr. Askin felt impelled to make Australia. fresh approaches to the Federal Treasurer. I have not the slightest doubt that when Their main complaint was that the formula the chips are down, far from being left agreed to when the financial agreement was out in the cold, the Treasurer will put an recently renewed was working against the equally strong case, or an even better case, interest of New South Wales and Victoria. and argue it with as much tenacity of If that be so, it stands to reason that it is purpose as the Premiers from our two sister not working against all States. Those who States will argue their cases. I say that the study these matters know that the formula Treasurer has shown courage in facing up confers a lot of benefits upon Queensland, to his responsibility to provide increased and those who negotiated the agreement on services for the State during a period of behalf of the State had our interests well in difficult economic circumstances. mind and obtained a very good deal. Of course, today it is common in financial It is very easy to be in Opposition. If matters to endeavour to pass the buck, and you agree with a measure, you can voice it is quite apparent that the buck always your agreement and say, "We agree with finishes in the lap of the Federal Treasurer. this, but it does not go far enough.", or, if you are opposed to it, you can oppose Mr. Davies: He deserves it, doesn't he? it right to the hilt, and you have no responsibility. Mr. CAMPBELL: Of course, the hon. member for Maryborough says that he Mr. Davies: You want us to believe that deserves it. That is an example of the paucity we are a poverty-stricken nation? of thinking that emanates from hon. members opposite when they discuss financial matters. Mr. CAMPBELL: The hon. member is They refer to the Federal Government as the doing the country a disservice when he "Big Brother" who has bulging pockets and says that Australia is a poverty-stricken dispenses his favours according to his whim. nation. In local government, State Government, or Mr. DAVIES: I rise to a point of order. Federal Government fields, we are all Aus­ I did not say we were a poverty-stricken tralians who contribute to a common pool. nation. I said that the hon. member wants It is evidence of negative thinking to believe us to believe that we are a poverty-stricken that the State can run to the Federal Gov­ nation. We are not a poverty-stricken ernment whenever it is confronted with nation, and the Labour Party believes that financial stress and expect the Federal there is plenty of money here to do the Treasurer to come to its aid. work. I suggest that the Treasurer believes Mr. Davies interjected. that, too. Mr. CAMPBELL: Despite the peurile Mr. CAMPBELL: I accept that very clear interruptions of the hon. member for Mary­ way in which the hon. member for Mary­ borough, I say that Queensland has no borough corrected the impression that he 944 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply gave me. I honestly believed that he said of the Teachers' Union. He holds a position that Australia was a poverty-stricken nation, ot responsibility in that union, and as such but I accept his correction. he speaks with a certain degree of authority. There is a very big paradox in the The Acting Principal of the Asp1ey High arguments put forward by the Opposition in s~hool, after having criticise-d the lack of this debate. As I have just mentioned, on some things v.hich were considered desirable the one hand hon. members opposite are at the school-things which were not of a very decrying the Government's efforts to provide serious nature, but which all of us would services for the community; on the other like to see provided-had this to say and in hand they say we are hitting the pockets quoting this section of his report I am not of the people too hard when we find reflecting on him­ it necessary to obtain increased funds to provide more services. What does amaze "I ask parents to view with great serious­ and concern me is the glib manner in ness the accommodation position. The which hon. members opposite refer to the desire to build, I am sure is in the hearts drought-as though it was just passing phase. of the authorities-the basic problem is lack of money. It should shock you to Mr. Melloy: You have not listened intently. realise that whilst Australia enjoys the third highest living standard in the world, Mr. CAMPBELL: I have sat here and the expenditure- on education per head of listened to the arguments presente·d by mem­ population ranks this country about bers of the Opposition and I say that it fourteenth. annoys me to hear members such as the "You must urge your Federal and State hon. member for Nudgee refer to the drought Governments to increase education as though it was just a passing phase, whereas expenditure either by­ I venture to say that this State and New (a) a reallocation of existing funds, or South Wales, have passed through one of the worst droughts in their history. Most areas (b) by increasing taxation. of the State have experienced one of the "This solution, I feel, is up to you, the worst droughts on record. citizens and future citizens of this State and country." I venture to say that but for the diversi­ I have quoted that because it is the expression fication of industry that has occurred in the of opinion of a responsible person in the last 10 years the economic effects of this community who sees the need for increased drought would have been fe-lt with much expenditure and suggests a solution to the greater severity in the community than they problem. What should be emphasised is the are being felt today. I make bold to say comment that we have two alternatives, that if there had not been so much dive·rsi­ either the reallocation of existing funds or fication of industry a great economic calamity increased taxation to meet the present need could have befallen the State because of the to provide greater educational facilities. drought. The Treasurer had the courage to face up to the criticism that he knew he I pass now to another matter that has been would incur by imposing certain increased repeated almost ad nauseum by hon. mem­ tax·ation in certain areas because he realised bers opposite, namely, their parrot-like claim that we still have to progress. that this Government is going to do away with the free hospitalisation system. I think the Treasurer's action is in line with the thinking in the community, because Mr. Davies: There is no doubt about that. politics aside, I think there is a general acceptance in the community today of the Mr. CAMPBELL: "There is no doubt about fact that because of our increased standard that", says my friend in a parrot-like fashion. of living, calling for an increasing measure They would like to see us do that. Hon. of services, a greater contribution will have members opposite constantly repeat this to be made by the community. I do not assertion in the hope that they will mesmerise think there is any great germ of wisdom in us into doing it. They have been saying that. this consistently since 1957. How bitterly disappointed they must be that their phoney Mr. Rmmley: I do not think people would forecast in 1957, "You cannot trust the mind that so much but they are getting it Nicklin-Marris Government because one of from the Commonwealth as well as from the first things it will do will be to do away the State. with the free hospital policy", has not proved to be correct. After nearly 10 years of Mr. CAMPBELL: The point I am making office we are still providing free hospitalisa­ is that there is a general acceptance in the tion in Queensland, and I venture to say that community of the point of view that we the health services provided by our pre­ will have to make a greater contribution to decessors are greatly outshadowed by the public revenues to meet demands that are excellent services provided today. 'being made on the public services. To support this, I want to quote from the As an illustration of the forward, humani­ remarks of the Acting Principal of the Aspley tarian attitude of this Government in pro­ High School at the recent Speech Night viding health services I point to the develop­ at that school. This gentleman, whom I ment that has taken place at the Chermside hold in high regard, is a responsible member Hospital. Most hon. members would know Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 945 that that hospital was built by the Common­ again at a cost of $2,500. The hospital wealth Government as a weapon in the cam­ board is also purchasing a new heart-lung paign to eradicate tuberculosis in the com­ machine at a cost of $10,500. A total of munity. So successful was that campaign $114,500 has been expended to date in the that our Government found that not all the purchase of cardiac equipment and apparatus. accommodation at the Chermside Hospital I believe that the instances I have referred to was required for that purpose and, conse­ provide a classic illustration of the modern quently, in accordance with its humanitarian outlook of the Government on the need to outlook it looked for ways in which the provide up-to-date and expensive health ser­ hospital could be used to promote the policy vices in Queensland. It gives the lie to the of the Country-Liberal Government towards many expressions of opinion that we have health services. You could not have a better been bombarded with by bon. members example of the progressive, forward thinking opposite. of this Government than is to be found at the Chermside Hospital. At Chermside Hos­ During the last financial year the neuro­ pital a vast and progressive hospital service psychiatric services at the Chermside Hos­ is now being provided. It provides accom­ pital were further developed. A total of 552 modation and treatment for tuberculosis, patients were admitted during 1965-66, an cardiac, thoracic, neuro-psychiatric, geriatric increase of 143 over the previous year. and orthopaedic patients and mentally­ Occupational therapy services have been handicapped children. I do not think that progressively extended and three full-time there could be a better illustration of the occupational therapists are employed. The approach of this Government to the problem construction of a brick and timber free­ of mentally-handicapped children, in con­ standing occupational therapy building has trast with the approach of our predecessors, been completed and will shortly be than what is being done for this unfortunate functioning at the occupational thempy section of the community at Chermside centre at the Chermside Hospital. If time Hospital. permitted I could give further illustrations of the expenditure that has taken place at People who have been to the Chermside the Chermside Hospital, which now ranks as Hospital and have seen the loving care and one of the best equipped and most modern attention given to these young children who, hospitals in the Commonwealth for the treat­ because of their disability, have absolutely no ment of the various categories of illness and hope for the future, can testify to the humane disease to which I have referred. treatment they receive. And we are well aware of the treatment they received at Hon. members opposite constantly repeat Goodna under the previous Government! parrot fashion the claim that this Govern­ ment is bent on destroying the free hospital I have referred to the various types of system. They thought they detected a slight ailments and diseases dealt with at the wedge when they heard the Treasurer Chermside Hospital and I now give figures announce that he would increa·se the charges for the average daily patients in the various for hospitalisation of intermediate and pri­ categories for last year. They were- vate patients. Who would disagree with Tuberculosis 135 · 68 the Treasurer's action? After all, if that Cardiac 30 ·14 is the cost of providing this service is Thoracic 30 · 77 it a crime for the Treasurer to recoup the Neuro-psychiatric 54· 44 State? Those increases do not indicate an Geriatric 212·73 intention to do away with the excellent Orthopaedic 65 ·88 service the Government has continued to Mentally-handicapped provide since it assumed office in 1957. children 147·71 There are many other matters to which Total 677·35 I should like to refer, but time does not permit. The building industry has always The Chermside Hospital Board recently been regarded as a fairly good barometer appointed an additional cardiac surgeon with of the prosperity in a community. I shall wide experience in cardiac surgery. He will not weary the Committee by quoting the take up his duties early next year. The figures I gave in my Address-in-Reply speech. cardiac surgical team at the Chermside But in 1956-57 approval was given for the Hospital will then perform major cardiac construction of 9,946 homes. The figure surgical techniques including heart-valve steadily increased until 10 years later, replacements. It is interesting to recall that in 1965-66, 15,834 approvals were given. the first hole-in-the-heart operation in If that i·s not an illustration of economic Queensland took place at the Chermside growth and prosperity I should like bon. Hospital on 7 April, 1964. To facilitate members opposite to tell me what is. the diagnosis and pre-operative assessment of A problem I have encountered in my cardiac cases arrangements have been made electorate is the erosion taking place in the for periodic visits by the full-time cardiologist area of Kedron Brook bounded by McCord to the major cities of North Queensland. Street on the west of the stream and Norman Additional equipment has been ordered Street on the east. The problem is caused including an ultra-sonic cleaner for the by the gradual accumulation of silt which heart-lung machine at an approximate cost has caused an obstruction in the brook. of $2,500, and a 16-millimetre film viewer, With each succeeding fresh the accumulation 946 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

of silt has built up until it formed an island with this afternoon. There has been a in the brook. This pushed the course of change in the domestic set-up on this side the stream towards the left bank and of the Chamber, and I learned many year< threatened the homes situated on this high a"o that the success or failure of one~ bank to such an extent that in the last efforts could be judged from watching the two years whenever a further fresh occurred reactions of certain people. more erosion took place. I have in mind This afternoon I want to pay the one back yard in which the clothes-line Treasurer the respect that he deserves, and was on the verge of disappearing into the to refer to his Budget. I think we are duty stream. If another serious flood had bound out of sheer respect, if for no other occurred, it would have done so. In the reason to take some cognisance of the last three years erosion has increased to Finan~ial Statement. I intend to refer to an alarming extent and the homes on the some portions of it only, because it con­ west bank of the creek are threatened. tains such a mass of information that one Appeals to the local authority, the Brisbane could not deal with all of it in detail with­ City Council, were to no avail. The council out taking up more time than is allotted to stated that the responsibility for streams speakers in this debate. The hon. member rested with the Government. Approaches for Townsville North said that one would were made to the Department of Irrigation need a week to do justice to it. I think one which found its powers limited because of would need longer than that. My intention lack of specific funds to deal with such a is to deal at this stage with the work of problem. Property owners were desperately departments mentioned specifically in ce~­ afraid that a really big flood would engulf tain sections of the Budget. I thmk one IS their properties. duty bound in this debate, which affor?~ hon. A solution gradually evolved by means members one of their few opportumt1es to of the granting of a licence by the Irriga­ do so, to express appreciation to the sta!f tion and Water Supply Commission to a top­ of Parliament and to members of the Pubhc dressing contractor as a result of which the Service for their work during the year. silt was removed. After this was done, the In my opinion, the Public Service of assistance of the Department of Main Roads Queensland is one of the best service_s of was sought and obtained to tidy up the banks its type in the world, and _I pay a tnbute and surrounding area generally. I am pleased to its personnel. I compliment the Clerk to say that this problem no longer exists. of Parliament and his staff on the very effi­ The Minister for Local Government is well cient way in which they run Parliament aware of the situation, and I wish to thank and express my appreciation for the help him for his co-operation, and also officers and assistance they give whenever one seeks of the Irrigation and Water Supply Commis­ guidance from them. My remarks apply to sion and the Department of Main Roads for Mr. Dunlop and all those who work un~er their assistance and understanding of the his control. The Parliamentary L1branan problem. It was a most worrying situation and his staff also deserve a word of appre­ for the property owners concerned, and I ciation and I think their worth is well venture to say that if no action had been recognised by hon. members. The "Hansard" taken the recent heavy rain would have staff deserves high commendation, too, and caused serious damage to their properties. I am sure that, from time to time, when hon. Finally, I wish to congratulate the members look at the proof of a speech that Treasurer on his successful efforts to have they made the day before to check whether the itinerary of the President of the United it has been reported accurately, they are States, President Johnson, altered to include grateful for the improved phraseology. I a visit to this State. am not ashamed to admit that now and Mr. Hanson: He had nothing to do with aaain I make very grave grammatical errors, it. a~d I am always gratified to find that the aentlemen upstairs and their lady assistants Mr. CAMPBELL: The hon. member for have made a very fine job of editing it and Gladstone says that he had nothing to do have made it something worth reading. I with it. In characteristic fashion, the Acting express my appreciation to them. Premier, as the Treasurer was at the time, swept aside all obstacles in the way of a It may be said that I am coming down visit by the President. I conclude my remarks to mundane matters now, but if one is to by saying that it is because of his tenacity do a job properly, one must menti<;n . all and doggedness that we will have the those who are entitled to one's appreciatJon. pleasure of an overnight stop in this city by Another gentleman to whom I should like to the President of the United States. That pay a compliment is the head gardener Mr. is a feather in the Treasurer's cap. Reg. Coates. He does a very fine job, and I and other hon. members enjoy many Mr. DEAN (Sandgate) (5.53 p.m.): In pleasurable moments not only in looking continuing the speech that I began last round the arounds but also in spending some Thursday, I wish to make it clear that I time in th~ hothouse, in which from time do not intend to take up the time of the to time there are wonderful displays. If Committee by referring to many of those hon. members have not availed themselves things that we have already heard so much of the opportunity of visiting the hothouse about, especially those that have been dealt in the grounds of Parliament House, I Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 947

assure them that their time would be well have spoken were sorry about having left spent in doing so. Mr. Coates would appre­ England to come to Queensland, but they ciate very much their showing an interest do feel that much of the discontent that has in it. been expressed in the past could have been Mr. Sherrington: More money should be avoided had fuller information been given in spent on it. the first place. Another important item in the Budget to Mr. DEAN: I agree with my friend the which I wish to refer is that covered by the hon. member for Salisbury. I know that Department of Harbours and Marine. more money is required for many other Coming closer to my own electorate, for purposes, but I think his suggestion is a years we have been waiting for the develop­ good one. ment of a boat harbour at Cabbage Tree The day must come when the river bank Creek, Sandgate. This facility has been forms part of the grounds of Parliament desired for many years because Cabbage Tree House. It should be beautified and made Creek is in such a handy position and is so into a tourist attraction, because at the well situated that it would make an ideal moment it is merely a conglomeration of small-boat harbour not only for yachtsmen old buildings. Although some of them are who indulge in yachting for recreational used by the armed services, it is not a spot purposes, but also for commercial trawlermen of which the capital city of the State can be and fishermen. proud. Coupled with that-and this is a I hope this work will be speeded up and belief that I held during the years that I that, in the near future, we will see the com­ was a member of the Brisbane City pletion of this boat harbour in our area. Council-! believe that the Botanical Gar­ We who live in the area know that it could dens should be part of the concept of result in Sandgate becoming one of the lead­ beautification of the area of Parliament ing tourist areas within the boundaries of House. The larger area would add to the Greater Brisbane. I therefore appeal to the beauty of the existing grounds. Treasurer to assist in the completion of this [Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.15 p.m.] small-craft harbour for Sandgate as soon as possible. Mr. DEAN: Under the heading of the From time to time I think most of us here Premier's Department there is an item in the have had the opportunity of visiting the Estimates dealing with the office of the university at St. Lucia, and I do not think Agent-General for the State in London, and anyone would contradict me when I say that I have a comment to make relative to the it is one of the most beautiful universities in staff in that office. From time to time I have Australia, if not in the Southern Hemisphere. come into contact to newcomers to Queens­ Over the years progress has been made and land and I should say that the majority of the buildings have been added to, and many those to whom I have had the opportunity of of the new buildings are unquestionably speaking had a fair amount of criticism to beautiful in their architectural design. offer of the advertising and the information imparted to them prior to their leaving The feeling is being expressed in the com­ England for Australia. They have not been munity that the university is reaching the the type of migrant one could refer to as stage of being a little too big, that it is the whingeing type, but generally they have losing its personal appeal. Instead of having been of the opinion that insufficient informa­ the atmosphere of learning that is associated tion on this State was given to them prior with older universities in other countries, the to their leaving England. Many of them have Queensland university is tending towards told me that they had gained the impression having an institutional aspect in its whole that members of the staff in the office in set-up. That is the only criticism I have to London do a fair job within the scope of offer. What we see at St. Lucia today their ability, but they give the impression probably goes beyond what could have been that they are not Queenslanders by birth and envisaged by pioneers in the field of uni­ therefore have not the requisite knowledge versity development. The late Hon. W. of the State to pass on to intending new­ Forgan Smith was a man of great foresight, comers to Queensland, or to Australia gen­ and one has only to read the pages of erally. I think that is a fair enough criticism '·Hansard" to realise the great part he played to make relative to that office. in the development of the very fine university we have today. However, I fear that it is The Premier has just returned from a visit getting a little too large, and I am all for to London, and I hope he may now realise decentralisation when a university loses its the existence of some of these shortcomings personal atmosphere. and that the position will be remedied. As I say, the general impression is that the staff Provision is made in the Budget for the behind the counter just do not have the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Here information that is required and that when is a classic example of something that has most newcomers arrive here they find condi­ outgrown itself in its present location. tions entirely different from those they were Publicity has been given to the fact that the told about prior to leaving England. In Conservatorium of Music will be shifted to saying what I have said I do not intend to another location in the future. I appeal to convey that any of the people to whom I the Minister for Education to move as quickly 948 Supply [ASSEMBLYJ Suppty

as possible on this matter, because the present It continues­ building at South Brisbane is quite inadequate "Alcohol is helpful in some diseases. and does not allow the conservatorium to "Alcohol has a rapid stimulating effect fulfil the purpose it was intended for many as it passes without digestion into the years ago, that is, to provide for the encour­ blood." agement and development of culture in our community. There is no room for expansion That is a lot of tommy rot and it has been in the present building, and the move to the proved to be so. George Street site cannot be made too soon. It then proceeds­ "In large quantities it acts as a poison I pay a compliment to the Department of affecting the brain, nerves and tissues and Aboriginal and Island Affairs, Some time slowing down one's reaction." ago, with my colleague from Nudgee, I had the opportunity of making a trip to Thursday Do you, Mr. Hooper, really think . that Island, where I saw some of the work of that sort of thing is fitting and proper m a department. We had time to pay a visit to manual used for teaching children of a very only one settlement, Bamaga, on the Gulf impressionable age? I am sure you do not. of Carpentaria. The department is doing It is shocking. It has been proved beyond very good work in that area. I compliment all doubt by medical science that alcohol Mr. Killoran and his staff on the way they does not act as a stimulant; in fact, the look after the affairs of our native Australians. feeling of stimulation is a numbing of the Actually the settlement I looked at was central nervous system. Alcohol is nothing inhabited mostly by Torres Strait Islanders. other than a narcotic drug, and this has It was very good to see that they are receiving been proved to be. so for many years. a fair amount of education, including a Alcohol is not a spec1fic cure for any d1sease. certain amount of trade training. However, Outside the body, alcohol plays a very we are likely to face some very grave important role in industry and ~ do not think problems in the future if we do not get it is necessary for me to amphfy that state­ industrial development in the area so that ment. It certainly plays an important role these people can be absorbed. It is no use in the commercial field, but it is very training men or women for any positions dangerous to bring it to t?e attention of unless work is available for them. A dan­ children during their format1ve years, whe.n gerous situation can be created; indeed, we they are so easily influenced. However, th1s have read about what is happening at the is the type of information circulated by the present time in the United States of America. Department of Education for use in Queens­ land. I take strong objection to this article I should like to place on record a matter in the manual, and fully support the stand about which I am deeply concerned. It adopted by the Women's Christian Temper­ comes within the scope of the Minister for ance Union of Queensland. Education and relates to the manuals used in our schools to teach home economics. I now come to the Queensland Agricultural I have received a letter from the Women's College at Gatton, which is another fine Christian Temperance Union of Queensland il!stitution that comes under the control voicing a very strong protest about a certain of the Minister for Education. Recently manual, namely, "Home Economics", by I had an opportunity of inspecting the Florence M. Cullen. My attention was college. Queensland has been fortunate to drawn to a very dangerous section in this have had it for so many years, and we should be proud of it. It is doing a wonder­ book, which I believe should not be issued ful job for the State in training our fut';lre in its present form to any students in the farmers and those interested in the grazmg State as it could start them on the wrong industry. track. I am disappointed with one item in the T? make my point clearly understandable, Budget in that the grant to the Creche I will quote from the letter I received from and Kindergarten Association i·s not as large the Women's Christian Temperance Union as it should be. The responsibility of these of Queensland. At page 7 I under the institutions grows every week. The need he2ding "Alcoholic Drinks" 'the manual for this type of work increases, especially describe-s the types of alcoholic drinks that in the Greater Brisbane area, where the may be used, and defines them in this way­ large proportion of our pop~latio~ resides. In the very near future cons1deratwn. must "Kinds: Beer made from fermented malt be given to granting a larger allocatwn so flavoured with hops. Wines made from that these institutions can carry out the work fermented grape juices. Spirits made they are designed to do. Those in my area from distilled liquors. have great difficulty in coping with the demands made upon them. "Value and Use: Smal! quantities of alcoholic liquids taken before or during Under this heading grants and subsidies meals stimulate the secretion of digestive are paid to many organisations and bodies. fluids, aid digestion, and ease tension." The Queensland Symphony Orchestra should be given greater encouragement. For many That is laying the basis for future generations years it has sought help from the Gove~n­ of alcoholics. ment and the City Council, both of wh1ch Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 949

have given great assistance. As our city a greater service to the community than has and State develop, so should our social and the ambulance brigade. When the opportunity cultural pursuits. presents itself in this place, I think credit I have had a good deal to do with the should be given where it is due and steps Queensland Bands Association. Little enough taken to see that our appreciation is duly encouragement has been given to this asso­ recorded. I therefore pay a very high com­ ciation, and most of its finance has been pliment to Mr. Turner. He is not only raised by direct public donation. This is president of the Parent Centre of the Queens­ all part of our educational set-up and the land Ambula!nce Transport Brigade in the Government, which has control of these Greater Brisbane area, but also president of grants, should increase the allocation. This the State Executive. He is one of the dedi­ year's Budget allocates the same amount as cated people on whom the brigade has been has been allocated in previous years. The able to depend for many years. As I have time is overdue when these organisations said on other occasions, when he and other should be given greater recognition. similar great humanitarian people pass on I cannot see others takrng over the work Much has been said about our hospital that they have done so willingly through the system. The new hospital at Redcliffe has years. With Mr. Turner, Mr. Bradley and Mr. played its part in relieving congestion at the Bartels have done mighty work. They, with Royal Brisbane Hospital, but still more con­ every other officer and man in the ambulance sideration should be given to decentralisation. brigade, far exceed the call of duty in their In this regard the clinic at Sandgate is doing jobs, and for this they deserve the highest its utmost to give good service to the people. commendation. Many of our people, particularly the aged, deserve better medical care. Travelling to In the few remaining minutes of my time the city worsens their condition. More con­ I should like to refer to something that was sideration must be given to the development dealt with briefly this afternoon by the han. firstly of our hospital system and secondly member for South Coast. He made a plea, of our clinic system, which is contained as many of his colleagues do from time to within the structure of hospital administra­ time, in the name of tourism in this State, tion. If a hospital cannot be provided at and gave the impression that tourists will Sandgate, the clinic should be enlarged. The never be attracted to Queensland unless we doctor in charge, Dr. Richards, is doing a turn it into a "grog" State, with casinos and wonderful job, but the clinic cannot give gambling dens everywhere. the service it wants to with the facilities at its disposal. Mr. Hinze: That is not true. The aged people, and others at "Eventide" Mr. DEAN: I sincerely hope that intending deserve more modern buildings. The old tourists to Queensland do not get the impres­ buildings are in a fair state of repair-in sion that if they are not alcoholics they are fact, it could be claimed they are in a good not welcome here. The hon. member con­ state of repair-but the congestion is taxing veyed the impression, as many of his collea­ the resources of those whose responsibility gues do, that every potential tourist is a "grog it is to look after the old people. artist" From what I have been able to see The manager, Mr. Kelleher, does out­ with my own fair eyesight, I think liquor st"'nding work, and I believe that the time is is available in sufficient quantities for those overdue for the construction of a new Even­ who require it, without drowning them­ tide home. It was suggested some time ago selves in it. that a new one was to be provided. I saw Mr. Sherrington: Wouldn't the Govern­ the plans for it at least two years ago, but ~nent drive you to drink? to my knowledge, and from inquiries that I have made, I do not think it has advanced Mr. DEAN: I am afraid that could be beyond the planning stage. From time to one of the reasons for it. time over 1,000 people have to be cared for I hear it said from time to time that the in the home, and I think they should have State's drinking laws must be relaxed if we more modern buildings, conditions, and are to attract tourists to Queensland. When amenities in the evening of their lives. I the Premier was abroad, I sincerely hope that hope it will not be long before we see the he did not find anyone asking him what the beginning of a new structure on the site near drinking laws were like in Queensland before the Hornibrook Highway. The land is avail­ making up his mind to come here. able, and I see no reason why the new building should not be provided within the Mr. Bromley: He said that we drink pine­ next couple of years. If it is not, there will apple juice. be congestion and a lot of inconvenience Mr. DEAN: If he said that, he could not as a result of the present cramped quarters. have given better advice. If people drank Much has been said, particularly in the last pineapple juice we would not see newspaper year, about the organis,ation of the Queens­ articles, such as those that I have before me, land Ambulance Transport Brigade. We are about men going to gaol for unlawfully kill­ still waiting for the much-needed legislation ing when they were intoxicated and did not that will provide some re-lief to this service. know that they had run over someone in the I do not think any other organisation or street. It is easy to put all the blame on group of people has provided over the years alcohol. 950 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

In conclusion, I should like to refer briefly At the outset, I should like to quote from to the Government's attitude towards the remarks of Mr. R. J. McAuley, who is university students who conduct demon­ the new president of the National Farmers' strations. I cannot see anything wrong with Union and a man for whom I have the a group of university students conducting greatest admiration. He has a very sound demonstrations if they keep within the law, knowledge of economics and, in addition, and I think they should be given permits to thoroughly understands primary production. do so. Recently we saw a newspaper head­ Only a few days ago, while commenting on line stating that 21 youths were on remand the fact that State Governments are finding for causing a disturbance when they did not it increasingly difficult to draw up Budgets have a permit to conduct a demonstration. that will satisfactorily finance Government services, he was reported as follows­ Mr. Hughes: You condemned all these demonstrations when you were in the "Australia's progress, particularly in the Brisbane City Council, and rightly so. cost-sensitive rural sector, will be con­ ditioned either favourably or adversely by Mr. DEAN: It is all right as long as they the degree of prompt co-operation in as they get a permit. Commonwealth-State fiscal policies. This article appeared in "Sunday Truth" "State Governments are responsible for of 9 October­ major and costly services, yet the borrow­ "Some official sanity must be employed ing powers and resources available to to stop these all-too-frequent clashes them which enable them to carry out between Brisbane police and St. Lucia these operations are very limited, he said. University students. "The Victorian Premier, Sir Henry "The police attitude seems to be that Bolte, stated during his Budget speech students are educated louts. The students that the collective debt of all States had in turn are mounting a bitterness against grown over the last 20 years from what they claim is police brutality. Between $2,019,000,000 to $8,767,000,000 while the these two fronts lie all the elements of an Commonwealth Government debt had explosive situation." been reduced over the same period from That is very true. $3,650,000,000 to $1,892,000,000. (Time expired.) "Mr. McAuley continued his state­ Mr. MULLER (Fassifern) (7 .43 p.m.): I ment by calling for a re-examination of the system of Federal taxation reimburse­ do not think it would be an exaggeration to ments by which the States determine their say that the Budget now under consideration annual expenditure. is the most difficult Budget since the advent of uniform taxation. The Treasurer very "He said recent heavily increased taxa­ rightly pointed out that the drought has had tion proved the existing system of Com­ a very serious effect on the Budget, and, in monwealth allocations was so deficient as addition, I suggest that if the inflationary to retard vital community services provided trend were examined fully, it would perhaps by the State. be shown to have an even greater retarding "If these State services are to be con­ effect than the drought. tinued, under the present degree of Com­ This evening my mind goes back to the monwealth intervention, a more effective days before uniform taxation. I remember financial formula must be found, and the quite clearly sitting on the Opposition benches States given greater financial responsibility. when the late Hon. W. Forgan Smith, who "The system of giving greater financial was then Premier, was discussing uniform responsibilities to the States has been taxation. The Government of the day agreed carried out in Canada where the Prime to it reluctantly, but the Premier saw the Minister, Mr. Pearson, calls it 'Co-operative dangers of it and used these words­ Federalism', and in the United States, "If you forfeit your right to tax, you where President Johnson refers to the eventually forfeit your right to govern." system as 'creative Federalism', he said. often think how true his words were. "As a result of this, Central and State Governments in these countries carry out In speaking on the Financial Statement and their business separately although where the difficulties surrounding budgeting for the a joint effort is needed they combine with current financial year, I speak with some mutual respect. knowledge of the Treasurer's problems. I know what it means to sit in Cabinet with a "The drought has emphasised the limited amount of money and a multitude vulnerability of State finances, and just of works staring you in the face. The alter­ how dependent Australia's export income natives are to find some means of raising is on effective community services. additional revenue or to reduce expenditure. particularly in agriculture, concluded You cannot have it both ways; there is no Mr. McAuley." question about that. You must either get I think that is a very sensible statement. more money or reduce the services you pro­ It conveys to us that there are a number vide. That problem is not peculiar to Queens­ of people thinking on the same lines as we land; it is common to all Australian States. are in Queensland. Supply [18 OCTOBER) Supply 951

The Treasurer calls his Budget a Increased registration fees on motor "go-ahead" Budget, and perhaps there is vehicles are in a different category. This a good deal of truth in that statement. I increased tax applies to everybody, as do have not a lot of criticism to offer in con­ all the other charges for social services. The nection with this Budget, but there is one man outside pays what he requires for social part of it that I dislike very, very much. service purposes, plus what he requires for This "go-ahead" Budget is made possible business purposes. only at the expense of our primary pro­ Without these additional charges, the cost ducers who, in effect, are the chief sufferers of marketing cattle from my own property as a result of the drought. I could quite in the Burnett is so great that it often makes understand applying taxation to every section me wonder whether the job is worth while. of the community in order that each section I think that a lot of the restrictions in the might carry its fair proportion of the load, regulations are really bad, and could well but under this proposal the primary-producing be relaxed without adversely affecting anyone. section will carry the general additional There are dozens of them, but I shall mention taxation as well as the extra transport costs. the effect of one or two. If you send a I feel that it would not be out of place truckload of cattle or sheep to Brisbane you this evening to use that Biblical quotation cannot bring back a stock horse or bull on which I know every hon. member has heard the return journey of the vehicle unless you pay full fees. If you send down produce so often and which, in the minds of some you cannot get the truck to bring back, say, a people, is so difficult to understand. Para­ few coils of barbed wire without paying full phrased, it is­ fees. Such small items cannot be carted "To those who have shall be given, back without paying the full charge, and and from those who have not shall be this would make it economically impossible. taken that which they already have." Only a year or two ago a move was made to even up fuel costs throughout the State. I think that applies very aptly in this case. We did not achieve absolute uniformity, but I have heard some very wonderful sermons at least an effort was made and much has on that question and, from the Christian been achieved. Even in the remote parts of point of view, it can be explained to me the State people pay only about 4d. or, at the very satisfactorily. But when it comes to most, 5d. a gallon more for petrol than in a matter of placing a greater load on our Brisbane. However, all the good that was primary producers through increased trans­ done by that legislation is now being undone port costs, I think it is quite wrong and with this additional taxation. I am sure that that it will have its repercussions. this must worsen the position. One of our great difficulties over the last Do we require services or do we not require few years has been the high cost of transport. them? I do not want to be misunderstood. The economy of our primary and secondary When I look at this Budget I cannot see industries is dependent very largely on trans­ anything in it that will help our primary port costs. If they are too high, secondary industries. The Treasurer is looking at me industries must be concentrated around the very hard. city. It is impossible to establish a secondary Mr. Chalk: We are allocating $750,000 to industry any distance from the city because the dairying industry for developmental work! it cannot compete with industry close to the city. Primary industries, however, are Mr. MULLER: I realise that we need obliged to go out into the country. money for educational purposes. I do not want to be misunderstood, but I point out It was no surprise to me last week to hear that in the Budget this year approximately the hon. member for Gregory complain very $66,000,000 has been allocated for education bitterly about the way the increased costs and only $6,000,000 for water conservation. would affect the people he represents. I know I realise that if we are to grapple with the something of their problems. Perhaps they problems confronting us we require educa­ are not as close to my heart as they are to tion, but I am trying to point out the his, nevertheless I realise the difficulties of unreasonable attitude adopted by some our primary producers in areas remote from the educationists. I have been absolutely capital city. When they market their product, staggered to read comments made by some whether it be stock or farm produce, they education leaders. Education is already have to accept the Brisbane price less the getting 52 per cent. of the tax reimburse­ cost of transporting their product to that ments, yet these people are still complaining centre. For whatever they use in their work that they are being harshly dealt with. I on their properties-the machinery and every­ give the Minister for Education full marks thing else-and for their food and clothing, for the way in which he has stood up to they have to pay the Brisbane price plus the some of those who are trying to extract the cost of transport to their locality. It is a last drop of blood from the State Treasury. heavy burden that they have to carry, and Expenditure on education must continue, but I hope the Government will take a second at the same time there must be sweet reason­ look at these increased transport costs. It ableness. To give extra money to one depart­ is more than primary producers in outside ment, money must be taken from another. areas will be able to bear. I cannot help but In other words, we must rob Peter to pay feel that this matter was treated rather lightly. Paul. 952 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Something similar occurs with our health We cannot give all of these services with­ services which are essential. Our free hospital out getting more money, either from the system has done a mighty job for Queensland CommonweaHh Government or from the but it is being abused. I remember when introduction of new forms of taxation. It the system was first introduced. At that is dangerous to introduce new taxes, because time it cost about £2,000,000 a year, but they generally stick and are never lifted. now we are paying about £22,000,000 and In the end, the only people who carry them costs are continually rising. Again I do not are the primary producers. wish to be misunderstood, as I have every sympathy for people who cannot pay their We cannot overlook the drought, because hospital dues, but the time has come for a while it was very bad last year and the year means test to be applied to determine those before its effects will be felt for another who can pay and those who cannot. I am couple of years. Many properties will not not quibbling about the increase of a few be stocked for some time, because there are dollars a week in the charges for private and not enough sheep and cattle and the prices intermediate wards, but I firmly believe that beincr asked for them are prohibitive. It is the free services should be available only clain~ed that the loss of sheep in Queensland to people who genuinely need them. Unless was 23 per cent. and that in the Far Wes~, such a test is applied I do not know what the in Warrego, it was 42 per cent. In addi­ results will be. I read the report of the recent tion the cattle loss was 6 ·8 per cent. The Liberal Party meeting and I give them full gre;test loss is yet to come, when people marks for examining this matter. I do not have to face the cost of holding and runmng think it was suggested that we should these properties unstocked. Therefore, at a abolish the free hospitals system. time such as this more efforts should have been made to assist these people in some Mr. Campbell: We did not suggest that way. The general view is that people at all. engaged in stock raising and fatteni~g make a great deal of money. Meat pnces a~e Mr. MULLER: The Liberal Party was high, but when costs are deducted there IS thinking along similar lines to me. not much left. If prices fall and these people are caught with heavy overdrafts, I do not Mr. Sherrington: It was the six at the back of the Chamber who said that-the know how they will carry on. rebels. A good deal has been said about the public debt. The public debt does not mean Mr. MULLER: I am not concerned about much because we must look at our assets that. I am concerned only about how we as well as our 'liabilities. Both sides of the can carry on this service without the necessary ledger must be looked at. When I entered money. Queensland is the only State that Parliament in 1935 the public debt was provides free hospitalisation, and it is becom­ $232,000,000. I thought that was an awful ing so costly that something must be done amount of money. I looked at earlier figures about it. If we are to spend so much money and found that between 1914 and 1935 it on social services, the really important rose from $112,000,000 to $226,000,000. It industries that provide 80 per cent. of the has now reached $936,000,000. According wealth-the primary industries-will be in to the Treasurer 12 ·82 per cent. of our trouble. We will double back on them and revenue will be needed to service the public say, "\Ve want this extra money; we will debt. charge this up to the pumpkin bill also." Eventually the charge will go right down the Before we become too critical of the public line until it rests on the shoulders of the debt we must look at the State's assets. Vve primary producers, and that is where it will have quite a lot of assets in roads, public stay. It is no wonder that there are com­ buildings, and perhaps some water conserva­ plaints about it. tion work. But, for primary producers, there is something in addition: in recent years, The other night I listened to the hon. local authority commitments have increased member for Toowomba East. I do not tremendously, but they are not mentioned in wish to be critical of him; after a few these figures. I emphasise that loans that years here he will probably be a little more have been negotiated by local authorities, careful in his remarks. He said that we are many over long terms, will have to be met, really not doing enough for education, and in and probably at a time of falling prices. many ways he was very critical of the way Again the only people on whom the burden that he said this department had been can fall will be the primary producers. neglected. It is not many years ago that the Department of Education cost us $4,000,000. I wish to deal particularly with the need When Labour left office it cost about to develop our water resources, and also to $18,000,000. Today it costs $66,000,000. do something to protect the beef roads that There was not a high school in any country have been built in inland areas of the State. district. If this Government has done one My information is that much of those roads thing well, it has been in the field of has not been sealed. I hope that roads built education. We should not be critical and say in the future, and those already constructed, that enough is not being done, because more will be completely sealed. With present-day has been done than the Opposition is pre­ traffic, unless they are surfaced within a few pared to give the Government credit for. years they are ruined. Unless we are prepared Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 953 to do the whole job of building and sealing and Victoria to see for myself what had been roads, in my opinion we might as well not done in those States. The Minister in charge start at all. That is something_ we need to of water conservation in New South Wales be very careful about. These roads are at that time, Mr. Enticknap, made the ser­ assets that need to be protected. If they are vices of his chief water officer available to not, in a very few years, as a result of traffic me. He said, "He will stay with you as long damage and erosion, there will be no roads as you wish." I was with him for about 10 at all. There are one or two sections of road days or a fortnight. in my electorate that have not been sealed, and the local authority concerned is obliged When we completed our survey of the to work on them every few weeks to prevent work in New South Wales, we went to their destruction. It would be a great pity if Victoria and made a similar survey in that these roads were not properly protected after State. Even at that time Victoria had almost a large amount of money had been spent on completed the development of its water them. resources and, when so much could be done for so little, had spent about £110,000,000 on My real disappointment in the Budget is water conservation. that so little money has been made available for water conservation. I have been in this New South Wales had done a considerable Parliament for 30 years, and I have not amount, but not enough. I have here a allowed a session to pass without making a clipping from a newspaper published cin New speech in which I have advocated water South Wales---JI think it is dated 11 March conservation. I had been a Minister for only 1966--containing a statement by Mr. Beale, six weeks when I launched a scheme to build the Minister in charge of water conserva­ our first dam. The next year I launched tion. The article says­ another scheme, and yet another in the "Mr. Beale said that water supplies were following year. They were the Moogerah, only one section of the Government's Borumba, and Leslie Dams. Nobody can say efforts on drought. that I have not been sincere and consistent " 'The Government has implemented in this attitude. When looking at the money some 30 or more measures and can justly that has been made available for water con­ claim that the relief it has provided, both servation and the little that has been done in scope and variety of measures, is on a over the years, I can only say, to put it very larger scale than ever before in the State's mildly, that I am very, very disappointed. history,' he said. I am not now blaming the present Govern­ "The Government also has been paying ment; this matter goes back for 30 years. attention to the need for improvement of In season and out of season, in Opposition the State's resistance to drought, particu­ and in Government, I have advocated water larly through water supplies, in the long conservation. Since we have taken office we term, Mr. Beale said." have not done nearly enough, and unless we do more we had better cease talking about This is what I want hon. members to note­ it. A great deal has been said about what "The Government has: would be done to mitigate the effects of Started the largest and most com­ drought in the future, either by fodder con­ prehensive valley survey of water servation or by water conservation. A resources ever undertaken in Australia­ Department of Conservation has been created, embracing 30 river valleys in New South but nothing has been conserved and we do Wales. not look like conserving anything. To my mind, the allocation of $6,500,000 is merely Undertaken a review of the engineer­ a token effort. If it is examined carefully ing aspects of 35 dam sites. having regard to money values and what can Decided to construct a dam on the be done with it, it is no better than, if as Severn River at a cost of approximately good as, what has been done in the last nine $7 million. or 10 years. Completed a weir on the Darling I feel that the time has arrived when River at Bourke, started construction of forward planning has to be undertaken. a weir at Collarenebri and approved What is required in Queensland is a master another at Brewarrina. plan for the development and conservation Provided approximately $11 million in of the water resources of the whole State, not 1965-66 to speed-up construction of only part of it. Anything that lends itself to Blowering Dam. conservation should be investigated. Queens­ land has done so little in this connection Provided $6t million in 1965-66 to that, by way of comparison, I should like to continue construction of the new Wyan­ tell hon. members what the other States are gala Dam. doing. Practically completed Burrendong During my term as Minister for Public Dam. Lands and Irrigation and soon after launching Initiated an underground water investi­ the first scheme in Queensland, with the gation using new techniques which Commissioner of Irrigation and Water already have located huge resources in Supply I made a tour of New South Wales the Lachlan Valley. 33 954 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

"Mr. Beale said the Government has pro­ they have an adequate supply of money. vided a record sum for water conservation We have a number of water conservation this year, amounting to $23t million. Yet schemes in this State. I do not like to work even this is nowhere near large enough to the parish pump in a matter such as this, deal with the problem in either the short but I have seen Queensland in my time and or the long term. I know that you cannot get sites like " 'The Government's aim is to create the Moogerah, Borumba, or Leslie every day. highest possible degree of drought resist­ We have one at Coolmunda, in the Car­ ance throughout the State, both on farms narvon electorate, and a number of others and regionally,' he said. that could be used, but we have very suit­ able and excellent sites right at Brisbane's "'If we can do this in this State, then back door-on the Logan River. We have the nation also will benefit. But, it is clear 25,000 acres of beautiful fertile land in the that the State alone will not be able to do Logan and Albert Valleys, but as soon as sufficient work in this field unless the Com­ we have a couple of months of dry weather monwealth Government participates finan­ that soil is more or less unusable; we just cially in the development of water have not the water to keep the crops going. resources,' Mr. Beale said. On these rivers we have three sites. Two " 'In a drought the primary producer is of them are very good ones-one in the the first to suffer-then the people in rural headwaters of the Logan River, known as employment and country towns-then the Burnett Creek, and another on the Albert effec~ spread to commerce and industry,' River-and both dams could be built for he said. approximately £3,000,000. Converting that " 'We all suffer from the drop in national to dollar currency, that figure would be productivity which arises from depressed doubled and with the inflationary trend local markets and from the loss in export today it might be slightly more, but there, earnings,' Mr. Beale said." right at our own door, are two splendid sites. The article continued in that vein, and I Plans and estimates have been prepared, but think that his statement is an indication of year after year the proposal is passed over his statesmanship. He points out that it is and the people in the locality wonder what it beyond the financial capacity of the States to is all about. They are prepared to use the undertake this work without the aid of the water. Commonwealth. I should like all members to visit Moogerah I have referred to long-term planning, but and see what has been done there, not only a survey of the State is required urgently to by the dam itself but by the diversion chan­ see what the possibilities are, what the pro­ nels. I should like them to see the area jects will cost, and how far the Common­ of country that has been built up as a result wealth Government is prepared to participate. of this water supply. Only recently the The United States of America could never Government saw fit to build a power-station have developed its water resources without at Swanbank, just outside Ipswich, and if it a co-operative effort by the Federal and State were not for the Moogerah Dam that power­ G?vernments. When I visited the Snowy station could not operate; there would not River Scheme-l think I have mentioned this be any water, because water for it has to before, but it is so important that I think be drawn from that dam. When we see it should be mentioned again-the engineer just what water conservation means, for who was acting as consultant to the Snowy the life of me I cannot understand why Mountains Authodty at that time told me these delays should continue. that the Federal Government in the United States provides the whole of the money and I should like to draw attention to further that the States pay it back over 40 years at weaknesses in this matter. If we allow the the rate of 2t per cent. That means, in coastal streams in particular to go unchecked effect, that there is really no interest. At the it is only a matter of time when there will rate of 2t per cent. the State would get more not be any soil left along them. In times annually out of the conservation than it of drought the soil is loosened, and when would put in by way of interest. a flood follows these streams flow very fast from the mountains and not only tear up As long as the Commonwealth has the sand and gravel from the bed of the river money-bags and no effort is made by the but they also catch up the soil and take it States, nothing will ever be done. I men­ out to sea. The greatest asset we have, par­ tion this because, when I complain to ticularly in a State like Queensland, is the responsible Federal members about the lack soil, and if our soil goes everything goes of interest on the part of the Common­ with it, even our civilisation. wealth Government in water conservation, I am told by them-and I want the Com­ I know these things cost money; never­ mittee to note this-that we do not ask for theless, people are prepared to co-operate. it. If that is true and we do not ask for it, It is hard to believe, but an engineer of somebody must accept the responsibility. the Irrigation and Water Supply Commission told me that although the Leslie Dam at I mention these things because I know Warwick was only just completed and only how embarrassing it is to the States to find about half full, already all of the water money to finance all their services unless that will be available when it is full has Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 955

been allocated. The Government must particularly on this side of the range, carry­ enter the picture and find the money for ing the soil with them, but we do little or water conservation, because the people are nothing about it. prepared to co-operate and use the water when it is available. What I am suggesting is nothing new. I put up with a lot of cheek in this Chamber I know that we have a lot of coastal during the years I was in Opposition. I land with a good rainfall where conservation remember one occasion, after I had been schemes are not so greatly needed. That advocating for something to be done at applies also in the United States. I asked Mt. Edwards-as we called it then,-a the engineer I spoke of just what they did in a Minister telling me, "The han. member does America. He said that they watered 16 not know what he is talking about. There States. When I asked him about the other is no water there. It is only a trickle. States, he said that they did not think they The catchment area is too small." The required any water conservation schemes. Government of the time said that it could do However, $10,000,000 a year is provided for nothing about what was proposed because it each of those 16 States, or a total of was freehold land. Later, after making an $160,000,000 a year. inspection, the responsible Minister at that In my opinion, the subject of water con­ time said, "In order to do anything it would servation in Queensland has been treated too be necessary to resume all the land and cut lightly. We are too concerned about what it up into little 5 or 10-acre blocks, and people in the city might say if we cannot the tenants might lease it from the provide all the services they consider neces­ Government." sary. We are always afraid that school­ teachers, unions or somebody else will kick up Everything imaginable was done to a noise about it. For my part, I have never frighten us off the idea. I should like found an industrial union or anybody of everyone to go there and see what has professional or business standing who was not been done. There are times when one should advocating water conservation. I am not blow one's own trumpet, and this is such asking that the Government should exhaust an occasion. Hon. members should go there the whole of its funds on water conservation and see what can be done. The water is and leave itself stony broke so that it cannot used for commercial irrigation purposes and carry on the services of the State, but this for sporting purposes. It is within a stone's matter has been passed over from year to throw of Brisbane. The Minister for Tourism year without anything being done about it. will agree that there is no better tourist We cannot blame one particular Government; run than from Brisbane to Moogerah Dam. we have to blame all of them. It is really a pretty sight and people can see what has been done and what can be I think everyone knows of Sir William done in other parts of the State. Hudson. He has revealed some amazing figures. After pointing out that Australia The time has arrived for us to take firm was the driest continent in the world, he action in getting other schemes under way. gave some revealing figures which were In times of drought we say to people, •eported in the following newspaper article­ "It is your responsibility to store fodder." Many people can make provision for this, "As an illustration of the part that but there are also many who cannot. There water played in food production, Sir are certain difficulties in the way of storing William quoted the following figures:­ feed, but on my place when things get The production of a 2 lb. loaf of really bad we can draw on the water and bread requires 2! tons of water-i.e., within a matter of two weeks we have a about 5,000 times its weight in water. supply of food. It is totally different from store fodder. It must also be remembered 3,300 gallons of water are required to that store fodder depreciates and suffers produce a gallon of milk-i.e., milk the ravages of mice and rats. If it is stored requires 3,300 times its weight in water. too long, interest and depreciation costs An egg requires 2,200 gallons of have to be met. In such schemes as these water for its production. we have a God-given asset that we are too blind to develop. The growing of a ton of grain wheat requires 1,100 tons of water. I know that I am speaking in very strong terms tonight. I have heard people move A pound of meat requires 50 tons of many types of motions about what we should water-i.e., over 110,000 times its weight do and should not do. When Cabinet was in water. increased, hon. members will recall that I The food to feed an adult one day strongly advocated the formation of a Depart­ requires 35 tons of rain-i.e., 700 times ment of Conservation. I should like to know the adult's weight in water." if the Minister for Conservation has been given any direction to conserve anything. His Those are staggering figures. They indicate counterpart in New South Wales, Mr. Beale, what an important part water plays, yet in took office only a few months ago and an ordinary wet season millions of tons of we know the results that have been achieved water daily flow down fresh-water streams, in that State. 956 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

There are one or two other matters that Mr. SHERRINGTON: I shall prove before I should like to mention, but I know that I finish that the Premier and Treasurer com­ other hon. members wish to speak. I will pletely misled the public of Queensland into have an opportunity at a later date in voting for them. the session to refer to them. Mr. Sullivan: Pure nonsense. Mr. SHERRINGTON: Give me time. Mr. SHERRINGTON (Salisbury) (8.28 Do not make impatient interjections. I shall p.m.): I will preface my remarks on the develop my argument in my own way. Budget debate with a brief reference to the tragic occurrence which led to the Mr. Sullivan: You have a hell of a job resignation of our leader, the hon. member ahead of you. for Toowoornba West. I know that Mr. Mr. SHERRINGTON: It would not be Duggan would not want any special favours difficult to develop an argument that would extended to him, but I feel compelled in do the hon. member a lot of good. I think this debate to say that the circumstances it could be stated that we have been treated that led to his resignation from the leadership to a champagne policy speech followed by of the Opposition are such that not only a hangover Budget. The Government's per­ has the Labour Party lost a good leader, formance can be likened to that of a sales­ but the State has lost the benefit of his man who entertains his client and regales tremendous knowledge and ability. While him with pate de foie gras, caviar, and he may have had political opponents, I am champagne, and then having completed his sale, goes horne to his family and has a meal sure that members of all political organisa­ of baked beans on toast. tions recognised his undoubted talents. The same circumstances, of course, led to the Mr. Sullivan: You're over my head; I am promotion of other members of the party a corned beef and cabbage man. to responsible positions, and Labour has a Mr. SHERRINGTON: It would not be tradition that, no matter what the crisis, hard to go over the hon. member's head. occasions have made men. I offer my The presentation immediately after a State congratulations to those other hon. members election of a Budget such as the one intro­ on their election, namely, to Mr. Houston duced by the Treasurer must leave electors as Leader and Mr. Tucker as his deputy. with the feeling experienced by the victim I have no doubt that the occasion finds the of the thimble-and-pea trick. One has only man, and, knowing both of these gentlemen, to hark back to the policy speech of the I know they will rise to the occasion and Premier delivered five months ago which he lead the Australian Labour Party in a most concluded by saying­ capable and efficient manner. "! urge you if you value the welfare Speaking now to the motion of censure of yourselves, and your children, to cast moved by the Leader of the Opposition, your vote for the Government candidate I think we had a perfect illustration of the in your respective electorates on May 28, contempt the Treasurer apparently has for and to return us as the Government to members of this Committee and the general continue to pilot Queensland and its public. In keeping with his cold and calcu­ people to the goal of their great destiny. lating approach to budgeting problems, he Let us go forward together into the has illustrated the contempt in which he sunlight towards the beckoning heights holds hon. members by being absent with their promise of such rich fulfilment." from the Chamber for the greater part of Those are the words of the Premier. They the debate. One would think that on the were brave and bold words, but, unfortun­ occasion of a motion of censure against his ately for the Queensland public, they were Budget he would see fit to pay members nothing but a lot of political malarkey. As the courtesy of listening to their speeches. a matter of fact, it is not hard to visualise He is guilty not only of gross discourtesy the delivery of that policy speech at to members of the Opposition but also of 'Maroochydore, to the accompaniment of contempt for the people of the State, as appropriate handclaps and "hear hears" at they will be called upon to pay the increased the right moment. What the Premier omitted taxes he has introduced. In his desire to to say was that while we are going forward push ahead, whatever the cost, he has been into this "sunlight" towards these "beckoning contemptuous of public opinion and of con­ heights" the taJCpaye!'s will be footing the sequences. I do not think he gives two bill every inch of the way. hoots for the financial burden he has placed Of course, the Treasurer had to get into on the wage-earners in our community. The the act, too; he could not be ou~done for very magnitude of his contempt can be gauged long. He said that his objectives were­ by comparing his Budget performance with his efforts to win the recent State election. "To govern the State faithfully and well; He and his colleagues, during the election to continue to concern ourselves with the campaign, ran around Queensland literally well-being of the individual and the family spending like the Watsons. unit; to achieve all that is good and whole­ some and the well-being of the State; and Mr. Sullivan: What was your leader and to do the greatest good for the greatest doing? number." Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 957

Of course, those are the woros of the in Queensland is, excluding drought Premier and his deputy. relief expenditure, 8 · 6 per cent. By con­ Let us compare them with the concluding trast the Commonwealth Government's words of the deputy Premier when he Budget provides for an increase of 26 · 1 delivered the Financial Statement. Having per cent. in departmental running expenses "conned" the people of this State into voting over last year's appropriation. for the Government by making promises, "In respect of capital works the position he said, after dealing with his worries in is similar." preparing the Budget­ Finally, he said­ "! was strengthened in this resolve by "I am stressing the importance of funds my unbounded faith in Queensland and for capital works, as I firmly believe that its people." shortage of such funds could be the He was there referring to his slugging every­ biggest barrier to development of this body with additional taxes. He continued­ State." "We have come through rough times As I said, the Treasurer wanted to excuse before and I am prepared to believe that the fact that he was forced into going to Queenslanders are willing to accept a little the people for additional taxes by saying 'tightening of the belt' to ensure develop­ that the increase in spending in Queensland ment of their State and to maintain its was 8· 6 per cent. while departmental run­ place as the finest in which to live." ning expenses in the Commonwealth Budget Five months acfter the Premier's talk about had increased by 26 · 1 per cent. It will not "going forward to beckoning heights" we are be very long--only a few weeks, in fact­ told tha

population amount to $271.72 and State the rehabilitation of the Mt. Isa railway line, securities amount to $655.19. Yet members which is a repayable loan, one finds that out of the Government and the Treasury will be of a total of $76,800,000 advanced to the out on the stumps in a few weeks' time State approximately $11,700,000 only was on urging us tQ re-elect Harold Holt and his a non-repayable basis. Hon. members might Government! recall that Sir Thomas Hiley originally went Mr. Bromley: Is that "Handsome Harold"? all round the world trying to obtain finance for the rehabilitation of this line, before the Mr. SHERRINGTON: No, "Horrible Menzies Government suddenly realised that Harold". an election year was coming up and that they ought to do something about it. The Now let us have a look at some of the balance of the $76,800,000 has to be paid so-called assistance the Commonwealth Gov­ out of the pockets of the taxpayers of ernment has given to Queensland. The Queensland. Is it any wonder that we regard ~omm<;>nwealth Government got the fright of the Commonwealth· Government as handing Its life m 1961 because it was almost rejected. out the Chinaman's gift whenever it does Had it not been for a few lousy votes in give a hand-out. the electorate of Moreton the Menzies Government would have been out of office It can hardly be said to be generous to and it suddenly realised that there was some Queensland in the light of the special develop­ land north of the New South Wales border. ment grants given to other States. I can It suddenly woke up to the fact that there vividly recall the £42,000,000 made available were electors who were entirely dissatisfied to Western Australia for railway purposes, with the performance of the Menzies Gov­ of which only £16,000,000 was repayable ernment. because the standardisation of gauge was involved, the other £26,000,000 being a ~'lr. Sullivan: I think there will be a big non-repayable grant. The Commonwealth swmg to the Holt Government in Queensland Government is hardly generous in view of the this year, don't you? need to develop our natural resources. I will Mr. SHERRINGTON: I think there will not directly quote the Premier but hon. be a big swing to the Labour Party. The members can take my word that it is in black people of Dawson showed quite frankly that and white. During the election campaign he they are "jack" of the Federal Government. got up on the stump and claimed credit for the fact that Queensland for the fifth year ~ do no~ t~ink Dr. Patterson had any difficulty m convmcmg the cane-farmers and everybody in succession was the greatest export earner else in the Dawson electorate that there has in the Commonwealth, with a figure of been shocking neglect of Queensland by Tory $303.11 per capita in Queensland as against Governments over the last 17 years, and if the Australian average of $227.29. It is hon. members opposite were decent loyal hardly generous in view of all things, and it is quite utterly lousy if one reflects on the Queensl~nd~rs, t?ey would not be sitting Treasurer's comparison of the Common­ there g1~glmg hke schoolgirls, but would wealth Government's increased Consolidated be apply.mg themselves to the Budget rather Revenue expenditure and our increased Con­ than trymg to make intelligent interjections of which they are not capable. solidated Revenue expenditure, the Common­ wealth expenditure representing an increase Now let us have a look at some of this of 26 · 1 per cent. as against Queensland's assistance. Dealing first with the brigalow 8· 6 per cent. increase in appropriation. development scheme, Fitzroy Basin, there was a ~14,500,000 grant by the Government, From the caviar of going forward together all of 1t repayable. In the brigalow scheme in the sunlight to the beckoning heights with again, Mackenzie and Isaac Rivers, there was their promise of rich fulfilment and from a $11,500,000 grant, again all of it repay­ the pate de foie gras of achieving all that able. y.'e w~re able to effect a saving of is good and wholesome we suddenly awaken somethmg hke $3,000,000 in the initial to a breakfast of baked beans on toast deve!opment of the Fitzroy Basin scheme, because of rail fare increases, freight and m accordance with their typical miserable increases, motor vehicle registration increases, and lousy attitude the Commonwealth Gov­ stamp duty on workers' compensation, stamp ernment included as part of the further duty on motor vehicle registration, increased advance of $11,000,000 the $3,000,000 we hospital charges, and so on. Of course, this had been fortunate to save on the first all happened in the short five months when scheme. we had the Premier and his deputy going around the State promising everything. As Then, coming to bauxite development, a matter of fact, it was quite an orgy of $3,300,000 was received from the rhetoric for the Premier and his "side kick". Commonwealth Government, again every It seemed to me that they garnished their penny of it repayable. For beef-cattle pre-election promises like some continental roads there was an advance in all chef decorating his feast with some piquant of $20,000,000 of which the first sauce. As a matter of fact, I do not think $3,400,000 was non-repayable, the balance that their imagination knew any bounds in excess of $3,400,000 being 50 per cent. whatever. To me it seemed that at times they repayable. If one adds to this sum the were overcome by the exuberance of their Commonwealth advance of $30,000,000 for own verbosity. Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 959

Mr. Sullivan: Is this your own English? Mr. SHERRINGTON: I will tell the hon. member. He referred to the rebel Liberal Mr. SHERRINGTON: Coming from the group. He was ordered by the Chairman mulga, the hon. member would not under­ to withdraw. I do not need any notes for stand. If I sent it up to him in a smoke this. The hon. member said that he would signal, he might be able to interpret it, if willingly withdraw the remark but it would he had an interpreter. Let me refresh his not be erased from his mind. mind about some of the things that Honest Frank had to say. On page 47 of the Mr. Carey: And it is still there. Premier's policy speech he set out in large, bold type, so that his failing eyes could Mr. SHERRINGTON: In other words the read it­ hon. member was not too much of a buddy­ "The A.L.P. has proved that it is unfit buddy with the rebel Liberal group at the to govern either on State or Federal levels. back of the Chamber. The proof is positive and overwhelming. It comes from the mouths of its own Mr. Sullivan: You are telling us about dissident sections." everyone else. What about telling us some­ thing about yourself? But what about the performance of his ow:: dissidents in recent times-as a matter of Mr. SHERRINGTON: Bon. members fact in recent weeks! opposite are very fond of trying to heap the I turn now to what the hon. member tin on members of the A.L.P. but when for Clayfield had to say on the Banking it rebounds on them, because they are not Bill. He said­ buddy-buddies although they try to give that "In fact,_ the Treasurer and his impression to the public, they do not like colleagues m Cabinet apparently saw it. So far as I am concerned they can sit nothing wrong with this whole deal. This there and cop it. must be assumed, because no word of Mr. Carey: Mr. Sherrington-- what I might call this disgraceful deal ever came before the Parliamentary party Mr. SHERRINGTON: The hon. member or the unsuspecting Associated Banks until a series of questions in this Chamber by is out of order in referring to me by name. me to the Treasurer of the day began to The bon. member for Albert said­ force out the sordid details." "Of course, there was a similar endeav­ our on the part of some of our Liberal Then, of course, he went a bit better and colleagues to drive a wedge between the if hon. members will wait a minute I will Country Party and Liberal Party teams give them a couple of bottlers concerning at the last election." these dissident factions in the Government parties. The hon. member went on to say­ So we still see enmity between the Liberal "... Queensland will be bound for 20 and Country Parties. years merely because a former Treasurer The hon. member for Mt. Coot-tha then of the Crown signed an agreement, the came into the debate. He said­ full details of which were not made avail­ "1 was interested when the hon. member ~ble, I sug~est, to his Cabinet colleagues for Albert joined in the debate on the m the first mstance, and then to his Parlia­ mentary colleagues in Government before amendment." he signed it. If that is so, we have 'reached He mentions the "honourable". Then he a low level in our moral standards of continued­ public administration." " I suppose one's first reaction would be Finally, he gave them a send-off by saying­ to retaliate in similar terms. However, I feel that this contribution was so puerile "There are differences here. This and amateurish that I should treat it with damnable cult of secrecy which pervades the contempt that it so richly deserves." the public administration seems to be accepted without much comment." If the hon. member for Albert wants to take Let us see what the hon. member for Albert the hon. member for Mt. Coot-tha on for had to say in a similar debate. that, he is quite welcome. These are com­ ments made by all these buddy-buddy fellows. The hon. member for Mt. Coot-tha Mr. HERBERT: I rise to a point of order. was in an expansive mood. He was not Is the hon. member in order in quotina taking on only the hon. member for Albert. from a current "Hansard"? "' He came in here just spoiling for a fight. He did not want to hide it in the Caucus Mr. SHERRINGTON: I have been here room. He did not mind bringing the lo!lg enough to be prepared for this. I dissident groups into public gaze in this w1ll read this from notes. I knew that Chamber. He said, "If the hon. member th~ hon. gentl~man, with his petty little for Condamine"-I think he nailed this mmd, would rmse that point, so I will con­ fellow, and I congratulate him on the senti­ tinue to read from my copious notes. ments he expressed-"wishes to enter this Mr. Carey: Did I say something worth debate in his role of assassin as he did in while? a previous debate on land matters in this 960 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply place, then let him do it and take the con­ "The Railway Department does not sequences." Yet the Premier had to get up at agree with the viewpoint that metropolitan election-time and talk of the dissident groups tran&port fares should rise steeply, as has in the A.L.P. been the policy inflicted on the people of I do not want to play favourites, so I shall Brisbane by a Labour Party-dominated go back in time and quote another Country Brisbane City Council." Party member to illustrate to the Chamber He then went out to pledge himself by how palsy-walsy they have been over the saying, "We therefore announce that this years. In volume 236, pages 1152 and Government will, on its return to office, 1152, the hon. member for Gregory, dealing make every effort to maintain cheap travel with land matters in the Supply debate, for suburban dwellers." Not five months said­ later, having "rubbished" the Brisbane City "All of these dealings savour of a set-up Council by saying that the increase in the indicating that there is indeed a great cost of living at that time was caused mainly avenue for trafficking in land, which is by City Council fare increases and having accepted by the Government of which I am used that statement politically, in his policy a member, and with which I am concerned speech, to wheedle a few more votes out and confused. It is not good enough! of suburban train travellers, the Treasurer announces in his Budget an increase of Overnight we see this shocking indictment 25 per cent. in suburban rail fares. on my own Government, of permitting a In addition, he has slugged country form of trafficking in lands by people who travellers with an increase of 20 per cent. have no more right to do it than the man Whom does the Treasurer think he is in the moon." deluding? Whom is he hitting? Those who Mr. Rae: I still believe it. will suffer most are those on low wages who have no alternative means of transport. Mr. SHERRINGTON: I do not blame the It is all very well for the Treasurer who hon. member for agreeing with his own con­ drives round in his ministerial car. This tentions. It would be queer if he did not. I 25 per cent. increase is hitting those people believe he was right at that time. Yet the who have no other means of transport. Government goes around rubbishing the Mr. Carey: You cannot pick on me for Australian Labour Party beca·use of its dis­ this because I haven't a railway. sident factions! Government Members interjected. Mr. SHERRINGTON: He probably pulled up the railway line so as not to embarrass Mr. SHERRINGTON: I have related some the hon. member for Albert. of the things "Honest Frank" had to say. I would be remiss in my duty if I did not Mr. Herbert: You wanted to be called the make a very strong protest at the Minister's bon. member for Salisbury so give the turnabout action in increasing rail fares for Premier his proper title. suburban travellers by 25 per cent. Most of the electorate that I represent is serviced Mr. SHERRINGTON: All right, the hon. by the railway. the Premier. I do not mind at all. But do Mr. Sullivan: Very handy to have. not forget that the Government owes its life in this Chamber to its use of the term Mr. SHERRINGTON: It might be, but "Honest Frank". That is the propaganda soon one will not be able to afford to use they have disseminated, that they are led it. It will be cheaper to "Walk with Gordon by a man named "Honest Frank" and that Chalk". What does this mean? At present the members of the Opposition are more or people living in the Inala area pay a weekly less dishonest. concession fare of approximately 22s. 3d. Mr. Sullivan: Are you implying that he is The increase will amount to approximately not honest? 8s. a week for the breadwinner of the family. The Treasurer said, "We don't believe in Mr. SHERRINGTON: I shall let the bon. the fare increases inflicted by the Brisbane member form his own judgment. He should City Council." Then, having regained his take the wax out of his ears and follow my seat in Parliament, he proceeds to slug train remarks. I do not think the Premier has travellers. lived up to what he said. Worse still is what he has done for Mr. Sullivan: The people of Queensland country people. What I like about the will not thank you much for saying that. Treasurer is the way in which, having announced the increase in rail fares and Mr. SHERRINGTON: Let us see what road permit fees, he promptly dumped into "Dishonest Gordon" said on page 21 of his the lap of the Minister for Transport the policy speech. Under the heading "Cheaper task of working out the details. That is Travel for Suburban Dwellers" the Treasurer the way in which he has treated country said five months ago­ people, for whom he has wept crocodile "But the most progressive feature of our tears when telling us how they have been Railway policy for the next three years is affected by the drought. I think that the an undertaking that we will grapple with people of Queensland were misled into suburban transport. voting for this Government, and the Premier Supply [18 OcTOBER] Supply 961

should be very careful when he says, "Out power cheaply. Hon. members on the of their own mouths they condemn Government benches do not realise that themselves." the only way of generating electricity cheaply I wish to refer to that part of the and efficiently in Queensland is by thermal Treasurer's policy speech in which he spoke power. I do not intend to even try to in terms of development. I shaiJ not waste explain to the hon. member for Mt. Gravatt time by turning up the page. He spoke how the State could develop its own coal about the development of Weipa, Moura, resources. and so on. Of course, he regards ali this as development. Selling our natural The Government is content to obtain only resources, oil well by oil well, quarry by peanuts in royalties, yet the whole basis of quarry, mine by mine, and paddock by wealth and development in this State-in paddock-that is what the Government of fact, in any country-depends upon the Queensland likes to refer to as development. establishment of manufacturing processes using the State's own raw materials. It is What are we developing by exporting scandalous that Moonie oil is being pumped raw materials from this State? We are deve­ past two oil refineries. It is probably the loping foreign-based companies who come greatest farce that has ever been seen in to the State, take the wealth from its ground, Queensland. The only people who have ship it overseas and manufacture it into made money out of the oil found in Queens­ articles to be returned to these shores to land have been those who invested in shares. compete against Australian-made products. We have the spectacle of this oil from Moonie We are developing secondary industries in being pumped past two of our refineries. other countries; we are providing employment Can hon. members opposite tell me that that for people overseas. The Commonwealth is economic? Government is forcing the States to pawn their heritage merely to obtain money for Mr. Hughes: Taking your attitude to its the development of industry. logical conclusion Labour would never have Mr. Hughes: You would prefer the true developed Weipa. story. Mr. SHERRINGTON: Here we get back Mr. SHERRINGTON: The hon. member to the Mrs. Grundy attitude about develop­ may be able to convince his kitchen study ing Weipa. What development is at Weipa? group on this subject, but I point out to him Ore is being dug out of the ground and that Australia could well be warned by the shipped to Gladstone, to be made into example of Canada in this regard, where 60 alumina oxide, which in turn is to be shipped per cent. of industry was owned by American overseas for the making of the finished pro­ companies. Those companies exploited the raw materials in Canada ·and after processing duct. Queensland is doing the hard work in the U.S.A. the finished product was sent and getting little of the return. I do not back to Canada. In 1962 Canada had one of think the people of this State deserve to be the highest percentages of unemployment in treated in the manner in which they have the world. In fact, the election in that year been treated by this Government. ~as won and lost on the question of foreign I want to briefly speak on another impor­ mvestment. tant subject. Over the six or seven years Even the Leader of the Country Party in that I have been in this Parliament, I do the Federal Parliament has repeatedly issued not think that one year has passed without warnings about the Jack of control of foreign a Treasurer coming into this Chamber and investment within our shores. If the hon. blaming the drought for the bad budget he member believes that shipping raw materials had to introduce. This evening we heard overseas is developing this country, he will the hon. member for Fassifern speaking about believe Hans Andersen's fairy tales. water conservation. He is about the only Mr. Chinchen: Do you believe that over­ member of the Government to whom I care seas balances are important? to listen, and the only member of the Govern­ ment with whose views I would agree on Mr. SHERRINGTON: The hon. member water conservation not only in Queensland would sell his soul for a few thousand but throughout Australia. pounds. He would rather see raw materials As I have said, in every one of the last going overseas than see them developed here. seven years Treasurers have been coming Mr. Chinchen: How do you develop coal into this Chamber and blaming drought for in your own country? the drop in revenue. That is fair enough; the drought may have caused a drop in Mr. SHERRINGTON: What use would it revenue, but what have we done about it? be my explaining the use of coal for the When the State goes through these periods production of thermal power? I have heard of droughts, surely lessons should be learned. members of the Government speak in this Surely one thing that should be driven into Chamber of developing hydro-electric power even the thickest skull would be the need in Queensland. There is no river in the for water conservation, yet what do we find? State that flows fast enough or has the volume to produce hydro-electric Mr. Knox interjected. 962 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. SHERRINGTON: Of course the hon. drying up in drought-time are not going to member does not like figures being thrown be satisfied with the words of the Premier back at him. One of the troubles with our when he says that the Government received Treasurer is that he suffers from "vocabular" advice on how to build a couple of spillways amnesia. and on the selection of sites for another Mr. Miller: That is a clever one. couple of dams. I am not being political about this. I do Mr. SHERRINGTON: Of course; it is not care who started the Snowy Mountains beyond the hon. member's capacity to think scheme. The greatest piece of developmental of, let alone be able to understand work that this country has seen in the whole it. It means that the Treasurer is a very of its history was the implementation of the bad suffer from acute "vocabular" amnesia; Snowy Mountains scheme because of the in other words, he does not want to tremendous benefit it has been to Victoria remember what he said five months ago and New South Wales. Nobody will deny in his election policy speech. that. I do not want to claim any political Mr. Sullivan: Why don't you talk intelli­ credit for its implementation. The Snowy gently like that all the time? Mountains scheme was envisaged by people who realised what could be done by the Mr. SHERRINGTON: If the hon. mem­ applied use of capital for water conservation ber is intelligent, let him come outside and and hydro-electric development. The greatest I will endeavour to arrange an intelligent tragedy we are witnessing today is that conversation between him and a monkey. already the design section of the Snowy Mountains Authority is being lost to Aus­ As I say, Treasurers have been com­ tralia because of staff •retrenchments. I do ing into this Chamber and bemoaning the not think the Premier and Treasurer of this fact that drought has had an adverse effect State are doing Queensland sufficient service on the trading balance of the various depart­ unless they make a strong demand on the ments of our State, and what do we find? Commonwealth Government to preserve intact I will not use 1958 or 1959 figures; I will the Snowy Mountains Authority and to ensure be kind and allow the Government two that its personnel are put to good use in this years in office. In 1960-61 the Government State. spent $4,500,000 on irrigation and water supply. In 1959-60, the year before, they Queensland has a narrow rainfall belt spent $5,300,000. In other words, there down the coastal extremity, with a vast was a drop of $1,000,000 in that year, and amount of land in a relatively dry area. in 1966, after the Treasurers have moaned Realising what can be achieved by the and groaned about the effects of drought, harnessing of our various large rivers for they are still spending only $5,900,000 on hydro-electric development and water con­ irrigation and water supply in this State. servation schemes, we must accept the fact that we cannot afford to go on approaching What does the Premier say in regard to the problems of droughts merely by the the use of the Snowy Mountains Authority? handing out of miserable grants by way of He got on the stump at Maroochydore and drought relief. For far too long have we said­ adopted the attitude that when a drought 'The possibility of using Snowy comes we will give the man on the land a Mountains Authority personnel to expedite few lousy quid to buy fodder. investigation and implementation of water I wish to refer briefly to the last drought resources development in Queensland was and the performance of this Government in realised long before the present popular granting drought relief. The initial grant to demand was made." dairy farmers and others who suffered from He went on to say­ the drought was £500. This assistance was "In the past five years the Irrigation and not made available until fodder had reached Water Supply Commission has obtained the the astronomical price of £82 a ton after a assistance of the Authority on specific buying ring had come here from New South tasks. These included detailed design of Wales and bought up every bit of available soillways for two dams, preliminary fodder at a high price. By the time the investigations of three dams and selection farmers got this grant of £500 they received of sites and other works." the equivalent of six tons of fodder which would not keep any decent herd going. Does the Premier consider that in that way he is putting an adequate case to the Com­ Mr. Sullivan: That is not the picture monwealth Government for the use of the throughout the State. The price was not Snowy Mountain Authority personnel? I am £82 a ton throughout the State. sure that the people of Queensland, particu­ Mr. SHERRINGTON: It may not have larly the farmers, pastoralists and graziers been £82 a ton generally but a lot of farmers who, over the years, have suffered from the were paying that much. drought, would not. Do not forget that we Mr. Sullivan: That is what you are saying. have not had true ·seasonal rain since 1956, so their difficulties go back at least 10 years. Mr. SHERRINGTON: I am saying that Surely the farmers and any right-thinking it averaged £82 a ton throughout the State. people who see the tragedy of our coastal The hon. member must have been lucky and rivers flowing into the sea and western rivers had a few mates and got in early. Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 963

Mr. Sullivan: I conserved mine. You said No-one likes to see additional taxes imposed, it was £82 a ton. Tell the true story. and I suggest that the Treasurer would be the last to do so. Mr. SHERRINGTON: The hon. member should be the 1ast person to talk of telling It is indeed unfortunate that the spheres the truth after having tried vo "rubbish" from which the State may draw its taxes decent labour men by coming into this are few. I, for one, would like to see all the chamber and peddling his filthy propaganda. States in partnership with the Commonwealth Government, playing a far greater role in The Opposition can only use the expedient raising finance, through taxation, to meet of moving a motion to reduce by $2.00 the vote to defray the salary of the aid-de­ the States' financial requirements. camp. This afternoon the hon. member for South Coast advocated the setting up of a co-opera­ A Government Member: Why do you want tive milk distribution point in Brisbane for to cut him down? the marketing of milk, presumably within the Brisbane milk district. I believe it is only Mr. SHERRINGTON: If I thought we right and proper that members should could win on the vote, I would give him the advocate matters which directly affect them $2.00 myself. Unfortunately, although we and their areas. However, I further believe may win the argument it does not matter that, in making such presentation of cases, if we have not the numbers. This is the the true position should be recorded. only way in which we can express our resentment and the resentment of the people The bon. member dealt at some length to the 25 per cent. increase in railway with a report of the activities of a firm known fares that will take effect in November. I as Queensland United Foods Ltd., and I repeat that the argument of my colleagues think he will admit that the over-all activities and mine should have awakened the people of this company (a Queensland company) are of this State to the fact that they can no fairly wide. It should be congratulated on its longer trust this Government. If the Govern­ wide diversification. However, the main issue ment's performance in the short five months to which I took exception was what appeared of its present term is any indication of its to me to be an implication that, whilst the performance as a government in the remain­ general diverse activities of the company der of its three-year pe·riod of office, the showed some losses, it could be construed people will realise only too well that they from his statements that the dairy farmer can no longer trust it. Unfortunately the was losing out by that operation. By inter­ people of Queensland must suffer hon. mem­ jection, I mentioned that his statements were bers opposite for another two years and seven completely unfair and I now feel it is my months. I believe that the people of Queens­ obligation to this Committee to substantiate land will not forget that the Minister for those remarks. Transport went back on a promise he made to preserve low suburban railways fa·res. It has been known for quite some time that a move has been afoot to try to have Mr. LICKISS (Mt. Coot-tha) (9.28 p.m.): established in Brisbane a co-operative I listened with a great deal of amusement association to bottle and distribute milk in to the speech of the hon. member who has this area. There are, I believe, certain more just resumed his seat. I also listened with relevant facts than those that I shall mention a great deal of interest to the slanging match here, but I consider that these will hinge across the Chamber resulting from his more on the actual source of milk supply in remarks. May I say that I propose to treat this area. In this regard, I believe that there his rather loud and empty ravings with the will be an increasing necessity to deliver milk contempt they so richly deserve. into the Brisbane area from farther afield, No-one will deny that the Treasurer has firstly because of the expanding growth of had a very difficult task in presenting a Brisbane, into some dairying areas, but more •balanced Budget and at the same time so because of an increasing population, providing for the continued development of necessitating a larger quantitative supply. the State. It would have been much easier However, these matters could be discussed to cut back on our pace of development. as a separate issue. Indeed, this would have been politically more Dealing with this particular issue, that is, comfortable, but I suggest it would have Brisbane milk processing and distribution, I been contrary to the interests of the State. consider that the points I will raise should Consequently, I admire the Treasurer for taking this stand. be examined in great detail when any variation to the ipresent milk marketing Hon. members opposite have seen fit to system is under consideration. These points attack certain aspects of the additional tax­ are- ation. However, I have noted with a great No other capital city has a lower retail deal of interest that they have not offered milk price than Brisbane; any alternative constructive suggestions. Indeed, each hon. member opposite still There is no place in Australia where required the same amount, or even greater the margin between the housewife's price expenditure, this year within his own area. for milk and the farmer's price is less: in 964 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

other words, the farmer gets a higher per­ the milk supply of Brisbane is guaranteed centage of the retail price of milk in If a further plant is opened, ihowever, Brisbane than in any other place in this will mean that capital is spent on Australia. still further surplus capacity for no extra It may be said that the processing turnover, while in addition the very high and distribution of milk in Brisbane is a cost of suburban depots, which is between monopoly. If so, it is a completely con­ $25,000 and $50,000 each, will be trolled monopoly, because the Bri~bane increased. At the moment there are 18 Milk Board fixes the margin at which pro­ such depots in the Brisbane area, and no cessors operate and also fixes the margin at doubt this number will have to be increased which retail vendors operate. Operating with the expansion of subdivisional deve­ costs are checked in great detail by a lopment and the consequent population qualified cost accountant, formerly increase. It is obvious that in these cir­ employed in the Queensland Prices Branch, cumstances the increased costs will result and margins allowed by the Milk Board are in either a lower price to the farmer or based on these costs. a higher price to the housewife, or both. The present system nnmm1ses both The estimated capital cost of equip­ processing and distribution costs. It means ment necessary to provide the present that high quality and highly efficient plant can be installed for processing, and it facility would, I suggest, exceed $4,000,000. means also that the placing of suburban The establishment of a m1rumum cold-storage depots can be carefully economic unit, with vehicles and some planned. The present system of retail depots, could exceed $1,000,000. depots ensures that no vendor has to travel more than 2t to 3 miles from the depot The primary producer (the milk to his most remote customer. supplier) has a further benefit at the moment in that milk rejected for the This system of controlled monopoly appears to be recognised by the Govern­ pasteurised milk trade delivered by bulk ment, as is evidenced by the granting of tanker can, at his option, be diverted to milk franchises in other cities and towns the Kingston Butter Factory for processing. in Queensland. A franchise gives the com­ Whilst, as mentioned, the processing of milk pany concerned the sole right to process milk in a given area, so keeping costs in the metropolitan area might be con­ down. sidered a monopoly, I suggest that the rami­ fications of the industry generally, from the The system of consolidation in milk producer level to the consumer's obtaining processing and distribution is forced on the product, in many respects make it not the industry by economics. The small com­ unlike the sugar industry in that the cost panies just cannot survive on the margins structure is rigidly controlled at all levels. permitted. I propose to discuss the actual cost structure in a moment. Brisbane had It is evident that the intrusion of another many milk processing companies years processor, at least at this stage, would tend ago, including two co-operative companies to over-capitalise the processing and market­ each of which "went under" due to inability ing of the product with a consequent adverse to operate on the margins allowed. Sydney, price fluctuation, and, with the event of such which is four times as large as Brisbane, a separate processing and marketing organisa­ has two large milk processors and one very tion, it is unlikely that the over-all con­ small one. Brisbane now has two plants. sumption of milk would increase. In fact, it is more likely that, because of increased I suppose it will be argued that in effect price, consumption could decrease as a result Brisbane has only one. The two com­ of buyer resistance. panies, namely, Peters-Arctic Delicacy Oo. Ltd. and Pauls Ice Cream & Milk Ltd., The rigid control by the Milk Board at formed a holding company know as the level of processing and distribution for Queensland United Foods Ltd., to prevent the Brisbane milk market ensures that the takeovers by southern firms and overseas primary producer receives equitable treat­ interests. In other words, they are to ment. Indeed, in comparison with other be congratulated that they have retained States, the primary producer in Queensland their Queensland identity. That is all in appears to be receiving a far better per­ their favour. In Melbourne, where there centage of the total cost structure than he have been a number of plants, the process does elsewhere. of consolidation is accelerating. One of the larger companies acquired seven of the The inference from the remarks of the smaller companies in the last 14 months. hon. member for South Coast this after­ noon was that the producer was losing I think it .is worthy of note that the because the profit from the bottling and plants in Brisbane are capable of pro­ distribution was being used to bolster losing ducing at least 35 per cent. more than their sections of the company's operations. I current throughput. It is necessary to pro­ went to the trouble of taking out figures that vide this surplus capacity to make sure that I think will prove my case conclusively. Supply [18 OCTOBER] Supply 965

The figures are those shown in the deter­ the Minister for Primary Industries that if mination of the Brisbane Milk Board in this matter is, in fact-and I trust that it is December, 1965, and they are as follows- not-in the melting pot, a very thorough Gallon cost investigation should be a prerequisite. c Here we have the benefit of a com­ Cost of milk .. 42·594 pany that is prepared to subject itse•lf to Cost of processing 11·464 statutory regulation and control and, in fact, to operate at a profit on which no Total 54·058 co-operative would be prepared to operate­ Selling Price 55·2 that is, a net profit of between 3 per cent. (gazetted) and 4 per cent. on a capital investment of Margin 1·142 or some $4,000,000-and is prepared to pro­ ·143 a pint. vide the smallest margin as between the The sale price through retail outlets is housewife and the producer. In other words, 9c a pint. the processor receives the smallest amount for his acti,vity and huge capital investment, I mentioned this afternoon that the state­ and the beneficiaries, of course, are the ment by the bon. member for South Coast producer on the one hand and the housewife was completely unfair and that, by using on the other. certain figures, he could calculate the true position. In the year 1965-66, 20,700,000 I believe that, far from being criticised, gallons of milk were processed. By a simple this company, which is active in Queensland calculation based on 1·142c a gallon, one as a purely Queensland company, should be finds that the gross profit on this quantity congratulated. was $236,900. If one subtracts from that $100,682 in tax at the rate of 42t per cent., Mr. BROMLEY (Norman) (9.47 p.m.): I which is the tax applicable, it leaves a want to preface my remarks on the Budget net profit of $136,217 on a capital invest­ by referring briefly to the Honourable John ment of about $4,000,000. Again by a Duggan, and say that in this instance the very simple calculation, one can ascertain word "honourable", which is used so that on a gross profit basis this gives a return loosely in this Chamber, is a true descrip­ of between 5 per cent. and 6 per cent., tion of this man's courage, ability, and his and, on a net profit basis, a return of many outstanding qualifications. To my way between 3 per cent. and 4 per cent. of thinking, the incident that was unfortu­ nately raised last week, and received such Already the i!l!iustry has absorbed a wide publicity in the Press, will not react basic wage increase of $1.30 within the cost unfavourably against this man, whom I con­ structure since that date, so it will be sider to be a friend of mine and a friend of obvious to all hon. members that this type people in all wa~ks of life, including those of operation can be maintained and give who move in Christian circles. To say that equity to both housewife and producer only he has lost the confidence and friendship if it is based on the volume throughput of those who really matter in this world of the plant. Today it is still running 35 per would be untrue. I publicly state my full cent. under capacity. appreciation of his assistance to many people If the bon. member for South Coast and to this State, and I wish John Duggan, now thinks that he owes some apology as well as his wife and family, the best of for being critical of a very great Queens­ everything in the future, including good land company, which has the whole of its health. milk-bottling operations rigidly controlled and finally audited to the nth degree, I think I also want to sincerely thank the it should be forthcoming. Treasurer, the Honourable Gordon Chalk, for his very Christian-like remarks and atti­ Mr. Hinze: The case is not a bit con­ tude last week after the momentous vincing; in fact, it is pathetically weak. announcement by Mr. Duggan. His words were commendable, and a facet of his Mr. LICKISS: One cannot penetrate rock; character perhaps not generally known was I am sorry. revealed. I might mention that with the Now, with all due respect to the Treasurer, producer supplying to the processor, I will move on to the Budget debate and particularly to the fresh milk market in support the amendment moved by the Leader Brisbane, one of the vital considerations in of the Opposition. I say first of all that it extending the area catering for direct sup­ is a shocking indictment of the Government pliers will be continuity of supply. One that its Whip cannot command enough would think that in his advocacy for this speakers from the Government benches. important industry the hon. member would At this stage I welcome the Premier back advocate such action as would directly from overseas and say that I think he did a benefit the whole industry and no

They know that there is always a possibility I want to see the State industrialised, and of drought, but nothing has been done by the only way to bring this about is to spend the Government to help them. Year after money on water conservation. That is the year the Government did nothing. We warned most necessary thing, because all industries it. When we were in Government we need great quantities of water. If small attempted to do something about water con­ towns are developed, I believe they will be a servation so that droughts would not have great asset to the State and that Queensland such a serious effect. I frequently spoke on will further prosper. I say in all sincerity the need for water conservation. The water that if the Government, and Queenslanders is available. I have told hon. members in general, are not prepared to take the bit previously about the tremendous volume of in their teeth and build up these towns and water that runs off in the northern part have industries established in them, the of Queensland, and about the water from unemployment situation will worsen and the our streams and from rainfall that goes to drift from small towns will continue. waste year after year. Only recently I was speaking to a very Why should Queensland continually be the good friend of mine who told me that a Cinderella State when it comes to spending large oil company is closing down its money on construction? Hon. members Brisbane headquarters and sending all its opposite may say that we have had a large accounts to Sydney, where it has automated methods, and is going to employ only about amount of money allocated for beef roads. eight people here. That is a rather shocking But if we do nothing about offsetting the state of affairs. After hearing this, I made it effects of drought or to help the people on the my business to find out if it was land, and if they will do nothing to help correct. It is in fact true. I shall not identify themselves, there will be no cattle or sheep to the oil company beyond saying that it is a transport along the beef roads, so what is well-known, world-wide organisation. the good of having them? Recently I attended a conference in Perth, The Commonwealth Government should and I made it my business to discuss the wake up to its responsibilities. First things industrialisation of Queensland with business should come first, and the first need is money people on the way to Perth. I was shocked for water conservation. If our technicians when they told me that if the economy of can implement the Snowy River scheme, Queensland did not stabilise and improve, which was commenced by a Labour Govern­ more of the sort of thing to which I have ment, why can't they do something like that just referred would happen; firms in the in Queensland? The first requirement is southern States would close down their sub­ water conservation to help the man on the sidiaries in Queensland and transfer their land. In that way we would help the State's accounts sections and other types of business economy. It would become stabilised. That administration to the South. There would would help in what I term "decentralised then be more unemployment and more people centralisation". For those who are not leaving Queensland for the South, with a familiar with that phrase, I shall explain consequent downward trend in the popula­ what I mean. Many of our small towns­ tion of Queensland. ships are going out of existence and the On page 1 of the Financial Statement the people are migrating to the coastal cities. Treasurer says that his predecessor, Sir Under a system of decentralised centralisa­ Thomas Hiley, introduced nine successive tion we would build larger towns and estab­ Budgets. He did not say that most of them lish industries in them. These towns would were designed to balance, nor did he mention be farther apart than the small towns that the number that finished up with deficits. are going out of existence. In that way we The Treasurer said that Sir Thomas Hiley would provide employment and stop the brought a very fine brain to the Treasury. drift from those towns, and so develop All that I can say is that he did not leave it Queensland. there. The present Treasurer said that he On page 1 of the Financial Statement the was making a further progressive step. He Treasurer said­ said it was his personal belief that oppor­ tunity should be provided for every Queens­ "The overall situation was an increase lander to become better acquainted with the in unemployment during the year to an methods being adopted to "touch" him. average of 1· 8 per cent. of the work Although he did not use those exact words, force." that is what he meant. I do not like unemployment. If we do some­ Mr. Carey: That is a Labour phrase. We thing in the line of decentralised centralisa­ would not say that. tion and build larger towns, even at the expense of the smaller towns, and provide Mr. BROMLEY: Hon. members opposite greater incentive to the people to stay there, may not use certain words, but they adopt and to the farmers, there could be less certain practices. Perhaps the ordinary unemployment. No-one can deny that many layman will agree that he can obtain a clear of our townships are dying slowly. We do understanding from the Treasurer's words. not like to see that, because this is a vast All I can say is that when he starts to find country that should be developed and at the end of each week an ever-decreasing populated. amount of money in his pocket, he will 968 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

understand how he is being "touched". I I think it stinks-something should be done have spoken to many people, including those to develop the State. If it is to develop on low and fixed incomes, and they have as it should, we should not worry very much told me that already their stomachs and whether the gross public debt increases or pockets are feeling the effects of the Budget. not, because I sincerely believe that posterity They do not want an introduction to the should be called upon to pay for some of Treasurer, either personally or through his the things that are being provided now and Budget, because they are being affected that people will enjoy in later years. I adversely. think that is fairly reasonable. I do not I do not say that there should not be a think the people of the present day and age deficit at times. If the Budget can be should have to meet all this debt. Let us balanced, so much the better; but at times get ahead with the expansion of the country such as this, when the people of all and not worry too much about the Australian States are feeling the effects of accumulated debt. the "lousy" Commonwealth Budget intro­ I wanted to deal in detail with the duced recently, the Government should do Budget, so it looks as if I will have to go its best to hold on for another 12 months through it and deal with it as I go. If or two years and provide the people of we do expand-and I sincerely hope we Queensland with a better standard of living, do-l believe that posterity will reap the even if it means budgeting for a deficit. The benefit of what we do today, so let us people should not be the milking cow year be constructive; let us build things, not after year. If the Government of Queens­ destroy them. There is too much destruction land is as intelligent as it claims to be, it going on in the world today. Money can should realise that it can continue for 12 be found for destructive purposes, but when months or two years with a growing deficit one asks for something for constructive so that the people will not be affected purposes money is not available. Just think adversely. I believe that a deficit can be of the money that would have been available reduced over the years. for the building of homes and for the Mr. Low: How? You are not a realist. development of the State from the cost of recent crashes in the Air Force alone. I Mr. BROMLEY: I am a realist, and I do not want to get onto Federal matters, do not believe that too much time should but I believe that we should do something be taken up by any one speaker in the with the money we have available, and Budget debate. I think an hour is too long, no-one can deny that it is available. If and I think we should have more time to there was a full-scale war tomorrow money discuss the Estimates. This would enable would be available for it. Let us spend us to make constructive suggestions. How­ money on constructive things in Queensland. ever, if we did make them, would anyone Let us build homes for people; let us think take any notice of them? Probably not. of the aged and of people in the low-income With ali due respect to the bon. member group; let us do something for them, and for Cooroora, I think we should endeavour let us be genuine about it. to find some way of assisting the people. On page 4 the Treasurer deals with loans In the first paragraph on page 2 of the and loan money, which all ties up with the Financial Statement, the Treasurer deals with development of the State. Because of the the accumulated deficit in the Consolidated inflationary period through which we are Revenue Fund, and in the second paragraph going, I believe that local authorities should he says that no provision was made in last be allowed to borrow more money. At year's Estimates for the receipt of $7,500,000 the same time, of course, I think that the for drought relief. If Sir '"thomas Hiley had Government should keep a close rein on the planned to receive this extra money from spending of that money. It should know the Commonweahh Government the deficit why it is to be spent and where it is to would have been even higher, so I suppose be spent, and I think it should advise on the Treasurer was fortunate in that respect. how it is to be spent. Anyone who has studied the Financial State­ On page 5 of the Financial Statement ment will agree that this is a "crying" the Treasurer refers to the Wilbur Smith Budget, and I am being charitable in saying traffic plan. This is a tremendously that. important subject and one with which I The Treasurer then dealt with cash should have liked to deal at considerable balances and investments, and later with the length, because I have many submis~io_ns, public debt. Although I am not happy about suggestions and ideas that in my ommon the increase in the gross public debt, I will would be of great assistance. They are admit that I am not very concerned about it. criticisms, but at the same time they are criticisms which, in many respects, might Mr. Carey: Are you having two bob each help. It is a matter of tremendous importance way? to the people, both directly and indirectly. Mr. BROMLEY: No, I am being serious On the same page, page 5, mention is about it. I believe that in a young country made of decimal currency, and at this stage such as this, a country that is growing, a I should like to congratulate the staffs in country with a great future-! never use Government departments generally, and in the word "potential", which is a rotten word; the Treasury, for the wonderful manner in Supply [I 8 OCTOBER] Supply 969 which they handled the change-over to particular case, because they have to borrow decimal currency. I think they did a tremend­ money to re-stock-where they are going to ous job. I do not want to dwell again get it from, I do not know-- on the shocking job that business people have done in the decimal currency change­ Mr. Lee: Out of these big profits you over. I spoke about this matter on Grievance just spoke about. Day and the Minister for Labour and Mr. BROMLEY: I am trying to make some Tourism, who is in the Chamber, very sensible suggestions. Admittedly they made courteously wrote me a letter about my profits. I am not denying that. I said that grievance. However, I could not quite get they had to sell their stock. The Common­ the gist of the letter because he said that wealth Government should adopt a sympa­ the matter did not come within the purview thetic attitude and say, "You made so much or the control of his department. Neverthe­ profit this year. We will give you a !(}.year less, I appreciated his writing the letter and plan so that you will have 10 years to pay I repeat that, as far as the change-over to your income tax." As an analogy, I refer decimal currency is concerned, the Govern­ to the champion boxer whose life in the ment, or its departments anyway, should ring is approximately, say, five years. During be congratulated. those five years he can make a tremendous Again on page 5 the Treasurer deals with amount of money. ·I k·now that because I the purchase of stock-sheep and cattle-for have been associated with the boxing game the re-stocking of properties. I say again for many years. During his fighting life that I have the greatest sympathy, and to the champion boxer can be called upon to some e-xtent admiration, for people on the pay tremendous amounts in income tax. land. I certainly have great sympathy for Once he retires from the ring he goes down graziers who have to re-stock after the to a lower tax bracket. drought. I agree wiuh the Treasurer that this Government Members interjected. will be expensive. Al~hough I have nothing here to prove it, I say without fear of con­ Mr. BROMLEY: Even if the Country tradiction that balance sheets and interim Party are not interested, I am making a tax returns from certain pastoral companies sincere plea on behalf of the graziers. If and graziers, whom I will not name, will show hon. members opposite do not like it, they that last year they made their greatest profit can jump in the lake. in history, in some cases, running into well Mr. Lee: What lake? There is no water. over $1,000,000. That can be proved by perusing some of the balance sheets. I say Mr. BROMLEY: Let the hon. member "Good luck to them." jump in a glass of water. That is about as deep as he is. Mr. Low interjected. This all boils down to the fact that there Mr. BROMLEY: I realise that they had is an extreme need for additional water to sell their stock because of fear of losses conservation schemes in Queensland, and through the drought. I am not blaming more money should be made avairable for them. Graziers and pastoral companies who this purpose. made such tremendous profits should be given On page 6 of his Financial Statement the some consideration by the Commonwealth Treasurer refers to water conservation, Government. Perhaps this may not be the education, drought, and relief from the place to air the suggestion, but I think the Federal Government. I do not wish to take Commonwealth Government should assist up time by reading what the Treasurer said. these pastoral companies and graziers by It is already recorded in "Hansard". assessing their income tax over a number of years instead of saying, "Last year you made Mr. Herbert: Hear, hear! so much money. You sold so many stock Mr. BROMLEY: Now that the Minister for so much and you have to pay a huge for Tourism, in a sarcastic way, has said, amount in income tax." "Hear, hear", I will quote what the Treasurer Mr. Rae: We can get a five-year average said­ now. '~However, I must repeat my early public expression of disappointment that the only Mr. BROMLEY: You can get that all the aid afforded us towards the factor of loss time? of revenue by drought is $2,750,000. As we have already lost in the vicinity of Mr. Rae: Only if we elect to do it. You $8,000,000 from this cause and I estimate can be taxed every year as the ordinary that we shall lose a further $9,000,000 person is, or have a five-year plan. from the same cause in 1966-67, I can only state that the help given in this Mr. BROMLEY: I understand that. The direction is totally inadequate." point I am tryi·ng to make is that these last That is in strong contrast to the terms of 12 or 18 months have been a tremendous the private member's motion that was on the strain on the man on the land. Although I Business Paper and in the debate on which realise that there is a plan for five- yearly Government members rose with tongue in payments I sincerely believe that in this cheek, one after another like little lambs, 970 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

to praise the Federal Government for its Mr. Nicklin: He is in favour, because it tremendous assistance to this State. This was is going back into the construction of more done, yet in his Financial Statement the roads. Treasurer in his own words castigated the Federal Government for the very minute Mr. BROMLEY: If it does. But it is assistance rendered to Queensland. not going to build more roads. Mr. Campbell: Read what he said at page Mr. Sullivan: Of course we are in 10. favour of it. Mr. BROMLEY: I am reading from page 7 Mr. BROMLEY: They are all in favour at the moment. of it. They are like sheep. But the main enjoyment of the person on a low fixed When we analyse the Treasurer's statement income is to use his car once a week to we see that he is blaming the Prime Minister take his family out, or, in the case of a and the Federal Government for the lack of person with a sick wife, to take her out. assistance, yet Government members sup­ That would be the only enjoyment she ported the private member's motion praising would get. The husband can go out only the Federal Government. On the previous once a week because he cannot afford to page, in virtually the same breath, the buy more petrol. But he has to pay these Treasurer said­ increased registration fees. I appeal to the "I am certain that there is nothing Government to allow a 25 per cent. reduc­ wrong with our economy that a few tion in registration fees to people on low, favourable seasons cannot and will not fixed incomes and more particularly to remedy." pensioners. I can only say that he is living in a dream Mr. Campbell: Will you pay an extra world of his own when all he is hoping and 25 per cent. to match it? praying for is a few favourable seasons. It is similar to all the talk we have heard about Mr. BROMLEY: Yes. I am prepared to potential. We cannot have seasons made to pay an extra 25 per cent. provided the order. We cannot say that next year or the Government does the right thing by these year after will be a good season to lift our people. It will not cost very much. It will economy. The whole economy is up and not take much away from road building, down. I believe that the Treasurer is just which the the Premier mentioned. Before hoping for the best. long the Premier will be a pensioner, although he will not retire on the pittance On page 7 the Treasurer spoke about the the pensioner gets from the Commonwealth university and about certain money that has Government today. I would allow the been allocated for endowment, which Premier a 25 per cent. reduction in regis­ represents an increase. That is very good to tration fees if I could get from him an see, and we should see more of it. It is a assurance that he will give serious con­ shocking indictment on the Government sideration to my request, and then I would which has been attacked so often about lack sing high praises for a week. I do not of educational facilities, that it has decided know whether he will commit himself, but to delay the building of the new university I challenge him to do something in this at Mt. Gravatt. regard. I believe that figures could be On the same page the Treasurer deals taken out tomorrow on what it would cost with increased motor vehicle registration fees. the Government to allow such a reduction. Other members have referred to this This is a serious plea, irrespective of the matter. The hon. member for Rockhampton laughter of Government members. They South said he was in favour of the pro­ could not care less about the ordinary people; posed increase. How could any right-minded they are not interested in them. person representing people in Parliament and in a city council say he is in favour of Mr. W. D. Hewitt: He could not take increased car registration fees? those figures out, because no age is stated on the registration certificate. Mr. Lee: You know that the average motorist is in favour of it if it goes back Mr. BROMLEY: It would be simple. The into roads. pensioner himself would apply. There is no such thing as a problem that cannot Mr. BROMLEY: Is the hon. member for be overcome. If the Government decides Y eronga in favour of increased car regis­ to do it, it will be doing something good. tration fees? Mr. Lee: How will you restrict the driving Mr. Lee: You know that the average of the car to the pensioner? motorist is in favour of it if it goes back into roads. Mr. BROMLEY: I am talking about registration fees. Obviously very few, if Mr. BROMLEY: Is the hon. member for any, Government members, including the Y eronga in favour of increased car regis­ Premier-and I hate to say that-are in tration fees? I am asking him to declare favour of doing anything for the pensioners, himself and say whether he is in favour so I have another suggestion that I hope he or not. The people of his electorate can will t,ake notice of. The sooner the then judge him. registration of vehicles is abandoned Supply [18 OcTOBER] Supply 971 altogether and a tax paid on the fuel used, hepatitis, a person came to me and wanted the better. Those who use the roads more to know who was the Chinese Minister than others would pay heavier taxes through for Transport. If he wants to get personal, the amount of petrol used. I will do the same. I think that is a fairly sensible approach Mr. Chalk: You didn't know it was Ah to the matter. Those who use motor-cars Wong, did you? only once or twice a week would have the privilege of owning them and would be taxed Mr. BROMLEY: I know what he is. only in accordance with the use they made of In summarising the Financial Statement, the roads. Of course, the tax would mean the Treasurer went on to say­ that the price of petrol would be increased. "However, as far as our losses of The sooner the registration scheme is revenue because of drought are concerned, abandoned and a tax on petrol imposed in the Commonwealth Government has its place, the sooner the motorist, who is agreed to contribute only $2,750,000. This the milking cow for all Governments, will get figure falls far short of our needs and, a better deal. Those who can afford only as I have already explained, we have been two, three, or four gallons of petrol a week left with no alternative but to make would still be able to enjoy ownership of a increases in certain of our revenue charges." car. They would be able to take their That statement is in sharp contrast with the families out, and have a car available in the attitude of members of his Government who event of sickness. There are many advantages moved a private member's motion praising in such a scheme, and I recommend it and the Commonwealth Government for the hope that the Government will at least investi­ assistance it has given this State. Obviously gate it. he is having two bob each way. On page 8 of the Financial Statement the The Treasurer summarised his financial Treasurer drew a comparison between the Statement; I intend now to summarise my State and Commonwealth Budgets. I feel thoughts on it. In all fairness, I say to that the sooner taxing powers are returned the Treasurer that there are some good things to the States, the better it will be. If com­ in it-but very, very few. plete State taxing rights were restored, I believe that Queensland would have a better Mr. Chalk: I know some good things chance of moving ahead. I was very come out of cheese; I did not know they interested to read the Treasurer's comparison came out of "chalk". with the Commonwealth Budget, because I Mr. BROMLEY: The hon. gentleman believe that what he said contains a certain should know the difference between cha·lk amount of merit. Although he has not said and cheese. so, I believe that the Treasurer agrees with my view on State taxing rights. I see that The increase of $2 a week in the allow­ the Treasurer is not going to commit him­ ance to foster parents and charitable organi­ self. If he whistled, I know what tune it sations who care for children boarded out would be; it would be, "Yes, yes." The to them is very good, but it is not before Treasurer makes this statement, which gives time. Shortly before the Budget was pre­ him away­ sented I asked the Minister for Labour and Tourism when he intended to alter the "I am stressing the importance of funds allowance, but he did not know. That is for capital works, as I firmly believe that one of the good things in the Budget. shortage of such funds could be the biggest barrier to development of this State." Not nearly enough money is being allocated That is the answer that the Treasurer refused for irrigation and water supply, but it is good to give me a moment ago. to see that some sort of a start is being made with this important work. I give the Mr. Chalk: How much longer have you Treasurer credit, too, for increasing to go? university endowments. Mr. BROMLEY: If the Treasurer is not At the bottom of page 9 of the Financial interested in some of the things contained Statement there is reference to the com­ in the Budget, which he probably has already mencement of a scheme for the rehabilita­ forgotten, I am here to remind him of them. tion of the dairy industry, with an initial Mr. R. Jones: People are going to call appropriation of $750,000. Unfortunately it the "Walk-with-Chalk" Budget. the dairy industry is in the doldrums, and I do not think $750,000 is sufficient, even in Mr. BROMLEY: The Treasurer will be the initial stages. walking a "chalk" line before Jong. Mr. Chalk: Do you think I should tax Mr. Chalk: You will, at the Q.C.E.­ the people more so that I can give more don't you worry. away? Mr. BROMLEY: I have been on the Mr. BROMLEY: No. The Treasurer has Q.C.E. for 12 years. the wrong idea. Mr. Knox interjected. Mr. Chalk: You have the wrong idea. Mr. BROMLEY: If the Minister for Trans­ Mr. BROMLEY: I believe that $1,000,000 port wants to be personal, I can tell him should be added to that $750,000 for the that when unfortunately he was ill with rehabilitation of the dairy industry. 972 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Questions

Mr. Chalk: From whom should I take it? I refer to Senator Morris, who spoke about heads, not about pushing ahead. What he Mr. BROMLEY: If the Treasurer travels said was, "When you see a head, kick it." through the State with his eyes and ears open, he will see that the dairy industry (Time expired.) needs rehabilitating. Progress reported. Mr. Chalk: I want you to tell me where to get the money. The House adjourned at 10.48 p.m. Mr. BROMLEY: I will tell the Treasurer where to get the money. If he gets the State's taxing rights back he will be able to tax those people who have the money. Mr. Chalk: You are getting more like a babe in the woods every day. Mr. BROMLEY: The Treasurer wants to know where to get the money. I ha,ve told him. Now I shall deal with some of the very bad things in the Budget. First there is the delay in the construction of the new univer­ sity. Then there is the introduction of new stamp duties. Again the Treasurer will say, 'Tell me where to get the money." Mr. Chalk: That is all I want to know. Mr. BROMLEY: The Treasurer has said he is going to fleece the people, right, left and centre. Rail fares are to be increased. Many Government members attacked the Brisbane City Council for increasing tram fares, yet railway fares are to be increased by 25 per cent-absolutely shocking! Once again, transport fees are to be increased. The people in the country, the people whom the Premier and his colleagues are supposed to represent, are to be hit again. The Treasurer will be popular when the trans­ port operators get together! I have mentioned the imposition of the new motor vehicle stamp duties, the increase in registration fees, and the increase in certain hospital charges, of which the hon. member for Nudgee spoke. They are certainly insignificant at this stage, but the thin end of the wedge has been inserted and I am very sorry that the Health Estimates are not to be discussed. I would have had quite a lot to say about hospitals in that debate. Some of the things that have been going on in the past are still going on. I could name plenty of them, but unfortunately I have not enough time in this debate. I was very disappointed on learning this evening that the Health Estimates are not coming up for discussion. On page 10, in his concluding remarks, the Treasurer said that this is not a "stay put" Budget but rather a "push ahead" Budget. Mr. Davies: What is he pushing ahead? Mr. R. Jones: And what is he pushing it with? Mr. BROMLEY: It reminds me of a former Deputy Premier who is no longer in this Chamber; He is now in the Federal sphere.