Queensland
Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]
Legislative Assembly
TUESDAY, 2 OCTOBER 1979
Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy
Papers [2 OCTOBER 1979] Ministerial Statements 619
TUESDAY, 2 OCTOBER 1979 Elections Act 1915-1976. Group Titles Act 1973. Invasion of Privacy Act 1971-1976. Justices of the Peace Act 1975. Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. S. J. Muller, Fassi fern) read prayers and took the chair at Liquor Act 1912-1979. 11 a.m. Money Lenders Act 1916-1973. Printers and Newspapers Act 1953-1972. UPPER BURDEKIN CO-OPERATIVE Property Law Act 1974--1978. ASSOCIATION LIMITED VALIDATION Registration of Births, Deaths and Mar- BILL riages Act 1962-1978. Securities Industry Act 1975-1978. Assent reported by Mr. Speaker. Queensland Marine Act 1958-1975. Surveyors Act 1977-1978. PAPERS The following papers were laid on the By-law under the Education Act 1964-- table, and ordered to be printed- 1974. Reports- Twenty-ninth Annual Report of the Bur Golden Casket Art Union Office for dekin River Authority for 1978-1979. 1978-79. ' Eighteenth Report of the Totalisator Land Administration Commission, Administration Board of Queensland including the Report of the Brisbane for 1979. Forest Park Advisory Planning Board, for 1978-79. Report of the Public Defender for 1978- Director of Sport, for 1978-79. 1979. The following papers were laid on the table- MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Orders in Council under- State Development and Public Works DELEGATION OF AUTHORJTY; MINISTER FOR Organization Act 1971-1979 and the LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND MAIN ROADS Local Bodies' Loans Guarantee Act Hon. .J. B.JELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah 1923-1979. -Premier) (11.4 a.m.): I desire to inform Electricity Act 1976-1979. the House that His Excellency the Governor, Irrigation Act 1922-1979. by virtue of the provisions of the Officials River Improvement Trust Act 1940--- in Parliament Act 1896-1975 and all other 1977. powers thereunto him enabling, has:- Water Act 1926-1979. (1) Rescinded, on and from 21 Septem Grammar Schools Act 1975 and ber 1979, the authority and power confer the Local Bodies' Loans Guarantee red upon the Honourable Ronald Ernest Act 1923-1979. Camm, M.L.A., Minister for Mines, Energy District Courts Act 1967-1978. and Police, by virtue of the above recited Act, to perform and exercise on and from Judges' Salaries and Pensions Act 1967- 13 September 1979, and until the return 1973. of the Honourable Russell James Hinze, Justices Act 1886-1979. M.L.A., all or any of the duties, powers Magistrates Courts Act 1921-1976. and authorities imposed or conferred upon Real Property Act 1861-1979. the Minister for Local Government and The Supreme Court Act of 1921. Main Roads by any Act, rule, practice or Harbours Act 1955-1979. ordinance. Regulations under- (2) Authorised and empowered the Hon Racing and Betting Act 1954-1978. ourable Kenneth Burgoyne Tomkins, M.L.A., Minister for Transport, to per Mining Act 1968-1979. form and exercise on and from 21 Septem Irrigation Act 1922-1979. ber 1979, and until the return of the Land Act 1962-1978. Honourable Russell James Hinze, M.L.A., Art Unions and Amusements Act 1976. all or any of the duties, powers and author Auctioneers and Agents Act 1971-1978. ities imposed or conferred upon the Minis ter for Local Government and Main Roads Bills of Sale and Other Instruments Act by any Act, rule, practice or ordinance. 1955-1971. Building Units Titles Act 1965-1972. I lay upon the table of the House a copy Collections Act 1966-1977. of the Queensland Government Gazette of Co-operative and Other Societies Act 22 September 1979, notifying this arrange 1967-1978. ment. Co-operative Housing Societies Act Whereupon the honourable gentleman laid 1958-1974. the Queensland Government Gazette on the Coroners Act 1958-1977. table. 620 Ministerial Statements [2 OcTOBER 1979] Medical Act and Other, &c., Bill
LIQUOR AcT AMENDMENT AND LIQUOR FIREARMS AND OFFENSIVE WEAPONS LICENSE FEES ADJUSTMENT ACT BILL
Hon. W. D. LICKISS (Mt. Coot-tha lNITIATIO~ Minister for Justice and Attorney-General) Hon. R. E. CAMM (\Yhitsunday-Minis (11.10 a.m.): This morning I laid on the ter for Mines, Energy and Police): I move- table of the House, amongst other papers, regulations under the Liquor Act 1912- "That the House will, at its present sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of 1979. I now wish to make a statement in the Whole to consider introducing a Bill relation to those regulations. to regulate the purchase, possession, use, carrying and sale of firearms, to prohibit In the ,Jast session of Parliament I the possession of certain offensive weapons introduced the Liquor Act Amendment and and articles and for matters incidental to Liquor License Fees Adjustment Bill. This the use thereof." Bill passed all stages and was assented to on 26 June 1979. A proclamation was made Motion agreed to. on 28 June 1979 fixing 30 June 1979 as the day on which the provisions of Part I and Part II of the Act shall commence. SAWMILLS LICENSING ACT AMENDMENT BILL Representations have been made that the amendments relating to booth licences may INITIATION cause some hardship to some organisations. Honourable members will recall that the Hon. N. T. E. HEWITT (Auburn-Minis- reason for these amendments was to elimin ter for Lands, Forestry and Water ate a practice becoming more frequent Resources): I move- whereby some organisations were applying "That the House will, at its present for booth licences with a view to purchasing sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of liquor from merchants or brewers at a the Whole to consider introducing a Bill cheaper rate. It was brought to my attention to amend the Sawmills Licensing Act that some holders of booth licences are 1936-1976 in certain particulars." purchasing considerably more liquor than is required for the function or show for which Motion agreed to. the booth licence was granted. The surplus is then sold to members of the organisation concerned. HEALTH ACT AMENDMENT BILL It is proposed to review these amend INITIATION ments to ensure that hardship is not suffered by any organisation as a result of these Hon. Sir WILLIAM KNOX (Nundah particular amendments. It is therefore pro Minister for Health): I move- posed to bring Part Ill of the Liquor Act "That the House will, at its present Amendment and Liquor License Fees sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of Adjustment Act 1979, other than those the Whole to consider introducing a Bill provisions which relate to booth licences to amend the Health Act 1937-1978 in into operation on 1 November 1979. If th~ certain part NURSING ACT AMENDMENT BILL Act. If any situat·ion is brought to the notice of my department which is not in INITIATION accordance with the Act, investigations are Hon. Sir WILLIAM KNOX (Nundah carried out and action taken. Minister for Health): I move- I wish to advise the honourable member "That the House will, at its present that the matter of the sale of X-ray equip sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider introducing a Bill ment at a shop at Underwood was brought to amend the Nursing Act 1976 in certain to the notice of my department early in particulars." September-! think by the honourable member-when inspectors appointed under Motion agreed to. the Radioact,ive Substances Act took pos session of the equipment. SPEECH THERAPISTS BILL In respect of the other instance referred INITIATION to, further inquiries will be made. Hon. Sir WILLIAM KNOX (Nundah Minister for Health): I move- "That the House wilL at its present 2. GOVERNMENT REVERSAL OF LOCAL sitting, resolve itself into a Committee AUTHORITY REZONING DECISIONS of the Whole to consider introducing a Mr. Akers, pursuant to notice, asked the Bill to provide for the constitution of a Minister for Local Government and Main Speech Therapists Board, the establish Roads- ment of a register of speech therapists and the regulation of the practice of speech (1) How many applications for rezoning therapy." land have been decided upon by the Motion agreed to. Governor in Council in each of the last three financial years and in this ·financial year to date? OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS BILL (2) What is the name of the applicant, INITIATION local authority, postal address and date of Hon. Sir WILLIAM I\.NOX (Nundah decision relevant to each application that Minister for Health): I move- has been decided on in a different manner "Tbat the House will, at its present from that recommended by the local auth· sitting, resolve itself into a committee of ority? the Whole to consider introducing a Bill to provide for the constitution of an (3) In each case, what was the reason Occupational Therapists Board, the estab for not agreeing with the local authority's lishment of a register of occupational recommendation? therapists and the regulation of the prac tice of occupational therapy." Answers:- Motion agreed to. (1) For the financial years ended 30 June 1977, 30 June 1978 and 30 June 1979, QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE 342, 406 and 489 rezoning applications, respect,ively, have been decided by the 1. AVAILABILITY OF X-RAY JV[ACHINES TO Governor in Council. From 1 July 1979 PUBLIC to 28 September 1979, 135 such applica Mr. Akers, pursuant to notice, asked the tions have been decided by the Governor Minister for Health- in Council. (1) Is he aware that X-ray machines (2) I table the statement setting out the are available to unqualified persons. For information sought by the honourable example, one person is reported to have member. bought such a machine at a flea market for $25 and a second-hand shop in Kings (3) The function of deciding applications ton Road, Underwood, recently had a for amendment of local authority town dental X-ray unit on sale? planning schemes is vested in the Governor (2) Is .the ownership of such machines in Council by the provisions of the Local by the general public advisable or legal? Government Act. (3) Will he warn the public of the As the honourable member wi11 appreci danger of such machines in unqualified ate, deliberations of the Governor in hands? Council are not matters that should be revealed. However, the honourable mem Answer:- ber may be assured that each application, (1 to 3) Persons possessbg, using or sel each objection thereto, and the council's ling X-ray equipment require a licence representations !hereon are fully considered and registration of equipment as is pro by the Governor in Council before he vided for in the Radioactive Substances makes a deoision on the application. 622 Questions Upon Notice [2 OCTOBER 1979] Questions Upon Notice 3. lNALA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE Answer:- Dr. Scott-Young, pursuant to notice, asked (a) Total cost of construction of Com the Minister for Health- munity Health Centre Buildings $1,932,748.17 Will he inform the House of (a) the Furniture $82,124.03 total cost of construction of the Inala Community Health Centre, (b) the running (b) Cost of running centre- costs of the centre for the six months 1 July 1978 to 31 December 1978 $321,392.85 (i) from 1 July 1978 to 31 December January 1979 to 30 1978 and (ii) from 1 January 1979 to 30 June 1979 $411,683.45 June 1979, and (c) the total patient con (c) (i) Total patient contact in primary tacts in these periods in (i) primary health care- health care and (ii) patients attending for 1 July 1978 to 31 (aa) physiotherapy, (bb) psychologist December 1978 17,966 therapy, (cc) occupational therapy and January 1979 to 30 (dd) speech therapy? June 1979 20,317 (ii) Total patient contact for __period 1 July 1978 to 31 December 1978- Physiotherapist Psychologist Occupational Therapist Speech Therapist No. of new No. of No. of new No. of No. of new No. of No. of new No. of Referrals Contacts Referrals Contacts Referrals Contacts Referrals Contacts 115 893 18 308 53 757 47 550 Total patient contact for period 1 January 1979 to 30 June 1979- Physiotherapist Psychologist Occupational Therapist Speech Therapist No. of new No. of No. of new No. of No. of new No. of No. of new No. of Referrals Contacts Referrals Contacts Referrals Contacts Referrals Contacts 93 736 21 556 41 683 61 533 4. Ross RIVER DAM PROJECT it is a matter for the council, not the Government, to determine the timing of Dr. Scott-Young, pursuant to notice, asked the project. the Premier- As at 30 June 1979, the Townsville City Cl) Is there any foundation for the Council has expended approximately remarks made by the Prime Minister $7,500,000 on second stage works, which in Townsville recently that Stage II of have been estimated to cost $17,400,000. the Ross River Dam project has been rele I am informed that loan-subsidy funds of gated to a low priority? $3,000,000, allocated by the State Govern ment, are available for expenditure in 1979- (2) If not, what priority is given by 80 within the council's capital works pro his Government to the very urgently gramme. Further funds will be available needed project and what is the expected from the Main Roads Department to meet starting date? its share of the cost of relocating the Flinders Highway at Toonpan. (3) If he is unable to set a priority, will he inform the House of the circumstances 5. ADlVl!NISTRATION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION that are holding back the further devel Dr. Scott-Young, pursuant to notice, asked opment of the dam? the Minister for Education- Cl) When, and at whose direction, did Answers:- regional guidance officers become res ponsible for planning, equipment and (!) A total of 60 proposals were con staffing of special education? sidered for submission to the Common wealth for assistance under the National (2) What training and qualifications Water Resources Program. Of this number, have these officers to fit them to take over this important aspect of special 16 were finally submitted and Ross R ive1 education? Dam Stage II is rated priority 15. (3) Is he aware of the unrest in the (2 & 3) The construction of the second teaching profession that has been caused stage of Ross River Dam is being under by this extraordinary change in administra taken by the Townsville City Council and tion of special education? Questions Upon Notice [2 OCTOBER 1979] Questions Upon Notice 623 Answers:- 7. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVOLVING JOHNSON SHIRLEY (1) Regional directors are responsible for planning, equipment and staffing in their l\'Ir. R . .J. Gibbs, pursuant to notice, asked regions. Staffing in special education was the Minister for Mines, Energy and Police- fully regionalised in January 1979. Other With reference to a fatal traffic accident matters, such as planning, transport outside the Princess Alexandra Hospital on arrangements and equipment, have been or about 7 September, when a vehicle regionalis;cd since then. This is in line driven by Mr. Johnson Shirley of 104 with departmental policy on regionalisa Blackwood Road, Salisbury, caused the tion. death of Barry John Neilson, aged nine (2) The regional guidance officer is the years- senior special education officer in the Cl) Was Johnson Shirley convicted of region. He and his staff are fully qualified drink-driving and, if so, what was his blood to handle all regional aspects of special alcohol level? education. For many years, regional guid (2) What sentence did Mr. Shirley ance officers have been responsible for receive? support services which form a large com ponent of special education staffing, so that (3) Is it proposed to lay further charges the inclusion of special school and special against Mr. Shirley and, if not, what is education unit personnel was a logical the reason? extension of po:icy. (4) Will he request his department to conduct an inquiry to establish if Mr. (3) Any unrest in the teaching pro Shirley is a fugitive from New Zealand, fession, as a result of regionalisation in where warrants are alleged to have been special education, has not been brought issued for his arrest? to my attention or to the attention of my senior officers. Answers:- (! & 2) Johnson Noel Shirley pleaded guilty in the Magistrates Court, Brisbane, 6. DRUG-TR.\rTICKING CONVICTION AND on 10 September 1979 to a charge of being SENTENCE OF KEITH MEREDITH in charge of a motor vehicle and having a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.13 per Mr. R . .J. Gibbs, pursuant to notice, asked cent. He was convicted and fined $200, in the Minister for Justice and Attorney default four weeks. General- (3) Investigations are continuing and Further to my question of 5 September, should evidence be obtained to support the has any action been taken by the Crown preferment of any further charge or Law Office to investigate the inadequate charges, appropriate action will be taken. sentence given to Keith Meredith of Davidson Street, East Ipswich, for selling (4) Yes. heroin and, if so, what action has been taken? 8. HOUSING COMMISSION FAMILY AND PENSJONER APPLICATIONS Answer:- Yes, the sentence imposed on Keith l\lr. JVi'illiner, pursuant to notice, asked Meredith of Davidson Street, East Ipswich, 1!·1c Minister for Works and Housing- has been investigated and considered. (1) How many (a) family applications Advice has been given by the Solicitor and (b) pensioner applications were General's Office and the police that this received by the Housing Commission in is not a suitable case for appeal. The per each of the six months from January to tinent points of the advice are that the June in 1978 and 1979? otlcnce occurred in 1977 and, according (2) How many (a) family applications to the circumstances of the case, Keith and (b) pensioner applications were can Meredith was not a regular drug dealer. celled, placed in abeyance or otherwise In all the circumstances surrounding this removed from commission waiting-lists in particular case, it is considered that no each of the six months from January to good purpose would be served by the June in 1978 and 1979? Crown initiating an appeal. But let me say that drug traffickers are Answers:- among the worst type of offenders to (a) (b) plague modern society and, when sufficient (1) January-June 1978 2,128 314 evidence is available to convict them, they January-June 1979 2,628 203 will be subjected to the harshest penalties of (2) January-June 1978 1,774 521 the law. Furthermore, when it appears January-June 1979 1,731 130 that a Crown appeal is warranted because the sentence imposed is inadequate, I will Applications moved into abeyance and have no hesitation in authorising that such later restored are treated statistically a~ an appeal be instituted. new applications. Their original date is 624 Questions Upon Notice [2 OCTOBER 1979] Questions Upon Notice maintained. In the same two periods 2,837 Answer:- families and 215 pensioners were allocated (1 to 4) An ambulance officer has no houses or units. legal power to pronounce life ex:tinct. This is a responsibility of a quaLified medical practitioner. The patient, dead or 9. DEPARTMENT OF MAPPING AND SURVEYING alive, is removed from the vehicle for OFFICES, WATKINS PLACE examination by a legally qualified medical Mr. Milliner, pursuant to notice, asked practitioner either at the roadside or after the Minister for Works and Housing- transport to a medical practitioner. (!) Has his depar.tment obtained office space in \Vatkins Place for the Surveyor 11. BICYCLE THEFTS, TRINITY BAY GeneraL Mr. Serisier, and the Deputy Dir HIGH SCHOOL ector (Technical and Administrative Ser vices), Mr. Davies? Mr. Tenni, pursuant to notice, asked •the Minister for Education- (2) What is the floor space of the offices for Mr. Serisier and Mr. Davies? (!) Is he aware that theft o.f bicycles from the Eureka Street bicycle racks inside (3) What is the f!(){)r space of the the grounds of the Trinity Bay High offices that Mr. Serisier and Mr. Davies School, Cairns, is taking place? now occupy? (2) As bicycles cost approximately (4) What is the rent per square metre $200 each, what action will be taken to per year for the office space in Watkins eliminate this serious and costly problem? Place? Answers:- Answers:- (1) Yes. Some 41 cases have been (1) Yes. Accommodation has been reported to the poJ.ice in the last 12 months. obtained on the 18th floor Watkins Place (2) Security measures taken to protect for the Department of Mapping and Surveying. the students' personal possessions include- (i) A written notice in the student (2) Floor space available for handbook that bicycles should be locked Surveyor-General-36.6 square metres in the racks. A strong chain and pad Deputy Director-26.8 square metres lock are recommended. These rooms were prev.iously occupied (ii) Supervision of the racks. by the Under Secretary and Assistant (iii) Repeated advice at school parades Under Secretary, Department of Mines. to lock bicycles in the racks. (3) Floor space now occupied by respect- Supervision is most difficult. A fellow ,ive officers---- student may remove another student's Surveyor-General-39 squa,re metres unlocked bicycle without detection, unless the supervisor is able to identify each Deputy Director-44.59 square metres student's machine. This includes space for his secretary and The matter of theft of bicycles, though, corridor access to• Surveyor-General. is one for the police. Each incident is (4) Rental of this space in Watkins reported by the school to the police for Place is $61.89 per squa,re metre per .investigation. annum. 12. TOWNSVILLE WATERSIDE WORKERS' REFUSAL TO UNLOAD SPARE PARTS 10. AMBULANCE PROCEDURE AT FATAL RoAD AcciDENTs Mr. Tenni, pursuant to notice, asked the Premier- Mr. Milliner, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Health- (1) Is he aware that North Queensland is being held to ransom by waterside (1) What is the procedure for ambul workers in Townsville in that they will lance bearers when attending a road unload vehicles but refuse to unload con accident where a person's condition would tainerised spare parts and these spare suggest that he or she is dead? parts have to be unloaded in Brisbane and (2) What qualifications do ambulance freighted back to North Queensland, which bearers have to give a medical opinion creates extra costs for the people of North of a person's condition? Queensland? (3) Do ambulance bearers have (2) What will his Government do to authority .to remove a body? protect the people of North Queensland (4) If not, will he take steps for against these extra costs? humanitarian reasons to enable ambulance 'bearers to remove a body and take it to Answer:- a hospital so that a legally qualified (! & 2) I am not aware of any problem medical practitioner can pronounce life concerning the unloading of motor vehicle extinct? spare parts at Townsville. However, if the Questions Upon Notice [2 OCTOBER 1979] Questions Upon Notice 625 honourable member will provide me with growth in the demand for other petroleum any informat,ion he has in this regard, I products. The increased usage of distillate will arrange for the matter to be further is attributed mainly to the general higher investigated. level of activitv in all sectors of the Queensland ecor{omy. However, improved economic conditions cannot account for all 13. RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORT OF ToBACCO the increase, indicating that stockpiling has PRODUCTS taken place, particularly in the earlier part Mr. Tenni, pursuant to notice, asked the of the year. Further evidence of this is Premier- the substantia,! production of fuel storage Is he aware of the problems in the tanks that has taken place in engineering tobacco industry, mainly caused by the works throughout the State and the low incompetence of the Federal Government percentage of empty fuel drums being to protect this industry, and that the Fed returned to oil company depots. eral Government is reducing the import The supply of distillate is slowly duty on imported raw leaf, which will be improving and on present indications, pro further detrimental to this industry, and, if vided further stockpiling does not take so, will he make representations to rhe place, there should be sufficient distillate Prime Minister and the Deputy Pnme to provide for the State's normal require Minister to increase substanrially import ments in the early part of next year. duty on all imported tobacco producb sucb The Government is regularly monitoring as tobacco and cigarettes or, alternatively, the fuel-supply situation and is havcing allow into this country only imported pro continuous discussions with the oil industry ducts that have a 50 per cent Amtralian to ensure that additional supplies continue leaf content? to be imported to supplement production from the local refineries so that the State's Answer:- needs are met and that such fuel is As the honourable member is aware, distf'ibuted equitably. both the Minister for Primary Industries and I have made representations to the 15. 'WooDY POINT SPECIAL SCHOOL Federal Government on this subject. I share the concern of the industry and wHI Mr. Kruger, pursuant to notice, asked the miss no opportunity to ag3Jin bring the Minister for Education- matter to the attention of the Common With reference to the Woody Point wealth. Special School- We have particularly impressed upon the (1) What is the present enrolment? Federal Government the necessity to (2) What is the maximum capacity? restrict entry of products to those with not less than 50 per cent Australian leaf con (3) What was the construction cost? tent. This has been accepted at Federal (4) What are the annual running costs? ,Jevel. Although 50 per cent Australian (5) Were applicants interviewed in May leaf content in imported products may 1979 for the positions of community meet our present needs, I look forward health nurse (I), occupational therapist to a higher percentage of Australian leaf (1), physiotherapist (1), speech therapist in the future if circumstances adse that (1) and health aides (2), and were suitable would justify this, and I believe they wilt persons selected for appointment to the various positions? 14. FUEL-HOARDING AND SHORTAGE (6) If so, have they commenced duty and, if not, what is the reason? Dr. Lockwood, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Industry and Administrative (7) Is he aware of the serious health Services- problem that developed recently with a student who required nursing treatment? (1) Will he investigate the impact of current fuel-hoarding on the fuel shortage Answers:- expected between January and April 1980 (1) 42. as this nation's crude-oil supply worsens, and particularly in the next three months? (2) 120. (2) Will he ascertain the effects of a fuel (3) Approximately $1,500,000. shortage on earth-morving, farming and (4) Figures for specific schools are not transport vehicles and ensure an equitable held in departmental records. distribution of diesel fuel in particular? (5) I understand that interviews for Answer:- these positions were held, but the pos itions have not yet been filled. (1 & 2) Diesel distillate supplies have been tight over recent months even (6) My colleague the Honourable the though available supplies have been at a Minister for Health would be able to give level 22 per cent above those used last more details on this matter, since the per year. This large increase in demand has sonnel will be employed in that department. not been matched w~th a comparable (7) Yes. 626 Questions Upon Notice [2 OCTOBER 1979] Questions Upon Notice 16. HOUSING COMMISSION HOUSE- industry. From published statistics, this is PURCHASE SCHEME a significant and growing part of the hous Mr. Kmger, pursuant to notice, asked the ing industry. Minister for Works and Housing- (!) How many second-hand houses, not 17. PUBLIC SERVICE LEAVE FOR NATIONAL previously rented by the purchaser, have PARTY ELECTORAL VVORK been purchased under the Housing Com Mr. Kruger, pursuant to notice, asked the mi,sion house-purchase scheme since the Premier- scheme started? (!) Do Queensland Public Service (2) How many houses will be built by Regulations clearly and deliberately pro the commission in 1979-80 to be sold hibit individual public servants from per under the house-purchase scheme? forming paid employment outside normal Public Service duties and while on leave, (3) Is it expected that the purchasing except when formally sanctioned by the of second-hand houses under the scheme Televant Minister and recommended by will have any real effect on the building the Public Service Board? industry and associated industries and will this in fact assist to create unemployment? (2) Will he table in this House copies of the ministerial sanction and the P'lbllc Answers: Service Board recommendation that approved special leave during August for (!) Five. a public servant, a member of the staff (2) The 1979-80 construction pro- of the former Minister for Maritime Ser gramme has no houses built specifically vices and Tourism, so that the public ser for sale. In most places, tenants may pur vant could enter into an agreement to work chase at any time on generous terms if full-time, for at least two weeks, in the they wish. It is impossible to predict how Gymoie by-election campaign for and on many will be sold and how many will behalf of the National Party? remain as rental. (3) Will he table details of the con The primary purpose of the construction siderations, financial and non-financial, programme is to cater for rental. The granted to this public servant by the main thrust on ownership is to offer sub National Party for the duration of the ::idised interest by mortgage finance to agreement? assist low and moderate-income families (4) Will he explain to the House the to obtain the housing of their choice. grounds for justification of this case of prostitution of the high traditions of (3) The answer to (1) shows that com impartial service of the Queensland Public mis:;ion operations on the second-hand Service? market for resale are negligible. They are mainly individual cases to assist clients Answer:- who cannot be assisted through normal (1 to 4) Regulation 74 of the Public mortgage finance. While these commission Service Regulations of 1958 prescribes that operations have little effect on the whole an officer granted leave of absence shall housing scene, the question as it relates not perform or engage himself to perform to the industry generally is interesting. It remunerative work outside the Public Ser is well accepted that a buoyant second vice during the currency of that leave with hand market is necessary if the new market out the approval of the Premier on the is to be buoyant. recommendation of the Public Service At present second-hand housing is selling Board. below true replacement cost. This offers An officer attached to the Department the consumer better value. Industry associ of Harbours and Marine was granted a ations and others recognise that this makes period of special leave of absence without it more difficult for new housing to corn pay in August 1979. pet~ on price. This is reflected in housing There was no evidence at the time the finance. About 30 per cent goes direct to application was made that the officer was n~w housing compared with 45 per cent to engage in activities of a remunerative a fevv years ago. The industry recognises nature and the officer has in fact confirmed that surplus second-hand housing has to that no payment was made to him. be absorbed before the balance between the two market segments is restored. This is occurring slowly in the market-place, but 18. UPGRADING OF SLAUGHTERHOUSES the: industry also recognises that any arti Mr. Frawley, pursuant to notice, asked the ficial action will only defer the problem Minister for Primary Industries- briefly in the present state of supply. (!) Why is the Queensland Meat The sale of a second-hand house has Industry Organisation and Marketing other effects. Firstly, it starts the usual Authority refusing to allow some slaughter "vacancy chain" of movement, frequently houses to expand their business and thereby resulting with the final buyer in a new increase employment and why have the house. Secondly, it activates work for the operators of a slaughterhouse in Lands "al:erations and additions" part of the borough been refused permission to upgrade Questions Upon Notice [2 OCTOBER 1979) Questions Upon Notice 627 their premises from Grade 3 to Grade 2 found to be no substance 'in the allega to allow them to cater for their own tions. The doctm concerned was inter butcher shops? viewed and indicated that his statements (2) As this Government supports the had been misinterpreted. free-enterprise system, will he give an assurance that consideration will be given to those slaughterhouses wishing to up 21. REDCLIFFE RAIL LINK; Co-ORDINATED grade their premises? TRANSPORT SERVICE Mr. T. A. White, pursuant to notice, asked Answer:- the Minister for Transport- (1 & 2) A notice of appeal to the Dis Cl) With reference to the recent pub trict Court of Queensland in relation to licity given to a rail link to Redcliffe during the subject-matter of this question has the Redcliffe by-election campaign, is been served on the Queensland Meat this link still under consideration by the Industry Organisation and Marketing Government? Authority. I am therefore not disposed to comment further, as the matter is now (2) Does the Government have any sub judice. plans to immediately upgrade the present bus-rail co-ordinated service and, if not, will he have the present transport system 19. CONTRIBUTION BY A.L.P. MEMBERS investigated urgently? AND ALDERMEN TO PARTY FUNDS Mr. Frawley, pursuant to notice, asked the Answer:- Minister for Justice and Attorney-General- ( I & 2) The honourable member for (!) Is he aware that all Labor members Redcliffe can rest assured that the Gov of this House, all Labor aldermen of the ernment w.ill honour the commitments Brisbane City Council and all Queensland made in respect of the Redcliffe rail link. Federal Labor members must contribute The consultant's report on the land impacts 3! per cent of their gross salaries to the has just been received and I propose to Queensland Labor Party in order to retain make a report to Cabinet in the near their endorsement as Labor members? future. (2) Is he aware that there is a move to The Government's rail electrification increase this contribution to 5 per cent policy will provide better standards for the of the members' salary? co-ordinated bus-rail service to Redcliffe, enabling faster and improved rail services. (3) Will he advise if this "blackmail" Bus-rail interchange facilities at Sandgate of Labor members is within the law and, have already been improved. 1f not, will he have an investigation made as soon as possible? Discussions have been held between officers of the Metropolitan Transit (4) Will Senator Georges have to con Authority, the Redcliffe City Council and tribute 3t per cent of his salary during the bus operators. A minor improvement his six months' suspension? to bus facilities was recentlv made at Clontarf and other possibilities are under Answer:- review. (! to 4) I am advised that the arrange ments are not in breach of any law. It is a matter for members of the party in 22. LEASING OF LAND, SCARBOROUGH question to determine whether they will BOAT HARBOUR abide by the rules or not. It is a matter entirely for Senator Georges and his party Mr. T. A. White, pursuant to notice, asked whether he will make any contribution the Minister for Mar,itime Services and during his period of suspension. Tourism- Will he give urgent consideration to leas ing land at the Scarborough Boat Harbour 20. EXAMINATION OF EUTHANASIA to private-enterprise firms in competition ALLEGATIONS with the existing State-owned Fish Board? Mr. T. A. White, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Health- Answer:- Is he aware of an article in the "Sunday The leasing of land for the purpose Sun" of 16 September in which it was referred to bv the honourable member is alleged that only a cursory examination a matter for- consideration by prospective was carried out following allegations of entrepreneurs wishing to engage in fish euthanasia by a Brisbane doctor, and what receiving and/or market,ing activities to is his reaction? the extent that they may do so without contravening the provisions of the Fish Answer:- Supply Management Act. An investigation was made following However, I see no reason to actively the allegations in the Press of euthanasia pursue the establishment of further facili made by a Brisbane doctor and there was ties in this area to compete with those 628 Questions Upon Notice [2 OCTOBER 1979] Questions Upon Notice already operating in Moreton Bay. Apart use in the north of the State. I under from the Fish Board's facilities at Scar stand that construction of these containers borough and other landing places in More is expected to commence before the end ton Bay, buying competition already ex,ists of the year. from two new export-registered processors I thank my coHeague the Minister for at Scarborough and the Sandgate Fisher Transport for his co-operation in this men's Co-operative. In addition, the matter. established facilities have had to face com pelltwn fmm interstate buyers operating without permanent receiving depots. 24. SAFETY FENCING OF SWIMMING-POOLS Mr. Wilson, pursuant to notice, asked the 23. FUMIGATION AND COLD STORAGE OF Premier- VEGETABLES, AYR/HOME HILL AREA ( I) Is he aware that Brisbane is ~osting Mr. Wilson, pursuant to notice, asked the the first national conference on childhood Minister for Primary Industries- accident prevention, which is sponsored by (1) Will he consider establishing a fumi the International Year of the Child sub gation centre in the Ayr /Home Hill area committee on child protection week? for the fumigation of vegetables for the (2) How many Queensland ~hild_ren southern market? drown each year in backyard swJmmmg (2) Will he consider establishing a cold pools? storage unit in the same area for vegetables (3) Is there a greater incidence, accord for the southern market, in conjunction ing to population, of such drownings where with the C.O.D.? local authorities do not enforce by-laws setting down the Australian standard safety Answers:- fencing provision of a minimum of 1.2 m (1) The construction of fumigation without footholds and child-proof self facilities is not the direct responsibility of locking gates? my department. I would add, however, (4) Is his Government plan~ing to .mark that I am well aware of the problems being International Year of the Ch!ld by mtro experienced by vegetable growers in the ducing legislation to enforce uniform north of our State in their attempts to safety fencing around swimming-pools penetrate southern markets, especially in throughout Queensland and thus prot~ct Victoria. I have been made aware of the young children, who are currently at nsk situation at Ayr and Home Hill by my because safety provisions have been over colleague the member for Burdekiin and looked in many areas? Minister for Education, who represents that area very well. Answers:- Victorian legislat·ion on this matter is (1) Yes. The conference was, in fact, designed to prevent the entry of the held in Brisbane from 20-22 September Queensland fruit fly and consequently cer 1979. tain lines of Queensland produce are required to be fumigated. At present, the (2) Using the statistics for 1975-78, an fumigation process must be supervised by average of 10. an officer of my department and this has (3) Statistics are not available to identify tended to limit the establishment of child drownings in home swimming-pools fumigation facilities to areas where suf in each local authority area. ficient staff are available to provide this (4) The question of whether swimming service. pools should be fenced ..is a matter for Recently, officers of the Victorian individual local authorltles by way of department indicated that they are cur by-law. In view of the different circum rently considering relaxing the require stances throughout the State, I do not ment that fumigation be supervised by an cons,ider that such discretion should be officer of my department. If this relax removed. ation occurs, I would hope that it would be possible for fumigation facilities to be established in areas currently not serviced 25. BURDEKIN FALLS DAM PROJECT in this way. Mr. Wilson, pursuant to notice, asked the (2) The estaMishment of cold-storage Premier- facilities is the province of the private Cl) Is he aware of a letter to the editor business sector of our community. In the of "The Townsville Daily Bulletin" of 11 Ayr /Home Hill area, certain on-farm September, whereby M~. Frank Ros~iter, facilities exist but difficulties have been Chairman of the Burdekm Dam Committee, experienced owing to the lack of adequate called on him to resign because of a refr:igerated rail wagons at certain times statement by the Prime Minister that no of the year. application for funds had been made to I have been advised, however, that the the Federal Government and because, as situation will be relieved by the provision Mr. Rossiter claimed, he had not only of up to 100 refrigerated containers for misled but misrepresented the people of Questions Upon Notice [2 OCTOBER 1979) Questions Upon Notice 629 North Queensland in that he agreed with (2) Does he know that a powerful pub the unanimous decision of 20 delegates lic address system has been used in recent representing at least five different local times at all hours of the day and night, authorities and other organisations when frequently for such trivia as "Tea Up" he met with them in Townsville on 11 and idle or unimportant personal messages? July 1977? (3) Will he take steps to reduce noise (2) Has he not made any application to generally, and in particular at night, and the Federal Government for funds to build will he cause an alternative to be found the Burdekin Falls Dam and, if so, what to the public address system and, in the is the reason? interim, prohibit its use during the night? (3) Why was the Burdekin Falls Dam not included in the list of priority projects Answers:- submitted to the Federal Government for (1) I have initiated and am pursuing inclusion in the National Water Resources inquiries into the honourable member's Program? submission. ( 4) Will he heed Mr. Rossiter's call for (2 & 3) I am sure the honourable his resignation, thereby allowing North member will appreciate that a certain Queensland to develop? level of noise is inseparable from railway (5) As he was quoted as saying in a operations generally and, so far as Corinda news broadcast on 14 September regard is concerned, a considerable amount of ing the Tarong Power Station that it shunting is necessary both during the day will be necessary for Queensland to have and at night. I agree, however, that the three more power-stations by 1990, will noise level should be reduced to an absol the Burdekin Falls Dam hydro power ute minimum. All concerned are again station with an output of 500 MW, in being impressed with the necessity of ensur conjunction with the proposed Burdekin ing that this requirement is strictly obser irrigation scheme, be one of the three ved at Corinda and that the loudspeaker and, if so, as it will take 10 years system is not used indiscriminately. to build, can the people of North Queens land look forward to a positive start on the Burdekin Falls Dam and the hydro 27. OccuPATION OF CRowN LAND, electric pmver-station within the next 12 MoRETON IsLAND months? Mr. Innes, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Lands, Forestry and Water Answer:- Resources~ (1 to 5) Unfortunately, at times Mr. (1) Is he aware that some seven or Roositer allows his enthusiasm to affect his eight new structures have been erected on judgment and, as a result, his utterances the high dunes on the eastern or ocean are not always accurate. side of Moreton Island since the com In fact, I wrote to the Prime Minister mittee of inquiry into future land use on 12 February 1979 seeking financial on Moreton Island recommended in 1977 assistance for the Burdekin River project. that action be taken immediately to evict This letter requested consideration of the the squatters who then occupied Crown project as a special project of national land of the ocean high dunes and, in importance, independent of assistance to particular, that there has been an upsurge be granted under the National Water in construction in recent months? Resources Program. (2) Is he aware that these new struc With regard to the provision of power tures use slab floors, metal frames, metal stations, a hydroelectric power-station at cladding and lock-up construction, that Burdekin Falls, along with alternative one structure presently under construction hydroelectric developments and alternative contains a sunken bath, and that many thermal power stations, will be considered have open garbage dumps beside them and by the State Electricity Commission in have involved the chopping down of trees recommending future power-generation and vegetation to allow construction? development programmes to the Govern (3) Is he aware that the historic land ment. Provision has been made in the mark, the Rous Battery, has been occupied 1979-80 State Budget for $1,200,000 expen by someone who has ;,c~t a locked door diture to commence the essential road on the six-berth ounker and installed a hot access to the Burdekin Falls Dam site. water system. (4) Is he aware that an operator has 26. NOISE NmsANCE, CORINDA JUNCTION erected numerous marquees on Crown land SIDINGS on prime camping sites on the ocean Mr. Innes, pursuant to notice, asked the beach of Moreton Island and installed Minister for Transport- permanent beds, and that these tents are (!) Will he take urgent action to follow let out at $45 per week-end or $85 per up my written complaint relating to noise week? in the vicinity of the Corinda Junction (5) Have any of these new squatters or sidings, in particular during the late even the tent hirer sought approval or licence ing and early morning? or leave from the Crown? 78626-24 630 Questions Upon Notice [2 OCTOBER 1979] Questions Upon Notice ( 6) Do any of these persons any Beach/Spit area of to the Government or to rele reasons considered vant government authority, the mission that Brisbane City Council? in this area, and is (7) Will he cause his officers to urgently lation pressure, or some investigate these matters and take action to ensure that these prime spots are once Answer:- again available to all persons and not just I would refer the honourable member to a brazen few? to my answer to his quest:ion 12 Sep tember 1979. There is verv little further Answers:- information I can add other than to refer (1) Fwm a recent inspection of the him to the provisiDns of section 48 of island carried out by officers of the Land the Liquor Act. The Licensing Commis Administration Commission, I am aware sion is bound by the provisions of the that five structures have been erected on Act and is restricted in informa- the eastern side of Moreton Island. Four tion available under section 6B the Act. of these structures are located on leases issued by the Mines Department. (2) I am aware that a structure located 29. FEDERAL FORESTRY LOANS TO STATES about 2 km south of Blue Lagoon Road Mr. P. N. D. White, pursuant notice, on the ocean side of the island consists asked the Minister for Lands, Forestry and of a concrete slab floor, steel frame with metal cladding. This structure is ;,ituated Water Resources- on special mining lease No. 1105. The Cl) Is he aware that Tasmania construction of this and other huts on the onlv State to receive direct island has involved the clearing of some assistance from the recent Federal timbe.r and vegetation. I am not in a amounting to some $400,000 vver position to give further details on the years? ~ .internal structure of .this building. (2) Was a similar loan made available to (3) The Rous Batterv and four concrete Queensland and the other States·: bunkers on the east coast of the island are located on mining tenures. .The Rous Answers:- Battery has been fitted i;y,ith a locked door (1) It has been reported me that and contains several items of furniture. Tasmania was given special assistance for (4) I am aware that a person has native tree forestry in the r~cem Federal erected a number of tents for hire on Budget. the ocean side of the island. These tents The Commonwealth has aJ.Ce located on mining tenures. vide financial assistance to (5 & 6) As far as I am aware, these the to 1982-83 towards persons do not pay any moneys to the small Government or the relevant local author certain projects -ity, as they hold no tenure over the areas trees. The assistance, by occupied by them. a $1 for $1 matching basis, (7) The island was inspected by depart able over mental officers on 22 and 23 September after each is made. 1979. The matter of unauthorised struc 20 years in which repayments are nP,~Frn·.n tures on the ,Jsland has been under review ·interest is to be capitalised. by my Department of Lands for some The fi.rst under this considerable time and the question of the be $272,000 in removal of unauthorised structures on Commonwealth Government Crown land on the island has been under to a further examination by the Solicitor-General for per annum to from some time. The honourable member mav 1982-83 fer the establishment be assured that the matter will continue plantations on farm land to be followed up with a y,jew to resolving programme of of such the problem as early as possible. I will Some years ago an also be discussing the problem with my to the Commonwealth colleague the Honourable R. E. Camm, and other States for funds M.L.A., Minister f0·r Mines, Energy and work in certain natural Police. but no approval was secured. A renewal of this application in respect 28. LICENSING COMMISSION TENDERS, of Queensland will now be considered in MAIN BEACH/SPIT AREA TAVERN the light of the current allocation of funds Mr. P. N. D. White, pursuant to notice, to Tasmania. asked the Minister for Justice and Attorney The Commonwealth Government is con General- tinuing to provide loan funds to all States With reference to his answers to my under the Softwoods Agreement Act. How questions on 12 September regarding the ever, this now covers only maintenance of calling of tenders for a tavern in the Main conifer plantations established previously Questions Upon Notice [2 OCTOBER 1979] Questions Upon Notice 631 with Commonwealth funds. and it would and interstate. The tender details are be most advantageous if the. Commonwealth quite lengthy and consequently I have Government would agree to our earlier arranged for a schedule outlining such request to cover also the purchase of informat (2) The planning brief for the provision Subsidies paid to parents and citizens' of a new out.patientjcasualty section is associations in 1978-79 amounted to almost complete. Detailed planning will $1,569,600. These funds helped to provide be authorised on completion of an school improvements such as assembly approved brief. halis, tuck-shops, playground beautification as well as audio-visual equipment and (3) The board is constantly reviewing musical instruments. waiting periods and staff aHocations in the out-patient, X-ray and pathology sections As subsidies assist a wide variety of of the hospita'l with a view to seeking activities sponsored by parents and citizens' adjustments to staff if and when necessary. associations, the number of projects aided is unavailable. Collecting this information would be a time-consuming task, which 33. BRASSALL STATE SCHOOL LIBRARY cannot be undertaken at present. Mr. Underwood, pursuant to notice, asked 35. WORKS DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURE the Minister for Works and Housing- AND CONSTRUCTION FOR EDUCATION With reference to Brassall State School, DEPARTMENT when can this expanding school expect Mr. Gygar, pursuant to notice, asked the approval for the construction of a Minister for Works and Housing- new library, which it has placed as a (1) How much money was spent on top priority for some time, to replace capital works and repairs and maintenance the current undersized and inadequate for the Education Department on schools library facilitie~? and school-related buildings in 1978-79? Answer:- (2) How many new schools, class-rooms, libraries, and other school facilities, by As no provision has been made on the category, were constructed at depart 1979-80 loan programme for the erection mental expense throughout 1978-79? of a new library at the Brassall State School, no indication can be given as to Answers:- when this project would be likely to pro (1) Capital works $77,625,480; ceed. Repairs and main- tenance $14,811,976. (2) New Schools-Primary schools, 11; 34. EDUCATION ExPENDITURE Pre-schools, 53 Units at 49 Centres; Spec Mr. Gygar, pursuant to notice, asked the ial education, 2; High schools, 4. Additional Minister for Education- class-rooms-Primary schools, 216; Spec With regard to education expenditure, ial education, 32; High schools, 189. Free standing library blocks~Primary schools, what was the total or estimated total 8; High schools, 8. expended by his department in 1978-79 (excluding works of a capital nature under Tabulation by category of other school taken by the Works Department) divided facilities provided would not be practicable. into (i) staff wages and allowances and Some of this information will be available (ii) other expenditure, showing in a separ to the honourable member under name ate table levels of total expenditure in places in Appendix 4 of the Department of the fields of (a) pre-school education, Works Annual Report when tabled in the (b) primary education, (c) secondary House later this session. education, (d) special education, (e) advanced education, (f) adult education 36. EXPULSION OF JOE HARR!S FROM and (g) the total amount of subsidy paid A.L.P. to parents and citizens' associations during Mr. Gygar, pursuant to notice, asked the the year, and the number of projects, Deputy Premier and Treasurer- by category, which were funded by this With reference to the expulsion on 17 scheme? September of Mr. Joe Harris, a prominent trade-unionist, from the Queensland Answer:- Branch of the Austra1ian Labor Party, is Most of the expenditure details sought ,it true that Mr. Harris was expelled by the honourable member for Stafford for attempting to draw the attention of the will be obtainable from the financial stat Federal Executive of the A.L.P. to charges istics for the 1978-79 financial year in my of corruption against senior members of forthcoming annual report to Parliament. the Queensland Branch, which arose out of This will be tabled later in the year. ,the Pensioners League scandal and, H so, However, expenditures on adult educa how can the people of Queensland have tion and the subsidy to parents and citi any confidence in the Labor Party when zens' assooiations will not be evident from it is apparently controlled by a pack of these statistics, and I will make them bushrangers who ruthlessly exploit pen available now. sioners and then use all their powers to crush honest men who attempt to draw Expenditure on adult education in ,their deplorable activ,jties to the attention 1978-79 was $1,628,526. of the A.L.P. Federal Executive? Questions Upon Notice [2 OcTOBER 1979] Questions Upon Notice 633 Answer:- if a surplus did exist, why were more rural It appears that the problem of Mr. Joe extens,ions not undertaken, especially Harris regarding his expulsion from the extensions with a good profit potential A.L.P., was that he was honest to his such as one between East Feluga Road and conscience. Mission Beach Road near Tully, where subdivisioned prospects are being retarded Mr. Harris, like so many people in the because of lack of electricity supply? A.L.P., was not prepared to idly sit back and let the collusion and the hypocrisy in Answer:- the A.L.P. executive continue. He was no longer prepared to sit by and see pen No. The surplus in the Far North sioners ripped off through the A.L.P.'s Queensland Electricity Board's Capital involvement in the Australian Pensioners Works Fund at the end of last financial I;-eague. In return Mr. Harris got very year was $918,712, of which $786,000 was little from the A.L.P. for his honesty and contractually committed for works actu integrity. He was suspended because of ally in progress at the time. disloyalty-disloyalty because of honestv! The reason why the East Feluga exten ~ut so serious were Mr. Harris's allega sion was not constructed is that the pros tiOns that even the Federal President of pective consumers did not accept the con the A.L.P., Mr. Neil Batt, asked him to ditions of supply offered by the board. write and document his concerns to the Federal Executive. If the Federal A.L.P. were anxious to get to the bottom of the 38. MYER HOMES Australian Pensioner League rip-off, one asks: why wasn't the Queensland Branch? Mr. Mackenroth, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for WoTks and Housing- The expulsion and suspensions of Joe Harris, Peter Beattie, and Senator Georges (!) How many complaints have been demonstrate the roughshod manner in received by the House-builders' Registration which the Central Executive of the A.L.P. Board against a company called Myer will stop at nothing to pursue its strangle Homes? hold on the A.L.P. (2) What was the result of these com Every time allegations are laid against plaints? the Opposition Leader, Mr. Casey, the rules are bent or conveniently forgotten Answers: to let him off the hook. (!) 25. There is no such thing as free speech (2) All matters pertaining to these com or a fair go in the A.L.P. There could be plaints have been re,ctified by this company, no guarantee of free speech or other civil with the exception of two instances that liberties in Queensland if, by chance, the board is having rectified at the present an A.L.P. Government were ever to gain power in this State. ~time. I should also like to place on record my appreciation for the work and courage 39. S.G.I.O. INVOLVEMENT lN that the honourable member for Stafford CARINDALE DEVELOPMENT has shown in initially raising the A.L.P.'s involvement in the Australian .Pensioners Mr. Mackenroth, pursuant to notke, asked League problem. He has exposed a racket the Deputy Premier and Treasure'f- of immense proportions and, what is (1) With reference to his ministerial worse, a racket on the pensioner section statement in Parliament on 6 September of the community that has denied them regarding the S.G.I.O. involvement in the of money given in good faith by the public Carindale development, did the S.G.I.O. on to assist their league. 31 August purchase from Meadowlake Pty. With the expulsion of Mr. Harris and Ltd. 50 per cent of the unsold land at others from the A.L.P., democracy in the Carindale Estate or a 50 per cent inter that party was thrown out the window. I est in Meadowlake Pty. Ltd? have no doubt that Federal intervention (2) If the purchase by the S.G.I.O. was will soon occur in the queensland Branch, by way of purchase of the land, has change and, of course, when It does occur, Mr. of ownership been notified to the Valuer Casey will no longer maintain his leader General, Titles Office and the rates sec ship. tion of the Brisbane City Council? (3) If not, why have these departments 37. OPERATIONS OF FAR NORTH QUEENS not been notified? LAND REGIONAL ELECTRICITY BOARD Mr. Row, pursuant to notice, asked the (4) On what date did the S.G.I.O. pur Minister for Mines, Energy and Police- chase its initial 50 per cent interest in the Carindale Estate? Did the Far North Queensland Regional Electricity Board have a capital fund (5) Was this 50 per cent an interest in carry-over of $700,000 at the end of 1978- undeveloped land or an interest in Mead 79 and, if not, what was the surplus and, owlake Pty. Ltd? 634 Questions Upon Notice [2 OCTOBER 1979] Questions Upon Notice (6) If the initial 50 pe'f cent inte'fest was (Department of Health). Nominated by purchased as undeveloped land by the the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Queens S.G.I.O., was the change of ownership noti land Branch)-Mr. A. L. Rae (Pharma fied to the Valuer-General, Titles Office and cist). Nominated by the Pharmaceutical the rates section of the Brisbane City Society of Queensland-Mr. N. A. Hunt Council? Sharp (Pharmacist). Nominated by the (7) If not, why were these departments Federated Miscellaneous Workers' Union not notified? of Australia (Queensland Branch)-Mr. N. F. Keogh (Pharmacist). (8) Is Meado•wlake Pty. Ltd. still involved in the Carindale venture? (3) No. It is not possible for all groups to be represented on the bO>ard. (9) If so, what is this involvement? Answer:- 42. MAINTENANCE COSTS OF GOVERNMENT VEHICLES (1 to 9) In May 1978 the S.G.I.O. entered into a joint venture under which Mr. PoweU, pursuant to notice, asked the the registered proprietor of the Carindale Minister for Industry and Administrative Estate was and remained Meadowlake Services- P.ty. Ltd. In August 1979 the joint venture (1) Does the Government Garage keep was dissolved and the S.G.I.O. purchased accurate records on maintenance costs of .the unsold land in the estate. Notice of each Government vehicle? the change of ownership has been g.iven as required by law. (2) If so, what is the relative cost per kilometre for maintenance of four, six and eight-cylinder passenger vehicles owned 40. PoLicE RADAR GuNs and ope.rated by the Government? Mr. Mackenroth, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Mines, Energy and Police- Answer:- (1) Was an approach made by the Police (1 & 2) The information on motor Department to the manufacturer of the vehicle maintenance costs recorded at the hand-held radar guns presently in use by Government Motor Garage, Zillmere, the Police Force on whether the correct relates only to those vehicles serviced and tuning fork had been fitted in the gun? repaired at Zillmere and the Government Service Station, South Brisbane. Conse (2) As a result, have the tuning forks in quently, the information sought by the hon the radar guns been replaced or are they to be replaced in the future and, if so, ourable member in relation to the pas on what date? senger vehicle fleet owned and operated by the Government is not readily available. Answer:- However, I am having research carried out to acquire this information, and I will (1 & 2) Tuning forks are used as an advise the honourable member as soon as instant accuracy test by police to cover it comes to hand. the various speeds of operation of a radar gun, and are not assigned to any part•icular gun. When the last order was placed, tuning forks covering speeds of 60, 88 and 43. EDUCATION OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN 100 km/h were ordered. Ho•wever, when Mr. Scassola, pursuant to notice, asked the supplied, the forks covered varying speeds Minister for Education- other than those nominated. The manu Cl) Is he aware that a number of child facturer was contacted, and he has since ren accepted as pupils in the Early Educa provided tuning forks oovel1ing the speeds tion Programmes for handicapped children, originally ordered. which formally commenced in February 1979, will be rejected from the State school 41. PHARMACY BOARD MEMBERS system upon attainment o.f scho·ol age? Mr. Powell, pursuant to notice, asked the (2) What action will he take to ensure Minister for Health- that such children continue their education (1) Who are the personnel on the Phar within the State education system? macy Board and what are their qualifica tions? Answers:- (2) Which interest doe·s each represent? (1) The opportunity will exist for all <(3) Is there a representative of the parents with children in early intervention friendly societies and, if not, what is the units to be interviewed and advised of reason? the most suitable placement for the child for next year. Answers:- (2) I can give an assurance that no child (1 & 2) Nominated by the Minister for will be disadvantaged. Parents who are Health-Dr. P. G. Livingstone (Depart concerned should be advised to contact the ment of Health), Professor J. G. Dare nearest regional guidance officer and, if (University of Queensland), Mr. A. M. necessary, write to me outlining details of Grant Taylor (Pharmacist), Mr. F. Ryan their request. Questions Upon Notice [2 OcTOBER 1979] Questions Upon Notice 635 44. LICENSING OF AMUSEMENT MACHINE (4) Admission for the kindergarten PARLOURS is determined community-based Mr. Scassola, pursuant to notice asked the association manages the affairs of Minister for Justice and Attorney-General- the kindergarten in keeping with a consti tution approved by the Justice Depart (1) In view of the growing public con ment Present criteria allow for 40 four cern at the rapid growth in the number of year-old children and 20 three-year-old premises licensed to conduct amusement children to be admitted on the basis of a machines, including pin-ball machines and waiting-list. It is understood that there the escalation in the number of such ~ach ines generally, will he give consideration to are presently only three foor-year-old the exercise of greater control in the grant children on the waiting-list. ing of such permits? (2) In particular, does he consider that 46. CATTLE-HOLDING YARDS AND RAIL ~ review of . town planning requirements LOADING FACILITIES, CooK ELECTORATE 1~ ?.ecessary m. order to obviate the pos siblhty of confhct between his department Mr. Scott, pursuant to notice, asked the and town planning authorities? Minister for Transport- (!) At what railway stations and/or sid Answers:- ings on the Forsayth and Chillagoo lines in the Cook electorate are there cattle-holding . (I) It is considered that present legisla tiOn and departmental procedures are yards and rail loading facilities? adequate to control the issue of permits (2) Of these, which were constructed at for the provision and conduct of more than full cost to the department? !WO ent~rtainment machines in any prem (3) Who paid the cost of augmenting the Js~s.. Th1s appe~rs to be borne out by the Mt. Surprise yards? m1mmal complamts received by the depart (4) Which additional yards are to be aug n:ent over the years in relation to existing mented or substantially maintained and s1tes. However, the matter is being kept when is the work to be carried out? under constant review and if it is con sidered that greater controls are necessary (5) What is the funding arrangement for appropriate action will be taken. ' the proposed work? (2) A review of town planning require (6) Which yards do not have full public ments in relation to this matter may be access via road or stock-route? warranted in view of recent decisions but this would be a matter for the Mi~ister Answers:- for Local Government and Main Roads (1) Cattle-trucking yards are available to consider. at Bullock Creek, Lyndbrook, Frewhurst, Mt. Surprise, Einasleigh, Wirra Wirra and 45. WE!PA NORTH KINDERGARTEN AND STATE Forsayth on the Etheridge line and Mun SCHOOL ENROLMENT$ gana on the Chillagoe line. Mr. Scott, pursuant to notice asked the (2) All of the foregoing, with the excep Minister for Education-- ' tion of the facilities at Bullock Creek, Lyndbrook and Wirra Wirra. (1) How many children have been enrolled at the State-subsidised kinder"arten (3) The Railway Department. at Weipa North in each of the yearsbfrom ( 4 & There are no proposals under 1976 to 1979, both inclusive? at present. Of t?ese, how many have proceeded This information is not readily avail to We1pa North State School in each would he ascertainable from the of the years 1976 to 1978, both inclusive? Superintendent of Stock Routes, Depart (3) What was the total Grade 1 enrol- ment of Lands. ment at North State School for the years 1976 1978, both inclusive? 47. GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES, (4) What a.re the criteria for enrolment QUEENSLAND FISH BOARD of children at the Weipa North Kinder garten? Mr. Austin, pursuant to notice, asked the Minister for Maritime Services and Tour Answers:- ism- (1) Sixty children were enrolled at the (1) How many Government guarantees Weipa North Kindergarten in each of the have been issued by the Queensland Fish years 1976 to 1979. Board? (2) From 1976 to 1978 inclusive 40 (2) What was the amount guaranteed in children proceeded from the kinderg~rten each case? to the State schooL (3) What was the nature of each of (3) Year 1 enrolments at the Weipa the prospects for which guarantees were North State School were as follows-1976, issued? 50; 1977, 67; 1978, 64. (4) To whom \vere the guarantees issued? 636 Questions Upon Notice [2 OCTOBER 1979] Questions Upon Notice _(5) What are the names of the pro 49. S.G.I.O. INVESTMENT IN QUEENSLAND pnetors of each of the firms or companies CEMENT & LIME Co. LTD. to whom guarantees were issued? Mrs. Kyburz, pursuant to notice, asked the Deputy Premier and Treasurer- Answer:- (!) With reference to an article con (1 to 5) Details of the total number of cerning Queensland Cement & Lime Co. guarant~es issued by the Queensland Fish Ltd. in an S.G.I.O. publkation headed Board m past years are not readily avail "Insurance Lines", is he aware !'hat the able. The current position is that at 7 S.G.I.O. has announced its intention to September 1979, 15 guarantees, involving invest a further $28,000,000 in the Q.C.L. an aggregate guaranteed amount of project in Gladstone? $530,000, were still operative another two were being considered, and 'a further six (2) What will the total investment by the S.G.I.O. in Q.C.L. be af,ter this ~ad been_ approved in principle to enable injection of $28,000,000, and was this a the aJ?~hcants to approach the lending authonties. Cabinet decision to augment a State-aided monopoly? It would take considerable time to give all of the details requested by the hon Answers:- ourable member and involve the release (!) The total investment by S.G.I.O. in of information concerning the private the new Q.C.L. project will be a maximum ~ffairs of individual borrowers. However, of $28,000,000. 1f the honourable member wishes to advise me _the purp<;>se of his requiring the infor (2) Under the relevant legislation, matiOn, I wtll supply him with whatever approval of investments by S.G.I.O. is further details are considered appropriate. 1the functiDn of the board of that office and not Cabinet. The total investment by the office in Q.C.L. wi11 be that disclosed in the article to which the honourable mem 48. CHILD RESTRAINTS IN MOTOR ber refers. VEHICLES M_r. Austin, pursuant to notice, asked the Mmtster for Transport- 50. EFFICIENCY OF SuN-GLASSES With reference to a proposed publicity Mrs. Kyburz, pursuant to notice, asked campaign on child restraint in motor the Minister for Health- vehicles- (1) Has the Medical Health and Research (!) How manv advertisements will be Council investigated the protective cap programmed for television, radio, and acities of commercially available sun newspapers? glasses? (2) Will he make available any current (2) On which television stations radio Federal or State Health Department investi stations, and newspapers will the ad~ertise gations into the efficiency of sun-glasses? ments appear? (3) Has a list been produced similar (3) If he is unable to provide the details to the list which rates the effectiveness how has he assured the amount of fund~ of sunburn preparations? required for the publicity campaign? Answer:- Answer:- ( I to 3) The matter of investigations of ( I to 3) The honourable member will the protective capacity of commercially apprec!ate that the proposed publicity available sun-glasses has been discussed campaign on child restraints in motor with the National Health and Medical v~hicles is dependent upon the availability Reseal'ch Council, which has indicated ot funds. .The proposed media plan, how that it would be prepared tD consider the ever,. provides for 255 paid television com possibility of a special working party to mercials, 728 radio commercials and 56 investigate the situation and make approp paid newspaper advertisements. 'Vhe num riate recommendations. A formal request '~er of such advertisemen~s does not take for such an investigation has been sub mto account bonus advertisements and mitted to the cDuncil. editoria_ls! which, on past experience, can be anticipated. 51. CENSORSHIP RESPONSIDILITIES OF The cam~~ign will. be conducted through NEWSAGENTS every television statiOn, radio station and daily newspaper throughout the State. In Mr. Burns, pursuant to notice, asked the addition, co-operation with the entire cam Premier- paign can be anticipated from the A.B.C. Cl) Has the Associated Newsagents Co radio and television networks, having operative, representing Queensland news regard to the subject matter of the cam agents since the days when the late Dr. paign. Delamothe was Attorney-General of Questions Upon Notice [2 OCTOBER 1979] Questions Without Notice 637 Queeno;land, sought Government assistance Where police obtain evidence to sub to overcome the problem that makes the stantiate the commission of this offence, newsagent responsible for acting as a prosecution action ensues. censor? (5) The Government is looking at t~e (2) Were letters and represent&tions question of placing the onus of re::ponsJbiiity made to former Police Commissioner, Mr. on the distributors and/or publishers, but, Whitrod, the present Police Commissioner, in the meantime, there is an obligation Mr. Lewis, the present Attorney-General, on all citizens to observe the law. Con Mr. Lickiss, and the Literature Board of sequently, distributors and newsag~nts Review and to him, as Premier, on this would be well-advised to seek appropnate matter? advice before distributing or offering for (3) Is he aware, for example, that a sale any publications that might come monthly magazine "Forum", which circu within the bounds of not only the Objec btes throughout Australia, has not been tionable Literature Acts, 1954-1967 but banned in the last five years by the Liter also the Vagrants, Gaming, and Other ature Board of Review as being an obscene Offences Aot. publication but that recently three news agents were charged for se! (4) Is it true that, if any person com OVERSEAS TRIP BY MINISTER FOR LoCAL plains to the police, the police are forced GOVERNMENT AND MAIN ROADS to take action and, if the publication is considered to be blatantly offensive by Mr. CASEY: I ask the Premier: In view the policeman, prosecuting action is taken? of his promise last week to the people of Queensland that the Minister for Local Gov (5) As newsagents who receive public ernment and Main Roads would be back ations that have not been found objection in Queensland and in this Chamber today able by the Literature Board of Review, to answer serious allegations that have been forwarded to them by reputable organisa made regarding land rezonings recommended tions such as Gordon and Gotch, are placed by him to Cabinet, can he explain to the in an intolerable position by this mixed-up House the reason why the Minister has situation, will he take the necessary steps obviously preferred to take notice of the to call the parties together and seek a instructions of the State President of the solution to the problem, which causes National Party (Sir Robert Sparkes) that he responsible newsagents to be dragged into remain overseas because it would look bad court in many cases for matters beyond their control? if he returned? Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: The Leader of Answers:- the Opposition is, of course, not aware of (1 & 2) The co-operative has made a all the details of the trip made by the number of representations in respect of Minister for Local Government and Main this matter. Roads or of his involvement overseas. (3 & 4) On 12 March 1974 the Literature Mr. Casey: Nobody told us. Why is it a Board of Review issued an order pro secret? hibiting the distnibution in Queensland of Mr. B.JELKE-PETERSEN: It is not a this publication. Following an undertaking secret at all. The Minister will be home given by the publisher to eliminate certain towards the end of the week. It would material from the magazine, the board be more to the point if the Leader of revoked the prohibitrion order on 23 April the Opposition would tell us why one of 1974. Since that time, the board has not his members is leaving today for an eight seen fit to take any action against the week trip to the United States whi'e Par publication in terms of the Objectionable liament is sitting, in defiance of this Par Literature Acts, 1954 to 1967. It should liament. I ask the Leader of the O;oposition be borne in mind, however, that the Litera to answer that. ture Board of Review is concerned with "objectionable" Literature as defined by its Act, whereas the Vagrants, Gaming, and MARALINGA PTY. LTD. Other Offences Act defines an "obscene publication". Section 12 of the Vagrants, Mr. CASEY: I ask the Premier: Is he Gaming, and Other Offences Act provides aware of the activities of a company called that any person who-- Maralinga Pty. Ltd., in which the Minister for Local Government and Main Roads holds (a) Prints, photographs, lithographs, four of the seven shares and which has draws, makes, sells or has in his posses mortgaged to the Communist-controlled Mo<; sion apparently for the purpose of sale cow Narodny Bank, for a sum of $550,000, or distribution, or publishes, dist11ibutes its only realisable asset, namely, the Hinze or exhibits indecent or obscene publica farm trust, the details of which mCYrtgage tions or assists in so doing; are publicly available at the O~ce of the shall be liable to a penalty or imprison Commissioner for Corporate Affairs? As the ment. details of the mortgage documents clearly 638 Proposed Motion for Adjournment [2 OcTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador indicate that no Cabinet Minister in "{c) The complicity of Members of Australia's history has ever before placed the Cabinet in withhoJding information himself under such tight economic control from the Parliament and the public by a Communist financial institution, one regarding land rezonings, Government that has complete power to enter the contracts and reports dealing with such Minister's premises and examine all his matters. records, is the Premier not disturbed that this "(d) The failure of Cabinet Ministers very financial institution, through some of to properly report to Parliament on its subsidiaries, is engaged in Queensland ,international travel undertaken by them. in multim;llion-dollar land dealings that, in "(e) The involvement or otherwise by many cases, will be subject to land rezon Members of the Cabinet in discussions ing decisions on which the final say will be ·with persons and/or companies who are determined by the Minister for Local Gov being so.Jicited for contributions to the ernment and Main Roads? Bjelke·Petersen Foundation and the way Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I do not make •in which this Foundation is conducting it a practice to try to find out the business its fund-mising affairs. affairs of either Ministers or back-benchers "Yours sincerely, in the coalition parties. One thing I do "EDMUND CASEY." know, however, is that the Leader of tb"! I have considered the submiss,ion of the Opposition still owes thousands of dollars Leader of the Opposition. In view of the to this Government and still has in his fact that more than one matter has been pocket many thousands of dollars that he raised in the letter, I do not intend to ailow has stolen from this Government and will the motion. Dur,ing the Budget debate there not refund to it. So what about cleaning is an opportuni,ty for members to discuss his own slate before he tries to clean some these matters. That is my one and only body else's! firm and final ruling. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The time allo·tted Mr. CASEY: I move- for questions has now expired. "That Mr. Speaker's ruling be dissented from." PROPOSED MOTION FOR Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The motion must ADJOURNMENT be in writing and delivered to the Chair. JuDICIAL INQUIRY l~To LAND F.... EZONINGs Mr, CASEY: H k AND OTHER MATTERS Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The motion will Mr. SPE__ t\KER: I have to report that I be debated at the appropriate time. have received the following letter from the Leader of the Opposition-- "Leader of the Opposition, SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS "Parliament House, "Brisbane, 4000. REZONING OF LAND AT LABRADOR "2 October 1979. Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN "The Honourable S. J. Muller, M.L.A., Premier), by leave, without I move- "That the Standing Orders be suspended to allow the House to debate a matter of extreme public impo•rtance." "Dear Mr. Speaker, Motion agreed to. "I beg to inform you that in accordance with Standing Order 137 I intend to move that this House do now adjourn. REZONING OF LAND AT LABRADOR "I move this Motion to give the Par Hon. .J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah liament of Queensland the immediate -Premier) (12.16 p.m.): I move- opportunity to debate the need for the "That the Parliament take note that the Government of Queensland to initiate a Executive Council action in the approval judicial enquiry into~ of the rezoning of the land at the corner "(a) Allegations that favourable treat of Babbidge Street and Gold Coast High ment has been given to certain land and way, Labrador, was in accordance with commercial developers in relation to the Local Government Act and also notes rezonings by the Minister f.or Local that the procedures under that Act in the Government and Main Roads, Mr. Hinze. undertaking of such rezoning were carried "(b) The part played by Sir Robert out in the correct manner." Sparkes in negotia.tions between Ministers ,of the Queensland Government and Mr. CASEY: I rise to a point of order. A various companies and/or persons who few moments ago, Mr. Speaker, you made were engaged in discussions regarding a firm ruling following my submission under commercial and land developments in Standing Order 137. You ruled that it was the State. your firm and final conclusion and ruling Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land Labrador 639 so far as this matter was concerned and that been allegations made this rezon- the matter could be raised the I \Vant say quite clearly debate House. I now your oroc,ed11re undertaken was certainlv to this question, which is with the Local GovemmenJt And no person has refuted that! Order! This motion is The decision was made on documents to the submission made by to me by officers of the Department the of Opposition. He referred Local Government, men of high standing to certain specific matters. The motion before in the community who have worked extremely the House at the moment is for the suspen hard and responsibly in advising the Govern- sion of Standing Orders to allow the House ment. I now take the to table to debate a matter of public importance a letter forwarded to me by director There is a very great difference. I felt sur~ of the Department of Local Government that the Leader of the Opposition would be outlining the full details of this rezoning able to understand that. application. I do this so that the manner of the rezoning of this land can be made Mr. BJELI(E-PETERSEN: All I want to abundantly clear to this House and to the people of It must be made s~y is that the motion arises out of allega tions recently and recurringly made against clear so of the Govern- the Government of this State by the hon rezoning cannot be ourable member for Southport, apparently will make it quite the honourable member for clear that it is the Government's and the Leader of the to carry out in that, by innuendo, impute cor the Act, and that has been done to members of the Government on every occasion. I say that town reference to an application to rezone is often a matter opinion, and land at Labrador. The motion is made with this rezoning application there a view to giving the aforesaid three honour was a recommendation made to the council able members the opportunity to produce by its town that the application be to .this House ~reditable evidence of a pro approved. application was then sent bative nature, 1f any such should exist to to the department. The department examined support their allegations. ' it, and a recommendation was made by the Minister to Cabinet and Executive Council. Hon. L. R. EDWARDS (Ipswich-Deputy Executive Council then approved the Premier and Treasurer) (12.18 p.m.): I second rezoning. the motion, which is- I want to make it quite clear that the "That the Parliament take note that the action of the Government has been the Executive Council action in the approval presentation to the Governor in Council of of the rezoning of the land at Labrador a rezoning ~pproval recommendation. The was in accordance with the Local Gov: honourable member for Southport has made ernment Act and also notes that the pro certain allegations about this, and that is cedures in the undertaking of such rezon his right. But it is also his responsibility ing were carried out in the correct to substantiate those allegations, and I hope manner." he will live up to that responsibHity. There I second the motion because we, as a Gov can be no doubt of the Government's ernment, believe that it is necessary so that integrity regarding the outcome of this the House notes that the rezoning that took rezoning application. place at Southport was carried out in Mr. Burns: Why have local authorities accordance with the terms and conditions if you keep on overriding them? of the Local Government Act. That has never been denied by anybody in this area. I want to make it quite clear that the Gov Dr. EDWARDS: The honourable mem ernment considers that this matter has been ber for Lytton has asked why the Govern dealt with by it and the local authority in ment went against the recommendation of such a way that no questions can be raised the local authority. Let me make it quite regarding the legality of such decision. clear that action of this type has been taken on a number of occasions. If the honour Questions have been raised, however able member for Lytton thinks that this regarding the propriety of the Government Government is go,ing to be a rubber stamp in this matter. I place on record for all time for every local authority decision in this that it must always remain the right and State, he is mistaken. This Government will indeed the responsibility, of every member of not be a rubber stamp. this House to raise matters of concern to himself in his electorate, in this State and Mr. Burns: The people elected the local indeed, in this nation. The honourable mem: authorities, so why shouldn't they be listened ber for Southport undertook that responsibil to? ity in that he raised a matter of concern, but he made further allegations with which Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I warn the honour I do not intend to deal today. We in this able member for Lytton under Standing Government are concerned that there have Order 123A. 640 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador Dr. EDWARDS: We a11 know that the there are allegations of bribes, political fav honourable member for Lytton is a rubber ours at Cabinet level, tax-cheating, and stamp for the Q.C.E., but if he wants this intimidation of private businesses. Government to be a rubber stamp for every The Opposition submits that on the prima local authority in the State he will be dis facie evidence available Parliament must appointed. We will not be a rubber stamp appoint a judicial inquiry and extend to that for local authorities. As far as I am con inquiry the rights of privilege and subpoena cerned, the members of the Executive Coun and decide its broad terms of reference. cil will judge the rights and wrongs of any That inquiry must include the fund-raising given situation and, if the Government makes activities of the National Party's Bjelke a decision in the light of information avail Petersen Foundation. able to it, it will stand by that decision. As a member of the Executive Council, I make It is pointless for National Party leaders no apology for my involvement in the rezon to argue that the Bjelke-Petersen Foundation ing of this land. The decision was made is no different from finance-raising ventures in accordance with the requirements of the of other political parties. This foundation Local Government Act and in accordance is a testimonial through solicited donations with recommendations made to Cabinet and to a political figure who is not only alive to Executive Council. I have seconded the but active-some say excessively active-in motion because it places on record in the secret decisions of Government involving Parliament of Queensland the fact that this millions of dollars. rezoning has been carried out in accordance Despite the comments of the Deputy with the Act. Premier and Treasurer a few moments ago, There is no doubt that other allegations Cabinet reversals of rezoning disapprovals by wi11 be made and they are matters for the local authorities in Queensland are rare, with House to consider. Let me make it quite only two recorded since 1 January last year. clear that we are debating one issue here In the case of the Bexley application today, and that is whether the Government involving a shopping complex at Labrador on itself has acted in accordance with the the Gold Coast, there is now evidence that Local Government Act and whether the the company's principal director (Ian Wilfred rezoning has been carried out in accordance Rice) saw the Local Government Minister on with that Act. Once again I make it quite the issue at Parliament House four to five clear that I believe it has been carded months ago. The Opposition believes that the out in accordance with the Act. Local Government Minister's prolonged Whereupon the honourable gentleman laid absence overseas at a time when his adminis on the table the letter referred to. tration is under such a serious cloud renders him as a person unfit to hold Cabinet office. Mr. CASEY (Mackay-Leader of the The varied ministerial explanations given so Opposition) (12.25 p.m.): I move the follow far on the Bexley reversal have been inade ing amendment- quate and have failed completely to dull "Add the words-- suspicions of irregularity and impropriety. 'However, this House believes there is The Opposition submits that there is prima need for a judicial inquiry into those facie evidence of a most unhealthy and companies or persons involved in land undesirable link between certain recent and commercial developments men Cabinet decisions and the activities of the tioned in this debate, especially those Bjelke-Petersen Foundation. We believe two of the Bexley Corporation and its Melbourne-based "quick-money" developing associated companies and of Hudson companies--closely associated with each other Conway and its associated companies, and closely connected with the foundation and of all of the dealings of the have benefited, or stand to benefit, by millions Bjelke-Petersen Foundation.' " of dollars from two recent Cabinet decisions. In recent weeks, by way of questions in this In local government circles and parts of House, I instigated discussion on the reversal the Melbourne business community, there are last month by Cabinet of a Gold Coast rezon genuine suspicions that certain persons in or ing disapproval involving the Bexley Corpora close to this Government are engaged in a tion Pty. Ltd. of Melbourne. Those questions conspiracy with directors of these companies were phrased responsibly, seeking legitimate in relation to land-zoning decisions in Queens information, without any suggestion of land. The first of these companies is the emotional accusations of a personal nature. Bexley Corporation Pty. Ltd., in which the Regrettably, the ministerial replies were far main director is Ian Wilfred Rice, of 1 less responsible and were, in fact, unsatis Linlithgow Road, Toorak. He is a former factory, evasive and, in some instances, mis councillor of the Melbourne City Council, leading. a former chairman of its planning committee, and now a corporate bower-bird who accumu I believe the underlying issue here today is lates companies like others collect stamps. the accountability of the Executive to this Parliament and, consequently, the respons My inquiries show that the Bexley Cor ibility of the Parliament for the credibility poration is involved at present in at least of the Government of this State. In the five major shopping complex proposals in distressing controversy now before Parliament Queensland worth probably between Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador 641 $30,000,000 and $40,000,000. One of these is that either benefit, or stand to benefit, some of the contentious Gold Coast development, a those involved. I have referred to the Bexley second is the supermarket now being con rezoning incident. The second, even more structed in Gympie on the Bruce Highway, recently, involves the Hudson Conway com and the other three are located in the Bris pany and is equally disturbing. bane suburbs of Everton Park, Bracken Ridge and Sunnybank. Bexley's applications for For some months this company has been Everton Park and Bracken Ridge were dis engaged in discussions with Gladstone City approved by the Brisbane City Council and Council officers on plans for a multimillion are subject to appeal, while the Sunnybank dollar supermarket/hotel development near scheme is still being discussed. Rice is also the entrance to the Queensland Alumina a director of Plymouth Property Pty. Ltd., plant in Gladstone. The land-lots 1 and 2 registered in Brisbane, which is the company RP8907-covering 6 hectares 7 821 sq. metres that purchased the miner's homestead leases (about 16· 5 acres) is zoned "local business" for the Gympie supermarket development, and was bought by Hudson Conway on and that is another unusual deal. $70,000 deposit on 12 September last year from the Gladstone land developer company. The second Melbourne company, suddenly Possession was taken on 12 March this year, active in Queensland, is Hudson Conway after a total overall payment by Hudson Holdings Pty. Ltd., which is concerned in Conway of $280,000. three current shopping complex proposals (worth probably up to $30,000,000) in Towns The development now being discussed by ville, the Gold Coast and Gladstone. The Hudson Conway with council officers includes directors of this company are Ronald J. a 80,000 sq. ft. discount store; 30,000 sq. ft. Walker, of 55 Albany Avenue, Toorak-a supermarket; 50 smaller stores; and a hotel former Lord Mayor of Melbourne and big and parking. It is common knowledge that land speculator; Lloyd John Williams, 2 council aldermen believe there is already a Wallace Avenue, Toorak-a wealthy shop surplus of shopping in Gladstone and that ping and apartment block developer, well an additional development of the size pro known on the Gold Coast, who was a leading posed by Hudson Conway would be undesir figure in the recent multimillion crash of the able. It would, in fact, threaten the existence Victorian land company Dominion Properties of many smaller businesses already operating Pty. Ltd.; Nick McDonald Fell Holt, 687 in the city, many of them long established Orrong Road, Toorak-a solicitor and the and almost without exception establi;,hed by stepson of the late Prime Minister, Harold Queensland businessmen. Holt; and John Wiley Keck, 22 Maltravers Road, East Ivanhoe-the company secretary. Yet, in the light of this knowledge, at the height of the Bexley outrage when it was Walker and Williams are close friends of raised in this Parliament, amid all the allega Rice's and are members with him in an tions of political favour, this Cabinet (I exclusive Melbourne social set, imported from believe a fortnight ago) approved a new America, known as the "Young Presidents". liquor licence in the Gladstone South area The qualification for membership in this where Hudson Conway has its land. A sur club is to have earned $1,000,000 before the ,rendered licence was removed to the area age of 40 years. to permit the decision, and tenders to close The director of the Bjelke-Petersen Foun on 14 December were advertised in the State dation (Mr. Compton) has disclosed that Rice Government Gazette on 22 September. is the foundation's Melbourne area cha,irman I am informed that Hudson Conway owns and a contributor to the fund. Williams, I the only suitable land in the new liquor zone am told, owns the mansion rented by Rice for a hotel-the only sizeable block of land at 1 Linlithgow Road in which the "Toorak in the area that is satisfactorily zoned in thanksgiv,ing dinner" was held on 30 July advance. The hotel, which, I am told, will for the Premier and Sir Robert Sparkes. be a gold-mine, is part of a highly quest,ion According to my information, that dinner, able shopping venture and no doubt will be which was in fact a fund-raising promotion, used as a lever to pressure the Gladstone was attended by 16 people, including Walker City Council into acceptance of the remainder and Williams, who were active in its arrange of .the project. ment and are contr,ibutors to the foundation. Ano,ther reported to be at the dinner, and 1I am afraid that this case is even more also a foundation contributor, is Lindsay spurious than I have so far indkated. I am Fox, a millionaire transport operator and informed that Hudson Conway, over a period developer and also a member of the "Young of months, has been in negotiations with a Presidents" club. Fox was assisted by the leading brewery on the hotel proposal, Premier several years ago in relation to obviously confident of success with this Gov the Underwood shopping complex, on the ernment before the licence was approved. Pacific Highway, after objections by the On 25 July its representatives in Gladstone Brisbane City Council to its construction. were able to show council officers sketch plans of the proposed hotel even before the The Opposition submits that there is prima licence had been approved. Coincidentally, facie evidence of a connedion between this the date on which the sketch plans were dis thanksgiving dinner in Melbourne and two played was five days before the thanksgiving decisions taken since by Cabinet in Brisbane dinner in Melbourne. 642 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OcTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador The Hudson Conway in the fleeting of Gladstone deal has been Behmber. l-'n>m1Pr'" now emerges as a lobbyist vvho who gives his Melbourne address as 2 W allace Government favours quick Avenue, Toorak same as Lloyd \Villiams, On the ad•nission of already as a director of Hudson Mr. Rice is the Con way). Melbourne front man for the Foundation. on the admission of The Opposition believes that there is Mr. Rice is a contributor prima facie evidence associating the to the He was also Petersen Foundation with certain iser of the recent decisions to warrant deeper inves,tigation the Premier and through a judicial inquiry such as I am pro Melbourne. As I said earlier, posing in my amendment. There are prima ation's thanksgiving dinner was held facie indications of a conspiracy at Cabinet home. level apd top National Party administrational level in shopping developments that, in some What is more, he is unmasked as the in&tances, endanger existing businesses. principal director in a company that is chasing five development contracts I challenge the Treasurer and the Premier in Queensland. is not someone who to declare if the Local Government Minister has come to to establish new informed Cabinet of the contentious nature industries, nor of the Bexley rezoning, or was it cushioned to Queensland for the benefit of through Cabinet like any other rezoning. landers. He is in the quick-money In this new controversy at Gladstone, a and was interested in coming to shadow hangs over all the Cabinet, and in only for the of getting a particular the Justice Minister, who, I for himself no-one else. imagine, presented the submission. that he will leave behind him is the of many Queensland businessmen fought I ask, in such serious circumstances, was their and committed themselves and Cabinet told at the time of the liquor licence their the development of State. decision that Hudson Conway-a company The of this man who received closely linked with Rice and Bexley-held unusual Cabinet approval have been its land in the area. unmasked. Rice is now shown as the closest of associates with the second company that Was Cabinet told (at least by the Premier, I mentioned, namely, Hudson Conway. Like who must have known) of the association Bexley Corporation, it was also connected of this company with the Bjelke-Petersen with the thanksgiving dinner and has a new Foundation and the Toorak thanksgiving found interest in shopping developments in dinner? He was the only member of Cabinet Queensland. Like the Bexley Corporation, who was present at that dinner. it also appears certain to benefit from a The Treasurer cannot shelter for ever Cabinet decision that was taken quietly after behind the feeble excuse of "Cabinet solid the Toorak get-together on 30 July. And arity" and must answer these questions and as I have stated previously, the only member back a judicial hearing, or stand condemned of Cabinet who was present at that dinner as an accomplice in these matters. is the Premier. Was Cabinet told, as it made its decision, There is more information available con that Hudson Conway was already negotiating cerning other names, but I believe that the with a brewery and had sketch plans drawn central question here today is that this Parlia for the hotel-or was this licence, like the ment has a responsibility in the eyes of the Bexley rezoning, slipped past the unsuspecting people of Queensland and of the nation of Ministers? Australia to show that Parliament should be respected. That respect should not be On 18 September, in reply to my question, tarnished by some of the decisions that were the Premier dismissed Ian Rice as a person arrived at in secrecy behind the doors of to whom he had spoken very briefly about Cabinet. Parliament has a responsibility to ice cream in North Queensland. Yet he demand of Cabinet-the Executive Govern was chairman and one of the organisers ment-that the Parliament, the Government of the Toorak thanksgiving dinner and it and the State should not only be clean, but was held in his home. According to a be seen to be clean by the people of the Melbourne Press release, he claimed to be a State. The only way that that can be great personal and close friend of the Queens done is by a judicial inquiry. land State President of the National Party, In Queensland, at present, we are not being Sir Robert Sparkes. seen to be clean. The Opposition believes Are we to believe the Premier's statement that Parliament itself must act to restore that he spoke to Ian Rice merely about the State's image. When charges are made ice cream? I think not. The House has about political bribes for political favours, not been given the full facts concerning this when party-political chiefs tell Ministers to rezoning proposal, nor has it been given the stay overseas, away from Parliament, while full details of discussions that have taken they are under question, and when there is place between Cabinet Ministers and those evidence of Cabinet decisions being bought, associated with it. I believe that the Premier every member of this Parliament must be clearly attempts to mislead the Parliament. alarmed. Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OcTOBER 1979] Rezoning ofLand at Labrador 643 As I said, this Parliament is not a court local government members and the respon and it is not designed to be a court. It is sibility of elected State parliamentarians. It not the place in which people are put on seems to me to be very clear now that the trial. Through our Legislature we have State Government believes itself to be above appointed the judiciary to har:dle such mat any local authority-whichever local author ters. Parliament must be seen by the com ity it may be, or however it is elected. Let munity to be above the taint of corrupt us remember that it was this Government ness. Because of these company affairs, the that sacked the former Gold Coast City revelations and the knot that ties all these Council without giving Parliament any real matters to the Bjelke-Petersen Foundation, reasons for doing so. It is significant, too, there is a need for the Parliament of Queens that the Government has reversed the first land to be placed above suspicion; a need really major decision of the new council. for the Parliament of Queensland to instigate That, in itself, is a matter that should con a judicial inquiry into the facts that I have cern greatly all members of the House. mentioned today, that have been mentioned I point out that the mover and seconder previously, and that are being referred to of the motion to suspend the Standing in the community. A judicial inquiry is Orders to allow this debate have left this needed so that people be subpoenaed Parliament in complete contempt. The Prem and brought forward to the truth. ier moved the motion, it was seconded by In this the evidence can be adduced. the Deputy Premier, and they have both Parliament is not the place for the pres walked out of the Chamber and left us with entation of evidence; it is not the place for it. Surely that is not the way to have a the books of corporations and debate in a responsible establishment such That must be done in judicial as this. Surely one or the other should be surroundings. It can be done only in a in this House. court, and only if this Parliament takes unto I believe that the Premier should be here. itself today control of its actions-takes them After all, it was he who raised the issue. out of the hands of the 18 Executive mem It was he who came forward and said to bers who have tarnished its image through in the Chamber--I hope members out Australia; takes out of the-ir hands the Government realise this-"We want control of the affairs of State of Queens an open cheque from you. We want you to land. endorse what Cabinet did, but we are not going to tell you we did it. We are not has at all to tell you arguments were put made us overrule an elected council. are not going to tell those at all. They are no concern of yours. As as arc concerned, it does not matter at If honourable members re-read the Premier's short as it was, will realise that except, what we is not good enough for the Opposition. Then the Premier and Treasurer entered the am quite that COVer he seconded this motion, decision and allegations concerning members of his own party raised issue Bjelke-Petersen Foundation. in the first place and brought to the public's The time has come for the Government attention the many questions they asked and of Queens.land to provide the answers that statements that were made then and have are required; it must do so before a court been attributed to them since. I am not of this land. Parliament, through the amend going to debate the accuracy of what has ment that I have moved, can act responsibly been attributed to them. As they are both in today on behalf of the people of Queens the Chamber, I think it is fair enough that land to achieve these ends. On behalf of I should refer to them and that they then the people of Queensland we can put Par should have the opportunity of denying or liament back into proper repute in the minds accepting the accuracy of statements that and eyes of the people of Queensland, have been reported in their names. according to their desires. It is not my intention to embarrass anyone at all. All I say is that this debate is purely Mr. HOUSTON (Bulimba) (12.44 p.m.): and simply a Cabinet manoeuvre to close the I second the amendment moved by the whole matter immediately. If it is mentioned Leader of the Opposition. In this Parlia again, after the conclusion of this debate, it ment today we have a remarkable situation will be said that according to Standing Orders in that the Leader of the Opposition wrote the matter cannot be raised as it has already to you, Mr. Speaker, about a matter associ been dealt with in this session of Parliament. ated with land dealings at Labrador, and the That will be the Government's ruling. If it subsequent change by Cabinet of a decision is raised later, honourable members will find made by a local authority. That immediately that the Premier or someone else will ask brings into focus the responsi:bility of elected your indulgence, Mr. Speaker, to rule that 644 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OcTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador way. According to Standing Orders, you will could easily have waited till the Budget have no other course than to rule that way. debate, but he chose the other course because The fact of the matter is that that is the he believed it was a matter of public interest. Government's aim. Anybody who studies the Premier's reply I wonder why the Minister for Local on the following day will agree that he did Government and Main Roads is not in the not answer any of the charges, suggestions Chamber today. No matter how important or rumours that the honourable member for any business is overseas, this issue is of far Southport brought to the attention of the more importance. So important is it, in fact, House. that the Premier himself moved the motion. The Premier decided that it would be far It was not moved by the Opposition. The better to attack the persons concerned Premier of the State moved the motion, gave 1indiv·idually. That, I consider, is a matter no reason for it, and made sure that the only for regret. person who could really give reasons and answers was not here to subject himself to The Premier said- questioning. It is completely wrong, I believe, "In all my 32 years in this Parliament, to put any public servant in a position in il have never experienced or been asso which he alone has to give evidence, in this ciated with two men who have acted so case through a letter tabled by the Deputy strongly or so vindictively against the Premier. After all, no•one is questioning the 'interest of the Government, their elector public servant's determination. What we are ates and the State, as these men have in questioning is the lead-up to it. We are their short term in office." questioning things that he could not be expected to know. We are questioning here Later on he said- facts that were raised in this House by the "Their remarks and actions deserve to honourable member for Southport. be treated with contempt, of course, and they obviously are prepared to work like I repeat that we are asked to endorse an white ants to undermine their colleagues open cheque. It is quite remarkable that the and this Government for their own ends, Premier said that he initiated this debate to for reasons best known to themselves." give the member for Southport, the member for Surfers Paradise and the Leader of the What an accusation! The Premier is suggest Opposition an opportunity to present their ing that we should know what the facts are, cases to sustain their allegations. That is and he attacked two colleagues in this House. what the Premier has indicated to us; yet he We know that the Minister for Local himself is saying to this House, "You accept Government and Main Roads is overseas. that everything is right in Cabinet and do The Press reported his statement, and I not query it." I say to the Premier that the admit that it was only a report of what he only way to determine whether or not his said. I regret thll!t he is not here to have statements and denials are backed by fact is, the opportunity to defend himself or confirm as the Leader of the Opposition has said and what he is reported to have said. The report moved, to have a judicial inquiry into these in "The Courier-Mail" of 25 September matters. reads- It is a sorry day for Queensland when the " 'I will not have officers of my depart Leader of the Oppositi011 has to write to ment slurred and defamed under the guise you, Mr. Speaker, in the vein that he did. of Parliamentary privilege--'"- I regret your decision but I will not debate it now because a formal motion of dissent We are not fighting with that. The report from your ruling has been moved. That continues-- motion would have opened up the various "'... by turncoat backbenchers work matters that people are concerned about. ing together with the Labor Opposition,' Mr. Hinze said from Stockholm." It is one thing to accuse and listen to rumour, but only the experts can really sift There again, that does not answer the allegations and separate truth fwm fiction. charges; all it does is attack people individu That is all we are asking. Let the experts ally. do the judging, and it should be done by a judicial inquiry so that each side can be Let me outline some of the facts that the represented by legal counsel and have the public are entitled to know and the inquiry ·opportunity of cross-examining their accusers. should set out to discover. \Vhy did the It is completely wrong to say straight out Government override the Gold Coast City that nothing is wrong or that there is no Council? Why was it so important fo·r that further evidence. The Leader of the Opposi particular rezoning to be looked at at Cabinet tion endeavoured to have these matters con level? We know for a fact, according to sidered by a judicial inquiry. the evidence so far presented, that the Gold Coast City Council, through the administra What is contained in that letter is not tor at the time, had a report on it. We also new; those questions have been asked on know that certain recommendations were many occasions. The honourable member made by the committee that looked at it. for Southport made the allegations in the But the Gold Coast City Council is the Matters of Public Interest debate, and the elected council and it knows where its money Premier replied. The honourable member should be spent. Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OcTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador 645 It is all very well for developers to come I can understand the Gold Coast City into a State, a city, a town or a shire and Council's wondering where the money is to say, "I want the right to build a shopping come from to carry out the extra work centre," or something else. But they seem entailed by this project, particularly if it to forget, or do not take into account, the has taken note of the 800-odd objections fact that every time one of these mas,sive that were received. It was suggested earlier shopping complexes is developed the local -I forget by whom-that not very much authority has to foot a bill for millions of notice was taken of those objections because dollars. The developers clear the site and they were all in a similar form. Has then build, and that is the end of their anyone ever seen such objections not all in responsibility. But what about the traffic a similar form? Petitions are regularly that passes the development? That is the presented to Parliament in the same form responsibility of the local authority. What simply because one person does the organ about water, electricity and all the other ising and is helped to persuade people to amenities ~hat have 'to be supplied to the site? sign these petitions. It is rather a matter What about possible traffic hazards that are of deciding the motive behind the petitions created by the siting of this type of industry than of wondering why all were presented in a particular spot? These are not tangible in the same form. financial things that can be determined by I have several queries about the Bjelke a local authority. Petersen Foundation. Why would the people of Melbourne be interested in contributing Then we have to think about the effect to a Queensland political party, particularly on small businesses already established in one that is purely and simply Queensland the area. What effect would the develop oriented and operated? Why would ment of a large shopping complex have on Melbourne businessmen be so interested as small shopkeepers? Those members who live to form their own committee, as was reported in older established suburbs in which shop to have been said by Sir Robert Sparkes? ping complexes have been built know as An article in "The Courier-J\iail" of 26 well as I do the effect that they have on September stated- the small shopkeeper. I remember only a "Sir Robert said Mr. Rice, as !he little while ago pleading the case of bakers Melbourne area chairman for the Bjelke in country areas who were affected by com Petersen Foundation, had to make a con petition from the large metropolitan bread tribution to the fund." manufacturers. It was surprising to see the number of Government members who rose Had to make a contribution to the fund! and condemned the monopolies; condemned I wonder what those words mean? unfair competition from the big fellow. But [Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.] Government members are apparently now not showing any regard at all for the small Mr. HOUSTON: Prior to the luncheon shopkeeper in a suburban area, irrespective recess I was referring to matters that I think of what he is selling, who is virtually put should be answered in this Parliament or by out of business because the public would a judicial inquiry, which is what is sug rather shop in the large shopping complexes gested in the amendment moved by the where there is a greater variety of goods. Leader of the Opposition and seconded by No-one is denying that the public prefer me. All the facts could be presented and that style of shopping, but what will happen the people presenting those facts could be in the future when all the small shopkeepers cross-examined. When the whole matter have been forced out of business? What was wrapped up everyone would know quite will happen when there is only one massive clearly \vhat the facts were. complex to service a number of suburbs? Another question that I think should be Those who run the complexes will be able answered is: did !the Bexley Corporation to increase the rents of the lessees who in offer financial or any other assistance to any ~urn will have to increase the price of every person or organisation in Queensland in any Item they sell. I mention that because of the projects with which it has been surely that is the responsibility of local gov associated while it has been developing in ernment and local government alone. Queensland? There have been reports that the Bexley Corporation has offered some An alderman standing for re-election has financial assistance to organisations if they to take an interest in those issues because seek support for its applications. I believe they are the issues in which his electors are the object is to get people to suggest that interested. They are not issues in which the development that the covporation intends public servants could be expected to be will be to their advantage. Whether or not interested. I said earlier that the public servants, whoever they were, who made the it is correct busbess procedure to offer such reccmmendation about the site did so on incentives is not for me to judge. I believe the facts as they saw them, but they did that that is a matter that could we1J be not take into account, nor would one expect looked at by an official and proper inquiry. them to, the human element that only elected After all, there are several ways in which representatives have to take into account. to buy favours. Sometimes favours are They have to do so because they are the sought by helping people long before an people who, every three years or sooner, application is made. The favour does not have to present themselves to the electors. necessarily have to be given on the eve of 646 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OcTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador a decision being made. It can be given many It also would be very interesting to know months or even years before an actual the motive for or the reason behind the application is made. Only after a full alleged break•in at the Go·ld Coast office judicial would we be in a position of the Liberal Party. What was that person, to know or not, as has been alleged, or what were those persons, really after? this corporation has on other occasions offered assistance to organisations to help Mr. Akers: To see whether you had made it in its applications. As I have said, whether a donation to the Liberal Party. or not that is correct business practice is Mr. HOUSTON: They could do worse not for me to say at this point of time. than look at what I do with my money, but I that the most important matter I do not think that was the real reason. that to consider is whether or not Here we come back to what I said about the that the member for South- Mr. White's statements in the House about port in this House are based purely what he heard and what he believed should on rumour or have substance. I do not be investigated. believe that it should be the function of a Mr. Moore: The member for where? member Parliament to present all the evidence any matter that he is worried Mr. HOUSTON: The honourable member about. If we are going to use that as the for I do not want there to be criterion, why have a police force at all? any After all, on many occasions the police, in the first instance, only suspect a criminal Let us take the situation of the honourable activity. They find the facts only after men1ber for Surfers Paradise. He suggested a thorough investigation. A court that the office was broken into and that then whether or not those facts are certain documents are missing. I am not accurate and whether they are related to doubting the honourable gentleman's report the matter under discussion. on that but it is only his belief that the office was into for motives that Everv time a member of this Parliament, were not honourable. Is it to be suggested that or of imy other Parliament for that m:~tter, because he cannot prove exactly who took decides ra.ise a matter in the House the documents or else, there because believes that it should not be be that notice I b:lieve that the be could in all cstcd--I of Parliament who and that he con Quite to \Vas that not least, let me say that I am Queenslander was statements that rNHwt<>rl the honourable Foundation has been at the meeting of the State In considering matters such as Council of the Liberal Party. As I said at this, one must look at the operations of that the outset, I trust that the honoura:b!e mem foundation and see whether or not a sug- ber will correct them if they are wrongly been made by any particular because it is not my intention to someone should support the charge him with things that he for one reason or another. In did not say. However, the people of Queens saying thEtt, I am in no way questioning the land read this statement-- right of an organisation that is given the "The Liberal member for Smfers Para for raising money. However, for dise (Mr. Bishop) said the fund's existence known to themselves, others (he was referring to the Bjelke-Petersen outside the organisation could seek to .fund) brought the whole integrity of the influence the making of donations. Government into question." I wonder why Sir Robert Sparkes suggested Surely that statement should be challenged to Mr. Hinze, as reported, that he should in this Chamber by the Government and stay away a little longer. Surely that is not those associated with the fund; yet we heard Sir Robert's function. As president of the not one word of excplana:tion fmm the National Party in Queensland, he has cer Premier, and the Deputy Premier, who tain rights relating to the organisation of the .is the leader of the party to whioh the party; but I do not think that those rights honourable member for Surfers Paradise extend to making public a request that a belongs, did not say one word to substantiate Minister of the Crown should or should not be or reject the statements that were attributed in this Chamber. to the honourable member. un .• ,.,,.,~ of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador 647 1v1r. Bishop K. J. Hooper: Another the "I for one coffin of democracy in this House: 'llr. SPEAKER: Order! The for Archerfield will come to order. I am sure that that statement not made W. D. HEWITT: Mr. Speaker, rose it ·was made after consideration. to the amendment and 1 exercise statement must be looked at. I do in that capacity. A call for a not think that the honourable member inquiry is an important thing. Surfcrs Paradise has it here, Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I rise to a of there evidence need for order. I was the first to rise and called Mr. Speaker, yet you gave the member has rightly Greenslopes the call ahead of me. I pointed out, the motion is nothing ask for your ruling. than a case "Let's get rid of it, it under Once it Mr. SPEAKER: Order! is in the House it be finished." Mr. K. J. HOOPER: I ask for ruling. Mr. Bjdke-Petersm: That is ;,vhat you do Mr. SPEAKER: Order! When I rise to vvith everything over there) isn't it? the member will resume his seat. :VIr. HOUSTON: No, is not. member who appeared in Premier has no evidence on which he on his feet was the for base that comment. But this I have called him, consequently the Premier. 1-Ic the floor. and thinks everyone will CASEY: On rising to a order, does not know what on Party. he were to something about Mr. Speaker, I seek your our he >vou!d be far more demo- some confusion did exist. he If he had more independent Mr. SPEAKER: That is correct. mcmben on hi.; side, as we have on ours, he would not get away with the things that Mr. CASEY: I presume that are he does get away with. allowing the debate to proceed on amend- ment and that you have called the member Mr. Casey: A good of that is for Greenslopes because he indicated that the way that Mr. Hartwig had to toe he was speaking to it? the line. Mr. SPEAKER: That is correct. I have Mr. HOUSTON: That is right. What called the member for Greenslopes. happened to the person who opposed Mr. Hartwig? He was told very quickly what Mr. W. D. HEWITT: I will remain very to do. I am glad to see the honourable grateful to you for your tolerance and member for Callide in the Chamber. Now understanding, Mr. Speaker. that he has suggested he will be a good I address my observations to the amend boy in the future, the threat has been ment that is presently before the House. removed. And the Government talks about I say that any call for a judicial inquiry into threats! Goodness me! the activities of government is one that This matter is not being answered satis should be viewf'd in a very serious light. factorily by the Premier's motion. I believe A number of very serious allegations have that the people and the news media believe, been made. as I do, that the present situation is far At the outset I express my concern that from satisfactory. A full judicial inquiry the Minister against whom these allegations should be held. It is important that the are primarily directed is still absent from whole facts be made known-not rumours, this House. That, to me, is a totally intol not suggestions, but facts that can be erable state of affairs. The peregrinating analysed. People who give evidence before Minister for Local Government should be such an inquiry can be cross-examined, but in this House participating in the debate they must know that when they are giving and in his own right answering the alle their evidence and telling the truth they gations. I might say also that the action are protected. of the president of the National Party in Mr. K. J. HOOPER (Archerfield): Mr. tendering certain advice to him while he Speaker-- is away was, in my opinion, an exercise in gross impertinence. That should not Mr. W. D. HEWITT (Greenslopes): Mr. have taken place. Speaker-- I rise today to give the reasons why, Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah notwithstanding those facts, I oppose the -Premier): Mr. Speaker-- amendment. I identify once again the serious ness of the amendment. But it is loosely Mr. W. D. HEWITT (Greenslopes) (2.28 worded and refers to any companies that p.m.): Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak to the may be mentioned in the course of this amendment. debate, which means that in the dying 648 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador moments of the debate a member could speak should be ventilated. They have done noth about some nondescript, innocent, little real ing more than exercise their complete rights estate firm in his own electorate that, in as members of Parliament in that way. his opinion, had committed some misdemean Those are my substantial ,reasons for oppos our and, by virtue of the sweeping terms ing the amendment. It calls for a judicial of the amendment, it would automatically inquiry but it does not submit evidence be caught in the net. That, in itself, reflects of a sufficiently substantial nature. I again the typical sloppiness with which the Opposi emphasise that it causes a feeling of tion approaches procedures in this House. uneasiness among a great number of mem That, in itself, would sustain an argument bers and a great number of questions that against the amendment. However, the need to be answered remain unanswered. amendment deserves to be rejected upon They are answers to which t~e Mini~ter more substantial grounds than that. should apply himself at the earliest possible I have said already that the allegations moment. are of a serious nature. Accordingly, every Mr. AHERN (Landsborough): I move member of this House should respond to the seriousness of them. If judicial inquiries "That the question be now put." were set up every time an Opposition or, Question put; and the House divided- indeed, Government member thought he had unearthed something, our society would AYES, 48 be ridden into the ground by a whole, con Armstrong Lickiss Bertoni Lockwood tinuing series of judicial inquiries. With Bird McKechnie the best will in the world and the best Bjelke-Petersen Miller of grace, I say to my colleagues and the Booth Neal Bourke Newbery Leader of the Opposition, who should know Cam m Porter better, that judicial inquiries cannot be sus Camp bell Powell tained on rumour or loose allegations. There Doumany Row Edwards Scassola must be specific allegations; they must be Elliott Scott-Young sustained by statutory declarations and a Frawley Simpson good deal of evidence. Gibbs, I. J. Stephan Glasson Sullivan Goleby Tenni The cartoonist in "The Courier-Mail" Greenwood Tomkins sized the whole situation up in one of his Gunn Turner very catching cartoons, when he referred Hartwig Warner Hewitt, N. T. E. Wharton to a catch-22 situation. On the one hand, Hooper, M. D. White, T. A. people were calling for a judicial inquiry Katter so that evidence could be forthcoming, and Kaus Kip pin Tellers: on the other hand people were calling for Knox evidence to be forthcoming to justify the Lee Moore judicial inquiry. While a great number of Lest er Ahern allegations and sweeping statements have NoEs, 23 been made, nothing of a substantial enough Bishop Scott nature has yet been forthcoming to estab Blake Shaw lish the need for a judicial inquiry. Enough Burns Underwood Casey Vaughan allegations have come forward to create D'Arcy Warburton a feeling of distinct uneasiness-and I share Fouras White, P. N. D. in that uneasiness. I believe that a number Hansen Wilson Hooper, K. J. Yew dale of questions have been posed which should Houston be answered by the peregrinating Minister. Kruger Tellers: The sooner he is back on the floor of this Mackenroth Milliner Gibbs, R. J. Parliament to answer those allegations him Prest Jones self, the better. At the moment they are just allegations. And they are allegations PAIR: that could well be answered by the Minister. Hinze Wright Resolved in the affirmative. We find in the penultimate paragraph of the quite dynamic eight-minute speech that Question-That the words proposed to be my colleague made last Wednesday week, added to the motion (Mr. Casey's amend that he posed three specific questions to ment) be so added-put; and the House the Minister for Local Government. If the divided- Government had applied itself to answering AYES, 23 those three questions, we may not have Bishop Scott been in the dilemma in which we find our B!ake Shaw selves today; all the calumny and abuse Burns Underwood that was heaped upon my colleagues would Casey Vaughan have been unnecessary. D'Arcy Warburton Fouras White, P. N. D. Hansen Wilson Let it be said that while I reserve my Hooper, K. J. Yewdale right to agree or disagree with my coi Houston leagues, I reserve to them and to a~1Y Kruger Mackenroth Tellers: other member the complete right to raise Milliner Gibbs, R. J. any matter of public import that they think Prest Jones Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OcTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador 649 NoEs, 49 Mr. K • .r. HOOPER: All of these were Arm strong Lester trom local residents. Despite eXJtreme pres Bertoni Lickiss sure from the Minister for Local Govern Bird Lock wood ment and Mian Roads, the Gold Coast City Bjelke-Petersen McKechnie Booth Miller Council, to its credit, stood its ground. All Bourke Neal honourable members are aware of the fate Camm Newbery of that council. was dismissed by the Campbell Porter n Doumany Powell Minister for Local Government and Main Edwards Row Roads. Elliott Scassola Fraw!ey Scott-Young However, the next act in the drama was Gibbs, I. J. Simpson a letter from the administratOT, dated 13 Glasson Stephan Goleby Sullivan July 1978. That was addressed to the Depart Greenwood Tenni ment of Local Government, and it ad¥ised Gunn Tomkins that he could see no object,ion to the rezoning. Hartwig Turner Hewitt, N. T. E. Warner J: point out that the administrator was Hewitt, W. D. Wharton appointed by the Minister fm Local Govern Hooper, M. D. White, T. A. ment and Main Roads. The Local Govern Katter Kaus ment Department and Cabinert reacted Kippin TeUers: with the speed of greased lightning. On 20 Knox Moo re July-just six days later-the Executive Lee Abern Council approved the rezoning. I think one PAm: could say, "Shades of Lady Kerr's divorce". Wright Hinze I would recommend that file number Resolved in the negative. 570831,8 be compulsory reading for the new aldermen of the Gold Coast City Council, Mr. K. .r. HOOPER (Archerfield) (2.52 and in particular for that white-collar crook p.m.): I move the following amendment Alderman Norm Rix. I wonder whether the "Add the words- file shows that the $7,973 that the council 'However, because of the public dis estimated would be needed to upgrade the quiet in the matter amongst the people water supply and sewerage services to accom of Queensland, this Parliament desires modate a high-rise block of units has yet that all documents regarding the Gold been paid by Lowanna Pty. Ltd.? Coast rezoning and the other papers and As to_ the building itself-as it progressed, dealings regarding land on the Gold the worst fears of the residents came to Coast negotiated by the Minister for pass. Blocked views became the order of Local Government and Main Roads be the day, repudiating promises given to a tabled in this House.' " meeting of residents. Lowanna produced a In moving this amendment today I desire very colourful brochure to advel'tise Berkeley to raise a very serious matter concerning a 'Square. There H is, Mr. Speaker. It says- block of home units named Berkeley Square "Make yourself at home at Berkeley at Stanley Street, Burleigh Heads, on the Square. Luxury home units at Burleigh Gold Coast. This development is being under Heads in the heart of the Gold Coast, taken by Lowanna Pty. Ltd., which is the Queensland." cover company name for the Minister for :Listen to the prices Local Government and Main Roads (Mr. "Priced from $63,000." Russ Hinze) and his electorate secretary, Miss Faye McQuillan. Honourable members That brochure would have cost at least $2 will remember the words of that lovely old to produce. song "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley The advertisement for Berkeley Square is Square". However, on this occasion, with totally misleading. The block looks very the money coming from the Russian Moscow spacious, but in fact it is spread over three Narodny Bank, it is a case of a big fat red small blocks. The brochure advertises that robin feathering its nest in Berkeley Square. all apartments have a view of Burleigh Lake, In the Matters of Public Interest debate and I make it clear that that is just not on 13 September 1978, I outlined how the possible. It is the ultimwte in advertising rezoning of the Berkeley Square block came deception. People in units 7 and 10 will be about. The Gold Coast City Council had hard pressed to see the lake. Those in units twice refused to rezone the land as requested 8 and 11 may get a fleeting glance on an by Mr. Hinze. Actually, when the rezoning extremely clear day if they use a pair of proposal became known, the local residents powerful binoculars. were up in arms. They were violently The brochure also shows palm trees in the opposed to the rezoning, and the council distance on the property. I dmve down to received 28 individual objections and two the Gold Coast last Sunday, and I make it petitions, one containing 76 signatures and quite clear that on that occasion I did not the other 70 signatures. trespass on the property of t,he Minister for Mr. HARTWIG: I rise to a point of order. Local Government and Main Roads. I had The honourable member is reading his speech. a look at the units, and there are certainly no palm trees in sight. As I said, it is mis Mr. SPEAKER: Order! leading adverthing of the worst order. 650 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OcTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador The Minister for Labour Relations, whose It is also common covers consumer affairs, is in the Narodny Bank I know that he is in his final term South East Asian office in as a Minister and a member of this It common knowledge, too, Assembly, and I will him the tribute Minister for Local Government and of saying that he is nnt the worst Main Roads obtained a loan of $550,000 on Minister in the Cabinet. he wishes to a on his family's Hinze farm do the thing by the people of Queens- question I pose is: Is there con- land, I him to immediately order officers I am not to the one from the Consumer Affairs Bureau tn between the Minister and McQuillan; examine ail aspects of this deceptive and I am just asking whether there is a connec misleading advertising. tion. Vie now come to the interesting part, Mr. Under the between the Speaker. The phone number for Lowanna Hinze family trust Ltd.) Pty. Ltd. is Gold Coast 35 4872. That tele and the Moscow bank phone is answered by none other than the has unrestricted access the Minister's lovely Faye McQuillan, electorate secretary financial books. This was pointed out ably to Mr. Hinze. and this morning my leader. Furthermore, bank has right of Mr. R . .J. Gibbs: Oh, dreadful! entry to his premises. It is Mr. K. J. HOOFER: It is dreadful. Wait to say that no Australian till I come to the end of it. I would has ever placed himself under that all honourable members, irrespective economic control by a the side of the House on which they sit, financial institution. It is a will agree with me that this is definitely a practice. It is a matter of dreadful and sordid episode. me that a senior Cabinet for dealings Miss McQuillan, when asked, identifies of in public money can herself as one of the owners of the nn1nPrrv re possessed by this and says, "We are building 12 home Muscovites. is just not The telephone is physically located in the after witnessing the Minister's electorate office, which is a scandal over the past few days, I in itself. I can see the journalists up in the Rafferty's rules are the order of day for Press gallery almost wearing their pencils National and Country Party Ministers. out. I can see them taking notes very fast because they can see that it is a scandal, Mr. Katter: Shame on you! as can honourable members on the other side of the House. Mr. K. J. HOOPER: What I am saying is the truth. I am sure that all the people It is quite true that Miss McQuillan of Queensland will agree that something is indicates that she is available at any time. rotten in National Party politics in this I presume that when she says she is "avail country. A senior Minister is charged with able any time", she means &he is available a breach of the Companies Act and even for real es1tate work. She then shows prospect fraud. ive buyers over the block. Some questions need to be answered Mr. SULLIVAN: I rise to a point of order. promptly. They are- I understood the honourable member for Archerfield to make reference to Rafferty's (1) Is Miss McQuillan performing real rules for National Party Ministers. He went estate duties without a licence? on to say that National Party Ministers are (2) If she has a licence, did she go rotten. I find those comments objectionable through the normal channels to obtain it? and I ask that they be withdrawn. (3) By being the selling agent for Berkeley Square, is Miss McQuillan abro Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable gating her responsibility as the electorate member for Archerfield will withdraw that secretary in the South Coast electorate? statement. They are serious questions and I am sure Mr. K. .J. HOOPER: I withdraw it. that all honourable members would like to see them answered. I can see that the Minis Mr. Sullivan: You've got white ants in ter for Labour Relations is listening to me your head. intently. No doubt he will do something Mr. K. .J. HOOFER: The Minister has about it. His colleague the Minister for them in the thatch on the top of his head. Industry and Administrative Services is sit ting beside him. He, too, is listening intently Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable to what I am saying. member will proceed with his speech. Another very important question that must Mr. K. .J. HOOFER: Because you asked be answered is: Who financed this project? me to withdraw my comment, Mr. Speaker, Is it the Moscow Narodny Bank? We all I did so. I have the utmost respect for you. know that the Minister for Local Govern ment and Main Roads has had extensive I think everyone would agree that, although dealings with that bank. As we all know, the Minister for Local Government and during his present overseas junket he made Main Roads may be short of brains, he is Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador 651 not short of arrogance. His show of arrog according to its own set of rules, which are ance in connection with his overseas junket hopelessly inadequate and leave the Govern adds credence to the rumours currently cir ment wide open to criticism. culating on the Gold Coast that he will not Those rules state that the Government has be contesting the next election and that he the right to overrule local authorities in their is propDsing to live in New Zealand with town-planning recommendations. In doing so, a friend and start a trotting stud. it does not have to give any reason for its Mr. Prest: Do you think the Minister may action. The Local Government Act requires be going to stand the sea:son over there? local authorities to comply with a certain set of procedures, which are open to public Mr. K J. HOOPER: I do not think the scrutiny at every step. They allow the gen Minister is capable of that; but I suggest eral public to register objection to anything that the honourable member ask him himself. proposed by developers or the local auth orities administering a town plan. All of Mr. SPEAKER: Order! That type of these matters are open to scrutiny, yet the remark is not appreciated. Local Government Act gives the Minister the final say and the opportunity to act in Mr. K. J. HOOPER: If the Minister for secrecy in overcoming all these democratic Local Government and Main Roads were procedures, and without having to give a to go over to New Zealand, that would be reason for doing so. a wise move on his part. I think the skids are under him in the Gold Coast electorate. I could well ask why it is necessary for the After the in Sianley Street, he cer- business community and developers in tainly will not a vote in Burleigh Heads. Queensland to go to the expense of placing Until he for greener pastures in New advertisements in newspapers, erecting signs he is, for better or for worse, a on properties to the public the right to of the Crown. No honourable object to what being done-opening all member can deny that. In fact, on television these things to public scrutiny-if the final he refers to himself as a "senior" Minister decision can be made in secret by a Minister of the Crown in Queensland. who is not accountable in I find it incredible that contend that that is a state of affairs. It is no wonder that decisions create suspicion and conjecture. If decisions had to be accounted for, the sort of situation out lined earlier in the debate the honourable member for Greenslopes I was amazed henr the and Treasurer admit freely occurred in this m~;tance, by a Minister is a with him that it is all too than in In sec circumstances. When the reasons hon should be quite clear and property. member for Archerfield, shall refer I come now to some things that have to s~me comments made by the Deputy happened quite recently. The town plan Premier and Treasurer in supporting the for the city of Brisbane was on show for original mettion when he offered as a defence many months. Its display was the subject the fact that the Government was merely of great public participation and discussion. carrying out the provisions of the Local Again, in the final deoision taken in s~\ret, Government Act. That Act is the most the Minister overturned many of the dec1s10ns unsatisfactory Act ever to pass through this that had been made in public, without any Parliament. The point at issue is not whether reason whatsoever being given for that action. the Government has acted in accordance with its own rules, but whether it is acting cor Mr. Warburton: And then had to reverse rectly and whether it is seen to be acting them again. correctly. Mr. SHAW: If one looks at the zoning In the last 10 years the administration of maps, one finds that some very strange town planning throughout Queensland has things have oocurred. For instance, in an left much to be desired. In fact, it is fair to area almost totally zoned for a particular say that the administration of town planning, purpose, we find that one isolated piece of as it is practised in Queensland, should not land is zoned for a different purpose. All be tolerated in any ,circumstances. When the too often that rezoning gives the owner of Deputy Premier and Treasurer said that the the property a financial advantage. As the Government was acting in accordance with member for Sandgate said by interjection, all the. Local Government Act, he was virtually too often action by the Minister to overturn saymg that the Government was acting a local authority's recommendation has to be 652 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador changed again. An example of that was however, that decision gave some protection seen in this House just recently, and I will to the community. Protection of the com refer to that in a moment. munity is all important in tovvn planning. The town plan, as it has current·ly been In Edgell's case, Government spokesmen adopted for the city of Brisbane, has caused said that it would be the responsibility of a great deal of hardship to the business the local authority to provide a buffer area community while at the same time giving around this land that the Government was some very strange advantages to other sec zoning as industrial. What they were saying tions of it. If one looks at the land in effect was that, to provide the requisite surrounding the Castlemaine brewery at Mil buffer area between the industrial area that ton, one finds that the recommendations of ~he Government was creating and the residen the Brisbane City Council, which were made tial area that surrounded it, the local public for the people of the area to comment authority should either buy or resume the on, were overturned and zonings were intro land privately owned by residents in the duced by the Minister in secret, giving the area. brewery quite large advantages. The Minister There was absolutely no justification for may have had good reasons for doing that, action of that sort, and surely it is fair to but those reasons should have been public expect that the people who are developing land property. In no other instance is it more for industrial or other purposes should bear essential that justice appear to be done than the cost that they impose upon the com in a case like that. munity. I do not believe that they should incur costs greater than that, but there can Perhaps there could be no greater con be no argument f.or those costs to be borne cern than that caused by the recommendation by the general community. on land whioh should to an intents and pur poses have been included in the Mt. Coot-tha When we look at the hardship caused by recreation park. The Government has stated the in-camera alterations that were made in its great pride in the development of that town plann~ng and the complaints thM have park; but a large block of land adjacent been raised by the business community and to the park which should have been included citizens, it is remarkable that very little has not been included. The local authority has been done. But we do se·e a sudden recommended that the land be zoned as open change in some instances. space and included in the Mt. Coot-iha I mentioned earlier a recent amendment recreational park. There would have been ·that went through this House to allow the no detriment involved if that decision had Brisbane City Council to deal with applica been adhered to, for there are, and rightly tions that have been made to that council so, compensation provisions. prior to the coming into force of the latest town plan. The amendment had much in That decision was overturned, however, its favour. It allowed the council to deal and when the plans became public it was with those applications. discovered that the land was included in the non-urban zone, which made it much more But again it is rather strange that one saleable. I understand that the land has of the major applicants who had an applica since changed hands for some $60,000. The tion for rezoning with the Brisbane Citv interesting thing is that the land was owned Council at that time, which could not be by Senator Glen Sheil, who is in the news dealt with prior to the amendment's being at the moment. There is discussion about rushed through this House, was the same whether he or Mrs. Bjelke-Petersen should Mr. Rice who has been the subject of other be on the National Party's Senate ticket. suggestions in this place. ·I raised an instance in my own area of There should be a full explanation of why these things are done, because it cannot the Edgell factory. Tha;t company had the be expected that people would not become right to continue its operations on that suspicious when they see some business block of land, but under the disadvantage people are able to have their difficulties over that it required the council's authority when come and others are not. The small business ever it wanted to expand. The Premier community has suffered greatly because of was invited down for afternoon tea on one what has happened in town planning. Amend occasion, subsequent to which an announce ments contrary to the recommendations of ment was made in the local newspaper that the planning authority were pushed through the ·land would be rezoned. Sure enough, a to prevent small businessmen from establish proposal was put forward to alter that land ing sho M:r. SPEAKER: Order! I am his his integrity and his for the House to come to order. in a period. And it has been a the honourable member for Cairns and the cult period. Would anyone wil~ingly ~ubje~t honourable member for Lvtton to come to himself to a direct confrontation w1th hls order. · own Government and all the and abuses that that implies? Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I take the "No". point of order that, the amendment having been accepted by you and debated in the So why did I choose to speak on 19 Sep House, we now revert to the original motion tember? I chose to speak be,cause I knew moved this morning. that the Labrador rezoning was not in keep ing with the expected standards of n:inisterial Mr. Burns: No. behaviour. Not only do I know 1t; many people in my electorate also know it. I Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: Yes. That is represent those people and I spoke for them exactly what the House decided. We now on 19 September. I speak for them agail} revert to the motion that was moved by today. And I will continue to speak until me this morning. That is now the motion under debate. all Ministers are seen to act with complete integrity. Those who think or hope that Mr. SPEAKER: Order! The honourable the member fo'l" Surfers Paradise and I will be member for Southport. quiet are in for a disappointing and uncom fortable future. Mr. P. N. D. WHITE (Southport) (3.34 At this stage I point out that, before I p.m.): I welcome the chance to enter this spoke on 19 September, I checked all my debate. I thought at one stage that, as facts carefully. Even so, I did not decide the chief instigator of the debate on 19 to speak until Bruce Bishop an~ I h~d. dis September, I may not get a chance to have cussed the matter with two semor Mm1sters my say. Quite frankly, I will be speaking of my own party. At no stage was I dis in support of the original motion, which, suaded from speaking, nor have either Bruce as I understand it, is what we are now discussing. Bishop or I been dissuaded since. Our Leader (Dr. Edwards) has been fully informed of our Let me make it quite clear at the outset intentions at all times. that, as far as I am concerned, there is Since 19 September. m~ny oth~r peopl.e no dispute that the rezoning of Labrador have come forward w1th mformatlon. ThJs land was carried out strictly in accordance information and the support and encourage with the Local Government Act. I accept ment that the member for Surfers Paradise that. concern is with the activities and I have re,ceived from people throughout of one and I place it on record Queensland has only made us more deter that I regret that I have had to question the mined than ever to pursue the matter. integrity of all Government Ministers. That was unfortunate, but it was inevitable in Before turning to points of I wish view of the rule of Cabinet solidarity. to emphasise that the whole of my speech today deals with On 19 September in this Chamber I spoke men! and Ministers. As to about the rezoning of land at Labrador on the Gold Coast in favour of a I will deal first with on 19 September. called I of other On that day I stated that of that action. to me that the and asked certain offered to the "--~---'- this House, Parents and Association for 1,000 signatures the rezoning. application for '"''uctmi~· of abusive statements was, in fact, not me and the member sum of $20 per for (Mr. Bruce Bishop). money, and the hardly accords normal business practice. Of late, the Premier has become well known for his abusive personal attacks on I now table a statutory declaration anyone who differs from his opinions. He the then president of th7 ~racken classifies such people as disloyal. In doing and Citizens' Assoc1atwn. that, he is wrong. Disloyalty is coming from Whereupon the honourable member laid within his own ranks, from people he trusts on the table the document referred to. but who are abusing this trust. He would be better served by listening to people who On 19 September I also said that t~e man are prepared to speak out in the interests aging director of the Bexley Corporatwn, Mr. of this State and this Government. Rice, had stated that he was prepared t? donate $100 000 to obtain a favourable dec; In unfairly criticising the member for sion. I do' not retract one word of .that Surfers Paradise on that day, the Premier statement. As 1 have said on many occa~10n~, made a mistake, because since then the mem evidence to this effect will be forthcommg 1f ber for Surfers Paradise and 1 have worked and when the Government decides hold a very closely on this issue. I pay tribute to judicial inquiry. Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador 655 It is now known from a letter written to In the same statement, on the same day-- me by solicitors acting for Mr. Ian Rice and Mr. B.JELKE-PETERSEN: I rise to a dated 1 October that Mr. Rice has made two point of order. The statement as quoted by donations totalling $10,000 to the Bjelke the honourable member is quite out of con Petersen Foundation. I have no doubt that text. I said that nobody discussed it with me thi~ was but t~e first of a series of payments, at any time at all. The first time I heard as Is the practtce for other substantial donors about the Bexley Corporation being associa to the foundation. One only has to look at ted with Mr. Rice in Melbourne was when my own area to find substantial proof of what this matter was raised later by the honour I say. The point I am making is that we able member. The context in which I said k~ow that a ~onation has been made by Mr. that, of course, was that nobody had discus Rtce to the BJelke-Petersen Foundation. The sed it with me at any time prior to when the fact that it is less than $100,000 at this stage matter went before Cabinet. When six other does not mean that it would not have been submissions went through Cabinet that day, that sum eventually. The fact that Mr. Rice I was naturally aware of it-after Mr. Hinze was a donor to this foundation took some 48 outlined the details of the particular sub hours to be revealed-and then revealed mission he had, which Ministers signed. r~luctantly--by the director of the founda twn, Mr. Compton. To date I am not aware Mr. P. N. D. WHITE: I accept that that the Premier has confirmed the donation. exp1anation. It is appropriate to say something here In the same statement the Premier about the Bjelke-Petersen Foundation I included a statement by the Minister for have no disagreement with the fact 'that Local Government in these terms- such a ~oundation exists, but I strongly dis agree With the heavy tactics used to raise "The recommendation was further con money. from companies in particular; they sidered by Cabinet, which agreed, after are qmte convmced that their business will examining the project in full, that the s:rffer if they do not contribute. This founda rezoning should take place." twn has also attracted donors who see the It is normal Cabinet procedure, as I under opportunity to secure advantages for them stand it, for the Minister responsible to out selves. The foundation has cast a shadow line fully the reasons behind other than rou ~:JVer the Government. I believe it is in the tine matters. We now have a situation where mterest of the National Party and the Gov some Ministers to whom I have spoken can ernment that it be discontinued. not remember the matter being discussed, I turn now to the questions I asked in yet the responsible Minister has said that my speech on 19 September. They were- it was discussed in full in Cabinet. I must ask: Who is right? Can any Government 1. What are the reasons the Minister of integrity afford such a situation? gave Cabinet to support his recom- mendation for the rezoning? What is the position in this matter of the Minister for Culture, National Parks and 2. has no agreement been signed Recreation, the Honourable Ivan Gibbs? He between Gold Coast City Council and is the member for Albert, in whose electorate the developer and why has no bond been the land in question lies. In the "Gold Coast lodged? Bulletin" on 11 April 1979 and again on 28 September 1979 he is on record as saying Since those two questions on 19 that he is totally opposed to the development Sept~mber, have asked another question in of the shopping complex. He was particularly pubhc and I now put it on record in this concerned about the traffic problems that House. It is: Were normal Cabinet proced ures followed when the rezoning was the complex would create. I quote from the "Gold Coast Bulletin" of 11 April 1979- ~pprove~? I w1~h to examine these questions m detail. I will start with the last one "Mr. Gibbs reminded Coles New World namely, that dealing with Cabinet procedures: that even if the rezoning application was approved by the city council it would still Prior to speaking on 19 September, I had have to be approved at State Government asked two Cabinet Ministers whether they level." recalled the matter being d'iscussed in Cab inet. They said they did not. I have sub The point is clear: the Minister would be sequently asked several other Ministers. Not opposing the rezoning at ministerial level. one to whom I have spoken recalls any discussion on this matter. He attended the Cabinet meeving when the rezoning was broug;ht forward and the In a ministerial statement made in this Executive Council meeting when the rezoning House on 20 September the Premier stated- was approved. However, on 28 September, after it had been through Cabinet, the "In respec~ to. th~ Bexley Corporation apphcation m question, I make it Minister is reported in the "GoM Coast clear I myself was completely unaware Bulletin" as saying- of. any being made-or any- "I was in the course of making rep· thmg with it. It was never dis- resentations when I heard the rezoning cussed with me at any stage." was approved." 656 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OcTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador I repeat the word "heard". It is hardlv a patterns. . . . Council believes that word used by a Cabinet Minister who 'has this proposed rezoning of such a taken part in "a fuH discussion", to use major nature should certainly be the words of the Minister for Local Govern deferred pending completion of the ment. town planning scheme review. I do not believe that the Minister for "(D) In view of the likely drainage and Culture, National Parks and Recreation was traffic problems referred to by the a party to any deception. The best inter objectors Council considers that pretation one can put on this sequence of proper,ly documented solutions should events is that he was not aware that he be required to be found prior to any had been a party to the approval for rezon consideration of approval of the pro ,jng. It is a very strange state of affairs posed rezoning. Council is concerned when the member for the area, who is a with the uncertainties concerning Cabinet Mini&ter and a National Party col drainage and traffic problems for league of the Minister for Local Government, which there may be no viable solu is not aware of a controversial rezoning being tion and the rezoning should be dis brought to Cabinet by his colleague-a allowed on this ground." rezoning in which he had a vital interest; There are other recommendations that need a rezoning that he said he was determined not concern us here. I table the relevant to oppose; a rezoning that the Minister for part of the council agenda for 13 July. Local Government has said was fully dis cussed in Cabinet. Whereupon the honourable member laid the document on the table. I wish now to examine another matter the reasons so far given as to why the In a statement reported in the "Tele Minister recommended that the local auth graph" on 27 September, the Minister for ority be overruled. Firstly I will read the Local Government outlined the reasons for recommendations of the Gold Coast Citv recommending to Cabinet against the council Council- - recommendations. None of the Minister's "(A) Council considers that although reasons are substantial. Almost word for there is other land in the area along word, they come from the recommendations Brisbane Road and east of p,ine Ridge of the Gold Coast City Council town planner Road which is currently avaHable for when he made his own submission to the service industrial development, there Gold Coast City Council. The recommenda is likely to be a shortage of such tions of the town planner were considered land in the future which would be by the Gold Coast city councillors on 13 exacerbated if the rezoning is July and rejected. Are we to believe that approved. Zoning of the land should the Minister is accepting the arguments of therefore remain as service industry a salaried officer of that council, which were to cater for the expected future rejected by the elected members, and sup demand. porting them agains:t the recommendations of the council? I believe that the answer "(B) Council supports the objections made is, "No." We cannot believe it. Such a with respect to the availability of decision makes a complete mockery of local existing shopping facilities within the government. catchment area of the subject site. From an overall town planning view While this is bad enough, the Minister point consideration must be given to conveniently overlooks the most important the effect of establishment of a fact-that the council is currently reviewing further shopping centre on the exist its town plan and examining the whole con ing centres in the area. The over tentious problem of shopping centres. The provision of shopping facilities will recommendations of the council were, I lead to economic b1ight which will ,repeat, that- affect existing centres, making them "This proposed rezoning of such a major unviable and resulting in deterioration nature should cert & Shopkeepers Association of Queensland ,I turn now to another matter. In this that he wished to advise that he was very development there is no agreement between much aware of the situation and intended the Gold Coast City Council and the taking a submission on shopping centres to developer, nor has any bond been lodged. Cabinet in the near future. Fine wo,rds, but Whv is this so? It is not sufficient for the no substance. These shopping centres are Miri:ister to say that the development of the the very matter of concern expressed by subject land will be subject to the require the Gold Coast City Council. They are the ments of the City of Gold Coast town plan thing that the Minister supports on the one ning scheme, the Building Act, the council's hand and rejects on the other. by-laws, etc. The fact is that an agreement between a developer and a council is normal, My colleague the member for Surfers as is the lodgment of a performance bond. Paradise spoke in this House on the matter The agreement apportions the responsibilities of shopping centres a few weeks ago. The for such matters as filling, drainage, piping, Victorian Government is taking steps to con access and egress, kerbing, channelling, pave tml the proliferation of shopping centres. ments, sewerage pumping stations and so on. There was a discussion in the joint party It is a comprehensive and important docu room two weeks ago when all members ment ensul'ing proper control of the present expressed concern about this very developer by the council and a high standard matter. The Brisbane City Council has said of performance. that it will take a hard line on this issue. The Retail Traders & Shopkeepers Associa No such agreement has been entered into. tion is deeply worried. I table a statement No bond has been lodged. It is true that by Mr. Black, the president of that associa it was not forwarded by the council to the tion. Local Government Department, but it would be normal for the Local Government Dep Whereupon the honourable member laid artment to ask the council to proceed with the statement on the table. that agreement and get the bond when it In part, Mr. Black said- knew that the Minister was going to recom mend that the rezoning be approved. Of " ... our members wholeheartedly sup course, it is very convenient now for the port the call for a judicial enquiry into developers because there is very limited allegations made in recent weeks and we stress the urgency of the need to amend control over them. the UJcal Government Act and create a All the recommendations of the Gold town planning appeals tribunal to remove Coast City Council are logical and sub any doubts which may be held by the stantial. They are recommendations made community." by the elected representatives of the people of the area that could not be refused under Why then does a Minister completely over normal circumstances. They have been rule a request from a council that no further made by the people responsible for the rezonings for shopping complexes be administration of the area, for the admin approved until it has examined the overall istration of the town plan and for the rate situation? It is a question that defies payers' money. Section 30 of the Local explanation. Government Act specifically states- The council also requested properly docu "The Local Authority shall be charged mented solutions to the likely traffic and with the good rule and government . . . . . drainage problems before any approval was of the Area . . . . . " The vvas received by council on 11 1979. At that as we all know, the council was under the "One of the cardinal ~ratwn of an administrator, Mr. John administration that Andrews, who was then, and is that connected with it senior public servant, a very like Caesar's wife, above son in this State. He was Government four- executive committee of very senior officers that Speaking of the Local Government Department, Mr. mvself and mv colleagues, I Arthur Muhl and Mr. Neil MacPherson, and say w~ will not for one moment counten- I should mention in passing that Mr. Arthur ance or condone any act or omission on Muhl is himself a distinguished town planner. the member of Cabinet, or Is it suggested by honourable members of on which there rests opposite or by anybody else in this place the of suspicion." that all those people were engaged in some sort of gigantic conspiracy? Because that The Government has made its decision not is the proposition that we have to face up to, to hold an and it must live with Mr. Deputy Speaker. that decision. there are ques After carrying out very detailed investiga tions which need to be answered to ensure tions, that executive committee, on 15 March, that the principles Sir Francis decided to approve this application for rezon Nicklin are seen ing and to ask the Governor in Council to I ask these questions again- rezone it. But I am jumping ahead, Mr. What arc the full reasons for the Minis- Deputy Speaker, because I should refer the ter's the overturn of the House to the very thorough and detailed Gold Coast Citv recommenda- investigations that the executive committee tion? · undertook before making the recommendation to which I have just referred, a detailed \Verc proper procedures followed? investigation involving many council officers, was no suggesting some sort of corrupt conspiracy other words, the motion relates to an in this whole matter, they are forced to acknowledgement of the technical compet involve many, many people in their suggestion. ence of the pub1ic servants involved. Their On 24 August the matter was discussed involvement has been the preparation of with the Minister for Local Government. He papers and documents in accordance with the accepted the recommendation and took it to forms o.f the Act. In fact, it is the com Cabinet. What happened then? On 3 Sep pletion of all legal formalities within their tember the matter came before Cabinet. As area of public administration. I have no usual, the minute that went around the table basic disagreement with this proposition had a departmental meJmorandum in it none at all. Therefore, I feel bound to ex]plalnlng the facts and circumstances-nor support the motion as it reads. I have and Cabinet practice. no information at this stage indicating that the public servants involved in the Gold What was the situation confronting Cab Coast City Council or the Local Government inet that has called for such comment in the Department have acted improperly or incom House todav? I ask honourable members to petently in any way. I am quite prepared to note that- every responsible professional endorse their expertise, as I know it, here group of officers, supported that today. The first was the Gold on 7 March; the second was the I think it would be useful to mention and his committee of experts, some of those matters that the Minister a town planner, on 15 March; for Survey and Valuation has discussed. I was the Gold Coast city planner, must be quite frank about what he has said. objections on 4 July; the He was hopelessly off the track. The ques group of town planning tion has nothing whatsoever to do with what officers the Local Government Depart- he has been talking about. In simple words, after inspection and reassessment of his speech was just utter nonsense. all on 16 August. These were the factors that had to weigh wit:h a responsible Mr. SuUivan: It was one of the most factual Gc;vernment. The Cabinet had a job to do speeches made in this House for some years. under the Local Government Act. If the Cabinet had rejected all this advice-all this Mr. BISHOP: I hope in a moment or two professional advice; this unaminous advice .to say something about the red herring that from the professional planners at all levels he has drawn across the trail. then that really would "defy an explanation". As some members might know--even the On aJJ the evidence, I ask the House to Minister for Survey and Valuation-! had support the mOition that has been placed experience in the Gold Coast City Council before it. To those who may still be in as chairman of the health committee. It doubt, I say, "Look at the documents tabled is quite true that the rezoning was handled in this House by the Deputy Premier. The by the administrator in the normal way facts are there." That is for those who wish in which every rezoning is handled by an to vote today and aat today on the basis authority. The administrator went out of of facts. To those who still prefer supposi office and the new council was elected. It tion to facts, I can say nothing further. spent some two months considering the pro posal and, at its meeting on 13 July, it Mr. BISHOP (Surfers Paradise) (4.21 recommended that the rezoning proposition p.m.): The motion moved by the Premier, be not accepted. as we all know, relates to the famous rezoning at Labrador, which the Minister for Mr. Bjelke-Petersen interjected. Survey and Valuation has just spoken about. The cirooms·tances have been widely can Mr. BISHOP: I am glad that the Premier vassed in the media over the last few weeks. mentioned that, because that is the normal I have made a number of public comments procedure and, if he does not mind, I will on the matter, culminating in my call for read something concerning the advertising the Minister for Local Government and Main procedure for rezonings in local authorities. Roads to resign from Cabinet in the public This matter happened to be on the council interest and for a properly constituted judicial agenda of 15 March. By a strange coincid to be set up to carry out the detailed ence, it appears on the same agenda on which neither I nor my col the back page of the BexJey Corporation's league the member for Southport is able original first application. It reads- t0 do. " Advertising of a rezoning application In a moment or two I shall speak about prior to consideration by Council would ministeriaJl res·ponsibility, but first I should give Council greater opportunity to assess like detail my attitude to the Premier's public opinion before arriving at any motion. In essence, the Premier's motion decision on the application. At present asks Parliament to take note that the proper Council must make an initial decision to procedures have taken place within the ambit undertake the rezoning procedure if it of the Local Government Act as it now considers the rezoning to be justified. Upon stands-nothing more; nothing less. The receipt of objections, Council may then Minister for Survey and Valuation has just reconsider its previous decision in making made a lengthy speech on that point. In representations to the Minister." 78626-25 662 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning o.(Land at Labrador It is quite clear that there would not be a I nor the honourable member for Southport local authority in Queensland which, for will buckle under his wriggling finger or his a whole host of reasons, would not make feeble mind. a decision on a rezoning-that is, approve it with conditions-and place it on public Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! That is display for advertisement and view. It is offensive. The honOlJrable member will a normal democratic process that every local withdraw it. authority goes through. It is democracy at work. It gives the public the opportunity An Opposition l\leml: At this stage might I say that I whole Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The heartedly, 100 per cent, support the con tribution and speech of the honourable mem honourable member for Surfers Paradise win ber for Southport today. I do not believe withdraw the second statement. that there would be a member of this House who does not admire his integrity, Mr. BISHOP: I withdraw it. his courage and his balance under provoca Mr. Casey interjected. tion as well as his calmness, his thorough ness, his honesty and his capacity. Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Mrs. Kippin: Rubbish! Mr. Casey: I was just try.ing to guide him. Mr. BISHOP: I am surprised that the honourable member would say that in the Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! If the circumstances. honourable member for Surfers Paradise wants any assistance at all, he will seek it 'I want to make it clear and to go on from the Chair. record that I support every single word of the honourable member for Southport. Mr. BISHOP: I recall that on a pre,vious occasion the Premier said that I could give Mr. Bjelke-Petersen: Do you support the it but could not take I notice nmv that $100,000 accusation? the boot is on the other foot. Mr. BISHOP: I said quite clearly, explicitlv Mr. Bjelke-Petersen: I would like you to and plainly enough for even the Premier give me some evidence. to understand that I accept and support every word that the honourable member for Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I suggest Southport said. that the honourable member for Surfers Mr. Bjelke-Petersen: Give us a bit of Paradise proceed with his speech and cease evidence, please. You have the protection of being provocative. the House. Mr. BISHOP: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. BISHOP: I don't happen to be~ Honourable Members interjected. As I said, I endorse the actions and speech of the honourable member for Southport. But Mr. Bjelke-PeteTsen interjected. I do not, and I want to state this clearly, endorse the actions of the Minister for Local Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. W. D. Government on this issue. This morning I Hewitt): Order! was assured by the Deputy Premier and leader of my party thiat suppont for this Mr. BISHOP: Mr. Deputy Speaker, the motion moved bv the Premier today can in Premier has just engaged in a little exercise no way be interpreted as condoning any of tantrum and threat. I would hope that action on the part of the Minister for Local the Premier would understand by now-if he Government in this sordid affair. The Deputy does not, he will in the future'---that neither Premier has promised me that he is in no Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador 663 way prepared to commit himself to defend Executive. Members of the Executive are ing the actions of the Minister, and I believe drawn from the Parliament and are answer that most of my Liberal coUeagues are not able or responsible to it in every aspect of prepared to do so either. the exercise of their Executive functions. The degree of responsibility of the Executive Let this be clearly understood! As far to Parliament is a matter entirely for Parlia .as I am concerned, the whole issue will not ment to determine. If the Parliament carriell be properly resolved until a thorough out a close scrutiny of Executive actions, investigation has been carrie,d out by a this degree of accountability will be high. judicial body with the power to call wit If, on the other hand, Parliament condones nesses, affocrd them the protection of the mismanagement and corruption by the law, and subpoena papers and documents so Executive, to use extreme examples, the that the absolute truth can be known. My Executive could hardly be said to be res coUeague and I are not policemen with powers ponsible to Parliament. of search or arrest; we are not lawyers with the legal facilities of the Crown; and In this type of situation the Parliament we are not judges. I do not be1ieve that I is often accused of being a rubber stamp am expected to drag the Minister for Local for Executive decisions and actions, and thus Gov.em:ment into this House with a signed Parliament would be remiss in upholding confessiOn. Secondly, I believe the Minister the traditions relating to its supremacy. The for Local Government should tender his supremacy of ParHament is an inherent resignatrion while this investigation is under quality in the concept of responsible gov way and until the inquirv clears him or finds ernment. I believe it cannot be emphasised othe!!"Wise. - sufficiently that Parliament, acting collect ively, is the sole watch-dog of the powers Ministecrs must be prepared to stand down relating to the Executive. But I must say rather than allow any discredit to fall on and I am sure that many people will agree their Government, as the maintenance of with me-that the practice of party discipline public trust in Government has always been has weakened the supremacy of Parliament. considered to be more important than the We had a recent excellent example of this. personal considerations and poUtica:l future I am pleased to see that the honourable -of an individual Minister. There is a long member for Callide is present in the Chamber hi~tory of e~a~ples of Ministers standing tooay, because an article in "The Courier aside or resignmg from Cabinet in the Mail" of 26 September stated- public interest. Even in the Australian con text, there are many recent examples of Min "Yesterday, Mr. Evans said that Mr. isters putting the maintenance of public Carige had agreed to withdraw following confidence in Goverrunent before themselves. assurances from Mr. Hartwig to the Nat We had an example of this in the Federal ional Party president (Sir Robert Sparkes) House last week. This issue cannot be that he would not publicly criticise the resolved by the Premier's passing a private party or its leadership." judgment on the Minister for Local Govern believe that this type of approach weakens men~ !l~d Main Roads, which has no public ,cred,lbihty and does not provide answers to and intimidates members of Parliament in the basic facts that are currently worrying their actions. every Queenslander. One of the traditions associated with min I acknowledge that some of the evidence isteriaJ responsibility has been the account that has been produced in this Parliament ability of Ministers for the total administra is of a circumstantial nature. However, tion of their departments. In my view, circumstantial evidence has formed the basis it has never been proper that a Minister of many a successful prosecution. It has should not be aware of what is occurring been said that each piece of it acts as strands in his department. The Minister in thi' ()[ a rope w~ich, when put or bound together, particular case was advised by his depart· carry sufficient we1ght to collectively stand mental officer to bring this matter to the the strains imposed on them. · attention of Cabinet. It was not done. As to the adequacy of the case that the I conclude by saying that whether or member for Southport has put forward, I not a Minister resigns because of particular submit that it is certainly sufficient to justify allegations is a matter of tradition. Thus the calls we have made for a complete and each individual case must be taken on it3 thorough investigation by a judicial inquiry. merits. Such !in inquiry would have the power to call Witnesses and afford them the protection I wouJd have thought that it would have ()f the law. It would have the power to been imperative for the Minister for Local subpoena papers and documents and to carry Government and Main Roads to be back out all those tasks that we as parliamentarians in the House this week, at this time on this :are not empowered to do. day, even if he had not come back before, to ans,wer and to defend himself. Ii is not I think we should recognise in this House good enough for us to hear in the media today that the essential characteristic of the that he has been advised by Sir Robert Westminster system lies in the control which Sparkes to stay away. It is not good enough the Parliament can exercise over the to say that some unknown business that 664 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OcTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador has not been explained to us is sufficient honourable member mentioned him al~o in reason for him not to be here. I believe his speech, but whether he is supposed to be that it is the responsibility of the Minister a party to the conspiracy is not so clear. to be in the House to defend himself in the Parliament to which he is responsible. The At this point, I think I should read to members of this Parliament are the arbiters the House from a report taken to Cabinet of the Minister's action-not Cabinet, not by the Minister for Local Govern."'lent and the Premier, but Parliament. Main Roads. It was included in the minute that the Minister brought for Cabinet's con Hon. R. E. CAMM (Whitsunday-Minis sideration in respect of this r·ezoning, and ter for Mines, Energy and Police) (4.41 p.m.): it read- In the House on 19 September, the honour "Gold Coast City Council. able member for Southport addressed the "Corner of Babbidge Stre• "(d) The Consultants engaged by the Mr. CAMM: It is nice to know that the applicant have liaised with the Council's honourable member is implicating some of Works Department to arrive at a solution his own Ministers by saying that they did which will provide an adequate flood not know what they signed. Included in flow path by redesigning the layout and that minute is the statement by the Director re-examination of the levels. of lA:Jcal Government that I read out. It also "Departmental officers agree with these contains a map depicting the area in relation, comments expressed above and were of the to which the rezoning application was made,, view that, when consideration is given to But it is all a conspiracy, says the member the alternative uses allowable in the present for Southport, and his only basis for saying zone (Service Industry) and the large tracts that is what he ,calls "rumour". The Gov" of land zoned residential in the vicinity ernment says it is not a conspiracy; it is a and the likely market for a shopping centre fantasy, the product of the mind of a man of this scale in the locality, that the pro who is determined to harm the Government, posed rezoning is reasonable and recom whatever the cost to the Government, what mend that the application be approved and ever the cost to the State, and regardless of I concur." the harm he does, under the cover of par• That is the statement the Minister brought liamentary privilege, to honest and reputable to Cabinet, and it was signed by the Director citizens. of Local Government. That statement The Government believes that the officers approves of the rezoning. who made the recommendation in questior,i At this stage I should point out that all are honourable, decent men who do thei~ the procedures of the Local Government Act duty to this State in good faith. as they relate to town planning amendments or rezonings are subject to initial assessment The honourable member called for ' a by the local authority, followed by final judricial inquiry, but surely we cannot have assessment by the local authority after the a judicial inquiry into rumours, As one proposal has been advertised for objections, newspaper, namely, the Sydney "Daily Tele and then the whole matter is submitted to graph" said laSit week, "Rumours aren't enough". It is important that the Hou~e the ~inister for final consideration by him and h1s department-and then ultimately to should know that before the honourable the Governor in Council for final determina member made his attack--before he con' tion. stituted this fantasy-he made no attempt to establish the truth-he made no inquiry The reason for this procedure is obvious. of me as acting Minister, no inquiry of It enables the Minister, his department and the Government, no inquiry of the Minister the Government to study all relevant matters concerned and no inquiry of the department. fully before final decisions are made. This He preferred what he himself describes as eliminates the prospect of local and emotive "the rumours". P.arochial considerations in regard to objec tions to any particular application. He simply did not want to know the facts. If he had, he would have asked those who I might mention that three petitions con knew them. The House will also appreciate taining 4,118 signatures supported the pro• that the honourable member's attack was posed centre. I would have thought that all made under the cover of parliamentary members of this House would support and privilege. commend these "fail safe" protections which these procedures in the Act afford to all Opposition Members interjected. parties concerned. So there ,we have it. The town planner Mr. CAMM: I am giving facts and docu of the Gold Coast recommended the rezoning mentary evidence, not rumours, to prove in question; the department recommended them. the rezoning; the Minister recommended the As a consequence, what the honourable rezoning; and Cabinet approved the rezoning. member said cannot be challenged in the I take exception to the honourable mem courts. He was alert to that. Indeed, he ber's comment that all Ministers present did subsequently told a newspaper that he did not know what was in the submission. I hold not want to be involved in defamation pro up a photostat copy of the relevant minute. ceedings. On that minute appear the signatures of 18 But privilege also carries with it responsi Ministers. biJities. Privilege is something that we enjoy Mr. Houston: Eighteen? in this House when we wish to bring a matter of public interest to the notice of Mr. CAMM: Yes, 18. honourable members. However, it must not be based on rumours and hearsay, but Mr. P. N. D. WIDTE: I rise to a point of on facts. We enjoy parliamentary privilege, order. I have never said that all Ministers but it carries with it certain responsibilities did not know. I said that the Ministers I to ascertain if an accusation made under asked did not know. privilege has some substance in fact. 666 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning ofLand at Labrador The House will appreciate that some "The facts are that Mr. Rice has made people in particular have suffered a devas two donations amounting in total to t'!bing loss to their reputation and acute $10,000. They were made prior to the personal embarrassment. People are natur recommendation made by the Gold Coast ct!ly concerned that a previously unblemished Council, and were in no way connected f•2putation could be destroyed by an attack with the question of the rezoning. You in this House based on nothing other than what the honourable member himself will appreciate that in any rezoning matter, d-:scdbed as "rumours". the local council merely makes a recom mendation, which is considered by the We must see the honourable member as Department of Local Government for the a man who is willing to wound but afraid purposes of making a recommendation to strike. One affected person made an Cabinet, which makes the final decision. challenge to the honourable member. This rezoning followed that normal course solicitors wrote a letter and in effect of procedure. "These are the facts. You contradict them. You tell us what your rumours are "At no time between the recommenda based on." In effect they said, "Put up tion of the Gold Coast Council and the Gr ;;hut up". d~cision of. Cabinet to permit the rezoning I have here a copy of the letter that the d1d Mr. Rice make any donation, nm- did he then or at any other time make any ~olicitors wrote to the honourable member about this matter. It set out the facts of offer of any donation to obtain a favour thi; person's donatiom to the foundation able decision in respect of the rezoning. and then asked the honourable member to ."The donations previously made by Mr. anc>wer two SJimple questions. The questions R1ce were not made in ,consideration of a a:;ked whether or not the honourable mem favourable decision regarding the Labrador ber could substantiate his attack, or his rezoning, m- any other decision. Mr. Rice "fantasy" as I have cailed it. It is an has as much right to make contributions important letter and I intend to read it to a political party as any other individual, the House so that it will be recorded c~mpany, trade union or other organisa "Hansard". Before doing so, let me tion. t~li the House another important fact, ctclmely thrut the two questions have not "You are no doubt aware by now that been answered. The honourable member the Director of Local Government, Mr. ptt>ferred remaining silent to being forth Harold Jacobs, has made public the full right. circumstances in which the rezoning was handled by the department, and has The letter was from Clarke and Kann, declared that the Cabinet decision was ,J.nd was in these terms- made on the basis of a departmental recom "Mr. Peter White, l\1.L.A., mendation made in accordance with the "State Member for Souihport, provisions of the Local Government Act "Pa11liament House, and normal departmental practices. "Brisbane, 4000 "The statements made by you on the 19 "Dear Mr. White, September, 1979 made under the cover of "We act on behalf of Mr. lan Rice. parliamentary privilege, have been widely reported in the Press throughout Australia. "On the 19th September, 1979, you made a speech in the Queensland Parlia You will appreciate that they have caused ment in which you alleged that Mr. Ian immense damage to our client's reputation. Rice 'bought a favourable decision by the "In fairness to our client, we believe Queens,Jand Government'. that if you are satisfied your allegations "You stated that the Bexley Corporation were groundless, you should be prepared Ply. Ltd. had made an application to the to retract them publicly. Gold Coast Council for a rezoning of "We now request that you provide Ltnd to a1low the construction of a shop answers to the following questions:- ping centre at Labrador and that the council recommended agamst the applica " 1. On what dates, and to what per tion. That statement was correct. The sons, did Mr. Ian Rice s'tate tlha.t he Council made its recommendation on the vvould be prepared to donate $100,000 13th July, 1979. to obtain a favourable decision on the "You further stated that Mr. Ian Rice rezoning, as alleged by you? 1ud expressed the view that 'he would be quite prepared to donate $100,000 to "2. On what date did Mr. Rice make :>btain a favourabie decision', on the rezon or promise to make a donation to obtain ing. You indicated that the Bexley Cor a favomable decision? To whom was poration Pty. Ltd. had obtained a favour payment or promise of payment made ;J,ble decision by this means-namely, an and what amount was paid or promised Order in Coun,.:il of the 8th September, to be paid? 1979 approving the application of the "We would be grateful if you could Bexley Corpontion. Those statements provide the an;;wers to these questions were false. during the course of today. Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador 667 "We undertake that if these questions It is for the Local Gorvemment Ministor, are answered, we will reply in writing, the Bexley Corporation, Mr. Rice, and the stating whether the material in the answers Bjelke-Petersen Foundation to take is true or false. priate action to answer for, oT defend, "Kindly note that this is an open letter." own activities or actions, perhaps m another manner, in another place. What I a:n ~on Of course, the member for Southpnrt never cerned about is the of th1s Gov did supply the answers to those two questions. ernment. However, in so far as this Govern So today another letter was delivered to the ment is concerned, when it is suggested, as member for Southport from the same firm it has been without any substmJJtiation or of solicitors. It says- proof, that ~ny particular Government action "Dear Mr. White, or decision may have be-en rNtched on . "\Ve refer to our open letter of yester basis of returning favours~the suggestwn day's date to which we have received no that this Government's favours or decisicns reply. can be bought-it most is a matter "If you have an informant and consider for this Parliament to any view that the answers to the questions asked very seriously. Despite being asked and might reveal his or her identity, you never invited to do so by the Premier, the Deputy Premier (Dr. Edwards) and O'thers--evcn theless need feel no reluctance to provide sections of the media-the honourable men; the information sought. Our client, Mr. her and others have steadfastly refused to Ian Rice, will execute a formal release in produce on shred of tal action. Let them now stand by thnr So there is an opportunity for the member o\~n words and treat this House with respect. for Southport to name the people who gave Let them inform this House of the basis for him the information. They have been offered their allegations and let them back their the guaranteed protection of Mr. Rice him wmds with substantive evidence; not more self that no defamatory action will be taken provocat,ive allegations based on innuendo against them. I ask the honourable member and rumour but solid evidence. now: what are the answers to those two questions? Common decency and common They have attacked the Bjelke-Pe,terstn fairness demand that he answer them, and Foundation but have failed to mention the answer them now in this House, or that he New South Wales Liberal Foundation, the retract what he has said, and retract it now. John Curtin House Appeal and now the Mr. Deputy Speaker, let us be dear about Herbert Evatt Foundation, to which the this. What the House requires is direct New South Wales Labor Government answers to those two questions. We want made a gift of $100,000. no evasion of the central issues. The House I have here the brochure concerning does not want to be diverted to other issues; appeal that was made. All of. these founda it does not want to be treated to a fantasy tions have exactly the same atm as has the on some other subject; it does not want to Bjelke"Petersen Foundation, that is, to nise witness any smoke-screen tactics from the funds for party promotion. Le:t the honour honourable member. It wants direct answers able member for Soulhpo'rt examine the: to those two questions, and it wants the letters sent by the president of his ow~' answers now. The answers to those two political party to tht? businessme~1. of th1s questions would resolve the matter once and State soliciting donatiOns for political pur for all. They would resolve the question poses. Is it a crime for a political party whether what the honourable member told solicit funds for election purposes? They are this House was fact or fantasy. Everything donated freely to the National Party; we do that I have said in support of the Govern not have to solicit funds to fight an eJection, ment is supported by documentary proof. What we are doing with the Bjelke•Petersen Let the honourable member for Southport, Foundation is establishing a base from whicb who has been denigrating the Government, we can operate throughout Australia. Ministers and officers, come forth and answer those two simple questions, for he need have As the honourable member for Smfers no fear that any action will be taken against Paradise has 5tated publicly, the Liberal those people who, he claims, gave him the Party in his own district of the Gold Const information. has embarked on a fund-raising programme 668 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OcTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador to raise $800,000 from this dist.riot alone for Council's town planners and other officers the Liberal Party. No-one is suggesting that twice considered the rezoning and twice should not be the case. No-one is suggesting recommended in favour of it on town plan that the Liberal Party should not do that. ning grounds. The only decision against t~e Of course it should, if it feels that it has rezoning-made by the Gold Coast City the confidence of the people in the area, Council on one occasion after it had pre but statements by certain members about viously been supported by the former Gold the Bjelke-Petersen Foundation, well know Coast City Counci!l. Executive Committee ing that their own parties are engaged in was in fact made against the advice of the exactly the same fund-raising activity, are council's own town planning advisers. The sheer hypocrisy. Government took all pertinent factors into account-including the principles of sound The overriding issue in this debate, which town planning and adV'ice and recommenda members of the House must concern them tions in that respect-in reaching its decision selves with and address themselves to, is on the Bexley Corporation rezoning applica thtvt members have made claims in this tion as with six others deah with by the House that this Government's favours can Gov'ernor in Council on the day in question, be bought-claims which they have refused, and failed, to substantiate. 6 September. My purpose today is to call on the mem As the rezoning referred to was approved bers concerned, the members for Southport, by the Governor in Council, comprising all Surfers Paradise and Mackay, who have been members of the Cabinet and the Governor very vocal in their criticism of the Govern of Queensland, it would be appreciated that ment, to produce what firm eV1idence the members' allegations cast an unwarranted have to substantiate these allegations. slur on the good name, standing and integrity ask them to do so in the interests of fair of not only a member (or one Minister) of ,this Government, but also on all members of play, truth and justice; and in the ~nterests the Cabinet and the whole Government. of the continued good name, standmg and integrity of this Government, and this Parlia I think all honourable members in this ment. I stand by what I have said here House and the public genera1ly have had today. I can produce doc~mentary eviden~e quite enough of unsubstantiated claims and to prove that what ! s.atd ~oo~ pla~e ~n suggestions-gutter politics based on rumour relation to this rezonmg apphcat10n drd m and political intrigue, not fact. I am &ure fact take place, and I ask those three mem I speak for all members in this House bers to subs·tantiate their claims with some \vhen I say that we do not want more sort of factual documentary evidence. The of the same, nor do we want l'urther honourable member for Southport need not unrelated claims or provocative statements fear any retaliatory action from those who in respect of other business or dealings gave him the information. The honourable to cloud the issue. Mention was made of member already has a letter from a so.li~i~or a similar situation at Bracken Ridge. Might exonerating them from any respons1brhty, I inform the House that the pro.posal at so it is now over to him to bring to this Bracken Ridge has nothing to do with rezon House proof of the allegations that he made ing. In no way w1ll it be considered by on 19 September. the Government. It is a consent-use applica tion dealt with entirely by the Brisbane Mr. BURNS (Lytton) (5.9 p.m.): We have Girt:y Council, and wiLl not be in any way just heard the Minister for ~ines, ~nergy considered by the Government. and Po1ice make a speech m whtch he claimed that the actions of Cabinet in rela In material produced by the Government, tion to this block of land were based on and in statements by the Premier and by the advice of a public servant; that a public the Deputy Premier, I think it has been servant or a number of public servants had made abundantly clear already that the made recommendations and that Cabinet Bexley Corporation land rezoning decision automatica11y accepted them. I remind the in question was made by the Government Minister of R It ls well known. that members interject local people because they know local actc.ss the Cham'.J.;;:r "The best Government conditions, and ~t is their job to money oan buy!' plan the development of the local area. In this instance, the local council elected by Mr. SULLIVAN: I rise to a point of the people decided that this particular shop order. As one of the Cabinet Ministers ping centre should not go ahead. There was :referred to by the honourable member for no standing over the Deputy Premier, unless, Lytton as always having his hand out, I of course, he had made up his mind before .find that offensive. It is offensive to me, and hand that they should have done as they it is offensive to my Cabinet colleagues. I were told. But the Deputy Premier's state ask that it be withdrawn. ment this morning makes it very clear that if it is ever suggested that people should vote Mr. BURNS: I withdraw it as it applies for a Liberal Party team in a council any to the honourable gentleman; but his other where in this State, the councillors are going 17 colleagues better get up in a hurry, to have to do what the Deputy Premier wants because he has jw;t left them all in the can. them to do. He made the position very clear. He said in effect, "If they don't do what I Dr. EDWARDS: I rise to a point of order. want them to do, they will not stand over As one of those 17, 1 find it offensive and ask me. 1 will change the rules from here." If, Mr. BURNS; Mr. BURNS: I am not standing over the honourable gentleman. In fact, the only Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Well, it does bloke who stands over him is Joh. :tppear to Chair. Honourable Members interjected. Mr. BURNS: due respect to you, Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Spe..1ke:·, I made my allegation, to deny it, he has the S::ocne have done so; some Mr. BURNS: So what do we have then? :::cntinue with my speech. After the Deputy Premier had caved in, after Tk: next thing-- the Minister for Local Government and Main Roads was not returning, after the matter was not to go to the Privileges Committee Mr. CAMPBELL: I rise to a point of after we had been through all these exer order. If the honourable member is serious cises as a result of the statement by the --and I was being facetious-I 3lso rc}ect honourable member for Southport-we then had a gerrymander of the rules. That was what was attempted this morning. The first Mr. BURNS: T:!e next thing that hap thing that was to happen was that the Premier publicity brawl over Mr. was to move a motion-I have a copy of and his to the National Partv that motion and of his speech notes, and they and the rather remarkable change of attitude take up two paragraphs--and was then to sit Cabinet in rebtion to the rezoning was down. We were all expected to accept that Dr. the Leader of the Liberal explanation from the Premier of this State. in. Todav we saw the l had better be kind, because I wi11 be mateship ·or sticking to sat down by Mr. Deputy Speaker if I say team, t~e last of solidarity in the what I really believe about the Premier's Party's :>peration. trustworthiness in making a statement of The honourahle gentleman came into this that type. Then there were to be a few more Clumber this m:;ming and said he was not words from the Treasurer, and the whole to be stood over by local authodties. matter was to be over. do not that the local authorities However, the Opposition moved an amend stoC>d ov~r As I understand ment and two members spoke to ·it. The bcJ:l are eleoted by the amendment was then put to the House by Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador 671 the Government to get it out of the way. to the member for Southport and others, it The Opposition moved another amendment. would have held a judicial inquiry. If the Two Opposition spokesmen spoke to it, and Government was as sure of the facts as it was then put to the House to get it out of it claims, it would have placed the matter in the way. Then up hopped the Premier to the hands of a judge. By moving spurious move that members of this Parliament be not motions of this type to cover up the matter, allowed to put forward any further amend the Government proves to me that it does ments. The Minister for Mines, Energy and not have at its disposal the facts that it Police said that this was democracy at work. claims to have. So a shadow does hang over Democracy at work! The Premier said, in the Government, and it will continue to effect, "You can't move any more amend hang over it as long as it covers up these ments. I don't like them and they are annoy issues. ing me. They are causing me some concern because they are letting too many people On a number of occasions, matters such debate the issue and I don't want the issue as this have been raised by members of UJC debated. I only want my motion debated. Opposition and have been brushed aside Don't you know a little bit about democracy the Government and not acted upon. under Joh in this State? Don't you know those occasions the Government claimed that about gerrymanders? Don't you know you our suggestions were all rubbish. On this must work under Joh's rules?" occasion, however, the suggestions came from two of its own members, and they will come Fortunately for us, but unfortunately for from more Government members as they the Premier, Mr. Speaker forgot to put the realise what is happening. If the Government motion. I suppose that right now I could does not put its own house in order, it will move a further amendment if I wished and eventually get caught with its hand in the the debate could start again. till, just like an ordinary thief who takes money in that way is caught. That is the After we had been debating this subject problem confronting a Government that for a number of hours, the members for continues to use its numbers to defeat the Southport and Surfers Paradise were allowed democratic process. to have their say. Before that, however, the great legal eagle-the Minister who has The attacks on the two Government mem controlled the surveying profession in this bers, who were called liars and were charged State in such a way as to allow Russell with being disloyal, are all part and pared Island to be developed in a manner that of the cover-up and of the machinations of allowed people to get away with $10,000,000 a Government that is intent on ensuring that and not be charged-rose to defend Cabinet. the public will not know the facts. I'd hate him to defend me. Mr. Rice will have waK·hed tod«y's Let me come back to the real question. proceedings on T.V. and he wi11 go to It is not whether Cabi'net acted in accordance breakfast tomorrow morning with the Prem with local authority rules. Why didn't Mr. ier safe in the knowledge that the Govern Rice and his cohorts, who offered $20 for ment has used its numbers to carry a motion each signature on petitions, appeal to the that black is white and everything is O.K. Local Government Court as is done by any The member for Southport gave Mr. Rice body who wants to appeal against a decision a bit of curry, but in return the Government of a local authority to reject his application? painted White black and blackened the name Why didn't they go to the court? As I under of another Government member. The plain stand it, the Minister even suggested that fact is that the Government will not escape the file should come up to him. Why did the opprobrium of the people; its day will the file come up here instead of going come as surely as that of every other corrupt through the court process? Is it because, Government that has fallen in this nation. as the member for Southport said, some This Government has manipulated the laws money changed hands? That is what a as a result of the taking of funds and in the judicial inquiry would find out. I don't know end the people will know that and will hang the answers, but I certainly do not believe those responsible at the ballot-box. the answers have been given to us today. Hon. C. R. PORTER (Toowonr-tiinistcr All the Government has done is shift the for Aboriginal and Island Affairs) (5.24 argument over to one of whether local It has been well said that Governments authority representatives and public servants to die by self-inflicted wounds. It is no gave it the right advice and whether it acted wonder that members of the Opposition are on that advice. That is not the argument very gleeful about what has occurred today, put forward by the member for Southport. nor is it any wonder that they moved amend He suggested that, because of rumours that ments seeking enlarge the scope of the the Government could be bought, there was debate. a shadow over it. If the rumours cannot be heard on the Government side, they can Opposition Members interjected. certainly be heard on every street corner Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. W. D. throughout the State. The smell of corruption Hewitt): Order! The Opposition will come hangs over this Government. If it was honest to order. in its desire to bring this matter out into the open, and if it was honest in its challenges Mr. Fouras: Just the Opposition? 612 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador , Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! At the Some of us can remember former judicial time when I called the attention of the inquiries that were sought eagerly and were House to the matter, it was the Opposition expected to bring forward floods of wit that was being particular noisy. I do not nesses. My mind goes back to the Han appreciate my rulings being questioned by lon Golden Casket inquiry, the Foley tobacco the member for South Brisbane. I will not inquiry and the Foley land bribe inquiry. tolerate that, either. I can only ask the House where was the flood of persons who were to come forward Mr. PORTER: The whole purpose of the with the truth when the inquiry was held? amendments this morning, which we pro They did not appear, and they will not per.ly sought to curtail because they appear on this occasion, either. endeavoured to prevent the motion being debated, was to enable the Opposition to The plain fact is that if there is to be C Mr. PORTER: Today, two of my col I cannot believe that there could be any leagues were unwittingly playing the Labor doubt now as to the matter of rezoning. game. They, too, said, "Give us a judicial Why the rezoning was dealt wlth in the way inquiry first and then we will get some it was and how it was done have been well 'facts." I do not think one person in a canvassed here by ministerial colleagues. hundred would see that as other than very Facts have been given which are quite incon eXJtreme bias. It has been said that if test&ble. The Honourable the Minister for there was a judicial inquiry people who Survey and Valuation gave the facts chapter otherwise would not say what they under and verse. stood to be the truth would come forward because they could give evidence without Mr. Akers: Irrelevant facts. fear of retribution and so on. What on earth does that gobbledegook mean? For a Mr. PORTER: I have a colleague who person giving evidence who feared some sort says they are irrelevant. They are the facts of reaction against him, what would a pertaining to the matter as it came before judicial inquiry do for him that could not Parliament, and nobody has yet said that they be done either under an inquiry or without are not the facts. I think it is far superior it? The argument means nothing at all. to deal with facts than to move into this extraordinary business of selecting some facts With all this talk about judicial inquiries, and leading from fact A to fact B and I think that some of us who have been saying, "Ah, I smell a nasty rumour. There in this place for a long time-- fore, there must be some sort of sinister . Mr. R. J. Gibbs: Too long-far too long, connection between fact A and fact B." Of m your case. course, no proof is ever advanced that there is a connection. This is a very dangerous Mr. PORTER: The honourable member procedure. Anybody in public life who speaks with deep passion. Because of the wants to make allegations aboUJt an}"body at ex:cellent job I do, I can understand his all, whether he be on the Opposition side despair that I am still here. of the House or this side, ~hould be able Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador 673 to produce some fact, because a person's which outlines that, where a member makes good name in this area and in commercial allegations which could damage the business life, too, is of prime importance to him. reputation or good name of any person, sub stantial evidence should be presented to the who suggests that the Gold Coast House. When the honourable member for its former administrator, the Southport spoke on 19 September he said Government Department's senior and I quote his words from "Hansard"- the Minister himself and the Cabinet are corrupt or negLigent or stupid is "It seems to be common knowledge scaling quite extraordinary heights of absurd- among people on the coast that Mr. Rice would be quite prepared to donate $100,000 ity in view, but in fact that is what to obtain a favourable decision." has been today, and I find it deplorable. Today, the honourable member for South A Government Member: It hasn't. port says he has evidence to support that statement, but he does not say what the Mr. PORTER: I have a colleague who says evidence it, its source or who gave it. He it has not. Let me make it quite plain hides behind the statement that the evidence why I siand up here today. For some 40 will be forthcoming if there is a judicial years I have been in the centre of poLitical inquiry. What the House requires is that life in this State in positions of considerable substantiating evidence be presented here. trust and responsibility. Never in that period has anybody ever attacked my integrity Does the honourable member really have or my probity-certainly nobody from the any evidence? If he has, why does he not Opposition-and I tell you, Mr. Deputy tell the House about it? The answer is Speaker, il hurts when a colleague suggests obvious. If he does have any evidence, he that one is either a corrupt person or a knows that it is so poor and so unreliable stupid person. That is the effect of what that he would be laughed out of this House. has been said. I was a member of the It is easy for the honourable member to say Cabinet of which it was said that Govern that he has evidence available for a judicial ment favours could be bought. I resent 'inquiry when, as he concedes, there will not that bitterly. be such an inquiry. The honourable member takes the trouble Let me also say that it is quite a dreadful to table a statutory declaration concerning thing to take aUeged hearsay from some a matter that the House- is not debating unnamed Cabinet Ministers that the matter something that he s:ays has happened at was not discussed, or that the detail of it Bracken Ridge. But does he tablo n "tatutory was not available, and thereby indict all declaration on the real issue? No. The reasun MinisteTh--and that in fact was done in the for that is obvious. He does not have one. opinion of the public. The suggestion that None the less, he is persisting with his allega I knew nothing about it-that I signed a tion. minute without knowing what was in it is a p:ece of dangerous nonsense. It just The House can be the best judge of the is not true. Nobody came to me and said, honourable member's responsibi1ity and reli "Did you know what was happening in the ability. It is scandalous that he should per Cabinet rezoning?" I say again that on this sist with his allegation while refusing to matter of what happened in the Cabinet, substantiate it with evdence presented to the which is privy only to Cabinet Ministers House, and give the House no reason why anyhow, somebody's acceptance of the hear he will not do so. He has brought forward say ver&on that he says came from some no evidence of correlation between the Ministers, without naming them, is the hall rezoning decision and the Bjelke~Petersen mark of this whole sorry affair. I regret Foundation. He has not brought forward deeply that it should have occurred. I any evidence of correlation at all. I stress regret deeply the divisions that it may cause that. He has simply used smears and on this side of the House. I say again that innuendo-. the only people who wHI benefit from this Perhaps the standard of the Labo-r Party -and no wonder they are looking so pleased is such that it might be subjected to this -are the members of the Opposition. type of decision-making. Perhaps-and I emphasise, "perhaps"-just o-ne or two mem Mr. McKECHNIE (Carnarvon) (5.34 p.m.): bers of the Liberal Party might be subjected I listened with interest to the speech of to it. But I state categorically that it is the Minister for Survey and Valuation. It the National Party that I am a member of, was clear and accurate, amply explaining and I do no believe that any National Party what happened in this matter. I member-whether he be a Minister or a contrast with the speech made by the back-bencher-would indulge in this type of honourable member for Southport, who was practice. I resent the allegations greatly and supported by the honourable member for I should like, for the record, to quote once Surfers Paradise and their Labor Party more the fact tha-t the Select Committee of friends. Privileges said that a member should put forward some proof of his allegations if he The standards of behaviour required in the wishes to rise in this House and try to House are clear. I refer to the report of des;troy the name of any person or organisa the Select Committee of Privileges, 1979, tion. 674 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador The matter we are discussing is a very letter came from :Mr. Rice. That was not serious one indeed. The Parliament has the basis of my speech, and I find it offensive. come in for some criticism from the media I said that it was recommended by the about the standard of debate in this Cham Privileges Committee. ber. I1 has come in for some criticism about the type of statements made by members on Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. W. D. buth sides of the Chamber. I should like Hewitt): Order! I do not see the pomt of to say here and now that I believe that the order involved. vast majority of the members of this House, members of all parties, try to behave in a Mr. AKERS: 1t is a sham. It frightens constructive and decent manner. But after me that the Minister for Police, a senior the exhibi Mr. LICKISS: I can find that out for the Mr. LICKISS: Those statements made honourable gentleman. What I am trying to by the Leader of the Opposition. If one do now is correct the wrong that he per were to place as much weight on those petrated earlier today. He is quite capable statements as on the general statements of doing that on every occasion on which he that he made here today, one would have gets to his feet in this Chamber. to discount them. Quite frankly, I do not think he knows what he is talking about. If the honourable gentleman knew anything In fact, he demonstrated that quite clearly about the Liquor Act, he would know that this morning. in cases such as this no reference is made to the Minister concerned. The Licensing Com Mr. Casey: You should not be mission and the Licensing Court are autono that at this stage of the debate. are mous in relation to the licensing laws of this talking to an amendment that was ruled State. I dare say that if honourable members out of order. opposite ever occupied the Treasury benches, that would be the first thing they would try Mr. LICKISS: I am answering the Leader to interfere with, and it is for that reason of the Opposition and the malicious state that the Government has put the licensing ments that he made in the House this laws beyond political control-and rightly morning. He deliberately misled the House so. In any criticism that the honourable through either lack of knowledge or ignor gentleman makes in relation to the adminis ance, or through plain stupidity. tration of the Liquor Act, and particularly The activities of Opposition members today in relation to the determination of the court, have been designed to try to spray a field, he is condemning a District Court judge. to try to throw over this place by innuendo Let that be on his own head. There is no and perverted statements the impression that reference to the Minister in relation to such something might have happened or could matters. have happened, something that they prob ably wish had happened, and something that Once approval is given by the court, public probably would have happened if they had notices are prepared by the Licensing Com been in office. They have tried to mislead mission and are sent directly to the office the public of Queensland. I wanted to set of the Government that deals with these the record straight. matters in the M.I.M. Building. They do not Mr. Casey: You haven't. come through the Minister's office. The Gov ernment Gazette notice is also prepared there Mr. LICKISS: Let me again answer the and transmitted direct to the Government Leader of the Oppo~ition. This morning Printer. he said that I probably advised Cabinet in relation to this matter and that Cabinet was All in all, the Leader of the Opposition supposedly there to approve the action of has not so far been conect on one point the Licensing Court. It was not the pre that he has raised. But the most important rogative of Cabinet to approve it. He asked point that I wish to make is that no sub if I gave an the facts. I certainly did not mission in relation to these matters was pre give any facts; I did not take the matter sented to Cabinet by me or by any other to Cabinet. h was not my prerogative to Minister. The simple reason is that it is not do so. In fact, if I had done so, I would permitted or requhcd under the Act. The have been acting in breach of the Liquor whole matter is handled through the Lkt:H> Act. It >t:cmQ hard to get these matters to ing Commission by way of approval by the sink into the head of the Leader the Licensing Court. Tenders are then called. Opposition. The honourable gentleman said, I think, that they close some time in December. He I can say this: the applicant in area seemed to know a lot about confidential applied for a tavern licence, and tenders information, and by virtue of section 6B of the have been caJled for a hotel containing 16 Liquor Act he is not really permitted to know accommodation units. It is only the Opposi that. The closing date, as the honourable tion members who say that this is the only gentleman has been able to determine from land in the area that is available for such the newspaper cuttings and the Government a licence. We only have their word for it. Gazette, is 14 December. The question of Mr. Casey: Have a look at the maps. confidentiality relative to applicants under the Licensing Act is well known. I would have Mr. LICKISS: I think I know as much as thought the honourable member would res the Leader of the Opposition does about pect that, to make sure that there is fair play maps. But it is not a matter of looking at in these matters. maps. Mr. Casey: Will you get down to the Mr. Casey: The State Government has a reaJ nitty gritty of this? Why is it that bit of land in the area. Are you going to these were the only people who had land apply for a licence? in the area? They were advertis,ing the fact that they were going to get a licence Mr. LICKISS: No, and I think the Leader even before it would have gone to the of the Opposition is envious because he Licensing Court. cannot. Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OcTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador 677 Again I point out that the Leader of the to wonder how they will be able go back Opposition, as usual, is astray in his state to their electors and say to them, "We are ments. It is interesting to note that when people for whom you can vote with con he is astray in his statements he casts asper fidence. We are men who \Vill all sions on other people. One would think that is good and all that is best in that a person who lives in a g:lass house munity." They will certainly never be able ought not throw stones. to go back to their electors on that basis. I must say to their electors that they will Mr. Casey: ~hat is what the Liberal back certainly have to look very closely at the benchers say about you. two people whom they have elected, pre sumably to be members of a coalition Gov Mr. LICKISS: Is that right? That is a ernment that has achieved so much for matter for me and my back-benchers. I Queensland; a Government that has advanced enjoy the very closest of relationships with Queensland beyond the wildest dreams of them. most people in Australia. These two men Cabinet and this Government, as a matter have attempted, without regard for the truth, of policy, do not intervene in the matter of to destroy the Government of which they are the issue of Hcences. Tenders are called. members. As I said, they obviously have not Everything is done as publicly as possible. been here long enough to realise what The decision is a decision of the comt. The happened to previous Governments when matters leading up to a court decision are allegations of corruption were made against matters for a duJy appointed commission. The them. Leader of the Opposition wiU have to live with his words. He was absolutely incorrect Oppositton Members interjected. in his statements in the House today con cerning this matter. Mr. BJELiill-PETERSEN: It &l.ould be very fresh in the minds of honourable mem [Sitting suspended from 6 to 7.15 p.m.] bers opposite. They would have been taught, even if they do not remember it dearly, the Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah history of the Labor Party in Queensland Premier) (7.15 p.m.), in reply: Today with all its land scandals, tobacco scandals, we have witnessed a rather sad but sewerage scandals, and so on. interesting spectacle. It has been an exercise that has given me the opportunity to watch Mr. Casey: They did appoim judicial at first hand the operations and attitudes inquiries. of men, several of whom have recently entered this Parliament and pel'haps are Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: because unaccustomed to the traditions, high stand they could not get out of it. The and ards, ideals and objectives of the parliamen the evidence were there. Todav we have no tary system of government. I have also facts or evidence. On those previou,; occasions witnessed the actions of several members of there were plenty of facts and evidence. It the Opposition who ought to have known was to be seen everywhere. The honourable better, and who ought to have recognised member knows that, and the findings of the that there is a tradition and standard that commissions proved it. The honourable mem we should seek to maintain to further the ber belongs to an organisation that has a objectives of honesty, loyalty and fairness tradition in this area. I can partly under- as opposed to the attitude adopted by some stand why Opposition members in honourable members. Unfortunately, two of the area of suspicion, graft and rest our colleagues on this side of the House of it. embarked again today on a determined attitude of character assassination of indi Throughout the history of the National v~duals, organisations and public servants, Party and the coalition Government, we nght across the board, with no regard have held to the highest standards of honesty whatsoever for truth, fairness or justice. and integrity. It grieves me verv much that two members of this Parliament have acted ~ have watched these men display an as they have, without making any inquiry, attitude that was completely lacking in hon as the Minister for Mines, Energy and Police our and respect for honour when they has said, from me, from him as the Acting made the attacks that I have referred Premier or from departmental officers. They to. They adopted a policy of character made no inquiry or investigation in those assassination which, I am afraid, has become areas whatooever. They based their state much too evident in recent times. It makes ments on rumours and stll!tements shouted me wonder where the parliamentary system around. They escalated these statements. is going and where it will end. In mv 32 They did everything in their power to pro years in Parliament I have witnessed an mote the rumours and to destrov their own ever-increasing pace in the poHcy of charac Government. • ter assassination of industries, organisations I know that members on the other side and people generally. of the Clramber support that sort of It is very sad to think that men who claim behaV'iour. But we don't. These are two to be men of quality, ability and under people on this side of the House whom the standing resort to these tactics. I am forced electors have to have a close look at when 678 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador the. next elootion is held. They have to be able to table them. Mostly, the con decide whether they can be trusted as part tributions are fleeced from the average work of the coalit•ion Government that has the ing man through his union dues. I have no record that this Government has now and objections to the way people raise funds has had for a long time. for their parties and organisations. It may . 0~ course, this attempt is doubtless be by letter, by phone or out in the open, msp1red by unhappiness that the National as we have done. Party is strong and ls getting a lot of support. I think it must be recognised that today The sta~ement has been made, "Just stop the Natwnal Party and the Bjelke•Petersen we have reached an all-time low in the historv Foundation. and it will all disappear. Just of this Parliament. That has been instigated, stop the BJelke-Peter3en Foundation and it promoted and forced upon this Government by two of its own members, who have no will b~ all right." I want t_o say this about the BJelke-Peterse:n Foundatwn: it has never respect or regard for the truth. They are been hidden.. It is out in the open for any the two conquering heroes who came along body who wishes to subscribe to it. It hurts todl:IY· What did they do? What did they the Leader of the Opposition and members ach1eve? Th~ achieved absolutely nothing. '()n his side as well as other members because They attacked people under parliamentary it has been very, very successful. privilege, but they made no attempt to establish the truth of their accusations in Mr. C:asey: You table the contributions. any shape or form whatever. They were not That w1U put out in the open. I able to establish the truth of them. Nothing ·Ohallemge you to table them here in this has been put forward today to substantiate Parliament. their claims. They spoke about parliamen tary democracy, about Parliament being Mr. BJELKE·PETERSEN: When is he supreme, about this House being the master :going to table--- of its own fate, and so on. Mr. Casey interjected. Today th.ey had the full opportunity, under the protection of Parliament, to produce the . Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. W. D. evidence. What have they produced- Hew11t): Order! The Honourable the Premier rumours and all sorts of accusations, but no will coni'inue his speech. evidence. They have produced nothing con crete. They have nnt performed with credit Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: When the to themselves or others. They have spoken Leader of the Opposition talks about integrity in terms of the Government's buying favours, and all the rest of it, he forgets that he yet they can produce no evidence-nothing -owes thousands a.nd thousands of dollars of concrete. We know that they ·cannot do taxpayers' money that he is still hanging that. They preferred to accept rumours, alle onto. gations and insinuations. They do not care about facts. But let us look at other organisations. The Libe-ral Party itself, on the admission of The people of this State will judge those these members, is raising $800,000 on the two members on this side of the House. The Gold Coast. But, of course, there is nothing people expect this from the Labor Party, but suspic!ous about that! Noth!ng at all! People not many of them expect it from two mem can gJVe as much as they like to the Liberal bers of the coalition Government. I do not P~rty and so on; We do not object if they think that many people in Queensland would ra1se money. What about the letters that expect to read, see or hear what has happened are going out from Mrs. McComb at the today. Those honourable members have deni moment? Business people are coming to me grated the Chamber. They are not prepared showmg me these letters that are beino sent to sit and listen to what has been said. ouL Telephone calls are.. made t; top busrnessmen by cenam mdividuals who are Mr. Houston: You left. saying, "Are you going to give us some thing for our organisation? It would be Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I have been good if we could get some monev for our here pretty well all day. I was quite prepared organisation." I know that that is-going on. to listen. The onlv time I was absent was I do not blame them; that is fair enough. when the honourable member for Bulimba However, it is really being done behind the was speaking. He is so tiresome and uninter scenes, if one likes to draw such an infer esting, I could not stomach listening to him. ence. I do· not do that. We are doing it out in the open. Anybody can give to this Those honourable members made a cow party. ardly attack on the Minister for Local Gov ernment. Their action was like hitting a man l\·Ir. Casey: It is not in the open until when he is down. That is despicable and of you table your contributions. the lowest order. They have acted like men without honour. They do not care about Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: The Leader of the reputation of others. They make out the Opposition knows jolly well that the that their reputations are impeccable, but contributions to the Labor Partv come from they have demonstrated that that is the last so many devious sources that he would never claim that they can make. They are not Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Rezoning of Land at Labrador 679 men of honour or of character. They are Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: All the evid not prepared to substantiate their accusa ence has been produced to show quite clear,Jy tions. that there is nothing unusual about it. A large number of submissions from local auth They have called for a judicial inquiry. orities have been taken to Cabinet over the Based on what-rumours! How could we years. Hundreds, in fact thousands, have have a judicial inquiry based on mmours? gone through. Forty-nine were rejected com Every honourable member knows that no pletely. I repeat that there was nothing Government, organisation or body could con unusual about the decisions that were made. duct an inquiry based on rumours. Those This was outlined in the speech made by the honourable members have not produced one Minister for Mines, Energy and Police. scrap of evidence to justify their claim. They cannot produce it. They have had all day All the evidence and all the facts have to do so. They have now had 13 days in been set out, yet in spite of this these two whioh to do so, while they have been making members will not acknowledge that they accusations and implying certain things, but are wrong. They have created a tragic they have not produced one skerrick of evi situation in their lives. By refusing to dence. Their accusations have all been based admit that they were wrong and by making on rumours. further accusations, they have compounded the error and further compromised their How would these two men on this side integrity. They are not big enough to stand of the House personally like to be in the up and say, "I was miskd and misinformed situation in which they have placed other and I acknowledge it. The evidence has people? What if I or someone else accused been produced and I now withdraw and them of theft, bribery and corruption? No apologise." Did they do that? Of course douht they would be most indignant. But they didn't do it! They have again demon that is exactly what they have done to others. strated their character and shown what It is what they have done to the Government types they are. They have left an inddible and, in effect, public servants. They have mark on the history of their political lives indirectly accused public servants of putting that will pursue them down through the a story or submission to the Minister and the years. They have come in here and made Government to gain finance either for them unfounded ailegations, and they have been selves, somebody else or the Bjelke-Petersen proven wrong. They have been shown that Foundation. How low can people get when they are wrong but they have not been they stoop to using tactics of that sort big enough or manly enough to admit it accusing public servants, who cannot defend and say, "I apologise. I am sorry and I themselves, and saying that those public ser withdraw everything I have said." Conse vants obviously must have put together a quently we find ourselves in this situation. story or submission that convinced the One would have thought that out of Minister? respect for the dignity of this House they Mr. Frawley: LDok how they crucified would have withdrawn their allegations in Creighton, when he exposed their land deals an endeavour to clear their names. The with Foiey in the chair? processes of this Chamber have been abused by the way in which they have mad::: these scurrilous allegations under the cloak of Mr. B.JELKE~PETERSEN: Those in the parliamentary privilege. As I said, these Labor Party certainly have a very long and men will have a mark on their characters varied history in relation to this sort of that wm stay with them all their Jiyes. thing. They will be known as men who will stoop to the lowest level in an attempt to destroy If any honourable member had substantial the reputation for honesty and integrity evidence, he would have produced it in the held by many members of this Government. House, but no evidence was produced. I They did this without producing a shred moved this motion in the interests of this of evidence. · House, the reputation of Parliament and the reputation of these two members which Mr. Casey: You've got a short memory. at this point of time, they can partly redee~ if they are big enough and man enough to Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: The Leader of get up and say, "Well, I thought I had the the Opposition is another who will go down truth. I cannot produce it. I have listened in history, as will the honourable member to all the evidence that the Ministers have for Archerfield, as a man who fleeced the produced today. The various Ministers have public purse, who put his hand in the till produced all the evidence, including the full and is stiH hanging onto the money. submission that went to Cabinet and all the signatures of all the Ministers." Mr. Casey: You've got a short memory. Opposition Members interjected. Mr. R. J'. Gibbs interjected. Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. W. D. Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr. W. D. Hewitt): Order: The Opposition and every Hewitt): Order! The honourable member other member will come to order. I intend for Wolston will cease constant interjections. to hear this speech in silence. 680 Rezoning of Land at Labrador [2 OCTOBER 1979] Supply (Financial Statement) Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: I repeat that SUPPLY this has been a sad day in the history of this Government-- COMMITTEE-FINANCIAL STATEMENT RESUMPTION OF DEBATE Mr. R. J. Gibbs interjected. (Mr. Miller, Ithaca, in the chair) Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The honourable member for Wolston is now Debate resumed from 20 September (see warned under the provisions of Standing p. 618) on Dr. Edwards's motion- Order l23A. "That there be granted to Her Majesty, Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: This is a very for the service of the year 1979-80, a sum sad in the life of this Parliament, and not exceeding $344,008 to defray Con after years in this Parliamem one that tingencies-His Excellency the Governor." I never thought I would live to see. The honourable members for Southport and Sur Mr. SCOTT (Cook) (7.43 p.m.): It is no fers Paradise would not even come to me as small honour for me to lead the debate from Premier to discuss their allegations. Instead, this side on the Budget. withoui evidence they chose to stand up and the allegations they did. I Government Members interjected. never dreamt that I would live to see the day when two men would make such ailega THE TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. tions against the Government, without even Miller): Order! The Committee will come to coming to me personally and asking for an order. I will not tolerate interjections such investigation, as they could so easily have as those that have just occurred. done. H is a very sad day in their lives and in the life of this Government, too, Mr. SCOTT: It is very pleasing to attract discovering as it has that there are men interjections of that type, because just for not on the other side of the House a short while I will be speaking to a full but on side of the House who would Chamber-under the most deplorable cir stoop as low as they have shown they are cumstances, I might say. Members sitting prepared to do. on the benches opposite have tonight voted Question-That the motion (Mr. Bjelke themselves into political oblivion; there is no Petersen) be agreed to-put; and the House doubt about that. If ever a Government divided- had one foot on a political banana-skin and one foot in a political grave, honourable AYES, 49 members opposite are now in that position. Akers Lee The Deputy Premier and Treasurer can touch Arrnstrong Lester Bertoni Lickiss his forelock, because undoubtedly he has led Bird McKechnie his party into a downward slide. Bjelke-Petersen Miller Booth Moore We are now debating the Budget. There Bourke Neal Cam m Newbery are two dishonest financial undertakings in Campbell Porter this State. One is very definitely the Bjelke Doumany Powell Edwards Row Petersen Foundation; the other is the Budget Elliott Scassola that the Treasurer has brought down. What Frawley Simpson a terrible state of affairs it is when members Gibbs, I. J. Stephan Glasson Sullivan have to sit here this evening and listen to Goleby Tenni the Premier vilify two members of the party Gunn Tomkins with which his party is in coalition who have Gygar Turner Hartwig Warner had the courage to raise something that they Hewitt, N. T. E. Wharton thought was important to the people of their Hooper, M. D. White, T. A. electorates and to the poople of this State. Katter Kaus They had the courage to do as they saw Kippin Tellers: fit. As far as we can see, they did the right Knox Ahern thing. We do not support them politically, Lane Austin but we accept the fact that today they NoEs, 20 displayed some courage. Blake Scott Not one of their colleagues, however, had Burns Shaw Casey Underwood the courage to vote with them on this most D'Arcy Vaughan important issue. They were sold down the Hansen Warburton drain. Those two members can stand proudly Hooper, K. J. Wilson Houston Yewdale among their electors and claim th' Mr. SCOTT: I know I am no orator. Mr. SCOTT: I will withdraw them, Mr. However, I know hone&ty when I see it, Miller. I tend to let myself be carried away and I do not see it when I look at the because of the magnitude of the deceit that Government side. I certainly do not see it has been perpetrated by members on the Government side. Instead of standing here when ][ look at the leaders of the two and voting for their party and for their political parties that constitute the coalition. Government, they scuttled from the Cham Let them have no doubt that the people of ber. That is what intrigues me. Queensland will make their own judgment on them. This is the start of the downfall We on this side of the House are criticised of the Bjelke-Petersen/Edwards Government. because we hold together as a party and do It is on its way out, and the people of not let the side dorwn. That will certainly Queensland will benefit as a result. continue to be so when we are in Govern ment in this State. Our difficulties are sorte:d We know what sort of a man the Premier out in the party room and our policies, is. Anyone who has read any of his hi&tory which also are sorted out in the party room, knows what sort of a person he is. He has come forward in a democratic manner from one god!, and that god is money. His ideal is the grass roots of the patty. They are voted now embodied in the Bjelke-Petersen Founda on in the proper manner and when a major ti?n. Tonight he said he has nothing to ity vote is arrived at they become the policy h1~e and that there was nothing that the of this party. Those policies are embodied B;elke-Pelersen Foundation could not be in our platform. proud of. He said that donors to it are Government members come into the paying to support a great leader. We Chamber waving copies of our policy book know all that. There is no honesty let. We believe that they have photocopied whatever within that foundilition. There is no various sections of it and distributed them way in the world that anyone in this Cham in great haste to the so-called business leaders ber or outside of it will ever know the names of the community, saying, "Look what you of those persons who subscribe to the Bjelke will get if you vote for the Labor Party." Petersen Foundation. The people of Queensland know that they Government members are bringing into the will get solid, honest Go'Vernment, the type Chamber copies of a pamphlet relating to of Government that they are crying out for. the John Curtin appeal. No doubt some Momentarily the people have turned their Government members will try to make capital attention to the Liberal Party in the filiint out of h and endeavour to draw some hope that it will show some spirit and that parallel between that appeal and the Bjelke a leader might emerge in the Liberals who Petersen FoiJilldation. Of course there is no can stand up against the Premier-but there comparison whatever. In fact, 1' could quote is no such person. from the pamphlet that is being handed Today we heard the mem·ber for Green· round. Of all the Australian Prime Minis slopes and many other Government mem ters, John Curtin most completely represented bers speak, but we could not tell where ~he whole of the Australian people, irrespect they stood. They stood with their feet so Ive of party. That is very, very true. He far apart on the issue that we could not was a man of the people, a man of the tell where they stood, and they were deter Austrahan Labor Party and a man of whom mined not to say where they stood. They the Australian people can be justly proud. criticised th.e Premier very hesitatingly; with They will never be proud of Mr. Bjelke great tementy they stood up and very gently Petersen. On the day that he departs from chided him, but were they chiding him the scene in Australia, no tear will about the honesty of the Government of be on his side of the House. Certainly which they are a part? no tear will be shed on this side. Mr. Warburton: Most of them walked out The Premier holds the little National side when the vote was taken. Party members on his side in total thrall. They are not prepared to put up their hand Mr. SCOTT: They are chiding him for in the room and oppose him. They the lack of honesty in the Government and, know would happen to them if they of course, they walked outside when the did. vote was taken. We saw the Liberal members walk out The Liberals do not have the courage of of this Chamber with their tails between their convictions. We will see more of it. their legs. I hesitate to say that they did This is the start of the rot. As a Govern that hke mongrel puppy dogs, but that is ment goes downhill, it breaks apart and, the. only phrase that can be used to describe without doubt, the signs are evident now. their performance. Today, we are debating the Budget, The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. another dishonest document brought before Miller): Order! The honourable member will the Assembly. As my leader said, it is a mis not refer to other honourable members in leading and dishonest document. I do not an unparliamentary manner. I ask him to intend to analyse the Budget financially. withdraw those words. As a man charged with the duty of working 682 Supply [2 OCTOBER 1979] (Financial Statement) in the Cook electorate for the benefit of of this State have been told they should the people, I certainly do not get time to have. Those numbers are set out in various wade through such a mass of figures, but I Government documents. There are manning can certainly make pertinent comments on schedules that call for so many people here it. and so many p;;:ople there. We know that, for reasons of 9conomy, those people are The Budget is dishonest. And the Govern ment is dishonest because it is cutting ser not sent there. vices that the people of Queensland want, We have been told that there will be 300 deserve and can afford. Government mem more policemen in the State. This was bers tell us constantly what a rich and built up in pre-Budget leaks. The expecta affiuent State Queensland is. If that is so, tions of the people of Queensland were why is the Government cutting expenditure raised when the Government said it was in the most secret ways. The people of really going to do something. However, Queensland are suffering because they are when the Budget papers hit the Chamber not getting the services that they want and table, we found that that increase would be deserve. In the end the Government will be spread over two years. We need them in the charged with failing in its duty to the people Cook electorate. They are needed at Weipa, of Queensland to keep them supplied with Normanton and various Aboriginal com necessities, and to keep the wheels of the muni,ties. However, they will not be pro State turning. That is just what the Govern vided. Let me look at the logistics of ment is not doing when it cuts back expendi providing 150 or 180 policemen in the first ture in so many secret ways. year and the number that will need to be recruited because of the normal wastage that I intend to traverse briefly some of the occurs in the service, with people applying more important aspects of activity in my and being weeded out. How many people electorate. I am quite happy to do a Cook's will the Police Department have to recruit tour of this very important electorate. The to give us anything like the 180 or >o we people expect their elected member to speak have been told we would be entitled to out, and press their case for a better deal this year? from the Government. I believe thut the greatest advance in I will not list the items in order of obtaining teaching staff would be the imple priority; to me they are all important. mentation of the incentive transfer scheme. Because there are so many things that I could talk about, I will concentrate on what I will take the liberty of reading some I describe as the highlights. Government of the points of thG submission to the Public buildings in the Far North are deteriorating. Service Boartl on the incentive transfer Many need replacing but the work is not scheme, which, as all members know, was being done. Only the minimum of work is adopted in toto by the Queensland Teachers' done in my electorate and neighbouring Union, by Education Depar Mr. SCOTT: I do not think that the in which fuel has been distributed up there, Minister knows very much about the so there will be great concern about oil tobacco industry. I cannot recall the last cartels and the effect that they will have time he was up there, and I do not think not only on Australian primary production the tohacco farmers can recall it either. But but also on Australian secondary production. if his performance is the same as that I urge the Government to try as hard as of Mr. Sinclair, they will not want him it can to do something constructive about up there. the situation. Mr. Suliivan interjected. A committee of some type must be formed, and it must be given legislative backing for The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. its activities. We must ensure that it can Order! The Minister may not obtain from the oil companies fuH informa from other than his usual place. tion about the location and distribution of their products, because that information can Mr. SCOTT: He is not only not in his not be obtained in North Queensland at in this Chamber; he is also present. On the Thursday before Parliament right place out in the country. rose for the Budget recess, I asked a question He has long since mislaid his big hat without notice in this Chamber. As a and boots. He is now a city man. result of that question being asked, and as He Street farmer. Like all a result of hasty phone calls by the the in this Government, he can- Minister for Indu&try and Administrative not see beyond the environment of Brisbane. Services, A vgas was road freighted from Townsville to Cairns and the shortage was get back to the cut in quotas relieved temporarily. However, that situa the growing side of the tobacco tion will not last. I know that the Minister Queensland faces a further 1 has some degree of concern, but I suspect cut, which it has been found that he lacks the compeltence needed to to impose .to eradicate, so it is handle the problem. over-allocation of quota that has I turn my attention now to Aboriginal Queensland for a number of communities in particular, and I note that That is the sort of justice that the Minister for Aboriginal and Island Affairs meted out to the tobacco growers in is in the Chamber. If I may make the point, my electorate and around Mareeba by the the honourable gentleman will not be here Liberal/Country Party Government in for very long. There are two reasons for Canberra. There is to be an actual, that. Not only has he announced that he not a virtual, cut in their income, and will not again be nominating for the seat they certainly will not forget it. of T·oowong, which will remove him from the House; he is aJso having a 11ttle bit of How are the people managing to farm pre-retirement leave. He is going to join up there with a shortage of distillate? How the gaggle of Ministers heading off overseas, are people in remote areas managing to if Cabinet agrees to his trip and gives him operate with a lack of Avgas? If members a nice little purse to hang around his waist think that I was a little facetious before, to enable him to buy victuals, drink, and I ask them to heed very carefully my words. so on, on the way. Queensland is facing chaos over the fuel situation. There is no doubt about that. Why is the Minister for Aboriginal and I believe that the situation that Queens Island Affairs going orverseas? It is a:lmost land and Australia will face in regard to as difficult to find that out as it was for the fuel will be as bad as the Depression. I Opposition to find out why the Minister make that statement because I believe .that for Local Government and Main Roads was to be_ the case, although I certainly hope going overseas. A little bit of diligent search that 1t not. If there is strong action ing by honourable members on this side by the Queensland and Federal Govern of the Chamber enabled the Opposition to ments, the situation could possibly be discover the purpose of the journey of the averted, but, mark words: if the people Minister for Local Government and Main of Queensland are in the hands of the Roads. oil companies, that is what will happen. Mr. PORTER: I rise to a point of order. not only in my electorate but I have no objection to the honourable mem Australia will suffer as a result ber's vilifying me, but I ask him to please mismanagement of the fuel situation stick to the facts. The fact is that he did in Australia. Australia will be held to not have to do any research. I told honour ransom the fuel companies. We are able members of my own volition what I small potatoes, and the fuel corn was doing, when I was doing it and how that at the present time we I was doing it. a weak government. We do not have The TEl'dPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. government that is prepared to stand uo Miller): Order! The honourable member for to them. \'le have seen that in Queensland. Cook. the North have at times been denied access to supplies of A vgas Mr. SCOTT: If the honourable gentleman The worst feature is the thinks that that is vilification, I point out degree of fairness in the way to him that I am only beginning. 686 Supply [2 OCTOBER 1979] (Financial Statement) Mr. Porter: Well, keep it up. Killoran. Some time ago the people up there woke up to the Minister and they . Mr_. SCOTT: If the honourable gentleman want no part of him at all. I know that IS gomg overseas to tell people the Govern he does not gO' to the Far North very men.t's policies towards Aborigines and Torres often. When he does vis•it the place, is Stra1t Islanders, I will eat my hat. He will for some trifling purpose such as opening go over there and tell them what he thinks they would like to know about the Govern the Bamaga supermarket. That is the only ment's policies. Why is that necessary? The time when he sho·ws his face there. He Department of Aboriginal and Islanders does not mix with the nor does he Advancement has its own publicity section sit down and talk with They know and is able to put out glossy publications that that. allegedly tell the world of the Government's Aurukun is a commnni1y comprising more policy towards the Aboriginal and Tones Strait Islander people. The Minister does than 700 people. If eYer there was a com ~ot r:eed to go overseas for that purpose. He munity in Australia should feel IS gomg solely on pre-retirement leave and aggrieved at being let down by Govemments, the director of the department, Mr. 'p. J. it is Aurukun. This Gtwemment has treated Killoran, is going with him. It is to be a the people at Aurukun in a most shoddy and holiday and nothing else. disgusting fashion. Long ago it ceased to The Minister for Aboriginal and Island treat them as people. l deplore that state Affairs does not have to go overseas to talk of affairs and so do the pc()ple up there. about the Government's policies. He should Aurukun lies 60 mile' south of Weipa. be so ashamed of them that he should not talk about them anywhere other than in The mission was started in 1902 by the Brisbane. The Government has no construct Presbvterian Church. That was a long time ive policies on Aboriginal affairs, and the ago. Since then the Church ha& Minister certainly cannot go overseas and gone through a troubled concoct a story that will convince people Mr. Tenni: We all know that. that it has. It is quite possible that the Minister will be asked to take part in a Mr. SCOTT: Yes, the honourable member public debate overseas on the Government's knows it; but as I happen to be speaking he so-called policies towards Aborigines and can sit there and listen. He does not like :rorres Strait Islanders. I should be very to hear the name of the mentioned in mterested to see how he would perform in the Chamber. It is one of blacker spots-- such a debate. I am quite certain that he will not be prepared to enter into public that is not intended as a pun-in the per debate. formance of this Government. As I said, he is going on this little jaunt, Mr. Tenni: You want tc. give them free and I have no doubt that he will enjoy land rights. himsel~. He will be in the Old Dart, and he will be able to hang onto Mrs. Mr. SCOTT: Talking about 1and~in 1968 Thatcher's coat-tails and tell her what a the Tipperary Land Corpc.ration, which is an wonderful job she is doing, and that is about American-owned exploration and develop all. I believe that the honourable gentleman ment company, approached the people of is one of those Liberals who are British to• Aurukun with some sort of wishy-washy the boot straps. If one looks at his perform proposition that it might be possible to do ance, his outlook and his stand on various some bauxite-mining in the area and that issue\S, one realises that that is about all it might be done on Aurukun land. Back that can be said about him. I do not believe in 1968 the people did not know what mining that he is a person of integrity in terms of entailed. They certainly did not have the what he does for Abo·rigines and Torres strong beliefs that hold today. They Strait Islanders. I have seen at first hand were not able to see total effect of some of the things that have been done mining at Weipa on Aborigines in the area. in North Queensland, and I know the atti tude of the Aboriginal people because I I am not saying that bauxite-mining at represent them in addition to the other Weipa as it is presently being conducted people of the Cook eleotorate. is not good for the State or for the area. Of course it is good for the area. However, In my opinion, the time has come for it can be supported only if a proper attitude the Government to face the moment of is adopted towards the people who are truth on the subject of Aboriginal and displaced from the area. That has happened Island affairs, and I shall go through a only in recent times, and the honourable little history for the enlightenment of hon member knows that. ourable members and to remind them about the Aurukun affair. Recently I had the I come from 1968, when the Tipperary pleasure of spending three days at Aurukun Land Corporation first showed its collective following several days at Edward River and face up there, to 1975. At that time the Kowanyama. They are wonderful places, and Minister for Mines announced that a huge at not one of them did I find any support bauxite deposit had been proven in the area. for either the Minister of his director, Mr. Of course, the heat was really on. Could Supply [2 OcTOBER 1979] (FiMncial Statement) 687 the Government gets its hands on that baux Mr. SCOTT: The Minister is a mine of ite for its friend the mining company? Or information, but will he say where Donald would the Aborigines be given due Peinkinna went to try to defend the com .consideration? munity? He went to England. As an Aboriginal chairman he had the intestinal No-one who knows anything about what fortitude to try to defend his people's rights. 1;0es on in the State of Queensland had He went right to the top to try to get any doubt about the matter. Of course, the justice for his people but the deck of cards goodies would win. That is just what hap was stacked against him and he lost. But pened; the mining companies won. he did not lose his pride or his integrity despite the fact that the Government tried Mr. Porter: You do not know what you to push the Aboriginal people down so far. me talking about. He went to England and fought for his people but, unfortunwtely, he lost. These Mr. SCOTT: I don't know wh&t I am people know rhat they will continue to lose talking about? The Aurukun Associates because they have black skins. Agreement Act of 1976 was rushed through Parliament in December of that year. That, M.r. Porter interjected. too, was a black day for the people of Aurukun. They were starting to discover Mr. SCOTT: The Minister does not care what mining entailed. about them. Mr. Porter: There has not been any min We hear many shocking statements from ing at Aurukun. the Premier, a self-professed Christian, about the unrest at AuruJQm and the general Mr. SCOTT: Well why is it mellltioned drunkenness up there. That is the way in one of the Government's glossy publica he talks about this section of our people ti<.ms that $700,000,000 worth of development of Queen&land. He does not care one iota \VIll go on up there and that the mining for them. He does not know what integrity development at Aurukun is a prime part means. of that development'! The Government used false excuses to Mr. Porter: There is no mining up there. enter this area in its jackboots, and on 14 May 1978 a thunderous announcement was Mr. SCOTT: Why is it mentioned in one made over the A.B.C.-I heard it at Auru of the Government's publications? kun-l!hat the Government was to take over. From December 1975 to 1978 these people Mr. Porter: Why shouldn't it be? What is were extremely worried about their future the point you are making? and whether they would be split asunder by a great mining concern. They hoped that Mr. SCOTT: It is mentioned as mining the Government might give them token development to the extent of $700,000,000. support, but it did not. On 30 April 1978 The Minister tells me there is no mining. the Aboriginal reserve was abolished. This Is the rest of the material that appears in was one of the worst acts perpetrated by that glossy publication just as untrue as the any Government, in that it took them out portion referring to mining at Aurukun? of the reserve and left them in limbo. The From the Minister's comments it would be Government did not care about their feelings. quite safe to draw that conclusion. If that The people were wondering from day to is so, one could not have faith in the rest day where their future lay. They did not of the waffle that appears in that glossy know what lay ahead of them and the Gov Government publication. It must be a total ernment did not care. The abolition of fabnication; a total taradiddle of lies and that reserve may have been a very smart manufactured statements. move bv the Government, but I believe it has backfired. The day of reckoning is Under the Aurukun Associates Agreement coming. To a certain extent it came in 1977 Act, which was rushed through the House, when the people turned to the Labor Party the people of the area were to be given a and elected me to represent them. paltry 3 per cent of net profits. Of course, 3 per cent of nothing is nothing, and that On 16 May 1978, the Local Government is what would have been shown as the book Aboriginal Lands Act was assented to. From profit for many years. That is what the that date these people were again left in people were really being offered. They limbo until 31 March this year. During started to wake up to it, but the director, that time the people did not know which Mr. Ki1loran, stepped into the breach and way to turn. They did not know whether signed the agreement on behalf of the they had a council or leaders. They were Aurukun people. He was quite entitled to totally deserted. The council was sacked do that under the iniquitous Abo6gines Act. on the recommendation of !:he present Minis The people did not know what the deal was, ter for Local Government and Main Roads but they were learning slowly. because he said, "they failed the people and failed to meet their responsibilities." That Mr. Porter: The agreement was ratified statement was totally untrue. The people by the Presbyterian Church. will remember nhe Minister for years to come 688 Supply [2 OcTOBER 1979] (Financial Statement) for that statement. The Minister was one Yarrabah wants self-managemenL I of the group of people who sold them down believe that the people of Kowanyama and the drain. Bamaga, just to name two communities, want self-management. They have signed petitions, We come to 31 March 1979, when local knowing exactly what they were signing. I government elections were held throughout believe that they should be given a chance Queensland. They were held at the newlv to run their own affairs. A conference is created shires of Aurukun and Morningto; being held in Cairns this week of managers I Island. I do not know what happened at and Aboriginal community chairmen. know that this question will be bubbling just Momington Island, which is not in my below the surface. The director will keep electorate. However, the people in the small them in line. He will attempt to tell them electorate of Aurukun had total faith in the what to think. He will attempt to tell them councillors who were sacked by this Govern what their policies will be. He will ment. They voted them back. They had the tell them that the Government will af.ter greatest confidence in them because they them. They know how, too--screwed right knew that, during the time they were dis down to the ground. We can on it. missed, those Aboriginal people had acted as There is a very strong feeling up that men of integrity and had looked after the demands self-management. I know why the community. Minister is going overseas. He is over- seas to attempt to turn the spotlight The Government appointed an adminis away from Aboriginal affairs in Queensland. trator, Ken Brown, who was a good adminis If he is going over there for anything, that trator. He was a man of integrity. He did ·could be all it is. his best to look after them, but he could So the time has come for this Government not be everywhere. He had total responsi to face the moment of truth in Aboriginal bility for running the Torres Shire. He had affairs. The communities up there are suf as much on his plate as he could handle. His fering as a result of D.A.I.A. management. very able assistant, Chris Cook, also did as There is the old story of the manager trying much as he could to bolster the community. to contml the chairman and telling him what However, they could not be there all the is going on. When an attempt is made to time, so the people had to turn to their own bring Commonwealth funding into these com natural leaders-the dismissed counciiJors munities to provide them with better housing, in whom they were soon to show total faith it is rejected by the director. He will not accept these direct grants in to the com by re-electing them to look after their munities. I know that the Federal Govern affairs. ment promised to build houses for the people ~o they now have a local government. I at Weipa South. That offer was rejected by believe that that may be the answer to the the director. The same applies at &!ward problems which confront other communities River. These houses have been rejected by up there. I ask this Government to try to be this Government. honest for once in Hs treatment of Aboriginal affairs by extending the idea of the shires. Mr. PORTER: I rise to a point of order. The Minister squirms if I mention Y arrabah. What the member for Cook alleges is com I know he has been roundly beaten up there. pletely untrue. It is offensive to me and it Two councillors resigned in protest at the simply is not true. I ask that he withdraw fact that he said they were not elected on a it. land rights platform. They were subsequently re-elected at a by-election. They know their The TEMPORARY CHAIILi\fAN (Mr. people. They are the natural leaders. They Miller): Order! I ask that the member with do not like the Minister. draw the words. Mr. PORTER: I rise to a point of order. Mr. SCOTT: If the Minister my state One hates to interrupt somebody who is try ment is untrue, I will withdraw words. ing to make a sensible Budget speech but working under difficulties. The plain fact of I could mention another area where the the matter is that no councillors resigned for people have been let down by National the reasons he gives. One councillor resigned Liberal Governments~the Torres The for ill health. What the other councillor real problem there is the provision of employ resigned for, I would not have the foggiest ment for young school-leaven and older notion-and nor would the honourable mem people, and even gainful employment for ber for Cook. The plain fact of the matter elderly people. The turtle-farming project is that he keeps on saying things which are is one of the worthwhile ventures in that fa·ctually not true. area. It has been criticised by some people in this Parliament. I do not intend to go Mr. SCOTT: I can see that I have the into who introduced it or implemented it, or Minister worried. That is good. When he is why it was introduced. The fact is that worried, he tries to turn in different direc during the time that I have been representing tions to justify his lack of ability. That is the area it has been a source of employment what happened up there. for people in the area who want to work. Supply [2 OCTOBER 1979] (Financial Statement) 689 It is the constant cry of Government mem The species being bred is Crocodilus bers that people do not want to work. Of porosus. The skin is worth at least $12 course, Queenslanders do want to work. an inch measured across the animal's belly. The doubling of the price of leather in the Mr. Porter: Who killed the tu11tle-farming last 12 months indicates that the of project? crocodile skin can only increase, new pen measuring 300 m by 200 m is under con Mr. SCOTT: The Federal Government. It struction. I had the pleasure inspecting has just withdrawn the funds for it. 1t that work last week. It was aH carried wi11 be phased out over a period of one out by Aboriginal labour. Mr. Eddie Hol year. That is deplorable, because it pro royd is the leader in charge of that team, and vided a constant source of work which the he is doing a wonderful job. The pen people enjoyed. It involved breeding animals will be covered by fresh water and stocked with which they were totally familiar. It with reptiles that are aJmost large enough to involved catching and prepar,ing food for be skinned. The fresh water produces a them, which is again a job with which they nice sheen on the skin. Before long 25 were totally familiar. It was a class of work will be turned out, and at an average size that they enjoyed very much. They could of 16 to 20 in. each skin w~!l be worth see something for their work. This scheme, about $240. So members can see that we which they were led to believe would be are talking about a lot of money made worth while, has been destroyed before thcir in ~he area as a result of the efforts these very eyes. This is what is happening up Aborigines. there continually. I think it would be rather interesting in We find that certain projects are started the time that remains to me to look at what not by the D.A.I.A.-and nearly reach is happening as a result of the Government's fruition, and then the spotlight is turned efforts to retake the seat of Cook, because off. Someone new comes on the job and suddenly decides that the project is not it has endorsed two candridates. In the normal important any more. course of events, the former member for Cook-- I should like to tell members a little about crocodile-farming. It is similar to Mr. Bourke: The Government does not turtle-farming. BotJh are projects involving endorse candidates. Applied Ecology and both are of great value to Far North Queensland. Mr. SCOTT: The National Party, I should say. The honourable member will forgive a Mr. Moore: What a lot of rubbish! very slight slip. Actually, the NatiDnal Party is the Government. Surely we saw that today. Mr. SCOTT: That would be about the level of the contribution of the honourable Mr. .Jones: That's the way they campaign. member for Windsor. The honourable mem ber would not know what goes on in that Mr. SCOTT: That is right. I think the area. He is another city- The present member for Cook is the man their wives and families would be perhaps who put that Aborigine out of this Chamber. $20,000, $40,000 or $60,000 better off because Shame on him t Joh was responsible for the introduction in this Chamber of a Bill providing for the An Op,position Member: What is Carige abolition of death duties, and I think that is going to do to you? worth acknowledging. Mr. HARTWIG: I have done him over, Let me turn now to New South Wales and and there is no risk there. look at the record of the Wran Government in relation to Mr. Sinclair. The Finnane As was so ably pointed out by the Deputy report condemned Sinclair, make no mistake Premier and Treasurer, Queensland is the about that. A man who has never been only State in the Commonwealth to balance committed for trial has been condemned by its Budget this year. In spite of inflation, the Labor Government of New South Wales. increased wages and all the other costs that If that is an indication of Labor Party h'ave to be met by Governments from time policy, I never want to see such policies to time-who knows, this year we might implemented in Queen,land. even have to provide drought relief-this Government is the only Government in Aus In the last 12 months, 10,000 people left tralia to come up with a balanced Budget. Victoria and 6 000 of those came to Queens As a matter of fact, it is about $500,000 land. I' assure 'honourable members opposite in credit. That is not a bad efl:'ort. Yet we that Queensland is the most pros~e~ous St~te see the members of the Opposition crying in Australia because of the coal-mmmg activi crocodile tears. I will tell the Committee ties here and the beef industry. In 1977-78, why. Under the Labor Government, the beef industry was worth $292,000,000 to Queensland was the hick State in the Com this State; in 1978-79, it was worth monwealth. There is no doubt about that. $757 000 000-an increase of almost Under the A.L.P. Government, this State $50o:ooo:ooo in one year. Did that happen stagnated; it was dead. One can see the bv chance? Of course it did not. It hap progress that has been made in the last pened because we have good administration 20-odd years while this coalition Government both in Canberra and in this State. has administered the affairs of state. The Opposition Members interjected. Gold Coast, Townsville, Toowo,omba, Mackay, Rockhampton, Cairns, Bundaberg, Mr. HARTWIG: Honourable members Gladstone and Maryborough have all opposite do not like what I am saying. U_n~er become cities in their own right. What were the Whitlam Government, I was receiVmg they under the Labor administration? $80 for a 700-lb bullock. I know what I ':m Moranbah, Dysart, Moura and Blackwater talking about. Honourable members oppos1!e are little cities today. Because of the efforts cannot convince me that the Government. El of this coa1ition Government, we can be Canberra and this Government are not domg proud of the State of Queensland today. a great job for Queensland. Between 1972 and 1974, this St,ate had to contend with a Government in Canberra that Of course, the Labor Party has Senatc;r was bankrupt of ide!as. Georges. They have put him out _for SIX months for interference at the half-m1le post. Mr. K. J. Hooper: Don't give us history. Tom Uren flies up from New South Wal~s every now and again to break the law m Mr. HARTWIG: The honourable member Queensland. The Labor Party wishes it could does not like to hear it. It is terribly bad get rid of these men. It doe~ no! want t!1os_e news for him, but it is true. sort of people associated w1th 1t, but 1t IS Queensland has the greatest population stuck with them. growth of any State-over 2 per cent, when Let me turn now to the Budget. In it, the Australian average is only 1 per cent. the Government has made available fun~s And look at what has happened to the Labor to enable the setting up of a trade office I!~ Government in South Australia, Mr. Row. Japan. Whether we like it or not, Japan ~s Honourable members opposite held it up so one of our main trading customers, and It proudly and told us how good it was. What must be appreciated that a country with a did the people of South Australia do to the population of 130,000,000 or 140,000,000 pro Labor Government in that State? They vides us with one of our biggest markets for destroyed it because they knew that, under primary products. It is essential that our an A.L.P. Government, their State was primary producers have assure~ markets such headed for disaster. That Government's as the United States of Amenca and Japan, policies were disastrous. Mr. Dunstan could so it is important for thi~ Goven;ment _to see the writing on the wall and bailed out maintain the closest of tradmg relatwns w1th before the crash came. He was a wise man. Japan. In this Chamber today we have seen the I turn now to education. This year, Premier of this State being belittled and the sum of $521,000,000 is allocated for it. having to fight for his existence. I put it That represents more than 25 per cent of to honourable members that most of them the Government's total receipts. The number would be worth between $100,000 and of school teaching staff is being increased $200,000. If they died during the night, by 256 to 20,556. Schools are carpeted, 692 Supply [2 OcTOBER 1979] (Financial Statement) fitted fans and are well lighted. Most The remote area allowance has been schools are a tribute to the Education increased substantially. That is indeed wel and the Minister for Education. comed by people Jiving in the country. I went to school we were lucky if we had mats on the class-room floor. The Queensland Water Resources Com I am to see that the Government's mission is making a wonderful contribution. keen in sport is demonstrated this H is interesting to note that the Burdekin year allocation of $5,200,000. We aH Dam project is getting under way, with about know the 1982 Commonwealth Games $1,200,000 being allocated for preliminary will be held in Brisbane. Sport must be work this year. high the list of priorities. It is interesting to note of the $5,200,000, $2,200,000 Queensland is on the move. I assure hon will come from the Soccer Pools. In other ourable members that our State has a bright words, \Yho have a go on the Pools future. If we all adopt a positive outlook are a worthwhile contribution to and have confidence in the future of our remaining $3,000,000 comes from great State, we will contribute to making conS()ll(lat:~C! Revenue. That typifies the it an even better State than it is today. I wilich this Government is taking have heard people knocking their own State an in community activities. This and Parliament over and over again. It is Government was the first in Australia to make an allocation to sport. I remember time that we woke up to ourselves. We live that its allocation totalled only $250,000. in a wonderful country. Let us look after it. Now it more than $5,000,000. I remind all honourable members that Governments do not get beaten; they beat pleased to see the subsidies paid to themselves. What I witnessed today did not for the aged for furniture, furnishings leave a very good taste in my mouth. The Wharoonga Village in a 20-bed hospital for aged persons. I am proud to be a member of the coali to see that the contribution tion Government, which has done so well in cos·t of furniture, furnishings the past. I pay tribute to our Cabinet Minis has been increased from $750 ters, who try to work together and stick per person. The Government's con to aged persons' care is generally together. Some people must get the message not acknowledged. This year, pensioners will that loyalty and solidarity keep a Government be able to travel twice in one year on the together. We should remember that united Queensland railways to and from their place we stand and divided we fall. There is of residence. The increase in that concession nothing surer than that. I have been her.e will be welcomed by aged persons. eight years and I do not want to ever s1t Admittedly the railways are making a great on the Opposition benches. I want to be a loss. However, the Minister for Transport member of the coalition Government that is offering cattlemen and graziers contracts will propel this State into the 21st century for the railing of their cattle. In New South with a greater impetus than it will ever get Wales, a grazier who rails his cattle over a under the A.L.P. distance of 200 miles is $60 a "K" wagon worse off than his .counterpart in Queensland. I remind my fellow back-benchers that if they have something to say there . is always The honourable member for Cook made a place to say it and a ready ear to listen to 1t. great play of the increase in the PoJice We can handle these matters in a better way Force. While there are fellows like Senator than we have done today. Our performance Georges running around, it wm be necessary today was not good. I exort honourable to increase the Police Force. He and his members to remember that a coalition friends stir up trouble and try to tell the Government is foreign not onJy to the A.L.P. Government what to do. The police do but also to other States. No other State a marvellous job and I pay them a sincere can boast a coalition Government of Liberal tribute. The first thing anyone who gets and National Party members who have worked into trouble does is telephone the police. closely together. In the 20-odd years of the It is comforting to know that we have both coalition Government, we have had a good a co-operative and courteous Police Force. record. Honourable members should consider what has been done for the State. The I am of the level of exemptiO!l from pay-roll which now stands at more than coalition Government has a rocord to be $150,000. In my opinion pay-roll tax repre- proud of. Do not let us destroy it. While sents a on employment and does nothing listening to a couple of whingers, on the back benches, I was ashamed of them. For to our unemployed. I hope to see the goodness' sake let us stand up as Queens level progressively because this tax is a deterrent to further employment. landers and members of a Government look ing to the future of this great State. I am Student rail passes have been available for Queensland and for the Government, from Monday to Friday. Their use has been but if we keep performing as we did today extended to Saturday for young people wish there is nothing surer than that we will be ing to sport in the cities and provincial sitting in the Opposition and, God help us, towns. will be under an A.L.P. Government. Supply [2 OcTOBER 1979] (Financial Statement) 693 Mr. PREST (Port Curtis) (9.4 p.m.): never have seen clowns act before. It was I might say, is the annual day of a magnificent contribution by the Minister nrr>TAIC!1rm for the Government. In the past a contribution that will be very easily and a half years we have gone through forgotten. the same sort of exercise each year. In one Mr• .K. .J. Hooper: Was that Mr. Doumany? year we had to introduce validating legislation to a Minister. In the next year we had Mr. PREST: Yes, it was. to validating legislation to protect I would like to read a Press release that a National Party member representing a I made on 13 February this year. I said- northern electorate. Last year we had to introduce validating legislation to protect the "The publicity being given to the member for Warwick and we wasted today 'International Year of the Child' will be listening to a lot of tripe designed to protect a useless P.R. exercise unless Governments a Minister and the Government in particular. change their attitude to family needs. It disgrace to have to sit here and "Unfortunately, family problems have listen to the rot that has gone on today, with the most serious effect on children as they the Government parties fighting amongst are the ones who suffer most." themselves. They could have done that outside "Until we solve the problems of unem the Parliament instead of bringing it into ployment, have adequate housing to include this Chamber. They had an opportunity to deserted wives and unmarried mothers, have grievance aired by allowing the two reduce interest rates on housing and hire members who made the ailegations to present purchase loans, as well as other areas their evidence to an inquiry. However, that which create social problems, we will was not to happen. So we are here again. The continue to have broken homes and prob numbers have been counted and the Govern lems, having serious effects on family life." ment lives again. Tonight we heard the "We will not improve the lifestyle of member for Callide making a plea for the child unless we improve the lifestyle Government members to pull together. We of the family. When we have unity all know what he is looking for. He is after in the family with parents and children a Cabinet seat. living in a happy, healthy relationship Mr. K. J. Hooper: He'll never get it. together, then we will have succeeded to assist children." Mr. PREST: I think he would be more If we are at all concerned for the plight entitled to it than one or two of the of the child, we must try to solve the prob others who have recentlv been appointed. lem of unemployment. We must provide I do not think he would plant kangaroos jobs. We must provide work for the fathers and shoot pansies. I think he has more of the children and jobs for the children abiiity that some other appointees. I give who are ready and willing to leave school him credit for putting up a fight to hold and become part of society. The Budget his seat of Callide. I do not think he does not do that In fact, it will cause would be as corrupt as some of those in further unemployment. It does not provide Cabinet at the moment. sufficient funds for any significant increase We are now debating the Budget. I in employment. In most areas it does not would not be game to repeat in this Chamber even provide sufficient funds to cover inflation the remarks the people of Queensland have or increased costs. made about this Budget. If I did so, I Unemployment is one of the major worries would be called to order for making unpar- for any family. There is no doubt that it has remarks. This Budget is an a great effect on family life. The parents' exercise contempt. It shows just what worry rubs off on to the child or children this Government thinks of the people of in the family. I could speak for hours about this State. It fails to have regard for the the worries caused by unemployment and plight of the unemployed, the homeless, the the effect it has on the family, as well as the aged, the education of children, the motorists financial hardships confronting unemployed and those who do not have adequate trans people. As I said, the International Year port at all. One could go on and on. of the Child will be a useless P.R. exercise One must remember that this is the Inter unless the Government changes its attitude national Year of the Child-a programme to family needs. And neither this Budget that this Government pretends to stand so nor the Federal Budget shows any real con strongly behind; yet we see introduced a cern for family relief. Budget that fails to give serious consider ation to the child. I am aware that in Today we have a long list of people who the Budget the Government again makes are not adequately housed. Many families $50,000 available to the I.Y.C. However, are unable to obtain proper accommodation. I am not at all impressed by that contri Again the children suffer because their bution, as I cannot see it erecting a large parents cannot obtain a house. Families a~e bronze statute of the Minister for Welfare being split up. There is no doubt that th1s in recognition of his contribution, which places a strain on all members of the family. has consisted of travelling the State with Housing funds have been cut in this officers of his department, dressed up as Budget, particularly funds for family rental a bear, just to fill the hearts of those tiny housing. Under the special capital alloca· children with joy. Those children would tions, an amount of $12,000,000 has been 78627-26 694 Supply [2 OCTOBER 1979] (Enancial Statement) made to the Queensland Housing Commission need more pensioner the "to increase the availability of funds for home smaller type of unit an unmarried buyers." This is very good. The maximum mother with one or two children. loan will be $25,000 at 71;; per cent interest. As I say, we in the are mo&t This would provide in the vicinity of 450 disappointed with the Although homes. As I said, this is quite good. A pros Gladstone is facing a huge of people, pective home buyer would need a deposit of there was no mention of the education approximately $3,000. facilities that will be required to with I am not talking about the person who the children who will naturally with has that amount of money available; I am this massive increase in the work-force. talking about the person who has a very addition to the Comalco expansion, we limited income, such as the person the hon hear about Q.C.L. and Rundle oil. I will ourable member for Lytton spoke about in have more to say about Rundle oil the Matters of Public Interest debate last because I do no•t think it is a goer. I Wednesday week. He said that some people it will be something like Poseidon; it will in our society, such as those working in the never get off the ground. I think the people Forestry Department, earn $129 a week. concerned are just fleecing the public and it After they pay for their accommodation, will be many, many years before there is motor vehicle and incidentals, they have no any chance of the project getting off the money left to live properly, let alone be able ground. to save $3,000 or $4,000 to use as a deposit To get back to education-we find that on their own home. This is a major prob although a new wing has just been completed lem. at the Gladstone High School, it has to cater for approximately 1,400 children, and there We are told that in the very near is no mention in the Budget of any provision future Comalco will construct a smelter for another high school. Again turning to in Gladstone at a cost of $1,000 million. the special capital allocation in the Budget This development will involve addi of some $21,700,000, we find that $11,500,000 tional direct employment for about 1,700 of that could be set aside for school build people. Unfortunately the Financial State ings. We hope that the Minister for Works ment does not provide for any housing, and Housing and the Minister for Education whether it be Housing Commission rental will get together and at least give us a homes, pensioner units or anything else. new high school. We would also like a Gladstone is not being allocated any finance new primary school. One has been on the under this Budget. Again we will have to drawing-board for quite some time and it rely on the capital loan allocation and on will eventually be built at Kin Kora. the Minister for Works and Housing to make an allocation for the provision of homes It should be noted that the Calliope from that fund to meet the needs of some of Shire Council is doing a job on road the workers who will come to Gladstone if works approaching the site that has been set not immediately then early in January. aside for a school at Tannum Sands. As I say, with the construction of a bridge There is a very long list of people in Glad across the Boyne River linking Tannum stone who are waiting for accommodation. Last Sands and Boyne Island and the construction week Housing Commission officers told me of the 560 homes Comalco is talking about, people are living in motor cars in Gladstone. there will be a lot of children in the area In addition, people are living at St. Vincent's for whom education facilities will have to Hostel and ladies with children cannot get be provided. any accommodation. I am not talking about people who can afford to buy a home; I am We heard the honourable member for talking about low-income earners, people Somerset say this morning that he has a who are receiving unemployment benefits and couple of children in his electorate now who young, unmarried mothers and pensioners are not able to obtain pre-school education. who cannot afford to pay the huge rents being We did see in the Treasurer's Financial demanded in Gladstone. Statement that a number of pre-schools have been allowed for, which is quite good, It must be remembered that at the present but again no specific mention was made of time several companies are taking options the area I represent. At present there is with real estate agents for leases on any only one pre-school in the Gladstone area, sort of property-homes, flats and units with another under construction. Up till on a long-term basis. It is therefore now, only one child in 10 in the Gla.dstone virtually impossible for anyone coming to area has been able to attend pre-school. Gladstone to obtain accommodation. I have The new pre-school at West Gladstone will been told recently that Comalco has had cater for only another 100 children, so discussions with the Housing Commission and instead of having one child in 10 attending that together they are hoping to build pre-scho·ol we will have two in 10. All we approximately 560 homes in the Tannum want is that pre-school children in the Sands/Boyne Island area, although at the Gladstone/Port Curtis area should be given present time not a sod has been turned. We equal education opportunities. We should will see problems arising from that in the not discriminate against any child, no matter very near future. In addition to the work in which electorate he or she resides. If ers, I am worried about the pensioners. We after we become the Government we start Supply [2 OCTOBER 1979] (Financial Statement) 695 considering areas that certain members and in the West soon. I give credit for rather than equal opportunity for the work that is being done on the road in all areas, we will be a pretty north of Rockhampton, but it is not being low Goverl'.ment. done quickly enough. Too much money With ·the big development in Gladstone that is being spent in southern areas where there this Government is always talking about, are better roads. I admit that this is where the Glads,tone Hospital is inadequate. As the population is and, I suppose, where the ! said in speech during the Address-in votes are; but we must remember that the debate, the doctors, the nursing staff North plays a major role in the economic domestic staff do a wonderful job. affairs of this State. I believe that we must It is to see in this Budget that the spend more money on the roads in the Government is allocating $210,000 for the North. We must build them up and so construction of new surgical-block theatres overcome the long delays that oocur during and a 30-bed wing, which we have been the wet season. talking and have been promised for Local government grants this year have quite time. been increased by the Federal Government as I believe it \vas in April that I issued a result of the increase from 1.5 per cent to the present Minister for to 1.75 per cent in the allocation of personal inspect the Gladstone Hospital. income tax receipts to local government. were very fortunate that the present It is to the credit of the Minister that, Premier and Treasurer, when he was although he is considering cutting some of for Health, did inspect the hospital the assistance that is given to local govern one afternoon, and I am quite certain he ment, he has not done so in this Budget. agreed that there was a lack of some However, local authorities can be assured at the hospital. We will catch up that it will be done in the very near future. a little the construction of this new A cut in subsidies by the State Govern wing with the influx of people to ment will mean that local authorities will Gladstone-\\'e are talking about 1,700 extra face greater problems than ever before. That jobs, so there will be 5,000, 6,000 or even may not happen before the end of this 10,000 people-we will be looking for financial year, and I believe that local author a lot more in the provision of medical care ities must make strong representations to at the hospital. the Minister for Local Government and Main Roads through the Queensland Local Gov r tum now to something that concerns ernment Association in an endeavour to my own area of responsibility, that is, local change his mind. Once subsidies to local and main roads. I find that this authorities are cut, both unemployment and contains very little to gladden the rates will increase. It is imperative that of the road users or ratepayers of councils continue 'lvith the work they are When we look at the Budget doing, thus providing employment. for the past few years, we find that have not varied, except for an allowance .The Calliope Shire, which adjoins Glad I intend to give some figures stone, has not had any worthwhile rain this taken out of the last three Bud year; in fact, the wet season did not come the Budgets for 1977-78, 1978-79 very far south of Mackay. In the lOth We see that there has been month of 1979, only about six or seven 'ery variation in the figures. The inches of rain has fallen. The Calliope Shire same amount seems to be coming from the Council has made one application for the Commonwealth. There is increased revenue area to be declared drought-stricken, but from motor vehicle registrations and from that application was refused. In my opinion, But when we get down to the Minister should review the decision. He provided for road-works under should remember that both graziers and the control of local authorities, we find small farmers have not recovered from the that this year there is to be a cut of huge problems they faced when a recession s1 ,400,000. occurred in the beef industry. I am not say ing that some of the big graziers did not The authorities carry out maintenance weather the storm fairly well, but the small on roads for the Main Roads Depart farmers need some assistance. I believe rnenL These roads are getting older each that the Shire should be declared a more maintenance. drought-stricken area. inflation was I made representations to the former Min- and Mr. ister for Marine Services and in run at 10 relation to the facilities at the Board the allocation local depot at Gladstone. I received a letter on 1 road-work on June 1979, and the final comment of Mr. has Hodges was- "It is accepted that Gladstone needs a new wharf and better facilities, and improvements have been scheduled within the Board's Loan Works do not include estab- of processing facilities at this 696 Supply [2 OCTOBER 1979] (Financial Statement) stage. The main intake point for prawns road, rail, aircraft or even by and scallops in the area is through Rosslyn should spend some money on the ~n,,;nt~Pnt Bay and these products are transferred to of additional patwlmen to registered export processing establishments problem. at Colmslie and in the case of scallops to I want to refer to a consignment Bundaberg and Tin Can Bay for shucking that, because of a rail strike, wa;; prior to final processing at Colmslie. The to Sydney but was diverted to the Board could not consider additional invest land Fish Board. On 19 June ment in a new processing plant as the Harwood received for 15 crabs a present facilities are more than adequate. $47.88. On 15 June, for 10 The Board recognises that Gladstone received a cheque for $27.17. could well be a major receiving centre in crabs that were diverted because :1 rail the future and will plan accordingly." strike and sent to the Queensland Fish Board That is the letter that I received from Mr. he received a cheque for only $1.1 After Hodges, but I did not see in the Budget any Mr. Harwood had paid freight from Yarwun substantial allocation for the Minister for to Sydney, he was in debt. Mr. Harwood is Marine Services and Tourism. I again plead not an illegal crabber. He has been in the with the Minister to give serious consideration game for many years and knows type to the upgrading of facilities for fishermen of crab is best suited for to at Gladstone, particularly the new wharf and Sydney. There is something berthing areas. Because of the number of when for crabs that bring $3 or trawlers and fishermen using the depot at in Sydney he receives less than lOc Bris Auckland Creek, the facilities are inadequate bane. I would like the Minister to investigate and I am certain that the new Minister, Mr. this matter because it seems to be impost Max Hooper, who comes from Townsville, on this crabber. is aware of some of the problems that arise As the honourable member for Callide in the fishing industry when adequate facili said, it is very pleasing to note that the ties are not provided. I plead with him to allocation for sport and youth has been give the fishermen in the area a go and to increased. No doubt the increase is attri get on with providing adequate facilities. butable to the Pools turnover. In the week in which the Treasurer pre which is growing rapidly, needs sented his Financial Statement, the Minister recreational facilities. In the past for Maritime Services and Tourism made the Gladstone Sports and Parks certain statements concerning a consignment has spent $1,500,000 on sporting facilities, of illegal crabs that was intercepted on the but so far it has not received subsidy. way south. He said he did not know where This year we are looking to Mr. Leahy those crabs came from but was under the to provide a very substantial grant or subsidy impression that they could have come from to assist sport in our city. That sporting the Gladstone area. body, which is financed by Queensland Alumina Ltd. to the extent of $200,000 a I do not know why he said that, but if year, is making life much more bearable he is of the opinion that illegal crabbing for our young people. In this International is being practised in the Gladstone area Year of the Child surely we should be he should appoint more patrol officers so be able to do more than we done that the taking of undersized crabs and in the past few years. jennies can be stopped. We do not want illegal crabbing to continue. We do not I see from the Financial Statement that want the jennies to be taken; they should production of steaming coal increased by be allowed to remain for breeding purposes. 2 per cent in 1978-79 to 6 153 000 Most of the coal is consumed The Minister made the ridiculous state increased output was supplied to ment that some crabs are being sent from refinery at Gladstone. Production coking Gladstone to Sydney in mail bags. I just coal increased by 10 per cent to 20 786 000 do not know how crabs could be packed tonnes, but exports fell by 6 per cent to and sent by parcel post to southern States. 18 836 000 tonnes. The reduced must As we know, parcels are thrown about, so cause concern not only to the I am quite certain that crabs would not but also to those engaged in the coal-mining arrive in Sydney in a fresh condition. If industry and to harbour boards that have crabs are hurt or stacked other than beHy spent millions of dollars in facili down, they die very quickly. Such crabs ties. When I see the coal levy in the would not be of any use to anybody. Budget being reduced from $3.50 to $1.00 a tonne on coal won underground, I become The TEMPORAllY CHAIRMAN (Mr. concerned because most of the coal produced Row): Order! I would remind the honour in the Central Queensland Highlands is able member about the need to be relevant. duced by the open-cut method. The in the coal levy will assist New South Wales Mr. PREST: Thank you, Mr. Row. How greatly, but we must do something positive ever, the Minister's Estimates will not be to help coal production in Queensland. debated. All I am saying is that if the Minister is aware of the operations of illegal We may have to talk to the Federal Gov crabbers and of the illegal transport of crabs ernment about that levy. Because of the to the South, whether they be carried by large sums that Queensland has spent in Supply [2 OcTOBER 1979] (Financial Statement) 697 providing coal facilities, we must be careful Mr. PREST: I would not expect the mem that a Federal Government does not reduce ber for Lockyer to know anything. Potato our coal exports and, as I said, a 6 per cent growers are all the same-potatoes in the reduction in coal exports occurred last year. head and rocks in the mouth. When the new coal levy rates are introduced, This is the International Year of the Child, a further reduction may occur in our coal but what is the Government doing about expo;:cts. If new mines continue to be opened, apprentices? Only last week we had Appren our exports could be even further reduced. ticeship Week. Nowhere in the Budget does That could cause unemployment in some the Government say it is to employ more of our coal towns in the years to come. apprentices. Dr. Edwards: What about the $100,000 I was very pleased to note in the Budget for special projects? That should encourage an allocation to the department controlled apprentices. by the Minister for Industry and Administrat ive Services. I refer to the sum of $500 000 Mr. PREST: We sincerely hope it does. being made available for the construction Dr. Edwards: Thank you very much. You of a road from the Dawson Highway in will finish up by praising the whole Budget. Gladstone to the industrial site at Callemon You have been talking all night about how dah. Unfortunately, in February this year good it is. the road linking Callemondah and the power station-the western areas of the estate Mr. PREST: I am not saying how it to the eastern side of Callemondah was dug is. It is one of those Budgets just up. Since that date we have not had access flows on. It was a very easy Budget for to that area. Representations were made the Treasurer to prepare. All he had to do about the closure of the Callemondah rail was to change "1979" into "1980". In many siding. However, when we see the great areas he did not allow for inflation or rail development taking place out there we increased costs. We are very happy with the realise that it was almost impossible t~ do development that is taking place in Gladstone. anything about it. At the time I spoke However, I want the Treasurer to make some to the Minister I believed that we should provision to meet the expansion that is taking have been thinking in terms of an overhead place, particularly for housing, schools and road bridge. However, when one considers hospitals. If we are to have a big railway the area covered by the number of tracks depot in Gladstone, with two diesel sheds, there, one realises that such an undertaking why should our apprentices have to go to would be virtually impossible. A structure Rockhampton for three or four years? Why almost the length of the Story Bridge would can't we train apprentices in Gladstone not be needed to get across it. only in fitting and turning but also in the electrical trades, particularly for electl.'ical Provision was previously made to put in signalling, which plays so important a part an alternative road. Somewhere along the in that area? I sincerely hope that the line the Minister for Mines pulled ont of Minister makes some provision to allow his obligation. That road was then scrapped. apprentices to be employed not only in yve ar~ very pleased to find that the pro Rockhampton but also in Gladstone, because ject wlll now go ahead, although it may Gladstone will be a very big depot. be 12 months later than we had hoped. It We agree that there should be more will definitely provide a link that is urgently apprentices. The other night, Comalco stated required to give access to people on the at a public meeting that it would ask Queens western side of Gladstone to the Clinton land Alumina Limited and others to take on Industrial Estate and the powerhouse and apprentices next year. They will their across the new bridge at Calliope River, which will link up the industrial areas on the wages. When the smelter comes on in northern side of the Calliope River. I a couple of years' time, they will have first repeat: although it is lZ months late, we year, second-year and third-year apprentices. are very pleased to see that the project is That is better than the other people taking ahead. It is not just that it creates on their required number of apprentices. We inconvenience to the people working will see some improvement in job the area. With traffic having to go into tunities for children leaving schools in Hanson Road, great congestion would be stone right from the very first year. caused. Further, the Department of Indus Gladstone, as a growing city, has some trial Development would have had an area major problems. I was surprised at the of industrial land on one side of the Clinton decision of the Minister for Mines, Energy Railwav and an area of industrial land on the and Police that resulted in Gladstone no other side of the railway, with no road link. longer being a police district and the transfer It entailed a six-mile trek to get to it. The of the inspector in charge. Gladstone is now Clinton rail siding-! mean the Callemondah in the Rockhampton Police District again. rail siding; that was the one I have been We have gone back 10 years in time. The speaking about. I hope that I did not police in Gladstone are now under the mention Clinton too often-- control of a senior sergeant, whereas they have been under the control of an inspector. M>. Bourke: You're not even sure your We are very concerned that this has hap self. How could you expect us know? pened. 698 Fauna Conservation [2 OCTOBER 1979] Act Amendment Bill The >vas invited by Gladstone There are those who of their and address annual leave, or even some their retire- reasons for ment, appreciating the natural resources that am very dis the bush has to offer. A large number of that this happened. I again ask people arrive in the area in four-wheel-drive Minister to seriously consider reconstitut vehicles loaded with boats, freezers and nets ing Gladstone as a police district, with its hundreds of yards long. Thi York Peninsula area have cause for saying that their lJUl UUlJ LHJ He has made suggestions to me and I am fauna officer or, under this them now because the Minister, in police officer to a place where to this amendment, which is not animals are being kept or held. a large one, said- Those suggestions are laudable, any step taken that will in view of the fact that under substantially the administrative work ology in this legislation a large involved is certainly worth while." fauna is being regulated under regulations as those governing a hobby I would agree with him or his speech-writer, aviculturist. As I said, many people keep smooth administration under any birds in their backyard and are not Act enable that Act to be better a business out of it. That is where administered. difference lies. When the profit motive is This has suggested to me that there and birds are being exchanged for a book to all smaller aviculturists profit, there ought to be some regulation. and that the delineation be made at the I agree that there is a difficulty in making number 50. He suggests that anyone who a delineation between those who are keeps fewer than 50 birds in the backyard lated and those who are not regulated, should be given a book and that in this surely the differentiation can be found in record book the person, instead of filling in numbers and in profit. While the amend all the different forms, could simply make ment is only a machinery one, it is indeed one return at the end of the year. Under laudable. these regulations the following forms would In my opinion the appropriation for this become obsolete:- department is abysmal, pitiful, minimal and Application for registration of an aviary; hypocritical. It seems to me that an appro~ Certificate of registration of an aviary; priation of $4,000,000 is an offence to anyone Application to keep fauna; in the State who is concerned about our Permit to keep fauna; flora and fauna. Indeed, it is an offence to Application for fauna dealer's licence; the dignity of people who are concerned Fauna dealer's licence; about seeing that our flora and fauna are Application to move fauna; protected. In this day and age, an appropria Permit to move fauna; and tion of $4,000,000 is miser.Jy. I understand Return of business of a fauna dealer. that the Premier is considering buying a new aircraft at a cost of between $500,000 This man has to fill in all those returns, and $1,000,000. How dare he do that when which, at his age, is very difficu1t for him animals are being taken out of the State to do. His suggestions are very sensible. simply because there are too few people to prevent this traffic. He suggests that we initiate a protected I believe that we have only four wildlife animals return book and that at the time and officers in Queensland, although I could be date of issue of a permit ,to keep and sell corrected on that. The department simply protected animals a protected animals return cannot afford to allocate more money for book should be issued free of charge. Such wages. What total and utter hypocrisy! The a book should be a duplicate-page book with department is virtually struggling through the the original page perforated for easy removal. wet-cement policy of the Government, which All increases as a result of breeding, buying assuages its guilt over the lack of protection or gifts, and decreases by selling and the of our flora and fauna by saying, "Here death or the giving away of a pet, would be you are, boys; take this $4,000,000 and run entered in the protected animals return away and play with it. We are doing our book. He suggests that the original pages bit." What hypocrisy! Let us allocate more should be removed and sent to the National money to this department. Let us be Parks and Wildlife Service at six-monthly genuinely concerned. If .the Government intervals. That period would allow the hobby cares, let it put its money where its mouth aviculturist to keep a tab on his aviary. is. I have not seen that done yet. This gentleman suggests that the six-month periods end half way through the year and I am pleased to see this amendment. at the end of the year. Although it does not go far enough, it is a beginning. I hope we may see many more At the time and date of issue of the similar amendments in the future. permit to keep and sell protected animals, a protecte{} animals record book should be Mr. BURNS (Lytton) (10.12 p.m.): Last issued free of charge. This book should have year I went overseas with my wife and all pages numbered and contain the instruc daughter and visited various zoos throughout tions. It should run in correlation with the the world. I was concemed at the treatment return book. given to Australian native animals in a number of zoos. When I retumed, I con He makes the suggestion that any fauna tacted Senator Tony MulvihUl about this officer be empowered, at any reasonable day issue. As honourable members may know, light hours, to call at the premises of any he is probably one of the more prominent holder of a permit to keep and sell pro conservationists and wildlife protectionists in tected animals and inspect all records and the Federal Parliament, if not the whole of He also suggests that no person Australia. He drew my attention to a number be permitted to deny entry to any of complaints received from Australians who Fauna Conservation [2 OCTOBER 1979] Act Amendment Bill 701 had visited zoos in Belfast, Vancouver and Mr. BURNS: If they are properly looked Malaysia and saw how a number of animals after--properly fed and cared for-there is that we respect, and like to see treated nothing wrong with it at all. However, I decently, were being treated. I remember would like to know how many inspectors looking at a kangaroo in one of the Scandi visit some of these so-called zoos. For navian countries I visited a few years ago. example, I have had to ring the R.Q.S.P.C. I am sure that it would have preferred to on complaints about Bullen's Lion Park, on be home in Western Queensland, New South the way to the Gold Coast. That is very Wales, or anywhere else. close to the city where the headquarters of the Wildlife Service are situated. And yet When I started to check on what happened we had to ask the R.Q.S.P.C. to go down to our animals, I found that the Foreign there in relation to complaints over the Affairs Department and the Customs Depart treatment of animals. I wonder what sort ment are responsible for checking zoos. We of checks are made on the people who are received complaints about the Penang Zoo caring for the animals-the so-called animal and another zoo in Malaysia. When the handlers or experts. I am interested in this Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs question. Recently I read a series of reports in the Federal Parliament was asked to check from South Africa about dolphins. There is on the treatment of wombats in Penang, it concern about the number of dolphins that was found that no approval for their export are dying in South African operations of the had been given for any zoo in Malaysia. Sea Wo11ld type. An article in "The Courier Mail" of 5 September 1979-only a month They were sent there, apparently, on an ago-said- illegal basis. "The sight of dolphins diving and swoop The trafficking in animals does not get ing about a pool, ringing bells and leaping the headlines that trafficking in birds does. through hoops has charmed millions of The conditions imposed on the export of visitors to dolphin shows around the world. these animals to zoos by the Foreign Affairs "But the intelligent mammals, who seem Department-! have a letter from Andrew to be natural entertainers, might be Peacock on the matter-are based on the suffering severe stress and discomfort at fact that we verify overseas zoos. If they being cooped up in what for them is a are not satisfactory, we do not allow them tiny enclosure. to take our animals. Unfortunately, in some "That is a growing concern in South way or another animals get to zoos that are Africa where a number of dolphins have not acceptable to the authorHies. If the died in the pools of the country's two animals are ill-treated, Australians who go dolphinaria." there become very concerned and want to know why we allow them to be exported to It goes on to say that very few people those miserable holes. carry out any research into these matters. We lock up the dolphins. We take our kids That is only part of the problem. I am down and we watch them perform. The worried about the growing use of birds and dolphins jump through the hoops and hit animals by people such as Keith Williams the balls around and we say, "Aren't they at zoos, lion parks and other places which happy? Aren't they well cared for?" We promote our wildlife for a quick quid. At don't know how many die or are just taken one time, probably the only place where we away to disappear from the scene and be could see koala bears, and one of the few replaced by others. places where we could take an international I can remember a few years ago when the visitor to hold a koala bear, was the Lone so•called animal lovers from a Gold Coast Pine Koala Sanctuary. The people from porpoise pool were up around the Tanga Lone Pine are recognised throughout the looma area netting dolphins that had been world for the way in which they treat playing near the beach, in their wild environ animals and for their knowledge of raising, ment. Kids were able to go down and the caring and handling koala bears and other dolphins came right in close to the beach Australian native fauna. However, these where the kids patted them and fed them. days many other people seem to be able to Along came these professional animal lovers get a licence to exploit our rare animals in their boats and ran a net around them and birds. I can remember that Mr. Dewar, and took them away. We complained at that when he was member for Wavell, had an particular time-and the people from Marine interest in the operation of a place at Sunny land complained-about the activities of that bank, and he and his associates wanted to group of people, who were intent only on bring some koala bears, kangaroos, etc., making a quick dollar out of the animals into the area to make a profit out of dis playing them. He was able to convince the concerned, with no concern for their pro Government that it should alter the legisla tection. That is what this legislation is all tion. As a result, now just about every about: protection of the flora and fauna of second-rate tourist trap around the place this country to ensure that they are properly is displaying a few koala bears, kangaroos, managed and protected. emus or anything else they can scratch I am not only concerned about overseas together, and calling itself a zoo. zoos but also about the proliferation of so-called zoos in this country and the type Mr. Bourke: What's the harm in that? 'lf people who are using our protected animals 702 Fauna Conservation [2 OcTOBER 1979] Act Amendment Bill and birds, not because they have any love regard I refer to Bat Cleft. The "Telegraph" for them, but because they can see another of 26 March this year reported~ dollar in them. I do not think that the "But what they are even more con protected fauna of the State should be cerned about is that mining activity will exploited in that way. I believe that they destroy one particular sanctuary on Mt should be available for us to see, but we most Etna-Bat Cleft. certainly should restrict their commercial "The little bent-winged bat, weighing use and their exploitation. It is not pro only seven grams (a quarter of an ounce), tection if we allow someone to say, "I will depends on Bat Cleft for its survival. get half a dozen wombats or six or seven koala bears and start a tourist business." "In December each year, 130,000 female Even with koala bears, we always accepted bats swarm into the Cleft to give birth that they appeared 'to be getting on fairly to their young. well and there was no problem. However, "Bat Cleft, one of the 46 caves on we have now had to set up research grants the mountain, provides a unique nursery. to look at possible diseases associated with "Its deep entrance shaft deters predators them. So we are learning all the time about from the crowded nursery below." the problem of wildlife kept in permanent It goes on to explan how the shaft works. cages. It is only north of the Tropic of Capri Mr. Bourke: There are thousands of them corn that we find this type of bat and I on the Darling Downs and there is not a am told that this is one of the few areas single person looking after them. where they are found and where we can see their breeding places. If there are alternative areas for limestone Mr. BURNS: That seems to me to be mining in this area, the Government should the answer. I am not a great believer in use them. I know that the Government has locking things up. I am not a great believer a hang-up about Queensland Cement & Lime in putting them in cages and letting people Co. and is helping it to maintain a monop pay a couple of dollars to get their kids in oly. It seems to be able to manipulate the to have a look at them and poke at them Government whenever it wants to. Tonight with sticks. I would rather see them in a we are talking about fauna conservation natural state and in open areas. and setting money aside to protect the fauna of this State. Surely one of the responsibilites Mr. Bourke: What about the average of the Minister concerned is to report to us worker's kid? He can't get out into the on the future of that colony, what action his country. department believes should be taken to pro tect it and what action the Government will Mr. Bl.JRNS: The member for Lockyer take to protect it. has never been concerned in his life about Mr. Scott: Do you think he will be a the average worker's kid. The prices he strong Minister? charges in his chemist shop would be sufficient for me to say that he has never Mr. BURNS: We must give him the oppor shown any interest in the average worker's tunity to prove himself. I do not know. kid. He has been more interested in exploit If it is true that he obtained his ministerial ing the worker and his kids than in worrying job by donating $5,000, it does not seem that about his seeing a bird or an animal. his position is worth a lot in the eyes of the Government. When we are talking about wildlife protec Mr. Scott: It is very low in the hierarchy. tion, we should consider David Fleay's sanc tuary on the Gold Coast. This man is Mr. BURNS: That is very true. getting old. He has a world-wide reputation I should like the Minister to tell us, in for his work in that area. This is an oppor his reply, what action has been taken con tunity for us to move in buy him out and cerning the Federal Government reports on off-road or recreational vehicles. We talk take over that sanctuary as part of the State's about the protection of koalas and other assets. It is an asset that will be threatened fauna, but one of the greatest threats to by the developer opportunists on the Gold them is the four-wheel-drive vehicle, which Coast. We may have the sanctuary replaced allows people to go just about anywhere. by the Sea World type of operation with big Today, we find that four-wheel-drive vehicles, artificial holes, plastic castles and plastic trail bikes, trucks, dogs, guns and nets, as boats. That does not seem to me to be the the honourable member for Cook says, pose only sort of wildlife area we should be a new threat to our fauna. In bygone days saving for our children. it was virtually impossible to get into many of these areas. Let me now talk about the bats in the area Mr. Booth: Would you take the four-wheel around Mt. Etna. We have raised this matter drive vehicles from the people who own on a number of occasions. The Minister them? for Mines has argued against us but there is some reason for us to be concerned about Mr. BURNS: I am glad to see the honour the extinction of bats or other fauna that able member for Warwick in the Chamber. have an ecological significance. In this He has not been here for three or four Fauna Conservation [2 OCTOBER 1979] Act Amendment Bill 703 months. It is nice to see him back. I Mr. BURNS: For example, galahs were hope that he continues to interject so that one of the species involved in the case I from time to time I can get some enjoyment mentioned. The honourable member's prob out of his remarks. It is pleasing to see lem is that he does not get any further than some of the Government members return to the Bellevue or the local pub up the road, the fold once every blue moon to collect but let us forget about the galahs on the their wages and let us know they are alive. Government benches and let us talk about the The four-wheel-drive vehicle does pose a galahs that abound in the bush. We find that problem. It is also a threat to property in the West, and even in the city now with the owners because people can move very quickly drought in the bush, there are large numbers across a property or through an area where of galahs. At the moment, there are plenty they. could never go before. A very compre down at the cattle saleyards at Cannon Hill. hensiVe report was brought down by the We could allow a limited number of these Federal Department of the Environment. I birds to be exported to zoos overseas and understand that it has been referred to State allow them to be bred and sold off. We Ministers and others for study. If ever would thus reduce the amount of monev ministerial statements are used for their criminals could make by the sale of a scarce proper purpose in this Parliament we might commodity. The reason the racket is so expect the new Minister to make one on lucrative is that very limited numbers are the attitude of his department to that report available overseas so criminals can demand and what steps the Government will take very high prices for them. When we see to ensure the proper use of these off-road that the Mafia is involved-in a recent case recreation vehicles. I know we have some one of the leading members of the Mafia legislation. I do not think it is the answer was involved, as well as customs agents to all our problems, but it is the answer in we know that it is big business. some areas. It is better than that applying I cannot argue the case, but our own in some other States. I give the Government department should look at whether it is credit for that. possible for us to agree to the limited export I also want to refer to the story of the of some of these birds. We cannot agree to $2,000,000-odd that was made by the Mafia the export of animals or birds that are in out of the illegal export of parrots. I want limited numbers in this State but with to know what happens to Australians who species such as galahs and whit~ cockatoos return home after they have been picked which in many areas have reached plagu~ up overseas while transporting these parrots. proportions, we should do something about I refer to a report that on 13 December the problem. In that regard I cite the 1976 three Australians were arrested, charged Government's attitude to the wild pig. Before and then found guilty by Judge Albert Ian Sinclair got himself into trouble with Stevens in the San Francisco Court. One of his forgeries and other problems, I would them was Brian Pelling, the horse trainer, of have liked to see him look at the question Coomera, Queensland. Coomera is well of allowing the proper marketing overseas known. It is the area where Mr. Russell of the wild pig. I think that is probably James Hinze comes from. I think Brian the only answer to the wild pig problem. Pelling is a trotting man, too. Mr. Hinze People talk about plagues of kangaroos in h!lppens to be a trotting man. Pelling was the West, but when I knocked around the g!ven five years' probation in San Francisco. West I always found that the wild pig was If he was caught importing Australian parrots more of a problem than the kangaroo. into America, I want to know what charges Dr. Scott-Yonng: He's a bigger danger he faced when he came home. than the kangaroo. Mr. Boorke: What would you suggest? Mr. BURNS: He was more trouble anv Mr. BURNS: I believe he should be way. In some areas in the West thev charged. multiply quickly. Then we have to consider the diseases they can carry, particularly in Mr. Bourke: On what charge? the Gulf area of the North. There was Mr•. BURNS: Charged with illegally always a worry that the animals Taiwanese exportmg parrots. Let me make the point fishermen carried on their boats would pass without interjections for the moment. I on foot and mouth disease and other dis believe the Government should have a close eases to the wild pigs that would then carrv look at whether it should continue to prohibit it through the cattle properties in the North the export of, say, some of the parrots we where, in the days of the poor prices, there have here in large numbers. I believe if was rarely a muster. Those diseases could t?e. Government allowed the export of a be carried into our herds before we were limited number each year, it could stop the aware of it. It could be there and a major rip-off of millions of dollars by con men muster would have to be carried out before who are drugging the birds and packing the~ we found out about it. So there is a need into h eventually build up an industry. I have on the coast kept as part of the national already referred to dolphins in captivity heritage of Vhis State than some of the old and the question of the bats in Central buildings that are being restored. Queensland. Mr. INNES (Sherwood) (10.32 p.m.): I Let us look at the Southport Broadwater, rise to speak in support of this Bill. Any where I have just spent a few days. We Bill that seeks to increase the policing powers have the situation there of the Gold Coast available to the State to enforce the pro City Council and the State Government visions of its fauna laws should be supported deciding to pour millions of gallons of sewage by every thinking peTson. Can I put before into a fishing, tourist and wildlife area. This the Committee what I think is a very rele will occur as the result of a Government vant consideration? There has probably enforced decision and more will follow with never in Australia's history, or in Queens the creation of the new waterways authority. land's history, been a greater awareness of Here we have a decision that will affect the our fauna, flora and other natural assets by ,the greatest tourist area in Australia. The Gov younger generation. This is an awareness no ernment is saying that in three or four years doubt encouraged and fostered in the school time all the sewage from as far down as room and through the television set. Pro Tweed Heads will be pumped in pipes right grammes such as "Ask the Leylands" and up to the Nerang River and then discharged Harry Butler's "In the Wild" are among the through a training wall at the entrance to most popular ones available for viewing by the Southport bar. The member for Surfers our young people. These programmes rein Paradise told me the other day that people force an attitude that has increasingly could drink the water. I am prepared to say developed in the modern world to prize and that if I took a gallon of it home to his to take great pride in those natural features house each day he would not drink it. of our land that are found growing in the The authorities down there have suggested earth or living upon it. Some people have that they will take the colour out of the always set great store by the natural envimn sewage so that people will not see i:t. They ment. will remove the colour from this so-called The collection of flora and fauna was a pure water that is passing out into the task that the first white men performed ocean. They will make it colourless so that when they came to these shores, and fauna people will not notice the difference in and fiOTa were among their most highly colour. If the water is so pure, why do prized possessions. They took back to their they have to pump 1t out into the ocean? own countries the prizes of this continent. Why don't they use it for farm irrigation or The march of civilization on this continent in other ways? 1f it is so pure that POO'Ple has meant the contract:ion of many natural can drink it, why do they need to build the habitats, and consequently the decrease in ocean outfall? Why do they need to spend numbers and even the extinction of some millions of dollars to pump the water out of the fauna of this country. But fortunately, there? before this has happened on an overwhelming What so·rt of tourist advertisements are scale, the wheel has turned and the .people they going to use for the Gold Coast? Are who live on this continent have now set thev to use advertisements like "Come to about pmtecting the fauna and flora that are Surfers Paradise and swim in the sewage"? left. Is that the type of advertisement that they The Bill seeks to reinforce in a practical are going to use for the tourist industry on way the powers of police and give teeth to the Gold Co·ast? Let us be honest about it. laudable legislation, that is, the Fauna Con We are talking about tourism, wildlife and servation Act. In my view, the present the fishing industry. I believe that the decision generation and generations to come require that has been made by a Government depart not only the presence of legislation but also ment is a retrograde step. Wherever one the practical methods-the machinery-that goes on the Gold Coast, one hears people will allow that legislation to be enforced. attacking it. Thev all blame it on the The fact that our fauna is highly prized is Minister- for Locai Government and Main obvious from the prices brought by illegal Roads. There is one thing about the fauna on the overseas market. I understand Minister: he seems to be involved in just that even fauna as common as the galah about everything that people get upset about. or the sulphur-crested cockatoo will bring He is a great success as a standover man. several thousands of dollars a pair on the Group after group came to see us down on American market. The honourable mem the Gold Coast to object to Vhe scheme. ber for Lvtton occasionaly in this Chamber No-one has yet been able to convince them -in fact, "recently with astonishing frequency that it is even an economic scheme or that -talks a great deal of sense. Among the it would not be just as economic to go things that he said tonight that are worthy ahead and have land disposal of waste in of a second thought is the fact that the the area. depar-tment should consider the controlled I make a plea regarding wildlife conserva export of species that are. ~01:nmon. . That tion in Fleay's Reserve and the other areas certainly would tend to mm1m1se the !llegal on the coast. It is about time that we trade and at least debase the currency to started to spend a little money in protecting some extent. It would, one might say, them. I would rather see Fleay's Reserve take the eyes out of the wholesale trade. Fauna Conservation [2 OcTOBER 1979] Act Amendment Bill 705 In a recent police raid in Cairns, several May I use this opportunity to give another hundred galahs and cockatoos were found in instance of how aware and concerned the a van that apparently had started off in New modern community are with problems relat South Wales or southern Queensland and ing to natural fauna? I do not see the was apprehended near Cairns. The dreadful honourable member for Archerfie.Jd in the thing about the illegal fauna trade is that Chamber, and I have no wish to trespass on it is totally caUous. It predicts a huge wast- his electorate responsibilities. I have some .. techniques are designed to lead to a pride in being associated with a group known Of every hundred birds that as the Inala Community Conservationists' bound and packed into an Association and share with the Lady Mayor confined space, only a small pro ess the patronage of that association. It is portion are expected to live. It is a horrible a remarkable association. It was set up by trade; it is a dirty trade. No doubt at very humble but extraordinarily willing people least some of the people involved in that who established the first ambulance service trade are involved in the two-way stretch for native fauna. Although they are based with the illegal narcoticts trade. In fact, upon and started in the suburb of Inala, with there is extensive folklore that suggests that their own vehicles and with a vehicle pro the two lrades are connected. vided by a local vehicle dealer-one that has now almost seen the end of its days-they The should have powers to enable provide an ambulance service from the them prosecute, and to prosecute in a northern suburbs of Brisbane down to simple and summary way, wherever they Beenleigh at any time of the day or night apprehend people under the provisions of for any injured or distressed natural animal the Act. It is great to know that, through the or bird. Police Academy, police are trained, firstly, to know the State's own fauna, and, secondly, Mr. Bourke: Do they have to be sub in terms of the Fauna Conservation Act, in the role of protectors to enforce the pro scribers? visions of that Act. Mr. INNES: No. This service is provided I welcome the setting up of the Police voluntarily, fuelled by the willingness and Fauna Squad. I welcome all the agenCies enthusiasm of concerned and compassionate that the Government has encouraged or people, aided by pharmaceutical houses that created in recent times to stamp out the provide free drugs and assisted by veterin illegal fauna trade. It is interesting to note arians who provide free professional services. that recently the Government has, quite properly, allocated quite a large amount of It is a totally voluntary organisation and money for the preservation of dinosaur foot it is presently hard up for cash. As long as prints. You might well ask, Mr. Miller, what the people are willing, it will continue to relevance dinosaur footprints have to a provide this service, which is a remarkable fauna Act in 1979. The relevance is that first for Queensland and also a remarkable there are species under severe threat of first for Australia. Such organisations require extermination. There are fauna living in and demand the support of the community Queensland, and living towards, shall we say, that they seek to serve. the lower edge of a viable unit, which are more beautiful than the dinosaurs ever were. Whether it is a matter of geting rid of There is the golden-shouldered parrot the possums from the roof, looking after birds paradise parrot, and the ground parrot in that have ingested too much poison or southern Queensland; perhaps even the night caring for birds and animals that have ,been parrot, which has recently been discovered struck on the road, these people provide in Central Australia. this remarkable service. They are led by Mrs. June Tooke and Mr. John Traille. I They are all rare, and perhaps vanishing, commend that group to honourable members birds Australia. If a galah is worth and inform them of the availability of this $4,000 to $5,000, heaven only knows what service. any of these species is worth. I am told that golden-shouldered parrots are worth This group is an illustration of the concern about $US20,000 a pair. The misfortune that the modern community, particularly the of the golden-shouldered parrot is that it younger generation, have for their heritage. nests in a very obvious fashion. It nests in They take great pride in it. The remarkable natural birds and animals of this country termite hills. It is easy to locate, spectacular are a matter of pride and a subject of in appearance, and would always be a prized beauty to them. Any steps that we can take object, whether in the wild or in captivity. by way of legislation and any increases that we can afford in the policing agencies are to It my view that we should support any be applauded. I welcome the suggestion that practical steps that are taken by Governments the two new police aircraft will be available to beef up fauna protection, to ensure that to this service. I ,therefore support the the fauna Acts are policed and that any legislation and commend it together with any penalty that is available is imposed on people future amendments that are seen as who are involved in this callous and scurrilous necessary to encourage the preservation of trade. our natural fauna. 706 Fauna Conservation [2 OCTOBER 1979] Act Amendment Bill Mr. D'ARCY (Woodridge) (10.44 p.m.); I we could do about it." The Minister the take this opportunity to raise with the day said much the same, namely, that the Minister a subject that I raised in the 1972-73 lease was granted, and that was it session when he was not in the House. On I do not believe that is the end of it. The that occasion, he was reported in the Press position can be reversed, even at this time. as saying that he could not answer my Not only has the ecology of the area been comments under privilege. Tonight he has wrecked; high-rise development will also be every opportunity to answer me under pri allowed at the estuary of a river. According vilege regarding his role and that of the to experts in the area, the water level is Government in the destruction of the estuary being raised and will cause flooding in the area of The Broadwater from Southport to lower reaches and the old areas of Paradise Jumpinpin and in .the granting of leases in Point. It is destroying the total ecology of that area. the area, as I have said. It has particularly The habitat area I refer to is probably affected the mud-crab population at the one of our most prolific fishing areas. It river mouth. certainly controls the number of fish imd These are not the only leases to have been mud crabs that are found there. The estuary granted. There was a perpetual lease on area is the one that supports marine life. Ephram Island. Perhaps more worrying are For many years our estuary areas have been larger leases to the north which as yet have controlled by several Government and not been cancelled. I refer to Lease No. council bodies. In the past decade, the con 32896 over portions 105, 106 and 109 of trol has changed from time to time. I am the Parish o.f Pimpama, County of Ward. concerned particularly about mangrove areas. It covers an area of 543 acres with an annual :In the south-east corner, leases have been rent of $25! The term is for 10 years from granted by the Government over many areas. 1 April 1969 to Broadwater Marina Estate I refer firstly to Special Lease No. 32810 Pty. Ltd. The lease states that on comple granted for 15 years from 1 April 1969 over tion of conditions 1, 2, 3 and 4 (which an area including Andy's and Griffin Islands. involve a certain amount of reclamation work The lease covered not only the two islands over mangrove, tidal areas) the lessee shall but a total area that could be pumped up be entitled to purchase in fee simple the to include about 150 acres. The interesting land comprising the lease, exclusive of the point about this lease was that eventually land surrendered to the Crown as required the company was entitled to purchase the by condition 5 (which is for parkland) for land, in fee simple, at $50 an acre from the the sum of $10 per acre. What a ridiculous Government. To give an idea of the value of situation! the destruction, I point out that legislation I put it to the Government that, on its forbade fishermen and others from destroying own admission in answers to submissions and mangrove trees. Fines of up to $100 were letters from me, this lease has not been prescribed fur the destruction of one man complied with. Whereas it can perhaps say grove tree. Under the Je,ase granted over that the lease conditions have been met on these islands, and under similar leases, Griffin Island, the Woogoompah lease cer thousands of mangrove trees in estuary areas tainly has not been complied with by that have been destroyed. company. Surely that would be reason As I said, the land was eventually pur enough to cancel that lease. However, this chased by the company at $50 an acre. The Government has taken no action to cancel land was dredged mainly by one pump it. There are not many millions of dollars operated over the years by one man. The involved, but the future of the flora and fauna dredging resulted in the destruction of most of the area is at stake. That is the of the mangroves on Griffin, the larger of important thing. These are the tidal swamp the two islands, while Andy's Island has only areas that constitute the total fish-breeding a fringe of mangrove trees that will eventu habitat for the whole of South-east Queens ally die off. The islands have been destroyed land. as a fish habitat. United States specialists in The situation at Coomera Island is very this field have eSJtimated the value of man similar. Land has been distributed to various grove fish habitats at $2,000 a year per acre. groups. Various answers have been given We should remember that the Government by the Government, such as, "This board was allowed the destruction of this asset for not set up. This authority was not set up." developmental reasons and sold it at $50 an Control of the policy for this area must be acre. The estimated value of the land after co-ordinated. So far the Government's being pumped up, under its present zoning, actions have been farcical. The co-ordinat is, in my opinion, $40,000 to $50,000 an ing authority set up to look at this, the acre. Yet the Government sold it to a controlling council and the Government have company for $50 an acre. been guilty of taking no action in reaching Even if we disregard the ecological position, a solution to the problem. Indeed, they have the economics of the situation are crazy. pandered to the development companies and The Minister was the alderman fm the area to the development wishes of the Govern at the time and chairman of the committee ment. This Government's actions have been involved. He is reported as having said, "We under a cloud for some time and were partic really did not want this decision to be made ularly under suspicion again today in this at {he particular time but there was nothing Parliament. Fauna Conservation [2 OCTOBER 1979] Act Amendment Bill 707 The marine species in South-east Queens nothing to do with fish, fauna or flora. Its land that has been endangered more than purpose is to enable members of the Queens any other is the mud crab. I will give some land Police Force to initiate summonses for figures to illustrate what I mean. Last year offences under the Fauna Conservation Act 178,000 mud crabs passed through our proces- and to streamline the operations of a new sing at a total value of $471,000. That department which is short of funds and staff. i> a large amount of money for the whole I believe that every move in this direction of Queensland. It works out at approxi should be encouraged. mately $2.60 a mud crab. Of that total Other areas not covered by this Bill could sold in Queensland, 68,000 came from the well be looked at in an endeavour to improve Maryborough region and 40,000 were from efficiency. I refer firstly to the manner in the Bundaberg region. So only 78,000 mud which we allow people .to keep birds. I am crabs came from the rest of Queensland. not referring to those types of birds normally Most of them were from the South-east kept in a small cage inside a house, such Queensland area. It is a wonder that there as canaries, budgerigars, finches and weavers. are any mud crabs left. I refer rather to people who keep more than The mud crab is unique to Queensland. It 20 birds other than those more or less house is far more important than the commercial hold birds. The Government imposes certain Yalue on it as a delicacy and obviously charges when people start to trade in those its will increase. The Government is birds as either a hobby or some form of determined to destroy it by eradicating its commercial activity. The charges range from for developmental reasons $10 for keeping birds in captivity, $10 for to do anything about the trading in them and $10 for transporting them. Other costs are involved. I believe !he Government has virtually these charges need to be looked at in an apprehend and prosecute people endeavour to make the department's opera dealing illegally in mud crabs. The Govern tions more efficient, and thus save these ment is not interested. The figures show that people unnecessary cost. it is not a Yiable enough industry for the It is important that we know what we are Government !o be interested on a large scale. talking about. Under the definition of It would cost more in boating officers' wages "fauna" the Act states- and patrol boats to keep the problem under " 'fauna' means a mammal or bird: the control than the industry is worth. term includes also any other animal or We should be looking at the establishment group of animals wild by nature declared of a committee to investigate all ways by Order in Council to be fauna;". possible to preserve mud crabs in South-east So fish do not come within that category. Queensland. University studies have shown In fact, they are covered by another that such a committee should look at banning ministerial portfolio. As frogs are not so for two the taking of mud crabs in declared, they do not come within that Queensland. If that were done, category either. A number of other species there would be a chance of preserving the are not declared, and are therefore not mud crab allowing it to breed. It is a officially recognised in this State as fauna. breeder in the right season. I raise that point simply because the official of mud crabs should be banned definition is an ever-changing thing. We were area south of Maryborough for two recently told that we could be developing a years. market in cane >toad skins. One would Unless that is done, there is no chance hardly think that they would be protected. of controlling the taking of mud crabs in In fact, it would seem that if anyone could specified waters or the taking of undersized do a trade in them to the extent that they crabs. It has been proved that it cannot be were wiped out, they would not be missed. done. The crabber or fisherman can get Most people would not regard them as with taking undersized crabs which worthwhile inhabitants of their gardens. marketed in places where our rules do not apply. If we are to Mr. Goleby interjected. fauna in this region, we will have to look at banning the taking of crabs Mr. SIMPSON: They do some good in for two years. If we do not do that, we some areas, as the honourable member said. will have a reasonable number of mud I suppose it is their grotesque appearance crabs in that area in 10 years' time. that puts people off them. People are not obeying the existing regula We seem to have two extremes in our tions~ fauna. At one end of the spectrum we have The Government must look at its leases those species that might die out without in estuary areas. A Labor Government protection, while at the other end we have >vould consider banning all except the com those species that have become pests. For mercial leases. example, kangaroos-- Dr. Scort-Young: Never was. Mr. SIMPSON (Cooroora) (10.59 p.m.): It is a pleasure to support the Minister in Mr. SIMPSON: Never was what? the introduction of this Bill to amend the Fauna Conservation Act 1976. The Bill has Dr. Scott·Young: A pest. 708 Fauna Conservation [2 OCTOBER 1979] Act Amendment Bill Mr. SIMPSON: They certainly are a pest duck shooting. Many lives are lost i.r1 duck to people who are trying to grow crops for shooting in this country. At Kinaba Island, a livelihood. The kangaroos eat them out. which is at the northern end of Lake On agricultural and grazing properties that Cootharaba and the water entry point for have deve1oped water supplies, the kangaroos Cooloola National Park, an information have bred up to numbers far greater than centre has been established from which bird they would have without these water watching pursuits can be carried out. It is supplies. This is one of the main reasons a fine example of what can be done in the why they have grown to plague proportions area of conservation and to bring conserva in a number of areas. It has been suggested tion before the public in an interesting way. that harvesting them is the answer. This has It is informative for students. They learn also been suggested as a method of over about our heritage. coming the profiteering that occurs in the Of course, we in Queensland are in a export of some of our rare birds, and even very fortunate position. Of the 700 species some of our not so rare birds that are worth of birds in Australia, 556 are found quite a Jot overseas. They are regarded as in Queensland. Of the 400 reptiles, there beautiful birds and net quite a nice return are some 250 species in Queensland. Of the when sold overseas. 230 species of mammals, Queensland has There is a set of royalties focr birds that about 170. When one thinks of the size can be legitimately expmted to zoos. It of Australia, one realises that this State is ranges from $3 for the silver-crested very fortunate in that respect. However, in cockatoo to $600 for the paradise parrot. turn, the people of Queensland have a I was not aware that there were many responsibility to look after those species paradise parrots left in Queensland. I think and manage them in the best possible way. that they are nearly extinct. That is a In my opinion, that is the key. Where matter of concern and one of the reasons sport is involved, it should be done in a for introducing this legislation. There is sensible way; where conservation is involved, also a royalty for our mammals. It is $300 it should be done in a sensible way. for a platypus up to $600 for a bridled nail The brings me to the point that com tailed wallaby. ments have been made recently by Mr. Deer are also mentioned, which I find Hodges, a Federal member of Parliament interesting. They are an exotic animal, but representing the seat of Petiie, about conser they are still protected. Many people these vation and the need for the Queensland days are motivated to protect that which is Government to give evidence ,to a parlia Australian and to deal somewhat uneven mentary committee in relation to the area handedly, even to the point of being stupid, on the mainland of Queensland over which with that which is exotic. Apart from the the Commonwealth Government has juris fact that these people, or the ancestors of diction. He was referring, of course, to the these people, were exotic to this country, fact that the ecology should be protected they still adopt this odd attitude. I shall give where post offices are established, where there an example of this. When the Cooloola may be an experimental station or a light National Park was declared, there were house, or where the Commonwealth holds within the park some small plantations of land legitimately. In fact, some land is exotic pine trees. It was just too much for held illegitimately by the Commonwealth some people. They had to get out and saw Government in this State. Elanda Plains those trees down. It amazed me. is one such parcel of land, but as the matter The same sort of attitude was adopted in is still before the court I cannot make any another case recently. Some pine trees were further reference to it. However, the Com clogging up the guttering of a new pre monwealth Government has no jurisdiction school in my electorate. I said to the Works over the protection of fauna in this State, Department, "We had better get rid of these even if it happens to be on post office trees." The Works Department said, "Oh, sites. It is very interesting to note that you cannot touch those trees. All the con that anomaly exists in the eyes of some servationists will be down on you." I said, people, although we know quite clearly what "No, they won't. They only think that if the position is. it is Australian it is worth while keeping. In my opinion, the proposed amendments There won't be a whimper." There wasn't. should make the people of this State more The trees were cut down, and that was the aware of the profiteering that is taking place sensible thing to do in this case. and the breaking of the law relating to fauna. We find that fauna is that which is Recently attempts have been made to take declared. We have pests. We have that birds and animals out of this country illegally. which is exotic and that which is endangered. The proposals now before the Committee will We also have that which we in fact shoot. assist to streamline the work of the depart Wild ducks come in that category. However, ment and protect the fauna of this State, and it is interesting to note that there is a growing it gives me pleasure to support the introduc feeling, even amongst traditional duck tion of the Bill. shooters, to protect ducks. Duck shooters are a race unto themselves. During the Mr. KRUGER (Murrumba) (11.13 p.m.): proclaimed periods they will submit them I shall speak only briefly on the proposed selves to great inconvenience to engage in amendments. It has been said that they may Fauna Conservation [2 OCTOBER 1979] Act Amendment Bill 709 be quite different from what the Opposition No-one would think of shooting sugar expected. However, we will not know that for gliders. In contrast, I have found it neces certain till the Bill is printed. sary on winter's nights to go out with a shotgun and light to shoot wallabies that Although members of the Opposition are were eating cauliflowers that we had spent virtually flying blind at this stage, I believe all day in planting. It is a matter of survival. that we must do everything we can to preserve If the wallabies were a rare species, I would the fauna of this State, particularly some not quite know what to do. If I were to of the less common species. Possibly young shoot them I might be breaking the law Queenslanders have not been taught in simply by protecting my crops. Of course, recent years to protect fauna. I recall that the wallabies that we have near my home when one began school one joined the Nature are of a species that nobody is particularly Lovers' League and had to prove that one concerned about. They breed like flies. was prepared to look after the fauna of the country. Small tests were held and a certifi Mr. Bourke: You sound like a fair sort cate was awarded. That gave a fairly good of conservationist. grounding to children in those days, and some form of education in the control and Mr. KRUGER: I am an exceptionally preservation of fauna would be advantageous good conservationist. But in those circum today. It would reinforce the giving of stances a man must have two bob each way. additional powers to police and others to If the honourable member had sufficient protect various species. brains to absorb what I was saying, he would understand what I mean. On the one hand, Mr. Lester: That is a very good point. there are pets and species of fauna that should be protected; on the other, there are Mr. KRUGER: I thank the honourable animals that, in most instances, are pests. member for Peak Downs for his comment. I make many good points in this Chamber. Mention was made of certain species of That is another one to add to the collection. galahs and parrots. Anybody who grows corn or maize would know that in a dry If we look back over the history of fauna season the birds come in from the West and in this country and throughout the world, attack the grain. A man who is trying to we see that approximately 12,000 years ago produce grain to feed his cows, pigs and animals were tamed by people for the purpose chickens finds that the birds are whipping of providing meat and milk. Humans have off the tops of the grain. At present I have come to ·be very close to certain species of a few plants in my garden and I have seen animals. In the early days of man, he ga!ahs chipping the tops off. became very friendly with dogs. Man and dog hunted together for their existence. It Mr. Underwood: Are they Liberal or has often been said that a dog is a man's National Party galahs? best friend. That does not say too much for the female species of the human race; never Mr. KRUGER: I don't know. There are theless it is an old saying. I am sure that quite a few National-types about. I am swaggies and similar persons enjoy the com not sure whether they are bred here or in pany of their dog. New South Wales. However, wherever they are bred, they can be a nuisance. As to animals that are pets, people keep In respect of policing the legislation, we cats and mice as pets. In the early days the must ensure that we give the right people Egyptians kept cats to kill the rats and mice the right type of control. In certain circum that ate their grain. It is quite a crazy stances they will have to use common sense. mixed-up affair. On the one hand, both cats and mice are pets; on the other, the Protection of our rare species must be cat was bred to destroy the mice, which closely policed. One of the very serious were pests. Sometimes it is difficult to deter problems affecting our rare fauna concerns mine how and when we should protect our their mating habits. Naturally our rare fauna, because it is hard to know what breeds are sparse in number. Many come species should be classed as pets and what from isolated areas, and some of the smaller should be classed as pests. Under the Act, species cannot travel great distances at high who will determine what is what? speed. When the mating period is short, the breeding chances are limited. That is one One species that is particularly rare in of the problems confronting us in trying to Queensland at present is the sugar glider. I maintain our rare species. Shyness is also come from an area that is surrounded by a another problem. In some instances the good deal of timber and I have spent many hours of darkness are not long enough, and years in the bush. Only twice have I seen many species do not mate in the daylight a sugar glider, which is a pretty little animal hours. The survival of some of our rarer like a squirrel. It has webs from its front fauna is threatened through the spread of legs to its back legs and glides at night urban areas and the confinement of from one tree to another. It climbs the higher fauna in isolated pockets. Even though we trees and glides down to the smaller trees. clear only a few chains of timber, we may As I say, even though I live in an area that isolate the male from the female of a certain is well timbered, I have only seen two sugar species and thereby reduce the chances of gliders. breeding. 710 Fauna Conservation [2 OCTOBER 1979] Act Amendment Bill Beside:; considering all of these matters, into the back paddock the settler notices we must e1:sure that control is properly the large number of kangaroos, wallabies or exercised. We should also ensure that people birds and says, "By jove, ,they have become do not from the export and sale pests. We are having a plague." of rare which could easily cause their Befnre the European settlers did this, extinctiorL there was a natural cnntwl of the various of our very pretty birds are capable species of fauna, of which there are 223. ""'""r"''"' a variety of diseases. When It is interesting that two-thirds of that birds are caged or kept on number are native to Queensland; so reserves, we should constantly check them Queensland is much richer in native fauna to ensure the maintenance of an acceptable than any other State. To date, we have been health standard. I aho believe that we able to maintain their numbers, mainly should make reserves large enough for the because we still have large areas that are birds and animals to live a life~ similar to unsettled and undeveloped in compaTison their life .in the wild. Perhaps we should with New South Wales. insist on reserves containing 40 or 50 ha It is interesting to ascertain facts relating rather than the normal 4 or 5 ha. This to New South Wales. I took out some matter should be looked into if it is not figures the other day. In 1891, the western fully covered at the moment. division of New South Wales carried Not a pamphlet was published 15,000,000 sheep. Thwugh overstocking and indicating snakes are protected. It was overgrazing, only 7,000,000 are carried now. pointed out that when bitten by a snake a As a result, a considerable number of fauna person shouM take the snake to a doctor have just disappeared. Rare fauna such as so that it can be identified. I should like the rat kangaroo are not even seen there to know how someone bitten by a death these days. That has happened through man's adder or a tiger snake-- greed, lack of foresight and lack of preservation. Mr. Bourke: I thought you had one in your pocket. The main species I wish to talk about is the kangamo. It is rather interesting how Mr. KRUGER: The snakes are on the little people know about the growth and Government side. We on this side do not life cycle of the kangaroo. Those most have any trouble with snakes in our pockets. vocal in this Parliament-those who scream A person is expected to take the snake about exterminating this vermin-make alive to a doctor for identification. He is speeches and ask questions only about supposed not to kill it. If I got in first, I shooting the kangaroo out. They ask ques would killi a snake before he got me. I do tions such as, "Can we increase the number not see sense in protecting snakes that of tags?" are to the human race. While we It is interesting that drought reduces do not want our native fauna to become kangaroos natumlly. They die in the pouch, extinct, we do not want to become extinct when they first leave the pouch and in the ourselves by looking after snakes. In my adult stage. They are greatly affected by mind there would be very little difference in lack of water. They congregate around the of the snakes referred to by water-holes. In 1965, there was a report in the member for Lockyer and the Australian Journal of Zoology that in those that slither around in the grass. the 1960-63 drought in the Riverina it was We must look very closely at the type of found that 67 per cent did not move mere control we exercise and how we will than half a mile from where they had been administer the changes in this legislation so tagged. Only 17 per cent moved more than that we get the best results and ensure that a mile. So they are like the Aborigine; they our fauna is protected, particularly the rare move with the good times. They will actually and those that do not fare well on follow the water and follow the rains. TheTe· own. In this way we will get real results fore, their mobility is very limited. That is in maintaining rare breeds for beautifying why there are short-sighted people today the country. who think they are in plague proportions. It is only because we have taken away their Dr. SCOTI'-YOUNG (Townsville) (11.25 grazing paddocks and forests and created p.m.): I rise to support the Minister's Bill. artificial waterways and dams, where they I am most surprised to see that the budget now congregate. of this department is so small. It behoves The kangaroo is not a strong animal. the GO'Vernment to consider increasing its There are two species in this country, the budget quite substantially so that it can grey and the red. I will give honourable carry out the very important work of pre members some figures on the gestation ,servatlon and conservation of the fauna of periods. The gestation period of the grey is this country. When one looks at what has about 38 days. It is interesting that a joey happened in Australia from the early days may be produced in that time or not for of our settlement in 1788, one finds that our many months after the doe has separated fauna has gradually been pushed backwards. from the male. They have thls l}CCuliar In most cases it is in the back paddock. natural characteristic of delayed gestation. Then someone will say, "Oh, they are in The red has a gestation period of 33 days, pest numbers." Because they are all pushed and an oestrus cycle of 35 days. So a red Fauna Conservation [2 OCTOBER 1979] Act Amendment Bill 711 can carry one in the pouch and be pregnant That was the same year that th~ Mmi&ter at the same time. It has a double uterus for Primary Industries moved to the and can carry two joeys. useless slaughter because he they would be wiped out. Yet the present Minister The young in both species is suckled some of the Department of Primary Industries is where up to about 235 days, which is usually allowing the shooting of 1,500,000. What when the joey is kicked out of the pouch. will happen to the kangaroo in Queensland? The joey usually leaves the pouch at about It will disappear in a couple of years' time as 190 days and can wander around, but he is the result of indiscriminate shooting. definitely kicked out of the pouch at 235 days. That is a pretty long time. A doe can The position is monitored various produce about 1.4 joeys per annum, so the neople. "Roo plague the final , sairl talk about kangaroos trebling in number in Mr. R. S. Francis, president of the South a matter of two years is all bull-all balder East Queensland Graziers Association. "The dash aond unscientific drivel. The depart Courier-Mail" of 6 September 1979 carried ment should conduct more research into this the headline, "Roos threat fcO State matter and educate the people who are motorists". Even the S.G.I.O. was. being always proclaiming that we should shoot brought in to give support for slaughtering. Ir out the vermin. does not make sense to me that one Minister says that kangaroos are being wiped out The young at foot is a rather interesting when 900,000 are killed, and another Minister animal. The grey can suckle from his says that 1,500,000 can be killed. The areas mother for 18 months after leaving the pouch are smaller, the breeding rate has not and the red for 12 months, even though improved, aphrodisiacs are not to the another joey or two are in the pouch. males and fertility pills are not to the does. A man named Kirkpatrick did a lot of research into the breeding habits of the grey Mr. Frawley: They would not !1l<0ed them, kangaroo in Queensland. He found that the would they? eastern grey female reached sexual maturity between 17 and 28 months. Therefore they Dr. SCOTT-YOUNG: If the honourable do not breed too early. He found that the member listens, he might learn something. male reached sexual maturity between 20 and 30 months. Again the male is a slow-matur "The Courier-Mail" of 30 1979 ing animal, which proves that they are not has the headline "Nearly 1 million roos as rapid breeders as people claim they are. left to rot." That is a nice condemnation of this State and this country.. In years The longevity of these animals is rather gone by the Government of Queensland interesting. The greatest mortality of the red declared an open season on the lk:oala and female is in the first few years of life. In 80,000 were killed in one year. We now the natural state-not when the rifle is on find that the Shell Company of Australia them--46 per cent do not reach two years has just given $15,000 to a University of of age, 15 per cent reach seven years of Queensland research team trying to halt the age, and 90 per cent die before they are decline in the koala population. I suppose 10 years old. In this research, the rate of the honourable member for would death in the first year was 38.5 per cent. know all about them. He said were For every year after that, between 10 and millions in that area, so I think he should 20 per cent died. So, despite claims that go down and see the people at the university they have reached pest proportions, we are and show them how to stop the rot in the dealing with a rather delicate animal. koala population. There was a magnificent koala colony on Magnetic Island but it is I checked back through some of mv slowly being depleted by fire, dogs, ruthless records and picked up "The Sunday Mail" of shooting and other acts of vandalism. 11 January 1970. It carried the headline "Grey roos being wiped out." The articl~ Before closing I want to ask a uueMmn reads- of those farmers who find that crops are being ravaged by kangaroos. Why do ."Grey kangaroos are in danger of being they not do a very simple thing and erect wrped out by shooters in Queensland's fences? I also make a plea to the Common Roma and St. George districts. wealth Commissioner for Taxation to give "This is why the Primary Industries a complete rebate for repairs to fences on Minister (Mr. Row) moved during the grazing properties, the rebate not to extend week to stop the slaughter of Australia's over a period of years but to be an immediate national emblem." reduction. This would provide a considerable incentive for farmers to fence their properties In "Hansard" of 13 November 1973 the and also to think about electric fences and answer to a question from a member of the proper farming instead of using the open Opposition reads- grazing land. "The total numbers of kangaroos har I would also point out that a world vested for the years 1967 to 1972 are as famous photographer recently visited Towns follows:-1967, 871,390; 1968, 862,981; ville. He went out to photograph the birds 1969, 1,116,065; 1970, 900,115; 1971, of the common, which is a magnificent site. 581,679; 1972, 953,325." He also photographed birds at Blakey's 712 Sub Judice Matter [3 OcTOBER 1979] Sub Judice Matter Crossing. He lamented the passing of the brolgas, ducks, geese, pelicans and water fowl. He said that when he was in New South Wales he was told that Queensland abounded with numerous grey and red "h''"'C'"' yet on his trip up to Townsville see one on the road and when he arrived in Townsville he saw none on the common. It would be a very good thing if the department responsible for fauna conser vation co-operated with the Townsville City Council and made it possible for tourists to come to the common and see wallabies, kangaroos, ducks and brolgas in their natural state and thus help to preserve our heritage. Hon. I. J. Gnms (Albert-Minister for National Parks and Wildlife Ser .38 p.m.), in reply: As the hour is do not propose to answer any com ments at this stage, but will do so in the second-reading debate. Motion (Mr. Gibbs) agreed to. Resolution reported. FIRST READING Bill presented and, on motion of Mr Gibbs, read a first time. The House adjourned at 11.40 p.m.