Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 24 OCTOBER 1972

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Questions Upon Notice [24 OCTOBER 1972] Questions Upon Notice 1231

TUESDAY, 24 OCTOBER 1972 public, but I can assure him the certificate discloses that the death was due to natural causes." Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. W. H. Lonergan, Flinders) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m. NET PREMIUM RECEIPTS, S.G.l.O. Dr. Crawford, pursuant to notice, asked PAPERS The Treasurer,- The following paper were laid on the table, (1) As the 1971 State Government and ordered to be printed:- Insurance Office report, certified by the Auditor-General, shows net premiums of Repcrt of the State Fire Services Council $15,816,000 and stamp duty of $429,013 for the year 1971-72. and as the provision by Jaw of three per The following papers were laid on the cent. duty would be $474,480, what is the table:- significance of the difference of $45,467'? Regulations under the Public Service Act 1922-1968. (2) As this sum is three per cent. of $1,515,000, is the original sum of $15,816,000 a net premium as stated? QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE (3) Do these amounts represent PROPOSED SCHOOL, MUNDINGBURRA reimbursement of the S.G.I.O. by Govern­ Mr. Ahern for Mr. Aikens, pursuant to ment departments and is this in accord notice, asked The Minister for Education,- with section 10 of the State Government Insurance Office Act? Has any firm decision yet been reached as to the date of commencement of con­ ( 4) When premium amounts are so struction of the proposed school on the confused, how can a claims ratio, which land acquired for this purpose some years should be based on premium rates, be ago in Bmt and Thompson Streets, calculated? Mundir1gburra? If so, what will be the type of school and what are the other rele­ (5) How is Government action in this vant particulars? matter related to the legal obligation?

Answ:r:- Answers:- "My Department has a school site at In answering this Question, there are two the corner of Burt and Thompson Streets, general observations which I should make. Mundingburra, and this appears to be the In the first place the report of the State site to which the Honourable Member is Government Insurance Office is not referring. The latest report received from certified by the Auditor-General as stated the Regional Director indicates that a new by the Honourable Member in his Ques­ school -on this site will not be required tion. Page 15 of the report shows exactly for 1973. The matter, however, is being which of the accounts in the report are kept under review. The Honourable Mem­ certified by the Auditor-General. As to the ber may be assured that, when a school is second point, section 10 of the Workers' built on the site, it will be of modern Compensation Act (and not the State design." Government Insurance Act as stated by the Honourable Member) gives Crown em­ ployees the benefits of the Act in all cases DEATH OF MR. ToM GEIA, PALM ISLAND where the Act \1 ould apply if the employer, Dr. Crawford, pursuant to notice, asked which in this case is the Crown, were a The Minister for Justice,- private person. Since 1916 the Crown, in discharge of its obligation to its employees ( 1) As earlier this year a post-mortem under section 10, has arranged with the examination was carried out by the relevant office for all claims by its employees to be authorities, and no doubt under the processed by the office. The cxpendi:ure auspices of the coroner in Townsville, on incurred by the office i:1 this behalf is Mr. Tom Geia of Palm Island, were any recoup-:d by the Crown together with doubts as to the cause of death expressed administrative costs. The payments made by the authorities investigating this death by the office on such claims have always or by th~ medical personnel involved? been shown in the final accounts as "claims" (2) What were the findings of the post­ and payments made to the office by the mortem? Crown have always been shown in the final accounts as "premiums". In light of the Answers:­ foregoing observations, the Answer to the Honourable Member's Question is as (!) "No." follows:- (2) "As the Honourable Member is (1 to 3) "I would refer the Hon:-mrable aware, the contents of post-mortem certifi­ Member to the profit and loss statement cates are not available to the general of the Workers' Compensation Fund on 1232 Questions Upon Notice [24 OCTOBER 1972] Questions Upon Notice

page 13 of the report. The stamp duty is ( 2) Has he seen Press reports regarding payable on premiums, less the Government the cause of the flooding? contribution already referred to and the ( 3) Will he arrange for officers of his amount of bonus distribution. The amount Department to inspect the area as soon as of the Government contribution in 1970-71 possible with a view to finding the cause was $1,120,142. The amount of bonus of the sudden flooding? distribution was $6,727,745 as shown in the Auditor-General's report. The small difference between the amount of stamp Answer:- duty apparently payable and the amount (! to 3) "I am aware of the flooding paid as shown in the profit and loss state­ which occurred as a result of torrential rain ment is because of the inclusion of re­ on Wednesday, October 18, 1972, when the insurance premiums and certain provisions main Brisbane-Ipswich railway line was in the premium figure." washed out near East Ipswich. The matter ( 4) "Premium amounts are not con­ is the subject of an engineering investiga­ fused. The Government's contributions are tion and I shall supply the Honourable separately recorded in the accounting sys­ Member with further information." tem and are excluded when premium rates are being determined." (5) "See my opening observations." TIMBER PRODUCTION Mr. Marginson for Mr. Sherrington, pur­ suant to notice, asked The Minister for RAIL-MOTOR SERVICE, MARYBOROUGH­ Lands,- URANGAN (1) What are the total areas of (a) M:r. Alison, pursuant to notice, asked The hardwood, (b) pine and (c) rain forest Minister for Transport,- outside national park areas which are ( 1) What loss per week would be available for commercial exploitation? incurred by the Railway Department by (2) What are the annual production the restoration of the rail-motor service totals of (a) hardwood and (b) softwood between Maryborough and Urangan for and what are the amounts of exports and two week-days per week, with passenger imports of each variety? and freight traffic being the same as at the time the service was cancelled? Answers:- (2) Are any other country branch lines (!) "These areas include freehold land, in Queensland not making a profit and, if Crown tenures, State Forests and Timber so, is it his intention to curtail these Reserves. The information sought is not services? available from any source known to the (3) Are any suburban lines not running Department of Forestry." at a profit and, if so, is it his intention to ( 2) "The best estimates that can be curtail these services? made of the total annual production of (a) hard woods and (b) softwoods from Answers:~ Queensland forests are:-(a) Hardwoods, (1) "Assuming the same passenger and 317 million super. feet (Hoppus); and (b) freight patronage as was previously Softwoods (including Cypress Pine), 13 7 afforded this rail motor service, the loss to million super. feet (Hoppus). Annual operate two return rail motor services exports are esiimated at (a) Hardwoods, per week would be $66." 20 million super. feet (Hoppus); and (b) (2) "There is a continuous review of Softwoods, 28 million super. feet non-profitable lines of railway." (Hoppus). Annual imports are-( a) Hardwoods, 90 million super. feet (3) "The suburban lines provide a ser­ (Hoppus); and (b) Softwoods, 19 million vice to citizens who, in the main, have no super. feet (Hoppus). In addition there are alternative means of mass transport avail­ important imports of wood-based products able to them. There is no intention to close for which no figures are available. These any line where no alternative means of refer chiefly to pulp and paper." transport is available but the question of curtailing services is constantly receiving attention." PROTECTION OF WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE Marginson for Mr. Sherrington, pur­ FLOODING OF RAILWAY LINE, EAST Mr. IPSWICH suant to notice, asked The Minister for Primary Industries,- Dll'. Edwards, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- Following the removal of the wedge­ tailed eagle from the pest fauna list and (!) Is he aware of flooding problems its becoming classified as a protected which occurred adjacent to the Brisbane­ species in other Australian States some Ipswich railway line in James and Spring eighteen months ago and because of the Streets, East Ipswich, this week? failure of this State to take similar action Question:r Upon Notice [24 OCTOBER 1972] Questions Upon Notice 1233

because of conflicting opinions between (5) "The company appears to be com­ the Primary Industries and Lands Ministers plying with its obligations under the Com­ at that time, have further investigations panies Act." been carried out and is this species to be protected in Queensland? BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL DISPLAY OF Answer:- MAIN ROADS WoRK "No further investigations have been Mr. Chinch en, pursuant to notice, asked carried out by my Department. I would The Minister for Mines,- point out that the wedge-tailed eagle is not in any way endangered in Queens­ ( 1) Has he seen the Brisbane City land, or for that matter in Western Aus­ Hall foyer display, depicting in photo­ tralla, South Australia and the Northern graphs and models the magnificent works Territory where it is also not protected. being carried out in the city by the State Should it ever become threatened with Main Roads Department? a serious population decline, it is con­ (2) As the display appears to be sidered that it will not be through shooting, desi:;ned to persuade the viewing public but through changes in land use or other that the works are the responsibility of the biological causes." Brisbane City Council, will he ask the Lord Mayor to give proper credit to the Main Roads Department in the display CoMPTON AssociATEs PTY. LTD. and inform the House of the response? Mr. K. J. Hooper, pursuant to notice, Answers:-- asked The Minister for Justice,- ( I) "I am advised that my colleague, ( 1) What are the names of the directors for whom I am acting in his absence, has of Compton Associates Pty. Ltd., Brisbane? seen the display in question and considers (2) What type of commercial activities it is a good model of the work being are undertaken? carried out by the Main Roads Depart­ (3) How long has the firm operated in ment for this Government." Queensland? (2) "Yes." ( 4) What is the date of registration as a firm or company? DwELLING UNITS BUILT UNDER STATES (5) Is this firm involved in any com­ GRANTS (DWELLINGS FOR AGED mercial activities which come within the PENSIONERS) AcT province of his Department and, if so, what are the activities? Mr. Bousen, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Works,- Answers:- (1) Has the Government built dwelling ( I) "According to the last return of units under the relevant State Grants Act? directors, managers and secretaries filed If so, how many were built and in what in the office of the Commissioner for localities? Corporate Affairs, the directors of Camp­ (2) Will further units be built and, if so, ton Associates Pty. Ltd. are-Everald where will they be located? Ernest Compton, 31 Glengellan Street, Aspley; William Layton Rudder, 46 Volga Crescent, Indooroopilly; and Thomas Answers:- William Frank Elsworthy, 20 Paisley ( 1) "The Honourable Member pre­ Street, Toowong." sumably refers to the States Grants (Dwellings for Aged Pensioners) Act 1969. (2) "The principal activities of the In its aged persons program the Queens­ company are to establish and carry on land Housing Commission has to date the business of fund raising consultants completed 91 units being 66 under that and organisers, financial advisers, efficiency Act and 25 additional units from State experts, trade sales and business promoters, funds. These units are at Biloela, 10; commercial trade and social campaign Gympie, 8; Hawthorne. 6; Holland Park, organisers, publicity agents, public rela­ 6; Mount Isa, 5; Rockhampton, 10; St. tions representatives, commercial consult­ George, 6; West End, 32; and Zillmere, ants and counsellors generally and to 8." attend to and perform all secretarial matters In rela,tion to any of the aforesaid (2) "Tenders have been accepted for matters." a further 203 units under the Act and (3) "Since June 21, 1962." also from State funds comprising Buderim, 12; Bulimba, 6; Bundaberg, 12; Cabool­ ( 4) "The company was originally ture, 6; Currumbin, 20; Goondiwindi, 9; registered as Cosway Associates Pty. Ltd. Hawthorne, 16; Ipswich, 9; Mackay, 5; on June 21, 1962, but changed its name Margrute, 23; Maryborough, 7; Morning­ .to Compton Associates Pty. Ltd. on side, 6; Nundah, 6; Sandgate, 6; South­ November 20, 1967." port, 18; Toowoomba, 14; Warwick, 10; 1234 Questions Upon Notice [24 OCTOBER 1972] Questions Upon Notice

Wynnum, 6; and Zillmere, 12. Tenders contracted from infected cows which have received for 20 units at Caloundra are recendy calved or aborted. People being considered. Tenders have been handling such animals should take pre­ called for 15 units at Cairns, 6 units at cautions to avoid being infected." Cooroy and I 0 units at Townsville. A program of 600 units is currently envisaged and consideration is being given, in addi­ STATEMENT BY MR. CREAN, M.P., ON tion to the figures quoted, to the provision ABOLITION OF INCOME TAX DEDUCTIONS of units or further units at Alder!ey, Mr. Lane, pursuant to notice, asked The Bowen, Clermont, Collinsviiie, Gladstone, Treasurer,- Ipswich, Mackay, Maryborough, Morning­ Has he seen a recent report of a state­ side, New Farm, Newmarket, Nundah, ment made by the Federal A.L.P. spokes­ Southport, Stones Corner, Townsville, man, Mr. Crean, in which he is quoted as Woodridge and Yeronga." saying that a total loss in revenue of $1, 100 million to the Commonwealth Government was brought about by allow­ TESTING OF CATTLE FOR TuBERCULOSIS ing certain taxation deductions, including AND BRUCELLOSIS life insurance and superannuation pay­ Mr. Bousen, pursuant to notice, asked The ments, and that if a Labor Government is Minister for Primary Industries,- elected to the Commonwealth Parliament ( 1) What tests have been made for a review of taxation deductions will be tuberculosis and brucellosis in dairy and made? If so, will he indicate some of beef herds during the last two years? the implications of this policy on tax­ payers at all levels in this State? (2) In what areas have the tests been carried out and what was the result? Answer:- (3) Are these diseases contagious and "Yes, I have seen a newspaper report can they be contracted by humans who of Mr. Crean's statement. The matters handle affected beef or stock? raised relate more to policies of the Fed­ eral Government than to this House and Answers:- I do nort propose to indicate detailed effects of these proposals in this State. (1) "During the last two years, more However, it is certain that the effects of than one miiiion beef cattle and 258,000 the radical income ta,'{ amendments fore­ dairy cattle were tested for tuberculosis shadowed by Mr. Crean if a Labor Gov­ and 42,000 beef cows and 10,000 dairy ernment is elected to Federal Parliament, cows were tested for brucellosis. In will be felt by every citizen in the com­ addition, 5,000 dairy herds were checked muni,ty. Mr. Crean had suggested abolish­ by milk ring tests for brucellosis. In so far ing deductions for children and doubling as brucellosis is concerned, it is not so child endowment. I suspect this is the much the amount of testing being done sugar coating on what could be a bitter that is important as the amount of vac­ pill for the community. Deductions for cination. Before eradication of this dis­ children and invalid relatives were reported ease can be considered, it is necessary to have cost $183 million out of a total that the level of infection in herds be loss of revenue of about $1,100 million greatly reduced by vaccinMion, to avoid mentioned by Mr. Crean. The remaining undue wastage of breeding animals in amount of some $900 million comprised the final stages. Nearly half a million the cost of deductions for wives, parents, heifers and breeding cows were vaccinated housekeepers, life insurance and super­ during the period." annuation, medical and chemist expenses, (2) "Most testing and vaccination have education costs and such like. If these been cariied out in those areas of the deductions were abolished, which could State which have been declared protected be a reasonable assumption from Mr. areas for this purpose under the Stock Crean's statement, the effect upon tax­ Acts. These are mainly districts in the payers would depend upon alternative coastal and sub-coastal areas, but some arrangements thart might be made. But testing and vaccination has been done when we are dealing with a sum of $1,100 in all parts of the State. Overall, ,the level million or about 40 per cent. of income of tuberculosis is very low, being well tax collections of $2,700 million, the under 1 per cent. but some seriously abolition of these deductions must have infected herds have been encountered. a marked effect upon the incidence of Between 5 per cent. and 6 per cent. of tax. The Commonwealth Liberal-Country animals tested gave positive results for Party Government had considerably brucellosis." relaxed income tax in the recent budget to relieve the burden that progressive (3) "Both diseases are contagious and tax rates had placed upon the large body both can be contracted by human beings, of Australian bread-winners. Mr. Crean's but brucellosis is more important in this policies would reverse the effect of the respect. Milk is the main medium of recent tax relief granted by the Com­ infection and pasteurisation effectively monwealth Government. The Australian prevents this. The disease may also be Labor Party review of rtax deductions Questions Upon No~ice [24 OCTOBER 1972] Questions Upon Notice 1235

could result in a huge increase in tax Answer:- revenue. This would no doubt appeal to the A.L.P. as a means of financing " It would appear that any person so the promises they are making in order injured could have the right of civil aotion to sway electors and buy votes." against .the person or authority responsible who, for example, could be the house­ holder, the property-owner or another party. The degree of success in ,the action FENCJNG OF MOTEL SWIMMING PoOLS, would depend on the evidence and the KANGAROO PoiNT circumstances, including, for instance, any contributory negligence on the part of Mr. Marginson for Mr. Bromley, pursuant the injured person. A person who was to notice, asked The Minister for Local injured in a traffic accident on the roadway Government,- and who had been forced to walk on the ( 1) How many local authorities, and road because of the obstruction could which are they, have control over safety be in a different position to a person measures relating to swimming pools in who fell over the rope, say onto the road­ Queensland? way. Again there would have to be taken into consideration the nature of the (2) Does his Department have any con­ obstruction and whether it had been trol over the safety features or the lack erected with or without due authority. For of them? If so, as I have received com­ instance, the footpath might be roped off plaints about the non-enclosure of swim­ ,to protect persons from falling into a ming pools close to roadways in motels in sewerage excavation, the opening up of Main Street, Kangaroo Point, which are which had been duly authorised under considered dangerous to young children, local authority by-laws, the requirements will he have these investit'ated with a view of which had been met by the contractor. to arranging for their safe enclosure? Any injured person would be well advised to seek his own legal advice. Nevertheless, An.nvers:- footpaths are provided for the use of pedestrians in order that they may not ( 1) "I assume the Honourable Mem­ be injured by motor vehicles using the ber's Question relates to the erection of roads and it is most important they are safety fencing around private swimming preserved for this prime purpose." pools. In that behalf I would point out ,that, under the Local Government Act 1936-1971, local authorities have power to make by-l,,vs governing the erection SCHOOL SPORTS OVAL, THURSDAY ISLAND and use of private swimming pools. The Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked Brisbane City Council has similar powers Minister for Works,- under the City of Brisbane Act 1924- 1972. Many local authorities have exer­ ( 1) Has he received a report on the cised this power and, in a number of state of the sports oval which is used by cases, the by-laws require 'the provision both the primary and high schools at of safety fencing around private swimming Thursday Island? If so, what is planned pools. It is not readily apparent from to put the grounds in good order? the records of my Department the number and names of local authorities which have ( 2) If not, will he call for an urgent made by-laws containing provisions of this report on the grounds so that further type." damage during the next wet season can be prevented? (2) 'The exercise of control over the erection of private swimming pools is a function of Local Government and accord­ Answer:- ingly the Honourable Member might con­ (1 and 2) "The Department of Works' sider approaching the Brisbane City district supervisor submitted a report on Council regarding the non-enclosure of the this maHer and the services of an private swimming pools mentioned in his engineering consultant are being engaged Question." to prepare a scheme for necessary restora­ tion work. This will be expedited as much as possible." PEDESTRIANS INJURED ON ROADWAYS BECAUSE OF ROPED-OFF FOOTPATHS ISLAND INDUSTRIES BOARD Mr. Kaus, pursuant to notice, asked The Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked Minister for Transport,- The Minister for Conservation,- In the case of a person who is involved in an accident by being forced to walk on Further to my Question of August 8 the roadway because the footpath has been concerning the Island Industries Board- roped off, what redress has that person ( 1) Has he fully considered the report against the owner of the premises whose of the Public Service investigation and is footpath has been roped off? any action to be taken by him? 1236 Questions Upon Notice [24 OCTOBER 1972] Questions Upon Notice

( 2) Has the position of secretary­ ( 4) 'The rcsumptions are for quad­ manager been filled, how many applications ruplication of the railway tracks." were received and why was the position re advertised? Answers:- NEW OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL, BEENLEIGH ( 1) "The matter Is still under investiga­ l'v1c-. D'Arcy, pursu~.nt to notice, asked tion and consideration." The lv1inister for Works,- (2) "The vacancy of secretary-manager, Where will the new opportunity school Island Industries Board, Thursday Island, be built in Beenleigh, when will it open was advertised and closed on August 14, and hov< many children will be catered 1972. Six applications were received and for? the Board at a special meeting held on August 30, 1972, after consideration, Answer:- decided that action be taken to re-adver­ "Accommodation, to cater for a maxi­ tise the position." mum enrolment of 40 pupils, will be pr~ vided In the grounds of the Beenleigh state VACANCIES FOR FEMALE SOCIAL WORKERS school, for oppor-tunity classes. Planning is in hand and the building is expected Mr. Wams,Smith, pursuant to notice, asked to be completed about June, 1973." The Minister for Conservation,- How many vacancies exist at present for female social workers and in what HOUSING COMMISSION PROJECT, areas or communities in Queensland? HAMILTON HEIGHTS, SOUTHPOJ!.T Answer:- Mr. D'Arcy, pursuant to notice, asked " Assuming the Honourable Member is The Minister for Works,- referring to the three Departments within ( 1) Why has there been such a long my Ministerial control, he is informed delay in proceeding v, ith the Housing Com­ there is no establishment, as such, for mission project at Hamilton Heights, South­ female social workers, consequently no port? vacancies exist. If, however, he is referr­ ing to the Public Service as a whole I ( 2) When will the first homes be built suggest he directs his Question to the in this area? Honourable the Premier." Answer:-

LAND RESUMPTIONS BY RAILWAY (1 and 2) "There has been no undne DEPARTMENT, ALBION delay in this matter. While the Queens­ land Housing Commission is always !VII'. R Jones, pursuant to notice, asked desirous of proceeding expeditiously with The Minister for Transport,- its land developments it also seeks to ( 1) Did the Railway Department co-operate with the town-planning policies resume properties or portions of properties of any local authority concerned. This in Mawarra Street, Albion, during 1953 land at Anne Street, Southport, is zoned for the proposed quadruplication and 'future development'. Discussions in some electrification scheme? detail had to be held with the Gold Coast City Council in respect not only of (2) Were occupants advised on Decem­ rezoning but the provision of water, sew.er­ ber 1, 1953 and were agreements signed age, stormwater drainage and design to the effect that this was the Department's only requirement? generally. On its part the council has also been co-operative and it is now antic­ (3) Did the Department on August 11 ipated that the council will arrange this year serve further papers without prior rezoning as 'residential' in the near future. consultation with property owners, to This is a prerequisite to engineering design wholly resume certain properties? and letting of a contract for the engineer­ ( 4) Is it proposed to extend the railway ing works which are necessary before goods yard at Albion or will the land house construction contracts may be let." resumed be utilised to benefit the Gillespie Flour Mill directly opposite the properties proposed to be resumed and, if not, what is INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT FATALITIES; the reason for the proposed resumptions? BREACHES OF SAFETY REGULATIONS BY Answers:- EMPLOYERS (1) "Yes." Mr. Yewdale, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Development,- (2) "No such agreements would have been signed by the Department." ( 1) Has his attention been drawn to a newspaper report which refers to 525 (3) "The Department issued notices of workers being killed in Britain because intention to resume on 19 property owners of firms' indifference to and ignorance of 13 of which covered total resumption." ' safety laws? Questions Upon Notice [24 OCTOBER 1972] Questions Upon Notice 1237

(2) Has he any record of workers being PURCHASE OF LAND BY FoREIGN killed in Queensland because of employer COMPANIES negligence? If so, what were the figures Mr. Yev>dale, pursuant to notice, asked for the l::t:;t three years? The =\1inister for Justice,- (3) 'Nh::t! prosecutions have been insti­ vVhat riehts have foreign-registered com­ tuted by his Department against employers panies to purchase freehold and leasehold breaching the safety regulations in the last land within Queensland? thrc:e years? Answer:- Anstvers:- " A foreign company not registered !n QucensLnd has no pm', er to hold land m ( 1) "No. I have not seen the report this S ate. However, subject to special referred to but would be pleased to receive terms and conditions, the Minister may a copy of it." permit ]n wri,ting, such a company to hold l~nd without being rer:istered." (2) "Negligence and contributory negli­ gence are matters for court determination and records in regard thereto are not held by my Department." RAILWAY DEPARTMENT CAR-PARKING AREA, DARRA (3) "I refer the Honourable Member to the Annual Reports tabled in Parlia­ 1\Ir. iVIa:rginson, pursuant to notice, asked ment." The Minister for Transport,- ( 1) Does the Railway Department own land adjacent to the main railway line near the Darra station? RIG:IT-OF-WAY TRAFFIC REGULATION (2) Is the land available for use as a Mr. Yevnble, pursu::nt to notice, asked car-parking area for train travellers? The Mini'iter for Transport,- (3) If so, in order to allow the maxi­ ( I) Is he aware of the statement made mum use of the area, will his Department by the Police Commissioner of South improve it by (a) levelling it and cleaning Australia wherein he urged that the right­ out the grass, etc., (b) providing an all­ of-way rule be abolished? weather surface such as gravel or bitumen aed (c) providing a number of lights (2) Has he been advised in any way of throughout the area for safer use at night? the need to retain or abolish this rule? Answers:­ Answer:- (1) "Yes." ( 1 and 2) "I have read a report appear­ {2) "Yes." ing in the Adelaide News of October 5, ( 3) "I understand the grass will be cut 1972, in which it is stated that the South next week and attention given to the Australian Police Commissioner outlined potholes. It is not the practice to provide a priority road system he would like to special lighting in these car-parking areas see replace South Australia's give-way-to­ which are provided at no charge to the the-right rule. The report states that users." under the priority system almost every road junction was controlled by give way signs, stop signs, road markings or lights, COAL SUPPLY, GLADSTONE POWER and vehicles must give way to all haffic STATION left er right at both give way and stop signs and not proceed until traffic was Mr. Marginson, pursuant to notice, asked The Minista for Local Government,- clear. I referred to this statement on my regular radio open line program. It is With regard to the new power station at important to realise ,(hat the task of erect­ Gladstone- ing signs and/ or traffic lights at every ( 1) What is the price of coal to be intersection in Queensland would entail supplied (a) at the pithead and (b) at the great expense and a give way rule would power station? still be essential at uncontrolled inter­ (2) Is the coal to be supplied under sections. The whole question of priority contract? at intersections has been examined by (3) What company will supply the coal? exper ~s in the field of traffic engineering and reports submitted at various times have ( 4) If a contract is not completed, are been considered by the Australian Trans­ negotiations still in progress with respect to port Advisory Council. Aspects of the the price of coal? rule are currently under examination by (5) Is the Utah Development Co. to be the Australian Committee on Road User the supplier of all coal or the supplier of Performance and Traffic Codes." the larger portion of it? 1238 Questions Upon Notice [24 OCTOBER 1972) Questions Upon Notice

Answer:- which has been paid since .the Government introduced the conveyance allowance ( 1 to 5) "It is anticipated that steaming coal for Gladstone power station will be scheme in 1958. The allowances are obtained mainly but not exclusively from examined each year when estimates are the Utah Development Company mine a:t being prepared." Blackwater where steaming coal will be necessarily mined in the course of mining coking coal for export. Conditions con­ NEW SURGICAL BLOCK, RocKHAMPTON tained in the company's mining lease deter­ mine a basis of charge which essentially BAsE HosPITAL ties charges to costs of produotion of this Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The by-product. Agreements are still being Minister for Health,- negotia,ted to cover detailed arrangements for mining, delivering, crushing and load­ ( 1) What is the estimated cost of ing of this coal into rail waggons. There furniture, furnishings, equipment, etc., for is no price as such, and because deliveries the new surgical block at the Rockhampton do not commence for another two years Base Hospital? or more, likely escalations of costs make (2) How much of the furniture, etc., can any attempt to estimate charges quite be classed as used or second-hand? speculative. Rail freight charges will be based on a formula which allows for ( 3) When is it anticipated that the new changing cost levels of inputs and is not surgical block will be (a) available for determinable in advance." complete use and (b) officially opened?

Answers:- DAIRY-FACTORY LEVIES FOR ERADICATION ( 1) "The Honourable Member will OF TUBERCULOSIS AND BRUCELLOSIS realise that many items of equipment are Mr. Blake, pursuant to notice, asked The supplied as part of the main building Minister for Primary Industries,- contract and are installed by the contractor Do areas still exist where dairy-factory or his sub-contraotors. Details of the levies are in force for the eradication of cost of .this equipment are not available. tuberculosis within areas where the Com­ Estimated co&t of furniture, furnishings monwealth scheme for the eradication of and equipment for which the Rockhai_Tip­ T.B. and brucellosis in cattle is already in ton Hospitals Board is directly responsible operation? If so, when will the levies be is approximately $250,000." discontinued? (2) "All new furniture and equipm.ent Answer:- has been ordered for the new surgical "No." block. Major items of equipment for the operating theatre~ which. have been purchased in recent times wJII be trans­ ferred to the new block. This equipment PETROL SUBSIDY RATES FOR PIUVATE consists of an orthopaedic operating table, ScHOOL TRANSPORT a defibrillator, an operating microscope, Mr. Blake, pursuant to notice, asked The a mobile light for eye sur~ery, ~ eye Minister for Education,- magnet, specialised fibreopt1c eqwp!Dent and an E.C.G. recorder. All such Items ( 1) What are the present rates of his are in first -class condition." Department's petrol subsidy to parents who provide private school transport for (3) (a) Construotion work on the block children? is due for completion at the end of (2) For how long have the present rates December, 1972. It is anticipated that applied and when will they be reviewed? the building will be ready for occupancy by the end of January, 1973. (b) .~e block will be officially opened when Jt JS Answers:- ready for occupancy." ( 1) "The present allowances for con­ veyance of children by private motor vehicle 10 the nerarest school are as follows:-When conveyed more than three SURVEY OF EDUCATION NEEDS; COM­ miles, $21 per child per annum; More MONWEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME than six miles and up to nine miles, $30 per child per annum; More than nine Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked miles, $42 per child per annum; and The Minister for Education,- when conveyed more than two miles to ( 1) With reference to the survey of a school transport service, a licensed bus, education needs which was first presented or railway, $21 per child per annum." in May, 1970, has the Government made (2) "The above allowances have been further submissions to the Commonwealth paid since the first term of the 1966 school or to the Australian Education Council on year with the exception of the $30 rate the needs outlined in the survey? Questions Upon Notice [24 OCTOBER 1972] Questions Upon Notice 1239

(2) To what extent does the five-year (2) How many teacher-librarians are programme commencing in 1973, as presently undergoing the course? announced on May 11 by the Prime Minister, meet Queensland's needs? Answers:- (3) When will the Australian Education ( 1 ) "Since the commencement of the in­ Council next meet and will the survey service school librarianship program a total of education needs be on the agenda? of 71 secondary teachers have been trained. At present they are appointed to 50 high Answers:- schools. A total of 58 primary teachers have been trained and appointed to 58 (!) "In February, 1972, the survey of primary schools." needs was updated to show actual expendi­ ture in 1971 and new projections from (2) "A training course for 51 primary 1972-75. This revised document has been teachers is presently in progress and these submitted to the Australian Education teachers will be appointed to primary Council. No further submission has been schools as from the commencement of the made to the Commonwealth." 1973 academic year." (2) "The five-year programme of finan­ cial assistance for State school buildings announced by the Prime Minister on May TRANSPORT FOR T.A.B. NIGHT WORKERS 11, 1972, will provide Queensland with Mr. N. F. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked $23·3 million between June, 1973 and The Treasurer,- June, 1978. This amount together with finance from the State's Loan Fund, will ( 1) Is he aware that when Totalisator be a significant contribution towards the Administration Board offices remain open need established in the nation-wide survey." until 9 o'clock p.m., or when the staff work after normal hours, provision is made for (3) 'The next meeting of the Australian the supervisor to be provided with free Education Council will be on May 28 and taxi transport, the fare being paid for by 29, 1973. The agenda for this meeting will the T.A.B.? include consideration of the survey of needs." (2) Will he take steps to provide similar transport arrangements for other members of the staff who work late at night? MIGRANT EDUCATION CLASSES Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked Answer:- The Minister for Education,- (1 and 2) "The provJSion of transport How many migrant-education classes are for Totalisator Administration Board staff now in operation in (a) the metropolitan is an arrangement entirely within the area and (b) country areas and what are internal administration of the Board which the present enrolments in each category? is an autonomous body. I do not propose to interfere in such arrangement." Answer:- "There are at present 16 State schools in Queensland where special provision is made PHOTOGRAPHING OF NEWSTEAD WHARF for teaching non-English speaking migrants. OPERATIONS Six of these schools are in country areas. Mr. N. F. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked The Catholic Education Office also arranges The Minister for Works,- such special provision. That office informs me that there are 13 schools concerned. (1) Has his attention been drawn to a Three of these are country schools. I table report in the Branch News of the Waterside for the information of the Honourable Workers Federation which claims that on Member, the enrolments and number of September 26 a battered panel van was teaching groups at each of the State and parked outside Newstead wharf gates and non-State schools with respect to non­ was occupied by two well-dressed men English speaking migrants." with a large camera on a platform in the back of the van and that these men were Paper.-Whereupon Sir Alan Fletcher laid observed photographing people, cars and upon the Table of the House the details trucks coming out of and going into the referred to. wharf areas? (2) As these men, when approached by TEACHER-LIBRARIANS a union official and the Newstead wharf Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked manager, refused to identify themselves The Minister for Education,- or give any reason for their activity, will he investigate the incident and inform the ( 1) How many teacher-librarians have House (a) of the identity of the men in completed librarian courses and how many the van, (b) whether the men were schools have the services of a teacher­ employed by a Government department librarian? and, if so, which department and who is 1240 Questions Upon Notice (24 OCTOBER 1972] Questions Upon Notice

the owner of (i) the van and (ii) the (3) "Preliminary advice has been for­ camera and (c) of the reason for these warded and the matter will be vigorously men carrying out such duties? pursued. I assure the Honourable Member that I share his obvious anxiety regarding Answer:- this whole proj'ect and that the matter is (1 and 2) "Investigations have failed to being closely examined." disclose any unlawful activity on the part of the persons concerned and it is not proposed to take the matter further." FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF LAND Mr. B. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked The Premier,- ROAD AND pARK MAINTENANCE, Further to his Answers to my previous MACLEA Y ISLAND Questions concerning foreign ownership of Mr. Baldwin, pursuant to notice asked The land- Minister for Lands,- ' ( 1 ) What are the existing controls to Further to the Answer by the Minister which he refers? for Local Government to my Question concerning authority over the enclave of (2) In what manner has his Government Macleay Island, what is the extent of the watched the extent of foreign ownership? traditional authority exercised by the pro­ gress association on that island in respect Answer:- of the prevention of undesirable and over­ burdening activities from occurring on the ( 1 and 2) "Every transfer of leasehold island and what is the extent of the land under the Land Act requires the con­ authority of the Land Administration Com­ sent of the Minister for Lands and in mission in this regard? dealing with these cases, the question of foreign interests is examined." Answer:-

"The greater part of Macleay Island is GROUNDING OF "STRAAT CHATHAM" freehold land, much of which I understand is in the process of subdivision. The Mr. JR. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked authority exercised or claimed by the pro­ The Minister for Conservation,- gress association on the island is not within ( 1) Further to his Answers to Questions the province of my Department nor is the concerning the grounding of the ship control of freehold lands." "Straat Chatham" on Gubbins Reef, is the vessel stranded within the three-mile limit of Queensland waters? PoP FESTIVAL, MACLEAY ISLAND (2) What authority or control has the Mr. Baldwin, pursuant to notice, asked Queensland Government assumed? Minister for Health,- With reference to the proposed transfer (3) Who, and on what premise, of 10,000 to 15,000 persons to Macleay authorised (a) the Commonwealth light­ Island for a pop festival which is announced house vessel "MV Wallach" to load deter­ to be held from Friday night to Monday, gents and proceed to the area and (b) the November 10 to 14- discharge of oil and the dispersal of deter­ gents and what was the date on which the ( 1) _Since Macleay Island is an enclave, authority was given and the action was does his Department assume responsibility carried out in each instance? for all health matters there? ( 4) In view of the suitable tides (2) Has any person acting for the pro­ occurring from October 22 to 24 for a moting company approached him with refioating attempt will he again assure the plans for achieving safe health measures House that every measure will be taken to for the patrons and residents of the island? prevent a threat to coral reefs and marine If so, will he assure the House that those life and the pollution of shores and local plans are safely adequate for the project? resort beaches by oil and dispersant (3) If no plans have been submitted pollution? will he take the necessary steps to hav~ the project banned if no such acceptable Answers:- plans are forthcoming? (1) '"Gubbins Reef is less than three miles from the Queensland coast." Answers:- ( 1) "As Macleay Island is not part of a (2) "The Commonwealth Department local authority there is provision in the of Shipping and Transport, in full consulta­ Health Act for the Health Department to tion with my Department of Harbours and assume responsibility for health matters." Marine, placed a responsible officer on board the stranded vessel soon after it (2) "An approach has been made but grounded. That officer had instructions to no firm plans have been submitted." report every day, particularly on any oil Questions Without Notice [24 OcTOBER 1972] Questions Without Notice 1241

pollution which might have occurred. His DRAINAGE OF BRISBANE CRICKET GROUND reports have been passed on to my Depart­ ment of Harbours and Marine. No oil Mr. IDNZE: I do not know if my pollution has been reported at any time." question should be directed to the Treasurer, as the Minister in charge of racing, or to (3) "The Commonwealth Department the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Welfare of Shipping and Transport authorised the Services. I preface my question by stating loading of dispersant aboard their vessel that, as an ardent cricketer and follower of 'Wallach'. At the same time that Depart­ that sport-- ment consulted fully with my Department of Harbours and Marine who in turn con­ Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Will the honour­ sulted with the Queensland Department of able member please ask his question. Primary Industries. The Department of Mr. HINZE: As one who has recently Shipping and Transport undertook not to been deprived of the pleasure of watching his use chemical dispersants unless the Queens­ favourite sport, I want to find out if the land Departments concerned agreed to their construction of the greyhound-racing track use. To the best of the knowledge of my has had any detrimental effect on the Bris­ Department of Harbours and Marine no bane Cricket Ground. Is it a fact that 30- oil has escaped from the vessel and no inch pipes were recommended for the drain­ dispersant has been used." age of the ground, and that, instead, 9-inch ( 4) "Yes. The vessel was successfully pipes were used? refloated on Sunday morning. The harbour I do not know which Minister should master, Cairns and a marine biologist from answer the question but I shall direct it first the Queensland Department of Primary to the Treasurer, as the Minister in charge Industries stood by together with Common­ of racing, because of its connection with wealth officers during the refloating opera­ the greyhound-racing track. tion. The harbour master, Cairns, reported that there was no escape of oil during this Sir GORDON CHALK: I have read the operation. The harbour master then Press reports of the flooding of the Brisbane boarded the ship and piloted it into Cairns Cricket Ground. I have no knowledge of harbour." the causes of it. I do know that when the coursing track was laid, certain action was taken to ensure that the cricket ground QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE would be retained in the condition in which it then was and that there would not be any NoN-AVAILABILITY IN PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY OF TOURIST BUREAU MANUAL interference with it. I think this is a question that might very Mr. MURRAY: I ask the Minister for well be answered by the person who is Tourism, Sport and Welfare Services: Does apparently the new caretaker of the Brisbane he recall a question that I asked a week ago Cricket Ground, Alderman Clem Jones. concerning the non-availability in the Parlia­ mentary Library of a Queensland Tourist Bureau manual containing information about INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE, GLADSTONE ALUMINA the selling and promotion of tourism? As REFINERY this manual is still not yet available in the Mr. HANSON: I ask the Premier: Are he Library, will he please take urgent steps to and his Government keeping in touch with accede to my request and have it made the present industrial situation at the available, or, if not, advise the House in Q.A.L. construction site at Gladstone? If so, clear terms as to his reason? and if it is the Government's desire to see a settlement effected will the applicable Mr. HERBERT: The former question was resources of the Gove~ment be made avail­ asked by the honourable member on Thurs­ able ,to the confronting parties, if and when day last. I have had it forwarded to the they are required, to assist in bringing about Director-General of Tourist Services, who is a solution to the problem? at present visiting another State. He will be returning to Queensland tomorrow, and I Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: The Govern­ will get a reply from him then. ment is keeping in touch with the situation at Gladstone. Our very great interest in that SCHOOL-HOLIDAY PERIODS area over the years has resulted in the tre­ mendous development that has taken place Mr. D'ARCY: I ask the Minister for there. Naturally we are interested in the Education and Cultural Activities: Are there continuation of Gladstone's growth, which is any moves being made by his department to evidenced by the power-house construction vary school-holiday periods in Queensland and other activities undertaken by the to fit in with the semester system now in Government. operation in Queensland high schools? On the other hand, I am sure the honour­ Sir ALAN FLETCHER: This matter is at able member realises that the present indus­ present being considered, but there is no trial dispute is a matter that is entirely immediate intention to vary the existing within the jurisdiction of the Industrial Com­ school-holiday system. mission and the parties concerned. For this 1242 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972) (Financial Statement) reason, the Government does not desire to Mr. FRAWLEY: I could not say, but I interfere or to give directions to either party think there were more .than 107 men inter­ on what it should or should not do. That is ested in this dispute. During the recent a matter solely for .the Industrial Commis­ breakdown of the Ampol refinery, which sion. lasted for some weeks, all of these men were paid their full wages. At no time, therefore, FORM OF QUESTION did they suffer any inconvenience from that strike. Mr. DAVIS (Brisbane) proceeding to give Mr. Leese: Who are you talking about? notice of a question- Mr. FRAWLEY: I am talking about the A Government Member interjected. 107 employees of Ampol, members of the Mr. DAVIS: Just a moment,-- Australian Workers' Union. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable The ACTING CHAIRMAN: Order! member for Brisbane will continue giving There is far too much noise, both in the notice of his question. I do not like the Chamber itself and in the gallery. sound of it, and I do not think it will get Mr. FRAWLEY: The amazing point about very far. this strike was that the A.W.U., always a Mr. DAVIS having given notice of the fairly moderate union and recognised as question- one of the most straightforward in Queens­ land, should adopt such an attitude. Ampol Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I can assure the cannot expect to come out of rthe dispute honourable member for Brisbane that I, unscathed, nor can some other oil com­ together with the clerks at the table, will panies whose ethics in the recent strike were certainly review his question. open to question. The same thing can be said about some service stations and one particular oil company, who reaped a SUPPLY bonanza from the strike by selling petrol, which they imported from the South at an COMMIITEE-F!NANCIAL STATEMENT­ extra cost of 6c a gallon, for 60c a gallon. RESUMPTION OF DEBATE Over all, they made an extra 4c a gallon on (The Acting Chairman of Committees, Mr. all petrol during the strike. Of course, there W. D. Hewitt, Chatsworth, in the chair) are always plenty of vultures and hyenas Debate resumed from 19 October (see p. who will feast on the misfortunes of others. 1205) on Sir Gordon Chalk's motion- The agreement between Ampol and the "That there be granted to Her Majesty, operators expired on 15 October and was for the service of the year 1972-73, a sum the subject of negotiation for several weeks, not exceeding $62,748 to defray Salaries­ but I believe that Ampol deliberately pre­ His Excellency the Governor." cipi.tated this crisis in order to bring their operators to their knees. Two wrongs do not Mr. FRAWLEY (Murrumba) (12.3 p.m.): make a right, and Ampol cannot expect the Before getting down to the serious business of whole blame to be sheeted home to the discussing the Budget, I should like to make workers. They must accept some of it. some pertinent observations about the recent Ampol has been deliberately keeping the crisis in the oil industry. The fact that the American oil companies short of oil. There activities of 107 men could bring this State is no doubt about that, and the enforced to its knees is certainly beyond my compre­ shutdown of its plant has also helped to hension, yet we had the situation where cover up its real intention, which has been essential services, as well as private and com­ to create a petrol shortage in order to give mercial motorists, were all brought to their people a taste of what such a sit~ation knees and faced with hardship by the irres­ involves and then .to increase the pnce of ponsible actions of a few. Those men cer­ petrol, hoping that nobody will complain. tainly chose the best time for their purposes to call a strike. During the period of the The real sufferers from the petrol strike strike, the employees of Ampol demanded have been those service-station operators who and received petrol from a special bowser lease their sites from the oil companies rather for their own use. They did not go short of than the independent operators. On .their petrol at any time. small margin of 7 .9c a gallon, these lessees have still been paying rentals in the vicinity In some sections of society it is considered ot 15 to 20 per cent of the gross profit ta~en to be the right thing to do to kick people over a year's trading, without any concessiOn while they are down. The actions of those for strikes or shortages. These people work 107 men certainly kicked the rest of the from 60 .to 72 hours a week in order to people in the State of Queensland while they make a living, and their !>tory is one of were down, as they were still suffering from heartache and despair. the previous petrol shortage caused by the breakdown at Ampol Refinery. At a later date, when I have more time, I intend to tell this Parliament exactly how Mr. Armstrong: Those 107 men wouldn't these operators are being used. No oil com­ subscribe to that view, would they? pany could possibly make a profit out of a Supply (24 OcTOBER 1972) (Financial Statement) 1243

service station while paying wages at the Opposition in this, the 40th Parliament, will award rate plus overtime. These service­ go down in history as one of the weakest station operators, although ostensibly their in this State. In the light of that weakness, own masters, are little more than slaves of as well as in the interests of good govern­ the industry, and I intend to tell the full ment, some back-benchers on this side of story in order to obtain justice for them. the Chamber will have to wear the mantle of I should like to make some further obser­ Opposition in order to prevent some of the vations before getting on with the serious Ministers from becoming too complacent. I business of dealing with the Budget. Since do not for one moment criticise the Ministers 1957, when this coalition Government -they do a good job-but it will not hmt assumed office, the State of Queensland has them if they are kept on their toes. advanced into an era of economic growth The new members of the A.L.P., together and development that has enabled it to take with some of the older ones, have more or its rightful place among the leaders of ,the less carried the Opposition's banner, and to Commonwealth. After being in the doldrums them I offer my congratulations. But, of for so many years under successive A.L.P. course, an Opposition is only as strong as Governments, Queensland had rto be literally its leader and its deputy leader, and we all dragged up out of the rut into which it had know that those two gentlemen could not sunk. Some of the men who assumed even lead homing pigeons. They are aware responsibility for this task in 1957 are still of their precarious position and of the fact in Parliament today and they, with others that they will retain their leadership of the who played their part in the development of Opposition only for as long as they are pre­ Queensland over the past 15 years, are to pared to take directions from the Trades Hall. be congratulated as men of vision and fore­ I prophesy that in the very near future the sight who had the courage of their convic­ honourable member for Lytton will take over tions and were not afraid to act in a positive the leadership of the Opposition. manner. They have contributed greatly to the development of this State over the last An Opposition Member: Who are you 15 years, and on present indications they taking directions from? will continue to develop it for many years to come. Mr. FRAWLEY: I do not take directions from anybody. By their votes in the last election, and all elections since 1957, the people of Queens­ In speaking to the Address in Reply, the land have shown that they do not want to honourable member for Mackay drew atten­ live with a Government controlled by the tion to the weaknesses of the Leader of the Trades Hall, a Government of puppets who Opposition. After three Labor members of are manipulated and made to do exactly the 39th Parliament were purged at the as ·their masters desire. I am proud to be Labor-in-Politics Convention held this year, a member of this Government, which allows did their leader spring to their defence as freedom of thought and speech and is truly he should have? Not on your life! Instead, democratic, as is the Australian and Queens­ he sat back, quaking in fear of being the land way of life. next one to be decapitated if he dared defend those three members. Under this Govern­ Mr. N. F. Jones: When did you resign ment a Leader of the Opposition has never from the Labor Party? had it so good. He is provided with a car, a chauffeur and petrol at no cost to himself, Mr. FRAWLEY: I was never a member whereas under Labor Governments the of the Labor Party. I have always been a Leaders of the Opposition were given nothing. member of the Country Par.ty and of no other party. An Opposition Member: How do you Mr. N. F. Jones: The D.L.P.? know? Mr. FRAWLEY: I was a resident of Mr. FRAWLEY: I have never been a Queensland in 1950 when an A.L.P. Gove~n­ member of the D.L.P. For the information ment was in power, and I had the opportumty of honourable members opposite, I have been of observing some of the things that went a member of the Electrical Trades Union and I can show my electrician's ticket, which is on at that time. more than some people in this Chamber who An Opposition Member: You are admitting claim to be electricians can do. your age. We do not want bigger street demonstra­ Mr. FRAWLEY: I am not afraid to admit tions, moratoriums or sit-ins, nor do we my age. I can hold my own with any man want to be dominated by Left-wingers from of 48 years. the Trades Hall, who will stop at nothing to gain their own ends and who publicly preach In September 1971 Mr. Kane, Vice­ violence and lawlessness. Since becoming a President of the Trades and Labor Council, member of this Parliament, I have been threatened 10 Right-wing Labor members of disappointed at ,the extremely poor contribu­ Parliament that they would have their heads tions to debate made by some members of lopped off if they did not change their ways, the Opposition. I have always believed that and we saw just how three sane members a strong Opposition helps to make a strong of the Opposition were knocked down. How­ Government, but I am afraid that the ever, one of them was successful in regaining 1244 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

his feet. I refer, of course, to the honourable The Budget, which provides for no increase member for Mackay, whom I had not met in charges or taxes, should prove to be very before I entered Parliament but who has popular. Far from being a "budgerigar" won my admiration for his gallant victory Budget as it was described by the Leader over seemingly impossible odds. He and his of the Opposition, I believe it is one of loyal supporters are to be congratulated on the best ever introduced in this Assembly_ their fine effort. "' It proves that the economy of Queensland, The true Leader and Deputy Leader of the under this Government, will continue to stay Opposition are sitting on the back benches of bright and healthy. Unemployment in the other side of the Chamber. For fear of Queensland is well below the Australian bringing the wrath of the Q.C.E. upon their average and the building industry is con­ heads, I am not prepared to name them. tinuing to boom as a result of continued They are good men who, by virtue of their development in the State. ability, their principles and the fact that they The electorate of Murrumba, which I have are not yes-men, should be leaders instead of th~ honour to represent, has an area of being relegated to the back benches. 660 square miles and takes in most of the Sir Gonion Chalk: You wouldn't say that Shire of Caboolture, part of the Shire of of Burns, would you? Pine Rivers and part of the City of Redcliffe. It has been represented by the Country Mr. FRAWLEY: I did not include the Pa.rty since the formation of the party in honourable member for Lytton in my com­ Queensland. Even before then it was ments. represe:1ted by a man who was Country Recently in this Chamber we witnessed two Parry to the backbone, a man who would filthy and unwacanted attacks on the Premier have been a member of the party if it a man of high moral standards whom I am had existed in Queensland at that time. proud to serve as my leader. I am honoured Since its inception in 1912 the Murrumba t~ be a member of this Government led by electorate has been represented by Mr. For­ h1m and h1s Deputy Premier, Sir Gm-don syth, Mr. Dick Warren, Sir Franeis Nicklin, Chalk. Both of those men are sincere Sir David Nicholson and now by me. Over forthright ::nd honest political leaders. Unles~ the years its area has been whittled away there is an end to the rotten and scurrilous to m ... ke room for other electorates. Firstly, attacks of the type we have seen I shall the electorate of Landsborough was taken open up with some attacks of my ~wn. On from it, then Redcliffe, and now Pine Rivers_ a recent occasion when I interjected, a certain However, it has remained a Country Party member of the Opposition said, "The Leader seat at all times, as it will continue fo.r of the Country. Party has another Country many years to come thanks to the strong Party pup barkmg at h1s heels." Names do representation it has received and is still not worry me, because I am not thin-skinned. receivi:ilg. How~ver, I assure members of the Opposition M urrumba is a fast-growing electorate. that If they attack me I \''ill bite, and I will Building is its major industry, and in the bite savagely. last 12 months more than 1,500 homes have The honourable member for Everton can been constructed. More homes will be be forgiven for some of the comments h~ constructed this year thanks to an increase made during his maiden speech. After all, in funds for housing. The allocation of he ~s only young and, as ret, untried in $1,548,000 to the pensioner housing scheme Parliament. Perhaps he wished to make him­ for 38 Queensland centres will be of great self heard early in the life of this Parliament benefit to the community. The Government and perhaps his election to Parliament ha~ realises its responsibilities to pensioners and g':ne to his head like a drink of strong wine, is prepared to honour them by providing With the result that he cannot handle the low-rental units, some of which are already situation. The honourable member for Rock­ constructed in Murrumba. It is to be hoped hampton, however-he is not in the Chamber that many more will follow, as they will at present-is an older man and should know enable many old people to remain in familiar better than ~o engage in the practice of asking surroundings as members of the community. filthy questiOns. I urge him to recall this Low-cost loans to householde,rs wishing to quotation from the Bible: "Let him who is add units to their homes to enable their without sin cast the first stone." If he con­ families to remain with them and still retain tinues to ignore that exhortation I will their independence are part of this Govern­ retaliate by saying something that' he will ment's plan to assist people to retain their not appreciate. present way of life. . To turn now to the Budget, the Treasurer The serious housing problem which the IS to be congratulated on its presentation. I Country-Liberal Government inherited from do not think many honourable members the Labor Party was solved a long time ago, realise the tremendous amount of work and we are continuing to ensure that it does involved in bringing down a Budget and not recur. presenting a Financial Statement The Treasurer's staff also deserve congratulations Mr. Davis: Do you know that there are on the part they have played in assisting to now 6,000 applications for State rental compile this very important document accommodation? Supply [24 OcTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1245

Mr. FRAWLEY: I ask the honourable council's resources. Perhaps an adequate member for Brisbane to wait patiently because Treasury loan could be arranged to enable I have something for him later. this work to be carried out, as l'esidents It is to be hoped that satisfactory arrange­ in the area are being affected by the clouds ments can be made with the Pine Shire of dust that fly as each vehicle traverses to enable Housing Commission homes to be the road. It is often necessary to use vehicle built in that area because there is a great headlights in daytime in order to penetra:te need for them in that area. the dust clouds. Mr. Leese: Are you aware that the Pine Mr. Leese interjected. Rivers Shire Council made application under Mr. FRAWLEY: I agree with the hon­ section 19 of the Main Roads Act to get ourable member that there is a need for this work done, and that it was knocked homes not only in the Murrumba part of back? the Pine Shire, but also in the Pine Rivers Mr. FRAWLEY: The Caboolture Shire section. Council made a similar application. All I would be failing in my duty to my section 19 funds ha vc been allocated for constituents in Woodford if I did not make this year and I believe that both councils a plea to the Minister to erect Housing were advised to renew their applications Commission homes in that town. I trust next year. the Minister will heed my request and give The unsealed section of the Strathpine­ it due consideration. This is an important Samford road is very dangerous in wet town which, very shortly, will be facing weather and should be given high priority an increase in population of 70 warders in main roads works. The statement that from the Woodford Prison. Adequate investigations into the proposed new crossing housing is essential to cater for their needs. to give access to the Redcliffe Peninsula Roads play a very important role in any are progressing is heartening news for the community and the development of any many thousands of frustrated motorists who area. The amount of $69,000,000 allocated use the Hornibrook Highway daily. I to meet road programmes is an increase realise that a very detailed investigation over last year's allocation. It is interesting is required before the route and type of to compare the vast difference between the structure are finally determined. Considera­ development of main roads under the coali­ tion must also be given to the possible tion Government and under A.L.P. govern­ alternative proposals. ments of the 1950's. In 1957, when the It is hoped that the committee, which coalition Government assumed office, there comprises representatives of the authorities were 20,975 miles of main roads in the in the area and a number of technical State, of which approximately 5,000 miles representatives from Government depart­ were bitumen-surfaced. There are now ments, does not become hopelessly bogged 25,000 miles of main roads, of which down by red tape of its own making and approximately 12,000 miles are bitumen­ that it carries out its investigations surfaced. On present indications, by 197 5, into the feasibility of the proposal as quickly all main highways in Queensland will be as possible. People on the Redcliffe Penin­ bituminised. What a shocking indictment sula and as far north as Caboolture are of previous Labor Governments under which anxiously awaiting the outcome of this Queensland's highway system was in a very investigation. They are interested only poor condition. in positive action that will overcome the Local authorities are feeling the benefits pre;;ent frustration and delays which are of this Government's policy to relieve them plaguing motorists who use the Hornibrook of all costs associated with main roads and Highway daily. developmental roads. However, the Mini­ Some land developers appear to have ster should give very careful consideration inside knowledge regarding the proposed to applications by local authorities to have new bridge because, in the past week, four roads declared as main roads in an effort to land developers have attempted to buy land shelve onto the Government some of their on the western side of Hayes Inlet that, at responsibilities towards ratepayers. It is present, is useless. easy for some local authorities

"Let the Houston-Jones team do for Shire and the City of Redcliffe, reflects the Queensland what it has done for Brisbane." confidence shown in the Government by local authorities throughout the State. Mr. R. E. Moore: That would be the joke of the year, wouldn't it? The expenditure on new industrial estates will also be increased in many areas. I hope Mr. FRAWLEY: If I attempted to Narangba will be one area in which facilities describe it, I am sure that Mr. Hewitt would of this type will be provided to attract stop me. industry to the district. Augmentation of the The first part of the 'team has done present water supply is very necessary. As exactly nothing for Brisbane or Queensland the Caboolture Shire Council does not seem and the second part of the team has run to be able to cope with expansion in this Brisbane into hopeless debt, as would be area, it must be assisted by the Government the position of every local authority in to carry out this work, and also sewerage Queensland if ever ~the A.L.P. became the reticulation. Government. Everyone knows of the Lord As I have mentioned before in this Cham­ Mayor's ambition to take over the area from ber, Caboolture needs a light industrial estate the Gold Coast in the south to Caboolture adjacent to the city to provide employment in the north. Some of the landholders in for many workers who now travel to Bris­ the Pine Rivers Shire, who are being robbed bane daily, mainly by rail transport. In of their heritage by the Lord Mayor and passing, I hope that the Minister heeds my his team in land resumptions for the North plea to seal the surface of the Caboolture Pine Dam, would certainly strongly oppose railway yards, especially outside the passen­ any take-over of their shire. gers' waiting room, as the dust from this After reading the report of Mr. Arnold unsealed area is a nuisance to both travellers Bennett on the dealings of the Lord Mayor and residents. and the Brisbane City Council with people A further example of the Government's who wished to subdivide land in the Bris­ attitude in facing up to its responsibilities is bane area, one would certainly not want the construction of the new prison for actions of this nature to occur elsewhere. The juveniles at Woodford. The first stage is findings of Mr. Arnold Bennett were that well under way, and it is expected to be in undue hardship had occurred as a result of operation early next year. It will be of great the dealings, practices and procedures of the assistance in taming the incorrigible young Brisbane City Council in respect of various people who think that the Westbrook Training applications. The Council proved a tough, Centre is a joke. I am in complete accord powerful negotiator, and kept increasing its with the Minister's statement that the threat demands. The Lord Mayor and the then of transfer to Woodford will be a tremendous Town Clerk, Mr. Slaughter, were responsible deterrent to troublemakers at Westbrook. for imposing frustration on applicants and The honourable member for Brisbane, who engaging in improper dealings with scant seems to consider himself an expert on West­ regard for the rights and feelings of the brook will no doubt make some ridiculous people. and highly coloured statements on the con­ One can see that the electors of Yeronga duct of prisoners at the Woodford prison certainly exercised their franchise intelligently when it is in operation. At least he will be in keeping out the master of the so-called giving Westbrook a rest. Tammany Hall and returning as their repre­ Despite A.L.P. claims to the contrary, the sentative the honourable member for Government has continued to pursue its Yeronga, Mr. Lee, who is a credit to the policy of free hospitalisation. Fifteen years Liberal Party and to this Parliament. ago the A.L.P. claimed that the policy of The Treasurer, in his wisdom, has free hospitalisation would be discontinued. authorised local authorities in my electorate It is in fact expanding. to enter into negotiations to borrow con­ Mr. Davis interjected. siderable sums of money for many important works. The Pine Rivers Shire Council, with Mr. FRAWLEY: I will take that inter­ authorised debenture loans of $1,421,000, is jection. I have great admiration for a former undertaking, among other works, a sewerage Minister for Health, Mr. E. M. Hanlon, who scheme for Petrie, Strathpine, Lawnton and made a valuable contribution to this State in Kallangur. I might add that some of this matters of health. He was the one who work will be in the electorate of Pine Rivers. carried out that work; it was not the Labor Party. If there were more men of his calibre Mr. Leese: Tell the Committee how the on the other side of the Chamber, it would be Pine Rivers Shire Council had its loan a far better Opposition. allocation cut back. The Labor Party claimed that the free­ Mr. FRAWLEY: The debenture loan for hospital system would be discontinued. It is this year's sewerage work is $723,000, plus in fact expanding, and a great deal of major a subsidy of $495,333. The total value of construction work is being carried out this works presently being carried out in the Pine financial year. A little over $12,000,000 has Rivers Shire, plus work to be done in the been provided for capital works for hospital future, is $5,289,000. The work being carried and health services, as part of the Govern­ out in this shire, plus that in the Caboolture ment's 1 0-year hospital-building programme. Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1247

The $2,000,000 provided for planning and Mr. FRAWLEY: The honourable member Stage I of the casualty and out-patient for Pine Rivers would refuse people the right department at the Royal Brisbane Hospital is to have milk delivered to them in bottles. no small outlay. He would continue to have it delivered in The casualty and out-patient department plastic containers. in any hospital is perhaps the most over­ Mr. Leese: We would offer them freedom worked part of the hospital, and I have a of choice-bottles or plastic containers. great deal of admiration for the doctors and nurses attached to that department. They Mr. FRAWLEY: Because of the Govern­ have the onerous task of sorting out the ment's realisation that country and city genuine from the malingerers and deciding people depend on each other, primary pro­ whether further treatment is required or ducers are still on the land and people living whether specialist treatment is required. All in country towns are still in business-a in all, I believe that they have the most dif­ situation that might not obtain under a ficult task in the hospital. Labor Government. On more than one occasion over the years The Department of Primary Industries has, I have had to avail myself of the services of through its research centres established the casualty department of the Royal Bris­ throughout Queensland, been of immense bane Hospital, and I state without hesitation assistance to farmers and graziers, but more or fear of contradiction that I have always research is needed, especially into the use received courteous and efficient treatment. of herbicides and pesticides. The recent From time to time, one hears complaints destruction of farmers' crops in Murrumba that treatment at the Royal Brisbane Hos­ by the application of dichlorophenoxyacetic pital is not what it ought to be. But these acid emphasises the need for much more cases are in the minority, and in most research into a chemical such as that. The instances the complaints are found to be rate of development of new pesticides and unjustified when thorough investigations are herbicides has far outstripped the capacity carried out. of biological, ecological and medical research The new scheme of special assistance to scientists to find out how the chemicals work, the dairy industry will ensure the stabilisation the possible non-lethal long-term effects on of the industry. The decision of the Country­ non-target species, or the effect on the eco­ Liberal Government to stand behind farmers systems in which they are being used. and graziers was criticised severely by the Far too often we in this State rely on A.L.P., which claimed that the Government overseas countries for much of the research was propping up uneconomic producers. The material that is available. For example, the attitude of the A.L.P. is clear-no aid to the toxicity data on foreign wild life usually is primary producer. Primary producers are available, but this is of questionable value in important to the economy of the State. Loans Queensland's climate relative to the effects on will be available for stocking and materials its flora and fauna. This is probably an for dairy improvement. inevitable situation, because evaluation and The scheme to assist dairy farmers to con­ testing can be an expensive and time-con­ vert to bulk milk supply is also to be corn­ suming process, taking years to complete. An mended. Each year, for may reasons, anum­ organised system of monitoring pesticides ber of dairy farmers leave the industry, and and weedicides in humans, plants, soils and the time could arrive when a serious shortage water should be instituted, so that the inform­ of milk could occur in Brisbane and sur­ ation could be utilised and related to the rounding districts. The number of producers international scene. Apparently there is no supplying milk to Brisbane wholesale and informative compilation of annual data on retail vendors dropped from 354 in 1971 to pesticides and herbicides and their effects in 330 this year. In the Caboolture district, 14 Queensland. This is in no way criticism of suppliers went out of production during the the Department of Primary Industries. It year ended 30 June 1972. Fortunately, 17 has limited funds and has to work within the converted from cream to milk supply. Farms capacity of those resources. all over Queensland are still being sold for Almost invariably new chemicals are dis­ subdivision, and the Government must pur­ covered and evaluated overseas. Some of sue its present policy to encourage farmers to those tests must be repeated under Queens­ remain in business. land conditions, as an attempt to cross-check the essential data. Some overseas countries, Orderly marketing of milk is most import­ are apt to reject our foodstuffs when their ant to maintain stability in the industry, and level of pesticide residue exceeds certain the recent 15-year franchise granted to the limits. The Department of Primary Indus­ Caboolture factory will ensure a reasonable tries analysis sections now look for this in return to the producers and also a fair price potential export produce going to major to consumers in the areas served. Other overseas markets. areas of the State are regulated in a similar way, which is indicative of the Government's The present world-wide concern about concern not only for dairy farmers but also pollution is justified, and the many public for the public. warnings should be carefully considered. It should also be remembered, however, that Mr. Leese interjected. all scientific evidence needs careful appraisal. 1248 Supply (24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

Banning is not something that can be done important role in the lives of young people, on the excuse of public opinion. No manu­ and in the lives of many old people, too, facturer would risk his money in developing for that matter. I feel that in the past new chemicals if he knew it was likely not enough emphasis has been placed on that they would be banned at short notice. moulding the character of young people. The provision in the Budget for an increase Sport has played a very important role in of 200 in Police Force strength and a further developing the Australian national identity. intake of 150 cadets at the Police Academy It is the one national institution that comes is heartening news, particularly for those in for very little criticism. To play, watch, stations that are understaffed and may receive read or talk about sport is to uphold the some benefit from it. Foot patrols must nation and build its character. I believe be reintroduced in the major cities and that Australia's success at competitive inter­ towns, notwithstanding any statements to the national sport plays a very important role contrary made by so-called experts who are in its foreign policy. so often proved wrong. The sight of a Sport has had many positive effects on uniform is a great deterrent to would-be Australian and Queensland life. A passion criminals. Policemen on the beat, while for sport uses up that political intensity and not covering as much ground as a mobile fervour which, in other countries, has led patrol, nevertheless are of considerable value. to class bitterness and fanaticism. Sport Queensland police are continuing to play has helped to overcome class distinction in their part in preventing crime, and the latest Australfan society and is played by members move for an increase in breathalyser tests cf all social strata. Anyone who is good will meet with the approval of most people. enough can play in the team. Sporting con­ The best place to stop anything is at its tests between country towns create tre­ source. The carrying out of breathalyser mendous interest among the townspeople tests in hotel and club car parks meets with and help to make life bearable in demanding the approval of most people, who are sensible and unexciting environments. Competition enough to realise that drink-driving must be is undoubtedly one of the major values of stopped. How would any honourable mem­ our culture; it brings out the best in us ber like to have his wife or children maimed and only in isolated cases does it bring out by a drunken driver if this Government the worst. Man is basicaJly competitive, weakened in its attitude towards the drink­ and it is much more desirable to satisfy driver? Most of the blame for drunkenness this need in sporting contests than in more can be laid at the door of the publican and destructive ways such as hot and cold wars. his assistants who continue to serve alcohol to people who are obviously under the A number of theories attempt to explain influence of liquor. why people participate in sport-surplus energy, relaxation, catharsis, compensation It is interesting to note that, although there have been a number of convictions and task theories. These theories assume that for under-age drinking, very rarely is there people favour different sporting activities any conviction of the person who supplied because of having been in certain different the liquor to the rmder-age drinkers. In types of situations beforehand. The surplus this world there are many people of low energy theory is that, because an individual moral standards, but I feel that no-one is has more energy and vitality than is neces­ lower than a person who sells intoxicating sary for his biological maintenance, he liquor to the teenager, particularly one who expends ene,rgy in sport. is driving. Some publicans do not care how they earn their living, and have no The relaxation theory implies an intensive compunction about serving liquor to under­ pre-occupation with work that requires sub­ age people. By haunting hotel car parks sequent respite for the individual, so that and conducting breathalyser tests, the police he can relax and more or less recharge his are doing what I feel is long overdue, and batteries. something which has the support of the The catharsis theory refers to the purging majority of the public. of emotional tension and anxiety by par­ Mr. Hughes: They do not have to carry ticipation in sport. I completely concur out breathalyser tests to police the Licensing with this theory in certain cases, but they Act. are in the minority. Mr. FRAWLEY: But I believe that breath­ The compensation theory is that activity alyser tests will certainly avoid much of in sport is a compensatory mechanism for the tragedy on the roads today. It is goals where direct achievement is blocked. obvious that the contributory causes of many It is argued that those who are not too fatal accidents are speed and alcohol. bright mentally may try to achieve success A very important item in the Budget is on the sporting field because attainment in the allocation of $250,000 to sport. This other spheres of life is denied them. If this represents an excellent start on something theory holds true I would say now that both that has been long needed in this State. It the honourable member for Brisbane and clearly demonstrates the Government's the honourable member for Mourilyan should interest in the future of Queensland sports­ be Olympic champions. I do not agree men and sportswomen. Sport plays a very with this theory in its entirety as I can Supply [24 OcTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1249

quote many instances of brilliant scholars me, I doubt whether he has. He endeavoured who are also brilliant sportsmen and sports­ to belittle other Opposition members and me women. by claiming that we look upon the Aborigines The task generalisation theory maintains and Islanders as second-class citizens. Of that people see the same conditions in work course, nothing could be further from the and leisure. For instance, the tough com­ truth. In previous speeches I have con­ petitive businessman is also tough in his demned this Government's treatment of our sporting interests, while the meek and mild coloured people, and I shall persist with my businessman will be meek and mild in criticisms fo·r as long as that treatment sport. continues. In the Opposition, I represent and speak for the Aborigines and Torres If all or any of these theories are to be Strait Islanders, who are resentful of the poor believed, sport serves functions other than treatment handed out to them by the Gov­ the creation of competition; it provides some ernment in its complete lack of understanding of the few opportunities people have to of their plight. express passion and emotion in public. Sport provides us with excitement and a chance I shall answer quickly some of the allega­ to prove ourselves-a need which a majority tions made by the honourable member for of people feel. In this country an abnormal Landsborough. First of all, he claimed number of people participate in sport and that the A.L.P. was selling out Queensland test themselves on the sporting field. Besides and its citizens and was going to move the physical and socio-psychological satis­ the border south. To refute that assertion, faction that sport provides for participants, I remind Government members of the "Bris­ there are also sociological benefits. bane Line". During World War li the Federal Tory Government sold out Queens­ Unlike the every-day world with its com­ land by drawing up the "Brisbane Line". plexities, sport has its winners, losers and The party that rescued this State during the clear-cut issues. We can participate in sport crisis was the Australian Labor Party. without being seriously upset if we lose, The honourable member also said that because tomorrow we may win, whereas in the Labor Party has sold Queensland down every-day life loss .or failure can be much the drain. It is not my custom to use more psychologically damaging. Because of such an expression, but perhaps the honour­ the greater simplicity of the issues in sport, able member and I attended different second­ we can invest our personalities much more ary schools. He also ridiculed my comments wholeheartedly. Therefore, sport may be, on the new wharf at Thursday Island. Cer­ after all, an effective and far less destructive tainly I .referred to a distance of 400 yards, substitute for war, and in this day and age but the honourable member quoted a length we certainly need this substitute. I know of of 634 feet. Any calculation will show that, no more effective symbol of a country to deliver one load of cargo to the goods than a team of its best sportsmen pitted shed, a forklift will be required to cover against other international teams. a distance of 423 yards. The honourable Sport can also play its part in the rehabili­ member should examine his brief to ensure tation of those unfortunates who, at some that he understands its contents as well as time in their lives, have to spend a term those of my Address-in-Reply speech. in prison, and I sincerely trust that the cor­ The honourable member acclaimed what >ective curriculum at the Woodford Juvenile he referred to as wonderful help given by Prison includes a great deal of sport. this Government to schools, health matters By promoting the development of sport, and communications throughout the islands. the Government will improve the physical He also said that last year the water-storage condition of workers generally, and as a facilities on Thursday Island were increased result there should be far fewer accidents by ISO per cent. I admit that this is so, in industry. The decision to create a but we must not lose sight of the fact that Ministry of Sport corresponds to a need there are other areas in North Queensland and the facilities to be provided will, I hope, and Torres Strait than the show-places that be put to good use. have been created by the Government f01; the benefit of Queenslanders, people. ~rom Mr. WALLIS-SMITH (Cook) (12.44 p.m.): other States and as well, overseas visitors. At the outset, I think it would be appropriate Before long, w~rld-wide attention wiJl be for me to correct some of the accusations focused on the people of Torres Strait. levelled at me by the honourable member for Landsborough in his Address-in-Reply The honourable member boasted about the speech, in which he attempted to rebut money that has been spent on housing. I am many of the statements I had made in my pleased to see that the Minister for 'Y?rks and Housing is in the Chamber. On a VIsit to contribution to that debate. The honourable the court-house at Thursday Island, I was member endeavoured to create an element astounded to learn that no housing applica­ of doubt by drawing a net over the issues I raised. tion forms were available. The staff looked through the files for me, but they were empty, Those issues concern people. I do not know w I took steps to have some of these forms whether the honourable member for Lands­ supplied. I ask the honourable member for borough has had a great deal of contact Landsborough: who is looking after the with people. From the way he attacked people now? 1250 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

The honourable member also said that the to •the late Honourable H. W. Noble, the Commonwealth had channelled money to then Minister for Health. In reply, he said the State Government, which had built houses that no inspections had been made to deter­ on many of the islands. I am not arguing mine the adequacy of 1,000-gallon tanks for about that. I simply say, "Thank you very the houses occupied by these Aborigines; that much." And to the people of the islands I ·the department was no longer responsible say, "Get all you can out of the Government. for them and .that they themselves could I will be with you all the way to help you determine the size of the water tanks provided get what you want." But let the honourable at their houses. Is that the sort of treatment member who made these statements be •that should be accorded first-class citizens? factual. Emphatically no. Government spokesmen would have us From 1963 to 16 September 1971 I asked believe that these people are treated as first­ 14 questions on this subject, but nothing has class citizens. On the contrary, they are yet been done to provide an adequate water treated very much as second-class citizens. supply for these people. In the meantime, The A.L.P. has been accused of many mis­ the Government has given $18,000 to the demeanours in the past. Since I have been Mareeba Shire, whose chairman was the in this Chamber, three attempts have been Country Party candidate for Tablelands in made by the Government to update legisla­ 1969 and the Country Party candidate for tion controlling Aborigines and Islanders. I Barron River in 1972. He could have made it have taken part in the debate on each occa­ his business to give these people a proper sion, but I have yet to hear the honourable water supply. He had the money in his hand member for Landsborough speak in any such but, like so many other people who get on a debate. He proudly said, "I am a member high horse and say they are behind these of the committee that is closely studying the people, he was not concerned. problems associated with Aborigines and I say without fear of contradiction that Islanders." But during the debate on the 1971 legislation, which was rushed through the honourable member for Landsborough Parliament, he did not say one word. He is not genuine in his approach to this pro­ may have had reasons for not doing so, but blem. That is why I resent so greatly his why should he suddenly become the cham­ claim that I was not truthful in what I pion of, or the spokesman for, these people said. about whom he knows so little? The honourable member also mentioned Has the honourable member ever visited the Sacred Heart College, on Thursday these people in an effort to gain their respect Island, which I have not yet visited. How­ and confidence? Has he ever bothered to find ever, prior to the honourable member's out how many of them live in a house, outburst I had arranged with the Sisters how much they earn, and how much they to visit it in the near future, just as I pay for food, rent, water and electricity? visit the other 47 schools in my area. I He certainly has not. When Government am only too pleased to do what I can for members make trips to the area where these the students at these schools. All children, people live they do not worry about such regardless of whether they are Aboriginal, matters. It is all very well to travel in a Islander or white, appreciate visits to their nice, comfortable boat and enjoy comfortable schools. This forms part of their education. surroundings-!, too, would enjoy those They ask many questions. On one occasion things-but more is required. These people I was asked what salary I was paid. The are very ready to accept us as friends and headmaster told the student he should not give us their confidence, hoping that we may ask me such a question. I said, "Why be able to do something for them. shouldn't he? We all leam by asking I have here a book that is already half full questions." of requests from people on Thursday Island The honourable member's statement that and adjacent islands, and the tip of Cape I had insufficient experience to speak on York Peninsula. They all suffer problems education is an absolute fabrication. I do similar to ours. To quote one instance, the not want to boast, but I was a schoolmate widow of a man who had served in the of the late Jack Pizzey in my primary Railway Department and who died on 29 days, and in my secondary days of the April 1970 did not have her claim for com­ previous Director-General of Education, Mr. pensation heard till 6 June 1972. Would that Murphy, as well as Mr. Mack and Mr. situation be tolerated in our society? Would Charles Barton. any Govemment or Opposition member be We must get down to tin-tacks and speak prepared to let a constituent wait as long the language of these young people. In as that? doing that, of course, we should not use The honourable member for Barron River words that they cannot understand. I is now faced with a very glaring problem hope that this teaches the honourable mem­ associated with the water supply for Koah, ber for Landsborough ·the lesson that in Kowrowa and Mantaka. I am sure Opposi­ future he should understand his subject tion members would agree that when I was before making such an outburst. Previously, member for Tablelands I raised this matter I gave him credit for having a better under­ repeatedly. I mentioned it first on 17 Sep­ standing of the position and for not accept­ tember 1963, by way of a question directed ing as true everything he is told. Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1251

While the Minister for Works and Housing is no land available for large housing com­ is in the Chamber, I shall point out some plexes. Some months ago the Common­ of the works and housing problems that are wealth Government offered the State Gov­ evident throughout North Queensland and ernment 60 acres of land. Only last week, on the Torres Strait islands. Many of these by a question in the House, I asked what problems can be overcome, provided money had happened to that land. The story is is channelled into them. I am sure that that it is still being surveyed, and the project is still being considered. In the there are many men in that area who would meanwhile, time marches on. be only too happy to be ,taught and to meld themselves into a work-force that would If the 60 acres of land I mentioned was not only be a credit to themselves but would divided into quarter-acre residential blocks, also provide houses for many people. 240 allotments would be provided, and the Housing Commission could start immediately Mention has been made of the new town to build houses, either for rental or for of Wasaga, on Horn Island. Wasaga is purchase. The book to which I referred an old town-site where 22 families live this morning contains inquiries by many in substandard houses with very poor health people for houses, but only one or two facilities. Horn Island is the threshold of of them have land. If land was made avail­ the Torres Strait islands. All Thursday able in this way, it would meet the needs Island visitors who arrive by air land at of many Islanders who are anxiously waiting the airfield on Horn Island, whereas the to obtain homes of their own in positions few passengers by sea land on Thursday of their choice, or homes made available Island. It is important that some recognition by the Housing Commission for sale or be given to the needs of the people on rental. This is ,the least the Government Horn Island. Some recognition was given can do to overcome the great shortage of recently by the Lands Department when it housing on Thursday Island. During his held a sale of l~nd. Of the 58 blocks offered, speech in this debate, the honourable member 20 were set aside for these Islanders. They for Landsborough mentioned the amount paid $34 a block, compared with up to spent on housing. Very little has been $600 paid by Thursday Islanders and people spent on housing on Thursday Island, which from elsewhere. is really the capital of the whole Torres Strait island group. In my opinion, it is virtually [Sitting suspended from I to 2.15 p.m.] the capital of the Cook electorate. I stress that the first necessity is land. Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: Prior to the lunch­ eon recess I was developing the need for Mr. N. T. E. Hewitt: It is not all my housing for Aborigines and Torres Strait responsibility. You have to keep that fact Islanders, and I was pointing out that ,the in mind. Thursday Island is not all my provision of houses would solve the two personal responsibility. problems of employment and housing at Mr. W ALLIS-SMITH: I did not catch the one time. I wish to develop this what the Minister said. No doubt he will argument a little further, because if one be prepared to tell me later what he said. goes to any community or island and asks the people what are their greatest needs, the If this land is made available on Thursday Island, funds will be needed to build houses. answer comes readily that they are employ­ The Commonwealth Government is continu­ ment and houses. ally making large grants to assist State Gov­ In the midst of the Torres Strait area ernments to provide houses; it also builds there is a very large sawmill at Bamaga. houses itself. However, the methods now I have already asked the Minister to con­ used are much too haphazard. One goes to sider not only doubling the output of ,this an island and finds that three new houses sawmill but increasing it perhaps fourfold tha,t one knew nothing about have been built. so that it could supply all the timber In such instances I have been told that they required for the area. It could, in addition were Commonwealth houses, but when I 'treat every stick of timber to be used s~ asked who was to move into them, I was that . there would be no interruption to given no answer. supplies. At present, timber is obtained If I go to the Government office at Thurs­ from many areas. Quite often there is a day Island, I am told that I am making shortage of timber for a project, and things difficult for .the public servants there untreated, or unsuitable, timber is used. by asking these questions. It is not good The result is that infestation by white ants enough for the elected representative of the takes place rapidly, and sound structures people to be told that. I do not wish to get are quickly weakened by the onslaught of offside with ,the public servants on Thursday these pests. It is necessary to guard against Island, who do a very good job, but this is this type of thing. part of my new electorate and the only way The first essential in the provision of I can find out anything is by going there and asking questions. It is the responsibility housing is land, and one of the places where of the Government to know whom the houses land is very scarce is Thursday Island. There are built for and also ,to ensure that they are very few blocks available for the building are occupied as soon as they are built. In of houses on Thursday Island, and there many instances, Commonwealth houses on 1252 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

Thursday Island are left unoccupied. That Dr. Noble, the late Mr. Pizzey, Mr. Bjelke­ is not good enough when there is such an Petersen and Mr. Sullivan as well as during acute shortage of houses in the area. the time of the present Minister, Honourable I understood the Minister for Aboriginal N. T. E. Hewitt. They have all had the same Affairs to say earlier that Thursday Island is Director, Mr. P. J. Killoran. not all his personal responsibiHty. That is I would not know whether it is the Director quite true, but I am saying that there are or the Minister of the day who has not been many places in which it is his responsibility doing his job. In any event, many problems to see that houses are built and that they remain unsolved, and they will not be solved are allotted to ,those who need them most by the methods that are employed today. urgently. The screed that was presented by the hon­ Although the Queensland Housing Commis­ ourable member for Landsborough was the sion can play a very important role in pro­ work of someone who knows the whole viding houses, the possibility of training, ramifications of the department. It is no teaching and enlisting the assistance of use anyone trying to downgrade me. I will Islanders, wherever they may be, to form continue to make such remarks because I small co-operative building societies should am the elected representative of those people, not be overlooked. I am told that they are and I speak for them. The sooner it is being asked to assume responsibilities in realised that these people need someone to other fields. Only recently the new adminis­ speak for them, the better. trator, Mr. Ken Brown, appointed two While mentioning the housing problem, I Islanders to the advisory council. There is wish to refer also to rent. When a man no council at Thursday Island, but five people comes to me and asks for a house, I ask him have been appointed to the advisory council, four questions: his age, whether he is mar­ two of whom are Islanders. Let us extend ried, how many children he has, and his the responsibility of these people in the field income. What chance of getting a house has of housing over the length and breadth of a man with an income of $24 a week? The Torres Strait. one who says he has an income of $58 a The need for the provision of a home for week is the exception. aged people would also be accepted by all While the Government is attempting to Islanders. Recently the Aplin Hostel and solve the housing problem, it should take the other buildings associated with it-a rents into consideration. Those people are sort of convalescent home-have been closed. the lowest paid in the State, yet they are pay­ I ascertained by questioning that these build­ ing very high prices for the commodities they ings will not be converted to accommodation, use. In the area where they are living they for only five families, until mid-1973. This cannot find any substitute for the type of would be an ideal site on which to build living they are used to. Although they do more homes for aged people. It is within not complain to any great extent, many of easy reach of the shopping centre on Thurs­ them are verging on extreme poverty. For day Island and is on the bus route; it also many years they have lived off the land or the is within easy reach of the hospital, which sea. is very desirable. All ~these factors make it an ideal place for aged people. The answer When I asked the Minister to give consid­ that I received to my question was that the eration to cheaper sea transport of food to Islanders and the Aborigines do not want to Torres Strait-honourable members will leave their homes. I can tell the Minister for remember the fiasco of the Quintell Beach Aboriginal Affairs that they do. Their homes ramp-he said that, although there were no are overcrowded, and in many instances food shortages as a rule, to overcome unfor­ people are asking me, "Can you have one seen shortages the department had on occa­ or two more homes provided for us?" Even sions used aircraft to avoid undue inconveni­ on Badu Island I had two special requests ence. Let me give the Committee an indi­ for a home for aged people. These are the cation of the cost of air freight to Thursday sort of requests that are being made to me, Island. I have in my hands a prescription and the solution that I have suggested to that was sent to a Cairns pharmacy. It cost the Government is simple and would be easy $1 to make up the prescription, which was to implement. for a bottle of cough syrup. The air freight on it was $1.50. I am pleased to see that the Premier is in That is the sort of treatment that is meted the Chamber. Some years ago, when he was Minister for Works and Housing, he told me out to Islanders and others in that area. The that a house at Mitchell River that had been prescription was for a public servant. How damaged by fire was about 1to be repaired. silly it is for the Minister, on the one hand, Today it is still showing signs of fire ravage to say, "We will institute air services", and and has not been completely restored. then, on the other hand, to ask the people to pay such exhorbitant charges. The whole These are typical of the matters I am con­ thing is ridiculous. No great care is taken stantly bringing up, and they prove that these to ensure against mistakes. Many mistakes people are being treated as second-class citi­ have been made, and they will continue to zens. This applies, irrespective of who is the be made while that sort of economy drive Minister responsible for these things. It has continues at a time when the Government applied right through the time of the late talks about providing better services. Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1253

When I was talking about the Thursday Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: Darnley. I wish Island jetty earlier today, I omitted to the honourable member would go there. He mention that, in 1970-71, 10,697 tons of would never get back. imports went through the port of Thursday Island, and that that figure increased to Mr. R. E. lVIoore: I have been there a 21,000 tons during 1971-72. In other words, couple of times. The people there do not it more than doubled. On the export side like you. the increase was 250 per cent, from 3,900 tons to 8,900 tons giving a total cargo Mr. W ALLIS-SMITH: They spoke about tonnage of 14,000 tons against 30,000 tons. ,the honourable member when I was there. Yet the Minister tells us that this small jetty The conditions applicable to proof o£ being built for Thursday Island is sufficient ownership of land are unbelievable. People to meet public needs. throughout the islands know the boundaries In case anyone has any doubt on whose of their own land. I tried to find a weakness behalf I am speaking, I should like to in their scheme, but the only one I could place on record that, of my constituents, find was that the records are kept at more than 50 per cent are Aborigines and Thursday Island and in Brisbane and no-one Islanders. The honourable member for has ever seen them. I appeal to the Minister Landsborough said that I had better be not to put any obstacle in the way of careful in view of the voting returns. Let these people when they ask for a title to me inform him now that the returns from their land. They were amazed to know that the islands and settlements showed that I every resident of Queensland can produce received almost 50 per cent of the total a piece of paper showing title to his land, vote. The figures were Country Party 663, so that no-one else can claim it. In the D.L.P. 990 and A.L.P. 1,500. The D.L.P. islands land has been handed down from vote is usually about 23, so do not family to family and they know the area let Government members fool themselves belonging to each family. by assuming that that was a true D.L.P. The Minister should assume responsibility vote. It was not; it was a vote for one for having the islands surveyed when of their own people. As I say, more than 50 per cent of the electors are Aborigines or requested by the people, so that the Islanders. local inhabitants can receive title to their land. Of course, the Government does not In his Financial Statement the Treasurer say very much about the recognition of their mentioned that the wages paid to Aborigines land rights, but it is spelt out clearly in the employed in State and church communities policy of the Australian Labor Party. will be increased by $5 a week retrospective to 1 July 1972 and by a further $4 a week Nevertheless, the Government should give as from 1 January 1973. Note, Mr. Hewitt, the Islanders the chance of buying their that he mentioned wages paid to Aborigines houses, and of receiving title deeds on repay­ employed in State and church communities. ment of loans. This is a practical approach This leaves out altogether people employed to the recognition of land rights of Torres on the islands. Strait Islanders. TI1e other day I mentioned one man who Although the Federal Government boasts receives $11 a fortnight for pumping suffi­ about what it is doing in the Northern cient water to meet all the needs of an Territory, no practical steps are being taken island's residents. When I brought the to recognise the land rights of Aborigines matter to the Minister's attention, he said, throughout Australia. "This is an arrangement for the people I wish to deal now with schools. I sup­ themselves." Like the Minister and me, pose many teachers have thought that they this man has to earn enough for his support. would like to teach at a school in a remote He has to pay as much for his commodities area of the State. I point out that, of the as we do, if not twice as much, yet, because 14 schools on 13 of the Tones Strait he is on an island, he is not covered by the Islands, only five have head-teachers who increase mentioned in the Treasurer's have come up through the ranks of thft Financial Statement. Is it any wonder that Education Department. At each of th@i• J say these people are being given second­ other schools the head-teacher is an Islander class treatment? who has completed a course of one or two I assert here and now that there wi.Jl years at the Kedron Park Teachers' College. have to be a complete overhaul of such The honourable member for Landsborough matters, and I ask the Minister to take claimed that I was denigrating those Islander over complete responsibility for the provision head-teachers. I emphatically deny such an of water on every island. If the people allegation, and in fact praise them for the on the islands have to pay water rates, wonderful job they are doing. However, so be it, but do not sacrifice one man by why is not the number increased from five? paying him next to nothing for his hard Why should there be an element of luck in work in supplying water to these people and this matter in which an Islander who is saying "This is not our responsibilty; the born on a certain island may attend a people will look after their own." school under the control of an Islander Mr. R. E. Moore: What island is that? head-teacher, whereas on a neighbouring 1254 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

island an Islander may be a pupil under completely because these people are Islanders. the control of a departmental head-teacher? At the Bamaga School the two remedial Why should there be any difference? teachers are Islanders. Trained remedial Mr. R. E. Moore: Who would be the teachers are provided throughout Queensland, unlucky one? yet none is supplied for Thursday Island. I suggest that a type of graph should Mr. WALUS-SMITH: If the honourable be sent to the parents of Aboriginal and member travelled round the islands instead Islander children, showing employment of staying at the feasting board, he would avenues available to their children through know the answer to that question. education. They do not read lengthy state­ Mr. Tucker: Most of the time he didn't ments that they do not understand. If the even know he had landed on an island. position could be outlined in this way, they would quickly grasp what is meant. Mr. W ALLIS-SMITH: I can believe that, They are very good at picking out details too. from photographs and diagrams, but they This state of affairs will not be altered cannot readily understand the written word. so long as the Government fails to raise It is time that we tried a new approach. the standard of education of children on Remarkable results are achieved in the North­ the islands. They are unable to attain the ern Territory by this method of showing necessary standard to attend a teachers' people the benefits to be derived by their college. Until the Government sees fit to children from education, whereas, from the treat every island in the same manner, the written word, they would have no idea of situation will remain as it is. the advantages to be gained. The Government offers the boys not a I am deeply pained by the fact that we type of apprenticeship, but a trade grouping. are being ridiculed by the rest of the world In the Army, trade groups were established, in not having our new Aboriginal and and their members received a higher Islander legislation proclaimed. remuneration than that paid to the ordinary labourer. However, they were not tradesmen. Mr. B. Wood: They should scrap it The Government is only offering the altogether. Islanders a second-class-once again I use the word-reward. Mr. WALLIS-SMITH: That is so. It would be interesting to know how Queensland is attracting adverse attention many Islander girls are in the Public Ser­ from all over the world because of the vice. Although they can easily obtain unwarranted delay in proclaiming this legis­ employment in private offices, they do not lation. The Minister should remember asking possess the necessary qualifications for entry me, as the Opposition shadow Minister, to into the Public Service. I ask: are the allow the Bill to go through in November. schools on the islands providing full educa­ 1 managed to have three or four amendments tion? The answer is "No." accepted to the Aboriginal Bill, and I said, "If your Island legislation is in the same Most of the people in Aboriginal com­ terms, I will offer no objection." The legis­ munities desire the appointment of married lation was passed in November last year and head-teachers. I ask the Minister for it is almost November again, yet the legisla­ Education to ensure that, whenever a head­ tion has still to be proclaimed. In marked teacher has to be appointed in an Aboriginal contrast, the City of Brisbane Act Amend­ community, a married person is selected. ment Act became law in about 24 hours. He should not fail to do that merely because Why should Aboriginal and Islander people accommodation is not provided for a mar­ once again receive second-class treatment? ried person. That policy would not be followed in any fair-sized town in Queensland The Treasurer may grin; I suppose he is with a school attendance of 180. It is very proud of the arrangements he made ridiculous that the necessary accommodation concerning racing, which will affect the is not provided when enrolments are as racing fraternity throughout Queensland. The large as that. Treasurer took this action because he has a cash-register mind. However, he forgets The married head-teacher in such areas about people. becomes a sheet-anchor. He is the focal centre for other teachers. I will not dwell Sir Gordon Chalk: Don't you think there on some of the failures that have proved are any people associated with racing? that the people are right in seeking married head-teachers, because the Minister knows Mr. W ALLIS-SMITH: I thought I would of these rather painful exepriences. These draw a remark from him. people know what they want. If the Govern­ ment desires to treat them as citizens and This legislation is still not law, and the electors of Queensland, it should heed their regulations are still being considered by the requests. Crown Law Office. If I asked the Minister a question on this matter, he would give On Thursday Island there is an urgent his usual reply, "The answer today is the need for remedial classes in both primary same as it was last week, last month, or and high schools. But the need is overlooked last year." Supply (24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1255

The Minister said, "These people studied leaf of the top branch. It is so far from the Bill throughout." Some members of the the main trunk of the tree that it is com­ committee who are studying the Bill can pletely forgotten. Yet the top branch pro­ neither read nor write. They are wonderful duces luscious fruit such as the bauxite at leaders and I do not desire any change in Weipa, the prawns from Normanton to leadership. But these people who cannot Edward River along the coast, and the cattle read or write should not be blamed. Only numbers that can be built up to 3,000,000 by the other day the chairman of one of the a very small number of people. communities said 'to me, "The head-teacher All those wonderful income-earners are is going to teach me to read and write." It is wonderful that he is being given this in the electorate of Cook, and they need chance. However, it is wrong to claim that special attention in the provision of com­ these people are continually and minutely munications. The only means of communi­ studying the legislation. Words are put into cation that the ordinary working person can their mouths, suggestions are made to them, afford are shipping and road transport. and they are told what to do and what not Because of the ravages of the wet season, the to do. roads are open for only three or four months Mr. R. E. Moore interjected. a year. I ask the Minister for Local Gov­ ernment to arrange with Mr. Gallop, the Mr. W ALUS-SMITH: The honourable administrator-who, incidentally, does not member for Windsor will not control my even live in Cooktown but in Cairns-to speech. He might be the controller of build several houses at Coen, which is situ­ speeches on the Government side, and he ated well into the interior, and deploy some sometimes makes a mess of that. of his equipment and employees to that area. These people are being blamed to some This has never been done before. degree for the delay in the promulgation of It is sometimes two or three months after the regulations and in the legislation becom­ the end of the wet season before equipment ing law. The Director and the Minister reaches Coen. By that time the people are know full well to whom I am referring. disgruntled. They have no way of getting They know they say these things with tongue out of the area till road work has been car­ in cheek, the same as the Minister did this ried out, and then the roads are open for morning in answer to my question about only a few months before they are rendered social workers. He gave a typical depart­ unusable by storms. If employees and equip­ mental answer. He said that, if I was refer­ ment could be based at Coen, the time taken ring to social workers on the department's to repair the roads would be reduced by establishment, there were none, so there two or three months, and the expense of liv­ were no vacancies, and that, if I was refer­ ing in that area would be reduced. ring to public servants, I should ask the Premier. I put up with such snide remarks On the other hand, transport by sea is for the sake of the people I represent. simple and easy. If the Portland Roads wharf and jetty were restored, this centre The shires in my electorate are the Cook could become the distribution point for the Shire, which is controlled by an adminis­ vast area of cattle country in Cape York trator and a shire clerk, and the town of Peninsula and for supplies to the Lockhart Thursday Island, which is controlled by an River Aboriginal Community. I understand administrator and a town clerk. Neither of that Mr. Gallop considers that they should be them has a council. They are both very restored. Cattlemen all along the road have important areas and should have elected told me that they would much prefer to send representatives. Following the recent retire­ cattle by ship, and that restoration of wharf ment of Mr. McNamara, Mr. Brown became facilities at Portland Roads would be of great the administrator. He appointed five people, benefit to them. The wharf could be used two of whom are Islanders, to constitute an throughout the whole year, and fewer advisory council on Thursday Island-I take demands would be made on the roads, which it in an honorary capacity. would then be used by lighter traffic. Why cannot Thursday Island have a I have expressed my feelings, and those council, which could administer all of the of the people whom I represent, on the Torres Strait islands as well as Horn Island Budget, and I hope that some of the points and Prince of Wales Island? It could appoint that I have made will be considered by the its own health officer to prevent outbreaks appropriate Ministers. The people have told of disease in that area. A Cairns-based me that they want me to bring these matters officer visits Thursday Island for a fortnight up, and I shall continue to do so till they once or twice a year, and this arrangement receive attention. Transportation is of para­ will continue while Thursday Island is con­ mount importance in the two shires to trolled by five people acting in an advisory which I have referred. On Thursday Island capacity and an administrator in Brisbane. there are only 7 miles of road. I asked for The Cook electorate contains more roads those 7 miles to be sealed, and I was that need repair, particularly after each wet informed by the Minister for Main Roads that season, than any other electorate. Geo­ these were not dedicated roads and therefore graphically, Cook is the top branch of the were not his responsibility. Of those 7 miles State tree, and Thursday Island is the top of road, only one portion is sealed. This 1256 Supply [24 OcTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) means that the people have to put up with The basic difference in the coming Federal dust in the dry season, and mud and erosion election will be between the Liberal Party, in the wet season. standing for free enterprise, and the A.L.P., I conclude by saying that the Government standing for socialism, so let there be no should look after the people of the Cook doubt about what socialism means. I electorate as they look after their own areas. remind honourable members opposite that, If Government members do not know the in their party pledge, they have already answer to the problem confronting them con­ pledged themselves to stand for socialism, cerning Aborigines and Torres Strait Island­ in these words- ers, they have the answer on their own door­ "! also pledge myself to actively support step. They have to ask themselves, "What and advocate at all times the party's would I do for the people in my own area objective-the socialisation of industry, under similar circumstances?" The answer production, distribution and exchange." to that question applies equally to Aborigines That is the pledge that all honourable mem­ and Islanders. bers opposite must take. Mr. MILLER (Ithaca) (2.55 p.m.): Before Mr. Porter: And it has not changed in speaking to the Treasurer's report to the 40 years. Committee on the 1972-73 Budget, I wish to refer briefly to two statements made by Mr. MILLER: It has not changed in 40 members of the Opposition. years, as the honourable member for Toowong said. Over the years we have Let me refer first to a statement made heard some honourable members opposite by the Leader of the Opposition, who said say, "We do not stand for socialism." One he was pleased to see that Australia is or two of them have always been con­ becoming more and more socialistic. I sistent and said that they stand for socialism, point out to honourable members opposite but many others have tried to camouflage that there is a vast difference between social­ socialism and what it really represents. Let ism and social welfare, and that the two us have no more poppycock about what should not be confused. Members of the socialism means. Liberal Party believe in social welfare; mem­ bers of the Opposition, of course, believe The other statement that I thought was in socialism. rather strange came from the honourable member for Pine Rivers. He was rather Mr. K. J. Hooper: The hope of the world! amazed that the Federal Minister for Hous­ ing would be so stupid as to look after Mr. MILLER: The hate of the world? the States of Western Australia and South Mr. K. J. Hooper: The hope of the Australia instead of looking after his own world. State of Queensland. Mr. MILLER: I think it is the hate of Mr. K. J. Hooper: He is, too. the world. Again, the views of members Mr. MILLER: Another member of the of the Opposition vary on that point. Let Opposition agrees with that statement. Surely me quote from one or two comments on socialism that have been made over the the honourable gentleman would agree that a Minister's job is to make sure that money years, because I should like honourable is allocated to areas where the need is members opposite to realise exactly what they stand for. First, Trotsky had this to greatest. If the greatest need is found to say about socialism- exist in the States of Western Australia and South Australia, which aDe under Labor "In a country where the sole employer Governments, by all means the Federal Mini­ is the State, opposition means death by ster for Housing should supply the money slow starvation. The old principle, who to those areas of need. I have no doubt does not work shall not eat, has been that, as they are controlled by Labor Gov­ replaced by a new one, who does not ernments, they are the areas of greatest need obey shall not eat." in Australia. I believe that Trotsky was a man who knew Over the years, Opposition members have what he was talking about when referring frequently referred to the excellent Budget to socialism. This is the very socialism, brought down by the State Treasurer prior of course, that the Leader of the Opposition to an election. They have said, "We will is pleased to see coming into Australia. have two years to get over this very good Dr. Evatt had this to say about socialism Budget, but we will suffer in the intervening -and, in the light of it, many honourable years." This Budget, the first following the members opposite might like to think about recent State election, is the best ever intro­ where they stand on the issue of socialism- duced in this Chamber. It makes a joke "The right of the individual to choose of the suggestion of Opposition members his own vocation and employment is only that we bring down a healthy Budget just one of the freedoms which the individual before a State election and then have two must forgo in the interests of the State." years to get over it. Dr. Evatt was one of the leading men in the In his Financial Statement the Treasurer A.L.P., and he was there telling the people referred to the building industry. In years exactly what socialism means. gone by, the building industry was regarded Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1257 as the main barometer of Queensland's to cite some figures that I shaii quote to economic climate. If there was a downward show that Queensland is the best State in trend in wool prices or a drought, the this regard. It reads- building industry would immediately suffer "Queensland continues to have a lower a decline in country areas and the rate of rate of employment than the other States, with 8,052 out of work at the end unemployment in Brisbane would increase. of September, or 1.07 per cent." That is not the case today-nor has it been so for many years-because we are no longer If we compare 1.07 per cent of unemploy­ dependent on primary industry as a back­ ment with the position of every other country in the world, it amounts ,to virtually nothing. stop to the State's economy. I am very The percentages in overseas countries range pleased that we no longer have to depend as high as six, eight and nine per cent. solely on primary industries. We have gone through so many periods of drought Mr. Bums: Don't worry about percent­ in Queensland that we realise that at no ages. What would you think if you were stage in our future must we depend solely unemployed? on primary industries. We cannot afford The ACTING CHAIRMAN: Order! The to have all our eggs in one basket. Chair would appreciate being cut in on the Mr. F. P. Moore: We can't depend on 5c conversation. per ton of coal, anyway. Mr. MILLER: I apologise, Mr. Hewitt. Mr. MILLER: The honourable member In answer to ,the honourable member for is referring to 5c per ton of coal. I remind Lytton, I would be very concerned if I were him of a speech I made last year when out of work. However, I intend to cite I pointed out that the greatest distance three or four instances and ask why there export coal had to be transported in New were no applications for certain vacancies South Wales was 68 miles, whereas the that were advertised. If people were out of shortest such haul from a coal mine in work and wanted employment, why have Queensland is 140 miles. Would honourable these jobs not been filled? members opposite suggest that we could Returning to the figures, I have already expect a company to cart coal by rail over quoted the Queensland figure but I wish to double the distance in Queensland but pay compare it with the figures for the other exactly the same royalty as is paid in New States. The number unemployed in New South Wales and, at the same time, compete South Wales was 29,769, or 1.43 per cent­ for Japanese coal orders? New South Wales still a very low percentage. In Victoria there is very concerned at the present time about were 24,206 unemployed, or 1.59 per cent. its coal export orders, and representatives Coming now to 'vVestern Australia, a Labor of that State's coal industry have gone to State, the figure was 11,307, or 2.60 per cent; Japan to see what they can do about the Tasmania, another Labor State, had 2.23 per position. cent unemployed, and South Australia 2.23 per cent. Strangely enough, of all the Mr. Hanlon: And they have been backed States in Australia the highest unemployment by the Commonwealth Government, against figures were in the three Labor-controlled Queensland. States-and I repeat that I do not consider 2 per cent a high figure of unemployment. Mr. MILLER: The point is that they are in Japan. They are concerned about their I shall now return to the position in export orders. We in Queensland have Queensland, because I want to ascertain been smart enough to get under their necks. why unemployed people have not been able What has been the end result in Queens­ to obtain work. land? Regardless of what other people might say, and regardless of what Mr. Whitlam Mr. Bums: Isn't that a national might say. we have full employment in responsibility? Queensland. The unemployment figures in Mr. MILLER: No, I do not think it is a this State relate really to people who are national responsibility. I think it is a State virtually unemployable. They are not really Government responsibility. I do not want unemployment statistics at all. the nation to be responsible for unemploy­ Mr. B. Wood: That is an insult to people ment in Queensland. The A.L.P. might want whom I saw yesterday. this, but I do not want to have a national r,esponsibility for unemployment. We in this Mr. MILLER: If the honourable member State worry about the unemployment situa­ can give me specific instances, I will be 'tion. We do not regard it as a matter for the prepared to accept them. Federal Government. How have we reached the present situa­ This is what the Queensland Chamber of tion? Recently, Mr. Whitlam said that the Manufactures has to say on the matter- immediate key election issue was unemploy­ "Some companies in Brisbane were ment. I have here a cutting from "The having trouble finding enough staff, the Courier-Mail" headed, "Queensland work Queensland Chamber of Manufacturers picture still the best". The article goes on General Secretary (Mr. R. D. Butcher) said 1258 Supply (24 OCTOBER 1972) (Financial Statement)

yesterday. Some meat, canning and fruit­ worth mentioning. As an illustration, one processing industries have jobs available strike occurred simply because the men but no workers to fill them." wished to decide on what date they would I want to know why workers are not avail­ hold their Christmas party. It is ridiculous able for these meat, canning and fruit­ that a ship-building project should grind to processing industries. I presume that many a halt for such a reason. honourable members opposite would have Mr. Bums: Was it a strike, or an authorised read a letter to the editor of "The Courier­ stoppage? Mail", a copy of which I have here. It is headed, "He's a TV Cowboy", and reads- Mr. MILLER: Whatever it was, it vitally "On Saturday, 30- September, 'The affected the shipbuilding industry. The Courier-Mail' carried 10 full pages of delivery of new ships is being delayed by 'positions vacant' and half a column of industrial disputes. A loss of 59,000 man­ 'positions wanted'." hours in a period of five months certainly This is at a time when there was allegedly a does not indicate rational thinking on the high unemployment rate in Queensland. part of trade-unionists. The letter continues- I turn now to the present industrial dispute "For months we have advertised for at Gladstone. "The Courier-Mail" recently stockmen for two cattle stations. Pay is pointed out that there had been 900 stoppages $50 a week, plus keep, equal to $20 a at Gladstone in 12 months. Is that rational week. One man offered. He admitted he thinking on the part of unionists with the had never ridden a horse, but that it looked best working conditions in Australia? What easy enough on TV. are they doing? They are asking not for better living conditions or better housing, "One wonders if those responsible for compiling statistics of unemployed are not but for more money. Their demands repre­ employing wrong terminology and mean sent an additional cash increase in wages of unemployables for unemployed." $179 a week. The man who wrote that letter, a Mr. Richard These men also sought a 35-hour week Anning of Hermit Park, Townsville, claims with nine hours' overtime, a week's sever­ that he cannot obtain stockmen for his cattle ance pay, paid travelling time to and from station. This is occurring at a time when work, a loading allowance, 10 days' sick the Government is paying out large sums of leave a year, pro-rata long service leave, money by way of unemployment benefits in seven minutes' walking time each way daily, country areas. clothing and shoes, and return air fares from Gladstone to the point of engagement In my electorate, a number of builders once every three months. I could under­ and plumbers are unable to obtain tradesmen. stand their demands if we had a high rate In fact, certain builders cannot even obtain of unemployment in Queensland-the point labourers. As well, some widows have could be well made in those circumstances­ pleaded with me to find a man who will cut but because of the present high rate of grass for them. On ringing someone who employment the company cannot get enough advertises locally that he will mow lawns, workers. It has to bring them from New they find he is so busy that he is able to South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and pick and choose in the jobs he takes. If, for 'Western Australia-from whichever State example, he lives at Taringa he will only it can get them. Yet it is asked to pay cut grass in that suburb. This type of thing fares to enable them to return home every shows how little unemployment there really three months! What are we coming to? is in Brisbane today. Widows who live at Are these men trying to price everything Rainworth, only three miles from the city, produced in Queensland off world markets? cannot obtain the services of anyone to mow I think that is what the unions are aiming their lawns. at. The Trades Hall and the A.C.T.U. In his pre-election campaign, Mr. Whitlam want the situation to arise where everything has made unemployment a key issue. What produced in Australia is so costly that it a joke! However, if certain members of trade cannot possibly compete with goods pro­ unions persist in their irresponsible actions, duced in overseas countries. the future of employment in this State will Recently there was a strike at Pillar Naco not be a joke. In making that comment I Pty. Ltd., following the action of that com­ do not wish to attack the trade unions or pany in transferring part of its Brisbane members of the Opposition, because I believe operations to overseas countries. What that all honourable members need to get caused it to do that? It was only because down to some sane thinking on this issue. cheaper labour is available in those countries. Over a period of five months in 1969, Not only is cheaper labour available over­ Evans Deakin Industries Ltd. lost a total seas; the company also has to compete for of 59,022 man-hours through strikes and markets in countries whose people receive stoppages. At present, that company is much lower wages than Australian workers. seeking a subsidy from the Federal Govern­ If people overseas do not receive the same ment to enable it to continue production. wages as Australian workers, how can they A number of those stoppages occurred for afford to buy products made here by Pillar reasons that were so weak they are hardly Naco? This company was forced to close Supply (24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1259

down part of its Brisbane operations and Mr. MILLER: Yes, more. What did Mr. produce in a low-wage country goods that Dunstan do? He agreed to repeal the State it hoped to sell in other low-wage countries. Industrial Act. An Adelaide correspondent The A.C.T.U. and the Trades Hall people had this to say- do not care greatly about these things. They "A huge leap forward in the arrogance have not taken this happening as a warning. of unions and their officials will be Is it the first of many such happenings? possible, without victims having any legal Is aluminium to continue being made in redress, under a new law introduced by the Tasmania or overseas? Don't we want to see S.A. Labor Government." aluminium being processed in Queensland? That is a pretty bold statement for the I gain the impression that the Trades Hall "Nation Review" to make. I would not people do not want to see aluminium made consider it to be a pro-Liberal paper. If here, and, further, that they would like anything, it is anti-Liberal. to see the alumina plant at Gladstone closed down. Are they unhappy because our Mr. B. Wood: Don't you have any ideas employment rate is so high that they cannot of your own? Do you always have to quote say to the people of Queensland, "Look at from newspapers? what is happening under a Tory Govern­ ment. Look at the unemployment figures. Mr. MILLER: I shall make a suggestion Note how badly off you are." Do they in a few minutes' time and the honourable want to bring about unemployment so that member will not be very happy about it. they can say that? Everything indicates It is obvious that he does not like my that this is what they are trying to do. referring to this matter. Mr. Porter: They don't want prosperous The Premier of South Australia introduced workers. They want them dependent on that legislation after Mr. Woolley success­ the Trades Hall. fully sued the Adelaide A.W.U. secretary Mr. Jim Dunford this year because that Mr. MILLER: That is indeed trne. The union refused to move his wool clip. The Evans Deakin shipyard is a typical example union said not only to the Government but of that. also to individuals, "You will do what we tell you to do." Because a man was big On 19 October "The Courier-Mail" enough and had enough intestinal fortitude referred to a $2,000,000 loss by two ships to fight that union, the Premier of South Aus­ and the fact that they were both tied up tralia introduced legislation to stop anybody while an argument was going on about else from taking such action in future. Where whether the loss of $2,000,000 was caused are we heading? We have courts of law. by unionists who were refusing to work the Surely that man had the right to take that ships or whether they were ti,ed up because union to court. Was his wool clip to be they had nothing to carry. I suggest that held for ever and a day on his island, and they had nothing to carry. Many industries allowed to rot, until the union brought him to in Queensland refuse to ship goods from his knees and he had to beg the union to help here to Western Australia, which is the long­ him? Are we reaching the stage where every­ est possible haul within Australia. They body has to beg to the unions and ask them, prefer to send them by road. Why? Because "May I do something?" they can never be sure, when they drive to 1\Ir. Murray: Or fall in line with the the wharf, that either the wharfies or the unions. ship's crew will not be on strike. They never know whether or not their manu­ Mr. MILLER: Yes. factured goods will leave Brisbane or rot on the wharves, so they are forced to use Mr. Dunstan made sure that nobody will road transport. do again what Mr. Woolley did. Let us not joke about this. That position was brought Mr. Porter interjected. into existence in Queensland in 1915. Nobody could take a unionist or a union to Mr. MILLER: They are definitely Left­ court for an action of tort. wing unions. Will Queensland have higher unemployment figures simply because carao Mr. Murray: It's about time it was cannot be shipped out of Queensland? "' amended. Have we reached the situation where we Mr. MILLER: The Government amended must look at our legislation and see if it is it in 1961. A Labor Government brought adequate to cover the present position? The down the Trade Union Aat of 1915. I might Premier of South Australia, Mr. Dunstan, say that in 1915 I would have had every recently took some irresponsible action. At sympathy with the introduction of that legis­ this time in our history, with a large number lation, because those were the days of the of strikes-in fact there are as many in "big, bad employer". But I am wondering South Australia as there are in Queens­ whether the big wheel has now turned full land-- circle and it is now a case of 1the "big, bad unions". From the time when it was a A Government Member: More. case of the "big, bad employer", we have 1260 Supply (24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

reached the end of the line and "big, bad The ACTING CHAIRMAN: Order! unionists" are saying, "You will do this and that, and you cannot do something else." Mr. MILLER: I presume I am allowed to have a drink of water. Mr. Newton: A man is still allowed to sell his labour. A very interesting situation has arisen in New Zealand. I am wondering whether it Mr. MILLER: By all means, but ,there is applies in Queensland. In New Zealand there a big difference between selling labour and was a refusal by management to re-employ stopping a man from using his labour. employees who returned after striking. The management said, "We are not prepared to Mr. Newton: The worker is entitled to open up the factory." get the best he can for his labour. Mr. Bums: A lockout. The ACTING CHAIRMAN: Order! Mr. MILLER: Yes. After quite a lot of Mr. MILLER: I hope the honourable litigation, the court supported the employer. member for Belmont never confuses selling It was held that management had the right labour with stopping another from using his to say to the men that they were not ready labour. to take them back, and that preparation was necessary. The very interesting point arose Mr. Newton: I am making a comparison from that case in New Zealand that unionists with what happened in 1915. need not necessarily expeat to be taken back Mr. MILLER: I have already said that I when they decide to return to work. The do not blame a Labor Government for intro­ High Court has now ruled that the employer ducing the Trade Union Act in 1915. But I has the right to say when the employees want to know why in 1972, with the prob­ will be taken back. lems that we are facing, we are not doing Mr. Newton: They have the right to with­ something about the situation. In 1961 we draw their labour. repealed -the Trade Union Act of 1915 and incorporated it in the Industrial Conciliation Mr. MILLER: Employees have always had and Arbitration Act. I suggest that we should that right. We have seen that-900 strikes repeal that Act. Unions are now strong. in 12 months! Do honourable members They have money, and everything else neces­ opposi(,e say that that is a reasonable, sary to look after themselves. They have rational attitude on the part of unionists, legal advisers. They are much richer than with the conditions they have in Gladstone? small businessmen such as Mr. Woolley in I only hope that Parliament repeals the South Au&tralia. section dealing with action on tort. I hope There is no doubt that unions can look that employers and industries will, if neces­ after themselves. But there is a big question sary, have the right to sue if unionists reach mark over the ability of small persons in the the end of the line, as they have at the community, small businessmen, unionists who moment, bringing industries to their knees, do not want to go on strike, and the general and perhaps even sending them bankrupt. public, to look after themselves. I think the I wish to refer only briefly to probate and general public has reached the stage where succession duties. In the Budget, the exemp­ they want to have a say in the matter. They tion limit for the payment of these duties want to be able to tell unionists that they is raised. will not tolerate this situation any longer. Mr. Tucker: That is only to keep pace By repealing the Industrial Conciliation and with inflation. Arbitration Act, the Government would be able to say to the people of Queensland, "If Mr. MILLER: I agree. It is a step in the you do not want to tolerate this union any right direction, but I do not think it is longer, you can take action should its activi­ keeping pace with inflation. In my opinion, ties be detrimental to your way of life." it must be recognised that a joint banking Mr. Bums: Can we do this to the Chamber account, or in fact any banking account, of Commerce? belongs to two people, not to one. When we marry, we share everything we own, and I Mr. MILLER: There is nothing to stop believe that both Commonwealth and State anyone taking the Chamber of Commerce Governments must regard bank accounts as to court tomorrow if he wants to. belonging to two people-a partnership­ rather than to the male who dies. That would Mr. Bums: They are protected in the go quite a long way towards alleviating the same way. burden of probate and succession duties. Mr. Porter: What does the Chamber of Rail freights were mentioned in the Budget, Commerce do that a big trade union does? but only very briefly. I do not think that the Treasurer's Financial Statement did justice The ACTING CHAIRMAN: Order! I to what the Government has really achieved suggest the Committee hear the honourable in the field of rail freights. member for Ithaca. Mr. Newton: The Commonwealth Grants Mr. Marginson: He can't go on. He's Commission gave you a "send off" on them, stunned. that is why. Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1261

Mr. MILLER: The honourable member for For Winton, there is a reduction of 10.86 Belmont says that the Treasurer did not want per cent in B-class, a reduction of 26.48 per to mention rail freights. cent in first-class and a reduction of 31.77 per cent in second-class. For Hughenden, there Mr. Newton: No, because the Common­ is a 10.58 per cent reduction in B-dass, a wealth Grants Commission gave you a "send off" on them. 26.17 per cent reduction in first-class and a 34.63 per cent in second-class. Mt. Isa is Mr. MILLER: I believe that the people represented by a good Labor man. I say that of Queensland should be given figures show­ in the true sense of the word because I ing the improvements that have been effected, believe that he is a good man. What is the because the Government should be very situation in Mt. Isa? For B-class there has proud of what it is doing. I shall give the been an 18.68 per cent reduction-the highest Committee percentages, not costs per ton, reduction so far in B-class. We provide a and I shall refer specifically to a few towns reduction in an area irrespective of who north and west of Rockhampton because that represents it. Again that is a basis of need is the area in which the reductions have taken rather than representation. That is what place. amazes members of the Opposition. Mr. Newton: The difference between A Government M,ember interjected. Kingaroy and Dalby would be a good example. Why not use that one? Mr. MILLER: One of my colleagues warns me that my time is running out. Let me Mr. MILLER: Let us take Longreach, to point out quickly that this applies to Long­ begin with. reach, Winton, Hughenden, Mackay, Mt. Isa, Townsvi!Ie, Cairns and Mareeba, many of Mr. Newton: Why not take Kingaroy and which are represented by the Australian Dalby? Labor Party. Mr. Porter: Let us take a few others, for I wish to deal briefly with education. a start. Mr. B. Wood: The Estimates of the Depart­ Mr. MILLER: For Longreach, in 1957 ment of Education are coming up. under a Labor Government, B-class freight cost $41.62; today it costs $38.15-8.34 per Mr. MILLER: The honourable member cent cheaper. has made a very good point. I do not want to take up any more time than is necessary Mr. Newton: That is not the point. What because we have made an agreement to use was it last year? only part of our allotted time. I shall now turn to health. Mr. MILLER: It is 8.34 per cent cheaper today than it was in 1957. Mr. Newton: Those Estimates are coming on, too. JVir. Jensen: So it should be, with the improvements in efficiency. Mr. MILLER: In that case I shall refer very briefly to police matters. Those Mr. MILLER: The honourable member for Estimates are not coming on. Bundaberg speaks about improvements in efficiency. Mr. Newton: They aTe not coming on. V.fe have "done them over". Mr. Jensen: Look at what the sugar industry has done. Mr. MILLER: The honourable member certainly has "done them over". It was very Mr. MILLER: The price of sugar has not unfair criticism, and I was surprised at the decreased since 19 57. attitude of the honourable member for Let me refer again to rail freights and Belmont. give the Committee the percentage reduc­ tions. For Longreach, between August 1957 Mr. NEWTON: I rise to a point of order. and June 1972, the reduction in first-class I just want to make it clear that during my freight was 22.66 per cent, and in second­ speech I did not "do the police over" at all. class freight 27.10 per cent. The honourable It was only the Government that I criticised. member for Belmont implied that the Treasurer did not want to refer to that. Mr. MILLER: I have taken more than the time agreed to, but I draw attention to this Mr. Newton: Whose electorate is that? report in "The Courier-Mail"- Mr. MILLER: The honourable member is "The Police Commissioner (Mr. Whitrod) now suggesting that the reductions have been had 'wrecked' the Queensland police force made because a Government member is through his policy of centralisation, Mr. representing the area. Newton (A.L.P., Belmont) claimed in State Parliament yesterday." Mr. Porter: A few minutes ago he said there were no reductions. In Queensland we have the highest number of police per capita in the whole of Australia, Mr. MILLER: That is correct. Some of and we spend more money on the Police the reductions to which I will refer apply Force than any other State. Those figures are in areas held by A.L.P. members. recorded in the Commonwealth Year Book. 1262 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

That has always been the case. The problem The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. we are facing in Queensland is one that has to Wharton): Order! The honourable member be faced in every other State and in every for Toowong is interjecting from other than other country in the world. We read of the his usual place. strife the police are having in England with thugs and robberies. We hear about their Mr. B. WOOD: I do not care where he troubles in America. It is a problem that interjects from; I am happy to answer his is not peculiar to Queensland. I repeat that interjections. Queensland spends more money per capita on The Government in this State is a socialist police than any other State in Australia, Government and is following socialist prin­ and that we have more police per capita than ciples. It is much milder than I would like any other State in Australia. to see it; it is half-hearted and generally incompetent but, without doubt, it is Mr. B. WOOD (Barron River) (3.40 p.m.): socialist. I have gone through the statutes The honourable member for Ithaca made covering some of the boards and committees some comments relating to full employment. that have been set up by legislation over I wish he had been in my office yesterday the last four-year period. We on this side when I spoke to a 20-year-old fitter who, agreed with every one of them, although despite his most strenuous efforts, cannot we did propose amendments to some. It is find employment. I wish he had been there all socialist action. It is what the early when I spoke to a young school-leaver who socialists wanted, namely, greater Govern­ has been searching most diligently for an ment intervention in public affairs. The apprenticeship in the building industry. ones I listed, which I do not propose to Perhaps he should have read the letter-I speak about today, are the type of thing will pass it over to him-from the man who that socialists were wanting many years ago. some two months ago left Cairns for Towns­ ville in the hope that he could find employ­ The honourable member for Ithaca also ment there. He wrote to me in most despair­ referred to the A.L.P. policy of socialism, ing terms stating that even there, a more which, of course, we stand by, but he only heavily industrialised centre, he could not read half of it. He did not conclude the find any employment. sentence, "To the extent necessary to relieve exploitation," etc. This, of course, is a very I do not think the honourable member necessary paragraph, which gives a great for Ithaca has his finger truly on the pulse. deal of freedom of movement and initiative. He does not know what is happening, nor does he know much about another matter I should hope that the Queensland to which he referred-socialism. I think Government will enter yet more areas of the statements that he made give a clear public enterprise. It is doing this from indication that he has no real knowledge time to time; it is continuing in many of of socialism and could give no proper the areas initiated by earlier Labor Govern­ definition of it. In fact, it is most difficult ments. Perhaps, it is wishful thinking, but to give a definition of socialism. The hon­ I should hope that in the brief period now ourable member mentioned two people, remaining to it the Government will move Trotsky and Evatt, who would be very into more of these areas. One I could different in their opinions. To refer to suggest is-- socialism and speak about it without further Mr. R. E. Moore: State butcher shops. definition would be like saying in another sphere, "You believe in God." Many people Mr. B. WOOD: No. As we are debating hold a wide variety of beliefs flowing from the Budget and sources of revenue, I seriously that statement. The same applies to suggest that the Government move again socialism. into the hotel industry. A precedent for such a move was set by a Labor Government At the week-end I was reading a book when it took over a hotel at Babinda, and on socialism, published just before the turn ran it at a profit. These days, in almost of this century by the Fabian Society in all areas, hotels will earn substantial profits. England. If the people responsible at that time for such writings-particularly Sydney I put forward this suggestion for two reasons. Firstly, this Government's policy Webb who wrote the book~ould see what this Government has done in the last three is to confine the brewery interests in this years, I am sure they would say, "This is State to two fields, with the result that the a very good socialist Government." right of a hotel to decide which brand of liquor it will sell has almost disappeared. Mr. Porter: You are only playing seman­ The sale of liquor is a most restricted field, tics when you equate socialism with social and even if the Government is not prepared welfare. to 'legislate to remove the restrictions, it should certainly come into the industry. Mr. B. WOOD: The honourable member's colleague tried to do this. Of course there Mr. Sullivan: You are putting a nasty taste is no necessary relationship between social­ in the mouth of the honourable member for ism and social welfare, although socialists Port Curtis. are very interested in social welfare, as no Mr. B. WOOD: I think it would really doubt other political groups are. be a good taste. The avenue for improve­ Mr. Porter interjected. ment in the Government's present policy is Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Filumcial Statement) 1263 wide open. My second reason is that, without no real regard for democracy. The oft-quoted doubt, the hotel industry is a very profitable example of an eight-month layoff is clear one, and I should like to see the Government enough proof of that. engage in profitable enterprises. In earlier days the Labor Party, in its most enthusi­ Sir Gordon Chalk: On the last occasion astic era (which I should like to see I told you what you were. Now you have repeated), moved into many areas of public been elevated to the position of clerk, I enterprise, some of which still exist. suppose. Mr. B. WOOD: I did not hear what the Mr. Alison: Tell is about butcher shops. Treasurer said. Mr. B. WOOD: I have examined that Sir Gordon Chalk: I realise you didn't. matter in great detaiL However, at present I am content to suggest only the hotel Mr. B. WOOD: I think the Treasurer was field. Perhaps I am being a little more making some sort of disparaging remark. pragmatic than the people of days gone by. He is probably 'talking about a field of Profitability should be a prime factor in which I have no knowledge, but I will not any consideration. In previous years Labor question his competence in that regard. The Governments moved into areas of need. The other day I read a newspaper report about butcher shops were an example. When meat the many rings he wears on his fingers. I prices were inflated during the First World suppose he has three of them on today; that War, the Government put the needs of the is something I do not practice. people before a desire to earn high profits. It is not the wish of ,this Parliament to Mr. Sullivan: Do you think the local usurp the role of the Executive. It is Cabinet's hotelier is a profiteer? role to administer this State, and we have no argument with that. We may question Mr. B. WOOD: Not at alL I have found its abili.ty, and the way in which it does it, him to be a poor fellow who is battling but we do not question its right to do so. Parliament's role is to watch the Executive under most difficult conditions. and to carry out the task of enacting legisla­ Mr. R. E. Moore: And you want us to tion. It is our role ,to oversee Cabinet's take over that rotten business? administration and subject it to strict scrutiny. With the very important exception of the Mr. B. WOOD: Not at all. I am referring Press, only Parliament can play this role. to the licensee, particularly in the northern In many ways the Press probably has a more part of the State, where the middleman immediate effect owing to its ability to print handles the beer. No-one could convince what it wants to, whereas we can only talk me that, if the Government were to move and hope that the Press prints what we say. into one hotel each year for the next 10 It is no easy task to oversee the adminis­ years, it would not increase the State's tration of this State. It is not always easy revenue and, at the same time, liven up the to get the information we desire, or to assess brewery interests. it. If we are to speak with knowledge about I wish to turn now to matters that greatly matters before the Assembly, we have to concern me as a member of Parliament. engage in considerable research and examina­ Since my election three years ago I have tion of legislation after the first-reading stage. realised that this Government, which holds Parliamentarians have an obligation to do the purse-strings, is trying very hard and this. And they have an additional job relative with some degree of success, to suffocate this to .their constituents, but I will not refer to Parliament. It desires to have Parliament that matter at the moment. In future, with play only a passive role. Members of the the increasingly complex nature of society, Opposition have objected strongly to this the work of Parliament will become more trend, and, despite the difficulties, inade­ exacting. What is essential now will become quacies and frustrations, are carrying out more and more important in the not distant our task to the benefit of the State. We future. are resisting this effort by the Government This Parliament is ,the centre of the State. to suffocate Parliament and, from time to It should be the source of most of the intia­ time, we see evidence that some Govern­ tive for developing the State, and I am not ment back-benchers are also resisting this sure that it always is, yet much of the activity tendency. of this Assembly is outmoded, archaic and inefficient. Surely the work we do here should Mr. R. Jones: Do you know that $600,000 be of the highest standard, using the best was voted to this Parliament for ancillary ability of members in the Assembly. But services in 1968? with the facilities we have can we be sure that this is the case? We should set the Mr. B. WOOD: I realise that, and I will standard for the State, which should not be have something to say about it. second rate. I am sure that Cabinet members, especi­ I cannot say that, with the facilities we ally the Premier, certainly do not want have, what we do here is necessarily the Parliament ~o play its proper role. They best. The efficiency of this Parliament is tolerate Parliament as a necessary evil, having restricted. All the advantage is with the 1264 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

Government, with its immense resources. In much more, which would be of tremendous the preparation of legislation, a Minister has benefit to members and, ultimately, to this available to him the full depth of his depart­ State. Extra staff could be employed and ment. His official secretaries, Press secre­ fitted in somewhere or other. :taries and liaison officers give him advice and submit releases to the Press and other sections An indication of the low importance of the news media. In contrast, an Opposi­ attached to the needs of members of tion or Government back-bench member has Parliament was given a couple of years to do all his own work. The advantage is ago. When the Treasurer ran into financial with the Government, and Parliament is trouble, the new adjunct to Parliament being severely restricted as a result. House was the first project to be scrapped, and with it went the proposed For example, there are more ministerial new library. It is only now coming back Press secretaries than there are typists for into consideration, and we will not see it members of Parliament. I imagine that until 1977. All honourable members have each Minister has a Press secretary, so there seen the work involved in shifting some would be 14 of them for the 14 Ministers, of the library records to the Bellevue buil~­ whereas there are seven typists for 66 ing. Incidentally, I can probably take credit members, excluding Mr. Speaker and the for that, because I raised the matter in Leader of the Opposition. No doubt the this Chamber. However, the Bellevue is party system has played some role in this. a poor alternative storage t:lace. ':"e ~ave I concede that, over the years, the tendency all seen trained and expenenced hbranans has been for a member to boost his own engaged in the job of man-handling old party as against the other parties. But the volumes across the street. limits of reason have been well exceeded. I shall now deal with other areas that Mr. R. E. Moore: Very valuable ones, I have raised in the past, and I shall expand too. on some of the remarks I made during the Mr. B. WOOD: Yes, very valuable books Address-in-Reply debate. The first is the -and very valuable staff, too. Why should parliamentary secretariat. I raised this librarians be taken from their proper role matter in my first speech in Parliament, in the library and given the task of trans­ and I have also heard other members raise ferring old books to another place? Surely it. I have frequently communicated with the officers of the Works Department could do Premier on the matter in an effort to get that work, leaving the library staff to do a better system. Back-bench members know their job for members of ParlialJ!ent.. It that the present system is quite unsatis.factory. seems quite extraordinary that hbranans This of course, is no reflection on the should have to do this work. And surely efficient stenographers who do our typing some better way of getting the books out for us. could be found than lowering them down I got nowhere with the Premier. I have to the ground by means of a basket and made several submissions to him, the latest rope. Those points illustrate the low P_riority of which concerns the use of tape-recorders that is given to the Parhamentary Library. by country members. I have pointed out that although this would be a ve1y poor Another field in which members are alternative, it would be better than having severely restricted is the availability ?f to write material by hand. I have suggested information. It is far too difficult to obtam that we could dictate ma•erial onto a tape information. Too often, in reply to a ques­ and post it to Brisbane. I have received tion asked in the House or by letter, we no acknowledgement from the Premier. I are told "This matter is under investigation" have written him a further letter because I or "This information is not available." have given up seeing him personally, and I So~etimes we are told, 'This matter is have still received no answer. being considered by Cabinet." Such an answer was given this morning to a member Now I have heard around the corridors that who had sought information about the consideration is being given to the provision investigation of an accident. No answer to of tape-recorders for the use of country that question will be forthcoming. The members. This would be an advance, but member who asked it has twice been put a miserable and small one and a very poor off by being told that the matter is. under alternative. This lack of proper assistance investigation. He will never receive an to members of Parliament has a very impor­ answer, because the Government does not tant effect. We spend too much time on want to give one. In my own case, I have mundane matters that could be more effici­ been endeavouring to obtain information ~n ently handled by a secretary, and too little the wood-chip industry that is proposed m time on impoTtant matters, such as prepara­ the Far North. I shall be interviewing a tion for debates on legislation and the other departmental officer tomorrow, but I do not matters I have mentioned today. know how much information I shall obtain. We have a very good Parliamentary Parliament should not be denied informa­ Library staff. They do a good job under tion that should be made available in the very restricted conditiom. Considering the interests of the State. The Auditor-General available facilities, they do an excellent job. has commented on the very late arrival in I know that the staff are anxious to do very this Parliament of some annual reports. Supply (24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1265

How can we debate in the current year a meeting of the committee called, but the report that is not presented till 12 months Premier and the Treasurer are never avail­ after it should have been forthcoming? able on the same day. They see to it that The final matter to which I wish to refer they are not available. when speaking of the restrictions placed on At election-time the Premier set himself Parliament is the establishment of parlia­ up as a modern, forward-looking man who mentary committees. I am not going to has brought innovations into the field of speak about these committees, because there primary industry. I do not accept that. has already been a great deal said about Certainly he does not want to see any them this year. I think all honourable innovations in Parliament House. His members recognise their value. But it is essentially conservative nature is only too significant to note the Premier's attitude to clear. them. In answer to a question on the setting As the work of Parliament becomes more up of parliamentary committees, asked by a and more complex, it is essential that facili­ newspaper reporter, the Premier said, "We ties in the four areas ,that I have mentioned might have a few committees, but there will become available to all back-bench members be no Opposition members on them. The of Parliament. I regret that I can only Opposition will not have anything to do report to my constituents and to the State with them." That answer gives a clear that the job I carry out as a member of indication of the Premier's-and perhaps the Parliament, and the work of Parliament Government's-attitude to parliamentary itself, cannot be done properly under the committees, and shows the Premier's com­ present conditions. The restrictions and the plete lack of knowledge of their purpose. deficiencies under which Parliament works He is just not "with it" on this matter. preclude us from doing a first-class job. Parliamentary committees will not play This is .despite the valiant efforts of most any executive role. Like Parliament, they members of Parliament. will not endeavour to usurp the role of the The interests of the State are paramount. Executive; they will not make decisions at They take pr,ecedence over the interests of administrative level. But they will have a political parties, which should be subordinate part to play in gathering and evaluating to the needs and the requirements of Queens­ information, and scrutinising the activities land. Until Parliament is upgraded, this of Government departments. To be effective, State will not get the legislation and the they must be all-party committees. The work from members of Parliament that it Premier seems to want no part of all-party deserves. committees. I noticed in today's "Cairns Post" that committees may be established Mr. MULLER (Fassifern) (4.8 p.m.): I to deal with privileges, regulations, public support the remarks of members of the accounts and public works. That is a start, Government parties who have preceded me and an important one, but if they are not in the debate. I believe this is an going to be all-party committees, I do not excellent Budget, and I qualify that comment think they will get very far. by saying that the over-all effects are v'ery satisfactory and that the soundness of the Mr. R. .!ones: The delegation to the economy is reflected in the growth rate in Constitution Convention is a fair example industry. of the position of the Opposition in this Parliament. As has been pointed out by a number of my colleagues, Queensland has the lowest Mr. B. WOOD: That is so. Opposition unemployment figure in the Commonwealth. participation is necessary if a democratic That speaks for itself and is very satisfactory. format is to be maintained in this Parlia­ The three Australian States that have Labor ment. The Premier fails completely to Governments-although this has been said understand that point. I think it only before, I wish to remind honourable mem­ emphasises more and more his stature in bers opposite of it-have the highest this State as a petty dictator. unemployment figures. In addition, it seems obvious from statistics made available Mr. Houghton: Why is it that we cannot to me quite recently that Queensland's get an amendment of Standing Orders? unemployment figures would be much Mr. B. WOOD: The Premier is not very lower were it not for the fact that a host interested. of people seeking employment have come to Queensland from Labor-governed States. Mr. Houghton: What about you people in That is due, of course, to the usual repressive the A.L.P.? attitude of the A.L.P., and I suggest to honourable members opposite, who are Mr. B. WOOD: We are anxious to see it inclined to criticise members of the Govern­ done. I suggest to the honourable member ment constantly, that they should have a for Redcliffe that he should try to have a look at the situation, make an assessment meeting of the Standing Orders Committee of it, and then come to their own convened. We cannot do it, because Gov­ conclusions. - ernment members on the committee are never available. Members of the Opposition Mr. Wallis-Smith: Have you made your have been trying for a long time to have a own assessment? 1266 Supply [24j,0CTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

Mr. MULLER: My word I have! pay tribute to the Treasury for what it The Government has a progressive policy has done. With the increase in the price of of development of industry, and I refer wool, there is a distinct possibility that many specifically to mining. This field was covered persons who would not have been considered adequately by the Minister for Mines and viable six weeks ago are in an entirely Main Roads, Honourable R. E. Camm, a different position today, and therefore their few days ago, when he placed before the circumstances should be reviewed. Committee a great deal of enlightening People who had previously not been asso­ information. I suggest to honourable mem­ ciated with primary industries made observa­ bers opposite that it would be to their tions to me indicating that they had come advantage to digest that information thoroughly. to some rather amazing conclusions. The Press and other people have stated that, I have been alarmed from time to time by as a result of the rapid increase in the price the attitude of honourable members who of wool, these people will be in a very attack the Government's participation in the happy financial situation. This, of course, is development of the State's industries. My not necessarily true. I am reliably informed observations in Mt. Isa a fortnight ago that the sheep numbers throughout the whole amazed me. Apart from the mineral wealth of the western and north-western areas have of the locality, there is no reason why a declined by 40 per cent. This, of course, does prosperous town could be expected there. Of not mean that the majority of owners or the population of 27,000 persons, the mine graziers have 60 per cent of their normal employs 5,500, whose pay envelopes last year flocks. Many would have normal numbers contained a total of $56,000,000. It disturbs and some would have slightly more than that, me when, from time to time, submissions are but the persons about whom I am worried made by honourable members opposite which and for whom my heart really bleeds at the would indicate that the company is not moment are those whose flocks are down to treating the citizens of Queensland fairly. 10 per cent of normal. It is in this area Mount Isa Mines Limited, as we know it that I feel rural reconstruction has a prospect today, was established initially in 1923. It of functioning very effectively. had many difficult and unfortunate financial It is also interesting to know that some crises during the next 25 years. It was not persons are not inclined to be sympathetic until 1949 that it paid its first dividend. towards these people because they observe There have been times in the past decade vast tracts of grassland. Admittedly, the when, financially, the company has been very grass is dry, but it does contain a consider­ successful. As a consequence certain people able quantity of protein. However, I am suggest that the company should be relieved also told that the reason for this is that the of the financial benefits, and that it should landholders have had such a belting during be the employees who benefit from them. the past few years that the country is not I am not suggesting for one moment that stocked. How this situation can be resolved the employees of that great company should is difficult to say. But I make an appeal not be granted some concessions, but I was to members of the Rural Reconstruction amazed to learn at first hand two weeks ago Board. When persons from this locality that miners without great skill, but with a make fresh submissions, I ask that their desire and capacity to work, earn up to $50 cases be reconsidered, because there is a dis­ a shift. I think they are very happy with tinct possibility they might now be viable. their lot. Having seen the country between Mt. Isa It was not my intention to rise today and Cloncurry, I should say that apart from merely to compliment the Treasurer. I mining there is no prospect of developing an believe it is fair to do so when I see reason industry in that area. Moving south and for it, and under the circumstances I cer­ north from there, I saw vast tracts of arable tainly do. The Budget is a very excellent land. As a member of the Government and one. There are, however, one or two things as one engaged in a primary industry, I disturbing me, and, as a member of the found it depressing to see the circumstances Government, I have an obligation to the under which people in that area exist at the people concerned to make a submission in moment. It is not the Government's doing. their interests and perhaps in some way move It has made many contributions, and a great towards satisfactorily resolving their problem. deal of assistance has been forthcoming. Drought has affected those people very First of all I want to speak on behalf of adversely. No Government can provide the primary producers in my own locality. solution to the problem facing them. As recently as 5, 10, and, in some instances, 15 years ago, the people were granted assist­ Those who administer the rural recon­ ance by the Agricultural Bank, and, witho~t struction scheme have had many difficult doubt, this assistance has been to their decisions to make. Until recently the price advantage. I realise that the Agricultural of wool was so depressed that whatever Bank is administered not by the Treasurer assistance could be provided at Treasury level but by the Minister for Primary Industries; or from any other source would n0t have however, whenever one speaks about finance, been sufficient to overcome the difflculties of in the final analysis the Treasurer is in some the people I am talking about. However, I way involved. Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1267

The persons to whom I refer are, at the expou~d my theories on education. In the moment, permitted to borrow a maximum of meant1me, I shall answer the constant $20,000. Reference has been made recently criticism that is made of the low standard to the inflationary trends evident in our of school buildings throughout Queensland. economy. As a result, a loan of $20,000 is They are a legacy from Labor Governments, not now sufficient for the development of a and this Government is spending millions of property, and consequently the people who dollars annually on their improvement. have been granted such loans-at a In the past I have raised ·the matter of slightly lower rate of interest, and this the Government's attitude to probate and attracts them-have had to approach hire­ succession duties. So far I have not met with purchase companies for loans to develop a great deal of success, and I do not kn

The only reason we are is the liberal Budget also says, "Queensland has schools for differ­ for 1972-73. The Federal Budget last ent incapacities among children. We have year created unemployment in this country. opportunity schools." vVe have opportunity What is the use of saying to the people schools, it is true, but they have quotas on of Queensland, "We haven't as much enrolments and are only scratching the sur­ unemployment as some of the other States."? face of the real problem. The fact is we have a great deal of unemployment in this State, more than we Anyone who cares to ask a head teacher normally have. Honourable members of an opportunity school how many pupils opposite are continually saying that this is his school has will get an answer such as I a better year. If it is, we should have had this morning from the Minister, who told full employment. me that the new Beenleigh Opportunity School will take 40 children. That is his I must congratulate the Treasurer for limit--or 120 if it is a class I or II school. the provision to increase the number of teacher-scholarships to 2,352. On the other The Minister does not worry about the waiting hand, we must take into account that pre­ list on the Gold Coast. Half the children school and other educational facilities are at the Southport Opportunity School come to be established within the next 12 months. from the other end of the Gold Coast. They The teachers coming out of college will be travel 20 miles up and 20 miles back in very hard pressed to find suitable accom­ order to attend this school, and the waiting modation. In this State the accommodation list is much greater than the actual situation in schools has reached almost the attendance. ridiculous stage. The other day the Minist,er for Education told us that there were 700 It is a pity that the Treasurer did not let tempongy classrooms in Queensland. That the Minister for Education know that he number did not include the temporary class­ intended to introduce pre-schools in Queens­ rooms under school buildings. The Gov­ land. There is a complete shemozzle in the ernment expects trained academic people to Education Department, and nobody seems teach in tin sheds throughout the State. That to know what is going to happen. Within is all that many of the classrooms really a few months 37 pre-schools are supposed are. At a rough estimate, more than to be opening throughout the State, but 20,000 school children are housed in tem- not one has been announced for the Gold porary buildings. - ~ Coast area. This is disgraceful treatment of Queensland's second city. The Minister for Education recently told me in this Chamber that no provision is The pre-school proposal has certainly not to be made for extensions to the Biggera been planned. This is typical of the lack Waters State School. Certainly no such of planning and the type of announcement provision has been made in this Budget. we have witnessed throughout Queensland When this school was opened in 1970, it since this Government took office. The situa­ was inadequately furnished. Even at that tion has been forced on us without any time there were insufficient classrooms. That real planning and, although Queensland will is an indication of the lack of planning and have a pre-school system, it will not function foresight of the Department of Education. efficiently for many years to come. The The Treasurer has shown the same lack of way it is being introduced, it is certainly foresight. Teachers will not remain in the a "bodgie". service if they have ,to teach under such Although the Gold Coast has the highest sub-standard conditions. service representation, education generally in More than one-third of the students at the area is such that the children there cannot the Biggera Waters State School are housed get jobs or complete educational facilities in ~emporary buildings. Next year, with unless they travel to Brisbane. This is unlike an mcreased enrolment of over 100 students Townsville, which has a comparative popula­ it will mean that half the children at ~ tion, and other major Queensland cities. school which was opened in 1970 will be The Gold Coast has the climate and suf­ housed in temporary buildings. What a ficient private-sector accommodation, and, disgrace! The Treasurer talks about how with its holiday atmosphere, it certainly can he is increasing the allocation for education fit in with the need for tertiary education. and mouths his usual platitudes of, "Look Yet no tertiary-education facilities for the how many schools we have built and look Gold Coast are provided for in this Budget. at how many extra teachers we have", but It is a fast-growing area. Incidentally, the he gives no real consideration to the con­ figures used by the Government in its ditions of 'the teachers and the students. planning are generally two or three years As one of the election promises, of course, out of date. It also refuses to recognise we saw the hurried decision by the Treasurer that alongside Gold Coast City is the Albert to implement pre-school education in this Shire, some portions of which are less than State. Laudable as this is, in actual fact it is, 400 yards from the surf. Yet the figures as with speech therapy and so on, an exhibi­ relating to it are rarely included with those tion in which the Government is able to say of the Gold Coast. They are related only "Look at Queensland! We have a few speech to the Albert Shire, which extends to the therapists." Few indeed! The Government New South Wales border at Coolangatta. Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1271

The main fact that the Government ignores which will be opened in January 1973 is that the Gold Coast has a huge influx of although only one block will be completed. tourists every year. The tourist population There will be no domestic science block at any give time is about 20,000 to 30,000 or ev·en an administration block. As a above the usual population of the area, result, for the next 18 months the students which is quoted by this Government in and teachers will have to put up with the the 1972 Year Book as 68,000. On the noise of jackhammers and other items of Gold Coast City Council's figures, it is construction machinery. The school is close to 74,500. erected on a claypan, and the situation will Let me now deal with school libraries, to not be rectified by the time the school opens which the Budget gave a supposedly great next year. life-from $40 to $60 a school, and from Although I thank the Tr·easurer for pro­ 40c to 60c a student. The Government intro­ viding this new high school, thereby easing duced this scheme completely unheralded, the pressure on the Southport High School, and caught parents and citizens' associations, I wish he would provide it in better condition as well as head-teachers, completely by sur­ than it is at present. It is referred to in prise. The result was that they were left the Financial Statement as "Hamilton in a very invidious position. Heights High School". Everyone on the I have selected at random one school on Gold Coast has been referring to it by that the Gold Coast, namely, the Musgrave Hill name, but, in answer to a question the State School. In 1971, whereas the parents other day the Minister for Education gave and citizens' association spent $848 on school its name as "Keebra Park High School". library books, the Education Department Everyone on the Gold Coast will be amazed provided books to the value of only $333. because I do not think anyone has heard That figure is arrived at in this way: with of Keebra Park. In the light of some of an enrolment of 550 pupils, the school the so-called planning undertaken by the received an initial grant of $260, made up Department of Education, I wonder how of $40 plus 40c per pupil, and, in addition, it manages to pick some of these names the Government's $1-for-$2 subsidy, which out of the hat. has remained unchanged, of $73. While talking about schools, I point out that the Albert electorate, even on voting In Government expenditure on school strength, is one of the largest in Queensland. libraries Queensland has always been behind As has been pointed out by both the Albert the other States. A headline in a recent Shire Council and the Gold Coast City issue of "The Australian" reads, "Too few Council, it is one of the fastest-growing areas books in schools. Pupils starved". The in Queensland. Even the honourable mem­ senior lecturer in education at the Macquarie ber for South Coast has recently sold portion University in Sydney, Dr. David Cohen, of his property in the area for housing produced the following figures of expendi­ development. In an answer to a question, the ture on school library books last year:- Minister for Education informed me that his State Expenditure department has only two sites for future per Student schools in the whole of the Albert electorate. New South Wales 81c They are to cater for future pre-schools, Victoria 84c primary schools, and high schools. One is Queensland 68c at Loganholme. Many honourable members South Australia $1.22 would have seen the existing Loganholme Western Australia $1.26 State School. It is a "magnificent edifice", Tasmania $1.00 just beside the highway. Motorists could have Queensland tailed the field, and, in spite seen it over the past 40 years when driving of the new formula that is to be introduced, to the Gold Coast. To cope with increased its performance will still be below that of ·enrolments over the pas.t few years two tin other States. Libraries are an essential part sheds have been built next to the original of a school's set-up, so parents and citizens' building, which is still in use. associations should not be called upon to The other site is at Woodridge East, in provide any library books at all. At the Paradise Road, right at the northern end of official opening of schools, Cabinet Ministers the electorate. When a school is eventually praise the p. and c. associations for the part provided it will simply relieve the pressure they play in raising finance for schools. on the Slack's Creek State School. These They carry a tremendous burden. In addi­ are the only future sites for proposed schools tion to providing library books, they are in my area, which is badly in need of new required to supply sporting ·equipment and schools. even the playing grounds for the children. I draw to the attention of the Minister In the majority of instances, schools are for Education and the Government what is constructed on the sides of hills or on happening under the semester system intro­ claypans, and the p. and c. associations are duced in high schools. Under this system, required to carry out the necessary examinations are held only once annually­ improvements. in the middle of each year. The examina­ A typical example of this can be found tions that were formerly held in May and at the new high school at Hamilton Heights. August of each year have been abolished. The Treasurer has referred to this school, Quite frankly, the May and August vacations 1272 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) should go also. Both the children and the this area is overlooked because it is part teachers are being greatly upset as parents of the Gold Coast, and it is as~urned that try to organise their holidays to coincide everything is all right. It is cert~mly not all with .fhe time when their children are away right, because, of the popula~wn of the from school. In many cases children are Gold Coast, 26 per cent are retired persons. away from school both before and after the We have to look after them. May and August holidays, which means that Mr. Hinze: Haven't you heard about the they are away just before the mid-year exarnina;tion. estate at Currumbin? For years, educationists and the Queensland Mr. D'ARCY: How many applications Teachers' Union have been trying to get the does he hold? Government to extend the Christmas holi­ I admit that some homes are being pro­ days, which encompass the hotter months, vided at Kingston, but Nerang is a perfe~t and thus work in with other States. But the example. The Minister pointed out th1s Government seems to have ulterior motives morning that he was waiting _for the pr_o­ for not doing anything about it. It is influ­ vision of facilities. The Housmg Commis­ enced by two things: firstly, the sacred sion homes at Nerang, the ones to which R.N.A. "cow", which appears to be of more the honourable member for South Coast importance to Queensland .than the future refers are not provided with septic systems. of Queensland's school children, and, They 'have outdoor toilets. This is not good secondly, the R.N.A. Exhibition is held during enough for Housing Commission homes on the August school vacation only to please the Gold Coast in this day and age. the Country Party section of the Government. Except for Pine Rivers, the Gold Coast This position should not be allowed to con­ tinue, as it will be to the detriment of our has the worst police situation in Queensland. school children. I shall quote some figures released by t~e Police Department. The State that IS I congratulate the Treasurer on the intro­ criticised most in this Chamber is South duction to Queensland of the incremental-pay Australia. South Australia has one police­ scheme, under which an across-the-board man for every 497 people. Queensland has payment of $8 is to be implemented. Judging one for every 598 people. The Gold Coast by what I hear in the Chamber, not many has one for every 731 people-and I am Government members realise what it is like speaking about the static popu~ation, not _the to live on the basic wage or something inflated population or the tounst populatiOn. equivalent to it. I am sure from their com­ That is a shocking state of affairs. ments ·that no-one in their electorates is in this position. If there is, they certainly do In addition to being short of policemen, not recognise them in this Chamber. In the the Gold Coast area needs a District Court present situation, these people certainly to serve its population of over 70,000 appreciate these across-the-board incremental people, as well as those in the Albert Shire. payments, which are to their ;tremendous Many people on the Gold Coast are left advantage. unprotected because police officers have to travel to Brisbane to appear in court cases. Many people on low incomes, including Quite often, they sit around for da~s only pens·ioners, pay rent. The rental-housing to be told that the case is not cornmg on, situation in Queensland is getting out of and that they will have to return on some hand. A large number of pensioners and future date. low-income earners in the Albert electorate are paying $20 or $25 a week to rent very An extra magistrate is required to over­ ordinary dwellings. This makes me wonder come the backlog of cases, which is why the Queensland Housing Commission astronomical. This makes a sham of justice. is not spending as much as it should be in People on the Gold Coast are not getti_ng the Southport area on both pensioner units justice, because of the shortage of _police and homes. and the types of crime committed m the area, such as breaking and enterin_g, bad The Housing Commission owns several accident cases and fraud. More policemen, blocks of land in the Southport area. The not fewer, are required on the Gold Coast. Minister assured me this morning, in answer Inspectors have said that another 20 are to a question, that there was no undue needed. delay. I can assure him that, long before I have spoken many times about hospital­ I was elected to Parliament, members of isation on the Gold Coast, and I intend to this Assembly had been talking about the continue to speak about it. The figures are 50 acres of land in Ridgeway Avenue and even more astounding than anyone could Anne Street, to which the Minister referred possibly realise. An area with a static popu­ this morning. That land in the centre of lation of over 100,000 has fewer than 169 Southport could provide 200 choice home hospital beds. Some time ago I was a little sites. shocked to read an advertisement inserted by I have plenty of applications on my desk the Health Department in "The Australian". in Southport-and I am receiving more at It reads- the rate of five or six a week-from people "lst and 2nd year medical officers. in dire straits who require Housing Corn­ Opportunities in Queensland's largest mission homes in that area. It seems that cities." Supply (24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1273

Ipswich, Toowoomba, Rockhampton and In speaking of railway lines, particularly Cairns are then mentioned. I notice that it those serving tourist areas, it may be of mentions later that these are provincial interest to the Committee to know that some cities. The Gold Coast is apparently not rated time ago I attempted to obtain a booking on as one of the largest cities in Queensland. the "Indian Pacific," which runs between Of course, that is typical of the Govern­ Sydney and Perth, only to be told that that ment's thinking. train is presently booked out for over 12 I asked the Minister for Health in a letter months. Some of the bookings are made two of 2 August, which I mentioned in my years in advance. In spite of that, we are maiden speech in September, for an interview told continually in Queensland that railways to discuss problems on the Gold Coast. Apart do not pay. from acknowledging the letter, he has not, It is a shame that the Treasurer, when he despite a follow-up letter, granted me an was Minister for Transport, recommended interview. I stress that I wrote that letter that the railway line between Brisbane and on 2 August. The Minister is apparently the Gold Coast be torn up. I hope that he so satisfied with conditions on the Gold Coast will be able to give the Committee some that he has not bothered to give me an inter­ indication that a railway line will be built view. Indeed, it seems that he is waiting for through the Gold Coast area, possibly to private interests to do something about the connect with the line to Sydney, so that this provision of additional hospital beds. This fast-growing area will be served by a suitable is what we hear from Government members. railway. This is essential both for the pen­ The high-rise hospital on the Gold Coast sioner and huge tourist population and for has been announced many times by the Gov­ the future growth of the area. ernment. When a high school, a hospital, a It is to be noted also that the Gold Coast, bridge, or a road is mentioned for the Gold because of its reliance on road transport, Coast, one can expect it to be announced another 10 times before anything else is should receive more favourable considera­ done. In five years' time it may be included tion from the Main Roads Department. As in the Budget, and in another three or four was evident during the recent oil strike, the years it may be completed. The high-rise Gold Coast relies on road tankers for its hospital was mentioned by Mr. Heatley on petrol supplies. It has no harbour, and it 20 April 1971. Mr. Heatley said then that depends entirely on road transport for all the Minister had conveyed to him that some­ its goods. thing was being done. There is no indication The provision of the Main Roads Depart­ in the Budget that anything is being done. ment for bridges on the northern end of When one looks at what has been spent on the Gold Coast leaves much to be desired. hospitals in other areas with populations I suggest particularly that an easier path comparable with that of the Gold Coast, one could have been found for the new road sees that Southport is certainly left well out between Hope Island and the Gold Coast of the picture. The hospitals mentioned in through Paradise Point if the Main Roads the Financial Statement are the Royal Bris­ Department had been more reasonable and bane Hospital, and the hospitals at Towns­ had agreed to foot some of the bill for ville, Biloela, St. George, Rockhampton, bridges instead of trying to foist it all onto Ipswich, Cairns and Goondiwindi. the Albert Shire Council and the Gold Coast City Council. It would be a major Mr. R. Jones: Cairns has been mentioned six times. arterial road to the Gold Coast and would make the trip to Brisbane many miles Mr. D'ARCY: That is typical of the way shorter for residents at the northern end the Government deals with election promises. of the Gold Coast area. It should be When the Minister for Health announced realised that, because of the wonderful that the Southport Hospital had 167 beds, he climate and natural attractions of the Gold said that the Southport district had 285 beds. Coast, many people now live there and He later qualified that statement by saying travel to Brisbane daily. that he included in it Beaudesert and Boonah. As the Minister for Transport is now in I hope that no person has a heart attack and the Chamber, I shall mention another part has to travel over the mountain road from of my electorate that receives very little Beaudesert or Boonah to the Gold Coast. It attention from the Railway Department. I is much easier to travel from both those refer to the Beenleigh area, which does centres to Brisbane or Ipswich, which are have a railway line from Brisbane. The closer than the Gold Coast. honourable member for Salisbury also will I notice that the Budget provides only have an interest in this, because the King­ $300,000 for the cross-river railway bridge ston railway station, which caters for an in Brisbane, which was an election promise. increasing number of people, has only a The Treasurer well knows that this amount low-level platform. Many pensioners, other would probably not even supply the drawing elderly people and young people with babies paper for the project. According to Wilbur use that railway station, and a high-level Smith, this bridge was to cost originally over platform is needed urgently. I asked the $5,000,000. Since then, Wilbur Smith has Minister for Transport to consider providing announced that that estimate has already one so that the people to whom I have doubled. referred will suffer less inconvenience. 1274 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

I regret that the honourable member for Let me deal with tourism. In its last South Coast has left the Chamber, because election campaign the Australian Labor I intend now to speak about something dear Party said that it would look after the Gold to his heart-the Gold Coast Trotting Club. Coast and other tourist areas. As part of He could not even become president of the our platform we said- trotting club when he tried a few months ago, but, being the treasurer, he does take "Labor will recognise the tourist indus­ an interest in it. try as a major industry by the appoint­ ment of a separate Minister for Tourism The Treasurer has come in for a good and a Special Government Department." deal of criticism relative to the Gold Coast Trotting Club, and I believe that that This Government made almost the same criticism is quite justified. The club has promise, but what did it do? It did appoint expended a tremendous amount of money a Minister for Tourism, but he is a Minister on the provisiOn of amenities for its for Tourism in name only. It is not hard patrons. It has one of the best tracks in to work out why! Under the heading of Queensland. 'Tourism, Sport and Welfare Services" the Sir Gordon Chalk: You said the club Estimates indicate that for 1971-72 $390,000 provided the money. I have provided the was expended on Chief Office, $6,000,000 on money. What are you talking about? Children's Services, and $3,000,000 on Pri­ sons, whereas only $1,300,000 was expended Mr. D'ARCY: The honourable gentleman on the Division of Tourist Activities. This has provided some money, but he has year an allocation of $250,000 is made for refused to give the club any more. sport. What a remarkable situation! He is Sir Gordon Chalk interjected. supposed to be the Minister for Tourism, but he cannot even get an adequate alloca­ Mr. D'ARCY: I ask the Treasurer to tion. listen to what I am saying. The fact is that he is going to take away Wednesday He has done little for tourism in this night meetings. State, yet he continually cites tourist figures that amaze me. I have done a little bit of Sir Gordon Chalk: You do not know your homework on figures for tourism. The brief. Queensland Government Tourist Bureau is Mr. D'ARCY: The honourable gentleman nothing more than a collection agency, can have his say when I have finished. He although the Minister assured me the other is considering giving the Gold Coast Trot­ day that it does print some publications ting Club Monday nights. and brochures, and that it has window dis­ plays and photography and public relations Sir Gordon Chalk: I have never said that sections. Apparently it has some planned I would give the Gold Coast Monday nights. advertising. This collection agency in 1962- 63 received $228,000. Let us assume that l\1r. D'ARCY: Alternate Monday nights? that figure should increase by 10 per cent Sir Gordon Chalk: No, I have never said a year. That would be a reasonable figure that. I said that Monday nights would be for any business that was able to absorb available for postponed meetings. You increasing costs. If the increase is taken don't know your brief. right through from 1962-63 to 1971-72-I should like to table the figures-the final Mr. D'ARCY: From things that have figure for the year should be over $500,000. been said, it appears that the Gold Coast The actual figure is only $468,000. The is likely to get Monday nights and Wednes­ Queensland Government Tourist Bureau is day nights. If the Club cannot get a suitable not getting down to its role as a tourist night, probably the most suitable night for promotion bureau; it is no more than a trotting in an area such as that would be collection agency and, on those figures, it Friday night. is not a very good one at that. The Gov­ ernment is allowing it to be swamped by Sir Gordon Chalk: What hope have you private enterprise. of getting Friday night? None! Let me conclude by endorsing some of Mr. D'ARCY: Why? the remarks of the honourable member for Sir Gordon Chalk: Because we turned Barren River. He referred to standing Brisbane down. committees and conditions in Parliament House. On my entry into Parliament I was Mr. D'ARCY: Unfortunately I have not shocked at the conditions for members. I much time left to pursue the matter further, wrote to the Premier and the Minister for but I ask the Treasurer to give the Gold Justice about the use of court-room space Coast a "fair go." in Beenleigh that was not being used. I was Sir Gordon Chalk: I have. told that the matter was under review. The end result of the review was the Premier's Mr. D'ARCY: I am serious about this. letter of advice that conditions would remain The Treasurer has not given it a "fair go". as they were. I am not sure what they Now t.~at he is in a position to do some­ were. I know that the honourable member thing, he is not treating the club fairly. for Mackay is using court-house space. Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1275

Conditions in Parliament House are totally and malcontents in unions with whom the inadequate. Government back-bench mem­ honourable member and others on that side bers are so gutless that they are not game of the Chamber associate. We are not pre­ to stand up and ask for decent conditions. pared to allow these people to bring this They whinge in the corridors but they are State to its knees. Let us test whether the not prepared to join with Opposition mem­ honourable member is up to date with the bers in demanding decent conditions. In its requirements and demands of the State's submissions to the Electoral Commission at economy, the way of life of the people, and, the time of the redistribution, the Australian indeed, their safety and security in the future. Labor Party said that if it formed the Gov­ That will put him on the stand. ernment of the State it would provide adequate facilities within Parliament House, Although the Budget is agreeable in many and that it would provide a separate building aspects and fittingly mirrors the progress of in Brisbane for city members, with secretarial the State, in the figures presented and the assistance, as is provided for Federal mem­ verbal picture drawn by the Treasurer, like bers. virtually every Budget it contains one or two things that prevent it from being 100 For country members we would have sup­ per cent. There are areas of challenge on plied offices in their electorates, with full which one could offer some constructive secretarial assistance and full telephone criticism. facilities instead of the half-rate business we have at the moment. This would merely be I had intended to speak in some detail on putting us on the same footing as Federal police and education. However, because of members. In addition, we believe that an agreement that has been entered into, members of Parliament in Queensland speech times have been cut short and I will should see their State. Hence, we would have abide by this decision. Therefore, I will allowed unlimited air fares for back-bench deal with what I consider to be the item of members to allow them to see something of major importance today, which is where the the State they represent. After listening to Labor Party stands in relation to the path some Government back-benchers, I wonder if of our State and nation, who governs Aus­ they have ever seen it. tralia and how it is going to be run. I appeal to back-bench members opposite In regard to the Budget itself, it is sufficient to stand up against their Cabinet, who make to say that I have sentiments of disagreement a farce of democracy in this State. We see with the references to police. By the same the gag applied to debates on legislation. rule, in the field of education-since the We saw it done with the City of Brisbane Act honourable member for Albert wishes to Amendment Bill. I appeal to them to stand take me back into the past-when this Gov­ up in this Chamber and represent the people ernment came to office in 1957 only 20 per of Queensland correctly and in a democratic cent of the Labor Government's Budget was way. allocated for this purpose. As a school­ teacher, the honourable member for Albert Mr. HUGHES (Kurilpa) (5.27 p.m.): I should be ashamed to be associated with the congratulate the Treasurer on bringing down A.L.P. Whatever comparison he cares to a Budget that is not only progressive but make, he only has to look at our end product sets a climate for further confidence and to realise that Queensland is getting better stability in the State of Queensland. As a value for money than any other State and Government we have had a lot to contend that this Government is doing more for with. Going back to the days when this education than any Labor Government could Government took over the Treasury benches ever hope to do. in 1957, we had to spend the first few years The contention that the Queensland Gov­ putting right the mess we inherited and ernment does not spend as much per pupil as dusting off the files of applications of people other States is a fallacious one. As I have who were wanting to develop this State. The said before, it is the end product that counts. House itself was falling down around our ears One Opposition member tried to compare as a result of the depredations of wood­ the expenditure in Queensland per pupil with gnawing white ants and those of a political that in a Labor-controlled State. The test is: variety. It took many years and large alloca­ what is ,the end result? Are our children less tions of money before the Government put educated than those in other States? Are right the deficiencies of this building. they afforded less opportunity than those in Mr. D'Arcy: You are still living in the other States? In each instance Queensland past. is ahead of the other Sta;tes. Surely the honourable member for Albert would not Mr. HUGHES: The honourable member denigrate the children in his electorate and would not know. He is still in his political claim their mental capacities or education napkins. If the honourable member thinks opportunities are less than those of children I am living in the past, let him sit there until in other Sta;tes. In education the Budget is I have finished my speech and he will know a sound and progressive one. something about the problems of today. We For all its good points there are some are prepared to face up to the challenge aspects that warrant more than passing they present. We have the intestinal for­ interest. One such aspect is succession and titude to grasp the nettle presented by radicals probate duties. 1276 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

Opposition Members interjected. Mr. K. J. Hooper: Are you against the principle? Mr. HUGHES: Opposition members are loud in their guffaws. If ever there was a Mr. HUGHES: No, but I believe that group of "knockers" acting in concert and the proposal warrants some criticism. The deriding the effoJCts of the Government to Treasurer's action will set a precedent or improve the lot of the worker, it is the pattern for employees covered by all other members of the Opposition. They do not awards. Doubtless it will add considerably want to raise the worker's standard of living to costs and inflation. I will not be surprised or give him any incentive. They espouse to see the Industrial Commission plagued policies of socialisation and nationalisation, with applications for incremental payments, and kill the incentive of the workers by and I would not blame the unions in the imposing taxes and succession and probate circumstances. I wonder about the real duties. They even want to take away the free extent and depth of the Treasury research health services. If only the people could into this matter because, of all provisions understand fully the real aims and objectives in the Budget, 1his item will probably have of the Aus,tralian Labor Party, it would not the greatest effect. In the light of the pro­ receive even 20 per cent of their votes. blems and fears that we hold for the State As to probate and succession duties, and its people, I believe that it will be although the Government is raising the level the greatest single influence in rising costs of exemption and allowing other concessions, and inflation. And rising costs probably are it will receive an additional $2,000,000 over the worst bugbear and nightmare for the the sum received last year. In other words, workers today. whilst •the Treasurer is giving with one hand, The greatest hardship on tens of thousands he is pulling off an old card trick and taking of workers, which will cause the worst away with the other. I do not think that inconvenience to the nation, is that inflicted is politically honest or serves the best interests by the irresponsible A.L.P ., the socialists, of the people. With rapidly escalating values the Communist-controlled unions, the Trades in real proper.ty, I will not be surprised if and Labor Council, and the A.C.T.U. the estimated income of $20,000,000 1s Mr. K. J. Hoouer: Name the Communist­ surpassed. controlled unions~ Another area in which I sound a note of warning is incremental pay. The Treasurer Mr. HUGHE§: They have been named has made provision for inc!'emental payments quite often. I could give the honourable to Crown employees at a cost this year of member a list, but I will name some later $7,300,000. He said that the incremental pay if he remains in his place. scheme will apply from 1 October and that In the last two years in particular, they the basic payment will be $8 a week payable have embarked on a series of political after three years of service. He added that strikes rather than strikes designed to gain special incremental payment will be paid bette'r wages and conditions, although I while an employee is on annual leave and do not say that there have not been strikes paid sick leave, but it will not be regarded purely on wages and conditions. Some as an all-purpose weekly rate of pay for over­ strikes may have been warranted. I am not time and similar calculations. This, too, will opposed to the right to strike. escalate the cost structure of the State. Mr. Davis interjected. The Treasurer also said that the additional cost in a full year will be $9,800,000, and Mr. HUGHES: I am not. I had a union that when the payment moves up to $10 a ticket before the honourable member was week in 1974-75 the annual cost will increase able to talk. It would surprise Opposition to $13,200,000. members to know that I have taken part in a strike. J do more for the workers than Mr. K. J. Hooper: I take it you are not Opposition members ever do. I am told in favour of incremental payments. that I am the best Labor man in Parliament. Opposition members merely put up a sham Mr. HUGHES: I am in favour of them. fight. I act in all sincerity because I have I am a member of an ambulance committee, a sincere and honest belief in the rights and I am in favour of such a payment of the working man and in the principle of $1 a week. I attended a meeting of that he should be rewarded for his initiative. the committee and said that I was in I believe in the worker's right to a fair favour of incremental pay at the rate of day's pay for a fair day's work. But I $1 a week at a certain year of service. also believe that he has a responsibility to I am not opposed to incremental pay, but do a fair day's work and maintain pro­ I do oppose this form of incremental pay duction. I believe he should be able to based on so much in the first, second, and put out his hand with a clear conscience third years. I believe incremental payments on pay-day. However, the worker has got should be a reward for diligence, service, away from many of these principles today. loyalty and so on, for which there is no And I will prove that the community is reward at pr'esent other than long-service being blackmailed and that the nation is leave, and it was brought in by a Govern­ being brought to its knees by political strikes. ment that had the welfare of people in mind. An Opposition Member interjected. Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1277

Mr. HUGHES: The honourable member represent over 110,000 workers. They would not have the intelligence to discern warned publicly of a power grab; they would what the electors are saying. If he had, not sit silent any longer and could not he would know that they are up in arms. ignore Communist domination of the Trades ~hey will not vote Labor and the Opposi­ tiOn does not want them to. If ever I saw and Labor Council. They stated that the a party throwing away an election, it is Communist Party was so successfully the Labor Party and its supporters. Labor organising disruption on a national scale members are putting up only a sham fight; that unions were not doing their job for they do not want Whitlam to win. The the workers and that they were responsible real plan, which I will expose, is not for more for anguish than for aid to their ~abor to win this time. That is why Opposi­ members. They said that this "outside tiO~ members are not being political in directed work-force" had to be stopped their attempts to denigrate this Government because it was causing irreparable harm. and the Liberal Federal Government· that They called on all trade unionists to heed is why they are not having a real shot their warning. A couple of years ago, Fred at us, right, left and centre. That is Brown had the foresight to make this plain why they are not flat out as they were during other elections. The word has come in "The Courier-Mail". from the A.C.T.U. headquarters in Lygon In 1969, Jack Egerton told the State Trade Street, Carlton, Melbourne saying, "Look Union Congress that there had been an '!le m!ght win this election; by God, w~ alarming fall in trade-union membership, and JUSt might; that would mean Whitlam would a recommendation was made that all unions be Prime Minister. Let us wait another three should increase their fees to the minimum years in the hope that McMahon will not set by the A.C.T.U., that is, $16, and sub­ raise his present political image; in three sequently adjust them as the A.C.T.U. varied years' time Hawke will be in and he will the figure. This was a couple of years ago. be Prime Minister." Opposition members know that is the well-organised pattern of Why was it done? The unions were their politics. running short of members, who were becom­ ing disenchanted with the Australian Labor Opposition Members interjected. Party and the unions because they were using decent working people as pawns in Mr. HU~HES: I would say that, in my their political power grab and game, book, I Wish he had a lot better image because they were losing money, and because than he has. He could do with a better they were being robbed of their very bread. image. I am honest about that; I would Fees were increased to obtain extra money not be honest if I did not say that. But I still that could be siphoned off for political say that for all our faults as a Government purposes. we are still the best Government that thi~ country has had or will have. The people It is not a matter of voluntary levy today. tr~1st this Gov~rnment and know that they A compulsory levy is imposed, as you would will have secunty and progress while it is in well know, Mrs. Jordan. I withdraw that, office. Mrs. Jordan. I should not put you in an Opposition Members interjected. invidious situation, because you cannot inter­ ject or reply. That money is used by The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mrs. unions for political purposes regardless of Jordan): Order! There is too much the democratic views of those who are cross-firing. compelled to pay these insidious, compulsory Mr. Kaus: They just can't help themselves. levies. What about the Hursey case? What has Harradine said about this? What did Mr. HUGHES: This is so true. he say about Hawke and the way he was The real issue is the extent to which this fomenting political strife and then running is affecting the community at large. I ask off? I could go on and on giving facts and honourable members to cast their minds examples. back three years to when four large unions representing a third of all State unionist~ In July 1969, 55 unions had to pay lOc and 50 per cent of State unions affiliated with per member to the Q.C.E. That was a the A.C.T.U. issued a public warning. These compulsory levy for a certain insidious poli­ are the unions to which Opposition members tical practice and purpose. Regardless of subscribe. They are the Federated Clerks' the views of these men, they are forced Union, the Australian Workers' Union­ to pay up or shut up because the Communist• (Opposition laughter.) dominated unions insist that unionists, regardless of their political views, must pay. Mr. HUGHES: Oh, don't they subscribe? They don't want anything to do with them? Mr. K. J. Hooper interjected. They are "scabs" and "black". That is what Opposition members think of them. Mr. HUGHES: I know it hurts and the honourable member should take it like a The other two unions are the Shop man. As~istants' Union. and the Clothing and Allied Trades Umon. Those four unions Mr. K. J. Hooper: I am a new member. 42 1278 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

Mr. HUGHES: He is a new member and are not a militant, Communist-dominated is still in political napkins, but, as an organisation. These people filed applications organiser, he was forcing men to pay these for that purpose in the Industrial Court. insidious levies. I wish his conscience was clean in this regard. Mr. Egerton criticised unions for having low membership fees. On 29 July 1971 There is ample-or should I say "Ampol" he said that fees of $4, $6 and $8 were -evidence that these warnings were not shocking. He is not concerned about the heeded by union executives and the Trades cost of living. All he wants to do is and Labor Council. Queensland and the prostitute the interests of the workers by people were held to ransom. This was using their money to sabotage the nation verified by the irresponsible attitude adopted and the real interests of the workers. His by unions in the recent oil strike. The aim is to get money to finance socialist country was brought to its knees. objectives by means of political strikes. A There are insidious influences inside the number of people saw through this, including Trades and Labor Council, the A.C.T.U. Mr. Fred Brown, secretary of the Federated and the hierarchy of the A.L.P. They are Clerks' Union, the A.W.U., the Shop Assist­ dividing and destroying Australia. They ants' Union, and the Clothing and Allied are not concerned with people, benefits for Trades Union. Mr. Jordan, secretary of workers, defence, or the state of the economy. the Victorian Trades Hall Council, issued They are only interested in sham political a warning to all unionists in 1969 when he sophistry to fool the people. They do fool campaigned for Mr. Souter against Mr. some of the people some of the time, but Hawke's bid for presidency of the A.C.T.U. they have not been able to get onto the He said, "Left-wing elements are trying to Government benches in the Commonwealth take over the movement. All unionists should and in some of the States for many years. be aware that this is no ordinary struggle." They will stay in the political wilderness Mr. Hawke won, and there have been because they have shown that they are strikes and disruption, and lost time, ever dominated by outside forces and influences since. which are out to destroy our economy and our country. Our workers are being used Let us consider what happened just recently. for this purpose. All they have in their Things became so bad that the Associated sights is the immediate satisfaction of their Chamber of Manufactures called on employ­ lust for power and destruction. ers to unite to help ensure that the national economy was not adversely affected by pres­ A part of this thoroughly planned cam­ sure from trade unions. Here in my hand paign is to upset the moral fibre of the is the Press cutting of 2 April 1970 dealing nation and to weaken this wonderful country with that call by the Associated Chamber financially and in other ways. They are of Manufactures. In December 1970 the using men, in illegal strikes, as a means president of the Commonwealth Arbitration of political blackmail. Opposition members Commission, Sir Richard Kirby, said- have to subscribe to doing as they are told and they cannot deny it. "Widespread strikes by metal trades employees over holiday pay demands are Mr. K. J. Hooper interjected. occurring to a shocking extent." Mr. HUGHES: I do not. I will stand up That was a statement by the president of here and say what I have bloody-well done, the Arbitration Commission, who really and the honourable member for Archerfield knows what is going on. The secretary of can do what he likes about it. I am free the Tasmanian Trades and Labor Council, to speak as I wish, as is every other Mr. Harradine, criticised Mr. Hawke for member on this side of the Chamber. That urging and implementing strikes for political is something that honourable members oppo­ purposes. How much more evidence do site do not have-the right to speak and honourable members opposite want me to vote as their conscience dictates. I challenge produce? I have a stack of it, but my time the honourable member at some time, if· is limited and I have to omit much of the his conscience so directs him, to cross the material that I could produce to substantiate floor of the House. I have crossed the what I am saying. floor, but I cannot recall a member of Strikes have tied up shipping, and last the Labor Party ever having the guts to do year Tasmania was blockaded. Tasmania so. No Labor members have ever been was almost reduced to a state in which the allowed to do that. I suppose I should people were going hungry. All this was therefore have some tolerance for them. for a political purpose. The president of There has been "body-snatching" by unions, the Federated Clerks' Union, Mr. Thornton, and the Communists have taken over. They said- are out to destroy the economy. We know "The political action about moratoriums this, and honourable members opposite know is out of all proportion to the basic it. I only wish they would admit it. The bread-and-butter issues of the workers. Australian Workers' Union even went to These issues will not be resolved while court to have penal clauses introduced to lawlessness and violence are advocated or protect them against other unions who were encouraged in the name of political change "body-snatching" from them because they or challenge." Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1279

On 6 October 1972 the general secretary of to its knees-not this year, in the coming the Amalgamated Postal Workers' Union election, but God save us from Hawke in was reported in "The Courier-Mail" as saying 1975! that some of his Redfern, Sydney, Mail The secretary of the Communist Party of Exchange members were "half-witted muck Australia, Laurie Aarons, said in January stirrers". 1969- That is similar to the situation at Gladstone "The time has come for determined today. Who is causing all the trouble there? militant confrontation of this system (of Who caused it in the A.W.U.? This is arbitration)." the work of a few malcontents, radicals and anarchists who have no interest in the welfare He went on to refer to bringing employers of the workers. Some union bosses, who to their knees, bringing the nation to its should be in control of their organisations, knees, and to obstruction and political are helpless in the hands of the malcontent, strikes. This is the type of person who is radical factions in the unions. These people not only tolerated but is also kowtowed to could not care less about union leaders. by honourable members opposite. They They tell them to go to hell, and they bring seem to make some sort of a god of a Gladstone to its knees. Just recently they person who is doing his best to ruin this instigated a petrol strike which, if it had country. continued for another 48 hours, would have These power-drunk unions are concerned brought Brisbane to a standstill. not so much with the welfare, wages or What did the Amalgamated Postal Work­ working conditions of the work-force as with ers' Union want to do? They wanted to manipulating and using unionists in a bid to hold up every package moved into, out of, take over the role of the Government, the and around Australia. The general secretary role of the Arbitration Court, and the role of that union also said- of the employer. "A small group of malcontents on the I remind honourable members opposite New South Wales State executive and some that the arbitration system, which the unions members at Redfern are behaving in an have now set out to destroy, was established irrational, irresponsible and adventurous in the late 1890's-I think it was in 1894- way." as a result of trouble in the shipping indus­ That goes, too, for so many members of try. Labor wanted it at that time, and the Labor Party who will not stand up to Australia has been in the forefront of be counted on this issue. I have no doubt industrial conciliation and arbitration over that many of them are decent people. But the years since then. Its achievements have why don't they have the intestinal fortitude been the envy of other countries in the to stand up against these elements in their Western world. I emphasise that I am movement that are destroying this country, speaking about the Western world; honour­ which means so much to every Australian able members opposite may subscribe to man, woman and child? doctrines from other parts of the world. The Australian conciliation and arbitration Opposition Members interjected. system has been copied in England and other countries. In fact, penal clauses have Mr. HUGHES: Many people felt so recently been introduced into industrial patriotic about it that they got behind a legislation in England. rifle. All that they went through and all the blood that was lost should not be wasted Mr. Burns: That is why you are proud and trampled in the dust simply because of it. some people are not prepared to stand up for the decent things in life in a responsible Mr. HUGHES: Penal clauses have been way. forced on us. Let us be honest about it. Here in an analogy. I challenge you as a Mr. K. J. Hooper: What did you do? person with a family. If your children receive the benefits of your labours and the home Mr. HUGHES: I was in the war. you provide for them-and they are entitled to do that-I am sure that, with love and In April 1972 the 23rd Congress of the affection, you will do your best to bring them Communist Party of Australia gave full up as good citizens. backing to the militant unions. I will tell honourable members opposite what Laurie The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mrs. Aarons said. Jordan): Order! The honourable member will address the Chair. Mr. K. .J. Hooper: Aarons is not an A.L.P. official. Mr. HUGHES: Yes, Mrs. Jordan. I think you will subscribe to what I am saying. Mr. HUGHES: Who runs the A.C.T.U.? The honourable member's children, having From memory, I think 324 delegates to the these benefits, must also accept the rules, A.C.T.U. conference put Hawke in. They regulations and responsibilities in the home. dictate to Hawke, and they, with Hawke, The moment they cease doing so, society run this country. This is the radical will become a shambles. Does the honour­ socialist element that will bring this country able member not think that the unions and 1280 Supply (24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement employers must also accept responsibilities? will start work because we say so. We are One of those responsibilities is to accept going to control this job. We are going to penalties. If we did anything wrong at control ·this country." school, we were given the "cuts". If either That is where we are going. It is time we an employer or employee does the wrong woke up and grasped this nettle of challenge. thing in a country, he is subject to penalties. The next thing, these power-crazed officials Mr. Burns: How many unions have been will probably demand answers to questions fined? such as "Who'll be the manager? Who will be on the board of directors? Who is going Mr. HUGHES: Very few. That is because to run the country? Who will do this and weak-knee'd Governments have not taken who will do that?" They will be demanding action against them. The penal clauses are to know the blood group, politics and there, but they are not being implemented. denomination of executives. That is the way we are going. Mr. Davis: You are arguing for the boss. Where any freedoms have been lost or Mr. HUGHES: I am not. I am saying whittled away it is through the lust for that the boss should be penalised, too, if power of these people, aided and abetted by he does the wrong thing. It is a two-way Hawke and the A.C.T.U., and their hench­ traffic. man, Whitlam, together with members of the Union officials are drunk with power and A.L.P. They are causing strikes and black­ are misusing men by threatening, and in listing, quite unwarrantedly, any employer fact implementing, strike action to dictate who does not succumb to them. There is on such matters as how many men should ample evidence of that. be on a job, who they should be, and other In the Australian Broadcasting Commission demands. Who is running the country? broadcast on Monday, 21 February of this year, Mr. Hawke, when speaking about men I have here a newspaper article of taking strike action, said- 8 October 1972, headed "Builders warn of a control move". It says- "They normally do not take industrial action unless they believe .that there's a "The Master Builders' Association of very real interest involved which they have New South Wales warned last week that to protect." the militant Builders' Labourers' Federa­ tion was manoeuvring to take control of He continued by saying- the building industry." "The normal Australian unionist and his organisation doesn't take a decision which I have not enough time to read all of it, often is going to involve some harmful but the gist of it is that in two instances the Builders Labourers' Federation had effect for others." tested its strength by trying to force What hypocrisy! I will prove it to be so builders to accept labour that had not been with statistics on the incidence of strikes. recommended to or required by them. I remind the Committee that this is When the employers refused to take on the man who, as leader of the A.C.T.U .. womenfolk and other labour presented by brought about stoppages and strikes in the union, they were charged with having all States in a protest against the anti-female bias on the job and strikes Federal Budget last year. No-one can tell followed. me that was not a political stoppage. There were 300,000 workers involved. The The newspaper article continues­ A.C.T.U., under Hawke, called on trade "Eventually the women were taken on. unions to strike, to effect ~>toppages and to "A more spectacular demonstration of take political action in connection with the union determination to control jobs took Springbok tour. No-one can tell me that was place at Newcastle recently. not political. "Two 'freelance' labourers walked onto An Opposition Member interjected. a job and joined 11 carpenters and four labourers working there. Mr. HUGHES: I am not a racist. But "The 'freelance' labourers, although they there are other ways of protesting. Why pull had not been hired, began working. men off jobs? Why harm the economy? Why hit the breadwinner? Why reduce the "When the builder protested, the standard of living? Why increase the cost Builders' Labourers' Federation"- of living? Protests can be made without if it is not a Communi~>t-dominated union, having such a detrimental effect on the tell me one that is!- worker and his family, and .the nati<:n as a "said that it endorsed the presence of whole. Hawke was the man who did that. the men because in its opinion two more Harradine, in Tasmania, criticised him for it. men were needed on the job to maintain I could enumerate many instances of an acceptable ratio of tradesmen to political strikes, but unfortunately time does labourers." not permit me to do so. I have the evidence This was a case of the union saying to the here if anyone wants to see it. Political workers, "Start on the job. It doesn't matter strikes must be condemned. I call on all whether the employer wants you or not. You decent Australians, including unionists and Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972} (Financial Statement) 1281

members of this Parliament, to declare them­ Mr. HUGHES: Before the dinner recess I selves on this matter, which is so vital to the was pointing out the extent to which recent State, the nation and the people. I ask them: industrial disputes in Australia have had a where do you stand? Will you support devastating effect not only on the nation and decency and responsible unionists? Will you its economy but, more pertinently, upon the use your voice, your influence and your vote workers and their families. In fact, these to stop this cancer that is growing unchecked disputes have increased in number since in the A.C.T.U., the various Trades and Hawke took control of the A.C.T.U.-this Labor Councils and the unions? If you care man who is the mouthpiece of the Socialists for Australia and the people of this country, and Communists in this country. you will declare yourself now. Mr. Miller: You said before the dinner Let us examine the record of strikes and break that you would name them. industrial disputes over the last few years, particularly since Hawke came to power as Mr. HUGHES: I named a couple of them. head of the Communist-dominated A.C.T.U. There are many Communists who are asso­ Mr. K. J. Hooper: This is rubbish. ciated with trade unions and are, in fact, delegates to the A.C.T.U. To name some, Mr. HUGHES: It is not rubbish. The hon­ we have Carmichael, Munday, Halfpenny and ourable member will not recognise the truth. Clancy, and there is a great stack of them in Throughout Australia, from 1966 to the Amalgamated Metal Workers' Union. 1970 the number of industrial disputes Apart from Carmichael, we have Amos, Half­ more than doubled from 1,273 to penny, Hatfield, Grant, Bevan, Crisp and 2,738. The number of workers directly Wright. In Queensland we have Fay and involved was four times greater, and Anear in the Australasian Meat Industry the number indirectly involved was seven Employees' Union, and, in the Australian times greater. The number of working days Railways' Union, we have Brown and Stanis­ lost was 3! times greater. The loss in wages treet. increased more than fourfold, totalling To the credit of the Australian Workers' $30,883,300. Union, it has kept itself fairly clean until Mr. K. J. Hooper: Until now, I ,thought now, when the malcontents in the field are you were a statesman. starting to run the union bosses. The secre­ tary of the Building Workers' Industrial Mr. HUGHES: I do not profess to be a Union, Hamilton, is State president of the statesman. I profess only to be somebody Communist Party of Australia, and there are interested in a genuine, sincere way to also Petersen, Loughlin, Anderson and improve the welfare of people. I do not Sherrington. I could go on and on. The fact care what the issue is-whether it is for or is that so many strikes have taken place for against the Government-! will vote as my political purposes, not for better wages or conscience dictates and I will speak in that conditions. way. If the honourable member does the same, he wiJJ be a man. I do not worry Industrial disputes in 1970 numbered whether I am a statesman or not, as long 2,738 and, in 1971, 2,404, a total of 5,142 as I am a man. in two years. These strikes involved 1,304,200 workers in 1970, and, in 1971, 1,267,700, Political reasons were the basis of many the total for those two years being 2,571,900. of the strikes I have mentioned. The present Workers directly involved totalled 63,300 for affluence of our society and the soundness 1970 and 58,800 for 1971, making a grand of our economy could be said to be a total for the two years of 2,694,000. The psychological factor in the frequency of man-days lost totalled 5,462,300. Those are strikes. man-days lost to production of goods and I should like to quote from the "Journal services to this country. This has caused an of Industrial Relations and Australian inflationary spiral and it is being engendered Cyclical Strike Patterns" but again time does deliberately in this country, with malice not permit me to do so. It refers to the aforethought, by those who wish to wreck effects of our buoyant economy, which our economy for their socialist purposes. The sets the climate for strikes. Actually amount lost in wages in those two years there is so little unemployment at the present totalled $64,124,600. The greater number of time. Queensland has only 1.2 per cent strikes occurred in 1972. Most of these were unemployment. Many of the unemployed for dubious purposes, with a total of 822 are seasonal workers and, of course, there originating in the engineering and metal are unemployables or those who do not want trades industries. The stevedoring industry to work included in the figures. The A.L.P .'s experienced 444 strikes, and the food and colleague in the Federal House, Mr. Leslie drink industry 314. The building and con­ Haylen, said that 2 per cent of unemploy­ struction industry had 291 strikes and lost ment in the nation was an acceptable figure. the most man-days-642,600--at a cost of That is the policy of the Australian Labor $9,900,700. Is it any wonder that building Party. Fortunately, we have less unemploy­ costs are increasing? ment here than exists in South Australia and the other Labor-controlled States. In 1958 industrial disputes caused a loss of only 400 days, as against 2,500,000 in. 1970 [Sitting suspended from 6 till 7.15 p.m.] and the later figures that have been 1ssued 1282 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) since then. The most recent strike, and one Historically, Australia is more advanced that almost brought the nation to its knees in arbitration than any other Western and caused hardship and loss of earnings to country. We should be proud of the fact tens of thousands of people as well as that Australia is in the vanguard and its affecting the nation's economy, was the recent system is being copied by other countries. protracted oil industry strike. I have no The Opposition, however, is anxious to brief for the oil companies. Indeed, far from destroy our arbitration system and could wearing a halo, they wear the sign of the not care less about public interest. mighty dollar. They engage in restrictive The trade unions are bringing the trade practices and price-pegging, and the employers of this nation to their knees. They Taxation Commissioner has commented on are blackmailing this nation's industry. Look their pricing-payment system. However, at what has happened at Gladstone and, Dolan admitted on 20 July that the radicals as forecast in today's newspaper, is about were in the process of taking over control of to happen at Swanbank. The unions are the strike, and the disharmony that resulted dictating to the workers and are trying to is worthy of some review. run the country. They are doing this only The 1950's were passive, and the tran­ for political reasons, and that is why I quility of those years was replaced by mili­ am against them. If they took this action tancy and an era of increased industrial purely in support of higher wages and better unrest in the 1960's. Now we are experiencing conditions, I could support them. the explosiveness caused by union radicals Mr. Tucker: What about the 40 minutes? who are disrupting this nation and its economy. Union protestors use unionists Mr. HUGHES: I have two minutes to solely for political purposes, not to attain go. Again the Opposition is wrong. How­ better wages and conditions. Many people ever, I call on the moderate trade unions have asked where the trade unions are going. to take control. Remember that compulsory We know where the Australian Labor Party arbitration was introduced into Australia is going-to the political wilderness. The by the Labor Party during the maritime strike best that can be said for it is that it will of 1890. Our present system of concilia­ occupy the Opposition benches for a long tion and arbitration commenced with an time. Act of Parliament in 1904. Few Australians In Queensland the A.L.P. is a tribe of support political strikes; what he does sup­ nomads, without a leader and composed of port is arbitration and conciliation. It is fractions within factions. They subscribe to only in recent years that the militant the Trades Hall, and are mere puppets socialists have followed their present course. dancing on the strings pulled by outside It is time the Government looked at ways dictators. If members of the Opposition and means of protecting workers from the are "fair dinkum", let them do something power-drunk union officials, who are using for the workers. The people are asking: them as pawns in a game of political chess. who runs the country-Parliament or the A secret ballot of union members should trade unions? be taken before they go on strike. A secret ballot does not in itself make a strike legal, I could give many illustrations of how but it certainly gives the rank and file an strike activity has intensified to a marked opportunity to have a say in such an impor­ degree. It has brought about a great tant matter affecting their families and liveli­ number of devastating political strikes, and hood. the Federal Government has been confronted many times as a result of the collection of The secretary of the Queensland Trades fines on trade unions and other matters. and Labor Council, Fred Whitby, opposed secret ballots of workers before going on Carmichael and Halfpenny, who are Com­ strike. The ordinary "fair dinkum" unionist munist leaders of the Amalgamated Metal knows that most strikes are abortive, that Workers' Union, and Hawke dictated the he his wife and family suffer, and that continuation of the first petrol strike, and, m~ny innocent people are hurt. He is sick of course, subscribed to the second one. and tired of being used and manipulated only The best thing to come out of the strike for political purposes. The decent unionists was the removal of Hawke's beard. and their families dread strikes. I call on the moderate trade unions to Legislation should provide for expeditious take control of the A.C.T.U. and the Trades ballots so that the common sense of mem­ and Labor Council both for their own bers will have a bearing on the result. benefit and in the interests of their mem­ Finally, let us have sanity in dealing with bers' families. Even if they negotiate for industrial problems. I do not claim for one better wages and conditions through collec­ moment that the employers are always right; tive bargaining, there still needs to remain the however, when using the right to strike for avenues of arbitration and conciliation political reasons, the trade unions are wrong through the courts. It must not be for­ both morally and legally. They should act gotten that public interest is what counts in a responsible manner. Unions cannot and must not be swept aside for the selfish hope to enlist public opinion in their cause reasons put forward by either the employer and earn the gratitude of unionists and their or the employee. families when men are called out on strike Supply (24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1283 solely for political purposes. Political strikes It is a "not yet" Budget on anything that harm the nation, hurt the people and incon­ may reduce the price of land or home­ venience the majority. They penalise ownership, and a "not yet" Budget on price workers when the strike has nothing to stability. The Treasurer said that price do with betterment of wages and conditions. indices over 1he last 12 months show that l call on the Government, and the Minister the cost of goods and services has increased in particular, to thoroughly investigate this quite substantially, yet the Prices Office has vexed and most unsatisfactory situation and only one inspector to protect citizens through­ give consideration to implementing the out Queensland. recommendations and suggestions I have put It is a "not yet" Budget on electrification forward. of Brisbane's suburban rail system, and We must take urgent and positive action co-ordination of the capital city's 'transport to protect the people and the nation from generally. The Treasurer spoke only of those who are on a runaway course of rail lines for foreign companies. His state­ ment contained no reference to improvement destruction-destruction of the moral fibre or extension of existing services to benefit the of the nation, its economy, the democratic man in the street, the ordinary worker. processes of government, the arbitration Railway lines for Queenslanders, as disclosed system, and the freedoms, rights and dignity in replies to questions constantly asked by the of man. We can tarry no longer. We must Opposition, are being closed down by this grasp the nettle of challenge and give the "not yet" Government. people positive, purposeful, constructive gov­ It is a "not yet" Budget on any new ernment of achievement, which they can expansion of our free hospitals. There expect, and do get, from this Country­ is to be no hospital for Wynnum, or Inala, Liberal Government. and no hospitals in the other suburbs. Mr. BURNS (Lytton) (7.26 p.m.): We It is "not yet" for the Griffith University, have just heard a speech from the honourable and "not yet" for aid to pensioners and member for Kurilpa on behalf of the others on fixed incomes plagued by rising costs. The $1,500,000 for pensioner housing workers. If he fell over a worker the next time he was dragged into court, it would is only 4 per cent of the total Government be the first time he had seen one. When funds of $31,000,000 for housing. But a member's party lacks a positive policy pensioners constitute 12 per cent of our and he has nothing to offer but hot air, State's population. Why did they not get out comes the old Communist "can", bucket 12 per cent of the housing funds? after bucket. That is what we have come It is "not yet" on air-pollution control. to expect from Government members. They Only the lousy sum of $147,000 was do not seem to be able to get down ,to allocated for this purpose in 1972-73. the problems of the day. Whenever the It is "not yet" on clean water for our Government gets into any trouble at all, streams, as there does not appear to be they trot out the old Communist "can" an allocation for water-pollution control. again. It is "not yet" for unemployment relief The honourable member for Kurilpa would in the metropolitan area, as no allocation is have made McCarthy, a former Senator of shown in the Estimates for 1972-73. the U.S.A., look like an amateur. He acted It is "not yet", or never, for rthe 700 as he did because he had nothing to say. people who lost child welfare payments under I have something to say about the "Not the Budget. yet" slogan of the Liberal-Country Party for It is a Budget that preserves the past the forthcoming Federal election. It is most and does nothing to disturb or inspire the appropriate for a party that has enjoyed 23 future. It is "not yet" on Commonwealth­ years of budgetary and administrative oppor­ State co-ordination and co-operation urgently tunity in the Federal field, and 15 years in required to steer Queensland towards real this State. The Treasurer went into raptures development. about his Budget simply because it did In both Federal and State policies, "not not increase costs or charges. But if ever yet" seems to be the Liberal-Country Party I have seen one, this is a "not yet" Budget. theme. Their Budgets and promises are either "not yet", "never yet" or "maybe yet". It is "not yet" on development, as it They are either bad ones or dull ones, does not originate one new major develop­ unimaginative or dismptive, but never mental project. expansionist or progressive. It is "not yet" on pre-school education, In Queensland, the Government measures despite the glamorous promises a few months political achievement in terms of foreign ago in the election campaign of pre-school investment or foreign sell-out. It never training for all children, which was attempts to gauge it in terms of Queensland later reduced to facilities at 40 schools, participation in Queensland development; and which has now been cut back to 17 never in terms of Queensland prosperity for schools that are to be opened not at the Queenslanders. Under 'the Liberal-Country beginning of the year, but some time in Party Government Queensland has become May or June, or even later. a virtual tenant State. Our minerals are 1284 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statemelll) foreign owned, our newspapers are inter­ system and eliminate the present need to state owned, and most of our major business divert finance from fields such as education enterprises are either foreign or interstate into free hospitalisation. controlled. Government Members interjected. A Government Member interjected. THE TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Mr. BURNS: Not so long ago the man who Wharton): Order! There is far too much is shouting and all his friends planned noise on my right. The honourable member to allow a Japanese company onto our Great for Lytton is endeavouring to make a speech. Barrier Reef. It was only Gorton and some I desire to listen to him and I ask honourable of his Liberal friends and the trade-union members on my right to pay him the courtesy movement they attacked who stopped them. of letting him make his speech. Today, under the mineral-royalty values of Mr. BURNS: By contrast, the McMahon this Government, a can of Coca Cola is Federal Government, if returned on 2 Decem­ worth more than three times as much as a ber, would use our declaration as a claimant ton of our coal. The Treasurer is vocal on State to pressure or starve our free hospital the tremendous wealth flowing to the State system into abolition. The State Country­ from rail transport of our minerals. I want Liberal Government has always been luke­ a much more conclusive breakdown of all warm in its endorsement of free hospitalisa­ facets of mineral freighting in Queensland tion. Rather than risk public wrath over the before I am convinced of the merit of the introduction of charges, it has preferred to Treasurer's arguments. allow the system to deteriorate in the hope The sole reason for the 1971-72 surplus that public confidence will wane. was the Government's decision to have In 1971-72 free hospitalisation in Queens­ Queensland declared a claimant State. The land cost $79,390,000. Of this amount, Government talks of economic strength aris­ $49,040,000 (or 61.77 per cent) came from ing from foreign mineral development but State Consolidated Revenue; $12,700,000, or at the same time, because of economic prob­ 15.99 per cent) from Commonwealth pay­ lems, makes Queensland a claimant State on ments-T.B. maintenance fund, hospital bene­ the Commonwealth. As a claimant State, fits, and pharmaceutical benefits; $3,290,000 Queensland was allocated $9,000,000 from (or only 4.04 per cent) from the Golden the Commonwealth Grants Commission in Casket; and $8,760,000 (or only 11.03 per 1971-72. The estimated allocation this year cent) from patient payments. Under the is $10,000,000. This Government has care­ A.L.P. policy proposal, the Commonwealth fully concealed the obligations imposed by payments would rise to about $34,700,000 the declaration of Queensland as a claimant (or 43.70 per cent). State. It means that Queensland's budgetary procedures are now examined by the Grants The Commonwealth Grants Commission, Commission in comparison with those of the under an unsympathetic McMahon Govern­ two standard States of New South Wales and ment, is certainly going to scrutinise Quee~s­ Victoria. land's unique budgeting situation under wh1ch an $80,000,000-a-year free service operates, Past Governments have resisted taking this with direct public contributions (Golden step because of the dangers involved to Casket and patient payments) accounting for Queensland's free hospital system. It means less than 16 per cent of overhead. Make two things: Queensland's allocation from no mistake; now that we are a claimant State, the Grants Commission will be penalised by our free hospital system will be exposed to an amount approximating that which the microscopic financial examination by the State would collect by introducing charges Commonwealth Grants Commission. The for free hospital services; and pressure will Federal Liberal-Country Party is not meekly be applied by an unsympathetic Liberal­ handing Queensland a $10,000,000-a-year Country Party Government in Canberra for "gift" without any strings attached. the eventual erosion of free hospitalisation as we know it. It is worth remembering that the same Federal Government, until recently, dis­ Free hospitalisation was established in all criminated against Queensland by paying its States by the Chifley post-war A.L.P. Gov­ free hospitals a daily bed subsidy of only ernment. By 1954 the Menzies Liberal­ 80c instead of $2 as paid to all other States. Country Party Government had successfully The preservation and expansion of our free pressured its destruction in all States except hospitals depend on the election of a Labor Queensland, where it was protected by the Government which legitimately believes in the Labor Government of the day. Prime Minis­ system. The Estimate from Cor:so~ida~ed ter McMahon was a member of the Gov­ Revenue this year towards free hosp1tahsatiO~ ernment-a Minister since 1951-that con­ is $53,990,000 or 7.94 per cent of total esti­ ducted that campaign of erosion against free mated Budget expenditure of $679,170,000. hospitalisation throughout Australia. Here is the situation clearly. The Federal The A.L.P. health insurance plan would Government is headed by Mr. McMahon, mean an extra $22,000,000 a year in Com­ who as a senior member of the Menzies monwealth finance for our free hospitals. administration in the early 1950's was actively This would permit expansion of the existing involved in the elimination of free hospital Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1285 services in all States except Queensland. the Government is propping up in this elec­ Labor protected free hospitalisation in this tion campaign as the Liberal Party's answer State. For the first time the Federal to Labor's health scheme. Liberal-Country Party Gove·~nment has What has happened to personalised ser­ Queensland's position as a claimant State vice? Here in my hand is a Press cutting to use as a lever against free hospitalisation. which states that six doctors in Canberra No-one can seriously imagine that, under the refused to see a sick child. The A.M.A. unsympathetic McMahon Government, the said that that was right, because the doctors Commonwealth Grants Commission will were busy. Doctors do not worry if patients decide Queensland's case for special assist­ are sick or dying these days; they worry ance to overcome economic deficiencies with­ about whether they are busy. Dr. Peter out, at the same time, carefully probing its Arnold, the president of the General Prac­ allocation of almost 8 per cent of its Budget titioners' Society, said that it has been expenditure towards free hospitalisation, a established that 200 should be the maximum service that does not exist in other States. patients seen a week, but most doctors are Already in its initial report on Queensland's seeing more than 200. Two hundred submissions the Commonwealth Grants Com­ patients, at the most common fe~ of $3.50, mission has questioned Queensland's relatively represents $700 a week. That IS not bad low return from mineral royalties. If the "dough"-and they are asking for another Liberal-Country Party Government wins the 15 per cent increase now. election on 2 December, the dust will scarcely have settled before the computers in Canberra I do not want to make an attack on are programming a case against our free doctors over their wages, but honourable members opposite say that the workers are hospitals. holding the country to ransom. Honourable Let us now consider some of the young, members opposite had better start looking at ambitious members on the other side of the some of their own supporters who are hold­ Chamber, the doctors and others who have ing the sick, the aged and the frail to attacked Labor's free hospitalisation scheme. ransom, and start worrying about these Let us also look at the Liberal health people. It is the workers whom honourable scheme, which is the scheme of the doctors. members opposite attack all the time. The Not so long ago the doctor was your General Practitioners' Society of Australia, "friendly family doctor." We used to tele­ in its journal "The Australian G.P." of phone him, and we were quite happy if he September 1972, provided a notice for arrived in a Jaguar or a 20-year-old car to doctors to display in thei'r surgeries. It see our wives or children when they were reads- sick, because he was a friend. He came at " Pensioners Medical Service. Duly entitled pensioners and pensioners new night, or at any time he was called. He did to this area will not be accepted for not ask a patient if he had any money as treatment by this practice until the soon as he walked in the door. He came Government provides them with a medical as a medical service, and a friend. He was service at least equal to that received by a person in whom one could place trust. other groups in the community." Today he cannot be reached by telephone. I did not say that; that was said by the One has a better chance of picking the doctors. The sign was accompanied by a winner of the Melbourne Cup than getting deliberate attack on the Liberal Government. a doctor on the telephone. A person ring­ It included phrases such as, "Traditional, ing a doctor gets an answering service and political vote-catching style"-they are is told, "Ring this number." If a patient referring to Government members; "Our goes to a doctor's surgery, there will be apparently benevolent Government"-again four or five doctors in the practice, and they are referring to Government members; he may see his local doctor or he may see "Pretending it is interested in people rather someone else. He has to take his chance. than votes." This is the G.P.'s society reply­ He might have an appointment for 12 ing to the Liberal Government, when it o'clock or 1 o'clock, but he will wait three sought to curtail medical services available or four hours to be seen. These are the to pensioners. I repeat that this is the fellows who want an increase of 36 per doctors attacking the Liberals. cent by their own urging, and the ones The August 1972 issue of that same whom the Government is protecting. journal provided another notice for doctors' The moment a patient walks into a surgeries. It said plainly that the Liberal­ doctor's surgery today, the first question he Country Party pensioner medical service is asked is, "Are you in medical benefits?" was fourth rate, and a service that does not He can be fainting or covered in blood, but allow doctors to provide satisfactory care. that is still the first question to be asked. This is the medical scheme that the Govern­ The state of the patient's wallet is checked ment is selling to the people as the alterna­ before the state of his health. It is the tive to Labor's plan. May I be unfair wallet that comes first. Patients are also enough to point out that perhaps they are told to pay cash before they are even taken doing it because the ordinary surgery visit in to see the doctor. This is the Govern­ costs $3.50, whereas a pensioner surgery ment's health scheme. This is the one that visit brings $2.50? A non-pensioner home 1286 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) visit costs $5.35, and a pensioner home visit Last week the Minister for Health in the $3.60. The G.P.'s are planning a creeping Liberal-Country Party Government discovered campaign of resignations from the pensioner that the A.M.A. was to increase its fees medical service. That statement is taken by a further 15 per cent on 1 January 1973 from the August 1972 issue of the magazine -just after the election. The convenient of the General Practitioners' Society. part about it was that the increase was to It has also been proved that Australian be kept quiet until 15 December-14 days doctors are refusing to carry out immunisa­ after the election. His weak-knee'd colleagues, tion programmes and to act as Government who are members of the Liberal Party and medical officers, especially in New South Country Party, said that it had to be kept Wales. I do not know the exact position quiet until after the election. But, to give in this State. I would assume that if they the Federal Minister for Health credit, despite are carrying out the programme of their heavy pressure he said, "No." He said he union-the G.P. Association-they will be could not campaign on the Government's doing the same. health scheme, proclaiming it to be successful, when one of the A.M.A. experts who recom­ These G.P. Association and A.M.A. mem­ mended it was Harry Edwards, the Liberal bers have decided to ask for more money candidate for the safe seat of Berowra. for compensation work. They have agreed to bill the patient direct, and they have An A.M.A. survey of G.P's revealed that written letters and sent them to doctors the average G.P's income was $30,000 last telling them to do that, because it is suggested year. After taxation it would be $16,000 or that insurance companies discount the pay­ $17,000. Honourable members opposite ments. It was suggested also that itinerant criticise the workers represented by members workers in compensation cases should be on this side of the Chamber who receive asked to pay cash before they receive any $3,000 a year. The survey said that the 15 treatment. If they billed the worker and per cent increase for the doctors would bring he asked the insurance company to pay for them into relativity with salaries in 1963. I him, the doctors were told, "Bill him for remind the Committee that very few workers the difference." Workers find it difficult today would have wage relativity with 1963. enough to make ends meet on workers' That survey would have been completed by compensation without also having to pay the self-interested and under-employed G.P's, doctors' bills. What has happened to the and that unrepresentative survey does not good old doctor who believed in service to even take into account tax lurks-doctors who the community and lived pretty well out run little farms, cars being charged against of it, too? the business, and things such as that. In April 1972 a Commonwealth Health Under a Liberal health scheme, many­ Department survey-one run by the Gov­ but not all-doctors represent delays, dollars ernment-said that G.P's incomes had risen and a denial of the real spirit of medical 20 per cent under the National Health Scheme service. I stress again "not all doctors", but the services they provide to patients but those who are influenced by the Liberal had not increased at the same rate. What policy of "Damm the public; it's the profit action has the Liberal-Country Party Gov­ that counts" are the ones who have created ernment taken on doctors' fees and the a situation in which the cost of health reductions in standards? What did the services is a major source of worry to the Prime Minister, who now has the image of average citizen. a man of action-the headline said "McMahon acts"-do? He had a survey This would not be so bad if we had and an inquiry-a sham inquiry-into medical maintained a high standard of free hospital fees earlier this year. That staged inquiry service. But we have not. The Country­ increased fees by 6 per cent. That 6 per Liberal Government has deliberately down­ cent increase followed a 15 per cent increase graded out-patient services and refused to in July 1971. We are talking now of establish suburban community health clinics what is called the "most common fee". It that would provide the services of doctors, should be called the "most uncommon fee" nursing staff, minor X-ray facilities, pathology or the "minimum fee". because many doctors and other medical services. It has refused are charging more or have veered away from to build small satellite suburban hospitals it. as an adjunct to the major hospitals-the major hospitals to provide all major services, In July 1971 we were told that that fee the smaller hospitals to provide minor and was to operate until July 1973-for two convalescent serV1ices. These two proposals years-and in the meantime there was to would bring immediate relief to the hard­ be a review. The headline said that Billy pressed family budget. McMahon took on the doctors. I say that he caved in. It was an inquiry in which Community health clinics would remove 90 per cent of the witnesses were doctors, the problem of citizens having to travel and in which the Government did not inter­ 12 or 15 miles to hospital-those who vene to say that the economy could not travel from Wynnum have to do that now stand the increase. That inquiry said, -when sick, sit in queues for two or "Forget the agreement for July 1973. Here three hours to see a doctor and get a is another 6 per cent"-making 21 per cent prescniption, and then, having got the pre­ at that stage. scription, hand it in at the counter and Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1287 wait three or four hours to have it made hospitals and convalescent homes today than up. Anyone who has had anything to do there is in high-rise buildings. You can make with the Princess Alexandra Hospital or more money out of them." Honourable mem­ the Royal Brisbane Hospital will know that bers will recall the "Sunday Sun" photograph what I am saying is correct. of the convalescent-home piece of pie. It was I can tell the Committee also that, some not as big as my thumb. That is all the nights, 40 or 50 people are turned away patients get. They are robbed. from these two hospitals. Although they 'When a person arrives at a private hospital have been there all day, they have not been for an operation he is immediately asked, able to get their pharmaceutical needs. On "Are you in medical benefits? Can you pay? one occasion a pensioner from my area went If you are an intermediate or private patient to one of these hospitals at 8.30 a.m. and you must pay weekly." Across the corridor returned home at night without his medicine. in the public ward the medicine is free, but That's free medical care under a Country­ everything is charged for in the intermediate Liberal Government! Travel miles to the and private wards. In the intermediate section hospital for medicine in vain, and then travel a patient pays $182 a week for a single room back again the next day. and $168 a week for a double room. Up to In some country centres there is a delay of $258 a week is charged to patients in some three months for eye examinations. There private hospitals. If a patient asks his doctor are also long delays for barium X-rays. about being admitted to a public ward in a These are designed to assist the doctor in State hospital, the doctor warns him about discovering whether a patient's internal com­ the probable delay. He will say, "It will take plaint needs urgent treatment. That informa­ a long while to get into a public ward. tion was given by the Minister for Health However, I have made an arrangement with in reply to a question asked by the honour­ the local hospital and I could get you into able member for Isis. A patient is told by an intermediate ward tomorrow." the hospital doctor that he needs an opera­ A Sydney report, which the Federal staff tion. He is also told that it can be performed of the A.M.A. refused to deny, was that within a week in a private ward, but not Australian doctors may be performing up to for four months in a public ward. That was 150,000 unnecessary operations every year the experience of a young lad from a power­ just to earn the fee for service. It is no house who injured his leg. wonder that private hospital beds are in What about aged pensioners who are in short supply. The A.M.A. did not deny that urgent need of physiotherapy treatment? I report; indeed, it would be unwise to deny it. wrote to the Minister about an old lady who What of the practice of doctors having a was sent to Princess Alexandra Hospital financial interest in pri; ate hospitals and because she had breathing problems during nursing homes? The A.l'vLA. says that doctors the winter months. The physiotherapist at should not own chemist shops. When I lived the hospital very kindly said to her, "We are in Greenslopes there was a doctor practising short-staffed; we c: n't handle you. Come there who, as soon as a patient consulted back in a couple of months' time." She him, said, "You need seven or 14 days' rest. could have been dead by then. That is an Just go to the hospital around the corner and example of the Country-Liberal Govern­ you will be admitted." It was the doctor's ment's free hospital service, which honour­ hospital. No wonder he ordered seven or 14 able members opposite suggest is better than days' rest-at $168 or $182 a week. Imagine any other hospital service. I wrote to the the money he was making! Minister about this lady and, thanks to him, she received some treatment. The failure to build Government hospitals has left the field open for the profit-mongers I am not blaming the hospital staff for to batten on the people's health. How many what is happening. I know the people on the tonsil or appendix operations are performed staff. They work long hours. I know a unnecessarily each year? chemist who was formerly in private practice and took a job with the Government as a The Senate Standing Committee on Health oha~·macist. He told me that if he could and Welfare was told that some private have had in private practice as many hospitals and nursing homes try to extort customers as came to the hospital pharmacy from the relatives of T.P.I. pensioners fees every day, he would have made $1,000,000 additional to those already paid by the in 12 months. He said, "We're working like Repatriation Department. I did not say that. slaves and horses." This also applies to the It was said to the chairman of the Senate nurses, doctors and staff in the out-patients Standing Committtee, Senator Buttfield, who department. It is all very well to say that is a South Australian colleague of honour­ the staff is up to strength, but more doctors able members opposite. are needed. Honourable members opposite Acutely ill patients wait while doctors boast about what the Government is doing make a "quick dollar" out of cosmetic sur­ for the sick and infirm, but why doesn't gery. Cosmetic surgery cases are filling it increase the staff strengths? hospital beds and clogging up operating I could go on and on. On every hand the theatres. Under the Country-Liberal Govern­ profit motive pops up. Developers openly ment a growing number of motor-accident, say, "There is more money in private industrial and domestic-accident cases are 1288 Supply (24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) dealt with in cramped, overcrowded ill­ scheme officials to take their wives on over­ equipped and poorly designed ca;ualty seas junkets have turned health conferences ?epartments. High priority should be given into farces. These schemes lend money to m hospital buildings to first-class accident­ private hospitals at below normal interest victim reception centres. What happens to rates. They also subscribe to the Liberal an accident victim when he is admitted to Party's funds. That is why we hear so many the casualty ward for treatment by hard­ speeches from the other side. pressed and over-worked staff? The present system of so-called voluntary No-one in the Liberal Party or from any health insurance is in disarray. It is an of these schemes has told the public why expensive Liberal joke. The system is not there has been a 194 per cent increase in a voluntary one; we are forced by economic subsidies for medical benefits since 1969-a necessity to join. We have no choice. We period of three years. After more than a either join or go broke trying to cover our decade and a half of operation, the present families' hospital and health needs. To non-system was subjected to fairly extensive anyone who is concerned about the high cost analysis and appreciation by the Nimmo of doctors' fees and hospitals, there is only Committee of Inquiry and the Senate Select one alternative-he simply has to get i-nto the Committee on Medical and Hospital Costs, scheme. The funds are kept afloat with which reported in 1969 and 1970, respectively. public money, members' contributions and The major criticism was that these schemes taxes. Last year the cost borne by the public involved costly duplication of services; in those dual roles was on the threshold of unavoidably involved high costs of operation; half a billion dollars. That is the amount sterilised large amounts of contributors' paid by the public for the present scheme. money into reserves; wasted money on adver­ This year, that threshold will be passed. tising; allocated too much to commission pay­ ments; involved too many branches; were This is far too much of the public's money not universal in cover; and distributed their for us to tolerate anything but the most cost burden inequitably between income responsible and efficient use of it in the groups. The system will not improve merely public interest. For 15 years, millions of by pouring more and more of the public's dollars of public funds have been irresponsibly money into it as the Government periodic­ wasted as a result of desperate efforts to ally does in order to stave off collapse. These ~olster a scheme that the public has grown criticisms came from a committee set up by t1red of and become disillusioned with. the present Federal Government. It is their If the Liberals win the forthcoming Fed­ criticism, not mine. eral . election, it is certain that hospital and Let me now tell honourable members about medical benefits fund contributions will again the Labor Party's proposed scheme. We rise. And what will we get for it? A scheme offer the Australian community a distinct with more escape clauses than a Queensland alternative to the so-called voluntary health watch-house. insurance system maintained by the present The rules of these funds stipulate that Liberal-Country Party Government and intro­ illness in the first two months of membership duced in 1953 by one of its predecessors. In caused by a pre-existing condition debars a so far as general-practitioner medical services are concerned, our scheme is based on the p~rson from any benefit. That is, a person w1th a real need of health services is debarred fee-for-service principle, private practice, from any benefit from the scheme. The freedom of the patient to select his own next stipulation is that, after this two months' private practitioner and preservation of doc­ tor-patient relationship. Apart from any p~~iod, .illness caused by a pre-existing con­ dition, IS generally transferred to the spec!al other consideration, there is a constitutional account, as also are illnesses of a chronic barrier which imposes very real limitations nature after the fund benefit limit has been on what can be done in the development of reached. They are their words, not mine. medical services. This takes away all the For many cases of extended illness, the Com­ need for talk about nationalising them. We monwealth has to foot the bill. The funds are not talking about nationalising them. are incapable of handling such cases. In Section 51 of the Commonwealth Constitu­ the period 1966 to 1971 special account pay­ tion clearly states- ments by the Commonwealth almost doubled reaching $2,200,000. ' "The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have powers to make laws These funds also say that the cost of ser­ for the peace, order and good government vices in an operating theatre is not covered of the Commonwealth with respect to­ if the patient is not admitted to a ward over­ inter alia-medical and dental services night. How crazy that is! It is a clear and (but not so as to authorise any form of foolish incentive to over-hospitalise in a per­ civil conscription) . . . " fectly understandable effort to assist towards moderate total costs to a patient. The section of the Constitution that I have just quoted ensures that this salaried service Three million Australians are so disgusted will be staffed only by those who are pre­ wit!! this scheme that they are gambling pared voluntarily to serve within it. The agamst illness by not joining a fund. With development of such a scheme would be to so many schemes, competition between the benefit of all Queenslanders. Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1289

Now let me turn back to the Budget for anything about who uses this Government's a minute in order to wake up honourable aeroplane or where it goes, other than the members on the other side who do not like cost of its maintenance and operation. Nor hearing something about the weaknesses in are we told which other Ministers use it. their own scheme. For a change, I will talk How much of the $50,000 earmarked for about the Premier's V.I.P. Government aero­ maintenance and operations is spent on plane. 'The Courier-Mail" said this morning jaunts back and forth to Kingaroy? that no-one can have a look at it. I would like to have a look at it. The 1972-73 Mr. Porter: Mr. Whitlam uses the Com­ Budget estimates a cost of $50,165 or $965 monwealth planes. a week, for the maintenance and operation of Mr. BURNS: He uses them less frequently this aircraft. This is an increase of 53 per than others who use them. cent on the amount spent in 19~1-72. The Premier has the temerity to imply The Premier could fly around the world that back-benchers on both sides of the with Qantas free of charge every 2:l- weeks Chamber are merely trying to supplement for the same amount as was spent on the their income by suggesting that all-party operation of his plane. The estimated cost committees should be set up. If they were is equivalent to nine first-class return air to ask for expenses, the Premier would con­ trips each week from Brisbane to Towns­ sider such a request to be mean and lousy. ville or four first-class return flights each This is the Premier who rushes into PaT­ three weeks from Brisbane to Singapore. It liament to accuse the workers and trade is $34,700 more than the allocation for the unions of being instruments of inflation total permanent staff of the 33-man Opposi­ when they seek an extra few dollars a week tion, that is, the secretary, the stenographer to meet rising living costs. There is no and the chauffeur attached to our leader's doubt that the Premier is the greatest office. It is also $42,000 more than the personal-expense item in Queensland. estimate for the so-called Commissioner of Prices section within the Department of I wish to deal now with the so-called Justice. Commissioner of Prices. There is, in fact, The Budget allocation for air transport no such person; the Budget shows that for 68 members of this Parliament-! exclude he is, in reality, the Commissioner of Con­ Cabinet Ministers-is $55,000, only $5,000 sumer Affairs. more than the cost of "One Man's Toy". The Mr. Hinze interjected. grant to Austcare amounts to $5,000, or $45,000 less than the estimated cost of The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. operating the plane; the grant to the Free­ Wharton): Order! The honourable member dom from Hunger Campaign is $3,000, or will address his comments through the $47,000 less than this estimated cost; the Chair. grant to the Royal Queensland Society for Honourable Members interjected. the Prevention of Cruelty is $1,000, oT $49,000 less; the War ana Festival received The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! $5,000, or $45,000 less; and, finally, the When the Committee comes to order, I Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust shall ask the honourable member for Lytton received $45,000, or $5,000 less. to continue his speech. Other costs incurred by the Premier are Mr. BURNS: The Budget shows a staff those involved in the provision of a Press of one in the Prices office. He is classified secretary, a public relations officer, a research as an investigator and receives a salary of and investigation officer, two chauffeurs and $7,816. The estimate for postage, inci­ a Jaguar car. The amount involved is dentals, printing and travelling expenses is approximately $40,000 to $50,000 a year. $1,550. The exploiting interests in the com­ The Premier receives a salary of $20,240, munity must be really scared of this one­ which, when added to other incidentals and man branch, which has a total annual budget, expenses, shows that he is the most expensive including this man's salary, cf less than Premier Queensland has ever had. The $10,000! cost to Queenslanders for his perks, lurks, luxuries and entitlements is $3,000 a week. The former Prime Minister (Mr. Gorton) This is equivalent to more than $425 a and the former Attorney-General (Mr. day, seven days a week, or $600 for a five­ Hughes) claimed that price justification was day working week. warranted. Early this year the South Aus­ The Premier, who wins only 20 per cent tralian Labor Premier (Mr. Dunstan) of the votes, is the most expensive party­ attempted to have it introduced on a Com­ political acquisition in any Queensland monwealth-State basis. The first State to Budget. He is the only State PTemier with reject this plan was Queensland. As for his own V.I.P. Government aircraft. Whereas Mr. McMahon, he showed a complete lack A.L.P. members have been denied informa­ of interest. tion, such as flight details, about the aircraft, At all levels the Liberal-Country Parties by comparison, in the Federal Parliament have adopted a consistent attitude. They the Opposition received an answer <::overing want to peg wages, they want foreign com­ 120 pages to questions concerning: Com­ panies to decide our industrial policies and, monwealth V.I.P. aircraft. We aTe not told at the same time, they do not want the 1290 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

Australian people to have any protection That would be the only way to steady against rising prices. Under the economic him down. I have not for many years guidance of the Liberal-Country Parties, heard such a fast speaker in this Assembly. within a decade inflation reached its highest Possibly half of the time allotted to each peak ever. honourable member would be enough for Urban development is now a matter the honourable member. I should think of great moment. Commonwealth statistics that the "Hansard" staff are always very to 30 June 1971 show that about 300,000 much relieved when the honourable member people, representing 34 per cent of those completes his speech. in the Brisbane statistical division, are with­ While listening to the honourable member out a suburban rail service. for Lytton it became very clear that he Mr. Hinze interjected. has fully in mind the nationalisation of the medical profession. Should Mr. Whitlam Mr. BURNS: The member for South and his party win the election on 2 Decem­ Coast should be interested in this. He was ber, the medical profession in Australia can a member of the party that discontinued expect something along those lines, because the railway service to the Gold Coast. He the member for Lytton is the Federal voted for its destruction and stuck with the President of the A.L.P. Government all the way. Any criticism of the Premier's use of This situation has either existed or deve­ the Government aircraft can be easily loped over the past 15 years under a discounted by the tremendous benefits gained !"ederal Liberal-Country Party Government not only by the Premier and Cabinet Mini­ In Canberra and a State Country-Liberal sters but also by the people of the State. Government in Queensland. It is little It is important to remember that the Premier wonder that our railways record mounting has been able to visit many places in operational los;es when more than one-third Queensland that have not previously had of the residents of the capital city alone the pleasure of seeing a Premier. That is are isolated from any type of rail service. indeed creditable. He is certainly not a In 1971-72, receipts from the Southern Divi­ "Queen Street" Premier. sion totalled $44,300,000. It is obvious Firstly, in dealing with the Budget, I wish that these receipts could be increased by to congratulate the Premier and the Treas­ approximately $15,000,000 a year by the urer on their sound, wise, progressive leader­ extension of Brisbane's suburban services ship, particularly during the recent State and the reconstruction of the Gold Coast election. The over-all result was most line, which this Government demolished. gratifying. Queensland is now assured of The increase in revenue would probably be a further three years of good, honest even greater than that, as many of the areas Gov,;rnment. now divorced from a rail service are outer suburbs, where the service would be used Mr. Shenington: I wish they would tell to a greater degree than in the inner us what is happening about Cooloola. suburbs. Mr. LOW: Later on I wili deal briefly The McMahon Government now pretends with Cooloola. ~o be interested in Commonwealth-State pro­ Jects for urban de\ ciopment. Yet over I sincerely compliment the Treasurer on the a period of 23 YLars, with 23 Budgets and Dud;.;et he has presented for the 1972-73 more tha~1 23 Loan Council meetings, it financial year. It contains funds for many has contnbuted nothing in the vital field and varied improvements in all parts of the of Brisbane's metropolitan rail-transport St;:Jte. It will give Queensland a new look system. in many ways. 1t is a realistic Budget with no "ifs" and "buts". It will keep Queensland Another near-Bri'ibane area that is cut "on the go with Premier Joh" and get right off from rail transport is Redcliffe. Between av,ay from the "Cinderella" image that 1966 and 1971 the growth-rate in this are~, Queemland had under the Labor Govern­ was 4. 7 per cent. Of that figure, 3.8 per ment. cent came from net migration, that is, movement of people into the area from The Budget gives incentive and encourage­ outside. ment to private enterprise, which is the life­ Brisbane suburbs separated from a rail blood of this State and nation. I pay a s~rvice include Chermside, with a popula­ tribute to private enterprise in both Queens­ tiOn of 29,000, !nala with 21 000 and land and Australia for the t!·emendous job it !he Gap, . v,ith _18,000. In the fa~test~grow­ is doing in assisting the Government in the mg area m Bnsbane-I refer to Wynnum sound development of this State. I can -_for w~ich we have sought an upgraded safely say that this is the soundest and most rml serv1ce by the provision of electric encouraging Budget that has been presented trains, we are fiat out even getting carriages to this Parliament while I have been a on the afternoon service. member of it. Mr. McMahon and Mr. Anthony should be for ever grateful to the . Mr. LOW (Cooroora) (8.2 p.m.): After Treasurer and the Premier for presenting to listening to the rapid-fire speech of the the people of Queensland such an attractive honourable member for Lytton we should financial document on the eve of a difficult consider fitting a governor to' his mouth. Federal election. In my opinion, the Budget Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1291 has created a very favourable political Mr. LOW: As long as I am here, that is climate for the return of the Liberal-Country all that counts. I am making this speech. Party coalition in the Federal House on Government members know that I am able Saturday, 2 December 1972. It should be to handle the situation myself without any an election winner. great help from my colleagues. An Opposition Member: You should be I should like to mention the history of ashamed of yourself for advocating that. the lift in Parliament House. For many years I advocated the installation of a lift. Mr. LOW: I know that the Treasurer I can remember being told when I was on is very proud of this Budget and of my the Opposition side that a lift could not be remarks to him. And so he should be. As I installed. It was said that it would upset said, it is the best Budget ever. the architecture of the House, and so forth. I endorse the closing remarks of the But when the Country-Liberal Government Treasurer where he said- took office in 1957, the lift soon became "This I regard as a real 'Achievement' a reality. budget-a budget which will achieve so Mr. P. Wood: You had so many old men much for so many, a budget which will that they had to put it in. help to build a better, a brighter and an even more progressive and prosperous Mr. LOW: I think all members will agree Queensland." that the lift has been of tremendous benefit That completely sums up the Budget. The to the House. Treasurer has rightly said that it was a I now suggest the installation of another matter of great satisfaction to know that the lift at the other end of the Chamber to State's economy is now on a much firmer serve people entering by the main entrance footing than would have been the case had facing George Street. Such a lift would our financial predicament of a year ago not benefit not only those who visit the library, been faced up to in a practical and realistic the public gallery, and the late Legislative manner. It is also very pleasing to note that Council Chamber, but also the staff. So far the State Government has successfully this session, 9,000 school-children have been improved its financial arrangements with the shown over the House. They had to climb Commonwealth Government and has obtained the dangerous winding stairs to the public special assistance through an approach to the gallery. Another 8,000 are booked to visit Commonwealth Grants Commission. My the House before the Christmas recess in thanks go to the Treasurer on the prepara­ December. In addition, more than 5,000 tion of a well-documented case, the success adults have been shown over the House, and of which will be of great benefit to all have visited the gallery, since the last State Queen slanders. election in May 1972. A very conservative On page 3, the Treasurer said- estimate of the number who would use the "Treasury operations in the Short Term proposed lift annually is 10,000 adults and Money Market returned $4,365,138 for 20,000 children, in addition to staff, parlia­ the year. This is not a taxation receipt, mentary members, and those attending and it is satisfying indeed to see our special functions in the late Legislative Consolidated Revenue Fund supplemented Council Chamber. in this way without recourse to taxation." Those numbers justify another lift in I ask the Treasurer to accept my heartiest Parliament House, and its cost would be congratulations on this magnificent effort. money well spent. It would encourage For a businesslike job well done, he and his people of all ages to visit Parliament House officers must be highly congratulated and whilst the House is in session, and take an commended. interest in parliamentary affairs. At present the steep, dangerous stairs to the public During this debate, the Leader of the gallery are a great deterrent to visiting the Opposition has been judging dogs overseas. House whilst Parliament is sitting. From my observations during the debate, not only the Leader of the Opposition but all I often wonder what school-children think other members of the Opposition have gone on their visit to Parliament House. They to the dogs. The criticism of the Budget must go away with mixed feelings. I should by the Leader of the Opposition and other like to encourage them to come here more Opposition members has been pathetic, and often, and in greater numbers. There must all contributions so far have been endorse­ be an incentive to visit here, and to that ments of Government policy. The Treasurer end I am prepared to provide a prize each will have little or nothing to answer. year for the best essay written on Parlia­ ment, the essays to be judged by a com­ Mr. Davis: May I have your views on petent panel consisting of, say, Mr. Speaker, daylight saving? the Clerk of Parliament, and another. If Mr. LOW: That issue is finished. any other member is prepared to join me in I should now like to deal with a couple this project, I feel that it would be well of matters concerning Parliament House. and truly received. It would be very inter­ esting to know exactly what children think Mr. Jensen: There are only two members after their visit to Parliament House. I left on your side. should like to know what they think of 1292 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

the general behaviour of members, the pro­ Some members are reluctant to speak up ceedings, and all things associated with for these overdue improvements and Parliament. improved working conditions for fear of I believe that the time has arrived to give getting into trouble with their constituents. very serious consideration to air-conditioning I find that some honourable members run this Chamber. Some honourable members round this House squealing like stuck pigs have said that they will not come here in a about the poor facilities and conditions. Why particular type of dress because it is too hot do they not come out into the open and tell in the Chamber. It is noticeable that very the truth about these matters? few members remain here in very hot Labor Governments were shocking em­ weather, and, up to a point, I do not blame ployers. Anyone who squealed got the sack. then for their absenteeism. In my opinion, In fact, they were so sack-happy that eventu­ this Chamber could with advantage be air­ ally-in 1957-they sacked themselves. What conditioned. a great day that was for Queensland! The Mr. Sherrington: What say we take our State has never looked back. coats off as a protest? Mr. Sherrington: That is not like you. Mr. LOW: The honourable member may Mr. LOW: They are truthful statements. do so if he wishes. Mr. Sherrington: Who told you to say that? This Parliament must be progressive if Queensland is to maintain its place in Com­ Mr. LO'W: I prepare my own speeches and monwealth parliamentary affairs, and I deliver them in my own way. believe that consideration should be given Mr. Sberrington: It is not worthy of you. to broadcasting the proceedings of this Assembly on A.B.C. radio for at least one Mr. LOW: I am just telling the truth about hour a day. Proceedings of the Federal what happened in the past. I have survived House of Representatives and Senate are here longer than most honourable members. broadcast already, and I think it is essential Mr. Sherrington: I will tell the Committee for us to get our message across to the people what happened in 1948, when you voted of Queensland. against the Coal Bill. I should also like to get rid of the antique furniture and fittings in Parliament House. Mr. LOW: I did not vote against the Government in 1948. I suggest that, as a matter of urgency, the Government should appoint additional Mr. Sherringion: I did not say that you stenographers to the typing pool. The work­ did. You voted with the Labor Government load on the girls is increasing not only on the Coal Bill. because of the additional members of this Assembly but also because the work of Mr. I"OW: What for? parliamentarians is becoming heavier. I have Mr. Sherrington: On the Coal Bill? The noticed since the last election, with increased one on which the honourable member for numbers in my electorate, that I am receiving Whitsunday "did us over". much more mail and that I am expected to do much more work. Mr. LOW: I did not. Mr. Bouseu: Don't you think we should Mr. Sherrington: I will show it to you have a stenographer in our electorate? later on. Mr. LOW: Yes, I am in favour of that, too. Mr. LOW: I wish the honourable member In fact, I am in favour of anything that would. It is news to me. He is putting over improves the lot of the parliamentarian. a "rough one". I should say the young ladies in the Parliament House has been here for 100 stenographers' pool are exceptionally brilliant years or more. I should like to say some­ and trustworthy. They are the hardest­ thing now about the proposed new State in worked girls in the Public Service-! say that North Queensland. As a member repre­ without fear of contradiction. They each senting a country constituency in South-east have to look z;fter about half a dozen mem­ Queensland, I support the move. The new bers representing different parties and having State will come as surely as the sun rises different approaches to problems. They cer­ in the east and sets in the west. I suggest tainly do a wonderful job. that we appoint an additional Minister to the An Opposition Member: Do you favour existing Cabinet-a Minister for North-west dress reform? Development. I would suggest that his headquarters should be in Townsville. That Mr. LOW: I would prefer to retain the would mean decentralisation of government existing dress and have the Chamber air­ and a step in the right direction. It is a conditioned. long way from Cape York to Brisbane, Mr. Wallis-Smith: Have you suggested that just as it is a long way from Brisbane to in your party room? Canberra and Melbourne. Mr. LOW: It has been discussed and Mr. Sherrington: Do you support the received fairly well. I think that things will honourable member for Flinders? That is improve shortly. what he complains about? Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1293

Mr. LOW: I am not supporting the hon­ essential. That was one of ,the stipulations ourable member for Flinders or anyone else. that the head-teacher should be the sanitary These are my own views and I have held contractor at the school and carrv out the them for a long time. I have been here burial service. They had to attend to the a long time to think about it. toilets and bury the refuse. Mr. Hughes: What would be the popula­ School-teachers were expected to live in tion of the new State? unus,ed horse stables, cow bails, and some­ times pig pens. Teacher residences were too Mr. LOW: When Queensland was first expensive and anything was good enough in established it had to start from behind those Labor Government days. To my amaze­ scratch with population and finance. ment the teachers took such treatment with­ out a growl or a grunt. The reason, of :\1r. Sherrington interjected. course, was that ballot papers were numbered The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. and they were not game to rebel at the Wharton): Order! The honourable member ballot-box in case ,they were found out. The for Salisbury is asking far too many ques­ penalty was "over the fence" or transfer to tions. He should direct them through the Timbuktu. Chair. Mr. Bjelke-Petersen interjected. Mr. LOW: What I am proposing would Mr. LOW: The Premier is quite right. be a forerunner to home rule for North remember our present Premier, who was Queensland. It would be a step in the right then an Opposition member, taking around direction. It would provide local autonomy a list, soliciting donations towards a fund in North-west Queensland. People in the to build a ,teacher's residence at one of the North should be encouraged. When Labor schools in Barambah. was in office it had a great many elected representatives in the North, but as soon Mr. Bjelke-Petersen: I paid quite a lot as the elections were over most of them towards a number of school residences in shifted to Brisbane. Liberal Party and my electorate that Labor would not build. Country Party members live in their elect­ orates among their constitutents as they Mr. LOW: The Premier i3 corroborating should. Nothing is worse than desertion. what I have said and what I am about to say. Labor could not and would not build Education in Queensland is still receiving teacher residences in the country. Anything No. 1 priority in the allocation of funds. \\as good enough for a public servant. This year more than $215,000,000 is being spent in various ways on education, which Mr. P. Wood: How many residences for represents an increase of 26 per cent on the school-teachers has your Government built 1971-72 figure. In spite of that, we stiil in the last year? hear criticism from the Labor benches. Mr. LOW: I would say a considerable Let us look at conditions during Labor's number and I do not hear any questions term on the Treasury benches. In those being asked in this Chamber about teachers' days school facilities consisted of ramshackle residences. When Labor was in office, during buildings and broken-down and shameful every session question after question was toilets that were a shocking health hazard asked about teachers' residences but I have in many State schools. The honourable not heard a question about teachers' resi­ member fo;· Salisbury has always been a dences for years. good advocate for Arbor Day. Arbor Day was always popular in those days Mr. P. Wood: You are never in the House because trees were used as class-rooms. to hear questions. Camphor laurel trees were particularly Mr. LOW: Don't be silly! I am the best popular. They were used in dry we:>Aher attender in this House. I have not missed and the children were sent home in wet a day. weather because all the pupils could not be crammed into schoolrooms and underneath Mr. Bjelke-Petersen: In Labor's day there buildings on the filthy dirt floors in whar v\ as unemployment everywhere. were known as the lunch-rooms. Mr. LOW: Yes, there W:J.S unemploy­ Mr. Sherrington interjected. ment everywhere. Of course, they were Mr. LOW: Let the honourable member sacking everybody and eventually sacked go back through "Hansard" to see what themselves. The Labor Government was a we had to say b those days. I am dreadful employer and a terrible landlord. pointing out, particularly for the benefit of This again should be put on record for the new honourable members, what we had information of future generations. It is most to put up with in Labor's term of office, important to get these things on record. compared with what is provided now. Mr. P. Wood: Have you seen some of Mr. Sherrington interjected. the school residences for which teachers are paying $20 a week? Mr. LOW: During Labor's term of office the school-teachers became the sanitary con­ Mr. LO"V: Yes, I have seen them. trator~ fo; the school. That was absolutely Mr. P. Wood: And you are not disgusted? 1294 Supply [24 OcTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

Mr. LOW: I am very pleased with some The advances made in education have of the residences I have seen over the last 15 been tremendous. If this Budget had been years. presented last year, the Government would Mr. P. Wood: I will pass that comment have gained at least another six seats at on to some of these teachers. the election. As from January 1973 all school- Mr. LOW: Pre-school education in transport rates will be increased by 2c a Queensland is costing $1,500,000. Again mile. These rates will now range from 25c for the information of honourable members, a mile for the shorter runs carrying up to I can remember that Labor would not 20 pupils to 49c a mile for those carrying tolerate the kindergarten movement. Time over 80 pupils. When Labor was in office and time again it was said in this House >that it claimed that secondary-school transport kindergartens only spoilt the children for services could not and would not be intro­ their future activities in ordinary school life. duced. However, in 1957, as if by a wave Mr. P. Wood: Who said that? of the magic wand, the first of such services was approved between Maroochydore and Mr. LOW: Ministers for Education. Nambour. Since then secondary-school transport services have spread throughout the Mr. P. Wood: Who were they? State. Mr. LOW: George Devries and Les Dip­ Mr. Sullivan: How could they have lock are two I know. If the honourable secondary-school bus services when they did member looks back through "Hansard" he not have secondary schools? will find it ,there. We have now introduced pre-school education and we are giving Mr. LOW: Sometimes I believe the Labor grants to kindergartens. Government sabotaged education in this State. Mr. Sherrington: Where have you intro­ duced it? Mr. Bjelke-Petersen: It sabotaged the whole State. Mr. LOW: It is an election promise and is now being implemented. In the beginning Mr. LOW: That is true. I now wish to of 1973 it will be in practice. deal with Cooloola. Mr. Sherrington: Have you one in your Mr. Sherrington: Watch it; this is sub electorate? judice. The Premier is the only one who can talk about it. Mr. LOW: I am hoping so. Mr. LOW: I am not going to "talk" about Mr. Sherrington: I haven't one in mine. it; I am going to relate facts. Great concern is being expressed by the people of Queens­ Mr. LOW: TI1at is bad representation. land about the delay in the hearing of writs issued by the mining companies against Mr. Sherrillgton: No, political planning of the State Government. your school system. Mr. Sherrington: That is all I wanted Mr. LOW: In reply to the honourable to find out, and I got turfed out for it. member for Salisbury, there is no doubt that Mr. LOW: The Treasurer, as the nominal this Government is very considerate of defendant, and the Minister for Mines have members of this Parliament. advised me that these writs will be heard Mr. Sherrington: You would be joking. at the earliest possible time, with no undue delay caused by the Government. Mr. LOW: Honourable members opposite Mr. Shen:ington: What does that mean? obviously do not know how Opposition members were treated in the clays when their lHr. LOW: The hearing will take place in party was on the Treasury benches. When the Supreme Court and will be open to the a scheme was put forward by a member of public. Did the honourable member for the then Opposition, the red pencil was put Salisbury know that? right through it. That has been related to me by retired public servants. When we were Mr. Shenington: Why shouldn't the hear­ in Opposition, all we got from Labor was ing be open to the public? Can you tell us experience, and, of course, that experience what is in the statement of claim? has stood us in good stead in our occupancy Mr. LOW: No; I do not know anything of the Government benches. Nothing pleases about that. I am only passing on information me more than to hear the Premier corroborate that has been given to me. my comments. l'VIr. Sherrington: By whom? The library grants to schools have proved to be of wonderful assistance. Schools and Mr. LOW: By the Treasurer and the school-children have never had it so good. Minister for Mines, as a result of representa­ Schools that do not have full-time clerk­ tions I made on behalf of my electors as typists or janitor-groundsmen will receive well as persons in many other parts of allowances ranging from $150 to $400. Australia. I receive a great deal of mail Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1295 from all over the country, and the reason Mr. LOW: That is so. is that many letters are addressed to the Much has been said about hospitals. I "member for Cooloola". The name has thank the Premier and Cabinet for giving become so widely known that I am referred favourable consideration to the construction to quite often as the member for Cooloola. of a new, modern public hospital at Nam­ Mr. P. Wood: Do you support sand-mining bour, to cost $1,250,000. I am always grate· on the Sunshine Coast beaches? ful to anybody who does something for me. I do not accept something with one hand and Mr. LOW: No, I do not. It will be smack the donor across the face with the disastrous if it is commenced anywhere other. Ever since I was a young school­ between Peregian and Noosa Heads. child I have found a little courtesy to be Opposition Members interjected. worth while. This hospital will provide tremendous benefits to Nambour and the The ACTING CHAIRMAN: Order! The surrounding district. It will be very well honourable members have made their point. received and we are looking forward to the start of building operations, towards the Mr. Sherrington: What about the land end of this calendar year. that is subdivided at Cooloola. I thank the Treasurer for the help he gave Mr. LOW: I do not wish to discuss by providing $60,000 for the Noosa District Cooloola any further. I hope that the hear­ Community Hospital at Cooroy. Cooroy is ing will be set down at the very earliest a self-help district. When sitting here the possible date. other day I heard members of the Opposi­ Mr. Sherrington: That is all I wanted to tion saying that hospital facilities were lack­ find out weeks ago, but I was told the ing in their areas. Cooroy is the centre of matter was sub judice. What hypocrisy! the hospital district in the Noosa Shire. The people of the area formed a community Mr. LOW: Why didn't the honourable friendly society hospital. They are helping member talk to me? I would have given themselves. him some information. Some three or four months ago I was Recently an announcement was made by pleased to have the honour of laying the the Minister in charge of Police relative foundation stone for the new 28-bed hos­ to the Sunshine Coast police subdistrict, pital. The Government contributed $60,000 which is to have its headquarters at Nam­ for this community hospital just as it has bour. Inspector Brady has been appointed in about half a dozen other places in in charge, and a second-class constable has Queensland. The locals raised the loan been transferred to build up the staff at that money, ran functions to make money and station. I emphasise that the Nambour sought donations. The Treasurer is to open Police Station should be manned 24 hours the hospital on 2 December 1972, which a day. is Federal-election day. An Opposition Member: Isn't it? If honourable members want to do the right thing, and if they think the Govern­ Mr. LOW: No, it is not. At present the ment is not moving fast enough, they should last officer on duty finishes at 3 a.m. and get together and form a community hos­ no-one then comes on duty till 7 a.m. The pital board. If they help themselves, the phone is put through to the senior Government will recognise what they are sergeant's residence, but he is not on duty. doing. He may take calls, if it is convenient. He Mr. Sumvan interjected. often does so, but his rest is upset. No police officer is on duty on the North Mr. LOW: When the new maternity hos­ Coast, from Brisbane to Gympie, between pital at Nambour v, as opened-it was during 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. daily. As Nambour is the term of office of this Government-! the main centre and is situated half-way promised to give a cup to the first baby born between Brisbane and Gympie on the busy there. There was some rather intense com­ Bruce Highway, I believe it should have a petition. I was happy to hand over the cup, 24-hour police service. inscribed with the name of the child, and Mr. R. Jones: How did you go on the that family is among my most ardent sup­ dogwatch when you were a station-master? porters in the electorate. Mr. Davis: Did they vote for you? Mr. LOW: I was never a station-master. I was a member of the clerical staff. Mr. LOW: Not only did they vote for me; they also worked for me. Opposition Members interjected. In 1957 the Country-Liberal Government Mr. LOW: He was a very good officer, had to choose between electrification and too. I got on very well with all my mates. dieselisation of our railways. The Labor I still have a lot of mates in the service. Government had started both projects. Mr. Sullivan: Most of them are in the Mr. R. Jones: The choice had been made Country Party. by that time. 1296 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

Mr. LOW: That is not quite true. We I also wanted to put some Opposition mem­ had to continue with either one or the bers right in regard to what used to be the other. With the limited amount of loan position and what is the present position, now funds available, we could not make a success that Queensland is really on the move. of both. Mr. MARGINSON (Wolston) (8.46 p.m.): Mr. R. Jones: Dieselisation was well under I was unfortunate in being unable to speak way then. during the Address-in-Reply debate because of the limited time available, and so I speak Mr. LOW: Dieselisation had only just now, very late in the Budget debate. I commenced. I give Mr. Jack Duggan full thank the electors of Wolston for returning credit for his dieselisation plans. But he me to this Assembly for another three years, was not allowed to complete them. Diesel­ and with a substantial majority. I also isation had been introduced only in the express thanks to my campaign director, Mr. metropolitan area. My memory is quite Tom Easterbrook, and the many supporters good, and I can remember these things. We who worked so diligently on my behalf decided to develop dieselisation, and electrifi­ during the election campaign. I am greatly cation was dropped. indebted to them for their assistance. Mr. R. Jon.es interjected. I think I can say quite confidently that Mr. LOW: Dieselisation has only just Wolston is the most industrialised electorate in Queensland. It contains railway work­ been completed now. shops, coal mines, the only woollen mill in Mr. R. Jones interjected. Queensland today, brickworks. a cement­ manufacturing plant, a hardboard factory, The ACTING CHAIRMAN: Order! The meatworks, and many other industrial estab­ honourable member for Cairns will cease lishments. For that reason, it is particularly making constant interjections. gratifying for me to represent Wolston. Mr. LOW: He has been talking a lot of I also wish to congratulate Mr. Speaker nonsense. He should bring himself up to on his election to office. It was an unusual date. state of affairs that brought about his election. The Government had to make track I suppose I could sum it up by saying that improvements and carry out bridge strength­ he received the support of my party only ening. It also had to make large purchases because accepting him was the lesser of two of new rolling-stock. New crossings and evils. new signals had to be provided, and so on. I now turn to the Budget. I point out that This took up all available loan funds. last year's Budget provided for a deficit in excess of $11,000,000. That amount included And railway lines had Mr. Waliis-Smith: a carry-over of $4,000,000 from the previm1s to be pulled up. year. Now we are presented with a Financial Mr. LOW: Some branch lines were elim­ Statement that shows a surplus of $2,700,000. inated. There is therefore a difference of approxi­ mately $13,800,000 between last year's As 1 said, dieselation has now been com­ Budget forecast and the actual result. I pleted. !t has been of benefit to all people appreciate, of course, that $9,000,000 was in Queensland, and northern members should received from the Commonwealth Grants be grateful to the Government on making Commission. that decision. This progressive transport scheme benefited the whole of Queensland, It must be realised that the Government not only the metropolitan area. The time says to local authorities, "You cannot budget has now arri\ed to proceed with electrification. for a deficit, and you cannot budget for a surplus. You must budget for a nil balance." My approach to this matter would be the I, as secretary of a hospital board, found establishment of a transport authority to myself in the invidious position of being told co-ordinate all forms of transport, and to that the board could not budget for either improve services. This, in its train, would a surplus or a deficit. But in State budgeting result in cheaper fares. there can be a difference of approximately Mr. Shenington: Aren"t you going on with $13,000,000 between the estimate and the it? actual result. Mr. LOW: Of course we are. Anything I do not know if honourable members we promised in our policy speech we will opposite have read the report of the Com­ implement. monwealth Grants Commission on Queens­ land's application to become a claimant State. I have much more to say on various If they have not, I strongly recommend matters, but I know that I shall have the that they do so. It contains many revealing opportunity to speak on other subjects during facts relating to this Government's position, the Estimates debate. However, I wanted to and the conclusion that must be reached by express my views on the matters to which I all who read it is that both the Common­ have referred, and to congratulate the wealth Tre~sury and the Commonwealth Treasurer and the Government on the Grants Commission do not believe many of splendid Budget that has been brought down. the claims made by this Government. Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1297

I propose to examine the report for a The Commonwealth Treasury then made few moments in some detail and point out some references to education, and it was just where Queensland stands on its applica­ quite interesting to listen to the honourable tion, remembering also that the claim on member who preceded me in this debate the Commonwealth Grants Commission is endeavouring to tell the Committee how on the basis of disability as compared with much Country-Liberal Governments had the standard States. We see that Queens­ done in the field of education in Queens­ land has based its claim to the Common­ land. I ask honourable members to listen wealth Grants Commission mainly upon the to this allegation made in the report- basis of penalties and rewards. "' ... the Commission would regard Let me refer those who have the report Queensland's lower percentage of govern­ with them to clause 18 on page 9, where ment school pupils to population as rep­ the Commonwealth Treasury's submission in resenting lower needs.' The Common­ relation to the State's application for the wealth Treasury contrasted this with its grant is set out. Because of the claim own approach, referred to in earlier made by Queensland and the manner in reports of the Commission, which would which it was made and the many things assess relative needs in education by com­ the Government did not disclose in its paring the percentage of the eligible application, the Treasury made certain sug­ population of the claimant State with the gestions to the Commonwealth Grants Com­ corresponding percentage for the standard mission. It said first- States." "The emphasis placed on bringing the emphasise this point- 'adjusted' iBudget resulf"- "Applying this comparison to Queens­ this comment on the Budget and its figures land would show a 'positive' need (i.e., a is important, because the Treasury said in need for a higher level of expenditure per effect that it would not accept the Budget head of population than in the standard figures because the Queensland Government States) ... " had not disclosed everything- Is it not ironic that Queensland has the "of the claimant State up to parity with lowest education expenditure per head of the average of the standard States 'has population of any State in the Common­ perhaps tended to obscure the fundamental wealth? Here, Commonwealth Treasury purpose of special grants (that is, to officials are telling Queensland that, on its compensate for disabilities)'." own argument, it should be spending more on education. The second point made by the Treasury was- We heard quite a lot from the honourable member for Chatsworth about the Special "The adjustment procedure is very Report of the Commonwealth Grants Com­ eos;ly misunderstood to involve 'penalties' mission, and tonight I am accepting the and ~ re\vards'." opportunity to say something about it. Let The third point was- no-one get the idea that the $9,000,000 grant "The Commission has been unable to represents the final decision. I draw atten­ rnc:ke str;:t comparisons of revenue-raising tion to page 13 of the report. Mention is efforts and standard of services in some made of a review because the Grants Com­ are~1s. As a result normal financial incen­ mission is not satisfied with Queensland's tives and constraints, at least to some case. It is looking for any moneys that have extent, haYe not applied to the claimant been hidden by the State. States in these areas." The report reads- It then went on to mention specific matters "When this review has been completed in the claim by the Queensland Government. the total special grant recommended for l refer honourable members to clause 24 1971-72 can be determined finally and may on page 11 of the report, and ask them to either exceed or be less than the amount listen v::ry carefully. This is a matter that of the advance grant now recommended." I have been watching since I entered Par­ That is the position. The Grants Com­ liament, and I propose to make certain mission is not at all satisfied with the claim remarks ·bout it later in my speech. submitted by Queensland. The report said- Let me now refer to clause 37 of the "The Commonwealth Treasury sug­ recommendations. It was- gested that the value of mining output "The Queensland Government in its might give some indication of capacity to submission claimed that the State experi­ raise mining royalties. This would suggest ences special difficulties in certain areas that Queensland's capacity is above stand­ of social services, especially police and ard; and as the royalties collected per hospitals, which would warrant the Com­ head of population in Queensland are mission's making additional percentage below the average per capita for the allowances when comparing Queensland's standard States it would appear that expenditure with that of the standard Queensland makes a relatively low effort States. It also claimed that the Commis­ in this field." sion should regard Queensland's compara­ That is. of course, the field of collection tively low effort in raising revenue in cer­ of royalties on its minerals. tain fields of taxation as being offset by 1298 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement)

an above-standard level of railway charges, Government sits idly by. It allows this a relatively high level of rents on Crown exploitation to go on, and all it does is lands in country areas, and by the charges perform some ambiguous flourishes of pre­ made by the State upon its Government tence that it is doing something about it. Insurance Office in lieu of income tax. While society is allowed to continue in These claims are referred to in paragraphs this way, we can have nothing but unrest­ 8 and 9 and 11 to 16 of this Report." particularly industrial unrest-in the State. The Grants Commission makes strongly Until the Government decides to stop this critical reference to Queensland's action with exploitation and to narrow the gap I men­ respect to its contract rates in railway tioned, unrest will continue. Imagine a man freights. Queensland contract rates come with a wife and three or four children under close scrutiny, and the Commission still being on a wage of just over $40 a says, "We are not satisfied with them." I am week! That is what the Government is not blaming our Treasury officials in any allowing in this State. At the same time, way. They prepared a good case on the price rises are allowed to continue. ~e material available to them, but they did not Premier tells us how well the State IS have sufficient material before them to sub­ going, while there are 80,000 people in stantiate the claim made by the State. Queensland on the poverty line. Who We have heard so much from the Treas­ wants to interrupt me and tell me that urer about this being a magnificent claimant this is not so? State. We need to be particularly careful Mr. Lane: Where do you get the figure with the claim that is being submitted to the from? Commonwealth Grants Commission. Com­ monwealth Treasury officials have said, "On Mr. MARGINSON: Professor Douglas your own arguments on taxation, you are not Gordon, a man well known to e:'eryone spending enough on education." here as one who has taken a considerable As to the Queensland Government's claim interest in the question of poverty in this that, in respect of police matters, it suffered State, recently published in the "Telegraph", a disability because of the extent of the State, and "The Courier-Mail" of the following the Commission pointed out in its report that day, an article dealing with poverty. He this would apply only to certain areas and said that 80,000 people in Queensland are not to the whole of the expenditure on the on the poverty line. Who will disagree with Police Force. him? He deccribes this poverty, to me and to the people of QueemLnd, in these The same remarks would apply to expend­ words- iture on hospitals in Queensland. The Treas­ 'The hard core of poverty-stricken urer made a claim for the whole of the hos­ people includes the pensioners, large pital services, with the result that the Grants families, the one-parent family and single Commission told him point blank that the disability applied only to country areas, and people." not to the whole of the hospital services. In his research he has est'mated these people as totalling 80,000. He says- I searched through the Budget in vain for "Many cannot fill out a form to apply some very important items. I come now to for help that they are entitled to. M~ny my more or less hardy annual. I am waiting are so sunk in apathy, indifference and for the day when the Government will act deprcs<:ion that they cannot care, and to prevent the continuing rapid increase in prices. This will be an action that will do ?thers are too frightened, .and ,~oo proud something for everybody, but the Govern­ m some ca~es, to ask for nelp. ment is making no attempt to prevent price These are the people who comprise the increases, p;,rticularly fo;- foodstuffs, clothin:> 80,000 I am referring to, and they exist in and building materials. our midst. Honourable members opposite can s_•y what they like, but that is the The Government is allowing to continue pocition. the present gap between the affluent, who have financial means far beyond their One of my constituents-a young invalid requirements, and the low-income earner, p~nsioner-came to me recently and told and the gap is continually growing wider. me that he had never been able to visit Under the present administration it will the coast. He had never even seen Sandgate continue to grow until the Government finally -with all due respect to my colleague from wakes up and decides to do something more that area-and he was a lad of about 19 than sit idly by. years of age. He has Jived in my electorate for the whole of his life. That is the sort Mr. Sul!iv:m: What are you suggesting? of poverty I am speaking about, and it exists right under our noses. All that Mr. MARGINSON: This State is still Government members are concerned about a profiteer's paradise. I will give the Mini­ is gathering in a few Comalco shares, invest­ ster one example. Let the Government do ing in a few companies, or, as the Premier something about controlling the prices of is trying to do with his Exoil company, basic commodities. This State, I repeat, stealing some of the mining rights in respect is nothing but a profiteer's paradise, where of the new super power-house. the greedy and unscrupulous are allowed to carry on their snide activities while the Mr. Lane: Tell us about Wolston Park. Supply (24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1299

.Mr. MARGINSON: I shall tell the hon­ Today we are debating the Financial ourable member something about the redis­ Statement. Standing Orders provide that tribution. I have no doubt that at some each honourable member is allotted one time in the future historians will write of hour to speak. However, not every honour­ the happenings in this State over the decade able member who wishes to speak will be from 1960 to 1970. I envisage that given the opportunity of doing so. Although prominent amongst their writings will be members on both sides of the Chamber have an account of the deceptive methods used agreed today to reduce to 40 minutes the by this Government to keep itself in power time of each speech so that more speakers against the will of the people of Queens­ may take part in the debate, some honour­ land. This Government does not have the able members will still be unable to do so. confidence of the electors of this State. One of the most serious aspects of pro­ Historians will write not only of the cedure in this Assembly concerns the number arrogance and inefficiency of this Govern­ of times that Ministers-and I include them ment but also of the way in which it pro­ all-make lengthy propaganda statements at tected the vested interests and various over­ question time in reply to ordinary questions seas manipulators. They will write of the seeking information. The Premier looks con­ total disregard shown by this Government tinually for Communists, who are supposed for the people of Queensland. This attitude to be everywhere. I ask that action be taken on the part of the Government is gaining >to ensure that every member has an oppor­ momentum at an ever-increasing rate, with tunity, if he cares to take it, of participating the result that the ordinary citizen is becom­ in both of these major debates. If certain ing frightened of it. Many people are asking honourable members are not in a position whether or not this State is heading towards to speak, we could then deal with legisla­ a dictatorship and wondering how close we tion. The trouble is that we have four are getting to losing our democratic rights. extra members this session, and extra time If they came into this Chamber, they would has not been allocated to the debates. see how close we are to losing them. Every Wednesday morning matters of As we look back on the redistribution as public interest are raised. But how often well as the amendments made to the City do four Government members speak in the of Brisbane Act, we can well imagine the debate? How often do we find that only reason for those questions. A substantial two Opposition members have an opportunity majority of the citizens of Brisbane were to speak? Honourable members should opposed to the Government's amendments check "Hansard" to see how often that to the Act. There is no doubt in the minds occurs, and how often two members of the of many people that they were subjected to Assembly speak on alternate Wednesdays in a rigged distribution of electoral boundaries. that debate. Since I entered Parliament, 19 As an illustration, I point out that I have members have been either suspended or asked to travel 1t miles through the electorate of to leave the Chamber. Archerfie!d to reach portion of my elec­ Government torate. Mr. Davis: How many members were involved? Another matter to which I wish to refer is the large number of people who were Mr. MARGINSON: One Government left off the electoral rolls. Certain persons member was asked to leave the Chamber who had resided in the electorate of Wolston fairly late in the night. He was out for for as long as 20 years were not on the about half an hour. roll. I even had the spectacle of a man I emphasise that 18 Opposition members and wife living in the same house in my have been involved. I find it hard to believe former electorate of Ipswich East, one of that Opposition members do not conduct whom was enrolled in Wolston and the themselves as well as Government members. other in Ipswich West. It is quite obvious that some members of I now turn to the need for a change in the Government, particularly one or two some of the procedures of this Parliament. Ministers-and I name the Treasurer as one After a recess of approximately eight of the worst offenders-- months, Parliament commenced this session Mr. Hughes: Are you making an attack with the Address-in-Reply debate, in which, on the Chair? under our Standing Orders, each member who desires to participate is entitled to speak Mr. MARGINSON: The honourable mem­ for 40 minutes. However, insufficient time ber mus.t admit that the Treasurer is one of was allotted to that debate to allow every the worst offenders, but he is not repri­ honourable member to take part in it. A manded. It seems that the rules are not total of nine members of the Opposition did applied impartially. I prefaced my remarks not have the opportunity of speaking to the by saying that, on the election of Mr. Address in Reply. Unfortunately for me, Speaker, we accepted the lesser of two evils. I was one of those nine. Why is it that It may be that I will pay the penalty myself Parliament cannot meet earlier and so shortly. arrange its sittings that, if desired, every I have a few remarks to make about power honourable member can speak for his stations and coal supplies in Queensland. I allotted time in that debate? hope that a member of Cabinet or the 1300 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972] (Fina11cial Statement)

Premier will tell me why, when the Glad­ "He said Queensland's Government stone Power Station was agreed to by the geologists estimated that 85 per cent of Government, no ques,tion was raised about the State's coal reserves can only be won the price of coal. From the reply to my by underground mining. question today, it will be seen that there " 'What is undoubtedly good business was no question about the price of coal for multi-national consortiums, who have to be consumed at this power-house. I do acquired mining leases on give away terms, not object to a power-house being established, is not necessarily good from a State and and I do not question its establishment at national viewpoint,' said Mr. Phillips. Gladstone, but I do object to the strange " 'The Bowen Basin's extensive cool methods adopted by the Government and reserves contain a number of seams. and .the interests that must have influenced the some of these rank with the world's best decision. No price has been settled for the supply of coal to the Gladstone Power steel making coking coals. Station. The Minister admitted this today " 'Coal is irreplaceable and there is a in reply to a question I asked. He said that world shortage of this type of coal. It it was not expec.ted to have coal used by the should be treasured, and carefully and Gladstone Power Station until about 1975 thoroughly husbanded,' said Mr. Phillips. and that the Government was still negotiating " 'Most coal measures outcrop near to with Utah Development Company. He said, the surface along the perimeter of the "We will have a power-house there and we particular basin. will know the price of coal later." " 'The quantities of coal in these areas Let us look at the propos.ition before us are minor in comparison to that contained today. A new power-house is to be built in the remainder. They can be easily and somewhere in Queensland, and tenders have quickly exhausted,' he said." been called for the supply of coal to it. That reference is to the outcrop coals that The Minister for Local Government and are being mined today by overseas interests. Electricity, in reply to a question I asked The report continues- yesterday, said, "We will decide where this " 'Such is the present trend in Queens­ power-house will be located after we know land that foreign consortiums who hold the best price for coal." Why has there leases are concentrating almost entirely on been such a complete reversal of form in prospecting outcrop coal,' he said. this regard? "This will prevent the eEtablishment of I wondered why the Minister for Mines long term underground mining in the area, went to great kngths a few days ago to jeopardise the immediate future of those give u~ ~u : uur-long address on the advan­ now in operation and in process of develop­ tages to Queensland of the export eo~! ment and force the settin~Z aside of any trade. Because of a few recent statements, plans for underground minTng in the near Jet me put forward my ideas on this expor~ future. It must also affect established trade and how it will affc:cc Australia as mines throughout Eastern Australia. well as Queensland. Australia is the only "As each outcrop area becomes developed country whose Governments show exhausted, such towns as Moura, Black­ no deep concern for the way in which their water, Moranbah and the proposed new natural wealth is being exploited. The town of Saraji could become depressed Federal Governnwnt is allowing our irreplac- areas very early in their lives." 2ble natural 1Nealth to be plundered without Making any attempt to plan, direct and That is the position as Mr. Phillips sees it control the extraction of o-ur coal. Multi­ unless there is underground mining, and out­ national consortiums are not only allowed crop coal-mining is stopped. I ask the to plunder our resources in an unrestricted Government to watch this position very and wasteful way but are also encouraged carefully. to do so by our Governments, on the pretext Here is a good one! As a guarantee for that there is some money in it. It has been the final restoration of open-cut mining areas, envisaged-prophesied if you wish-by some the companies have to lodge a bond to the eminent coal-mining authorities that the day extent of $50 an acre. will come when we will regret the step that is being taken in the eastern States of Mr. Sherrington: It would not pay for the Australia today. fertiliser and seed. I have here an article which appeared in Mr. MARGINSON: That is quite correct. "The Queensland Times" on 3 June 1972. In New South Wales the bond is $500 an It was written by Mr. E. Phillips, who is acre. Is it not likely that these companies general president of the Australian Coal and would rather forfeit their bonds of $50 an Shale Employees' (Miners') Federation, and acre than go to the trouble of filling the areas should know something about this subject. in as they are required to do? The article reads- I conclude by saying that I should like to "Mr. Phillips said that to allow and see in my electorate a fly-over at the junction encourage the ,exploitation of easily of Jindalee Road and the Cunningham accessible, cheap, outcrop coal at the Highway. It is most important that some­ expense of underground mining was a thing be done to improve this very bad public wrong. junction. I believe that some years ago a Supply (24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1301

fly-over was planned at this spot to allow It is interesting to note that loans will also Jindalee traffic to enter and leave the Cun­ be available to assist farmers to buy addi­ ningham Highway with safety. That plan tional parcels of land, not necessarily whole has obviously not come to fruition. After farms. This is of great importance to those what I have been saying about mining, I engaged in the dairying industry who wish to now make an appeal to the Minister for buy an extra paddock for young farmers, Main Roads to establish a fly-over at this and also to farmers who wish to breed their position on the Cunningham Highway within own replacement stock. There is an oppor­ a very short time. tunity today to breed replacement stock because of the work carried out by the If the Minister for Health thinks that as a result of the introduction of the Clean Air Artificial Insemination Centre. Act in 1963, which was to be in force in The Government will also share with the 1972, air pollution is now non-existent in Commonwealth in a T.B. and brucellosis this State, I ask him to take a trip one day eradication scheme at a cost of almost with me to Darra and Oxley. I shall be $1,500,000. This scheme has already com­ happy to go along with him. As a matter of menced in my area, and I consider that it is fact, I would be prepared to drive him there of the utmost importance if we are to main­ to let him see the extent of pollution in these tain the beef exports that contribute so areas. I hope that something can be done largely to the economy of the State. about the grave matter of air pollution at I pay a tribute to the work of the Artificial Darra and Oxley. Insemination Centre at Wacol and the various I thank you for your indulgence, Mr. Low, breeding groups scattered throughout the and I hope that my address will be of some State. Artificial insemination has come a assistance to the Chamber. long way in a few years and has contributed to the build-up of a large number of the Mr. GUNN (Somerset) (9.24 p.m.): I State's herds, in both darying and beef should like to make a few observations on production. matters that I consider to be of importance I wish to refer briefly to the dairying to my area. I think that one of the main industry and the trouble that is evident in areas in which members have a common the areas associated with butter production. interest is education, and it is pleasing to I was present at a meeting of dairymen at se~ t_hat. once again it has been given top Ipswich recently when about 300 farmers pn~:mty m the allocation of State funds. It protested about the price of butter. IS mteresting to note that whereas in 1957-58 Mr. Davis: I thought that was a bit rough. the appropriation for education represented 24.2 per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Mr. GUNN: It was a bit rough, too. It was ~esources of the State Government, this year interesting to note that quite a large number It represents 3 3 per cent of those resources. of those who spoke at the meeting were not butter producers-that is why it was rough­ . Pre-school ':ducation is another bold step but in fact had large milk quotas and were m the educatmn system of this State and pressing to have them enlarged. Also present it is gratifying that the Minister expe~ts to at the meeting were a number of political ~ave the_ majority of pre-school centres estab­ opportunists who had not come to assist the lished w1thm three years. It is also interesting industry in any way but who took the oppor­ to hear that $1,000,000 has been set aside in tunity to gain political capital for the party the ~oan Fund for acquisition of sites, con­ of their choice. A vote of no confidence versmn and construction of centres and moved by one of the farmers present attracted other capital outlays in this financial year. a vote from people who were no longer _Although I applaud the new approach in engaged in the industry, or in fact in any thts field of education, I hope that the form of primary industry. As a matter of Goverl?-me~t continues to extend secondary fact, in a couple of cases that I managed to educat~on mto country areas. There are still observe, people who I know are receiving a areas m which children do not have access pension voted on the motion. to senior classes because they live on the Mr. Hanson: Are you happy with the outskirts of a shire and cannot get to high equalisation price? schools. That happens in my shire, and it has caused me a great deal of concern. In Mr. GUNN: I am not happy with the most of these cases the parents cannot afford dairying industry at all. to send their children to boarding school. Mr. Hanson: I mean with the price under the equalisation scheme. I wish to refer now to the assistance to primary industries as outlined by the Mr. GUNN: No. Victoria would be happy Treasurer. The scheme of special assistance with it, but we are not. to t~e dairying industry, which has been Mr. Hanson: Do you think you should get descnbed as a two-part scheme and is 40c? expected to cost $5,500,000 over a period of three years, should assist dairy farmers Mr. GUNN: Yes, I would agree with that. involved in the Marginal Dairy Farms Recon­ I should say that meetings such as the one struction Scheme, as well as those who wish to which I have referred do not help the to convert to bulk-milk handling. industry. I might add that I have been 1302 Supply [24 OCTOBER 1972} (Financial Statement) engaged in and had practical experience in days. In all, the action of the Treasurer the dairying industry for many years. is designed to centralise racing, and the I wish to refer now to the proposed equine present policy will do this. This policy research foundation, for which $100,000 is will eventually kill racing in the country. provided over three years, for research into How can Beaudesert exist on three race days diseases in horses and improvement of blood­ a year? How can Esk exist on three days? stock lines. This work will be carried out I predict that those clubs will eventually within the University of Queensland, and I have to fold up. believe it is something that is long overdue Kilcoy will end up with a couple of in the industry. vVe are very fortunate in this picnic meetings a year. Why could not country that we do not have insidious Kilcoy and Laidley have been given three diseases in horses similar to those that occur Wednesdays, the same as the others, and in the United States of America and the a couple of picnic days? Kilcoy is in an United Kingdom. However, much can be area that would not depend on Brisbane done to improve the blood lines in both race­ horses. This area, which produces some horses and trotters, and I hope that these of the best horses in Queensland-and I grants will continue. have in mind horses like Mister Hush­ I draw the attention of the Committee to offers one of the prettiest courses in the State, the recent allocation of racing dates and to one that is well away from other tracks. statements made by the Minister in charge of If the Minister wanted a true amalgama­ racing, Sir Gordon Chalk, that tend to mis­ tion of the Laidley and Gatton clubs, he lead the public. I refer to the Treasurer's would have allocated a similar number of ultimatum to the Laidley Racing Club to meetings to each town. He has surprised amalgamate with the Gatton club or lose iis me greatly by his stand, and I feel certain licence. I also refer to a statement in the that his action has puzzled hundreds of Press by one of the sporting writers in which people in country areas. Although he is he stated that both the Gatton and the the leader of the Liberal Party in this Laidley clubs are in the Treasurer's own Chamber, he has a thorough knowledge of electorate, the electorate of Lockyer. That is rural areas. I repeat that I am greatly not so. The Laidley Shire was in the surprised at his action because the area Treasurer's electorate prior to the redistribu­ affected, which is now in my electorate, tion. Had it remained in the Treasurer's has done a lot for him. I cannot understand electorate, I believe that the club would have his stand on this matter, and I am very been allocated a number of dates, and would suspicious about it. have been allowed to function, but on I should now like to refer to irrigation redistribution the Laidley Shire became part projects envisaged for the year. It is expected of the Somerset electorate which I now have that expenditure on these projects will reach the pleasure of representing. a record $24,500,000 during 1972-73. The Let us look at this ultimatum from the Wivenhoe Dam on the Brisbane River will Treasurer in which he states that the club provide the next water supply for Brisbane, is to be known as the Lockyer Racing Club, and will also have a secondary but important and that all meetings must be held in flood-prevention function for Brisbane. Gatton, which is in his own electorate. In Mr. Sherrington: It will also destroy some other words, he intends not amalgamation good farmland. but annihilation of the Laidley club and a build-up of the club in his own electorate. Mr. GUNN: I will come to that later. Mr. Sherrington: If Laidley had been in Although construction of the dam will not his electorate, races would have been held commence until the late 1970's, $2,500,000 in Laidley. has been set aside for land acquisition in 1972-73, thereby enabling those people who Mr. GUNN: I would agree. desire to sell now to do so. Of course, There is nothing to amalgamate. The the Government will have to limit those Laidley Shire Council holds all the area to special cases. in trust, and all improvements on the course It has been my pleasure to introduce are fixtures and cannot be moved. The representatives of those farmers to the Laidley Racing Club has been in operation Co-ordinator-General and officers represent­ for many years. It has built a grandstand ing the various departments involved in the and toilet block and made various ground construction of the dam. I am satisfied improvements amounting to some $30,000. with the progress made thus far, and I Not only does the club provide entertain­ assure the people of my electorate that ment for the people of the district but it I will do my utmost to satisfy those affected has allowed pensioners to enter the course as I am aware of their great loss. They free of charge. The local C.W.A. has, will lose some of the best land in the State, for years, done the catering at the race­ as my friend opposite said by way of course, which has enabled that organisation interjection. He evidently knows the country. to maintain a hostel in the town for young Mr. Frawley: He read about it. students and female teachers who are forced to board away from home. The club has Mr. GUNN: If he has not been there, he also assisted the local parents and citizens' should have a look at it. I feel that, in the association, which sells vegetables on race past, there has been much dissatisfaction with Supply (24 OCTOBER 1972] (Financial Statement) 1303

these resumptions and I hope that we will I should like to support previous speakers, not have a repetition of this. particularly you, Mr. Low, in the tribute you have paid to the staff in this building. I Mr. Frawley: Would you agree that the have received the utmost courtesy from all Government has treated the people of that staff members and I agree that the typists area much better than the Brisbane City allocated to honourable members have far Council has treated the people of the Pine too much to do. I am fortunate in having Rivers Shire? staff made available to me at the council chambers in my own town. Otherwise, I do Mr. GUNN: I wholeheartedly agree that not know what I would do. I represent an the people of Pine Rivers Shire and Somerset area of some 4,000 square miles, and it Dam area have been very badly treated. I entails-- received a telephone call from some people in the Somerset Dam area recently and they Mr. Davis: Are you the chairman of the told me that the Lord Mayor has once again shire? put up rents in the area. Mr. GUNN: Yes. I appreciate the ser­ It is pleasing to see an allocation of vices of the staff here. As I said, I do not $13,000,000 for capital works for hospital know what I would do if I did not have the and health services, and I should like to services of a girl to assist me in my shire. extend to the Minister for Health my thanks Mr. Sherrington: I have learnt that some for the courtesy he has extended to me when­ of the girls here are working through their ever I have approached him with any prob­ lunch-hour and are not being paid for it. lems relating to hospitals within my area. Mr. GUNN: I do not know anything about Medical services are a must in country that. The girl who works for me here is areas and I am pleased to say that the hos­ required to type for eight honourable mem­ pital services in my electorate are extremely bers, so I try ,to save her as much work efficient. I hope the staff becomes available as I can by having a lot of mine done at and that the Minister will continue to expand Laidley. As well, I use my own typewriter the dental service in country areas. There for some correspondence. is a need for this in those areas that are not Mr. Sherrington: No member should be serviced by a private dentist. A special need required to do that. exists in areas containing a large number of low-income earners. I represent these people Mr. GUNN: That is so. and many of them vote for me. I believe Mr. Davis: You are lucky. that the Minister is very conscious of the need for dental services within my electorate Mr. GUNN: The honourable member and other electorates throughout the State. should not talk about being lucky. I could I know that staffing is a big problem. run around his electorate any morning just for exercise. If he comes out to my electorate Provision has recently been made for a I will wear some of that condition off him dental clinic in my town. It will fill a long­ -and since I have been in Parliament I have felt want. Although we have a population noticed how much weight he has put on. in Laidley of some 1,550, we do not have a Last week-end I travelled 100 miles to dentist. This is unfortunate because dental Nanango to attend a dance, I travelled next health is extremely important, particularly day to Gatton for another function and in children. The Ipswich Hospitals Board is the following day I attended a third function, doing its utmost to procure a dentist and I at Somerset Dam. This gives honourable believe that the building will be commenced members some idea of the work entailed in in the very near future. When completed, looking after a 4,000-square-mile electorate. it will be a great acquisition to the people Metropolitan members measure their elec­ in my shire. torates in acres. They would be about as The Department of Main Roads will be big as some cow paddocks in the electorate spending some $56,500,000 in permanent of Somerset. works and almost $500,000 on special access I am pleased to see that the strength of roads. This expenditure, combined with the the Police Force is to be increased by 200. $5,000,000 granted to local authorities At this stage I should like to pay a tribute through the Commonwealth Aid, Local Auth­ to the police officers who are stationed in ority Roads, Fund, will be of the utmost my electorate. Somerset contains approxi­ importance to country areas. The shires mately 30 very small towns, and on each have done very important works with occasion that I visit them I make a point of advances from this fund. I would say that calling on the local police officer. I feel anyone in this Chamber who has had any­ that this small countesy is greatly appreciated. thing to do with shire councils will know the I have been successful in having some small importance of Commonwealth Aid, Local jobs carried out at ce1tain of the police Authority Road, Fund money and what it stations, and I extend special thanks to the means to an area. Minister for Works and Housing for having had this work done. There are only 260 square miles in my I realise that throughout the State there own small shire, but we receive in the vicin­ is a call for additional police officers. I ity of $25,000 to assist us with rural roads. am also aware that the Government is 1304 Supply [25 OCTOBER 1972] Questions Upon Notice making an attempt to appoint the additional men who are required. I pay a tribute, too, to those public servants who move into country areas and participate in community activities. These men and women do a marvellous job and, in return, receive a good deal of enjoyment from participating in community life. In the near future it will be my pleasure to attend a farewell function to a police officer who has served in the one town for more than 10 years. Over that period he has done a great deal of work for the young people in the town and has performed his duties to 'the satisfaction of all. Finally, I express my general satisfaction with the Budget. It will enable the State to continue to progress in the way we would all like to see it go forward. However, I repeat my opposi,tion to the centralisation of anything, including racing clubs. I fear that if we do not decentralise, we will see the extinction of many small towns. I am also opposed to the transfer of country hotel licences to the metropolitan area. I hope that the Liquor Act will soon be amended to prevent such transfers. The small hotels mean a lot to people in country areas. When a Bill to amend the Liquor Act is brought down, I hope honourable members will support it. I thank honourable members for their attention. While my contribution has not been as lengthy as that of many other honourable members, I appreciate being given an opportunity to place before Parlia­ ment matters that I believe to be important. I am certain that my stay in this Assembly will be pleasant, because I have made friends from both sides of the Chamber. Mr. Frawley: As a shire-council chairman, what do you think of this Government's treatment of local authorities? Mr. GUNN: I believe that the Govern­ ment has t!'eated shire councils very well. I pay tribute to the new Minister for Local Government on the way he has devoted himself to his portfolio. He has done an excellent job. I believe I can claim a record in that there are seven shires in the electorate of Somerset. I have approached the Minister and he has agreed to visit each of the shires on days when the various councils hold their meetings. It will be a good exercise in public relations. Mr. Tucker: Are the Laidley and Gatton Shires in your electorate? Mr. GUNN: The Gatton Shire is not. Following the recent redistribution, the Laidley and Crow's Nest Shires are now in the electorate of Somei'Set. I point out to the honourable member just in case he may become Leader of the Opposition and consider opposing me at a future elec­ tion, that they are very strong Country Party areas. Progl'ess reported. The House adjourned at 9.49 p.m.